RACING, particularly these days, is about far more than preparing horses to compete at their very best.
Increasingly, the trainer’s role is more akin to that of stable CEO.
Without doubt that concept applies more to thoroughbred than harness racing, but it certainly applies to both – and greyhound racing as well.
A large part of the conditioner’s executive brief revolves around planning, programming, and preparation.
Rarely, even when methodically devised, do these plans bear fruit.
On Saturday night at Melton, however, highly respected Elmore-based trainer Keith Cotchin landed two such miracles on the same evening.
First, there was Denny Rocks.
Late last year, when he started to show some proper potential, thought was given to chasing the Vicbred bonus with the burgeoning bay gelding as a way of recouping costs.
At the same time, however, Cotchin noticed that the Alabar Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic for three-year-old males was programmed for early April this year, and if he’d won his bonus Denny Rocks could not target the series.
Then and there, a plan was conceived to avoid chasing said bonus in preference for targeting Group 2 riches.
Seemingly, that plan was scuppered when Denny Rocks finished sixth in his Home Grown Classic heat and, as a result, only qualified as first emergency for Saturday night’s final.
When fate favours you, however, it really favours you.
Suddenly, the scratching of Spring Line opened an available spot in the contest and, as they say, the rest is history.
Not only did Denny Rocks secure a run, the first of two Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic Finals was staged at breakneck speed, perfect for Cotchin’s powerful youngster who weaved a passage to success.
Then, just as celebrations were in full swing, lightning struck twice.
Fast forward to the Classic final for three-year-old fillies, race nine on Melton’s 10-race card, and also staged at Group 2 level with $50,000 up for grabs.
Early in betting, Cotchin’s combatant in this event, Diamond Shooz, had been badly underrated at $14.
As the race drew close, however, support emerged and she started around the $7 mark before leading throughout.
Both horses will now head for well-deserved spells.
Their trainer, however, must push on as trainers do. The difference now being his feeling of ultimate satisfaction, having witnessed two audacious ploys pay-off on one outrageous night.
ALL hail Maajida.
Standardbred stars are not the bottomless brutes they once were.
Refined breeding protocols, infinitely greater speed standards and brutal racing schedules have all conspired to limit the likelihood of maintaining sustained excellence.
Yet Maajida has achieved just that.
From her earliest days, the Emma Stewart-trained mare has lived among the elite of her gender and generation.
And based on her first-up success in Melton’s Blossom Lady Saturday night, that reign of brilliance looks likely to carry forward for another preparation at least.
The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.