Archive
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Letter of the Week

Stand clear, please

I have a subscription to the Racing Network, allowing me to view TVN on my tablet at the races. The reason I subscribe is to be able to view the horses in the parade ring in Melbourne.
Picking horses on looks is a tricky business. For example, I liked the look of Stratum Star in the Sandown Guineas and backed him despite the short odds but I was hoping for a good run from the David Hayes horse that won.
I could see that Lord Aspen was not the same horse as the week before when he ran well at Flemington but I put him in my quinellas and trifectas just in case. I also liked the look of Careless, which ran nowhere.
I finished up doing well on the race, with a win and place bet on the winner and a reasonable bet on the quinella. If I am in form and making an effort a fair amount of thought (and expense) goes into this type of betting in the limited time available.
The issue is this: TVN often shows a presenter or presenters at some length while blocking our view of horses in the parade ring. It’s particularly bad during the Moonee Valley night meetings, where it’s hard to see the horses anyway.
Ideally a comparison of the runners is desirable for my method and just seeing the backside of a contender as it goes down the track to the barrier is very unsatisfactory.
Having the commentator off screen, leaving a broad view of the field in the mounting yard , would more realistically present the racing atmosphere.
And Moonee Valley might improve the lights in its mounting yard.

Michael Miner
Canley Heights (NSW)
Today's Racing
Saturday 30 March
Sunday 31 March
Monday 1 April