From The Paddock

Whats in a name?

It is always good to see some creativity when naming race horses. The old school naming after the dam and sire does become a little boring.

Colourful Dane Shadow shareholder Geoff Grimish is gaining quite a reputation with the names he chooses for his race horses. This weekend we see Geoff and his wife Mary with two runners competing in Group races as the Queensland carnival  kicks off.

Gunner Knox is named after a mate who fought for the Australian Army in the same division as Geoff in Vietnam. Gunner Knox competes in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate at Doomben. He broke through in impressive style last start over 1800m and will relish the 2020m here.

Shellscrape, who also runs this weekend in the Group 1 BTC Cup, was passed in at $40,000 as a weanling and has won $587,000 in prize money to date including wins in The San Domenico (G3), The Roman Consul (G2) and Group 1 placed in the Coolmore, Lightning and Galaxy.  Shellscrape is named after a shallow hole dug by soldiers - its purpose is to shield a single soldier from artillery, mortar and direct small arms fire. If he gets up on Saturday there will no doubt be some artillery and small arms fire in the bar at Doomben (and at D-Day)!

Geoffs racing fortunes certainly seem to have taken a major leap forward since his Dane Shadows have hit the track.  Keep those meaningful names coming Geoffrey!

$900,000 Redoutes filly Ringstrasse delivers first up

Darley paid $900,000 for this filly out of Wiener consigned by Kitchwin at the Inglis Easter 2009 Yearling sale and since then her page has strengthened further with the emergence of Hinchinbrook.  Wednesday saw Ringstrasse debut in style - what is she worth for Darley if she can go on now and win some black type?  Good luck to Darley who pump millions into racing and good signs for her breeder Neil Werrett  - Wiener is currently in foal to Encosta de Lago.

The last thing certain Kitchwin staff need!

Scone Cup Day again promises to showcase our region for what it is - Australias Horse Capital. It is likely that next year Scone Race Club will host a stand alone Saturday meeting taking the local Club to another level which will highlight the regions significance to the Australian racing and breeding industries.

Dont forget about Kitchwins D-Day on Saturday. We dont think there has been a better looking stallion go to stud in many a year than Duporth but want you to be the judge.  Both Dane Shadow and Duporth are exciting stallion prospects who are priced to make you a return on your investment.

RSVPs would be much appreciated otherwise we are likely to over-cater and its the last thing certain staff at Kitchwin need!

Farm Conditions Update

There was no rainfall recorded on farm this week.

Weekend Acceptances

FROM THE PADDOCK RUNNERS

Saturday May 15

AJC
BRC
3:05pm Race 6 Rough Habit P. Gr.3, A$125000 2020m
Gunner Knox (AUS) 2006 (G. by Dane Shadow-Timeline) - Crying out for the ground, hes fit and flying - Blake Shinn on! Place a bet. Good luck Geoff and Mary.

3:50pm Race 7 BTC Cup Gr.1, A$400000 1200m
Shellscrape (AUS) 2006 (C. by Dane Shadow-Kisma) - Another horror draw! Such a shame because the horse is in the best shape of his campaign. If he gets a run, hell get what he deserves. Good luck Geoff.

VRC
4:40pm Race 8 Henry Bolte H., A$70000 1800m
Euphoric Realm (AUS) 2006 (G. by Proud Citizen-Dialogue) - Good horse but up against some other handy ones. Bloody barriers! Will have to be very good to win this one. Good luck Carl.

OTHER RUNNERS OF INTEREST

Saturday May 15

AJC
2.21pm Race 5 Wilson Asset Management H., A$70000 1100m
Peace Academy (AUS) 2005 (F. by Royal Academy-Ravenswood) - A city winning half to Hurtle Myrtle by Royal Academy. I want this filly and so does Dane Shadow. Good luck to her breeder/owner Grahame Mapp.

Sunday May 16

Hong Kong
HKJC
12.25pm Race 1 Tak Shing P.H., HK$750000 1000m
Fulfil A Wish (NZ) 2007 (G. by Commands-Silky Oak) - Sold for NZ$90,000 in New Zealand and then.... will leave it at that. Good luck Carl.