Having given last season's most successful harness racing drivers an airing two weeks ago, it is fitting that we should tell how local trainers fared at the elite level.
Not surprisingly, the four trainers who finished in the state's top 10 are not spread throughout the greater Ipswich footprint.
Rather, they are clumped together at the epicentre of "Ipswich Trot", the lower Brisbane Valley.
Third placed was Chantal Turpin (Patrick Estate) with stats of 935 starters for 125 winners, 93 seconds, 96 thirds and 93 fourths. In the bank, an impressive $771,892.
Fifth overall was Darrell Graham (Fernvale) with 782 runners for 106-96-97-83. Bank: $602,558.
Sixth was John McMullen (Glamorganvale). He was sent round 922 times for 68 wins, 89 seconds, 79 thirds and 101 fourths. Bank: $313,247.
Eighth was Ron Sallis (Wanora). He presented on 474 occasions, resulting in stats of 52-50-63-57. Bank: $257,400.
The total prize earnings for the four stables was a hefty $1,945,097. That's a very impressive performance by all concerned, rendered even more so by my vivid memories of a time when Ipswich regulars thought that a winner at Rocklea was about as good as it was likely to get.
Clear explanation needed
QUESTION of the week. When is a mile rate not a mile rate?
Answer: When it is published as an extrapolation of a gross time recorded over a distance less than a mile.
Such times find their way into sales catalogues via the listing of broodmare's progeny. This published statement of performance could perhaps be viewed in law as at best misleading.
Harness Racing Australia should attach a clear note of explanation to form lines, or ban the use of the term mile rate, in regards to such performances.
Beers to enjoy
THE "Octoberfest" theme of the Harriott Memorial trot meeting at Marburg on Sunday, October 22, gained more traction this week with the news that yet another "boutique" brewery has come on board for the big day.
Newstead Brewing, based at Newstead and Milton, joins Brews Brothers of Woollongabba and Four Brothers Brewery from Toowoomba.
For those who like a cold refreshing beer on a warm/hot spring day, this is a golden opportunity to widen your taste experience.
Beers, ales, lagers and varied grain brews are the order of the day.
Handy tips
SELECTIONS for Albion Park tonight.
R1: E/w 8: Watch Pulp Fiction (C. Turpin).
R2: Quinella 1-8: Timmo Time (M. Neilson) and Franco Totem (A. Richardson).
R3: Quinella 1-8: Hereiam (S. Graham ) and Lancelot Bromac (H. Barnes).
R4: Quinella 1-4: Written In Red (H. Barnes) and Philanderer (M. Neilson).
R5: Box trifecta 1-3-8: Make a Statement (T. Dixon)-Pompidou (I Ross)-Macgoogan (M. Neilson).
R6: E/w 4: Nolonga Your Choice (T. Lambourn).
R7: Quinella 2-4: Ashleys Angel (G. Whitaker) and Onyajans (M. Neilson).
R8: Box trifecta 1-7-10: Reds Jet Star (G. Dixon)- Midnight Prowler (M Neilson)-Annika Magic (M. Elkins).
R9: Box trifecta 6-7-8: Monorail (R. Jenkins)- Releven Dream (S Graham)- Our Overannova (G. Dixon).
Honour board
A fresh face on the driver's side of the leader board this week as Brittany Graham shared honours with Pete McMullen on four wins apiece. Darrell Graham stood out as top trainer, also on four wins. Most pleasing was I'm Angus Mattgregor for Mitchell Dawson and Fui Fui for Peter Jones. There is no joy in being "cannon fodder" for the big guys.
Albion Park, September 22: With Authority (Pete McMullen for John McMullen); My Ultimate Fella Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham); Master Montana (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham); Shareapassion (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).
Albion Park, September 23: Threo (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin); The Shady One (Trevor Lambourn); Alta Surreal (Narissa McMullen for Steve Cini); Secret Smile (Danielle McMullen for Ryan Veivers); Releven Dream (Pete McMullen for Shane Graham).
Albion Park, September 26: Gangster Boy (Danielle McMullen for Ryan Veivers); Good Time Stride (Rob Gorman); American Highlights (Trent Dawson).
Redcliffe, September 27: Win Or Die (Nathan Dawson for Gary Vernon); Fui Fui (Gary Whitaker for Peter Jones); Circle Line (Anthony Gorman for Ron Wells); Oscars Glory (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen); Arbit Major (Gary Whitaker for Brad Connelly); Matt Belford (Rob Gorman for Murray Thomas).
Redcliffe, September 28: I'm Angus Mattgregor (Nathan Dawson for Mitchell Dawson); Rocky Carrington (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham); I'm Johnny Jet (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).
by TROT TACTICS with Denis Smith