{"id":96122,"date":"2015-02-13T11:46:31","date_gmt":"2015-02-13T01:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=96122"},"modified":"2020-11-20T14:10:48","modified_gmt":"2020-11-20T04:10:48","slug":"top-tips-for-nanangos-free-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2015\/02\/13\/top-tips-for-nanangos-free-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Tips For Nanango’s Free Day"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
With blinkers to match the silks, Swish Wish (Billie-Rose Derbyshire), dashes away with an Esk Maiden last December (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Gunsynd's<\/a>February 13, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

by Ross Stanley<\/strong><\/p>\n

Generally speaking, there will be three different types of racegoers at Lee Park on Valentine’s Day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The regular tried-and-true punters – many with a lifetime\u2019s participation in the game – will happily share the course with patrons who have sufficient understanding of operations to enjoy a flutter, and also with folk who are complete beginners.<\/p>\n

The “experts” will have done their homework by accessing all manner of information that is on tap in this computerised era.<\/p>\n

As well as form histories, the gear changes, stewards summaries and course condition are all available online, while Nanango race replays are accessible via the YouTube button at the club\u2019s website<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, the must-have race book provides all the material most people need to make their selections.<\/p>\n

While abbreviations and terms may seem to be mumbo-jumbo to the rookie, racing enthusiasts are friendly and keen to answer questions from the lesser experienced cohort.<\/p>\n

One set of chances always worth checking out are the hopefuls that are coming down in class, an expression meaning the candidate has been running against better performed opponents.<\/p>\n

“Good” country form is usually inferior to “fair” city or provincial results. And finishing position – while important – is tempered by the distance beaten.<\/p>\n

A horse that winds up in fifth place but less than a length astern of the winner is a better proposition than a second placegetter that ends up six lengths short of victory.<\/p>\n

Investors who skip the pre-race parade do so at their peril.<\/p>\n

Most (but not all) horses that play up in the mounting yard use up nervous energy and “run their race” before the barriers open. And entrants with bandaged legs are best bypassed on hard tracks.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t bet early unless the price is extraordinarily attractive or you are certain your fancy will be heavily supported.<\/p>\n

In an effort to balance their books, the bagmen will lengthen the odds of runners as other are being backed in as betting proceeds.<\/p>\n

Theoretically, the breadth of prices at the end should be wider than when they are first framed before a ball is bowled.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Canid, pictured here with Nathan Evans aboard, has earned money at all eight runs since pacifiers replaced blinkers as his headgear last October (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

About The Gear<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Given that Saturday\u2019s Moffattdale Ridge Wines fashion theme is “A Twist of Pink Romance”, blokes wanting to impress their companion could professionally point out the gear used on thoroughbreds.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The set of photographs I’ve picked for this week\u2019s Gossip show blinkers, pacifiers and ear muffs in action.<\/p>\n

Blinkers, by reducing the scope of vision, are commonly worn by gallopers to improve their concentration.<\/p>\n

Because of the cover, there is less chance of distraction and the horse can often sharpen its attitude and be more switched on.<\/p>\n

The recent Sydney winner Vancouver worked in a trial without blinkers and was rated disappointing.<\/p>\n

Come race day, the “shades” were applied and it won impressively.<\/p>\n

In a subsequent workout without blinkers, the gallop was not in keeping with the potency displayed on raceday.<\/p>\n

You can bet Vancouver will compete next time with blinkers on!<\/p>\n

Sometimes horses fire up and do not settle when blinkers are initially applied.<\/p>\n

Sometimes they are tad slow out of the gates the first time they experience the altered visual range.<\/p>\n

Trainers tinker with gear changes until, hopefully, they get it right.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pacifiers have a see-through mesh covering across the eyes. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The item was designed by jockey Michael Pelling.<\/p>\n

It relaxes or pacifies the thoroughbred and also protects its eyes from flying objects.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Eear Muffs are a relatively recent commodity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The aim is to assist in cases where crowd noise and sounds may upset a flighty, nervous conveyance.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Winkers are made of lambswool and run up both cheeks on the sides of the horse\u2019s head.<\/strong><\/p>\n

They fill a role halfway between no gear and blinkers.<\/p>\n

The woollen nose (or shadow) roll runs across between the eyes and the nostrils, and is used to improve head carriage so the horse looks straight ahead,<\/p>\n

A tongue tie is a strap that prevents the horse from swallowing its tongue, and a lugging bit helps the horse get around corners and prevents sideways shifting.<\/p>\n

A breastplate that runs across the chest is attached to the saddle to prevent it slipping back towards the galloper\u2019s tail.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Grace Ace (Jason Hoopert) relishes the use of ear muffs in its easy pre-Christmas victory at Esk (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Food For Thought On The Menu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With Toowoomba closed for at least the rest of the month while Clifford Park\u2019s turf rehabilitation program continues, Miles is the sole Darling Downs venue this weekend.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Accordingly, Nanango has drawn very pleasing acceptances, bolstered by a significant contingent from the Downs.Stables.<\/p>\n

Horses from as far away as Murwillumbah, Deagon and Bundaberg will also be represented on the five race card.<\/p>\n

Below is a special race-by-race comment that also points out matters relevant to “romantic pink”:<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Race 1: Three Way Photos Class 1 Handicap (800m) at 1:35pm<\/strong><\/p>\n