MY CALL - GAME ON AS THE TUG-OF-WAR FOR BLACK CAVIAR MOVES TO A NEW LEVEL
By David Fowler | Tuesday, March 26, 2013
David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.
Is the Black Caviar tug-of-war getting a little too earnest?
With the end nigh (or is it), the fierce battle for her swansong is creating a tense environment.
There is no question there has been a stalemate between the Australian Turf Club and Black Caviar's owners over a "wish list" for the T.J.Smith appointment on April 6.
Does the Black Caviar entourage expect too much, particularly considering the ATC is not out of construction mode and space is at a premium.
Both parties are back to the drawing board and the ATC is odds-on to accede to the requests.
No space problems for Brisbane Racing Club and Racing Queensland as they serenade a BTC Cup start by switching the meeting from Doomben to Eagle Farm.
This could enable a 50,000 attendance for a possible farewell appearance (or is it).
And have the Poms thrown their hat in the ring for a return to Royal Ascot or is that primarily the desire of the owners?
Success, particularly unrivalled success, can open a Pandora's box of emotions and feelings. Some good, some bad.
Whatever the next move is on racing's chessboard, it will be eagerly watched by all.
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The appointment of the All Codes Racing Industry Board and its individual three code offshoots can't come soon enough.
RQ's interim chairman Kevin Dixon suggested a Thursday announcement when I interviewed him on Monday's Experts program on Radio TAB.
I'm glad he had a stab as regular readers will know I've missed the dartboard twice and I'm not a third time lucky man.
Many want to blame Racing Queensland for their morning train running late but, in this instance, it is the process of government that has lurched along and dictated when the decision is made.
These Boards have to hit the ground running. Each code is growing impatient for their industries to be advanced and it's a more than fair argument.
There are numerous tentative plans on the backburner, waiting for a green, or red, light.
Decisions are now poised to be made.
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The finalisation of the 2013-2014 thoroughbred race dates is a stone's throw away.
Contentious in their draft form, some tweaking has seen the finishing touches applied.
I'm tipping their release will be in the first week of April.
Surely I can't get another one wrong!
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A strange first is about to happen at a new racing complex.
The Pakenham Racing Club in Victoria will move to new quarters at Tynong in the state's south-east with a 2014 spring opening likely.
Apparently, a judge, broadcasting and camera tower doesn't fit into the budget and all key tasks will be performed from one central room at ground level.
In other words, the race commentary will be done off a television monitor.
Goodness knows where the camera will be located.
Let's hope we don't lose the power!
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Caught up with a few friends from Grafton at last week's race-callers' day at Newcastle.
They wanted me to remind Queensland owners and trainers there are two new races on the Cup day card on July 11.
A $45,000 benchmark 70 fillies and mares race (1400m) and a $30,000 maiden (1200m) might attract some interest north of the NSW border.
The five day carnival from July 4 to 14 offers $1million in prize-money.
Until next week.
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