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Merton Report 1st January 2008
Crowds were reported down at all race meetings on New Years Day due to the heat and Merton was no exception. Good to see the club get their meeting going again however after the drought last year forced them to cancel the meeting. The installation of a bore this year provided them with the required water to get the track usable.

Despite the heat the racing was competitive with the first race going to the consistent Tears in the Rain who finally broke its maiden status after two recent seconds.

The second went to Scold who lumped a massive 74.5kg to a very easy victory and provided Kane Harris with a winning double.

The third was a two horse affair with punters installing Luskin Prince as the favourite but Kane Harris had other ideas. Skipping to the lead and challenging Geoff Brunsdon to a "catch me if you can" race Rickitic sped away to win with something in hand and provide a treble for Kane Harris.

The fourth went to Ming the Merciless who was very well ridden by Courtney Pace and put an end to the Kane Harris winning streak. The favourite Barravore Lady hit the front early in the straight after an unlucky run but the winner had an easy run throughout the race and outstayed the mare to the line.

Race five the Merton Cup was a popular win to Edenvale Lad ridden a treat out in front by Geoff Brunsdon to easily account for the short priced favourite Tate Modern.

The final event was a tight finish with Our Sorsaledo Bay getting up in a photo from Pick Pocketer to provide a fourth winner for Kane Harris.

Full results for Merton 1st January 2008 .
The Picture Gallery has been added to for Merton.
The other Picnic Meeting on New Years Day was at Pakenham, full results are also now available.

Dederang January 5th 2008
If you are planning a break over the holiday period and heading up north take an opportunity to attend the Dederang Picnic race meeting. Dederang Picnic Race Club (DPRC), a hidden gem on the Victorian country thoroughbred circuit, is again gearing up for its once-a-year charity meeting on Saturday, January 5.

Thousands of people are expected to make their annual pilgrimage to the picturesque Kiewa Valley track after club officials were given the all-clear to proceed with the day despite equine influenza (EI) and the drought.

The six-race card is highlighted by the $2100 Milesetone Chemicals Dederang Cup (1650 metres) and the $2000 open sprint (1000m).
Esceegee, this year’s comprehensive cup winner when prepared by Kelvin Bourke, is tipped to attempt back-to-back victories in the time-honoured event after being transferred to powerful Wodonga trainer Brian Cox.

The hugely successful marquee strip – the Flemington birdcage of the bush – will line the home straight (bookings currently being taken), creating its unique atmosphere which brings families and friends back year after year.

DPRC vice-president Adrian Goonan said the fully-irrigated course proper was in tremendous order and Racing Victoria officials had approved bio-security measures in the wake of EI.
“The committee has been working hard to prepare for the annual event and the track, which had a new 1000m chute in operation for the first time this year, is a picture,” Goonan said.
“Dederang’s charity race day is all about having fun in a family-friendly and relaxed environment, and we were rewarded for that when we were crowned the 2005-06 Picnic Race Club of the Year.
“Despite a few anxious moments with the EI drama, we are now waiting in anticipation for another big meeting.”

Full details of the meeting can be found at the Dederang Picnic Race Club website.
To get an idea of what Dederang partially offers on raceday vistit the gallery.
Admission is $10 an adult, under 16 years free, and BYO alcohol is allowed on course.

Balnarring Sunday 6th January 2008

Picnic formguides now available for this meeting.