Roy's News
Hi, my name is Roy
You may know me by my racing name Ten After Four.
After qualifying at Manukau in 18.66, that is a fairly good qualifying time, well below the 19.40 qualifying time for 318m, I was right to race.
I won my race debut on the 27th March in same time 18.66. I not sure whether it was the race or the post-race celebration, but I wasn’t quite right, so I took a week off. It was not a Covid stand down.
On 16th April I was back to the track where I raced away from Portland Ethan winning by won 4½ lengths in 18.60.
That win caught the attention of the AGRC bosses. They made me an offer to have my ‘own blog’ on their website to chat about my week and track career.
After discussions with Tracey and Lisa, where they reminded me that I am still young, lacked ringcraft and warned me of the dangers of social media. We have agreed to give it a crack. It is going to be weekly insight. It is not my diary; some things must remain personal.
It’s a big week ahead. On Thursday I am heading back to Cambridge (race 6). I forgot to tell you my winning sequence was stopped there last week when Fill’s Folly was too good. Cambridge is known as a tougher track than Manukau, but I was caught out by the winning post. It is not like Manukau; once you get to the timing board at Cambridge there is still a further 60metres to go.
Then on Sunday, it is back to Manukau, race 7. The race is named after my Mum (Just One Smile) she was pretty special on the track. I tell you about her another day
Catcha Roy
Hi, my name is Roy
You may know me by my racing name Ten After Four.
What a big week, my first full week of racing.
At Cambridge on the 5th May I was lost for early speed and got caught in the early shuffle. When I finally got the lead of that speedy Boot Camp Tiara into the straight up strode big Opawa Rowan. I just couldn’t go with him, and he race away to win in 21.38.
Sunday, at Manukau, the pressure was on I had to win Mum’s (Just One Smile) race. Everything went to plan, and I scooted away to win in a PBT 18.41. Get home and Mum was pleased but was quick to point she won her C2 race in 18.35. it was timeout when I reminded her that it took her four starts to win her first race.
Back to Cambridge on Thursday the warning sign was there for everyone when I tipped the scales at 35.5kg (down 0.5kg). I jumped well and sat outside that nippy Boot Camp Tiara, and I thought I was home for the bonus win. Then the pack arrived, and I was leg weary. Another lesson learnt: be a good loser.
Still, I’m happy with my efforts.
What about the ‘dummy’ in the office. Sent the photographer Yvette down to get take some behind the scenes shots for my gallery with the instructions to photograph Tracey’s dog. She got some great shots of Opawa Rowan; hope his owners have plenty to help pay Yvette.
Got Sunday off
Catcha Roy
Hi, my name is Roy
You may know me by my racing name Ten After Four.
Nice quiet week, I am enjoying a little R&R after my big week of racing
First off, I must make amends for last week I was too busy talking about myself that I overlooked congratulating my bro Doug (Kettle Pot) on his first win. Because I missed it, he went and won another race at Manukau on Sunday. So well done Doug
Won’t make the same mistake I also have to congratulate my sister Debbie (Cut And Dry). She recorded her first win on Thursday. So, it a big week of celebrations.
Like many, you may be wondering about the background to my racing name Ten After Four.
While the Katcaha Jordana Syndicate, my breeders, have been in the business for some time they have not attached a moniker to their racing dogs like the big commercial breeders. They have named litters after movies, tennis players etc. -whatever takes their fancy
Mum told me the story behind my name. Whilst it is the finishing time of my busy day it is not that. Nor is it the start of happy hour at Lynfield.
No, I’ m named in memory of one of the Syndicate members Aussie punting mates. His name was also Roy.
One of his successful betting strategies was to invest on number 10 in the first race after 4pm, i.e. Ten After Four
I asked Mum if the guy had a bucket full of cash or was on the hold to Problem Gamblers because it is always four o’clock somewhere. She replied no in our case it is 4pm New Zealand time. Next thing I got a clip around the ear for saying do you mean Aotearoa-New Zealand time. Mum is so set in her ways.
Anyway, we have settled down again and Mum and I have agreed to see just how astute this punter was and see if we can make some cash on the side. We will monitor his betting strategy for the next four weeks on a Saturday. First race after 4pm Kiwi time and it is horse number 10.
This week it is Brisbane race 5 Lunakorn (FF $26). Mum reminded me not to be tempted by the odds we just monitoring at this stage.
By the way my R&R is for a couple of weeks.
Catcha Roy
Hi, my name is Roy
You may know me by my racing name Ten After Four.
Picked the wrong week for R&R. The sun being playing hide & seek and the temperature has dropped, especially at nights. That’s when I really appreciate my Affordable Pet’s coat.
I will introduce you to my support team:
You all know Tracy and Lisa. Well they are my personal trainers, physios, nutritionists, guardian angels house maids and chauffeurs. Thankfully, they can multi tasks because there are a lot of dogs under their care. But mind you we all need to watch the clock so as not to disrupt the kennel routines
Then there are my owners, I prefer to call them my sponsors because while they invest big money, I note they enjoy the glory when I am on the dais. The Big A always gives them a special mention. Gotta to be careful because it is all about performance and results. Especially when you see how many of my kennel mates, they sponsor under the name of Katcaha Jordana Syndicate.
There are some big names in the game involved:
John Roberts (JR) he is the money man. He is always chatting to me about the importance of my EPS (earnings per start). Its not easy.
Selwyn Loader (Sel) also referred to as ‘mayor’ of Waiuku. He must get up early because he is always at the Manukau Stadium to greet us on a race day and he is checking on us throughout the day.
Ray Watters (Gasman) he has been delivering petrol all over the province for years. JR said he got a pay rise. Must have been a big one because the price of petrol keeps rising.
Craig Rendle. (Mr. Rendle) who is into sponsoring big time. Unfortunately, Covid protocols have prevented us from meeting
As you can see it is a big team to keep happy.
Thankfully, my sister Nancy (Queen Nancy) kept the money rolling in for them at Cambridge on Thursday. Watch out for her in the first race on Sunday. She is chasing a bonus C1 win.
10 after 4 Bet
Last week was disappointing: Lunakorn did not front up due to the track conditions.
This Saturday it is back to Brisbane R6 Battleton. I see JMac is on board. Mum said as tempting as the $14 (FF) odds are we are still just monitoring this betting strategy at this stage.
Better go as I must checkout if its back to work next week.
Catcha Roy
Hi, my name is Roy
You may know me by my racing name Ten After Four.
Tracey & Lisa opted to extend my R&R. So, it has been a long-drawn-out week just sitting here counting the rain drops on my kennel. Those cheeky ‘Portlands’ just keep reminding me that winter breaks should be taken on the Gold Coast.
Highlight of my week has been watching my sister Nancy (Queen Nancy). Not only did she gain a bonus C1 win at Manukau on Sunday but she backed up with a further win at Cambridge on Thursday. Now the smartee is chasing a bonus c2 win on Sunday (R12). Hope she gets it as it will keep for our sponsors happy.
Thought the dummy in the office had made another mistake when the fields were released for Sunday with race at 779m distance; surely, he knows that is an additional lap of the track.
But I now learnt it is the heats of the coveted Silver Collar and everyone is heading to Manukau on Sunday to see a superstar ‘Know Keeper.’ Man Know Keeper must be tough. He is unbeaten in fifteen starts over 650m plus races. Surely that’s a record.
10 after 4 Bet
I’m named after a betting strategy number 10 in the first race after 4. At this stage Mum and I are monitoring the strategy
Last week Battleton was third at Eagle Farm: $3.40 the place
Now just to top my week off it is a no bet as there are only 9 runners in the 4.03pm race
Better go it has started raining again and there more raindrops to count.
Catcha Roy
Hi, my name is Roy
You may know me by my racing name Ten After Four.
I’ve had a great week highlighted by:
- I’m back in action, I had my first hit out at the trials, a handslip.
- Nancy got her bonus win
- The ‘Portlands’ have been in the Crying Room. They did their dough on Here’s Tears. I would like to say a big thank you to Mr. O’Keeffe. He is one Aussie we welcome to Manukau; he always adds spice to ‘Our Great Race’ and makes it a Trans-Tasman event.
- Know Keeper what a Superstar. The Big AA was in overdrive; he had him home at the 603 so the adrenalin was really pumping. In my absence it looks he has got a new man crush
Check your My Sky and watch Kev (Know Keeper) strut back to the podium surely that is proof that ‘We Love to Race’.
Now listen New Zealand here is my weekend challenge to you. The Bookies have Kev (Know Keeper) at $1.25 (R8/4). If you are taking a multi-bet between now and Sunday; be it on the dogs, sport or equine, take a further unit and add Kev into the bet. Let’s see if we can create a record turnover on an individual greyhound.
Remember if you are out and about with the family on Sunday you can tune in to SENZ (1476am) Claydo and Liz have Special Silver Collar Show from the track starting at 3pm.
Just don’t miss the Collar because I’ve got the feeling, we going to see something really special this year. Go Kev
10 after 4 Bet
I’m named after a betting strategy number 10 in the first race after 4. At this stage Mum and I are monitoring the strategy
This week’s bet Eagle Farm: R5 Simply Fly currently at $18
Almost forgot it is JR’s (one of my sponsors) birthday on Saturday. Man, he must be ancient he talks about his times with my Gran Nan (Reba Keroma) HB JR
Catcha Roy
Hi, my name is Roy
You may know me by my racing name Ten After Four.
Know Keeper what a dog. He is superstar.
Know Keeper (Kev) is my idol.
I was so excited when I was telling Mum that I want to be just like Kev standing proudly on the dais decorated with satin rug and Silver Collar with all the cameras zooming in while Tracey & Lisa being interviewed.She quickly spun me back into reality by saying unless Dave the Breeding Guru can find some staying bloodlines back in our family tree it is highly unlikely you will ever be on the dais decorated with the Silver Collar.
Apparently, we are bred to predominantly sprint.
Mum said I can still be on the dais decorated with a satin rug and the cameras clicking if I win the Railway Sprint. Just like she did and all other top sprinters Hifi Allegro, Buddy Boom, Trojan Hoarse that she rattled off.
Railway Sprint: what a strange name for a race there is no railway station at the Sportsbowl.
Ok, I aspire to win as many races as Kev but only have to go one lap. But when I get to the dais I want a gold rug
By the way I had a further hand slip at the trials on Wednesday so I am not far away to returning to the track to start getting the wins on board.
10 after 4 Bet
I’m named after a betting strategy number 10 in the first race after 4. At this stage Mum and I are monitoring the strategy
Last week Simply Fly was third at Eagle Farm: $4.00 the place. You know old Roy may be right.
This weeks’ bet is the 4.03pm at Ipswich R3 Invincible Lad currently at $81 FF
Better go; t I going to contact Dave to checkout my heritage, surely there is some stout bloodlines somewhere.
Catcha Roy
Hi, my name is Roy
You may know me by my racing name Ten After Four.
The good news is I had my first box trial this week. Went well and it is quite exciting because I’ll be back at the races soon.
There was a big commotion at the kennels this week. Took me by surprise, it was about two degrees and I’m just sitting watching the sun slowly creep up and start warming the place.
Next thing there people everywhere.
One by one we were all taken out, identified and checked over. All our kennels checked and notes scribbled down. Cameras flicking everywhere.
Quite frightening for me as I’ve never experienced anything like it before.
After a few hours they all finally left. We all slowly settled back down
They say it was a routine RIB Kennel check, but to me it looks more serious, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it turned out that one of those ‘Portlands’ was a ‘501’.I’ll see if I can find out more.
10 after 4 Bet I’m not sure which one
I’m named after a betting strategy number 10 in the first race after 4. This is our last week that Mum and I are monitoring the strategy
Last week Invincible Lad got dispatched from the field. Not surprising as he drifted out to 120 to 1 chance.
This weeks’ bet is the 4.03pm at Eagle Farm R3 Kappy Cino
Gotta go: Kev’s (Know Keeper) is racing at Palmerston North on Friday (R3 1.05pm) Surely the bookies will open their markets earlier for Kev.
Catcha Roy
