Back to Mollies and into the bath I plunged - something I never do at home. About to walk outside in the starkers and there in front of me was a rent a crowd including Bob and Rosemary Scarborough from Woodnock stud, Lea and Bruce, Amanda, Greg and the Henderson boys, John and Marilyn Baxter - his brother David, AJC committee representative Alan Osburg, Joe Manning and their merry band of men and women. Two of the most exquisite singers - soprano and baritone. sang some of the classic songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Francis who makes this wonderful hotel move and groove was on keyboards; most rooms have their own baby grand - it is artistry in the most tasteful and sophisticated manner. John loves to make speeches and at dinner we all had our turn. I make enough on the racecourse so not I'm big over the supper table. There were lots of laughter with Joe recounting his first meeting with Rosemary and Dr Catchlove that purchased the stallion Red Lord many moons ago. The wonderful thing about horse racing, even if their paths don't cross they certainly will at some stage in the future. It has been an absolute treat staying at this glorious boutique hotel - a chain of relais and chateaux.

Back to reality today and the phone is ringing and I'm constantly chatting to owners to see what interstest there is with the yearlings I have purchased. Like most trainers that go to the sale I put my  money where my mouth is, specking the horses that I think will be supreme athletes. I have to work with these horses over the next few years and have to like them. I relate it to seeing Robbie every morning and waking up thinking I don't like my partner any more.  I like to relate to my four-legged children and I get a positive feeling about them. Sometimes you get a marvellous buy then they hit adolescence which is what happened to Rock Kingdom when he returned from the breaker. This  plain gangly open knee horse must have been drunk when I brought him but he matured and grew into a beautiful creature.

Best of the morning Nash messaged me was Crystal Empire.  Modonna once again got a tick and as I said to Nash this morning, the More Than Ready filly has done unbelievably well.

My Amelia has returned and looks terrific and enjoyed a spot of easy pacework.

Texan worked well as did the Red Ransom/Leveller - he has no name this poor orphan. He has been off for some time due to an injury in his head but he hasn't looked back since. I'm not a great fan of his progeny as I find them inconsistent but I can't fault this young colt. He has a strong, great attitude. I'm told all the Group horses Manhattan Rain, Rock Kingdom, More Joyous, Dreamscape have come through their races in excellent order. The AJC kindly gave the carnival horses permission to work on the outside of course proper yesterday morning.

Star Thoroughbreds Theseo had been a little weary going to the post last week after his trial on Friday but has come ahead in leaps in bounds and had plenty of fuel in the tank when working over 1400m yesterday morning. Things were not as good for gallops this morning as the dirt was not sealed even though we had 8mls of overnight rain. The decision not to seal the dirt played havoc as once the rain came the track became shifty and sloppy. There are over 600 horses trained at Randwick and most use the dirt track.

Keep an eye out for my horses Heistmaster and Royal Esteem racing at Canberra on Friday. Fellow Sydney trainer Guy Walter has been spending considerable time there of late and I am most admiring of him as a trainer.    

 Where have all the 3yo races gone. It's pathetic Racing NSW can't cater for horse's like Samui Lad who won today at Canterbury. Nash produced a brilliant ride. I was angry at Nash the other night when I thought he had completely misjudged the speed when finishing 2^nd on Kontiki Park but Nash listened to the lady trainer and even though he sometimes gets very cross with me he knows I'm always trying to do the best for the horse, jockey and stable. We have two options to race against the older horses in two weeks time or go out of town for a country meeting namely Canberra where he will be poorly weighted. Big Choice! See unless you're a group horse racing in NSW you don't count. Owners are entitled to a fair go with their horses and 3yo's shouldn't have to compete with the older horses at this stage of the season. They should have a benchmark 3yo race on every Saturday.