A CHANGE IS AS GOOD AS A HOLIDAYI thought that maybe we should have a short shift in perspective, so I've gathered together a few snippets that might be of interest to you. Hope so.1. Please No Takeover, Joe.There's a report (more than a rumour) that after a very sweet run in his Melba-like farewell tour of Australia, Takeover Target's racing days may not be over after all. His leg's "cured" and he loves racing.I fear for him. I mean, six and half million dollars in the bank and wins i

A CHANGE IS AS GOOD AS A HOLIDAY

I thought that maybe we should have a short shift in perspective, so I've gathered together a few snippets that might be of interest to you. Hope so.

1. Please No Takeover, Joe.

There's a report (more than a rumour) that after a very sweet run in his Melba-like farewell tour of Australia, Takeover Target's racing days may not be over after all. His leg's "cured" and he loves racing.

I fear for him. I mean, six and half million dollars in the bank and wins in every state but Tassie, along with several overseas victories. Please Joe, no.

2. Heard this? Shudder!

The Victorian premier reports that the coming locust plague will be the biggest for at least 75 years. That's big.

Big enough, in fact, to wipe out all vegetation in a line that will extend through Melbourne. Guess where the biggest bit of green is in Melbourne? You got it.

Flemington and the Melbourne Cup may well be genuinely threatened if this scourge isn't somehow contained.

That's not just rumour, that's a real threat.

3. Shocking's a Flem Horse.

On the subject of Flemington, guess which horse has never been beaten there? You got it. It adds a positive dimension to his chances, doesn't it?

And he's an entire, so if they keep his mind focused he's a big strong fellow.

Easily able to cope with 57 kilograms.

4. The Newcastle Cup.

Mike Kemp and I went to watch it. Mike will write it up in the next PPM, but I just wanted to tell you that I observed an even-more-than-usual confidence in a certain Mrs Waterhouse when she made reference to her spring prospects. Is it possible that this year she has the one she's been waiting for?

And a prince, at that?

OK that'll do. A little different, just some thoughts and some info. Back to being philosophical about this and that, after the weekend.