Taree mare Sheza Gypsy, trained by Michael Byers and Explosive Scene from the Port Macquarie stables of Marc Quinn, both gallopers being four-year-olds, had excuses for not being in the placings but both trainers concede they wouldn't have beaten Artlee.

Most association gallopers were on short notice as to the $100,000 qualifiying races, especially with the Mid North Coast Racing Association having to go first and then the qualifiers having to be kept in cotton wool until the final, whereas other associations raced closer and their qualifiers would be in prime condition.

So it is important that all conditions of the qualifier and final be set in cement earlier so that everyone has an even chance of setting gallopers for the popular series and final.

To get the comments of some of the trainers looking towards next year, I started with the two who had finalists in the rich series.

Sheza Gypsy's run can be forgotten as at the start her saddle slipped, the jockey was at a disadvantage and even though leading on the bend, he had to let her glide to the line for fear of a major mishap.

"The barrier blanket caught in the starting stalls and caused the saddle to slip," Byers said.

"Her jockey couldn't do anything with her for fear of a fall.

"All going well, I think she would have finished in the first five?but that's racing.

"She has pulled up well and is going for a spell," he added.

Byers felt that the jockeys who ride the horses in the qualifiers should retain the mounts in the final.

At first the field was to be 14 and then another qualifier was put on for those which missed out in the qualifiers to have a race and have two of them included.

"They shouldn't have added the extra race - the horses that missed out - bad luck.

"They shouldn't make the rules up as the series progresses.

"The series is fantastic for country horses and I would love to think I have a qualifier for next year."

Quinn said his gelding took a step back at the start and then was racing on the worst part of the track.

He also believes the country series should retain country jockeys although he conceded this was difficult as some provincial jockeys ride often in the country.

The series gives up-and-coming horses a chance to win some significant prizemoney.

"If the country horse is good enough, it can still go to town and return for the qualifier under the set conditions.

"If they are good enough to win more races than that allowed under the qualifying conditions, then they have won good prizemoney," he said.

Taree trainer Ross Stitt would have liked his mare Shazza's Bubbles given a chance in the qualifier but even though she qualified by her number of wins, she wasn't eligible because she had one extra start.

"I would like it to be open to up to class six horses and be up to 25 starts next year,'' Stitt said.

"It created a lot of interest and can be built on."

Racing NSW originally asked Stitt his view on the proposed series but some of his ideas were not implemented.

There is plenty of time before the next series and some tidying up of the rules can only further enhance its appeal.

No doubt there will be a few trainers, knowing what they have in the stable, could next year plant these types in country stables before the deadline, this time being September and try for the big prizemoney kill.

So be it, as it is all good for racing and opens up the city folk to what country racing is all about!

WHAT is going to happen with the MNCRA's qualifiers for the $300,000 country final of The Championships?

Sheza Gypsy has pulled up well but is being given a spell.

"I am looking to the future with her and she will take on the company around the country cups, such as at Grafton in July,'' Byers said.

"I think there is a lot to offer at the country winter carnivals, such as Grafton and Coffs Harbour."

Quinn said he only had short notice for including Explosive Scene in the $100,000 qualifier at Port and with only 12 runs under the gelding's belt, more is on offer.

The winner of two races will next race at Grafton on July 24.

"I haven't given up on the idea of having him ready for next year's qualifier and final,'' Quinn said.

"He races well fresh and at the moment he is still eligible for the series if I tip him out to mature.

"It is too much money on offer to be taken lightly and all going well we may do it all again next year."

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