They have got one of the best syndicate names I've heard, so it was fantastic to see the girls of The Good, The Bad and The Nag in the winner's circle at Fannie Bay.
The syndicate, which is made up of 36 girls based in Darwin, Alice Springs and interstate, part-owns Holding The Fort, a stirring winner of the Vibe Darwin Class B Handicap (1000m).
Holding The Fort charged home from last at the turn to land only his second career win and first under the guidance of 2010 Darwin Cup winning trainer Kerry Petrick.
Petrick not only trained the winner, but also manages the syndicate - many of whom posed with her, winning jockey Phillip Crich and the six-year-old for a photo post-race.
The syndicate just missed a double when another of their charges, Courting Magic, finished third later in the day.
Well-known racecaller Steve Hawkins of Gold Coast and greyhound fame was notable by his presence at Fannie Bay last Saturday.
But Hawkins wasn't in the Top End for calling duties, rather leading a 28-strong tour group, which sponsored the day's racing.
From all reports, the group had a ball and we might see them back in the Top End sooner rather than later.
Did you see the Northern Territory colours salute at Moonee Valley last Saturday?
Draw Forward, a three-year-old filly from the Richard Jolly stable in Adelaide, won the TattsBet Handicap.
Her racing colours are listed as white, ochre and black desert flower with ochre sleeves and ochre cap.
I understand former North Darwin football identity Dean Hurrell is among the owners, along with Jolly, who tasted feature success in the Top End during his riding days.
Adding to the Territory flavour was the fact Alice Springs product Steven Arnold was aboard.
The southern odyssey for leading Darwin trainer Stephen Brown brought its first winner at Moe on Tuesday.
Bolton, ridden by Stephen Baster, got up in the last stride to win the $12,000 Jacobs Creek Cool Harvest Rating 72 Handicap (1200m). Stablemate Below turned in a solid first-up run to finish fifth and according to Brown will put his best foot forward later this preparation.
It was good to see Brown in the winner's circle after runner-up efforts by Big Bear Rock (Geelong) and Canali (Flemington). Not to mention the eye-catching third by Emboldened, also at Flemington.
Speaking of Emboldened, he has drawn barrier five for Friday night's City of Moonee Valley Celebrating 150 Years Plate (1200m).
The race for horses rated 78 and below, is worth $30,000, with Baster taking the ride.
Also at the Valley is former Darwin trainer Michael Hickmott with speedster Hillfire in heat five of the Essendon Mazda 55 Second Challenge (955m).
Hillfire drew barrier one for the race and will be ridden by Hickmott's girlfriend Libby Hopwood, who made a huge impression during this year's Darwin Cup Carnival.
Territory sprinter Lucid Reflection will line up in Saturday's $50,000 Corey Gilby Memorial Handicap (1000m) at Morphettville.
Named in honour of the jockey who died earlier this month after a fall at Julia Creek, the race is the feature event of the Adelaide metropolitan meeting.
Lucid Reflection, the last horse to win both the Palmerston and Pioneer Sprints, tackles the race first-up. Trainer Dick Leech has engaged Paul Gatt to ride Lucid Reflection.
Periduki, who is striving for his 20th career win for Mick Whittle and Scott Westover, will carry the top-weight of 60kg. The Red Centre export is also contesting the race fresh, having not been sighted since running fifth in the Listed WH Wylie Stakes in September.
We've got a double-header of racing in the Territory this weekend with Saturday at Fannie Bay followed by Alice Springs on Sunday.
The Top End program has drawn 53 nominations, while 46 entries have been received in the Red Centre. Acceptances will be released today.
The search is on for the next Darwin Cup Carnival Ambassador. The Darwin Turf Club advertised the 2012 ambassador role on November 5 on http://www.careerone.com.au, where a position description is also available. Applications close on November 21.
Until next week, back a winner.
Story courtesy of Gregor Mactaggart, NT News
