"Really there is no point in betting on Adelaide races with the crazy fluctuations that come through," Lynch said. "I suppose I could put up odds three or four rolls under the prices but what good is that?

"I might as well just stop betting on Adelaide altogether.

"The prices that come through are ridiculous and the smart punters seem to know exactly when to bet."

One example came last Saturday, when Victorian Derby winner Rebel Raider resumed in the Spring Stakes in Adelaide.

The Raider's price went from $7 to $21 in one go and he was backed into $17 and $15.

Rebel Raider paid $9.80, $9 and $10.60 on the three totes.

¦ Astute Wyong trainer Steve Farley will back up Gazza Guru in Sunday's $60,000 Taree Gold Cup (2000 metres), after his win at Randwick on Wednesday.

The $3.90 favourite sat behind the leaders and put his rivals away quickly to win the 1800m race on the Kensington track by 2½ lengths.

"He has pulled up in great fashion, so I have accepted for Taree and he will run as long as the rain does not come and it was a bog track," Farley said yesterday.

Nash Rawiller rode Gazza Guru to success on Wednesday but star apprentice Tommy Berry will ride the six-year-old son of Street Cry on Sunday.

"I have no worries about him backing up," Farley said. "When he relaxed so well in the run at Randwick I was sure he would win and there is no reason not to try and get another win out of him this week.

"If he goes well at Taree he will then go on to the Wyong Cup."

¦ Newcastle Knights founding father Leigh Maughan has decided to stand for election again for the Newcastle Jockey Club board, not this year but the next.

Maughan stood last year but failed to win a position on the NJC's board of directors and cannot stand again this year.

"The rules have changed and you have to be a member of the NJC for two years before anyone can stand for election on the board," he said.

"The only reason I haven't been a regular member of the NJC over the years is that I had a life media badge given to me by Bob Dawber.

"I am disappointed the rules have changed but I have had so many people ask me to stand again that I will be like big Arnie, I will be back.

"I am hoping to hear from anyone who wants to see changes at the NJC and I will take up their cause.

"I believe plenty has to be done to bring the NJC back to its glory days and I hope I can contribute on the board."

Nominations for the board close on Friday, September 17, at 4pm and the annual general meeting of the club will be held on October 26.

¦ Highly regarded Warwick Farm trainer Guy Walter produced a quote at Gosford races on Tuesday that punters might well like to remember.

Walter had just watched first starter Alcaraz score an amazing debut win after missing the kick and being hemmed in on the turn.

Alcaraz got the split and flew home to win.

"I've got myself a spring horse, for sure," Walter declared after the victory.

Walter is a man of few words but he has almost 30 group 1 wins under his belt. So when he is says a horse is on the way up, punters should go along for the ride.

Alcaraz is by Fastnet Rock from the mare Extra Bubbly, which has thrown such good horses as Johan's Toy, which was second in a Doncaster and third in a Coolmore Classic, and the good Melbourne performer Extra Zero.

¦ Glyn Schofield, who is the most in-form jockey going around, will be a special guest speaker at Newcastle Jockey Club's awards day on Monday, September 13.

Former Melbourne race caller Bryan Martin will be a special guest of the Beauford Club luncheon, which will be held the following day.

Joe Janiak will be another special guest and his champion Takeover Target will be on show at Broadmeadow on both days of the NJC's two-day cup carnival on September 15 and 16.

¦ Last Saturday's Broadmeadow meeting produced a betting turnover of $1.7 million, the highest at Newcastle since March.

¦ Sometimes owners do get the name of a racehorse right.

Gargle, which won the benchmark 65 handicap over 1350m at Cessnock on Monday, is out of Mouthwash.

The five-year-old has won two of his 13 starts and has six placings.

"One of the names that was tossed around for the youngster out of Mouthwash was Coldsore," trainer Jeff Englebrecht said with a laugh.

¦ Wyong trainer Kim Waugh could not be happier after her injury-plagued star Kimillsy returned to the track on Wednesday in a trial at Gosford.

Kimillsy finished three-quarters of a length second to the smart Kris Lees-trained mare Zingaling in the 900m hit-out.

Kimillsy has not raced since contesting the VRC Oaks in Melbourne 18 months ago.

When she came back into work she bowed a tendon and it seemed that her racing days were over.

"All we could do is give her time and she got through the trial without a worry, touch wood," Waugh said yesterday.

"She will have another trial before we will know when she might race again but right now things are looking very promising.

"Hopefully she might get back to where she was before she was injured and show she is a group horse."

Hard-working Newcastle jockey Andrew Gibbons rode the five-year-old in the trial.

"She felt as strong as she did as a young filly, when she had so much potential," Gibbons said.

"Obviously she is going to need more time but Kim will ensure she gets every chance to get back to her best."

Gibbons has been in great form and bought the best out in the four-year-old El Tegra to win the 1500m maiden at Newcastle last Saturday.

The Lees-trained gelding had been very disappointing with just two placings from 10 starts before redemption.