For anyone who is interested I have with regard to the drawing of Teaman Titch as a reserve only in the Hobart Thousand heats, investigated this matter. I have advice from an authoritative source that the drawing of Teaman Titch and for example, also Hastings Bale, only as reserves, is due to the necessity to follow a stringent grading and order of choice policy, with no flexibility to meet the special needs of what is probably Tasmania's major event. Prior to this year the grader did have some discretion but this has been taken away by the Greyhound Racing Tasmania Council (GRTC). I know, we all know, that there is no perfect solution to grading matters but one thing I know for sure, is that there is a better option than this for big races. The authoritative advice is that if Teaman Titch and Hastings Bale had run 3rd at their respective last starts, they would both have received straight draws. Would a 3rd at Appin or Healesville have made all the difference in getting a straight draw? Poor old Teaman Titch ran unplaced in the Melbourne Cup Final and then unplaced in a heat of the Brisbane Cup. "He's only won $50,000 or so". I know that the Hobart Club is very embarrassed and frustrated by not being able to have the very best dogs guaranteed of a run in the Hobart Thousand Heats. However, I will watch Sky at the club on Weds night and enjoy all of the races very much. This race has a great tradition, a race which I think also has a bit of aura, an ayr of mystique about it. That is, a race run in a beautiful location (I love Tassie), geographically isolated but with mainland "raiders" invading the southern isle to "steal the gold". Maybe even "exotic" in the context of greyhound racing is applicabe. Chicka Morris back in the 1960s was a frequent visitor, an incredible traveller with dogs. "Heaven only knows" how many winners he trained all around Australia. The presence of him and his dogs as well as other visitors, added colour to this great race. Let's hope that public servant mentality doesn't kill it and greyhound racing in general.