Like the Thyme, I have to admit to a couple of weeks ago or whatever, seeing the other side of the story of including Regal Thyme in the "final 3", that is, after initially thinking "how the hell is he in and Mantra is out". Nevertheless, although I can relate to what you are saying about the Topgun situation, the facts as they presently stand, are that Regal Thyme ran 2nd in the Topgun even thought it could change in the near future. I still feel that Mantra is terribly unlucky not to have been there with a Group One National Distance Championship, the Victorian Final of the National Distance Championship, a Shootout victory in an elite field of 4 and not insignificantly, equalling the 725 track record at The Meadows. I have no personal connection with Mantra, I just like him as a dog. I do have a personal connection with one of the other nominees but that greyhound, although a wonderful racer, was balloted out early on.