(Rod Gallegos is a senior commentator with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.)

On the evidence of last weekend's Randwick meeting, Sydney racing is at the crossroads.

There has been some progress in the merging of the AJC and STC to form the Australian Turf Club as the sole organiser of racing in Sydney.

But there is much more to do. The stark statistic that Black Caviar, possibly a once-in-a-generation phenomenon, could only draw 25,000 to Randwick on Derby Day is indicative of the crowd-drawing difficulties in a cynical city like Sydney.

Now this will probably reek of sycophancy, but last week John Hartigan, chairman and CEO of News Ltd in Australia (owners of Sky TV and Sky Sports Radio), was a special guest on Sky Sports Radio during Andrew Bensley's Racing HQ program.

It was enlightening, to say the least. One of the Hartigan quotes was that a key ideal of his company (News Ltd) was to "focus on the future to get there before anyone else". Obviously he perceives racing should follow the same course.

Another of his views was that race clubs should provide integrated entertainment for families. And, on a more nuts and bolts basis, he was critical of the benchmarking handicap system.

According to Hartigan, Saturday racing always should be something special; not the same as the provincials.

There was a lot more that he covered in the extensive interview, but in brief, he thought racing had to "get away from the born to rule attitude" and he thought "breeders have too much to say".

No doubt Hartigan is a busy man but his insightful ideology on thoroughbred racing, in its present form, suggests he may be a valuable and worthwhile addition to any racing board.

*****

THE somewhat disappointing attendance at the Sydney Carnival so far - aided and abetted by wretched weather on Doncaster Day - hasn't diminished the quality of racing.

Black Caviar clearly was the star. She's such a dominant figure it is possible she may go through her career undefeated.

And what a boost she will be for the Queensland winter carnival with a proposed two-start campaign in the BTC Cup and Doomben 10,000.

Obviously, More Joyous disappointed her legion of fans but she wasn't disgraced. A big weight and an exceptionally heavy track may be blamed for her downfall in the Doncaster.

From a riding point of view, Tim Clark again proved he can match it with the big boys.

This young horseman, who partnered with distinction the ill-fated Hot Danish for many of her wins, was seen as his best last Saturday with a back-to-back Group One double on Sacred Choice (Doncaster) and Atomic Force (Galaxy).

He deserves greater recognition.

***** 

THIS year's Sydney Cup looks a wide open affair. At least it still is retained as a 3200 metre race unlike the Brisbane and Perth Cups that have been whittled back to 2400 metres.

It is an accepted fact that I continue my pursuit of longer priced winners and there is plenty to recommend Muir, one of Lloyd Williams trio of Cup contenders.

Although he hasn't raced for more than a month, Muir has the right credentials having won the 3200 metre Adelaide Cup at his latest outing.

An Irish import he has had a meticulously spaced career and this may be one of his highlights.

***** 

ANOTHER highlight on Saturday is a class-packed All Aged Stakes.

Magnificent mare Melito gets her chance. Last year she was runner-up to Hot Danish in the All Aged and then went on to a series of major race placings in Brisbane before taking out the Group One Winter Stakes.

Trainer Gerald Ryan underlined his opinion of Melito by declaring he was prepared to set her for clashes with Black Caviar in the BTC Cup and Doomben 10,000.

In the meantime, to everyone, I hope you enjoy a happy Easter.