(ROD GALLEGOS is a senior commentator with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.)

Only an extension of nominations saved the 3200-metre Stayers Cup at Rosehill on Saturday from the ignominy of a miniature field.

When nominations originally closed for the $100,000 race, the number of contenders was a meagre five but the extension of time boosted the number to 12.

Even so, it is a worrying issue that the staying stocks are so low.

It may seem like - and pardon the expression - I am flogging a dead horse but it concerns me that there isn't a more concerted effort by breeders, in particular, and race clubs in general to nurture the stayers.

Don't forget the signature race of Australia is the Melbourne Cup, a 3200-metre handicap. There has to be an Australia-wide program to help trainers plot a course towards this ultimate goal.

It doesn't seem all that long ago when every Saturday program contained a 2400-metre event. 

***** 

RACING is a game of ups and downs and no one is better equipped to illustrate this trail than diminutive jockey Chris Munce.

His morale could not have sunk any lower during his time in a Hong Kong jail as a consequence of having been found guilty of tipping!

It's hard to accept that the legal authorities of Hong Kong abide by the rule of letting the punishment fit the crime.

Still you have to admire Munce for his comeback to race riding. He is assured of the Brisbane premiership for the current season and on Saturday won the Brisbane Cup for a fifth time.

It's a worthy lesson for all punters. You may be down, but you're never out.

***** 

THIS weekend the Queensland winter carnival rolls on with the running of the Ipswich Cup.

The people of Ipswich, 40 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, are a parochial lot and they really rally to the once-a-year festivities.

So much so it may have the top attendance of the entire south eastern Queensland carnival.

Regularly, the Ipswich Cup day results in 25,000-plus people being attracted to the track. This is quite remarkable when you consider that this year it took arguably the world's best sprinter, Black Caviar, to entice about 20,000 to Doomben, a boost of 15,000 on the previous year.

Make no mistake, this Saturday the Ipswich enthusiasts will top that figure.

***** 

IN THE Stayers Cup at Rosehill, Strike One is defending his title having won the race last year.

At least we know he can get the trip although his recent form has been a little average.

But trainer Chris Waller certainly has a happy knack of preparing stayers.

***** 

ANOTHER title defence will take place at Ipswich in Queensland with Our Lukas striving to win the Cup for the third successive year.

His recent efforts haven't been flash so I am going to give the Kiwi visitor, The Hombre, another chance.

He struck trouble at his latest start and before crossing the Tasman his New Zealand form was encouraging.