KEY POINTS:
If every horse in New Zealand was owned by a group similar to the one that races The Cosmob, you wouldn't get a place on a grandstand.
The syndicate that races The Cosmob numbers around 25.
But by the noise they make on raceday you'd think that was 125.
It's a dream of every trainer to see absolute joy on the faces of their owners after a race.
In the case of The Cosmob it doesn't even have to be a win - finishing second or third is like winning a derby.
Ardmore trainer Kerry Verner can thank himself for putting together the syndicate that gives him one of his greatest pleasures.
The syndicate is called Rewa Cos Syndicate, but the name The Cosmob better sums up the ownership.
The syndicate are all members of the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club, Kerry Verner's local watering hole.
"There used to be a punters' club of around 50 or 60 members that put in $5 a week each for a bet.
"I got to thinking there might be enough interest among those people to put together an ownership syndicate."
There was.
The first horse, Volga Lass, managed a few placings, but even that was enough to inject the mystery into her owners.
The next one didn't want to be a racehorse and then they fell into The Cosmob.
"The mare had been spelling at our place and when Alvin Clark decided to give training away and move to Thames he said he'd try and get her for us to train. She was owned by a group of Asians, who leased her to us."
When a syndicate leases an untried horse of course they think of winning a Melbourne Cup.
But in reality what's really desirable is a horse that puts in every time and is always thereabouts earning a cheque.
The Cosmob was born to be a syndicate horse.
She has earned $114,750, but if you asked the syndicate members that question most probably wouldn't be able to tell you.
Their currency is participation, fun and excitement, not mere cash.
"She's remarkable," says Verner as he heads into tomorrow's $50,000 Te Awamutu Wines and Spirits Cup.
"She's had 27 starts and only four times has she failed to return with a cheque. And one of those was when she slipped and lost the rider," he said.
The Cosmob has had only two starts this preparation for good seconds to talented sorts Pindy and Ististar.
"Last preparation she had 15 starts and not many do that," said Verner.
"And she missed a cheque only once and that was in the Gasmate Stakes on a firm track and when she was at the end of her prep."
Despite not having things her way, The Cosmob was only five lengths off Sarajay and Everswindell in the Gasmate.
The mare's record is outstandingly consistent and may have been even better if she had not earlier shown a tendency to race too fiercely.
"In the finish we decided to let her have her head and lead and she settled better."
Verner's only concern is that two starts at Te Awamutu have produced ordinary efforts.
"But to be fair to her those were both before we decided to let her run and, also, she's stronger now."
There are some smart types engaged. Elblitzem, Point Guard, Waikeepadacash and Ascot Isle are all capable of winning and the chances don't end there.
Elblitzem took a few races to get fully fit and finally broke through at Tauranga last start. It was an impressive effort and what is likely to be a very heavy track will not be a problem for him.
Point Guard got to the line strongly for third over 1200m at Ellerslie last start and will appreciate the step up to 1580m.
$50,000 CUP
* The Cosmob looks ready to run another big race for the mob who race her.
* The Rewa Cos Syndicate are among racing's most enthusiastic bunch of owners.
* In The Cosmob they race one of New Zealand's most consistent horses.
* The Ardmore mare faces some tough opposition like Elblitzem tomorrow.
