all will be revealed next week, page-9

cpg, cranky, surfie and other one eyed MMX supporters - Can we stick with a single analogy.

If it makes you happy we can liken MMX to a 3yo thoroughbred, been through the barrier trials, weekday country meetings, upgraded to Saturday metropolitan meetings but is yet to qualify for Group 1.

CHM on the other hand you will agree is a parasite but not a flea. Common do-it-yourself remedies would have enabled MMX to get rid of CHM if it was a flea. No, CHM infestation has persisted for nearly six months and mild legal solutions haven't rid MMX of it. So it is more likely that CHM is a tick, an Australian Paralysis Tick.

The Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) causes the death of thousands of companion animals and livestock each year. Death follows ascending paralysis of the hindlimbs and respiratory failure. A canine antiserum is used for treatment but is expensive; must be administered early and the quality control is controversial.

Preventing tick paralysis is a much safer and cheaper alternative than treating the condition once it has occurred. Unfortunately for MMX it failed to take any preventive action, so it appears that it may have to endure a harsh remedy administered by the court rather than by a vet.