Wednesday, December 31, 2008

DOOMBEN REVIEW (SAT, DEC 27)

A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Saturday, December 27.

Racing at Doomben on Saturday produced some marvellous performances – and some hiccups.

Liam Birchley produced a training performance of which he can be proud. Birchley only contested two races on the card. He sent out the unbeaten Paprika to score an emphatic victory in the Tommy Smith Slipper Plate. Birchley then saddled the first two runners past the post in the Bernborough Handicap, with Pepperwood just getting the better of the game top weight Rags To Riches close to the line.

There was another scintillating display of sheer acceleration by Youthful Jack. The three-year-old appeared to have the race at his mercy at the weights, but it was the professional manner in which he went about his business that underlined his superior status.

The false start in the first race was a rare occurrence at a Metropolitan meeting, as was Medesano’s ‘run yourself to a standstill’ exhibition.

The gelding dropped jockey Scott Seamer as he burst through the gates prior to the start of the third race. Three laps of the track and more than ten minutes later, later, after showing off escape manoeuvres that included a deft sidestep, well-timed acceleration and a couple of smart u-turns, a very tired Medesano handed himself over to a Clerk Of The Course. It was hard to tell whether the red faces of the two Clerks on duty on the day was caused by exertion or embarrassment. My guess it was a bit of both.

STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From QTC meeting 26.12.08: Trainer M. Thexton was fined $100 for declaring S. Seamer for Angel’s Devil (Race 2) without confirming the engagement.
From GCTC meeting 27.12.08: Trainer L. Birchley was fined $400 for failing to scratch Circumnavigate (Race 2) and El Corona (Race 6).


Race 1:

Class 6, 3YO and Up QTIS Plate - 2120m
1st - Jussemi; 2nd - Dawns Queen; 3rd - Monashee Princess

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “I spoke to Scotty (Seamer) beforehand. I’ve been at him, and at him, and at him. I told him this horse can’t sprint. He just can’t take it up quickly. I said, ‘Scotty, if there is no pace on you just make up your mind when you want to go’.
“The thing he has got in his favour is he is a genuine 2000m plus horse. He is a genuine stayer”. (Jussemi finished second behind stable companion Sir Sensible in this year’s running of the Toowoomba Cup). “Also his temperament ... just look at him. Look at the way he walks around. He was one of the first to pull up when they went through the barriers” (at the false start). He’s just so relaxed.”

Jockey Scott Seamer (uncharacteristically beaming after his race winning move in the sweep to the turn): “He’s the type of horse that needs to be on the bit earlier than other horses. With the speed that the race was run, I thought I’d work home a nice 1000m. He’s a staying horse and he probably needs three or four runs to get right and today was his race.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Jussemi): 6.50 out to 7.00 in to 6,00.
Favourite (Monashee Princess): 2.00 out to 2.20 in to 2.00. (Finished third).

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jouer Le Jeu reared in the gates, dislodging apprentice L. Rolls, and as a result became cast. A short time later the barriers malfunctioned and opened, resulting in a false start being declared. Jouer Le Jeu was declared a late scratching at 12.22 p.m. by the stewards acting on veterinary advice as a result of the horse being fractious in the barriers. All other runners were restrained by their riders and returned behind the barriers to be vetted. Subsequently Relodge (R. McMahon) was a late scratching at 12.24 p.m. by order of the stewards acting on veterinary advice that the horse was exhibiting a marked increase in pulse rate and respiration. Trainer B. Smith will be advised that he must obtain a further barrier certificate for Jouer Le Jeu prior to the horse's next start.
Kazak Flyer (S. Galloway), Latin Idol (J. Bowditch) and Dawns Queen (A. Spinks) over-raced in the early and middle stages. Passing the 1000m Greenfinder (G. Colless) shifted out three wide to improve and was obliged to race three wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 500m Heartland (M. Hellyer), which was endeavouring to shift out to improve, made contact with Greenfinder. Near the 400m Beartracker (E. Wilkinson) had to be checked when attempting a narrow run between Heartland and the tiring Aquaracer (J. Taylor). Latin Idol had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.


Race 2:

F&M NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Fuhrnatic; 2nd - Icedane; 3rd - Sista Kugah

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “Once you get these mares going good they seem to stick with it don’t they? I’d say I was pretty confident this time at the 200m mark, which I’m not normally. She ran a Class Record last time too. She broke an thirteen-year-old Class Record last time and a ten-year-old record this time. She’s on her way up.
“She’s lightly raced. She’s a five-year-old and has only had fourteen starts. That’s not because she’s a cripple or anything like that. In fact she has had no real issues, but just little things have kept her back. She hurt herself and pulled a muscle in her shoulder. Then she kicked a wall and hurt her leg ... and each time I had to tip her out. So that’s why she only had fourteen starts. She’s going pretty well now though. We’ll head for the mares race on Magic Millions day.”

Jockey Jason Holder: “Mel (Eggleston) explained to me that she had a good sprint but that it is a fairly short one, so she won’t give as much as she feels like she will. I just let her stride up after the turn when she was balanced and she was very strong to the line. If she settles, she’ll get further I reckon.”

This was Fuhrnatic’s third win from four starts this preparation. Two of those wins have produced New Class Records. Fuhrnatic’s time of 1-18.92 here lowered the previous best set by Grouse Lane in November 1998. In her previous start Fuhrnatic time of 1-15.60 (over the 1300m at Eagle Farm) eclipsed the previous record which had been held by Nuray since November 1995.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Fuhrnatic)): 3.50 out to 4.40.
Favourite (Beautiful): 3.50 out to 3.60. (Finished fifth).

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1300m Pearly Mist (J. Taylor) and Icedane (S. Drake) were momentarily placed in restricted room between Starry Dancer (D. Missen) and Paradise Dancer (C. Dixon). Passing the 1100m Paradise Dancer commenced to over-race and near the 800m shifted out wider off the heels of Miss Monashee and in doing so forced The Pocket Rocket wider. Miss Monashee raced wide in the early and middle stages. Paradise Dancer and The Pocket Rocket raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Ladyswood (Matthew Palmer) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Miss Monashee, which was taken in by Paradise Dancer. Apprentice C. Dixon, the rider of Paradise Dancer was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Starry Dancer was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and from passing the 200m had difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 300m Beautiful (R. McMahon), which was endeavouring to obtain a run between Kenshe and Icedane (S. Drake), had to be steadied when Icedane shifted out. S. Drake, the rider of Icedane, was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Beautiful was then obliged to shift back in in an endeavour to obtain clear running, however Beautiful then had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 50m. Where’smine (K. Cunningham) hung out in the straight and near the 50m shifted out and brushed Miss Monashee.
Stewards questioned apprentice C. Dixon regarding his ride on Paradise Dancer, and in particular electing to push out four wide approaching the 800m and sustain a run in an endeavour to obtain the lead approaching the 600m. Apprentice C. Dixon stated that his instructions were that if he was caught wide to allow the horse to stride forward to take up a position. Stewards noted apprentice Dixon's comments, however advised him they believed his ride lacked initiative given that he had a position three wide behind Miss Monashee with cover and that he should have elected to maintain that position.


Race 3:

C,G&E NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Albert Cadabra; 2nd - Another Takeover; 3rd - Primeval Demand

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith: “Everything went well here. He just doesn’t handle the wet. That’s he’s only real weakness. The other day he struggled (but still won) at the Coast when it was a bit damp on the fence. He just kept dipping and dipping. That kid rode him enormous, that young Dittman. Did it easier here.”

Jockey Shane Scriven: “He jumped well enough, but then he got spat out towards the back. I said, ’come on, get up there,’ and he took up a fair position. Then in the straight, when I said go, he tested me a bit at first and I thought he wasn’t going to get there, but once he lengthened his stride and got into his rhythm, he was always going to win.”

This was Albert Cadabra’s third win in succession.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Albert Cadabra): 6.00 out to 7.50 in to 7.00.
Favourite (Primeval Demand): 3.00 out to 3.50 in to 4.00. (Finished third).

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As J. Holder was to be overweight, E. Wilkinson was substituted as the rider of Ready To Rise. J. Holder was fined $200 under AR. 120(b). Hesashow (L. Rolls) proved difficult to load. Trainer J. Bayliss was advised that Hesashow must perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial prior to its next start. Medesano (S. Seamer) broke through the gates dislodging jockey S. Seamer. The horse then took a considerable time to be captured and was declared a late scratching at 1.44 p.m. by order of the stewards. Battle At Sea (M. Radecker), which reared and struck its head in the barriers, was a late scratching at 1.55 p.m. by order of the stewards acting on veterinary advice. Crackaway also broke through the barriers, was quickly restrained by its rider R. Thompson, examined by the Club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. Resounding Victory (M. Hellyer) and Another Takeover (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly. Approaching the 1100m Hesashow, Matzumi (Matthew Palmer) and Bang The Castle (D. Craven) were all obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Indiana Storm (J. Taylor). Indiana Storm and Bang The Castle raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 900m Matzumi improved up on to the heels of Indiana Storm and had to be steadied. Approaching the 600m Protesta (G. Colless) improved up on to the heels of Revered Ruler (O. Turpin) and shifted out abruptly inconveniencing Indiana Storm. Shortly after straightening Another Takeover had to be checked when momentarily tightened for room between Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) and Primeval Demand (P. Hammersley) which shifted out. P. Hammersley, the rider of Primeval Demand was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Shuffle The Cash had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.


Race 4:

F&M NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Mr Hornblower; 2nd - Vocalic; 3rd - Noble Gaze

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “Tracy (Green) will have set him for this, He is a brilliant horse on his day and he’s got some nice sectionals in his time.” (Then, with regard to his rails hugging finish). “When you are on a horse that is keen on attacking the line it is easier to get through with your run.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Hornblower): 5.50 in to 5.00 out to 5.50.
Favourite (Insistence): 2.10 in to 2.00 out to 2.05. (Finished ninth and last).

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Malta (J. Holder) was slow to begin. Rounding the home turn Thin And Crispy (Matthew Palmer) shifted out and made contact with Insistence (Michael Palmer). Stewards opened an inquiry into the running and handling of Insistence. The inquiry was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed. A post-race veterinary examination of Insistence revealed the horse was showing a slightly slower than normal recovery rate.


Race 5:

Vo Rogue Plate - 1350m
1st - Youthful Jack; 2nd - Express Air; 3rd - Yatala

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Robert Thompson: “We knew a moderate tempo could be a danger ... but at the half-mile he was travelling comfortably. Coming to the corner I had to take another hold he was starting to travel that well. When I did let him down, he gathered them in pretty quickly and was a bit cheeky going to the line. He has got really good acceleration. He’ll be three or four lengths off them and the next stride he’ll be right on top of them. That’s the difference between an average horse and a very good horse. I think there is still improvement there. I’m sure he’s going to go a long way.”

Youthful Jack now has the enviable record of having won ten out of his fourteen starts. This win was his third in succession. Youthful Jack has won five-in-a-row in Brisbane and is unbeaten in four goes over the 1350m trip. Co-owner Ross Stitt was the original trainer of the three-year-old when it made its winning debut at Grafton. Stitt sent the horse to trainer Rex Lipp for his first Brisbane campaign where the Lipp / Tony Pattillo combination reeled of three wins, including the Doomben Slipper and the Australia Post victories during the Winter Carnival. The horse then moved south to the stable of Allan Denham for which he has now had four runs, saluting on three of those occasions. In a trophy acceptance speech at Doomben on Saturday, the connections of Youthful Jack paid tribute to the part played by Rex Lipp and Tony Pattillo in helping to build a solid foundation which allowed Youthful Jack to make the move to the next level. It was a nice touch. Ironically, the horse Youthful Jack beat home in the Vo Rogue, Express Air, is trained by Rex Lipp.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Youthful Jack): 1.45 in to 1.35 out to 1.40.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cat D’Antibes (R. McMahon) jumped away awkwardly. High Roll’n Woman (G. Colless) sprawled on jumping away and shifted in inconveniencing Jazz Heart (S. Scriven). Passing the 1200m Jazz Heart commenced to over-race and near the 800m pulled itself up between High Roll’n Woman and Cat D’Antibes where there was insufficient room and as a result Jazz Heart blundered. Black Minx (A. Best) and Youthful Jack (R. Thompson), which were following, were hampered as a consequence. In this incident Navigation (C. Spry) was pushed wide. C. Spry then allowed Navigation to stride forward and obtain a position outside the leader approaching the 600m. Adnocon (K. Pope) raced wide for the majority of the event. Yatala (B. Pengelly) was held up for clear running from rounding the home turn until near the 200m. High Roll’n Woman was also held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight.


Race 6:

Tommy Smith Slipper Plate - 1200m
1st - Paprika; 2nd - Carlton Forward; 3rd - Moonlight Hussey

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “The instructions I gave were to be aggressive out of the gates ... to be one, two three or four. Just to go forward and to let her know what she is supposed to do basically. Also, to get a good, hard, 1200m under her belt. We’ve done enough with her now in terms of education. It was time to get serious. I think there is still more to come from her. She’s still a bit round so I reckon she’ll get a bit of benefit out of this run.”

Jockey Shane Scriven: “Yeah, she’s a lovely filly. She raced a bit patchy today though. She began very welI. I gave her a dig. She sprinted up there. Then she looked to relax. Then she picked up the bit again. Then she relaxed. She was on and off today ... but that’s it, you know, she is still learning. Got a long way to go too, but there’s a lot of natural ability there.
“Liam’s done a great job with her. We worked out there wasn’t much pace in the race. Wouldn’t have minded running second or third, but the ideal world doesn’t always happen. That’s where we’ll be running in the Millions hopefully. She’s got a very good turn of foot which we’ll use to our advantage. This win ended the pressure of the last two weeks. I guess it’s on again now for the next two weeks.”

An extract from an article in the Weekend Sportsman of December 12 reads as follows:
Birchley has been successful in early two-year-old races in Brisbane for many years but says this filly (Paprika) represents something different to any of the two-year-olds he’s ever trained.
“I’ve had horses who won good races early on but it was probably more because they had a physical advantage,” he (Birchley) said. “I haven’t really had a two-year-old that ticks all the boxes and she seems to tick every box.
“She’s done everything you could’ve wanted her to do, her temperament is fantastic and to me she just seems like the perfect racehorse.”

Fast forward two weeks and two feature race wins later and the performances of Paprika (now unbeaten in four starts) stand as a testament to both Birchley’s ability to select a ‘good un’ and the his training expertise in bringing the horses talent to the fore.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Paprika): 1.50 out to 1.60.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Southport (R. Thompson) jumped out at the start and made contact with Phelan Ready (J. Holder). First Option (C. Spry) was a little slow to begin. Bella Sirena (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout. Fairchild had a tendency to lay out from passing the 800m. Passing the 600m Fairchild (B. Pengelly) improved up on to the heels of Phelan Ready and had to be steadied. A post-race veterinary examination of Fairchild failed to reveal any abnormalities.


Race 7:

Bernborough Handicap - 1630m
1st - Pepperwood; 2nd - Rags To Riches; 3rd - Secrets Untold

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (whose horse ran the big race quinella): “It was hard for me to separate my two horses going into the race. The one makes his own luck and I thought if there was genuine pace he would be very hard to beat at the weights from there. But if they stopped and started a bit, that lets the other one in. As it turned out the two came together close to the line for nearly the perfect result. Yeah, it is my biggest day at the races in terms of the quality of the races that I’ve won on any day.”

The Birchley stable only contested two races on the day and went home with two Listed race winners and a Listed race quinella.

Jockey Robert Thompson: “Yeah I had a lovely run all the way. I sat midfield, or just behind midfield, and we travelled beautifully. I knew it was going to be hard to run down the old boy (Rags To Riches) when I saw him up there, but I guess we had the weight advantage which made the difference in the end. I just want to thank Liam (Birchley) and his staff for having my horse so fit for me today. We’ve had a bit of success together and it is always a pleasure to ride for the stable.”

Thompson stated he had a ‘lovely run all the way’. He obviously makes light of difficulties encountered in the running, which is possibly one of the reasons why he has ridden the number of winners he has in his time in the saddle. For some of those difficulties, see the references to Pepperwood in the Stewards Report Extract.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Pepperwood): 4.00 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Barlinnie): 5.00 in to 4.00. (Finished ninth).

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1600m Nellie Got There (E. Wilkinson) shifted out abruptly resulting in Daunting Lad (Michael Palmer), Rebounded (J. Bowditch), Rags To Riches (S. Scriven), Start’s Flyer (G. Colless), Cocktail Supreme (M. Radecker) and Barlinnie (J. Holder) all being hampered to varying degrees. In this incident Daunting Lad clipped the heels of Nellie Got There and blundered. Trainer J. McLachlan was advised that Nellie Got There must trial to the satisfaction of the stewards before it races again.
Approaching the 1400m Pepperwood (R. Thompson) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Start’s Flyer which shifted in. Near the 1300m Pepperwood again had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Strat’s Flyer. G. Colless, the rider of Start’s Flyer, was reprimanded on both occasions.
Cocktail Supreme, Barlinnie and Ashraf (D. Spriggs) raced wide from the early stages until near the 800m. Passing the 600m Jujulio (A. Spinks) shifted out and made contact with Pepperwood. A short distance later Jujulio improved up on to the heels of Stat’s Flyer, had to be steadied and shifted out making further contact with Pepperwood forcing that horse wider. Pepperwood was then obliged to race three wide for the remainder of the event. Sequestrate (A. Pattillo) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Shortly after straightening Secrets Untold (S. Seamer) forced a run between Pepperwood and Barlinnie and as a result made contact with Barlinnie. Near the 150m Nellie Got there was inconvenienced by Majorca (R. McMahon) which shifted out. When questioned regarding the performance of Start’s Flyer, jockey G. Colless stated that the horse obtained a nice position and travelled well until the home turn, however failed to respond to his riding in the straight. He added that the horse in his opinion raced like a horse that may have come to the end of its preparation. Stewards intend to contact trainer Mr A. Denham in the days subsequent to the event to seek further comment. A post-race veterinary examination of Strat’s Flyer failed to reveal any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance of Barlinnie, jockey J. Holder stated that after there was some interference inside him shortly after the start he was then obliged to take up a position further back than he anticipated and as a result was caught three wide until near the 800m. He added that from that point he obtained a position on the back of Pepperwood, however the horse failed to run on as expected. Trainer T. Bailey A post-race veterinary examination of Barlinnie failed to reveal any abnormalities.


Race 8:

Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Firedrake; 2nd - Borsha's Mark; 3rd - Jumaana

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “That makes up a bit for earlier in the day.” (Heinrich was referring to the ‘last past the post’ finish of her mare Insistence, who earlier had started a clear-cut favourite in the fourth race on the card. Stewards opened an inquiry into the running and handling of Insistence). “Never mind. Always nice to go home with a winner.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Firedrake): 5.50 in to 4.20.
Favourite (Borsha’s Mark): 3.60 steady.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bryn Callum (S. Scriven) and Yass River (L. Rolls) were a little slow to begin. Davion (R. Wiggins) over-raced in the early stages. Bryn Callum, Chilled (S. Seamer) and Key Bar Nights (J. Holder) raced wide throughout. In the early stages of the straight Ready When You Are (M. Hellyer) had difficulty obtaining clear running.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT
Horses swabbed
All winners, 2nd place-getters in Races 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8, Insistence and Carlton Forward (pre-race)

Monday, December 29, 2008

EAGLE FARM REVIEW (FRI, DEC 26)

A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Friday, December 26.

STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT:
From SCTC, 21.12.08
Trainer P. Duff reported that Knuckles, which performed below expectations, had pulled up well, however he was of the opinion that the horse may not have handled the hot weather on the day. He further added that Knuckles would now be sent for a short spell.

Race 1:

Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Hell Week; 2nd - Commanche Warrior; 3rd - Chi Chi Grande

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gary Wells: “He’s been consistent enough prior leading up to this breakthrough. Last time I thought he was a good thing, but the 57kg in the heavy going got to him at the end. There wasn’t one thing that made the difference today. It’s always come down to a combination of things. Today it was a mix of the 54.5kg, the extra ground, the inside draw – and a good ride”

Winner (Hell Week): 13.00 out to 18.00 in to 17.00.
Favourite (Saint Minerva): 5.00 steady. Finished ninth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer L. Manzelmann was fined $50 for presenting AUSBRED ICON late to the enclosure. Brilliant Ween over-raced in the early stages. Commanche Warrior (S. Scriven) raced wide in the early stages and was obliged to push forward to obtain a position closer to the fence. Near the 800m, Saint Minerva improved up on to the heels of Ausbred Icon (A. Spinks) and had to be steadied, shifting out, forcing Chi Chi Grande out on to Pleasure Shot. Chi Chi Grande then was obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Shortly after straightening, Young Prince (B. Pengelly) was disappointed for a run between Langtime (M. Hellyer) and the tiring Seventeen Black (D. Craven). Approaching the 300m, Damashqui shifted out and bumped Probability (S. Galloway). Near the 300m, Saint Minerva had to be steadied when tightened for room between Pleasure Shot, which shifted in slightly, and Probability, which after being bumped by Damashqui shifted out. Gold Rating (A. Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Pleasure Shot raced wide throughout. A. Spinks (Ausbred Icon) and C. McIver (Arakawa) were both reprimanded regarding their use of whips on horses out of contention.


Race 2:

QTIS 2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Sarge In Charge; 2nd - Motown Lady; 3rd - Big Tony

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “We bought him as a stayer and we obviously hoping he is going to go on with it. It’s a pretty promising start to his career winning a 1000m race as a two-year-old. He qualifies for the big Karaka race in New Zealand now and we’d be mad not to take up the opportunity. They go the same way around as Brisbane. There is option to hitch a ride back with New Zealand Bloodstock horses straight from the Magic Millions so I’ll check that out. That should work out well.”

Jockey Shane Scriven: “Yeah mate, I’d like to go to New Zealand and take the Kiwi’s money. He did it very well today so he certainly deserves the chance.”

Winner (Sarge In Charge): 3.80 in to 3.50 out to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As S. Seamer was dually engaged for Devil’s Angel and Umanugget, B. El-Issa was substituted as the rider of Devil’s Angel. Stewards adjourned an inquiry into this matter until trainer M. Thexton, trainer of Devil’s Angel, could be interviewed. Daneready (A. Taylor) had to be steadied on jumping away to avoid the heels of Felony Flight (B. Pengelly), which after jumping away awkwardly shifted in.
False Accusation (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Near the 800m, Devil’s Angel (B. El-Issa) had to be steadied off the heels of Lucky Deluchi (T. Treichel). Passing the 700m, Felony Flight (B. Pengelly) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Falls Creek (G. Colless), which shifted in. Daneready (A. Taylor) raced ungenerously passing the 800m until shortly after straightening. Leaving the 600m, the saddle on Devil’s Angel shifted to the near-side, placing jockey B. El-Issa at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event. Near the 200m, Daneready shifted in abruptly of its own accord. False Accusation (R. McMahon) and Umanugget raced wide throughout. Big Tony lost its off-fore plate in running.


Race 3:

F&M Class 6 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Zero Rock; 2nd - Acquired; 3rd - Decibella

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “He didn’t get the 1300m two runs back and that’s the only pity about her. She is such a professional racehorse, but she doesn’t stay any further. The way she travels and goes about her business would have made her an ideal candidate for that Magic Millions three-year-old race (which Pengelly won last year on Heart Of The Citi), but she doesn’t stay so that takes care of that. There’ll be other races for her though. She is a very talented horse.”

Winner (Zero Rock): 1.40 out to 1.45.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As M. Radecker was to be overweight, T. Treichel was substituted as the rider of Miss Mataya. M. Radecker was fined $100. Pagan County (Michael Palmer) jumped away awkwardly. Passing the 700m, Covet Gold (Matthew Palmer) had to be steadied off the heels of She’s Got Game (K. Wharton). Red Letter Daze (R. McMahon) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight, and near the 350 was disappointed for a run to the inside of Linconi (O. Turpin). Red Letter Daze was then obliged to shift out to obtain clear running. Near the 200m, Pagan County improved up on to the heels of Miss Mataya (T. Treichel) and had to be steadied. Pagan County then had difficulty obtaining clear running for a short distance thereafter. She’s Got Game (K. Wharton) and Coxless (C. Reith) raced wide throughout. Acquired lost its off-fore plate in running. She’s Got Game (K. Wharton) lost its near-hind plate in running.


Race 4:

3yo Handicap - 1500m
1st - Woorim; 2nd - Fiesty Manner; 3rd - Lifebuoy

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “I learnt my lesson last time when we were on the stand thinking On The Fridge couldn’t win. You also don’t worry as much when you got Colless on board. He is such an outstanding jockey. We’ve just kept stepping him up in training and stepping him up and it looks like it’s worked. Maybe middle distance is his go, maybe a mile. It’s quite exciting getting this result because we know how good his brother was and if he proves to be half as good as My Limit we’ll be laughing.”

Jockey Glen Colless: “We got that far back I intended to ride for luck. But then I thought there is just too much traffic to contend with so I decided to switch him out into the clear and allow him an uninterrupted run home. He had to respond well if he was going to get there and he did just that.”

Winner (Woorim): 3.50 out to 3.80 in to 3.40.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rothera (B. Pengelly) jumped away awkwardly. Passing the 1100m, Don’t Tell Daddy (M. Hellyer), which was over-racing, improved to the inside of Mr Orient (J. Taylor) where there was insufficient room and had to be steadied. Nortepoppy (A. Pattillo) raced wide in the early stages and obliged to push forward to obtain a position one off passing the 800m. Passing the 1000m, Privileged Class (Matthew Palmer) commenced to hang out and did so for the remainder of the event. Trainer H. Norman was advised that Privileged Class must trial to the satisfaction of the stewards before its next race start. Circlework (S. Galloway) was inconvenienced rounding the home turn by Privileged Class, which shifted out when hanging out. Near the 100m, Upi Bay (K. Pope) shifted out and brushed Don’t Tell Daddy. Lifebuoy (A. Spinks) lost its near fore plate in running.


Race 5:

1MW Handicap - 1600m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Iluva Queenslander; 3rd - The Cavern Club

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable in Murwillumbah): “He just keeps putting in so well. He’s going from strength to strength. (This was Pyramids’ fourth win from five starts since transferring north). “He’ll get three or four days off in the paddock now.”

Jockey Matthew Palmer: “It was interesting because he was definitely more charged up than he usually is before the race, but it made absolutely no difference to him once the gates opened. He did exactly what he did in his last two wins. He allows you to position him where you want him. He kicks as soon as you ask and he keeps at it till the race is one. The runs have almost a carbon copy of each other. It might sound like a strange description, but it’s almost been a fairy-tale the way this horse has come on since he has been up here. He’s got three weeks until his next run and that break should suit him ideally.”

Winner (Pyramids): 3.00 out to 3.10 in to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On jumping away Doug’s Mate (G. Colless), Telestah La Vistah (T. Treichel) and In Phuket (L. Rolls) were tightened for room between Iluva Queenslander (R. McMahon), which shifted in slightly, and Lucky Luna (S. Seamer), which shifted out. In this incident, Doug’s Mate clipped the heels of Telestah La Vistah and blundered. Intemperate (A. Pattillo) and Spectacular Pic (A. Taylor) were both slow to begin. In the early stages of the straight, The Cavern Club (A. Spinks) was momentarily held up for clear running. Passing the 100m, Lucky Luna (S. Seamer), which had been endeavouring to obtain a narrow run between Jacaranda Charm (K. Forrester) and Sun For Sale (S. Galloway) for some distance, had to be steadied when disappointed for that run. Iluva Queenslander shifted considerable ground inwards under pressure inside the 100m.


Race 6:

Class 6 3yo & Up Plate - 1400m
1st - Red Sphere; 2nd - Thorondo; 3rd - Calm Before

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless: “He was fancied last time and I nearly came off. It was only because he hit the side of the gate that I stayed on. He just got the right run today. That’s the best way to explain it. He just got the right run.”

The Stewards Report Extract from Red Sphere’s previous run reads: Red Sphere (G. Colless) jumped away extremely awkwardly, losing considerable ground. In this incident G. Colless became unbalanced.

Winner (Red Sphere): 5.50 steady.
Favourite (Paymore): 3.80 out to 4.20 in to 4.00.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Red Sphere (G. Colless), which jumped away awkwardly, shifted out, making contact with Thorondo (K. Pope). Near the 1300m when endeavouring to obtain a position closer to the fence, Paymore (B. Pengelly) had to be steadied off the heels of Red Sphere. Passing the 1300m, Columate (E. Wilkinson) commenced to over-race and near the 800m improved up on to the heels of Rule By Right (S. Galloway) and had to be checked. Leaving the 300m, Pride Of Power (Matthew Palmer) had difficulty obtaining clear running between Askew (Michael Palmer) and Calm Before (C. McIver).


Race 7:

Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Sommersea Drive; 2nd - Regal Castanea; 3rd - Mystery City

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “He’s a good horse. He should have won last time. The boy dropped the stick. Made no mistake this time.”

Jockey Ken Pope: “I rode this horse before he raced and I thought he would go pretty well. He was a bit of a slow to mature though, but he ended up doing very well last prep. He handles himself real well now and I think he is the type of horse that can be set for something bigger. I think he’s that sort of quality.”

Winner (Sommersea Drive): 9.00 in to 8.00 out to 9,00.
Favourite (Baazooka): 5.50 in to 4.60. Finished fourth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Tornadic Sky (J. Taylor) improved up on to the heels of Dance The Waves (G. Colless) and had to be steadied and shifted out abruptly, momentarily forcing Bazzooka (J. Holder) 3 wide. Starlactic (Michael Palmer) had difficulty obtaining clear running from passing the 350m until near the 100m. Passing the 200m, Victory Code (M. Radecker) was momentarily placed in restricted room between Regal Castanea (S. Galloway) and Steptoe (D. Craven), which shifted out abruptly. Stood Up (A. Taylor) raced wide throughout. Steptoe bled during the race. As this was the second occasion on which the gelding has bled, Steptoe will now incur a lifetime bar from racing in Australia.
When questioned regarding the performance of Mr Aristos, apprentice O. Turpin stated that after beginning only fairly the gelding travelled well, however when placed under pressure in the straight, failed to run on as expected. Trainer B. Trimble was at a loss to explain the horse's performance, however stated that Mr Aristos may have come to the end of its preparation and that he may give the gelding an ease up. Mr Trimble undertook to report to stewards any abnormality which may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance. A post race veterinary examination of Mr Aristos failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.


Race 8:

C, G & E Class 6 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Nericon King; 2nd - Shudule Gee; 3rd - Cardio

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin (in a very anxious mode): “He’s been banned once before so it’s a worry after the race. It’s tough to have that hanging over your head. He should be alright.”

Jockey Danny Craven: “He was only going a bit above half-pace. The only reason I gave him a hit was to straighten him up because he wanted to hang out. I ride him in work and he’s really going well. Barry (Baldwin) was anxious waiting for him to return, was he? Of course he was! He knows how good a horse he is. He is a very intelligent animal and a class above a lot of them.

Winner (Nericon King): 2.40 out to 2.60.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Release Me (E. Wilkinson) jumped away awkwardly. Three Little Words (B. El-Issa) jumped outwards at the start, making contact with Mosso (S. Galloway). Pandemonia (C. McIver) and Kids Show (Michael Palmer) were slow to begin. Passing the 700m, Kids Show (Michael Palmer) had to be checked when tightened for room by Three Little Words (B. El-Issa), which shifted in slightly. B. El-Issa, rider of Three Little Words, was severely reprimanded. Near the 50m, Three Little Words and Pandemonia (C. McIver) came together. Red Hot Pistol (R. Mason) and Kelly (S. Seamer) raced wide throughout.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners, Rule By Right, Iluva Queenslander, Feisty Manner, Acquired, Motown Lady, Commanche Warrior, Steptoe.

Bleeders
Race 7. Steptoe - 2nd occasion - Lifetime bar - AR53A.

Friday, December 26, 2008

VO ROGUE PREVIEW (SAT, DEC 27)

A preview of the $150 000 Vo Rogue Plate (Listed) for Three-Year-Olds to be run over 1350m at Doomben on Saturday, December 27.

There are no surprises in the horse that is rated ‘the one to beat’, but there are enough positives lurking in the form-lines of some of Youthful Jack’s rivals to make it interesting race.

Remember when you place your bet, you choose your dividend, or range of dividends in the case of bets like the trifecta or quadrella. So, in the Vo Rogue, the first leg of the quadrella, do you take the standout and push for an upset in one of the other legs, or are you going to try to get the favourite beaten to boost your dividend, and then trust your luck in the later races?

That’s why they call it gambling.

The following form commentary is supplied in an effort to help you resolve that dilemma.

Vo Rogue Plate – 1350m

The one to beat: YOUTHFUL JACK.
Youthful Jack has won four-in-a-row in Queensland. He has won three out of three over this distance. He has proved he handles good to slow going. His trainer knows how to keep them primed. He couldn’t have a more experienced rider. A wide draw is always a disadvantage, but he has shown he has a turn of foot to be able to overturn that negative at whatever stage he chooses to put it to use.

Youthful Jack is a nine-time winner, but carries the same 56kg as his four fellow colts and geldings in the line-up (who are all only two-time winners). He gives the fillies 2kg at the weights.

Last time out, at the same weight conditions, he beat four of the runners he meets here in convincing fashion. Cat D’Antibes has to make up two lengths on Youthful Jack, Daddy’s Little Girl has to make up three lengths, Black Minx 3.80 lengths and Jazz Heart 4.60 lengths.

That is the minimum number of lengths the chasers will have to improve. The fact that Youthful Jack was not tested to the line last time left the impression he could have extended his advantage on that occasion if his rider had chosen to do so, which means that his rivals are likely to be placed under more pressure than the recent maths suggests.

The dangers: BLACK MINX, CAT D’ANTIBES, HIGH ROLL’N WOMAN.
Black Minx went into the San Domenico at Rosehill in August as a five-time winner from only six starts. He faded in disappointing fashion on that occasion, was sent out for a spell and then was comfortably beaten by Youthful Jack when resuming last time.

The important statistic to note is that Black Minx is unbeaten in two goes second-up. That, and the prowess the Lonhro filly showed prior to her two not-so-inspiring outings either side of being spelled make her well worth a second glance.

The lightly raced Cat D’Antibes, in real terms, has yet to put a foot wrong. No, he is not unbeaten, but he has yet to finish out of the first three places in five starts – two of which were in Group 2 company, a level to which none of his rivals here (including Youthful Jack) have yet managed to aspire to. The colt won on the only other occasion he started second-up (which he does here), so the warnings are there.

High Roll’N Woman can also stake her claim on solid evidence. Trainer Alan Bailey is as shrewd as they come when it comes to placing horses. The filly has performed with some credit in both starts since resuming (in her last race the saddle slipped back in the running) and she now drops a massive 4.5kg in the weights. Common-sense suggests she will have taken some improvement out of those runs and the combination of her stripping fitter and carrying a lighter weight should see her get closer to the action.

Upset possibility: DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL.
Her strike-rate does not inspire confidence but she has done just enough on occasions to make her the underdog contender.

Of the rest:
Express Air is another showing plenty of promise. Being slow away last time was a costly error, but she finished off very well, going past High Roll’N Woman (who also had problems with the saddle slipping) to beat that one home by 1.25 lengths. The weight turnaround is now 4kg in favour of the High Roll’N Woman, which should be a telling factor. She is also 3.5kg worse off with Jazz Heart who she beat home by 1.2 lengths in her penultimate start. While there is certain to be more improvement to come, these two weight turnaround factors underline the difficulty of Express Air’s task, which is why she is only rated in this category.

Jazz Heart has a good second-up record and she has yet to finish out of the first two in three goes at this track. He is clearly a useful sort, but he has yet to confirm he has the armoury to take on the best of the opposition here.

Yatala is going through the divisions well enough, but this does represent a substantial jump in class which is expected to find her out.

Adnocon flatters on occasions, but has been up a long time this prep and has not done enough to suggest she can have a major say here.

Navigation is another who looks some way short of the class required to claim victory in this line-up.

Further food for thought:

A bit to do from the draw: Youthful Jack, Adnocon, Yatala.
Unbeaten at distance: Youthful Jack, Express Air.
Other winners at distance: Yatala (2 out of 4)
First time this distance: Black Minx, High Roll’N Woman.
Unbeaten at track: Black Minx
Other winners at track: Youthful Jack, Cat D’Antibes, Jazz Heart
Jockey movement: Glen Colless rides for his stable (Alan Bailey) on High Roll’N Woman and so relinquishes the ride on Cat D’Antibes, who he partnered in the colt’s last four starts. Ric McMahon is now the rider for Cat D’Antibes. McMahon, who was not on any of the three Bryan Guy stable winners last weekend, will thus again be riding against the stable to which he is attached as Shane Scriven keeps the ride on the Guy trained Jazz Heart. With Jim Byrne still indisposed, Adam Best gets another big opportunity aboard Black Minx.
Beaten favourite last time: High Roll’N Woman, Express Air (both started equal favourites).
Good going: Will leave all runners on an equal footing.
Dead going: Youthful Jack is unbeaten on dead going. Yatala has not won in five starts on dead going.
Slow going: Youthful Jack, Jazz Heart and Black Minx are unbeaten on slow going.
Heavy going: No runner has confirmed form on this type of going.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT

The Board of the Sunshine Coast Racing Pty Ltd, as trustee of the Sunshine Coast Racing Trust, has approved a new equine precinct which will be built at the Corbould Park track in Coloundra.

It is anticipated that work on the new development will commence in the New Year. The project is based on demand and will be undertaken in two phases.

The first phase, which will comprise 256 modules, is expected to be completed by the end of August 2009. The second phase will provide an additional 160 modules. On completion, the stabling complex will thus house no less than 416 modules, which can be utilised as stables or feed rooms or tack rooms.

The stabling complex will be positioned on the rise next to the 1600m and 1800m starts. This location will help the horses to benefit from the sea breezes that cool the area.

The complex will provide auxiliary services which will include an equine swimming pool; horse-walkers on a ratio of 1 to 50: sand rolls on a ratio of 1 to 25 and hose down bays on a ratio of 1 to 20.

Each block will comprise 64 stables which can be divided into smaller segments of eight, sixteen or thirty-two.

Sunshine Coast Racing has finalised a business model for the stabling project. The indicative costing per stable for those on a lease option is $60 to $80 (plus GST) per week, for a long term lease, and $70 to $90 (plus GST)per week, for a short-term lease.

This fee includes stabling, use of all auxiliary services and manure removal. The stabling precinct will have on-site management to ensure security and cleanliness is maintained at all times.

Sunshine Coast Racing is also considering allowing outright ownership of stables within the precinct. To this end, Sunshine Coast Racing has developed an ‘Expression Of Interest’ document which is available on both the Queensland Racing Limited and Sunshine Coast Turf Club websites. The return deadline for the Expression Of Interest forms is January 19.

Monday, December 22, 2008

SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, DEC 21)

A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, December 21.

Another double for the McLachlan stable, with the win of Tropical Express adding a touch of nostalgia to the stable success (see race 8).

Then, talk about bouncing back ... apprentice jockey Luke Dittman was dumped by King’s Birthday when returning to the parade ring after the fourth race. He walked back with a sheepish grin, and then proceeded to win on all three of his remaining rides (including the two McLachlan winners) to go home as easily the most successful rider on the day.

Trainer Bryan Guy continued his rich vein of form by saddling two winners from the four runners he sent into combat (see races 2 and 7). Guy has been on fire lately. His runners ran the quinella twice this week, at Eagle Farm on Wednesday and at Doomben on Saturday – and the stable also had a winner at Ipswich on Friday.

A third trainer, Barry Baldwin, also completed a double on the day (see races 1 and 6). Baldwin in fact when home with a full house as The Crusader and Quisatana were the only two runners he had engaged at the meeting.

Race 1:

QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - The Crusader; 2nd - Showit; 3rd - Sarcastically

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Ryan Wiggins: “I think he’s got a future this horse. He’s still very green obviously. He was hanging one way then the other halfway up the straight, but ability-wise, I think he’s going go on and do a bit.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 600m, Craiglea Supreme (P. Hammersley) raced up on to the heels of Le Mirage (R. McMahon) and had to be steadied. Passing the 600m, Sarcastically improved up on to the heels of Famous Cry and shifted in and had to be checked off the heels of Little Patch (T. Treichel). Miss Madi (B. Payne) over-raced during the middle stages of the event. Leaving the 300m, The Crusader (R. Wiggins) shifted out under pressure, resulting in Showit (M. Hughes) having to alter course inwards to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, The Crusader shifted in resulting in Showit having to be steadied. Flyer Belle (K. Banks) raced wide throughout.


Race 2:

QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - Div 2 - 1000m
1st - Casholet; 2nd - Goodlookin Gambler; 3rd - Rich Baby

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “We bought her for a client for $70 000. She only wanted it for breeding purposes because the mother (Kashkow) was a listed winner with Graeme Rogerson. So the owner asked if I could find someone to lease her racing career. I said she’s going that well, I’m sure I’ll find somebody.” (The horse runs in the colours of Daniel Guy).

Jockey Matthew Palmer: “She trialled well at Eagle Farm. She did a lot of things wrong here. She wanted to hang out on the turn. She got her tongue over the bit. I told Bryan (Guy) that he should try a tongue-tie next time or some kind of tongue control. So she’s going to have plenty of improvement to come, particularly over the 1200m trip.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rich Baby (S. Scriven) was momentarily held up for clear running on entering the straight. Near the 200m, Lightning Jake (J. Piper), which was weakening, shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, tightening the running of Stylish Ambition (M. Hellyer). Pure Slip (K. Pope) raced greenly during the early stages of the straight. Near the finish line, Milly Magic (C. Small) had to be steadied when Lightning Jake shifted out slightly. Jazzshinko (D. Barron), Kalinga Lady (T. Treichel) and Moon Shaker raced wide throughout.


Race 3:

4yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - We've An Angel; 2nd - Can She Laugh; 3rd - Exelero

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Jana Piper: “In her early runs she was just immature and she’s also had feet problems to deal with, which set her back. She went well fresh here. I always thought I was going to get there when we quickened up, but I was hoping to have more of a margin at the line. She was first-up though, so you couldn’t really ask for more.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 300m, Atlantic Light (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run and steadied when tightened for room between Exelero (A. Pattillo) and Konohana (J. Kropp), which shifted out when weakening. Near the 50m, Konohana (J. Kropp) was tightened for room between Atlantic Light (K. Pope) and Jacka (M. Hughes), which shifted out. T. Treichel, rider of All Join Hands, accidentally dropped his whip near the 250m. Konohana (J. Kropp), Atlantic Light (K. Pope), Slippery Looks (M. Speers) and Lapetus (M. Heagney) raced wide throughout.


Race 4:

Maiden Handicap - 1400m
1st - Jessie Street; 2nd - Amaizemea; 3rd - Langtime

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Mandy Radecker: “She was a bit unlucky last time in town. Here she travelled well enough but was caught wide early. At the 900m mark I was held wide and I was a bit worried. By the 600m mark though, we were still wide, but we were only a couple of lengths off the lead, so I thought, ‘this could end well.’ She just went the minute I asked her. She let down so well I think she gave them wind-burn when she went past.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1000m, Justly Proud (M. Traecey) improved up on to the heels of Mercent (K. Pope) and was steadied. Oculus (R. McMahon) raced wide during the early stages. Passing the 800m, Nobody’s Friend (G. Butler) improved up on to the heels of Jessie Street (M. Radecker) and had to be steadied. Near the 250m, Grey Mark (P. Hammersley) was momentarily held up for clear running between Oculus (R. McMahon) and Lisaldatroy (J. Kropp). Jessie Street (M. Radecker) and Kindroon (J. Letherby) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Shreps failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.


Race 5:

Class 4 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Framous; 2nd - Tanzill; 3rd - Vargas Girl

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “His city form was good enough to make him a big chance here. All I was worried about was the tempo of the race. But it all went off well and when he pulled him out he was always going to be hard to beat. Gee, this boy (Luke Dittman) rides well, doesn’t he? Pity he’s going to get too tall.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1100m, Diamond Sapphire, which commenced to over-race, shifted out and as a result was steadied off the heels of Framous. Tanzill was momentarily held up for clear running passing the 300m.
A post-race veterinary examination of Life’s Short revealed the horse to have bled from both nostrils. Trainer R. Bradshaw was advised that Life’s Short will incur a 3 month bar from racing.
On return to scale, J. Holder reported that Diamond Sapphire felt awkward in its action during the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Diamond Sapphire revealed the horse had bled from both nostrils. Diamond Sapphire will be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.


Race 6:

Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Quisatana; 2nd - Use To Be A Dancer; 3rd - Fly Misty

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “Yeah she got the job done well. It was her first time over 1600m, so the result is encouraging. She was scratched from Ipswich on Friday because of the barrier. She had number 16 I think. I thought she’d have a better chance here.”

Quisatana was the second of two winners on the day for trainer Barry Baldwin. The stable had struck earlier with the first-timer, The Crusader.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Knuckles (M. Radecker) raced wide in the early stages. Passing the 1200m, Fly Misty (M. Traecey) commenced to over-race up on to the heels of Pamela’s Wonder (E. Wilkinson) and shifted out. Fly Misty was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Use To be A Dancer (P. Hammersley) commenced to over-race after passing the 800m for a short distance. Our Heart (A. Pattillo) was inclined to lay in in the home straight, placing its rider at a disadvantage.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Knuckles, M. Radecker stated that the gelding travelled well throughout, however when placed under pressure on entering the straight, Knuckles failed to respond to her riding and commenced to weaken. A post-race veterinary examination of failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer Mr P. Duff undertook to report to stewards any abnormality which may come to light which may have had some bearing on the performance.


Race 7:

Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Laurels; 2nd - Alexandre; 3rd - County Raider

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “As a young horse, and I mean still a yearling, he must have put his foot in a hole or something. He injured himself so badly that we had to put a screw in his foot and then put him out in the paddock for twelve months. The vets gave him a good prognosis because he was a young horse thinking that the injury would heal given time. We took the time and now he is repaying us. He is a good horse. That he is unbeaten this prep shows just how well he is progressing.”

Laurels completed a double for the Bryan Guy stable on the day. When asked why stable jockey Ric McMahon was not aboard any of the Guy stable’s three weekend winners, Bryan Guy responded, “Well Matty (Palmer) and Paul (Hammersley) all come down to ride work for me and I just spread the rides around a little.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The saddle on Fantastic Carat shifted forward shortly after start, resulting in the filly taking no competitive part in the race, and being retired from the event at the 500m.


Race 8:

Open Handicap - 1400m
1st - Tropical Express; 2nd - Mosta House; 3rd - Sir Teles

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Bruce McLachlan: “This is a special win for us. Tropical Express was the last horse in training at Thornhill Park before we closed down there. I trained him. Jason trained him and had a few wins with him, and now we are training him together. He’s the last horse left from the Thornhill Park era. We moved and we’ve been here for five years now, and it is really special to get this win in what will be his last preparation.”

Tropical Express completed a double for the McLachlan stable on the day. Framous (Race 5) and Tropical Express were both ridden by apprentice jockey Luke Dittman.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mechanical Fan (A. Spinks) was slow to begin. Noble Gaze (M. Hughes) knuckled on jumping away. Craiglea Warrior (M. Speers) over-raced during the early and middle stages. Leverage (K. Wharton) bumped the running rail on several occasions of its own accord passing the 800m and became unbalanced. A post-race veterinary examination of Showify, which performed below expectations, revealed the horse had pulled up lame in the near hind leg. Connections were advised that a veterinary clearance for Showify would be required prior to its next race start.


Race 9:

Class 3 Plate - 1000m
1st - His Boy Elroy; 2nd - Blue Jupiter; 3rd - Raspberry Licorice

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Jockey Luke Dittman: “We just took a sit off the speed and had the last shot at them. He got home real good.”

The win of the John Wallace trained His Boy Elroy gave Luke Dittman a treble on the day. The rider had won the last race at both the Ipswich meeting on Friday and the Doomben meeting on Saturday, so his Sunshine Coast results completed a very productive three day’s work for the youngster.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Blue Jupiter (K. Pope) was tightened for room on jumping away between Brain Explosion (M. Okada) and Our Bella Star (J. Holder), which shifted out. Whimpy (S. Scriven) was slow to begin. Stella Reine (J. Murphy) and Obi Park Princesse (G. Butler) raced wide throughout.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners

DOOMBEN REVIEW (SAT, DEC 20)

A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Saturday, December 20.

Race 1:

1MW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Andamon; 2nd - Feline Flyer; 3rd - Three Chances

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Olivia Cairns: “The 1350m is probably his optimum distance. Danny (Craven) thinks he’ll go a bit further, but he does need to have speed in his races to do his best and I don’t think he’ll necessarily get that if he stepped up to a mile. The smaller field also helped him today. He normally just gives them too much start and in the smaller field there was less runners to go around which set him up nicely. He has lovely horse to train. Never causes any trouble in the stable. I wish I had ten of them like that.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Andamon): 6.00 out to 8.00.
Favourite (Feline Flyer): 1.90 out to 2.20. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Andamon (D. Craven) was slow to begin. Demolir (J. Holder), which was over-racing, shifted out off the heels of Feline Flyer (D. Griffin) passing the 1100m and then was obliged to race three wide until passing the 800m.
Catchit (G. Colless) laid out from the 800m until shortly after straightening. Soon after straightening, Feline Flyer commenced to lay in. Approaching the 100m, Demolir was obliged to race in restricted room between Three Chances (A. Taylor) and Feline Flyer, which continued to lay in. Near the 20m, Demolir was inconvenienced as a result of further tightening between Three Chances, which shifted out slightly, and Feline Flyer. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that Andamon had bled from one nostril during the event. Trainer O. Cairns was advised that the gelding must perform a 1000m gallop before stewards prior to its next race start.
Following the race, jockey J. Holder advised stewards that he had some difficulty controlling Demolir at stages during the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Demolir revealed the gelding to have an ulcer in the commisure of its mouth on the off side. Trainer R. Bradshaw's representative, Mr C. Partington, was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Demolir, and that the gelding must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start.


Race 2:

QTIS 2yo Handicap - 1110m
1st - Racing Pagasus; 2nd - First Option; 3rd - Craiglea Blondie

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “Well she’s in the Millions now. She’s showed she can get going and be handy and we know she’s got a bit of stamina. I think that’s an ideal combination for the Millions. She’s doing everything asked of her and she’s improving all the time. I think she’ll be even better when placed under pressure. I have no doubt she’ll find extra if pushed.”

Jockey Danny Craven (who, immediately after the race, was confirmed as the rider for Racing Pegasus in the MM): “Everything’s still new to her. She’s green. She is still adapting to racing ... but she is an intelligent horse who will keep improving. I gave her a dig and she went to the lead. The other one (Devils Angel) came with me and if that one had pushed on I would have pulled my one back to a trot, but it didn’t turn out that way. I had to push her on the way to the line just to get her attention because she wasn’t concentrating, but mate he won real easy.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Racing Pegasus): 1.30 in to 1.26.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Valvetron (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. Dramatising (A. Spinks) jumped away awkwardly and made heavy contact with Craiglea Blondie (J. Bowditch). La Vie Esprit (A. Pattillo) was momentarily crowded on jumping away between Pinpoint Accuracy (Michael Palmer) and Ponchito (K. Forrester), which shifted in. La Vie Esprit raced ungenerously in the early stages. For some distance shortly after straightening, Pinpoint Accuracy was inclined to lay in. First Lieutenant (J. Holder) and Ponchito (K. Forrester) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Devils Angel revealed the filly to be tied up behind.


Race 3:

QTIS Class 6 3yo & Up Handicap - 1615m
1st - Daedalus; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Hunters Moon

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “That’s the way he has to do it. He is an ‘out and go’ type of horse. If he can’t get to the lead, he gets a bit funny about it. He races a bit awkwardly. If he can dominate, he’s right. That why I thought his last run was much better than it looked (when fourth to Our Lukas). He couldn’t get things his own way, and so wasn’t comfortable, yet still ran a creditable fourth. Today he was allowed to dominate ... and that was it.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Daedalus): 3.00 in to 2.80.
Favourite (Our Lukas): 2.50 out to 2.60. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start, Humma (S. Scriven) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Barclays (J. Taylor), which shifted in. Rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight, Pietro Vannucci (K. Wharton) was held up for clear running behind Hunters Moon (Matthew Palmer). Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to a Good 2.


Race 4:

Open Handicap - 2020m
1st - Pentacity; 2nd - Skyleda; 3rd - Sir Sensible

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy (who saddled the quinella): “Her problem has been that she is a probably really a Class 2 horse, but ever since she won that big race at the coast a year ago (the Gold Coast Bracelet on MM day) she’s effectively been treated as an open company horse. She’d only won two races before this. She has been in under sufferance because of that, but seldom runs a bad race. She’s finished second to Heavenly Glow along the way, so her record is pretty credible. So we just had to find the right race for her and thankfully this proved to be it.”

Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “Yeah, she was a lot closer this time but I never pushed her to get position. She just bounded out and landed there and there was little speed in the race so I let her race where she wanted to be. She’s is the type of horse that puts her best foot forward every step of the way. She always gives one hundred percent.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Pentacity): 4.40 out to 5.00.
Favourite (On The Up): 4.00 in to 3.50. Finished fourth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1400m, Cedar Manor (D. Coleman), which was over-racing, improved up on to the heels of Pentacity (Matthew Palmer) and had to be steadied. Passing the 200m, Cedar Manor had to be checked when attempting a narrow run inside of Olympic Time (J. Taylor), which was taken in slightly by On The Up (S. Scriven). Olympic Time then had difficulty obtaining clear running for the remainder of the event. Nearing the winning post, Bell Academy (R. McMahon) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Sir Sensible (A. Pattillo) and Skyleda, which shifted out around the heels of Pentacity. S. Galloway, rider of Skyleda, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that Cedar Manor pulled up lame in the near fore fetlock. On return to scale, On The Up trod on jockey S. Scriven's foot. S. Scriven was cleared by the club's doctor to fulfil his remaining engagements. Stewards inquired into Scriven's actions whereby his arm forcibly made contact with On The Up. After taking into account all the circumstances, stewards severely admonished jockey Scriven for his actions.


Race 5:

QTIS 3yo Handicap - 2020m
1st Gracesynd; 2nd - A Little Knowledge; 3rd - Levi's Bid

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Carolyn Halliday: “That’s the way she needs to run. She needs to be up with the speed.”

Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “Last time at Ipswich she got back and ran a bit of a stop-start affair. Still got second behind a horse that won again next time out (Oscar The Great). This time we chose to go forward. One went around us and set it up beautifully for us.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Gracesynd): 10.00 steady.
Favourite (Tunes Of Gold): 3.60 in to 3.40 out to 3.50. Finished eighth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tambo Tiger was declared a late scratching at 2.59 pm on veterinary advice after being kicked by another runner when proceeding to the barriers. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that the gelding was sore in the near shoulder.
Three Tales (A. Spinks) raced wide from the start until near 900m. Gracesynd (A. Taylor) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 1100m, Queen Of Bling (J. Bowditch) improved up on to the heels of Soutane (Matthew Palmer) and had to be steadied. Smart ‘N’ Crafty (E. Wilkinson), which was following, had to be checked in consequence.
S. Seamer, rider of Delago Pilli, was charged with careless riding, in that he allowed his mount to shift in nearing the winning post when insufficiently clear of Soutane, which shifted in, tightening the running of Cha Cha Man (R. Wiggins). In this incident, Soutane had to be checked and lost its position. After hearing submissions from S. Seamer, stewards did not sustain the charge after they found that Soutane may have overreacted and then commenced to over-race. Queen Of Bling, Tunes Of Gold and Smart ‘N’ Crafty, which were following, were hampered to varying degrees in this incident.
When questioned regarding the performance of Tunes Of Gold, J. Holder stated from the wide alley he had no option but to take up a rearward position closer to the fence. He further added that due to the slow tempo of the race he was obliged to ask the filly for an effort from the 600m and, in his opinion, Tunes Of Gold only ran on fairly. Trainer Mr J. Wallace stated that although disappointed with the filly's performance today, the tempo of the race may not have suited Tunes Of Gold. Mr Wallace undertook to advise stewards of any abnormality which may come to light with Tunes Of Gold which may have had a bearing on today's performance.
Jockey E. Wilkinson was questioned regarding the performance of Smart ‘N’ Crafty. He stated that the gelding was not suited to the slow tempo of today's race, which resulted in Smart ‘N’ Crafty over-racing in certain sections.


Race 6:

Open Handicap - 1010m
1st - Azzaland; 2nd - Nessuno; 3rd - Sir Breakfast

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Richie Stephenson: “When the fields came out I looked at the draw and thought, ‘God, he can’t win from there.’ But we had to give it a go. Then when he couldn’t get in and was forced even wider approaching the turn I thought, ‘he can’t win from there.’ But this is racing and he just kept coming and kept fighting all the way. It was a tremendous win.”

Jockey Garry Baker: “He’s got the speed to get up there. Equally important is the fact that he has the ability to relax when he gets a position. Because he was so relaxed, I didn’t want to rush him at all. I preferred to let him slide until we had to go flat out and then he was full of fight.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Azzaland): 3.50 in to 3.30 out to 3.40.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Instructed was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon prior to the race and cleared to start. Instructed (D. Coleman) blundered on jumping away. Sequallan (B. Evans) was a little slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Leather (K. Pope) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Red Hot Pistol (Michael Palmer) and Myndos (Matthew Palmer), which was taken in slightly by Another Cat (A. Taylor). Sequallan (B. Evans) laid in under pressure in the straight. Sequablue (D. Craven) and Vive Le Roi (R. Wiggins) raced wide throughout.


Race 7:

City Pacific Finance Doomben Stakes Handicap - 1350m
1st - Barlinnie; 2nd - Forestreno; 3rd - Mitanni

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “He was purchased in May from the Peter Moody stable with the purpose of being aimed at the Summer Triple Crown. The aim was to run him, but not make excessive demands on him in the George Moore earlier in the month. You must remember that the George Moore was his first start in more than seven months, which is a fair time off. The 1200m there did prove to be a bit sharp for him, but the whole idea was not to rush him unnecessarily, but rather to let him make natural progression, which he is doing. And the same policy applied going into this start. It’s really great to get the result, and it showed what a good horse he is, but we still left him with something to come so he will be competitive when he backs up in the Bernborough next week.”

Jockey Jason Holder: “The distance helped him this time and he just turned in an ultra-competitive performance. It was a tough race and he had to show what he was worth to win it.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Barlinnie): 8.00 out to 9.00.
Favourite (Albert The Fat): 3.00 in to 2.60. Finished fifth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Nellie Got there was declared a late scratching at 8.05 pm. Trainers B and J McLachlan were fined $200 for failing to scratch the gelding by the prescribed time. Trainer B. Baldwin was fined $50 for presenting Rightson without a tongue-tie. Near the 1100m, Cocktail Supreme (B. Pengelly) improved up on to the heels of Mitanni (S. Galloway) and had to be steadied. Upilio (K. Wharton) over-raced in the early and middle stages. Passing the 1100m, Rightson (D. Craven), which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Sequestrate (S. Seamer). Near the 1050m, Sequestrate had to be checked when tightened for room between Friendly Embrace (K. Yoshida) and Albert The Fat (A. Pattillo), which when over-racing shifted in off the heels of Daunting Lad (S. Scriven). Albert The Fat then over-raced for a short distance. Sequestrate was forced wider around the home turn by Friendly Embrace, which shifted out. Fulmonti (R. McMahon) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. For the length of the straight, Friendly Embrace shifted out and bumped Sequestrate on a number of occasions. K. Yoshida, rider of Friendly Embrace, was reprimanded and advised to stop riding and straighten his mounts in similar circumstances. Daunting Lad, Albert The Fat, Sequestrate and Rightson raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Charming Rogue, G. Colless stated that horse travelled well throughout, however when he shifted out to improve near the 500m, the gelding failed to respond to his riding. He further added that, in his opinon, the Charming Rogue raced like a tired horse. Trainer A. Bailey was unable to offer any explanation for the horse's performance and advised that Charming Rogue would now be sent for an immediate spell. A post-race veterinary examination of Charming Rogue revealed the horse to be sore in the near hind leg.


Race 8:

Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Mr Slick; 2nd - Firedrake; 3rd - Viking Storm

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Leon Morton: “I said to the kid that there would be plenty of speed on in the race so he must not panic. My only worry was that he might get boxed in, but once he brought him to the outside I knew he would get right into it. One of the horse’s strong points is his competitive spirit. He loves a fight and he was happy to get involved when the pressure was on.”

Apprentice jockey Luke Dittman: “It’s my first Saturday win with my dad in the stands so it was good. Yeah, we just sat off the speed and when he took it up he settled things fairly quickly. It was another good win.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Slick): 1.50 in to 1.30.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Slick (L.Dittman) was tightened for room on jumping away between Stature (J. Taylor) and Viking Storm (J. Holder), both of which shifted ground. Simplex (B. Pengelly), which was a little slow to begin, shifted inwards at the start, making contact with the hind quarters of Ulladulla (A. Spinks). Simplex over-raced in the early stages and near the 800m had to be steadied off the heels of Santiara (J. Bowditch). Near the 800m, Mr Slick (L. Dittman) had to be steadied off the heels of Eleventh Command (D. Craven). Santiara, which was following, also had to be steadied in consequence. Eleventh Command raced wide in the middle stages. Near the 200m, Eleventh Command was momentarily inconvenienced by Prince Lionheart (K. Wharton), which shifted out to improve. On the winning post, Simplex had to be steadied off the heels of Santiara, which was taken out slightly by Viking Storm (J. Holder). Ulladulla raced wide throughout.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

IPSWICH REVIEW (FRI, DEC 19)

A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Friday, December 19.

Race 1:

F&M Maiden Handicap - 1350m
1st - Lady Hemingway; 2nd - Ca Plane Pour Moi; 3rd - Miss Maree

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Gary Wheeler (for the Russell Kirwin stable): “Somebody had a go on her. She shortened in the betting. We knew she was better than her form suggested. She would have gone close first-up this prep if she hadn’t got into trouble. We didn’t have too much option from the wide draw this time and she was travelling that well the boy got her across so easily. She kicked on all the way just as easily. There was nothing making up ground on her. That’s a nice way to win races.”

Jockey Andrew Spinks: “They wanted me up there, but they didn’t want me to push him too hard to get there. But she got over pretty easy from the draw to be just where we wanted to be. From the 600m I was looking to let her race along and we stepped up the tempo approaching the turn. I thought if we could steal a couple of lengths on them early in the straight she would be hard to catch.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Lady Hemingway): 17.00 in to 11.00.
Favourite (Ca Plane Pour Moi): 1.80 out to 2.10. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hot ‘N’ Bothered (J. Bowditch) over-raced in the early and middle stages. Ca Plane Pour Moi (C. Reith) shifted out near the 300m, resulting in Hot ‘N’ Bothered (J. Bowditch) being momentarily cramped for room. Near the 150m, Pash For Cash (G. Baker) was tightened for room between Hot ‘N’ Bothered, which shifted in slightly, and Light Sensation (J. Brown), which shifted out. J. Brown, rider of Light Sensation, was instructed to exercise more care in future. A. Spinks, rider of Lady Hemingway, dropped his whip on the finish line.
When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Lady Hemingway today, trainer Mr R. Kirwin stated that when resuming from a spell at Toowoomba on 6 December, the horse could not muster speed in the early stages and settled midfield, however when racing midfield the horse struck trouble near the 650m and as a consequence could not make significant ground when placed wide rounding the home turn. He added that whilst apprentice Hinricks had been instructed to go forward, the horse did not have the necessary pace in the early stages, and today from the wide alley, Lady Hemingway was able to work up into a forward position and was better suited by the pattern of today's race. The explanation was noted.
General Deena (A. Merritt) and Thunderbeast (P. Hammersley) raced wide throughout.


Race 2:

CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1350m
1st - Kbenrenrun; 2nd - Lord Benson; 3rd - Hard Luck

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable spokesman Daniel Guy (for the Bryan Guy stable): “He wants to go hard on the track in work and all the time you are trying to teach him to settle in races, so he has been a difficult horse to train. But he does have ability and I guess that is why we persevered with him.”

Jockey Ric McMahon: “We went back from the draw. I never moved at all and he just relaxed beautifully behind the other runners. When I pulled him out at about the 650m and he got outside other horses he knew it was time to go and he just strode forward. I probably got to the front too early, but I hadn’t hit him or anything to get there. Then, in the straight, I just concentrated on keeping him going.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kbenrenrun): 1.50 out to 1.70
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Aramadi (K. Forrester) began awkwardly and shifted out, bumping Christopher’s Comet (C. Eaton). Aramadi then shifted back in and made contact with Hard Luck (L. Dittman). Near the 800m, Aramadi had to be checked off the heels of Epicred (A. Merritt) when the pace eased and as a result shifted in, tightening Rem’E’Çan (B. Thomson), which was racing to the inside. Kbenrenrun (R. McMahon) raced wide in the middle stages. Euroquilo (B. Evans) raced wide throughout. Aramadi, which did not perform to the standard required for TAB meetings, was declared ineligible to race at such meetings until the gelding establishes better form in country areas.


Race 3:

QTIS 3yo Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Bingil Bay; 2nd - Sirena Ligera; 3rd - Don't Tell Daddy

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Darryl Gollan: “First run this prep she had no luck at all at the coast. I know you can’t keep making excuses for them, but second run back she was a tragedy beaten at Toowoomba. There can be no argument about that. Then next time I sent her to a good race, a Quality race at Doomben, where the opposition was quite strong. There the barrier cost her. I’m not saying she would have won that race, but if she had a better draw I believe she would have tested the winner (Feline Flyer).
“So back here in Class 1 company, I thought she could win. Actually I probably thought, if all things were equal, it would be like taking candy from a kid.”

Jockey Jason Taylor: “Yeah, we planned to be closer to the speed than we were but she hit the side of the gate on the way out of the barrier, so I just let her settle where she was comfortable. It turned out to be a soft win in the end as she reeled them in fairly easily in the straight.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Bingil Bay): 2.50 out to 2.80.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Voodoo Bay Magic (T. Treichel) shifted out at the start and bumped Gorvish (B. Evans). Bingil Bay (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly and shifted in, brushing Rattle ‘N’ Run (J. Wood). Choose A Star (S. Seamer) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 450m, Choose A Star (S. Seamer) blundered and became unbalanced and lost ground. Passing the 400m, Voodoo Bay Magic, which was weakening, shifted in momentarily, tightening Audit. Voodoo Bay Magic (T. Treichel) and Gundy Son (B. Pengelly) raced wide throughout.
Post race veterinary examinations revealed: (1) Rattle ‘N’ Run - to be lame in the off foreleg. (2) Choose A Star - to be lame in the off hind leg. Veterinary clearances will be required for both horses prior to their next race starts.


Race 4:

Class 3 Plate - 2150m
1st - Innovator; 2nd - Thunder Beach; 3rd - Ken And Kim

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “The honest truth is that I hadn’t trained him to go this distance this time around. He was in a mile race at Eagle Farm, but when the opposition looked a bit tough I decided to try him here instead. Because he hadn’t been trained for this trip, I was a bit fearful of the final 200m.”

Jockey Brad Pengelly: “He’s got a fair amount of ability. I think it is a bit of a confidence thing with the horse at the moment. I think he’ll come on strong with a couple of more runs like that under his belt. He was well placed today, in his own class over a distance he enjoyed. He needs that sort of scenario to build his confidence.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Innovator): 5.50 out to 7.00.
Favourite (Body Double): 1.90 out to 2.25. Finished fifth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Daylight Dance (R. Goltz) and Ken And Kim (T. Chambers) began awkwardly and missed the start. Iron Fist (C. Whiteley) raced wide in the early and middle stages. On straightening, Semi Final (D. Griffin) was tightened for room by Don’t Call Me Bruce (J. Holder), which hung out. Rounding the home turn, Dimension (J. Wood) shifted out from behind the heels of Brosnan’s Gold (J. Brown), which commenced to weaken, and as a result hampered Innovator (B. Pengelly). J. Wood, rider of Dimension, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Dimension (J. Wood) was held up in the straight until the concluding stages.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Brosnan’s Gold, trainer R. Coveney stated that the horse over-raced and felt that this had contributed to the performance today. He added that he would consider removing the blinkers, and may bring the horse back in distance, as well as engaging the services of a senior rider for its next race start.


Race 5:

F&M Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Annamarie; 2nd - Magnetic Appeal; 3rd - Treasure Cay

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “She’s going great. She jumped well and was strong throughout. The others couldn’t keep up with here.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Annamarie 5.50 in to 4.00.
Favourite (Treasure Cay): 3.00 out to 3.60. Finished third.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bluchelle (C. Reith) was crowded for room on jumping away between Broken Link (J. Holder) and The Third Man (R. McMahon), which shifted out. Sheeza Drama (J. Brown) began awkwardly and shifted out at the start. Magnetic Appeal (D. Griffin) also began awkwardly. Sheeza Drama raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Barsine, A. Spinks stated that he was obliged to race 3 deep throughout. He added that rounding the turn near the 600m, Barsine was inclined to hang out and the horse was forced to race wide, and approaching the home turn, he was forced wide and Barsine seemed to lose interest at that point and had a tendency to lay out for the remainder of the race. Trainer J. Johnston could offer no excuse for the performance and undertook to report to stewards any abnormality which may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance. A post race veterinary examination of Barsine failed to reveal any abnormalities.


Race 6:

CG&E Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Oscar The Great; 2nd - Kayowed; 3rd - Larry's Song

WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Jim Atkins trained gelding scored his second successive win. The gelding, who dropped back in distance (from 1666m to 1350m), arrived with a late flourish under the competent handling of jockey Jason Holder to take control in a pressurised finish and score with some authority.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Oscar The Great): 6.00 steady.
Favourite (Larry’s Song): 3.20 in to 3.10. Finished third.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Media Fund (L. Dittman) and Sniperama (S. Seamer) raced wide throughout. When questioned regarding the poor performance of Sniperama, S. Seamer stated that his mount travelled well in the early and middle stages, however when placed under pressure near the 600m, Sniparama failed to respond as expected and proved disappointing in the straight. Trainer Mr P. Gillman was unable to offer any excuse for the performance, however undertook to report to stewards any abnormality which may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance today. A post race veterinary examination of Sniperama failed to reveal any abnormalities.
C. Whiteley was also questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Music Lover. He stated that his mount travelled well in running, however was unable to sprint with the field when the pace quickened from the 500m and proved disappointing in the run to the finish. He added that Music Lover may be more suited to races over longer distances. A post race veterinary examination of Music Lover failed to reveal any abnormalities.


Race 7:

Class 1 Handicap - 1690m
1st - The Italian; 2nd - Crocodile Lass; 3rd - Grungle

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “He would have been a certainty beaten today if she didn’t get the result. He got into that much trouble.”

Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls: “How did I win that one? With a bit of luck. With a good bit of luck. He had me worried there for awhile.” (The Italian was trapped on the heels of runners all the way on the sweep to the turn and then was denied a run when trying to push through in the first half of the straight.). I knew he’s go well once he got a run, but I was surprised just how well he let down.”

PRICE FLUCTUATION:
Winner (The Italian): 2.80 out to 2.90.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The Italian (L. Rolls) was crowded for room on jumping away between Witches Case (A. Spinks) and Give Away (J. Taylor), which was taken out by In Nangana (D. Barron). Stefenick (C. Eaton) was slow to begin. The Italian (L. Rolls) was held up rounding the turn near the 400m, and again disappointed when attempting to take a run where there was doubtful room near the 250m between Ornamental Figure (S. Galloway) and Crocodile Lass (C. Spry) and as a result shifted out across the heels of Crocodole Lass to obtain clear running. Stefenick was inclined to hang out under pressure in the straight. Stefenick raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of My First Lady failed to reveal any abnormalities.


Race 8:

Class 1 4yo & Up Div 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Propheteer; 2nd - He's Wise; 3rd - Spanish Sister

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Darryl Caldwell: “It’s easily summed up mate. Scribo’s ride won the race.”

The race came down to a two horse battle in the home straight between Propheteer (Shane Scriven) and He’s Wise (Michael Hughes) The latter had first run but shifted off the rail turning for home allowing Propheteer the luxury of not having to go around the leader in the chase to the line. The two became embroiled in a stride for stride battle for most of the straight before Scriven urged that vital bit extra out of his mount to claim a winning advantage close to the line.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner(Propheteer): 4.69 in to 3.30 (Equal favourite).
Equal favourite (He's Wise): 2.50 out to 3.30. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rublana (B. Pengelly) began awkwardly and lost considerable ground at the start. A post race veterinary examination of Rublana failed to reveal any abnormalities.


Race 9:

Class 1 4yo & Up, Div 2 Handicap - 1200m
1st -Telesto Warrior; 2nd - Telbron Gold; 3rd - Dancing Beni

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Lakey: “The plan was to go out and make them chase. We had little option from the draw and that’s how he did it the last time he won.”

PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Telseto Warrior): 4.00 out to 4.60
Favourite (Kiss The King): 5.00 in to 4.40. Finished fourth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 900m, Raw Nerve (J. Cook) became unbalanced and had to be steadied when tightened for room by Telbron Gold (A. Spinks), which shifted in. A. Spinks, rider of Telbron Gold, was severely reprimanded and instructed to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
Grandprix Ichiban, blundered on the home turn near the 450m, dislodging apprentice L. Rolls. B. Calkin, rider of Tycoon Ken, which was following, was forced to take evasive action to avoid the fallen horse. L. Rolls was examined by the club's doctor and cleared of any injuries.
Feathery (T. Chambers) shifted out abruptly shortly after straightening, placing its rider at a disadvantage. Nothin’Leica Minto (W. Clasohm) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Telesto Warrior revealed the gelding to be displaying signs of colic. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Tycoon Ken was examined with no abnormalities reported.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners, Baldy Mount, Brosnan's Gold, Ornamental Figure, Semi Final, Don't Call Me Bruce, My First Lady, He's Wise, Ca Plane Pour Moi, Sirena Ligera, Thunder Beach, Kayowed.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

EAGLE FARM REVIEW (WED, DEC 17)

A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, December 17.

STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
From QTC meeting, 13.12.08
Race 1. Jockey B. Pengelly was fined $100 for failing to fulfil his engagement on Grand Corso.
Race 2: Trainer L. Birchley reported that a subsequent veterinary examination of Southport revealed the horse to have a bruised near fore foot.
Race 7: Trainer B. Hill reported that Quizzical Lady had pull up well following the event and was unable to offer any excuse for the poor performance other than what was reported at the race meeting on the day.


Race 1:

Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Tower Bridge; 2nd - Manilla Girl; 3rd - Lee Kova

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Dawson: “This is his first run for me. I trained a horse called Dansamonkey for a fellow up north. He sent me this horse. He bought it down in Melbourne as a tried horse. He gave it a couple of goes up north and it couldn’t win. So he thought he’d let me have a go.”

Jockey Shane Scriven: “I don’t know how he hasn’t won a race in sixteen starts. Maybe it was the rider. No seriously, I got a lovely run and he did it well. That inside draw is worth its weight in gold, mate. And that was supposed to be my worst ride for the day. We’ll see.”

Tower Bridge was jockey Shane Scriven’s only winner on the day.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tower Bridge): 6.00 out to 8.00.
Favourite (Huss): 2.60 out to 3.00 in to 2.80. Finished fifth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 900m, Huss had to be steadied to avoid the heels of I Sea Magic (C. Eaton), which shifted in. Passing the 700m, Annum Al (W. Clasohm) blundered of its own accord. Near the 50m, Floss ‘N’ Boots (S. Shield) was momentarily tightened for room between Worksforme (J. Taylor) and Huss, which shifted in slightly. Annum Al and Wedding Night raced wide throughout. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that I Sea Magic was found to have bled from one nostril following the event. Trainer N. Hocking was advised that the mare would be required to gallop 1000 metres before stewards prior to its next race start. (AR53A) A post race veterinary examination of Worksforme failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Jockey S. Shield pleaded guilty to a charge under AR87(c) in that he attempted to weigh out in an unapproved vest. Jockey Shield was fined the sum of $1000.


Race 2:

3yo Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - King Corvette; 2nd - Hello Christmas; 3rd - Inanna

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Yeah, he finished a beaten favourite on debut. I’m not sure what went wrong that day, whether it was the going (dead) or if he was just feeling his body weight. He is a big horse. It’s a nice win for the owners. Most of them were involved in Devil Inside who they sold and who is now in foal to Show A Heart. The mother (Toasted Gold) was a useful sort. I think she won about eight or so, mostly in town – so he does rate a fair prospect.”

Jockey Glen Colless: “He jumped well and then along the way I tried to rev him up a bit again and he didn’t know what I was asking of him, so he still has a lot to learn, but it was a good enough win.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (King Corvette): 2.80 in to 2.30.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
King Corvette (G. Colless) over-raced in the early stages. Mrs Robinson (J. Holder) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Passing the 500m, Attalus (A. Pattillo) had to be steadied when attempting to obtain a run to the outside of Buy’N’Sell (S. Galloway) and to the inside of Munster Province where there was insufficient room. Rounding the home turn, Mrs Robinson shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Buy’N’Sell (S. Galloway) out on to Munster Province, which in turn shifted out and bumped Waterbury. Near the 300m, Squirmy (K. Cunningham) shifted out abruptly to avoid the heels of Fine Style. Inanna (W. Clasohm), Waterbury (C. Reith) and Brits Star (R. Hancock) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Fine Style (T. Pannell) revealed the horse to be striding short in front. Trainer R. Bradshaw was advised he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to its next race start.


Race 3:

Maiden Plate - 1500m
1st - Ronstadt; 2nd - Damashqui; 3rd - Abindah

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Gary Wheeler (for the Russell Kirwin stable): “She’s not a horse you can chase. You’ve got to cuddle her along so I told the jockey that he was not to get involved in a speed battle early. That’s why he let the other one go and settled in just off the speed. The mare travelled beautifully for the jockey. She’s had no luck in recent starts and deserved the win.”

Apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer: “I didn’t really want to lead so when Colless took it up (on Abindah) I was happy to let him go. We’ve travelled easily and then I asked her to step up early in the straight. She still seems to be a little afraid of the other runners, but once she got up alongside the leader she was never going to be beaten. She’s been a bridesmaid so long (the mare finished runner-up in four successive starts prior to this win) so it’s good to get the win on the board. It might have been a long time coming (this was Ronstadt’s twenty-sixth start), but I think there will be more improvement to come.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Ronstadt): 5.00 out to 7.00
Favourite (Montaperti): 2.50 in to 2.40 out to 2.80. Finished fourth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Brokacanon (S. Galloway), Manziedear (G. Baker) and Skystep (R. Goltz) over-raced in the early stages. Near the 900m, Ronstadt (M. Hellyer) shifted out off the heels of Abindah (G. Colless) and in doing so inconvenienced Nuclear Lady (Michael Palmer). Passing the 800m, Fu Belle (S. Seamer) shifted out, forcing Montaperti (C. Reith) wider on the track. Near the 200m, Skystep (R. Goltz) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room between Fu Belle (S. Seamer) and Clangismydad (A. Spinks), which was laying in. Alamo (R. Wiggins) was inclined to lay out under pressure in the straight. Clangismydad (A. Spinks) raced wide throughout.


Race 4:

Class 5 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Magique Mine; 3rd - Three Tenors

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “He’s going beautifully. He’s just so relaxed and he’s doing everything asked of him. He’ll step up to Saturday class now ... probably over a mile.”

Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “He’s just at the top of his game at the moment and loving it. He settled real well. I don’t know if it is because there is a bit more speed in the races up here or what it is, but he used to want to pull when he raced in Sydney. He doesn’t do that now ... and he goes when you ask him. He’s racing in his prime.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Pyramids): 1.70 out to 2.00 in to 1.90.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Three Tenors (R. Goltz) was slow to begin. A post race veterinary examination of Emergence revealed the gelding to be slightly lame in the off foreleg. Trainer R. Rowley was advised that he would be required to produce a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to its next race start.


Race 5:

3yo & Up Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Rumba Jack; 2nd - Rotarian; 3rd - Pandemonia

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor (who had been doubtful to ride the horse after being injured in an incident in a jump-out on Tuesday): “The incident happened when I was trying to load a horse of Michael’s (trainer Michael Nolan) at a jump-out yesterday. The horse just flipped over and knocked me out cold. That was about ten o’clock in the morning. They took me to hospital and I only woke up properly at about six that night. I was waking up in between times, but then going off again. By that night I was fully awake and they released me during the evening. All I’ve got to show for it is a bump on the back of my noggin and a cut on my forehead. I had to go back this morning for some neurological checks just to make certain I was fine. Then I headed for Eagle Farm. Got a great run through and took home the win.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Rumba Jack): 1.80 out to 2.10 in to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pandemonia (S. Scriven) was slow to begin. Monashee Dancer (L. Dittman) and Amaizing Royal (B. Evans) came together on jumping away. As a result, Amaizing Royal became unbalanced. Tootsie Zynsky (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Rotarian (L. Rolls) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Near the 150m, Zazz (C. McIver) was impeded by Monashee Dancer (L. Dittman), which shifted out under pressure. Voodoo Brown Magic (Matthew Palmer) raced wide throughout, and was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. A post race veterinary examination of Tootsie Zynsky revealed the mare to have heart arrhythmia. Trainer Mrs H. Page was advised that she must provide to the stewards the results of an ECG for Tootsie Zynsky, and that the mare must trial satisfactorily in an official trial prior to its next race start.


Race 6:

CG&E Class 4 Handicap - 1300m
1st - Monashee Prince; 2nd - Hesashow; 3rd - Rock The Roses

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kim Anderson: “His got some fair results, but nothing has really gone his way this prep. Two runs back we put the blinkers on and he just got touched off in the last stride over 1030m. I always thought he might be better over a longer trip so we tried the step up in distance here (to 1300m). When he kicked away early in the straight, I thought he might have gone too early because he does have a tendency not to sustain a run for that long, but thankfully he had enough in hand this time.”

Jockey: Garry Baker: “I rode him up with the speed. It was always the plan to set the target and let them try to come and catch him. With a horse that is used to running over 1000m, you can sometimes get away with going over a longer trip by giving him a soft run and then asking him to kick. It doesn’t always work out, but it looks good when it does.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Monashee Prince): 17.00 out to 21.00.
Favourite (Encosta Tszyu): 6.00 in to 4.60. Finished fifth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rock The Roses (Matthew Palmer) blundered on jumping away. Columate (G. Colless) was slow to begin. Near the 1200m, Rocking All Right (J. Taylor) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Rock The Roses, which was taken in by He’s Some Eagle (B. Payne). B. Payne, rider of He’s Some Eagle, was reprimanded. Passing the 500m, Rocking All Right (J. Taylor) shifted out to improve and in doing so made contact with Encosta Tszyu (S. Galloway). Rock The Roses suffered a bleeding attack during running. Trainer M. Eggleston was advised that Rock The Roses would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.


Race 7:

F&M Class 4 Handicap - 1300m
1st - Fuhrnatic; 2nd - Morgalicious; 3rd - Guissepino

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “She’s come back strong this prep. She’d had issues. Nothing serious but somehow along the way she’s always managed to do something to herself to disrupt things. For example, last time I had her ready she kicked a wall and hurt her hock. So I had to put her out again. The jockey rode her a treat. We’ll head for the Magic Millions now, all being well. She’ll go to the Class 6 over 1200m on MM day.”

Jockey Daniel Griffin: “The timing of her run has to be measured carefully. She has a very good turn of foot and her acceleration can leave the opposition behind, but her burst doesn’t last long so they can come back at her if you move too early. She did it exactly the same the last time I won on her.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Fuhrmatic): 15.00 out to 16.00.
Favourite (Guissepino): 2.10 out to 2.15 in to 2.05. Finished third.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Guiseppino (B. Pengelly) shifted its near-fore plate in the enclosure and required re-shoeing. Patti (S. Galloway) and Miss Twist (K. Wharton) came together on jumping away. Near the 400m, Guiseppino was impeded by Fuhrnatic (D. Griffin), which shifted out slightly. Guiseppino (B. Pengelly) shifted in over the concluding stages under pressure.
When questioned regarding the poor performance of Cicarelli, jockey D. Craven was unable to provide and explanation other than the horse travelled well after it obtained a position early, however the mare was beaten shortly after passing the 600m. Trainer B. Baldwin was also unable to offer any excuse, however undertook to have a full veterinary examination carried out on Cicarelli and to report the results to the stewards. A post race veterinary examination of Cicarelli failed to reveal any significant abnormalities and a swab sample was taken.


Race 8:

Class 3 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Costa Mucho; 2nd - Albuquerque; 3rd - Unapred

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy (who horses ran the quinella): “That’s exactly how we discussed it before the race. If they walked, we’d go. Ric (McMahon) tried to hold them up mid-term (on Albuquerque). He said if nobody went around him he would have kicked and won by three. (Then, turning to winning rider Scott Galloway). Ric’s dirty with you that you took off so soon.” Galloway had made a swift forward move around runners approaching the turn.
“That’s because I’m older and wiser,” responded Galloway.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Costa Mucho) 17.00 out to 18.00.
Favourite (Unapred): 2.80 out to 3.40. Finished third.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer B. Baldwin was fined $50 for presenting I’m So Stunning to the enclosure with incorrect gear. I’m So Stunning (M. Palmer) and Eye Eye Silver (K. Cunningham), which were a little slow to begin, were then tightened for room between Sweet Opinion (R. Wiggins) and Costa Mucho (S. Galloway), which after jumping away awkwardly, shifted in. Octahedron (S. Scriven) over-raced in the early stages. Near the 1400m, I’m So Stunning improved on to the heels of Intertheblack (B. Pengelly) and had to be steadied. Passing the 1200m, Intertheblack and I’m So Stunning commenced to over-race. Near the 800m, Sweet Opinion (R. Wiggins), which had been over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Dawns Queen (K. Pope). Near the 300m, Napper Tandy (L. Dittman) had to be checked when tightened for room between Intertheblack, which shifted in, and Unapred (J. Taylor), which after initially shifting out, was further taken out by Albuquerque, which also shifted out. B. Pengelly, rider of Interthebalck, J. Taylor, rider of Unapred, and R. McMahon, rider of Albuquerque, were all severely reprimanded for this incident as stewards believed they all equally contributed to the interference suffered by Napper Tandy. Passing the 300m, Unapred (J. Taylor) shifted in and bumped Intertheblack. At the 150m, Intertheblack shifted in abruptly of its own accord.