Queenslanders will have a particular interest in racing in Sydney this Saturday when Tears‘N’Cheers and Charming Rogue, two Alan Bailey trained runners, line up at Rosehill.
Tears‘N’Cheers races in the $1 million dollar Golden Rose, which will be contested over 1400m (Start time 3.55pm).
Alan Bailey, always so strong on the value the barrier draw, was not happy when he learnt that Tears‘N’Cheers will jump from the fourteen gate, but jockey Glen Colless is unfazed by the difficulty that factor will pose.
Neither is he in awe of the opposition.
“There are some very good horses in the line-up and it’s going to be a difficult task,” acknowledged Colless, “but that applies to most of horses in the race.
“I know most people tend to talk about the horses down south being superior to those in Queensland. I’m always a bit surprised by that given our record down there.
“Of course there are very good horses down there and they do have the greater share of the champions. I’m not arguing with that and I’m not meaning to belittle their status.
"But almost every time we take a horse down south from Queensland, even though we invariably go there for a feature which is often a step up in class, we are competitive ... and I would expect Tears‘N’Cheers to be the same.
“I’m not saying we will win it. I am saying we are good enough and have earned a place in the field. And I’m very happy for us to take our chances from there.”
Charming Rogue will defend his unbeaten record two races before the Golden Rose. (Start time 2.35pm) He too faces no easy assignment.
Colless is in good health now after being stood down from several meetings in recent times due to problems associated with a growth on his ear and a heavy dose of flu.
He also missed the Queensland Racing Awards evening where he was named the George Moore, Jockey Of The Year.
“Yeah, I was crook,” said Colless. “I was on antibiotics for both my ear and the flu so there was no way I could make it.
“Very happy with that honour though,” continued Colless. “I have won the award before. I did have a good season winning some nine or ten Listed races and Group 2’s. But I did miss out on the premiership title, so it was very satisfying to get the award.”
Colless confirmed that Alan Bailey, who has downsized the number of horses in his stable, still has first call on his services.
He also confirmed what everybody else has been finding out at the track.
“Alan might have downsized, but that doesn’t mean he has compromised the quality of horse he has in the yard,” stated Colless. “In fact it is quite the opposite. He has a level of strength there which can only lead to him having a good season.”
But it is still a downsided yard with less runners. What effect does that fact have on the number of rides Colless is booked for per meeting. Is he making more calls (to get rides) or is he receiving more calls (being offered rides)?
“It hasn’t really affected me at all really, offered Colless. “I have a manager who takes care of that.”
I mention the likes of trainers Liam Birchley and Rob Heathcote who have been well in the market for Colless’s services in recent times.
“Yeah, Liam is a good supporter of mine,” answered Colless. “I’m friends with a number of Liam’s owners and the stable gives me some very good rides. Rob as well. He’s got a lot of horses and he seems to put me on the better ones, so I’m very lucky.
Colless is restricted with regard to getting rides in one sense. The one that is always the enemy of a jockey – the weight issue.
Is maintaining his riding weight more of an issue with Colless at this stage of his career than it was in earlier days, or is it just an old routine?
“No, I’m very comfortable riding at 54kg. I’m happy with the quantity and the quality of rides that I get,” so things are pretty much under control as far as that is concerned. There is the odd occasion where I would consider getting down to 53kg, but that doesn’t happen often.”
A little over a week ago, when still not one-hundred percent health-wise, Colless won four races, for four different trainers, on a seven race card at Doomben.
It was a master-class of race-riding.
It is true that Colless’s main rivals on the top of the jockey tree, Jim Byrne and Jason Holder, did not compete at that meeting, but the fact that Colless reigned supreme, blatantly out-riding his opposition on the day does beg the question ... is race-riding ever as easy on the track as he makes it look from the grandstand?
“Again I’m just very lucky,” answered Colless. “I think I’m pretty laid-back ... not uptight. I just sort of cruise along and take every race meeting and each race as it comes.
“I find the calmer I am, the better I ride ... and obviously the better I ride, the more the results go my way. Horses do tend to run for me, and most do what I ask.
"I guess that’s got a lot to do with my combination of experience and attitude. That’s all I can put it down to.”
Does the same laid-back attitude apply to a $1 million race like the Golden Rose? Or will Colless be just that little bit nervous come Saturday?
“No, whether it is a Maiden at Murwillumbah or a Golden Rose in Sydney, it is just another race, really. I just have to focus on what I have to do. To be caught up in anything beyond that would be a mistake.”
And there will certainly be no room for error on Saturday.
The Golden Rose field includes horses from the highest profile of stables.
The list of trainers with runners trying to thwart the Alan Bailey/Glen Colless raid includes names which read like a ‘who’s who’ of the Australian training ranks - Bart Cummings, David Hayes, John Hawkes, Peter Snowden and Gai Waterhouse.
Throw in the competitive nature of the likes of top guns Glen Boss, Corey Brown, the Cassidy’s and Nash Rawiller, to name a few, and the battle for the Golden Rose will clearly be no place for the faint-hearted.
As always though, if you have a ticket, you have a chance.
Let’s hope there are more cheers than tears.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
ALL THE ACTION FROM EAGLE FARM
A review of the meeting at Eagle Farm yesterday.
RACE 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy continues to send out a steady stream of winners. He visited the winners’ enclosure twice on the day, his first success coming in the form of French Penn, a four-year-old Noverre mare.
It was an honest, workmanlike win with French Penn doing enough in a race of muddling pace, without doing anything flash.
“The leaders went fast enough till the 1400m, but then they pulled it right back,” explained jockey Ric McMahon.
“They were still slow at the half mile, so I decided to pick up the tempo and went around them.
“In the straight it was still a battle. She doesn’t quicken up that much, but she just out-plugged the other horse (Chelle’s Alibi),” concluded McMahon.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 600m, Chelle’s Alibi (G. Colless) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced French Penn, which had raced wide from the 800m, wider on the track.
RACE 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Soulgen looked the part here and duly obliged under a confident ride by the in-form Christian Reith.
“Go to the front. Catch me if you can,” was Reith’s comment on the race tactics.
“That was easy,” was Reith’s comment on the result.
Soulgen won by an official four length margin.
Trainer Mick Mair was satisfied with Soulgen’s performance.
“He has been struggling. We found a nice little race for him and he came through. The blinkers (on first time) probably helped make the difference.”
Mair had planned to spell Soulgen after this run, but that turned into an enforced three month suspension after Soulgen was found to have bled after the race (see Stewards Report Extract)
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1000m, Desperates (D. Hayse) became unbalanced and shifted in, making heavy contact with the running rail and as a consequence shifted out and bumped Glad Tidings (L. Rolls). D. Hayse, rider of Desperates, reported that his mount shied at a bird which was directly in its path just prior to this incident. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Deputation, G. Colless stated that after beginning awkwardly his mount settled at the rear of the field, however when placed under pressure at the 600m, failed to race up to expectations. Trainer's representative S. Morrisey stated that the horse became extremely agitated in its race day stall, which he felt was the main contributing factor in the horse's poor performance. A post race veterinary examination of Deputation failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Soulgen was found to have suffered a bleeding attack after the event, and in accordance with AR53A, the gelding will now be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
RACE 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Christian Reith might have had an easy ride on Soulgen, but he had to work hard to earn his percentage in his second win of the day, when he partnered the Kelly Schweida trained Specks Of Magic to a hard fought victory over the persistent challenge of Star Of Ombra and the eye-catching finish of the first-timer Baby Rock.
The favourite Solar Bound led into the home straight but failed to sustain her effort and weakened to finish well out of the placings.
“I couldn’t understand the betting, “said Schweida, whose winner paid $11,60 for a win on the tote. “My horse beat the favourite by four lengths the last time they met.”
Specks Of Magic did have another run since that previous encounter though. That lack-lustre effort at the Gold Coast went some way towards turning punters away from Specks Of Magic on this occasion.
But there was notable change of gear which made a difference.
“She had blinkers on at the coast and she just pulled herself into the ground,” explained Schweida.
Schweida reacted to Specks Of Magic’s show of dislike for blinkers by taking them off and that change of gear proved to be decisive in the outcome.
The early part of the race was as problematic for Reith as the finish was pressurised.
“I tried to go forward. I couldn’t get in,” explained Reith. “I tried to ease back, and then they kicked away ahead of me so I had to take it up again. He was three or deep the whole way and was galloped on. I did get some cover at the 700m, but I still couldn’t get in.
“Then we had to work all the way up the straight. It was a good tough win,” concluded Reith.
Schweida was waiting with one last jibe for Reith.
“Pity she didn’t pay $12,00 or more,” said Schweida mischievously. “I might have given you a sling if it paid $12,00 (the dividend was $11,60). What a shame!”
“You see, he wins and he still whinges,” was Reith’s quick reply.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Star Of Ombra (R. McMahon) raced wide for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Solar Bound, G. Colless could offer no tangible explanation and confirmed his disappointment with the horse's performance. G. Colless gave an indication that Solar Bound may be sent for a spell. A post race veterinary examination of Solar Bound failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
RACE 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Montazoa was the second example on the day where the removal of blinkers arguably helped bring a change of fortune.
The John Wallace trained gelding only scored by the narrowest of margins, but the effort still represented a marked improvement on his previous two efforts.
“Johnny (Wallace) just said to me that I must ride him quiet,” said jockey Scott Galloway. “I managed to get him into a fifth placing on the rail (from a number nine draw) and that was the perfect position from which to mount a challenge in the straight.
“He kicked on well early but he did want to give it away late in the running, but his ability got him there,” continued Galloway.
“There’ll be a lot of improvement to come with this one, but he does need time.
“He could be a nice horse in about six months.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
S. Galloway, rider of Montazoa, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 800m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Reve D’Or (R. McMahon), which resulted in Reve D’Or being checked. S. Galloway was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 6 meetings, to commence at midnight, 31 August, and to expire at midnight, 6 September 2008. Leaving the 300m, Montazoa shifted out to improve around the heels of General Purple (S. Seamer) and in doing so bumped Elshama. GENERAL PURPLE (S. Seamer), NOTEVENOW (P. Hammersley) and LE MIRAGE (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout.
RACE 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The New Zealand bred Eleda made it four wins in a row with powerful, eye-catching performance, coming from some way off the speed to win well.
Eleda was trainer Bryan Guy’s second winner at the meeting.
“We’ve only just been putting her through the grades,” explained Guy. “Now we will have to think about it a bit more. She just keeps answering the question and we will have a look at the bigger picture now as to where we can put her ability to the best use.”
Jockey Dean Tanti, who has had the ride throughout Eleda’s winning sequence, was both happy and relieved at the result.
“I ride her in all of her work so I know her really well,” said Tanti.
“We were always going to get back which was a worry with her only being a small mare carrying 57kg, but she responded well and came home very strongly.”
Eleda’s winning sequence started on June 28 in her first-up run after being out of action for 13 months.
That time away from then track came courtesy of two setbacks.
The EI breakbreak was a common denominator for all racehorses. The broken nose that Eleda suffered when rearing in the barriers was her own particular pain.
Both setbacks took its toll at the time. Both setbacks have clearly been overcome.
Co-owner David Cherry, pointed out that Eleda’s half brother, Step To Win, is a four time winner racing in Hong Kong.
So how far away can the phone call from Hong Kong be?
“Oh, we would never sell her,” stated Cherry, who has a big emotional investment in the family of Eleda.
Cherry also co-owns Eleda’s dam, Repetition, with Stone Bridge Stud.
Repetition is currently in foal to Stravinsky.
“Look everyone’s a battler,” said Cherry. “It doesn’t matter about the bank balance though. We want this involvement in racing and it is days like this that make it all worthwhile.
"It is just so good.”
Eleda was Cherry’s second winner as an owner in the past five days. Cherry also co-owns Jad, who won at Doomben on Saturday.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Felicia breaking its tongue-tie. Due to a replacement being unable to be fitted, the mare raced without a tongue-tie. Eleda (D. Tanti) and Princess Norma (L. Dillon) were both slow to begin.
RACE 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Adrian Coombe guided Shooting Scene to a finely judged win in the sixth event.
“He's best as a swooper, but somehow he just keeps getting caught on the fence,” said Mayfield-Smith, referring to past runs of Shooting Scene.
“This time I told Adrian to ride him cool. I told him he should take off about three (furlongs) from home because the horse can sustain a good three.
“At the top of the straight he still hadn’t moved. I was getting a bit anxious. Maybe he thought I meant 300m. But he got the job done in the end.”
Coombe officially joins the Mayfield-Smith stable ‘on loan’ on Monday. Coombe is attached to the Don Critch stable at Rockhampton.
Shooting Star has now had six runs for Mayfield-Smith for three wins, a runner-up finish and a third placing.
“He won at $42,00 first time out for us. Then he came out and did it again at 12-1,” volunteered Mayfield-Smith. And now there is this win. He’s been a good earner.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT: Near the 1400m, Sunset Marquis (K. Wharton) was tightened for room when racing to the inside of Coxless (M. Hellyer), which shifted in. M. Hellyer, rider of Coxless, was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care. It was noted that Sunset Marquis over-raced for some distance after this incident
RACE 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Je Ne Sais Pas provided trainer Cherie O’Neill with a big moment in this early stage of her career.
O’Neill took out a licence in her own right at the start of this season and, after only twenty-seven days, she now has a city winner on her resume.
“It means a lot to me,” said O’Neill, who took over the family training regime from her father, former top rider Colin O’Neill.
“Especially winning for a bunch of owners like those who have Je Ne Sais Pas,” said O’Neill. “They leave me alone to do my work. They have completely entrusted the care of the horse to me.
“They’ve come into racing to enjoy themselves and it is so good being able to work within such a positive vibe.”
Anybody who had been on hand to witness Je Ne Sais Pas’s previous win at Ipswich two runs back, which was the mare’s first run for her new owners, would know what O’Neill was referring to.
The owners’ celebrations, from the roar of bringing the horse home, to the shrieks of delight that followed loud and long after their horse had crossed the line, confirmed that the owners’ mission of enjoying themselves was being accomplished.
Jockey Shane Scriven commented on the run of Je Ne Sais Pas.
“They went crazy in the race up front,” said Scriven. “I thought if I stuck where I was she would win if she was good enough.
“She was good enough. She won,” was Scriven’s short version of events.
“All I could hear was the cheering mate, so I knew somebody was happy.”
O’Neill has three horses in training. They will be joined by another four horses at the end of the month, thus doubling the size of the O’Neill’s stable, just one month into her career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:T. Pannell, rider of the 4th placegetter, Sweed, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish of the race. Stewards questioned B. El-Issa regarding his failure to weigh in 5th on Snippet Street. After considering his explanation and that of the Clerk of Scales, Mr D. Weir, stewards considered there were extenuating circumstances and took no further action in the matter.
RACE 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy continues to send out a steady stream of winners. He visited the winners’ enclosure twice on the day, his first success coming in the form of French Penn, a four-year-old Noverre mare.
It was an honest, workmanlike win with French Penn doing enough in a race of muddling pace, without doing anything flash.
“The leaders went fast enough till the 1400m, but then they pulled it right back,” explained jockey Ric McMahon.
“They were still slow at the half mile, so I decided to pick up the tempo and went around them.
“In the straight it was still a battle. She doesn’t quicken up that much, but she just out-plugged the other horse (Chelle’s Alibi),” concluded McMahon.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 600m, Chelle’s Alibi (G. Colless) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced French Penn, which had raced wide from the 800m, wider on the track.
RACE 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Soulgen looked the part here and duly obliged under a confident ride by the in-form Christian Reith.
“Go to the front. Catch me if you can,” was Reith’s comment on the race tactics.
“That was easy,” was Reith’s comment on the result.
Soulgen won by an official four length margin.
Trainer Mick Mair was satisfied with Soulgen’s performance.
“He has been struggling. We found a nice little race for him and he came through. The blinkers (on first time) probably helped make the difference.”
Mair had planned to spell Soulgen after this run, but that turned into an enforced three month suspension after Soulgen was found to have bled after the race (see Stewards Report Extract)
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1000m, Desperates (D. Hayse) became unbalanced and shifted in, making heavy contact with the running rail and as a consequence shifted out and bumped Glad Tidings (L. Rolls). D. Hayse, rider of Desperates, reported that his mount shied at a bird which was directly in its path just prior to this incident. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Deputation, G. Colless stated that after beginning awkwardly his mount settled at the rear of the field, however when placed under pressure at the 600m, failed to race up to expectations. Trainer's representative S. Morrisey stated that the horse became extremely agitated in its race day stall, which he felt was the main contributing factor in the horse's poor performance. A post race veterinary examination of Deputation failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Soulgen was found to have suffered a bleeding attack after the event, and in accordance with AR53A, the gelding will now be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
RACE 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Christian Reith might have had an easy ride on Soulgen, but he had to work hard to earn his percentage in his second win of the day, when he partnered the Kelly Schweida trained Specks Of Magic to a hard fought victory over the persistent challenge of Star Of Ombra and the eye-catching finish of the first-timer Baby Rock.
The favourite Solar Bound led into the home straight but failed to sustain her effort and weakened to finish well out of the placings.
“I couldn’t understand the betting, “said Schweida, whose winner paid $11,60 for a win on the tote. “My horse beat the favourite by four lengths the last time they met.”
Specks Of Magic did have another run since that previous encounter though. That lack-lustre effort at the Gold Coast went some way towards turning punters away from Specks Of Magic on this occasion.
But there was notable change of gear which made a difference.
“She had blinkers on at the coast and she just pulled herself into the ground,” explained Schweida.
Schweida reacted to Specks Of Magic’s show of dislike for blinkers by taking them off and that change of gear proved to be decisive in the outcome.
The early part of the race was as problematic for Reith as the finish was pressurised.
“I tried to go forward. I couldn’t get in,” explained Reith. “I tried to ease back, and then they kicked away ahead of me so I had to take it up again. He was three or deep the whole way and was galloped on. I did get some cover at the 700m, but I still couldn’t get in.
“Then we had to work all the way up the straight. It was a good tough win,” concluded Reith.
Schweida was waiting with one last jibe for Reith.
“Pity she didn’t pay $12,00 or more,” said Schweida mischievously. “I might have given you a sling if it paid $12,00 (the dividend was $11,60). What a shame!”
“You see, he wins and he still whinges,” was Reith’s quick reply.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Star Of Ombra (R. McMahon) raced wide for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Solar Bound, G. Colless could offer no tangible explanation and confirmed his disappointment with the horse's performance. G. Colless gave an indication that Solar Bound may be sent for a spell. A post race veterinary examination of Solar Bound failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
RACE 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Montazoa was the second example on the day where the removal of blinkers arguably helped bring a change of fortune.
The John Wallace trained gelding only scored by the narrowest of margins, but the effort still represented a marked improvement on his previous two efforts.
“Johnny (Wallace) just said to me that I must ride him quiet,” said jockey Scott Galloway. “I managed to get him into a fifth placing on the rail (from a number nine draw) and that was the perfect position from which to mount a challenge in the straight.
“He kicked on well early but he did want to give it away late in the running, but his ability got him there,” continued Galloway.
“There’ll be a lot of improvement to come with this one, but he does need time.
“He could be a nice horse in about six months.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
S. Galloway, rider of Montazoa, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 800m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Reve D’Or (R. McMahon), which resulted in Reve D’Or being checked. S. Galloway was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 6 meetings, to commence at midnight, 31 August, and to expire at midnight, 6 September 2008. Leaving the 300m, Montazoa shifted out to improve around the heels of General Purple (S. Seamer) and in doing so bumped Elshama. GENERAL PURPLE (S. Seamer), NOTEVENOW (P. Hammersley) and LE MIRAGE (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout.
RACE 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The New Zealand bred Eleda made it four wins in a row with powerful, eye-catching performance, coming from some way off the speed to win well.
Eleda was trainer Bryan Guy’s second winner at the meeting.
“We’ve only just been putting her through the grades,” explained Guy. “Now we will have to think about it a bit more. She just keeps answering the question and we will have a look at the bigger picture now as to where we can put her ability to the best use.”
Jockey Dean Tanti, who has had the ride throughout Eleda’s winning sequence, was both happy and relieved at the result.
“I ride her in all of her work so I know her really well,” said Tanti.
“We were always going to get back which was a worry with her only being a small mare carrying 57kg, but she responded well and came home very strongly.”
Eleda’s winning sequence started on June 28 in her first-up run after being out of action for 13 months.
That time away from then track came courtesy of two setbacks.
The EI breakbreak was a common denominator for all racehorses. The broken nose that Eleda suffered when rearing in the barriers was her own particular pain.
Both setbacks took its toll at the time. Both setbacks have clearly been overcome.
Co-owner David Cherry, pointed out that Eleda’s half brother, Step To Win, is a four time winner racing in Hong Kong.
So how far away can the phone call from Hong Kong be?
“Oh, we would never sell her,” stated Cherry, who has a big emotional investment in the family of Eleda.
Cherry also co-owns Eleda’s dam, Repetition, with Stone Bridge Stud.
Repetition is currently in foal to Stravinsky.
“Look everyone’s a battler,” said Cherry. “It doesn’t matter about the bank balance though. We want this involvement in racing and it is days like this that make it all worthwhile.
"It is just so good.”
Eleda was Cherry’s second winner as an owner in the past five days. Cherry also co-owns Jad, who won at Doomben on Saturday.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Felicia breaking its tongue-tie. Due to a replacement being unable to be fitted, the mare raced without a tongue-tie. Eleda (D. Tanti) and Princess Norma (L. Dillon) were both slow to begin.
RACE 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Adrian Coombe guided Shooting Scene to a finely judged win in the sixth event.
“He's best as a swooper, but somehow he just keeps getting caught on the fence,” said Mayfield-Smith, referring to past runs of Shooting Scene.
“This time I told Adrian to ride him cool. I told him he should take off about three (furlongs) from home because the horse can sustain a good three.
“At the top of the straight he still hadn’t moved. I was getting a bit anxious. Maybe he thought I meant 300m. But he got the job done in the end.”
Coombe officially joins the Mayfield-Smith stable ‘on loan’ on Monday. Coombe is attached to the Don Critch stable at Rockhampton.
Shooting Star has now had six runs for Mayfield-Smith for three wins, a runner-up finish and a third placing.
“He won at $42,00 first time out for us. Then he came out and did it again at 12-1,” volunteered Mayfield-Smith. And now there is this win. He’s been a good earner.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT: Near the 1400m, Sunset Marquis (K. Wharton) was tightened for room when racing to the inside of Coxless (M. Hellyer), which shifted in. M. Hellyer, rider of Coxless, was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care. It was noted that Sunset Marquis over-raced for some distance after this incident
RACE 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Je Ne Sais Pas provided trainer Cherie O’Neill with a big moment in this early stage of her career.
O’Neill took out a licence in her own right at the start of this season and, after only twenty-seven days, she now has a city winner on her resume.
“It means a lot to me,” said O’Neill, who took over the family training regime from her father, former top rider Colin O’Neill.
“Especially winning for a bunch of owners like those who have Je Ne Sais Pas,” said O’Neill. “They leave me alone to do my work. They have completely entrusted the care of the horse to me.
“They’ve come into racing to enjoy themselves and it is so good being able to work within such a positive vibe.”
Anybody who had been on hand to witness Je Ne Sais Pas’s previous win at Ipswich two runs back, which was the mare’s first run for her new owners, would know what O’Neill was referring to.
The owners’ celebrations, from the roar of bringing the horse home, to the shrieks of delight that followed loud and long after their horse had crossed the line, confirmed that the owners’ mission of enjoying themselves was being accomplished.
Jockey Shane Scriven commented on the run of Je Ne Sais Pas.
“They went crazy in the race up front,” said Scriven. “I thought if I stuck where I was she would win if she was good enough.
“She was good enough. She won,” was Scriven’s short version of events.
“All I could hear was the cheering mate, so I knew somebody was happy.”
O’Neill has three horses in training. They will be joined by another four horses at the end of the month, thus doubling the size of the O’Neill’s stable, just one month into her career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:T. Pannell, rider of the 4th placegetter, Sweed, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish of the race. Stewards questioned B. El-Issa regarding his failure to weigh in 5th on Snippet Street. After considering his explanation and that of the Clerk of Scales, Mr D. Weir, stewards considered there were extenuating circumstances and took no further action in the matter.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
ALL THE ACTION FROM THE SUNSHINE COAST
A review of the meeting at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday
RACE 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
As he had done at Doomben on Saturday, trainer Bryan Guy sent out the first winner on the card, this time in the form of the New Zealand bred colt Timecall, who was winning for the first time at only his second start.
“He did a lot of things wrong first time,” explained Guy. “This time it also was not a perfect performance, but he showed that he has made progress in the three weeks in-between runs and he does seem to have clicked what to do.
“He’s started at 1400m. He’s a very nice horse and I think he’ll go 2000m."
Timecall did get back early in the running after an ordinary start. Was it the plan to run from off the speed?
Jockey Ric McMahon explains.
“No there was no plan to get back,” answered McMahon. “He didn’t jump that well so I just took it from there.
"Bryan (Guy) is very good that way. He doesn’t put pressure on you to be in a certain place. All he asks is for you to position the horse where it is comfortable and that’s what I did with Timecall."
Unlike some punters, McMahon was never concerned about the outcome of the race.
“He was always going to win wherever he was in the running,” stated McMahon. “He was just too good for them.””
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 450m, Timecall (R. McMahon) shifted out to improve and in doing so inconvenienced Teddy Pom Pom (C. Small). Over the final 100m, Nkosi’s Haven M. Hughes) shifted out abruptly under pressure, making contact with Hotact (K. Cunningham).
RACE 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bryan Guy/Ric McMahon combination wasted little time in posting a double.
Their second winner was Romantic Venture who, like Timecall, won at the second time of asking after being stepped up from 1400m to 1600m.
“Really, he’s another nice horse. He should develop into a fair stayer,” said Guy.
The run was similar to that of Timecall in that McMahon again had to make his way through the field, beginning his run from a long way off the pace.
There was difference though. This time McMahon had to be a lot busier in the saddle to help secure the result.
“He was so green,” said McMahon shaking his head. “He was off the bit a long way out and he had no idea what he was supposed to do.
“I just roared at him in the straight.
"Once he started to stretch out he picked up ground very quickly and he did enough. He can only get better with that run and he should come on well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hotone (M. Dorrington) and Romantic Venture (R. McMahon) were slow to begin. G. Butler, rider of Tiger Terrific accidentally dropped his whip near the 500m. Near the 450m, Resurrected (E. Wilkinson) was inclined to lay in and had to be steadied. National Soldier (K. Wharton) was held up for clear running from the 250m and went to the line without being fully tested. Val Osiris (O.Turpin) was held up from the 200m for clear running until near the 100m.
RACE 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Mick Mair trained Karalius won a protracted battle on the track with Moxie Million and then had to survive a protest before officially claiming the first victory of his career.
The result stood as past the post, leaving Mick Mair with a smile on his face and jockey Jana Piper with food for thought in her quest to improve her riding record.
“He was squeezed a bit at his last start,” offered Mair, referring to Karalius’s improved third placed finish in his previous start.
“He’s getting there slowly ... but he’s getting there.”
Mair gave a clue with his next comment as to how far he thought Karalius might progress.
“He’s a half-brother to Mount Gower, that good horse I used to have,” said Mair.
Point noted.
For Jana Piper, the advice that in future, she must straighten her mount sooner than she did on this occasion, was a slap on the wrist which served as a reminder of the fine line that jockey’s walk between success and suspension.
Unfortunately, later in the day, Piper was deemed to have crossed that line (see Stewards Report Extract – Race 6).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale, a protest was lodged by trainer Mr J. Hunter, trainer of the 2nd placegetter, Moxie Million, against Karalius (J. Piper) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the video, stewards found that near the 75m, Karalius shifted in and brushed Moxie Million, however bearing in mind the extent of the interference and where it occurred in relation to the winning post, stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that the incident had any material affect on the finishing positions of the relevant horses and therefore the protest was dismissed and the Judge's placings confirmed. At a subsequent inquiry, J. Piper, rider of Karalius, was advised that in similar circumstances she must stop riding and straighten her mount sooner than she did on this occasion. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Galactic Spirit, R. McMahon stated that the filly travelled well throughout. However when placed under pressure from the 300m she failed to respond to his riding and, in his opinion, was disappointing in its failure to run on.
RACE 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Krisalo came good under a very positive ride by the often underrated Kelvin Wharton to score in comfortable fashion in her second run following a six month spell.
“She was smacked around a bit in the running first-up,” said trainer Trevor Thomas. “That didn’t help her at all then, although, having said that, she probably isn’t a first-up horse.
“When she does put it in, she is very solid and I’m very happy with this performance.
“She’s going to go on to more than a Class 1 win at Coloundra, I’m sure.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Okomoto Tamasakura (S. Holcombe) was slow to begin and lost considerable ground. Connections were advised that an official warning would be placed on the gelding. Recalled (L. Dittman) was inclined to overrace in the early stages and near the 550m shifted in slightly, resulting in Observe (M. Hughes), which was following, having to be steadied and alter course. Rounding the home turn, Observe (M. Hughes) was inclined to lay out and had to be steadied away from the heels of Lionleigh Lass (O. Turpin). S. Holcombe, rider of Okomoto Tamasakura, accidentally dropped his whip near the 200m. Passing the 200m, Krisalo (K. Wharton) shifted out to improve around the heels of Monte Kwalo (J. Piper) and in doing so inconvenienced Recalled (L. Dittman). Lionleigh Lass (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout. J. Piper, rider of the 4th placegetter, Monte Kwalo, was fined $100 for failing to weigh in when required to do so.
RACE 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
You have to go a long way to find a more honest competitor than the Peter Fleming trained Craiglea Warrior.
The eight-year-old gelding has been a model of consistency in recent times and again repaid his followers with a solid performance to land the seventeenth win of his career.
“He had some problems and had time out as a youngster,” explained Fleming. “He’s a strong horse and is clear-winded. He just loves racing.
“He came back in after EI,” continued Fleming. “I think his only bad run since January was when we tried him over 2000m. He does have a staying line on his dam’s side but he certainly is enjoying these sprints.
Full marks must also go to apprentice jockey Cameron Dixon who has partnered Craiglea Warrior in three of his last four wins.
The win helped keep the momentum going for the young rider who landed a double at Ipswich on Thursday.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Grecolo, R. McMahon stated that the gelding travelled well in running. However when placed under pressure in the home straight, Grecolo failed to respond to his riding and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
RACE 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall was out the back of the grandstand pumping his fist in the air in a victory salute after Dive At Five had got the better of the short-priced favourite La Marianne.
“It’s his first start for me,” explained Hall who was clearly thrilled at the result he had obtained for high profile owner Nick Moratis.
“He was given to me after his last start. I took him home. I studied his form. I put a lot of work into him ... I improved his blood ... I put him back over a mile ... and there’s the result,” said Hall, who was really rapt with the win.
“I’ve had three winners from four starters for the owner,” said Hall, confirming the current strike-rate for an owner/trainer combination which could well go on to better things.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT: Apprentice J. Piper, rider of La Marannne, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 1200m she permitted her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Great Honour (R. McMahon), forcing that runner in on to Condomine Lad (L. Dittman), which in turn was taken in on to Dive At Five (P. Hammersley), resulting in Dive At Five having to be steadied. A short distance later, J. Piper allowed her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Great Honour, forcing that gelding in on to Condomine Lad, which was in turn forced in onto Frisco’s In Charge, causing Frisco’s In Charge to be checked. J. Piper was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 29 August, and to expire at midnight, 13 September. Near the 200m, Sacred Heart (E. Wilkinson) shifted in across the heels of La Marianne (J. Piper) to obtain clear running and in doing so hampered Condomine Lad (L. Dittman). E. Wilkinson, rider of Sacred Heart, was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when crossing in future.
RACE 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“All I can tell you is she is a .... of a racehorse. A real shocker,” said Bryan Guy, before any question could be asked.
Guy was referring to Mona Star, the five-year-old mare who had just given the Guy yard and stable jockey Ric McMahon a winning treble on the day when touching off rival Base Dancer by the narrowest of margins.
It appears that some horses learn and some horses try to teach the trainer. Clearly Mona Star falls into the unfavoured, latter category.
“She always wants to bolt. She always wants to do her own thing,” continued Guy.
“She’s always been the same. She has never got better,” agreed Daniel Guy, nodding knowingly.
Well maybe, just maybe, all of the effort put in by the stable is starting to be worth it as Mona Star, while still boasting an otherwise attitude off the track, is starting to put it together where it counts having won two of her three starts this year – albeit by small nerve-tingling margins.
I guess that’s the way she wants to do it!
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
T. Pannell, rider of the 5th placegetter, Norhave, was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight.
RACE 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Robert Bradshaw trained Asituation, apparently unwanted by some jockeys who declined the ride after Matthew Paget was stood down, did what any self-respecting runner would do in those circumstances – he came out and won.
Asituation had previously recorded results that suggested he was short on fire-power in the finish, having saluted only once before in thirty-eight starts. He had, however, shown to good advantage in his previous run at the Gold Coast, and Todd Pannell helped him build on that result with a resolute ride as the duo combined to see off the challenge of the favourite Ice Delight by a little under a length.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ice Delight raced wide during the middle stages. Near the 450m, Stately Command (R. McMahon) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Vettori’s Image (K. Wharton) and Gracemere (M. Heagney), which was taken out by Romsey (C. Small), which shifted out away from Gemini George (L. Dittman). Stately Command (R. McMahon) was momentarily held up for clear running on entering the straight. Gracemere (M. Heagney) raced wide throughout.
RACE 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
As he had done at Doomben on Saturday, trainer Bryan Guy sent out the first winner on the card, this time in the form of the New Zealand bred colt Timecall, who was winning for the first time at only his second start.
“He did a lot of things wrong first time,” explained Guy. “This time it also was not a perfect performance, but he showed that he has made progress in the three weeks in-between runs and he does seem to have clicked what to do.
“He’s started at 1400m. He’s a very nice horse and I think he’ll go 2000m."
Timecall did get back early in the running after an ordinary start. Was it the plan to run from off the speed?
Jockey Ric McMahon explains.
“No there was no plan to get back,” answered McMahon. “He didn’t jump that well so I just took it from there.
"Bryan (Guy) is very good that way. He doesn’t put pressure on you to be in a certain place. All he asks is for you to position the horse where it is comfortable and that’s what I did with Timecall."
Unlike some punters, McMahon was never concerned about the outcome of the race.
“He was always going to win wherever he was in the running,” stated McMahon. “He was just too good for them.””
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 450m, Timecall (R. McMahon) shifted out to improve and in doing so inconvenienced Teddy Pom Pom (C. Small). Over the final 100m, Nkosi’s Haven M. Hughes) shifted out abruptly under pressure, making contact with Hotact (K. Cunningham).
RACE 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bryan Guy/Ric McMahon combination wasted little time in posting a double.
Their second winner was Romantic Venture who, like Timecall, won at the second time of asking after being stepped up from 1400m to 1600m.
“Really, he’s another nice horse. He should develop into a fair stayer,” said Guy.
The run was similar to that of Timecall in that McMahon again had to make his way through the field, beginning his run from a long way off the pace.
There was difference though. This time McMahon had to be a lot busier in the saddle to help secure the result.
“He was so green,” said McMahon shaking his head. “He was off the bit a long way out and he had no idea what he was supposed to do.
“I just roared at him in the straight.
"Once he started to stretch out he picked up ground very quickly and he did enough. He can only get better with that run and he should come on well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hotone (M. Dorrington) and Romantic Venture (R. McMahon) were slow to begin. G. Butler, rider of Tiger Terrific accidentally dropped his whip near the 500m. Near the 450m, Resurrected (E. Wilkinson) was inclined to lay in and had to be steadied. National Soldier (K. Wharton) was held up for clear running from the 250m and went to the line without being fully tested. Val Osiris (O.Turpin) was held up from the 200m for clear running until near the 100m.
RACE 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Mick Mair trained Karalius won a protracted battle on the track with Moxie Million and then had to survive a protest before officially claiming the first victory of his career.
The result stood as past the post, leaving Mick Mair with a smile on his face and jockey Jana Piper with food for thought in her quest to improve her riding record.
“He was squeezed a bit at his last start,” offered Mair, referring to Karalius’s improved third placed finish in his previous start.
“He’s getting there slowly ... but he’s getting there.”
Mair gave a clue with his next comment as to how far he thought Karalius might progress.
“He’s a half-brother to Mount Gower, that good horse I used to have,” said Mair.
Point noted.
For Jana Piper, the advice that in future, she must straighten her mount sooner than she did on this occasion, was a slap on the wrist which served as a reminder of the fine line that jockey’s walk between success and suspension.
Unfortunately, later in the day, Piper was deemed to have crossed that line (see Stewards Report Extract – Race 6).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale, a protest was lodged by trainer Mr J. Hunter, trainer of the 2nd placegetter, Moxie Million, against Karalius (J. Piper) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the video, stewards found that near the 75m, Karalius shifted in and brushed Moxie Million, however bearing in mind the extent of the interference and where it occurred in relation to the winning post, stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that the incident had any material affect on the finishing positions of the relevant horses and therefore the protest was dismissed and the Judge's placings confirmed. At a subsequent inquiry, J. Piper, rider of Karalius, was advised that in similar circumstances she must stop riding and straighten her mount sooner than she did on this occasion. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Galactic Spirit, R. McMahon stated that the filly travelled well throughout. However when placed under pressure from the 300m she failed to respond to his riding and, in his opinion, was disappointing in its failure to run on.
RACE 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Krisalo came good under a very positive ride by the often underrated Kelvin Wharton to score in comfortable fashion in her second run following a six month spell.
“She was smacked around a bit in the running first-up,” said trainer Trevor Thomas. “That didn’t help her at all then, although, having said that, she probably isn’t a first-up horse.
“When she does put it in, she is very solid and I’m very happy with this performance.
“She’s going to go on to more than a Class 1 win at Coloundra, I’m sure.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Okomoto Tamasakura (S. Holcombe) was slow to begin and lost considerable ground. Connections were advised that an official warning would be placed on the gelding. Recalled (L. Dittman) was inclined to overrace in the early stages and near the 550m shifted in slightly, resulting in Observe (M. Hughes), which was following, having to be steadied and alter course. Rounding the home turn, Observe (M. Hughes) was inclined to lay out and had to be steadied away from the heels of Lionleigh Lass (O. Turpin). S. Holcombe, rider of Okomoto Tamasakura, accidentally dropped his whip near the 200m. Passing the 200m, Krisalo (K. Wharton) shifted out to improve around the heels of Monte Kwalo (J. Piper) and in doing so inconvenienced Recalled (L. Dittman). Lionleigh Lass (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout. J. Piper, rider of the 4th placegetter, Monte Kwalo, was fined $100 for failing to weigh in when required to do so.
RACE 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
You have to go a long way to find a more honest competitor than the Peter Fleming trained Craiglea Warrior.
The eight-year-old gelding has been a model of consistency in recent times and again repaid his followers with a solid performance to land the seventeenth win of his career.
“He had some problems and had time out as a youngster,” explained Fleming. “He’s a strong horse and is clear-winded. He just loves racing.
“He came back in after EI,” continued Fleming. “I think his only bad run since January was when we tried him over 2000m. He does have a staying line on his dam’s side but he certainly is enjoying these sprints.
Full marks must also go to apprentice jockey Cameron Dixon who has partnered Craiglea Warrior in three of his last four wins.
The win helped keep the momentum going for the young rider who landed a double at Ipswich on Thursday.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Grecolo, R. McMahon stated that the gelding travelled well in running. However when placed under pressure in the home straight, Grecolo failed to respond to his riding and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
RACE 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall was out the back of the grandstand pumping his fist in the air in a victory salute after Dive At Five had got the better of the short-priced favourite La Marianne.
“It’s his first start for me,” explained Hall who was clearly thrilled at the result he had obtained for high profile owner Nick Moratis.
“He was given to me after his last start. I took him home. I studied his form. I put a lot of work into him ... I improved his blood ... I put him back over a mile ... and there’s the result,” said Hall, who was really rapt with the win.
“I’ve had three winners from four starters for the owner,” said Hall, confirming the current strike-rate for an owner/trainer combination which could well go on to better things.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT: Apprentice J. Piper, rider of La Marannne, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 1200m she permitted her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Great Honour (R. McMahon), forcing that runner in on to Condomine Lad (L. Dittman), which in turn was taken in on to Dive At Five (P. Hammersley), resulting in Dive At Five having to be steadied. A short distance later, J. Piper allowed her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Great Honour, forcing that gelding in on to Condomine Lad, which was in turn forced in onto Frisco’s In Charge, causing Frisco’s In Charge to be checked. J. Piper was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 29 August, and to expire at midnight, 13 September. Near the 200m, Sacred Heart (E. Wilkinson) shifted in across the heels of La Marianne (J. Piper) to obtain clear running and in doing so hampered Condomine Lad (L. Dittman). E. Wilkinson, rider of Sacred Heart, was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when crossing in future.
RACE 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“All I can tell you is she is a .... of a racehorse. A real shocker,” said Bryan Guy, before any question could be asked.
Guy was referring to Mona Star, the five-year-old mare who had just given the Guy yard and stable jockey Ric McMahon a winning treble on the day when touching off rival Base Dancer by the narrowest of margins.
It appears that some horses learn and some horses try to teach the trainer. Clearly Mona Star falls into the unfavoured, latter category.
“She always wants to bolt. She always wants to do her own thing,” continued Guy.
“She’s always been the same. She has never got better,” agreed Daniel Guy, nodding knowingly.
Well maybe, just maybe, all of the effort put in by the stable is starting to be worth it as Mona Star, while still boasting an otherwise attitude off the track, is starting to put it together where it counts having won two of her three starts this year – albeit by small nerve-tingling margins.
I guess that’s the way she wants to do it!
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
T. Pannell, rider of the 5th placegetter, Norhave, was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight.
RACE 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Robert Bradshaw trained Asituation, apparently unwanted by some jockeys who declined the ride after Matthew Paget was stood down, did what any self-respecting runner would do in those circumstances – he came out and won.
Asituation had previously recorded results that suggested he was short on fire-power in the finish, having saluted only once before in thirty-eight starts. He had, however, shown to good advantage in his previous run at the Gold Coast, and Todd Pannell helped him build on that result with a resolute ride as the duo combined to see off the challenge of the favourite Ice Delight by a little under a length.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ice Delight raced wide during the middle stages. Near the 450m, Stately Command (R. McMahon) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Vettori’s Image (K. Wharton) and Gracemere (M. Heagney), which was taken out by Romsey (C. Small), which shifted out away from Gemini George (L. Dittman). Stately Command (R. McMahon) was momentarily held up for clear running on entering the straight. Gracemere (M. Heagney) raced wide throughout.
POPE'S RETURN IMMINENT
Jockey Ken Pope is hoping to receive a clearance to resume riding today.
He has an appointment to see a specialist who will make that call, which could put an end to a frustrating three months out of the saddle for the seasoned rider.
Pope was riding a horse for trainer Mick Mair in work when it shattered a leg and sent Pope crashing to the ground. The horse then rolled onto Pope, causing severe injuries.
“The horse rolled on me and I injured my neck in two places. I broke my back in two places. I broke my sternum,” said Pope.
“I also tore a whole lot of muscles, which, strangely enough, are now probably the biggest problem. They are not one hundred percent. They are still sore.”
Pope injuries did not require any surgery. He did wear a neck brace for a month, but the main factor in his rehabilitation was rest.
“I was not allowed to do anything at all,” stated Pope. “I had to give my body a complete rest so that my injuries could heal. I couldn’t lift anything ... I couldn’t even go fishing.”
Should Pope get the green light to resume riding today, he plans to start riding track-work tomorrow.
His return to race riding will take that bit longer.
“I will be back in the saddle tomorrow if I get my clearance,” confirmed Pope. “I guess it will take another month before I can get back into race action.
“I’ll need that time to slowly build up my fitness again and also my muscles need to heal completely. But, overall, things are looking good,” concluded Pope.
He has an appointment to see a specialist who will make that call, which could put an end to a frustrating three months out of the saddle for the seasoned rider.
Pope was riding a horse for trainer Mick Mair in work when it shattered a leg and sent Pope crashing to the ground. The horse then rolled onto Pope, causing severe injuries.
“The horse rolled on me and I injured my neck in two places. I broke my back in two places. I broke my sternum,” said Pope.
“I also tore a whole lot of muscles, which, strangely enough, are now probably the biggest problem. They are not one hundred percent. They are still sore.”
Pope injuries did not require any surgery. He did wear a neck brace for a month, but the main factor in his rehabilitation was rest.
“I was not allowed to do anything at all,” stated Pope. “I had to give my body a complete rest so that my injuries could heal. I couldn’t lift anything ... I couldn’t even go fishing.”
Should Pope get the green light to resume riding today, he plans to start riding track-work tomorrow.
His return to race riding will take that bit longer.
“I will be back in the saddle tomorrow if I get my clearance,” confirmed Pope. “I guess it will take another month before I can get back into race action.
“I’ll need that time to slowly build up my fitness again and also my muscles need to heal completely. But, overall, things are looking good,” concluded Pope.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
ALL THE ACTION FROM DOOMBEN
A review of the meeting at Doomben yesterday.
RACE 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bryan Guy trained Jad picked up his fourth win from 18 starts and pushed his trainer to joint top position in the trainer’s ladder.
It was a workmanlike performance by Jad who continues to do some of his best work over the 1100m trip.
Jad tracked the fronrunning Youcantseem until the home turn. He applied pressure at the top of the straight and quickly gained the ascendency which he held comfortably to the line.
Jockey Paul Hammersley who has recently returned from an overseas holiday, gave a timely reminder of his ability to trainers as he searches to cement a regular place in the city riding ranks.
“My aim is to ride permanently in town,” stated Hammersley, “and I am working very hard towards achieving that. So I hope the rewards come.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sneaky Squirrell ... raced wide throughout.
RACE 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK
“Rob just said I don’t care which one of you win, as long as you run one-two.”
These were the words spoken jockey Shane Scriven after he had piloted Athenas Gift, the longer-priced of the two Rob Heathcote runners, to a narrow victory over Lodging, his stable companion.
“My horse was so green. He didn’t really know what he was doing,” offered Scriven.
“The race was really Maiden quality (there was only one winner amongst the six starters) and he had pretty good Maiden form."
Both of the Heathcote trained runners stepped up in distance and both were the better for it.
Scriven did point out that Lodging, who tracked the leader Athena Gift throughout without being able to bridge a narrow gap, would probably prefer more ground than this 1615m trip.
Heathcote almost managed to send both sets of owners home a winner. Just a touch under a quarter of a length separated his two runners from a dead-heat.
RACE 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
‘Bring Back The Biff’, you might say ... well that’s exactly what the Liam Birchley has done with the Kenfair gelding Bitabiff.
Bitabiff has been in the care of Birchley for eight runs and the seven-year-old has now won on three occasions and finished runner-up twice in his last five starts.
Bitabiff has always been a game and honest performer and was already a six-time winner when transferred to Birchley’s yard.
“He came to me as an experienced horse,” acknowledged Birchley. He had been well exposed to racing and he knew a few tricks and it was just a matter of getting him going again. He’s going well now.
“I probably shouldn’t have run him at Ipswich (Bitabiff’s unplaced run before his latest tidy sequence kicked in),” admitted Birchley. “The 1100m there was too short.”
But the results changed when Bitabiff stepped up to 1200m and won two races in succession over that distance.
Yesterdays task was set at 1350m and the fact that Bitabiff was able to win for the first time in 12 attempts at the distance and for the first time in seven goes over the track and distance (over which he had previously been unplaced) underlines the level of improvement Bitabiff has reached.'
Bitabiff provided Scott Seamer with the first leg of a riding double.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sommersea Drive (B. Pengelly) jumped away awkwardly.
Approaching the 800m, Sommersea Drive (B. Pengelly) had to be steadied when it improved on to the heels of Bitabiff. Grand Laddie (B. El-Issa) was tightened close to the finish line between Sams Express (R. McMahon), which shifted out, and Bitabiff (S. Seamer), which shifted in.
When questioned as to the reason for Sommersea Drive being further back in the field than anticipated, B. Pengelly stated that the horse jumped away awkwardly and despite his efforts, the gelding could not muster the necessary pace to obtain a position near the leaders.
B. Pengelly added that he felt that Sommersea Drive was not entirely suited by the pattern of today's race.
Trainer T. Miller reported that, in his opinion, the horse had come to the end of its preparation and would now be spelled.
RACE 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Yield Curve won at odds of 20-1 in his run prior to yesterday’s outing. The chestnut gelding was shown more respect this time and carved out another sweet success under the expert guidance of Scott Seamer to land the ninth win of his career and take his earnings past the $150,000 mark.
It depends on the opposition of course, but the chances are the son of the appropriately named High Yield will start even an even shorter price next time out.
But Kath Carroll, the Toowoomba based trainer of Yield Curve, was not about to make any bold predictions.
“He is very honest,” said Carroll. “He is improving and the extra distance helped him today, but you don’t get carried away in this game.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 300m, Montoux (A. Spinks) was tightened for room between Yield Curve and Ready When You Are (R. McMahon), which was inclined to lay in under pressure.
Stewards questioned M. Hughes, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Art Success, as to the reason why he stopped riding momentarily approaching the finish line.
M. Hughes stated that he had mistaken the winning post, having only had limited rides on the track. He further explained that when he realised his mistake he rode Art Success out to the finish, adding that he did not believe it affected his placing in the race.
M. Hughes was cautioned and reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the finish.
RACE 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Double Or Nothing provided trainer Brian Smith and jockey Scott Galloway with fair consolation after their late charge with Blood ‘N’ Bone had failed behind Bitabiff and Sam’s Express in the third race.
The four-year-old loves the Doomben track and this latest success was her third win from four starts at Doomben, where she has yet to finish unplaced.
This was Double Or Nothing’s first run over the 2020m trip and she clearly relished the opportunity to chase over more ground, coming home to a facile victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
An inquiry was held into the reason for Star Theatre (M. Heagney) being tightened near the 400m.
After hearing evidence from the riders concerned and viewing the video, a charge of careless riding against K. Wharton, rider of Latino, was not sustained and he was given the benefit of the doubt, in that when taking a tight run between Bay Lady Pay and Star Theatre his horse shifted in away from Bay Lady Pay and as a result of racing in restricted room inside the tiring Bay Lady Pay tightened Star Theatre despite his efforts.
RACE 6
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The ‘Winning Performance of the Day.’
That title belongs to My Limit. The Robert Heathcote trained gelding loafed along towards the rear of the field early before switching wider for a clear run at the head of the home straight.
The impression was that jockey Shane Scriven knew he had the best horse in the race and only had to keep him out of trouble and press the accelerator to earn a third win for the gelding ... and that is the way things turned out as My Limit simply pulverised the opposition, going past them all with a tough of contempt, to win with plenty in hand.
“He’s always been a good worker,” said Heathcote. “For some reason the penny’s dropped since his Derby preparation. He now seems to know what’s required.
“The plan was always to go back and for Shane to ride him cold as long as he could,” continued Heathcote. “If you are drawn a little wide the start can be a minefield and we didn’t want him to get involved in any early battle.
“He’s a Carnival horse for sure. He was already a good Carnival horse last time. He did finish third in the Rough Habit behind Mission Critical and Moatize.
Where to next?
“There is a Class 6 event over 2000m next Saturday. He’d get 54kg.
"He’s a tough, big, strong horse and he’d be thrown in the handicap there, so the question is whether we back up and try to pick up some money along the way, or whether we plan another route to some feature races because there is no doubt he is a horse with a future.
“The owners and I will have a chat about that. We don’t have to make any decision right now,” concluded Heathcote.
My Limit gave jockey Shane Scriven his second winner of the meeting, having earlier scored on another Heathcote trained runner, Athena’s Gift.
Scriven thus shared the day’s riding honours with Scott Seamer.
RACE 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Bobby El-Issa brought home his now customary winner when he guided the Alan Bailey trained Sashenka to a clear- cut victory.
This win takes El-Issa to joint top position on the Jockeys ladder.
Sashenka only returned to action two weeks ago following a layoff of almost exactly one year.
The length of Shashenka’s time out was largely due to the effects of a severe attack of colic. At one time, the mare was so sick that it was not only her career, but her life that was in jeopardy.
She’s come back strong though. She finished second behind the more-than-useful Burdekin Blues when resuming and then was able to build on that effort to produce a winning performance here.
“I think she got a lot of TLC from the stable,” suggested El-Issa, who has ridden Shasenka in both of her starts since her return.
“Alan Bailey, as usual, turned her out just spot-on today. All I had to do was steer her from the alley,” stated El-Issa.
Shasenka has now won three of her 12 starts and also has five minor placings to her credit.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Doyle (S. Scriven) was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon at the barriers and cleared to race.
Leaving the 1200m, Sashenka (B. El-Issa) shifted in, made heavy contact with Shakara (M. Heagney), forcing that horse inwards. B. El-Issa, rider of Sashenka, was severely reprimanded.
RACE 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Danny Bowen was confident enough to make the trip up from Ballina with the big-hearted gelding Instructed and the ever-game son of Commands landed the gamble with a spirited front-running display under the steadying burden of 59kg.
Such was the strong tempo that Instructed set during the early gallop, it appeared unlikely that he would be able to maintain his effort all the way to the line under top weight, but the seven-year-old never faltered in the home straight and did enough to see off the belated challenge of the faster finishing Lennon.
Bowen confirmed that Instructed’s tearaway tactics (even with the big weight) was just what the horse wanted.
“Ever since he came to be - and I’m grateful that he was sent to me – he’s been carrying those sorts of weights around Ballina and Murwillumbah,” said Bowen.
“You know the 62kg’s ... or 60kg’s. He is used to carrying that kind of weight ... and he just loves to run freely so there is no point in trying to hold him back.
"If you let him run his own race, you know he will give you everything. Other runners have got to beat him. He’s not going to give anything away easily.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Notre Amore, which reared up in the barriers, injuring its near-side foreleg, was withdrawn by the stewards at 5.01 pm acting on veterinary advice ... Trainer R. Heathcote was advised that NOTRE AMORE must pass 2 barrier tests prior to its next race start.
Stewards questioned R. McMahon in relation to his riding tactics on Morning Cloours, particularly in the early stages of the straight.
R. McMahon explained that he was instructed the ride the horse quiet from its wide barrier and attempt to save ground and obtain a run between runners in the straight rather than be placed wide.
He added that when he attempted to follow Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) to gain a clear run, a run did not eventuate and he then elected to pull his mount to the outside to obtain clear running and the horse ran home reasonably.
The explanation was noted.
RACE 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bryan Guy trained Jad picked up his fourth win from 18 starts and pushed his trainer to joint top position in the trainer’s ladder.
It was a workmanlike performance by Jad who continues to do some of his best work over the 1100m trip.
Jad tracked the fronrunning Youcantseem until the home turn. He applied pressure at the top of the straight and quickly gained the ascendency which he held comfortably to the line.
Jockey Paul Hammersley who has recently returned from an overseas holiday, gave a timely reminder of his ability to trainers as he searches to cement a regular place in the city riding ranks.
“My aim is to ride permanently in town,” stated Hammersley, “and I am working very hard towards achieving that. So I hope the rewards come.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sneaky Squirrell ... raced wide throughout.
RACE 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK
“Rob just said I don’t care which one of you win, as long as you run one-two.”
These were the words spoken jockey Shane Scriven after he had piloted Athenas Gift, the longer-priced of the two Rob Heathcote runners, to a narrow victory over Lodging, his stable companion.
“My horse was so green. He didn’t really know what he was doing,” offered Scriven.
“The race was really Maiden quality (there was only one winner amongst the six starters) and he had pretty good Maiden form."
Both of the Heathcote trained runners stepped up in distance and both were the better for it.
Scriven did point out that Lodging, who tracked the leader Athena Gift throughout without being able to bridge a narrow gap, would probably prefer more ground than this 1615m trip.
Heathcote almost managed to send both sets of owners home a winner. Just a touch under a quarter of a length separated his two runners from a dead-heat.
RACE 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
‘Bring Back The Biff’, you might say ... well that’s exactly what the Liam Birchley has done with the Kenfair gelding Bitabiff.
Bitabiff has been in the care of Birchley for eight runs and the seven-year-old has now won on three occasions and finished runner-up twice in his last five starts.
Bitabiff has always been a game and honest performer and was already a six-time winner when transferred to Birchley’s yard.
“He came to me as an experienced horse,” acknowledged Birchley. He had been well exposed to racing and he knew a few tricks and it was just a matter of getting him going again. He’s going well now.
“I probably shouldn’t have run him at Ipswich (Bitabiff’s unplaced run before his latest tidy sequence kicked in),” admitted Birchley. “The 1100m there was too short.”
But the results changed when Bitabiff stepped up to 1200m and won two races in succession over that distance.
Yesterdays task was set at 1350m and the fact that Bitabiff was able to win for the first time in 12 attempts at the distance and for the first time in seven goes over the track and distance (over which he had previously been unplaced) underlines the level of improvement Bitabiff has reached.'
Bitabiff provided Scott Seamer with the first leg of a riding double.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sommersea Drive (B. Pengelly) jumped away awkwardly.
Approaching the 800m, Sommersea Drive (B. Pengelly) had to be steadied when it improved on to the heels of Bitabiff. Grand Laddie (B. El-Issa) was tightened close to the finish line between Sams Express (R. McMahon), which shifted out, and Bitabiff (S. Seamer), which shifted in.
When questioned as to the reason for Sommersea Drive being further back in the field than anticipated, B. Pengelly stated that the horse jumped away awkwardly and despite his efforts, the gelding could not muster the necessary pace to obtain a position near the leaders.
B. Pengelly added that he felt that Sommersea Drive was not entirely suited by the pattern of today's race.
Trainer T. Miller reported that, in his opinion, the horse had come to the end of its preparation and would now be spelled.
RACE 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Yield Curve won at odds of 20-1 in his run prior to yesterday’s outing. The chestnut gelding was shown more respect this time and carved out another sweet success under the expert guidance of Scott Seamer to land the ninth win of his career and take his earnings past the $150,000 mark.
It depends on the opposition of course, but the chances are the son of the appropriately named High Yield will start even an even shorter price next time out.
But Kath Carroll, the Toowoomba based trainer of Yield Curve, was not about to make any bold predictions.
“He is very honest,” said Carroll. “He is improving and the extra distance helped him today, but you don’t get carried away in this game.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 300m, Montoux (A. Spinks) was tightened for room between Yield Curve and Ready When You Are (R. McMahon), which was inclined to lay in under pressure.
Stewards questioned M. Hughes, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Art Success, as to the reason why he stopped riding momentarily approaching the finish line.
M. Hughes stated that he had mistaken the winning post, having only had limited rides on the track. He further explained that when he realised his mistake he rode Art Success out to the finish, adding that he did not believe it affected his placing in the race.
M. Hughes was cautioned and reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the finish.
RACE 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Double Or Nothing provided trainer Brian Smith and jockey Scott Galloway with fair consolation after their late charge with Blood ‘N’ Bone had failed behind Bitabiff and Sam’s Express in the third race.
The four-year-old loves the Doomben track and this latest success was her third win from four starts at Doomben, where she has yet to finish unplaced.
This was Double Or Nothing’s first run over the 2020m trip and she clearly relished the opportunity to chase over more ground, coming home to a facile victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
An inquiry was held into the reason for Star Theatre (M. Heagney) being tightened near the 400m.
After hearing evidence from the riders concerned and viewing the video, a charge of careless riding against K. Wharton, rider of Latino, was not sustained and he was given the benefit of the doubt, in that when taking a tight run between Bay Lady Pay and Star Theatre his horse shifted in away from Bay Lady Pay and as a result of racing in restricted room inside the tiring Bay Lady Pay tightened Star Theatre despite his efforts.
RACE 6
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The ‘Winning Performance of the Day.’
That title belongs to My Limit. The Robert Heathcote trained gelding loafed along towards the rear of the field early before switching wider for a clear run at the head of the home straight.
The impression was that jockey Shane Scriven knew he had the best horse in the race and only had to keep him out of trouble and press the accelerator to earn a third win for the gelding ... and that is the way things turned out as My Limit simply pulverised the opposition, going past them all with a tough of contempt, to win with plenty in hand.
“He’s always been a good worker,” said Heathcote. “For some reason the penny’s dropped since his Derby preparation. He now seems to know what’s required.
“The plan was always to go back and for Shane to ride him cold as long as he could,” continued Heathcote. “If you are drawn a little wide the start can be a minefield and we didn’t want him to get involved in any early battle.
“He’s a Carnival horse for sure. He was already a good Carnival horse last time. He did finish third in the Rough Habit behind Mission Critical and Moatize.
Where to next?
“There is a Class 6 event over 2000m next Saturday. He’d get 54kg.
"He’s a tough, big, strong horse and he’d be thrown in the handicap there, so the question is whether we back up and try to pick up some money along the way, or whether we plan another route to some feature races because there is no doubt he is a horse with a future.
“The owners and I will have a chat about that. We don’t have to make any decision right now,” concluded Heathcote.
My Limit gave jockey Shane Scriven his second winner of the meeting, having earlier scored on another Heathcote trained runner, Athena’s Gift.
Scriven thus shared the day’s riding honours with Scott Seamer.
RACE 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Bobby El-Issa brought home his now customary winner when he guided the Alan Bailey trained Sashenka to a clear- cut victory.
This win takes El-Issa to joint top position on the Jockeys ladder.
Sashenka only returned to action two weeks ago following a layoff of almost exactly one year.
The length of Shashenka’s time out was largely due to the effects of a severe attack of colic. At one time, the mare was so sick that it was not only her career, but her life that was in jeopardy.
She’s come back strong though. She finished second behind the more-than-useful Burdekin Blues when resuming and then was able to build on that effort to produce a winning performance here.
“I think she got a lot of TLC from the stable,” suggested El-Issa, who has ridden Shasenka in both of her starts since her return.
“Alan Bailey, as usual, turned her out just spot-on today. All I had to do was steer her from the alley,” stated El-Issa.
Shasenka has now won three of her 12 starts and also has five minor placings to her credit.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Doyle (S. Scriven) was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon at the barriers and cleared to race.
Leaving the 1200m, Sashenka (B. El-Issa) shifted in, made heavy contact with Shakara (M. Heagney), forcing that horse inwards. B. El-Issa, rider of Sashenka, was severely reprimanded.
RACE 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Danny Bowen was confident enough to make the trip up from Ballina with the big-hearted gelding Instructed and the ever-game son of Commands landed the gamble with a spirited front-running display under the steadying burden of 59kg.
Such was the strong tempo that Instructed set during the early gallop, it appeared unlikely that he would be able to maintain his effort all the way to the line under top weight, but the seven-year-old never faltered in the home straight and did enough to see off the belated challenge of the faster finishing Lennon.
Bowen confirmed that Instructed’s tearaway tactics (even with the big weight) was just what the horse wanted.
“Ever since he came to be - and I’m grateful that he was sent to me – he’s been carrying those sorts of weights around Ballina and Murwillumbah,” said Bowen.
“You know the 62kg’s ... or 60kg’s. He is used to carrying that kind of weight ... and he just loves to run freely so there is no point in trying to hold him back.
"If you let him run his own race, you know he will give you everything. Other runners have got to beat him. He’s not going to give anything away easily.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Notre Amore, which reared up in the barriers, injuring its near-side foreleg, was withdrawn by the stewards at 5.01 pm acting on veterinary advice ... Trainer R. Heathcote was advised that NOTRE AMORE must pass 2 barrier tests prior to its next race start.
Stewards questioned R. McMahon in relation to his riding tactics on Morning Cloours, particularly in the early stages of the straight.
R. McMahon explained that he was instructed the ride the horse quiet from its wide barrier and attempt to save ground and obtain a run between runners in the straight rather than be placed wide.
He added that when he attempted to follow Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) to gain a clear run, a run did not eventuate and he then elected to pull his mount to the outside to obtain clear running and the horse ran home reasonably.
The explanation was noted.
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