A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Thursday, September 18.
Race 1:
1st - Spring Mambo; 2nd - Binda Belle; 3rd - Many Excuses
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Alan Ross trained Spring Mambo went one better than his runner-up finish last time when he came home under a perfect ride from jockey Bobby El-Issa.
The four-year-old chestnut had enough early speed to settle in the pound seats and he raced in a prominent fourth placing, hard against the fence, in the early part.
Spring Mambo was snapping at the heels of the leader, Binda Belle, when the field turned for home and El-Issa wasted little time in pulling his mount out for a run.
Binda Belle was no easy target tough. The filly showed plenty of fight as Spring Mambo ranged up alongside her, but the latter put his head in front inside the final 100m and finished off the job well to score by a little under a length.
Spring Mambo gave El-Issa the first leg of a riding double on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bull Catcher (A. Pattillo) was tightened for room at the start. Adventurous Spirit (M. Heagney) and Many Excuses (L. Cheshire) were tightened for room at the start. Near the 600m, Pegunny Theatre shifted out, hampering both La Tomatina and Bull Catcher. La Tomatina and Bull Catcher both raced wide from that point.
When questioned regarding the performance of Bull Catcher, A. Pattillo stated that the horse, after suffering interference at the start, had raced greenly throughout. He further stated that after being forced wider near the 600m, the gelding continued to race greenly and when placed under pressure over the concluding stages, Bull Catcher was inclined to lay in, resulting in him being forced to ease from the heels of Jester Canny Go near the 100m. A. Pattillo added that after straightening his mount, the gelding was still inclined to hang in over the concluding stages. La Tomatina lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 2:
1st - Chakvetadze; 2nd - Pampling Road; 3rd - Don't Push Me
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The performance of the day came from the Michael Nolan trained first-timer Chakvetadze, who trounced her opposition in no uncertain style and stopped the clock in a time which bettered Myndos’ thirty-three month old class record.
“She trialed well and we knew she was very fast,” said Nolan, “but you never really know how they can perform until they race.”
Nolan need not have worried. The well supported daughter of Talmazov never let her rivals into the race, jumping clear at the break and maintaining a resolute gallop to the line to win by a runaway 6.80 length margin.
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor takes up the story.
“I rode her in a trial over 650m at Toowoomba where she sat three or four deep outside a whole lot of horses and just followed them into the straight and then went away from them,” said Taylor.
“She’s not used to being out front alone by herself so she did get a little bit lost after entering the straight,” continued Taylor.
“She was travelling beautifully though, but I gave her a couple of slaps over the shoulder and a smack behind to keep her focussed.
“I couldn’t hear anything coming after that so I just pushed her out to the line.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Beach Kings commenced to hang out badly from the 800m and continued to do so for the remainder of the event. Connections were advised that Beach Kings must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Near the 600m, Don’t Push Me (B. Evans) shifted in, causing Monates (L. Rolls) to ease. Near the 100m, Hell Week (A. Spinks) shifted out, making contact with Monates.
Race 3:
1st - Bloodhound; 2nd - Many Talents; 3rd - Heartland
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Joe Gleeson trained Bloodhound scored his first win at his third attempt under an aggressive ride from jockey Bobby El-Issa.
The gelding has been gradually been stepped up in distance in each start, from his debut over 1100m to 1200m to winning over 1350m.
“I think he will go a mile,” volunteered Gleeson, “but at this stage he is just progressing naturally.
“The extra ground helped in getting the result but I think the ride probably won the race,” continued Gleeson.
“It was an aggressive ride by Bobby. He needed to go on the offensive and then he kept him going when challenged.”
Bloodhound stole a march on the field when El-Issa pushed him forward in the sweep to the turn. That move caught their rivals napping and the duo turned into the straight with a four length advantage which proved decisive in the outcome.
Many Talents and Heartland, the two main fancies, led the chase and closed up strongly over the concluding stages but Bloodhound had done enough to get home, albeit by a fast diminishing margin.
El-Issa only had two rides on the card and Bloodhound was his second winner after scoring with Spring Mambo in the opening event.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Watchmaker (J. Bowditch) jumped away awkwardly, losing ground. Watchmaker and Many Talents raced wide in the early stages. Sharing The Magic raced wide from the 600m onwards. Near the 300m, Zannipour was hampered when La Belle Cachette (P. Wolfgram) shifted out to avoid the heels of the tiring Watchmaker. She’s A Model (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout.
Race 4:
1st - Subtle Glance; 2nd – Gravitron; 3rd - Wifi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“He should have won last time. He got held up in the running. We were very confident today.”
Trainer Dwayne Schmidt was talking about his winner Subtle Glance, who dominated both the betting boards and the race itself when starting at odds of $1.80 and winning by a comfortable 2.30 lengths.
Was it the plan to go to the front?
“No, I wanted to sit in second,” answered Schmidt, “but I couldn’t believe how slow they went.
“I was very happy with the initiative shown by Jim (Byrne) when he decided to run his own race,” continued Schmidt.
“That’s why you put a good jockey on mate, so they can make that call.”
Once that call had been made, Subtle Glance was never troubled. The top weight strode away from his rivals with ease in the straight to score in convincing fashion.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ground Swell (S. Drake) and Em’s Girl (K. Wharton) were both inclined to over-race during the early and middle stages. Em’s Girl hung out from the 800m to the 300m, at which stage he was forced to ease from the heels of Wifi (M. Paget).
Race 5:
1st - Another Ali; 2nd – Nasadispute; 3rd - Nagem
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The eight-year-old Another Ali showed plenty of character when he prevailed in a pressurised finish to land the fourth win of his career.
Not that result looked likely at the top of the straight.
Jockey Kelvin Wharton had the John Mahoney trained gelding at the rear of a bunched field turning into the straight and was seemingly left with nowhere to go and he had no option but to check his mount quite severely.
What did Wharton think when he had his knees tucked under his chin?
“There was no run anywhere at that stage - and I mean no run. Not a thing,” explained Wharton.
“I wanted to ride the horse cold because he had got home well at Doomben the previous start, but at the top of the straight it didn’t look like he would get the chance to run on.”
But then a bit of daylight appeared along the inside running rail.
“It was quite hairy,” continued Wharton. “It wasn’t a full gap. It was just enough for him to have a go and luckily he didn’t hesitate. He kept going and suddenly we had our chance.”
Another Ali had responded to the initial challenge and he now made it stick in the straight, chasing home hard under a powerful ride from Wharton.
There was pressure all around in the closing stages but Another Ali maintained his effort to the line to ward off all challenges to claim victory.
“He’ll probably go 1800m next time,” said Wharton. “He’s an old horse and he has a few tricks but, yeah, 1800m should suit him well.
“The connections are just such lovely people to ride for. They are just doing their thing with a few of their own horses.
“Sometimes you get more pleasure out of the excitement you give them then you do on supposedly better and bigger occasions. I really like that,” concluded Wharton.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kosher (J. Murphy) was slow to begin. Afleet Zephyr (C. Isdale) jumped with its head in the air and lost ground. Van Rooyen (S. Cormack) over-raced for a short distance leaving the 1400m. Kosher raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the 500m, Sunset Marquis (A. Pattillo) shifted out to improve, forcing Van Rooyen wider on the track. Uncle Jan (J. Byrne) and Nasadispute (J. Bowditch) were both held up for clear running rounding the home turn, which resulted in Nasadispute having to be eased from the heels of Uncle Jan. Another Ali (K. Wharton) was also held up for clear running on the home turn. Approaching the 300m, the tiring Kosher was forced to ease when racing between Sunset Marquis and Uncle Jan, which shifted out. Over the concluding stages, Another Ali shifted out under pressure, forcing Nagem (B. Evans) out, which resulted in Uncle Jan being hampered. Temangum Bay (S. Drake) and Van Rooyen raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
1st – Periander; 2nd - He's Wise; 3rd - What Is This
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The four-year-old gelding Periander scored for the second successive time over the track and distance, getting home in the closest finish of the day to win by the proverbial nose.
Trainer Noel Doyle admitted the draw was a slight worry going into the race.
“It was a worry, but we did come in a bit with a few scratchings and I did think he did have something on them so I thought he would go well,” said Doyle.
Jockey Matthew Bennett had Periander superbly placed throughout but he did have a bit of a fight on his hands with his own mount who wanted to go to war far earlier than the rider would allow.
“When those horses came around us approaching the turn, he just wanted to chase and take them on,” said Bennett. “I said ‘not yet, not yet.’ I waited as long as I could and when I did release the brake he took off.”
It still took a hard ride from Bennett in a competitive chase in the straight to get Periander to the front but, in the end, his timing was inch perfect and as Periander hit the line just a nose in front of the faster finishing He’s Wise, who was ahead of the winner one stride past the post.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m, Arctic Echo (A. Spinks) was obliged to ease from the heels of Monaleah (M. Price), which shifted in. As a result Arctic Echo shifted out, hampering both He’s Wise (B. Evans) and Stormy Cruz (J. Brown). Near the 50m, Monaleah (M. Price) was forced to check when tightened for room by Delcius (D. Barron), which after initially shifting in, was taken in by Arctic Echo (A. Spinks), which shifted in to obtain clear running after being held up from leaving the 100m. A.Spinks, rider of Arctic Echo, was reprimanded in relation to this incident. Over the concluding stages, Delcius and Arctic Echo were both tightened for room and forced to check when What Is This (N. Day), after shifting in and away from Periander (M. Bennett), was then taken in by Periander, which shifted in under pressure. Both N. Day, rider of What Is This, and M. Bennett, rider of Periander, were reprimanded in relation to this incident. Early Up and Stormy Cruz raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
1st - Johnny Aucash; 2nd – Exertion; 3rd - Femme Lien
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Chris Whiteley seldom comes to a meeting and goes away empty-handed and his winner this time came in the form of the big gelding Johnny Aucash for trainer Sel Andrew.
Johnny Aucash was up with the speed but kept wide in the early part and Whiteley decided to let the gelding go turning into the home straight.
The four-year-old kicked strongly to establish an advantage and then showed fair fighting qualities when staying on late to peg back the persistent challenge of Exertion who threatened the winner all the way to the line.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m, Rocktari (P. Wolfgram) was inclined to over-race and was forced to ease from the heels of Fletchers Mutiny (M. Palmer). Leaving the 400m, Imaged (L. Rolls) was forced to ease when attempting to take a run to the inside of Exertion (J. Byrne), which shifted in. Silversmith, which was following, improved up on to the heels of Imaged and was forced to check. J. Byrne, rider of Imaged, was reprimanded in relation to this incident. Approaching the 200m, Tune Up Tuesday (C. Isdale) was forced to shift out to avoid the heels of the tiring Mythical Memory (A. Taylor). Silversmith was held up for clear running over the concluding stages. Bucksome Belle (A. Spinks) and Zacs Equal (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
ALL THE ACTION FROM DOOMBEN
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Wednesday, September 17.
Race 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Liam Birchley trained Chelle’s Alibi got the better of a protracted battle with the well supported Latrobe to get up in the very last stride.
That last lunge by Chelle’s Alibi ensured that there would not be any protest, which had looked a possibility as Latrobe shifted ground under pressure over the final 100m and carried the winner out.
It was to young apprentice jockey Chris McIver’s credit that he shrugged off that intimidation, stuck to his job and battled away to get past the mount of Scott Seamer, who seldom is beaten in such a finish.
This was McIver’s first winner (in his third meeting) since returning to race riding after a self imposed five month period of exile.
“I just lost interest,” said McIver, explaining his absence. “Also, there were some things going on in Rocky that I didn’t like so I just backed out.
“There was a steward in Rocky who said he’d help me if I wanted to come back. He said I should give him a call.
“He sorted things out for me to move down here and I was placed with Liam Birchley,” continued McIver. “I’d ridden for him once or twice before and it’s a very nice stable to work for. I’m very happy I made the move.”
Birchley is pleased to have McIver as part of his operation.
“Yeah, he settled in real good. He’s working hard,” offered Birchley.
Birchley now has two apprentices – McIver and Mitchell Speers - working in his yard.
“Mitch broke his leg ... I think he’s due back this weekend,” said Birchley. “He s only has a provincial license though (as opposed to McIver’s city license), so they won’t get in each other’s way too much,” concluded Birchley.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
When the pace commenced to slow leaving the 1100m, Brom Italia (K. Wharton) shifted out after improving on to the heels of Resurrected. As a result of the slow pace near the 1000m, Boy’s Night Out (B. Payne) commenced to race ungenerously and when being steadied away from the heels of Resurrected, Zibo (S. Cormack), which was following, was obliged to shift in abruptly to avoid the heels of Boy’s Night Out. In this incident, Umhlanga Rocks was also inconvenienced. Near the 700m, Boy’s Night Out (B. Payne) continued to race ungenerously and again had to be eased away from the heels of Resurrected. After leaving the 100m, Latrobe commenced to shift ground abruptly under pressure and on 2 occasions in the run to the finish made contact with Chelle’s Alibi. Latrobe (S. Seamer) was obliged to race wide for the entire race.
Race 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
A first-timer by Rodoute’s Choice out of a Zeditave mare starting at odds of $29,20 on the tote! It must have seemed like Christmas had come early for those who chanced their arm.
The horse in question was the Kelly Schweida trained Bonne Affaire.
“She was a relatively inexpensive purchase at $50 000,” offered owner Kevin Dixon. “I basically bought her for her residual value. She’s worth three times that amount as a broodmare alone, irrespective of anything she does on the track ... so it was a bit of an each way bet if you like.
“She did have problems with a stifle as a younger horse,” continued Dixon. “We gave her the time she needed and she overcame that problem, so it was time to give her a go on the track.
“I did expect a bold showing. Winning is always a bonus, but I did think she would go well.”
Jockey Matthew Palmer’s report back gave even more reason for encouragement.
“We were a bit closer to the speed than anticipated,” said Palmer, “but that was because she jumped well and that was where we ended up and I as happy there.
“She took it up in the straight ... hit the line well. She didn’t do a thing wrong. She won like she’d gone around one hundred times before.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 900m, Starsplash (C. Whiteley) commenced to pull hard and over-raced at the heels of Out Ojay (L. Rolls) and made the first turn awkwardly. Passing the 800m when the pace slowed, Star Of Ombra (J. Holder) commenced to race ungenerously and was inclined to lay out. Near the 700m, when racing ungenerously, Star Of Ombra shifted out and made heavy contact with March Rose (J. Byrne) on at least 2 occasions. Starsplash was inclined to lay in rounding the home turn. Star Of Ombra (J. Holder) was held up in the early stages of the straight. Showlisa (B. Pengelly) had difficulty obtaining clear running after leaving the 350m until near the 200m. Lucky Toss (E. Wilkinson) could not obtain clear running at any stage in the straight. Belfern (A. Taylor) and Our Ojay (L. Rolls) was obliged to race wide for the majority of the event.
Race 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Darryl Golan trained Tightrope pressed forward from the jump to gain a prominent position.
The colt led early before allowing Smoking Epic to take up the running as jockey Ron Goltz settled Tightrope into a perfect trail of the leader.
The duo were content to hold that position until the top of the straight, at which time Goltz wasted little time in setting Tightrope about his business.
In a matter of strides Tightrope had easily dismissed the tiring frontrunner and he continued on to power away from the opposition in the early part of the straight.
He opened up a winning lead which translated into a comfortable 2,30 length victory at the line.
“The horse that beat him last time (Judge Me Not) is a pretty good horse,” pointed out Goltz. “He held his form with that run. He had a good passage throughout and he hit the line strong. Good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
When the pace slowed leaving the 900m, Saffir Simpson (B. Payne) raced ungenerously and shifted out off the heels of Mr Orient (A. Pattillo) and made contact with Impeding (Matthew Palmer), which commenced to over-race and shifted out off the heels of Mr Orient (A. Pattillo), forcing Impeding wider. Rocking Rooney got its head up and over-raced rounding the first turn. Leaving the 800m, Saffir Simpson, which continued to race ungenerously, shifted out, forcing Impeding (Matthew Palmer) out on to Warrior Within (B. Pengelly), which clipped heels and blundered near the 750m. Biancool (J. Byrne) was inclined to over-race in the middle stages and near the 700m clipped the heels of Faunius (P. Hammersley). Biancool (J. Byrne) was unable to secure clear running until inside the 200m. Iddi (A. Spinks) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight.
Race 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
La Marianne continued her good work for the Alan Jones stable when she produced a determined finishing effort under a hard ride from jockey Jason Taylor to win for the third time in her last five starts.
“When Falzig wanted to go I dropped back a bit because I didn’t want to get involved in a speed battle,” said Taylor. But then she did take a bit of winding up when I did ask her to go after them.
“I just chipped away, chipped away and we finally got there in the end,” continued Taylor.
“She’s just crying out for 2200m, for 2400m ... who knows how far ... the Melbourne Cup,” said Taylor with a smile.
La Marianne’s previous win was in a Class 1 event and she clearly handled the jump in class to a Class 5 contest with the aplomb of a runner who has more to come.
The fact that La Marianne is a full sister to Queensland Derby winner De Gaulle Lane adds a further positive to her profile.
This win provided Taylor with the first leg of a riding double on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Under Construction (D. Griffin) over-raced rounding the first turn and had to be steadied off the heels of Master Hugh (L. Rolls). Falzig (J. Holder) was caught 3 wide rounding the first turn before assuming a position outside the leader at the 1100m. Near the 500m, Murphy’s Creek (A. Pattillo) improved on to the heels of Under Construction and became awkward. Leaving the 300m, A. Pattillo attempted to place Murphy’s Creek into a narrow run between Greenfinder (J. Byrne) and La Marianne (J. Taylor), however he became held up when La Marianne shifted out slightly. J. Holder, rider of the 4th placegetter, Falzig, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Master Hugh, trainer's representative Mrs Thompson indicated that whilst the horse was having only its second start over a mile, she was of the opinion that Master Hugh may find the distance too far. She added the horse may be better suited in races up to 1400m. Apprentice L. Rolls agreed with Mrs Thompson's summation and added the gelding when placed under pressure from the 600m failed to respond and did not finish off the race as expected. Mrs Thompson advised that connections would now consider bringing the gelding back in distance. A post-race veterinary examination of Master Hugh failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Conquering Spirit made a winning return to action for trainer Gillian Heinrich, showing plenty of muscle when shrugging off a host of challengers inside the final 200m and then doing enough to thwart the late charge of the fast finishing Slugsbrothernugget.
As she explained on Saturday, when Ghetto Blaster returned in similar circumstances, Heinrich turned all of her horse out for a lengthy spell after being unhappy with their performances when they originally resumed after EI.
“I was devastated when they started running after EI and performed so poorly,” said Heinrich. “I thought, ‘hello, what’s going on here, something’s not right’ ... and I bled them all and put them out.
“When you do that you do worry about them until they comeback and show you they are fine, but it was the only way I was going to do it. I wasn’t going to take any chances with them.”
The blinkers came off Conquering Spirit for his return. Why the change of gear?
“He’s been wanting to pull quite a bit. I trialed him without blinkers and he went really well so I decided to take that option,” answered Heinrich.
For jockey Scott Seamer, the win only cemented his impression of the Heinrich trained runners.
“He’s a nice horse,” said Seamer, “but then not many of Gillian’s runners are not nice horses.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
King Dod (J. Taylor) cast its off front plate on jumping away. Beach Cookie and Costa Smeralda (C. McIver) were inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. Costa Smeralda was disappointed for a run for some distance between the 300m and 200m between Mr Montgomery (L. Rolls) and Fiamore. Final Opinion (A. Spinks) and Fiamore (B. Pengelly) raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Ginkgo Gold, who broke a long standing track record at the Sunshine Coast in her first start for trainer Kelly Doughty last time out, underlined her improved level of performance by completing back to back wins in fine style.
Ginkgo Gold’s last success was achieved with front-running tactics. This time she made her move from the box seat.
“It’s nice to know she can do it both ways,” said jockey Chris Whiteley.
“I thought I would lead, but I was surprised by the speed of Helen Page’s horse (Pamalashar).
“So I found myself lying third on the fence which I was happy with and we took it from there. All she had to do was kicked when asked – and she did!”
Gary Doughty rode the race from the grandstand.
“I was worried early, because I thought is she travelling, or not?” said Doughty. “But then I saw she was travelling comfortably mid-race and I hoped she could just slide forward in the straight.”
Trainer Kelly Doughty confirmed that Ginkgo Gold would step up to 1200m when chasing the hat trick.
“There is a race for mares over 1200m in town in eighteen days time which we have targeted,” said Doughty. That will be her next race.”
Jockey Chris Whiteley, who seldom ventures to town for a Saturday meeting unless he has a good ride, has been offered the ride.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Coonac (R. McMahon) was fractious in the barriers and then blundered on jumping away. Atomic Huss (C. McIver) jumped away awkwardly. Barbres (A. Spinks) was caught 3 wide on the first turn and raced 3 wide until leaving the 600m.
Race 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
On September 2, comments made trainer Harry Richardson after Tetra’s win at Ipswich were posted on this site.
They included this quote from a very excited trainer, “He’ll go straight to a city midweek meeting now,” continued Richardson. “I can’t see him losing there. Then it will be on to a city, Saturday meeting.”
Those who put that in the notebook and backed Richardson’s judgement enjoyed the outcome here as Richardson’s city midweek prediction came true and paid double figure odds on the tote.
Not that Tetra’s followers had an easy ride as Tetra appeared to be under pressure at the tail of the field as the runners turned for home.
“I got held up on the bend and I thought well at least that takes care of one problem. I’m not going to hit the front too early,” laughed Taylor.
“Everything went wrong for him today,” continued Taylor. “He was left with a lot of work to do. He had to reel them in.
“He’s just looks like an awesome horse. He is so strong,” concluded Taylor, who took the day's riding honours with a double.
Halfway up the straight the task still looked like it might be beyond the son of Moon Rocket, but Tetra stuck to his guns.
The closing of the gap on the leaders was only a gradual process until inside the final 150m when Tetra suddenly found another gear and he charged home over the last 100m to score a scintillating victory and remain unbeaten since transferring into the care of Richardson. He has now won four in a row.
“This is the most exciting horse I have had on my hands,” reiterated Richardson.
“He will go further next time. (Christian) Reith got off him after he’d ridden him in an earlier run and said he would stay ten furlongs.”
Remember the notebook.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tetra (J. Taylor) was cramped on jumping away between Heart Of The Lion (Michael Palmer) and Ebony Lad (A. Spinks), which shifted out. Ebony Lad over-raced shortly after the start. Passing the 1200m, Dangerous Knight (E. Wilkinson) also got its head up and raced ungenerously for some distance. Falconten (A. Pattillo) was inclined to over-race in the early stages and on several occasions had to be steadied away from the heels of Bossie Boy (J. Holder). Ebony Lad again over-raced in the middle stages, having to be checked off the heels of Tetra. Bossie Boy was inclined to lay in under pressure in the run to the finish.
Near the 75m, R. McMahon's (Romantic Journey) right foot slipped from the stirrup iron and he became unbalanced. When unbalanced, Romantic Journey shifted outwards and made contact with Bossie Boy, which was inclined to lay in. R. McMahon then had difficulty using his whip over the final 50m.
Race 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
There was no happier winning connection on the day than Vicki Heathcote (wife of trainer Rob Heathcote) when she greeted the stable winner Dell Amby at the winners’ enclosure after the last race.
Dell Amby made up ground steadily in the straight. She hit the front inside the final 100m and had enough in hand to see off the late challenge of Vargas Girl out wide to secure the fourth win of her career.
Del Amby had really only beaten a pretty ordinary bunch home but Vicki Heathcote’s reaction reminded everyone that every win is one worth celebrating.
“That’s what it is all about I suppose,” said jockey Jason Holder. “Enjoying yourself.”
Few would argue against that point.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The saddle on Gun Belle shifted forward near the 900m, which placed M. Palmer at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. Welcome Site (E. Wilkinson) was inclined to over-race near the 1100m. Galliup (J. Byrne) was inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. Show Biz Miss (R. Goltz) had a tendency to lay out near the finish line.
Race 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Liam Birchley trained Chelle’s Alibi got the better of a protracted battle with the well supported Latrobe to get up in the very last stride.
That last lunge by Chelle’s Alibi ensured that there would not be any protest, which had looked a possibility as Latrobe shifted ground under pressure over the final 100m and carried the winner out.
It was to young apprentice jockey Chris McIver’s credit that he shrugged off that intimidation, stuck to his job and battled away to get past the mount of Scott Seamer, who seldom is beaten in such a finish.
This was McIver’s first winner (in his third meeting) since returning to race riding after a self imposed five month period of exile.
“I just lost interest,” said McIver, explaining his absence. “Also, there were some things going on in Rocky that I didn’t like so I just backed out.
“There was a steward in Rocky who said he’d help me if I wanted to come back. He said I should give him a call.
“He sorted things out for me to move down here and I was placed with Liam Birchley,” continued McIver. “I’d ridden for him once or twice before and it’s a very nice stable to work for. I’m very happy I made the move.”
Birchley is pleased to have McIver as part of his operation.
“Yeah, he settled in real good. He’s working hard,” offered Birchley.
Birchley now has two apprentices – McIver and Mitchell Speers - working in his yard.
“Mitch broke his leg ... I think he’s due back this weekend,” said Birchley. “He s only has a provincial license though (as opposed to McIver’s city license), so they won’t get in each other’s way too much,” concluded Birchley.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
When the pace commenced to slow leaving the 1100m, Brom Italia (K. Wharton) shifted out after improving on to the heels of Resurrected. As a result of the slow pace near the 1000m, Boy’s Night Out (B. Payne) commenced to race ungenerously and when being steadied away from the heels of Resurrected, Zibo (S. Cormack), which was following, was obliged to shift in abruptly to avoid the heels of Boy’s Night Out. In this incident, Umhlanga Rocks was also inconvenienced. Near the 700m, Boy’s Night Out (B. Payne) continued to race ungenerously and again had to be eased away from the heels of Resurrected. After leaving the 100m, Latrobe commenced to shift ground abruptly under pressure and on 2 occasions in the run to the finish made contact with Chelle’s Alibi. Latrobe (S. Seamer) was obliged to race wide for the entire race.
Race 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
A first-timer by Rodoute’s Choice out of a Zeditave mare starting at odds of $29,20 on the tote! It must have seemed like Christmas had come early for those who chanced their arm.
The horse in question was the Kelly Schweida trained Bonne Affaire.
“She was a relatively inexpensive purchase at $50 000,” offered owner Kevin Dixon. “I basically bought her for her residual value. She’s worth three times that amount as a broodmare alone, irrespective of anything she does on the track ... so it was a bit of an each way bet if you like.
“She did have problems with a stifle as a younger horse,” continued Dixon. “We gave her the time she needed and she overcame that problem, so it was time to give her a go on the track.
“I did expect a bold showing. Winning is always a bonus, but I did think she would go well.”
Jockey Matthew Palmer’s report back gave even more reason for encouragement.
“We were a bit closer to the speed than anticipated,” said Palmer, “but that was because she jumped well and that was where we ended up and I as happy there.
“She took it up in the straight ... hit the line well. She didn’t do a thing wrong. She won like she’d gone around one hundred times before.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 900m, Starsplash (C. Whiteley) commenced to pull hard and over-raced at the heels of Out Ojay (L. Rolls) and made the first turn awkwardly. Passing the 800m when the pace slowed, Star Of Ombra (J. Holder) commenced to race ungenerously and was inclined to lay out. Near the 700m, when racing ungenerously, Star Of Ombra shifted out and made heavy contact with March Rose (J. Byrne) on at least 2 occasions. Starsplash was inclined to lay in rounding the home turn. Star Of Ombra (J. Holder) was held up in the early stages of the straight. Showlisa (B. Pengelly) had difficulty obtaining clear running after leaving the 350m until near the 200m. Lucky Toss (E. Wilkinson) could not obtain clear running at any stage in the straight. Belfern (A. Taylor) and Our Ojay (L. Rolls) was obliged to race wide for the majority of the event.
Race 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Darryl Golan trained Tightrope pressed forward from the jump to gain a prominent position.
The colt led early before allowing Smoking Epic to take up the running as jockey Ron Goltz settled Tightrope into a perfect trail of the leader.
The duo were content to hold that position until the top of the straight, at which time Goltz wasted little time in setting Tightrope about his business.
In a matter of strides Tightrope had easily dismissed the tiring frontrunner and he continued on to power away from the opposition in the early part of the straight.
He opened up a winning lead which translated into a comfortable 2,30 length victory at the line.
“The horse that beat him last time (Judge Me Not) is a pretty good horse,” pointed out Goltz. “He held his form with that run. He had a good passage throughout and he hit the line strong. Good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
When the pace slowed leaving the 900m, Saffir Simpson (B. Payne) raced ungenerously and shifted out off the heels of Mr Orient (A. Pattillo) and made contact with Impeding (Matthew Palmer), which commenced to over-race and shifted out off the heels of Mr Orient (A. Pattillo), forcing Impeding wider. Rocking Rooney got its head up and over-raced rounding the first turn. Leaving the 800m, Saffir Simpson, which continued to race ungenerously, shifted out, forcing Impeding (Matthew Palmer) out on to Warrior Within (B. Pengelly), which clipped heels and blundered near the 750m. Biancool (J. Byrne) was inclined to over-race in the middle stages and near the 700m clipped the heels of Faunius (P. Hammersley). Biancool (J. Byrne) was unable to secure clear running until inside the 200m. Iddi (A. Spinks) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight.
Race 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
La Marianne continued her good work for the Alan Jones stable when she produced a determined finishing effort under a hard ride from jockey Jason Taylor to win for the third time in her last five starts.
“When Falzig wanted to go I dropped back a bit because I didn’t want to get involved in a speed battle,” said Taylor. But then she did take a bit of winding up when I did ask her to go after them.
“I just chipped away, chipped away and we finally got there in the end,” continued Taylor.
“She’s just crying out for 2200m, for 2400m ... who knows how far ... the Melbourne Cup,” said Taylor with a smile.
La Marianne’s previous win was in a Class 1 event and she clearly handled the jump in class to a Class 5 contest with the aplomb of a runner who has more to come.
The fact that La Marianne is a full sister to Queensland Derby winner De Gaulle Lane adds a further positive to her profile.
This win provided Taylor with the first leg of a riding double on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Under Construction (D. Griffin) over-raced rounding the first turn and had to be steadied off the heels of Master Hugh (L. Rolls). Falzig (J. Holder) was caught 3 wide rounding the first turn before assuming a position outside the leader at the 1100m. Near the 500m, Murphy’s Creek (A. Pattillo) improved on to the heels of Under Construction and became awkward. Leaving the 300m, A. Pattillo attempted to place Murphy’s Creek into a narrow run between Greenfinder (J. Byrne) and La Marianne (J. Taylor), however he became held up when La Marianne shifted out slightly. J. Holder, rider of the 4th placegetter, Falzig, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Master Hugh, trainer's representative Mrs Thompson indicated that whilst the horse was having only its second start over a mile, she was of the opinion that Master Hugh may find the distance too far. She added the horse may be better suited in races up to 1400m. Apprentice L. Rolls agreed with Mrs Thompson's summation and added the gelding when placed under pressure from the 600m failed to respond and did not finish off the race as expected. Mrs Thompson advised that connections would now consider bringing the gelding back in distance. A post-race veterinary examination of Master Hugh failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Conquering Spirit made a winning return to action for trainer Gillian Heinrich, showing plenty of muscle when shrugging off a host of challengers inside the final 200m and then doing enough to thwart the late charge of the fast finishing Slugsbrothernugget.
As she explained on Saturday, when Ghetto Blaster returned in similar circumstances, Heinrich turned all of her horse out for a lengthy spell after being unhappy with their performances when they originally resumed after EI.
“I was devastated when they started running after EI and performed so poorly,” said Heinrich. “I thought, ‘hello, what’s going on here, something’s not right’ ... and I bled them all and put them out.
“When you do that you do worry about them until they comeback and show you they are fine, but it was the only way I was going to do it. I wasn’t going to take any chances with them.”
The blinkers came off Conquering Spirit for his return. Why the change of gear?
“He’s been wanting to pull quite a bit. I trialed him without blinkers and he went really well so I decided to take that option,” answered Heinrich.
For jockey Scott Seamer, the win only cemented his impression of the Heinrich trained runners.
“He’s a nice horse,” said Seamer, “but then not many of Gillian’s runners are not nice horses.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
King Dod (J. Taylor) cast its off front plate on jumping away. Beach Cookie and Costa Smeralda (C. McIver) were inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. Costa Smeralda was disappointed for a run for some distance between the 300m and 200m between Mr Montgomery (L. Rolls) and Fiamore. Final Opinion (A. Spinks) and Fiamore (B. Pengelly) raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Ginkgo Gold, who broke a long standing track record at the Sunshine Coast in her first start for trainer Kelly Doughty last time out, underlined her improved level of performance by completing back to back wins in fine style.
Ginkgo Gold’s last success was achieved with front-running tactics. This time she made her move from the box seat.
“It’s nice to know she can do it both ways,” said jockey Chris Whiteley.
“I thought I would lead, but I was surprised by the speed of Helen Page’s horse (Pamalashar).
“So I found myself lying third on the fence which I was happy with and we took it from there. All she had to do was kicked when asked – and she did!”
Gary Doughty rode the race from the grandstand.
“I was worried early, because I thought is she travelling, or not?” said Doughty. “But then I saw she was travelling comfortably mid-race and I hoped she could just slide forward in the straight.”
Trainer Kelly Doughty confirmed that Ginkgo Gold would step up to 1200m when chasing the hat trick.
“There is a race for mares over 1200m in town in eighteen days time which we have targeted,” said Doughty. That will be her next race.”
Jockey Chris Whiteley, who seldom ventures to town for a Saturday meeting unless he has a good ride, has been offered the ride.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Coonac (R. McMahon) was fractious in the barriers and then blundered on jumping away. Atomic Huss (C. McIver) jumped away awkwardly. Barbres (A. Spinks) was caught 3 wide on the first turn and raced 3 wide until leaving the 600m.
Race 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
On September 2, comments made trainer Harry Richardson after Tetra’s win at Ipswich were posted on this site.
They included this quote from a very excited trainer, “He’ll go straight to a city midweek meeting now,” continued Richardson. “I can’t see him losing there. Then it will be on to a city, Saturday meeting.”
Those who put that in the notebook and backed Richardson’s judgement enjoyed the outcome here as Richardson’s city midweek prediction came true and paid double figure odds on the tote.
Not that Tetra’s followers had an easy ride as Tetra appeared to be under pressure at the tail of the field as the runners turned for home.
“I got held up on the bend and I thought well at least that takes care of one problem. I’m not going to hit the front too early,” laughed Taylor.
“Everything went wrong for him today,” continued Taylor. “He was left with a lot of work to do. He had to reel them in.
“He’s just looks like an awesome horse. He is so strong,” concluded Taylor, who took the day's riding honours with a double.
Halfway up the straight the task still looked like it might be beyond the son of Moon Rocket, but Tetra stuck to his guns.
The closing of the gap on the leaders was only a gradual process until inside the final 150m when Tetra suddenly found another gear and he charged home over the last 100m to score a scintillating victory and remain unbeaten since transferring into the care of Richardson. He has now won four in a row.
“This is the most exciting horse I have had on my hands,” reiterated Richardson.
“He will go further next time. (Christian) Reith got off him after he’d ridden him in an earlier run and said he would stay ten furlongs.”
Remember the notebook.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tetra (J. Taylor) was cramped on jumping away between Heart Of The Lion (Michael Palmer) and Ebony Lad (A. Spinks), which shifted out. Ebony Lad over-raced shortly after the start. Passing the 1200m, Dangerous Knight (E. Wilkinson) also got its head up and raced ungenerously for some distance. Falconten (A. Pattillo) was inclined to over-race in the early stages and on several occasions had to be steadied away from the heels of Bossie Boy (J. Holder). Ebony Lad again over-raced in the middle stages, having to be checked off the heels of Tetra. Bossie Boy was inclined to lay in under pressure in the run to the finish.
Near the 75m, R. McMahon's (Romantic Journey) right foot slipped from the stirrup iron and he became unbalanced. When unbalanced, Romantic Journey shifted outwards and made contact with Bossie Boy, which was inclined to lay in. R. McMahon then had difficulty using his whip over the final 50m.
Race 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
There was no happier winning connection on the day than Vicki Heathcote (wife of trainer Rob Heathcote) when she greeted the stable winner Dell Amby at the winners’ enclosure after the last race.
Dell Amby made up ground steadily in the straight. She hit the front inside the final 100m and had enough in hand to see off the late challenge of Vargas Girl out wide to secure the fourth win of her career.
Del Amby had really only beaten a pretty ordinary bunch home but Vicki Heathcote’s reaction reminded everyone that every win is one worth celebrating.
“That’s what it is all about I suppose,” said jockey Jason Holder. “Enjoying yourself.”
Few would argue against that point.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The saddle on Gun Belle shifted forward near the 900m, which placed M. Palmer at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. Welcome Site (E. Wilkinson) was inclined to over-race near the 1100m. Galliup (J. Byrne) was inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. Show Biz Miss (R. Goltz) had a tendency to lay out near the finish line.
Monday, September 15, 2008
ALL THE ACTION FROM THE SUNSHINE COAST
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, September 14.
Race 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Fasdehere scored a fluent win racing first-up in only his second career start.
The four month break appeared to do the gelding the world of good but trainer Keith Smith, while naturally pleased with the outcome, was cautious about the way forward.
“He’s a big horse and hasn’t got the soundest of legs,” said Smith. “He’s still green as well, so we’ll take it one step at a time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
A pre-race veterinary examination of Al Reem cleared the gelding to start. Liquidate (R. McMahon) over-raced during the early stages. Approaching the 600m, Ninth Duke (O. Turpin) was inclined to lay out. Near the 450m, Blooming Thunder had to be steadied off the heels of Al Reem, which shifted out slightly. Approaching the 200m, Can She Laugh (M. Palmer) was inconvenienced when Blooming Thunder (J. Piper) shifted out slightly. Liberty Mist (L. Rolls) was inclined to lay out in the home straight. Ninth Duke shifted out abruptly under pressure in the straight. Al Reem and Fasdehere raced wide throughout.
Race 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Robert Heathcote trained Pyper’s Image gave jockey Eddie Wilkinson the first leg of his treble on the day.
The filly hit the line strongly to see off the challenge of Razzled a little bit easier than the official 0,50 length margin suggests.
“I rode her last time in town and she should have won then,” said Wilkinson. (The Stewards Report of that day states, “Leaving the 200m, Pyper’s Image (E. Wilkinson) improved up on to the heels of the weakening Solar Bound) and had to be steadied and shifted out.
“And that was in town,” continued Wilkinson. “You bring that form here (Sunshine Coast) and she had every right to win and she did it well.”
Ownership syndicator Ron McGown bought Pyper’s Image for only $10 000.
“She was passed through the ring at a Magic Millions sale,” said McGown, taking up the story.
‘I was wandering outside and saw Gerry Harvey walk past,” continued McGown. “I asked how much he wanted for the filly. He said I could have it for $10 000. We’ve almost won that back in stakes already.
“She’s making slow but steady progress.
“It’s interesting to see how far she’ll go distance-wise.
“Pyper’s Image is a half-sister to Grand Corso, the horse that ran second to My Limit yesterday (at Eagle Farm). That was over 2200m,” concluded McGown.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of the race was delayed after Saltram Dream lunged forward, resulting in its pacifiers being damaged. As there was no replacement set available, Saltram Dream raced without that gear. Leaving the 1000m, Bella Rita (O. Turpin) and Licorice (A. Spinks) were tightened for room when racing to the inside of Pyper’s Image (E. Wilkinson), which was inclined to lay in despite the efforts of its rider. Near the 800m, Razzled (P. Hammersley) was inclined to lay out and got its head up in the air. After passing the winning post, Pyper’s Image shifted out abruptly, almost dislodging its rider. Post race veterinary examinations revealed: Saltram Dream - Abrasion inside right nostril.
Race 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bruce McLachlan trained Monchenglabach scored a comfortable win first-up.
Monchenglabach had previously enjoyed little luck, finishing as runner-up in no less than six of his previous nine starts, but his fortunes changed here.
Jockey Sean Cormack was content to ride the gelding back in the field in the early stages. The duo moved into firing range coming off the turn and changed gears halfway up the straight to romp home to a clearcut victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hunka Burnin’ Love (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly, losing considerable ground. Shortly after the start, Hunka Burnin’ Love bumped the hind quarters of Archway’s Bliss (M. Hughes), and a short distance later was placed in restricted room when over-racing between Archway’s Bliss and Flash Of Silk (A. Spinks), which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Debraith (J. Piper) and Pe Te Cruiser (M. Radecker) raced wide throughout.
Race 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson made a pre-race suggestion to trainer Eric Ropiha.
Feeling that there might not be any strong speed in the race, Wilkinson wanted to ride the Lezant close to the speed – to put him in the race - and Ropiha agreed to that strategy.
“That’s how I wanted him ridden last time,” said Ropiha. “I thought he was a big chance on the cushion track if he was ridden aggressively, but the ride didn’t quite go the way I wanted and we went down by a length.
Lezant was well positioned in the running - but not in front - and when Frisco’s In Charge tried to skip away halfway down the straight and then maintained a strong gallop to the line, it appeared as if the hard chasing Lezant might again have to settle for a second placing.
“At the furlong, I thought we might be in trouble. By the 100m, I thought we’d get there,” said Wilkinson.
Get there they did, but only by the narrowest of margins, in the very last stride.
Lezant was Wilkinson’s second win of the afternoon.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Our Mr Stilts (M. Hughes) and Snow Dane (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly. Snow Dane (A. Pattillo) raced wide in the early stages. Thunder Beach (M. Radecker) shifted in of its own accord on the 800m turn and brushed the running rail. A post-race veterinary examination of Our Mr Stilts and Snow Dane, which raced below expectations, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson’s third winner on the card came in the form of the Robert Bradshaw trained Clearly Vain, who was the longest priced winner on the day.
The four-year-old chestnut had been restricted to the 800m dash at Ipswich and Gatton in a succession of runs prior to being allowed a two month break. That he was racing fresh here, over a longer trip (1200) were two factors that could be pointed out as possibly making a difference to the outcome.
“Yeah, he apparently led in those 800m races and they wanted him ridden back this time,” explained Wilkinson.
“He just took off though,” continued Wilkinson, “and I decided to let him run. I would have had to fight him too much to get him back and that probably would have ruined his chances.”
In the end the race came down to a two-cornered contest between Clearly Vane and the Frank Philips trained Through The Waves.
Wilkinson and Clearly Vane won that showdown on the track and then had to win it again in the Stewards Room after a protest was lodged by the rider of Through The Waves. (See Stewards Report Extract).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by O. Turpin, rider of the second placegetter, Through The Waves, against Clearly Vane (E. Wilkinson) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the final 200m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol videos, stewards found that after passing the 150m, Clearly Vane shifted out under pressure, inconveniencing Through The Waves. In this incident, Gervasi, was hampered as a consequence. It was also established that near the 50m, Through The Waves was further slightly impeded by Clearly Vane, which again shifted out. Bearing in mind the margin between the relevant horses at the finish, and the proximity of the interference in relation to the winning post, stewards dismissed the objection and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings. At a subsequent inquiry, E. Wilkinson, rider of Clearly Vane, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
Gervasi (P. Hammersley) and Observe (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout. J. Holder, rider of Avago Delboy, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish of the race.
Race 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The ten-year-old Doonan Dancer showed there is plenty of fight left in the old stager yet when gained the ascendency inside the final 100m and stayed on under a determined ride from Tony Pattillo to ward off a wall of challengers as the runners chased to the line.
This was Doonan Dancer’s eleventh win from 68 starts.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The saddle on Go Gazza (G. Butler) shifted forward approaching the 800m, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. Longstreet (T. Treichel) over-raced in the early stages. A post-race veterinary examination of Navada Gambler failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Connections advised that the gelding would now be sent for a spell.
Race 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The New Zealand bred War Eagle was the third winner on the day who ambushed his opposition fresh after a rest.
Jockey Jim Byrne sent the Bevan Laming trained gelding about his business halfway up the straight and, although the favourite Shifteman worked hard to close the gap, the advantage War Eagle had claimed turned out to be a winning one as War Eagle came home a comfortable 1,50 lengths clear of his nearest rival.
The win represented some improvement on the part of War Eagle as it was his first success in seven goes over the distance.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice J. Piper was fined $300 under AR92(12) for failing to claim down to her minimum riding weight in race 1 (Bloomin’Thunder), race 2 (Saltram Dream) and race 7 (Star Of Noosa). Apprentice L. Rolls was examined by the club's doctor after riding in race 2 and stood down from his engagement on Lunacampo and was replaced by senior jockey W. Clasohm as no other apprentice was available.
On return to scale a protest was lodged by R. McMahon, rider of the 4th placegetter, Mona Star, against Rapid Babe being declared 3rd, alleging interference over the final 400m. After taking evidence from the riders concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards found that after Mona Star had establish a run to the outside of Rapid Babe near the 400m, P. Hammersley allowed Rapid Babe to gradually shift out, and as a result impeded the running of Mona Star for a considerable distance. Bearing in mind the interference involved and the margins between the relevant horses at the finish, stewards were comfortably satisfied that had the incident not occurred, Mona Star would have finished in front of Rapid Babe and therefore the protest was upheld and the Judge's placings were amended to read: No. 7 - War Eagle - 1st; No. 1 - Shifteman - 2nd; No. 3 - Mona Star - 4th; No. 11 - Rapid Babe - 4th. At a subsequent inquiry, P. Hammersley, rider of Rapid Babe, was reprimanded and advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.
Shifteman (B. Pengelly), which was over-racing, improved up on to the heels of Rapid Babe (P. Hammersley) near the 900m and had to be steadied. The saddle on Rising Storm (G. Butler) shifted forward near the 1000m, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race.
Race 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Owen Turpin, who earlier had finished second on both Frisco’s In Charge and Through The Waves, ended the day in the right unsaddling box when he guided the Stewart MacKinnon trained Dawn’s Queen to success in the final event on the card.
“I’ve been building her up slowing in distance this prep,” said MacKinnon, “and she seems to be comfortable at this sort of trip.
“I liked the win. We won’t get carried away but, on this showing, it does look like there might be more to come,” was MacKinnon’s final assessment.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Refined Desert (W. Clasohm) raced wide from a point near the 1200m. Refined Desert (W. Clasohm) and Ashma’s Gold over-raced during the middle stages. Ashma’s Gold raced greenly in the home straight.
Race 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Fasdehere scored a fluent win racing first-up in only his second career start.
The four month break appeared to do the gelding the world of good but trainer Keith Smith, while naturally pleased with the outcome, was cautious about the way forward.
“He’s a big horse and hasn’t got the soundest of legs,” said Smith. “He’s still green as well, so we’ll take it one step at a time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
A pre-race veterinary examination of Al Reem cleared the gelding to start. Liquidate (R. McMahon) over-raced during the early stages. Approaching the 600m, Ninth Duke (O. Turpin) was inclined to lay out. Near the 450m, Blooming Thunder had to be steadied off the heels of Al Reem, which shifted out slightly. Approaching the 200m, Can She Laugh (M. Palmer) was inconvenienced when Blooming Thunder (J. Piper) shifted out slightly. Liberty Mist (L. Rolls) was inclined to lay out in the home straight. Ninth Duke shifted out abruptly under pressure in the straight. Al Reem and Fasdehere raced wide throughout.
Race 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Robert Heathcote trained Pyper’s Image gave jockey Eddie Wilkinson the first leg of his treble on the day.
The filly hit the line strongly to see off the challenge of Razzled a little bit easier than the official 0,50 length margin suggests.
“I rode her last time in town and she should have won then,” said Wilkinson. (The Stewards Report of that day states, “Leaving the 200m, Pyper’s Image (E. Wilkinson) improved up on to the heels of the weakening Solar Bound) and had to be steadied and shifted out.
“And that was in town,” continued Wilkinson. “You bring that form here (Sunshine Coast) and she had every right to win and she did it well.”
Ownership syndicator Ron McGown bought Pyper’s Image for only $10 000.
“She was passed through the ring at a Magic Millions sale,” said McGown, taking up the story.
‘I was wandering outside and saw Gerry Harvey walk past,” continued McGown. “I asked how much he wanted for the filly. He said I could have it for $10 000. We’ve almost won that back in stakes already.
“She’s making slow but steady progress.
“It’s interesting to see how far she’ll go distance-wise.
“Pyper’s Image is a half-sister to Grand Corso, the horse that ran second to My Limit yesterday (at Eagle Farm). That was over 2200m,” concluded McGown.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of the race was delayed after Saltram Dream lunged forward, resulting in its pacifiers being damaged. As there was no replacement set available, Saltram Dream raced without that gear. Leaving the 1000m, Bella Rita (O. Turpin) and Licorice (A. Spinks) were tightened for room when racing to the inside of Pyper’s Image (E. Wilkinson), which was inclined to lay in despite the efforts of its rider. Near the 800m, Razzled (P. Hammersley) was inclined to lay out and got its head up in the air. After passing the winning post, Pyper’s Image shifted out abruptly, almost dislodging its rider. Post race veterinary examinations revealed: Saltram Dream - Abrasion inside right nostril.
Race 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bruce McLachlan trained Monchenglabach scored a comfortable win first-up.
Monchenglabach had previously enjoyed little luck, finishing as runner-up in no less than six of his previous nine starts, but his fortunes changed here.
Jockey Sean Cormack was content to ride the gelding back in the field in the early stages. The duo moved into firing range coming off the turn and changed gears halfway up the straight to romp home to a clearcut victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hunka Burnin’ Love (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly, losing considerable ground. Shortly after the start, Hunka Burnin’ Love bumped the hind quarters of Archway’s Bliss (M. Hughes), and a short distance later was placed in restricted room when over-racing between Archway’s Bliss and Flash Of Silk (A. Spinks), which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Debraith (J. Piper) and Pe Te Cruiser (M. Radecker) raced wide throughout.
Race 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson made a pre-race suggestion to trainer Eric Ropiha.
Feeling that there might not be any strong speed in the race, Wilkinson wanted to ride the Lezant close to the speed – to put him in the race - and Ropiha agreed to that strategy.
“That’s how I wanted him ridden last time,” said Ropiha. “I thought he was a big chance on the cushion track if he was ridden aggressively, but the ride didn’t quite go the way I wanted and we went down by a length.
Lezant was well positioned in the running - but not in front - and when Frisco’s In Charge tried to skip away halfway down the straight and then maintained a strong gallop to the line, it appeared as if the hard chasing Lezant might again have to settle for a second placing.
“At the furlong, I thought we might be in trouble. By the 100m, I thought we’d get there,” said Wilkinson.
Get there they did, but only by the narrowest of margins, in the very last stride.
Lezant was Wilkinson’s second win of the afternoon.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Our Mr Stilts (M. Hughes) and Snow Dane (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly. Snow Dane (A. Pattillo) raced wide in the early stages. Thunder Beach (M. Radecker) shifted in of its own accord on the 800m turn and brushed the running rail. A post-race veterinary examination of Our Mr Stilts and Snow Dane, which raced below expectations, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson’s third winner on the card came in the form of the Robert Bradshaw trained Clearly Vain, who was the longest priced winner on the day.
The four-year-old chestnut had been restricted to the 800m dash at Ipswich and Gatton in a succession of runs prior to being allowed a two month break. That he was racing fresh here, over a longer trip (1200) were two factors that could be pointed out as possibly making a difference to the outcome.
“Yeah, he apparently led in those 800m races and they wanted him ridden back this time,” explained Wilkinson.
“He just took off though,” continued Wilkinson, “and I decided to let him run. I would have had to fight him too much to get him back and that probably would have ruined his chances.”
In the end the race came down to a two-cornered contest between Clearly Vane and the Frank Philips trained Through The Waves.
Wilkinson and Clearly Vane won that showdown on the track and then had to win it again in the Stewards Room after a protest was lodged by the rider of Through The Waves. (See Stewards Report Extract).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by O. Turpin, rider of the second placegetter, Through The Waves, against Clearly Vane (E. Wilkinson) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the final 200m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol videos, stewards found that after passing the 150m, Clearly Vane shifted out under pressure, inconveniencing Through The Waves. In this incident, Gervasi, was hampered as a consequence. It was also established that near the 50m, Through The Waves was further slightly impeded by Clearly Vane, which again shifted out. Bearing in mind the margin between the relevant horses at the finish, and the proximity of the interference in relation to the winning post, stewards dismissed the objection and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings. At a subsequent inquiry, E. Wilkinson, rider of Clearly Vane, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
Gervasi (P. Hammersley) and Observe (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout. J. Holder, rider of Avago Delboy, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish of the race.
Race 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The ten-year-old Doonan Dancer showed there is plenty of fight left in the old stager yet when gained the ascendency inside the final 100m and stayed on under a determined ride from Tony Pattillo to ward off a wall of challengers as the runners chased to the line.
This was Doonan Dancer’s eleventh win from 68 starts.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The saddle on Go Gazza (G. Butler) shifted forward approaching the 800m, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. Longstreet (T. Treichel) over-raced in the early stages. A post-race veterinary examination of Navada Gambler failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Connections advised that the gelding would now be sent for a spell.
Race 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The New Zealand bred War Eagle was the third winner on the day who ambushed his opposition fresh after a rest.
Jockey Jim Byrne sent the Bevan Laming trained gelding about his business halfway up the straight and, although the favourite Shifteman worked hard to close the gap, the advantage War Eagle had claimed turned out to be a winning one as War Eagle came home a comfortable 1,50 lengths clear of his nearest rival.
The win represented some improvement on the part of War Eagle as it was his first success in seven goes over the distance.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice J. Piper was fined $300 under AR92(12) for failing to claim down to her minimum riding weight in race 1 (Bloomin’Thunder), race 2 (Saltram Dream) and race 7 (Star Of Noosa). Apprentice L. Rolls was examined by the club's doctor after riding in race 2 and stood down from his engagement on Lunacampo and was replaced by senior jockey W. Clasohm as no other apprentice was available.
On return to scale a protest was lodged by R. McMahon, rider of the 4th placegetter, Mona Star, against Rapid Babe being declared 3rd, alleging interference over the final 400m. After taking evidence from the riders concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards found that after Mona Star had establish a run to the outside of Rapid Babe near the 400m, P. Hammersley allowed Rapid Babe to gradually shift out, and as a result impeded the running of Mona Star for a considerable distance. Bearing in mind the interference involved and the margins between the relevant horses at the finish, stewards were comfortably satisfied that had the incident not occurred, Mona Star would have finished in front of Rapid Babe and therefore the protest was upheld and the Judge's placings were amended to read: No. 7 - War Eagle - 1st; No. 1 - Shifteman - 2nd; No. 3 - Mona Star - 4th; No. 11 - Rapid Babe - 4th. At a subsequent inquiry, P. Hammersley, rider of Rapid Babe, was reprimanded and advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances.
Shifteman (B. Pengelly), which was over-racing, improved up on to the heels of Rapid Babe (P. Hammersley) near the 900m and had to be steadied. The saddle on Rising Storm (G. Butler) shifted forward near the 1000m, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race.
Race 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Owen Turpin, who earlier had finished second on both Frisco’s In Charge and Through The Waves, ended the day in the right unsaddling box when he guided the Stewart MacKinnon trained Dawn’s Queen to success in the final event on the card.
“I’ve been building her up slowing in distance this prep,” said MacKinnon, “and she seems to be comfortable at this sort of trip.
“I liked the win. We won’t get carried away but, on this showing, it does look like there might be more to come,” was MacKinnon’s final assessment.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Refined Desert (W. Clasohm) raced wide from a point near the 1200m. Refined Desert (W. Clasohm) and Ashma’s Gold over-raced during the middle stages. Ashma’s Gold raced greenly in the home straight.
ALL THE ACTION FROM EAGLE FARM
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, September 13.
Race 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“EI must have helped,” joked trainer Liam Birchley. “Something’s changed.”
Birchley was referring to the revitalised, consistent run of performances by Junk InThe Trunk who has now won twice and finished in the money on three other occasions in five starts since returning from a nine-and-a-half month layoff.
“She could have won even more but she has had no luck to talk about,” continued Birchley.
“She’s had bad alleys (she was drawn 12, 13 and 10 in her three placed starts). She has just had to keep going back or going around them, so she’s being doing a good job.”
The ability Junk In TheTrunk has been showing has been matched by her fighting spirit.
This race was no gimme.
Michelle Cafea, who was on a quick back-up after winning at Ipswich on Thursday, the courageous top weight Instructed and Junk In The Trunk were locked in battle in the final chase to the line when the latter produced that vital bit extra under the strong urgings of jockey Scott Seamer to win by the narrowest of margins.
Junk In The Trunk was the first of four winners on the day for Seamer.
STEWARDS REPORT FEEDBACK
Junk In The Trunk (S. Seamer) was examined behind the barriers by the Club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race as a result of bumping its off hind stifle on leaving the enclosure. Snippet Street (B. El-Issa) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and brushed Instructed (D. Coleman). Le Sillage (J. Holder) jumped awkwardly and missed the start. Near the 200m Michelle Cafea (M. Hellyer) shifted out and brushed Instructed.
Race 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Maryann Thexton trained Chilled booked a trip to Sydney when claiming his third win from only seven starts.
Thexton has been slowly stepping up the son of Redoute’s Choice in race distance and the 1500m was well to his liking.
“He is just getting better and better,” said Thexton. “It wasn’t only the distance he had to cope with – it was the weight. He had 58kg today and he keeps stepping up.
“The way he travelled. The way he hit the line. It all shows just how much he has matured mentally.
While Chilled is starting to do things on cue in a race, he is still to use Thexton’s words, ‘a bit quirky’ at home.
“He has his own little ways of doing things,” confided Thexton.
“I can’t let anybody work with him. If you’re inexperienced, he’ll chase you out of the box ... yet he’s an absolute lamb to those who know him.”
Thexton confirmed that Chilled next assignment would be the Stan Fox Stakes at Randwick on September 27.
“That’s over 1400m so he’ll be dropping back in distance,” said Thexton.
“That will be a test. If he runs a big race there we would go on to Melbourne. I’ll be looking at the Caulfield Guineas.
“That’s why Scotty (Seamer) was on him today,” explained Thexton. “He’s a Group 1 winning jockey and, if Chilled shows he is a serious racehorse, we want someone like Scotty on board.
“He’ll be offered the ride in Sydney. If he turns it down, I’ll use a Sydney jockey,” said Thexton.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Papal Joy (P. Hammersley) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out causing Cayman Islands (E. Wilkinson), which also jumped awkwardly, to be checked. When being checked Cayman Islands clipped the heels of Papal Joy and blundered. Cayman Islands and Mymysherona were inclined to race ungenerously in the early stages. Four Dreamers was caught three wide after the start and raced three wide for the entire event. Leaving the 500m Seesawing (J. Taylor) shifted out to improve and made contact with Timecall. Mymysherona was inclined to lay in under pressure in the straight.
Race 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Deacon continued to build his reputation with another come from behind victory.
This time the son of Zabeel didn’t demolish his rivals as he had done in his previous start, only gaining the ascendency in the last couple of strides, but jockey Brad Pengelly had little doubt the win was every bit as impressive as his success at Doomben.
“He is just looking for more ground that’s all,” said Pengelly. “He might have taken longer to reel them in this time, but that is because he wants a longer trip than this.
“He is a pleasure to ride. He responds when you ask something of him and he’s got lots of ability.”
Trainer David Murphy was weighing up his options after the race.
“Gee, he did take a long time to get them, but then I guess he was a long way back,” said Murphy.
“There is a race – the George Main stakes – down south," said Murphy mulling over the idea.
“But my preference right now would be to spell him, to give him some more time and then perhaps target him for the Winter Carnival. I have to give it some thought.”
Deacon’s potential is underlined by the fact that he has now won five out of ten starts. He has been placed on four other occasions.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Grieg (M. Bennett) and Deacon (B. Pengelly) were slow into stride. Golders Road (Matthew Palmer) raced wide throughout. Punch Up (J. Taylor) and Little Stranger (J. Byrne) brushed near the finish line.
Race 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote believes that My Limit was a ‘certainty beaten’ in his last start and that the gelding set the record straight with his facile 2,30 length win here.
“Wasn’t that a lovely, cool ride of Holder’s,” enthused Heathcote.
“He saw he could save a bit of ground on the turn and still be well positioned. I’ll criticise things sometimes, but I also give credit when it’s due. That was a great ride.”
Heathcote also praised My Limit’s combination of talents, commenting on the gelding’s ability to relax and the power of his acceleration.
“He goes to sleep and he has a nice turn of foot. How good a combination is that?” asked Heathcote. “I’m starting to think he’ll get a mile-and-a-half now.
“He’s improving so well, not just on the racetrack. I’m talking about his general demeanour around the stables. He’s definitely getting there.”
Jockey Jason Holder, who had My Limit back in last place some ten lengths off the lead in the sweep to the turn, gave his reason for taking an inside line as the field turned for home.
“Nothing was making a move to help take me through on the outside,” explained Holder.
“I was looking for Sir Coup and I decided to get on the back of him,” continued Holder. “I followed Sir Coup through and then managed to get a run on his inside.”
From there, the result of the race came down to two things – My Limit’s ability to produce race winning acceleration and whether he would be allowed the galloping room in which to operate.
Both questions were answered by the 250m. My Limit was offered a dream split between Rich Blue Dane and Becklim and he responded superbly, to the degree that, by the time he hit the front at the 200m, it was ‘race over’.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
LATINO was a late scratching at 2.35 p.m. when the horse reared in the barriers and got its near forearm over the partition. Acting on veterinary advice the horse was withdrawn. When the pace slowed in the middle stages Pressed On (C. McIver) commenced to pull and approaching the 1200m shifted out three wide and raced three wide from that point. Winmara (O. Turpin) was initially held up in the early stages of the straight and approaching the 200m was disappointed for a run inside of Rich Blue Dane where there was not fully sufficient room. My Limit (J. Holder) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Apprentice O. Turpin, the rider of Winmara, was found guilty of a charge under AR. 137A (2) (a) for using his whip forward of the horse's shoulder near the finish line and fined $200. A post-race veterinary examination of Bitofasmartie revealed that the gelding was suffering from the thumps and had a slightly elevated temperature. Following his ride on Grand Corso, jockey B. El-Issa was examined by the Club's doctor after complaining of a sore ankle and was stood down from his remaining ride on the program.
Race 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Philip Cox has done a great job with Secrets Untold and he received another reward for his efforts when the gelding outgunned the game Sam’s Express over the final 100m to score by 0,20 lengths.
The ever-consistent six-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with jockey Scott Seamer, and therein lies something of a dilemma for the trainer.
“The problem is that he (Secrets Untold) will go up in weight now,” explained Cox, “and therefore it would seem tempting to use a claiming apprentice along the way.
“But Scott has got the horses number. He gets into him at the top of the straight and keeps him working all the way to the line. That’s how he is used to being ridden.
“Now if I get an apprentice who maybe is a bit lazy early and not as strong in the finish, Secrets Untold might not be winning. So it is a bit of a dilemma.
“Oh, he is such a lovely horse to train,” continued Cox. “He’s got such an easy temperament – but then so do most Sequalo’s.
“This was his first time this far (1813m). We’d thought we try him up in distance as he has been finishing his races off so well over a mile ... and he just put in, as he always does,” concluded Cox.
Secrets Untold was Seamer’s third winner at the meeting.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Devastating (O. Turpin) was slow to jump. Double Portion (P. Hammersley) was inclined to pull hard in the early stages. Near the 150m Devastating was momentarily held up on the heels of the tiring Striking Victory (A. Pattillo). The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that Devastating returned to the enclosure with blood in its mouth as a result of a small laceration to the gum. A swab sample was taken from Devastating. As a result of Striking Victory throwing its head back and contacting jockey A. Pattillo's head, A. Pattillo was examined by the Club's doctor who ruled him unfit to continue riding.
Race 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Peter Balzen trained Tornadic Sky prevailed in a pressurised finish under a determined ride from Jason Taylor to land the eighth win of his career.
“I rode him a few runs back and he went terrific, said Taylor. “I thought then that he might be good enough to win a race like this in town.
“I suppose we might have been a bit lucky in that Rasmussen (the race favourite who Tornadic Sky only just beat to the line) will be a better horse for the run and will be harder to beat next time. We caught him on the right day.
“They just kept coming at him and he just kept finding,” said Taylor, before he limped away.
“It’s still a bit sore,” acknowledged Taylor, referring to a leg injury which sidelined him after a race fall recently.’’
Nothing like a win to help ease the pain.
Tornadic Sky was the longest priced winner on the card.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rags To Riches (C. McIver) was caught three wide after the start and raced three wide for the entire event.
Race 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Gillian Heinrich trained Ghetto Blaster made light work of carrying 58kg as he dismissed the opposition with a touch of arrogance to come home untroubled, landing his seventh win from only twelve starts.
The impressive looking five-year-old lay just off the speed on the rail in the early part before jockey Scott Seamer asked his mount to quicken in the straight.
The move forward was unrushed and finely measured by a jockey who knew exactly what he had under him.
GhettoBlaster was racing first up after a nine month layoff. Trainer Gillian Heinrich explains the time out.
“After the effects they suffered from the EI injections I decided I it just wasn’t worth taking any chances with them (Ghetto Blaster and Rasmussen) and so I just put the both out.
“I decided then that I would only bring them back when I thought they were one-hundred percent ready and that’s what I have done,” continued Heinrich.
“Originally I had plans to take these horses to Melbourne and maybe we can follow through with that now, but those plans still have to be finalised.”
Ghetto Blaster was Scott Seamer’s fourth winner on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ghetto Blaster (S. Seamer) was inclined to over-race in the early and middle stages. Fangles (J. Byrne) and Ima Joker (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event. Shortly after straightening Ghetto Blaster, when shifting out to improve, made contact with Elegant Roi.
Race 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Les Ross trained Master Illusion scored a minor upset when upstaging the favourite Framous, getting home in the final stride.
“He’s racing third-up over extra ground. It’s his distance,” explained Ross.
“Have a look,” continued Ross. “You’ll see. He’s won seven times in his career and six of those wins have been over 1400m. The distance was the key.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer Darlene Duryea was fined $100 under LR. 70 for failing to declare B. El-Issa as the rider of Prince Puzzle by the prescribed time. After being stood down by the Club's doctor, jockey B. El-Issa was replaced by apprentice C. McIver as no senior rider was available. As no senior rider was available, stewards permitted apprentice M. Hellyer to replace A. Pattillo as the rider of Academy Pride. Voltabolta (J. Byrne) was caught wide rounding the first turn and raced wide for the majority of the event.
Apprentice M. Radecker, the rider of Rock My Roof, was severely reprimanded for allowing her mount to shift in after leaving the 1100m when not clear of Life’s Short (Michael Palmer), which was inclined to over-race, causing that horse to become unbalanced and race ungenerously for a short distance.
Approaching the 1000m Millers Wheel (R. McMahon) had to be checked and shifted wider when over-racing after improving on to the heels of Prince Of Steel. Near the 800m Prince Of Steel had to be checked when tightened between Miller Wheel and Flying Kwila which shifted out. M. Paget, the rider of Flying Kwlia, was severely reprimanded and instructed to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 800m Prince Of Steel had to be checked when being eased away from the heels of Flying Kwila (M. Paget) which shifted out slightly. Shobelle (S. Seamer) had difficulty obtaining clear running for the entire straight. Academy Pride (M. Hellyer) had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200m. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that Prince Of Steel bled from both nostrils. Stewards advised trainer L. Manzelmann that under AR. 53A the horse would incur a mandatory three month ban from racing.
Race 1:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“EI must have helped,” joked trainer Liam Birchley. “Something’s changed.”
Birchley was referring to the revitalised, consistent run of performances by Junk InThe Trunk who has now won twice and finished in the money on three other occasions in five starts since returning from a nine-and-a-half month layoff.
“She could have won even more but she has had no luck to talk about,” continued Birchley.
“She’s had bad alleys (she was drawn 12, 13 and 10 in her three placed starts). She has just had to keep going back or going around them, so she’s being doing a good job.”
The ability Junk In TheTrunk has been showing has been matched by her fighting spirit.
This race was no gimme.
Michelle Cafea, who was on a quick back-up after winning at Ipswich on Thursday, the courageous top weight Instructed and Junk In The Trunk were locked in battle in the final chase to the line when the latter produced that vital bit extra under the strong urgings of jockey Scott Seamer to win by the narrowest of margins.
Junk In The Trunk was the first of four winners on the day for Seamer.
STEWARDS REPORT FEEDBACK
Junk In The Trunk (S. Seamer) was examined behind the barriers by the Club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race as a result of bumping its off hind stifle on leaving the enclosure. Snippet Street (B. El-Issa) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and brushed Instructed (D. Coleman). Le Sillage (J. Holder) jumped awkwardly and missed the start. Near the 200m Michelle Cafea (M. Hellyer) shifted out and brushed Instructed.
Race 2:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Maryann Thexton trained Chilled booked a trip to Sydney when claiming his third win from only seven starts.
Thexton has been slowly stepping up the son of Redoute’s Choice in race distance and the 1500m was well to his liking.
“He is just getting better and better,” said Thexton. “It wasn’t only the distance he had to cope with – it was the weight. He had 58kg today and he keeps stepping up.
“The way he travelled. The way he hit the line. It all shows just how much he has matured mentally.
While Chilled is starting to do things on cue in a race, he is still to use Thexton’s words, ‘a bit quirky’ at home.
“He has his own little ways of doing things,” confided Thexton.
“I can’t let anybody work with him. If you’re inexperienced, he’ll chase you out of the box ... yet he’s an absolute lamb to those who know him.”
Thexton confirmed that Chilled next assignment would be the Stan Fox Stakes at Randwick on September 27.
“That’s over 1400m so he’ll be dropping back in distance,” said Thexton.
“That will be a test. If he runs a big race there we would go on to Melbourne. I’ll be looking at the Caulfield Guineas.
“That’s why Scotty (Seamer) was on him today,” explained Thexton. “He’s a Group 1 winning jockey and, if Chilled shows he is a serious racehorse, we want someone like Scotty on board.
“He’ll be offered the ride in Sydney. If he turns it down, I’ll use a Sydney jockey,” said Thexton.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Papal Joy (P. Hammersley) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out causing Cayman Islands (E. Wilkinson), which also jumped awkwardly, to be checked. When being checked Cayman Islands clipped the heels of Papal Joy and blundered. Cayman Islands and Mymysherona were inclined to race ungenerously in the early stages. Four Dreamers was caught three wide after the start and raced three wide for the entire event. Leaving the 500m Seesawing (J. Taylor) shifted out to improve and made contact with Timecall. Mymysherona was inclined to lay in under pressure in the straight.
Race 3:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Deacon continued to build his reputation with another come from behind victory.
This time the son of Zabeel didn’t demolish his rivals as he had done in his previous start, only gaining the ascendency in the last couple of strides, but jockey Brad Pengelly had little doubt the win was every bit as impressive as his success at Doomben.
“He is just looking for more ground that’s all,” said Pengelly. “He might have taken longer to reel them in this time, but that is because he wants a longer trip than this.
“He is a pleasure to ride. He responds when you ask something of him and he’s got lots of ability.”
Trainer David Murphy was weighing up his options after the race.
“Gee, he did take a long time to get them, but then I guess he was a long way back,” said Murphy.
“There is a race – the George Main stakes – down south," said Murphy mulling over the idea.
“But my preference right now would be to spell him, to give him some more time and then perhaps target him for the Winter Carnival. I have to give it some thought.”
Deacon’s potential is underlined by the fact that he has now won five out of ten starts. He has been placed on four other occasions.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Grieg (M. Bennett) and Deacon (B. Pengelly) were slow into stride. Golders Road (Matthew Palmer) raced wide throughout. Punch Up (J. Taylor) and Little Stranger (J. Byrne) brushed near the finish line.
Race 4:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote believes that My Limit was a ‘certainty beaten’ in his last start and that the gelding set the record straight with his facile 2,30 length win here.
“Wasn’t that a lovely, cool ride of Holder’s,” enthused Heathcote.
“He saw he could save a bit of ground on the turn and still be well positioned. I’ll criticise things sometimes, but I also give credit when it’s due. That was a great ride.”
Heathcote also praised My Limit’s combination of talents, commenting on the gelding’s ability to relax and the power of his acceleration.
“He goes to sleep and he has a nice turn of foot. How good a combination is that?” asked Heathcote. “I’m starting to think he’ll get a mile-and-a-half now.
“He’s improving so well, not just on the racetrack. I’m talking about his general demeanour around the stables. He’s definitely getting there.”
Jockey Jason Holder, who had My Limit back in last place some ten lengths off the lead in the sweep to the turn, gave his reason for taking an inside line as the field turned for home.
“Nothing was making a move to help take me through on the outside,” explained Holder.
“I was looking for Sir Coup and I decided to get on the back of him,” continued Holder. “I followed Sir Coup through and then managed to get a run on his inside.”
From there, the result of the race came down to two things – My Limit’s ability to produce race winning acceleration and whether he would be allowed the galloping room in which to operate.
Both questions were answered by the 250m. My Limit was offered a dream split between Rich Blue Dane and Becklim and he responded superbly, to the degree that, by the time he hit the front at the 200m, it was ‘race over’.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
LATINO was a late scratching at 2.35 p.m. when the horse reared in the barriers and got its near forearm over the partition. Acting on veterinary advice the horse was withdrawn. When the pace slowed in the middle stages Pressed On (C. McIver) commenced to pull and approaching the 1200m shifted out three wide and raced three wide from that point. Winmara (O. Turpin) was initially held up in the early stages of the straight and approaching the 200m was disappointed for a run inside of Rich Blue Dane where there was not fully sufficient room. My Limit (J. Holder) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Apprentice O. Turpin, the rider of Winmara, was found guilty of a charge under AR. 137A (2) (a) for using his whip forward of the horse's shoulder near the finish line and fined $200. A post-race veterinary examination of Bitofasmartie revealed that the gelding was suffering from the thumps and had a slightly elevated temperature. Following his ride on Grand Corso, jockey B. El-Issa was examined by the Club's doctor after complaining of a sore ankle and was stood down from his remaining ride on the program.
Race 5:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Philip Cox has done a great job with Secrets Untold and he received another reward for his efforts when the gelding outgunned the game Sam’s Express over the final 100m to score by 0,20 lengths.
The ever-consistent six-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with jockey Scott Seamer, and therein lies something of a dilemma for the trainer.
“The problem is that he (Secrets Untold) will go up in weight now,” explained Cox, “and therefore it would seem tempting to use a claiming apprentice along the way.
“But Scott has got the horses number. He gets into him at the top of the straight and keeps him working all the way to the line. That’s how he is used to being ridden.
“Now if I get an apprentice who maybe is a bit lazy early and not as strong in the finish, Secrets Untold might not be winning. So it is a bit of a dilemma.
“Oh, he is such a lovely horse to train,” continued Cox. “He’s got such an easy temperament – but then so do most Sequalo’s.
“This was his first time this far (1813m). We’d thought we try him up in distance as he has been finishing his races off so well over a mile ... and he just put in, as he always does,” concluded Cox.
Secrets Untold was Seamer’s third winner at the meeting.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Devastating (O. Turpin) was slow to jump. Double Portion (P. Hammersley) was inclined to pull hard in the early stages. Near the 150m Devastating was momentarily held up on the heels of the tiring Striking Victory (A. Pattillo). The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that Devastating returned to the enclosure with blood in its mouth as a result of a small laceration to the gum. A swab sample was taken from Devastating. As a result of Striking Victory throwing its head back and contacting jockey A. Pattillo's head, A. Pattillo was examined by the Club's doctor who ruled him unfit to continue riding.
Race 6:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Peter Balzen trained Tornadic Sky prevailed in a pressurised finish under a determined ride from Jason Taylor to land the eighth win of his career.
“I rode him a few runs back and he went terrific, said Taylor. “I thought then that he might be good enough to win a race like this in town.
“I suppose we might have been a bit lucky in that Rasmussen (the race favourite who Tornadic Sky only just beat to the line) will be a better horse for the run and will be harder to beat next time. We caught him on the right day.
“They just kept coming at him and he just kept finding,” said Taylor, before he limped away.
“It’s still a bit sore,” acknowledged Taylor, referring to a leg injury which sidelined him after a race fall recently.’’
Nothing like a win to help ease the pain.
Tornadic Sky was the longest priced winner on the card.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rags To Riches (C. McIver) was caught three wide after the start and raced three wide for the entire event.
Race 7:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Gillian Heinrich trained Ghetto Blaster made light work of carrying 58kg as he dismissed the opposition with a touch of arrogance to come home untroubled, landing his seventh win from only twelve starts.
The impressive looking five-year-old lay just off the speed on the rail in the early part before jockey Scott Seamer asked his mount to quicken in the straight.
The move forward was unrushed and finely measured by a jockey who knew exactly what he had under him.
GhettoBlaster was racing first up after a nine month layoff. Trainer Gillian Heinrich explains the time out.
“After the effects they suffered from the EI injections I decided I it just wasn’t worth taking any chances with them (Ghetto Blaster and Rasmussen) and so I just put the both out.
“I decided then that I would only bring them back when I thought they were one-hundred percent ready and that’s what I have done,” continued Heinrich.
“Originally I had plans to take these horses to Melbourne and maybe we can follow through with that now, but those plans still have to be finalised.”
Ghetto Blaster was Scott Seamer’s fourth winner on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ghetto Blaster (S. Seamer) was inclined to over-race in the early and middle stages. Fangles (J. Byrne) and Ima Joker (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event. Shortly after straightening Ghetto Blaster, when shifting out to improve, made contact with Elegant Roi.
Race 8:
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Les Ross trained Master Illusion scored a minor upset when upstaging the favourite Framous, getting home in the final stride.
“He’s racing third-up over extra ground. It’s his distance,” explained Ross.
“Have a look,” continued Ross. “You’ll see. He’s won seven times in his career and six of those wins have been over 1400m. The distance was the key.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer Darlene Duryea was fined $100 under LR. 70 for failing to declare B. El-Issa as the rider of Prince Puzzle by the prescribed time. After being stood down by the Club's doctor, jockey B. El-Issa was replaced by apprentice C. McIver as no senior rider was available. As no senior rider was available, stewards permitted apprentice M. Hellyer to replace A. Pattillo as the rider of Academy Pride. Voltabolta (J. Byrne) was caught wide rounding the first turn and raced wide for the majority of the event.
Apprentice M. Radecker, the rider of Rock My Roof, was severely reprimanded for allowing her mount to shift in after leaving the 1100m when not clear of Life’s Short (Michael Palmer), which was inclined to over-race, causing that horse to become unbalanced and race ungenerously for a short distance.
Approaching the 1000m Millers Wheel (R. McMahon) had to be checked and shifted wider when over-racing after improving on to the heels of Prince Of Steel. Near the 800m Prince Of Steel had to be checked when tightened between Miller Wheel and Flying Kwila which shifted out. M. Paget, the rider of Flying Kwlia, was severely reprimanded and instructed to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 800m Prince Of Steel had to be checked when being eased away from the heels of Flying Kwila (M. Paget) which shifted out slightly. Shobelle (S. Seamer) had difficulty obtaining clear running for the entire straight. Academy Pride (M. Hellyer) had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200m. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that Prince Of Steel bled from both nostrils. Stewards advised trainer L. Manzelmann that under AR. 53A the horse would incur a mandatory three month ban from racing.
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