A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, Spetember 24.
Race 1:
3yo Fillies Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st -Magic Procession; 2nd - Brave Gal; 3rd - Margette
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Magic Procession, a full sister to the useful Magic Promenade, took the honours.
The Barry Bowditch trained filly was produced at exactly the right time by jockey Garry Baker. She took the measure of the free-running, frontrunner Brave Gal inside the final 100m and won by a comfortable 1.30 lengths.
This was Magic Procession’s fifth start and she had been placed on two previous occasions, one of which was a third placing at Ipswich.
“I thought she’s win three runs back,” said Bowditch, referring to the Ipswich run. “She should have won three runs back. Only hiccup was that she was wide all the way.”
Garry Baker liked the run.
“She hit the line well which is obviously always good, but she seemed to be enjoying it, which is also important,” said Baker.
“On that basis I think she looks like she will keep progressing – and she’ll go 1400m,” concluded Baker.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey K. Wharton, rider of Kinesis Kiss, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding in that near the 800m he shifted in when insufficiently clear of Margette (Matthew Palmer), taking that horse in, resulting in Acting U (L. Rolls) having to be checked. K. Wharton then failed to make sufficient effort to straighten Kinesis Kiss, which resulted in Margette further being taken in on to Blasko (R. Wiggins), which in turn shifted in on to Our Ballet Dancer (R. McMahon), which was then forced in on to Magic Procession (G. Baker), which had to be checked when taken across the heels of Brave Gal (P. Hammersley). K. Wharton was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 September, and to expire at midnight, 11 October 2008.
Apprentice C. McIver, rider of Champagne Pink, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 600m he allowed his mount to shift in, taking Kinesis Kiss (K. Wharton) in on to the hind quarters of Margette (Matthew Palmer), resulting in Kinesis Kiss having to be checked when forced across the heels of Champagne Pink. C. McIver was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 September, and to expire at midnight, 9 October 2008.
Near the finish line, Champagne Pink (C. McIver) shifted in under pressure, resulting in ACTING UP (L. Rolls) having to be steadied and shift ground inwards. Champagne Pink (C. McIver), Kinesis Kiss (K. Wharton), Stratplan (J. Taylor) and Posting (G. Colless) all raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the performance of Our Ballet Dancer, R. McMahon stated that the horse raced greenly, however as it was having only its first race start, he felt the filly would benefit from the experience. He indicated that the horse had been working well, however he agreed the performance was somewhat disappointing. A post race veterinary examination of failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
A post race veterinary examination of Posting revealed the filly to have sustained a laceration to the off-fore leg.
Race 2:
3yo C&G Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Left Standing; 2nd - Gallant Hawk; 3rd - Heartsun
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Left Standing became the third Metropolitan winner in the last two weeks for the Gillian Heinrich stable to come out strutting his stuff fresh after a layoff.
Left Standing bounced around in the parade before the race and had to attended to by the farrier behind the starting gates before jumping away and going on to land an a clearcut victory.
“He’s as fresh as a fart,” joked jockey Scott Seamer, after he had brought his mount back to the winners’ enclosure.
Seamer pointed out that the farrier work was his only moment of concern.
“Had to do the work,” said Seamer. “The shoe would have flown off in the first stride. He won well and should get even better when he gets to his distance,” said Seamer, whose strong ride from a number eighteen barrier (Left Standing was never worse than third) played a major role in the result.
The hiccup at the starting stalls was also an uncomfortable moment for Gillian Heinrich.
“When he was being attended to by the farrier it was a bit scary,” admitted Heinrich.
“Even apart from that disruption, he already had a lot to overcome – including the barrier and the fact that 1000m is not his go,” continued Heinrich. “He will go 1400m, a mile ... so to win like this over this trip is very encouraging.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Colonel Patton (P. Hammersley) began awkwardly and raced ungenerously in the early stages. Bundarra (L. Rolls) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Famous Cry (S. Cormack) jumped outwards and missed the start. Spectacular Shot (Matthew Palmer) was inclined to lay out under pressure in the straight. Approaching the finish line, Craiglea Falcon (C. Dixon) was momentarily tightened for room between Cha Cha Man and Le Mirage (K. Wharton) and had to be steadied as a consequence.
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st – Auscoal; 2nd – Greenhide; 3rd - County Tale
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Jim Byrne got on the scoreboard with a win on the Michael Nolen trained Auscoal which came down to a closer call than the jockey thought it would once he had hit the front at the 100m mark.
Auscoal, a lightly raced five-year-old, had arrived at the head of affairs along the inside under a vigorous ride from Byrne but Greenhide, out wider on the track, also produced a finishing effort of note and the colt only just failed to reel in the winner.
“He took a while to get there, but when he hit the front I thought he was going to win easy,” said Byrne.
“But then he started stargazing,” continued Byrne. “He didn’t know what he was there for ... but he stayed on to complete the job. But it was just his inexperience that brought it back to a close margin.
“It was a better win than it looked.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer M. Lakey was advised that he must provide a further barrier certificate for Stylish Wan, which proved difficult to load. Near the 900m, Greenhide (D. Craven), which had commenced to over-race, had to be steadied from the heels of Stylish Wan (M. Heagney), which shifted in.
D. Craven, rider of Greenhide, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 400m he allowed his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of Gradueight (C. Dixon), resulting in Gradueight having to be checked and the horse then blundering. D. Craven was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 24 September, and to expire at midnight, 5 October 2008. Gutenberg (S. Seamer), I’montop (S. Drake) and General Remark (S. Apthorpe) all raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 4:
Maiden Plate - 1500m
1st - Justin Case; 2nd – Bugsytwoshoes; 3rd - Crackinghorseluck
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“He rode it a treat didn’t he?”
Trainer Kelly Schweida was commenting on jockey Shane Scriven’s handling of the winner Justin Case, who jumped from the worst of the draw (fourteen out of fourteen) and ended up with rails run for much of the trip.
Scriven dropped Justin Case out from the draw and deftly manoeuvred the gelding to claim a position on the rail. By mid-term, the pair were tracking their market rival, Bugsytwoshoes in midfield.
At the top of the straight Bugsytwoshoes switched out for a run. For a moment Justin Case seemed to mark time as Scriven weighed up his options, but once that decision came down in favour of the inside run option, Justin Case quickened up nicely.
At the 250m, Justin Case was delayed momentarily again while shifting out around horses, but again he responded with meaning once in the clear.
All the while, Bugsytwoshoes was running his race on the outside and when Justin Case hit the lead at the 200m mark, Bugsytwoshoes emerged as a real threat.
The latter maintained a persistent challenge all the way to the line but Justin Case carrying too much ammunition and won that shootout by 0.80 lengths.
“He’s had a couple of enormous runs without getting a result,” said Schweida. The one he ran second to two runs back (La Marianne) has won twice since, so he is really was due.”
Jockey Shane Scriven said he was always confident once he had gained the advantage in the final chase to the line.
“On the turn I felt I just had to give him the right run in the straight to win,” said Scriven. “She did blunder a bit. It was only when I went whack, whack that he took off. Yeah, I was always confident.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Smartness was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon on arrival at the track after the mare had bumped its head in the float en route to the course. Smartness was cleared to start. El Tempo over-raced in the early stages.
Near the 400m, Bugsytwoshoes (P. Hammersley) shifted out to improve and in doing so made contact with Our Secret Affair (T. Pannell). Justin Case (S. Scriven) was held up for a short distance leaving the 400m. Aurantia (S. Seamer) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 5:
Class 4 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Acinonyx; 2nd - Captive Way; 3rd - Life's Short
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Jones was justifiably chuffed with the win of Acinonyx.
“She came to me from Sydney as a 1000m horse,” explained Jones, “and I took one look at her and said, this doesn’t look like a 1000m horse to me. She looks like a miler.
And here was Acinonyx ... winning over 1500m.
“The owners (the Nolans) bought her for stud purposes. They are the same owners who had that grey horse of mine that won here (Grey Stream) which has also gone to stud.
“They said it would be nice if we could get a win in the city before she retires. So we’ve done that now.”
When is Acinonyx due to go to stud?
“Tomorrow,” answered Jones. Then he turned to jockey Jason Taylor and asked mischievously, “So do you think she can win another one?”
Taylor smiled and nodded in the affirmative. Then he went on to give his report back.
“She jumped alright and I wanted to go forward,” explained Taylor, “but they were humming along and if I went forward I would only have been in midfield and caught wide, so I thought I must go back and just sit here.
“With the rail out so far, you didn’t want to be last and switching three wide for a run on then turn, but I really didn’t have any other option,” continued Taylor.
“She did take a little while to get going, but once she stretched out she finished off quickly,” concluded Taylor, which is a bit of an understatement, considering Acinonyx flew at the finish to snare Captive Way in the final strides.
Acinonyx was the first of two wins on the day for Taylor.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dashing Dodge (A. Taylor) and Captive Way (S. Seamer) over-raced in the early stages.
Apprentice C. Dixon was found guilty of a charge under AR137(a)(1)(b) in that he used his whip excessively on Red Ferments when that gelding was out of contention. C. Dixon was fined $400. Apprentice Dixon was advised that as he has had previous offences for whip use on horses out of contention, a recommendation may be made to the Licensing Committee as to the status of his licence as he had only recently been upgraded to a metropolitan apprentice.
A post race veterinary examination of Murphy’s Creek revealed the gelding to be making an abnormal respiratory noise. Stewards advised trainer B. Hill that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance, including the results of an endoscopic examination prior to its next race start.
Race 6:
Class 4 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Monashee Knight; 2nd – KirraLyn; 3rd - Monashee Prince
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Every horse has a story – it’s just that some are more interesting than others.
Like that of the Darren Bell trained Monashee Knight who scored the fourth win of his career here.
Monashee Knight has been a very consistent performer. Apart from his four wins, the gelding also has nine minor placings to his credit in eighteen starts, but his story would have followed a vastly different route had it not been for a severe attack of colic, which led to an amazing discovery.
Bell takes up the story.
“He had various issues over a period of time that we just could not work out,” explained Bell.
“Then he had this major colic attack which required surgery,” continued Bell. “The vet found this blockage in his intestine.
“The vet showed me what he pulled out. It must have been about this size,” said Bell holding up his two fists together. “It was amazing.”
“The vet said it must have started when he swallowed a piece of towel or something as a younger horse, and, for some reason, whatever it was didn’t pass through his system. From there the blockage just piled up and piled up.
“The colic attack had him at death’s door at one stage, but ironically enough it came in time to save him. Most of his issues disappeared with the removal of the blockage.
“I was still very worried afterwards obviously because he underwent serious surgery.
“Colic surgery is very invasive and because of its seriousness horses don’t always come back to being one hundred percent, so I’m thrilled that he is back on the winning trail,” concluded Bell.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey J. Byrne was fined $100 for being overweight and unable to ride Toohotforu and was replaced by R. McMahon. Monashee Knight (B. Pengelly) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Serunai (S. Cormack) was tightened for room on jumping away between Zod (A. Taylor), which shifted out after jumping away awkwardly. Near the 900m, Chabeli (A. Pattillo) had to be momentarily steadied from the heels of Scent Of Gold (M. Radecker), which shifted in. Approaching the 700m, Toohotforu (R. McMahon) had to be checked when tightened for room between Serunai (S. Cormack), which was taken out by Chabeli (A. Pattillo) when that horse got its head up and raced ungenerously at the heels of Scent Of Gold (M. Radecker) and Patties Mate (A. Merritt), which shifted in when not clear of Toohotforu. A. Merritt, rider of Patties Mate, was severely reprimanded and instructed to ensure he is fully clear when crossing in future. Near the 600m, Toohotforu (R. McMahon) had to be steadied and lost its position when racing in restricted room between Monashee Knight (B. Pengelly), which shifted out slightly, and Monashee Prince (K. Wharton), which shifted in when not clear. K. Wharton, rider of Monashee Prince, was severely reprimanded and instructed to exercise more care in similar circumstances. After leaving the 600m, Chabeli (A. Pattillo) brushed the running rail and then shifted out, resulting in Serunai (S. Cormack) racing in restricted room between Chabeli and Patties Mate (A. Merritt). For some distance after leaving the 500m, Serunai continued to race in restricted room and made heavy contact on several occasions with Patties Mate, which was racing tight on the outside. A. Merritt, rider of Patties Mate, was severely reprimanded and instructed to take provide more room to runners on his inside.
D. Tanti, rider of Kirra Lyn was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that passing the winning post he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of Zod, forcing that horse in on to Scent Of Gold (M. Radecker), which had to be checked. D. Tanti was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 27 September, and to expire at midnight, 9 October 2008.
Race 7:
CG&E Class 3 Handicap - 1300m
1st – Fasdehere; 2nd - You're On Merv; 3rd - Werockit
WINNER FEEDBACK:
What plan was that Jason? Plan A, B or C?
That was trainer Keith Smith’s first words to Jockey Jason Taylor when he rider brought Fasdehere back to the winners’ enclosure after the gelding had landed his second win in just three starts.
“Plan C,” answered Taylor.
“We hadn’t spoken about that one,” said Smith.
“I didn’t want to talk about it in case anyone was listening,” laughed Taylor.
Plan C was simple enough. It involved sprinting from the extreme outside gate, getting to the lead, crossing to the fence and then kicking on in a manner which would not allow anyone else into the race – and it was executed to perfection.
“He’s a big horse. He can’t fit into the barrier properly. He can’t bow his head so he needs a chain to help him,” explained Taylor.
“He jumped ok, but it is his next stride which is so quick,” continued Taylor. “He was trucking!”
Fasdehere’s performance was all the more impressive because he stepped up from being a Maiden winner into Class 3 company and he also faced a step up in distance from 1000m to 1300m.
There must have been a fair level of confidence to ask him to do that.
“That was an exceptional Maiden win for the Sunshine Coast,” stated Taylor, “and we always thought he would go well over further.
“He is a handful though and so have to place him carefully to get the best out of him.”
Fasdehere gave Taylor a double at the meeting.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey J. Byrne was fined $100 for being overweight and unable to ride You’re On Merv and was replaced by R. McMahon. Benragazzaro, Best Bid (M. Radecker) and Spin Zero (D. Craven) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Kane Mochi, G. Colless stated that the horse travelled well throughout after securing a nice position in running, however when placed under pressure in the early stages of the straight, the horse failed to respond to his riding. G. Colless further stated that, in his opinion, the performance was disappointing considering the run Kane Mochi had during the race.
When questioned regarding his riding and vigour shown on Spin Zero in the early stages of the straight, D Craven stated that the horse seemed to be under pressure at that stage and he felt that the horse would not respond to excessive pressure and, in his opinion, Spin Zero was doing its best work at that stage. The explanation was noted.
Race 8:
F & M Class 3 Handicap - 1300m
1st – Kryptelon; 2nd - Lots Of Success; 3rd - Miss Maggie
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Kryptelon kept his ultra-consistent run of form going by winning for the third time in his last five starts for trainer David Kelly.
“She’s a good, honest horse as her record shows,” said Kelly. “Last time (when finishing third) was just a bit short for here. The extra ground suited her better here.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley admitted to having a scare as the field turned for home – and it was all of his own making.
“I did give myself a bit of a scare,” admitted Hammersley. “I dropped my reins at the top of the straight and I thought I’d get beaten while I was still trying to gather them in.”
But Hammersley did manage to regain the reins on Kryptelon and, to use his words, “once she sprinted, she just took off,” and sealed a well-deserved result.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey P. Hammersley, rider of Kryptelon, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 1100m, he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Falling Star (J. Holder), resulting in Falling Star having to be checked to avoid the heels of Kryptelon. P. Hammersley was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 September and to expire at midnight, 10 October 2008. S. Drake, rider of Icedane, was reminded of her obligations to ride her mounts right out to the finish line.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
CUSHION TRACK (PART 1 - THE CONFLICT)
What follows is an article in three parts.
The article is motivated by a sincere desire to put some much needed substance into the argument currently doing the rounds on the merits (or otherwise) of the Cushion Track synthetic racing surface.
The three parts are 1) The Conflict. 2) The Critique. 3) The Conclusion.
It is a lengthy piece, but for those of you who out there who have the interest and the staying power, I suggest it is a ‘must read’, even if at the end of the day, all it leaves you is better informed on the subject and less inclined to be caught up in the turbulence that the current climate of ‘hot air’ tends to create.
Good reading.
The barbs are flying. Warning shots have been fired overhead.
The debate on the value of the cushion track surface is getting nasty – in particular with regard to the decision to replace the turf track at Toowoomba with a Cushion Track surface.
A post on the Queensland Racing website makes reference to the fact that, ‘a small number of ill informed comments have been circulated by people who have a political agenda that belongs with the dinosaurs.’
It further offers a direct quote from QRL Chairman Bob Bentley who says, ‘I ask that those in Brisbane as well as Toowoomba who are playing politics with this decision (to install a synthetic cushion surface at Clifford Park in Toowoomba) to think carefully as you are recklessly jeopardising the future of Toowoomba's stakeholders.”
Toowoomba Turf Club Chairman, Neville Stewart was also on the attack.
He is quoted in The Chronicle newspaper as saying, “We will not tolerate any mischief making which has the potential to threaten this club's $10 million upgrade," Stewart said.
"It has come to our attention that a Clifford Park owner/trainer has been creating mischief amongst fellow trainers by trying to organise a meeting designed to derail this critical project.
They will be advised by letter ... that they have been cited to appear before the club committee .... to explain their actions. Make no mistake. We have the power and we will act to stop this reckless behaviour. If need be we can take away their Clifford Park training privileges.”
Now let me state at the outset, I am not privy to just how troublesome or annoying the supposed rumblings of the ‘dinosaurs’ have become to racing’s hierarchy.
Neither do I know if any licensing code has been breached by the alleged mischief maker – but, in real terms, the Press Release from Queensland Racing and the outburst by the Chairman of the Toowoomba Turf Club can be viewed as being equally irresponsible as any actions that allegedly provoked them, as they arguably come across in a heavy handed manner seemingly designed to slap down contrary opinion rather than to, at least, consider alternative viewpoints.
Toowoomba trainer Jim Atkins perhaps best summed up the prevailing point of view of the majority of the Toowoomba trainers.
“They (Queensland Racing) didn’t come to ask us what we wanted or even to listen to our opinion,” said Atkins. “They came to tell us what they were going to do.
“I’ve been training at Toowoomba for 62 years and I’m never seen anything like it.
"Ninety percent of the trainers said they didn’t want the track, but they are going ahead anyway. It’s the worst decision I’ve seen,” stated Atkins.
Atkins’ view, which was given a couple of weeks ago, is not in harmony with a recent statement released by QRL Chairman Bob Bentley.
In a letter to the Courier-Mail dated as recently as September 18, Bentley stated, “QRL has offered to install a Cushion Track to replace the grass surface at Clifford Park. It is an offer to install, not a demand. It is entirely a decision to accept or otherwise for the Toowoomba racing community.”
Bentley’s words are posed in the present tense, but Neville Stewart, in the article in The Chronicle a week earlier stated that, “This work has been signed off - on behalf of the club committee and its members and ensures Clifford Park's future for the next 15 years.”
A saddened Jim Atkins also indicated that he believed it to be a ‘fait accompli’ when I spoke to him, citing the delivery of Cushion Track materials to the Toowoomba track where they are currently being stock-piled for intended use after the Melbourne Cup meeting in November.
“There’s nothing we can do about it now,” was Atkins’ final word on the subject.
In fairness to QRL, the motivation for proposing a Cushion Track at Toowoomba should have brought an important consideration into play for the trainers.
Again quoting from Bentley’s letter, “The choice of an alternative surface is solely to assist the Toowoomba Turf Club to maintain the number of racing dates they are presently awarded. The Cushion Track will secure those dates.
“The existing grass track at Toowoomba has, for some time, been severely stressed owning to the long drought and Toowoomba’s inability to store or supply sufficient water to maintain the track to a satisfactory TAB standard.”
How much value the trainers placed on that argument is difficult to assess as I can’t find any response on record where they sought to address the problems facing their current racing surface.
So, maybe, just maybe, neither party was listening to each other. We all are only too painfully aware that it doesn’t take much to force a standoff in racing circles.
Whichever side of the argument you come down on, there is an underlying truth to the matter which should not be lost in any distraction, namely that the debate on the value of synthetic racing surfaces is not going away – and nether should it.
The more we can learn about synthetic racing surfaces, the more rational the arguments that will be put in play. The more rational the arguments, the closer we can get to a consensus of opinion and that, by implication pushes us to a point where decisions can be made on a responsible, rather than an emotional basis.
To this end, I thought it might be refreshing to report the views of highly rated professionals within the industry who have had the opportunity to work within the synthetic racing surface environment for a number of years and who thus can talk from experience of this type of racing surface.
With the utmost respect to all of those parties already mentioned above, I suggest none of them have earned the right to speak conclusively ‘for’ or ‘against’ the value of synthetic racing surfaces, so perhaps the views that will follow in Part 2 of this article (published below) will be of some educational value for all racing enthusiasts.
The views selected are drawn primarily, but not restricted to, presentations made at a one day synthetics surfaces forum, convened by the New York Task Force for retired racehorses, held at the Fisag-Tipton Sales Stable at the end of July.
In terms of timing, the forum, which was addressed by seventeen experts ranging from track officials, to track managers, to veterinarians, to trainers and jockeys, came about at exactly the right moment for QRL and all players in the game in Queensland to gain maximum benefit from the input provided there – before going on to make their own decisions (such as that relating to the Toowoomba track).
The second article of this subject follows below. The Cushion Track (Part 2 – The Critique) details the views of racings professionals as put forward to the forum in New York.
The article is motivated by a sincere desire to put some much needed substance into the argument currently doing the rounds on the merits (or otherwise) of the Cushion Track synthetic racing surface.
The three parts are 1) The Conflict. 2) The Critique. 3) The Conclusion.
It is a lengthy piece, but for those of you who out there who have the interest and the staying power, I suggest it is a ‘must read’, even if at the end of the day, all it leaves you is better informed on the subject and less inclined to be caught up in the turbulence that the current climate of ‘hot air’ tends to create.
Good reading.
The barbs are flying. Warning shots have been fired overhead.
The debate on the value of the cushion track surface is getting nasty – in particular with regard to the decision to replace the turf track at Toowoomba with a Cushion Track surface.
A post on the Queensland Racing website makes reference to the fact that, ‘a small number of ill informed comments have been circulated by people who have a political agenda that belongs with the dinosaurs.’
It further offers a direct quote from QRL Chairman Bob Bentley who says, ‘I ask that those in Brisbane as well as Toowoomba who are playing politics with this decision (to install a synthetic cushion surface at Clifford Park in Toowoomba) to think carefully as you are recklessly jeopardising the future of Toowoomba's stakeholders.”
Toowoomba Turf Club Chairman, Neville Stewart was also on the attack.
He is quoted in The Chronicle newspaper as saying, “We will not tolerate any mischief making which has the potential to threaten this club's $10 million upgrade," Stewart said.
"It has come to our attention that a Clifford Park owner/trainer has been creating mischief amongst fellow trainers by trying to organise a meeting designed to derail this critical project.
They will be advised by letter ... that they have been cited to appear before the club committee .... to explain their actions. Make no mistake. We have the power and we will act to stop this reckless behaviour. If need be we can take away their Clifford Park training privileges.”
Now let me state at the outset, I am not privy to just how troublesome or annoying the supposed rumblings of the ‘dinosaurs’ have become to racing’s hierarchy.
Neither do I know if any licensing code has been breached by the alleged mischief maker – but, in real terms, the Press Release from Queensland Racing and the outburst by the Chairman of the Toowoomba Turf Club can be viewed as being equally irresponsible as any actions that allegedly provoked them, as they arguably come across in a heavy handed manner seemingly designed to slap down contrary opinion rather than to, at least, consider alternative viewpoints.
Toowoomba trainer Jim Atkins perhaps best summed up the prevailing point of view of the majority of the Toowoomba trainers.
“They (Queensland Racing) didn’t come to ask us what we wanted or even to listen to our opinion,” said Atkins. “They came to tell us what they were going to do.
“I’ve been training at Toowoomba for 62 years and I’m never seen anything like it.
"Ninety percent of the trainers said they didn’t want the track, but they are going ahead anyway. It’s the worst decision I’ve seen,” stated Atkins.
Atkins’ view, which was given a couple of weeks ago, is not in harmony with a recent statement released by QRL Chairman Bob Bentley.
In a letter to the Courier-Mail dated as recently as September 18, Bentley stated, “QRL has offered to install a Cushion Track to replace the grass surface at Clifford Park. It is an offer to install, not a demand. It is entirely a decision to accept or otherwise for the Toowoomba racing community.”
Bentley’s words are posed in the present tense, but Neville Stewart, in the article in The Chronicle a week earlier stated that, “This work has been signed off - on behalf of the club committee and its members and ensures Clifford Park's future for the next 15 years.”
A saddened Jim Atkins also indicated that he believed it to be a ‘fait accompli’ when I spoke to him, citing the delivery of Cushion Track materials to the Toowoomba track where they are currently being stock-piled for intended use after the Melbourne Cup meeting in November.
“There’s nothing we can do about it now,” was Atkins’ final word on the subject.
In fairness to QRL, the motivation for proposing a Cushion Track at Toowoomba should have brought an important consideration into play for the trainers.
Again quoting from Bentley’s letter, “The choice of an alternative surface is solely to assist the Toowoomba Turf Club to maintain the number of racing dates they are presently awarded. The Cushion Track will secure those dates.
“The existing grass track at Toowoomba has, for some time, been severely stressed owning to the long drought and Toowoomba’s inability to store or supply sufficient water to maintain the track to a satisfactory TAB standard.”
How much value the trainers placed on that argument is difficult to assess as I can’t find any response on record where they sought to address the problems facing their current racing surface.
So, maybe, just maybe, neither party was listening to each other. We all are only too painfully aware that it doesn’t take much to force a standoff in racing circles.
Whichever side of the argument you come down on, there is an underlying truth to the matter which should not be lost in any distraction, namely that the debate on the value of synthetic racing surfaces is not going away – and nether should it.
The more we can learn about synthetic racing surfaces, the more rational the arguments that will be put in play. The more rational the arguments, the closer we can get to a consensus of opinion and that, by implication pushes us to a point where decisions can be made on a responsible, rather than an emotional basis.
To this end, I thought it might be refreshing to report the views of highly rated professionals within the industry who have had the opportunity to work within the synthetic racing surface environment for a number of years and who thus can talk from experience of this type of racing surface.
With the utmost respect to all of those parties already mentioned above, I suggest none of them have earned the right to speak conclusively ‘for’ or ‘against’ the value of synthetic racing surfaces, so perhaps the views that will follow in Part 2 of this article (published below) will be of some educational value for all racing enthusiasts.
The views selected are drawn primarily, but not restricted to, presentations made at a one day synthetics surfaces forum, convened by the New York Task Force for retired racehorses, held at the Fisag-Tipton Sales Stable at the end of July.
In terms of timing, the forum, which was addressed by seventeen experts ranging from track officials, to track managers, to veterinarians, to trainers and jockeys, came about at exactly the right moment for QRL and all players in the game in Queensland to gain maximum benefit from the input provided there – before going on to make their own decisions (such as that relating to the Toowoomba track).
The second article of this subject follows below. The Cushion Track (Part 2 – The Critique) details the views of racings professionals as put forward to the forum in New York.
CUSHION TRACK (PART 2 - THE CRITIQUE)
In late 2005, Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky became the first track to be fitted with a synthetic surface in the United States.
Eight other tracks followed. Synthetic tracks are thus now in use at only nine out of 129 tracks in North America, including four in California – Hollywood Park, Santa Anita, Del Mar and Golden Gate Fields.
A week after Barbaro broke his leg in the 2006 Preakness, the California Horse Racing Board mandated that all the state's racetracks replace their dirt with synthetic surfaces by the end of 2007.
The others tracks that use synthetic surfaces are: Arlington Park near Chicago; Turfway Park and Keeneland in Kentucky; Woodbine near Toronto; and Presque Isle in Erie. These latter five tracks voluntarily made the change partly because of racing days lost to cold-weather conditions.
So it was, that when racing experts assembled at the one day forum convened by the New York Task Force in at the Fisag-Tipton Sales Stable in New York at the end of July, the participants had access to opinions drawn from different areas of expertise, derived from two-and-a-half year’s experience of racing on synthetic racing surfaces.
The Task Force group was created to investigate whether New York State should swop its track surfaces from dirt to synthetic and the forum received input from seventeen racing experts, from track managers to veterinarians to trainers and jockeys.
I have decided to group the comments quoted under four different headings for greater clarity. These different areas will mean different things to different people and they are listed in no particular order.
Management feedback:
Charles Hayward, president and CEO of the New York Racing Association, was reluctant to approve synthetic tracks.
When asked if he wished the Saratoga Race Course had a synthetic track during previous week’s downpour, Hayward deflected the question with the answer, "I wish we hadn't had rain."
"It's a little scary as an industry when we're just making it up as we go," Hayward said. "I think we have a long way to go to develop more research and get a better understanding.
"NYRA's going to be led by the data," Hayward said, and his presentation made it clear that he doesn’t believe the current level of data is sufficient to act upon.
“There is no science behind it ... no real track maintenance protocols. We need more research, more metrics,” said Hayward.
Hayward also pointed out what he called the “entrepreneurial, thinly capitalised” nature of businesses currently offering synthetic surfaces.
Hayward cited the well documented problems Santa Anita had with their Cushion Track (Santa Anita lost an unprecedented 11 meetings due to drainage problems) and the ‘disappointing’ level of response from the company when approached to repair the drainage problems that had led to cancellations at the track.
“You should be concerned (about these vendors) when you are talking about the backbone of the industry,” concluded Hayward.
(A most important point here is that the Cushion Track company who was responsible for the original synthetic track at Santa Anita is the same company that laid the track at Corbould Park at the Sunshine Coast and who have the contract to do the same at Toowoomba. It is a British based company. The job of repairing and re-laying the Santa Anita track was eventually given to Pro-Ride, an Australian company).
Turfway President Bob Elliston told the Task Force that the track had experienced a sixty percent decrease in breakdowns.
Turfway also benefitted by a fifty-three prevent decrease in maintenance costs, and a significant increase in turnover since it switched from dirt to Polytrack in 2005.
Elliston qualified those figures by warning that the synthetic surface should not raise unrealistic expectations in terms of its role in eliminating catastrophic injuries, the decline in costs was largely due to the track requiring less work in winter and other tracks would not necessarily see such savings, and that the increase in turnover could be attributed to fewer cancellations.
"Whatever the benchmarks, we have to hold all tracks accountable - but that doesn't mean mandating going synthetic. We need to hold all track officials and track superintendents to standards of safety across all surfaces," said Elliston.
Richard Shapiro, head of the California Horse Racing Board, gave his view on the relationship between track and injury.
“Unfortunately, none of these tracks can or will eliminate fatalities,” said Shapiro. “Injuries will occur for a variety of reasons, even if horses raced on air.”
Veterinarian feedback:
Veterinarian Dr. Mark Cheney pointed out that injuries requiring surgery to remove bone chips from knees and ankles have been reduced in horses training and racing over synthetic tracks. But, at the same time, Cheney said he has seen an increase in the number of injuries to the hindquarters and soft tissue tendons and ligaments.
He said there has also been an increase in fractures involving the sesamoid bones, part of the ankle structure.
Cheney said synthetic surfaces do not allow the front hoof to slide forward when it hits the ground. He pointed out that ‘soft injuries’, such as tissue damage, are not life-threatening, but they could end a horse’s racing career.
The core issue is, according to Cheney, is surface maintenance. “Hard tracks create injuries and orthopedic lesions.”
Cheney’s opinion was not a conclusive one in terms of the role of the synthetic surface in injuries detected.
Other veterinarians noted that is remains unclear if synthetic tracks produce more ‘soft tissue injuries’ (tendons and ligaments) as there are too many variables (pre-existing conditions, training methods etc) to make a measured judgment.
Dr. Rick Arthur, a veterinarian based in California , said racing on synthetic surfaces has significantly reduced the rate of fatal injuries (in California the rate of fatalities is three for every 1000 starts on dirt tracks compared to 1,24 for every 1000 starts on synthetic tracks) but he stopped short of giving full credit to the racing surface.
"It's easy to blame the racetrack, but studies (of injuries not limited to the catastrophic) have produced conflicting data," Arthur said. "It is naive to think that the surface is the only factor. There are a number of other management issues, including the way horses are trained.
"If you look at all the tracks (with synthetic surfaces) we're still seeing a marked decline in racing fatalities," Arthur said.
"Training data is a bit different. You don't see a big difference between synthetic and dirt. In my opinion, if you train on a synthetic surface and race on dirt, you'll have fewer fatalities."
In spite of the conjecture, Arthur does believe that synthetic surfaces eventually will become the industry standard.
“I do think that the marketplace will eventually demand synthetic surfaces once some of the growing pains, some of the ambiguities on how to maintain them and how to construct these racetracks, are solved,” said Arthur
.
“It’s such a financial benefit to the racing industry to keep horses racing longer that they’ll do it whether it’s mandated or not.”
A further point raised was the potential respiratory impact of artificial material on horses and riders.
Trainers were unanimous in their verdict saying they had not seen any evidence of horses suffering respiratory problems because of the synthetic surface.
Jockeys, on the other hand, felt they had not got off so lightly. (See jockey feedback).
Trainer feedback:
Two of New York's top trainers, Rick Dutrow Jr., trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, and Hall Of Famer Nick Zito opposed any switch to synthetic surfaces.
"I would be completely lost training and racing on it. I'll never go back to California. Hopefully, they don't invade New York," said Dutrow with his normal candour.
Nick Zito, with stables at Belmont and Saratoga, is a leading critic of synthetic surfaces, which he calls "stuff from your attic."
Zito, who has trained the winner of all three Triple Crown races and who is Chairman of the National Horse Protection Coalition, is a staunch supporter of racing on dirt.
"God made dirt and grass," said Zito. "If you overreact, you're taking a lot away from the sport. You'll spin the wheel a different way.
"This is a very big issue for the whole industry that needs to be discussed," continued Zito.
"Why spend $50 million on synthetic garbage we know nothing about? Before we rush to judgment again, shouldn't we study how much money it would take to put in safe, state-of-the-art dirt tracks?"
Zito held up Oaklawn Park as an example of how track maintenance issues can be monitored for optimum performance. Oaklawn established an on-site laboratory to test soil and monitor the surface with remarkable results in limiting injuries.
Top trainer Todd Pletcher said, “So far, we haven't seen enough synthetic tracks to be sure of anything."
Pletcher, who has two years experience with artificial surfaces, thinks that more study is needed on the subject. He thinks it could take ten years before any true conclusion can be drawn.
Pletcher’s suggestion was that a synthetic track be laid inside the two turf tracks at Belmont Park to be used for training in winter and for washed out turf meetings while a study is made of the tracks usefulness.
Dale Romans, a Kentucky-based trainer who conditioned 2004 top male turf horse Kitten's Joy, gave his experience of synthetic tracks.
He told of sending twelve horses to California's Del Mar track, which runs on synthetic surfaces and said he, "ended up with a dozen sore horses."
"The places where they've installed synthetic surfaces, that's where the worst tracks were anyway," Romans said. "Anything they did was an improvement. That's not to say that if they'd installed better dirt tracks that things would have been different. I've seen injuries on both."
“I think its fine to train on, but I don’t think it’s a good surface to race on,” said trainer John Shirreffs.
“For horses to run well, whether it’s on dirt or turf, they need to have a bottom, something to push off of. Synthetic surfaces don’t have a firm bottom for the horse to get a hold, so they really struggle on it.
“As for the injury factor, you have soft-tissue injuries and hind-end problems on synthetic surfaces. A lot of young horses don’t like it because it has the give but not the bounce-back factor.”
Mark Casse, one of the strongest supporters of synthetics in then training ranks, said he felt any rise in ‘soft tissue’ injuries had to do with better veterinary care that is currently available compared to the past.
"We've become more aware of hind-end issues in the last five years," said Casse. "Now that we have different ways of diagnosing, we're finding injuries where we might not have before."
Jockey feedback.
A point that all the jockeys made was that horses hit the artificial surfaces so much differently than they do dirt that it was difficult at times to tell how a horse was going over the track.
Richard Migliore, a seasoned jockey, admitted taking a horse to the start in spite of the fact he thought his mount short was not warming up properly, believing the track was "a safety blanket.”
The horse then suffered an injury in the running.
"I should have followed my instincts,” Migliore said.
Trainer Mark Casse, quoting his regular rider Patrick Husbands, said, "They hit so sweet on it, it's hard to tell if they're sound."
With regard to any possible negative impact that the surface may have on riders, the following observations were put into play.
“I thought I was having an allergic reaction to Pro-Ride,” said Migoliore.
“My eyes were getting irritated. There were discussions on and off, where some of the jockeys were talking about wheezing. We talked about it, but that was as far as it went.”
“When it was hot at Keeneland I was getting nosebleeds,” offered Johnny Velazquez.
Velazquez said he was more comfortable riding on synthetic tracks when weather conditions were bad, as rain and mud made for poor visibility.
He did however also indicate that he felt, “We can put our attention into the tracks we do have as opposed to something we don’t know about.”
The idea of improving the general standard of track maintenance – whatever the surface – was an over-riding theme at the forum.
Jockeys concluded that the issue deserved more study and they supported the idea of an installation of a synthetic surface on at least one training track in New York so that trainers and jockeys could get a better feel for the surface and decide whether they liked it or not.
So there you have it – a cross-section of comments, from professionals of the highest order, on a very important subject.
The third article on this subject follows below. The Cushion Track (Part 3 – The Conclusion) weighs up the evidence and considers its verdict.
Eight other tracks followed. Synthetic tracks are thus now in use at only nine out of 129 tracks in North America, including four in California – Hollywood Park, Santa Anita, Del Mar and Golden Gate Fields.
A week after Barbaro broke his leg in the 2006 Preakness, the California Horse Racing Board mandated that all the state's racetracks replace their dirt with synthetic surfaces by the end of 2007.
The others tracks that use synthetic surfaces are: Arlington Park near Chicago; Turfway Park and Keeneland in Kentucky; Woodbine near Toronto; and Presque Isle in Erie. These latter five tracks voluntarily made the change partly because of racing days lost to cold-weather conditions.
So it was, that when racing experts assembled at the one day forum convened by the New York Task Force in at the Fisag-Tipton Sales Stable in New York at the end of July, the participants had access to opinions drawn from different areas of expertise, derived from two-and-a-half year’s experience of racing on synthetic racing surfaces.
The Task Force group was created to investigate whether New York State should swop its track surfaces from dirt to synthetic and the forum received input from seventeen racing experts, from track managers to veterinarians to trainers and jockeys.
I have decided to group the comments quoted under four different headings for greater clarity. These different areas will mean different things to different people and they are listed in no particular order.
Management feedback:
Charles Hayward, president and CEO of the New York Racing Association, was reluctant to approve synthetic tracks.
When asked if he wished the Saratoga Race Course had a synthetic track during previous week’s downpour, Hayward deflected the question with the answer, "I wish we hadn't had rain."
"It's a little scary as an industry when we're just making it up as we go," Hayward said. "I think we have a long way to go to develop more research and get a better understanding.
"NYRA's going to be led by the data," Hayward said, and his presentation made it clear that he doesn’t believe the current level of data is sufficient to act upon.
“There is no science behind it ... no real track maintenance protocols. We need more research, more metrics,” said Hayward.
Hayward also pointed out what he called the “entrepreneurial, thinly capitalised” nature of businesses currently offering synthetic surfaces.
Hayward cited the well documented problems Santa Anita had with their Cushion Track (Santa Anita lost an unprecedented 11 meetings due to drainage problems) and the ‘disappointing’ level of response from the company when approached to repair the drainage problems that had led to cancellations at the track.
“You should be concerned (about these vendors) when you are talking about the backbone of the industry,” concluded Hayward.
(A most important point here is that the Cushion Track company who was responsible for the original synthetic track at Santa Anita is the same company that laid the track at Corbould Park at the Sunshine Coast and who have the contract to do the same at Toowoomba. It is a British based company. The job of repairing and re-laying the Santa Anita track was eventually given to Pro-Ride, an Australian company).
Turfway President Bob Elliston told the Task Force that the track had experienced a sixty percent decrease in breakdowns.
Turfway also benefitted by a fifty-three prevent decrease in maintenance costs, and a significant increase in turnover since it switched from dirt to Polytrack in 2005.
Elliston qualified those figures by warning that the synthetic surface should not raise unrealistic expectations in terms of its role in eliminating catastrophic injuries, the decline in costs was largely due to the track requiring less work in winter and other tracks would not necessarily see such savings, and that the increase in turnover could be attributed to fewer cancellations.
"Whatever the benchmarks, we have to hold all tracks accountable - but that doesn't mean mandating going synthetic. We need to hold all track officials and track superintendents to standards of safety across all surfaces," said Elliston.
Richard Shapiro, head of the California Horse Racing Board, gave his view on the relationship between track and injury.
“Unfortunately, none of these tracks can or will eliminate fatalities,” said Shapiro. “Injuries will occur for a variety of reasons, even if horses raced on air.”
Veterinarian feedback:
Veterinarian Dr. Mark Cheney pointed out that injuries requiring surgery to remove bone chips from knees and ankles have been reduced in horses training and racing over synthetic tracks. But, at the same time, Cheney said he has seen an increase in the number of injuries to the hindquarters and soft tissue tendons and ligaments.
He said there has also been an increase in fractures involving the sesamoid bones, part of the ankle structure.
Cheney said synthetic surfaces do not allow the front hoof to slide forward when it hits the ground. He pointed out that ‘soft injuries’, such as tissue damage, are not life-threatening, but they could end a horse’s racing career.
The core issue is, according to Cheney, is surface maintenance. “Hard tracks create injuries and orthopedic lesions.”
Cheney’s opinion was not a conclusive one in terms of the role of the synthetic surface in injuries detected.
Other veterinarians noted that is remains unclear if synthetic tracks produce more ‘soft tissue injuries’ (tendons and ligaments) as there are too many variables (pre-existing conditions, training methods etc) to make a measured judgment.
Dr. Rick Arthur, a veterinarian based in California , said racing on synthetic surfaces has significantly reduced the rate of fatal injuries (in California the rate of fatalities is three for every 1000 starts on dirt tracks compared to 1,24 for every 1000 starts on synthetic tracks) but he stopped short of giving full credit to the racing surface.
"It's easy to blame the racetrack, but studies (of injuries not limited to the catastrophic) have produced conflicting data," Arthur said. "It is naive to think that the surface is the only factor. There are a number of other management issues, including the way horses are trained.
"If you look at all the tracks (with synthetic surfaces) we're still seeing a marked decline in racing fatalities," Arthur said.
"Training data is a bit different. You don't see a big difference between synthetic and dirt. In my opinion, if you train on a synthetic surface and race on dirt, you'll have fewer fatalities."
In spite of the conjecture, Arthur does believe that synthetic surfaces eventually will become the industry standard.
“I do think that the marketplace will eventually demand synthetic surfaces once some of the growing pains, some of the ambiguities on how to maintain them and how to construct these racetracks, are solved,” said Arthur
.
“It’s such a financial benefit to the racing industry to keep horses racing longer that they’ll do it whether it’s mandated or not.”
A further point raised was the potential respiratory impact of artificial material on horses and riders.
Trainers were unanimous in their verdict saying they had not seen any evidence of horses suffering respiratory problems because of the synthetic surface.
Jockeys, on the other hand, felt they had not got off so lightly. (See jockey feedback).
Trainer feedback:
Two of New York's top trainers, Rick Dutrow Jr., trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, and Hall Of Famer Nick Zito opposed any switch to synthetic surfaces.
"I would be completely lost training and racing on it. I'll never go back to California. Hopefully, they don't invade New York," said Dutrow with his normal candour.
Nick Zito, with stables at Belmont and Saratoga, is a leading critic of synthetic surfaces, which he calls "stuff from your attic."
Zito, who has trained the winner of all three Triple Crown races and who is Chairman of the National Horse Protection Coalition, is a staunch supporter of racing on dirt.
"God made dirt and grass," said Zito. "If you overreact, you're taking a lot away from the sport. You'll spin the wheel a different way.
"This is a very big issue for the whole industry that needs to be discussed," continued Zito.
"Why spend $50 million on synthetic garbage we know nothing about? Before we rush to judgment again, shouldn't we study how much money it would take to put in safe, state-of-the-art dirt tracks?"
Zito held up Oaklawn Park as an example of how track maintenance issues can be monitored for optimum performance. Oaklawn established an on-site laboratory to test soil and monitor the surface with remarkable results in limiting injuries.
Top trainer Todd Pletcher said, “So far, we haven't seen enough synthetic tracks to be sure of anything."
Pletcher, who has two years experience with artificial surfaces, thinks that more study is needed on the subject. He thinks it could take ten years before any true conclusion can be drawn.
Pletcher’s suggestion was that a synthetic track be laid inside the two turf tracks at Belmont Park to be used for training in winter and for washed out turf meetings while a study is made of the tracks usefulness.
Dale Romans, a Kentucky-based trainer who conditioned 2004 top male turf horse Kitten's Joy, gave his experience of synthetic tracks.
He told of sending twelve horses to California's Del Mar track, which runs on synthetic surfaces and said he, "ended up with a dozen sore horses."
"The places where they've installed synthetic surfaces, that's where the worst tracks were anyway," Romans said. "Anything they did was an improvement. That's not to say that if they'd installed better dirt tracks that things would have been different. I've seen injuries on both."
“I think its fine to train on, but I don’t think it’s a good surface to race on,” said trainer John Shirreffs.
“For horses to run well, whether it’s on dirt or turf, they need to have a bottom, something to push off of. Synthetic surfaces don’t have a firm bottom for the horse to get a hold, so they really struggle on it.
“As for the injury factor, you have soft-tissue injuries and hind-end problems on synthetic surfaces. A lot of young horses don’t like it because it has the give but not the bounce-back factor.”
Mark Casse, one of the strongest supporters of synthetics in then training ranks, said he felt any rise in ‘soft tissue’ injuries had to do with better veterinary care that is currently available compared to the past.
"We've become more aware of hind-end issues in the last five years," said Casse. "Now that we have different ways of diagnosing, we're finding injuries where we might not have before."
Jockey feedback.
A point that all the jockeys made was that horses hit the artificial surfaces so much differently than they do dirt that it was difficult at times to tell how a horse was going over the track.
Richard Migliore, a seasoned jockey, admitted taking a horse to the start in spite of the fact he thought his mount short was not warming up properly, believing the track was "a safety blanket.”
The horse then suffered an injury in the running.
"I should have followed my instincts,” Migliore said.
Trainer Mark Casse, quoting his regular rider Patrick Husbands, said, "They hit so sweet on it, it's hard to tell if they're sound."
With regard to any possible negative impact that the surface may have on riders, the following observations were put into play.
“I thought I was having an allergic reaction to Pro-Ride,” said Migoliore.
“My eyes were getting irritated. There were discussions on and off, where some of the jockeys were talking about wheezing. We talked about it, but that was as far as it went.”
“When it was hot at Keeneland I was getting nosebleeds,” offered Johnny Velazquez.
Velazquez said he was more comfortable riding on synthetic tracks when weather conditions were bad, as rain and mud made for poor visibility.
He did however also indicate that he felt, “We can put our attention into the tracks we do have as opposed to something we don’t know about.”
The idea of improving the general standard of track maintenance – whatever the surface – was an over-riding theme at the forum.
Jockeys concluded that the issue deserved more study and they supported the idea of an installation of a synthetic surface on at least one training track in New York so that trainers and jockeys could get a better feel for the surface and decide whether they liked it or not.
So there you have it – a cross-section of comments, from professionals of the highest order, on a very important subject.
The third article on this subject follows below. The Cushion Track (Part 3 – The Conclusion) weighs up the evidence and considers its verdict.
CUSHION TRACK (PART 3 - THE CONCLUSION)
After two-and-a-half years only nine out of 129 racetracks in the United States have switched to a synthetic surface – be it Pro-Ride, Polytrack, Tapeta or Cushion Track.
After the forum in New York, where racing experts with various areas of expertise gave their input into the value of racing on synthetic surfaces, nobody was rushing out to put one in.
In fact, the over-riding sentiment – with no dissention - coming out of the forum was that more time and more data was needed to evaluate the entire set-up of synthetic track surfaces – starting, very importantly, right from the credentials of the suppliers of the track, to every detail of track maintenance and every available record of horse performance and injury.
One top trainer, Todd Pletcher, estimated the United States could be as much as ten years away from being able to draw any concrete conclusions on the subject – and they’ve got a two-and-a-half year start on Queensland!
Put quite simply, the participants in the New York forum agreed that the evidence on the value of synthetic surfaces was inconclusive. Their implied future course of action was to gather more data and re-evaluate the situation at a later time.
The timing of this first-ever forum into synthetic track surfaces at the end of July was spot-on to provide Queensland Racing with fair food for thought.
Their present course of action, deciding to go ahead with a Cushion Track at Toowoomba, would appear to fly in the face of the logic exposed at the New York forum.
But before you get too excited about that (remember this is designed to be a factual assessment and not an emotional one) the following should be considered – and they are obvious points.
Firstly, there are marked differences in the arguments as they pertain to Australia and the United States.
There, the argument is about dirt as opposed to a synthetic surface. Here the argument is about grass as opposed to a synthetic surface.
Adverse weather has a more detrimental effect on grass than it does on dirt therefore grass track meetings are more at risk if there is no alternative surface available.
Secondly, synthetic tracks themselves can differ from one supplier to another so any general evidence can, by implication, only be of a general nature and should be weighed up as such.
Thirdly, New York Racing was making assessments about synthetic surfaces when they were under a bankruptcy ruling and so they couldn’t have afforded to put in synthetics surfaces if they wanted to.
Did their financial position taint the evidence? You’ve got to say that would be unlikely, given the high standing of the forum participants.
Lastly, but certainly not of least importance, is the special circumstances of the Toowoomba track itself with its problematic grass surface and its chronic water shortage.
Particular circumstances might need a particular resolution – and the decision of QRL should be weighed up in that context – but unless racing in Toowoomba is facing extinction within the next twelve months, even particular resolutions can be given a more measured timeframe.
Having said all of that, a general consensus of opinion can still be determined on the future of synthetic surfaces in racing. If that opinion is sourced correctly, as it was from experts at the New York forum, even an inconclusive verdict has its value.
Compare the views expressed by industry leaders in New York to the current argument in Queensland, where racing on the Cushion Track has only been on the go for four months (and only eight meetings) and it should be easy to recognise which opinion is more valuable and therefore which course of action - waiting or wading in - should follow.
That the Cushion Track will have a value to racing in the future seems sure, but that value is clearly yet to be determined.
The conclusion to this article therefore takes the form of a simple question to the the decision-makers.
Why the rush?
After the forum in New York, where racing experts with various areas of expertise gave their input into the value of racing on synthetic surfaces, nobody was rushing out to put one in.
In fact, the over-riding sentiment – with no dissention - coming out of the forum was that more time and more data was needed to evaluate the entire set-up of synthetic track surfaces – starting, very importantly, right from the credentials of the suppliers of the track, to every detail of track maintenance and every available record of horse performance and injury.
One top trainer, Todd Pletcher, estimated the United States could be as much as ten years away from being able to draw any concrete conclusions on the subject – and they’ve got a two-and-a-half year start on Queensland!
Put quite simply, the participants in the New York forum agreed that the evidence on the value of synthetic surfaces was inconclusive. Their implied future course of action was to gather more data and re-evaluate the situation at a later time.
The timing of this first-ever forum into synthetic track surfaces at the end of July was spot-on to provide Queensland Racing with fair food for thought.
Their present course of action, deciding to go ahead with a Cushion Track at Toowoomba, would appear to fly in the face of the logic exposed at the New York forum.
But before you get too excited about that (remember this is designed to be a factual assessment and not an emotional one) the following should be considered – and they are obvious points.
Firstly, there are marked differences in the arguments as they pertain to Australia and the United States.
There, the argument is about dirt as opposed to a synthetic surface. Here the argument is about grass as opposed to a synthetic surface.
Adverse weather has a more detrimental effect on grass than it does on dirt therefore grass track meetings are more at risk if there is no alternative surface available.
Secondly, synthetic tracks themselves can differ from one supplier to another so any general evidence can, by implication, only be of a general nature and should be weighed up as such.
Thirdly, New York Racing was making assessments about synthetic surfaces when they were under a bankruptcy ruling and so they couldn’t have afforded to put in synthetics surfaces if they wanted to.
Did their financial position taint the evidence? You’ve got to say that would be unlikely, given the high standing of the forum participants.
Lastly, but certainly not of least importance, is the special circumstances of the Toowoomba track itself with its problematic grass surface and its chronic water shortage.
Particular circumstances might need a particular resolution – and the decision of QRL should be weighed up in that context – but unless racing in Toowoomba is facing extinction within the next twelve months, even particular resolutions can be given a more measured timeframe.
Having said all of that, a general consensus of opinion can still be determined on the future of synthetic surfaces in racing. If that opinion is sourced correctly, as it was from experts at the New York forum, even an inconclusive verdict has its value.
Compare the views expressed by industry leaders in New York to the current argument in Queensland, where racing on the Cushion Track has only been on the go for four months (and only eight meetings) and it should be easy to recognise which opinion is more valuable and therefore which course of action - waiting or wading in - should follow.
That the Cushion Track will have a value to racing in the future seems sure, but that value is clearly yet to be determined.
The conclusion to this article therefore takes the form of a simple question to the the decision-makers.
Why the rush?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
ALL THE ACTION FROM THE SUNSHINE COAST
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, September 21.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1400m
1st – Notevennow; 2nd - Markhee Miss; 3rd - Sarday
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bryan Guy trained Notevennow did enough to land the first win of his career, just seeing off the late challenge of Markhee Miss to score by the narrowest of margins.
The colt had two runner-up finishes in his previous four starts to recommend his chances and he was strongly supported in the betting, starting as a short-priced favourite.
Jockey Ric McMahon slotted Notevennow just off the speed until approaching the home turn.
Switched out for a run, Notevennow took some time to warm to his task, but then he did respond and moved up challenge for the lead.
When Notevennow took the lead away from Heza Rocker at the 200m, it looked to be ‘race over’, but the hard chasing Markhee Miss was not done yet and she threw down a determined, late challenge to ensure that the race went down to the wire.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shocking Blue (G. Geran), which raced greenly throughout, hung out near the 700m, hampering Markhee Miss (T. Dicey). Shocking Blue then continued to hang from that point onwards. Trainer P. Sexton was advised that a warning was being placed on Shocking Blue regarding its racing manners. Lukin (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Heza Rocker revealed the horse to be suffering from severe respiratory distress. Trainer L. Ross was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for the horse, including the results of a endoscopic examination, prior to its next race start.
Race 2:
Maiden Plate - 1200 m
1st -Liberty Mist; 2nd - Bella Road; 3rd - Luvenger
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Chris Reith made the trip to the track for one ride and went home a winner after partnering Liberty Mist to victory.
But Reith had to earn his money.
Reith had Liberty Mist well back in the early stages, as Eudaimonia set a lively gallop up front, and the duo still had plenty of ground to make up as they turned for home in sixth placing.
Liberty Mist gradually picked up the tempo and then closed markedly in mid-straight before finishing well enough under a hard ride from Reith to takes the honours.
“It’s all in her head,” commented trainer Tim Hurley. “She’s got ability and is a city class horse, but it’s been a bit of a mind game with her to get her going. She thinks too much.”
“She started at Doomben two runs back, sat three wide, never got in and not surprisingly knocked up in the straight,” continued Hurley.
“We came back here last time and, it wasn’t the boys fault, but again we couldn’t get in. The barrier took care of that.
“This time I put the blinkers on again, we were up in distance and she had a senior jock on. All of those factors helped to make the difference,” concluded Hurley.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Transglobal and Bella Road (S. Cormack) raced wide throughout. N. Thomas was dislodged from Mr Solitary on return to scale, injuring his left arm. N. Thomas was stood down from his engagement on Obi Park Princesse and was replaced by J. Holder.
Race 3
Class 5 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Key To Happiness; 2nd - Fortunatus Fidelis; 3rd - Shale Shaker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The David Murphy trained Key To Happiness started a short-priced favourite and duly obliged’, but not with the ease in which the betting suggested he would.
Key To Happiness tracked the front-running Fortunatus Fidelis throughout. Pengelly had the favourite just one length back when he shifted out one wide at the top of the straight to commence his challenge.
At that stage the race was still going to script – but the lines changed when Pengelly asked KeyTo Happiness to go past Fortunatus Fidelis.
The latter kept kicking and suddenly Key To Happiness had a real fight on his hands.
To their credit, both horses stuck to the task all the way to the line and it took Key To Happiness the whole length of the straight to run down the game frontrunner and the favourite eventually got up in the shadow of the post.
Trainer David Murphy put the win into perspective.
“He (Key To Happiness) was going to run at Doomben last Wednesday but he had a temperature so he came out there and misses two or three days work,” explained Murphy.
“She had to work hard to win and you could see her getting tired the last bit,” continued Murphy. “But she put in the effort and, in the circumstances, I thought it was a good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seekawinner (D. Gill) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Shale Shaker (B. Evans) improved up on to the heels of Key To Happiness (B. Pengelly) and was forced to ease. Apprentice B. Evans, rider of Shale Shaker, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that over the concluding stages he did persist in attempting to force a run under the whip between Key To Happiness and Fortunatus Fidelis (O. Turpin) where there was insufficient room, which resulted in Shale Shaker clipping the heels of Fortunatus Fidelis and blundering. B. Evans was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 26 September 2009 and to expire at midnight, 10 October 2008. Shale Shaker was held up for clear running from the 350m onwards.
Race 4:
Maiden Handicap - 1600m,
1st - The Ultimate Act; 2nd -Renegade Dancer; 3rd - Mucho Gracias
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Robert Bradshaw trained The Ultimate Act was the longest priced winner on the card.
Jockey Sean Cormack positioned the gelding just off the speed in the early part. He then shifted out to ensure his mount had a clear run in the straight and then produced the five-year-old on cue to score a well-judged victory.
“She just got beaten two runs back and then last time she was kept wide the whole way,” said Bradshaw.
“This time she had a better jockey, a better alley. All the ticks were in the right boxes, so she certainly wasn’t winning out of turn,” concluded Bradshaw.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mystical Sands (Michael Palmer) jumped away awkwardly. Mystical Sands over-raced in the early stages and raced wide throughout. Approaching the 1100, Lilianbee improved on to the heels of Whydidyouleaveme (A. Spinks) and then shifted out abruptly, hampering Kwillem (G. Geran). Lilianbee then raced wide from that point onwards. Approaching the 300m, Passionate Stash (L. Rolls) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Red To Riches (R. McMahon) wider on the track. Near the 100m, Lilianbee (M. Heagney) and Suave Consort (J. Holder) were both tightened for room between The Ultimate Act (S. Cormack), which shifted in under pressure, and Mucho Gracias (J. Piper), which was taken out by Renegade Dancer (M. Radecker). A post-race veterinary examination of Probability failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st – Acquired; 2nd - Bionic Rock; 3rd - Hurricaneprince
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The John Wallace trained Acquired scored an authoritative victory here under a super confident ride from Jason Holder.
Acquired raced first-up here with a number of gear changes and was clearly comfortable throughout the running.
Holder allowed her to ease across in her own time to settle just worse than midfield in the early part. The mare then travelled so well, Holder was quite happy to switch her out as the widest runner on the turn to ensure that Acquired would have an uninterrupted passage in the straight.
As it was, that was all Acquired needed to claim an impressive victory.
The mare quickened into contention in the first half of the straight and then raced away over the final 200m putting in an effort which had Holder smiling all the way to the line.
The win was even more impressive given that it was achieved over 1000m, as Acquired is bred for a longer trip and she can be expected to be as formidable force over more ground.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m, Siege (R. Wiggins) had to be steadied when Kalkie Kane (L. Rolls) shifted in. L. Rolls, rider of Kalkie Kane was advised to exercise more care. Nearing the 600m, Acquired (J. Holder) improved up on to the heels of Siege and had to be steadied. Box Seat (K. Patrick) and Banditos (J. Piper) were inclined to hang out from the 450m onwards. Bionic Rock (M. Speers) raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
Class 3 Plate - 1200m
1st – Whimpy; 2nd – Abruptions; 3rd - Plenty Of Practise
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Glenn Clunes trained Whimpy completed an impressive hat trick of wins (he has only had four starts) when he came home untroubled to win, with the minimum of fuss, by 1.30 lengths.
Whimpy’s three wins have all been achieved with some authority. The slow step up in distance (he has won over 1000m, 1100m and now 1200m) is likely to continue.
“He’ll go a mile,” stated Clunes, “and the plan is to keep slowly stepping up in distance.”
Whimpy was jockey Shane Scriven’s only ride for the day and he was obviously satisfied with the result – although he made a point of not getting carried away about Whimpy’s future.
“Look, he’s pretty much bombproof at the moment,” said Scriven.
“He can go back or go forward, which is always good,” continued Scriven. “There are going to be far bigger tests than this though and, who knows if he will hit the wall or not.
“But you can only talk about what is happening now and regarding his career at the moment, everything is on the way up,” said Scriven.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Draco (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. Bigger Than (C. McIver) was hampered at the start between Five Of A Kind (M. Heagney) and Jemajay Belle (G. Baker), which shifted out. Obi Park Princesse (J. Holder) shifted in under pressure near the 100m.
Race 7:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st – Malandrina; 2nd - Through The Waves; 3rd - Bougette
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Brian Smith trained Malandrina gave jockey Ric McMahon his second winner of the day when he chased home gamely in the straight and was rewarded with a last stride victory.
MaMahon positioned the grey in midfield in the early part.
For just a moment on the home turn, it seemed as if Malandrina might run into a roadblock, but the colt quickened enough to slip into daylight and then set sail after the tough frontrunner Through The Waves, who was intent on making every post a winning one.
Initially, Malandrina’s progress looked likely to come up shy of success, but her persistence paid dividends as the four-year-old reeled in Thorugh The Waves over the final 100m to get up in the very last stride.
This was Malandrina’s second successive victory. She shed her Maiden ticket her previous outing.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fionn Mac Cool, which sustained superficial grazes to both hocks when being transported to the course, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Leaving the 1000m, Gemini George (C. McIver) shifted in, making contact with Fionn Mac Cool (J. Holder). In the early stages of the straight, Malandrina (R. McMahon) shifted out, making contact with Gemini George. Near the 300m, Prank Caller shifted in under pressure, obliging its rider to stop riding and straighten the horse. Prank Caller (M. Palmer) raced wide throughout. Cumbre Rocket (K. Wharton) lost its near fore plate in running.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1400m
1st – Notevennow; 2nd - Markhee Miss; 3rd - Sarday
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bryan Guy trained Notevennow did enough to land the first win of his career, just seeing off the late challenge of Markhee Miss to score by the narrowest of margins.
The colt had two runner-up finishes in his previous four starts to recommend his chances and he was strongly supported in the betting, starting as a short-priced favourite.
Jockey Ric McMahon slotted Notevennow just off the speed until approaching the home turn.
Switched out for a run, Notevennow took some time to warm to his task, but then he did respond and moved up challenge for the lead.
When Notevennow took the lead away from Heza Rocker at the 200m, it looked to be ‘race over’, but the hard chasing Markhee Miss was not done yet and she threw down a determined, late challenge to ensure that the race went down to the wire.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shocking Blue (G. Geran), which raced greenly throughout, hung out near the 700m, hampering Markhee Miss (T. Dicey). Shocking Blue then continued to hang from that point onwards. Trainer P. Sexton was advised that a warning was being placed on Shocking Blue regarding its racing manners. Lukin (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Heza Rocker revealed the horse to be suffering from severe respiratory distress. Trainer L. Ross was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for the horse, including the results of a endoscopic examination, prior to its next race start.
Race 2:
Maiden Plate - 1200 m
1st -Liberty Mist; 2nd - Bella Road; 3rd - Luvenger
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Chris Reith made the trip to the track for one ride and went home a winner after partnering Liberty Mist to victory.
But Reith had to earn his money.
Reith had Liberty Mist well back in the early stages, as Eudaimonia set a lively gallop up front, and the duo still had plenty of ground to make up as they turned for home in sixth placing.
Liberty Mist gradually picked up the tempo and then closed markedly in mid-straight before finishing well enough under a hard ride from Reith to takes the honours.
“It’s all in her head,” commented trainer Tim Hurley. “She’s got ability and is a city class horse, but it’s been a bit of a mind game with her to get her going. She thinks too much.”
“She started at Doomben two runs back, sat three wide, never got in and not surprisingly knocked up in the straight,” continued Hurley.
“We came back here last time and, it wasn’t the boys fault, but again we couldn’t get in. The barrier took care of that.
“This time I put the blinkers on again, we were up in distance and she had a senior jock on. All of those factors helped to make the difference,” concluded Hurley.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Transglobal and Bella Road (S. Cormack) raced wide throughout. N. Thomas was dislodged from Mr Solitary on return to scale, injuring his left arm. N. Thomas was stood down from his engagement on Obi Park Princesse and was replaced by J. Holder.
Race 3
Class 5 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Key To Happiness; 2nd - Fortunatus Fidelis; 3rd - Shale Shaker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The David Murphy trained Key To Happiness started a short-priced favourite and duly obliged’, but not with the ease in which the betting suggested he would.
Key To Happiness tracked the front-running Fortunatus Fidelis throughout. Pengelly had the favourite just one length back when he shifted out one wide at the top of the straight to commence his challenge.
At that stage the race was still going to script – but the lines changed when Pengelly asked KeyTo Happiness to go past Fortunatus Fidelis.
The latter kept kicking and suddenly Key To Happiness had a real fight on his hands.
To their credit, both horses stuck to the task all the way to the line and it took Key To Happiness the whole length of the straight to run down the game frontrunner and the favourite eventually got up in the shadow of the post.
Trainer David Murphy put the win into perspective.
“He (Key To Happiness) was going to run at Doomben last Wednesday but he had a temperature so he came out there and misses two or three days work,” explained Murphy.
“She had to work hard to win and you could see her getting tired the last bit,” continued Murphy. “But she put in the effort and, in the circumstances, I thought it was a good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seekawinner (D. Gill) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Shale Shaker (B. Evans) improved up on to the heels of Key To Happiness (B. Pengelly) and was forced to ease. Apprentice B. Evans, rider of Shale Shaker, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that over the concluding stages he did persist in attempting to force a run under the whip between Key To Happiness and Fortunatus Fidelis (O. Turpin) where there was insufficient room, which resulted in Shale Shaker clipping the heels of Fortunatus Fidelis and blundering. B. Evans was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 26 September 2009 and to expire at midnight, 10 October 2008. Shale Shaker was held up for clear running from the 350m onwards.
Race 4:
Maiden Handicap - 1600m,
1st - The Ultimate Act; 2nd -Renegade Dancer; 3rd - Mucho Gracias
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Robert Bradshaw trained The Ultimate Act was the longest priced winner on the card.
Jockey Sean Cormack positioned the gelding just off the speed in the early part. He then shifted out to ensure his mount had a clear run in the straight and then produced the five-year-old on cue to score a well-judged victory.
“She just got beaten two runs back and then last time she was kept wide the whole way,” said Bradshaw.
“This time she had a better jockey, a better alley. All the ticks were in the right boxes, so she certainly wasn’t winning out of turn,” concluded Bradshaw.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mystical Sands (Michael Palmer) jumped away awkwardly. Mystical Sands over-raced in the early stages and raced wide throughout. Approaching the 1100, Lilianbee improved on to the heels of Whydidyouleaveme (A. Spinks) and then shifted out abruptly, hampering Kwillem (G. Geran). Lilianbee then raced wide from that point onwards. Approaching the 300m, Passionate Stash (L. Rolls) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Red To Riches (R. McMahon) wider on the track. Near the 100m, Lilianbee (M. Heagney) and Suave Consort (J. Holder) were both tightened for room between The Ultimate Act (S. Cormack), which shifted in under pressure, and Mucho Gracias (J. Piper), which was taken out by Renegade Dancer (M. Radecker). A post-race veterinary examination of Probability failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st – Acquired; 2nd - Bionic Rock; 3rd - Hurricaneprince
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The John Wallace trained Acquired scored an authoritative victory here under a super confident ride from Jason Holder.
Acquired raced first-up here with a number of gear changes and was clearly comfortable throughout the running.
Holder allowed her to ease across in her own time to settle just worse than midfield in the early part. The mare then travelled so well, Holder was quite happy to switch her out as the widest runner on the turn to ensure that Acquired would have an uninterrupted passage in the straight.
As it was, that was all Acquired needed to claim an impressive victory.
The mare quickened into contention in the first half of the straight and then raced away over the final 200m putting in an effort which had Holder smiling all the way to the line.
The win was even more impressive given that it was achieved over 1000m, as Acquired is bred for a longer trip and she can be expected to be as formidable force over more ground.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m, Siege (R. Wiggins) had to be steadied when Kalkie Kane (L. Rolls) shifted in. L. Rolls, rider of Kalkie Kane was advised to exercise more care. Nearing the 600m, Acquired (J. Holder) improved up on to the heels of Siege and had to be steadied. Box Seat (K. Patrick) and Banditos (J. Piper) were inclined to hang out from the 450m onwards. Bionic Rock (M. Speers) raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
Class 3 Plate - 1200m
1st – Whimpy; 2nd – Abruptions; 3rd - Plenty Of Practise
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Glenn Clunes trained Whimpy completed an impressive hat trick of wins (he has only had four starts) when he came home untroubled to win, with the minimum of fuss, by 1.30 lengths.
Whimpy’s three wins have all been achieved with some authority. The slow step up in distance (he has won over 1000m, 1100m and now 1200m) is likely to continue.
“He’ll go a mile,” stated Clunes, “and the plan is to keep slowly stepping up in distance.”
Whimpy was jockey Shane Scriven’s only ride for the day and he was obviously satisfied with the result – although he made a point of not getting carried away about Whimpy’s future.
“Look, he’s pretty much bombproof at the moment,” said Scriven.
“He can go back or go forward, which is always good,” continued Scriven. “There are going to be far bigger tests than this though and, who knows if he will hit the wall or not.
“But you can only talk about what is happening now and regarding his career at the moment, everything is on the way up,” said Scriven.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Draco (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. Bigger Than (C. McIver) was hampered at the start between Five Of A Kind (M. Heagney) and Jemajay Belle (G. Baker), which shifted out. Obi Park Princesse (J. Holder) shifted in under pressure near the 100m.
Race 7:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st – Malandrina; 2nd - Through The Waves; 3rd - Bougette
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Brian Smith trained Malandrina gave jockey Ric McMahon his second winner of the day when he chased home gamely in the straight and was rewarded with a last stride victory.
MaMahon positioned the grey in midfield in the early part.
For just a moment on the home turn, it seemed as if Malandrina might run into a roadblock, but the colt quickened enough to slip into daylight and then set sail after the tough frontrunner Through The Waves, who was intent on making every post a winning one.
Initially, Malandrina’s progress looked likely to come up shy of success, but her persistence paid dividends as the four-year-old reeled in Thorugh The Waves over the final 100m to get up in the very last stride.
This was Malandrina’s second successive victory. She shed her Maiden ticket her previous outing.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fionn Mac Cool, which sustained superficial grazes to both hocks when being transported to the course, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Leaving the 1000m, Gemini George (C. McIver) shifted in, making contact with Fionn Mac Cool (J. Holder). In the early stages of the straight, Malandrina (R. McMahon) shifted out, making contact with Gemini George. Near the 300m, Prank Caller shifted in under pressure, obliging its rider to stop riding and straighten the horse. Prank Caller (M. Palmer) raced wide throughout. Cumbre Rocket (K. Wharton) lost its near fore plate in running.
Monday, September 22, 2008
ALL THE ACTION FROM EAGLE FARM
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, September 20.
Race 1:
Class 6 Handicap - 1830m
1st - Double Or Nothin; 2nd - Grand Laddie; 3rd - Bann Ruby
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Brian Smith trained Double Or Nothin completed a hat trick of wins, pegging back the determined challenge of Grand Laddie more easily than the 0.30 winning margin suggests.
“I told him if there was enough pace on to ride him quiet,” said Smith.
And jockey Scott Galloway, who has been aboard Double Or Nothin throughout the winning sequence, did what was asked of him.
“Yeah, I think that’s the way to ride her now,” agreed Galloway. “With experience she’s learning to settle better.
“She’s a half sister to Scattergun out of that very good broodmare (Unbeleevable),” continued Galloway, “so I don’t see any reason why she won’t get 2400m now – although I think this might be her last run this prep.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1400m Grand Laddie (J. Holder) had to be steadied when improving on to the heels of Chicken Bob (R. McMahon). Double Or Nothin (S. Galloway) over-raced for some distance in the vicinity of the 1200m.
Race 2
Open Handicap – 1000m
1st – Simplest; 2nd - Mi Cielo; 3rd - Piccohi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Simplest strolled home at restrictive odds here to record his sixth win in a row.
“They’ve been good wins here but have come against limited opposition,” volunteered trainer Barry Baldwin.
“Have to step him up into something richer now to give him more of a test.
“We’ll give him a go in Sydney,” continued Baldwin.
“He’ll go to The Shorts (over 1000m at Randwick) in Sydney in two weeks time. If he doesn’t measure up in Group company, there is another 1000m race two weeks after that. It’s a Listed race.
“If he runs terrible we can come home. I’ve come home with my tail between my legs before - but he deserves a go.”
Baldwin pointed out that the $100 000 purchase (Simplest has already recouped that outlay) does have a couple of issues that he needs to manage.
“He has some trouble with his feet,” said Baldwin. “After his last run he had sore feet. He’s also got a soft palate. That’s why we keep him to 1000m.”
Jockey Brad Pengelly has partnered Simplest in his last two wins, but he doubts if he will get the ride in Sydney.
“It’s Scribo’s (Shane Scriven) ride I think,” said Pengelly. “But if he’s out, I’m in!”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned jockey S. Scriven and trainer B. Bellamy in relation to the disappointing performance of Sectagonal. S. Scriven stated that he trailed the eventual winner Simplest, however after travelling well to the 600m the horse failed to respond to his riding when the field sprinted from that point and did not finish the race off as expected. Trainer B. Bellamy advised that the horse had worked very well in preparation for today's event and he was at a loss to explain the disappointing run. A veterinary examination of Sectagonal failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer B. Bellamy undertook to notify stewards of anything that may come to his notice in the days following the race that may have had some bearing on the disappointing run.
A veterinary examination of Socialist (R. McMahon), which was inclined to lay in when under pressure in the straight, revealed no abnormalities.
Race 3:
Class 6 Plate – Set Weights - 1400m
1st - Regal Castanea; 2nd - Mr Doyle; 3rd - General Albert
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway has an affinity with the four-year-old chestnut Regal Castanea and Regal Castanea has a real liking for the Eagle Farm track.
Put those factors together and the Ron McCrae trained four-year-old parades his best form, to the degree that this was Regal Castanea’s third successive win (all over 1400m) at the city track.
“It’s no surprise he is doing well,” said Galloway. “Even when he was losing he was being beaten by some good horses. (Charming Rogue being an example)
“He is still a bit timid when racing inside horses,” continued Galloway. “I’ve been on him the last five starts and he’s taken a bit of educating but he’s getting there nicely now.”
Trainer Ron Macrae spoke of his future plans for Regal Castanea.
“I’ll probably back him up next week over a mile and then put him out,” said Macrae. (Note that would be a Doomben start).
“After that I’ll target three feature races,” continued Macrae.
“I’ll head him towards the Brisbane Handicap, the Recognition and the Bernborough.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Notre Amour (A. Spinks) reared as the gates opened, falling over the partition and dislodging its rider. The notification of correct weight was delayed for the stewards to view the official footage. After hearing evidence from the starter, the stewards were satisfied that Notre Amour was afforded the opportunity of a fair start and correct weight was declared on the Judge's placings. As Notre Amour has had a history of poor barrier manners stewards informed trainer R. Heathcote that the horse would have to perform satisfactorily in a minimum of two official barrier trials before being considered eligible to race. Apprentice C. McIver, the rider of Blue Oyster, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the finish line. S. Scriven, the rider of Mr Doyle, was fined $100 under AR. 145 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram overweight.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1500m
1st – Kutalo; 2nd – Noreil; 3rd - Bitabiff
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“Gee I’ve had a good week,” said apprentice jockey Amy Taylor.
Taylor had scored in scintillating fashion on the first-timer Chakvetadze at Ipswich on Thursday and she added this city win on the front-running Kutalo to her record – the couple of wins clearly giving her immense pleasure.
On Chakvetadze, Taylor had said she couldn’t hear the opposition as she had moved too far beyond them.
This time she could hear them coming as Noreil and Bitabiff kept the pressure on Kutalo, who had to be pushed out all the way to the line to secure the thirteenth win of his career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
A post-race veterinary examination of Fair Ace (R. McMahon) revealed no abnormalities.
Race 5:
One Metro Win Handicap - 1200m
1st - Pride Of Power; 2nd - Sleek Repeat; 3rd - Daedalus
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The four-year-old gelding Pride Of Power fought courageously and got the better of a stride for stride battle with Sleek Repeat to claim the honours by the narrowest of margins.
“I try to get three or four runs out of him at a time as he trains off a bit,” said trainer Kelso Wood.
“I try to get into his head. I had him out in the yard for a bit to try and freshen him up,” continued Wood.
“He had a jump-out earlier this week (on Tuesday). He went to the line there with Simplest, so that made him look in good shape here.
Given the result, will Wood extend his number of runs this prep?
“As I say it’s all about getting into his head. I’ll have to try to let him think he’s had a spell again,” smiled Wood.
Jockey Michael Palmer gave his version of how the race unfolded.
“He was travelling well and I got onto the fence,” explained Palmer.
“Then he forced his way into the clear at the top of the straight – and all credit to him for doing that as he had to push a bigger horse out of the way.
“I tried to save his effort for one last sprint, but it turned into a battle at the end when the other one (Sleek Repeat) kicked on. He had to earn the win. He showed a lot of character.
“He’s run was super actually,” concluded Palmer.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1000m Lennon was tightened for room between Just Jagger (D. Craven) and Daedalus which hung in despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident Lennon made contact with the hind quarters of Just Jagger and lost its position. Dalzar (E. Wilkinson) got its head up and raced fiercely rounding the first turn. Near the 950m Daedalus had to be eased to avoid the heels of Sleek Repeat (J. Taylor) which shifted in. After leaving the 900m Just Jagger race in restricted room between Pride Of Power (Michael Palmer) and Daedalus which continued to lay in. Rounding the home turn Pride Of Power shifted out to improve from behind the heels of Sleek Repeat and made heavy contact with Daedalus.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Lennon, jockey R. Wiggins stated that he could offer no excuses and likewise trainer L. Gough was at a loss to explain the disappointing run. Mr Gough indicated that he would monitor the horse's recovery and may well recommend that the horse be given a short spell. A post-race veterinary examination of Lennon failed to reveal any abnormalities and a swab sample was taken. Dalzar, which bled from both nostrils, was declared ineligible to race for a period of three months under AR. 53A. A swab sample was taken from Dalzar.
Race 6:
Three-Year-Olds - QTIS Handicap - 1300m
1st - Express Air; 2nd - Zero Rock; 3rd - Love De Cause
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The last time they met (over 1200m) Zero Rock had beaten Express Air by a length when giving the latter 0.5kg.
In this rematch (over 1300), Zero Rock was 1kg worse off at the weights.
The question was whether the combination of an increase in distance and the weight difference would be enough for Express Air to reverse that last result.
The betting – which had Zero Rock at $1.95 and Express Air at $4 - said it would not be enough.
The betting was wrong!
Jockey Jason Holder produced Express Air with a finely timed challenge to relegate Zero Rock back into second placing by 0.20 lengths.
Trainer Rex Lipp was quietly confident going into the race.
“I was quite confident,” confirmed Lipp. “I had no worries about Zero Rock. All I wanted was a fair go at the barrier and a nice lead into the race.
A fair go at the barrier?
“By that I mean she hasn’t got the acceleration out of the barriers to get a position, so I was worried where she might end up,” continued Lipp.
“He (jockey Jason Holder) had to go back otherwise she would have been caught three or four wide in midfield which wouldn’t have helped us at all.
“He’ll get a mile I’m sure,” said Lipp, “but he’ll go to the paddock now.
“I’ll think of targeting the Magic Millions (over 1400m) and races at the Winter Carnival. I think she’ll be a good Winter Carnival horse.”
Jockey Jason Holder was suitably impressed with the victory.
“She just got too far back last time,” stated Holder. “It’s the barrier problem you know. She just keeps getting bad barriers.
“She’s got ability and courage,” continued Holder. “This was a real gutsy performance. She responded well over the last 100m when having to fight for it.
“That’s a sign of a good horse.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seeyou (S. Galloway) and Express Air (J. Holder) were slow to begin. Near the 1000m General Purple (R. Wiggins) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Sharufa (P. Hammersley) which shifted in. For some distance after, General Purple over-raced at the heels of Sharufa. P. Hammersley reported that just prior to his mount shifting in, his saddle rolled to the off side and he was at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event. General Purple raced three wide from the 1000m. Near the 500m Sharufa race in restricted room when cramped between Jazz Heart (R. McMahon), which shifted out slightly, and General Purple which shifted in. In this incident Sharufa had to be steadied away from the heels of General Purple. Close to the finishing line Love De Cause (S. Seamer) race in restricted room when Zero Rock (B. Pengelly) was inclined to lay in under pressure.
Race 7:
Fillies and Mares Quality Handicap - 1300m
1st - Craiglea Charm; 2nd - My First Affair; 3rd - Hurl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
If there is one common factor that covers most of the ‘Çraiglea’ horses, it is their honesty and toughness.
The Ray McCall trained Craiglea Charm needed both of those attributes to take out the day’s $100 000 feature event - that and a perfect ride from Shane Scriven.
Craiglea Charm carried top weight, a steadying burden of 58kg, and raced from the extreme outside draw (twelve out of twelve), two factors which could have undermined her influence on the outcome.
Instead Scriven and Craiglea Charm took the race by the scruff of the neck from the break and thereafter dictated the course of events on their terms, leaving their rivals struggling in their wake.
“We began good,” said Scriven, which was a bit of an understatement given Craiglea Charm’s speed at the start.
“I was prepared to sit behind the grey horse (Stirring), but when I saw him starting to try and slow things down, I thought I’d go to the front and make them do what I wanted them to do,” continued Scriven.
“I always knew she would kick in the straight, but she was starting to buckle close to the line. I was saying, come on, come on,’ and we got there.”
Co-Owner Stan Johnston was still semi-stunned at the winners’ enclosure.
“I honestly didn’t think we could do it with that weight and draw,” said Johnston, “but I’m very happy to be proved wrong.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) and On The Fridge (J. Holder) were caught three wide rounding the first turn and obliged to race wide for the entire event. Near the 500m Eleda (D. Tanti) shifted out off the heels of Shew Stone (P. Hammersley) and brushed the hind quarters of On The Fridge. Our Jangles (J. Taylor) was held up for clear running until after leaving the 200m. Near the 50m Kanpeki had to be checked when tightened for room between On The Fridge, which was inclined to lay in under pressure, and Awasi Ougi (L. Herne) which was taken out by Our Jangles as that horse had to shift away from Hurl (A. Spinks), which was inclined to shift out under pressure. Both A. Spinks and J. Holder (On The Fridge) were advised to take greater measures to keep their mounts straight.
Race 8:
No Metro wins QTIS Handicap - 1000m
1st – Moppett; 2nd - Samui Star; 3rd - Danzamonkey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Terry Catip trained Moppett scored a last-gasp victory when snaring the game Samui Star in the very last stride.
Moppett was racing first-up after a three month layoff.
“She was running fresh, that’s why I went back to 1000m,” said Catip. “I thought she would run well but winning is never easy.
“She’s a big, strong horse. She will go a mile,” stated Catip.
Jockey Matthew Palmer’s report back was a simply one.
“The further they went, the stronger she got,” said Palmer.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 700m Gold Solomon (A. Pattillo) and Honeyfornothin (P. Hammersley) were cramped for room between Shotime (S. Cormack), which was inclined to lay out, and Youcantseeme (A. Spinks), which shifted in and away from Samaui Star. Near the 650m Youcantseeme (A. Spinks) got its head up when over-racing and being steadied off the heels of Samui Star which shifted in when not fully clear. Stewards acknowledged that at the time Youcantseeme was inclined to over-race and may have overreacted. Nonetheless, B. El-Issa was reprimanded and advised to ensure he provides sufficient clearance when crossing. Passing the 400m Onion shifted out to improve and made heavy contact with Mount Magic (E. Wilkinson), forcing that horse wider. Near the 250m Onion again shifted its ground under pressure and Mount Magic had to be eased away to avoid heels. Near the 250m the tiring Honeyfornothin had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Danzamonkey (S. Scriven) which shifted out to improve. In this incident Tag had to ease away from the heels of the tiring Honeyfornothin. Stewards will interview S. Scriven and P. Hammersley (Honeyfornothing) at a later date.
Stewards inquired into a complaint lodged by apprentice A. Taylor at the scales concerning B. El-Issa's behaviour towards her when returning to scale. After hearing evidence from both riders concerned as well as from jockey S. Scriven, and as there was no corroborative evidence, stewards took no action in the matter.
Race 1:
Class 6 Handicap - 1830m
1st - Double Or Nothin; 2nd - Grand Laddie; 3rd - Bann Ruby
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Brian Smith trained Double Or Nothin completed a hat trick of wins, pegging back the determined challenge of Grand Laddie more easily than the 0.30 winning margin suggests.
“I told him if there was enough pace on to ride him quiet,” said Smith.
And jockey Scott Galloway, who has been aboard Double Or Nothin throughout the winning sequence, did what was asked of him.
“Yeah, I think that’s the way to ride her now,” agreed Galloway. “With experience she’s learning to settle better.
“She’s a half sister to Scattergun out of that very good broodmare (Unbeleevable),” continued Galloway, “so I don’t see any reason why she won’t get 2400m now – although I think this might be her last run this prep.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1400m Grand Laddie (J. Holder) had to be steadied when improving on to the heels of Chicken Bob (R. McMahon). Double Or Nothin (S. Galloway) over-raced for some distance in the vicinity of the 1200m.
Race 2
Open Handicap – 1000m
1st – Simplest; 2nd - Mi Cielo; 3rd - Piccohi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Simplest strolled home at restrictive odds here to record his sixth win in a row.
“They’ve been good wins here but have come against limited opposition,” volunteered trainer Barry Baldwin.
“Have to step him up into something richer now to give him more of a test.
“We’ll give him a go in Sydney,” continued Baldwin.
“He’ll go to The Shorts (over 1000m at Randwick) in Sydney in two weeks time. If he doesn’t measure up in Group company, there is another 1000m race two weeks after that. It’s a Listed race.
“If he runs terrible we can come home. I’ve come home with my tail between my legs before - but he deserves a go.”
Baldwin pointed out that the $100 000 purchase (Simplest has already recouped that outlay) does have a couple of issues that he needs to manage.
“He has some trouble with his feet,” said Baldwin. “After his last run he had sore feet. He’s also got a soft palate. That’s why we keep him to 1000m.”
Jockey Brad Pengelly has partnered Simplest in his last two wins, but he doubts if he will get the ride in Sydney.
“It’s Scribo’s (Shane Scriven) ride I think,” said Pengelly. “But if he’s out, I’m in!”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stewards questioned jockey S. Scriven and trainer B. Bellamy in relation to the disappointing performance of Sectagonal. S. Scriven stated that he trailed the eventual winner Simplest, however after travelling well to the 600m the horse failed to respond to his riding when the field sprinted from that point and did not finish the race off as expected. Trainer B. Bellamy advised that the horse had worked very well in preparation for today's event and he was at a loss to explain the disappointing run. A veterinary examination of Sectagonal failed to reveal any abnormalities. Trainer B. Bellamy undertook to notify stewards of anything that may come to his notice in the days following the race that may have had some bearing on the disappointing run.
A veterinary examination of Socialist (R. McMahon), which was inclined to lay in when under pressure in the straight, revealed no abnormalities.
Race 3:
Class 6 Plate – Set Weights - 1400m
1st - Regal Castanea; 2nd - Mr Doyle; 3rd - General Albert
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway has an affinity with the four-year-old chestnut Regal Castanea and Regal Castanea has a real liking for the Eagle Farm track.
Put those factors together and the Ron McCrae trained four-year-old parades his best form, to the degree that this was Regal Castanea’s third successive win (all over 1400m) at the city track.
“It’s no surprise he is doing well,” said Galloway. “Even when he was losing he was being beaten by some good horses. (Charming Rogue being an example)
“He is still a bit timid when racing inside horses,” continued Galloway. “I’ve been on him the last five starts and he’s taken a bit of educating but he’s getting there nicely now.”
Trainer Ron Macrae spoke of his future plans for Regal Castanea.
“I’ll probably back him up next week over a mile and then put him out,” said Macrae. (Note that would be a Doomben start).
“After that I’ll target three feature races,” continued Macrae.
“I’ll head him towards the Brisbane Handicap, the Recognition and the Bernborough.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Notre Amour (A. Spinks) reared as the gates opened, falling over the partition and dislodging its rider. The notification of correct weight was delayed for the stewards to view the official footage. After hearing evidence from the starter, the stewards were satisfied that Notre Amour was afforded the opportunity of a fair start and correct weight was declared on the Judge's placings. As Notre Amour has had a history of poor barrier manners stewards informed trainer R. Heathcote that the horse would have to perform satisfactorily in a minimum of two official barrier trials before being considered eligible to race. Apprentice C. McIver, the rider of Blue Oyster, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the finish line. S. Scriven, the rider of Mr Doyle, was fined $100 under AR. 145 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram overweight.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1500m
1st – Kutalo; 2nd – Noreil; 3rd - Bitabiff
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“Gee I’ve had a good week,” said apprentice jockey Amy Taylor.
Taylor had scored in scintillating fashion on the first-timer Chakvetadze at Ipswich on Thursday and she added this city win on the front-running Kutalo to her record – the couple of wins clearly giving her immense pleasure.
On Chakvetadze, Taylor had said she couldn’t hear the opposition as she had moved too far beyond them.
This time she could hear them coming as Noreil and Bitabiff kept the pressure on Kutalo, who had to be pushed out all the way to the line to secure the thirteenth win of his career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
A post-race veterinary examination of Fair Ace (R. McMahon) revealed no abnormalities.
Race 5:
One Metro Win Handicap - 1200m
1st - Pride Of Power; 2nd - Sleek Repeat; 3rd - Daedalus
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The four-year-old gelding Pride Of Power fought courageously and got the better of a stride for stride battle with Sleek Repeat to claim the honours by the narrowest of margins.
“I try to get three or four runs out of him at a time as he trains off a bit,” said trainer Kelso Wood.
“I try to get into his head. I had him out in the yard for a bit to try and freshen him up,” continued Wood.
“He had a jump-out earlier this week (on Tuesday). He went to the line there with Simplest, so that made him look in good shape here.
Given the result, will Wood extend his number of runs this prep?
“As I say it’s all about getting into his head. I’ll have to try to let him think he’s had a spell again,” smiled Wood.
Jockey Michael Palmer gave his version of how the race unfolded.
“He was travelling well and I got onto the fence,” explained Palmer.
“Then he forced his way into the clear at the top of the straight – and all credit to him for doing that as he had to push a bigger horse out of the way.
“I tried to save his effort for one last sprint, but it turned into a battle at the end when the other one (Sleek Repeat) kicked on. He had to earn the win. He showed a lot of character.
“He’s run was super actually,” concluded Palmer.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1000m Lennon was tightened for room between Just Jagger (D. Craven) and Daedalus which hung in despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident Lennon made contact with the hind quarters of Just Jagger and lost its position. Dalzar (E. Wilkinson) got its head up and raced fiercely rounding the first turn. Near the 950m Daedalus had to be eased to avoid the heels of Sleek Repeat (J. Taylor) which shifted in. After leaving the 900m Just Jagger race in restricted room between Pride Of Power (Michael Palmer) and Daedalus which continued to lay in. Rounding the home turn Pride Of Power shifted out to improve from behind the heels of Sleek Repeat and made heavy contact with Daedalus.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Lennon, jockey R. Wiggins stated that he could offer no excuses and likewise trainer L. Gough was at a loss to explain the disappointing run. Mr Gough indicated that he would monitor the horse's recovery and may well recommend that the horse be given a short spell. A post-race veterinary examination of Lennon failed to reveal any abnormalities and a swab sample was taken. Dalzar, which bled from both nostrils, was declared ineligible to race for a period of three months under AR. 53A. A swab sample was taken from Dalzar.
Race 6:
Three-Year-Olds - QTIS Handicap - 1300m
1st - Express Air; 2nd - Zero Rock; 3rd - Love De Cause
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The last time they met (over 1200m) Zero Rock had beaten Express Air by a length when giving the latter 0.5kg.
In this rematch (over 1300), Zero Rock was 1kg worse off at the weights.
The question was whether the combination of an increase in distance and the weight difference would be enough for Express Air to reverse that last result.
The betting – which had Zero Rock at $1.95 and Express Air at $4 - said it would not be enough.
The betting was wrong!
Jockey Jason Holder produced Express Air with a finely timed challenge to relegate Zero Rock back into second placing by 0.20 lengths.
Trainer Rex Lipp was quietly confident going into the race.
“I was quite confident,” confirmed Lipp. “I had no worries about Zero Rock. All I wanted was a fair go at the barrier and a nice lead into the race.
A fair go at the barrier?
“By that I mean she hasn’t got the acceleration out of the barriers to get a position, so I was worried where she might end up,” continued Lipp.
“He (jockey Jason Holder) had to go back otherwise she would have been caught three or four wide in midfield which wouldn’t have helped us at all.
“He’ll get a mile I’m sure,” said Lipp, “but he’ll go to the paddock now.
“I’ll think of targeting the Magic Millions (over 1400m) and races at the Winter Carnival. I think she’ll be a good Winter Carnival horse.”
Jockey Jason Holder was suitably impressed with the victory.
“She just got too far back last time,” stated Holder. “It’s the barrier problem you know. She just keeps getting bad barriers.
“She’s got ability and courage,” continued Holder. “This was a real gutsy performance. She responded well over the last 100m when having to fight for it.
“That’s a sign of a good horse.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seeyou (S. Galloway) and Express Air (J. Holder) were slow to begin. Near the 1000m General Purple (R. Wiggins) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Sharufa (P. Hammersley) which shifted in. For some distance after, General Purple over-raced at the heels of Sharufa. P. Hammersley reported that just prior to his mount shifting in, his saddle rolled to the off side and he was at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event. General Purple raced three wide from the 1000m. Near the 500m Sharufa race in restricted room when cramped between Jazz Heart (R. McMahon), which shifted out slightly, and General Purple which shifted in. In this incident Sharufa had to be steadied away from the heels of General Purple. Close to the finishing line Love De Cause (S. Seamer) race in restricted room when Zero Rock (B. Pengelly) was inclined to lay in under pressure.
Race 7:
Fillies and Mares Quality Handicap - 1300m
1st - Craiglea Charm; 2nd - My First Affair; 3rd - Hurl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
If there is one common factor that covers most of the ‘Çraiglea’ horses, it is their honesty and toughness.
The Ray McCall trained Craiglea Charm needed both of those attributes to take out the day’s $100 000 feature event - that and a perfect ride from Shane Scriven.
Craiglea Charm carried top weight, a steadying burden of 58kg, and raced from the extreme outside draw (twelve out of twelve), two factors which could have undermined her influence on the outcome.
Instead Scriven and Craiglea Charm took the race by the scruff of the neck from the break and thereafter dictated the course of events on their terms, leaving their rivals struggling in their wake.
“We began good,” said Scriven, which was a bit of an understatement given Craiglea Charm’s speed at the start.
“I was prepared to sit behind the grey horse (Stirring), but when I saw him starting to try and slow things down, I thought I’d go to the front and make them do what I wanted them to do,” continued Scriven.
“I always knew she would kick in the straight, but she was starting to buckle close to the line. I was saying, come on, come on,’ and we got there.”
Co-Owner Stan Johnston was still semi-stunned at the winners’ enclosure.
“I honestly didn’t think we could do it with that weight and draw,” said Johnston, “but I’m very happy to be proved wrong.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) and On The Fridge (J. Holder) were caught three wide rounding the first turn and obliged to race wide for the entire event. Near the 500m Eleda (D. Tanti) shifted out off the heels of Shew Stone (P. Hammersley) and brushed the hind quarters of On The Fridge. Our Jangles (J. Taylor) was held up for clear running until after leaving the 200m. Near the 50m Kanpeki had to be checked when tightened for room between On The Fridge, which was inclined to lay in under pressure, and Awasi Ougi (L. Herne) which was taken out by Our Jangles as that horse had to shift away from Hurl (A. Spinks), which was inclined to shift out under pressure. Both A. Spinks and J. Holder (On The Fridge) were advised to take greater measures to keep their mounts straight.
Race 8:
No Metro wins QTIS Handicap - 1000m
1st – Moppett; 2nd - Samui Star; 3rd - Danzamonkey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Terry Catip trained Moppett scored a last-gasp victory when snaring the game Samui Star in the very last stride.
Moppett was racing first-up after a three month layoff.
“She was running fresh, that’s why I went back to 1000m,” said Catip. “I thought she would run well but winning is never easy.
“She’s a big, strong horse. She will go a mile,” stated Catip.
Jockey Matthew Palmer’s report back was a simply one.
“The further they went, the stronger she got,” said Palmer.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 700m Gold Solomon (A. Pattillo) and Honeyfornothin (P. Hammersley) were cramped for room between Shotime (S. Cormack), which was inclined to lay out, and Youcantseeme (A. Spinks), which shifted in and away from Samaui Star. Near the 650m Youcantseeme (A. Spinks) got its head up when over-racing and being steadied off the heels of Samui Star which shifted in when not fully clear. Stewards acknowledged that at the time Youcantseeme was inclined to over-race and may have overreacted. Nonetheless, B. El-Issa was reprimanded and advised to ensure he provides sufficient clearance when crossing. Passing the 400m Onion shifted out to improve and made heavy contact with Mount Magic (E. Wilkinson), forcing that horse wider. Near the 250m Onion again shifted its ground under pressure and Mount Magic had to be eased away to avoid heels. Near the 250m the tiring Honeyfornothin had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Danzamonkey (S. Scriven) which shifted out to improve. In this incident Tag had to ease away from the heels of the tiring Honeyfornothin. Stewards will interview S. Scriven and P. Hammersley (Honeyfornothing) at a later date.
Stewards inquired into a complaint lodged by apprentice A. Taylor at the scales concerning B. El-Issa's behaviour towards her when returning to scale. After hearing evidence from both riders concerned as well as from jockey S. Scriven, and as there was no corroborative evidence, stewards took no action in the matter.
ALL THE ACTION FROM THE SUNSHINE COAST
A review of the meeting held on the Cushion Track at the Sunshine Coast on Friday, September 19.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Dash's Princess; 2nd - Rhodamine; 3rd - Dodge County
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Darryl Caldwell trained Dash’s Princess started favourite here and duly arrived to shed her Maiden ticket at the third rime of asking.
Was Caldwell confident of victory going into the race?
“The bookies thought she would win. They are normally a good judge,” was Caldwell’s laconic reply.
Jockey Michael Palmer gave his view from the saddle.
“I actually wanted to be closer to the speed, but when the leader slipped away I took a bit of a sit,” said Palmer.
“I switched out to make sure she would get a clear run,” continued Palmer, “and she worked home well in the straight.
“Her other two runs were honest as well,” added Palmer, who has ridden Dash’s Princess in all three starts.
“Possibly the Cushion Track worked in her favour,” was Palmer’s final word on the subject.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Carrisa Plains (S. Cormack) commenced to hang out badly approaching the 600m, placing its rider at a severe disadvantage. Trainer A. Williamson was advised that Carrisa Plains must trial satisfactorily in an official trial prior to its next race start. Dodge County (J. Taylor) over-raced in the early stages and was inclined to hang out rounding the first turn. Dodge County was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Carrisa Plains revealed the filly to have been galloped on the off-hind pastern.
Race 2:
Maiden Div 1 - 1400m
1st - Awaroa; 2nd - Hamatym; 3rd - Shake The Lantern
WINNER FEEDBACK:
There was some relief that the win was on the board but trainer Alan Jones was still left shaking his head when he recalled Awaroa’s four race path to the winners’ enclosure.
“I’ve been very disappointed with him until now,” said Jones. “I thought he would win every time he raced before.
“He’s had this problem shifting ground,” continued Jones. “Last time when he raced over 1600m, he must have covered 1900m. Never mind hanging out in the home straight. He was pulling wide in the back straight already.”
The battle to overcome Awaroa’s problem was clearly detailed in the gear the gelding was fitted with on this occasion.
The blinkers were still on, but there were two additional gear changes. A cross-over noseband was on for the first time and lugging bits were on for the first time. Both items proved their value in the outcome.
“The gear changes played their part,” offered Jones. “The lugging bits – and the education we gave him with lugging bits – that made a difference. Then the cross over nose band helped keep him straight.”
Given the difficulties that he could have faced, it was a perfect ride from apprentice Michael Hughes, who was able to ease his mount short of the line, such was the clear-cut nature of his 3.30 length winning margin.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Eight Strands, which made contact with the gate when leaving the enclosure, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to race. Hamatym (G. Auckram) was slow to begin and lost considerable ground. Near the 1200m, Palais Royale (A. Pattillo) raced ungenerously and continually had to be steadied off the heels of Seybon (A. Spinks). Passing the 800m, Eight Strands (T. Chambers) raced up on to the heels of Shake The Lantern (S. Cormack) and had to be steadied and shifted out, hampering Hamatym. The Traps Are Set and Brumar (D. Gill) raced wide throughout.
When questioned as to Palais Royale settling further back in the field than anticipated, A. Pattillo stated he jumped away with the field, however near the 1200m, the mare began to race ungenerously and had to be continually steadied off the heels of Seybon (A. Spinks). He added that he then shifted to the outside of the heels of Seybon, however Seybon commenced to shift wider on the track and as a result he was obliged to ease. The explanation was noted.
Race 3:
Maiden Div 2 Handicap- 1400m
1st - Decisively; 2nd - Bloomin Thunder; 3rd - Mr Daybreak
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Grant Marshall trained Decisively charged clear in the final chase to the line to score under the competent handling of Bernadette Payne.
It was the gelding’s first win in eleven starts.
So what made the difference?
“He trains on the beach so we thought we’d bring him to the Sunshine Coast ‘beach’ and see how he goes,” answered Marshall.
“Actually we also came for two other reasons,” continued Marshall.
“Primarily we came for the other horse (Stravigent) in race six. Stravigent can’t handle the wet and it rains all of the time in the Northern Rivers.
“So we thought we would try him on the Cushion Track and see if that was a viable, alternative option for him when the tracks are heavy down there.” (Stravigent later finished unplaced, 4.30 lengths off the winner).
“The third reason we came was for Bernadette (Payne) to get a winner. She’s been out with an injury for about three months and she needed a confidence booster,” concluded Marshall.
So, allowing that the jury is still out on the Stravigent result, the Marshall team went home having successfully completed two out of the three tasks they set themselves which represents a good day’s work at any race-meeting.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ca Plane Pour Moi (S. Holcombe) over-raced during the early stages. Near the 1200m, Mr Daybreak (J. Taylor) raced ungenerously at the heels of Ca Plane Pour Moi and was steadied. Mr Daybreak over-raced during the early stages and approaching the 1000m was continually steadied off the heels of Trojan Joy. Near the 800m, Bloomin Thunder (L. Cheshire) had to be steadied away from the heels of Stor Hest (A. Spinks), which shifted in away from Shreps (J. Piper). At a subsequent inquiry, A. Spinks, rider of Stor Hest, was advised to exercise more care in future when shifting ground. Approaching the 300m, Mr Daybreak had to be steadied and shifted to the inside of Ca Plane Pour Moi, which shifted out. Inside the 100m, King County (P. Wolfgram) was crowded for room by Ca Plane Pour Moi, which shifted out under pressure. A post-race veterinary examination of Ca Plane Pour Moi revealed the mare to have been galloped on the off-hind leg.
Race 4:
Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Lugo; 2nd - Barsine; 3rd - Rosebrn
WINNER FEEDBACK:
It is always pleasing when an apprentice, who doesn’t get that many opportunities, makes the most of the chance when it is offered to him.
Apprentice jockey Jason Kropp did just that when he guided Lugo to victory for his stable boss Trevor Miller.
“He did exactly what I asked,” stated Miller. “I told him not to get involved in any speed battle.
“He got to the rail. He did really well. It’s hard for him because I can only put him on my horses, but this win will give him a bit of confidence.”
Kropp was thrilled with the outcome.
“If you settle him behind a horse he just goes to sleep,” said Kropp.
“But I knew I had to be on the fence, because I knew they would fan out on the turn.
“Then I just gave him a bit of a dig and he produced a winning finish.
“This horse has been good to me. A third placing last time and now this win. It’s great!”
Kropp’s win meant that Trevor Miller’s two stable apprentices had not only each ridden a winner on the day – Michael Hughes scored earlier with Awaroa – but they also rode the quinella in this race as Hughes was on the runner-up, Barsine.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Heza Guru (M. Radecker) began awkwardly and lost considerable ground. Shortly after the start, Go Jesse Go (N. Thomas) was tightened for room between Lucy Bea (J. Taylor) and Rosebrn (P. Wolfgram). Near the 400m, Skilful Time (B. Calkin) shifted out and bumped heavily with Go Jesse Go (N. Thomas), resulting in Go Jesse Go becoming unbalanced. Heza Guru (M. Radecker) and Barsine (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Lucy Bea revealed the filly to be lame in the off-fore. Trainer P. Sexton was advised that he must produce a veterinary clearance for Lucy Bea prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 2 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Fasliyev Dancer; 2nd - Von Zipper; 3rd - Observe
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Talk about taking no prisoners.
The Trevor Bailey trained Fasliyev Dancer wasn’t about to indulge in any chess game with the opposition.
Rather the mare relied upon pure power to intimidate her rivals, stretching out in the home straight, under a super confident ride by Terry Treichel, as if there was nobody else in the race – and very soon there wasn’t, as her rivals wilted under the pressure and were quickly dismissed and left behind to battle out a race of their own for the minor placings.
Fasliyev Dancer’s absolute dominance was reflected in two telling statistics.
The mare won by eight lengths and stopped the clock in a new track record time for the distance of 1:04.27.
Quite simply, it was no contest.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Galloping Rhymes (S. Cormack) was slow to begin. Sneaky Squirrel (J. Piper) knuckled on jumping away.
Galloping Rhymes raced wide throughout. Jockey A. Pattillo, rider of the 4th placegetter, Kalinga Kate, was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight. AR145.
Race 6:
Class 5 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Al Fawzi; 2nd - Crystal Sentinel; 3rd - That's Better
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Stewart MacKinnon trained Al Fawzi confirmed his particular liking for the 1100m trip when he won for the third time in four starts over the distance. It was also the gelding’s second win in as many starts over the (cushion) track and distance.
The manner in which the five-year-old lengthened his stride with meaning to come from some way back in the home stretch and quickly reel in the leaders was impressive.
“I wanted him ridden quietly,” explained McKinnon.
“When he is up with the speed he doesn’t finish off his races. If you let him relax rather, then he puts it in. The jock (apprentice Owen Turpin) rode him a treat.
“His previous two runs in the city were not bad at all, but he obviously likes it here. He picks up prize-money almost every time he runs here, on whatever surface,” concluded McKinnon.
Turpin explained his instructions and the decision he had to make in the race.
“Mr MacKinnon said not to go too soon,” said Turpin. “He said Al Fawzi would sprint home well ... but I still had to judge it.
“I didn’t want to leave it too late, so I sent him forward when I thought I should and things worked out according to plan.”
The winning margin was 0.80 lengths.
Al Fawzi was the first leg of a race to race double for Turpin.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice jockey J. Piper was fined$100 for failing to claim her full allowance on Crystal Sentinel. AR92 (12).
Passing the 1000m, Crystal Sentinel (J. Piper) was awkwardly placed when racing in restricted room to the inside of Red Enzo. Stravigent raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1400m
1st - No Technique; 2nd - Lezant; 3rd - Public Nuisance
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Troy Hall stable has been rolling out winners at a fair rate recently and the Sunshine Coast based trainer put another notch on his belt when No Technique scored an untroubled victory.
“This has been his best preparation,” volunteered Hall. “He’s taken a bit of time, but he’s getting there now.”
Hall was quick to praise the ride of apprentice jockey Owen Turpin, who completed a double on the day with this win.
One race earlier, trainer Stewart MacKinnon had said Turpin had ridden Al Fawzi ‘a treat.’ Hall went one better than that saying of Turpin, “I reckon he’s got to be the most improved apprentice around.”
The win took Turpin to the top of the Sunshine Coast jockey’s ladder. It’s early days yet to be sure, but that is not a bad place for a jockey to be any time of the year.
“Nice to be there. Difficult to stay there,” said Turpin.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
T. Chambers, rider of Vettorious, was severely reprimanded for excessively slowing the pace after crossing to take up the lead near the 1000m. In this incident, Public Nuisance (L. Dittman), No Technique (O. Turpin) and Kin Kiss (E. Wilkinson) were all inconvenienced as a consequence.
T. Chambers, rider of Vettorious, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 250m she permitted her mount to shift out whilst riding it along when being insufficiently clear of Ancient Titles (S. Cormack), resulting in Ancient Titles being checked and losing its rightful running. T. Chambers was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 23 September, and to expire at midnight, 3 October 2008. T. Chambers (Vettorious) was reminded of her obligations to ride her mounts right out to the finish of the race.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Mr Megs; 2nd - Mulga Bob; 3rd - Hot Pride
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paddy Cunningham won the last throw of the dice, going home a winner after Mr Megs landed the final event on the card.
Cunningham had initiated two gears changes and an increased the distance test for Mr Megs’ latest assignment and the move paid dividends as the four-year-old chestnut finished too strongly for the hard-chasing Mulga Bob.
“The change of gear? Well, he was wanting to go hard so I changed the gear (blinkers off first time, Norton bits on first time) to try to rectify that,” explained Cunningham.
“Distance wise ... last time (over 1400m) he loomed up and then seemed to just keep wacking away.
“The jock (Ryan Wiggins) got off and said I shouldn’t be afraid to run him over a mile. I said I was thinking that too.
“So yeah, we went with gear and distance changes. It all worked out well. Doesn’t always, but happy to take it when it does,” concluded Cunningham, just as he was congratulated by his daughter Kylie, who had come across after dismounting from Craiglea Symphony, on which she had finished unplaced.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Correct weight was delayed to ascertain if Isti Pollywas afforded a fair start. Stewards found that Isti Polly reared as the start was effected, losing considerable ground. In this incident, A. Spinks lost the use of his off side iron for some distance. Trainer T. Miller was advised that an official warning would be placed on the gelding. Sweet Addiction (R. Mason) was held up and unable to gain clear running from the 350m to the 250m.
K. Cunningham, rider of Craiglea Symphony, was reminded of her obligations to ride her mounts right out to the finish of the race. Bradash (G. Auckram) raced wide throughout.
J. Piper, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Hot Pride, was fined $300 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over her declared riding weight. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the beaten margin between Hot Pride and the second placegetter, Mulga Bob. AR145.
Race 1:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Dash's Princess; 2nd - Rhodamine; 3rd - Dodge County
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Darryl Caldwell trained Dash’s Princess started favourite here and duly arrived to shed her Maiden ticket at the third rime of asking.
Was Caldwell confident of victory going into the race?
“The bookies thought she would win. They are normally a good judge,” was Caldwell’s laconic reply.
Jockey Michael Palmer gave his view from the saddle.
“I actually wanted to be closer to the speed, but when the leader slipped away I took a bit of a sit,” said Palmer.
“I switched out to make sure she would get a clear run,” continued Palmer, “and she worked home well in the straight.
“Her other two runs were honest as well,” added Palmer, who has ridden Dash’s Princess in all three starts.
“Possibly the Cushion Track worked in her favour,” was Palmer’s final word on the subject.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Carrisa Plains (S. Cormack) commenced to hang out badly approaching the 600m, placing its rider at a severe disadvantage. Trainer A. Williamson was advised that Carrisa Plains must trial satisfactorily in an official trial prior to its next race start. Dodge County (J. Taylor) over-raced in the early stages and was inclined to hang out rounding the first turn. Dodge County was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Carrisa Plains revealed the filly to have been galloped on the off-hind pastern.
Race 2:
Maiden Div 1 - 1400m
1st - Awaroa; 2nd - Hamatym; 3rd - Shake The Lantern
WINNER FEEDBACK:
There was some relief that the win was on the board but trainer Alan Jones was still left shaking his head when he recalled Awaroa’s four race path to the winners’ enclosure.
“I’ve been very disappointed with him until now,” said Jones. “I thought he would win every time he raced before.
“He’s had this problem shifting ground,” continued Jones. “Last time when he raced over 1600m, he must have covered 1900m. Never mind hanging out in the home straight. He was pulling wide in the back straight already.”
The battle to overcome Awaroa’s problem was clearly detailed in the gear the gelding was fitted with on this occasion.
The blinkers were still on, but there were two additional gear changes. A cross-over noseband was on for the first time and lugging bits were on for the first time. Both items proved their value in the outcome.
“The gear changes played their part,” offered Jones. “The lugging bits – and the education we gave him with lugging bits – that made a difference. Then the cross over nose band helped keep him straight.”
Given the difficulties that he could have faced, it was a perfect ride from apprentice Michael Hughes, who was able to ease his mount short of the line, such was the clear-cut nature of his 3.30 length winning margin.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Eight Strands, which made contact with the gate when leaving the enclosure, was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to race. Hamatym (G. Auckram) was slow to begin and lost considerable ground. Near the 1200m, Palais Royale (A. Pattillo) raced ungenerously and continually had to be steadied off the heels of Seybon (A. Spinks). Passing the 800m, Eight Strands (T. Chambers) raced up on to the heels of Shake The Lantern (S. Cormack) and had to be steadied and shifted out, hampering Hamatym. The Traps Are Set and Brumar (D. Gill) raced wide throughout.
When questioned as to Palais Royale settling further back in the field than anticipated, A. Pattillo stated he jumped away with the field, however near the 1200m, the mare began to race ungenerously and had to be continually steadied off the heels of Seybon (A. Spinks). He added that he then shifted to the outside of the heels of Seybon, however Seybon commenced to shift wider on the track and as a result he was obliged to ease. The explanation was noted.
Race 3:
Maiden Div 2 Handicap- 1400m
1st - Decisively; 2nd - Bloomin Thunder; 3rd - Mr Daybreak
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Grant Marshall trained Decisively charged clear in the final chase to the line to score under the competent handling of Bernadette Payne.
It was the gelding’s first win in eleven starts.
So what made the difference?
“He trains on the beach so we thought we’d bring him to the Sunshine Coast ‘beach’ and see how he goes,” answered Marshall.
“Actually we also came for two other reasons,” continued Marshall.
“Primarily we came for the other horse (Stravigent) in race six. Stravigent can’t handle the wet and it rains all of the time in the Northern Rivers.
“So we thought we would try him on the Cushion Track and see if that was a viable, alternative option for him when the tracks are heavy down there.” (Stravigent later finished unplaced, 4.30 lengths off the winner).
“The third reason we came was for Bernadette (Payne) to get a winner. She’s been out with an injury for about three months and she needed a confidence booster,” concluded Marshall.
So, allowing that the jury is still out on the Stravigent result, the Marshall team went home having successfully completed two out of the three tasks they set themselves which represents a good day’s work at any race-meeting.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ca Plane Pour Moi (S. Holcombe) over-raced during the early stages. Near the 1200m, Mr Daybreak (J. Taylor) raced ungenerously at the heels of Ca Plane Pour Moi and was steadied. Mr Daybreak over-raced during the early stages and approaching the 1000m was continually steadied off the heels of Trojan Joy. Near the 800m, Bloomin Thunder (L. Cheshire) had to be steadied away from the heels of Stor Hest (A. Spinks), which shifted in away from Shreps (J. Piper). At a subsequent inquiry, A. Spinks, rider of Stor Hest, was advised to exercise more care in future when shifting ground. Approaching the 300m, Mr Daybreak had to be steadied and shifted to the inside of Ca Plane Pour Moi, which shifted out. Inside the 100m, King County (P. Wolfgram) was crowded for room by Ca Plane Pour Moi, which shifted out under pressure. A post-race veterinary examination of Ca Plane Pour Moi revealed the mare to have been galloped on the off-hind leg.
Race 4:
Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Lugo; 2nd - Barsine; 3rd - Rosebrn
WINNER FEEDBACK:
It is always pleasing when an apprentice, who doesn’t get that many opportunities, makes the most of the chance when it is offered to him.
Apprentice jockey Jason Kropp did just that when he guided Lugo to victory for his stable boss Trevor Miller.
“He did exactly what I asked,” stated Miller. “I told him not to get involved in any speed battle.
“He got to the rail. He did really well. It’s hard for him because I can only put him on my horses, but this win will give him a bit of confidence.”
Kropp was thrilled with the outcome.
“If you settle him behind a horse he just goes to sleep,” said Kropp.
“But I knew I had to be on the fence, because I knew they would fan out on the turn.
“Then I just gave him a bit of a dig and he produced a winning finish.
“This horse has been good to me. A third placing last time and now this win. It’s great!”
Kropp’s win meant that Trevor Miller’s two stable apprentices had not only each ridden a winner on the day – Michael Hughes scored earlier with Awaroa – but they also rode the quinella in this race as Hughes was on the runner-up, Barsine.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Heza Guru (M. Radecker) began awkwardly and lost considerable ground. Shortly after the start, Go Jesse Go (N. Thomas) was tightened for room between Lucy Bea (J. Taylor) and Rosebrn (P. Wolfgram). Near the 400m, Skilful Time (B. Calkin) shifted out and bumped heavily with Go Jesse Go (N. Thomas), resulting in Go Jesse Go becoming unbalanced. Heza Guru (M. Radecker) and Barsine (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Lucy Bea revealed the filly to be lame in the off-fore. Trainer P. Sexton was advised that he must produce a veterinary clearance for Lucy Bea prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Class 2 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Fasliyev Dancer; 2nd - Von Zipper; 3rd - Observe
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Talk about taking no prisoners.
The Trevor Bailey trained Fasliyev Dancer wasn’t about to indulge in any chess game with the opposition.
Rather the mare relied upon pure power to intimidate her rivals, stretching out in the home straight, under a super confident ride by Terry Treichel, as if there was nobody else in the race – and very soon there wasn’t, as her rivals wilted under the pressure and were quickly dismissed and left behind to battle out a race of their own for the minor placings.
Fasliyev Dancer’s absolute dominance was reflected in two telling statistics.
The mare won by eight lengths and stopped the clock in a new track record time for the distance of 1:04.27.
Quite simply, it was no contest.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Galloping Rhymes (S. Cormack) was slow to begin. Sneaky Squirrel (J. Piper) knuckled on jumping away.
Galloping Rhymes raced wide throughout. Jockey A. Pattillo, rider of the 4th placegetter, Kalinga Kate, was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight. AR145.
Race 6:
Class 5 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Al Fawzi; 2nd - Crystal Sentinel; 3rd - That's Better
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Stewart MacKinnon trained Al Fawzi confirmed his particular liking for the 1100m trip when he won for the third time in four starts over the distance. It was also the gelding’s second win in as many starts over the (cushion) track and distance.
The manner in which the five-year-old lengthened his stride with meaning to come from some way back in the home stretch and quickly reel in the leaders was impressive.
“I wanted him ridden quietly,” explained McKinnon.
“When he is up with the speed he doesn’t finish off his races. If you let him relax rather, then he puts it in. The jock (apprentice Owen Turpin) rode him a treat.
“His previous two runs in the city were not bad at all, but he obviously likes it here. He picks up prize-money almost every time he runs here, on whatever surface,” concluded McKinnon.
Turpin explained his instructions and the decision he had to make in the race.
“Mr MacKinnon said not to go too soon,” said Turpin. “He said Al Fawzi would sprint home well ... but I still had to judge it.
“I didn’t want to leave it too late, so I sent him forward when I thought I should and things worked out according to plan.”
The winning margin was 0.80 lengths.
Al Fawzi was the first leg of a race to race double for Turpin.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice jockey J. Piper was fined$100 for failing to claim her full allowance on Crystal Sentinel. AR92 (12).
Passing the 1000m, Crystal Sentinel (J. Piper) was awkwardly placed when racing in restricted room to the inside of Red Enzo. Stravigent raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1400m
1st - No Technique; 2nd - Lezant; 3rd - Public Nuisance
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Troy Hall stable has been rolling out winners at a fair rate recently and the Sunshine Coast based trainer put another notch on his belt when No Technique scored an untroubled victory.
“This has been his best preparation,” volunteered Hall. “He’s taken a bit of time, but he’s getting there now.”
Hall was quick to praise the ride of apprentice jockey Owen Turpin, who completed a double on the day with this win.
One race earlier, trainer Stewart MacKinnon had said Turpin had ridden Al Fawzi ‘a treat.’ Hall went one better than that saying of Turpin, “I reckon he’s got to be the most improved apprentice around.”
The win took Turpin to the top of the Sunshine Coast jockey’s ladder. It’s early days yet to be sure, but that is not a bad place for a jockey to be any time of the year.
“Nice to be there. Difficult to stay there,” said Turpin.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
T. Chambers, rider of Vettorious, was severely reprimanded for excessively slowing the pace after crossing to take up the lead near the 1000m. In this incident, Public Nuisance (L. Dittman), No Technique (O. Turpin) and Kin Kiss (E. Wilkinson) were all inconvenienced as a consequence.
T. Chambers, rider of Vettorious, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 250m she permitted her mount to shift out whilst riding it along when being insufficiently clear of Ancient Titles (S. Cormack), resulting in Ancient Titles being checked and losing its rightful running. T. Chambers was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 23 September, and to expire at midnight, 3 October 2008. T. Chambers (Vettorious) was reminded of her obligations to ride her mounts right out to the finish of the race.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Mr Megs; 2nd - Mulga Bob; 3rd - Hot Pride
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paddy Cunningham won the last throw of the dice, going home a winner after Mr Megs landed the final event on the card.
Cunningham had initiated two gears changes and an increased the distance test for Mr Megs’ latest assignment and the move paid dividends as the four-year-old chestnut finished too strongly for the hard-chasing Mulga Bob.
“The change of gear? Well, he was wanting to go hard so I changed the gear (blinkers off first time, Norton bits on first time) to try to rectify that,” explained Cunningham.
“Distance wise ... last time (over 1400m) he loomed up and then seemed to just keep wacking away.
“The jock (Ryan Wiggins) got off and said I shouldn’t be afraid to run him over a mile. I said I was thinking that too.
“So yeah, we went with gear and distance changes. It all worked out well. Doesn’t always, but happy to take it when it does,” concluded Cunningham, just as he was congratulated by his daughter Kylie, who had come across after dismounting from Craiglea Symphony, on which she had finished unplaced.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Correct weight was delayed to ascertain if Isti Pollywas afforded a fair start. Stewards found that Isti Polly reared as the start was effected, losing considerable ground. In this incident, A. Spinks lost the use of his off side iron for some distance. Trainer T. Miller was advised that an official warning would be placed on the gelding. Sweet Addiction (R. Mason) was held up and unable to gain clear running from the 350m to the 250m.
K. Cunningham, rider of Craiglea Symphony, was reminded of her obligations to ride her mounts right out to the finish of the race. Bradash (G. Auckram) raced wide throughout.
J. Piper, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Hot Pride, was fined $300 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over her declared riding weight. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the beaten margin between Hot Pride and the second placegetter, Mulga Bob. AR145.
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