A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Thursday, October 23
Race 1:
Class 5 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Prayer Chamber; 2nd - Course He's Canny; 3rd - Welcome Site
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Chris Dawson trained Prayer Chamber is not going to have many easier wins than he achieved here, particularly when doubling up on the back of a successful result in his previous outing. The six-year-old was never stressed in trouncing his rivals, having the race won long before he reached the winning post.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Androuge, trainer's representative Miss Salmi could offer no explanation other than to say that the horse had done well in preparation for today's race. Apprentice R. Hinricks was also unable to offer any explanation other than to indicate that the horse did not finish the race off as expected. A post race veterinary examination of Androuge failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer L. Madden subsequently informed stewards that after giving further consideration to the disappointing run, he felt that the horse may have been somewhat jaded after its previous start at Eagle Farm on a heavy track. He advised that he intended to have pathology tests carried out on the horse and would consider giving Androuge an ease up in its current preparation.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Class 1 Handicap- 1000m
1st – Kootenannie; 2nd - Miss Larkspur; 3rd - Sweet Cherub
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Shawn Dwyer: “Her last run was just too bad to be true and I still haven’t been able to put my finger on exactly what the problem was. I did put blinkers on first for the first time here. They would have helped, but I’m still not sure how much of the turnaround can be credited to them, because she has come on very nicely since that run anyway. Whatever it is, hopefully the problem has been solved one way or the other. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kootenannie (R. Goltz) was hampered shortly after the start when Sweet Cherub (G. Colless) jumped outwards.
Joint Chiefs, which was caught wide rounding the first turn, over-raced for some distance in the middle stages and was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Grand Mark (C. Spry) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight. Sweet Cherub (G. Colless), which raced 3 wide for the entire race, was found to have bled from both nostrils on return to scale. The club's veterinary surgeon confirmed that the horse had bled and the mandatory 3 month bar from racing was applied. A swab sample was taken from Sweet Cherub.
Race 3:
F&M Maiden Handicap- 1200m
1st - Laurinel Beauty; 2nd - I'm So Stunning; 3rd - Treasure Mountain
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “We were talking the other day and I told Tony (Pattillo), ‘good jockeys beat bad barriers’. I repeated it to him again today. (Laurinel Beauty jumped from gate 11). She’s always shown potential, but she has had maturity issues. Just maturity issues. Nothing else. Because of those issues it has taken time to get her competitive. In the last run of her first prep she ran into a place over 1600m here at Ipswich. That was the sign we needed. We gave her a break and she’s come back all the stronger. She’s by Semipalatinsk and her mother, Laurinel Argie won the Prime Minister’s Cup when it was still over 2000m, so she’s a stayer which makes the win over this distance very encouraging.”
Jockey Tony Pattillo: “Yeah he told me the ‘good jockeys, bad barriers story.’ He was just saying that to rev ne up. He always does it. Look, I guess you could say we had a pretty chequered run for much of the way. I had to steer her and weave our way through traffic, but once she saw daylight it was all over. She should have a couple of more wins coming, but that was a weak Maiden field so you’ve got to weigh up the result accordingly.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
N. Thomas was dislodged from Stor Hest when the horse slipped in the saddling enclosure. Stor Hest was cleared to race by the club's veterinary surgeon. M. Palmer was also dislodged by Erintee when proceeding to the barriers. Erintee was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Express Miss (R. Goltz) raced in restricted room near the 800m when tightened for room by Jelly Crystal (D. Green), which was taken in by Cubby House (J. Murphy). Near the 700m, Cubby House improved on to the heels of Lady Crown (L. Dittman) and then shifted out, taking Treasure Mountain (A. Spinks) wider on the track.
D. Green, rider of Jelly Crystal, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that approaching the 400m he permitted his mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of Erintee (M. Palmer), forcing that horse to have to be checked away from the heels of Jelly Crystal. D. Green was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 6 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 October and to expire at midnight, 4 November 2008.
Approaching the 400m, Express Miss (R. Goltz) had to be checked off the heels of the tiring Sharjah (M. Speers). Sharjah, when tiring leaving the 400m, hung out making contact with Lady Crown. I’m So Stunning (D. Craven) was badly held up for clear running in the straight until after leaving the 200m. Passing the 200m, Express Miss raced ungenerously and shifted out abruptly, making contact with Laurinel Beauty (A. Pattillo).
S. Holcombe, rider of Gold Gleam, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the finish line. Treasure Mountain and Lady Crown raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned A. Merritt as to his riding tactics on Hot ‘N’ Bothered, particularly in the early stages. A. Merritt stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse forward from its wide barrier, however the horse did not respond to the pressure applied and he attempted to position the horse midfield, however the horse had difficulty maintaining its position and he was of the opinion that the horse may be looking for a longer distanced. The explanation was noted.
Stewards questioned apprentice M. Speers and trainer Mr B. Baldwin in relation to the disappointing performance of Sharjah, which was beaten before the home turn and eventually compounded and finished at the rear of the field. M. Speers stated that the horse obtained the lead without any real pressure and travelled reasonably well in the early stages however dipped near the 750m. He added that when pressured by Lady Crown (L. Dittman) near the 500m, Sharjah failed to respond to his riding and compounded from that point onwards. M. Speers added that the horse had a tendency to climb in its action and was inclined to hang out. Trainer B. Baldwin could offer no explanation for the disappointing run. A post race veterinary examination of Sharjah failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. A swab sample was taken from Sharjah.
Race 4:
CG&E Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - The Beast; 2nd - Pampling Road; 3rd - Liquidate
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “You can virtually take this as his first run. In his first three runs you couldn’t do a thing with him. He wanted to run off the track. We put him out and he has come back much better this time. We had him ready for the Big Maiden at Lismore, but he took a knock and hurt himself so he had to come out there. So we brought him here. His got plenty of speed and can run some time so he was able to overcome the disadvantage of the bad draw relatively easily.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “He’s a big unit. He’s going really well this time around. He’s still green, particularly on the turns. We missed the Big Maiden because he had a slight injury, but he’s we knew he was travelling well. We’ve never really had the opportunity let him go before. That’s why I pushed him out to the line today because, particularly with us, it’s part of his education. He’s got to learn to race.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 900m, Alta Loma (P. Hammersley) was tightened for room by Carbinconi (P. Wolfgram), which had been racing tight to its outside for some distance. P. Wolfgram, rider of Carbinconi, was severely reprimanded. When attempting to relieve the tightening, Carbinconi then became unbalanced and raced ungenerously for some distance. Thor Real (M. Heagney) over-raced in the early and middle stages. Near the 400m, Diamond Zak (A. Coome) was cramped for room between Pampling Road (D. Griffin) and General Remark (J. Murphy), both of which shifted ground. Reigning Chief (L. Rolls) and General Remark raced wide throughout.
Race 5:
3yo & Up Class 2 Handicap - 800m
1st –Stunning; 2nd - King Dod; 3rd - La Frisc
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron McCrae: “She’s always been a nice horse, but she’ll be better now after her operation.. She’s been out of action a long time – nine or ten months I think. The reason for that was that she had a knee operation. She was running in some of those races with knee chips before the operation. She’s come back strong. She did it at both ends today. She had the speed at the start and the fight at the finish.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dr Chicago (B. Evans), which was slow to begin, was hampered shortly after the start when King Dod (J. Taylor) shifted out. Werunna Sun (J. Piper) hung out on the home turn. When questioned regarding the riding tactics adopted on Dr Chicago, in particular in the early stages of the straight and in the run to the finish, apprentice B. Evans stated he had difficulty fully testing his mount due to its tendency to lay in. The explanation was noted.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1666m
1st – Dimension; 2nd – Biancool; 3rd - Mrs Dittmier
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Miller: “He’s disappointed us in her previous three runs this prep (twice as favourite). He’s just switched off and lost interest mid-race and went back three or four lengths. Then he’d finish off well ... so it’s been frustrating. Today he put it together, but he is still a worry. If he was caught in-between runners and he got a bump, he probably would have said ‘that’s my race’. He’s that kind of horse.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Imperial Grouch (J. Wood) missed the start. Jordane (P. Hammersley) commenced to over-race after leaving the 1400m and the horse then over-raced for some distance in the middle stages. Apprentice L. Dittman, rider of Fletchers Mutiny, was fined $200 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram overweight.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1350m
1st – Gather; 2nd - Magique Mine; 3rd - Nagem
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray Nicholson: “She over-raced in town last time which cost her. Even though she was 15-1 we went there because we thought she had a chance. So we were confident here. Phillip (Wolfgram) got her to settle well and she put in the end. She’s bred to go a lot further and we’ll probably step her up next time.”
Jockey Phillip Wolfgram: “We had cover straight away so she had no problem settling early this time. If she had seen daylight it might have been a different story. But she did start pulling approaching the turn and the harder she pulled the weaker my arms got. My only real worry though was when we straightened. I wasn’t certain that she would be able to sprint home, because sometimes when they pulling they don’t always quicken up straight away. But she did a good job. She hit the line beautifully.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Akoya (J. Taylor) was tightened for room near the 400m between Keep A Dream Alive (C. Whiteley) and King Of Spirit (M. Hughes), which shifted in away from Road To Honours. On straightening, Goggler, commenced to lay in under pressure and near the 100m shifted in and hampered King Of Spirit.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Wind Gusts; 2nd - Oscar The Great; 3rd - Slinky Chelle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ted Ainsworth: “From that draw we just had to go back. He’s been his own worst enemy. He keeps on boring in on them. So I changed the bit last time and we seem to be getting him right. He finished third there at Toowoomba but he had excuses. He had a terrible float trip up. We got stuck in traffic. He still wanted to lay in a bit today but he’s going straighter. He made up ground real well in the straight and that’s never easy to do with 57kg.”
Jockey Daniel Griffin: “We elected to go back from the draw. He did have work to do but he just reeled them in beautifully. Yeah, I always thought I was going to win. Ted’s one of those trainers that I’ve been lucky with. You know how you get that sometimes ... when you just do well with somebody. When Ted says they going to win, they win!”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Slinky Chelle (D. Craven) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Imaged (L. Rolls) was slow to begin. A short distance after the start, Slinky Chelle had to be steadied away from the heels of Irish Fun (P. Hammersley), which shifted in slightly. Passing the 800m, He’s Wise (B. Evans) became unbalanced and had to be checked when racing in restricted room between Siege (K. Forrester), which shifted out slightly off the heels of Boss Cocky (M. Radecker) and Irish Fun (P. Hammersley), which shifted in away from In Sha Tin (A. Spinks), which was momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of Slinky Chelle. On straightening, Wind Gusts (D. Griffin) had to be steadied when disappointed for a tight run between In Sha Tin and Oscar The Great (J. Holder) when that run closed as a result of both horses shifting ground.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
DOOMBEN REVIEW (WED, OCT 22)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Wednesday, October 22.
Race 1:
Maiden Handicap - 1110m
1st - Jack And Molly; 2nd – Medesano; 3rd - Tekke Bokhara
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “Gee but he was short wasn’t he. He’s a bit of a flighty sort. We’ve had a few problems with him, attitude wise. He over-raced in the middle of the race on debut. He seemed better this time.”
Jockey Shane Scriven (standing next to a grinning Kelly Schweida): “Kelly suggested the horse over-raced first time, did he? What a foolish statement. No, it was more of a stop, start affair first time. That’s why I was happy to give him more rein here. If the leader wanted to come back to us, I would not have restrained him. I would have still let him go. When he got to the front I thought he might start looking around, but he did alright. I guess you could call it a fair training effort.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gold Sovereign (J. Byrne) missed the start when it jumped away awkwardly and shifted in, making contact with Flight Lord (R. McMahon). Passing the 900m, Brokacanon (B. Pengelly) was cramped for room by Plata Rapa (M. Bennett), which raced in restricted room inside Jack And Molly. Holyfield (A. Pattillo) was inclined to hang in and raced greenly rounding the first turn. Near the 700m, Eclise, which was inclined to over-race, had to be steadied off the heels of White Rum and shifted out, obliging Gold Sovereign to race wide on the track.
Ornamental Figure (R. Wiggins) raced 3 wide for the majority of the race.
Race 2:
Class 4 Handicap - 1030m
1st - Je Ne Sais Pas; 2nd - Scent Of Gold; 3rd - August Fair
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Cherie O’Neil has nine horses in work. Her last two runners have been winners: “I just left the run of the race to Danny (Craven). I’ll give her another run ... try her over 1200m. Then I’ll probably give her a spell.”
Jockey Danny Craven: “Only a small field, drawn six, you’d think it wouldn’t be a problem. But then you jump and suddenly all of the five horses inside you are racing for position, so I was caught wide. I wasn’t concerned because she seemed to be comfortable. She had 58kg so I didn’t want to get into her, but I chased when I had to and she fought hard all the way to the line. Both Cherie (O’Neill) and I know that she is just crying out for 1200m now, which she’ll get next time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, August Fair (S. Drake) had to be steadied when it improved on to the heels of Goyousoandso (S. Cormack). Je Ne Sias Ps (D. Craven) raced 3 wide throughout the race. A post-race veterinary examination of August Fair revealed the mare to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer M. Kropp was advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for August Fair prior to its next race start.
Race 3:
Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st – Octahedron; 2nd – Unapred; 3rd - Flirten
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Geoff Burns: “He’s got potential obviously, but he is still so green. He’s a four-year-old but acts like a two-year-old. He wants to run around. Still, he hasn’t run a bad race yet so it’s nice to have something to work with.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start, Faunius (P. Hammersley) shifted in and inconvenienced Royal Hope (B. Payne). Leaving the 1100m, Royal Hope over-raced and raced ungenerously for a short distance. R. McMahon, rider of Delezio, dropped his whip near the 250m. Near the 200m, Delezio had to be steadied when cramped for room between Flirten (J. Holder) and Octahedron (B. Pengelly), which was inclined to hang in. Octahedron continued to race ungenerously and shifted in, having to be straightened to avoid tightening Unapred (J. Byrne). J. Byrne, rider of Unapred, reported that his mount was inclined to lay in throughout the race. S. Drake, rider of Tickle Me Quick, was cautioned for using her whip excessively when the mare was out of contention. Trainer Mr G. George reported that following the disappointing run of Conbar, he intended to review the horse's current racing program.
Race 4:
Maiden Plate - 2060m
1st – Soutane; 2nd – Virgil; 3rd – Crackinghorseluck
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Matthew Palmer: “He did well enough. He started to feel the pinch a bit near the finish, but he has been crying out for this sort of distance and he raced accordingly.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT
When being restrained rounding the first turn, Homesick (R. Wiggins), shifted out slightly on to the heels of Crackinghorseluck (S. Scriven). Homesick (R. Wiggins) was caught wide after the start until assuming a position outside the leader leaving the 1200m. Leaving the 1100m, as a result of the pace slowing, Crackinghorseluck improved on to the heels of Homesick and shifted in, causing Trojan Joy to be hampered and shift in, making contact with the running rail. When tiring near the 500m, Trojan Joy struck the running rail and shifted out, making contact with Don Vito (N. Evans). Near the 100m, Virgil (J. Jones), which was inclined to shift in under pressure, brushed Soutane.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 2060m
1st - Thunder Beach; 2nd – Rockaria; 3rd - Cape Chivas
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “He was unlucky when stepping up to 1800m at the Coast last time. He had a perfect passage here and relished the longer trip. The further they go, the better he’ll be.”
Jockey Michael Heagney: “Had no worries in the run at all. Just pulled him out approaching the straight and he did the rest.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Denby was declared a late scratching on veterinary advice at 3.19 pm. Want To Break Free shifted out just past the winning post on the first occasion and made contact with Tornado Blitz (A. Taylor). Near the 1600m, Great Portent (A. Spinks) over-raced at the heels of Thunder Beach (M. Heagney) and had to be steadied. Great Portent then shifted out and proceeded to move forward 3 wide and assumed a position outside the leader near the 1400m. Passing the 1400m, Tornado Blitz (A. Taylor) had to be eased to avoid the heels of Temangum Bay which shifted in after being caught 3 wide. G. Hoobin, rider of Want To Break Free, was reprimanded for shifting his mount out abruptly near the 300m when not sufficiently clear of Temangum Bay and Deferred, resulting in those runners being forced wider on the track. G. Hoobin (Want To Break Free) dropped his whip near the 250m.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st – Firedrake; 2nd – Dewabbit; 3rd - General Albert
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner Hoss Heinrich: “This one’s got to be all about the jockey. Focus on the jockey. It is Tasha’s first city winner and she gave the horse an A Grade ride.”
Apprentice jockey Tasha Chambers: “It does mean a lot to me having my first city winner. It takes a bit to get here and to have it arrive in only my second ride in the town is also good. I’m so pleased it was on Firedrake as well. I ride him in work and he is one of my favourite horses. I’ve won on him before (at the Gold Coast) and I knew he had a big chance today. I had a fall at Murwillumbah on Monday and had a bit of bruising but I was alright to ride. So things go up and down, but it all came together. I’m very happy.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m, Dewabbit (S. Scriven) brushed the running rail when racing in restricted room inside General Albert (J. Jones), which was also hampered due to Periander (M. Bennett) which shifted in. M. Bennett, rider of Perianda, was cautioned and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Dauntless (M. Heagney) raced 3 wide throughout. A. Coome, rider of the 5th placegetter, Funk Soul Brother, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish of the race. Apprentice A. Coome, was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Jacaranda Charm; 2nd - Savanna La Mar; 3rd - West Of Hollywood
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Ruming: “We’ve had a bit of luck with Kevin (Forrester). He’s been good to us and we got a good result again. That’s why we stick with him.”
Jockey Kevin Forrester: “Sometimes you have got to ride for luck. When it works out, like it did today, it’s a great option. She just flew when given a gap. Hit the line beautifully.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Simian Express (L. Rolls) and Wifi (M. Paget) came together at the start. Near the 550m, Wifi shifted out from behind the heels of Savanna La Mar (P. Hammersley) and made contact with West Of Hollywood (A. Taylor). After being held up in the early stages of the straight and then being disappointed for a run between Lots Of Success (J. Byrne) and Bonne Affaire (C. Reith) near the 200m, The Third Bird (R. McMahon) could not obtain clear running over the final 200m and went to the line without being fully tested.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Chabeli, J. Jones stated that the horse travelled well throughout running, however when asked for an effort the mare did not respond. Trainer K. Kemp stated that prior to the race he notified stewards that he would instruct the jockey to take advantage of its wide barrier draw and race in a more forward position today. Mr Kemp added that in hindsight Chabeli may be better suited being ridden back rather than ridden to maintain a forward position. A post-race veterinary examination of Chabeli failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Trainer Mr L. Mayfield-Smith was interviewed regarding the disappointing performance of Simian Express. He stated that the horse had pleased him in preparation for today's race and had not had an over-taxing preparation, however he felt that there was a possibility the mare may be suffering from a seasonal complaint. Mr Mayfield-Smith undertook to monitor the horse's condition in the days following the race and would notify stewards of anything he felt may have had a bearing on the disappointing run today. A post-race veterinary examination of Simian Express failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 1:
Maiden Handicap - 1110m
1st - Jack And Molly; 2nd – Medesano; 3rd - Tekke Bokhara
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “Gee but he was short wasn’t he. He’s a bit of a flighty sort. We’ve had a few problems with him, attitude wise. He over-raced in the middle of the race on debut. He seemed better this time.”
Jockey Shane Scriven (standing next to a grinning Kelly Schweida): “Kelly suggested the horse over-raced first time, did he? What a foolish statement. No, it was more of a stop, start affair first time. That’s why I was happy to give him more rein here. If the leader wanted to come back to us, I would not have restrained him. I would have still let him go. When he got to the front I thought he might start looking around, but he did alright. I guess you could call it a fair training effort.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gold Sovereign (J. Byrne) missed the start when it jumped away awkwardly and shifted in, making contact with Flight Lord (R. McMahon). Passing the 900m, Brokacanon (B. Pengelly) was cramped for room by Plata Rapa (M. Bennett), which raced in restricted room inside Jack And Molly. Holyfield (A. Pattillo) was inclined to hang in and raced greenly rounding the first turn. Near the 700m, Eclise, which was inclined to over-race, had to be steadied off the heels of White Rum and shifted out, obliging Gold Sovereign to race wide on the track.
Ornamental Figure (R. Wiggins) raced 3 wide for the majority of the race.
Race 2:
Class 4 Handicap - 1030m
1st - Je Ne Sais Pas; 2nd - Scent Of Gold; 3rd - August Fair
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Cherie O’Neil has nine horses in work. Her last two runners have been winners: “I just left the run of the race to Danny (Craven). I’ll give her another run ... try her over 1200m. Then I’ll probably give her a spell.”
Jockey Danny Craven: “Only a small field, drawn six, you’d think it wouldn’t be a problem. But then you jump and suddenly all of the five horses inside you are racing for position, so I was caught wide. I wasn’t concerned because she seemed to be comfortable. She had 58kg so I didn’t want to get into her, but I chased when I had to and she fought hard all the way to the line. Both Cherie (O’Neill) and I know that she is just crying out for 1200m now, which she’ll get next time.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, August Fair (S. Drake) had to be steadied when it improved on to the heels of Goyousoandso (S. Cormack). Je Ne Sias Ps (D. Craven) raced 3 wide throughout the race. A post-race veterinary examination of August Fair revealed the mare to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer M. Kropp was advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for August Fair prior to its next race start.
Race 3:
Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st – Octahedron; 2nd – Unapred; 3rd - Flirten
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Geoff Burns: “He’s got potential obviously, but he is still so green. He’s a four-year-old but acts like a two-year-old. He wants to run around. Still, he hasn’t run a bad race yet so it’s nice to have something to work with.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start, Faunius (P. Hammersley) shifted in and inconvenienced Royal Hope (B. Payne). Leaving the 1100m, Royal Hope over-raced and raced ungenerously for a short distance. R. McMahon, rider of Delezio, dropped his whip near the 250m. Near the 200m, Delezio had to be steadied when cramped for room between Flirten (J. Holder) and Octahedron (B. Pengelly), which was inclined to hang in. Octahedron continued to race ungenerously and shifted in, having to be straightened to avoid tightening Unapred (J. Byrne). J. Byrne, rider of Unapred, reported that his mount was inclined to lay in throughout the race. S. Drake, rider of Tickle Me Quick, was cautioned for using her whip excessively when the mare was out of contention. Trainer Mr G. George reported that following the disappointing run of Conbar, he intended to review the horse's current racing program.
Race 4:
Maiden Plate - 2060m
1st – Soutane; 2nd – Virgil; 3rd – Crackinghorseluck
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Matthew Palmer: “He did well enough. He started to feel the pinch a bit near the finish, but he has been crying out for this sort of distance and he raced accordingly.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT
When being restrained rounding the first turn, Homesick (R. Wiggins), shifted out slightly on to the heels of Crackinghorseluck (S. Scriven). Homesick (R. Wiggins) was caught wide after the start until assuming a position outside the leader leaving the 1200m. Leaving the 1100m, as a result of the pace slowing, Crackinghorseluck improved on to the heels of Homesick and shifted in, causing Trojan Joy to be hampered and shift in, making contact with the running rail. When tiring near the 500m, Trojan Joy struck the running rail and shifted out, making contact with Don Vito (N. Evans). Near the 100m, Virgil (J. Jones), which was inclined to shift in under pressure, brushed Soutane.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 2060m
1st - Thunder Beach; 2nd – Rockaria; 3rd - Cape Chivas
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “He was unlucky when stepping up to 1800m at the Coast last time. He had a perfect passage here and relished the longer trip. The further they go, the better he’ll be.”
Jockey Michael Heagney: “Had no worries in the run at all. Just pulled him out approaching the straight and he did the rest.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Denby was declared a late scratching on veterinary advice at 3.19 pm. Want To Break Free shifted out just past the winning post on the first occasion and made contact with Tornado Blitz (A. Taylor). Near the 1600m, Great Portent (A. Spinks) over-raced at the heels of Thunder Beach (M. Heagney) and had to be steadied. Great Portent then shifted out and proceeded to move forward 3 wide and assumed a position outside the leader near the 1400m. Passing the 1400m, Tornado Blitz (A. Taylor) had to be eased to avoid the heels of Temangum Bay which shifted in after being caught 3 wide. G. Hoobin, rider of Want To Break Free, was reprimanded for shifting his mount out abruptly near the 300m when not sufficiently clear of Temangum Bay and Deferred, resulting in those runners being forced wider on the track. G. Hoobin (Want To Break Free) dropped his whip near the 250m.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st – Firedrake; 2nd – Dewabbit; 3rd - General Albert
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner Hoss Heinrich: “This one’s got to be all about the jockey. Focus on the jockey. It is Tasha’s first city winner and she gave the horse an A Grade ride.”
Apprentice jockey Tasha Chambers: “It does mean a lot to me having my first city winner. It takes a bit to get here and to have it arrive in only my second ride in the town is also good. I’m so pleased it was on Firedrake as well. I ride him in work and he is one of my favourite horses. I’ve won on him before (at the Gold Coast) and I knew he had a big chance today. I had a fall at Murwillumbah on Monday and had a bit of bruising but I was alright to ride. So things go up and down, but it all came together. I’m very happy.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 800m, Dewabbit (S. Scriven) brushed the running rail when racing in restricted room inside General Albert (J. Jones), which was also hampered due to Periander (M. Bennett) which shifted in. M. Bennett, rider of Perianda, was cautioned and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Dauntless (M. Heagney) raced 3 wide throughout. A. Coome, rider of the 5th placegetter, Funk Soul Brother, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish of the race. Apprentice A. Coome, was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Jacaranda Charm; 2nd - Savanna La Mar; 3rd - West Of Hollywood
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Ruming: “We’ve had a bit of luck with Kevin (Forrester). He’s been good to us and we got a good result again. That’s why we stick with him.”
Jockey Kevin Forrester: “Sometimes you have got to ride for luck. When it works out, like it did today, it’s a great option. She just flew when given a gap. Hit the line beautifully.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Simian Express (L. Rolls) and Wifi (M. Paget) came together at the start. Near the 550m, Wifi shifted out from behind the heels of Savanna La Mar (P. Hammersley) and made contact with West Of Hollywood (A. Taylor). After being held up in the early stages of the straight and then being disappointed for a run between Lots Of Success (J. Byrne) and Bonne Affaire (C. Reith) near the 200m, The Third Bird (R. McMahon) could not obtain clear running over the final 200m and went to the line without being fully tested.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Chabeli, J. Jones stated that the horse travelled well throughout running, however when asked for an effort the mare did not respond. Trainer K. Kemp stated that prior to the race he notified stewards that he would instruct the jockey to take advantage of its wide barrier draw and race in a more forward position today. Mr Kemp added that in hindsight Chabeli may be better suited being ridden back rather than ridden to maintain a forward position. A post-race veterinary examination of Chabeli failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Trainer Mr L. Mayfield-Smith was interviewed regarding the disappointing performance of Simian Express. He stated that the horse had pleased him in preparation for today's race and had not had an over-taxing preparation, however he felt that there was a possibility the mare may be suffering from a seasonal complaint. Mr Mayfield-Smith undertook to monitor the horse's condition in the days following the race and would notify stewards of anything he felt may have had a bearing on the disappointing run today. A post-race veterinary examination of Simian Express failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, OCT 19)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, October 19.
The Bruce McLachlan stable flexed its muscles and went home with three winners on the day. Ready To Rise and Zibo were partnered by the stable’s number one jockey Sean Cormack, while Nathan Thomas did the honours aboard Johnny Cashless.
John O’Brien, the stable’s major owner, shared in the stable treble. O’Brien owns Johnny Cashless outright and is one of the co-owners of Ready To Rise and Zibo. Adding to O’Brien’s pleasure was the fact that he is also the breeder of Zibo.
I asked John O’Brien, if these results meant that the McLachlan stable was finally coming to hand after the stable had gone through a relatively quiet period.
“Bruce’s stable doesn’t run in and out of form,” answered O’Brien. “It just has a steady flow of winners. Believe me. I’ve been with him for twenty-five years. I know.
“We did make some sacrifices this time around,” continued O’Brien. “Because I’m from around those parts, we did take horses up to the Cairns carnival and that did set them back in terms of what those horses might have been doing locally.
Maybe that’s where the perception of things being quiet comes from. If you take eight horses out of commission it does make a difference. But no, as far as I’m concerned there’s no question of being in or out of form. It’s been business as usual.”
Apprentice jockey Jan Piper matched Sean Cormack’s haul of winners for the day to share the riding honours with a double. Piper scored on Debraith (for trainer David Gafa) and rounded off the day’s proceedings with a win on Arhondas (for trainer Natalie Hole) in the last.
Stewards had to deal with one protest. After weighing up the evidence, Craiglea Charm was confirmed as the winner of race seven for trainer Ray McCall, whose family rounded off a double one race later when McCall’s daughter Natalie Hole saddled Arhondas to victory.
Trainer Michael Lakey underlined his skill when he sent out the Ice Delight to her third win from only six starts.
Race 1:
3yo QTIS Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Ready To Rise; 2nd – Whataman; 3rd - Rogues
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner John O’Brien: “He is well-bred. Being by More Than Ready, Bruce (McLachlan) did think he would need some time to develop – and that’s just what we’ve given him. It was a pleasing result first-up.”
Trainer Bruce McLachlan: “He’s a really nice, very well-bred horse. I think he’ll go on to better things.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “They forced me wide. I didn’t really want to give him a hard run because he was just coming back from a spell. I wanted to hold him back as long as I could ... but being held wide changed that plan, so things didn’t quite work out that way. To his credit, he got the job done though and he’ll take a lot of benefit out of that run.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Barmazal (J. Byrne) raced greenly in the early stages and as a consequence near the 900m Moubassin (N. Thomas) had to be steadied off the heels of Barmazal and shifted out bumping Ready To Rise (S. Cormack). Count Sylvester (C. Dixon) was inclined to hang out during the middle stages of the event. Ready To Rise, Grey Mark (R. McMahon) and King Of Spring (D. Griffin) all raced wide for the majority of the event. Passing the 600m Moubassin had to be steadied off the heels of Shot Bar which shifted in. Near the 400m Isadonis (K. Wharton) was momentarily held up for clear running before being eased wider on the track. The track rating was upgraded to Dead 5 following the running of this event.
Race 2:
4yo and Up Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st – Debraith; 2nd - The Fifer; 3rd - Our Boy Lukas
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Gafa: “I’m shaking. This is quite an emotional win for me mate. I’ve been through so much with this horse. He’s had a knee-chip operation. He had a fractured sesamoid. He’s been out in the paddock so much because of his issues. But when he runs he is just such an honest horse. All of the perseverance has paid off with this win. It really means a lot to me.”
Apprentice jockey Jana Piper: “You know this trainer (David Gafa) has backed me since I started out. I have put in some bad rides for him, but he has never bagged me and has never stopped supporting me. I am just so pleased we could get this one together.
“We got a perfect run. The other horse actually headed me at one stage and I thought, ‘here we go, another second,’ but he kept fighting and proved too strong over the last 50m.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Craiglea Kate (K. Pope) raced wide for the majority of the event. Approaching the 200m Beachland (M. Paget) shifted out to improve and in doing so bumped Ivorbeatem (M. Heagney).
Race 3:
Class 2 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Ice Delight; 2nd – Zabullion; 3rd - Spanish Kiss
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Lakey: “He really likes this track and he proved that once again. He was pulling hard last time over 1300m so I elected to drop him back in distance. Once he switched out into daylight, he had them covered most of the way up the straight but Jason (Taylor) had to stick to it and make certain because he is quite a difficult ride.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m Krisalo (K. Wharton) was crowded for room by Zabullion (E. Wilkinson) which shifted in. Stormy Cruz (J. Brown) raced wide for the majority of the event. Leaving the 1000m Spanish Kiss (D. Griffin) had to alter course to avoid the heels of Zabullion which was inclined to shift out under pressure. The track rating was upgraded to Dead 4 following the running of this event.
Race 4:
Class 3 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Spin Zero; 2nd - Cole Trickle; 3rd - Chicago Boy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers: “He’s a stayer you know, so I wasn’t afraid to let him roll wherever he was comfortable doing it, particularly as I was told he was rock-hard fit so I didn’t worry about using him. I did think I had won it but I knew the other one (Cole Trickle) had made a dive, so I couldn’t be sure. He needs much more ground than this, so it was a good result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 700m Cole Trickle (O. Turpin) over-raced on the heels of Spin Zero (M. Speers). Near the 400m No Limitation shifted out and in doing so forced Chicago Boy wider, resulting in Chicago Boy shifting out and bumping Plenty Of Practise out on to Chaufuhr (E. Wilkinson).
Race 5:
Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Zibo; 2nd - Archway's Bliss; 3rd - Nice Looker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner John O’Brien (who also bred Zibo): “Sean (Cormack) was the one who said that the horse needs to have galloping room because it has a huge stride. He got that today and the result speaks for itself, although I must tell you, when Sean brought the horse back I said to him, ‘before you say anything, we hate people who say I told you so.’ That settled that. Very happy with the win. It is always satisfying when you bred them as well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1200m Give Away (N. Thomas) over-raced on the heels of Red Treasure (E. Wilkinson). Shreps (J. Piper) over-raced for a short distance approaching the 1000m. Nice Looker (S. Holcombe), Zibo (S. Cormack) and Ribless (C. Eaton) all raced wide for the majority of the event. Approaching the 400m Give Away improved up on to the heels of Red Treasure and had to be steadied. Near the 200m Mapadama (R. McMahon) shifted out under pressure and bumped Tic Toc Tiger (J. Taylor). Leaving the 100m Arcangela (R. Wiggins) was crowded for room by Thewayoflife (K. Wharton) which shifted in. As a consequence Arcangela shifted in and bumped Red Treasure.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Johnny Cashless; 2nd - Ken And Kim; 3rd - Through The Waves
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner John O’Brien: “Johnny Cashless has been a little bit of a problem child. We gelded him straight away. He was that type of horse. Then we had to deal with the problem of his being fractious at the barriers. He just remained a difficult horse to work with. Nathan Thomas put in a lot of time working with the horse to help him overcome his problems. Now, Sean (Cormack) would normally have had first choice of ride, as he does in the stable. Because of the work Nathan put in with Johnny Cashless, in this case, Nathan was given first option to ride him and I’m very pleased for him.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Whilst proceeding to the barriers Winxaarheart (S. Cormack) made contact with the false rail near the 1300m. The start of the race was delayed until that section of the rail was repaired. Winxaarheart was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. Leaving the 1000m Fenek Way (R. Wiggins), which had a tendency to over-race, shifted out. A short distance later Fenek Way shifted in tightening the running of Gracemere. Gracemere was held up for clear running for a short distance in the early stages of the straight.
When questioned regarding her riding of Ken And Kim over the final 50m, apprentice E. Wilson advised stewards that her whip had slipped from her grasp causing her to momentarily lose control, resulting in her being unable to ride her mount out fully to the finish of the race.
Race 7:
Class 6 Plate - 1200m
1st - Craiglea Charm; 2nd - Ima Joker; 3rd - Kanpeki
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray McCall: “There is a 1350m race in town in a couple of weeks and this was just meant to be a freshener for her. This was a touch short for her, but she fought all the way.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson lodged an objection, on behalf of the third placed runner Kanpeki, against both Craiglea Charm and Ima Joker.
Evidence submitted in the protest hearing included:
Eddie Wilkinson (rider of Kanpeki): “I took a run inside the last 100m. Initially there was plenty of room. Jockey Byrne’s horse (Craiglea Charm) then ran out. At the same time jockey Spinks’ horse (Ima Joker) ran in. The gap closed. That cost us the race.”
Jim Byrne (rider of Craiglea Charm): “I concede my horse did shift out two to three horse widths. To say that it cost them the race though is incorrect. I definitely didn’t hamper the other horse. At worst it was a minor brush.”
Andrew Spinks (rider of Ima Joker): I think the shift was minimal. Might have made contact, but I think it was more him with me, rather than me with him.”
Ray McCall (trainer of Craiglea Charm): “My mares moved out a fraction, but Jim’s put the stick away already. I think she’s holding them, if not moving away.”
Greg Kennedy (trainer of Kanpeki): “I disagree. I think Byrne only puts the stick away when he runs into my horse. We came from some six lengths behind so we had to be going better to get to them. We probably would have gone right through if the gap had stayed open. We were intimidated out of the run.”
The protest was dismissed.
Craiglea Charm’s time of 1.11.32 established a new class record.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale E. Wilkinson, the rider of 3rd placegetter Kanpeki, lodged objections against Craiglea Charm being declared the winner, and Ima Joker being declared the 2nd placegetter, alleging interference over the concluding 200m. After taking evidence from all parties and viewing the official race video, stewards found that although there was a shift outwards by Craiglea Charm and a slight shift inwards by Ima Joker, the margin separating the runners at the finish as well as the degree of interference was not sufficient to warrant a change of the Judge's placings and therefore dismissed the protest and declared correct weight on the numbers semaphored by the Judge.
At the 800m Runaway Shadow (C. Reith) was tightened for room when racing to the inside of That’s Better (J. Piper). J. Piper was reprimanded under AR. 137(a) for allowing her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear.
Passing the 800m O’Tonda (B. Pengelly) was crowded for room when racing to the inside of Fleeting Echo (T. Chambers) which was inclined to lay in. O’Tonda was inclined to lay in under pressure over the final 300m. A post-race veterinary examination of O’Tonda (B. Pengelly) failed to reveal any abnormalities. At the request of trainer A. Williamson, Millers Wheel was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon who reported that the gelding had pulled up slightly distressed.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st – Arhondas; 2nd – Hurricaneprince; 3rd - Jamelden Cat
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Jana Piper brought the Natalie Hole trained Arhondas home with a rush to land her second winner at the meeting – a result which carries her clear at the top of the current jockey’s ladder at the Sunshine Coast. Arhondas, who was racing first-up, is a lightly raced four-year-old who was scoring here for the second time in only six starts.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 700m Bionic Rock (M. Speers) was checked when racing between Jamelden Cat, which was taken out by Telerian (T. Chambers), and Hurricaneprince which shifted in and away from Arhondas (J. Piper). Room Two Sister was also inconvenienced in this incident. Near the 600m Bionic Rock, which was over-racing, at the heels of Jamelden Cat, shifted in tightening Room Two Sister, which resulted in Room Two Sister shifting out across the heels of Bionic Rock. Telerian and Bionic Rock were held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Leaving the 200m We’ve Got Issues shifted out and brushed Bionic Rock, resulting in Bionic Rock shifting out across the heels of Bellegal (R. McMahon).
The Bruce McLachlan stable flexed its muscles and went home with three winners on the day. Ready To Rise and Zibo were partnered by the stable’s number one jockey Sean Cormack, while Nathan Thomas did the honours aboard Johnny Cashless.
John O’Brien, the stable’s major owner, shared in the stable treble. O’Brien owns Johnny Cashless outright and is one of the co-owners of Ready To Rise and Zibo. Adding to O’Brien’s pleasure was the fact that he is also the breeder of Zibo.
I asked John O’Brien, if these results meant that the McLachlan stable was finally coming to hand after the stable had gone through a relatively quiet period.
“Bruce’s stable doesn’t run in and out of form,” answered O’Brien. “It just has a steady flow of winners. Believe me. I’ve been with him for twenty-five years. I know.
“We did make some sacrifices this time around,” continued O’Brien. “Because I’m from around those parts, we did take horses up to the Cairns carnival and that did set them back in terms of what those horses might have been doing locally.
Maybe that’s where the perception of things being quiet comes from. If you take eight horses out of commission it does make a difference. But no, as far as I’m concerned there’s no question of being in or out of form. It’s been business as usual.”
Apprentice jockey Jan Piper matched Sean Cormack’s haul of winners for the day to share the riding honours with a double. Piper scored on Debraith (for trainer David Gafa) and rounded off the day’s proceedings with a win on Arhondas (for trainer Natalie Hole) in the last.
Stewards had to deal with one protest. After weighing up the evidence, Craiglea Charm was confirmed as the winner of race seven for trainer Ray McCall, whose family rounded off a double one race later when McCall’s daughter Natalie Hole saddled Arhondas to victory.
Trainer Michael Lakey underlined his skill when he sent out the Ice Delight to her third win from only six starts.
Race 1:
3yo QTIS Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Ready To Rise; 2nd – Whataman; 3rd - Rogues
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner John O’Brien: “He is well-bred. Being by More Than Ready, Bruce (McLachlan) did think he would need some time to develop – and that’s just what we’ve given him. It was a pleasing result first-up.”
Trainer Bruce McLachlan: “He’s a really nice, very well-bred horse. I think he’ll go on to better things.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “They forced me wide. I didn’t really want to give him a hard run because he was just coming back from a spell. I wanted to hold him back as long as I could ... but being held wide changed that plan, so things didn’t quite work out that way. To his credit, he got the job done though and he’ll take a lot of benefit out of that run.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Barmazal (J. Byrne) raced greenly in the early stages and as a consequence near the 900m Moubassin (N. Thomas) had to be steadied off the heels of Barmazal and shifted out bumping Ready To Rise (S. Cormack). Count Sylvester (C. Dixon) was inclined to hang out during the middle stages of the event. Ready To Rise, Grey Mark (R. McMahon) and King Of Spring (D. Griffin) all raced wide for the majority of the event. Passing the 600m Moubassin had to be steadied off the heels of Shot Bar which shifted in. Near the 400m Isadonis (K. Wharton) was momentarily held up for clear running before being eased wider on the track. The track rating was upgraded to Dead 5 following the running of this event.
Race 2:
4yo and Up Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st – Debraith; 2nd - The Fifer; 3rd - Our Boy Lukas
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Gafa: “I’m shaking. This is quite an emotional win for me mate. I’ve been through so much with this horse. He’s had a knee-chip operation. He had a fractured sesamoid. He’s been out in the paddock so much because of his issues. But when he runs he is just such an honest horse. All of the perseverance has paid off with this win. It really means a lot to me.”
Apprentice jockey Jana Piper: “You know this trainer (David Gafa) has backed me since I started out. I have put in some bad rides for him, but he has never bagged me and has never stopped supporting me. I am just so pleased we could get this one together.
“We got a perfect run. The other horse actually headed me at one stage and I thought, ‘here we go, another second,’ but he kept fighting and proved too strong over the last 50m.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Craiglea Kate (K. Pope) raced wide for the majority of the event. Approaching the 200m Beachland (M. Paget) shifted out to improve and in doing so bumped Ivorbeatem (M. Heagney).
Race 3:
Class 2 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Ice Delight; 2nd – Zabullion; 3rd - Spanish Kiss
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Lakey: “He really likes this track and he proved that once again. He was pulling hard last time over 1300m so I elected to drop him back in distance. Once he switched out into daylight, he had them covered most of the way up the straight but Jason (Taylor) had to stick to it and make certain because he is quite a difficult ride.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m Krisalo (K. Wharton) was crowded for room by Zabullion (E. Wilkinson) which shifted in. Stormy Cruz (J. Brown) raced wide for the majority of the event. Leaving the 1000m Spanish Kiss (D. Griffin) had to alter course to avoid the heels of Zabullion which was inclined to shift out under pressure. The track rating was upgraded to Dead 4 following the running of this event.
Race 4:
Class 3 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Spin Zero; 2nd - Cole Trickle; 3rd - Chicago Boy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers: “He’s a stayer you know, so I wasn’t afraid to let him roll wherever he was comfortable doing it, particularly as I was told he was rock-hard fit so I didn’t worry about using him. I did think I had won it but I knew the other one (Cole Trickle) had made a dive, so I couldn’t be sure. He needs much more ground than this, so it was a good result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 700m Cole Trickle (O. Turpin) over-raced on the heels of Spin Zero (M. Speers). Near the 400m No Limitation shifted out and in doing so forced Chicago Boy wider, resulting in Chicago Boy shifting out and bumping Plenty Of Practise out on to Chaufuhr (E. Wilkinson).
Race 5:
Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Zibo; 2nd - Archway's Bliss; 3rd - Nice Looker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner John O’Brien (who also bred Zibo): “Sean (Cormack) was the one who said that the horse needs to have galloping room because it has a huge stride. He got that today and the result speaks for itself, although I must tell you, when Sean brought the horse back I said to him, ‘before you say anything, we hate people who say I told you so.’ That settled that. Very happy with the win. It is always satisfying when you bred them as well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1200m Give Away (N. Thomas) over-raced on the heels of Red Treasure (E. Wilkinson). Shreps (J. Piper) over-raced for a short distance approaching the 1000m. Nice Looker (S. Holcombe), Zibo (S. Cormack) and Ribless (C. Eaton) all raced wide for the majority of the event. Approaching the 400m Give Away improved up on to the heels of Red Treasure and had to be steadied. Near the 200m Mapadama (R. McMahon) shifted out under pressure and bumped Tic Toc Tiger (J. Taylor). Leaving the 100m Arcangela (R. Wiggins) was crowded for room by Thewayoflife (K. Wharton) which shifted in. As a consequence Arcangela shifted in and bumped Red Treasure.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Johnny Cashless; 2nd - Ken And Kim; 3rd - Through The Waves
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Owner John O’Brien: “Johnny Cashless has been a little bit of a problem child. We gelded him straight away. He was that type of horse. Then we had to deal with the problem of his being fractious at the barriers. He just remained a difficult horse to work with. Nathan Thomas put in a lot of time working with the horse to help him overcome his problems. Now, Sean (Cormack) would normally have had first choice of ride, as he does in the stable. Because of the work Nathan put in with Johnny Cashless, in this case, Nathan was given first option to ride him and I’m very pleased for him.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Whilst proceeding to the barriers Winxaarheart (S. Cormack) made contact with the false rail near the 1300m. The start of the race was delayed until that section of the rail was repaired. Winxaarheart was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. Leaving the 1000m Fenek Way (R. Wiggins), which had a tendency to over-race, shifted out. A short distance later Fenek Way shifted in tightening the running of Gracemere. Gracemere was held up for clear running for a short distance in the early stages of the straight.
When questioned regarding her riding of Ken And Kim over the final 50m, apprentice E. Wilson advised stewards that her whip had slipped from her grasp causing her to momentarily lose control, resulting in her being unable to ride her mount out fully to the finish of the race.
Race 7:
Class 6 Plate - 1200m
1st - Craiglea Charm; 2nd - Ima Joker; 3rd - Kanpeki
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray McCall: “There is a 1350m race in town in a couple of weeks and this was just meant to be a freshener for her. This was a touch short for her, but she fought all the way.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson lodged an objection, on behalf of the third placed runner Kanpeki, against both Craiglea Charm and Ima Joker.
Evidence submitted in the protest hearing included:
Eddie Wilkinson (rider of Kanpeki): “I took a run inside the last 100m. Initially there was plenty of room. Jockey Byrne’s horse (Craiglea Charm) then ran out. At the same time jockey Spinks’ horse (Ima Joker) ran in. The gap closed. That cost us the race.”
Jim Byrne (rider of Craiglea Charm): “I concede my horse did shift out two to three horse widths. To say that it cost them the race though is incorrect. I definitely didn’t hamper the other horse. At worst it was a minor brush.”
Andrew Spinks (rider of Ima Joker): I think the shift was minimal. Might have made contact, but I think it was more him with me, rather than me with him.”
Ray McCall (trainer of Craiglea Charm): “My mares moved out a fraction, but Jim’s put the stick away already. I think she’s holding them, if not moving away.”
Greg Kennedy (trainer of Kanpeki): “I disagree. I think Byrne only puts the stick away when he runs into my horse. We came from some six lengths behind so we had to be going better to get to them. We probably would have gone right through if the gap had stayed open. We were intimidated out of the run.”
The protest was dismissed.
Craiglea Charm’s time of 1.11.32 established a new class record.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale E. Wilkinson, the rider of 3rd placegetter Kanpeki, lodged objections against Craiglea Charm being declared the winner, and Ima Joker being declared the 2nd placegetter, alleging interference over the concluding 200m. After taking evidence from all parties and viewing the official race video, stewards found that although there was a shift outwards by Craiglea Charm and a slight shift inwards by Ima Joker, the margin separating the runners at the finish as well as the degree of interference was not sufficient to warrant a change of the Judge's placings and therefore dismissed the protest and declared correct weight on the numbers semaphored by the Judge.
At the 800m Runaway Shadow (C. Reith) was tightened for room when racing to the inside of That’s Better (J. Piper). J. Piper was reprimanded under AR. 137(a) for allowing her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear.
Passing the 800m O’Tonda (B. Pengelly) was crowded for room when racing to the inside of Fleeting Echo (T. Chambers) which was inclined to lay in. O’Tonda was inclined to lay in under pressure over the final 300m. A post-race veterinary examination of O’Tonda (B. Pengelly) failed to reveal any abnormalities. At the request of trainer A. Williamson, Millers Wheel was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon who reported that the gelding had pulled up slightly distressed.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
1st – Arhondas; 2nd – Hurricaneprince; 3rd - Jamelden Cat
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Jana Piper brought the Natalie Hole trained Arhondas home with a rush to land her second winner at the meeting – a result which carries her clear at the top of the current jockey’s ladder at the Sunshine Coast. Arhondas, who was racing first-up, is a lightly raced four-year-old who was scoring here for the second time in only six starts.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 700m Bionic Rock (M. Speers) was checked when racing between Jamelden Cat, which was taken out by Telerian (T. Chambers), and Hurricaneprince which shifted in and away from Arhondas (J. Piper). Room Two Sister was also inconvenienced in this incident. Near the 600m Bionic Rock, which was over-racing, at the heels of Jamelden Cat, shifted in tightening Room Two Sister, which resulted in Room Two Sister shifting out across the heels of Bionic Rock. Telerian and Bionic Rock were held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Leaving the 200m We’ve Got Issues shifted out and brushed Bionic Rock, resulting in Bionic Rock shifting out across the heels of Bellegal (R. McMahon).
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, OCT 18)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, October 18.
Michael Nolan took out the day’s training honours when he won with two out of the three runners he had engaged at the meeting. The Toowoomba based trainer opened his account with the smart Chakvetadze, who excelled in her first city run to maintain her unbeaten record. She is now three from three. Nolan’s second winner came in the form of Stood Up, who claimed his ninth career success. Nolan was denied a full house when Little Stranger failed by the proverbial nostril in the fourth race, just going down in the last half-stride to Prosecution.
In-form trainers Robert Heathcote and Brian Smith once again added to their steady flow of winners. Heathcote won with On The Up (Sean Cormack) and his only other runner on the day, Charvicky, finished second. Smith struck with Malandrina (Ric McMahon) and he matched Heathcote’s effort when his only other entry at the meeting, Regal Gaze, also finished in the runner-up slot.
Riding honours went to apprentice jockey Amy Taylor who scored her first city double aboard the two Michael Nolan trained winners. Like Nolan, Taylor too was a nose away from the hat-trick having just been snared in the last stride on Altaica in the opening event on the card.
Race 1:
NMW Handicap - 1600m
1st – Malandrina; 2nd – Altaica; 3rd - Barclays
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “It’s not often that you’re prepared to say a horse will improve heaps, but I’m pretty certain this one will. She was only cantering most of the way wasn’t she? That is until she got into trouble again. She was travelling too easy. She’s still not wound up properly.
“After last time (when traffic problems clearly cost Malandrina the race) Ric (McMahon) was always going to be looking to get out into the clear in the straight, but he again found trouble. She’s just doing it on ability alone at the moment. She’s got heaps of ability, but still has a lot to learn. She’ll go further. Her grandmother (Sherona) won a Toowoomba Cup.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “Yeah, we ran into problems. It was the kid on the horse inside me that kept shifting out and he took me out with him. She travelled well enough but it wasn’t as good a run as last time. She got out at about the 250m mark and from there she should have bolted home, but it turned into more of a grinding win. The important thing is that she got the job done in the end, but she’s looking for more ground now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 1300m, Falzig (J. Holder) shifted in and made contact with Malandrina (R. McMahon). A short distance later, Malandrina then shifted across to the rails when not fully clear of Altaica. As a consequence, Altaica was then inclined to pull hard at the heels of Malandrina for some distance. Approaching the 1000m, Jondy Rex (S. Drake) raced in restricted room between Our Mr Stilts and Mataranka, which shifted in. A short distance later, Jondy Rex, which had a tendency to over-race, shifted out from behind the heels of Mataranka (J. Byrne) and raced 3 wide in the middle stages. Tims Image pulled hard in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 400m, Malandrina shifted out from behind the heels of Leges Opinio (O. Turpin) and made contact with Ram Jam Inn (A. Spinks). On the finish line, Mataranka (J. Byrne) had to be eased from the heels of Falzig (J. Holder), which shifted in.
Race 2:
2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Our Dreaming; 2nd - Fear No Other; 3rd - Brazilian Princess
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Noel Doyle: “She’s got lots of ability this filly. I’ve always had a high opinion of her. From the word go she was just a natural little racehorse. Does everything so right. No, I was never worried about the wide barrier. They can win from that draw here. We’ll aim her at the Magic Millions. I’ll have to decide whether I will give her a break now and then come back with a couple of starts before the Magic Millions, or whether I’ll give her another start now and spell her later. I’ll think about that in the next few days.”
Jockey Matthew Bennett (who only had the one ride at the meeting): “I just gave her a squeeze out the barrier. She just does things so well. I never had any trouble throughout the running. My only concern was when I came down the straight with all of those tents on one side, I was a bit worried if she might react to the tents, being a two-year-old on her debut. But I needn’t have worried. Like I said, she does everything right.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the finish line, Lifebelt had to be steadied when racing between Duel Show (J. Taylor) and Startling Pleasure (A. Pattillo).
Race 3:
3yo Handicap - 1200m
1st –Chakvetadze; 2nd - Mystical Knight; 3rd – Brav ‘N' Ample
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “It was her first time over 1200m which was a worry. I was more even worried when she got so far back. That’s the furthest back she’s been in a race ... but she picked up well enough. She’s still learning obviously. But she’s three from three now. I’ll take that.”
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “When I got back she wanted to over-race. Then just after I steadied her she shifted out and bumped Pengelly’s horse (Fred The Legion). And then the two of us kept on bumping on and off for a couple of furlongs. She’s got gears though and she picked up very quickly when in the clear. She was tested in the finish when the other one (Mystical Knight) came at her, but she wasn’t stopping. It was a good first effort over 1200m.”
Chakvetadze remains unbeaten after three starts. Taylor has partnered the filly on each occasion.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, Chakvetadze (A. Taylor), which was pulling hard, shifted out, making heavy contact with Fred The Legion (B. Pengelly). Chakvetadze again shifted out near the 500m and made contact with Fred The Legion. A. Taylor, rider of Chakvetadze, was reprimanded and instructed to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Gorm The Old (R. McMahon) was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn. D. Coleman, rider of Lifebuoy, and J. Taylor, rider of Mr Orient, were reprimanded for use of their whips on horses out of contention. A post race veterinary examination of Arctic Echo failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1500m
1st – Prosecution; 2nd - Little Stranger; 3rd - Craiglea Warrior
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “He copped a check and went back at the start. That might have been a blessing in disguise because of the speed they put on up front. He got home very strongly and arrived just in time. Very good run for a ten-year-old”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prosecution (M. Palmer) was tightened for room at the start between Noreil (P. Hammersley) and Kutalo (A. Taylor), which knuckled on jumping away. Showify (J. Holder) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until after the 300m. Michael Palmer, rider of Little Stranger, dropped his whip approaching the 200m.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Hard To Catch, apprentice J. Jones stated that the horse travelled well throughout the race, however when asked for an effort shortly after straightening, Hard To Catch responded for a short distance only and did not finish the race off as expected. Trainer Mr P. Duff stated that whilst Hard To Catch had some travelling interstate recently, the gelding did not have its normal workload due to the recent wet tracks and that this may have had some effect on the disappointing performance. Mr P. Duff also reported that the horse's recovery today was slower than normal which may have been attributable to the missed work. Mr Duff undertook to notify stewards of any abnormality that may come to light with Hard To Catch. A post race veterinary examination of Hard To Catch failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 6 Plate - 2200m
1st - On The Up; 2nd - Regal Gaze; 3rd - Supreme Agenda
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “It was his day today and I was confident it was going to be. Plenty of people have been quick to bag this horse this prep. He’s been racing on soft tracks in walk-and-sprint races. This is the first time he got the track he wanted and the speed he needed. He outstayed them today. You know I like being right. It doesn’t always happen, but I like it when it does.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “Last time I rode him I should have taken him to the front. Scattergun led that race. That’s how slow the pace was. He ran on nicely enough to finish fifth and some people thought that might just about be his level. I told Rob I thought he would go better when there was true speed in the race – and so it proved. Look, he’s not going to Hollywood, but it was a sound enough win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
La Zeel (M. Palmer) jumped away awkwardly. Grand Corso (J. Byrne) pulled hard in the early stages. Rory’s Thunder (A. Spinks) was inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. On the point of straightening, Chiefcomingfirst (P. Hammersley) was held up behind the heels of Supreme Agenda (O. Turpin). J. Taylor, rider of Uncle Jan, dropped his whip near the 350m. Approaching the 200m, P. Hammersley attempted to position Chiefcomingfirst to obtain a run to the inside of La Zeel where there was insufficient room and had to be checked. Chiefcomingfirst then shifted to the outside of La Zeel to obtain clear running.
When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of On The Up, trainer Mr R. Heathcote stated that the horse had not been suited by the spate of wet tracks in the past and also had not appreciated the pattern of racing at its most recent starts. He added that today's race seemed to be a more genuine stayer's test and the gelding was better suited by the pattern of today's race. The explanation was noted.
Race 6:
2yo Handicap - 1200m
1st - Stood Up; 2nd - Main Vein; 3rd - Instructed
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “We gave him a good break before this prep. Both runs back have been good, behind Simplest first-up and then the run behind Rasmussen at the coast last time was real good. So he was due to do well here.”
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “He just went enormous. Once he switched out he just took off. I can’t believe it. This is my first city double – and it should have been three.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Danzamonkey (B. Pengelly) jumped away awkwardly and made heavy contact with the barrier partition. Following the race, B. Pengelly reported that his left foot was injured when his mount struck the barriers on jumping away. B. Pengelly reported that Danzamonkey was inclined to hang out rounding the first turn and for some distance in the middle stages. Approaching the 200m, C. McIver, rider of Try Some Magic, was restricted in testing his mount due to the gelding hanging out. Master Illusion broke down on straightening and was retired from the race near the 200m. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that the horse had injured its near foreleg and due to the extent of the injuries, the horse was euthanized on humane grounds. Russeting (A. Coome) raced 3 wide for the entire race.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Lifeboat, trainer B. Thompson stated that, in his opinion, the gelding had come to the end of its preparation and would now be sent for a spell.
Trainer M. Nolan was questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Stood Up. He stated the horse was having its third run back today from a spell today, and that he had gained confidence in its chances today after Stood Up was beaten less than 4 lengths by Rasmussen at the Gold Coast after racing extremely wide.
Race 7:
Open Handicap- 1000m
1st – Sequallan; 2nd - Daunting Lad; 3rd - Black Ink
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron Maund: “I took him to Sydney with Vocalic. I wanted to see if they could take the next step up. Vocalic had a trial, but ended up not even having a race there. Sequallan raced twice and finished last both times, but he had excuses. His first run there was suicidal. (Jockey) Dye took him out at Australian record breaking pace. It was suicidal. He had no chance. Second run, the draw took care of him. Couldn’t get in. Again he had no chance. That’s why I wasn’t worried about those results.
“So it’s proved a worthwhile exercise bringing them back. (Vocalic also won on his return home). He’s turned into a bit of a 1000m specialist this horse. He went really well.”
Jockey Jim Byrne: “I was always very happy where I was in the running. The last run in Sydney I just couldn’t get in so the result wasn’t as bad as it looked on paper. I didn’t ride him in the run before that, but three runs back I was on him when he finished a good second to Simplest ... and he reproduced that form here.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 200m, Black Ink (O. Turpin) was cramped for room between Michelle Cafea (C. McIver) and Mr Aristos (R. Wiggins), which shifted out, and then approaching the 100m, Black Ink was again cramped for room between Michelle Cafea and Mr Aristos, which continued to shift out. Heart Of The Citi was held up and had difficulty gaining clear running until after leaving the 300m.
Race 8:
Class 6 Handicap- 1400m
1st -Our Jangles; 2nd – Charvicky; 3rd - Sun For Sale
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “She’s been a bit unlucky. She got the split at exactly when she needed it today and she showed what she can do.”
Jockey Ken Pope: “She got a great split at the top of the straight and just kept going. She fought like a tiger, mate. The only time I was worried was right on the line. I saw the other one (Charvicky) coming. I knew it had made a dive and I thought, ‘Jeez, did I lose it in the very last stride’. But it all turned out well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
For some distance passing the 1200m, Phoenix Express (M. Palmer) pulled hard, having to be restrained off the heels of Charvicky (A. Coome). My First Affair also pulled hard leaving the 1200m. Sun For Sale (A. Spinks) was trapped 3 wide rounding the first turn. Leaving the 400m, Phoenix Express shifted out to improve and made contact with My First Affair. Tag had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight. Charvicky was held up for clear running in the straight until near the 200m. Thorondo (M. Radecker) and Smart And Fast raced 3 wide for the majority of the event. Near the finish line, Woody ‘N’ Buzz (G. Colless) was cramped for room between Charvicky and Our Jangles (K. Pope) when both horses shifted ground slightly near the finish line. Close to the finish line, Mr Doyle had to be momentarily eased to avoid the heels of Woody ‘N’ Buzz (G. Colless). J. Byrne, rider of La Salle, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the finish line.
Stewards questioned jockey R. McMahon and trainer Mrs M. Thexton in relation to My First Affair settling further back in the field than expected. R. McMahon stated that the horse today was a little slow to begin and whilst it was the intention to take up a forward position, he received some tightening at the start and this resulted in the horse being placed further back than he had expected. After viewing the film and hearing the comments of Mrs Thexton, stewards noted the circumstances.
When questioned as to Mr Doyle settling at the rear of the field today, B. Pengelly stated that the connections had instructed him to ride the horse back in the field from its wide draw He stated that whilst he had received some tightening at the start, his intention was always to restrain the horse rather than be trapped wide. His comments were noted.
Michael Nolan took out the day’s training honours when he won with two out of the three runners he had engaged at the meeting. The Toowoomba based trainer opened his account with the smart Chakvetadze, who excelled in her first city run to maintain her unbeaten record. She is now three from three. Nolan’s second winner came in the form of Stood Up, who claimed his ninth career success. Nolan was denied a full house when Little Stranger failed by the proverbial nostril in the fourth race, just going down in the last half-stride to Prosecution.
In-form trainers Robert Heathcote and Brian Smith once again added to their steady flow of winners. Heathcote won with On The Up (Sean Cormack) and his only other runner on the day, Charvicky, finished second. Smith struck with Malandrina (Ric McMahon) and he matched Heathcote’s effort when his only other entry at the meeting, Regal Gaze, also finished in the runner-up slot.
Riding honours went to apprentice jockey Amy Taylor who scored her first city double aboard the two Michael Nolan trained winners. Like Nolan, Taylor too was a nose away from the hat-trick having just been snared in the last stride on Altaica in the opening event on the card.
Race 1:
NMW Handicap - 1600m
1st – Malandrina; 2nd – Altaica; 3rd - Barclays
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “It’s not often that you’re prepared to say a horse will improve heaps, but I’m pretty certain this one will. She was only cantering most of the way wasn’t she? That is until she got into trouble again. She was travelling too easy. She’s still not wound up properly.
“After last time (when traffic problems clearly cost Malandrina the race) Ric (McMahon) was always going to be looking to get out into the clear in the straight, but he again found trouble. She’s just doing it on ability alone at the moment. She’s got heaps of ability, but still has a lot to learn. She’ll go further. Her grandmother (Sherona) won a Toowoomba Cup.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “Yeah, we ran into problems. It was the kid on the horse inside me that kept shifting out and he took me out with him. She travelled well enough but it wasn’t as good a run as last time. She got out at about the 250m mark and from there she should have bolted home, but it turned into more of a grinding win. The important thing is that she got the job done in the end, but she’s looking for more ground now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 1300m, Falzig (J. Holder) shifted in and made contact with Malandrina (R. McMahon). A short distance later, Malandrina then shifted across to the rails when not fully clear of Altaica. As a consequence, Altaica was then inclined to pull hard at the heels of Malandrina for some distance. Approaching the 1000m, Jondy Rex (S. Drake) raced in restricted room between Our Mr Stilts and Mataranka, which shifted in. A short distance later, Jondy Rex, which had a tendency to over-race, shifted out from behind the heels of Mataranka (J. Byrne) and raced 3 wide in the middle stages. Tims Image pulled hard in the early and middle stages. Leaving the 400m, Malandrina shifted out from behind the heels of Leges Opinio (O. Turpin) and made contact with Ram Jam Inn (A. Spinks). On the finish line, Mataranka (J. Byrne) had to be eased from the heels of Falzig (J. Holder), which shifted in.
Race 2:
2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Our Dreaming; 2nd - Fear No Other; 3rd - Brazilian Princess
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Noel Doyle: “She’s got lots of ability this filly. I’ve always had a high opinion of her. From the word go she was just a natural little racehorse. Does everything so right. No, I was never worried about the wide barrier. They can win from that draw here. We’ll aim her at the Magic Millions. I’ll have to decide whether I will give her a break now and then come back with a couple of starts before the Magic Millions, or whether I’ll give her another start now and spell her later. I’ll think about that in the next few days.”
Jockey Matthew Bennett (who only had the one ride at the meeting): “I just gave her a squeeze out the barrier. She just does things so well. I never had any trouble throughout the running. My only concern was when I came down the straight with all of those tents on one side, I was a bit worried if she might react to the tents, being a two-year-old on her debut. But I needn’t have worried. Like I said, she does everything right.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the finish line, Lifebelt had to be steadied when racing between Duel Show (J. Taylor) and Startling Pleasure (A. Pattillo).
Race 3:
3yo Handicap - 1200m
1st –Chakvetadze; 2nd - Mystical Knight; 3rd – Brav ‘N' Ample
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “It was her first time over 1200m which was a worry. I was more even worried when she got so far back. That’s the furthest back she’s been in a race ... but she picked up well enough. She’s still learning obviously. But she’s three from three now. I’ll take that.”
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “When I got back she wanted to over-race. Then just after I steadied her she shifted out and bumped Pengelly’s horse (Fred The Legion). And then the two of us kept on bumping on and off for a couple of furlongs. She’s got gears though and she picked up very quickly when in the clear. She was tested in the finish when the other one (Mystical Knight) came at her, but she wasn’t stopping. It was a good first effort over 1200m.”
Chakvetadze remains unbeaten after three starts. Taylor has partnered the filly on each occasion.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, Chakvetadze (A. Taylor), which was pulling hard, shifted out, making heavy contact with Fred The Legion (B. Pengelly). Chakvetadze again shifted out near the 500m and made contact with Fred The Legion. A. Taylor, rider of Chakvetadze, was reprimanded and instructed to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Gorm The Old (R. McMahon) was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn. D. Coleman, rider of Lifebuoy, and J. Taylor, rider of Mr Orient, were reprimanded for use of their whips on horses out of contention. A post race veterinary examination of Arctic Echo failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1500m
1st – Prosecution; 2nd - Little Stranger; 3rd - Craiglea Warrior
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “He copped a check and went back at the start. That might have been a blessing in disguise because of the speed they put on up front. He got home very strongly and arrived just in time. Very good run for a ten-year-old”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prosecution (M. Palmer) was tightened for room at the start between Noreil (P. Hammersley) and Kutalo (A. Taylor), which knuckled on jumping away. Showify (J. Holder) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until after the 300m. Michael Palmer, rider of Little Stranger, dropped his whip approaching the 200m.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Hard To Catch, apprentice J. Jones stated that the horse travelled well throughout the race, however when asked for an effort shortly after straightening, Hard To Catch responded for a short distance only and did not finish the race off as expected. Trainer Mr P. Duff stated that whilst Hard To Catch had some travelling interstate recently, the gelding did not have its normal workload due to the recent wet tracks and that this may have had some effect on the disappointing performance. Mr P. Duff also reported that the horse's recovery today was slower than normal which may have been attributable to the missed work. Mr Duff undertook to notify stewards of any abnormality that may come to light with Hard To Catch. A post race veterinary examination of Hard To Catch failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 6 Plate - 2200m
1st - On The Up; 2nd - Regal Gaze; 3rd - Supreme Agenda
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “It was his day today and I was confident it was going to be. Plenty of people have been quick to bag this horse this prep. He’s been racing on soft tracks in walk-and-sprint races. This is the first time he got the track he wanted and the speed he needed. He outstayed them today. You know I like being right. It doesn’t always happen, but I like it when it does.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “Last time I rode him I should have taken him to the front. Scattergun led that race. That’s how slow the pace was. He ran on nicely enough to finish fifth and some people thought that might just about be his level. I told Rob I thought he would go better when there was true speed in the race – and so it proved. Look, he’s not going to Hollywood, but it was a sound enough win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
La Zeel (M. Palmer) jumped away awkwardly. Grand Corso (J. Byrne) pulled hard in the early stages. Rory’s Thunder (A. Spinks) was inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. On the point of straightening, Chiefcomingfirst (P. Hammersley) was held up behind the heels of Supreme Agenda (O. Turpin). J. Taylor, rider of Uncle Jan, dropped his whip near the 350m. Approaching the 200m, P. Hammersley attempted to position Chiefcomingfirst to obtain a run to the inside of La Zeel where there was insufficient room and had to be checked. Chiefcomingfirst then shifted to the outside of La Zeel to obtain clear running.
When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of On The Up, trainer Mr R. Heathcote stated that the horse had not been suited by the spate of wet tracks in the past and also had not appreciated the pattern of racing at its most recent starts. He added that today's race seemed to be a more genuine stayer's test and the gelding was better suited by the pattern of today's race. The explanation was noted.
Race 6:
2yo Handicap - 1200m
1st - Stood Up; 2nd - Main Vein; 3rd - Instructed
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “We gave him a good break before this prep. Both runs back have been good, behind Simplest first-up and then the run behind Rasmussen at the coast last time was real good. So he was due to do well here.”
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “He just went enormous. Once he switched out he just took off. I can’t believe it. This is my first city double – and it should have been three.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Danzamonkey (B. Pengelly) jumped away awkwardly and made heavy contact with the barrier partition. Following the race, B. Pengelly reported that his left foot was injured when his mount struck the barriers on jumping away. B. Pengelly reported that Danzamonkey was inclined to hang out rounding the first turn and for some distance in the middle stages. Approaching the 200m, C. McIver, rider of Try Some Magic, was restricted in testing his mount due to the gelding hanging out. Master Illusion broke down on straightening and was retired from the race near the 200m. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that the horse had injured its near foreleg and due to the extent of the injuries, the horse was euthanized on humane grounds. Russeting (A. Coome) raced 3 wide for the entire race.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Lifeboat, trainer B. Thompson stated that, in his opinion, the gelding had come to the end of its preparation and would now be sent for a spell.
Trainer M. Nolan was questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Stood Up. He stated the horse was having its third run back today from a spell today, and that he had gained confidence in its chances today after Stood Up was beaten less than 4 lengths by Rasmussen at the Gold Coast after racing extremely wide.
Race 7:
Open Handicap- 1000m
1st – Sequallan; 2nd - Daunting Lad; 3rd - Black Ink
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron Maund: “I took him to Sydney with Vocalic. I wanted to see if they could take the next step up. Vocalic had a trial, but ended up not even having a race there. Sequallan raced twice and finished last both times, but he had excuses. His first run there was suicidal. (Jockey) Dye took him out at Australian record breaking pace. It was suicidal. He had no chance. Second run, the draw took care of him. Couldn’t get in. Again he had no chance. That’s why I wasn’t worried about those results.
“So it’s proved a worthwhile exercise bringing them back. (Vocalic also won on his return home). He’s turned into a bit of a 1000m specialist this horse. He went really well.”
Jockey Jim Byrne: “I was always very happy where I was in the running. The last run in Sydney I just couldn’t get in so the result wasn’t as bad as it looked on paper. I didn’t ride him in the run before that, but three runs back I was on him when he finished a good second to Simplest ... and he reproduced that form here.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 200m, Black Ink (O. Turpin) was cramped for room between Michelle Cafea (C. McIver) and Mr Aristos (R. Wiggins), which shifted out, and then approaching the 100m, Black Ink was again cramped for room between Michelle Cafea and Mr Aristos, which continued to shift out. Heart Of The Citi was held up and had difficulty gaining clear running until after leaving the 300m.
Race 8:
Class 6 Handicap- 1400m
1st -Our Jangles; 2nd – Charvicky; 3rd - Sun For Sale
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “She’s been a bit unlucky. She got the split at exactly when she needed it today and she showed what she can do.”
Jockey Ken Pope: “She got a great split at the top of the straight and just kept going. She fought like a tiger, mate. The only time I was worried was right on the line. I saw the other one (Charvicky) coming. I knew it had made a dive and I thought, ‘Jeez, did I lose it in the very last stride’. But it all turned out well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
For some distance passing the 1200m, Phoenix Express (M. Palmer) pulled hard, having to be restrained off the heels of Charvicky (A. Coome). My First Affair also pulled hard leaving the 1200m. Sun For Sale (A. Spinks) was trapped 3 wide rounding the first turn. Leaving the 400m, Phoenix Express shifted out to improve and made contact with My First Affair. Tag had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight. Charvicky was held up for clear running in the straight until near the 200m. Thorondo (M. Radecker) and Smart And Fast raced 3 wide for the majority of the event. Near the finish line, Woody ‘N’ Buzz (G. Colless) was cramped for room between Charvicky and Our Jangles (K. Pope) when both horses shifted ground slightly near the finish line. Close to the finish line, Mr Doyle had to be momentarily eased to avoid the heels of Woody ‘N’ Buzz (G. Colless). J. Byrne, rider of La Salle, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right to the finish line.
Stewards questioned jockey R. McMahon and trainer Mrs M. Thexton in relation to My First Affair settling further back in the field than expected. R. McMahon stated that the horse today was a little slow to begin and whilst it was the intention to take up a forward position, he received some tightening at the start and this resulted in the horse being placed further back than he had expected. After viewing the film and hearing the comments of Mrs Thexton, stewards noted the circumstances.
When questioned as to Mr Doyle settling at the rear of the field today, B. Pengelly stated that the connections had instructed him to ride the horse back in the field from its wide draw He stated that whilst he had received some tightening at the start, his intention was always to restrain the horse rather than be trapped wide. His comments were noted.
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