A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, November 23.
A treble from apprentice jockey Owen Turpin, for three different trainers, was a highlight of the meeting. Turpin’s treble came on the back of a city win on Saturday and a double on Friday. Six wins in three days is pretty good going by any standards. The five wins on Friday and Sunday have taken Turpin past the previous dual leaders, Sean Cormack and Jana Piper, to place him at the top of the Sunshine Coast Jockeys Premiership.
Racing was keen with seven of the eight races being decided by a margin of a length or less.
Race 1:
QTIS Maiden 2yo Plate - 1000m
1st - Craiglea Blondie; 2nd - Lissoy's Lass; 3rd - Dienekes
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Natalie Hole: “She is one of my favourites. I haven’t wanted to give her too hard a gallop in work so that was the first time she had to chase anything. Still very green, but she did it well.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “Still very green obviously. She was running around and really wanted to run in behind the leading horse (Lissoy’s Lass) when putting in her challenge. I just had to pull her out again and she was always going too well for them.”
This was an eye-catching victory from the first-timer. The level of opposition can be questioned, but there was plenty to like about the way Craiglea Blonde came through her first assignment, not getting too lost while doing a lot of things wrong, and showing both ability and character in the finish to complete the job with a flourish.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Miss Sanctity (K. Pope) began awkwardly and raced greenly throughout. After taking evidence from jockey K. Pope and receiving an undertaking from trainer Mr M. Mair that he would have the filly compete in a long jump-out prior to starting again, stewards placed a warning on Miss Sanctity regarding its racing manners Correct weight was delayed when apprentice J. Brown was dislodged from Lissoy’s Lass who came back without any apparent injury on return to scale.
Race 2:
Maiden Handicap- 1000m
1st - Faunius; 2nd - Flirten; 3rd - Logan's Hero
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Ryan Wiggins: “We never went around another horse which helped a lot. He was pretty much one-paced from halfway up the straight though, so I thought, here we go, but thankfully he did enough to get the result.”
Faunius brought average city midweek form to the coast. The blinkers went on again, but whether that made any significant difference remains to be seen in more testing conditions. The gelding settled on the rail tracking the early speed and was allowed the liberty of an un-impeded rails-hugging run all the way down the straight. Faunius won the race with a forward move between the 300m and the 150m, by which time he had established enough of a break to hold off the faster finishing Flirten. The latter had been held wide throughout, a factor which certainly played a part in the result.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Flirten jumped away awkwardly, resulting in jockey J. Taylor momentarily losing his balance. The saddle on Kellina’s Shadow shifted near the 500m, resulting in jockey K. Pope being disadvantaged for the remainder of the event. Logan’s Hero (A. Merritt) laid in over the concluding stages. Len’s Gift (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 3:
Class 4 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Casa Cardoso; 2nd - Dauntless; 3rd - Kings Artist
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “His been running against some fair horses (Atomic Huss, Je Ne Sais Pas, Fasliyev Dancer). He goes well at this track and he was ridden well, so we were lucky we could get it all together on the day.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “Trevor (Miller) said I should try to save him without fighting him. That was basically the instructions – and then to see how we could come home from there. He did settle which apparently he doesn’t always do. Apparently he generally pulls early and plods late. But I got him to settle this time ... and then he had to fight hard to win. Trevor said he was surprised how well he came home. He hit the line good because he was able to relax early on.”
Casa Cardoso settled last in the five horse field and had some ground to make up turning into the straight. He wasted little time in moving into contention and just when it seemed he would have the others comfortably covered, Dauntless, who had also bided his time towards the rear of the field, switched off the rail and pushed forward along Casa Cardoso’s inside. These two runners joined issue in a hard-fought, stride for stride battle to the line with Casa Cardoso getting the decision by a nose.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer D. Murphy pleaded guilty to contravening AR68A(2) in that he entered Key To Happiness for this race for the purpose of effecting the total number of acceptors for this event. Mr Murphy was fined $500. Jockey B. Pengelly was reprimanded for allowing Kings Artist to shift in near the 500m, resulting in Dauntless (M. Heagney) having to be steadied. When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Kings Artist B. Pengelly stated that the horse travelled well, however failed to show his customary acceleration when placed under pressure in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Kings Artist failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Maiden Plate - 1400m
1st - Grand Goodway; 2nd - Fly Misty; 3rd - Probability
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bryan Guy trained Grand Goodway landed in a perfect position and sat in fourth placing just off the speed until the home turn. As the field straighten up, Fly Misty took over the running from the early frontrunner Lord Benson. Jockey Paul Hammersley now had Grand Goodway hard on the heels of Fly Misty and the chase was on. It took the whole length of the straight, a hard ride by Hammersley and a determined response from the three-year-old colt before Grand Goodway was able to snatch the prize away from Fly Misty in the shadow of the post.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seven Shadows (M. Heagney) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Mercent (M. Hughes). Natural Elle (R. Hancock) jumped away awkwardly. Shortly after the start, the saddle on Tanoshimi shifted forward, placing O. Turpin at a disadvantage and as a result Tanoshimi was forced to race wide throughout. Trainer M. Lloyd was advised that Seven Shadows, which finished a distant last, would be barred from provincial class racing until the mare establishes country form.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Frisco's In Charge; 2nd - Chicago Boy; 3rd - Bold Distinction
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Frank Phillips: “He was favourite because he was the best horse in the race and he won like the best horse in the race. The jockey (Owen Turpin) rode him a treat.”
“I’m the fifth trainer Owen’s been with. He went through four trainers in quick time and had only ridden four winners in the bush when he came to me a year-and-a-half ago. Now he’s ridden over eighty winners in total. He’s ridden fifty provincial winners. He’s just going from strength to strength.”
So was has been the difference? Why has Turpin lasted with Phillips and why is he doing well?
Phillips: “I wouldn’t put up with his sh..t. He wouldn’t listen. Had a reputation of someone who wouldn’t listen. I told him, he either knuckles down and makes a go of his riding career, or he could leave. I gave him the option. To his credit, he stuck it out. He’s got a different attitude now and it shows in his riding.”
I mentioned to Phillips the fact that Larry Olsen had given Turpin a similar rap at Eagle Farm on Saturday (see Eagle Farm Review 22-11-08 – race 8). Philips nodded knowingly.
Phillips: “I’ve told Owen. ‘Compared to what you know, Larry Olsen is a professor’. Listen and learn ... and it is good to know that now, unlike when he started, he is doing just that.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “I had a good barrier ... got to the rail and just sat off the speed. I was in a bit of a pocket just before the turn. When I saw Ray Hancock was already having to get to work on his mount (the leader Dustmen) right in front of me, I thought this is either going to turn out very bad or very good. I thought he was either going to come back in my face or he was going to roll off the fence. Luckily he rolled off and gave me the run I needed. After that, we only had to run down Chicago Boy. It took a while, but we were always going to get there.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seekawinner (D. Gill) raced wide throughout. Apprentice G. Butler was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight. AR145.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Ready To Rise; 2nd - Joburg Angel; 3rd - Deniro Muy Grande
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “He’s been working very well. He had no luck last time. I still think he is a 1400m horse. The only reason we came back in distance (to 1200m) was because there was no other suitable race for him. That’s why our horses clashed actually (the McLachlan stable ran the quinella). It’s sometimes difficult to find suitable races for our runners.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “It was pretty much the same tactics as my win on Frisco’s In Charge. It was a bit easier in that, being a bit wider, I didn’t have to sweat for a run and also he went clear pretty early in the straight.”
The most clear-cut winner of the day did it easy. Ready To Rise tracked the leaders before making a forward move early in the straight. He had his race won a long way from home and came back a convincing winner by a comfortable three length margin.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ready To Rise (O. Turpin) jumped outwards at the start and hampered Lucky Landing (A. Merritt). Afleet Boy (R. Hancock) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Near the 500m, Deniro Muy Grande (E. Wilkinson) improved up on to the heels of Hayil And Hearty (D. Gill) and when being restrained became unbalanced. Joburg Angel (K. Pope) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1000m
1st - Black Suit; 2nd - General Patton; 3rd - Sommersea Drive
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Richie Stephenson: “He’s been a very good horse for us. He cost $10 000 and he’s won thirteen races now and something like $235 000 in stakes. You’ve got to take expenses off that of course, but we’re still nicely ahead. The instructions were simple. Jump out and win – really instructions go out of the window once the barriers open, so I just leave it at, jump out and win. I nearly had a heart attack at the 50m when the two of them (Black Suit and General Patton) were fighting it out. I thought, come on, hurry up. I wanted the post to come and us to be in front. On the line I thought we’d got it.”
Black Suit was prominently positioned in third placing until the turn. The gelding was momentarily held up on straightening and Garry Baker had to go to work to get the seven-year-old to push forward along the inside of the track. General Patton, after biding his time in the second half of the field, was now making up ground quickly along the outside. Halfway up the straight, Baker was still urging his mount along, but General Patton appeared to have them all covered. These two contenders had three other runners between them coming through the 200m mark, but they quickly dropped those rivals to make it a two horse race to the line. General Patton shifted in to run right up alongside Black Suit, which seemed to give Black Suit extra impetus and he fought back to take the honours by the narrowest of margins.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Griffin Gate (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. Black Suit (G. Baker) shifted out at the start and made contact with Dynamic Dancing (J. Kropp). Black Suit then became unbalanced and shifted in, making contact with Slick Trick (S. Mossman). Leaving the 200m, Griffen Gate (K. Wharton) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Key Bar Nights (K. Pope), which shifted out and Sommersea Drive, which shifted in slightly. K. Pope, rider of Key Bar Nights was reprimanded and advised that when his mounts shift ground, he must stop riding and straighten sooner than he did on this occasion.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Mauries Pick; 2nd - Box Seat; 3rd - Good Medicine
Trainer Clive Sinton: “I’ve only had him for three runs. He had the two starts on the Cushion Track. Two starts over 1000m and 1100m on the Cushion Track is the equivalent of two 1200m races. So he’s done a lot of work. He stepped up to 1600m and I told Eddie (Wilkinson) to get him going early. We’ll probably stay over this sort of trip for a couple of runs and he should go further later.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1200m, Ardmilan (B. Thompson) had to be checked when Legal Technicality (A. Spinks), which had commenced to over-race, shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Box Seat (M. Heagney) raced wide from a point leaving the 700m.
M. Heagney, rider of Box Seat, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 200m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Zibo (K. Pope), resulting in Zibo being forced across the heels of Good Medicine (R. Goltz) and having to be checked. M. Heagney was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 24 November and to expire at midnight, 4 December 2008.
Mauries Pick (E. Wilkinson) shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination of Raining Kings revealed the gelding had quartered its heel on the off foreleg.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, NOV 22)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, November 22.
Race 1:
2yo Fillies Handicap - 1000m
1st - Dual Chamber; 2nd – Fairchild; 3rd - Crystal Honour
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Maryann Thexton: “We always thought she was a talented filly but she got her knickers in a knot last time (on debut). We had to go back to the barriers and that to get some things sorted out. She was just so professional this time. She was so genuine and got home beautifully. She’ll go to the paddock now. I think she’ll furnish into a really beautiful filly and she should go well over more ground.”
Jockey Matthew Palmer: “The plan was to try and sit just off the speed but she was outpaced early and dropped back. So she was left chasing in the middle part but, once she balanced up in the straight she really set about her business and hit the line hard.”
Dual Chamber was chased from a wide draw but couldn’t muster the speed required to race in a prominent position. The two favourites Fairchild and Brazilian Express had the race to themselves in the early part. They were tracked by the first-timer Disputed Bid, who switched out at the head of the straight to threaten the two frontrunners. At this stage Dual Chamber was still some four lengths in arrears and, for a brief moment, she continued to mark time as Fairchild won the battle at the head of affairs and skipped clear, looking every inch a winner. Once Palmer angled her out for a run, Dual Chamber reacted with greater urgency and lengthened her stride with meaning. The chase was always going to end in a close call as Dual Chamber cut into the advantage of Fairchild with every stride, and, as the latter tired late, Dual Chamber surge took her past the second favourite in the shadow of the post to win by a neck. The winner Dual Chamber had blinkers on for the first time and tongue tie on for the first time.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 600m, First Option (K. Pope) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Dual Chamber (M. Palmer), which shifted in away from Melrina Miss (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly. Near the 150m, Dual Chamber shifted out off the heels of Disputed Bid. Disputed Bid (R. Goltz) raced greenly in the straight.
When questioned regarding the performance of Brazilian Princess, L. Dittman stated that, in his opinion, the filly did not feel comfortable in today's rain affected track conditions. A post race veterinary examination of Brazilian Princess failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Winner price fluctuations: 15-1 in to 12-1.
Favourite price fluctuations: 2.40 out to 2.60 (Brazilian Princess – unplaced).
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Chilli Magic; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Seen'em Comin'
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “It was her first time over a mile. The combination of the extra ground and the way she was ridden was the reason for her success. You know she jumps so well that jockeys are tempted to push forward and put her in the race. She hasn’t got a finish if they do that. She just doesn’t have a finish if she is used early. With more ground and a more patient ride, she has more time to relax and then she can build up to a big finish, which is what happened here.”
What also happened here is that a protest was lodged by jockey Sean Cormack, rider of the second placed Our Lukas, against the winner on the grounds of interference that took place in the home straight.
Inside the protest hearing, Cormack stated that Chilli Magic had taken up his horse’s running. He acknowledged that Chilli Magic had gone past him before the incident occurred, but stated that Our Lukas is a horse that takes a bit of time to get going and that he was still very much in the race when Chilli Magic, “drifted onto my horse and took up its running.” Cormack continued saying that Chilli Magic’s inward movement had broken his horse’s momentum. “It took us three or four strides to get going during which time we lost one to two lengths before he rallied back to only be beaten by three-quarters-of-a-length.”
Trainer Robert Heathcote was at one with Cormack’s testimony. Heathcote said, “there is no doubt that severe interference occurred,” and that, in his opinion, “the ground lost exceeded the winning margin. It’s one hundred percent there was severe interference. How much ground it cost I guess is the real question.”
Jockey Jason Holder, rider of Chilli Magic defended his position. “By the 250m mark I was pretty certain that I had all of the runners covered. I got past Sean (Cormack) easily. She did switch off when she hit the front and did drift in a half to one horse width but I think she was a genuine winner of the race.”
Trainer Gillian Heinrich did not attend the protest hearing as she had to saddle a runner in the next race. When she returned, the Stewards were still behind doors, yet to announce the outcome of the protest. Rob Heathcote was waiting outside the Stewards Room when Heinrich walked in.
“I think it is 75 -25,”said Heathcote to Heinrich.
“And am I the 25,”asked Heinrich.
“No, I think they are going to let you keep it,” said Heathcote.
Heathcote was right. The protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Deception Bay was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon at the barriers at the request of the jockey and was cleared to start.
On return to scale a protest was lodged by S. Cormack, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Our Lukas, against Chilli Magic being declared the winner, alleging interference inside the 200m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards acknowledged that whilst an incident occurred near the 150m where Our Lukas had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Chilli Magic, which shifted in, they could not be satisfied that the interference warranted a reversal of the placings, and therefore the protest was dismissed and the Judge's placings confirmed.
At a subsequent inquiry, J. Holder, rider of Chilli Magic, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 150m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Our Lukas, which resulted in Our Lukas being checked and losing momentum. J. Holder was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 November, and to expire at midnight, 5 December 2008.
In the early stages of the straight, Seen’em Comin’ (J. Bowditch) was inclined to lay in. Wind Gusts (S. Galloway) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Deception Bay, S. Scriven stated that the horse travelled well in the early stages, however when placed under pressure prior to the home turn, the gelding failed to respond to his riding. Trainer Mr B. Brown stated that, in his opinion, Deception Bay had come to the end of its preparation and will be sent for an immediate spell. A post race veterinary examination of Deception Bay failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
Winner price fluctuations: 15-1 out to 17-1.
Favourite price fluctuations: 2-1 out to 3.20 (Deception Bay - unplaced).
Race 3:
3yo Handicap - 1400m
1st - Little Mel; 2nd - Delago Pilli; 3rd - Tikit To Glory
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “He over-raced badly in the middle part. Ran onto heels ... nearly fell. Picked himself up from that and just continued to over-race. When I pulled him out in the straight he knuckled down and fought on really well. Once he can learn to settle he’ll be a much better horse. I think they’ll take the blinkers off next time. At least if he’s winning doing all that wrong, it’s a good sign.”
Scott Galloway would have done well in the wide west. The rider had a bumpy ride in transit but emerged to lead a hectic cavalry charge home. From a position in the second half of the field, Galloway pulled Little Mel to the outside turning for home and gradually began a forward move which was to land the duo in the thick of the action by the 200m mark. With runners spread right across the track, Little Mel rallied to get the better of Worthy, who had claimed the lead inside the final 150m, and then kept fighting long enough to keep the fast finishing Delago Pilli and Tikit To Glory at bay.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Queen Of Bling (J. Bowditch) and Little Mel (S. Galloway) were tightened for room on jumping away between Yatala (D. Craven), which shifted out, and Journey On (Matthew Palmer), which shifted in. In this incident, Queen Of Bling blundered. Journey On and Mr Orient raced wide in the early stages. Little Mel (S. Galloway), which commenced to over-race passing the 1200m, shifted out passing the 1000m, forcing Yatala (D. Craven) wider. A short distance later, Little Mel had to be checked off the heels of Delago Pilli (S. Seamer). Little Mel continued to over-race for some distance. Yatala then raced wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 600m, Delago Pilli shifted out to improve and in doing so made contact with Yatala on several occasions. Rounding the home turn, Little Mel (S. Galloway) shifted out to improve and bumped Tunes Of Gold (J. Holder). Approaching the 300m, Adnocon (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run between Journey On and Mr Orient. Near the 150m, Yatala was momentarily tightened for room between Tikit To Glory (P. Hammersley) and Little Mel (S. Galloway), which shifted in. A post race veterinary examination of Little Mel revealed the gelding to have sustained a laceration to the outside of the near-fore canon.
Winner price fluctuations: 3.50 out to 4-1.
The winner was the favourite.
Race 4:
C.E.B. Barnes Quality Handicap- 2400m
1st - Tariki; 2nd - Dream Gal; 3rd - Pay Me
WINNER FEEDBACK
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “The rider-less horse injected some pace into the race . I was in midfield for a lot of the way but only really felt comfortable when I got on the back of Rezone. I tracked Rezone three wide to the turn and he carried me up to the lead. I asked my horse to kick early and for a while I thought I’d gone too soon, but the old boy kept kicking and he did a good job in the end.”
Hammersley rode a patient race early in the script before shifting out and tracking wide behind Rezone when the runners began to quicken approaching the turn. The gelding easily got to the lead early in the straight and then equally as easily opened up a winning lead to be more than two lengths clear by the 200m mark. Dream Gal did come out of the pack to threaten but Hammersley had measured his run well and Tariki still held a clearcut advantage at the line.
Tariki was scoring his second successive win. This success came on the back of a win over 2020m at Doomben two weeks earlier.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
M. Dorrington, rider of Crowning Prince, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 2350m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Tariki (P. Hammersley), taking that horse in and as a result On The up was tightened for room between Tariki and Rezone (K. Pope), resulting in On The Up losing its position. M. Dorrington was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 November, and to expire at midnight 6 December 2008.
P. Hammersley, rider of Tariki, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 2300m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Rezone, resulting in Rezone being steadied when tightened for room between Mr Gold Fire (S. Scriven) and Tariki and shifted out, resulting in On The Up clipping the heels of Rezone, blundering, resulting in S. Cormack being dislodged from On The Up. P. Hammersley was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 2 weeks, to commence at midnight, 22 November and to expire at midnight, 11 December 2008.
Near the 1600m, Crowning Prince (M. Dorrington) had to be checked as a result of the riderless On The Up.
Leaving the 1600m, Grand Corso (S. Seamer), Supreme Agenda (K. Wharton) and Mr Gold Fire (S. Scriven) were all hampered as a result of the riderless On The Up. Rezone (K. Pope) raced 3 wide throughout the race.
A post race veterinary examination of On The Up revealed the gelding had sustained a laceration to the inside of the off-fore fetlock. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that Rezone was suffering from metabolic heat syndrome following the event. He also advised that Derry City had pulled up sore in the off-fore leg. Trainer L. Mayfield-Smith will be advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for that horse prior to its next race start.
Winner price fluctuations: 8-1 out to 10-1 in to 9.50
Favourite price fluctuations: 3-1 out to 3.30 (Mr Gold Fire – unplaced)
Race 5:
2MW 4yo & Up Handicap - 1400m
1st - Pepperwood; 2nd - Onalar; 3rd - Thorondo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Oh it’s just good to know that he’s moving in the right direction.”
I pointed out that this is what racing is all about ... win some, lose some – referring to the fact that Birchley’s runner Fairchild had just been touched off in the first race and this one had just got there.
Liam Birchley: “Maybe, or else maybe it’s about the apprentice (Chris McIver) learning how long the straight is. He rode this one with more patience than he did the other one.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver: “He tends to get back and he did so again ... but he was always travelling well. He wanted to go in the straight and I just let him slide.”
Pepperwood raced towards the rear of the field in the early part. Save A Buck and Dance Girl Dance vied for the lead in the sweep to the turn with Pepperwood moving into contention wide out on the track. The two leaders kicked in the straight with Pepperwood making up ground steadily. At the 120m Dance Girl Dance weakened and Pepperwood loomed large to tackle Save A Buck. The Birchley trained runner got to the head of affairs inside the last 50m, but it was still not ‘race over’ as Onalar and Thorondo both put in spirited late charges. In the end they had to settle for the minor placings.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pepperwood (C. McIver), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened for room a short distance later between Snow Destiny (A. Taylor) and Onalar (R. Wiggins), which was taken in by Mosta House (Matthew Palmer). Our Jangles (K. Pope) was tightened for room on jumping away between Belles Opinion (K. Wharton) and Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz), which shifted in after jumping away awkwardly. Approaching the 1300m, Snow Destiny, which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Thorondo (J. Bowditch) and shifted in abruptly, hampering Pepperwood (C. McIver). Snow Destiny then continued to over-race for some distance.
Winner price fluctuations: 3.60 out to 4.80
Favourite price fluctuations: 4-1 out to 4.60 (Save A Buck – unplaced)
Race 6:
Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Albert The Fat; 2nd - Borsha's Mark; 3rd - Main Vein
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who was celebrating a birthday): “We settled just worse than midfield and we were travelling very well. When we turned into the straight there was no one outside me so I just switched into the clear. He quickened up beautifully and came home strong.”
Luke Rolls only took one ride on his birthday and the result gave him another reason for celebration. Both horse and rider performed perfectly. The duo sat in midfield, one off the fence until the approach to the turn. A quick look over his left shoulder and Rolls found he was able to shift out on his own terms. With nobody coming up behind him, Rolls could select exactly where he wanted to make his run. Once in the clear, Albert The Fat began to extend his stride and, in a perfectly times chase, Albert The Fat went past Borsha’s Mark when it mattered most to score a most impressive win first-up to complete his fourth successive victory. Albert the Fat is trained by Eden Petrie.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) and Consider Yourself (C. McIver) came together on jumping away. Albert The Fat (L. Rolls) and Pelltro (K. Pope) were placed in restricted room on jumping away between Main Vein (J. Holder) and Catchit (M. Radecker), which shifted in. Pietro Vannici (A. Coome) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1000m, Albert The Fat (L. Rolls), which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Red Sphere (C. Reith). The Boxer (Matthew Palmer) raced wide throughout.
Winner price fluctuations: 2.30 in to 2,25 out to 2.60
The winner was the favourite.
Race 7:
Keith Noud Quality Handicap - 1200m
1st -Forestreno; 2nd - Cocktail Supreme; 3rd - Black Ink
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Phil McLeod: “We were quietly confident. He dropped 6,5kg from his last run so we thought he’d go well. That race is exactly what getting winners is all about. It’s all about getting them ridden right. Joe (Bowditch) rode him a treat. I do feel sorry for Tony Pattillo though. He would have been on him if he were not suspended.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “I sat in the same place I did the last time I rode him. The trainer told me if I rode him the same way he should be hard to beat ... and so it proved. He travelled well and I always thought I was going to win in the straight. Just the last little bit he was knocking up a bit, but it had been a tough race so there was nothing wrong with that. He had done enough.”
Bowditch settled Forestreno in fourth spot right on the back of the speed. The gelding thus had an ideal position from which to launch his challenge and he produced a strong, measured run all the way down the home straight which proved too strong for his opposition.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1000m, Forestreno (J. Bowditch) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Dance The Waves (J. Holder), which shifted in. Nexgen (K. Pope) over-raced in the middle stages and near the 700m had to be steadied off the heels of Daunting Lad (S. Scriven). Near the 300m, Nexgen (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run between Vocalic (R. Goltz) and Nuclear Medicine (S. Thurlow). In the early stages of the straight, Thin And Crispy (P. Hammersley) was momentarily held up for clear running. Mystery City raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Nuclear Medicine, S. Thurlow stated that the horse raced in a forward position, as per its normal racing pattern, however the gelding failed to sprint in the straight as expected, its run having ended passing the 150m. A post race veterinary examination of Nuclear Medicine failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer G. Yorke will be requested to advise stewards of any abnormality which may come to light with Nuclear Medicine that may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance.
Winner price fluctuations: 10-1 out to 11-1
Favourite price fluctuations: 3.00 out to 3.80 (Nuclear Medicine – unplaced)
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1000m
1st - Sequablue; 2nd - Bazzooka; 3rd - Covet Gold
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “The plan was to get her across without chasing her. She has got natural speed so we thought we would use it, but just place her where she was comfortable. Once we got a reasonable position the plan was just to wait it out ... to hold off on asking her for her finishing effort for as long as possible. Then to let her go and hope she would have enough fight to finish off the job. Everything worked out well.”
Sky Channel reporter Larry Olsen (who was seen advising Owen Turpin at various stages of the day). “You know, I always tell these boys that they have got to think about things. Successful jockeys put a lot of thought into their riding tactics. You don’t always have to go with the obvious like chasing your horse from a bad draw – particularly in the 1000m races here. There is only one turn you have to worry about. You have to take aim at the position you want to be in and then work out the best way to get there for your horse to still be competitive in the finish. I spoke to Owen about how I would have ridden this horse. He put the plan into effect and it worked.”
I suggested that there is one thing better than giving good advice to apprentice jockeys. That is when they take it.”
Larry Olsen: “You know what you say is absolutely true. I can tell you of times when I’ve been speaking to some young riders, trying to help them, and I can see in the faces that my advice is going in one ear and out the other. They are not really interested. Owen (Turpin) is not like that. He wants to learn. That’s why he is starting to do well.”
Sequablue jumped well from a wide draw. Turpin positioned his mount back in fifth and then sixth position, staying wide but travelling in comfortable fashion. The mare duly put in the big bounds when given her head in the home straight. Bozzooka also came through the field on the back of Sequablue and laid down a determined challenge to apply pressure in the closing stages, but the Barry Baldwin trained mare was not to be denied and she stayed on claim her seventh career success.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after straightening, Azzason (D. Craven) had to be momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of Bazzooka (S. Seamer), which shifted out. Approaching the 400m, Courtyard Circle (Michael Palmer) had to be checked when tightened for room between Pat Attack and Azzasson, which improved quickly around the heels of Bazzooka, which also shifted out slightly. At a subsequent inquiry, stewards were unable to attribute blame on any one rider, however advised both S. Seamer (Bazzooka) and D. Craven (Azzason) to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 400m, Covet Gold shifted in and bumped Youcantseeme (J. Bowditch).
Between the 200m and 100m, Youcantseeme had difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching the winning post, Covet Gold shifted in, taking Youcantseeme in on to Vulcan (L. Dittman). Vulcan, Sequablue (O. Turpin) and Pat Attack (S. Apthorpe) raced wide throughout.
Jockey S. Apthorpe, rider of Pat Attack, was fined $100 under AR137A2(b) in that he used he used his whip excessively on his mount when it was out of contention. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the lower level of his breach and also his good previous record.
Winner price fluctuations: 8-1 in to 7-1
Favourite price fluctuations: Steady at 6-1 (Bazzooka - second)
Race 1:
2yo Fillies Handicap - 1000m
1st - Dual Chamber; 2nd – Fairchild; 3rd - Crystal Honour
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Maryann Thexton: “We always thought she was a talented filly but she got her knickers in a knot last time (on debut). We had to go back to the barriers and that to get some things sorted out. She was just so professional this time. She was so genuine and got home beautifully. She’ll go to the paddock now. I think she’ll furnish into a really beautiful filly and she should go well over more ground.”
Jockey Matthew Palmer: “The plan was to try and sit just off the speed but she was outpaced early and dropped back. So she was left chasing in the middle part but, once she balanced up in the straight she really set about her business and hit the line hard.”
Dual Chamber was chased from a wide draw but couldn’t muster the speed required to race in a prominent position. The two favourites Fairchild and Brazilian Express had the race to themselves in the early part. They were tracked by the first-timer Disputed Bid, who switched out at the head of the straight to threaten the two frontrunners. At this stage Dual Chamber was still some four lengths in arrears and, for a brief moment, she continued to mark time as Fairchild won the battle at the head of affairs and skipped clear, looking every inch a winner. Once Palmer angled her out for a run, Dual Chamber reacted with greater urgency and lengthened her stride with meaning. The chase was always going to end in a close call as Dual Chamber cut into the advantage of Fairchild with every stride, and, as the latter tired late, Dual Chamber surge took her past the second favourite in the shadow of the post to win by a neck. The winner Dual Chamber had blinkers on for the first time and tongue tie on for the first time.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 600m, First Option (K. Pope) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Dual Chamber (M. Palmer), which shifted in away from Melrina Miss (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly. Near the 150m, Dual Chamber shifted out off the heels of Disputed Bid. Disputed Bid (R. Goltz) raced greenly in the straight.
When questioned regarding the performance of Brazilian Princess, L. Dittman stated that, in his opinion, the filly did not feel comfortable in today's rain affected track conditions. A post race veterinary examination of Brazilian Princess failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Winner price fluctuations: 15-1 in to 12-1.
Favourite price fluctuations: 2.40 out to 2.60 (Brazilian Princess – unplaced).
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Chilli Magic; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Seen'em Comin'
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “It was her first time over a mile. The combination of the extra ground and the way she was ridden was the reason for her success. You know she jumps so well that jockeys are tempted to push forward and put her in the race. She hasn’t got a finish if they do that. She just doesn’t have a finish if she is used early. With more ground and a more patient ride, she has more time to relax and then she can build up to a big finish, which is what happened here.”
What also happened here is that a protest was lodged by jockey Sean Cormack, rider of the second placed Our Lukas, against the winner on the grounds of interference that took place in the home straight.
Inside the protest hearing, Cormack stated that Chilli Magic had taken up his horse’s running. He acknowledged that Chilli Magic had gone past him before the incident occurred, but stated that Our Lukas is a horse that takes a bit of time to get going and that he was still very much in the race when Chilli Magic, “drifted onto my horse and took up its running.” Cormack continued saying that Chilli Magic’s inward movement had broken his horse’s momentum. “It took us three or four strides to get going during which time we lost one to two lengths before he rallied back to only be beaten by three-quarters-of-a-length.”
Trainer Robert Heathcote was at one with Cormack’s testimony. Heathcote said, “there is no doubt that severe interference occurred,” and that, in his opinion, “the ground lost exceeded the winning margin. It’s one hundred percent there was severe interference. How much ground it cost I guess is the real question.”
Jockey Jason Holder, rider of Chilli Magic defended his position. “By the 250m mark I was pretty certain that I had all of the runners covered. I got past Sean (Cormack) easily. She did switch off when she hit the front and did drift in a half to one horse width but I think she was a genuine winner of the race.”
Trainer Gillian Heinrich did not attend the protest hearing as she had to saddle a runner in the next race. When she returned, the Stewards were still behind doors, yet to announce the outcome of the protest. Rob Heathcote was waiting outside the Stewards Room when Heinrich walked in.
“I think it is 75 -25,”said Heathcote to Heinrich.
“And am I the 25,”asked Heinrich.
“No, I think they are going to let you keep it,” said Heathcote.
Heathcote was right. The protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Deception Bay was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon at the barriers at the request of the jockey and was cleared to start.
On return to scale a protest was lodged by S. Cormack, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Our Lukas, against Chilli Magic being declared the winner, alleging interference inside the 200m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards acknowledged that whilst an incident occurred near the 150m where Our Lukas had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Chilli Magic, which shifted in, they could not be satisfied that the interference warranted a reversal of the placings, and therefore the protest was dismissed and the Judge's placings confirmed.
At a subsequent inquiry, J. Holder, rider of Chilli Magic, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 150m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Our Lukas, which resulted in Our Lukas being checked and losing momentum. J. Holder was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 November, and to expire at midnight, 5 December 2008.
In the early stages of the straight, Seen’em Comin’ (J. Bowditch) was inclined to lay in. Wind Gusts (S. Galloway) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Deception Bay, S. Scriven stated that the horse travelled well in the early stages, however when placed under pressure prior to the home turn, the gelding failed to respond to his riding. Trainer Mr B. Brown stated that, in his opinion, Deception Bay had come to the end of its preparation and will be sent for an immediate spell. A post race veterinary examination of Deception Bay failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
Winner price fluctuations: 15-1 out to 17-1.
Favourite price fluctuations: 2-1 out to 3.20 (Deception Bay - unplaced).
Race 3:
3yo Handicap - 1400m
1st - Little Mel; 2nd - Delago Pilli; 3rd - Tikit To Glory
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “He over-raced badly in the middle part. Ran onto heels ... nearly fell. Picked himself up from that and just continued to over-race. When I pulled him out in the straight he knuckled down and fought on really well. Once he can learn to settle he’ll be a much better horse. I think they’ll take the blinkers off next time. At least if he’s winning doing all that wrong, it’s a good sign.”
Scott Galloway would have done well in the wide west. The rider had a bumpy ride in transit but emerged to lead a hectic cavalry charge home. From a position in the second half of the field, Galloway pulled Little Mel to the outside turning for home and gradually began a forward move which was to land the duo in the thick of the action by the 200m mark. With runners spread right across the track, Little Mel rallied to get the better of Worthy, who had claimed the lead inside the final 150m, and then kept fighting long enough to keep the fast finishing Delago Pilli and Tikit To Glory at bay.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Queen Of Bling (J. Bowditch) and Little Mel (S. Galloway) were tightened for room on jumping away between Yatala (D. Craven), which shifted out, and Journey On (Matthew Palmer), which shifted in. In this incident, Queen Of Bling blundered. Journey On and Mr Orient raced wide in the early stages. Little Mel (S. Galloway), which commenced to over-race passing the 1200m, shifted out passing the 1000m, forcing Yatala (D. Craven) wider. A short distance later, Little Mel had to be checked off the heels of Delago Pilli (S. Seamer). Little Mel continued to over-race for some distance. Yatala then raced wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 600m, Delago Pilli shifted out to improve and in doing so made contact with Yatala on several occasions. Rounding the home turn, Little Mel (S. Galloway) shifted out to improve and bumped Tunes Of Gold (J. Holder). Approaching the 300m, Adnocon (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run between Journey On and Mr Orient. Near the 150m, Yatala was momentarily tightened for room between Tikit To Glory (P. Hammersley) and Little Mel (S. Galloway), which shifted in. A post race veterinary examination of Little Mel revealed the gelding to have sustained a laceration to the outside of the near-fore canon.
Winner price fluctuations: 3.50 out to 4-1.
The winner was the favourite.
Race 4:
C.E.B. Barnes Quality Handicap- 2400m
1st - Tariki; 2nd - Dream Gal; 3rd - Pay Me
WINNER FEEDBACK
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “The rider-less horse injected some pace into the race . I was in midfield for a lot of the way but only really felt comfortable when I got on the back of Rezone. I tracked Rezone three wide to the turn and he carried me up to the lead. I asked my horse to kick early and for a while I thought I’d gone too soon, but the old boy kept kicking and he did a good job in the end.”
Hammersley rode a patient race early in the script before shifting out and tracking wide behind Rezone when the runners began to quicken approaching the turn. The gelding easily got to the lead early in the straight and then equally as easily opened up a winning lead to be more than two lengths clear by the 200m mark. Dream Gal did come out of the pack to threaten but Hammersley had measured his run well and Tariki still held a clearcut advantage at the line.
Tariki was scoring his second successive win. This success came on the back of a win over 2020m at Doomben two weeks earlier.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
M. Dorrington, rider of Crowning Prince, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 2350m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Tariki (P. Hammersley), taking that horse in and as a result On The up was tightened for room between Tariki and Rezone (K. Pope), resulting in On The Up losing its position. M. Dorrington was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 November, and to expire at midnight 6 December 2008.
P. Hammersley, rider of Tariki, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 2300m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Rezone, resulting in Rezone being steadied when tightened for room between Mr Gold Fire (S. Scriven) and Tariki and shifted out, resulting in On The Up clipping the heels of Rezone, blundering, resulting in S. Cormack being dislodged from On The Up. P. Hammersley was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 2 weeks, to commence at midnight, 22 November and to expire at midnight, 11 December 2008.
Near the 1600m, Crowning Prince (M. Dorrington) had to be checked as a result of the riderless On The Up.
Leaving the 1600m, Grand Corso (S. Seamer), Supreme Agenda (K. Wharton) and Mr Gold Fire (S. Scriven) were all hampered as a result of the riderless On The Up. Rezone (K. Pope) raced 3 wide throughout the race.
A post race veterinary examination of On The Up revealed the gelding had sustained a laceration to the inside of the off-fore fetlock. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that Rezone was suffering from metabolic heat syndrome following the event. He also advised that Derry City had pulled up sore in the off-fore leg. Trainer L. Mayfield-Smith will be advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for that horse prior to its next race start.
Winner price fluctuations: 8-1 out to 10-1 in to 9.50
Favourite price fluctuations: 3-1 out to 3.30 (Mr Gold Fire – unplaced)
Race 5:
2MW 4yo & Up Handicap - 1400m
1st - Pepperwood; 2nd - Onalar; 3rd - Thorondo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Oh it’s just good to know that he’s moving in the right direction.”
I pointed out that this is what racing is all about ... win some, lose some – referring to the fact that Birchley’s runner Fairchild had just been touched off in the first race and this one had just got there.
Liam Birchley: “Maybe, or else maybe it’s about the apprentice (Chris McIver) learning how long the straight is. He rode this one with more patience than he did the other one.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver: “He tends to get back and he did so again ... but he was always travelling well. He wanted to go in the straight and I just let him slide.”
Pepperwood raced towards the rear of the field in the early part. Save A Buck and Dance Girl Dance vied for the lead in the sweep to the turn with Pepperwood moving into contention wide out on the track. The two leaders kicked in the straight with Pepperwood making up ground steadily. At the 120m Dance Girl Dance weakened and Pepperwood loomed large to tackle Save A Buck. The Birchley trained runner got to the head of affairs inside the last 50m, but it was still not ‘race over’ as Onalar and Thorondo both put in spirited late charges. In the end they had to settle for the minor placings.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pepperwood (C. McIver), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened for room a short distance later between Snow Destiny (A. Taylor) and Onalar (R. Wiggins), which was taken in by Mosta House (Matthew Palmer). Our Jangles (K. Pope) was tightened for room on jumping away between Belles Opinion (K. Wharton) and Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz), which shifted in after jumping away awkwardly. Approaching the 1300m, Snow Destiny, which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Thorondo (J. Bowditch) and shifted in abruptly, hampering Pepperwood (C. McIver). Snow Destiny then continued to over-race for some distance.
Winner price fluctuations: 3.60 out to 4.80
Favourite price fluctuations: 4-1 out to 4.60 (Save A Buck – unplaced)
Race 6:
Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Albert The Fat; 2nd - Borsha's Mark; 3rd - Main Vein
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who was celebrating a birthday): “We settled just worse than midfield and we were travelling very well. When we turned into the straight there was no one outside me so I just switched into the clear. He quickened up beautifully and came home strong.”
Luke Rolls only took one ride on his birthday and the result gave him another reason for celebration. Both horse and rider performed perfectly. The duo sat in midfield, one off the fence until the approach to the turn. A quick look over his left shoulder and Rolls found he was able to shift out on his own terms. With nobody coming up behind him, Rolls could select exactly where he wanted to make his run. Once in the clear, Albert The Fat began to extend his stride and, in a perfectly times chase, Albert The Fat went past Borsha’s Mark when it mattered most to score a most impressive win first-up to complete his fourth successive victory. Albert the Fat is trained by Eden Petrie.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) and Consider Yourself (C. McIver) came together on jumping away. Albert The Fat (L. Rolls) and Pelltro (K. Pope) were placed in restricted room on jumping away between Main Vein (J. Holder) and Catchit (M. Radecker), which shifted in. Pietro Vannici (A. Coome) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1000m, Albert The Fat (L. Rolls), which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Red Sphere (C. Reith). The Boxer (Matthew Palmer) raced wide throughout.
Winner price fluctuations: 2.30 in to 2,25 out to 2.60
The winner was the favourite.
Race 7:
Keith Noud Quality Handicap - 1200m
1st -Forestreno; 2nd - Cocktail Supreme; 3rd - Black Ink
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Phil McLeod: “We were quietly confident. He dropped 6,5kg from his last run so we thought he’d go well. That race is exactly what getting winners is all about. It’s all about getting them ridden right. Joe (Bowditch) rode him a treat. I do feel sorry for Tony Pattillo though. He would have been on him if he were not suspended.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “I sat in the same place I did the last time I rode him. The trainer told me if I rode him the same way he should be hard to beat ... and so it proved. He travelled well and I always thought I was going to win in the straight. Just the last little bit he was knocking up a bit, but it had been a tough race so there was nothing wrong with that. He had done enough.”
Bowditch settled Forestreno in fourth spot right on the back of the speed. The gelding thus had an ideal position from which to launch his challenge and he produced a strong, measured run all the way down the home straight which proved too strong for his opposition.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1000m, Forestreno (J. Bowditch) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Dance The Waves (J. Holder), which shifted in. Nexgen (K. Pope) over-raced in the middle stages and near the 700m had to be steadied off the heels of Daunting Lad (S. Scriven). Near the 300m, Nexgen (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run between Vocalic (R. Goltz) and Nuclear Medicine (S. Thurlow). In the early stages of the straight, Thin And Crispy (P. Hammersley) was momentarily held up for clear running. Mystery City raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Nuclear Medicine, S. Thurlow stated that the horse raced in a forward position, as per its normal racing pattern, however the gelding failed to sprint in the straight as expected, its run having ended passing the 150m. A post race veterinary examination of Nuclear Medicine failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer G. Yorke will be requested to advise stewards of any abnormality which may come to light with Nuclear Medicine that may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance.
Winner price fluctuations: 10-1 out to 11-1
Favourite price fluctuations: 3.00 out to 3.80 (Nuclear Medicine – unplaced)
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1000m
1st - Sequablue; 2nd - Bazzooka; 3rd - Covet Gold
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “The plan was to get her across without chasing her. She has got natural speed so we thought we would use it, but just place her where she was comfortable. Once we got a reasonable position the plan was just to wait it out ... to hold off on asking her for her finishing effort for as long as possible. Then to let her go and hope she would have enough fight to finish off the job. Everything worked out well.”
Sky Channel reporter Larry Olsen (who was seen advising Owen Turpin at various stages of the day). “You know, I always tell these boys that they have got to think about things. Successful jockeys put a lot of thought into their riding tactics. You don’t always have to go with the obvious like chasing your horse from a bad draw – particularly in the 1000m races here. There is only one turn you have to worry about. You have to take aim at the position you want to be in and then work out the best way to get there for your horse to still be competitive in the finish. I spoke to Owen about how I would have ridden this horse. He put the plan into effect and it worked.”
I suggested that there is one thing better than giving good advice to apprentice jockeys. That is when they take it.”
Larry Olsen: “You know what you say is absolutely true. I can tell you of times when I’ve been speaking to some young riders, trying to help them, and I can see in the faces that my advice is going in one ear and out the other. They are not really interested. Owen (Turpin) is not like that. He wants to learn. That’s why he is starting to do well.”
Sequablue jumped well from a wide draw. Turpin positioned his mount back in fifth and then sixth position, staying wide but travelling in comfortable fashion. The mare duly put in the big bounds when given her head in the home straight. Bozzooka also came through the field on the back of Sequablue and laid down a determined challenge to apply pressure in the closing stages, but the Barry Baldwin trained mare was not to be denied and she stayed on claim her seventh career success.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after straightening, Azzason (D. Craven) had to be momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of Bazzooka (S. Seamer), which shifted out. Approaching the 400m, Courtyard Circle (Michael Palmer) had to be checked when tightened for room between Pat Attack and Azzasson, which improved quickly around the heels of Bazzooka, which also shifted out slightly. At a subsequent inquiry, stewards were unable to attribute blame on any one rider, however advised both S. Seamer (Bazzooka) and D. Craven (Azzason) to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 400m, Covet Gold shifted in and bumped Youcantseeme (J. Bowditch).
Between the 200m and 100m, Youcantseeme had difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching the winning post, Covet Gold shifted in, taking Youcantseeme in on to Vulcan (L. Dittman). Vulcan, Sequablue (O. Turpin) and Pat Attack (S. Apthorpe) raced wide throughout.
Jockey S. Apthorpe, rider of Pat Attack, was fined $100 under AR137A2(b) in that he used he used his whip excessively on his mount when it was out of contention. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the lower level of his breach and also his good previous record.
Winner price fluctuations: 8-1 in to 7-1
Favourite price fluctuations: Steady at 6-1 (Bazzooka - second)
Monday, November 24, 2008
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (FRI, NOV 21)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Friday, November 21.
The way the Cushion Track was presented for racing at the Sunshine Coast meeting on Friday has reportedly been described by Queensland racing supremo Bob Bentley as being ‘a disgrace,’ Bentley added that, ‘The way the track raced was an embarrassment’... and ... ‘there is no doubt there was a stuff-up.’ (See Sunday Mail, Nov 23, Page 93).
Who am I to disagree?
Comments overheard as jockeys dismounted after each race left no room for any misunderstanding. Most believed it to be a heavy track, a view far removed from the official ‘Good 3’ rating advised in the Stewards Report and handed out to punters across the country.
Race times backed up the jockeys call. From the first race, when Hamatym won in a time a touch over four seconds outside the Class Record, there was more than just a hint of a problem. Some riders queried how their last 600m times in work in the morning were 33’s and 34’s while on race-day afternoon they were clocking 37’s and 38’s. Lastly, the kickback from the track (see photo section) told its own story of not only what the horses were running on but, equally important in terms of visibility and safety, what they were running through. It was not a pretty picture.
Racecourse Manager Murray Weeding, when approached after the last race on Friday, pointed out that the aim of the race-club was, “to present the track in as good a condition for racing as possible at all times,” He added that he and both Paul Harper, from the Cushion Track company, and Chief Steward Reid Sanders are working together to achieve that goal.
In the report in the Sunday Mail, Bentley is further quoted as saying, ‘The track was too soft. The hardness of the surface can easily be manipulated and, in this case, it wasn’t carried out properly. We had the manufacturer back there this morning and there wasn’t the slightest problem.’
But is it really that simple? Or is there, as some people believe, a learning curve attached to Cushion Track maintenance program, and indeed its viability as a racing surface, that needs to run its course before full knowledge of the working model is attained?
Clearly, if Bentley’s information is correct, and ‘the surface can be easily manipulated,’ there should be no more stuff-ups! Anything less will bring the second question into play.
The truth of the matter will reveal itself in the coming months.
Remember, it was Bentley who said Queensland Racing would not hesitate to take meetings away from a venue where the condition of the track did not meet the required TAB standard? Let’s hope we never have to go there.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Hamatym; 2nd - Our Wave; 3rd - So Long
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “It took long enough. It’s his twentieth start. He’s run a few good ones on this track but he’s been all around them. He’s turn had to come. All of those who beat him have moved on. He’s turn had to come around sometime and today was the day.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
So Long (R. McMahon), Hamatym (K. Pope) and Twinkling Star (C. Dixon) were slow to begin. Thewayoflife (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly. Near the 1100m, Hamatym (K. Pope) improved up on to the heels of Our Wave (M. Hughes) and was steadied. Passing the 300m, Our Wave, which was weakening, and Shoja (C. Reith) bumped on numerous occasions. Resurrected (S. Cormack) and Nakamura Hirofumi (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Paramount; 2nd - Beyond The Limit; 3rd - Zekeza
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Jockey Jaqui Brown: “The horse sat down in the barriers and I thought, ‘here we go, this is going to be fun.’ The attendants took her tail and she seemed alright, but she still jumped in the air and was unbalanced for the first few strides. I knew she had speed though, so I went forward otherwise I would have been caught five wide. Then she just kept grinding away in the straight. Just kept going.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
App. C. Dixon was fined $100 for accepting rides on Iggy’s Girl and No Quarter in this event. M. Hellyer was subsequently named as the rider of No Quarter. Paramount (J. Brown) began awkwardly and shifted out, making heavy contact with Kalinga Hood (K. Wharton), which in turn shifted in, resulting in Pure Slip (O. Turpin) being crowded between Kalinga Hood and Zekeza (N. Thomas). In A Bind (D. Griffin) was slow into stride. Paramount and Pure Slip (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Caucus; 2nd - Tuckclang; 3rd - Moubassin
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Fleming: “We bought him from Bart Cummings. He never raced for Bart. I worked down there for some time so I know how Bart moves some horses on when he gets overloaded – and we managed to pick up this one. He’s still learning and is getting better. He’s got the win. He’ll go for a spell now.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As D. Griffin was to be overweight, K. Wharton was substituted as the rider of Amaizemea. D. Griffin was fined $100. AR120(b). The start of this event was delayed due to Meydan proving very difficult to load. Trainer G. Kennedy will be advised that he must provide a barrier certificate for Meydan prior to its next race start. All Kiwi (A. Merritt) and Swift Cash (D. Van Bekkum) were slow to begin. Dad’s Boy Blue (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly. Lisaldetroy (S. Cormack) raced ungenerously during the early stages. Approaching the 450m, Tuckclang (K. Pope) was inclined to hang out, resulting in the filly having to be steadied away from the heels of Swift Cash (D. Van Bekkum). Elate And Excite (O. Turpin), Langtime (J. Taylor) and Amaizemea (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding Tuckclang settling in a position well back in the field today, jockey K. Pope stated that after the filly was a little slow to begin, Tuckclang then received minor tightening approaching the first turn, which resulted in the filly settling further back than anticipated. He added that when placed under pressure from the 450m, Tucklang responded and finished the race off well. K. Pope further added that at this stage of the filly's preparation, in his opinion, Tucklang would be better suited over longer distances.
Stewards also questioned G. Auckram regarding the disappointing performance of Leapin Leana. He stated that the mare travelled well, however when placed under pressure from the 600m, Leapin Leana failed to respond to his riding and weakened noticeably in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Leapin Leana failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m,
1st - What A Success; 2nd - The Sixties; 3rd - Wonkavator
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Rachel Mason: “He just relaxed so nicely today. He went to sleep. I didn’t have to go for him at all early on. I didn’t even have to go for him on the turn. I only asked him to do some work late in the straight. He was always in control.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer D. Steinbeck was reprimanded for presenting Backstroke and Shealma late to the enclosure. What A Success (R. Mason) shifted out and bumped Coxswain (R. Wiggins) at the start. Backstroke (D. Craven) and Maraquitas (E. Wilkinson) were both tightened for room shortly after the start between Amerrybridge (C. Isdale), which shifted in, and Devils Ransom (K. Cunningham), which shifted out. Near the 200m, Amerrybridge was inclined to shift in when placed under pressure. Amerrybridge (C. Isdale), Cosmic Express (C. Dixon) and Any Wonder (R. Hinricks) raced wide throughout.
A post-race veterinary examination of Coxswain revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that Coxswain would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that the The Sixties had bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer T. Green was advised that The Sixties would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 5:
Class 2 Handicap- 1400m
1st - Raffael Nediym; 2nd - It's Wunderbar; 3rd - Our Heart
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida (when asked if he’d solved the mystery of the Cushion Track): “Yeah. Find one that handles it! What else do you want to know? He was trained to the minute. OK, seriously, he was second up, getting more ground and it was a good ride.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Our Heart (M. Palmer) was very slow to begin. Passing the 1300m, Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) had to be steadied when Raffael Nediym (C. Reith) shifted in. C. Reith, rider of Raffael Nediym, was advised to exercise more care. Tambo Tiger (K. Cunningham) raced ungenerously during the early stages. Passing the 800m, Bronze Warrior (D. Van Bekkum) shifted out across the heels of Raffael Nediym, and in doing so forced Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) wider on the track. Sheeza Drama was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Near the 200m, Siege (J. Bowditch) broke down and was retired from the event. SIEGE was subsequently euthanised on humane grounds.
Race 6:
Class 3 Plate - 2000m
1st - No Limitation; 2nd - Beau Sam; 3rd - Hunka Burnin' Love
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “It was the ten furlong distance that did the trick mate. I was pretty sure he would do well over the trip. I’ve had him for four runs. When he came to me the talk was that 1400m would be his distance. I gave him two tries over 1400m. His runs were not bad, but not good either. Somebody said I should sack him. I said no, but I said what I would do is step in up in distance. In his fourth career start, he finished second over 2000m. For some reason, he’s never been back there until now, his twenty-first start. I was certain he needed more ground. We got a better result when he stepped up to 1600m and now we got the win over 2000m. Mr. Moraitis will be happy.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Barako (K. Wharton) was very slow to begin. Hinka Burnin’Love (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Dawn’s Queen (S. Cormack). Dawn’s Queen raced wide during the early stages.
An inquiry was opened into the handling of Barako. After taking evidence from connections, the inquiry was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed. A post-race veterinary examination of Dawn’s Queen failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Getyourown; 2nd - Reonmay; 3rd - Red Hot Pistol
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paddy Cunningham: “We bred her. Once she won those two starts back to back in June we were pretty happy with the way she was going. You win a Maiden and a Class 1 in successive races anywhere and you are doing alright. At Kilcoy (the mare’s first win) she won from the front. At Beaudesert she came from behind. After that she went to Grafton at Carnival time. That was a very good run. She had to cross from a wide draw and that used up energy which left her weak in the finish, but she was still fourth not far behind the winner.
“She went for a spell than and her first-up run at Doomben was one of those first-up runs” (with a shrug ... the mare finished last). “Last time out she was at Kilcoy and she went down by a neck. It’s hard to say you lost a race because you had a number three barrier, but, the way it turned out the two runners inside her just kept her wide all of the way. Got the good result today though.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Foreshore (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Our General (A. Spinks) and Getyourown (K. Cunningham) bumped on jumping away. Passing the 450m, Love Hit Me (K. Pope) was cramped for room between Shinko Ruler (W. Clasohm) and Reonmay (C. Reith), which shifted in slightly. Rounding the home turn, Getyourown (K. Cunningham) shifted out around the heels of Our Bella Star (S. Cormack) and in doing so forced Foreshore (J. Taylor) wider on the track. Leaving the 200m, A Little Dabl Doya (M. Hughes) was disappointed for a run between Chardonair (M. Palmer) and Our Bella Star (S. Cormack), which shifted in. As a result, A Little Dabl Doya was obliged to alter course to the outside of Our Bella Star in order to improve. Our General (A. Spinks) and Our Bella Star (S. Cormack) raced wide throughout.
A post-race veterinary examination of Love Hit Me revealed the filly to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer T. Hall was advised that Love Hit Me must trial, and provide a veterinary certificate of fitness, including the results of an ECG, prior to its next race start. A post-race veterinary examination of Foreshore revealed the gelding to have heat stress and to have cast its near fore plate in running.
Race 8:
Class 6 Plate - 1400m
1st - No Technique; 2nd - Life's Short; 3rd - Where'smine
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “I can talk about the horse if you like, but what I really like is to give the jockey (apprentice Owen Turpin) some praise. I told you before, I would not have put him on six months ago, but he has just improved so much it is quite amazing. He is riding like an absolute star. As for the horse, he is just so consistent. He’s had nine runs this season for four wins, three seconds and one third placing. You can’t ask much more than that.”
No Technique completed a double for the Troy Hall / Owen Turpin combination on the day. This set of results took Hall into joint second placing on the Sunshine Coast Trainers Premiership ladder and moved Turpin into third placing just one win behind joint leaders Sean Cormack and Jana Piper in the Sunshine Coast Jockeys Premiership.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Crique raced up on to the heels of Where’smine (K. Cunningham) and blundered. Leaving the 400m, M. Okada, rider of Leverage, lost the use of his near side rein and as a result shifted in, forcing Cash In A Hurry (S. Cormack) across the running of Crique (K. Pope), causing that runner to be steadied. Cash In A Hurry raced in restricted room to the inside of Leverage from a point leaving the 250m. Craiglea Countess (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Cash In A Hurry, which raced below expectations, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
The way the Cushion Track was presented for racing at the Sunshine Coast meeting on Friday has reportedly been described by Queensland racing supremo Bob Bentley as being ‘a disgrace,’ Bentley added that, ‘The way the track raced was an embarrassment’... and ... ‘there is no doubt there was a stuff-up.’ (See Sunday Mail, Nov 23, Page 93).
Who am I to disagree?
Comments overheard as jockeys dismounted after each race left no room for any misunderstanding. Most believed it to be a heavy track, a view far removed from the official ‘Good 3’ rating advised in the Stewards Report and handed out to punters across the country.
Race times backed up the jockeys call. From the first race, when Hamatym won in a time a touch over four seconds outside the Class Record, there was more than just a hint of a problem. Some riders queried how their last 600m times in work in the morning were 33’s and 34’s while on race-day afternoon they were clocking 37’s and 38’s. Lastly, the kickback from the track (see photo section) told its own story of not only what the horses were running on but, equally important in terms of visibility and safety, what they were running through. It was not a pretty picture.
Racecourse Manager Murray Weeding, when approached after the last race on Friday, pointed out that the aim of the race-club was, “to present the track in as good a condition for racing as possible at all times,” He added that he and both Paul Harper, from the Cushion Track company, and Chief Steward Reid Sanders are working together to achieve that goal.
In the report in the Sunday Mail, Bentley is further quoted as saying, ‘The track was too soft. The hardness of the surface can easily be manipulated and, in this case, it wasn’t carried out properly. We had the manufacturer back there this morning and there wasn’t the slightest problem.’
But is it really that simple? Or is there, as some people believe, a learning curve attached to Cushion Track maintenance program, and indeed its viability as a racing surface, that needs to run its course before full knowledge of the working model is attained?
Clearly, if Bentley’s information is correct, and ‘the surface can be easily manipulated,’ there should be no more stuff-ups! Anything less will bring the second question into play.
The truth of the matter will reveal itself in the coming months.
Remember, it was Bentley who said Queensland Racing would not hesitate to take meetings away from a venue where the condition of the track did not meet the required TAB standard? Let’s hope we never have to go there.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Hamatym; 2nd - Our Wave; 3rd - So Long
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “It took long enough. It’s his twentieth start. He’s run a few good ones on this track but he’s been all around them. He’s turn had to come. All of those who beat him have moved on. He’s turn had to come around sometime and today was the day.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
So Long (R. McMahon), Hamatym (K. Pope) and Twinkling Star (C. Dixon) were slow to begin. Thewayoflife (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly. Near the 1100m, Hamatym (K. Pope) improved up on to the heels of Our Wave (M. Hughes) and was steadied. Passing the 300m, Our Wave, which was weakening, and Shoja (C. Reith) bumped on numerous occasions. Resurrected (S. Cormack) and Nakamura Hirofumi (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Paramount; 2nd - Beyond The Limit; 3rd - Zekeza
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Jockey Jaqui Brown: “The horse sat down in the barriers and I thought, ‘here we go, this is going to be fun.’ The attendants took her tail and she seemed alright, but she still jumped in the air and was unbalanced for the first few strides. I knew she had speed though, so I went forward otherwise I would have been caught five wide. Then she just kept grinding away in the straight. Just kept going.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
App. C. Dixon was fined $100 for accepting rides on Iggy’s Girl and No Quarter in this event. M. Hellyer was subsequently named as the rider of No Quarter. Paramount (J. Brown) began awkwardly and shifted out, making heavy contact with Kalinga Hood (K. Wharton), which in turn shifted in, resulting in Pure Slip (O. Turpin) being crowded between Kalinga Hood and Zekeza (N. Thomas). In A Bind (D. Griffin) was slow into stride. Paramount and Pure Slip (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Caucus; 2nd - Tuckclang; 3rd - Moubassin
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Fleming: “We bought him from Bart Cummings. He never raced for Bart. I worked down there for some time so I know how Bart moves some horses on when he gets overloaded – and we managed to pick up this one. He’s still learning and is getting better. He’s got the win. He’ll go for a spell now.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As D. Griffin was to be overweight, K. Wharton was substituted as the rider of Amaizemea. D. Griffin was fined $100. AR120(b). The start of this event was delayed due to Meydan proving very difficult to load. Trainer G. Kennedy will be advised that he must provide a barrier certificate for Meydan prior to its next race start. All Kiwi (A. Merritt) and Swift Cash (D. Van Bekkum) were slow to begin. Dad’s Boy Blue (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly. Lisaldetroy (S. Cormack) raced ungenerously during the early stages. Approaching the 450m, Tuckclang (K. Pope) was inclined to hang out, resulting in the filly having to be steadied away from the heels of Swift Cash (D. Van Bekkum). Elate And Excite (O. Turpin), Langtime (J. Taylor) and Amaizemea (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding Tuckclang settling in a position well back in the field today, jockey K. Pope stated that after the filly was a little slow to begin, Tuckclang then received minor tightening approaching the first turn, which resulted in the filly settling further back than anticipated. He added that when placed under pressure from the 450m, Tucklang responded and finished the race off well. K. Pope further added that at this stage of the filly's preparation, in his opinion, Tucklang would be better suited over longer distances.
Stewards also questioned G. Auckram regarding the disappointing performance of Leapin Leana. He stated that the mare travelled well, however when placed under pressure from the 600m, Leapin Leana failed to respond to his riding and weakened noticeably in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Leapin Leana failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m,
1st - What A Success; 2nd - The Sixties; 3rd - Wonkavator
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Rachel Mason: “He just relaxed so nicely today. He went to sleep. I didn’t have to go for him at all early on. I didn’t even have to go for him on the turn. I only asked him to do some work late in the straight. He was always in control.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer D. Steinbeck was reprimanded for presenting Backstroke and Shealma late to the enclosure. What A Success (R. Mason) shifted out and bumped Coxswain (R. Wiggins) at the start. Backstroke (D. Craven) and Maraquitas (E. Wilkinson) were both tightened for room shortly after the start between Amerrybridge (C. Isdale), which shifted in, and Devils Ransom (K. Cunningham), which shifted out. Near the 200m, Amerrybridge was inclined to shift in when placed under pressure. Amerrybridge (C. Isdale), Cosmic Express (C. Dixon) and Any Wonder (R. Hinricks) raced wide throughout.
A post-race veterinary examination of Coxswain revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that Coxswain would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that the The Sixties had bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer T. Green was advised that The Sixties would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 5:
Class 2 Handicap- 1400m
1st - Raffael Nediym; 2nd - It's Wunderbar; 3rd - Our Heart
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida (when asked if he’d solved the mystery of the Cushion Track): “Yeah. Find one that handles it! What else do you want to know? He was trained to the minute. OK, seriously, he was second up, getting more ground and it was a good ride.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Our Heart (M. Palmer) was very slow to begin. Passing the 1300m, Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) had to be steadied when Raffael Nediym (C. Reith) shifted in. C. Reith, rider of Raffael Nediym, was advised to exercise more care. Tambo Tiger (K. Cunningham) raced ungenerously during the early stages. Passing the 800m, Bronze Warrior (D. Van Bekkum) shifted out across the heels of Raffael Nediym, and in doing so forced Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) wider on the track. Sheeza Drama was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Near the 200m, Siege (J. Bowditch) broke down and was retired from the event. SIEGE was subsequently euthanised on humane grounds.
Race 6:
Class 3 Plate - 2000m
1st - No Limitation; 2nd - Beau Sam; 3rd - Hunka Burnin' Love
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “It was the ten furlong distance that did the trick mate. I was pretty sure he would do well over the trip. I’ve had him for four runs. When he came to me the talk was that 1400m would be his distance. I gave him two tries over 1400m. His runs were not bad, but not good either. Somebody said I should sack him. I said no, but I said what I would do is step in up in distance. In his fourth career start, he finished second over 2000m. For some reason, he’s never been back there until now, his twenty-first start. I was certain he needed more ground. We got a better result when he stepped up to 1600m and now we got the win over 2000m. Mr. Moraitis will be happy.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Barako (K. Wharton) was very slow to begin. Hinka Burnin’Love (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Dawn’s Queen (S. Cormack). Dawn’s Queen raced wide during the early stages.
An inquiry was opened into the handling of Barako. After taking evidence from connections, the inquiry was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed. A post-race veterinary examination of Dawn’s Queen failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Getyourown; 2nd - Reonmay; 3rd - Red Hot Pistol
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paddy Cunningham: “We bred her. Once she won those two starts back to back in June we were pretty happy with the way she was going. You win a Maiden and a Class 1 in successive races anywhere and you are doing alright. At Kilcoy (the mare’s first win) she won from the front. At Beaudesert she came from behind. After that she went to Grafton at Carnival time. That was a very good run. She had to cross from a wide draw and that used up energy which left her weak in the finish, but she was still fourth not far behind the winner.
“She went for a spell than and her first-up run at Doomben was one of those first-up runs” (with a shrug ... the mare finished last). “Last time out she was at Kilcoy and she went down by a neck. It’s hard to say you lost a race because you had a number three barrier, but, the way it turned out the two runners inside her just kept her wide all of the way. Got the good result today though.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Foreshore (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Our General (A. Spinks) and Getyourown (K. Cunningham) bumped on jumping away. Passing the 450m, Love Hit Me (K. Pope) was cramped for room between Shinko Ruler (W. Clasohm) and Reonmay (C. Reith), which shifted in slightly. Rounding the home turn, Getyourown (K. Cunningham) shifted out around the heels of Our Bella Star (S. Cormack) and in doing so forced Foreshore (J. Taylor) wider on the track. Leaving the 200m, A Little Dabl Doya (M. Hughes) was disappointed for a run between Chardonair (M. Palmer) and Our Bella Star (S. Cormack), which shifted in. As a result, A Little Dabl Doya was obliged to alter course to the outside of Our Bella Star in order to improve. Our General (A. Spinks) and Our Bella Star (S. Cormack) raced wide throughout.
A post-race veterinary examination of Love Hit Me revealed the filly to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer T. Hall was advised that Love Hit Me must trial, and provide a veterinary certificate of fitness, including the results of an ECG, prior to its next race start. A post-race veterinary examination of Foreshore revealed the gelding to have heat stress and to have cast its near fore plate in running.
Race 8:
Class 6 Plate - 1400m
1st - No Technique; 2nd - Life's Short; 3rd - Where'smine
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “I can talk about the horse if you like, but what I really like is to give the jockey (apprentice Owen Turpin) some praise. I told you before, I would not have put him on six months ago, but he has just improved so much it is quite amazing. He is riding like an absolute star. As for the horse, he is just so consistent. He’s had nine runs this season for four wins, three seconds and one third placing. You can’t ask much more than that.”
No Technique completed a double for the Troy Hall / Owen Turpin combination on the day. This set of results took Hall into joint second placing on the Sunshine Coast Trainers Premiership ladder and moved Turpin into third placing just one win behind joint leaders Sean Cormack and Jana Piper in the Sunshine Coast Jockeys Premiership.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Crique raced up on to the heels of Where’smine (K. Cunningham) and blundered. Leaving the 400m, M. Okada, rider of Leverage, lost the use of his near side rein and as a result shifted in, forcing Cash In A Hurry (S. Cormack) across the running of Crique (K. Pope), causing that runner to be steadied. Cash In A Hurry raced in restricted room to the inside of Leverage from a point leaving the 250m. Craiglea Countess (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Cash In A Hurry, which raced below expectations, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
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