EAGLE FARM REVIEW (WED, JAN 14)

A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, January 14.

Winning a race seems to be of little consequence when you watch medics treating a jockey after a serious fall. That was the case at Eagle Farm after the seventh race in which Oscar The Great had crashed to the turf sending jockey Jason Holder flying out of the saddle. Holder was taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital where the latest reports (as of the morning of January 15) indicate he is in a serious but stable condition.

STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From ITC, 10.1.09 - Race 7
Trainer P. Balzen reported that Latin Idol had not pulled up well following this event and would now be sent for a spell. He further added that, in his opinion, the gelding races better during the cooler months and it would now be his intention to restrict the horse's future racing campaigns to those periods.


Race 1:

4yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1500m
1st - Eternal Star; 2nd - Chevaux Vapeur; 3rd - Langtime

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Jason Taylor: ‘I’ve ridden her two times before and she went just terrible for me. Then they put Todd (Pannell) on and she went quite well. They said to me, come on, ride her again ... and this time she travelled well the whole way. She was full of running and a lot more mature than when I last rode her.”

PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Eternal Star): 3.50 out to 4.40.
Favourite (Chevaux Vapeur): 2.20 out to 2.30.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 600m, Ellen Rosina (T. Treichel) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Langtime (M. Hellyer) wider on the track. B. Pengelly, rider of Chevaux Vapeur pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that nearing the 300m, he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Gangbusters, which resulted in Gangbusters being checked. Jockey Pengelly was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 17 January and to expire at midnight, 28 January 2009.
Stewards questioned B. Pengelly regarding the riding tactics adopted on Chevaux Vapeur during the middle stages of the event, in particular a point leaving the 600m where Eternal Star (J. Taylor) was able to move away from the rails ahead of Chevaux Vapeur, which resulted in Chevaux Vapeur being held up for clear running until reaching the home turn. B. Pengelly explained that at that point of the race he was concerned as to whether Ellen Rosina, which was racing in a one-wide position ahead of him, was beginning to yield ground and he anticipated Langtime, which was racing to his outside, making a forward move. However when that did not eventuate, he was held up for clear running. After considering his explanation, and the evidence from trainer Mr N. McBurney, the explanation was noted. A post race veterinary examination of Eternal Star revealed the mare had bled from one nostril. Trainer K. Smith was advised that the mare must perform satisfactorily in a 1000m gallop before stewards.


Race 2:

Class 4 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Encosta Tszyu; 2nd - Eddie Rapido; 3rd - Best Bid

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “He just a lovely horse to train. You know for a horse to improve he’s got to be ridden the same way if circumstances allow and he’s got to learn where the line is. Most of all, he’s got to be able to relax. We actually wanted to be closer to the lead here, but they went too quick and Scott (Galloway) had the brains to let them go and let the horse race where he was comfortable. Scott is just riding so well for me. When he asked the colt for his effort he did it easy. He wasn’t blowing at all afterwards. He’s really going well. I think we are going to have a few nice options with him in the future.”

Jockey Scott Galloway: “I was going to box seat but they went that quickly we ended up in midfield. I was always comfortable where I was though and he was very relaxed and responded to everything I asked of him. He’s been running as a gelding this preparation and that’s obviously made a difference, but Brian (Smith) has also worked out the key to him and is getting the best out of horse.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Encosta Tzsyu): 1.60 out to 1.70.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Reef Bonanza (R. Mason) and Peaceful Honour (S. Seamer) were both slow to begin. Just A Classic (J. Holder) raced wide for the majority of the event.


Race 3:

3yo Maiden Handicap - 1600m
1st - Mr Nicholas; 2nd - Jensway; 3rd - Northern Apache

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “He’s always had the ability to gallop, but he has just lacked the physical strength to compete properly. He did appear to improve nicely here, but having said that he hasn’t had things go his way in some of his previous races ... bad barrier, slow track ... things like that. I think he’s still going to need more time to fill out before he races to his full potential. Chances are we’ll give him February off and bring him back after that ... hopefully a lot stronger.”

Jockey Ric McMahon: “He wasn’t pulling so hard this time. He settled well enough. He always gets back in his races, but he travelled well here and he let down good. I kept at him a bit in the closing stages because he is a bit of a thinker, and I didn’t want him getting any ideas.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Nicholas): 4.80 out to 5.00.
Favourite (Sydney Or The Bush): 2.20 out to 3.50 in to 3.00. Finished fourth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 200m, Arizona Sunset (M. Radecker) shifted in and bumped Sydney Or The Bush (G. Colless). A short distance later, Arizona Sunset was crowded for room between Mr Nicholas and Sydney Or The Bush (G. Colless), which shifted out.


Race 4:

3yo & Up Handicap - 1200m
1st - Age Of Heroes; 2nd - Rich Baby; 3rd - Loves A Challenge

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless: “I was going to go back. But then nothing wanted to go forward and there were three in a line, so I just gave him a bit of a squeeze. It was like I’d just pushed a button. He got to the front so quickly I thought he wouldn’t pull up, but I pushed another button and he came right back to me with his head on his chest. Then when I asked him to go again in the straight he again responded immediately. He’s just a natural. I’ve done a fair amount of work with him and I thought he was a miler. I’m sure he’ll do the mile but, after this, I might have to reassess what he might be able to do as a sprinter.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Age Of Heroes): 3.00 out to 3.20.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Local Talent (D. Craven) Age Of Heroes (G. Colless) were caught wide in the early stages. Approaching the 800m, Loves A Challenge (J. Bowditch) improved up on to the heels of Pink Sapphire (J. Taylor) and had to be steadied. Near the 800m, Our Indian Outlaw (A. Spinks) had to be steadied off the heels of Age Of Heroes (G. Colless), which shifted in. G. Colless, rider of Age Of Heroes, was advised to exercise more care. Our Indian Outlaw (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event. A post race veterinary examination of Unsupervised revealed the horse was suffering from cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer K. Schweida was advised that Unsupervised must trial satisfactorily and produce the results of an ECG prior to its next race start.
The veterinary surgeon also reported that Our Indian Outlaw was suffering from respiratory distress. Trainer T. Crane was advised that he would be required to provide to stewards the results of an endoscopic examination and also a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to its next race start.


Race 5:

Class 4 Handicap - 1800m
1st - I'm So Stunning; 2nd - Innovator; 3rd - Father Dex

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “When I’m So Stunning came into the yard she looked awful. I phoned the owners and told them that I was going to call her Ugly Betty and they weren’t so pleased about that. She’s going well now ... likes the distance. We’ve got no special plans for her. We’ll just take things as they come. Like everybody else she went through EI and she’s had things to deal with. This is her first clean preparation. She’s doing well.”

Jockey Jason Taylor (who completed a double for the day). “She does like the distance (1800m). She relaxed pretty well and I just followed Heathcote’s horse (Innovator) through and stayed with him in the straight just, sort of ready to pounce. Then I just pulled her out and thought ‘away we go.’ From there, if she was good enough, she was going to win. She did it well.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (I’m So Stunning): 3.80 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Music Lover): 2.60 out to 3.60. Finished ninth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cajun Moon (M. Radecker) was caught wide in the early stages. Near the 600m, The Clandy Man Can (S. Bogenhuber) improved up on to the heels of Telestah La Vistah (M. Paget) and as a consequence shifted out, forcing Cajun Moon wider on the track. Cajun Moon was obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Music Lover, G. Colless stated that the horse travelled well until the 200m, and when asked for an effort, failed to respond to his riding and yielded ground in the run to the finish. Mr Bailey confirmed his disappointment with the horse's performance and advised that consideration would be given to the gelding's current racing program. A post race veterinary examination of Music Lover failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.


Race 6:

F&M Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Linear; 2nd - Queen Of Asia; 3rd - Born To Hunt

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith: “It’s quite strange because I used to watch this horse on television and I thought I’d love to get hold of her and just ride her quiet. Anyway, after a while, out of the blue, a bloke rung up and asked if I could take on a horse. He said a few of our owners want to send you up a horse. I asked what I it was and he said Linear. I said ... ah beautiful.
“I just told the boy to ride her quiet. Just give her cover ... don’ bustle her or anything. Just slot her in somewhere and then she’ll find the line. He did exactly that. He had her one off. Beautiful ride.”

Linear is unbeaten in three starts for the Mayfield-Smith stable.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Linear): 4.60 out to 6.00.
Favourite (Queen Of Asia): 3.00 in to 2.60. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cicarelli (A. Taylor) and Linear (L. Rolls) were tightened for room on jumping away between Daddy’s Little Girl (T. Pannell) and Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch), both of which shifted ground. Coxless (M. Hellyer) over-raced in the middle stages of the event. Approaching the 200m, Crownalot (N. Day) was tightened for room when racing between Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch) and Cicarelli (A. Taylor), which was taken out by Queen Of Asia (G. Colless). Leaving the 200m, the whip of G. Colless, rider of Queen Of Asia, became tangled with the reins until near the 100m, resulting in him being unable to ride his mount right out at that stage of the race. Crownalot (N. Day) raced wide for the majority of the event.


Race 7:

C G & E Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Dreaming Cash; 2nd - Laurels; 3rd - Mossbemad

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Kelly: “He’d only had ten runs before this. He’s taken a little bit of time to mature. No, we won’t be stepping him up in distance again. We tried that last prep and it didn’t work. He’s a sprinter.”

Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who completed a double on the day): We got across from a wide alley. I got across fairly easy, just worse than midfield one off the fence. There were a couple of good chances going forward in front of me so I just tracked them and tracked them. Then I got a split in-between runners and he finished it off really well.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Dreaming Cash): 4.80 out to 6.50.
Favourite (Laurels): 2.40 in to 2.30 out to 2.60. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Chaski (G. Colless) sprung its off-fore late which required farrier attention. Cuban Dancer (M. Paget) was slow to begin. Kids Show (S. Galloway) was tightened for room on jumping away between Oscar The Great (J. Holder) and Loose Unit (J. Taylor), which shifted in after beginning awkwardly. Near the 1000m, Kids Show (S. Galloway) was tightened for room by Dreaming Cash (L. Rolls), which shifted in. Leaving the 500m, Laurels (M. Palmer) shifted out away from Chaski (G. Colless) and in doing so inconvenienced Loose Unit, which shifted out, hampering Don Carmello (B. Payne). Dreaming Cash (L. Rolls) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight.
Near the 300m, Oscar The Great (J. Holder) fell when racing between Benragazzo (A. Spinks) and Spirito Volante (J. Bowditch). An inquiry will be held into the matter at a later date due to J. Holder being transported to hospital to receive further medical attention.
Don Carmello (B. Payne) and Benragazzo (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event. Little Sai Wan required veterinary attention after the race when the horse displayed signs of being in an extremely distressed condition on return to the raceday stalls.


Race 8:

Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Roman Squire; 2nd - Sam's Express; 3rd - Ready When You Are

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “He’s been out of form for so long before this it’s just nice to see him recapture some sort of form. He felt good. Not the same of old ... he’s not there yet, but he’s on the right track anyway. It’s up to him now to capitalise on that and take it to the next level.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Roman Squire): 4.60 out to 5.50.
Equal favourite (Sam’s Express): 5.00 in to 4.60 out to 4.80. Finished second.
Equal favourite (Noble Gaze): 4.60 out to 4.80. Finished seventh.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mount Vernon (A. Taylor) began awkwardly. Spy Zaim (G. Baker) was tightened for room on jumping away between Portland Bay (M. Palmer) and Roman Squire (B. Pengelly), which shifted in. Near the 700m, Roman Squire (B. Pengelly) over-raced at the heels of Messiaen (G. Colless). A short distance later, Tropiqualo (S. Bogenhuber) shifted in, tightening What A Tale (A. Merritt) and Ready When You Are (J. Taylor). What A Tale (A. Merritt) had difficulty obtaining clear running between the 350m and 250m. General Patton (C. McIver) and Sam’s express (O. Turpin) raced wide for the majority of the event. B. Pengelly, rider of Roman Squire, was fined $200 for returning to scale overweight.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Eddie Rapido