DOOMBEN REVIEW (WED, MAR 04)

A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Wednesday, March 04.

Race 1:

2yo Maiden Plate - 1030m
1st - Dibaba; 2nd - Lively Lillie; 3rd - Dancingwithangels

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “That’s Sleepy Jackson’s half-sister mate. She’s always shown plenty, but we just thought she might be a bit green today. We didn’t have to worry. She was just too good for them.”

Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “It was her first start obviously. I trialled her and she trialled ok. I really thought she’d need the experience today. I knew she had ability. Through the run I thought, well, she’s going pretty good. On straightening all I needed was a bit of room. When I got that she just exploded into action. We had the right run. Things happened for her which made it easy for me. So, yeah, she’s above average and I think she’ll be a lot better than you saw today.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As T. Pannell was to be overweight, K. Yoshida was substituted as the rider of Smart Of Course. An inquiry into this matter will be held on a date to be fixed. Rainy Knight (L. Rolls) began awkwardly. Smart Of Course (K. Yoshida), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened for room between Spinelli (C. McIver) and Lunar Life (G. Baker), which jumped outwards. Sneaky Secret (A. Spinks) jumped outwards at the start and brushed Lonhroad (M. Palmer). Mondean (R. Wiggins) shifted inwards shortly after the start, making contact with Cattlerail (O. Turpin). Dibaba (E. Wilkinson) shifted out from behind the heels of Mondean (R. Wiggins) near the 300m and made contact with Dancingwithangels. Lively Lillie (T. Treichel) shifted out under pressure in the run to the finish. Close to the finish line, Smart Of Course had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Spinelli (C. McIver), which shifted in. C. McIver, rider of Spinelli, was instructed to exercise more care when shifting ground. Sneaky Secret, Lunar Life (G. Baker) and Rainy Knight (L. Rolls) were all obliged to race three wide throughout, and Lonhroad racedfour wide for the entire race. A post-race veterinary examination of Dibaba revealed the colt to be showing signs of lameness in the near front hoof.


Race 2:
CG&E 3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1110m
1st - Unsupervised; 2nd - Benny Eggs; 3rd - Girondist

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “He nearly had a heart attack in his first start (when finishing a distant twenty lengths behind the winner). He had a heart fibulation*in that run. So we’ve had to treat him for the last six weeks. We did have a lot of drama trying to get the heart-beat back in whack. It normally just goes back into whack straight after treatment, but it didn’t with him. They checked him again. No good. Had to treat him again. It must have been something like ten vet visits before the heart-beat was back in sync. Then we had to trial him to the Stewards satisfaction. They came and tested him again. He was fine. That what the end result.”

I put two further questions to Schweida... Unsupervised only had his first start halfway through his four-year-old season. Was that because of the heart problems, or did the heart fibulation problem only emerge in the geldings first run? Did the horse have any other problems that delayed the start to his career?

Kelly Schweida: “He’s had all kinds of trouble. Shin-soreness. Sesamoiditis ... you name it, he’s had it. He’s been shin-sore three times, had sesamoiditis, he’s not the best breather, the heart problem ... he’s had heaps of problems. Add in the fact that he was a big horse as a colt, so they (the owners) gave it plenty of time to harden up. Both owners, Noel Greenhaigh and Kevin Dixon, are very good that way. If you say the horse needs time, they say give him time. Some owners ... you know if he’d had to rush, he’s be broken down, and here he is winning. The chances are we give the horse another break now and let him come on in his own time.”

A day after the race Schweida confirmed that Unsupervised had pulled up fine and all was well with the horse.

Jockey Christian Reith: “I was nearly flattened during the race. I was happy to be in just behind the pace, but there was a lot of pressure from the outside and when the interference happened it cost us several lengths. I just let him find his feet and take me into the race. He did a terrific job to win.”

*Fibulation is a term used to describe an abnormal rhythm in one or more chambers of the heart. Rather than beat in unison, the muscles of a heart suffering from fibulation tends to quiver. The immediate consequence of fibulation is an ineffective heartbeat which fails to pump blood as it should. This can cause serious problems such as a heart attack as well as damage to the heart muscles themselves.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Benny Eggs reared in the barriers, dislodging its jockey. Benny Eggs then became cast in the barriers. The veterinary surgeon examined the horse after it was unloaded from the barriers and cleared the gelding to start. Motor Mark (K. Yoshida), Unsupervised (C. Reith) and Gigandra (R. Stewart) were all tightened for room at the start by Girondist (J. Taylor), which jumped inwards. Travellers Rest (O. Turpin), which was slow to begin, was tightened for room on jumping between Impeding (K. Banks) and Fubah (A. Merritt), which jumped inwards.
J. Taylor, rider of Girondist, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that he failed to make sufficient effort to keep his mount straight approaching the 1000m, causing Gigandra (R. Stewart) to be tightened for room and Unsupervised and Motor Mark (K. Yoshida) to be severely checked and lose ground. J. Taylor was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, Saturday, 7 March and to expire at midnight, 20 March 2009.
Apprentice O. Turpin reported that in the early stages Travellers Rest was somewhat reluctant to travel and did not seem to stretch out. A post-race veterinary examination of Travellers Rest sometime after the race failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Gigandra revealed the gelding to have sustained a laceration to the near hind leg.


Race 3:
F&M Maiden 3yo Handicap - 1110m
1st - Plain Magic; 2nd - Catch A Chic; 3rd - Stellar Rocket

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida (who completed a double on the day): “I’ve always had a big opinion of this filly. First start she should have won. She missed the start, got back to second last and then flashed home. Second start she pulled up shin-sore.” (Plain Magic finished second in both of those starts). “The winner there (Yatala) came out and run third in a Listed race after that. So the form is good. We put her out ... gave her a bit of time. She’s not the biggest filly – hence her name, Plain Magic. She is a bit of a plain Jane, but she’s always been able to run.”

Jockey Shane Scriven: “She is a nice filly and she has come back well (after a four month layoff). She probably hasn’t grown as I would have liked her to, but she is just a professional little racehorse. You know, she’s only won her Maiden today but she’ll be winning many more. I think, ridden quietly, she is a dead-set 1400m horse, so they’ll have a few options with here.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stalwart Twist (E. Wilkinson) stood flatfooted at the start and lost ground. Stellar Rocket (R. Goltz) pulled hard making the first turn. When the pace eased near the 700m, Shrewd Hostess had to be steadied off the heels of Show Business (R. Stewart).


Race 4:

Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Demonstrator; 2nd - Galactic Spirit; 3rd - Robson

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “Much of the credit must be given to the jockey. The horse needed a strong ride and he got that. He’s a green horse and he’ll probably go for a bit of a break now. I think he will return a better horse for it next time around. You noticed in the straight he was racing a bit green. He hasn’t really switched on to being a race-horse yet.”

Jockey Shane Scriven (who completed a race-to-race double on the day): “At the moment he needs blinkers, because he won’t chase. He was going to sh..t in, but then he let that horse get past and I had to give him some. He was always going to win, but it took a lot to get there.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Galactic Spirit (C. Reith) and Robson (K. Banks) were tightened for room on jumping away between Monching (D. Griffin) and Demonstrator (S. Scriven) shifted out. Little Pumpkin (S. Galloway) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1100m, Demonstrator commenced to pull hard and when being steadied off Monching (D. Griffin), shifted out, forcing Sassafras Boy (L. Cassidy) wider on the track. On straightening, Little Pumpkin (S. Galloway) had to be steadied away from the heels of Sassafras Boy (L. Cassidy) when attempting to take a run to that horse's outside where there was doubtful room. Passing the 300m, Demonstrator had to be eased to avoid the heels of Razzled (M. Palmer), which shifted out slightly. National Soldier (R. Stewart) raced wide for the majority of the event.


Race 5:

F&M Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Sirena Ligera; 2nd - Sharufa; 3rd - Akoya

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “We stepped her up in distance just to try and find out what her range might be this time so that next time we can make some concrete plans with regard to how far we go. I’m definitely pleased with that result, and she looks like she will even get further. She’s doing well now. She just took a little while to get going. She had a little bit of a temper early ... a little bit of an attitude. She still flairs up from time to time, but we’ve sort of got her under control now and hopefully she’ll be ok.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sirena Ligera (C. McIver) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out shortly after the start, brushing Vera’s Pride (L. Cassidy).


Race 6:

Class 4 Handicap - 1650m
1st - Aquaterra; 2nd - Fat Possum; 3rd - Dartbolt

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Guy: “He’s going nicely this horse. He’s going alright – but they didn’t miss him in the weights. Aquaterra went to 57kg while this horse (pointing to Mauries Pick in the race-book) won the same day, same class, and he went to 55kg. So I can’t work them out, you know. As far as the horse himself is concerned we are obviously very happy with the way he is travelling. He’s racing good. He’s going through his grades well. He’s happily stepping up in distance and looks like he’ll go further. Today there was no leader in the race and Jason (Taylor) said beforehand that he would probably end up in front. I said he could do that as long as he didn’t have to push him to get there, but he got there easy and then just dictated it from there.”

Jockey Jason Taylor: “I looked at the race and I could see only Fat Possums as the other speed in the race. I just thought, my horse can’t really sit and sprint. He needs to sort of flow along at the 600m. I thought if I let Fat Possums lead me, I might be in a bit of drama. So I rather dictated things myself. It worked out well. The biggest problem was the tents on the inside of the track near the finish. I thought he might start looking at them so, over the last 100m, I just made certain he stayed focussed on his task.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mauries Pick was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon behind the barriers and was found to be lame in the off foreleg. Mauries Pick declared a late scratching at 3.30 pm. Trainer C. Sinton was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Mauries Pick prior to its next race start. Dartbolt (L. Rolls) was slow to begin. Stresso (L. Cassidy) and Mister Tivoli (O. Turpin) raced three wide for the majority of the event. Aquaterra (J. Taylor) shifted out near the 300m and continued to shift ground outwards in the run to the finish.


Race 7:

Class 4 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Queen Of Asia; 2nd - Alioop; 3rd - Tuqiri

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Michael Palmer: “She bounced out well, but once she got a nice possie mid-race they all came around us and put us a length or two further back. I then just tracked a couple up and popped out wider to try and keep her out of trouble. She is the type of horse that needs that sort of trouble-free run where it’s not start and stop, but, once she straightened and balanced up she let down well. She still had work to do over the last 100m, but she fought on strongly.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Alioop (C. McIver) cast its near hind plate and was late coming into the saddling enclosure due to being attended to by the farrier. As Alioop shifted its plate after being reshod, the farrier removed the near hind plate as he was unable to replace it due to it being fractious. Trainer R. Heathcote was granted permission to race the horse without its near hind plate. Cherry Gaze (A. Spinks) and Tuqiri (L. Cassidy) were tightened for room on jumping away between Best Of Ceedee (R. Wiggins), which jumped outwards, and Queen Of Asia (M. Palmer), which shifted in slightly. Mystic Vibe (T. Treichel) improved on to the heels of Queens Of Asia (M. Palmer) approaching the 800m and when being checked shifted out across the heels of Our Hawk (R. Stewart). Lemasel (G. Baker) was caught four wide on the first turn and raced wide until near the 600m. Cyclone Larry (J. Taylor) also raced wide in the early stages. On straightening, Tuqiri (L. Cassidy) shifted out to improve and brushed Best Of Ceedee (R. Wiggins). Alioop was held up in the early stages of the straight. Our Hawk raced wide for the majority of the event. Jockey L. Cassidy, rider of Tuqiri, reported that his saddle shifted back in running. Cherry Gaze bled during the event. Trainer B. Purcell was advised that CHERRY GAZE would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.


Race 8:

CG&E Handicap - 1350m
1st - Hume; 2nd - Leapfrog; 3rd - Supreme Best

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “As soon as I got him I thought he was a stayer. When he drew fifteen today, we had to go back. I said to Scott (Galloway), settle him where you can settle him. But Scotty’s riding so well and the horse is fit – so he was just too good for them. He went around them and played with them.”

Jockey Scott Galloway: “I thought we were probably going to run second at the 200m – but I hadn’t got to the bottom of him yet. I sort of just picked him from the 250m under the big weight. He was an unknown to us at this stage because it was the first time we’d raced him, but, you know, he just flew over the last 100m. He looks like an exciting stayer.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Monchenglabach (O. Turpin) was slow to begin. Werockit (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly and and shortly after the start was tightened for room between King Brahm (R. Wiggins) and Emgee Em Grand (L. Rolls), which jumped outwards. Supreme Best (J. Taylor) jumped inwards at the start, making contact with Fielding (A. Merritt).
Jockey R. Stewart, rider of Leapfrog, was found guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that near the 1200m he permitted his mount to shift in, causing a crowding to Supreme Best, which resulted in that horse shifting in and tightening Bald Eagle on to Bang The Castle, which had to be checked when it shifted in on to Rock Slide (C. Reith), which was inconvenienced. Jockey Stewart was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 6 meetings, to commence at midnight, 8 March, and to expire at midnight, 18 March. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account mitigating circumstances.
Jovelon (S. Scriven) shifted out abruptly near the finish line. Trainer K. Schweida was advised that a warning would be placed on Jovelon regarding its racing manners. Werockit was unable to obtain clear running at any stage in the straight. Emgee Em Grand (L. Rolls) raced three wide for the entire race. King Brahm (R. Wiggins) was obliged to race wide for the entire race. A post-race veterinary examination of King Brahm revealed the horse to be showing signs of soreness in both forelegs, and was making a respiratory noise. Trainer B .Wakefield was advised that he would be required to provide the results of an endoscopic examination and veterinary clearance for King Brahm prior to its next race start. A post-race veterinary examination of Jovelon revealed the horse to have a small laceration to the off hind pastern.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Leapfrog, Cherry Gaze, Fat Possum, Lively Lilly, Sharufa, Galactic Spirit, Benny Eggs.

SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, MAR 1)

A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, March 1.

STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From SCTC meeting, 28.2.09

Race 3. Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the reason for Foxie Em being checked near the 150m. Jockey M. Heagney, rider of She’s Got Game, was subsequently found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that approaching the 150m, he failed to stop riding and straighten his mount which shifted out under pressure when insufficiently clear of Foxie Em, resulting in the rider of that horse being forced to check its momentum and shift in across the heels of She’s Got Game. M. Heagney was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 6 March and to expire at midnight, 15 March 2009.

Race 4. Stewards today inquired into the whip use of jockey N. Thomas, rider of Christi’s Idol. N. Thomas subsequently pleaded guilty to contravening AR137A, in that he used his whip excessively on a horse out of contention. N. Thomas was fined $100.

From QR Deagon Offices, 26.2.09
Trainer Mr R. Heathcote was found guilty of a charge under LR43, in that he employed Ms M. Sharp as a trackwork rider from 12 December 2008 up to and including 19 February 2009 when unlicensed. Mr Heathcote was fined the sum of $100. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account Mr Heathcote's exemplary record in relation to matters of this nature.

Ms M. Sharp was found guilty of a charge under LR 85(e), in that she was not the holder of an appropriate licence whilst employed by Mr Heathcote as a trackwork rider between 12 December 2008 and 19 February 2009. Ms Sharp was also fined the sum of $100.


Race 1:

QTIS 3yo Class 2 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Rovert; 2nd - Arctic Echo; 3rd - Navigation

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray McCall: “We rode him quietly last start and he bolted in. So obviously we thought we would do the same thing today. That leader set a fair target, but he picked it up pretty quick actually. We gave him that good spell (between August 08 and January 09) because, last time in, he was just immature. That’s why he didn’t win. He was running places, but he would run up to them and didn’t know how to go on with it.”

Jockey Damian Browne: “Basically we employed the same tactics as last time (when Rovert scored his Maiden win), although I wasn’t planning on being that far back. He was a bit tardy coming out. He seemed to relax pretty good at the back and he let down well. I rode a horse that beat him three starts ago – Heartsun – and he is a classy horse ... and the horse that beat him before that, Sholit, went on to win in town. So his form right through is pretty good and he’s got the opportunity now to string a couple together.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rovert (D. Browne) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Pashionately Yours (S. Richardson). Approaching the 300m, Lots Of Allure (K. Pope), which had been forced to race in restricted room to the inside of Gold Energy (J. Brown) for the majority of the race, was forced to steady when tightened for room between that gelding and Oceans Twenty (M. Palmer), which shifted out. Rovert (D. Browne) was inclined to shift in under pressure near the 200m. Gold Energy raced wide throughout.


Race 2:

3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Hootson; 2nd - Sarsfield; 3rd - Silverlinity

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Kenji Yoshida: “He was pretty good. I thought I’d hit the front a bit early at the 200m. I was worried he would start looking around, but he fought on well. I think he will get further if he is ridden a bit more quietly.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
No Quarter (A. Best), Sarsfield (S. Galloway) and Spanish Silver (E. Wilkinson) were all tightened for room and lost ground at the start between Manihi Freeze (R. Hancock), which shifted out, and Our Girl Giggles (D. Van Bekkum), which shifted in. Burbury Road (A. Taylor) began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, Burbury Road raced ungenerously and lost ground as a result. Burbury Road had to be steadied from heels approaching the 600m and then commenced to hang out until near the 400m. Spanish Silver (E. Wilkinson), which was racing to the outside, was inconvenienced and forced wider on the track as a result. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that Burbury Road must perform satisfactorily in an official trial prior to its next race start. D. Van Bekkum, rider of Our Girl Giggles, accidentally dropped her whip near the 300m.


Race 3:

3yo & Up Handicap - 1400m
1st - Vistula Belle; 2nd - No Fear Of Heights; 3rd - Gruff

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Joe Gleeson: “She was third-up here. She stepped up in distance last time and only got beat a half-head. I’d say she just showed a natural improvement from that run. She was probably just a run short last start. She also had to cope with heavy going and a wide barrier on that occasion. Today she’s ... yeah ... she’s done it easy. She was probably a little bit further back than I thought she would be, but I just left that up to the jockey (Matthew Palmer).No, it ended up ‘sweet as’ . I’ll probably step her up again soon. She’ll go to a mile.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Aneef (A. Pattillo) was slow to begin. Approaching the 800m, On Motion (M. Heagney) commenced to over-race and had to be steadied from the heels of Royal Virtue (A. Best). Near the 350m, Bold Prospector (D. Van Bekkum) had to be steadied when tightened for room between On Motion (M. Heagney) and Mon Trist (N. Thomas), which shifted out. N. Thomas, rider of Mon Trist, was reprimanded for this incident. Slip Up (K. Pope) and Bandolier (S. Galloway) raced wide throughout.
Trainer J. Gleeson pleaded guilty to a charge under AR175(s), in that he did permit the use of reins which upon inspection by stewards were, in their opinion, both unsuitable and unsafe, in that the stitching in particular and outer coating of the reins had been compromised. Mr Gleeson was fined $400.


Race 4:

Class 1 Handicap- 1600m,
1st - Through The Waves; 2nd - Brief Intention; 3rd - Don't Back Down

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Frank Phillips: “We’ve been trying to get a result with him for a long time, and it hasn’t been working. He’s just been getting beaten on the line. So we thought we’d try it back and he nearly got beaten again on the line. At least this way he put in a bigger effort which counted in his favour in the end. He relaxed alright and, when he (Damian Browne) asked him, he responded stronger than he did riding him up handy. He had a better kick.”

Jockey Damian Browne (who completed a double on the day): “He’s been racing on the pace a bit and he hasn’t been finishing his races off. So we thought we would try something different with him today. He over-raced a little bit early, but he sort of had them covered pretty easy at the furlong. I thought I was going to win by a couple of lengths and again he tried to get out of it a little bit. He seems to only have a short run on him and when he races closer to the pace he doesn’t seem to find the line as well. It seemed to work today, the different riding tactics.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Don’t Back Down (M. Dorrington) and Flying El Moxie (S. Galloway) were both slow to begin. Nearing the 1300m, Flying El Moxie had to be checked from the heels of Count Ivor (C. Kearney), which raced ungenerously with its head in the air during the early and middle stages. Approaching the 400m, Bellamour (A. Pattillo) was momentarily tightened for room between Don’t Back Down (M. Dorrington) and Brief Intention (A. Merritt), which shifted out. Don’t Back Down (M. Dorrington) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding his riding tactics adopted on Raining Kings over the final 200m, apprentice Turpin stated that after being momentarily held up on the heels of the tiring Continual, he felt the horse failed to run on and was unable to take advantage of a run which momentarily presented itself to the inside of Continual and to the outside of Sir Reason. Stewards noted the explanation.


Race 5:

Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Seen’Em Coming: 2nd - Winmara 3rd - Fools Rush In

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “He had a good barrier. He was always going to get a good run. We came off the fence before the corner there and put paid to them straight away. He raced up here the other day in an Open company race, so he was due. He had the tongue-tie on for the first time today as well which seemed to help the horse a bit. He’s been racing over 2000m and I think they’ve realised that he can’t stay and that 1600m is about his ideal trip.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer's representative Mrs K. Jones was advised that Fissile, which finished tailed off and has shown poor form in recent starts, would be barred from TAB venues until it shows improvement in its form. Seen’Em Coming was slow to begin. Opticks (M. Abe) raced wide throughout.


Race 6:

Class 2 Handicap - 850m
1st - Arhondas; 2nd - Ladros; 3rd - Contested Bid

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Natalie Hole: “He’s very good first-up. He’s won every start first-up except his very first run. He broke down in his first start when he got beat. Beyond that, he’s had three starts first-up for three wins now. I just told him Mitchell (Speers) that, as long as he was travelling, to have him where he was happy. I knew he kick on and I couldn’t be more pleased.”

When the race time was posted, it indicated that Arhondas had broken Vanity Queen’s track record that had stood since 1992.

Trainer Natalie Hole: “I knew she would run some time, but I didn’t think she’d be that quick!”

Hole was right. Ardonhas was not that quick. The race time was amended to read 48.42 seconds, 0.30 seconds outside the old record – still a useful run on a dead track.

Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers: “He showed a lot more speed early than we thought ... and then he quickened up again off a fast speed, you know it’s hard to do that. I thought I would be behind them, but I ended up in front of them. He just had the natural speed and that took care of matters.”

Speers still thought his mount had set a new track record. The error was pointed out to him.

Speers: “Oh he’s changed his mind, has he?”

Speers happily accepted the time alteration – it didn’t change the result. What it did do though was add food for thought to the argument about the absolute accuracy of the timing devices recording race times at various racetracks. Allowing for the level of technology available in this day and age, that accuracy should be a given, but many punters remain sceptical about the overall efficiency of the service.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Queen Of Danes (K. Pope) blundered on jumping away. Anglingforsuccess (R. Hancock) and First Night Fever (E. Wilkinson) came together on jumping away, making heavy contact. Love Hit Me (O. Turpin), which blundered on jumping away, lost further ground when tightened for room between Barbintary Eye (M. Milford), which shifted in, and Pinszah (A. Pattillo), which shifted out. Queens Of Danes (K. Pope), which was inclined to hang out from leaving the 700m, improved on to the heels of Ruakiwi Roller (R. Hinricks), which lost ground after shifting in and making contact with the running rail of its own accord. Queens Of Danes continued to hang until approaching the 400m. Arhondas (M. Speers) shifted out under pressure in the home straight, resulting in Crazy Woman (J. Piper) being inconvenienced near the 100m. A post-race veterinary examination of Ruakiwi Roller revealed the gelding to be lame in the off-foreleg. Trainer I. Malcolm was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for the horse prior to its next race start.


Race 7:

Open Handicap - 1000m
1st - Braebrook; 2nd - Nessuno; 3rd Pelltro

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Sears: “Yeah, we were pretty confident coming into this. In his last couple of runs in town he has been extremely unlucky – and that against the likes of Sommersea Drive. We thought he was a pretty good thing today.”

Jockey Tony Pattillo: “I rode him pretty cold. I rode him in his last four starts. I won the first one on him on the Cushion Track and it was a grinding win. The next few starts I was sort of inclined to make him grind home and I came to the conclusion that I’d been letting him go too early. It took me three rides to work him out. Today, I sorted him out and we got the points. He was doing it at the right point today. He wasn’t doing it on straightening, he was doing it getting to the line. Things just worked out our way today and I got to ride him the way I wanted to.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lackadosh (A. Badger) was slow to begin. Braebrook (A. Pattillo) was held up for clear running from approaching the 400m until leaving the 300m. Pelltro (J. Brown), Nessuno (C. McIver) and Kalinga County (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout. Court Adjourned (N. Thomas) lost its off-fore plate in running.


Race 8:

Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Chelle's Alibi; 2nd - Karalius; 3rd - Spanglish

Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers (who completed a double on the day): “She’s a stayer resuming. She travels pretty well anyway – she leads her staying races. Because she was fresh she travelled nice and had a bit of a sprint today. Early on in her career she didn’t show much, but she just keeps on improving. She really improved that much this time in and is getting stronger, although she’s still a bit weak looking. She hasn’t run many times because she has been that immature, so she has a lot of room for improvement. She’d run 2400m you’d think. After a couple of more runs she’ll be a dandy stayer.”

Apprentice M. Speers was fined $100 for accepting dual engagements on Chelle’s Alibi and Reasoning. Lee Kova was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon at the barriers and cleared to race. Cotto was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon at the barriers after the gelding stood on a nail. Cotto was subsequently declared a late scratching at 4.50 pm on veterinary advice. Spenit (M. Heagney) was tightened for room at the start between Flying Mossman (I. Coombes), which shifted out, and Isti Polly (K. Yoshida), which was taken in by Karalius (J. Piper). Near the 800m, Spanglish (R. Hinricks) was forced to race in restricted room and had to be steadied when racing between My Whippy (N. Thomas) and Skifort (A. Spinks), which shifted in. Passing the 600m, Spenit improved on to the heels of Rowland Commander (D. Brown) and had to be steadied. Leaving the 500m, Chelle’s Alibi (M. Speers) shifted out to obtain clear running, forcing Ready Asset (A. Merritt) out, which resulted in Flying Mossman (I. Coombes) being inconvenienced. Over the concluding stages, Frenardi had to be steadied when tightened for room between Spanglish, which shifted in, and Karalius, which shifted out. Skifort and Isti Polly raced wide throughout.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed:
All winners.

RACING AT THE COAST (SAT, FEB 28)

GOLD COAST:

Notes on racing at the Gold Coast on Saturday, February 28.

Trainer Alan Bailey was the only trainer to find success both in the city and at the coast on Saturday. Age Of Heroes did the honours at Eagle Farm and A Touch Of Frost saluted in the first race at the Gold Coast.

A Touch Of Frost was ridden by Chris Whiteley, who was one of two riders to ride a double on the card. Whiteley also scored in a $31 boil-over aboard the Brett Bellamy trained Mister Kuga in the fourth race.

Jockey Daniel Griffin, who has only recently returned to action following a five week break, also put two winners on the scoreboard. Griffin, who is no longer attached to the Gillian Heinrich stable, took the honours with Bad Girls Don’t Cry (for trainer Mel Eggleston) and Bringelly (for trainer John Morrisey).

The former won as a well-supported favourite on debut, while Bringelly was a bit harder to find. The gelding started at 14-1.


SUNSHINE COAST:

Notes on racing at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, February 28.

It was the Adam Best show at the shortened six-race meeting at Coloundra on Saturday. The rider not only won four races on the card, but he won them in succession, which must go close to making it the longest winning sequence of any rider for some time.

Best has to work for his success with only one of his three winners being able to salute by more than a quarter-length margin.

Best’s winners, in sequence, were Heza Flashman (for trainer Michael Flanagan – starting favourite at $3.10), Woowoorooka (one of Best’s two winners for trainer Mark Webb – starting at $13), Nobby’s Mate (also for Mark Webb – favourite at $2.40) and Best completed his shut-out of his rivals over the last four races when guiding the $12 winner Worthy Quest (for trainer Tony Sears) to victory in the last.

Apprentice jockey Jana Piper scored her first win since coming back after having some time out of the saddle. She piloted Bevagna home for trainer Mick Mair in the opening event while Damian Browne scored his now customary winner when partnering the David Murphy trained Martha’s Vineyard to a comfortable success in the second race on the card.

Martha’s Vineyard started the shortest-priced favourite on the night and justified that confidence with a resounding 5.30 length victory, which was easily the biggest winning margin at the meeting.

EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, FEB 28)

A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, February 28.

Race 1:

1MW Handicap -1600m
1st - Tipsy Piggy; 2nd - Honour Happy List; 3rd - Stage Shaker

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “She looked a bit awkward early ... over-raced a little bit. Strangely enough, she’ll have to go back to Sydney just to try and chase some black type. I think in two weeks time there is a mile Listed race there. Then a couple of weeks after that there’s an 1800m Listed race. That’s just to chase some Black Type. There are no plans to retire her or anything like that. We just want to take care of the Black Type now. She didn’t disgrace herself down there before and I know she just got home here, but I think it’s worth a go.”

Jockey Larry Cassidy: “She is a temperamental thing, but she is getting better all the time. Today she was just sitting down in the gates and I got someone up with her just before we jumped just to try and get her off the gates, but she didn’t begin like she did the other day. I had to give her a little bit of a push and then she didn’t want to come back to me. I didn’t want to roll any quicker because I thought she might feel it over the last bit. When Jason (Taylor on King Of Spurs) went I thought well that’s good, and then Bobby (El-Issa on Montoux) come up and he kind of shoved me back. Once I got back one out, one back, she relaxed. I was happy to take the sit. She did kick nicely enough in the straight. I didn’t ever think we were home though. I thought somebody might go past me, but she just kept kicking on. That run will do her good too.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tipsy Piggy): 1.50 out to 1.55 in to 1.50.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Stage Shaker (D. Missen) jumped in at the start making contact with Tipsy Piggy (L. Cassidy). King Of Spurs (J. Taylor) jumped away awkwardly. Montoux (B. El-Issa) raced three wide in the early stages. Near the 300m Peaceful Honour (A. Spinks), which was tiring, had to be steadied when tightened for room between Snackman (C. Reith) and Stage Shaker which shifted out. G. Clem the trainer of King Of Spurs, which bled from both nostrils during the event, was advised that the horse would be banned from racing for 3 months under the provisions of AR53A.


Race 2:

QTIS 2YO Handicap - 1000m
1st - Neeson; 2nd - Swiss Rose; 3rd - Emma's Hart

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ron Maund: “He did the job at the right end, didn’t he (referring to Neeson’s flying finish). I looked at the horse in Sydney and liked him at the sales. I told the owners I liked him but I wouldn’t buy him because he wasn’t a QRIS horse. So they said, don’t worry, we’ll just send him home for you to train, whether he is QRIS or not. He didn’t get any QRIS money so that was a bit painful, but I’m glad the owners have had a couple of licks and got a nice little result. No, I’d never seen the people before. They just asked me to have a look at the horse. They are very nice people and I pleased for them. It’s a good start to their racing in Queensland. That was also good for Phil (Wolfgram). He’s come back from a broken wrist and he’s had a couple of seconds and now the win.”

Jockey Phillip Wolfgram: “I settled back because we didn’t want Brujita and him (the stablemates) taking each other on up front. She’s more educated so we chose to keep her in a bit behind them. But, in the straight, when they put three or four lengths on me, I thought I’m not going to run them down. The last ... probably 50m ... it really was only the last 50m he just took off. I was about three or four wide and just eased back in and he finished that strongly. The last bit was very impressive.
“This is my third week back. I was out with a wrist injury. I ran second with him first-up. I ran second with Sequallan last week. During the week I was saying I’m getting sick of these seconds, so it was good to get the win. I’ve actually had four rides since my come-back. I rode Ice Chariot as well. Another lap and he would have caught them.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Neeson): 3.80 out to 4.00.
Favourite (Emma’s Heart): 2.30 out to 2.35. Finished third.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Carry Me Baby was declared a late scratching at 12.42 p.m. by order of stewards acting on veterinary advice after the horse was injured after becoming fractious in the race day tie-up stalls. Whatzahmata (R. Goltz) and Listen Son (E. Wilkinson) made contact on jumping away. Mislawsun (B. El-Issa) jumped away awkwardly. Neeson (P. Wolfgram) jumped away awkwardly and shifted in making contact with King Capo (App O. Turpin) Listen Son, which raced wide in the early stages, shifted ground outwards when placed under pressure in the straight. Tonzaticka (S. Scriven), which raced greenly when racing wide in the early stages, shifted out when placed under pressure over the concluding stages. Stewards questioned S. Scriven as to whether he had stopped riding his mount prior to the finishing line. S. Scriven stated that the horse raced greenly throughout the event, in particular over the concluding stages, and as a result he had refrained from using the whip close to the line. Stewards noted his explanation but nevertheless reminded him of his obligations to ride his mounts out to the finishing line. A post race veterinary examination of Mislawsun revealed the filly to be suffering from severe heat stress.


Race 3:

Class 6 Handicap - 2109m
1st - Kings Artist; 2nd - Fort ‘N' Won; 3rd - Tariki

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Murphy: “I think the ride got him there. Yeah, and I think the increase in distance helped him. But I tell you what suits him best is the light weight. He’s not a real strong horse. Hopefully he can get his strength up after a spell. I haven’t had him all the time. He ran fourth in his first start for me. He nearly won. Then the EI struck. I couldn’t get him to the paddock. I had to do something, so I run him again, but he wasn’t ready. In his last ten starts, there’s been two wins, seven seconds and a third. He’s no superstar, but he tries his heart out. You wish the horse had more ability. I’ve got good ones at home who have ability, but just won’t go, you know.”

Jockey Bobby El-Issa: “He dug deep this little horse. He’s run into some pretty smart horses – Tipsy Piggy, Encosta Tzsyu horses like that. Dry track, drops 3kg in weight, he was going to be hard to beat. He’s going for a well-deserved spell now.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (King Artist): 3.10 out to 3.30. Equal favourite.
Equal favourite (Fort ‘N’ Won): 3.00 out to 3.30. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Legend Of Goku (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Beartracker (E. Wilkinson) and Eton Hall (App B. Evans) bumped on jumping away. Stewards questioned jockey L. Cassidy regarding the tactics he employed on Riseupsinging in particular his decision to leave a trailing position to improve three wide approaching the 1000m. L. Cassidy stated that his mount commenced to travel quite strongly leaving the 1100m and as he had concerns regarding the lead established by runners racing forward of him he took the opportunity to endeavour to position Riseupsinging closer to those leaders. L. Cassidy further added that Riseupsinging improved its position approaching the 700m however, was under pressure shortly after and he became concerned with the horse's action in the home straight. L. Cassidy's explanation was noted. A post race veterinary examination of Tariki revealed the gelding to be lame in the off-fore tendon. Trainer R. Bradshaw was advised that Tariki would require a veterinary certificate of fitness before racing again. A post race veterinary examination of Riseupsinging revealed the mare to have sustained abrasions to the off-fore fetlock. A post race veterinary examination of Aquaracer revealed the gelding to be suffering from heat stress.


Race 4:

3YO Handicap - 1500m
1st - Age Of Heroes; 2nd - Manaudou; 3rd - Hearty Laughter

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alan Bailey: “He keeps taking the step up. I thought the 1500m would suit him better than the 1200m did, you know. Even when I sent him to Deacon the first time to trial him, Glen (Colless) trialled him and he came back and said this horse will run a mile. He’s still learning. He likes chasing, but as soon as he gets to the front ... he did the same at the Gold Coast. He ran all over the place. But he hasn’t learnt about that yet. This was only his fifth start, so he still has a lot to learn. He was just a little bit full of himself today. He’s been running through all of this hot weather and maybe he’d just had enough. He wanted to lay in here. He did that at the Coast. Well actually, he wanted to lay out down there, but, when he straightened up he shot away again at the finish. We’ll give him a little time out now. We’ll give him a couple of weeks out. Then bring him back, give him a couple of weeks on the walker and he’ll come back nice and fit and be just right for the Carniva"l."

Apprentice jockey Michael Palmer: “He played up quite a bit before the race today which he doesn’t normally do. I’m not certain why that was. He did really well in the race though. He sort of bounced out and showed a bit more pace today and got a nice little possie. Once we straightened up he pinged to the lead quite well. He’s still very green though. Once he got to the front he looked around and wanted to lay in on the fence. He doesn’t really know how to race yet. The distance (up from 1200m to 1500m) was perfect for him. He really is a really nice horse.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Age Of Heroes): 1.60 out to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Age Of Heroes (App Michael Palmer) which stumbled when being restrained on its approach to the barrier stalls was examined by the Club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. Young Cried Wolf (App C. McIver) and Golden Balls (App O. Turpin) were slow to begin. Near the 1200m Young Cried Wolf got its head up and over-raced for a short distance. Leaving the 1200m Star Of Ombre (R. Stewart) after being momentarily tightened for room by Hearty Laughter (App Matthew Palmer), which was taken in slightly by Manaudou (J. Taylor), overreacted and made contact with the running rail losing ground. Monashee Gold (R. Wiggins) which was following was obliged to shift out as consequence. Near the 800m Kbenrenrun (L. Cassidy) commenced to over-race and when being restrained off the heels of Age Of Heroes shifted out taking Northern Apache (K. Yoshida) wider on the track. Kbenrenrun continued to over-race for some distance thereafter. Age Of Heroes hung in when placed under pressure in the home straight. Northern Apache raced wide throughout the event.


Race 5:

Fillies & Mares NMW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Kentish Rose; 2nd - Linear; 3rd - Fasliyev Dancer

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “I didn’t think she’d won. I said to Luke (Rolls, the rider of Linear), did you get me and he said yes, definitely. We convinced each other that he’d won and I got beat, but, as it turned out, she must have got her head down right on the line. She had a pretty easy run throughout. Robbie (Heathcote) just said she was a stayer resuming (over 1200 first-up after a four month break) and that I should give her an easy run early and just have one crack at them. We drew well and, yeah, we got a super run through. Didn’t get out till late, but once she saw daylight, she put her ears back stuck her head out and hit the line.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kentish Rose): 16.00 out to 21.00 in to 17.00.
Favourite (Fasliyev Dancer): 3.80 out to 4.60. Finished third.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Anachelle (App C. McIver) was very slow to begin. Gold Omega (B. El-Issa) jumped in at the start making contact with Kentish Rose (App Matthew Palmer). Lucky Kentucky (C. Reith) jumped out at the start making contact with Rocklet (R. Goltz). Lucky Kentucky, Forced To Tango (J. Bowditch), Savanna La Mar (L. Cassidy) and Decibella (App A. Taylor) all raced wide for the majority of the event. Forced To Tango laid in when placed under pressure in the early stages of the straight and over the concluding stages was forced to race in restricted room between Rocklet and Decibella. A post race veterinary examination of Anachelle failed to reveal any abnormality.


Race 6:

Colts, Geldings & Entires NMW - 1200m
1st - Hodges Street; 2nd - Eire Of Magic; 3rd - Come Said The Boy

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin (who completed a double on the day): “We tried to send him overseas, you know, but they backed out of the sale. That happened fairly recently ... only about two runs ago. We wanted to lead here. I just got the idea that when he was out in front by himself, he is a different horse. Otherwise he gets a bit claustrophobic. I think he proved my point. I think he ran along like that all by himself. I was a bit surprised by how well he did it. Coming around the turn the $9 odds didn’t look too bad.”

Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor (who scored her first win for her new boss Barry Baldwin): “I haven’t ridden a winner on Saturday for ages. I needed one. It’s the first one for Barry since moving to his stable. He’s been very good to me. It’s great. He ran into such a commanding lead, I was really pulling him back at the 600m because I thought we were going too hard. Yeah, when I got into the straight I waited for about 200m before I even moved on him, but he just kept going strongly. That’s what I needed – a good leader and just went and left them all behind.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Hodges Street): 8.00 steady.
Equal favourite (Sir Teles): 6.00 out to 6.50. Finished fifteenth.
Equal favourite (Dardan): 6.00 out to 6.50. Finished eighteenth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Millers Wheel (E. Wilkinson) was tightened for room on jumping away between Shamir (J. Bowditch) which shifted out and Base Dancer (C. Reith) which was taken in by Sneaky Squirrel (App C. McIver).
Stature (R. Goltz) jumped in at the start making heavy contact with Mr Wiggles (L. Cassidy), which in turn shifted in and made heavy contact with Dardan (S. Galloway). Approaching the 1000m Dardan was bumped and crowded for room when Mr Wiggles was taken in by Come Said The Boy (App L. Rolls), which shifted in when not fully clear. App L. Rolls was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is clear when shifting ground. Millers Wheel made the turn at the 1000m awkwardly. De Bono (W. Clasohm), Stature and Eire Of Magic (App Matthew Palmer) all raced wide for the majority of the event. Millers Wheel was momentarily held up for clear running leaving the 400m and then had to be checked near the 100m after improving up onto the heels of Cafe Bar (App B. Evans). Millers Wheel was unable to secure clear running at any stage thereafter. A post race veterinary examination of Dardan revealed the gelding to be lame in the off hind leg and to have sustained abrasions to the hind bumpers. Trainer T. Bailey will be advised that a veterinary clearance would be required prior to Dardan racing again.


Race 7:

Falvelon Handicap - 1200m
1st - The Jackal; 2nd - Friendly Embrace; 3rd - Ego's Dare

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul St Vincent: “There is only one bottom line. You know they say some horses grow a leg in the wet. He grows it in the dry. You know he’s just got to be on the top of the ground, otherwise he is no good. So that’s where we’ll go next. Wherever it is dry ... Sydney, here, doesn’t matter ... wherever there is a dry track ... back to the Ramornie (which he has won twice) ... it doesn’t matter. But he has just got to be on top of the ground. The right handicap race on the right track and he’s there. I’ve just got to take it one race at a time. It wouldn’t matter if it was a Group 1 race and he was 3-1 on. If the track was wet, it is a waste of energy.”

Jockey Larry Cassidy (who completed a double on the day): “That was so impressive. He could not have been more impressive. They say he can be difficult mid-race if the pace slows, and he got a bit difficult. So I’m back on the fence, and they said to give him a clear run in the straight. When I switched her about four out, he was dead set ready to go. Like I pushed him into second gear and I didn’t even have to go to third. It was unbelievable. It was like he was pawing the ground underneath me. I can’t explain it. I can tell you ... I haven’t ridden a horse like that for a long time. The way he did it with the weight was amazing.
“He is a bit of a problem in the barriers. He reared up and he is just so big. He is such a big horse. It’s like ... it’s like three forty-four gallon drums tied together and you’re sitting on them ... and when they rear up, it’s very big and awkward. I have ridden him previously. I rode him in his third ever start in a Group 2 in Sydney. It was something like six runners and he finished fourth. He was still very immature then. I said he was a very good horse then. I never got another go at him till now.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (The Jackal): 8.00 steady.
Favourite (Vietnam): 4.60 out to 5.00. Finished tenth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The Jackal (L. Cassidy) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. K. Pope, rider of Sommersea Drive which hung out when racing wide reported that his saddle had shifted marginally rounding the home turn. A. Spinks the rider of Stolit was found guilty of a charge of careless riding in that approaching the 1000m he allowed his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Set Alight (S. Thurlow) resulting in that horse having to be steadied and lose its rightful running. A. Spinks' licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings to commence midnight Wednesday 4 March 2009 and expire midnight Friday 13 March 2009. Approaching 800m Stolit was momentarily tightened for room by Momentously which shifted in. A short distance later when the pace steadied Stolit improved up onto the heels of Momentously and when being restrained shifted out. In all circumstances B. El-Issa the rider of Momentously was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise greater care in similar circumstances. Vietnam (B. Pengelly) was unable to secure clear running over the final 100m. A post race veterinary examination of Vietnam revealed no abnormality. A post race veterinary examination of Sommersea Drive revealed no abnormality.
A post race veterinary examination of Stolit revealed the gelding to be stiff in its action in front and was also exhibiting an abnormal respiratory noise. Trainer B. Miller reported that he would spell the horse immediately. Stewards advised Mr Miller that a veterinary clearance would be required before Stolit races again.


Race 8:

Class 6 Plate - 1400m
1st - Tisani Boy; 2nd - Three Swallows; 3rd - Encosta Tszyu

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lindsay Hatch (after Tisani Boy had won for the seventh time form eight starts): “He stamped himself today. He was always looking out for 1400m. Look, we not getting carried away, but he just keeps aiming up at whatever we’ve asked him to do. We’ll let the dust settle, but we are not going to talk him up or anything. We are just very happy. What he has already achieved and done for us, nothing really matters now, you know.
“Having said that, he is a serious racehorse. He has options now and I suppose you’ve got to look at the Winter Carnival, but I really don’t want to get carried away. I suppose you’ve got to aim at something like that. With what he did today well, there’s a nice little race over 1400m in June. If he could get into that with 50kg – but you don’t want to talk that up. I dream of having a runner in that, let alone one that has a chance. So we might look at that, but we just want the dust to settle. He’s got a lot of problems with his feet, so we work on him a couple of hours every morning after track-work. – me and Brent (evans). Temperament-wise he is magnificent. I’d like to go to war with him. He’s great.”

Apprentice jockey Brent Evans (almost in a state of shock in awe of the performance of Tisani Boy): “I can’t believe it ... I can’t believe it. I knew there wasn’t a helluva lot of speed so I knew I had to rev him up out of the gates and get him going forward. I didn’t have to do a lot on him. I just give him a dig and he really responds quickly. I had to take hold, because one was punching up on the inside. He wouldn’t come back, so I had to just let him relax outside the leader. I didn’t panic coming to the straight. I knew I had a helluva lot of horse under me and I waited well into the straight and then ... (again almost lost for words) ... gee he is a good horse.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tisini Boy): 6.00 out to 7.00 in to 6.00.
Favourite (Encosta Yszyu): 4.60 out to 5.50. Finished third.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Il Favorito (N. Spencer) jumped away awkwardly. Viking Storm (B. El-Issa) and Bushland (R. Wiggins) made contact on jumping away. Il Favorito, Fiori (A. Spinks) and King Leonidas (S. Scriven) all raced wide throughout. Sir Kingsford (App C. McIver) over-raced when racing wide throughout the event. Dawn’s Pride (App O. Turpin) was held up for clear running for a short distance upon entering the home straight. A post race veterinary examination of King Leonidas revealed the gelding to have sustained abrasions to the off-fore fetlock. A post race veterinary examination of Tenfold failed to reveal any abnormality.

IPSWICH REVIEW (FRI, FEB 27)

A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Friday, February 27.

Race 1:

Maiden Plate - 2150m
1st - Way North; 2nd - Foreign Lass; 3rd - Battle Of Kapyong

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “I really like this track. It suits horses who can come from behind and those who want to be on the pace. Where-ever you want to place your horse, that’s how you race it. As far as this one is concerned, she’s a real stayer. She’s just taken a long time to mature. It really has taken a bit of time to get to this point. Up until recently she has been very consistent without winning. But as soon as we get her up in distance, she’s closer to finding that winning edge. I mean in the race here the other day (over 2200m, which was Way North’s first attempt beyond 1630m) the leader (Brilliant Ween, who franked that form by winning again in his next start) just did what it liked. It got too far away from us, we just wacked away for second placing. Today she was good enough to dictate the race and get the result.”

Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “There wasn’t a helluva lot of speed in the race and I always thought we’d be a chance. My idea was to lead originally, but one kicked up inside me and held me out, so I thought, oh well I’d just sit half off it. I sat half off it and one come around. I kicked up then and sat outside it and we got a nice easy run up to the front. When we were challenged, my one dropped the bit and went to the fence. From about the half mile to the 600m I picked up and went head to head with it. I got my horse back on the bit, travelling well. Then we just kicked away on the turn. Ran on strong. The last run was his first time over 2200m (when second to Brilliant Ween). They always improve off that, just like she did here.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Battle Of Kapyong (M. Hellyer) was slow into stride. Strachelle (J. Taylor) faltered and became unbalanced when racing in restricted room to the inside of Way North (B. Evans) making the first turn. When unbalanced, Strachelle shifted out slightly, making heavy contact with Way North, which in turn forced both Breathin’Easy and Hard Luck (M. Squires) extremely wide on the track. Hard Luck then raced wide for some distance. Ha D’ Ha Ha (M. Paget) was held up rounding the home turn behind the heels of the tiring Breathin’ Easy (C. Reith).


Race 2:

Class 1 Handicap - 1666m
1st - Fly Misty; 2nd - Hooray Tobey; 3rd - Aurelio

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Bowditch: “The other day in town (behind Mauries Pick) she couldn’t get to the outside. She’s got to come to the outside. She needs the galloping room. So that wasn’t a bad run, you know. She’s got to come to the outside and she loves the wet going. So today was her day. We had her on a sale on Friday. She had a $5000 reserve on her. She didn’t bring five, so got $7 000 today instead ($7800 being first prize).”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1400m, Jessie Street (M. Hellyer) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Jagerbomb Time(B. Pengelly), which shifted out from the rails. Jagerbomb Time (B. Pengelly) was inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Jagerbomb Time, B. Pengelly stated that the horse did not accelerate today and felt that it was not comfortable on the heavy track. Trainer B. Smith agreed that the horse's performance was disappointing and indicated that Jagerbomb Time had on occasions made abnormal respiratory noises. Mr Smith indicated that he intended to have an endoscopic examination carried out on the colt and would report back to the stewards the results of such examination.


Race 3:

Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - So Shall This; 2nd - Surrounded By Sin; 3rd - Dalsqualo

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Nolan (Jnr): “He’s always had a heap of ability this bloke, but he had knee-chips as a two-year-old. He came back in and trialled really well and then he re-chipped his knee, so it’s been a really good effort to get him back to racing. First-up, he sat outside the leader and had a terribly hard run. He was first up for ages (21 months). So we gave him a bit of a break. He’s actually real accident prone ... he rolled into a bloody partition. Anyway it worked out to be a blessing in disguise. I wasn’t confident at all ... he’s paid $15, but either way I get the prize-money.
“The plan wasn’t to go out like that. I actually wanted him to ride him off the pace a bit, because I didn’t want him going too hard outside the leaders from a wide alley. But as Booby said, if he was going well, he wasn’t going to drag him back. No, he put in a good effort, although he did get the staggers in the last bit. But he’d done the work early and that was enough to win it.”

Paul Nolan had said, “either way I get the prize money.” Well the amount of that pay packet was put in question when Shane Scriven, the rider of the second placed Surrounded By Sin lodged a protest against the winner.

Jockey Shane Scriven: “At the gates the eventual winner jumps inward onto me. That meant I was not able to muster speed immediately. Then for a good 100m, 150m I race in restricted room, turning to the inside a bit, getting crowded, until approaching the first turn. After we’d gone about 150m, I had to steady my mount when the eventual winner crossed me. I come back to the outside of it and then chased forward to be running up on the outside of the leader. For a straight 300m to 350m, there was a continual inconvenience to my horse. I’d say the interference cost me the best part of a length-and-a-half.”

Jockey Bobby El-Issa (questioned Scriven): “When you said my mount jumped inwards, do you believe I was trying to ride off you or did I just let it go in a straight line?”

Scriven: “Your horse was inclined to get in quite noticeably which inconvenienced me for a couple of hundred metres.”

El-Issa: “My horse jumped inwards out of the machines, being green. The trainer told me to ride it a little bit quiet unless he tried to lead. Like Shane said, once he jumped he did lay in a touch, but I believe Shane was riding his mount inside of me. I was hoping he would kick up and hold me out, because he was wanting to lay in really bad. But I think I led pretty comfortably. My horse relished the going and I had Shane beat from the outset. Fair enough, my horse did jump inwards there’s no denying that, but once I forged clear to lead, I think the race was over then.”

Scriven (after viewing the video): “I can only repeat the fact that the winner jumped on an outward course and then come in made heavy contact with my bloke. This continued on for quite a while until I had to steady. If you divide it into two, I think the ground that the eventual winner cost me through the bumping and the inconvenience, and then you look at the position that I was unable to obtain which I should have been able to get to under the rules of racing, I should never have had to be out on a limb chasing. I should have been able to give my horse the run of the race. If you have a look at the margins and the ground that I made up, there is no doubt in my mind my horse would have won the race.”

El-Issa (after viewing the video): “I think the video shows that my horse was pretty revved up. He jumped out and got a heavy bump from the outside horse – Skye Bogenhuber’s horse (Agent Alvin). My horse in turn ricocheted off onto Shane’s horse, which I had no control over. Once I give Shane a bump, from there onwards until the first corner, Shane did steady once, probably because of the crowding. He steadied half, maybe a quarter of a stride. He never checked. Shane never once stopped riding his horse. He drove up on the outside. My horse got there. I got on the bit, crossed them and led. I had Shane beaten from the corner onwards. I skipped away and got him off the bit. I stopped riding my horse out 20m out. I could have won by two lengths (instead of three-quarters).”

Michael Nolan (trainer of So Shall This): “There is no doubt the horse has laid in due to being green. Shane Scriven is one of the most vigorous jockeys in the business. You can see from the side-on film that he momentarily steadied for about a quarter of a stride and then he keeps pushing him along. We skipped away on the turn and the fact that the second placed horse had a three-quarter of a length margin on the line was pretty flattering, because Bobby had eased up my horse over the last 50m knowing that he was second-up after a twenty-one month break.”

The protest was dismissed.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by S. Scriven, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Surrounded By Sin, against So Shall This being declared the winner, alleging interference at the start and in the run to the first turn. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the official film, and being mindful of the margin between both horses at the finish, stewards dismissed the objection and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings.
Muster Province (B. Evans) jumped inwards at the start, forcing Al’s Image (C. Kearney) in on to Iron Hawk (S. Galloway), which had to be checked. Agent Alvin (S. Bogenhuber) jumped inwards at the start, making heavy contact with So Shall This (B. El-Issa). So Shall This then shifted in, making heavy contact with Surrounded By Sin (S. Scriven), which was then taken in on to Looks Like Deano (J. Bowditch). Looks Like Deano was then forced in on to Jester Canny Go (A. Pattillo), causing that horse to be inconvenienced and make contact with Dalsqualo (L. Rolls).
Jockey B. El-Issa, rider of So Shall This, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that approaching the 800m, he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Surrounded By Sin (S. Scriven), forcing that horse to be taken in on to Looks Like Deano (J. Bowditch), causing that horse to be buffeted between Surrounded By Sin (S. Scriven) and Jester Canny Go (A. Pattillo) and suffered interference. B. El-Issa was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 28 February, and to expire at midnight, 11 March 2009.
As a consequence of Looks Like Deano being buffetted Dalsqualo was hampered. Near the 800m Iron Hawk had to be eased away from the heels of Al’s Image (C. Kearney). Topanga (M. Squires) was caught wide on the first turn and raced wide for the majority of the event. Surrounded By Sin was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn and in the straight. Topanga lost its near-fore plate in running.
Stewards questioned S. Galloway in relation to his riding of Iron Hawk, in particular in the home straight. S. Galloway stated that after being tightened on jumping away the horse settled at the rear of the field, however the horse did not travel well in the going. He further stated that he did not fully test his mount in the straight due to its failure to handle the rain affected track. Trainer S. Ryan was also interviewed and he was also of the opinion that Iron Hawk did not handle the rain affected going.


Race 4:

3yo & Up F&M Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - My Cara Mia; 2nd - Lemarac Lass; 3rd - Sweet Magic

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ted Ainsworth: “She goes well, but she doesn’t really handle the wet track. The other day when she got beat here (when second behind Don’t Touch The Hat) the colts took 59 something and she ran 58 something. Today it’s been a big turnaround. The colts ran a minute, she’s run 1.01.50 something. So, on the wet track she is just not the same mare. She has got ability and I’d say her class has got her through today – that and the one alley, which can be a big advantage.”

Jockey Daniel Griffin: “She has probably got into a bit of a bad habit of getting onto one rein. I just spoke to Ted (Ainsworth) about changing a few things to correct what’s going on, you know. I’m talking about changing the bit – something a bit more severe. She’s just got the ring bit on now. If we put the lugging bit on, it’s just something that when I want to grab hold of her, I’ve got the option to pull her in. She did well today though. She doesn’t like the wet ... like really resents it. She got through it really good this time. From the one draw, not spending energy and pumping them, it makes a big difference. But yeah, she shocked me because I didn’t think she would let down like that. So, it’s pretty good.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Smarties (A. Pattillo) was slow to begin. Paris Label (W. Clasohm), Esencia (M. Hellyer) and Zocapa (L. Cheshire) were all tightened for room on jumping away between Her Pic (C. McIver) and Sweet Magic (S. Scriven), which shifted out. Zocapa lost its position as a result of this tightening. Near the 250m, Ceethesunrise (R. Faehr) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Zocapa (L. Cheshire), which shifted out. Polish Queen (B. El-Issa) was obliged to race wide for the majority of the event.


Race 5:

QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 800m
1st - Triple Ay; 2nd - Wedding Lily; 3rd - Flashing Flora

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Ric McMahon: “Yeah, he’s got good speed. Probably didn’t beat much. There were some pretty slow horses behind him. But, yeah, all you can do is win it. He’s got speed as I say and he goes alright. He should have won last start. He just didn’t try very hard there. I don’t know if that was to do with concentration or ability. He cruised up until about the 150m, I went for him and didn’t find much. He’s suspect at any further distance than he got today. The 800m is about as far as he wants. If it was 800m the other day I would have won, but it was 850m and we lost it.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
G. Baker was dislodged from Bouldercombe Mist when proceeding to the barriers. The start was delayed whilst Bouldercombe Mist was resaddled. Bouldercombe Mist was examined by the veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Triple Ay had to be resaddled behind the barriers. The start was further delayed when Red Mohican and Bouldercombe Mist were unable to be loaded. As a consequence, both horses were declared late scratchings at 2.55 pm. Both horses will be required to obtain further barrier certificates through official trials prior to their next race starts. Facebook (R. Goltz), Moxstar (J. Bowditch) and Uncle Ronnie (C. Reith) were slow to begin. Flashing Flora (S. Bogenhuber) jumped away awkwardly. Princess Karlie (A. Spinks) was hampered at the start when Fiery Lad (C. Whiteley) shifted out. Princess Karlie again shifted out near the 700m. Flashing Flora was inclined to lay out and made the home turn awkwardly.


Race 6:

3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1350m
1st - Auanne; 2nd - Deenlester; 3rd - Suave Consort

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bob McMahon: “We gave him one start last May. He was a really immature horse then – big and stupid and gangly. That was just part of why we put her out though. There were a couple of other reasons. Something cut her on the leg and we let her out because of that, and, oh, we had a virus up here for a while too. When they get a virus I won’t keep them working. I let them have a break. So it was one thing on top of another, that’s why she has only had four starts. But she came back good. Last time she was very unlucky. She got jammed up. She drew barrier one ... got stuck behind the leader. Half got off the fence and then rolled back to the fence and the horse on her outside kept pushing her back in. The main issue today was the wide barrier and we reckoned if they went fast early we’d be alright. If the speed would bust the field up so we could get across that would suit us – and that is exactly what happened.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 1100m, Auanne (W. Clasohm) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Sauve Consort (B. Stewart), which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. B. Stewart, rider of Sauve Consort, was reprimanded and advised to provide more clearance in future. Delago Spirit, which hung in throughout the race and performed poorly, was examined by the veterinary surgeon, who reported the horse to be lame in the off foreleg.
Stewards questioned jockey S. Scriven and trainer F. Adams in relation to the disappointing performance of Kalenji. S. Scriven stated that the horse failed to extend when asked for an effort rounding the home turn and did not finish the race off and was of the opinion that the horse was not comfortable in the heavy going. A post race veterinary examination of Kalenji revealed the horse to be lame in the near foreleg.
Jockey D. Griffin was questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Gimme, which did not finish the race off as expected. D. Griffin stated that the horse did not settle when leading today and felt it may have resented racing in winkers for the first time today. He also indicated he would recommend to connections that the horse may be better suited when ridden with cover in future.


Race 7:

Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Worth Doing; 2nd - Notevenow; 3rd - Your Mate Jimmy

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Doughty: “First start for me. Took the pacifiers off and just took him back to normal.”

Jockey Kevin Forrester: “I was supposed to ride him back with a bit of cover, because we thought they would go a lot quicker. But, because I was stuck out there and the horse being a bit fresh it began good, I had no option but to go forward, you know ... and he just bound away the last bit.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
When the pace slowed approaching the 800m, Miss October (C. Reith) pulled hard and had to be steadied away from the heels of Tie Hand (B. Stewart). Near the 800m, Feathery (M. Squires) was tightened for room between Tie Hand (B. Stewart), which shifted out slightly, and Worth Doing (K. Forrester), which shifted in when not fully clear. K. Forrester, rider of Worth Doing, was reminded of his obligations to provide more clearance when crossing in future. Way Too Hot lost its off-hind pate in running.


Race 8:

Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Make Mine Cash; 2nd - Bloodhound; 3rd - Danish Dandy

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “His biggest attribute is that he gives one-hundred and ten percent this little fella. He fights for it and it’s got him two wins in a row now.”

Jockey Kenji Yoshida: “He did it well. Good job. Up in class and heavy, wet going. He is still green. When he got to the front he got lost a little bit, waiting for another horse. As soon as another horse came at him he just started fighting again.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1100m, Bloodhound (J. Taylor) got its head up and raced ungenerously. Toperna, which was following, shifted out, making contact with Green Ale. Leaving the 100m, Miss Cabriolet (B. El-Issa) was cramped for room between Benragazzo (A. Spinks), which shifted out under pressure, and Media Fund (D. Green), which shifted in. Both A. Spinks, rider of Benragazzo, and D. Green, rider of Media Fund, were advised to take greater measures to keep their mounts straight. Near the 450m, Syndicate Road (S. Drake) and Miss Cabriolet (B. El-Issa) were both tightened for room by Danish Dandy, which shifted in. C. Reith, rider of Danish Dandy, was severely reprimanded and instructed to exercise more care in similar circumstances. R. McMahon, rider of Timecall, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that approaching the 200m he permitted his mount to shift out whilst riding along, resulting in interference being suffered by Je Suis Rockstar (R. Goltz), which in turn made contact with the hind quarters of Make Mine Magic. R. McMahon was suspended from riding races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 1 March and to expire at midnight, 13 March. Timecall (R. McMahon), Je Suis Rockstar (R. Goltz), Make Mine Cash (K. Yoshida) and Green Ale (S. Galloway) all raced three wide for the majority of the event. J. Taylor, rider of Bloodhound, dropped his whip on straightening.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Je Suis Rockstar, R. Goltz stated that despite being caught three wide, the horse travelled reasonably well until near the 600m, however when asked for an effort from that point onwards the gelding was under pressure. He added that whilst Je Suis Rockstar did suffer interference, it was not travelling well at that stage. R. Goltz added that whilst the horse had been successful on wet tracks recently, he did not feel that the horse extended in the conditions on today's track.

STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Foreign Lass, Surrounded By Sin, Esencia, Wedding Lily, Triple Ay, Notevernow.