A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, January 4.
Racing at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday saw Eddie Wilkinson headline the act with a quality riding treble. Wilkinson has days when his ability shines through and his ride on Kanpeki (in particular) highlighted his prowess in the saddle.
Greg Kennedy took the training honours with a double on the day.
Race 1:
4yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Preception Bay; 2nd - Wishenda; 3rd - Floss ‘N' Boots
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Crane: “He’s a nice horse. We bought him from the Gold Coast tried sale. I had his half-brother, a horse called Scandal Park. It was a very talented horse. This horse has got plenty of ability but he had a seedy toe, a few shoulder problems, a virus and that sort of thing, and then the EI hit and he had a sort of bad dose of that and now he’s come back nice. He’s come up very well.
“A young apprentice ... a young girl starting out to be an apprentice chasing her licence, Keely James, she’s ridden him in the trials for me. She’s apprenticed to Ian Livingston. She rides very nice. She’s being doing a bit of work with him plus the work riders at home you know. Jason’s ridden him a treat today. The filly that run second today, that’s her first start for me. She’s had twenty-seven previous starts and she’s run second today. So that’s the best possible result other than a dead-heat.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fortynil (J. Kropp), which was slow to begin, was crowded a short distance later between Wishenda (M. Speers) and Rumpapumpum (A. Erhart), both of which shifted ground. Penguin Suite (C. Eaton) raced wide throughout the race. Apprentice J. Kropp, rider of Fortynil, was advised of his obligations when using the whip on a horse out of contention. When returning to scale, J. Taylor was dislodged from the winner, Preception Bay. J. Taylor was examined by the club's doctor and cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Showit; 2nd - Rovert; 3rd - Showboat
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “She’s had a lot of little niggling problems. She was always going to have good improvement in her.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “She’s still very green, but does everything pretty much right. It’s a bit new to her when she gets clear of other horses. She could make a very nice horse.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed when Shesinthemoeny, which had been loaded, broke through the barriers and cantered a short distance. The filly was returned to the barriers and examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. Secret Habit (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Shesinthemoney (M. O'Brien) had to be steadied off the heels of Midnightmare (D. Gill) when taken in by Saintly Touch (J. Taylor). Rounding the home turn, Showboat (A. Pattillo) shifted out to improve, forcing Croix De Fer (G. Baker) and Rovert wider on the track. Showit (E. Wilkinson) shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. Croix De Fer (G. Baker), Rovert (O. Turpin) and Maple Leaf (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. When returning to scale, J. Murphy was dislodged from the 4th placegetter, Bifocal. J. Murphy was examined by the club's doctor and cleared to fulfil her remaining engagements. Maple Leaf lost its near-fore plate in running. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Elate And Excite; 2nd - Binrasy; 3rd - Decarazi
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Greg Kennedy: “He sat very wide and went far too early last time, so that result wasn’t his form. I said to the jockey before hand, never mind that run, he should go well today. He has had seventeen starts but, in saying that, he’s only had three or four over the journey. I think when he gets up to 2100m or 2200m he’ll be a very nice horse.
“He is by Ombra Della Sera and he’s always shown early in trials. He’s won 800m trials here by four lengths. You go, well I’ve got a nice sprinter here and then of course he doesn’t show anything ... and you think, what have I done wrong here? But he was obviously really wanting a bit of distance.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Benzine (C. McIver) shifted in at the start, making contact with Pleasure Shot (K. Wharton). Near the 1200m, Binrasy (C. Eaton) had to be steadied off the heels of Decarazi (C. Reith), which shifted in momentarily. Binrasy then commenced to race ungenerously for a short distance. Passing the 1100m, Benzine (C. McIver) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Binrasi, which shifted in after improving onto the heels of Light Sensation (J. Brown). Approaching the 800m, Elate And Excite (K. Pope) had to be steadied after improving up on to the heels of Light Sensation. Nearing the 500m, DecaraziI (C. Reith) became unbalanced when bumped by Light Sensation, which was taken in slightly by Elate And Excite (K. Pope). Rounding the home turn, Sir Reason (I. Coombes) had to be steadied after improving on to the heels of Binrasy (C. Eaton). Light Sensation raced wide in the early stages.
Race 4:
Class 4 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Relodge; 2nd - Kings Artist; 3rd - Vargas Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stuart Phegan: “We’ve come back from a very disappointing time. He had a stone abscess for those two runs when he finished eighth and sixth, but after that he come good then. He just jumped out of the ground after that.
“The second disappointment was obviously when he was scratched last weekend (after the false start at Doomben). Yeah, I did come up on the day that day (from Tancurry). It was a big effort to get there. I’d done a bit of research on the trip and talked to a few blokes who’d done it, and I tried to sort of base myself on that, yeah, and once we got up here it was good. The trip took eight hours. We left at one-thirty in the morning and stopped off at Ballina for one hour. Then we got the false start and he was scratched. So this was a nice change of fortune.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “I was meant to ride him at Doomben and he got scratched that day. All the vet done that day was put his hand over his nose and said ‘no he’s done too much work’, so that was disappointing. Today there was no speed in the race and he was up there right on the money the whole way and he fought on well.”
While I was talking to Ric McMahon, I asked him about the win of Castagnola at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Jockey Ric McMahon: “When he won here (at the Sunshine Coast) on debut, he was just too good for them. Then, yesterday he just revelled in the going. I just gave him a couple of backhands and he just left them behind. It was pretty impressive.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sir Phoenix (J. Wood) raced wide in the early stages. Leaving the 600m, Neology (J. Bowditch) shifted out to obtain clear running and was then obliged to race 3 wide for the remainder of the event. Rounding the home turn, Kings Artist (B. Pengelly) shifted out, forcing Neology (J. Bowditch) wider on the track. Near the 100m, Frisco’s In Charge (O. Turpin) was hampered when racing between Relodge (R. McMahon) and Sir Phoenix (J. Wood), which shifted out under pressure.
Race 5:
C&G Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Daintain Boy; 2nd - Black Dakota; 3rd - Through The Waves
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stephen Lowe: “He’s only run six times for two wins and two seconds, so he’s already been a nice little money-spinner for us. He’s not a world beater, but he’s a nice little horse who looks like he is going to go through a few classes going forward. He’s had no issues. We’ve just been taking our time with him.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Canefly (K. Pope) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 900m, when the pace slowed, Through The Waves (O. Turpin) improved up on to the heels of Qwerty (C. Dixon), resulting in Through The Waves having to be steadied and shift out, taking Costner (J. Bowditch) out onto the heels of Dantain Boy (C. McIver) and had to be steadied.
A. Pattillo, rider of Black Dakota, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in under riding, resulting in Classic Reward (K. Wharton) having to be steadied approaching the 50m, and then continued to permit his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Qwerty (C. Dixon), resulting in Qwerty being checked. A. Pattillo was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 7 January and to expire at midnight, 18 January 2009.
Black Dakota (A. Pattillo) was held up on the heels of Costner (J. Bowditch) from leaving the 500m until nearing the 400m. Through The Waves (O. Turpin) improved up on to the heels of Qwerty (C. Dixon) near the 500m and had to be steadied. Costner was held up for clear running for a short distance shortly after straightening. Classic Reward (K. Wharton) and Debraith (A. Spinks) raced wide throughout. Apprentice O. Turpin, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Through The Waves, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
An inquiry was opened into the running and handling of Aqua Calda. After taking evidence from jockey B. Pengelly, the inquiry was adjourned to enable stewards to interview trainer L. Birchley who was absent from today's meeting.
A post-race veterinary examination of Aqua Calda revealed the gelding suffering from anhydrosis (not a free sweater). Trainer L. Birchley will be advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to its next race start.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Sweet Sassi; 2nd - Casholet; 3rd - Treasure Cay
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “She had t do it tough, didn’t she? The other horse (Treasure Cay) just kept pushing out in front of us. It was a good hard fought win. It’s pretty hard to go from a Maiden to a Class 1 win under that sort of pressure – but she’s done it.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “There was one inside us which carried us out across the track. Ric (McMahon – the rider of the runner-up) was in his rights to have a look at the video, but my horse wasn’t the culprit. It all ended good.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Answer To A Prayer (D. Griffin) began awkwardly. Treasure Cay (J. Wood) and Sweet Sassi (E. Wilkinson) made contact on jumping away. Shortly after the start, We’ve An Angel (O. Turpin) shifted out abruptly, hampering Staralie (R. Wiggins) and Any Wonder (J. Brown). As a result, We’ve An Angel took no further competitive part in the race. Trainer L. Brazier was advised that he would be required to trial We’ve An Angel in an official trial prior to its next race start. Nearing the 800m when the pace steadied, Telebron Gold (A. Spinks) improved up on the heels of Treasure Cay and shifted out, making contact with Sweet Sassi on several occasions. Approaching the 200m, Treasure Cay (J. Wood) shifted considerable ground outwards when being ridden with the whip, resulting in Sweet Sassi (E. Wilkinson), Casholet (R. McMahon) and Any Wonder(J. Brown) being forced wider on the track. A short distance later, R. McMahon, rider of Casholet, when attempting to go for the whip, became unbalanced and as a result lost his right stirrup iron. Apprentice J. Wood, rider of Treasure Cay, was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift considerable ground outwards. Any Wonder (J. Brown) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Kanpeki; 2nd - General Patton; 3rd - Myndos
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Greg Kennedy: “She had a few problems six weeks ago which she doesn't have now. She was bruised up in the feet from the wet weather. My dad was a farrier and I did my time with him so I knew how to fix, you know. I just fixed her up. Eddie (Wilkinson) deserves a big wrap for his ride. He’s a very under-rated rider. Look at the mare’s record ... anybody who is a punter would have picked up her good record at this track (where she has now won five out of nine starts). She just loves it here. So we’ll head to the Listed race here in a fortnight, the Summer Cup ... well it was the Summer Cup. I don’t know what they call it now. But that’s where we’ll go.”
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “She had the right run in the race and then had enough fight to get there in the end. It was a good effort.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Silvern (O. Turpin) began awkwardly, losing considerable ground. The Big Easy (C. Reith) shifted out at the start, making heavy contact with Tropiqualo (M. Speers). Slick Trick (J. Brown) blundered on jumping away. Approaching the 800m, Growsir (J. Bowditch) commenced to over-race for a short distance. Shortly after straightening, Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) shifted out, making contact with Telegrand (J. Taylor). Telegrand and Slick Trick raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
Class 2 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Seraphino; 2nd - Wind Gusts; 3rd - Sheeza Drama
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “We had to do a few gear changes with him. He’s a bit of a non-trier. We put the pacifiers and the blinkers on him, I think that’s helped him. He is a very timid horse. He doesn’t want to take a tight run ... and today he was quite good. I think the blinkers and the pacifiers have done the trick. He always travelled good in the run there today. He was always going to let down, but he just got held up a bit at the top of the run. He sprinted hard at the end, that was the main thing.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seraphino (O. Turpin) began awkwardly, losing ground. Fantastic Carat (N. Thomas) was tightened for room at the start between Sheeza Drama (J. Brown) and Fenec Fox (J. Bowditch), both of which shifted ground. Seraphino (O. Turpin) was held up for clear running between the 500m and 400m. Leaving the 200m, High Dee (M. Speers) shifted out, making contact with Fennec Fox. Smart Opinion (C. McIver), Eye Eye Silver (K. Cunningham), Red Shadow (J. Taylor) and Sheeza Drama all raced wide throughout. High Dee lost its off-fore plate in running.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners, Wishenda, Kings Artist
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
GOLD COAST REVIEW (SAT, JAN 03)
A review of the meeting held at the Gold Coast on Saturday, January 3.
Langfibian’s win in the featured Bat Out Of Hell Handicap sparked a celebration by trainer Barry Radcliff that was a joy to behold. With all due respect to the big players, there is no better advertisement for racing than an underdog coming good and then showing just how enjoyable a win can be. (See Race 7).
Back in Kempsey, where Radcliff is based, the thought of owning a racehorse must suddenly have seemed like a good idea to those celebrating the local success. When Radcliff returns there to, as he says, “have a few noggins with the boys” perhaps a few new owners will be pulled into the game. For those lining up to give the nod to the auctioneer at the Magic Millions sale, Langfibian and Radcliff gave a timely reminder that the underdog also has his day. If you can’t find the means to be a big spender, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a big winner.
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew’s celebration was more mellow than that of his trainer – but his pleasure was still clear to see. The moment was all the more enjoyable for the rider as it was shared by his partner, mother, young brother and sister, who were all there to witness his success, giving a much needed boost to a family who has gone through some hard times, heath-wise, in recent years.
The Magic Millions Prelude went to the Tony Gollan trained Temple Of Boom. After that race was decided, there was probably both dismay and delight amongst the connection of the fringe runners trying to get into the big race. At first it seemed that Temple Of Boom had knocked horse’s one place down the order of entry and then they all appeared to get a reprieve when Gollan announced Temple Of Boom would not back up next Saturday, as that was never the plan. That decision is obviously subject to change without notice, but Gollan has very definite views on the subject. (See Race 4).
It was a big day’s racing. Next week will be even bigger!
Race 1:
1MW (Special Conditions) Handicap - 1000m.
1st - Momentously; 2nd - Periander; 3rd - Sequablue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew: “It was all too easy in the end, which was good. There were what ... only seven runners in the race. I looked at the speed maps before-hand and the four horses inside me all had speed, so I just took the sit behind them from the start. Then I just waited and waited and saved the horse for the finish. She responded when I asked her and went on strongly to the line, so the plan worked out real good. Makes the trip (from Port Macquarie) all worthwhile. “
Little did Agnew know at the time, but his day’s efforts were going to reap an even greater reward and become a lot more worthwhile later in the day when he guided a horse called Langfibian to a shock victory in the featured Bat Out Of Hell Handicap.
PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Momentously): 3.20 out to 4.40.
Favourite Sequablue: 2.25 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 100m Periander (G Colless) shifted in and brushed Sequablue (App. O Turpin). Perianda continued to lay in for the remainder of the event.
Race 2:
Fillies and Mares Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Morgalicious; 2nd - Savanna La Mar; 3rd - Gun Belle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “She’s pretty consistent. She’s only a small little thing and she is a pretty nervous filly. She deserved the win, but I think it’s fair to say the ride won the race. Instead of persevering where he was not getting anywhere Shane (Scriven) knew where he had to go and he got out to the better going.
“Are you alright?”
The question was put to Shane Scriven who was standing bent over, trying to regain his breath after dismounting from the winner.
Jockey Shane Scriven: “At the top of the straight I thought she was going to win. But I got into her and got into her and not enough was happening. I thought it was gone. She was never going to get there. Then, three strides from the line she changes gears and gets up to win – but not before she’s got me totally spent. And she has cut herself to pieces again Barry (Baldwin). Maybe that’s why she doesn’t go so well on the turn.”
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “I’ll have to try and work out something special with the bandaging. Whatever way I try to protect her she still seems to cut herself.”
PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Morgalicious): 2.20 to 2,60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Savanna La Mar (S Seamer) over-raced in the early stages. Approaching the 400m Where’smine (D Craven) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room between Gun Belle (App. M Palmer) and Morgalicious which shifted out to obtain clear running. App. A Taylor reported that Annamarie failed to handle today's rain affected track conditions.
Race 3:
3YO Handicap (Quality) - 2200m.
1st - A Little Knowledge; 2nd - Tunes of Gold; 3rd - Bentley Blue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Reg Rowley: “First-up I gave her two trials and she romped the trials. As we got her over a bit further, she showed that she really wanted to settle and race relaxed. We’ll target the Queensland Oaks. She had to do something today to warrant going there. She’ll go out now. Stay out for at least a month.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (A Little Knowledge): 11.00 steady
Favourite (Tunes Of Gold): 3.00 out to 3.50. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey B Payne (A Little Knowledge) was fined the sum of $100 for failing to comply with the direction of the Starter, Mr S Andrews, behind the barriers. Oigles (S Scriven) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out making contact with Yamarjie (App. M Palmer). Oigles made the 1600m crossing awkwardly. Yamarjie raced wide during the early stages of the event. Levi’s Bid (J Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Oigles improved up on to the heels of Yamarjie and had to be steadied. Oigles then shifted out momentarily placing A Little Knowledge in restricted room to the inside of Tunes Of Gold. Jockey S Seamer was questioned regarding the performance of Gracesynd. He stated that the filly did not handle today's rain affected track. A post-race veterinary examination of Tambo Tiger (D Craven) revealed the gelding to be tied up behind. A further veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be suffering from the Thumps. Trainer P Cunningham was advised that he must provide an ECG prior to the gelding's next race start.
Race 4:
Magic Millions 2YO (Prelude 2YO Plate) (Set Weights) - 900m.
1st - Temple of Boom; 2nd - Psychics; 3rd - Floral Scent
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Gollan: “Any horse first-up on a heavy track when you haven’t tried them on it, it’s always so unexpected to win like that. We knew he had loads of ability this horse. He was never ready for the Magic Millions. He trialled very good and we were happy with him at home so we thought this would be nice kind of race to start him off in. We were confident all the way until this morning when the rain came. We were on the phone and the confidence deflated. We thought this was such a good race to see how he was going, but when it was wet we started looking forward to another race at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. We even told Matty (Palmer) that is he was not ravelling too well at the furlong, not to knock him around. But he was travelling plenty good. I’m very happy with the horse. I saw him as a foal. I liked him as a foal. We bought him as a yearling. Chris McAlpine kept a share in him with a new syndicate of mine.
“No , he won’t race next week. We haven’t done much with the horse. We only probably stepped up his work the last month. He was never a precocious type as a two-year-old. We never sort of set him for the Magic Millions. It was just that he trialled real good and this race was there. We thought he’d be a great chance on a good track. And you must remember, this quality of race is far inferior to the race that will be on next week. There’s a 1000m at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. She’s go there now, quite happily with money in the bank.”
In the post race presentation speech, Chris McAlpine spoke about the big day the Eureka Stud would be hoping for at the Magic Millions with Temple Of Boom and Express Air, another Eureka Stud graduate running on the day. That speech was given in the euphoria of victory, but I asked Tony Gollan whether he anticipated pressure being applied by his owners in the coming days to run Temple Of Boom in the Magic Millions now that the horse had qualified to do so.
“Look, I’m sure we’ll have a discussion about it. It’s never been the plan though, so if we did go there it would be as an after-thought. It’s not a bad position to be in to be able to have that sort of discussion and we’ll do that after we see how he pulls up. The only factor that might make us think twice is if it looks like there might be heavy going on the day because we’ve shown we can cope with that, whereas with most of the others it is an unknown factor. But again, we are talking about 1200m in a line-up that is far stronger than we met here. Like I said, if we do go there it will only be as an after-thought – and I have very strong views on after-thoughts. Most times they mess up.”
Apprentice Matthew Palmer: “He just dominated the race. He travelled beautifully through the ground which was a big plus for him. Still did one or two things wrong which is understandable for his first run. Nothing serious though. It was a really good effort.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Temple Of Boom): 14.00 out to 15.00
Favourite (Fast Lover): 3.00 out to 4.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Just prior to the start being effected, Sequalo Revenge (C Brown) kicked its near hind plate off. The gelding subsequently raced without its near hind plate. Shadows ‘N’ Stars (G Colless) which was a little slow to begin was further impeded on jumping away between Psychics (T Treichel) and Dorothy (D Craven) which shifted out abruptly after being bumped by Temple Of Boom (App. M Palmer). Sniplaz (S Scriven) was tightened on jumping away between Red Dash (P Hammersley) and Duckin’ Daiseys (N Thomas) which jumped inwards. Floral Scent (S Galloway) jumped out at the start taking Fast Lover (S Seamer) out on to Reduplication (A Pattillo). Redibis (J Taylor) raced wide throughout the event. Near the 350m Sequalo Revenge hung out across the heels of Redibis and had to be steadied. Near the 300m Floral Scent shifted in impeding Sniplaz. Floral Scent again shifted in passing the 200m inconveniencing Sniplaz and Swift Sands (G Baker). Approaching the winning post Duckin’Daiseys shifted in abruptly inconveniencing Richly Blended (J Holder). Reduplication bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer G Heinrich was advised that the colt would be banned from racing for 3 months. A swab sample was taken. A post-race veterinary examination of Sequalo Revenge failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Fast Lover failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 6 Plate (Set Weights) - 1800m.
1st - Hunters Moon; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Pentup Lover
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “He’s never been on a heavy track. We’ve been wanting to get him up to 2000m. The 1800m over the heavy going was almost the equivalent of a 2000m race so we know a bit more now. Reckon he’ll handle the 2000m and he can race on heavy going. So, apart from the win, those are two positives that come out of the race.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “Yeah, he won well. What can a say. It was the same as my previous winner. He just dominated all the way. We’ll have to get Gerald to send up more greys.” (A reference to the success the Murwillumbah based stable is having with greys – this latest winner and Pyramids, who is rejuvenated, having won four out five starts since transferring from Sydney.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Hunters Moon): 4.00 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Our Lukas): 3.60 out to 3.70 in to 3.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Majorca (C Brown) was a late scratching at 8.05 am due to the downgrade of the track to ‘heavy’. Our Lukas (G Colless) sprawled on jumping away losing considerable ground. Pemtup Lover (P Hammersley) jumped away awkwardly. Dont Call Me Bruce (S Galloway) jumped out at the start and made contact with Grand Corso (J Taylor). Ardmillan (App. A Taylor) over-raced in the early stages of the event. Doug’s Mate (D Craven) raced wide for the majority of the event. Legend Of Goku (B Payne) which was racing wide was further forced wider near the 900m by Dont Call Me Bruce which shifted out.
Race 6:
Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Mr Orient; 2nd - Pelltro; 3rd - Swinging To Win
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Balzen: “He’s a good little horse. We thought he might be about six months off. In six months time he would kill this field, but right now I wasn’t sure if he was mature enough here. But we thought a good alley and he’s pretty good in the wet, we’d give it a try. I think he’s probably qualified for the Magic Millions three-year-old with prize-money now, I’m not sure. With over $50 000 he’s gotta be close. Whether he runs or not, I don’t know at this stage.”
I asked, if he pulls up well would he back up next week.
“You’d have to for a $1 million race wouldn’t you, you know. That and the fact that there’s no races for the three-year-olds ... nothing over ... 1350m was the furthest one and that was the towards the end of January. So going into this one we had the choice of giving him a week or five weeks between runs – and we went for the week. He’s the best worker in the joint. I’ve always had a rap on him.
“He’ll probably back up again if he takes the race well and draws a barrier. The connections are thrilled, you know. They paid $30 000 for him so he’s paid for himself already.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Orient): 13.00 out to 15.00.
Favourites (three joint favourites)
Hy Dream: 5.50 out to 6.50 in to 5.00
Simplex: 6.00 in to .00.
Primeval Demand: 4.20 out to 5.00
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Viking Storm was a late scratching at 11.45 am due to the downgrade of the track to ‘heavy’. Onion (App. A Taylor) stood flat footed when the gates released and lost ground. Pelltro (S Seamer) jumped away awkwardly. Invincible Power (G Baker) raced wide for the majority of the event. It was reported that Hy Dream lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 7:
Bat Out of Hell Handicap (Quality) - 900m.
1st - Langfibian; 2nd - Azzaland; 3rd - Keen Commander
WINNER FEEDBACK:
An exhilarated Trainer Barry Ratcliff: “Everybody said, ‘what would you be taking her up there for against all those good ones’. Well she’s had those two good, hard runs in Sydney carrying 64.5kg and 59kg over 1100m – well she can only go 1000m. OK, she has won over 1100m, but generally she is petering out over the last 50m to 80m over that distance. She would lead for 1000m, but couldn’t hang on the last 100m. So, I’ve been looking to retire the mare, but I’ve also been looking for a nice 900m race for her.
“So this race brought her back to this distance with only 53kg on her back. It’s unbelievable. She’s that tough and she just loves the wet. She just flies through it. I like the guy in the newspaper. You look at the Telegraph and he says ... she’s had enough, or some sort of statement like that.” (I suggested those sort of comments helped with the price). “The price was very, very nice.
“She’s gonna retire later on. She’ll just get too much weight where-ever I take her. But she’s a bit of a champion to me. If you work at the stables with her ... look, if I don’t pick a bit of grass for her in the morning, you will not get a saddle on her. She will not work. She’s just a spoilt kid, but she can gallop – and I reckon she’ll have a nice foal too.”
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew: “The outside was terrible. It’s a bit of a paddock out there now. Nobody has been on the inside all day and I found myself there, so why not! It’s definitely the biggest win I’ve had.” (I pointed out the win had made one trainer – Barry Radcliff – a very happy man). “He loves it, yeah. He was rapt after a big win at Muswellbrook so I can imagine what he is like now.”
Richie Stephenson, trainer of the runner-up Azzaland: “The track beat him. Everytime he tried to get out he sort of slipped. He only got out the last bit and in another 20m he would have won ... I’d say 10m. But that’s racing. The whole thing is he didn’t handle the track. He still showed what a good horse he is, although we would have preferred the sixty-four to the twenty thousand.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Langfibian): 26 out to 31.
Favourite (Keen Commander): 1.60 out to 1,70.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Langfibian (App. R Agnew) and Alexander Beetle (C Whiteley) came together on jumping away. Azzaland (G Baker) jumped away awkwardly inconveniencing Little Hughie (J Taylor). Bitabiff (S Seamer) was slow to begin. Rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight Azzaland was held up for clear running. Near the 50m Azzaland shifted out inconveniencing Keen Commander (C Brown).
Race 8:
NMW (Special Conditions) - 1200m.
1st - Margy Magic; 2nd - His Boy Elroy; 3rd - Dardan
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alicia Willick: “He’s going so well this horse. He’s just a lovely horse to work with. Christian (Reith) had said to us he’s a better horse ridden from behind. The barrier just beat us last time because we had to ride him just outside the lead. Makes a difference if you can do it the way you chose.”
Jockey Matthew Paget: “They wanted him ridden cold today. He was caught wide going forward in his last start so we wanted to ride him back this time. I just waited and waited as long as I could before making my move. Because I’d saved him so much early he was full of fight in the finish.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Margy Magic): 9.00 out to 11.00
Favourite Rumba Jack): 3.50 in to 2.80 out to 3.10.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer R Maund was fined $100 for late notification of G Baker as rider of Rhodamine. Rhodamine (G Baker) and Gold Energy (S Seamer) came together on jumping away. Rumba Jack (App. A Taylor) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with Dardan (T Treichel). Shew Stone (C Whiteley) was buffeted on jumping away between Pertinence (P Hammersley) and Margy Magic (M Paget) both of which shifted ground. Near the 800m Ulladulla (G Colless) improved up on to the heels of Wigndove (App. O Turpin) and had to be steadied. Margy Magic and Rhodamine which were following had to be steadied as a consequence. Dardan raced wide throughout the event. Approaching the 300m Ulladulla was momentarily tightened for room between Brilliant Prince (App. R Agnew) and Margy Magic which shifted back in to obtain clear running. Margy Magic shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages slightly inconveniencing His Boy Elroy (C Brown).
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses Post-Race swabbed
All winners + Periander, Savanna La Mar, Tunes of Gold, Reduplication, Our Lukas, Pelltro, Azzaland, His Boy Elroy
Horses Pre-Race swabbed
Langfibian, Sir Breakfast, Alexander Beetle, Bitabiff, Azzaland, Sheezvalue, Little Hughie, Onion, Keen Commander, Pentup Lover, Casino Bob, Ardmilan, Legend of Goku, A Little Knowledge, Tikit To Glory, Oigles, Tambo Tiger
Langfibian’s win in the featured Bat Out Of Hell Handicap sparked a celebration by trainer Barry Radcliff that was a joy to behold. With all due respect to the big players, there is no better advertisement for racing than an underdog coming good and then showing just how enjoyable a win can be. (See Race 7).
Back in Kempsey, where Radcliff is based, the thought of owning a racehorse must suddenly have seemed like a good idea to those celebrating the local success. When Radcliff returns there to, as he says, “have a few noggins with the boys” perhaps a few new owners will be pulled into the game. For those lining up to give the nod to the auctioneer at the Magic Millions sale, Langfibian and Radcliff gave a timely reminder that the underdog also has his day. If you can’t find the means to be a big spender, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a big winner.
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew’s celebration was more mellow than that of his trainer – but his pleasure was still clear to see. The moment was all the more enjoyable for the rider as it was shared by his partner, mother, young brother and sister, who were all there to witness his success, giving a much needed boost to a family who has gone through some hard times, heath-wise, in recent years.
The Magic Millions Prelude went to the Tony Gollan trained Temple Of Boom. After that race was decided, there was probably both dismay and delight amongst the connection of the fringe runners trying to get into the big race. At first it seemed that Temple Of Boom had knocked horse’s one place down the order of entry and then they all appeared to get a reprieve when Gollan announced Temple Of Boom would not back up next Saturday, as that was never the plan. That decision is obviously subject to change without notice, but Gollan has very definite views on the subject. (See Race 4).
It was a big day’s racing. Next week will be even bigger!
Race 1:
1MW (Special Conditions) Handicap - 1000m.
1st - Momentously; 2nd - Periander; 3rd - Sequablue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew: “It was all too easy in the end, which was good. There were what ... only seven runners in the race. I looked at the speed maps before-hand and the four horses inside me all had speed, so I just took the sit behind them from the start. Then I just waited and waited and saved the horse for the finish. She responded when I asked her and went on strongly to the line, so the plan worked out real good. Makes the trip (from Port Macquarie) all worthwhile. “
Little did Agnew know at the time, but his day’s efforts were going to reap an even greater reward and become a lot more worthwhile later in the day when he guided a horse called Langfibian to a shock victory in the featured Bat Out Of Hell Handicap.
PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Momentously): 3.20 out to 4.40.
Favourite Sequablue: 2.25 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 100m Periander (G Colless) shifted in and brushed Sequablue (App. O Turpin). Perianda continued to lay in for the remainder of the event.
Race 2:
Fillies and Mares Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Morgalicious; 2nd - Savanna La Mar; 3rd - Gun Belle
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “She’s pretty consistent. She’s only a small little thing and she is a pretty nervous filly. She deserved the win, but I think it’s fair to say the ride won the race. Instead of persevering where he was not getting anywhere Shane (Scriven) knew where he had to go and he got out to the better going.
“Are you alright?”
The question was put to Shane Scriven who was standing bent over, trying to regain his breath after dismounting from the winner.
Jockey Shane Scriven: “At the top of the straight I thought she was going to win. But I got into her and got into her and not enough was happening. I thought it was gone. She was never going to get there. Then, three strides from the line she changes gears and gets up to win – but not before she’s got me totally spent. And she has cut herself to pieces again Barry (Baldwin). Maybe that’s why she doesn’t go so well on the turn.”
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “I’ll have to try and work out something special with the bandaging. Whatever way I try to protect her she still seems to cut herself.”
PRICE FLUTUATIONS:
Winner (Morgalicious): 2.20 to 2,60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Savanna La Mar (S Seamer) over-raced in the early stages. Approaching the 400m Where’smine (D Craven) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room between Gun Belle (App. M Palmer) and Morgalicious which shifted out to obtain clear running. App. A Taylor reported that Annamarie failed to handle today's rain affected track conditions.
Race 3:
3YO Handicap (Quality) - 2200m.
1st - A Little Knowledge; 2nd - Tunes of Gold; 3rd - Bentley Blue
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Reg Rowley: “First-up I gave her two trials and she romped the trials. As we got her over a bit further, she showed that she really wanted to settle and race relaxed. We’ll target the Queensland Oaks. She had to do something today to warrant going there. She’ll go out now. Stay out for at least a month.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (A Little Knowledge): 11.00 steady
Favourite (Tunes Of Gold): 3.00 out to 3.50. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jockey B Payne (A Little Knowledge) was fined the sum of $100 for failing to comply with the direction of the Starter, Mr S Andrews, behind the barriers. Oigles (S Scriven) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out making contact with Yamarjie (App. M Palmer). Oigles made the 1600m crossing awkwardly. Yamarjie raced wide during the early stages of the event. Levi’s Bid (J Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Oigles improved up on to the heels of Yamarjie and had to be steadied. Oigles then shifted out momentarily placing A Little Knowledge in restricted room to the inside of Tunes Of Gold. Jockey S Seamer was questioned regarding the performance of Gracesynd. He stated that the filly did not handle today's rain affected track. A post-race veterinary examination of Tambo Tiger (D Craven) revealed the gelding to be tied up behind. A further veterinary examination revealed the gelding to be suffering from the Thumps. Trainer P Cunningham was advised that he must provide an ECG prior to the gelding's next race start.
Race 4:
Magic Millions 2YO (Prelude 2YO Plate) (Set Weights) - 900m.
1st - Temple of Boom; 2nd - Psychics; 3rd - Floral Scent
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Gollan: “Any horse first-up on a heavy track when you haven’t tried them on it, it’s always so unexpected to win like that. We knew he had loads of ability this horse. He was never ready for the Magic Millions. He trialled very good and we were happy with him at home so we thought this would be nice kind of race to start him off in. We were confident all the way until this morning when the rain came. We were on the phone and the confidence deflated. We thought this was such a good race to see how he was going, but when it was wet we started looking forward to another race at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. We even told Matty (Palmer) that is he was not ravelling too well at the furlong, not to knock him around. But he was travelling plenty good. I’m very happy with the horse. I saw him as a foal. I liked him as a foal. We bought him as a yearling. Chris McAlpine kept a share in him with a new syndicate of mine.
“No , he won’t race next week. We haven’t done much with the horse. We only probably stepped up his work the last month. He was never a precocious type as a two-year-old. We never sort of set him for the Magic Millions. It was just that he trialled real good and this race was there. We thought he’d be a great chance on a good track. And you must remember, this quality of race is far inferior to the race that will be on next week. There’s a 1000m at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. She’s go there now, quite happily with money in the bank.”
In the post race presentation speech, Chris McAlpine spoke about the big day the Eureka Stud would be hoping for at the Magic Millions with Temple Of Boom and Express Air, another Eureka Stud graduate running on the day. That speech was given in the euphoria of victory, but I asked Tony Gollan whether he anticipated pressure being applied by his owners in the coming days to run Temple Of Boom in the Magic Millions now that the horse had qualified to do so.
“Look, I’m sure we’ll have a discussion about it. It’s never been the plan though, so if we did go there it would be as an after-thought. It’s not a bad position to be in to be able to have that sort of discussion and we’ll do that after we see how he pulls up. The only factor that might make us think twice is if it looks like there might be heavy going on the day because we’ve shown we can cope with that, whereas with most of the others it is an unknown factor. But again, we are talking about 1200m in a line-up that is far stronger than we met here. Like I said, if we do go there it will only be as an after-thought – and I have very strong views on after-thoughts. Most times they mess up.”
Apprentice Matthew Palmer: “He just dominated the race. He travelled beautifully through the ground which was a big plus for him. Still did one or two things wrong which is understandable for his first run. Nothing serious though. It was a really good effort.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Temple Of Boom): 14.00 out to 15.00
Favourite (Fast Lover): 3.00 out to 4.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Just prior to the start being effected, Sequalo Revenge (C Brown) kicked its near hind plate off. The gelding subsequently raced without its near hind plate. Shadows ‘N’ Stars (G Colless) which was a little slow to begin was further impeded on jumping away between Psychics (T Treichel) and Dorothy (D Craven) which shifted out abruptly after being bumped by Temple Of Boom (App. M Palmer). Sniplaz (S Scriven) was tightened on jumping away between Red Dash (P Hammersley) and Duckin’ Daiseys (N Thomas) which jumped inwards. Floral Scent (S Galloway) jumped out at the start taking Fast Lover (S Seamer) out on to Reduplication (A Pattillo). Redibis (J Taylor) raced wide throughout the event. Near the 350m Sequalo Revenge hung out across the heels of Redibis and had to be steadied. Near the 300m Floral Scent shifted in impeding Sniplaz. Floral Scent again shifted in passing the 200m inconveniencing Sniplaz and Swift Sands (G Baker). Approaching the winning post Duckin’Daiseys shifted in abruptly inconveniencing Richly Blended (J Holder). Reduplication bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer G Heinrich was advised that the colt would be banned from racing for 3 months. A swab sample was taken. A post-race veterinary examination of Sequalo Revenge failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Fast Lover failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 6 Plate (Set Weights) - 1800m.
1st - Hunters Moon; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Pentup Lover
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable at Murwillumbah): “He’s never been on a heavy track. We’ve been wanting to get him up to 2000m. The 1800m over the heavy going was almost the equivalent of a 2000m race so we know a bit more now. Reckon he’ll handle the 2000m and he can race on heavy going. So, apart from the win, those are two positives that come out of the race.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “Yeah, he won well. What can a say. It was the same as my previous winner. He just dominated all the way. We’ll have to get Gerald to send up more greys.” (A reference to the success the Murwillumbah based stable is having with greys – this latest winner and Pyramids, who is rejuvenated, having won four out five starts since transferring from Sydney.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Hunters Moon): 4.00 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Our Lukas): 3.60 out to 3.70 in to 3.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Majorca (C Brown) was a late scratching at 8.05 am due to the downgrade of the track to ‘heavy’. Our Lukas (G Colless) sprawled on jumping away losing considerable ground. Pemtup Lover (P Hammersley) jumped away awkwardly. Dont Call Me Bruce (S Galloway) jumped out at the start and made contact with Grand Corso (J Taylor). Ardmillan (App. A Taylor) over-raced in the early stages of the event. Doug’s Mate (D Craven) raced wide for the majority of the event. Legend Of Goku (B Payne) which was racing wide was further forced wider near the 900m by Dont Call Me Bruce which shifted out.
Race 6:
Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 6 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Mr Orient; 2nd - Pelltro; 3rd - Swinging To Win
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Peter Balzen: “He’s a good little horse. We thought he might be about six months off. In six months time he would kill this field, but right now I wasn’t sure if he was mature enough here. But we thought a good alley and he’s pretty good in the wet, we’d give it a try. I think he’s probably qualified for the Magic Millions three-year-old with prize-money now, I’m not sure. With over $50 000 he’s gotta be close. Whether he runs or not, I don’t know at this stage.”
I asked, if he pulls up well would he back up next week.
“You’d have to for a $1 million race wouldn’t you, you know. That and the fact that there’s no races for the three-year-olds ... nothing over ... 1350m was the furthest one and that was the towards the end of January. So going into this one we had the choice of giving him a week or five weeks between runs – and we went for the week. He’s the best worker in the joint. I’ve always had a rap on him.
“He’ll probably back up again if he takes the race well and draws a barrier. The connections are thrilled, you know. They paid $30 000 for him so he’s paid for himself already.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Orient): 13.00 out to 15.00.
Favourites (three joint favourites)
Hy Dream: 5.50 out to 6.50 in to 5.00
Simplex: 6.00 in to .00.
Primeval Demand: 4.20 out to 5.00
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Viking Storm was a late scratching at 11.45 am due to the downgrade of the track to ‘heavy’. Onion (App. A Taylor) stood flat footed when the gates released and lost ground. Pelltro (S Seamer) jumped away awkwardly. Invincible Power (G Baker) raced wide for the majority of the event. It was reported that Hy Dream lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 7:
Bat Out of Hell Handicap (Quality) - 900m.
1st - Langfibian; 2nd - Azzaland; 3rd - Keen Commander
WINNER FEEDBACK:
An exhilarated Trainer Barry Ratcliff: “Everybody said, ‘what would you be taking her up there for against all those good ones’. Well she’s had those two good, hard runs in Sydney carrying 64.5kg and 59kg over 1100m – well she can only go 1000m. OK, she has won over 1100m, but generally she is petering out over the last 50m to 80m over that distance. She would lead for 1000m, but couldn’t hang on the last 100m. So, I’ve been looking to retire the mare, but I’ve also been looking for a nice 900m race for her.
“So this race brought her back to this distance with only 53kg on her back. It’s unbelievable. She’s that tough and she just loves the wet. She just flies through it. I like the guy in the newspaper. You look at the Telegraph and he says ... she’s had enough, or some sort of statement like that.” (I suggested those sort of comments helped with the price). “The price was very, very nice.
“She’s gonna retire later on. She’ll just get too much weight where-ever I take her. But she’s a bit of a champion to me. If you work at the stables with her ... look, if I don’t pick a bit of grass for her in the morning, you will not get a saddle on her. She will not work. She’s just a spoilt kid, but she can gallop – and I reckon she’ll have a nice foal too.”
Apprentice jockey Robert Agnew: “The outside was terrible. It’s a bit of a paddock out there now. Nobody has been on the inside all day and I found myself there, so why not! It’s definitely the biggest win I’ve had.” (I pointed out the win had made one trainer – Barry Radcliff – a very happy man). “He loves it, yeah. He was rapt after a big win at Muswellbrook so I can imagine what he is like now.”
Richie Stephenson, trainer of the runner-up Azzaland: “The track beat him. Everytime he tried to get out he sort of slipped. He only got out the last bit and in another 20m he would have won ... I’d say 10m. But that’s racing. The whole thing is he didn’t handle the track. He still showed what a good horse he is, although we would have preferred the sixty-four to the twenty thousand.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Langfibian): 26 out to 31.
Favourite (Keen Commander): 1.60 out to 1,70.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Langfibian (App. R Agnew) and Alexander Beetle (C Whiteley) came together on jumping away. Azzaland (G Baker) jumped away awkwardly inconveniencing Little Hughie (J Taylor). Bitabiff (S Seamer) was slow to begin. Rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight Azzaland was held up for clear running. Near the 50m Azzaland shifted out inconveniencing Keen Commander (C Brown).
Race 8:
NMW (Special Conditions) - 1200m.
1st - Margy Magic; 2nd - His Boy Elroy; 3rd - Dardan
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Alicia Willick: “He’s going so well this horse. He’s just a lovely horse to work with. Christian (Reith) had said to us he’s a better horse ridden from behind. The barrier just beat us last time because we had to ride him just outside the lead. Makes a difference if you can do it the way you chose.”
Jockey Matthew Paget: “They wanted him ridden cold today. He was caught wide going forward in his last start so we wanted to ride him back this time. I just waited and waited as long as I could before making my move. Because I’d saved him so much early he was full of fight in the finish.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Margy Magic): 9.00 out to 11.00
Favourite Rumba Jack): 3.50 in to 2.80 out to 3.10.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer R Maund was fined $100 for late notification of G Baker as rider of Rhodamine. Rhodamine (G Baker) and Gold Energy (S Seamer) came together on jumping away. Rumba Jack (App. A Taylor) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with Dardan (T Treichel). Shew Stone (C Whiteley) was buffeted on jumping away between Pertinence (P Hammersley) and Margy Magic (M Paget) both of which shifted ground. Near the 800m Ulladulla (G Colless) improved up on to the heels of Wigndove (App. O Turpin) and had to be steadied. Margy Magic and Rhodamine which were following had to be steadied as a consequence. Dardan raced wide throughout the event. Approaching the 300m Ulladulla was momentarily tightened for room between Brilliant Prince (App. R Agnew) and Margy Magic which shifted back in to obtain clear running. Margy Magic shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages slightly inconveniencing His Boy Elroy (C Brown).
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses Post-Race swabbed
All winners + Periander, Savanna La Mar, Tunes of Gold, Reduplication, Our Lukas, Pelltro, Azzaland, His Boy Elroy
Horses Pre-Race swabbed
Langfibian, Sir Breakfast, Alexander Beetle, Bitabiff, Azzaland, Sheezvalue, Little Hughie, Onion, Keen Commander, Pentup Lover, Casino Bob, Ardmilan, Legend of Goku, A Little Knowledge, Tikit To Glory, Oigles, Tambo Tiger
Friday, January 2, 2009
GOLD COAST REVIEW (THURS, JAN 01)
The opening meeting of the New Year in South East Queensland took place in humid conditions at the Gold Coast.
Pride of place in the spotlight belonged to the Rosehill based trained Con Karakatsanis who sent out Black Piranha to win the $100 000 Goldmarket Handicap in confident fashion. Both congratulations and sympathies were extended to rider Tye Angland, whose polished performance aboard the big race winner clearly contributed to the result. The down side is that Angland now starts a suspension which rules him ineligible to ride the Clang gelding in his follow-up on Magic Millions Day.
The other runner to make a significant impression on the day was the Trevor Bailey trained Little Mel. The gelding won for the third time in just five starts and will now challenge for the $1 million Magic Millions 3YO Trophy. Owner Steve Hoffmeister, who arrived in Brisbane two hours before the race, after a twenty-seven hour flight, said he would have been happy if Little Mel had finished fourth or fifth. As it was, he was ecstatic – so much so that he announced that if Little Mel did take the honours in the big race, drinks would be free for everybody at the track for one hour. Little Mel is thus ensured of a wave of support from the grandstand on Magic Millions Day.
Race 1:
3yo & up Maiden Handicap - 1300m.
1st - Lee Kova; 2nd - Brooke's Command; 3rd - Ha D' Ha Ha
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Bradshaw: “It was the extra ground that made all the difference. He’s been running over 1000m and getting back and then charging home. The extra ground was all he needed.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Lee Kova): 2.60 out to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Acting under the provisions of AR87B(2), Stewards confiscated a vest from App. T Chambers that in their opinion was not in a satisfactory condition. Brooke’s Command (S Seamer) raced three wide for the majority of the event. Lee Kova (P Hammersley) was held up for clear running for a short distance leaving the 400m and approaching the 300m shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Ha D’ Ha Ha (M Paget).
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1400m.
1st - Frozone; 2nd - Arizona Sunset; 3rd – Flybefree
Trainer Alan Bailey: “He’s a big, overgrown fellow. I thought he would go forward, but I wasn’t worried when he got back. He is bred to stay and was always going to be running on. He’s looking for a mile.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Frozone): 1.70 in to 1.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jensway (G Baker) jumped out at the start taking Hard Luck (App. L Dittman) out on to Arizona Sunset (C Whiteley) which in turn shifted out tightening the running of Frozone (G Colless) and Flash Romeo (M Paget). In this incident Flash Romeo lost its position. Approaching the 1200m Flybefree (J Bowditch) which was racing ungenerously shifted in despite the efforts of its rider tightening the running of Frozone. Flybefree continued to race ungenerously and near the 1000m improved up on to the heels of Hard Luck and had to be steadied. Frozone which was following had to be checked as a consequence and shift wider of the track. Flash Romeo was also inconvenienced in this incident. Lucky Latar (App. M Hellyer) which had a tendency to lay out throughout the event had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room by Hard Luck near the 400m. Approaching the 300m Our Centurion (S Scriven) shifted out in an attempt to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Frozone on several occasions. Our Centurion was then held up for clear running until near the 200m. Stewards questioned Jockey S Scriven the rider of Our Centurion in relation to the action of his left arm when racing in close proximity to Frozone. Jockey Scriven stated that when attempting to obtain clear running near the 300m, he raised his left elbow in an attempt to gain more leverage on his near side rein to avail his mount clear running. Stewards noted his explanation and advised Jockey Scriven that he must be conscious in regards to the action of his elbow when racing in close proximity to other runners. It was reported that Arizona Sunset lost its near-hind plate in running. A post race veterinary examination of Dr Barnard (J Holder) revealed the gelding to have sustained an injury to the off-fore foot. A post race veterinary examination of Flash Romeo which compounded over the concluding stages failed to reveal any abnormality.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 900m.
1st - Stoner; 2nd - Eastline; 3rd - Triple Ay
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Morrisey (who saddled the quinella): “He’s been working well. I thought he would go well. Actually I thought all three of them would go well.” (Morrisey’s runners finished first, second and tenth).
Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers: “Yeah, he still didn’t know much about it. He’s still very green. I wanted him to take a gap but he was reluctant to do that. But when I switched him out into the clear, he let down well. He let down really well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Stoner): 21 out to 31.
Favourite (Triple Ay): 4.00 out to 4.20.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
B Hill, Trainer of Directe Link, which proved difficult to load was advised that a warning would be placed on the gelding in relation to its barrier manners. Warando Street (J Holder) and Piccollo’s Gold (App. M Hellyer) were slow to begin. Sherann (M Paget) jumped away awkwardly and shifted in resulting in Exelero (A Pattillo) which was slowly away, having to be checked to avoid the heels of Eastline (C Small) which was taken out by Flyer Belle (C Spry). Sneaky Sequalo (G Colless), Gimme (C Reith) and Sherann raced wide for the majority of the event. Breeze (App. L Dittman) shifted out when placed under pressure in the straight and near the 200m hampered Gimme. A post race veterinary examination of Sneaky Sequalo revealed the colt to be suffering from moderate heat stress. A post race veterinary examination of Sherann (M Paget) revealed the filly to have a laceration to the upper gum line and abrasions to the left hind leg. After the running of this event App. L Dittman and Jockey G Colless were stood down by the club's Doctor and rider replacements were made as per Stewards' Race Day Summary.
Race 4:
Fillies and Mares Class 2 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Pride'N'Prejudice; 2nd - Mille Miglia; 3rd - Jessie Street
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Michael Palmer: “The plan was always to tuck her in behind the speed and then see what she had to offer going to the line. She came home very well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Pride’N’Prejudice): 26.00 out to 31.00.
Favourite (My Request): 2.50 out to 2.80. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Showlisa (R Wiggins) was slow to begin. Jessie Street (C Whiteley) and Pride’N’Prejudice (App. M Palmer) made contact on jumping away. Near the 900m Fly Misty (M Traecey) commenced to over-race and was obliged to shift wider on the track. Fly Misty continued to over-race when racing wide for the remainder of the event. A post race veterinary examination of Manu Paru (A Pattillo) which raced wide for the majority of the event failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1000m.
1st - Meet George; 2nd - Tread Lightly; 3rd - Our Dreaming
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Jason Holder: “I thought the horse won very well in his first win. (That was four runs prior to this outing). But I also believed that he’d had enough after that win, and I would have liked to have seen him spelled then. But he went on for another two starts before being put out.. He’s come back now and he’s better and stronger.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Meet George): 4.60 steady.
Favourite (King Corvette): 2.00 out to 2.50. Finished sixth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sweed and Meet George (J Holder) raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Our Dreaming (M Bennett) improved up on to the heels of Delcius (D Barron) and when being restrained shifted out hampering Meet George. Our Dreaming and Delcius raced wide for the remainder of the event. Near the 350m Tread Lightly (D Griffin) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Mr Sugaray (G Baker) which shifted out.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of King Corvette, Jockey S Scriven stated that the gelding travelled well and when placed under pressure upon straightening accelerated for a short distance before tiring over the concluding stages. Jockey Scriven further added that he was very disappointed in the gelding's performance today. A post race veterinary examination of King Corvette revealed the gelding to be mildly lame in the off-fore leg. Trainer L Birchley was advised that he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness before King Corvette races again.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m.
1st - Little Mel; 2nd - Cuban Dancer; 3rd – Liberica
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “He’s got a chance in the Magic Millions race now. It’s not often you get the chance to race for a million dollars. The overall quality in the race probably is not as strong as it has been in some years. It could work out well. He’s got some extra days off now, and then should be ready for the 1400m."
Jockey Terry Treichel: “He started well, but he was caught wide. That didn’t bother him because he is a big horse and needs room to gallop. He took it up real well in the straight and then he started to switch off close to the finish, waiting for them to catch up. He had the blinkers on again this time. Last time he over-raced without them so they went back on here. I’ve ridden him in all of his runs at the coast. I didn’t go to town with him (for two runs) but I’m going to stick with him now.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Little Mel): 4.20 in to 3.80 out to 4.20.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The connections of Shady Prospect, Diamondsaucash and Mr Tombola will be interviewed in relation to their late scratching at 7.45 am, 7.54 am and 8.09 am respectively. Havayarn (C Whiteley) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Run The Course (App. J Jones) and Little Mel (T Treichel) raced wide for the majority of the event. Single Bound (J Holder) had a tendency to lay out when placed under pressure from a point leaving the 300m. Audubon (R Wiggins) laid in under pressure over the concluding stages of the event. It was reported that Run The Course (App. J Jones) lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 7:
Goldmarket Handicap (Quality) (Listed) - 1300m.
1st - Black Piranha; 2nd - Woody ‘N' Buzz 3rd - Forestreno
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Con Karakatsanis: “They didn’t go that hard. I thought they were only going a moderate tempo early. From the gate, we got back three or four length further than I wanted to. Like, Tye knows him so well though, he knows what a good turn of foot he’s got. He can just be anywhere - but it’s pretty hard around here to give them ten lengths start like he was at the 500m mark.
“He has no issues. Just normal training, you know, little hiccups and this and that. He’s been a pleasure to train. There was nothing wrong at all with that run of seconds he had coming into this race. He’s just been unlucky. He’s a horse that gets back so he does need a bit of luck.”
Jockey Tye Angland: “Everything worked well. Not a lot of speed early and I got back a little more than I wanted, but I would have been three or four deep so I just come back and got in behind them. From the 600m I just slowly improved and he hit the line strong.
“Yeah, the suspension is real bad timing and it hurts, but there’s nothing I can do about that. I’m just thankful the owners let me have this ride knowing I can’t be on him next time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Black Piranha): 11.00 in to 8.50
Favourite (Albert The Fat): 2.50 out to 2.80. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Albert The Fat (A Pattillo) and Rightson (D Craven) were slow to begin. Mitanni (S Scriven) and Craiglea Warrior (C Kearney) made contact on jumping away. Leaving the 1000m Woody ‘N’ Buzz (C Whiteley) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Upilio (S Galloway) which shifted out when over-racing and Forestreno (J Bowditch) which shifted in slightly. Upilio, Craiglea Warrior and Woody ‘N’ Buzz raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 350m Mitanni shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Calchris (P Hammersley) on several occasions. Bareena (R McMahon) which was following was hampered as a consequence. Near the 200m Mitanni raced in restricted room for a short distance between Craiglea Warrior and Calchris which shifted in under pressure. Leaving the 200m Friendly Embrace (K Yoshida) which had a tendency to lay out under pressure shifted out and made contact with Quizzical lady (C Reith) on several occasions.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Mitanni, Jockey S Scriven stated that the gelding travelled well, however, after making contact with Calchris on several occasions near the 300m the gelding failed to respond to his riding and proved disappointing.
When questioned regarding the performance of Albert The Fat, Jockey A Pattillo stated that after beginning tardily he rode the horse quietly as instructed and approaching the home turn considered moving Albert The Fat wider on the track however, was unable to do so due to Bareena racing forward and to his outside. Jockey Pattillo stated that he then opted to urge the horse forward closer to the fence to the inside of Another Takeover (J Taylor) to secure clear running. Jockey Pattillo added that although in his opinion the ground closer to the fence was inferior, he felt his best option in the circumstances was to pursue clear running forward of him rather than having to restrain and lose ground to allow him to shift outwards to obtain clear running. He further added that Albert The Fat found the line fairly given the circumstances.
A post race veterinary examination of Upilio revealed the gelding to be suffering from a heart arrhythmia. Trainer L Birchley was advised that Upilio must trial to the satisfaction of Stewards and he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness including the results of an ECG prior to the gelding's next race start.
Race 8:
Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 2 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Showciti; 2nd - Sniparama; 3rd - Best Bid
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey (who completed a double on the day): “He’s coming along nicely. He’s honest. I stepped him up twice into feature fields in the last year and he was found out on both occasions, but I think I might have pushed him too early into those runs because he was still a bit immature. It is a different story when set against his own class and I was happy with his performance.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Showciti): 4.00 out to 4.40
Favourite (Best Bid): 3.50 out to 3.80 in to 2.90. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed when Our Heart (App. Matthew Palmer) had to be re-saddled at the barriers. County Raider (A Pattillo) and Rocking All Right (J Taylor) were slow to begin. Near the 900m Our Heart which was over-racing improved up on to the heels of SHOWCITI which shifted in tightening the running of Rocking All Right and Sinful Warrior (P Hammersley). Near the 900m Best Bid (S Scriven) commenced to over-race and had to be steadied off the heels of Stellar Show (C Spry). A short distance later Stellar Show then commenced to over-race on the heels of County Raider and shifted out making contact with Showciti (S Galloway) which in turn shifted out and made contact with Sniparama (App. M Speers). Sniparama and Showciti raced wide for the majority of the event. Our Heart hung in under pressure in the home straight.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners and 2nd placegetters.
Pride of place in the spotlight belonged to the Rosehill based trained Con Karakatsanis who sent out Black Piranha to win the $100 000 Goldmarket Handicap in confident fashion. Both congratulations and sympathies were extended to rider Tye Angland, whose polished performance aboard the big race winner clearly contributed to the result. The down side is that Angland now starts a suspension which rules him ineligible to ride the Clang gelding in his follow-up on Magic Millions Day.
The other runner to make a significant impression on the day was the Trevor Bailey trained Little Mel. The gelding won for the third time in just five starts and will now challenge for the $1 million Magic Millions 3YO Trophy. Owner Steve Hoffmeister, who arrived in Brisbane two hours before the race, after a twenty-seven hour flight, said he would have been happy if Little Mel had finished fourth or fifth. As it was, he was ecstatic – so much so that he announced that if Little Mel did take the honours in the big race, drinks would be free for everybody at the track for one hour. Little Mel is thus ensured of a wave of support from the grandstand on Magic Millions Day.
Race 1:
3yo & up Maiden Handicap - 1300m.
1st - Lee Kova; 2nd - Brooke's Command; 3rd - Ha D' Ha Ha
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Bradshaw: “It was the extra ground that made all the difference. He’s been running over 1000m and getting back and then charging home. The extra ground was all he needed.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Lee Kova): 2.60 out to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Acting under the provisions of AR87B(2), Stewards confiscated a vest from App. T Chambers that in their opinion was not in a satisfactory condition. Brooke’s Command (S Seamer) raced three wide for the majority of the event. Lee Kova (P Hammersley) was held up for clear running for a short distance leaving the 400m and approaching the 300m shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Ha D’ Ha Ha (M Paget).
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1400m.
1st - Frozone; 2nd - Arizona Sunset; 3rd – Flybefree
Trainer Alan Bailey: “He’s a big, overgrown fellow. I thought he would go forward, but I wasn’t worried when he got back. He is bred to stay and was always going to be running on. He’s looking for a mile.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Frozone): 1.70 in to 1.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jensway (G Baker) jumped out at the start taking Hard Luck (App. L Dittman) out on to Arizona Sunset (C Whiteley) which in turn shifted out tightening the running of Frozone (G Colless) and Flash Romeo (M Paget). In this incident Flash Romeo lost its position. Approaching the 1200m Flybefree (J Bowditch) which was racing ungenerously shifted in despite the efforts of its rider tightening the running of Frozone. Flybefree continued to race ungenerously and near the 1000m improved up on to the heels of Hard Luck and had to be steadied. Frozone which was following had to be checked as a consequence and shift wider of the track. Flash Romeo was also inconvenienced in this incident. Lucky Latar (App. M Hellyer) which had a tendency to lay out throughout the event had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room by Hard Luck near the 400m. Approaching the 300m Our Centurion (S Scriven) shifted out in an attempt to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Frozone on several occasions. Our Centurion was then held up for clear running until near the 200m. Stewards questioned Jockey S Scriven the rider of Our Centurion in relation to the action of his left arm when racing in close proximity to Frozone. Jockey Scriven stated that when attempting to obtain clear running near the 300m, he raised his left elbow in an attempt to gain more leverage on his near side rein to avail his mount clear running. Stewards noted his explanation and advised Jockey Scriven that he must be conscious in regards to the action of his elbow when racing in close proximity to other runners. It was reported that Arizona Sunset lost its near-hind plate in running. A post race veterinary examination of Dr Barnard (J Holder) revealed the gelding to have sustained an injury to the off-fore foot. A post race veterinary examination of Flash Romeo which compounded over the concluding stages failed to reveal any abnormality.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 900m.
1st - Stoner; 2nd - Eastline; 3rd - Triple Ay
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Morrisey (who saddled the quinella): “He’s been working well. I thought he would go well. Actually I thought all three of them would go well.” (Morrisey’s runners finished first, second and tenth).
Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers: “Yeah, he still didn’t know much about it. He’s still very green. I wanted him to take a gap but he was reluctant to do that. But when I switched him out into the clear, he let down well. He let down really well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Stoner): 21 out to 31.
Favourite (Triple Ay): 4.00 out to 4.20.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
B Hill, Trainer of Directe Link, which proved difficult to load was advised that a warning would be placed on the gelding in relation to its barrier manners. Warando Street (J Holder) and Piccollo’s Gold (App. M Hellyer) were slow to begin. Sherann (M Paget) jumped away awkwardly and shifted in resulting in Exelero (A Pattillo) which was slowly away, having to be checked to avoid the heels of Eastline (C Small) which was taken out by Flyer Belle (C Spry). Sneaky Sequalo (G Colless), Gimme (C Reith) and Sherann raced wide for the majority of the event. Breeze (App. L Dittman) shifted out when placed under pressure in the straight and near the 200m hampered Gimme. A post race veterinary examination of Sneaky Sequalo revealed the colt to be suffering from moderate heat stress. A post race veterinary examination of Sherann (M Paget) revealed the filly to have a laceration to the upper gum line and abrasions to the left hind leg. After the running of this event App. L Dittman and Jockey G Colless were stood down by the club's Doctor and rider replacements were made as per Stewards' Race Day Summary.
Race 4:
Fillies and Mares Class 2 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Pride'N'Prejudice; 2nd - Mille Miglia; 3rd - Jessie Street
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Michael Palmer: “The plan was always to tuck her in behind the speed and then see what she had to offer going to the line. She came home very well.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Pride’N’Prejudice): 26.00 out to 31.00.
Favourite (My Request): 2.50 out to 2.80. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Showlisa (R Wiggins) was slow to begin. Jessie Street (C Whiteley) and Pride’N’Prejudice (App. M Palmer) made contact on jumping away. Near the 900m Fly Misty (M Traecey) commenced to over-race and was obliged to shift wider on the track. Fly Misty continued to over-race when racing wide for the remainder of the event. A post race veterinary examination of Manu Paru (A Pattillo) which raced wide for the majority of the event failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1000m.
1st - Meet George; 2nd - Tread Lightly; 3rd - Our Dreaming
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Jason Holder: “I thought the horse won very well in his first win. (That was four runs prior to this outing). But I also believed that he’d had enough after that win, and I would have liked to have seen him spelled then. But he went on for another two starts before being put out.. He’s come back now and he’s better and stronger.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Meet George): 4.60 steady.
Favourite (King Corvette): 2.00 out to 2.50. Finished sixth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sweed and Meet George (J Holder) raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Our Dreaming (M Bennett) improved up on to the heels of Delcius (D Barron) and when being restrained shifted out hampering Meet George. Our Dreaming and Delcius raced wide for the remainder of the event. Near the 350m Tread Lightly (D Griffin) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Mr Sugaray (G Baker) which shifted out.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of King Corvette, Jockey S Scriven stated that the gelding travelled well and when placed under pressure upon straightening accelerated for a short distance before tiring over the concluding stages. Jockey Scriven further added that he was very disappointed in the gelding's performance today. A post race veterinary examination of King Corvette revealed the gelding to be mildly lame in the off-fore leg. Trainer L Birchley was advised that he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness before King Corvette races again.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap - 1200m.
1st - Little Mel; 2nd - Cuban Dancer; 3rd – Liberica
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “He’s got a chance in the Magic Millions race now. It’s not often you get the chance to race for a million dollars. The overall quality in the race probably is not as strong as it has been in some years. It could work out well. He’s got some extra days off now, and then should be ready for the 1400m."
Jockey Terry Treichel: “He started well, but he was caught wide. That didn’t bother him because he is a big horse and needs room to gallop. He took it up real well in the straight and then he started to switch off close to the finish, waiting for them to catch up. He had the blinkers on again this time. Last time he over-raced without them so they went back on here. I’ve ridden him in all of his runs at the coast. I didn’t go to town with him (for two runs) but I’m going to stick with him now.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Little Mel): 4.20 in to 3.80 out to 4.20.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The connections of Shady Prospect, Diamondsaucash and Mr Tombola will be interviewed in relation to their late scratching at 7.45 am, 7.54 am and 8.09 am respectively. Havayarn (C Whiteley) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Run The Course (App. J Jones) and Little Mel (T Treichel) raced wide for the majority of the event. Single Bound (J Holder) had a tendency to lay out when placed under pressure from a point leaving the 300m. Audubon (R Wiggins) laid in under pressure over the concluding stages of the event. It was reported that Run The Course (App. J Jones) lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 7:
Goldmarket Handicap (Quality) (Listed) - 1300m.
1st - Black Piranha; 2nd - Woody ‘N' Buzz 3rd - Forestreno
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Con Karakatsanis: “They didn’t go that hard. I thought they were only going a moderate tempo early. From the gate, we got back three or four length further than I wanted to. Like, Tye knows him so well though, he knows what a good turn of foot he’s got. He can just be anywhere - but it’s pretty hard around here to give them ten lengths start like he was at the 500m mark.
“He has no issues. Just normal training, you know, little hiccups and this and that. He’s been a pleasure to train. There was nothing wrong at all with that run of seconds he had coming into this race. He’s just been unlucky. He’s a horse that gets back so he does need a bit of luck.”
Jockey Tye Angland: “Everything worked well. Not a lot of speed early and I got back a little more than I wanted, but I would have been three or four deep so I just come back and got in behind them. From the 600m I just slowly improved and he hit the line strong.
“Yeah, the suspension is real bad timing and it hurts, but there’s nothing I can do about that. I’m just thankful the owners let me have this ride knowing I can’t be on him next time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Black Piranha): 11.00 in to 8.50
Favourite (Albert The Fat): 2.50 out to 2.80. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Albert The Fat (A Pattillo) and Rightson (D Craven) were slow to begin. Mitanni (S Scriven) and Craiglea Warrior (C Kearney) made contact on jumping away. Leaving the 1000m Woody ‘N’ Buzz (C Whiteley) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Upilio (S Galloway) which shifted out when over-racing and Forestreno (J Bowditch) which shifted in slightly. Upilio, Craiglea Warrior and Woody ‘N’ Buzz raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 350m Mitanni shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Calchris (P Hammersley) on several occasions. Bareena (R McMahon) which was following was hampered as a consequence. Near the 200m Mitanni raced in restricted room for a short distance between Craiglea Warrior and Calchris which shifted in under pressure. Leaving the 200m Friendly Embrace (K Yoshida) which had a tendency to lay out under pressure shifted out and made contact with Quizzical lady (C Reith) on several occasions.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Mitanni, Jockey S Scriven stated that the gelding travelled well, however, after making contact with Calchris on several occasions near the 300m the gelding failed to respond to his riding and proved disappointing.
When questioned regarding the performance of Albert The Fat, Jockey A Pattillo stated that after beginning tardily he rode the horse quietly as instructed and approaching the home turn considered moving Albert The Fat wider on the track however, was unable to do so due to Bareena racing forward and to his outside. Jockey Pattillo stated that he then opted to urge the horse forward closer to the fence to the inside of Another Takeover (J Taylor) to secure clear running. Jockey Pattillo added that although in his opinion the ground closer to the fence was inferior, he felt his best option in the circumstances was to pursue clear running forward of him rather than having to restrain and lose ground to allow him to shift outwards to obtain clear running. He further added that Albert The Fat found the line fairly given the circumstances.
A post race veterinary examination of Upilio revealed the gelding to be suffering from a heart arrhythmia. Trainer L Birchley was advised that Upilio must trial to the satisfaction of Stewards and he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness including the results of an ECG prior to the gelding's next race start.
Race 8:
Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 2 Handicap - 1400m.
1st - Showciti; 2nd - Sniparama; 3rd - Best Bid
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey (who completed a double on the day): “He’s coming along nicely. He’s honest. I stepped him up twice into feature fields in the last year and he was found out on both occasions, but I think I might have pushed him too early into those runs because he was still a bit immature. It is a different story when set against his own class and I was happy with his performance.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Showciti): 4.00 out to 4.40
Favourite (Best Bid): 3.50 out to 3.80 in to 2.90. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start was delayed when Our Heart (App. Matthew Palmer) had to be re-saddled at the barriers. County Raider (A Pattillo) and Rocking All Right (J Taylor) were slow to begin. Near the 900m Our Heart which was over-racing improved up on to the heels of SHOWCITI which shifted in tightening the running of Rocking All Right and Sinful Warrior (P Hammersley). Near the 900m Best Bid (S Scriven) commenced to over-race and had to be steadied off the heels of Stellar Show (C Spry). A short distance later Stellar Show then commenced to over-race on the heels of County Raider and shifted out making contact with Showciti (S Galloway) which in turn shifted out and made contact with Sniparama (App. M Speers). Sniparama and Showciti raced wide for the majority of the event. Our Heart hung in under pressure in the home straight.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners and 2nd placegetters.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
IPSWICH REVIEW (WED, DEC 31)
A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Wednesday, December 31.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 2200m
1st - Ella Cinders; 2nd - Tyrconnell; 3rd Cinquacasino
WINNER FEEDBACK:
With no speed in the race, jockey Ric McMahon decided to track around his field from the 800m and take Ella Cinders up to contest the lead with Perfect Glass in the sweep to the turn. Tyrconnell followed Ella Cinders into the race and, when Perfect Glass cried enough at the 250m mark, Ella Cinders and Tyrconnell joined issue in a two-way battle for the honours. At the 200m Tyrconnell looked set to take the measure of the Bryan Guy trained runner, but Ella Cinders showed great resolve in sticking to her task to lunge again late to secure her breakthrough victory.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Ella Cinders): 2.50 out to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tyrconnell (Michael Palmer) began awkwardly. Brilliant Ween (M. Speers) was inclined to over-race in the early and middle stages, and near the 1600m, shifted out, forcing Mondo Rocks (J. Murphy) wider on the track. Mondo Rocks was then obliged to race wide until leaving the 1300m. Leaving the 700m, Ella Cinders (R. McMahon) shifted out to improve and in so doing forced Ribless (C. Eaton) wider on the track. Near the 600m, Cinquacasino (D. Griffin) shifted out and bumped Straight Shooting (D. Tanti). Leaving the 400m, Kindroon (J. Letherby) and Mondo Rocks were tightened for room when racing to the inside of Brilliant Ween (M. Speers), which shifted in. Near the 200m, Brilliant Ween was crowded for room when racing between Perfect Glass (G. Geran) and Cinquacasino, both of which shifted ground. Ribless raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 2:
Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Tomiruf; 2nd - Moon Boy; 3rd - Island Tycoon
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Desley Cowley trained Tomiruf scored with a sweeping run down the centre of the track. Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls placed the gelding midfield along the inside early on, but the chestnut was repeatedly cramped for running room and had to be eased back into the second half of the field as the runners quickened up approaching the home turn. Thus it was that when Rolls switched his mount out into the clear at the head of the straight, Tomiruf was some way out of his ground, but he displayed more-than-useful acceleration to race into contention and then cut down the game, front-running effort of Moon Boy in the final strides to claim his first victory in ten starts.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tomiruf): 13.00 out to 17.00.
Favourite (Island Tycoon): 2.20 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1100m, Moon Boy (B. Evans) shifted out, forcing Thunderbeast (B. El-Issa) wider, which resulted in Thunderbeast shifting out, making heavy contact with Lord Benson (R. Goltz). Leaving the 800m, Thunderbeast improved up on to the heels of Moon Boy (B. Evans) and had to be steadied. Near the 700m, Tomiruf (L. Rolls) had to be steadied after improving up on to the heels of Preclude (D. Barron), which was yielding ground. Preclude (D. Barron) was inclined to hang out throughout the middle stages of the event. Leaving the 100m, Prince Hulani (D. Griffin) had to be steadied off the heels of Mr Gormsby (J. Bowditch), which shifted in. Prince Hulani (D. Griffin) was caught wide for the majority of the event. B. El-Issa, rider of Thunderbeast, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Lord Benson, R. Goltz explained that the horse had to work in the early stages and was under pressure at the 600m. A post race veterinary examination of Lord Benson revealed the horse was in a slightly distressed condition. Trainer M. Palmer confirmed his disappointment with the horse's performance and advised that it was his intention to give the horse an ease up during the upcoming hot weather conditions. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Good 3.
Race 3:
CG&E Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Bennike; 2nd - Mossbemad; 3rd - Al Hussar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The outcome of this race was decided in the Stewards Room after a protest was lodged against Mossbebad (who was first past the post) by jockey Paul Hammersley, the rider of the second placed Bennike. These two runners became involved in a speed battle from the start. They raced tight together and made contact several times on their way to the line, where Mossbebad prevailed by a narrow margin.
Jockey Paul Hammersley (stating the grounds for his objection): “Coming into the straight, Mossbebad made contact with my horse, I’d say, three or four times. On two of those occasions there was quite heavy contact. My horse was pushed off balance and lost a lot of momentum and couldn’t go past then. I mean he has come out and taken me two horses off the fence and the interference has turned my horse in. I then try to balance up and finish off to the best of my ability, but he shifted out again and made further contact just before the furlong mark, and there was also boring in the closing stages. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have won the race if I’d had a fair run.”
Apprentice Justin Wood (who rode Mossbemad): “My horse was resuming in Queensland (after racing in Victoria). Not being used to racing this way around, he did want to hang out on the turn, but I had a hard hold on him. How could I have turned his horse in when I was in front of him? The incident cost my horse. I could not get to use my whip properly, so I was not able to get at my horse. I think the coming together cost my horse more momentum than Hammersley’s horse.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “My horse only reacted after heavy contact was made.”
Desleigh Forster, trainer of Mossbemad, addressing Hammersley: “You say he took you two horses off the fence … but he was always running away from the fence. He was always one-and-a-half to two horses off the fence throughout the running. Also, you haven’t stopped riding your horse the whole length of the straight.”
James Glare, trainer of Bennike: “All I can say is that it is all about the margin. If he’d won by even half a length we wouldn’t be sitting here. The margin was so close though. The interference surely cost him at least that much.”
The protest was upheld. The first two placings past the post were reversed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by P. Hammersley, rider of Bennike, against Mossbemad being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 250m. Stewards found that at a point near the 250m, Mossbemad shifted out, making heavy contact with Bennike, resulting in that horse's momentum being impeded. Whilst acknowledging that both Bennike and Mossbemad came together and bumped on a number of occasions over the final 250 which was contributed to by both horses, stewards were of the opinion that the incident near the 250m, together with the margin between both horses at the finish, warranted a reversal of placings and amended the Judge's placings accordingly.
Dr Kah (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Roamin’ Off (D. Tanti) was crowded shortly after the start between Mossbemad and Spring Mambo (B. El-Issa), which shifted out. Al Hussar (K. Purdy) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Mossbemad (J. Wood) was inclined to lay out for the majority of the event. Spring Mambo lost its near hind plate in running.
Race 4:
QTIS 3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Crackajack Fortune; 2nd - Comotose; 3rd - Ceequal Star
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bob Sutton: “He’s been up for some time now which is probably why he took a while to go past the leader. But I was very confident going into the race. Last time in town he drew badly and was slow away, so that took care of his race there. Apart from that he has been very consistent and I was confident he would go well today.”
Jockey Donald Barron: “The first time I rode him (four runs back on debut) he was still a bit spooky. He’d look around then suddenly want to duck out or go his own way ... that type of thing. He’s still learning obviously. He was much more professional this time. When he’s got cover, he’s sweet. He won well. There was a brief moment when he went up to the other one (Comatose) and the other one fought back, but that was only for a stride or two and then it was over. He was too strong.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Crackerjack Fortune): 2.20 out to 2.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Try’N’Save (L. Dittman) was slow to begin. Maali (M. Heagney) was tightened for room shortly after the start between Comatose (J. Bowditch) and Crackerjack Fortune (D. Barron), which shifted out. Miss Mazaratti (J. Murphy), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened shortly after between Love And Happiness (C. Spry) and Flamboyance (M. Bennett), which was taken out by Wedding Night (Michael Palmer). Try’N’Save (L. Dittman) was tightened shortly after the start when racing between Go Girly (S. Drake) and Ceequal Star (B. El-Issa), which shifted in. Near the 950m, Pink Sapphire (J. Taylor) was tightened for room when racing to the inside of Crackajack Fortune, which was taken in by Comotose. J. Bowditch, rider of Comotose, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Wedding Night was inclined to race ungenerously in the middle stages of the event. Go Girly (S. Drake) became unbalanced rounding the home turn and then had a tendency to shift out under pressure in the home straight. Stewards opened an inquiry into the handling of Flamboyance (M. Bennett), particularly over the final 450m. It was noted that Flamboyance was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until approaching the 200m. After taking evidence from M. Bennett and trainer N. Doyle, the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed. Love And Happiness lost its off-hind plate in running.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Tamilda; 2nd - Gazillion; 3rd - La Zaha
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “The plan was to lead and dictate. You put an apprentice on with a 2kg advantage and if they can lead, that is the ideal situation. An apprentice can get caught out due to inexperience if they get back with other runners and have to think what to do. In front they can concentrate on keeping the horse going and if it’s good enough it will get there. Worked out to plan today.”
Apprentice jockey Tasha Chambers: “She raced a couple of weeks ago at Coloundra. We were going well and I thought I was home, but she stopped real quick and got beaten. Afterwards we found he had his tongue caught over the bit. The trainer fitted a tongue-tie for the first time today and it did the trick. She kept on finding this time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tamilda): 3.80 out to 4.20.
Favourite (La Zaha): 2.70 out to 3.10. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
New York Serenade (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Runaway Fund (L. Dittman) began awkwardly. Near the 900m, La Zaha (A. Pattillo) had to be steadied off the heels of Feathery (R. McMahon), which shifted in. Passing the 700m, New York Serenade made contact with the running rail after being tightened for room by Taj Paru (B. El-Issa). Approaching the 400m, New York Serenade was checked when racing to the inside of Taj Paru (B. El-Issa). After taking evidence from the riders concerned, stewards afforded B. El-Issa, rider of Taj Paru, the benefit of the doubt as to whether he was careless at that point of the race in allowing his mount to shift in. In deciding the matter, stewards were of the opinion that Howgoodsthat (S. Scriven) shifted in slightly at that point and may have contributed to the incident. Fraarcas (N. Evans) and Hay Annie (R. Goltz) raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 800m
1st - Inprivato; 2nd - Hayil Augustus; 3rd - Love Hit Me
Trainer Ron Maund: “She’s had her problems. She had a knee chip removed after her win in only her second start in January. That was after the problems with EI. Now she’s won second up here again. I told the jockey not to underestimate her. I pointed out that she had only run once before at Ipswich and she beat their brains in then. She’s a Spinning World filly, which means she should be better in the wet … so to finish like she did here was really good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Inprivato): 7.00 out to 7.50.
Favourite (Prince Vallen): 1.90 out to 2.10. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The starting time of this race was delayed as a result of Love Hit Me being difficult to load and a veterinary examination of Come In Spinner after that horse reared up in the barriers. Come In Spinner was cleared to start. Come In Spinner (S. Drake), Tora San (M. Bennett) Golden Flute (D. Mo) were all slow to begin. Leaving the 500m, Newminster (A. Spinks) had to be steadied off the heels of Prince Vallen (A. Taylor), which shifted in. Love Hit Me (R. Mason) raced wide for the majority of the event. A post race veterinary examination of Prince Vallen (A. Taylor) found the horse to have suffered minor abrasions to its near hind leg.
Race 7:
Class 2 Handicap - 1700m
1st - Eton Hall; 2nd - Radio Star; 3rd – Shaos
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Dann: “Mate, all he needed to was a good track. He’s last two runs were on wet tracks and he struggles on soft going. He’s much better on the track he got today.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Eton Hall): 4.20 out to 5.00.
Favourite (Shaos): 1.60 out to 2.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gentle Mind (D. Green) and Veedub (A. Merritt) both over-raced in the early stages of the event. Shaos (J. Bowditch) raced wide over the final 800m of the event. Near the 450m, Shaddar (J. Letherby) was tightened for room when racing between Gentle Mind and Veedub. D. Green, rider of Gentle Mind, and A. Merritt, rider of Veedub, were both reprimanded for allowing their mounts to shift ground at that point. Jockey C. Spry, rider of Crocodile Lass, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding in that near the 300m he allowed his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of Gentle Mind, which was forced wider, causing Vee Dub (A. Merritt) to be checked. C. Spry's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 3 January, up to and including Sunday, 18 January 2009. Radio Star (G. Geran) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Stewards questioned apprentice B. Evans and trainer J. Dann regarding the tactic to lead on Eaton Hall today and its improved performance. Trainer J. Dann stated that his instructions were to obtain a midfield position. B. Evans confirmed these were the intended tactics, however after being caught wide and due to the moderate tempo of the race in the early stages, he elected to proceed forward, which resulted in the horse obtaining a position in the lead. In regard to the improved performance of the horse today compared to its previous starts, J. Dann advised that the horse's two previous starts had been on by rain affected tracks, which he believed had a bearing on the horse's previous two performances and that and that the horse was better suited on top of the ground. He further advised that it would be his intention wherever possible to race Eaton Hall in a midfield position. Stewards noted the explanations.
Race 8:
Class 5 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Sir Teles; 2nd - Spilt Milk; 3rd - Brer Fox
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Gentle: “We only here because he needed another provincial run to get into the Magic Millions Country Cup. Otherwise we wouldn’t be here. This win will cost us a Class 6 win in the city. We would have got $30 000 instead of the $6500 we got here, but I guess that’s the way it works. We needed the provincial run to go to Magic Millions day. I thought we would have got 58kg here. Two runs back we finished right up there behind Albert Cadabra – and he won at Doomben on Saturday.”
PRICE FLUCTUATION:
Winner (Sir Teles): 9.00 out to 10.00 in to 4.80. Somebody had a Happy New Year.
Favourite (Straight Shooting): 2.20 out to 2.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Correct weight was delayed due to S. Scriven, rider of Blow The Bugle, wishing to view the film of the start of this race to see if he was afforded a fair start. After viewing the film, S. Scriven did not wish to proceed further and correct weight was declared. The start of this race was delayed as a result of Sir Teles requiring farrier attention prior to the start. Spilt Milk (L. Dittman) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Frigate (S. Drake) shifted out abruptly, making heavy contact with Sir Woody (S. Galloway). Spilt Milk and Manic Monday (B. Evans) were both held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Sir Woody and Androuge (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event. Sir Woody lost its off-hind plate in running. A post race veterinary examination of Androuge revealed the gelding to be lame in the off-fore knee. Stable representative for trainer L. Madden was advised that a veterinary certificate of soundness would be required prior to its next race start.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 2200m
1st - Ella Cinders; 2nd - Tyrconnell; 3rd Cinquacasino
WINNER FEEDBACK:
With no speed in the race, jockey Ric McMahon decided to track around his field from the 800m and take Ella Cinders up to contest the lead with Perfect Glass in the sweep to the turn. Tyrconnell followed Ella Cinders into the race and, when Perfect Glass cried enough at the 250m mark, Ella Cinders and Tyrconnell joined issue in a two-way battle for the honours. At the 200m Tyrconnell looked set to take the measure of the Bryan Guy trained runner, but Ella Cinders showed great resolve in sticking to her task to lunge again late to secure her breakthrough victory.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Ella Cinders): 2.50 out to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Tyrconnell (Michael Palmer) began awkwardly. Brilliant Ween (M. Speers) was inclined to over-race in the early and middle stages, and near the 1600m, shifted out, forcing Mondo Rocks (J. Murphy) wider on the track. Mondo Rocks was then obliged to race wide until leaving the 1300m. Leaving the 700m, Ella Cinders (R. McMahon) shifted out to improve and in so doing forced Ribless (C. Eaton) wider on the track. Near the 600m, Cinquacasino (D. Griffin) shifted out and bumped Straight Shooting (D. Tanti). Leaving the 400m, Kindroon (J. Letherby) and Mondo Rocks were tightened for room when racing to the inside of Brilliant Ween (M. Speers), which shifted in. Near the 200m, Brilliant Ween was crowded for room when racing between Perfect Glass (G. Geran) and Cinquacasino, both of which shifted ground. Ribless raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 2:
Maiden Plate - 1350m
1st - Tomiruf; 2nd - Moon Boy; 3rd - Island Tycoon
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Desley Cowley trained Tomiruf scored with a sweeping run down the centre of the track. Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls placed the gelding midfield along the inside early on, but the chestnut was repeatedly cramped for running room and had to be eased back into the second half of the field as the runners quickened up approaching the home turn. Thus it was that when Rolls switched his mount out into the clear at the head of the straight, Tomiruf was some way out of his ground, but he displayed more-than-useful acceleration to race into contention and then cut down the game, front-running effort of Moon Boy in the final strides to claim his first victory in ten starts.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tomiruf): 13.00 out to 17.00.
Favourite (Island Tycoon): 2.20 out to 2.60. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1100m, Moon Boy (B. Evans) shifted out, forcing Thunderbeast (B. El-Issa) wider, which resulted in Thunderbeast shifting out, making heavy contact with Lord Benson (R. Goltz). Leaving the 800m, Thunderbeast improved up on to the heels of Moon Boy (B. Evans) and had to be steadied. Near the 700m, Tomiruf (L. Rolls) had to be steadied after improving up on to the heels of Preclude (D. Barron), which was yielding ground. Preclude (D. Barron) was inclined to hang out throughout the middle stages of the event. Leaving the 100m, Prince Hulani (D. Griffin) had to be steadied off the heels of Mr Gormsby (J. Bowditch), which shifted in. Prince Hulani (D. Griffin) was caught wide for the majority of the event. B. El-Issa, rider of Thunderbeast, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Lord Benson, R. Goltz explained that the horse had to work in the early stages and was under pressure at the 600m. A post race veterinary examination of Lord Benson revealed the horse was in a slightly distressed condition. Trainer M. Palmer confirmed his disappointment with the horse's performance and advised that it was his intention to give the horse an ease up during the upcoming hot weather conditions. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Good 3.
Race 3:
CG&E Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Bennike; 2nd - Mossbemad; 3rd - Al Hussar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The outcome of this race was decided in the Stewards Room after a protest was lodged against Mossbebad (who was first past the post) by jockey Paul Hammersley, the rider of the second placed Bennike. These two runners became involved in a speed battle from the start. They raced tight together and made contact several times on their way to the line, where Mossbebad prevailed by a narrow margin.
Jockey Paul Hammersley (stating the grounds for his objection): “Coming into the straight, Mossbebad made contact with my horse, I’d say, three or four times. On two of those occasions there was quite heavy contact. My horse was pushed off balance and lost a lot of momentum and couldn’t go past then. I mean he has come out and taken me two horses off the fence and the interference has turned my horse in. I then try to balance up and finish off to the best of my ability, but he shifted out again and made further contact just before the furlong mark, and there was also boring in the closing stages. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have won the race if I’d had a fair run.”
Apprentice Justin Wood (who rode Mossbemad): “My horse was resuming in Queensland (after racing in Victoria). Not being used to racing this way around, he did want to hang out on the turn, but I had a hard hold on him. How could I have turned his horse in when I was in front of him? The incident cost my horse. I could not get to use my whip properly, so I was not able to get at my horse. I think the coming together cost my horse more momentum than Hammersley’s horse.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “My horse only reacted after heavy contact was made.”
Desleigh Forster, trainer of Mossbemad, addressing Hammersley: “You say he took you two horses off the fence … but he was always running away from the fence. He was always one-and-a-half to two horses off the fence throughout the running. Also, you haven’t stopped riding your horse the whole length of the straight.”
James Glare, trainer of Bennike: “All I can say is that it is all about the margin. If he’d won by even half a length we wouldn’t be sitting here. The margin was so close though. The interference surely cost him at least that much.”
The protest was upheld. The first two placings past the post were reversed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by P. Hammersley, rider of Bennike, against Mossbemad being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 250m. Stewards found that at a point near the 250m, Mossbemad shifted out, making heavy contact with Bennike, resulting in that horse's momentum being impeded. Whilst acknowledging that both Bennike and Mossbemad came together and bumped on a number of occasions over the final 250 which was contributed to by both horses, stewards were of the opinion that the incident near the 250m, together with the margin between both horses at the finish, warranted a reversal of placings and amended the Judge's placings accordingly.
Dr Kah (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Roamin’ Off (D. Tanti) was crowded shortly after the start between Mossbemad and Spring Mambo (B. El-Issa), which shifted out. Al Hussar (K. Purdy) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Mossbemad (J. Wood) was inclined to lay out for the majority of the event. Spring Mambo lost its near hind plate in running.
Race 4:
QTIS 3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Crackajack Fortune; 2nd - Comotose; 3rd - Ceequal Star
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bob Sutton: “He’s been up for some time now which is probably why he took a while to go past the leader. But I was very confident going into the race. Last time in town he drew badly and was slow away, so that took care of his race there. Apart from that he has been very consistent and I was confident he would go well today.”
Jockey Donald Barron: “The first time I rode him (four runs back on debut) he was still a bit spooky. He’d look around then suddenly want to duck out or go his own way ... that type of thing. He’s still learning obviously. He was much more professional this time. When he’s got cover, he’s sweet. He won well. There was a brief moment when he went up to the other one (Comatose) and the other one fought back, but that was only for a stride or two and then it was over. He was too strong.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Crackerjack Fortune): 2.20 out to 2.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Try’N’Save (L. Dittman) was slow to begin. Maali (M. Heagney) was tightened for room shortly after the start between Comatose (J. Bowditch) and Crackerjack Fortune (D. Barron), which shifted out. Miss Mazaratti (J. Murphy), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened shortly after between Love And Happiness (C. Spry) and Flamboyance (M. Bennett), which was taken out by Wedding Night (Michael Palmer). Try’N’Save (L. Dittman) was tightened shortly after the start when racing between Go Girly (S. Drake) and Ceequal Star (B. El-Issa), which shifted in. Near the 950m, Pink Sapphire (J. Taylor) was tightened for room when racing to the inside of Crackajack Fortune, which was taken in by Comotose. J. Bowditch, rider of Comotose, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Wedding Night was inclined to race ungenerously in the middle stages of the event. Go Girly (S. Drake) became unbalanced rounding the home turn and then had a tendency to shift out under pressure in the home straight. Stewards opened an inquiry into the handling of Flamboyance (M. Bennett), particularly over the final 450m. It was noted that Flamboyance was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until approaching the 200m. After taking evidence from M. Bennett and trainer N. Doyle, the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed. Love And Happiness lost its off-hind plate in running.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Tamilda; 2nd - Gazillion; 3rd - La Zaha
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “The plan was to lead and dictate. You put an apprentice on with a 2kg advantage and if they can lead, that is the ideal situation. An apprentice can get caught out due to inexperience if they get back with other runners and have to think what to do. In front they can concentrate on keeping the horse going and if it’s good enough it will get there. Worked out to plan today.”
Apprentice jockey Tasha Chambers: “She raced a couple of weeks ago at Coloundra. We were going well and I thought I was home, but she stopped real quick and got beaten. Afterwards we found he had his tongue caught over the bit. The trainer fitted a tongue-tie for the first time today and it did the trick. She kept on finding this time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tamilda): 3.80 out to 4.20.
Favourite (La Zaha): 2.70 out to 3.10. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
New York Serenade (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Runaway Fund (L. Dittman) began awkwardly. Near the 900m, La Zaha (A. Pattillo) had to be steadied off the heels of Feathery (R. McMahon), which shifted in. Passing the 700m, New York Serenade made contact with the running rail after being tightened for room by Taj Paru (B. El-Issa). Approaching the 400m, New York Serenade was checked when racing to the inside of Taj Paru (B. El-Issa). After taking evidence from the riders concerned, stewards afforded B. El-Issa, rider of Taj Paru, the benefit of the doubt as to whether he was careless at that point of the race in allowing his mount to shift in. In deciding the matter, stewards were of the opinion that Howgoodsthat (S. Scriven) shifted in slightly at that point and may have contributed to the incident. Fraarcas (N. Evans) and Hay Annie (R. Goltz) raced wide throughout.
Race 6:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 800m
1st - Inprivato; 2nd - Hayil Augustus; 3rd - Love Hit Me
Trainer Ron Maund: “She’s had her problems. She had a knee chip removed after her win in only her second start in January. That was after the problems with EI. Now she’s won second up here again. I told the jockey not to underestimate her. I pointed out that she had only run once before at Ipswich and she beat their brains in then. She’s a Spinning World filly, which means she should be better in the wet … so to finish like she did here was really good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Inprivato): 7.00 out to 7.50.
Favourite (Prince Vallen): 1.90 out to 2.10. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The starting time of this race was delayed as a result of Love Hit Me being difficult to load and a veterinary examination of Come In Spinner after that horse reared up in the barriers. Come In Spinner was cleared to start. Come In Spinner (S. Drake), Tora San (M. Bennett) Golden Flute (D. Mo) were all slow to begin. Leaving the 500m, Newminster (A. Spinks) had to be steadied off the heels of Prince Vallen (A. Taylor), which shifted in. Love Hit Me (R. Mason) raced wide for the majority of the event. A post race veterinary examination of Prince Vallen (A. Taylor) found the horse to have suffered minor abrasions to its near hind leg.
Race 7:
Class 2 Handicap - 1700m
1st - Eton Hall; 2nd - Radio Star; 3rd – Shaos
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Dann: “Mate, all he needed to was a good track. He’s last two runs were on wet tracks and he struggles on soft going. He’s much better on the track he got today.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Eton Hall): 4.20 out to 5.00.
Favourite (Shaos): 1.60 out to 2.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gentle Mind (D. Green) and Veedub (A. Merritt) both over-raced in the early stages of the event. Shaos (J. Bowditch) raced wide over the final 800m of the event. Near the 450m, Shaddar (J. Letherby) was tightened for room when racing between Gentle Mind and Veedub. D. Green, rider of Gentle Mind, and A. Merritt, rider of Veedub, were both reprimanded for allowing their mounts to shift ground at that point. Jockey C. Spry, rider of Crocodile Lass, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding in that near the 300m he allowed his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of Gentle Mind, which was forced wider, causing Vee Dub (A. Merritt) to be checked. C. Spry's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 3 January, up to and including Sunday, 18 January 2009. Radio Star (G. Geran) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Stewards questioned apprentice B. Evans and trainer J. Dann regarding the tactic to lead on Eaton Hall today and its improved performance. Trainer J. Dann stated that his instructions were to obtain a midfield position. B. Evans confirmed these were the intended tactics, however after being caught wide and due to the moderate tempo of the race in the early stages, he elected to proceed forward, which resulted in the horse obtaining a position in the lead. In regard to the improved performance of the horse today compared to its previous starts, J. Dann advised that the horse's two previous starts had been on by rain affected tracks, which he believed had a bearing on the horse's previous two performances and that and that the horse was better suited on top of the ground. He further advised that it would be his intention wherever possible to race Eaton Hall in a midfield position. Stewards noted the explanations.
Race 8:
Class 5 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Sir Teles; 2nd - Spilt Milk; 3rd - Brer Fox
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Gentle: “We only here because he needed another provincial run to get into the Magic Millions Country Cup. Otherwise we wouldn’t be here. This win will cost us a Class 6 win in the city. We would have got $30 000 instead of the $6500 we got here, but I guess that’s the way it works. We needed the provincial run to go to Magic Millions day. I thought we would have got 58kg here. Two runs back we finished right up there behind Albert Cadabra – and he won at Doomben on Saturday.”
PRICE FLUCTUATION:
Winner (Sir Teles): 9.00 out to 10.00 in to 4.80. Somebody had a Happy New Year.
Favourite (Straight Shooting): 2.20 out to 2.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Correct weight was delayed due to S. Scriven, rider of Blow The Bugle, wishing to view the film of the start of this race to see if he was afforded a fair start. After viewing the film, S. Scriven did not wish to proceed further and correct weight was declared. The start of this race was delayed as a result of Sir Teles requiring farrier attention prior to the start. Spilt Milk (L. Dittman) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Frigate (S. Drake) shifted out abruptly, making heavy contact with Sir Woody (S. Galloway). Spilt Milk and Manic Monday (B. Evans) were both held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Sir Woody and Androuge (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event. Sir Woody lost its off-hind plate in running. A post race veterinary examination of Androuge revealed the gelding to be lame in the off-fore knee. Stable representative for trainer L. Madden was advised that a veterinary certificate of soundness would be required prior to its next race start.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
DOOMBEN REVIEW (SAT, DEC 27)
A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Saturday, December 27.
Racing at Doomben on Saturday produced some marvellous performances – and some hiccups.
Liam Birchley produced a training performance of which he can be proud. Birchley only contested two races on the card. He sent out the unbeaten Paprika to score an emphatic victory in the Tommy Smith Slipper Plate. Birchley then saddled the first two runners past the post in the Bernborough Handicap, with Pepperwood just getting the better of the game top weight Rags To Riches close to the line.
There was another scintillating display of sheer acceleration by Youthful Jack. The three-year-old appeared to have the race at his mercy at the weights, but it was the professional manner in which he went about his business that underlined his superior status.
The false start in the first race was a rare occurrence at a Metropolitan meeting, as was Medesano’s ‘run yourself to a standstill’ exhibition.
The gelding dropped jockey Scott Seamer as he burst through the gates prior to the start of the third race. Three laps of the track and more than ten minutes later, later, after showing off escape manoeuvres that included a deft sidestep, well-timed acceleration and a couple of smart u-turns, a very tired Medesano handed himself over to a Clerk Of The Course. It was hard to tell whether the red faces of the two Clerks on duty on the day was caused by exertion or embarrassment. My guess it was a bit of both.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From QTC meeting 26.12.08: Trainer M. Thexton was fined $100 for declaring S. Seamer for Angel’s Devil (Race 2) without confirming the engagement.
From GCTC meeting 27.12.08: Trainer L. Birchley was fined $400 for failing to scratch Circumnavigate (Race 2) and El Corona (Race 6).
Race 1:
Class 6, 3YO and Up QTIS Plate - 2120m
1st - Jussemi; 2nd - Dawns Queen; 3rd - Monashee Princess
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “I spoke to Scotty (Seamer) beforehand. I’ve been at him, and at him, and at him. I told him this horse can’t sprint. He just can’t take it up quickly. I said, ‘Scotty, if there is no pace on you just make up your mind when you want to go’.
“The thing he has got in his favour is he is a genuine 2000m plus horse. He is a genuine stayer”. (Jussemi finished second behind stable companion Sir Sensible in this year’s running of the Toowoomba Cup). “Also his temperament ... just look at him. Look at the way he walks around. He was one of the first to pull up when they went through the barriers” (at the false start). He’s just so relaxed.”
Jockey Scott Seamer (uncharacteristically beaming after his race winning move in the sweep to the turn): “He’s the type of horse that needs to be on the bit earlier than other horses. With the speed that the race was run, I thought I’d work home a nice 1000m. He’s a staying horse and he probably needs three or four runs to get right and today was his race.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Jussemi): 6.50 out to 7.00 in to 6,00.
Favourite (Monashee Princess): 2.00 out to 2.20 in to 2.00. (Finished third).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jouer Le Jeu reared in the gates, dislodging apprentice L. Rolls, and as a result became cast. A short time later the barriers malfunctioned and opened, resulting in a false start being declared. Jouer Le Jeu was declared a late scratching at 12.22 p.m. by the stewards acting on veterinary advice as a result of the horse being fractious in the barriers. All other runners were restrained by their riders and returned behind the barriers to be vetted. Subsequently Relodge (R. McMahon) was a late scratching at 12.24 p.m. by order of the stewards acting on veterinary advice that the horse was exhibiting a marked increase in pulse rate and respiration. Trainer B. Smith will be advised that he must obtain a further barrier certificate for Jouer Le Jeu prior to the horse's next start.
Kazak Flyer (S. Galloway), Latin Idol (J. Bowditch) and Dawns Queen (A. Spinks) over-raced in the early and middle stages. Passing the 1000m Greenfinder (G. Colless) shifted out three wide to improve and was obliged to race three wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 500m Heartland (M. Hellyer), which was endeavouring to shift out to improve, made contact with Greenfinder. Near the 400m Beartracker (E. Wilkinson) had to be checked when attempting a narrow run between Heartland and the tiring Aquaracer (J. Taylor). Latin Idol had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Race 2:
F&M NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Fuhrnatic; 2nd - Icedane; 3rd - Sista Kugah
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “Once you get these mares going good they seem to stick with it don’t they? I’d say I was pretty confident this time at the 200m mark, which I’m not normally. She ran a Class Record last time too. She broke an thirteen-year-old Class Record last time and a ten-year-old record this time. She’s on her way up.
“She’s lightly raced. She’s a five-year-old and has only had fourteen starts. That’s not because she’s a cripple or anything like that. In fact she has had no real issues, but just little things have kept her back. She hurt herself and pulled a muscle in her shoulder. Then she kicked a wall and hurt her leg ... and each time I had to tip her out. So that’s why she only had fourteen starts. She’s going pretty well now though. We’ll head for the mares race on Magic Millions day.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “Mel (Eggleston) explained to me that she had a good sprint but that it is a fairly short one, so she won’t give as much as she feels like she will. I just let her stride up after the turn when she was balanced and she was very strong to the line. If she settles, she’ll get further I reckon.”
This was Fuhrnatic’s third win from four starts this preparation. Two of those wins have produced New Class Records. Fuhrnatic’s time of 1-18.92 here lowered the previous best set by Grouse Lane in November 1998. In her previous start Fuhrnatic time of 1-15.60 (over the 1300m at Eagle Farm) eclipsed the previous record which had been held by Nuray since November 1995.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Fuhrnatic)): 3.50 out to 4.40.
Favourite (Beautiful): 3.50 out to 3.60. (Finished fifth).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1300m Pearly Mist (J. Taylor) and Icedane (S. Drake) were momentarily placed in restricted room between Starry Dancer (D. Missen) and Paradise Dancer (C. Dixon). Passing the 1100m Paradise Dancer commenced to over-race and near the 800m shifted out wider off the heels of Miss Monashee and in doing so forced The Pocket Rocket wider. Miss Monashee raced wide in the early and middle stages. Paradise Dancer and The Pocket Rocket raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Ladyswood (Matthew Palmer) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Miss Monashee, which was taken in by Paradise Dancer. Apprentice C. Dixon, the rider of Paradise Dancer was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Starry Dancer was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and from passing the 200m had difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 300m Beautiful (R. McMahon), which was endeavouring to obtain a run between Kenshe and Icedane (S. Drake), had to be steadied when Icedane shifted out. S. Drake, the rider of Icedane, was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Beautiful was then obliged to shift back in in an endeavour to obtain clear running, however Beautiful then had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 50m. Where’smine (K. Cunningham) hung out in the straight and near the 50m shifted out and brushed Miss Monashee.
Stewards questioned apprentice C. Dixon regarding his ride on Paradise Dancer, and in particular electing to push out four wide approaching the 800m and sustain a run in an endeavour to obtain the lead approaching the 600m. Apprentice C. Dixon stated that his instructions were that if he was caught wide to allow the horse to stride forward to take up a position. Stewards noted apprentice Dixon's comments, however advised him they believed his ride lacked initiative given that he had a position three wide behind Miss Monashee with cover and that he should have elected to maintain that position.
Race 3:
C,G&E NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Albert Cadabra; 2nd - Another Takeover; 3rd - Primeval Demand
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith: “Everything went well here. He just doesn’t handle the wet. That’s he’s only real weakness. The other day he struggled (but still won) at the Coast when it was a bit damp on the fence. He just kept dipping and dipping. That kid rode him enormous, that young Dittman. Did it easier here.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “He jumped well enough, but then he got spat out towards the back. I said, ’come on, get up there,’ and he took up a fair position. Then in the straight, when I said go, he tested me a bit at first and I thought he wasn’t going to get there, but once he lengthened his stride and got into his rhythm, he was always going to win.”
This was Albert Cadabra’s third win in succession.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Albert Cadabra): 6.00 out to 7.50 in to 7.00.
Favourite (Primeval Demand): 3.00 out to 3.50 in to 4.00. (Finished third).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As J. Holder was to be overweight, E. Wilkinson was substituted as the rider of Ready To Rise. J. Holder was fined $200 under AR. 120(b). Hesashow (L. Rolls) proved difficult to load. Trainer J. Bayliss was advised that Hesashow must perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial prior to its next start. Medesano (S. Seamer) broke through the gates dislodging jockey S. Seamer. The horse then took a considerable time to be captured and was declared a late scratching at 1.44 p.m. by order of the stewards. Battle At Sea (M. Radecker), which reared and struck its head in the barriers, was a late scratching at 1.55 p.m. by order of the stewards acting on veterinary advice. Crackaway also broke through the barriers, was quickly restrained by its rider R. Thompson, examined by the Club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. Resounding Victory (M. Hellyer) and Another Takeover (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly. Approaching the 1100m Hesashow, Matzumi (Matthew Palmer) and Bang The Castle (D. Craven) were all obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Indiana Storm (J. Taylor). Indiana Storm and Bang The Castle raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 900m Matzumi improved up on to the heels of Indiana Storm and had to be steadied. Approaching the 600m Protesta (G. Colless) improved up on to the heels of Revered Ruler (O. Turpin) and shifted out abruptly inconveniencing Indiana Storm. Shortly after straightening Another Takeover had to be checked when momentarily tightened for room between Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) and Primeval Demand (P. Hammersley) which shifted out. P. Hammersley, the rider of Primeval Demand was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Shuffle The Cash had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Race 4:
F&M NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Mr Hornblower; 2nd - Vocalic; 3rd - Noble Gaze
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “Tracy (Green) will have set him for this, He is a brilliant horse on his day and he’s got some nice sectionals in his time.” (Then, with regard to his rails hugging finish). “When you are on a horse that is keen on attacking the line it is easier to get through with your run.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Hornblower): 5.50 in to 5.00 out to 5.50.
Favourite (Insistence): 2.10 in to 2.00 out to 2.05. (Finished ninth and last).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Malta (J. Holder) was slow to begin. Rounding the home turn Thin And Crispy (Matthew Palmer) shifted out and made contact with Insistence (Michael Palmer). Stewards opened an inquiry into the running and handling of Insistence. The inquiry was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed. A post-race veterinary examination of Insistence revealed the horse was showing a slightly slower than normal recovery rate.
Race 5:
Vo Rogue Plate - 1350m
1st - Youthful Jack; 2nd - Express Air; 3rd - Yatala
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Robert Thompson: “We knew a moderate tempo could be a danger ... but at the half-mile he was travelling comfortably. Coming to the corner I had to take another hold he was starting to travel that well. When I did let him down, he gathered them in pretty quickly and was a bit cheeky going to the line. He has got really good acceleration. He’ll be three or four lengths off them and the next stride he’ll be right on top of them. That’s the difference between an average horse and a very good horse. I think there is still improvement there. I’m sure he’s going to go a long way.”
Youthful Jack now has the enviable record of having won ten out of his fourteen starts. This win was his third in succession. Youthful Jack has won five-in-a-row in Brisbane and is unbeaten in four goes over the 1350m trip. Co-owner Ross Stitt was the original trainer of the three-year-old when it made its winning debut at Grafton. Stitt sent the horse to trainer Rex Lipp for his first Brisbane campaign where the Lipp / Tony Pattillo combination reeled of three wins, including the Doomben Slipper and the Australia Post victories during the Winter Carnival. The horse then moved south to the stable of Allan Denham for which he has now had four runs, saluting on three of those occasions. In a trophy acceptance speech at Doomben on Saturday, the connections of Youthful Jack paid tribute to the part played by Rex Lipp and Tony Pattillo in helping to build a solid foundation which allowed Youthful Jack to make the move to the next level. It was a nice touch. Ironically, the horse Youthful Jack beat home in the Vo Rogue, Express Air, is trained by Rex Lipp.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Youthful Jack): 1.45 in to 1.35 out to 1.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cat D’Antibes (R. McMahon) jumped away awkwardly. High Roll’n Woman (G. Colless) sprawled on jumping away and shifted in inconveniencing Jazz Heart (S. Scriven). Passing the 1200m Jazz Heart commenced to over-race and near the 800m pulled itself up between High Roll’n Woman and Cat D’Antibes where there was insufficient room and as a result Jazz Heart blundered. Black Minx (A. Best) and Youthful Jack (R. Thompson), which were following, were hampered as a consequence. In this incident Navigation (C. Spry) was pushed wide. C. Spry then allowed Navigation to stride forward and obtain a position outside the leader approaching the 600m. Adnocon (K. Pope) raced wide for the majority of the event. Yatala (B. Pengelly) was held up for clear running from rounding the home turn until near the 200m. High Roll’n Woman was also held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Race 6:
Tommy Smith Slipper Plate - 1200m
1st - Paprika; 2nd - Carlton Forward; 3rd - Moonlight Hussey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “The instructions I gave were to be aggressive out of the gates ... to be one, two three or four. Just to go forward and to let her know what she is supposed to do basically. Also, to get a good, hard, 1200m under her belt. We’ve done enough with her now in terms of education. It was time to get serious. I think there is still more to come from her. She’s still a bit round so I reckon she’ll get a bit of benefit out of this run.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “Yeah, she’s a lovely filly. She raced a bit patchy today though. She began very welI. I gave her a dig. She sprinted up there. Then she looked to relax. Then she picked up the bit again. Then she relaxed. She was on and off today ... but that’s it, you know, she is still learning. Got a long way to go too, but there’s a lot of natural ability there.
“Liam’s done a great job with her. We worked out there wasn’t much pace in the race. Wouldn’t have minded running second or third, but the ideal world doesn’t always happen. That’s where we’ll be running in the Millions hopefully. She’s got a very good turn of foot which we’ll use to our advantage. This win ended the pressure of the last two weeks. I guess it’s on again now for the next two weeks.”
An extract from an article in the Weekend Sportsman of December 12 reads as follows:
Birchley has been successful in early two-year-old races in Brisbane for many years but says this filly (Paprika) represents something different to any of the two-year-olds he’s ever trained.
“I’ve had horses who won good races early on but it was probably more because they had a physical advantage,” he (Birchley) said. “I haven’t really had a two-year-old that ticks all the boxes and she seems to tick every box.
“She’s done everything you could’ve wanted her to do, her temperament is fantastic and to me she just seems like the perfect racehorse.”
Fast forward two weeks and two feature race wins later and the performances of Paprika (now unbeaten in four starts) stand as a testament to both Birchley’s ability to select a ‘good un’ and the his training expertise in bringing the horses talent to the fore.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Paprika): 1.50 out to 1.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Southport (R. Thompson) jumped out at the start and made contact with Phelan Ready (J. Holder). First Option (C. Spry) was a little slow to begin. Bella Sirena (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout. Fairchild had a tendency to lay out from passing the 800m. Passing the 600m Fairchild (B. Pengelly) improved up on to the heels of Phelan Ready and had to be steadied. A post-race veterinary examination of Fairchild failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 7:
Bernborough Handicap - 1630m
1st - Pepperwood; 2nd - Rags To Riches; 3rd - Secrets Untold
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (whose horse ran the big race quinella): “It was hard for me to separate my two horses going into the race. The one makes his own luck and I thought if there was genuine pace he would be very hard to beat at the weights from there. But if they stopped and started a bit, that lets the other one in. As it turned out the two came together close to the line for nearly the perfect result. Yeah, it is my biggest day at the races in terms of the quality of the races that I’ve won on any day.”
The Birchley stable only contested two races on the day and went home with two Listed race winners and a Listed race quinella.
Jockey Robert Thompson: “Yeah I had a lovely run all the way. I sat midfield, or just behind midfield, and we travelled beautifully. I knew it was going to be hard to run down the old boy (Rags To Riches) when I saw him up there, but I guess we had the weight advantage which made the difference in the end. I just want to thank Liam (Birchley) and his staff for having my horse so fit for me today. We’ve had a bit of success together and it is always a pleasure to ride for the stable.”
Thompson stated he had a ‘lovely run all the way’. He obviously makes light of difficulties encountered in the running, which is possibly one of the reasons why he has ridden the number of winners he has in his time in the saddle. For some of those difficulties, see the references to Pepperwood in the Stewards Report Extract.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Pepperwood): 4.00 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Barlinnie): 5.00 in to 4.00. (Finished ninth).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1600m Nellie Got There (E. Wilkinson) shifted out abruptly resulting in Daunting Lad (Michael Palmer), Rebounded (J. Bowditch), Rags To Riches (S. Scriven), Start’s Flyer (G. Colless), Cocktail Supreme (M. Radecker) and Barlinnie (J. Holder) all being hampered to varying degrees. In this incident Daunting Lad clipped the heels of Nellie Got There and blundered. Trainer J. McLachlan was advised that Nellie Got There must trial to the satisfaction of the stewards before it races again.
Approaching the 1400m Pepperwood (R. Thompson) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Start’s Flyer which shifted in. Near the 1300m Pepperwood again had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Strat’s Flyer. G. Colless, the rider of Start’s Flyer, was reprimanded on both occasions.
Cocktail Supreme, Barlinnie and Ashraf (D. Spriggs) raced wide from the early stages until near the 800m. Passing the 600m Jujulio (A. Spinks) shifted out and made contact with Pepperwood. A short distance later Jujulio improved up on to the heels of Stat’s Flyer, had to be steadied and shifted out making further contact with Pepperwood forcing that horse wider. Pepperwood was then obliged to race three wide for the remainder of the event. Sequestrate (A. Pattillo) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Shortly after straightening Secrets Untold (S. Seamer) forced a run between Pepperwood and Barlinnie and as a result made contact with Barlinnie. Near the 150m Nellie Got there was inconvenienced by Majorca (R. McMahon) which shifted out. When questioned regarding the performance of Start’s Flyer, jockey G. Colless stated that the horse obtained a nice position and travelled well until the home turn, however failed to respond to his riding in the straight. He added that the horse in his opinion raced like a horse that may have come to the end of its preparation. Stewards intend to contact trainer Mr A. Denham in the days subsequent to the event to seek further comment. A post-race veterinary examination of Strat’s Flyer failed to reveal any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance of Barlinnie, jockey J. Holder stated that after there was some interference inside him shortly after the start he was then obliged to take up a position further back than he anticipated and as a result was caught three wide until near the 800m. He added that from that point he obtained a position on the back of Pepperwood, however the horse failed to run on as expected. Trainer T. Bailey A post-race veterinary examination of Barlinnie failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8:
Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Firedrake; 2nd - Borsha's Mark; 3rd - Jumaana
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “That makes up a bit for earlier in the day.” (Heinrich was referring to the ‘last past the post’ finish of her mare Insistence, who earlier had started a clear-cut favourite in the fourth race on the card. Stewards opened an inquiry into the running and handling of Insistence). “Never mind. Always nice to go home with a winner.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Firedrake): 5.50 in to 4.20.
Favourite (Borsha’s Mark): 3.60 steady.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bryn Callum (S. Scriven) and Yass River (L. Rolls) were a little slow to begin. Davion (R. Wiggins) over-raced in the early stages. Bryn Callum, Chilled (S. Seamer) and Key Bar Nights (J. Holder) raced wide throughout. In the early stages of the straight Ready When You Are (M. Hellyer) had difficulty obtaining clear running.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT
Horses swabbed
All winners, 2nd place-getters in Races 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8, Insistence and Carlton Forward (pre-race)
Racing at Doomben on Saturday produced some marvellous performances – and some hiccups.
Liam Birchley produced a training performance of which he can be proud. Birchley only contested two races on the card. He sent out the unbeaten Paprika to score an emphatic victory in the Tommy Smith Slipper Plate. Birchley then saddled the first two runners past the post in the Bernborough Handicap, with Pepperwood just getting the better of the game top weight Rags To Riches close to the line.
There was another scintillating display of sheer acceleration by Youthful Jack. The three-year-old appeared to have the race at his mercy at the weights, but it was the professional manner in which he went about his business that underlined his superior status.
The false start in the first race was a rare occurrence at a Metropolitan meeting, as was Medesano’s ‘run yourself to a standstill’ exhibition.
The gelding dropped jockey Scott Seamer as he burst through the gates prior to the start of the third race. Three laps of the track and more than ten minutes later, later, after showing off escape manoeuvres that included a deft sidestep, well-timed acceleration and a couple of smart u-turns, a very tired Medesano handed himself over to a Clerk Of The Course. It was hard to tell whether the red faces of the two Clerks on duty on the day was caused by exertion or embarrassment. My guess it was a bit of both.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
From QTC meeting 26.12.08: Trainer M. Thexton was fined $100 for declaring S. Seamer for Angel’s Devil (Race 2) without confirming the engagement.
From GCTC meeting 27.12.08: Trainer L. Birchley was fined $400 for failing to scratch Circumnavigate (Race 2) and El Corona (Race 6).
Race 1:
Class 6, 3YO and Up QTIS Plate - 2120m
1st - Jussemi; 2nd - Dawns Queen; 3rd - Monashee Princess
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “I spoke to Scotty (Seamer) beforehand. I’ve been at him, and at him, and at him. I told him this horse can’t sprint. He just can’t take it up quickly. I said, ‘Scotty, if there is no pace on you just make up your mind when you want to go’.
“The thing he has got in his favour is he is a genuine 2000m plus horse. He is a genuine stayer”. (Jussemi finished second behind stable companion Sir Sensible in this year’s running of the Toowoomba Cup). “Also his temperament ... just look at him. Look at the way he walks around. He was one of the first to pull up when they went through the barriers” (at the false start). He’s just so relaxed.”
Jockey Scott Seamer (uncharacteristically beaming after his race winning move in the sweep to the turn): “He’s the type of horse that needs to be on the bit earlier than other horses. With the speed that the race was run, I thought I’d work home a nice 1000m. He’s a staying horse and he probably needs three or four runs to get right and today was his race.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Jussemi): 6.50 out to 7.00 in to 6,00.
Favourite (Monashee Princess): 2.00 out to 2.20 in to 2.00. (Finished third).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Jouer Le Jeu reared in the gates, dislodging apprentice L. Rolls, and as a result became cast. A short time later the barriers malfunctioned and opened, resulting in a false start being declared. Jouer Le Jeu was declared a late scratching at 12.22 p.m. by the stewards acting on veterinary advice as a result of the horse being fractious in the barriers. All other runners were restrained by their riders and returned behind the barriers to be vetted. Subsequently Relodge (R. McMahon) was a late scratching at 12.24 p.m. by order of the stewards acting on veterinary advice that the horse was exhibiting a marked increase in pulse rate and respiration. Trainer B. Smith will be advised that he must obtain a further barrier certificate for Jouer Le Jeu prior to the horse's next start.
Kazak Flyer (S. Galloway), Latin Idol (J. Bowditch) and Dawns Queen (A. Spinks) over-raced in the early and middle stages. Passing the 1000m Greenfinder (G. Colless) shifted out three wide to improve and was obliged to race three wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 500m Heartland (M. Hellyer), which was endeavouring to shift out to improve, made contact with Greenfinder. Near the 400m Beartracker (E. Wilkinson) had to be checked when attempting a narrow run between Heartland and the tiring Aquaracer (J. Taylor). Latin Idol had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Race 2:
F&M NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Fuhrnatic; 2nd - Icedane; 3rd - Sista Kugah
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “Once you get these mares going good they seem to stick with it don’t they? I’d say I was pretty confident this time at the 200m mark, which I’m not normally. She ran a Class Record last time too. She broke an thirteen-year-old Class Record last time and a ten-year-old record this time. She’s on her way up.
“She’s lightly raced. She’s a five-year-old and has only had fourteen starts. That’s not because she’s a cripple or anything like that. In fact she has had no real issues, but just little things have kept her back. She hurt herself and pulled a muscle in her shoulder. Then she kicked a wall and hurt her leg ... and each time I had to tip her out. So that’s why she only had fourteen starts. She’s going pretty well now though. We’ll head for the mares race on Magic Millions day.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “Mel (Eggleston) explained to me that she had a good sprint but that it is a fairly short one, so she won’t give as much as she feels like she will. I just let her stride up after the turn when she was balanced and she was very strong to the line. If she settles, she’ll get further I reckon.”
This was Fuhrnatic’s third win from four starts this preparation. Two of those wins have produced New Class Records. Fuhrnatic’s time of 1-18.92 here lowered the previous best set by Grouse Lane in November 1998. In her previous start Fuhrnatic time of 1-15.60 (over the 1300m at Eagle Farm) eclipsed the previous record which had been held by Nuray since November 1995.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Fuhrnatic)): 3.50 out to 4.40.
Favourite (Beautiful): 3.50 out to 3.60. (Finished fifth).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1300m Pearly Mist (J. Taylor) and Icedane (S. Drake) were momentarily placed in restricted room between Starry Dancer (D. Missen) and Paradise Dancer (C. Dixon). Passing the 1100m Paradise Dancer commenced to over-race and near the 800m shifted out wider off the heels of Miss Monashee and in doing so forced The Pocket Rocket wider. Miss Monashee raced wide in the early and middle stages. Paradise Dancer and The Pocket Rocket raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 600m Ladyswood (Matthew Palmer) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Miss Monashee, which was taken in by Paradise Dancer. Apprentice C. Dixon, the rider of Paradise Dancer was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Starry Dancer was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and from passing the 200m had difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 300m Beautiful (R. McMahon), which was endeavouring to obtain a run between Kenshe and Icedane (S. Drake), had to be steadied when Icedane shifted out. S. Drake, the rider of Icedane, was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Beautiful was then obliged to shift back in in an endeavour to obtain clear running, however Beautiful then had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 50m. Where’smine (K. Cunningham) hung out in the straight and near the 50m shifted out and brushed Miss Monashee.
Stewards questioned apprentice C. Dixon regarding his ride on Paradise Dancer, and in particular electing to push out four wide approaching the 800m and sustain a run in an endeavour to obtain the lead approaching the 600m. Apprentice C. Dixon stated that his instructions were that if he was caught wide to allow the horse to stride forward to take up a position. Stewards noted apprentice Dixon's comments, however advised him they believed his ride lacked initiative given that he had a position three wide behind Miss Monashee with cover and that he should have elected to maintain that position.
Race 3:
C,G&E NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Albert Cadabra; 2nd - Another Takeover; 3rd - Primeval Demand
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lawrie Mayfield-Smith: “Everything went well here. He just doesn’t handle the wet. That’s he’s only real weakness. The other day he struggled (but still won) at the Coast when it was a bit damp on the fence. He just kept dipping and dipping. That kid rode him enormous, that young Dittman. Did it easier here.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “He jumped well enough, but then he got spat out towards the back. I said, ’come on, get up there,’ and he took up a fair position. Then in the straight, when I said go, he tested me a bit at first and I thought he wasn’t going to get there, but once he lengthened his stride and got into his rhythm, he was always going to win.”
This was Albert Cadabra’s third win in succession.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Albert Cadabra): 6.00 out to 7.50 in to 7.00.
Favourite (Primeval Demand): 3.00 out to 3.50 in to 4.00. (Finished third).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As J. Holder was to be overweight, E. Wilkinson was substituted as the rider of Ready To Rise. J. Holder was fined $200 under AR. 120(b). Hesashow (L. Rolls) proved difficult to load. Trainer J. Bayliss was advised that Hesashow must perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial prior to its next start. Medesano (S. Seamer) broke through the gates dislodging jockey S. Seamer. The horse then took a considerable time to be captured and was declared a late scratching at 1.44 p.m. by order of the stewards. Battle At Sea (M. Radecker), which reared and struck its head in the barriers, was a late scratching at 1.55 p.m. by order of the stewards acting on veterinary advice. Crackaway also broke through the barriers, was quickly restrained by its rider R. Thompson, examined by the Club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. Resounding Victory (M. Hellyer) and Another Takeover (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly. Approaching the 1100m Hesashow, Matzumi (Matthew Palmer) and Bang The Castle (D. Craven) were all obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Indiana Storm (J. Taylor). Indiana Storm and Bang The Castle raced wide for the majority of the event. Near the 900m Matzumi improved up on to the heels of Indiana Storm and had to be steadied. Approaching the 600m Protesta (G. Colless) improved up on to the heels of Revered Ruler (O. Turpin) and shifted out abruptly inconveniencing Indiana Storm. Shortly after straightening Another Takeover had to be checked when momentarily tightened for room between Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) and Primeval Demand (P. Hammersley) which shifted out. P. Hammersley, the rider of Primeval Demand was reprimanded under AR. 137(a). Shuffle The Cash had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Race 4:
F&M NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Mr Hornblower; 2nd - Vocalic; 3rd - Noble Gaze
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “Tracy (Green) will have set him for this, He is a brilliant horse on his day and he’s got some nice sectionals in his time.” (Then, with regard to his rails hugging finish). “When you are on a horse that is keen on attacking the line it is easier to get through with your run.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Hornblower): 5.50 in to 5.00 out to 5.50.
Favourite (Insistence): 2.10 in to 2.00 out to 2.05. (Finished ninth and last).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Malta (J. Holder) was slow to begin. Rounding the home turn Thin And Crispy (Matthew Palmer) shifted out and made contact with Insistence (Michael Palmer). Stewards opened an inquiry into the running and handling of Insistence. The inquiry was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed. A post-race veterinary examination of Insistence revealed the horse was showing a slightly slower than normal recovery rate.
Race 5:
Vo Rogue Plate - 1350m
1st - Youthful Jack; 2nd - Express Air; 3rd - Yatala
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Robert Thompson: “We knew a moderate tempo could be a danger ... but at the half-mile he was travelling comfortably. Coming to the corner I had to take another hold he was starting to travel that well. When I did let him down, he gathered them in pretty quickly and was a bit cheeky going to the line. He has got really good acceleration. He’ll be three or four lengths off them and the next stride he’ll be right on top of them. That’s the difference between an average horse and a very good horse. I think there is still improvement there. I’m sure he’s going to go a long way.”
Youthful Jack now has the enviable record of having won ten out of his fourteen starts. This win was his third in succession. Youthful Jack has won five-in-a-row in Brisbane and is unbeaten in four goes over the 1350m trip. Co-owner Ross Stitt was the original trainer of the three-year-old when it made its winning debut at Grafton. Stitt sent the horse to trainer Rex Lipp for his first Brisbane campaign where the Lipp / Tony Pattillo combination reeled of three wins, including the Doomben Slipper and the Australia Post victories during the Winter Carnival. The horse then moved south to the stable of Allan Denham for which he has now had four runs, saluting on three of those occasions. In a trophy acceptance speech at Doomben on Saturday, the connections of Youthful Jack paid tribute to the part played by Rex Lipp and Tony Pattillo in helping to build a solid foundation which allowed Youthful Jack to make the move to the next level. It was a nice touch. Ironically, the horse Youthful Jack beat home in the Vo Rogue, Express Air, is trained by Rex Lipp.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Youthful Jack): 1.45 in to 1.35 out to 1.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cat D’Antibes (R. McMahon) jumped away awkwardly. High Roll’n Woman (G. Colless) sprawled on jumping away and shifted in inconveniencing Jazz Heart (S. Scriven). Passing the 1200m Jazz Heart commenced to over-race and near the 800m pulled itself up between High Roll’n Woman and Cat D’Antibes where there was insufficient room and as a result Jazz Heart blundered. Black Minx (A. Best) and Youthful Jack (R. Thompson), which were following, were hampered as a consequence. In this incident Navigation (C. Spry) was pushed wide. C. Spry then allowed Navigation to stride forward and obtain a position outside the leader approaching the 600m. Adnocon (K. Pope) raced wide for the majority of the event. Yatala (B. Pengelly) was held up for clear running from rounding the home turn until near the 200m. High Roll’n Woman was also held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight.
Race 6:
Tommy Smith Slipper Plate - 1200m
1st - Paprika; 2nd - Carlton Forward; 3rd - Moonlight Hussey
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “The instructions I gave were to be aggressive out of the gates ... to be one, two three or four. Just to go forward and to let her know what she is supposed to do basically. Also, to get a good, hard, 1200m under her belt. We’ve done enough with her now in terms of education. It was time to get serious. I think there is still more to come from her. She’s still a bit round so I reckon she’ll get a bit of benefit out of this run.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “Yeah, she’s a lovely filly. She raced a bit patchy today though. She began very welI. I gave her a dig. She sprinted up there. Then she looked to relax. Then she picked up the bit again. Then she relaxed. She was on and off today ... but that’s it, you know, she is still learning. Got a long way to go too, but there’s a lot of natural ability there.
“Liam’s done a great job with her. We worked out there wasn’t much pace in the race. Wouldn’t have minded running second or third, but the ideal world doesn’t always happen. That’s where we’ll be running in the Millions hopefully. She’s got a very good turn of foot which we’ll use to our advantage. This win ended the pressure of the last two weeks. I guess it’s on again now for the next two weeks.”
An extract from an article in the Weekend Sportsman of December 12 reads as follows:
Birchley has been successful in early two-year-old races in Brisbane for many years but says this filly (Paprika) represents something different to any of the two-year-olds he’s ever trained.
“I’ve had horses who won good races early on but it was probably more because they had a physical advantage,” he (Birchley) said. “I haven’t really had a two-year-old that ticks all the boxes and she seems to tick every box.
“She’s done everything you could’ve wanted her to do, her temperament is fantastic and to me she just seems like the perfect racehorse.”
Fast forward two weeks and two feature race wins later and the performances of Paprika (now unbeaten in four starts) stand as a testament to both Birchley’s ability to select a ‘good un’ and the his training expertise in bringing the horses talent to the fore.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Paprika): 1.50 out to 1.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Southport (R. Thompson) jumped out at the start and made contact with Phelan Ready (J. Holder). First Option (C. Spry) was a little slow to begin. Bella Sirena (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout. Fairchild had a tendency to lay out from passing the 800m. Passing the 600m Fairchild (B. Pengelly) improved up on to the heels of Phelan Ready and had to be steadied. A post-race veterinary examination of Fairchild failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 7:
Bernborough Handicap - 1630m
1st - Pepperwood; 2nd - Rags To Riches; 3rd - Secrets Untold
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley (whose horse ran the big race quinella): “It was hard for me to separate my two horses going into the race. The one makes his own luck and I thought if there was genuine pace he would be very hard to beat at the weights from there. But if they stopped and started a bit, that lets the other one in. As it turned out the two came together close to the line for nearly the perfect result. Yeah, it is my biggest day at the races in terms of the quality of the races that I’ve won on any day.”
The Birchley stable only contested two races on the day and went home with two Listed race winners and a Listed race quinella.
Jockey Robert Thompson: “Yeah I had a lovely run all the way. I sat midfield, or just behind midfield, and we travelled beautifully. I knew it was going to be hard to run down the old boy (Rags To Riches) when I saw him up there, but I guess we had the weight advantage which made the difference in the end. I just want to thank Liam (Birchley) and his staff for having my horse so fit for me today. We’ve had a bit of success together and it is always a pleasure to ride for the stable.”
Thompson stated he had a ‘lovely run all the way’. He obviously makes light of difficulties encountered in the running, which is possibly one of the reasons why he has ridden the number of winners he has in his time in the saddle. For some of those difficulties, see the references to Pepperwood in the Stewards Report Extract.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Pepperwood): 4.00 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Barlinnie): 5.00 in to 4.00. (Finished ninth).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1600m Nellie Got There (E. Wilkinson) shifted out abruptly resulting in Daunting Lad (Michael Palmer), Rebounded (J. Bowditch), Rags To Riches (S. Scriven), Start’s Flyer (G. Colless), Cocktail Supreme (M. Radecker) and Barlinnie (J. Holder) all being hampered to varying degrees. In this incident Daunting Lad clipped the heels of Nellie Got There and blundered. Trainer J. McLachlan was advised that Nellie Got There must trial to the satisfaction of the stewards before it races again.
Approaching the 1400m Pepperwood (R. Thompson) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Start’s Flyer which shifted in. Near the 1300m Pepperwood again had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Strat’s Flyer. G. Colless, the rider of Start’s Flyer, was reprimanded on both occasions.
Cocktail Supreme, Barlinnie and Ashraf (D. Spriggs) raced wide from the early stages until near the 800m. Passing the 600m Jujulio (A. Spinks) shifted out and made contact with Pepperwood. A short distance later Jujulio improved up on to the heels of Stat’s Flyer, had to be steadied and shifted out making further contact with Pepperwood forcing that horse wider. Pepperwood was then obliged to race three wide for the remainder of the event. Sequestrate (A. Pattillo) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Shortly after straightening Secrets Untold (S. Seamer) forced a run between Pepperwood and Barlinnie and as a result made contact with Barlinnie. Near the 150m Nellie Got there was inconvenienced by Majorca (R. McMahon) which shifted out. When questioned regarding the performance of Start’s Flyer, jockey G. Colless stated that the horse obtained a nice position and travelled well until the home turn, however failed to respond to his riding in the straight. He added that the horse in his opinion raced like a horse that may have come to the end of its preparation. Stewards intend to contact trainer Mr A. Denham in the days subsequent to the event to seek further comment. A post-race veterinary examination of Strat’s Flyer failed to reveal any abnormalities. When questioned regarding the performance of Barlinnie, jockey J. Holder stated that after there was some interference inside him shortly after the start he was then obliged to take up a position further back than he anticipated and as a result was caught three wide until near the 800m. He added that from that point he obtained a position on the back of Pepperwood, however the horse failed to run on as expected. Trainer T. Bailey A post-race veterinary examination of Barlinnie failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8:
Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Firedrake; 2nd - Borsha's Mark; 3rd - Jumaana
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “That makes up a bit for earlier in the day.” (Heinrich was referring to the ‘last past the post’ finish of her mare Insistence, who earlier had started a clear-cut favourite in the fourth race on the card. Stewards opened an inquiry into the running and handling of Insistence). “Never mind. Always nice to go home with a winner.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Firedrake): 5.50 in to 4.20.
Favourite (Borsha’s Mark): 3.60 steady.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Bryn Callum (S. Scriven) and Yass River (L. Rolls) were a little slow to begin. Davion (R. Wiggins) over-raced in the early stages. Bryn Callum, Chilled (S. Seamer) and Key Bar Nights (J. Holder) raced wide throughout. In the early stages of the straight Ready When You Are (M. Hellyer) had difficulty obtaining clear running.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT
Horses swabbed
All winners, 2nd place-getters in Races 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8, Insistence and Carlton Forward (pre-race)
Monday, December 29, 2008
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (FRI, DEC 26)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Friday, December 26.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT:
From SCTC, 21.12.08
Trainer P. Duff reported that Knuckles, which performed below expectations, had pulled up well, however he was of the opinion that the horse may not have handled the hot weather on the day. He further added that Knuckles would now be sent for a short spell.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Hell Week; 2nd - Commanche Warrior; 3rd - Chi Chi Grande
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gary Wells: “He’s been consistent enough prior leading up to this breakthrough. Last time I thought he was a good thing, but the 57kg in the heavy going got to him at the end. There wasn’t one thing that made the difference today. It’s always come down to a combination of things. Today it was a mix of the 54.5kg, the extra ground, the inside draw – and a good ride”
Winner (Hell Week): 13.00 out to 18.00 in to 17.00.
Favourite (Saint Minerva): 5.00 steady. Finished ninth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer L. Manzelmann was fined $50 for presenting AUSBRED ICON late to the enclosure. Brilliant Ween over-raced in the early stages. Commanche Warrior (S. Scriven) raced wide in the early stages and was obliged to push forward to obtain a position closer to the fence. Near the 800m, Saint Minerva improved up on to the heels of Ausbred Icon (A. Spinks) and had to be steadied, shifting out, forcing Chi Chi Grande out on to Pleasure Shot. Chi Chi Grande then was obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Shortly after straightening, Young Prince (B. Pengelly) was disappointed for a run between Langtime (M. Hellyer) and the tiring Seventeen Black (D. Craven). Approaching the 300m, Damashqui shifted out and bumped Probability (S. Galloway). Near the 300m, Saint Minerva had to be steadied when tightened for room between Pleasure Shot, which shifted in slightly, and Probability, which after being bumped by Damashqui shifted out. Gold Rating (A. Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Pleasure Shot raced wide throughout. A. Spinks (Ausbred Icon) and C. McIver (Arakawa) were both reprimanded regarding their use of whips on horses out of contention.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Sarge In Charge; 2nd - Motown Lady; 3rd - Big Tony
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “We bought him as a stayer and we obviously hoping he is going to go on with it. It’s a pretty promising start to his career winning a 1000m race as a two-year-old. He qualifies for the big Karaka race in New Zealand now and we’d be mad not to take up the opportunity. They go the same way around as Brisbane. There is option to hitch a ride back with New Zealand Bloodstock horses straight from the Magic Millions so I’ll check that out. That should work out well.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “Yeah mate, I’d like to go to New Zealand and take the Kiwi’s money. He did it very well today so he certainly deserves the chance.”
Winner (Sarge In Charge): 3.80 in to 3.50 out to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As S. Seamer was dually engaged for Devil’s Angel and Umanugget, B. El-Issa was substituted as the rider of Devil’s Angel. Stewards adjourned an inquiry into this matter until trainer M. Thexton, trainer of Devil’s Angel, could be interviewed. Daneready (A. Taylor) had to be steadied on jumping away to avoid the heels of Felony Flight (B. Pengelly), which after jumping away awkwardly shifted in.
False Accusation (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Near the 800m, Devil’s Angel (B. El-Issa) had to be steadied off the heels of Lucky Deluchi (T. Treichel). Passing the 700m, Felony Flight (B. Pengelly) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Falls Creek (G. Colless), which shifted in. Daneready (A. Taylor) raced ungenerously passing the 800m until shortly after straightening. Leaving the 600m, the saddle on Devil’s Angel shifted to the near-side, placing jockey B. El-Issa at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event. Near the 200m, Daneready shifted in abruptly of its own accord. False Accusation (R. McMahon) and Umanugget raced wide throughout. Big Tony lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 3:
F&M Class 6 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Zero Rock; 2nd - Acquired; 3rd - Decibella
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “He didn’t get the 1300m two runs back and that’s the only pity about her. She is such a professional racehorse, but she doesn’t stay any further. The way she travels and goes about her business would have made her an ideal candidate for that Magic Millions three-year-old race (which Pengelly won last year on Heart Of The Citi), but she doesn’t stay so that takes care of that. There’ll be other races for her though. She is a very talented horse.”
Winner (Zero Rock): 1.40 out to 1.45.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As M. Radecker was to be overweight, T. Treichel was substituted as the rider of Miss Mataya. M. Radecker was fined $100. Pagan County (Michael Palmer) jumped away awkwardly. Passing the 700m, Covet Gold (Matthew Palmer) had to be steadied off the heels of She’s Got Game (K. Wharton). Red Letter Daze (R. McMahon) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight, and near the 350 was disappointed for a run to the inside of Linconi (O. Turpin). Red Letter Daze was then obliged to shift out to obtain clear running. Near the 200m, Pagan County improved up on to the heels of Miss Mataya (T. Treichel) and had to be steadied. Pagan County then had difficulty obtaining clear running for a short distance thereafter. She’s Got Game (K. Wharton) and Coxless (C. Reith) raced wide throughout. Acquired lost its off-fore plate in running. She’s Got Game (K. Wharton) lost its near-hind plate in running.
Race 4:
3yo Handicap - 1500m
1st - Woorim; 2nd - Fiesty Manner; 3rd - Lifebuoy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “I learnt my lesson last time when we were on the stand thinking On The Fridge couldn’t win. You also don’t worry as much when you got Colless on board. He is such an outstanding jockey. We’ve just kept stepping him up in training and stepping him up and it looks like it’s worked. Maybe middle distance is his go, maybe a mile. It’s quite exciting getting this result because we know how good his brother was and if he proves to be half as good as My Limit we’ll be laughing.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “We got that far back I intended to ride for luck. But then I thought there is just too much traffic to contend with so I decided to switch him out into the clear and allow him an uninterrupted run home. He had to respond well if he was going to get there and he did just that.”
Winner (Woorim): 3.50 out to 3.80 in to 3.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rothera (B. Pengelly) jumped away awkwardly. Passing the 1100m, Don’t Tell Daddy (M. Hellyer), which was over-racing, improved to the inside of Mr Orient (J. Taylor) where there was insufficient room and had to be steadied. Nortepoppy (A. Pattillo) raced wide in the early stages and obliged to push forward to obtain a position one off passing the 800m. Passing the 1000m, Privileged Class (Matthew Palmer) commenced to hang out and did so for the remainder of the event. Trainer H. Norman was advised that Privileged Class must trial to the satisfaction of the stewards before its next race start. Circlework (S. Galloway) was inconvenienced rounding the home turn by Privileged Class, which shifted out when hanging out. Near the 100m, Upi Bay (K. Pope) shifted out and brushed Don’t Tell Daddy. Lifebuoy (A. Spinks) lost its near fore plate in running.
Race 5:
1MW Handicap - 1600m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Iluva Queenslander; 3rd - The Cavern Club
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable in Murwillumbah): “He just keeps putting in so well. He’s going from strength to strength. (This was Pyramids’ fourth win from five starts since transferring north). “He’ll get three or four days off in the paddock now.”
Jockey Matthew Palmer: “It was interesting because he was definitely more charged up than he usually is before the race, but it made absolutely no difference to him once the gates opened. He did exactly what he did in his last two wins. He allows you to position him where you want him. He kicks as soon as you ask and he keeps at it till the race is one. The runs have almost a carbon copy of each other. It might sound like a strange description, but it’s almost been a fairy-tale the way this horse has come on since he has been up here. He’s got three weeks until his next run and that break should suit him ideally.”
Winner (Pyramids): 3.00 out to 3.10 in to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On jumping away Doug’s Mate (G. Colless), Telestah La Vistah (T. Treichel) and In Phuket (L. Rolls) were tightened for room between Iluva Queenslander (R. McMahon), which shifted in slightly, and Lucky Luna (S. Seamer), which shifted out. In this incident, Doug’s Mate clipped the heels of Telestah La Vistah and blundered. Intemperate (A. Pattillo) and Spectacular Pic (A. Taylor) were both slow to begin. In the early stages of the straight, The Cavern Club (A. Spinks) was momentarily held up for clear running. Passing the 100m, Lucky Luna (S. Seamer), which had been endeavouring to obtain a narrow run between Jacaranda Charm (K. Forrester) and Sun For Sale (S. Galloway) for some distance, had to be steadied when disappointed for that run. Iluva Queenslander shifted considerable ground inwards under pressure inside the 100m.
Race 6:
Class 6 3yo & Up Plate - 1400m
1st - Red Sphere; 2nd - Thorondo; 3rd - Calm Before
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless: “He was fancied last time and I nearly came off. It was only because he hit the side of the gate that I stayed on. He just got the right run today. That’s the best way to explain it. He just got the right run.”
The Stewards Report Extract from Red Sphere’s previous run reads: Red Sphere (G. Colless) jumped away extremely awkwardly, losing considerable ground. In this incident G. Colless became unbalanced.
Winner (Red Sphere): 5.50 steady.
Favourite (Paymore): 3.80 out to 4.20 in to 4.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Red Sphere (G. Colless), which jumped away awkwardly, shifted out, making contact with Thorondo (K. Pope). Near the 1300m when endeavouring to obtain a position closer to the fence, Paymore (B. Pengelly) had to be steadied off the heels of Red Sphere. Passing the 1300m, Columate (E. Wilkinson) commenced to over-race and near the 800m improved up on to the heels of Rule By Right (S. Galloway) and had to be checked. Leaving the 300m, Pride Of Power (Matthew Palmer) had difficulty obtaining clear running between Askew (Michael Palmer) and Calm Before (C. McIver).
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Sommersea Drive; 2nd - Regal Castanea; 3rd - Mystery City
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “He’s a good horse. He should have won last time. The boy dropped the stick. Made no mistake this time.”
Jockey Ken Pope: “I rode this horse before he raced and I thought he would go pretty well. He was a bit of a slow to mature though, but he ended up doing very well last prep. He handles himself real well now and I think he is the type of horse that can be set for something bigger. I think he’s that sort of quality.”
Winner (Sommersea Drive): 9.00 in to 8.00 out to 9,00.
Favourite (Baazooka): 5.50 in to 4.60. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Tornadic Sky (J. Taylor) improved up on to the heels of Dance The Waves (G. Colless) and had to be steadied and shifted out abruptly, momentarily forcing Bazzooka (J. Holder) 3 wide. Starlactic (Michael Palmer) had difficulty obtaining clear running from passing the 350m until near the 100m. Passing the 200m, Victory Code (M. Radecker) was momentarily placed in restricted room between Regal Castanea (S. Galloway) and Steptoe (D. Craven), which shifted out abruptly. Stood Up (A. Taylor) raced wide throughout. Steptoe bled during the race. As this was the second occasion on which the gelding has bled, Steptoe will now incur a lifetime bar from racing in Australia.
When questioned regarding the performance of Mr Aristos, apprentice O. Turpin stated that after beginning only fairly the gelding travelled well, however when placed under pressure in the straight, failed to run on as expected. Trainer B. Trimble was at a loss to explain the horse's performance, however stated that Mr Aristos may have come to the end of its preparation and that he may give the gelding an ease up. Mr Trimble undertook to report to stewards any abnormality which may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance. A post race veterinary examination of Mr Aristos failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 8:
C, G & E Class 6 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Nericon King; 2nd - Shudule Gee; 3rd - Cardio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin (in a very anxious mode): “He’s been banned once before so it’s a worry after the race. It’s tough to have that hanging over your head. He should be alright.”
Jockey Danny Craven: “He was only going a bit above half-pace. The only reason I gave him a hit was to straighten him up because he wanted to hang out. I ride him in work and he’s really going well. Barry (Baldwin) was anxious waiting for him to return, was he? Of course he was! He knows how good a horse he is. He is a very intelligent animal and a class above a lot of them.
Winner (Nericon King): 2.40 out to 2.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Release Me (E. Wilkinson) jumped away awkwardly. Three Little Words (B. El-Issa) jumped outwards at the start, making contact with Mosso (S. Galloway). Pandemonia (C. McIver) and Kids Show (Michael Palmer) were slow to begin. Passing the 700m, Kids Show (Michael Palmer) had to be checked when tightened for room by Three Little Words (B. El-Issa), which shifted in slightly. B. El-Issa, rider of Three Little Words, was severely reprimanded. Near the 50m, Three Little Words and Pandemonia (C. McIver) came together. Red Hot Pistol (R. Mason) and Kelly (S. Seamer) raced wide throughout.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners, Rule By Right, Iluva Queenslander, Feisty Manner, Acquired, Motown Lady, Commanche Warrior, Steptoe.
Bleeders
Race 7. Steptoe - 2nd occasion - Lifetime bar - AR53A.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT:
From SCTC, 21.12.08
Trainer P. Duff reported that Knuckles, which performed below expectations, had pulled up well, however he was of the opinion that the horse may not have handled the hot weather on the day. He further added that Knuckles would now be sent for a short spell.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Hell Week; 2nd - Commanche Warrior; 3rd - Chi Chi Grande
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gary Wells: “He’s been consistent enough prior leading up to this breakthrough. Last time I thought he was a good thing, but the 57kg in the heavy going got to him at the end. There wasn’t one thing that made the difference today. It’s always come down to a combination of things. Today it was a mix of the 54.5kg, the extra ground, the inside draw – and a good ride”
Winner (Hell Week): 13.00 out to 18.00 in to 17.00.
Favourite (Saint Minerva): 5.00 steady. Finished ninth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer L. Manzelmann was fined $50 for presenting AUSBRED ICON late to the enclosure. Brilliant Ween over-raced in the early stages. Commanche Warrior (S. Scriven) raced wide in the early stages and was obliged to push forward to obtain a position closer to the fence. Near the 800m, Saint Minerva improved up on to the heels of Ausbred Icon (A. Spinks) and had to be steadied, shifting out, forcing Chi Chi Grande out on to Pleasure Shot. Chi Chi Grande then was obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Shortly after straightening, Young Prince (B. Pengelly) was disappointed for a run between Langtime (M. Hellyer) and the tiring Seventeen Black (D. Craven). Approaching the 300m, Damashqui shifted out and bumped Probability (S. Galloway). Near the 300m, Saint Minerva had to be steadied when tightened for room between Pleasure Shot, which shifted in slightly, and Probability, which after being bumped by Damashqui shifted out. Gold Rating (A. Taylor) raced wide for the majority of the event. Pleasure Shot raced wide throughout. A. Spinks (Ausbred Icon) and C. McIver (Arakawa) were both reprimanded regarding their use of whips on horses out of contention.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Sarge In Charge; 2nd - Motown Lady; 3rd - Big Tony
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “We bought him as a stayer and we obviously hoping he is going to go on with it. It’s a pretty promising start to his career winning a 1000m race as a two-year-old. He qualifies for the big Karaka race in New Zealand now and we’d be mad not to take up the opportunity. They go the same way around as Brisbane. There is option to hitch a ride back with New Zealand Bloodstock horses straight from the Magic Millions so I’ll check that out. That should work out well.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “Yeah mate, I’d like to go to New Zealand and take the Kiwi’s money. He did it very well today so he certainly deserves the chance.”
Winner (Sarge In Charge): 3.80 in to 3.50 out to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As S. Seamer was dually engaged for Devil’s Angel and Umanugget, B. El-Issa was substituted as the rider of Devil’s Angel. Stewards adjourned an inquiry into this matter until trainer M. Thexton, trainer of Devil’s Angel, could be interviewed. Daneready (A. Taylor) had to be steadied on jumping away to avoid the heels of Felony Flight (B. Pengelly), which after jumping away awkwardly shifted in.
False Accusation (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Near the 800m, Devil’s Angel (B. El-Issa) had to be steadied off the heels of Lucky Deluchi (T. Treichel). Passing the 700m, Felony Flight (B. Pengelly) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Falls Creek (G. Colless), which shifted in. Daneready (A. Taylor) raced ungenerously passing the 800m until shortly after straightening. Leaving the 600m, the saddle on Devil’s Angel shifted to the near-side, placing jockey B. El-Issa at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event. Near the 200m, Daneready shifted in abruptly of its own accord. False Accusation (R. McMahon) and Umanugget raced wide throughout. Big Tony lost its off-fore plate in running.
Race 3:
F&M Class 6 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Zero Rock; 2nd - Acquired; 3rd - Decibella
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “He didn’t get the 1300m two runs back and that’s the only pity about her. She is such a professional racehorse, but she doesn’t stay any further. The way she travels and goes about her business would have made her an ideal candidate for that Magic Millions three-year-old race (which Pengelly won last year on Heart Of The Citi), but she doesn’t stay so that takes care of that. There’ll be other races for her though. She is a very talented horse.”
Winner (Zero Rock): 1.40 out to 1.45.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As M. Radecker was to be overweight, T. Treichel was substituted as the rider of Miss Mataya. M. Radecker was fined $100. Pagan County (Michael Palmer) jumped away awkwardly. Passing the 700m, Covet Gold (Matthew Palmer) had to be steadied off the heels of She’s Got Game (K. Wharton). Red Letter Daze (R. McMahon) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight, and near the 350 was disappointed for a run to the inside of Linconi (O. Turpin). Red Letter Daze was then obliged to shift out to obtain clear running. Near the 200m, Pagan County improved up on to the heels of Miss Mataya (T. Treichel) and had to be steadied. Pagan County then had difficulty obtaining clear running for a short distance thereafter. She’s Got Game (K. Wharton) and Coxless (C. Reith) raced wide throughout. Acquired lost its off-fore plate in running. She’s Got Game (K. Wharton) lost its near-hind plate in running.
Race 4:
3yo Handicap - 1500m
1st - Woorim; 2nd - Fiesty Manner; 3rd - Lifebuoy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Robert Heathcote: “I learnt my lesson last time when we were on the stand thinking On The Fridge couldn’t win. You also don’t worry as much when you got Colless on board. He is such an outstanding jockey. We’ve just kept stepping him up in training and stepping him up and it looks like it’s worked. Maybe middle distance is his go, maybe a mile. It’s quite exciting getting this result because we know how good his brother was and if he proves to be half as good as My Limit we’ll be laughing.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “We got that far back I intended to ride for luck. But then I thought there is just too much traffic to contend with so I decided to switch him out into the clear and allow him an uninterrupted run home. He had to respond well if he was going to get there and he did just that.”
Winner (Woorim): 3.50 out to 3.80 in to 3.40.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rothera (B. Pengelly) jumped away awkwardly. Passing the 1100m, Don’t Tell Daddy (M. Hellyer), which was over-racing, improved to the inside of Mr Orient (J. Taylor) where there was insufficient room and had to be steadied. Nortepoppy (A. Pattillo) raced wide in the early stages and obliged to push forward to obtain a position one off passing the 800m. Passing the 1000m, Privileged Class (Matthew Palmer) commenced to hang out and did so for the remainder of the event. Trainer H. Norman was advised that Privileged Class must trial to the satisfaction of the stewards before its next race start. Circlework (S. Galloway) was inconvenienced rounding the home turn by Privileged Class, which shifted out when hanging out. Near the 100m, Upi Bay (K. Pope) shifted out and brushed Don’t Tell Daddy. Lifebuoy (A. Spinks) lost its near fore plate in running.
Race 5:
1MW Handicap - 1600m
1st - Pyramids; 2nd - Iluva Queenslander; 3rd - The Cavern Club
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Stable foreman Matthew Dunn (for the Gerald Ryan stable in Murwillumbah): “He just keeps putting in so well. He’s going from strength to strength. (This was Pyramids’ fourth win from five starts since transferring north). “He’ll get three or four days off in the paddock now.”
Jockey Matthew Palmer: “It was interesting because he was definitely more charged up than he usually is before the race, but it made absolutely no difference to him once the gates opened. He did exactly what he did in his last two wins. He allows you to position him where you want him. He kicks as soon as you ask and he keeps at it till the race is one. The runs have almost a carbon copy of each other. It might sound like a strange description, but it’s almost been a fairy-tale the way this horse has come on since he has been up here. He’s got three weeks until his next run and that break should suit him ideally.”
Winner (Pyramids): 3.00 out to 3.10 in to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On jumping away Doug’s Mate (G. Colless), Telestah La Vistah (T. Treichel) and In Phuket (L. Rolls) were tightened for room between Iluva Queenslander (R. McMahon), which shifted in slightly, and Lucky Luna (S. Seamer), which shifted out. In this incident, Doug’s Mate clipped the heels of Telestah La Vistah and blundered. Intemperate (A. Pattillo) and Spectacular Pic (A. Taylor) were both slow to begin. In the early stages of the straight, The Cavern Club (A. Spinks) was momentarily held up for clear running. Passing the 100m, Lucky Luna (S. Seamer), which had been endeavouring to obtain a narrow run between Jacaranda Charm (K. Forrester) and Sun For Sale (S. Galloway) for some distance, had to be steadied when disappointed for that run. Iluva Queenslander shifted considerable ground inwards under pressure inside the 100m.
Race 6:
Class 6 3yo & Up Plate - 1400m
1st - Red Sphere; 2nd - Thorondo; 3rd - Calm Before
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless: “He was fancied last time and I nearly came off. It was only because he hit the side of the gate that I stayed on. He just got the right run today. That’s the best way to explain it. He just got the right run.”
The Stewards Report Extract from Red Sphere’s previous run reads: Red Sphere (G. Colless) jumped away extremely awkwardly, losing considerable ground. In this incident G. Colless became unbalanced.
Winner (Red Sphere): 5.50 steady.
Favourite (Paymore): 3.80 out to 4.20 in to 4.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Red Sphere (G. Colless), which jumped away awkwardly, shifted out, making contact with Thorondo (K. Pope). Near the 1300m when endeavouring to obtain a position closer to the fence, Paymore (B. Pengelly) had to be steadied off the heels of Red Sphere. Passing the 1300m, Columate (E. Wilkinson) commenced to over-race and near the 800m improved up on to the heels of Rule By Right (S. Galloway) and had to be checked. Leaving the 300m, Pride Of Power (Matthew Palmer) had difficulty obtaining clear running between Askew (Michael Palmer) and Calm Before (C. McIver).
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Sommersea Drive; 2nd - Regal Castanea; 3rd - Mystery City
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “He’s a good horse. He should have won last time. The boy dropped the stick. Made no mistake this time.”
Jockey Ken Pope: “I rode this horse before he raced and I thought he would go pretty well. He was a bit of a slow to mature though, but he ended up doing very well last prep. He handles himself real well now and I think he is the type of horse that can be set for something bigger. I think he’s that sort of quality.”
Winner (Sommersea Drive): 9.00 in to 8.00 out to 9,00.
Favourite (Baazooka): 5.50 in to 4.60. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Tornadic Sky (J. Taylor) improved up on to the heels of Dance The Waves (G. Colless) and had to be steadied and shifted out abruptly, momentarily forcing Bazzooka (J. Holder) 3 wide. Starlactic (Michael Palmer) had difficulty obtaining clear running from passing the 350m until near the 100m. Passing the 200m, Victory Code (M. Radecker) was momentarily placed in restricted room between Regal Castanea (S. Galloway) and Steptoe (D. Craven), which shifted out abruptly. Stood Up (A. Taylor) raced wide throughout. Steptoe bled during the race. As this was the second occasion on which the gelding has bled, Steptoe will now incur a lifetime bar from racing in Australia.
When questioned regarding the performance of Mr Aristos, apprentice O. Turpin stated that after beginning only fairly the gelding travelled well, however when placed under pressure in the straight, failed to run on as expected. Trainer B. Trimble was at a loss to explain the horse's performance, however stated that Mr Aristos may have come to the end of its preparation and that he may give the gelding an ease up. Mr Trimble undertook to report to stewards any abnormality which may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance. A post race veterinary examination of Mr Aristos failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 8:
C, G & E Class 6 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Nericon King; 2nd - Shudule Gee; 3rd - Cardio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin (in a very anxious mode): “He’s been banned once before so it’s a worry after the race. It’s tough to have that hanging over your head. He should be alright.”
Jockey Danny Craven: “He was only going a bit above half-pace. The only reason I gave him a hit was to straighten him up because he wanted to hang out. I ride him in work and he’s really going well. Barry (Baldwin) was anxious waiting for him to return, was he? Of course he was! He knows how good a horse he is. He is a very intelligent animal and a class above a lot of them.
Winner (Nericon King): 2.40 out to 2.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Release Me (E. Wilkinson) jumped away awkwardly. Three Little Words (B. El-Issa) jumped outwards at the start, making contact with Mosso (S. Galloway). Pandemonia (C. McIver) and Kids Show (Michael Palmer) were slow to begin. Passing the 700m, Kids Show (Michael Palmer) had to be checked when tightened for room by Three Little Words (B. El-Issa), which shifted in slightly. B. El-Issa, rider of Three Little Words, was severely reprimanded. Near the 50m, Three Little Words and Pandemonia (C. McIver) came together. Red Hot Pistol (R. Mason) and Kelly (S. Seamer) raced wide throughout.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Horses swabbed
All winners, Rule By Right, Iluva Queenslander, Feisty Manner, Acquired, Motown Lady, Commanche Warrior, Steptoe.
Bleeders
Race 7. Steptoe - 2nd occasion - Lifetime bar - AR53A.
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