This is the first part of a two-part review of the Magic Millions Raceday held at the Gold Coast on Saturday, January 10.
Trainer Steele Ryan’s plan to capture a lucrative Maiden win came to fruition when Two Little Words saluted in the opening event.
Trainer Liam Birchley ran up a quick double with Pepperwood and Southport. The former is flying, This was the four-year-old’s third win in five starts this preparation and his second successive feature race success, following on his win in the Bernborough at Doomben last time out. Southport, for his part, bounced back after a lack-lustre effort in his previous start to put his career back on track.
Keen Commander showed all of the qualities that race-goers love in a racehorse. The Denise McGrath trained gelding has never been short of ability or the character to stand and fight and both of these attributes were tested to the full in the Magic Millions Sprint. Keen Commander battled it out the whole length of the straight with the hard chasing Mfuwe (who received no less than 7kg from the winner) and he quite simply refused to be beaten, fighting on to hold a narrow, but decisive margin at the line.
Trainer John O’Shea is no stranger to success on Magic Millions day and this time Espurante provided him with another victory notch on his belt.
Both Southport and Keen Commander established New Race Records for their respective races. Southport stopped the clock in a time of 1-10.44 (beating last year’s run of Sharufa by 0.04 seconds), while Keen Commander’s time of 55.90 comfortably beat Sir Monashee’s 2008 time of 56.29. Further highlighting the quality of these performances is the fact that Southport carried 2kg more than Sharufa when eclipsing the latter’s record, while Keen Commander carried a whopping 6.5kg more than the weight carried by Sir Monashee when setting the old mark.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate 3YO & Up - 1200m.
1st - Three Little Words; 2nd - Soulima; 3rd - Dictatorship
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Steele Ryan: “I have so much respect for his ability. We had EI. We had lots of little things that sort of held us up a little bit. He went shin sore probably four times. He is an exceptional galloper though. He hits the ground very, very hard. I’ve always thought he was one of the better horses in my stable and I still think that. The plan was to go to the Class 6 to get him fit before going to this lucrative Maiden. You don’t get them every day.
“We’ve always been supporters of the Magic Millions, albeit at the bottom end of the market. My dad bought this horse for $75 000 odd, and he said to me, ‘I might keep this horse myself.’ Anyway, a couple of months later he come in and said he’d named it Three Little Words. I said, ‘Dad, how did you come up with that?’ He said that when it wins at the Magic Millions he was going to say three little words, ‘You bloody beauty.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “He gave me a few anxious moments. Like he was a bit slow to begin. Then early in the race he wanted to do a few things wrong and we were back a bit out of our ground. But, to the horses credit, he got out and hit the line very well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lindner Girl (App M. Palmer) jumped away awkwardly and shifted in hampering Nothin Leica Rapid (T. Treichel). A short distance later Cheapskaterrubi and Nothin Leica Rapid were tightened for room between Professor and Lindner Girl which continued to shift in. Passing the 900m Three Little Words (J. Bowditch) improved up onto the heels of On The Mark (D. Oliver) and had to be checked. Brierly and Professor which were following were hampered as a consequence. Lucyrox (G. Colless), Catchment (C. Brown) and Zsazsa (D. Gauci) were all wide throughout. Approaching the 400m Professor improved up onto the heels of Lucyrox and had to be steadied. A short distance later Professor again had to be steadied when disappointed for a run between Lucyrox and Zsazsa which shifted in. Professor then laid in for the remainder of the event. A post race veterinary examination of Brierly failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 2:
Stayers Cup Quality Handicap - 1800m.
1st - Pepperwood; 2nd - Ashraf; 3rd - Causeyacan
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He has had a lot of bad luck with gates and the speed in his races etc .... but he has really hit his straps well this preparation. He’ll be given a spell now and will come back for the Winter. Maybe we’ll look at something like the Hollindale back down here (at the Gold Coast) again.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
L. Nolen the rider of Drizzle pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a) in that passing the 1600m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Rebounded (J. Cassidy) taking that horse in tightening the running of Causeyacan (G. Colless) and as a result Causeyacan shifted in clipping the heels of Nellie Got There (C. Brown) and blundered. Prince Leo (J. Taylor) which was following was hampered as a consequence. L. Nolen's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings to commence midnight 13 January 2009 and expire midnight 24 January 2009. In addition stewards imposed a monetary fine of $500.00. Grand Corso (D. Gauci), Secrets Untold, Iluva Queenslander and Telestah La Vistah (T. Treichel) were wide throughout. Near the 300m Drizzle (L. Nolen) which was tiring, was momentarily tightened for room by Nellie Got There which shifted out slightly and Causeyacan (G. Colless) which shifted in. Ashraf (D. Spriggs) laid in under pressure over the concluding stages.
Race 3:
2YO Plate (Set Weights) - 1200m.
1st - Southport; 2nd - Swift Sands; 3rd - Bella Sirena
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Last start he didn’t let down. He was feeling shin sore afterwards. He’d jarred up a bit, but he didn’t get sore enough to be put out. We worked on him and we were hoping for rain. They predicted rain all week and we got a little bit there, but it dried out again and we thought the track might again be too hard for him. Maybe that little bit of rain was just enough.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “We had a lovely run. I just forgot about him early on. The other day he was travelling and looked like a winner coming to the turn – but he just didn’t let down. We were all left scratching our heads after that start. I believe the vet went over him and there were a few problems. I got a similar run today and this time the horse stood up to what we expected of him. What you’ve seen today is the result of what a good team can do when working hard to get things right. He wouldn’t have been out of place in the big one today this horse. In twelve months time he is going to be a horse to be reckoned with.”
Scriven had brought Southport down the inside running rail. I asked the jockey if he thought it was a fair track for everybody, wherever they chose to make their bid for victory.
Scriven: “I do yeah. This was my first ride for the day, but I had a good look at the track going around. We probably defied what looks like being a pattern (by staying on the fence) but I did sort of use this horse as a test dummy and it worked out good. I know a little bit more now than I did when I went out there. That was the whole plan. I might have let the cat out of the bag because everybody knows there is nothing wrong with the inside now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ruth’s Secret (G. Colless) blundered on jumping away. Swift Sands (G. Schofield) and False Accusation (D. Oliver) came together on jumping away. Felony Flight (J. Cassidy) had to be checked on jumping away when tightened for room by Falls Creek (L. Cassidy), which after jumping away awkwardly, shifted in. Shortly after the start Floral Scent (S. Galloway), which began awkwardly, had to be steadied off the heels of Bella Sirena (E. Wilkinson). Near the 1150m Southport (S. Scriven) was tightened for room between Kingcup (G. Baker) and Devil’s Angel (D. Gauci). D. Gauci the rider of Devil’s Angel was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 900m Devil’s Angel hung out taking Richly Blended (L. Nolen) and Falls Creek momentarily wider on the track. Devil’s Angel and Felony Flight raced wide for the majority of the event. Approaching the 600m Bella Sirena (E. Wilkinson) had to be momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of Richly Blended which shifted in. Passing the 600m Southport improved to the inside of Kingcup where there was doubtful room and had to be steadied. Shortly after straightening Felony Flight shifted out and bumped the hind quarters of Devil’s Angel. Near the 300m Richly Blended had to be steadied when tightened between Bella Sirena which shifted in slightly and Mazzini (App P. Wells) which was endeavouring to shift out to obtain clear running. A post race veterinary examination of Ruth’s Secret revealed the filly to be shin sore in both fore-legs.
Race 4:
Sprint Quality Handicap - 1000m.
1st - Keen Commander; 2nd - Mfuwe; 3rd - Sir Monashee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Denise Mcgrath: “The issue last Saturday was the mud and just lifting his feet out of the ground, that’s all. He gamely fought on but under 60kg it was just too much.” (Keen Commander was beaten by Langfibian in the Bat Out Of Hell over 900m last start). “Today, (the going) on top of the ground gave him that little bit of advantage. He’s just wonderful this horse. He really is. He’s given us such pleasure and the young man looking after him, Jonathan Smith, my foreman, has done a wonderful job with him.
“He had a pretty easy week coming in actually. He had a bit of a hit-out on Wednesday, just to open the pipes and make sure he was alright after last week. He’s my pride and joy, although hopefully I’ll have a few more coming through. I just wanted people to see this courageous horse at his best so they could know what he can do. He is such a brave fellow.”
Jockey Corey Brown: “The combination of the weight and the bad track beat him last time. He took that race very well though. Today, he never got a breather. They made him work all the way. I needed to get across to the fence. He fought on well. It was a good effort.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As G. Baker was overweight stewards permitted E. Wilkinson to be substituted as the rider of Red Meshach. Sir Monashee (J. Holder) and Monashee Knight (G. Schofield) were slow to begin. Hotshot Hayil (R. Thompson) jumped away a little awkwardly. Simplest (S. Scriven), Aladdins Lion (J. Taylor), Vive Le Roi (D. Craven) and Grand Rumba (S. Seamer) all raced wide throughout.
Race 5:
Fillies & Mares Quality Handicap - 1300m.
1st - Espurante; 2nd - Insistence; 3rd - Laletta
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John O’Shea: “She’s had a few things not go her way this prep and it’s not been her fault, let me tell you. We’ve finally got it right. She’s run well. She’s just been racing a little keenly in herself, so we tried a few gear changes (blinkers off, winkers on) just to help her come back and also to run the 1300m. She’s always been a bit suspect beyond 1200m. The changes seem to work and Glyn (Schofield) rode her beautifully.
“It probably helped that she got held up at the top of the rise. It just probably delayed her run and helped her get the best out of the 1300m, because we knew she’d come quick. She’s a Black Type Flying Spur mare – and they are very hard to come by.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
D. Griffin the rider of Fuhrnatic pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR137(a) in that approaching the 1100m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Lady Showheart (L. Cassidy) taking that horse in across the heels of Jumaana (C. Brown), which in turn was taken in and tightened Key Bar Nights (J. Holder), which had to be checked and as a result shifted in hampering Illuminates (App P. Wells). D. Griffin's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings to commence midnight 11 January 2009 and expire midnight 24 January 2009. In addition stewards imposed a monetary fine of $500.00.
Near the 350m Rare Diamond (S. Thurlow) had to be steadied when tightened between Fuhrnatic (D. Griffin) and Jumaana which shifted out to improve. Near the 250m Key Bar Nights improved up onto the heels of Jumaana and had to be steadied. Inside the last 20m Bareena (D. Oliver) was required to race in restricted room to the inside of Espurante (G. Schofield).
When questioned regarding the performance of Bareena jockey D. Oliver stated that the mare was fractious in the barriers and was a little slow to begin. He added that shortly after the start as the mare had been unable to muster early speed he elected to take a position closer to the fence however, there was an incident forward to him near the 1100m which resulted in him being positioned further back than he had anticipated. He further added that he was obligated to ride for luck and the horse ran home nicely in the straight.
A post race veterinary examination of Rock Idol revealed the mare to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer K. Wood was advised that Rock Idol must trial to the satisfaction of stewards and he is to provide the results of an ECG before the mare is permitted to race again.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (WED, JAN 07)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday, January 7.
Jockey Jason Holder revved himself up for the upcoming Magic Millions meeting with a fine, confidence boosting, riding treble. Holder in fact went home with a full house of winners as he only had three rides at the meeting.
An interesting objection left plenty of room for debate. The evidence is documented here (see race 6). Perhaps the most surprising element was when ‘accused’ rider Scott Galloway fired in a counter objection against the second placed runner, which was seemingly allowed into play. First objecting against second – that’s a new one, not to mention the fact that all protests have to be ‘ made verbally or in writing before the riders of all placed horses are weighed in’(AR165) - and not five minutes into the protest hearing. Perhaps Galloway’s wording was the problem. He must have meant ‘counter argument’ and not ‘counter protest’. It just goes to show how confusing things can sometimes become in the heat of verbal sparring.
Another possible first was the announcement on track (on no less than three occasions) to the effect that Chesters Babcock – who ran in race 2 – had been diagnosed with a wind problem after his last start and had subsequently had a throat operation to remove a spur. This information was put out to the public for them to weigh up its value. I am aware that a reader of this column, after reading about many previously undocumented operations ‘after the fact’ (in the Winner Feedback commentary) put forward a request to the Chief Steward to try and get that sort of information to be made available to punters before-hand. Whether Wednesday’s announcement was a sequel to that approach or not, is not important. The fact that such information is now being passed on is encouraging. That of course still leaves punters with a dilemma of deciding whether an operation has benefitted or disadvantaged the horse in question. In this case there was no happy return as Chesters Babcock trailed in nearly five lengths behind the second last placed runner.
Stewards Supplementary Report Extract:
From Deagon Offices, 10.4.08
Stewards today rescinded a ban under AR53A placed on City Lights which competed in Race 8, The Class 5 Handicap (1000M), which returned to scale showing signs that the horse had suffered a bleeding attack. Stewards were advised by the clubs veterinary surgeon that further tests conducted on City Lights showed the bleeding attack to relate to other complications which resulted when the horse reared in the barriers hitting its head. Trainer T. Whittington was advised that a veterinary certificate clearance would be required prior to City Lights being permitted to race again. Mr Whittington further advised stewards that the horse would be sent for an immediate spell.
Race 1:
QTIS 2yo Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Spot On Target; 2nd - Ponchito; 3rd - Freton
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Howard Wilson: “His dam and the dam of Takeover Target are half-sisters. That’s how we got to the name, hoping some of the star quality would rub off on him. We had him in town and he was very green in his first two starts. He was well beaten both starts, but the races were won by Double Heart (who races in the Magic Millions on Saturday) and Sarge In Charge (who will contest a $1 million race in New Zealand later this month). So there was no disgrace there.
“We wanted him ridden quite today and then to come home strong, which he did well. He’s still learning though and Jason (Holder) said he will be a lot better once he gets to know what it is all about.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “He went nicely, I thought. He was a bit lazy in the running ... got back a bit. I think in a Class 1 next time he will be a horse to watch out for because he just wants a bit of distance. Yeah he (trainer Howard Wilson) told me that bit about Takeover Target as well. He said he’d be happy if this one was half as good as Takeover Target. I said even if he was quarter as good he’d be doing well.”
Spot On Target stopped the clock in a time of 1-11.75 to set a New Class record. The previous record (1-12.22), which stood since April 2007, was held by Swiss Ace who went on to land a couple of feature race victories (including the Weetwood) as well being deemed good enough to challenge the likes of Apache Cat during last year’s Winter Carnival.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Spot On Target): 3.50 out to 4.00.
Favourite (Here Comes Tony): 2.00 out to 2.10. Finished sixth and last.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dramatising over-raced in the early stages. Here Comes Tony had a tendency to lay out in the middle stages. Dramatising shifted out when placed under pressure in the straight. Almazaya (N. Thomas) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Here Comes Tony, which tired in the straight, revealed the horse to be suffering from mild heat stress.
Race 2:
Class 2 Handicap - 1000m
1st – Anachelle; 2nd - The Crusader; 3rd - Salute The Judge
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Liam Birchley trained Anachelle (Mitchell Speers) and the short-priced favourite The Crusader joined issue in a stride for stride battle over the final 200m. Both were hard ridden for much of that tussle, but when Speers put the stick away and started riding just with his hands, Anachelle found that little bit extra to be able to shut out the main fancy.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Anachelle (M. Speers) was slow to begin. The Crusader (R. Wiggins) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Leaving the 900m, Bigger Than (T. Chambers) shifted in and away from The Crusader, making contact with Salute The Judge (K. Wharton), which in turn shifted in, taking Chesters Babcock in on to Anachelle. Clearly Vain (G. Baker) had a tendency to lay out rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Clearly Vain lost its off-fore plate in running. A post-race veterinary examination of Chesters Babcock, which finished a distant last, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
3yo & UP F&M Maiden Handicap - 1300m
1st - Laurinel Princess; 2nd - Stratplan; 3rd - Palais Royale
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “She’s by Desert Prince and she’s going to be a dead-set 2000m horse. I don’t know if you heard, but I said to Jason (Holder) when he came back – 2000m, and he said ‘one hundred percent.’ She just wouldn’t settle properly in Sydney. We had a little bit of a nervous problem with her, but she’s settling down well now. She’s nicely bred and should run all day so to win over 1300m is pretty encouraging.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “She attacked the line nicely. Definitely wants further. Had the tongue-tie on today. Must have choked down last start. She went very well. Turned her form around really. It was only a Maiden win, but there’s only so much they can do at this stage.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Les Lola (S. Scriven) was slow to begin. Near the 800m, when the pace slackened, Better Stuff (L. Rolls), Les Lola (S. Scriven) and All Join Hands (N. Thomas) all over-raced for a short distance. Palais Royale (A. Pattillo) and Laurenel Princess (J. Holder) raced 3 wide in the middle stages.
Race 4:
3yo & Up C&G Maiden Handicap - 1300m,
1st - Jagerbomb Time; 2nd - Fame Dancer; 3rd - Brokacanon
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “He’s been off all that time (seven months). The reason for that is he is a big leggy horse and he was over-anxious before. But he’s come back well this time. We gave him a good preparation so he’d be solid. And, you know, he showed today that the nervous edge was taken off him. He raced lovely and he was ridden beautifully. The way he got to the line he looked like he could have won over a longer distance today.”
I pointed out this was Jason Holder’s third win from only three rides on the day.
Brian Smith: “Is it? Well there you have a good reason for the win. It must have been him, not me.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Nobody’s Friend (G. Butler) had to be steadied shortly after the start tightened for room between Brokacanon (S. Galloway) and Casual Deal (K. Pope), which shifted in after making contact with another runner. Nobody’s Friend (G. Butler) and To The Fore (K. Wharton) raced wide for the majority of the event. N. Spencer, rider of Pearl Of Paradise, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
When questioned regarding the performance of Young Prince, N. Day stated that the horse travelled well and was in a challenging position rounding the home turn. However the horse failed to respond to his riding down the home straight and, in his opinion, proved very disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of Young Prince failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer L. Mayfield-Smith advised stewards he was also disappointed with the horse's performance and indicated that he would recommend to the owners to retire the horse.
A post-race veterinary examination of To The Fore revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. Subsequently, trainer K. Munce was found guilty of a charge under AR53A(2), in that after becoming aware that TO THE FORE had the presence of blood in both nostrils following the race, he did fail in his obligation to notify stewards of this fact without delay. Mr Munce was fined $1000.
Race 5:
C & G Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Geebeetee; 2nd - Shady Prospect; 3rd - Mauries Pick
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“He’s been looking for 1200m. There hasn’t been a race to suit him you know.” (Geebeetee’s previous two efforts were over 1000m). “Owen (Turpin) and I are sweet now. He was on the outer with me after his ride on Silvern , but he’s redeemed himself now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shady Prospect (S. Scriven) raced fiercely in the middle stages. Mauries Pick and King Brahm raced wide for the majority of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Brain Explosion revealed the horse had bled from both nostrils.
Race 6:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Rule By Right; 2nd - Riseupsinging; 3rd - Prince Lionheart
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson, rider of the runner-up Riseupsinging, lodged a protest against the winner Rule By Right (Scott Galloway), alleging interference at the 200m mark.
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “Approaching the furlong or thereabouts, Scotty Galloway’s mount comes to our side. Probably got half a length on us, then tried to duck in, which made me stop riding my horse along and take hold for a couple of strides. Scotty straightened and got away from us - probably a length and a half, and I’ve wound my mount up again. The margin was a half-head at the line. I think that without that – which it shows on the film – without that I would have finished in front of the winner.”
The Chairman of Stewards asked if Galloway had any questions for Wilkinson.
Jockey Scott Galloway: “At the 300m did your horse move out and make contact with my horse on a number of occasions?”
Wilkinson: “Well, he did – but that’s got nothing to do with what I’m protesting about.”
Galloway: “Do you believe when you come out and bumped me a couple of times, then when my horse gets balanced up again, those couple of bumps ... contacts ... made my horse want to duck in?”
Wilkinson: “No, I don’t think so. Not at all. After that, your horse ran on a straight line. It hasn’t made your horse shift at all. It was only when you got a half length on us, as I say, your horse ducked in.”
Greg Kennedy (the trainer of Riseupsinging) was then asked for his input.
Kennedy: “Just to say that my mare has had three starts over a mile and she does take a bit to wind up. She’s dropped back to 1400m. Eddie (Wilkinson) knew this and was just winding her up at the right time. Yes, I agree with Scott that at the 300m they were racing tight, but both horses were holding their own and it was only when Scott’s horse got a half-length and then ducked in abruptly (that there was interference). As you can see on the video, Scott had to stop riding and straighten his horse. You know, that just caused my mare ... blocked her for a run and stopped her momentum, and she got beat a half-head. Without that she could have won.”
Galloway: “Are you saying after watching the video, that your horse didn’t come out and bump my horse?
Kennedy: “We’re not focussing on the 300m Scott. We’re focussing on the ...”
Galloway: “Well I can counter protest!”
Kennedy: “At the 300m they were both holding ground against each other. Both horses. You were hanging in and mine was holding ... putting her shoulder into yours. Both were holding their ground. Both riders were riding fair dinkum. Neither rider stopped riding.”
Galloway was then asked to make a final statement.
Galloway: “As we straightened up I was behind the second horse, coming to its outside. As I got up alongside it, that horse has shifted out and bumped my horse on two or three occasions. My horse has wanted to lay in, but I believe those couple of bumps put her right off into that direction. Then I straightened the horse. After that, the horse gets away, runs straight and, you can see on the video, the last fifty metres I was pretty easy on the horse, whereas the second horse was ridden hard with the whip. I was quite soft on the horse the last fifty metres and viewing the film I don’t see any evidence of Wilkinson’s mount, he happened to stop riding for a couple of strides, I don’t think the film shows that his momentum was lost or interrupted at any stage.”
The Chairman of Stewards (speaking to Eddie Wilkinson). “Scott Galloway appears to have lodged a counter objection with regard to the incident at the 300m. You’ve already made reference to that ... is there anything further you wish to say in relation to what happened at the 300m?”
Wilkinson: “No.”
Les Smith (co-owner of Rule By Right) was then allowed to gives his observation of the incident at the 200m.
Smith: “It appeared to me yes, there was just a slight brush, but it did not appear as if anyone was disadvantaged. “
That concluded the protest hearing.
After due consideration the protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by E. Wilkinson, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Riseupsinging, against Rule By Right being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 200m. Stewards found that at that point Rule By Right shifted in under pressure, hampering Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson), however were of the opinion that the interference suffered did not have a material effect on the finishing positions of the relevant horses and therefore the protest was dismissed.
Another protest was lodged by trainer R. Bradshaw, trainer of the 5th placegetter, Demolir, against Prince Lionheart being declared 3rd, alleging interference near the 200m. Stewards found that near the 200m, Demolir (M. Hellyer) had to be checked when attempting to take a run between Decerto, which shifted in slightly, and Prince Lionheart, which shifted out. Stewards in consideration of the margin between both horses at the finish of the race dismissed the objection and correct weight was signalled. At a subsequent inquiry, N. Day, rider of Prince Lionheart, was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift out at that point of the race.
A post-race veterinary examination of Rule By Right revealed the horse had bled from one nostril. Trainer R. Pereira will be advised Rule By Right must fulfil the requirements of AR53A.
Race 7:
Class 1 Handicap- 1800m
1st -Ten Coronas; 2nd - Crocodile Lass; 3rd; - Iron Fist
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lennie Wheeler: “He improving nicely this horse and I think he’ll continue to do so as we’ll continue stepping him up in distance. This is only his second win, but he’s never been a bad sort. I mean he ran in the Queen’s Cup behind Kerdem in heavy going at the end of the Winter Carnival last year – as a Maiden ... and that backing up after running the week before. He’s taken some time coming through, but he is travelling nicely now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gentle Mind (D. Green) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Fast End (A. Erhart) raced wide in the early stages. Leaving the 500m, Shanamin(D. Craven) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Gentle Mind (D. Green) wider on the track. La Jaconde, which was trailing Gentle Mind, had to be steadied and shifted wider on the track.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners
Jockey Jason Holder revved himself up for the upcoming Magic Millions meeting with a fine, confidence boosting, riding treble. Holder in fact went home with a full house of winners as he only had three rides at the meeting.
An interesting objection left plenty of room for debate. The evidence is documented here (see race 6). Perhaps the most surprising element was when ‘accused’ rider Scott Galloway fired in a counter objection against the second placed runner, which was seemingly allowed into play. First objecting against second – that’s a new one, not to mention the fact that all protests have to be ‘ made verbally or in writing before the riders of all placed horses are weighed in’(AR165) - and not five minutes into the protest hearing. Perhaps Galloway’s wording was the problem. He must have meant ‘counter argument’ and not ‘counter protest’. It just goes to show how confusing things can sometimes become in the heat of verbal sparring.
Another possible first was the announcement on track (on no less than three occasions) to the effect that Chesters Babcock – who ran in race 2 – had been diagnosed with a wind problem after his last start and had subsequently had a throat operation to remove a spur. This information was put out to the public for them to weigh up its value. I am aware that a reader of this column, after reading about many previously undocumented operations ‘after the fact’ (in the Winner Feedback commentary) put forward a request to the Chief Steward to try and get that sort of information to be made available to punters before-hand. Whether Wednesday’s announcement was a sequel to that approach or not, is not important. The fact that such information is now being passed on is encouraging. That of course still leaves punters with a dilemma of deciding whether an operation has benefitted or disadvantaged the horse in question. In this case there was no happy return as Chesters Babcock trailed in nearly five lengths behind the second last placed runner.
Stewards Supplementary Report Extract:
From Deagon Offices, 10.4.08
Stewards today rescinded a ban under AR53A placed on City Lights which competed in Race 8, The Class 5 Handicap (1000M), which returned to scale showing signs that the horse had suffered a bleeding attack. Stewards were advised by the clubs veterinary surgeon that further tests conducted on City Lights showed the bleeding attack to relate to other complications which resulted when the horse reared in the barriers hitting its head. Trainer T. Whittington was advised that a veterinary certificate clearance would be required prior to City Lights being permitted to race again. Mr Whittington further advised stewards that the horse would be sent for an immediate spell.
Race 1:
QTIS 2yo Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Spot On Target; 2nd - Ponchito; 3rd - Freton
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Howard Wilson: “His dam and the dam of Takeover Target are half-sisters. That’s how we got to the name, hoping some of the star quality would rub off on him. We had him in town and he was very green in his first two starts. He was well beaten both starts, but the races were won by Double Heart (who races in the Magic Millions on Saturday) and Sarge In Charge (who will contest a $1 million race in New Zealand later this month). So there was no disgrace there.
“We wanted him ridden quite today and then to come home strong, which he did well. He’s still learning though and Jason (Holder) said he will be a lot better once he gets to know what it is all about.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “He went nicely, I thought. He was a bit lazy in the running ... got back a bit. I think in a Class 1 next time he will be a horse to watch out for because he just wants a bit of distance. Yeah he (trainer Howard Wilson) told me that bit about Takeover Target as well. He said he’d be happy if this one was half as good as Takeover Target. I said even if he was quarter as good he’d be doing well.”
Spot On Target stopped the clock in a time of 1-11.75 to set a New Class record. The previous record (1-12.22), which stood since April 2007, was held by Swiss Ace who went on to land a couple of feature race victories (including the Weetwood) as well being deemed good enough to challenge the likes of Apache Cat during last year’s Winter Carnival.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Spot On Target): 3.50 out to 4.00.
Favourite (Here Comes Tony): 2.00 out to 2.10. Finished sixth and last.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Dramatising over-raced in the early stages. Here Comes Tony had a tendency to lay out in the middle stages. Dramatising shifted out when placed under pressure in the straight. Almazaya (N. Thomas) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Here Comes Tony, which tired in the straight, revealed the horse to be suffering from mild heat stress.
Race 2:
Class 2 Handicap - 1000m
1st – Anachelle; 2nd - The Crusader; 3rd - Salute The Judge
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Liam Birchley trained Anachelle (Mitchell Speers) and the short-priced favourite The Crusader joined issue in a stride for stride battle over the final 200m. Both were hard ridden for much of that tussle, but when Speers put the stick away and started riding just with his hands, Anachelle found that little bit extra to be able to shut out the main fancy.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Anachelle (M. Speers) was slow to begin. The Crusader (R. Wiggins) jumped away awkwardly and lost ground. Leaving the 900m, Bigger Than (T. Chambers) shifted in and away from The Crusader, making contact with Salute The Judge (K. Wharton), which in turn shifted in, taking Chesters Babcock in on to Anachelle. Clearly Vain (G. Baker) had a tendency to lay out rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Clearly Vain lost its off-fore plate in running. A post-race veterinary examination of Chesters Babcock, which finished a distant last, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
3yo & UP F&M Maiden Handicap - 1300m
1st - Laurinel Princess; 2nd - Stratplan; 3rd - Palais Royale
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rex Lipp: “She’s by Desert Prince and she’s going to be a dead-set 2000m horse. I don’t know if you heard, but I said to Jason (Holder) when he came back – 2000m, and he said ‘one hundred percent.’ She just wouldn’t settle properly in Sydney. We had a little bit of a nervous problem with her, but she’s settling down well now. She’s nicely bred and should run all day so to win over 1300m is pretty encouraging.”
Jockey Jason Holder: “She attacked the line nicely. Definitely wants further. Had the tongue-tie on today. Must have choked down last start. She went very well. Turned her form around really. It was only a Maiden win, but there’s only so much they can do at this stage.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Les Lola (S. Scriven) was slow to begin. Near the 800m, when the pace slackened, Better Stuff (L. Rolls), Les Lola (S. Scriven) and All Join Hands (N. Thomas) all over-raced for a short distance. Palais Royale (A. Pattillo) and Laurenel Princess (J. Holder) raced 3 wide in the middle stages.
Race 4:
3yo & Up C&G Maiden Handicap - 1300m,
1st - Jagerbomb Time; 2nd - Fame Dancer; 3rd - Brokacanon
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Smith: “He’s been off all that time (seven months). The reason for that is he is a big leggy horse and he was over-anxious before. But he’s come back well this time. We gave him a good preparation so he’d be solid. And, you know, he showed today that the nervous edge was taken off him. He raced lovely and he was ridden beautifully. The way he got to the line he looked like he could have won over a longer distance today.”
I pointed out this was Jason Holder’s third win from only three rides on the day.
Brian Smith: “Is it? Well there you have a good reason for the win. It must have been him, not me.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Nobody’s Friend (G. Butler) had to be steadied shortly after the start tightened for room between Brokacanon (S. Galloway) and Casual Deal (K. Pope), which shifted in after making contact with another runner. Nobody’s Friend (G. Butler) and To The Fore (K. Wharton) raced wide for the majority of the event. N. Spencer, rider of Pearl Of Paradise, was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts right out to the finish line.
When questioned regarding the performance of Young Prince, N. Day stated that the horse travelled well and was in a challenging position rounding the home turn. However the horse failed to respond to his riding down the home straight and, in his opinion, proved very disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of Young Prince failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer L. Mayfield-Smith advised stewards he was also disappointed with the horse's performance and indicated that he would recommend to the owners to retire the horse.
A post-race veterinary examination of To The Fore revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. Subsequently, trainer K. Munce was found guilty of a charge under AR53A(2), in that after becoming aware that TO THE FORE had the presence of blood in both nostrils following the race, he did fail in his obligation to notify stewards of this fact without delay. Mr Munce was fined $1000.
Race 5:
C & G Class 3 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Geebeetee; 2nd - Shady Prospect; 3rd - Mauries Pick
WINNER FEEDBACK:
“He’s been looking for 1200m. There hasn’t been a race to suit him you know.” (Geebeetee’s previous two efforts were over 1000m). “Owen (Turpin) and I are sweet now. He was on the outer with me after his ride on Silvern , but he’s redeemed himself now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shady Prospect (S. Scriven) raced fiercely in the middle stages. Mauries Pick and King Brahm raced wide for the majority of the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Brain Explosion revealed the horse had bled from both nostrils.
Race 6:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Rule By Right; 2nd - Riseupsinging; 3rd - Prince Lionheart
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson, rider of the runner-up Riseupsinging, lodged a protest against the winner Rule By Right (Scott Galloway), alleging interference at the 200m mark.
Jockey Eddie Wilkinson: “Approaching the furlong or thereabouts, Scotty Galloway’s mount comes to our side. Probably got half a length on us, then tried to duck in, which made me stop riding my horse along and take hold for a couple of strides. Scotty straightened and got away from us - probably a length and a half, and I’ve wound my mount up again. The margin was a half-head at the line. I think that without that – which it shows on the film – without that I would have finished in front of the winner.”
The Chairman of Stewards asked if Galloway had any questions for Wilkinson.
Jockey Scott Galloway: “At the 300m did your horse move out and make contact with my horse on a number of occasions?”
Wilkinson: “Well, he did – but that’s got nothing to do with what I’m protesting about.”
Galloway: “Do you believe when you come out and bumped me a couple of times, then when my horse gets balanced up again, those couple of bumps ... contacts ... made my horse want to duck in?”
Wilkinson: “No, I don’t think so. Not at all. After that, your horse ran on a straight line. It hasn’t made your horse shift at all. It was only when you got a half length on us, as I say, your horse ducked in.”
Greg Kennedy (the trainer of Riseupsinging) was then asked for his input.
Kennedy: “Just to say that my mare has had three starts over a mile and she does take a bit to wind up. She’s dropped back to 1400m. Eddie (Wilkinson) knew this and was just winding her up at the right time. Yes, I agree with Scott that at the 300m they were racing tight, but both horses were holding their own and it was only when Scott’s horse got a half-length and then ducked in abruptly (that there was interference). As you can see on the video, Scott had to stop riding and straighten his horse. You know, that just caused my mare ... blocked her for a run and stopped her momentum, and she got beat a half-head. Without that she could have won.”
Galloway: “Are you saying after watching the video, that your horse didn’t come out and bump my horse?
Kennedy: “We’re not focussing on the 300m Scott. We’re focussing on the ...”
Galloway: “Well I can counter protest!”
Kennedy: “At the 300m they were both holding ground against each other. Both horses. You were hanging in and mine was holding ... putting her shoulder into yours. Both were holding their ground. Both riders were riding fair dinkum. Neither rider stopped riding.”
Galloway was then asked to make a final statement.
Galloway: “As we straightened up I was behind the second horse, coming to its outside. As I got up alongside it, that horse has shifted out and bumped my horse on two or three occasions. My horse has wanted to lay in, but I believe those couple of bumps put her right off into that direction. Then I straightened the horse. After that, the horse gets away, runs straight and, you can see on the video, the last fifty metres I was pretty easy on the horse, whereas the second horse was ridden hard with the whip. I was quite soft on the horse the last fifty metres and viewing the film I don’t see any evidence of Wilkinson’s mount, he happened to stop riding for a couple of strides, I don’t think the film shows that his momentum was lost or interrupted at any stage.”
The Chairman of Stewards (speaking to Eddie Wilkinson). “Scott Galloway appears to have lodged a counter objection with regard to the incident at the 300m. You’ve already made reference to that ... is there anything further you wish to say in relation to what happened at the 300m?”
Wilkinson: “No.”
Les Smith (co-owner of Rule By Right) was then allowed to gives his observation of the incident at the 200m.
Smith: “It appeared to me yes, there was just a slight brush, but it did not appear as if anyone was disadvantaged. “
That concluded the protest hearing.
After due consideration the protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by E. Wilkinson, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Riseupsinging, against Rule By Right being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 200m. Stewards found that at that point Rule By Right shifted in under pressure, hampering Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson), however were of the opinion that the interference suffered did not have a material effect on the finishing positions of the relevant horses and therefore the protest was dismissed.
Another protest was lodged by trainer R. Bradshaw, trainer of the 5th placegetter, Demolir, against Prince Lionheart being declared 3rd, alleging interference near the 200m. Stewards found that near the 200m, Demolir (M. Hellyer) had to be checked when attempting to take a run between Decerto, which shifted in slightly, and Prince Lionheart, which shifted out. Stewards in consideration of the margin between both horses at the finish of the race dismissed the objection and correct weight was signalled. At a subsequent inquiry, N. Day, rider of Prince Lionheart, was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift out at that point of the race.
A post-race veterinary examination of Rule By Right revealed the horse had bled from one nostril. Trainer R. Pereira will be advised Rule By Right must fulfil the requirements of AR53A.
Race 7:
Class 1 Handicap- 1800m
1st -Ten Coronas; 2nd - Crocodile Lass; 3rd; - Iron Fist
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Lennie Wheeler: “He improving nicely this horse and I think he’ll continue to do so as we’ll continue stepping him up in distance. This is only his second win, but he’s never been a bad sort. I mean he ran in the Queen’s Cup behind Kerdem in heavy going at the end of the Winter Carnival last year – as a Maiden ... and that backing up after running the week before. He’s taken some time coming through, but he is travelling nicely now.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Gentle Mind (D. Green) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Fast End (A. Erhart) raced wide in the early stages. Leaving the 500m, Shanamin(D. Craven) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Gentle Mind (D. Green) wider on the track. La Jaconde, which was trailing Gentle Mind, had to be steadied and shifted wider on the track.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
BATTLE-LINES DRAWN AT TOOWOOMBA
The Downs and South West Trainers’ Association (DSWTOA) is on the march in Toowoomba – and they are marching to the beat of war drums!
At a meeting of the Association yesterday, it was agreed to call for a Special General Meeting of the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC). A requisition to this effect (signed by more than the required percentage of members) has been lodged with the club. Association members John Dann and Gary Wells handed the relevant documentation over to the Secretary of the TTC shortly after lunch time today.
Under the TTC constitution the Club must convene the meeting no later than 14 days from the date of lodgement of the requisition. In other words the Club now faces a January 20 deadline.
The requisition lists four resolutions for consideration: That Neville Stewart be removed as chairman of the TTC committee; That Neville Stewart be removed as a member of the committee; That the construction and installation of a cushion track on the course proper be deferred so as to allow either a sub-committee or independent expert to investigate and report on the impact of a cushion track course proper; That after such investigation, members be given the opportunity to vote on the issue.
Dann pointed out that the DSWTOA had done everything to avoid such a confrontation, but had been frustrated in their efforts when dealing with the Racing Minister (Andrew Fraser) Members for Toowoomba North (Kerry Shine) and South (Mike Horan), and Queensland Racing.
"We will not be surprised by any strategy from the TTC or Queensland Racing to torpedo our requisition, but at the end of the day the Club is bound by its constitution to call the Special General Meeting and give members the opportunity for open and transparent debate."
"We have instructed our lawyer to be vigilant and to act immediately in the event of
any stalling tactics on behalf of the TTC or QR," Mr Dann said.
TCC Chairman Neville Stewart, who confirmed that the Club will abide by the fourteen day ruling, was disappointed by this latest development, but hde was ready to defend his position.
“When the Cushion Track was first proposed, I sent documentation out regarding the matter to all TCC members. Seventy percent of the surveyed documents returned to us, which have been retained in case of any legal action, gave a clear indication they wanted the committee to proceed. Then the committee, of which there were nine members present when the vote was taken - eight out of nine voted in favour of it. Those eight committee men are still in favour of it.
“On that basis, I think it is very disappointing that they are using this issue to victimise me personally. I think it is pretty important to note that my job is to chair the committee and report the facts. You know, every bit of information I have ever received has been fully disclosed to the committee and I have kept members well informed.
“In fact there is a meeting this coming Monday for members of the TCC to meet with Bob Bentley (QRL Chairman), Reid Sanders (Chief Steward) and Paul Brennan (QTL Racing Manager). Again I’ve given all members of the club an opportunity to put their questions, any questions regarding the process or the future of the synthetic track in writing – and I have an undertaking from Mr. Bentley that he would be available to answer all the questions they have.
“So far as I am aware, they (Meesrs Dann and Wells) would have known about that meeting because they would have received their notices yesterday, yet they have gone ahead and called the Special General Meeting which is paramount to a witch-hunt, victimisation of me ... whatever you want to call it.
"That’s very disappointing, given that I’ve only been doing my job. I've taken everything step by step, to the degree that the committee commissioned research by the University Of Southern Queensland into synthetic tracks, which has now been taken over with approval by Queensland Racing. So it is not as if I just woke up one morning and said, ‘I think we should have a synthetic track’.
“I might not be here when the dust settles. But let me just make two other pertinent points. The $10 million proposal made to the TTC by Queensland Racing was not just for the Cushion Track. The TCC was going to get other benefits out of the deal, such as the upgrading of our lighting system, which is eighteen years old, to a state of the art system ... so the proposal is about much more than just the Cushion Track.
“The second point is ... we don’t have any water. We have no water in Toowoomba. The TTC is carting six semi-loads of water, six days a week to put on the track, and we have been doing that for the last eighteen months. That carting equates to one million litres. It is on-going at the moment, but we were told, six months ago already, that the carting can only be a temporary fix and that we had to find a more permanent solution to our problem. We tried to drill another bore at the Turf Club. There was no water there. There is no water near us, and the cost of carting the water, as you can imagine, is significant. So water is a very real problem.”
There will obviously be further vigorous debate from both sides of the argument over the next fourteen days in the build-up to the Special General Meeting, which will decide the future route followed by the TTC.
This is not the end of the story. Watch this space.
*For the record, the only contract that exists for the installation of the Cushion Track at Toowoomba is one signed by the TTC and Queensland Racing. The TCC has not signed any contract with the Cushion Track company, which, in theory, does allow for the Cushion Track contract to be passed on to another location should the TCC members ultimately change their stance and reject the proposal.
At a meeting of the Association yesterday, it was agreed to call for a Special General Meeting of the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC). A requisition to this effect (signed by more than the required percentage of members) has been lodged with the club. Association members John Dann and Gary Wells handed the relevant documentation over to the Secretary of the TTC shortly after lunch time today.
Under the TTC constitution the Club must convene the meeting no later than 14 days from the date of lodgement of the requisition. In other words the Club now faces a January 20 deadline.
The requisition lists four resolutions for consideration: That Neville Stewart be removed as chairman of the TTC committee; That Neville Stewart be removed as a member of the committee; That the construction and installation of a cushion track on the course proper be deferred so as to allow either a sub-committee or independent expert to investigate and report on the impact of a cushion track course proper; That after such investigation, members be given the opportunity to vote on the issue.
Dann pointed out that the DSWTOA had done everything to avoid such a confrontation, but had been frustrated in their efforts when dealing with the Racing Minister (Andrew Fraser) Members for Toowoomba North (Kerry Shine) and South (Mike Horan), and Queensland Racing.
"We will not be surprised by any strategy from the TTC or Queensland Racing to torpedo our requisition, but at the end of the day the Club is bound by its constitution to call the Special General Meeting and give members the opportunity for open and transparent debate."
"We have instructed our lawyer to be vigilant and to act immediately in the event of
any stalling tactics on behalf of the TTC or QR," Mr Dann said.
TCC Chairman Neville Stewart, who confirmed that the Club will abide by the fourteen day ruling, was disappointed by this latest development, but hde was ready to defend his position.
“When the Cushion Track was first proposed, I sent documentation out regarding the matter to all TCC members. Seventy percent of the surveyed documents returned to us, which have been retained in case of any legal action, gave a clear indication they wanted the committee to proceed. Then the committee, of which there were nine members present when the vote was taken - eight out of nine voted in favour of it. Those eight committee men are still in favour of it.
“On that basis, I think it is very disappointing that they are using this issue to victimise me personally. I think it is pretty important to note that my job is to chair the committee and report the facts. You know, every bit of information I have ever received has been fully disclosed to the committee and I have kept members well informed.
“In fact there is a meeting this coming Monday for members of the TCC to meet with Bob Bentley (QRL Chairman), Reid Sanders (Chief Steward) and Paul Brennan (QTL Racing Manager). Again I’ve given all members of the club an opportunity to put their questions, any questions regarding the process or the future of the synthetic track in writing – and I have an undertaking from Mr. Bentley that he would be available to answer all the questions they have.
“So far as I am aware, they (Meesrs Dann and Wells) would have known about that meeting because they would have received their notices yesterday, yet they have gone ahead and called the Special General Meeting which is paramount to a witch-hunt, victimisation of me ... whatever you want to call it.
"That’s very disappointing, given that I’ve only been doing my job. I've taken everything step by step, to the degree that the committee commissioned research by the University Of Southern Queensland into synthetic tracks, which has now been taken over with approval by Queensland Racing. So it is not as if I just woke up one morning and said, ‘I think we should have a synthetic track’.
“I might not be here when the dust settles. But let me just make two other pertinent points. The $10 million proposal made to the TTC by Queensland Racing was not just for the Cushion Track. The TCC was going to get other benefits out of the deal, such as the upgrading of our lighting system, which is eighteen years old, to a state of the art system ... so the proposal is about much more than just the Cushion Track.
“The second point is ... we don’t have any water. We have no water in Toowoomba. The TTC is carting six semi-loads of water, six days a week to put on the track, and we have been doing that for the last eighteen months. That carting equates to one million litres. It is on-going at the moment, but we were told, six months ago already, that the carting can only be a temporary fix and that we had to find a more permanent solution to our problem. We tried to drill another bore at the Turf Club. There was no water there. There is no water near us, and the cost of carting the water, as you can imagine, is significant. So water is a very real problem.”
There will obviously be further vigorous debate from both sides of the argument over the next fourteen days in the build-up to the Special General Meeting, which will decide the future route followed by the TTC.
This is not the end of the story. Watch this space.
*For the record, the only contract that exists for the installation of the Cushion Track at Toowoomba is one signed by the TTC and Queensland Racing. The TCC has not signed any contract with the Cushion Track company, which, in theory, does allow for the Cushion Track contract to be passed on to another location should the TCC members ultimately change their stance and reject the proposal.
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, JAN 04)
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
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
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.
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