A review of the meeting held at Doomben on Monday, January 26.
Keen racing was the order of the day at Doomben with the outcome of two races being decided in extra time in the Stewards Room, after riders two fired in protests (see races 4 and 7).
A first city treble for apprentice jockey Owen Turpin underlined the rapid rate of progress the young rider is making. Turpin won for three different trainers – Troy Hall, Donald Baker and Olivia Cairns – and two of his winners started at double figure odds. It just goes to show where a ‘listen, learn and apply’ policy can take you if you have the focus to make the most of your talent.
Joe Bowditch wasn’t far behind Turpin. Bowditch went home with a double, but he also picked up an eight meeting suspension which would have taken the edge off the celebration.
The Leon Morton trained Mr Slick provided the performance of the day in the Open Handicap (see race 7). The gelding now has a fifty percent strike rate, having won eight out of his sixteen starts. The five-year-old also has six runner-up finishes and one third placing to his credit. He will now be put away for the Winter Carnival.
Trainer Alan Bailey talked about possibly finding, “the horse we’ve been looking for.” Coming from such an astute trainer, those words should be well worth noting (see race 2), while Sunshine Coast based trainer Troy Hall’s association with high profile owner Nick Moraitis continued to blossom (see race 1).
Race 1:
3yo & Up Maiden Plate - 1640m
1st - Banana Split; 2nd - Professor; 3rd - Real Grand
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “We got beat the other day at the Sunshine Coast. Well, it might have been a blessing because there was $28 000 or something to win this week. I had this race in mind if we did get beat. I don’t get to run in $45 000 Maidens every week. I’ve only had the horse for the two runs. I can’t tell you why he has taken so long to win. All I know is he had a sore back when I got him and I fixed that.
“He’s a good rider this kid (Owen Turpin). He’s a great judge. He just sums up a race so well. Like I told you before he’s improved ... and he has improved again. I’ve got nine horses from (owner) Nick Moraitis now. It started with one. It won its first two for me ... and we got two more after that. Then the next one we got, it won and it has continued to grow from there. I’ve just been placing them to win. The boss will be happy. That’s the main thing. This is my first city winner for him.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “Yeah, he relaxed beautifully. I just tried to keep him relaxed and sit quiet on him till it was time to push him out ... and he took off when I asked him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Banana Split): 4.20 out to 5.00
Favourite (Professor): 4.20 out to 4.40 in to 3.60. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Taimazon (S. Seamer) and Professor (S. Scriven) over-raced for a short distance near the 1300m. Northern Apache over-raced in the early stages. Arizona Sunset (G. Colless) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 800m when the pace slackened, Langtime (D. Browne) improved up on to the heels of Arizona Sunset and had to be steadied. Banana Split (O. Turpin) and Real Grand (A. Spinks), which were following, also had to be steadied in consequence. Professor (S. Scriven) and Choose A Star (M. Hellyer) laid in when placed under pressure in the home straight. Choose A Star (M. Hellyer) and Jensway raced wide for the majority of the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Jensway, which compounded to finish a distant last, revealed the filly to be exhibiting an abnormal respiratory noise. Trainer B. Laming was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for the filly prior to its next race start. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Heavy 8.
Race 2:
QTIS 2yo C&G Handicap - 1200m
1st - Streets Away; 2nd - Daneomite; 3rd - Umanugget
Trainer Alan Bailey: “He just such a relaxed horse. He’s the same at home ... he could sleep all day, you know. He just gets up when it’s time to do things. He’s a really lovely horse. We won’t be tempted to go down south. We’ll keep him for the winter where there will be a nice choice of feature races for him. He’ll be even better as a three-year-old, I tell you. He could just be the horse we’ve been looking for. Have a look at him coming back here. That’s his first day at the races. You just don’t see horses so calm on their first day. He trialled the other day and two seconds afterwards he just dropped his head on the ground wanting some grass. We had to have winkers on him to try and wake him up. He just gets to the races and goes to sleep. Look at him come back here (to the winners’enclosure). He’s happy to stand there in the one place like he has been here for ten years. We’ll target the winter now.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “We’ve always had a bit of a wrap on him all the way through. But he’s only had one trial and he sat outside the leader that day. Trying to teach him something today, but he got a bit lost. He was laying in that bad all race looking for the fence. Coming around the corner I just gave him one with the right hand and he thought, whoa ... I’ve got to go now ... and he just ran straight up to it then. Still has it all to learn, but he’s got the ability.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Streets Away): 2.25 out to 2.90.
Favourite (Umanugget): 1.80 out to 2.00. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 700m, Streets Away (G. Colless) laid in, momentarily tightening the running of Run Jake Run (S. Drake).
Race 3:
Class 6 Plate - 1640m
1st - Humma; 2nd - La Zeel; 3rd - Fort ‘N' Won
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote: “This horse is owned by international soccer players. Craig Moore, the captain of the Queensland Roar, and Scott Chipperfield are Aussie internationals. Zelko Kalac is the AC Milan second string goal-keeper. I’m talking to him this morning and he is sitting opposite Kaka (one of the world’s best and most highly paid soccer players), so maybe I’ll be able to talk them into buying some more horses. I couldn’t get hold of all the boys beforehand though. He nearly didn’t run to be honest. This was only his fourth start for me and they told me he doesn’t handle a heavy track. So I thought the only bloke I really needed to talk to is the last person to train him, Chris Waller. I spoke to Chris Waller this morning at twenty past seven - and he said, ‘run him’. Good decision.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “He just got a bit of a squeeze at the start which put him back in the field a bit. He travelled really nice though ... had a good run and was able to get to the outside just before straightened. When he got there (to the lead) he just switched off a little bit. That just gave the other horse (La Zeel) a chance to fight back a bit, but we always had her covered.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Humma): 4.20 out to 4.60.
Favourite (Punch Up): 3.20 out to 3.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Humma (J. Bowditch), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened for room shortly after the start between Fat Possum (L. Cassidy), which shifted in, and Demolir (O. Turpin), which was taken out by La Zeel (M. Paget). Near the 1400m, Punch Up (J. Taylor) got its head up. Passing the 600m, Humma (J. Bowditch) shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so forced Fat Possum wider on the track. Margy Magic (C. Reith), which was following, was hampered as a consequence.
A post-race veterinary examination of Punch Up revealed the horse to be suffering from a burst abscess in the right commisure of its mouth. Following this event, the track rating was upgraded to Slow 7.
Race 4:
Class 6 Handicap - 1110m
1st - King Leonidas; 2nd - Shudule Gee; 3rd - Cardio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Larry Cassidy (speaking directly after the race): “He wasn’t really handling the track and when I reached the lead he shifted out. I don’t think I made contact, but we’ll have a look anyway.”
It was to be a very close look. Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls, the rider of the second placed horse Shudule Gee, put in a protest against the winner and the action moved into the Stewards room.
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (giving the grounds for his protest): “Coming to about the 100m mark, Larry Cassidy has given me a very definite bump. It cost me a length. It really put my horse off-balance. I had to stop riding it and re-gather him up and he’s come again once he got balanced.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy (questioning his accuser): “When you say I gave your mount a decent bump, how many strides did you have to stop riding for?”
Luke Rolls: “I probably stopped riding three, maybe four strides. I had to stop with the whip.”
Larry Cassidy: “... and you believe that cost you one length?”
Luke Rolls: “Yeah. Might even have been more ... but at least that”
Larry Cassidy: “Just short of the line, do you think your horse got in and bumped me?”
Luke Rolls: “No I don’t.”
Daniel Wheeler (representing trainer John Wallace): “They made their runs together. Larry Cassidy’s horse has started to shift and I see, about two strides before they actually bumped, he had the stick out. He was probably struggling to keep it as straight as he possibly could. He’s bumped our horse. Our horse never moved. He kept a straight line until he got the bump, and then he has had to shift out another three or four horses. When he got balanced up he made another run at him and I thought the inside horse has come out again right on the line, probably two strides before the line, and bumped us again. Clearly our horse is a 1400m and if he keeps straight on the inside horse, I believe we win. If the interference didn’t occur, I’d say the result would be different.
Larry Cassidy: “There are many points that should be pointed out. Firstly, we actually didn’t make our runs together. I was about a length-and-a-quarter behind the second place-getter when we made our runs. Obviously he come up the outside and I come up the inside. Sure my mount has shifted out, but I’ve given him a length-and-a-quarter start from the point of the home bend. As I started to shift I was clear of any other horse. When I finally did get out and finally brushed the second horse – and that’s really all it was, a brush not a bump, like Luke has said ... a severe bump like he said, has cost him a length. There is no way in the world, looking at the film gentlemen with your experience, there is no way in the world that has cost him a length. Um ... Luke suggested he stopped riding for three strides. Well, if you look at the film, he’s probably stopped for one stride, even half a stride ... he’s hardly missed a beat. It’s an ever so slight brush.
“As I’ve straightened my mount and we’ve got going again, I believe Luke’s mount has actually got in on top of me the last five strides and actually inconvenienced me again. There is no way in the world he would ever have beaten me and I believe the placings should stand.”
Luke Rolls (to Larry Cassidy): “After the incident occurred, how far did you put on me?”
Larry Cassidy: “Very hard looking at the angle. It wouldn’t have been much at all because my momentum was slowed. I actually stopped riding for six or seven strides and we were probably still head to head.”
Scott Hammersley (representing trainer Bryan Guy): “As Larry said there was a slight brush, but I don’t believe there was any great inconvenience to the second horse. The movement inwards and outwards close to the line was irrelevant. I mean the race was over in that point in time. I couldn’t see that those placings can be changed on that.”
Luke Rolls: “Just looking at the film, Larry’s mount was probably a neck in front of me as we bumped. My horse had to re-balance up and fight back and he has only been beaten a half-a-head ... short-head. I think if he hadn’t have been bumped he would have won.”
Daniel Wheeler: “Just a question to Larry. How far do you reckon your horse shifted out from the time you started pulling the stick to when you hit the winning post, and how far do you think you took our horse out?”
Larry Cassidy: “The first part of your question is irrelevant, because I was clear of any other horse ...”
Daniel Wheeler: “How far did you take our horse out? How many horses did he come out?”
Larry Cassidy: “I brushed the horse, maybe, that’s about it. It was only a slight brush. But I don’t believe you took ground off me. Over the last 100m, my horse was holding yours quite comfortably behind us.”
Daniel Wheeler: “In my opinion we counted three horses ... that he was taken out three horses.”
That brought the protest hearing to an end.
The protest was dismissed.
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (King Leonidas): 4.80 out to 5.00.
Favourite (Cardio): 3.00 out to 3.20 in to 2.50. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As R. McMahon was to be overweight on Miss Matay and Crackaway (Race 8), riding changes were made as per the Stewards Summary Sheet. R. McMahon was fined the sum of $100. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account jockey McMahon's exemplary record concerning this rule.
On return to scale a protest was lodge by apprentice L. Rolls, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Shudule Gee, against King Leonidas (L. Cassidy) being declared the winner, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol films, it was established that near the 100m, King Leonidas did shift out slightly inconveniencing Shudule Gee, however stewards could not be satisfied that the minor interference suffered by Shudule Gee had a material effect on the finishing positions of both horses and therefore the protest was dismissed and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings.
Alternate (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. King Leonidas (L. Cassidy) and Pagan County (S. Seamer) made contact on jumping away. A post-race veterinary examination of Pagan County revealed the mare to be lame in the near fore leg. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Pagan County prior to its next race start.
Race 5:
Open Handicap - 2040m
1st - Winsome Loot; 2nd - Bell Academy; 3rd - Rebounded
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “They told me the horse goes better with hands and heels. I gave him one on the shoulder just to get him going. I pumped him out. Just give him two more just to make sure I was getting the best out of him, you know. He never backed off the fight and finished off real strong.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Winsome Loot): 14.00 out to 17.00.
Favourite (Hunters Moon): 3.50 out to 3.80. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Olympic Time (J. Taylor) raced three deep in the early stages. Hunters Moon (M. Palmer) and Shale Shaker (C. McIver) raced wide from the 800m.
Race 6:
QTIS 3yo Handicap - 1350m
1st - Zahas Pride; 2nd - Kbenrenrun; 3rd - High Roll'N Woman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “I knew they were coming thick and fast but look, he just kept sticking his head out, and sticking his head out. Early on he travelled beautifully. He just does his own thing. He’s got a high cruising speed and does everything right. Most importantly, he has a lot of fight in the finish.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Zahas Pride): 4.60 steady.
Favourite (Adnocon): 3.00 in to 2.70 out to 2.80. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kbenrenrun (P. Hammersley) and Hawkeye Pierce (C. McIver) were tightened for room on jumping away between Mr Orient (A. Taylor) and Upi Bay (K. Pope), both of which shifted ground. Adnocon (O. Turpin) and Tell’em It’s Easy (J. Taylor) bumped on jumping away. Flybefree (B. El-Issa) over-raced for a short distance in the early stages. Attallus (J. Bowditch) over-raced in the early stages, and near the 1100m had to be steadied off the heels of Tell’em It’s Easy (J. Taylor). Leaving the 900m, Upi Bay (K. Pope) commenced to hang out and near the 700m had to be steadied from the heels of Kbenrenrun (P. Hammersley). Upi Bay continued to have a tendency to hang out for the remainder of the event. Attallus was held up for clear running from leaving the 500m until approaching the 300m.
Near the 400m, Tell’em Its Easy had to be steadied when tightened for room between Sheeza Drama (A. Spinks), which shifted in slightly when weakening, and Flybefree (B. El-Issa), which was taken in by Adnocon. A short distance later, Flybefree had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Adnocon, which continued to shift out. O. Turpin, rider of Adnocon, was severely reprimanded and advised that he must take greater care when shifting ground in future. Attallus, Sheeza Drama (A. Spinks), Tell’em Its Easy and Mr Orient raced wide for the majority of the race.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1200m
1st - Mr Slick; 2nd - Special Voyage; 3rd - Bazzooka
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Leon Morton (speaking directly after the race): “He’s going to go for a little let-up now. Keep him for the Carnival. You see, I think he was 2kg overweight today in that race, if it had been a true Open Handicap race. He had 56,5kg ... so considering that, I thought it was a very good run. He’s probably the best horse I’ve had. He’s not only won the most, but he’s won them in style, you know what I mean. We still haven’t got to the top shelf with him yet. We got to be careful with him because of his joints. He’s got a few problems with them. We try to give him steady work, a little bit of swimming, a lot of ice. What race would I like to head for? Well let’s put it this way. He won last year on Stradbroke Day and run a good time. All we can do is hope.”
The conversation ended with the announcement that Ken Pope, the rider of Sommersea Drive had lodged a protest against the winner.
Jockey Ken Pope (giving the grounds for his protest): “At approximately the 300m mark I secured a run inside of Joe Bowditch’s mount (Mr Slick). His horse then shifted in and made heavy contact with me. I had to severely check my horse. The incident put me out of the race completely. It took me 50m to get going again.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch pointed out that he felt the inside horse (Bazzooka) shifted out and contributed towards the tight circumstances in which the runners found themselves.
Pope was adamant: “The bump came from the outside horse and that put me in across the heels of the inside horse.”
Trevor Miller (trainer of Sommersea Drive): “I don’t know what it cost us. I don’t know if it was three lengths or six lengths. There fact is there was severe interference which cost us any chance of a win.”
Joe Bowditch: “I believe the inside horse came out and helped close the gap. My horse also took an awkward step ... then carried on. It was more of a hindrance to me. Even after the Sommersea Drive got going again, he was hard ridden and I was still going away from him at the line. He was never in a position to beat my horse.”
The protest was dismissed.
Leon Morton (trainer of Mr Slick – speaking after the protest ruling had been announced): “My horse can be a bit of an arrogant horse when he’s in the mood. Sometimes if you get in his way he will put the shoulder in, but I don’t believe that was the case on this occasion. I think Ken Pope’s move was a bit ill-judged in terms of timing. I think if he’d just waited a few more steps the gap would have opened up properly for him. But it wasn’t fully there when he went for it.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Mr Slick): 2.10 out to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite. Mr Slick was also the only main fancy to win on the day.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodge by K. Pope, rider of the 4th placegetter, Sommersea Drive, against Mr Slick being declared the winner, alleging interference near the 300m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards established that near the 250m, Mr Slick shifted inwards, resulting in Sommersea Drive being forced inwards, resulting in that horse being checked when taken across the heels of Bazzooka. Taking into account the considerable margin between both horses at the finish, stewards could not be satisfied that Sommersea Drive would have beaten Mr Slick had the interference not occurred, and therefore dismissed the objection and confirmed the Judge's placings. At a subsequent inquiry, J. Bowditch, rider of Mr Slick, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that he allowed his mount to shift in near the 250m, taking Sommersea Drive (K. Pope) inwards, resulting in that horse having to be checked when forced acoss the heels of Bazzooka (S. Seamer). J. Bowditch was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 31 January and to expire at midnight, 13 February 2008.
Mystery City (C. Reith) and Sam’s Express (O. Turpin) bumped on jumping away. Approaching the 400m, Mr Slick (J. Bowditch) shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running and in doing so made contact with Starlactic (R. McMahon) on several occasions. Myndos (M. Palmer), which was trailing Starlactic, was inconvenienced as a consequence. Sommersea Drive was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn. Leaving the 100m, C. Reith, rider of Mystery City, had his whip knocked from his grasp by the whip of S. Galloway, rider of Rubiton Raider. Sam’s Express (O. Turpin) was held up for clear running in the straight until leaving the 100m. Starlactic and Myndos raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1350m
1st - Honour Happy List; 2nd - Pertinence; 3rd - De Business
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Olivia Cairns: “That’s pretty much the way she did it last time (when winning in Townsville). She arrived late then too. But it’s really good to put two wins together in a row.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Happy Honour List): 12.00 out to 14.00
Favourite (De Business): 3.80 in to 3.70. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Teary Eyed (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Tolart (C. Reith) was a little slow to begin. Approaching the 1200m, De Business (T. Chambers) shifted out slightly, resulting in Defend The Hill (D. Barron), which had commenced to over-race, shifting out, making contact with Pertinence (P. Hammersley). Pertinence was then obliged to race wide until passing the 800m. Defend The Hill raced wide thereafter. Teary Eyed was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn.
Apprentice T. Chambers, rider of the 3rd placegetter, De Business, pleaded guilty to a charge under AR137(b), in that she failed to ride her mount right out to the finish of the race. Apprentice Chambers was suspended from riding in races for a period of 2 weeks, to commence at midnight, 28 January and to expire at midnight, 11 February.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses.
Horses swabbed:
All winners, Danomite, La Zeel, Shudule Gee, Bell Academy, Special Voyage, Pertinence
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, JAN 24)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, January 24.
It was the day Larry Cassidy came to town. The accomplished jockey has a pedigree synonymous with success and his presence immediately penetrated the psyche of both local race-goers and local riders.
Every horse Cassidy rode received a second glance from most punters. In the end, three of his mounts started as favourite. He won on two of them - Funtantes and Burdekin Blues - and he was touched off in the last stride on Ugly Betty.
As far as his fellow riders are concerned, their comments now include the likes of, ‘I was able to manoeuvre inside Larry” ... “I passed Larry and said see you mate” (see race 3) and, “I was on the back of Larry” (see race 7).
Trainer Robert Heathcote had some illuminating remarks to make about Cassidy’s work ethic (see race 1). Heathcote’s comments go a long way to explaining the fact that Cassidy, on his first day at the office in Brisbane, was the only rider to have a full book of rides (before scratchings).
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls matched Cassidy’s effort of piloting home two winners. Rolls scored with an enterprising front-running ride on the outsider Tenfold (for trainer Mel Eggleston) and he then showed his prowess in a fighting finish when taking out the last race aboard Kneel And Raise (for trainer Tom Dougall).
Burdekin Blues’ effortless victory when winning first-up in runaway fashion was a performance highlight. The Barry Baldwin trained gelding has now won six out of ten starts and he could be heading to Melbourne to flex his muscles down south. The Brian Smith trained Encosta Tszyu is another on a roll and he completed a hat trick of wins (to remain unbeaten this preparation) in a most impressive fashion. Spanish Fling, a lightly raced three-year-old with the high strike-rate, also caught the eye. Trainer Pat Duff believes she has the making of a very good racehorse. The two-year-old Funtantes is also one who added to his reputation by winning for the second time in only three starts.
Satsang took the honours for guts and perseverance. From the position she was in at the halfway up the straight it was easier for Satsang to lose than to win, but, under the determined urgings of apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer, the mare ambushed them all right on the line to take away the spoils.
Ten Toowoomba trainers came to town. Two went home with winners. Kevin Kemp struck with the New Zealand bred Malela, who won in convincing fashion, while Tom Dougall triumphed with Kneel And Raise, who has now saluted in five of his twelve starts. The gelding also has five minor placings to his credit.
Race 1:
2yo Fillies Handicap - 1200m
1st - Funtanes; 2nd - Craiglea Bella; 3rd - Pharonic
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote: “She’s very good there is no doubting that. But did you notice how, when things didn’t work out ... she missed the start, held wide ... did you see what Cassidy did? He eased her out of the speed battle, balanced her up, waited until the right time ... did you see a couple of times she dipped up the straight ... he never went for her until he had to. That’s a sign of a real professional, top quality rider.
“To me, whilst Larry (Cassidy) hasn’t been here a long while, he’s been here every day riding track-work. A couple for Baldwin ... couple for me ... couple for Birchley ... couple for a couple of other trainers. I’m not used to that in Brisbane. Our riders just don’t generally turn up on a regular basis. You will get jockeys who will argue that we turn up and ride work but we don’t get put on. That’s because they don’t turn up regularly. I’m mean, I’ve got to get my horses worked every-day. I have staff that do that, so when riders turn up they make it a little bit easier on my staff and my stable operation, but Larry – with forty Group 1’s – fit, keen, enthusiastic ... pick of my stable mate, you can have what you like. I like to see hard work rewarded. He will be a success here.”
The filly also did a sterling job.
Heathcote: “Ah, she’s tough. There were four negatives today. Every-time I have a runner in a race I think through things beforehand. She can get beat. What are the things that are going to get her beat? There were four negatives going into the race today. One was the back-up (from last Saturday), the 57kg’s, going 1200m on a slow track and drawn barrier nine. So yes, whoever the jockey was, she had a bit to overcome and she did her job well.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “I just let her come back behind them. When they didn’t go that quick, I thought well, if I come out five deep for a run it doesn’t matter now ...providing I’m going easy and she only does what she has to. No, I was never worried. I got in with a bit of cover and I thought that, where the old crossing was, I’d peel her out after that. I didn’t want to give her an impossible start and I was moving well on the turn. I did nothing on her till the 200m ... she was always going to win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Funtantes): 1.90 in to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Teaattheritz (G. Colless) was slow to begin. Near the 900m, Pharonic (J. Bowditch) was placed in restricted room to the inside of Chanfal (M. Palmer) after that horse shifted in and away from Swift Sands (C. Spry). Dorothy raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Funtantes (L. Cassidy) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Street Sign and Kolo, which when racing ungenerously shifted out. Shortly after straightening, Street Sign was buffeted between Funtantes and Kolo, which was endeavouring to shift out to improve. Near the 350m, Funtantes faltered of its own accord. Dorothy was inclined to lay in under pressure over the concluding stages. Flaxen Belle (S. Scriven) and Street Sign raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Stopstart revealed the filly to be suffering from mild heat stress. Following this race the track rating was upgraded to Dead 5.
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Tenfold; 2nd - Yass River; 3rd - Red Sphere
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “With 51kg and going to the front today, actually believe it or not, we were very confident coming in. But it’s very often they come off do they? Not at that price. When Heinrich’s scratched that horse of theirs (Askew) we thought ... it’s too good to be true this. That was the speed in the race. I said, that’s it. The 1400m – that’s his go (the gelding stepped up in distance after chasing over 900m at the Gold Coast in his previous start) and if he was allowed to have he’s own way in front it would play into our hands. We put the blinkers back on again here. He didn’t have to have them on, but we didn’t want him to bust himself and it does switch him back on.
“We bought him about eighteen months ago and he had lots of problems with him. Yeah, he just kept going sore. He had real bad feet. So we tipped him out and got him right. Then, to have everything go our way in the race. It was a big result for us.”
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls: “He had a very light weight today and he got it easy by himself out in front. I knew we had a kick on the corner. It was just a question of whether they could pick her up or not – and they couldn’t.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tenfold): 26.00 out to 31.00 in to 26.00.
Equal favourite (Red Sphere): 5.00 out to 5.50 in to 5.00. Finished third.
Equal favourite (Viking Storm): 4.00 out to 5.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Three Little Words (J. Bowditch) had to be checked on jumping away when tightened for room between Pride Of Power (S. Galloway) and Tenfold (L. Rolls), which shifted out after jumping away awkwardly. Ready When You Are (J. Taylor) and Viking Storm (S. Seamer) were slow to begin. Three Little Words over-raced in the early stages. Columate (R. McMahon) raced wide until near the 900m. Pelltro (B. Evans) and Gatakers Bay (B. El-Issa) raced wide for the majority of the event. Tenfold lost its near-hind plate in running.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of Tenfold, trainer M. Eggleston stated that, in his opinion, the addition of blinkers and step up in distance of today's event had assisted in the horse's performance. He added that Tenfold had had problems and he experienced difficulties getting the gelding to peak fitness through track-work, however with the number of runs in this campaign, Tenfold had reached peak fitness. A post race veterinary examination of Ready When You Are failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
NMW Handicap - 1815m
1st - Encosta Tszyu; 2nd - King Artist; 3rd - Tipsy Piggy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “Early on he just wasn’t travelling with the pace going that quick, so I just let the two horses outside me cross us. He just travelled beautifully from there on, you know. On straightening up he was in tight room. I was able to manoeuvre and give him a tick inside Larry (Cassidy – the rider on Tipsy Piggy). I passed Larry and said see you mate. It was all over! He’s a happy horse now. When he first came in to the stable he wasn’t quite right. Then they gelded him and everything. Brian’s done a great job with him. He responds straight away when you ask him. He has got gears this horse. We hadn’t even gone through them yet and the race was over. I just gave him a couple just to let him know to keep going, but I never really opened him up.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Encosta Tszyu): 5.50 out to 6.50.
Favourite (Havayarn): 2.70 out to 3.10. Finished tenth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1600m, Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) had to be checked when attempting a run to the inside of I’m So Stunning where there was doubtful room. Tipsy Piggy (L. Cassidy) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Tipsy Piggy improved up on to the heels of Havayarn and had to be steadied. As a result, Tipsy Piggy shifted wider on the track. Shortly after straightening, Havayarn, which was weakening, was hampered between Iluva Queenslander and Encosta Tszyu, which shifted out to improve. Kings Artist (B. El-Issa), which was following, was momentarily inconvenienced. Kings Artist was then held up for a short distance. Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Golders Road (M. Palmer) raced wide for the majority of the event. Tims Image lost its near-hind plate in running.
A post race veterinary examination of Havayarn revealed the gelding to be sore in the near hind leg. A swab sample was taken from Havayarn. Trainer A. Bailey was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Havayarn prior to its next race start. The veterinary surgeon also reported that I’m So Stunning was sore in the off-fore fetlock. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for I’m So Stunning prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
3yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Spanish Fling; 2nd - Poor Judge; 3rd - The Crusader
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “She’s shown great promise right from day one. She won her first start in a race. She had a couple of unfortunate things, but she raced very well in her second and third start. She won her fourth. She probably needed the break ... but she’s come back. I think she’s got the makings of a very good racehorse. When I went to the sales and I saw her, I said, I’m not going home without here. Have a look at her. She’s very impressive. I’ll be looking at some of those nice fillies races during the Winter for her now.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “Pat (Duff) has a bit of an opinion of him. He said it might take fifty yards or so to get into its gear, which she did. But when she found it, she’s got a very high cruising speed. It was just a sit and steer ride.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Spanish Fling): 4.40 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Boogiewoogie (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Passing the 600m, Poor Judge (J. Taylor) and Showit (E. Wilkinson) were buffeted between Rhodamine (R. Agnew) and Meet George (L. Rolls), which shifted in for a short distance. Meet George (L. Rolls), Showit (E. Wilkinson) and Pandemonia (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. Trainer R. Heathcote advised that Brilliantes will now be sent for an immediate spell. A post race veterinary examination of Meet George failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Ezi Girl had sustained a laceration to the gum. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4.
Race 5:
2MW-Last Year Handicap - 1000m
1st - Burdekin Blues; 2nd - Azzaland; 3rd - Sir Monashee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “He ran a couple of times on slow tracks and he got good enough results, but I know that on those slow tracks he raced six lengths below his best – and I’ve always said that. He’s a better horse on top of the ground. I don’t know if the Mr. Sheahan (the owner) will let me take him to Melbourne, because they will be smart down there and he’d have to handle the other way of going. Shane Scriven rode him in work here the opposite way. He’s worked three-quarter pace on the course proper - he’s never galloped it - but Shane says he thinks the horse will adapt to it.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy (who completed a double on the day): “Oh look, he’s a machine. He is very easy to ride. He’s got good speed and I’m sure he could relax and race second or third if you want him to. I think when he gets it on top of the ground he will be even better. When I first had a look inside and out (shortly after entering the straight), I thought that can’t be right, I’d better have another look. So I did ... with the same result. He’d just left them that far behind. I’d like to keep the ride, but the way he goes I think even Barry (Baldwin) could ride him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Burdekin Blues): 1.70 out to 1.75 in to 1.65.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARD REPORT EXTRACT:
Sequallan (R. Agnew), Sectagonal (G. Colless), Barons Court (O. Turpin) and Nessuno (C. McIver) were a little slow to begin. A post race veterinary examination of Sir Breakfast failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 6:
F&M Class 6 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Malela; 2nd - Morgalicious; 3rd - Belles Opinion
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kevin Kemp: “The owner rang me and said have you got room for a horse. I said no. It turned up the next day. I reckoned, I’ve got a horse here but no space for it. So I sacked one of my other horses. She jumped at the barriers and missed it a bit last time (when finishing second at Ipswich) and then made ground late.” That run was over 1350m. This time the distance was 1500m. “She loved the extra ground. She has already won a couple over a mile. I knew going into today it would be a long price, but we really wanted to start. The owners and I were tossing up and I said look it’s a fillies and mares Class 6, the favourites only won three, let’s run. She’s still only had nine starts. She is a mare on the way up.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “She’s still got a little bit to learn, but I just got the best run ever into it. Everything opened up and she just let down really good. She’s still a bit green like, when I was under pressure and when she hit the front she star-gazed a little bit, but it was a pretty good effort. The more racing she gets the better she will be.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Malela): 21.00 steady.
Favourite (Morgalicious): 3.80 out to 4.20 in to 3.80. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1000m, La Bella Luisa (S. Galloway) improved onto the heels of Malela (R. McMahon) and had to be steadied. Near the 200m, Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch), which shifted in, and Kenshe (R. Wiggins), which shifted out. Both J. Bowditch, rider of Born To Hunt, and R. Wiggins, rider of Kenshe, were reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future. Kenshe continued to shift out and near the 100m bumped Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch). Seconde (O. Turpin), Hussonova (S. Seamer) and Tellemtogo (B. El-Issa) raced wide throughout. La Bella Luisa lost its near hind plate in running.
Race 7:
F&M Quality, Listed Handicap - 1200m
1st - Satsang; 2nd - Ugly Betty; 3rd - Michelle Cafea
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “She’s probably crying out for 1400m, but what a gallant run. She was back near the tail of the field, off the bit chasing ... but this boy has ridden her a treat. I didn’t think she was going to get the luck, you know, but all the praise to him and I’m just so proud of the mare. She never gives up trying. She’s had bad barriers, but the first day we had a good barrier she won a Listed race. I was watching in the trainers’ room. I thought we’d run second but Pat Duff was with me and he said, ‘you’ve got it.’
“This time in I told the owners I’d decided I wanted to stick with one jockey and I’m very impressed with this little guy. I wanted one jockey because previously there wasn’t a regular jockey so nobody got to know her. He’s ridden her a treat today and he knows her now so it’s turned out well.
“The result is good for the owners for breeding, you know, being a Listed race. Thanks to Queensland Racing for having these Listed fillies and mares races. It’s wonderful for our owners. We are lucky to have them. You see the Sydney people came for the race. It gives us good racing.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “I was in trouble for a long way. I had to really scrub her along early. At the 500m I had to put a couple on her, just because she was in-between horses and she doesn’t race in-between horses. You got to realise, she is a very difficult horse. Basically, once Ugly Betty started to get a run through and I was on the back of Larry (Cassidy – Ugly Betty’s rider), Larry kept being carted wider and wider, but I sort of had no option but to go out with him. Had I gone back inside it would have been completely over. So I thought, well, I might look like a fool, but I’ll keep going on the outside. I know the horse inside-out and back to front and that’s her pattern of racing. I just put my head down and kept going to the line – and we got there, which was good. I’m just grateful to John and Helen and all of the connections for allowing me to keep the association with the horse. I’m not just saying this because I brought it back, but she is a very, very hard horse to ride and I am grateful they kept me on.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Satsang): 7.00 steady.
Favourite (Ugly Betty): 3.70 in to 3.20. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After jumping away awkwardly, Momentously raced ungenerously in the early stages and near the 800m had to be steadied when tightened for room between Allaboutus and Satsang (M. Palmer) which shifted out. Between the 700m and 600m, Tsutsumi (S. Galloway) were obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Moppett (J. Bowditch), which was taken in slightly by Michelle Cafea (A. Spinks). Rounding the home turn, Ugly Betty (L. Cassidy) shifted out, forcing Quizzical Lady (S. Scriven) wider on the track. Momentously hung out rounding the home turn and for the majority of the straight, and near the 300m had to be steadied off the heels of Where’smine (K. Cunningham). Momentously continued to lay out for the remainder of the race. Near the 200m, Michelle Cafea shifted out and brushed Ugly Betty (L. Cassidy). Where’smine (K. Cunningham) and Allaboutus (J. Taylor) raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned co-trainer Mr Jason McLachlan regarding the tactics adopted on Key Bar Nights today as opposed to its last three starts. Mr McLachlan stated that at the horse's last three starts it had drawn wide and they believed it was in the best interests of the mare to ride it quieter. He further added that blinkers were placed on the horse for the first time today, and with the benefit of the inside alley, decided to ride Key Bar Nights forward, which has been the most successful manner in which to ride the mare. Stewards noted Mr McLachlan's comments, however he was admonished for failing to inform stewards of their intention to ride the horse differently today.
A post race veterinary examination of Allaboutus failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Kneel And Raise; 2nd - Sir Teles; 3rd - Queen Of Asia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tom Dougall: “He is a very hard-trying, honest horse. I was as confident as you could be going into the race. Beautifully ridden. I would actually like to try him over a bit further. He may settle a bit better in a slow tempo race ... hopefully ... but that remains to be seen. He’s just a lovely horse with a beautiful temperament.”
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who completed a double on the day): “He just travelled nicely about three lengths off the leader. So I just took my time. He responded the minute I pushed the button and he let down well and really hit the line good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kneel And Raise): 2.80 out to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shady Prospect (L. Cassidy) jumped away awkwardly. Eagle Heights (A. Spinks) blundered on jumping away and a short distance later faltered. Near the 900m, Kneel And Raise (L. Rolls) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Aladdins Lion (R. McMahon), which shifted in. R. McMahon, rider of Aladdins Lion, was reprimanded. Audubon (R. Wiggins) over-raced in the early and middle stages. L. Cassidy, rider of Shady Prospect reported that his saddle shifted back on entering the straight and, in his opinion, resulted in Shady prospect failing to stretch out down the home straight. Shortly after entering the straight, Eagle Heights was retired from the event. A post race veterinary examination of Eagle Heights failed to reveal any abnormalities other than the horse had lost its near fore plate in running. Trainer J. Ryan's representative Mr K. Schweida, was advised that he must obtain a veterinary clearance for Eagle Heights prior to its next race start. M. Hughes, rider of Wigndove, dropped his whip passing the 100m.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Havayarn
It was the day Larry Cassidy came to town. The accomplished jockey has a pedigree synonymous with success and his presence immediately penetrated the psyche of both local race-goers and local riders.
Every horse Cassidy rode received a second glance from most punters. In the end, three of his mounts started as favourite. He won on two of them - Funtantes and Burdekin Blues - and he was touched off in the last stride on Ugly Betty.
As far as his fellow riders are concerned, their comments now include the likes of, ‘I was able to manoeuvre inside Larry” ... “I passed Larry and said see you mate” (see race 3) and, “I was on the back of Larry” (see race 7).
Trainer Robert Heathcote had some illuminating remarks to make about Cassidy’s work ethic (see race 1). Heathcote’s comments go a long way to explaining the fact that Cassidy, on his first day at the office in Brisbane, was the only rider to have a full book of rides (before scratchings).
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls matched Cassidy’s effort of piloting home two winners. Rolls scored with an enterprising front-running ride on the outsider Tenfold (for trainer Mel Eggleston) and he then showed his prowess in a fighting finish when taking out the last race aboard Kneel And Raise (for trainer Tom Dougall).
Burdekin Blues’ effortless victory when winning first-up in runaway fashion was a performance highlight. The Barry Baldwin trained gelding has now won six out of ten starts and he could be heading to Melbourne to flex his muscles down south. The Brian Smith trained Encosta Tszyu is another on a roll and he completed a hat trick of wins (to remain unbeaten this preparation) in a most impressive fashion. Spanish Fling, a lightly raced three-year-old with the high strike-rate, also caught the eye. Trainer Pat Duff believes she has the making of a very good racehorse. The two-year-old Funtantes is also one who added to his reputation by winning for the second time in only three starts.
Satsang took the honours for guts and perseverance. From the position she was in at the halfway up the straight it was easier for Satsang to lose than to win, but, under the determined urgings of apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer, the mare ambushed them all right on the line to take away the spoils.
Ten Toowoomba trainers came to town. Two went home with winners. Kevin Kemp struck with the New Zealand bred Malela, who won in convincing fashion, while Tom Dougall triumphed with Kneel And Raise, who has now saluted in five of his twelve starts. The gelding also has five minor placings to his credit.
Race 1:
2yo Fillies Handicap - 1200m
1st - Funtanes; 2nd - Craiglea Bella; 3rd - Pharonic
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Rob Heathcote: “She’s very good there is no doubting that. But did you notice how, when things didn’t work out ... she missed the start, held wide ... did you see what Cassidy did? He eased her out of the speed battle, balanced her up, waited until the right time ... did you see a couple of times she dipped up the straight ... he never went for her until he had to. That’s a sign of a real professional, top quality rider.
“To me, whilst Larry (Cassidy) hasn’t been here a long while, he’s been here every day riding track-work. A couple for Baldwin ... couple for me ... couple for Birchley ... couple for a couple of other trainers. I’m not used to that in Brisbane. Our riders just don’t generally turn up on a regular basis. You will get jockeys who will argue that we turn up and ride work but we don’t get put on. That’s because they don’t turn up regularly. I’m mean, I’ve got to get my horses worked every-day. I have staff that do that, so when riders turn up they make it a little bit easier on my staff and my stable operation, but Larry – with forty Group 1’s – fit, keen, enthusiastic ... pick of my stable mate, you can have what you like. I like to see hard work rewarded. He will be a success here.”
The filly also did a sterling job.
Heathcote: “Ah, she’s tough. There were four negatives today. Every-time I have a runner in a race I think through things beforehand. She can get beat. What are the things that are going to get her beat? There were four negatives going into the race today. One was the back-up (from last Saturday), the 57kg’s, going 1200m on a slow track and drawn barrier nine. So yes, whoever the jockey was, she had a bit to overcome and she did her job well.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy: “I just let her come back behind them. When they didn’t go that quick, I thought well, if I come out five deep for a run it doesn’t matter now ...providing I’m going easy and she only does what she has to. No, I was never worried. I got in with a bit of cover and I thought that, where the old crossing was, I’d peel her out after that. I didn’t want to give her an impossible start and I was moving well on the turn. I did nothing on her till the 200m ... she was always going to win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Funtantes): 1.90 in to 1.80.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Teaattheritz (G. Colless) was slow to begin. Near the 900m, Pharonic (J. Bowditch) was placed in restricted room to the inside of Chanfal (M. Palmer) after that horse shifted in and away from Swift Sands (C. Spry). Dorothy raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Funtantes (L. Cassidy) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Street Sign and Kolo, which when racing ungenerously shifted out. Shortly after straightening, Street Sign was buffeted between Funtantes and Kolo, which was endeavouring to shift out to improve. Near the 350m, Funtantes faltered of its own accord. Dorothy was inclined to lay in under pressure over the concluding stages. Flaxen Belle (S. Scriven) and Street Sign raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Stopstart revealed the filly to be suffering from mild heat stress. Following this race the track rating was upgraded to Dead 5.
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Tenfold; 2nd - Yass River; 3rd - Red Sphere
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mel Eggleston: “With 51kg and going to the front today, actually believe it or not, we were very confident coming in. But it’s very often they come off do they? Not at that price. When Heinrich’s scratched that horse of theirs (Askew) we thought ... it’s too good to be true this. That was the speed in the race. I said, that’s it. The 1400m – that’s his go (the gelding stepped up in distance after chasing over 900m at the Gold Coast in his previous start) and if he was allowed to have he’s own way in front it would play into our hands. We put the blinkers back on again here. He didn’t have to have them on, but we didn’t want him to bust himself and it does switch him back on.
“We bought him about eighteen months ago and he had lots of problems with him. Yeah, he just kept going sore. He had real bad feet. So we tipped him out and got him right. Then, to have everything go our way in the race. It was a big result for us.”
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls: “He had a very light weight today and he got it easy by himself out in front. I knew we had a kick on the corner. It was just a question of whether they could pick her up or not – and they couldn’t.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Tenfold): 26.00 out to 31.00 in to 26.00.
Equal favourite (Red Sphere): 5.00 out to 5.50 in to 5.00. Finished third.
Equal favourite (Viking Storm): 4.00 out to 5.00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Three Little Words (J. Bowditch) had to be checked on jumping away when tightened for room between Pride Of Power (S. Galloway) and Tenfold (L. Rolls), which shifted out after jumping away awkwardly. Ready When You Are (J. Taylor) and Viking Storm (S. Seamer) were slow to begin. Three Little Words over-raced in the early stages. Columate (R. McMahon) raced wide until near the 900m. Pelltro (B. Evans) and Gatakers Bay (B. El-Issa) raced wide for the majority of the event. Tenfold lost its near-hind plate in running.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of Tenfold, trainer M. Eggleston stated that, in his opinion, the addition of blinkers and step up in distance of today's event had assisted in the horse's performance. He added that Tenfold had had problems and he experienced difficulties getting the gelding to peak fitness through track-work, however with the number of runs in this campaign, Tenfold had reached peak fitness. A post race veterinary examination of Ready When You Are failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
NMW Handicap - 1815m
1st - Encosta Tszyu; 2nd - King Artist; 3rd - Tipsy Piggy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “Early on he just wasn’t travelling with the pace going that quick, so I just let the two horses outside me cross us. He just travelled beautifully from there on, you know. On straightening up he was in tight room. I was able to manoeuvre and give him a tick inside Larry (Cassidy – the rider on Tipsy Piggy). I passed Larry and said see you mate. It was all over! He’s a happy horse now. When he first came in to the stable he wasn’t quite right. Then they gelded him and everything. Brian’s done a great job with him. He responds straight away when you ask him. He has got gears this horse. We hadn’t even gone through them yet and the race was over. I just gave him a couple just to let him know to keep going, but I never really opened him up.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Encosta Tszyu): 5.50 out to 6.50.
Favourite (Havayarn): 2.70 out to 3.10. Finished tenth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1600m, Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) had to be checked when attempting a run to the inside of I’m So Stunning where there was doubtful room. Tipsy Piggy (L. Cassidy) raced wide in the early stages. Near the 700m, Tipsy Piggy improved up on to the heels of Havayarn and had to be steadied. As a result, Tipsy Piggy shifted wider on the track. Shortly after straightening, Havayarn, which was weakening, was hampered between Iluva Queenslander and Encosta Tszyu, which shifted out to improve. Kings Artist (B. El-Issa), which was following, was momentarily inconvenienced. Kings Artist was then held up for a short distance. Shuffle The Cash (K. Forrester) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Golders Road (M. Palmer) raced wide for the majority of the event. Tims Image lost its near-hind plate in running.
A post race veterinary examination of Havayarn revealed the gelding to be sore in the near hind leg. A swab sample was taken from Havayarn. Trainer A. Bailey was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for Havayarn prior to its next race start. The veterinary surgeon also reported that I’m So Stunning was sore in the off-fore fetlock. Trainer B. Baldwin was advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for I’m So Stunning prior to its next race start.
Race 4:
3yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Spanish Fling; 2nd - Poor Judge; 3rd - The Crusader
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Pat Duff: “She’s shown great promise right from day one. She won her first start in a race. She had a couple of unfortunate things, but she raced very well in her second and third start. She won her fourth. She probably needed the break ... but she’s come back. I think she’s got the makings of a very good racehorse. When I went to the sales and I saw her, I said, I’m not going home without here. Have a look at her. She’s very impressive. I’ll be looking at some of those nice fillies races during the Winter for her now.”
Jockey Glen Colless: “Pat (Duff) has a bit of an opinion of him. He said it might take fifty yards or so to get into its gear, which she did. But when she found it, she’s got a very high cruising speed. It was just a sit and steer ride.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Spanish Fling): 4.40 steady.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mr Boogiewoogie (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Passing the 600m, Poor Judge (J. Taylor) and Showit (E. Wilkinson) were buffeted between Rhodamine (R. Agnew) and Meet George (L. Rolls), which shifted in for a short distance. Meet George (L. Rolls), Showit (E. Wilkinson) and Pandemonia (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. Trainer R. Heathcote advised that Brilliantes will now be sent for an immediate spell. A post race veterinary examination of Meet George failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. The club's veterinary surgeon also reported that Ezi Girl had sustained a laceration to the gum. Following this event the track rating was upgraded to Dead 4.
Race 5:
2MW-Last Year Handicap - 1000m
1st - Burdekin Blues; 2nd - Azzaland; 3rd - Sir Monashee
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Barry Baldwin: “He ran a couple of times on slow tracks and he got good enough results, but I know that on those slow tracks he raced six lengths below his best – and I’ve always said that. He’s a better horse on top of the ground. I don’t know if the Mr. Sheahan (the owner) will let me take him to Melbourne, because they will be smart down there and he’d have to handle the other way of going. Shane Scriven rode him in work here the opposite way. He’s worked three-quarter pace on the course proper - he’s never galloped it - but Shane says he thinks the horse will adapt to it.”
Jockey Larry Cassidy (who completed a double on the day): “Oh look, he’s a machine. He is very easy to ride. He’s got good speed and I’m sure he could relax and race second or third if you want him to. I think when he gets it on top of the ground he will be even better. When I first had a look inside and out (shortly after entering the straight), I thought that can’t be right, I’d better have another look. So I did ... with the same result. He’d just left them that far behind. I’d like to keep the ride, but the way he goes I think even Barry (Baldwin) could ride him.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Burdekin Blues): 1.70 out to 1.75 in to 1.65.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARD REPORT EXTRACT:
Sequallan (R. Agnew), Sectagonal (G. Colless), Barons Court (O. Turpin) and Nessuno (C. McIver) were a little slow to begin. A post race veterinary examination of Sir Breakfast failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 6:
F&M Class 6 Handicap - 1500m
1st - Malela; 2nd - Morgalicious; 3rd - Belles Opinion
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kevin Kemp: “The owner rang me and said have you got room for a horse. I said no. It turned up the next day. I reckoned, I’ve got a horse here but no space for it. So I sacked one of my other horses. She jumped at the barriers and missed it a bit last time (when finishing second at Ipswich) and then made ground late.” That run was over 1350m. This time the distance was 1500m. “She loved the extra ground. She has already won a couple over a mile. I knew going into today it would be a long price, but we really wanted to start. The owners and I were tossing up and I said look it’s a fillies and mares Class 6, the favourites only won three, let’s run. She’s still only had nine starts. She is a mare on the way up.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “She’s still got a little bit to learn, but I just got the best run ever into it. Everything opened up and she just let down really good. She’s still a bit green like, when I was under pressure and when she hit the front she star-gazed a little bit, but it was a pretty good effort. The more racing she gets the better she will be.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Malela): 21.00 steady.
Favourite (Morgalicious): 3.80 out to 4.20 in to 3.80. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Passing the 1000m, La Bella Luisa (S. Galloway) improved onto the heels of Malela (R. McMahon) and had to be steadied. Near the 200m, Riseupsinging (E. Wilkinson) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch), which shifted in, and Kenshe (R. Wiggins), which shifted out. Both J. Bowditch, rider of Born To Hunt, and R. Wiggins, rider of Kenshe, were reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future. Kenshe continued to shift out and near the 100m bumped Born To Hunt (J. Bowditch). Seconde (O. Turpin), Hussonova (S. Seamer) and Tellemtogo (B. El-Issa) raced wide throughout. La Bella Luisa lost its near hind plate in running.
Race 7:
F&M Quality, Listed Handicap - 1200m
1st - Satsang; 2nd - Ugly Betty; 3rd - Michelle Cafea
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “She’s probably crying out for 1400m, but what a gallant run. She was back near the tail of the field, off the bit chasing ... but this boy has ridden her a treat. I didn’t think she was going to get the luck, you know, but all the praise to him and I’m just so proud of the mare. She never gives up trying. She’s had bad barriers, but the first day we had a good barrier she won a Listed race. I was watching in the trainers’ room. I thought we’d run second but Pat Duff was with me and he said, ‘you’ve got it.’
“This time in I told the owners I’d decided I wanted to stick with one jockey and I’m very impressed with this little guy. I wanted one jockey because previously there wasn’t a regular jockey so nobody got to know her. He’s ridden her a treat today and he knows her now so it’s turned out well.
“The result is good for the owners for breeding, you know, being a Listed race. Thanks to Queensland Racing for having these Listed fillies and mares races. It’s wonderful for our owners. We are lucky to have them. You see the Sydney people came for the race. It gives us good racing.”
Apprentice jockey Matthew Palmer: “I was in trouble for a long way. I had to really scrub her along early. At the 500m I had to put a couple on her, just because she was in-between horses and she doesn’t race in-between horses. You got to realise, she is a very difficult horse. Basically, once Ugly Betty started to get a run through and I was on the back of Larry (Cassidy – Ugly Betty’s rider), Larry kept being carted wider and wider, but I sort of had no option but to go out with him. Had I gone back inside it would have been completely over. So I thought, well, I might look like a fool, but I’ll keep going on the outside. I know the horse inside-out and back to front and that’s her pattern of racing. I just put my head down and kept going to the line – and we got there, which was good. I’m just grateful to John and Helen and all of the connections for allowing me to keep the association with the horse. I’m not just saying this because I brought it back, but she is a very, very hard horse to ride and I am grateful they kept me on.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Satsang): 7.00 steady.
Favourite (Ugly Betty): 3.70 in to 3.20. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After jumping away awkwardly, Momentously raced ungenerously in the early stages and near the 800m had to be steadied when tightened for room between Allaboutus and Satsang (M. Palmer) which shifted out. Between the 700m and 600m, Tsutsumi (S. Galloway) were obliged to race in restricted room to the inside of Moppett (J. Bowditch), which was taken in slightly by Michelle Cafea (A. Spinks). Rounding the home turn, Ugly Betty (L. Cassidy) shifted out, forcing Quizzical Lady (S. Scriven) wider on the track. Momentously hung out rounding the home turn and for the majority of the straight, and near the 300m had to be steadied off the heels of Where’smine (K. Cunningham). Momentously continued to lay out for the remainder of the race. Near the 200m, Michelle Cafea shifted out and brushed Ugly Betty (L. Cassidy). Where’smine (K. Cunningham) and Allaboutus (J. Taylor) raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned co-trainer Mr Jason McLachlan regarding the tactics adopted on Key Bar Nights today as opposed to its last three starts. Mr McLachlan stated that at the horse's last three starts it had drawn wide and they believed it was in the best interests of the mare to ride it quieter. He further added that blinkers were placed on the horse for the first time today, and with the benefit of the inside alley, decided to ride Key Bar Nights forward, which has been the most successful manner in which to ride the mare. Stewards noted Mr McLachlan's comments, however he was admonished for failing to inform stewards of their intention to ride the horse differently today.
A post race veterinary examination of Allaboutus failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1200m
1st - Kneel And Raise; 2nd - Sir Teles; 3rd - Queen Of Asia
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tom Dougall: “He is a very hard-trying, honest horse. I was as confident as you could be going into the race. Beautifully ridden. I would actually like to try him over a bit further. He may settle a bit better in a slow tempo race ... hopefully ... but that remains to be seen. He’s just a lovely horse with a beautiful temperament.”
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who completed a double on the day): “He just travelled nicely about three lengths off the leader. So I just took my time. He responded the minute I pushed the button and he let down well and really hit the line good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kneel And Raise): 2.80 out to 3.60.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shady Prospect (L. Cassidy) jumped away awkwardly. Eagle Heights (A. Spinks) blundered on jumping away and a short distance later faltered. Near the 900m, Kneel And Raise (L. Rolls) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Aladdins Lion (R. McMahon), which shifted in. R. McMahon, rider of Aladdins Lion, was reprimanded. Audubon (R. Wiggins) over-raced in the early and middle stages. L. Cassidy, rider of Shady Prospect reported that his saddle shifted back on entering the straight and, in his opinion, resulted in Shady prospect failing to stretch out down the home straight. Shortly after entering the straight, Eagle Heights was retired from the event. A post race veterinary examination of Eagle Heights failed to reveal any abnormalities other than the horse had lost its near fore plate in running. Trainer J. Ryan's representative Mr K. Schweida, was advised that he must obtain a veterinary clearance for Eagle Heights prior to its next race start. M. Hughes, rider of Wigndove, dropped his whip passing the 100m.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Havayarn
Thursday, January 22, 2009
IPSWICH REVIEW (WED, JAN 21)
A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Wednesday, January 21.
Race 1:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1680m
1st - Island Tycoon; 2nd - Hard Luck; 3rd - Battle Of Kapyong
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “His mother (Vulnerable) won an Oaks in Western Australia. He did a good job here second-up over 1680m. He’s run a slow time, but he is out of a staying family. He wasn’t pressured to do anything more. All you can do is win your race.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Island Tycoon): 2.00 out to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start, Thumpa Girl (A. Merritt) shifted out and brushed the hind quarters of Island Tycoon. Thumpa Girl then bucked and was retired from the race. Connections were advised that Thumpa Girl must trial satisfactorily before racing again. Full On Party (W. Clasohm) was inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. Near the 600m, Golden Chase (M. Hellyer) had to be steadied and eased away from the heels of the tiring Full On Party.
Full On Party and Eyesagreen (A. Spinks) both compounded over the latter stages of the race and finished a distance from the main body of the field. Post race veterinary examinations of both horses failed to reveal any abnormalities. The connections of Full On Party and Eyesagreen were advised to restrict their horses racing to country areas until such time as their form had improved to a standard of competitiveness for TAB meetings.
Race 2:
3yo & Up CG&E Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Brave Attempt; 2nd - Status King; 3rd - Tora San
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tina Cotsiopoulos: “He got his tongue over the bit in his first start for me at Eagle Farm. We put the tongue tie on him today and I think it made the difference. He did a good job but he had to work hard and I think he’d had enough at the end, although I do think he’ll get a little bit further as time goes on.”
Jockey Andrew Spinks: “He was first-up on a heavy track at Eagle Farm last time. Being first-up on a heavy track takes a lot out of a horse ... and he got his tongue over the bit as well. Today the going was on top of the ground and they put the tongue-tie on him. Different result. He still knocked up the last bit. He missed ... no, he didn’t miss a gallop through the week, but he just didn’t work hard enough in it. I didn’t ride him in the gallop. I just thought he should have gone harder. Another day I galloped him myself and made him work a bit harder. He’ll improve. I think he’s going to go a lot better.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Brave Attempt): 15.00 steady.
Favourite (Bi Qualo): 3.40 out to 3.80 in to 2.60. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Galaxy Stalker became fractious in the barriers and dislodged its rider, K. Wharton. The horse then broke loose from the barriers and the start was delayed for several minutes until the horse was recaptured. Trainer S. Watters was advised that Galaxy Stalker must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start.
Raw Sienna (J. Taylor), which jumped away awkwardly, was cramped shortly after the start between Tora San (M. Hellyer), which jumped inwards, and Another Sequalo (E. Kehoe), which missed the start and shifted outwards. Bi Qualo (G. Colless) was tightened for room on jumping away between Lightning BLue (T. Pannell), which jumped away awkwardly, and El Khartum (T. Treichel), which jumped outwards. Another Sequalo was inclined to over-race approaching the first turn. Lightning Blue (T. Pannell) raced three wide for the entire race. Tora San was inclined to lay out throughout.
When questioned regarding the performance of Another Sequalo, trainer S. Randall stated that the horse had worked well in preparation for today's race and was at a loss to explain the disappointing performance. Apprentice E. Kehoe stated that Another Sequalo travelled well until the 600m, however the horse could not sprint when the pace quickened and did not finish the race off as expected in light of its previous start at Murwillumbah when it ran home well on a rain affected track. Trainer S. Randall undertook to notify stewards of any abnormality that may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance today. A post race veterinary examination of Another Sequalo failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3:
3yo & Up F&M Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Comatose; 2nd - Manaudou; 3rd - Ready Now General
Trainer Shaun Dwyer: “It’s a nice filly. She’s a half sister to a horse I’ve got called Unapred. She’s very well bred. I thought she would have won better than that to be honest. But when she got behind them, he (apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer) said she just didn’t want to race. Yeah, so she’s got a lot to learn by the look of it. I thought she might be well above average, and she still might be too. She might just take a little bit longer to get there.”
Apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer: “It was a hard fought win, but you’ve got to look at the time its run home. It ran home in thirty-three and a half. It flew home. I jumped it out the other day and it trialled enormous. I said to Shaun (Dwyer) I got to get onto this thing. I think it is a certainly. I was worried about the favourite, you know it has run good races, but I just couldn’t deny her on her trail the other day.
“Shaun wanted me to lead on her. I jumped out and I was off the bit scrubbing. I could not get to the lead, so I’ve taken the sit and as soon as I went ‘whoa’ she comes back too much – much more than you want, and the whole of the rest of the race I was off the bit most of the way. Like she barely, barely travelled. Shaun said don’t move on her until you get into the straight and get her balanced, because when she raced here first time she came off the track and didn’t handle the turn well. So on the home turn I was barely niggling at it and I didn’t really get fully serious on it until about 150m out, then I really got serious. I wasn’t one hundred percent confident coming around the home turn, but as soon as I gave her one smack, she kept responding. The other one fought us but my horse has got character as well as ability. It’s got guts and attitude. She’s tiny and that horse she fought out the finish with is much bigger than her but she still beat her. You get a one with both ability and attitude and you’ve got a good horse.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Comatose): 2.40 out to 2.60.
Favourite (Manaudou): 1.80 out to 1.90. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rip Snorter Gal (L. Rolls), which was fractious in the barriers, was slow into stride. Fortynil (K. Wharton) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Passing the 1000m, Fortynil (K. Wharton) had to be steadied when momentarily placed in restricted room by Rip Snorter Gal (L. Rolls), which shifted in away from Laptop Shez (J. Taylor). Leaving the 700m, Rip Snorter Gal had to be checked away from the heels of the tiring Laptop Shez. Near the 200m, Double Royale (A. Spinks) was hampered as a result of Auanne (W. Clasohm) shifting in under pressure. Manaudou (J. Bowditch) was inclined to shift out in the straight, and nearing the finish brushed Comatose (M. Hellyer). Aurora Magic, which raced three wide throughout, was inclined to hang out in the middle stages. A further veterinary examination of Aurora Magic following the race failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post race veterinary examination of Laptop Shez revealed the filly to be sore in both forelegs. The filly's trainer, J. Bayliss, was advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced before the horse again races.
Race 4:
Class 2 Handicap - 1200
1st - Sneaky Squirrel; 2nd - Maharishi; 3rd - Telerian
Trainer Wayne Whitney: “He gets a very nervous.” Whitney was referring to Sneaky Squirrel’s wayward antics on the way to the start. “He doesn’t do it any other time ... in training, at home, anywhere. Only on race-days. We normally put blinkers on going over to the start. We thought we’d take them off this time and see how he goes.”
I asked if the gelding had displayed the tendency to play up at the track from day one.
Whitney: “He was alright his first start. Then we took him to Toowoomba and he didn’t like the night racing and he didn’t like the young boy that was on him. From that time on he has been nervous on race-days. We’ve tried most things to try and improve his manners. Today is the first time he has had a tongue-tie on during a race as well. It’s the new tongue-tie that Ron Maund designed. The other one didn’t seem to work. We tried it on him, but the new one is good. She’s only got a sprint at the end, so the instructions were pretty easy – just hold him, hold him, hold him as long as you can, then finish off.”
Jockey Mandy Radecker: “He’s a bit like his name suggests – sneaky. But, he’s alright. He’s actually not a bad horse underneath it. You’ve got to really let him be ... and just trust him that he’ll get home – and that’s what he did today. He got shuffled back a little further than I wanted. At one stage I thought I’d run fourth, to be honest, but he got a nice run and just got the splits at the right time. To me he is an honest horse and he took the gaps as they came to him.
“The stuff in here (the parade ring) is all just bluff on his part really. You let him take one step forward and he is as good as gold. I hacked him to the gates. I sat up on him. He just carries on beforehand, that’s all. The best we’ve had him is where he rips up the garden at Eagle Farm, but we stay on him. That’s only before the race though. In the race itself, he is actually a lovely ride.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Sneaky Squirrel): 5.00 out to 7,50.
Favourite (Telesto Warrior): 2.80 in to 2.20 out to 2.25. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sneaky Squirrel (M. Radecker) resented the tongue-tie and refused to proceed to the barriers. Permission was granted to remove the tongue-tie from Sneaky Squirrel and refit it at the barriers. A warning was issued to the connections of Sneaky Squirrel in relation to its behaviour. Telesto Warrior (G. Colless) and Maharishi (J. Kropp) came together on jumping away. A short distance later, Telesto Warrior shifted out and brushed Propheteer (M. Hellyer). A Secret Kept (B. Payne) was slow to begin.
Apprentice M. Hellyer reported that Propheteer was inclined to hang out throughout the race and did not finish the race off as expected. App. jockey I. French was severely reprimanded for using his whip excessively from the point of straightening until passing the 200m.
Stewards questioned M. Radecker and trainer W. Whitney as to the riding tactics adopted today as opposed to the general racing pattern of Sneaky Squirrel, in that on most occasions it races handy. Trainer Whitney stated that he had added a tongue-tie for the first time today as he was concerned that the horse may have been choking in its race due to over-racing when ridden on the pace. He further added that in the past the horse had been ridden forward in races of a distance shorter than 1200m, and with the addition of a tongue-tie today he had hoped Sneaky Squirrel would settle midfield, however due to the fast pace when several runners challenged for the lead, the horse settled further back in the field than anticipated. Apprentice Radecker added she had ridden the horse on occasions when settling midfield. Trainer W. Whitney added that Sneaky Squirrel may be better suited racing in this fashion. Stewards advised Mr Whitney of his obligations under the rules should he decide to vary the racing tactics of Sneaky Squirrel.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Dan Ch'I; 2nd - Dubby Boy; 3rd - Fennec Fox
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “He began well and I just positioned him wherever he was comfortable. I got him running comfortable throughout the race and I knew ... I thought the leader was always going to keep on going. But it wasn’t a real good sign for him to keep on going the way he was hanging. He looked like he didn’t want to be here today. I just got a beautiful run up inside him on the fence and the horse just fired. He did his best work over the last fifty.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Dan Ch’I): 7.00 out to 7.50 in to 5.50.
Favourite (County Raider): 2.90 out to 3.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Starelie (R. Wiggins) and Upgrading (G. Colless) missed the start. Roamin’ Off (K. Banks) pulled hard rounding the first turn and the horse raced wide for the entire race. In Stone (S. Seamer) was also wide for the entire race. Dubby Boy (W. Moore) was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. Near the finish line, County Raider (J. Bowditch) was cramped for room by Dan Ch’I (B. Evans), which shifted in under pressure. Kilkenny Queen (C. Eaton) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight. El Corona (C. Whiteley) was obliged to race wide throughout.
Race 6:
Class 2 Handicap - 2150m
1st - Body Double; 2nd - Crocodile Lass; 3rd - Ten Coronas
Trainer Rex Lipp (who saddled the quinella): “I thought her stable-mate was the probably the horse to beat – and that’s the way it worked. At that speed the leaders had to come back to their field and, as Scotty (Seamer) said, this mare’s got no pace early and you can’t make her do what she doesn’t want to do. She had a beautiful run when she came through and she always finishes a race off. She’s a genuine stayer.”
Jockey Scott Seamer: “They set quite a speed up front and she just can’t go the early speed, particularly when they go that fast. She’s a true stayer. She’ll stay all day and the speed helped her get home. With a slow speed she would have been handier.”
I asked Seamer if he always had his stable-mate (Crocodile Lass) covered as the two Rex Lipp trained runners surged forward together.
Seamer: “Yep. I tracked it up and always had it covered. She’s a little bit lazy as well my mare, but she had it well and truly covered, yeah. She did have a bit in hand. She is a better chaser. She won quite well and she’ll win a couple more. She’ll probably graduate to a city class.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Body Double): 2.10 in to 1.95 out to 2.10.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sweet Opinion (R. Wiggins) and Shaddar (J. Letherby) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start.
French Venture (J. Murphy) got its head up and made the first turn awkwardly. As a result, Smart ‘N’ Crafty (G. Colless), Crocodile Lass (B. Evans) and Ella Cinders (R. McMahon) were all inconvenienced and forced wider. R. Wiggins reported that Sweet Opinion hung in throughout the entire race, and near the 800m, the mare hung in and made contact with Smart ‘N’ Crafty, forcing that horse in on to the rails.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Smart ‘N’ Crafty, G. Colless stated that the horse had travelled satisfactorily to the 800m, however at that point he received a bump from Sweet Opinion and as a result was forced in on to the rails and the horse was then under pressure from that point onwards. Trainer R. Heathcote informed stewards that it was his intention to spell the gelding.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1680m
1st - Costa Mucho; 2nd - Bang On Broadway; 3rd - Spin Zero
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “Look, he did a good job. The other day he was outclassed in the Magic Millions race where he got a long way back and they all had an idea of getting out wide that day. I still reckon if he cut the corner he might have finished around the middle of the field. But dropping back in grade, he gave the second horse 4kg so he hasn’t done a bad job. The wide draw wasn’t that much of a disadvantage, but we still had to make a plan. Glen (Colless) said he’d be running fourth or fifth. Well he wasn’t. He was running second. But, however the plan worked out, we got the end result we wanted.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Costa Mucho): 2.50 out to 2.70 in to 2.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After leaving the 1500m, Naniwa (M. Hellyer) which was inclined to over-race, had to be steadied away from the heels of Bay Lady Pay (J. Bowditch). Spin Zero (M. Speers) was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn and made contact with Costa Mucho. At the finish line, Costa Mucho and Spin Zero came together as a result of Spin Zero being inclined to lay out and Costa Mucho shifting in.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners.
Pre-race blood samples: Lucky Latar, Full On Party, Radio Star, French Venture, Silver Smith, Naniwa.
Race 1:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1680m
1st - Island Tycoon; 2nd - Hard Luck; 3rd - Battle Of Kapyong
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida: “His mother (Vulnerable) won an Oaks in Western Australia. He did a good job here second-up over 1680m. He’s run a slow time, but he is out of a staying family. He wasn’t pressured to do anything more. All you can do is win your race.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Island Tycoon): 2.00 out to 2.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after the start, Thumpa Girl (A. Merritt) shifted out and brushed the hind quarters of Island Tycoon. Thumpa Girl then bucked and was retired from the race. Connections were advised that Thumpa Girl must trial satisfactorily before racing again. Full On Party (W. Clasohm) was inclined to over-race rounding the first turn. Near the 600m, Golden Chase (M. Hellyer) had to be steadied and eased away from the heels of the tiring Full On Party.
Full On Party and Eyesagreen (A. Spinks) both compounded over the latter stages of the race and finished a distance from the main body of the field. Post race veterinary examinations of both horses failed to reveal any abnormalities. The connections of Full On Party and Eyesagreen were advised to restrict their horses racing to country areas until such time as their form had improved to a standard of competitiveness for TAB meetings.
Race 2:
3yo & Up CG&E Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Brave Attempt; 2nd - Status King; 3rd - Tora San
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tina Cotsiopoulos: “He got his tongue over the bit in his first start for me at Eagle Farm. We put the tongue tie on him today and I think it made the difference. He did a good job but he had to work hard and I think he’d had enough at the end, although I do think he’ll get a little bit further as time goes on.”
Jockey Andrew Spinks: “He was first-up on a heavy track at Eagle Farm last time. Being first-up on a heavy track takes a lot out of a horse ... and he got his tongue over the bit as well. Today the going was on top of the ground and they put the tongue-tie on him. Different result. He still knocked up the last bit. He missed ... no, he didn’t miss a gallop through the week, but he just didn’t work hard enough in it. I didn’t ride him in the gallop. I just thought he should have gone harder. Another day I galloped him myself and made him work a bit harder. He’ll improve. I think he’s going to go a lot better.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Brave Attempt): 15.00 steady.
Favourite (Bi Qualo): 3.40 out to 3.80 in to 2.60. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Galaxy Stalker became fractious in the barriers and dislodged its rider, K. Wharton. The horse then broke loose from the barriers and the start was delayed for several minutes until the horse was recaptured. Trainer S. Watters was advised that Galaxy Stalker must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start.
Raw Sienna (J. Taylor), which jumped away awkwardly, was cramped shortly after the start between Tora San (M. Hellyer), which jumped inwards, and Another Sequalo (E. Kehoe), which missed the start and shifted outwards. Bi Qualo (G. Colless) was tightened for room on jumping away between Lightning BLue (T. Pannell), which jumped away awkwardly, and El Khartum (T. Treichel), which jumped outwards. Another Sequalo was inclined to over-race approaching the first turn. Lightning Blue (T. Pannell) raced three wide for the entire race. Tora San was inclined to lay out throughout.
When questioned regarding the performance of Another Sequalo, trainer S. Randall stated that the horse had worked well in preparation for today's race and was at a loss to explain the disappointing performance. Apprentice E. Kehoe stated that Another Sequalo travelled well until the 600m, however the horse could not sprint when the pace quickened and did not finish the race off as expected in light of its previous start at Murwillumbah when it ran home well on a rain affected track. Trainer S. Randall undertook to notify stewards of any abnormality that may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance today. A post race veterinary examination of Another Sequalo failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3:
3yo & Up F&M Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Comatose; 2nd - Manaudou; 3rd - Ready Now General
Trainer Shaun Dwyer: “It’s a nice filly. She’s a half sister to a horse I’ve got called Unapred. She’s very well bred. I thought she would have won better than that to be honest. But when she got behind them, he (apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer) said she just didn’t want to race. Yeah, so she’s got a lot to learn by the look of it. I thought she might be well above average, and she still might be too. She might just take a little bit longer to get there.”
Apprentice jockey Michael Hellyer: “It was a hard fought win, but you’ve got to look at the time its run home. It ran home in thirty-three and a half. It flew home. I jumped it out the other day and it trialled enormous. I said to Shaun (Dwyer) I got to get onto this thing. I think it is a certainly. I was worried about the favourite, you know it has run good races, but I just couldn’t deny her on her trail the other day.
“Shaun wanted me to lead on her. I jumped out and I was off the bit scrubbing. I could not get to the lead, so I’ve taken the sit and as soon as I went ‘whoa’ she comes back too much – much more than you want, and the whole of the rest of the race I was off the bit most of the way. Like she barely, barely travelled. Shaun said don’t move on her until you get into the straight and get her balanced, because when she raced here first time she came off the track and didn’t handle the turn well. So on the home turn I was barely niggling at it and I didn’t really get fully serious on it until about 150m out, then I really got serious. I wasn’t one hundred percent confident coming around the home turn, but as soon as I gave her one smack, she kept responding. The other one fought us but my horse has got character as well as ability. It’s got guts and attitude. She’s tiny and that horse she fought out the finish with is much bigger than her but she still beat her. You get a one with both ability and attitude and you’ve got a good horse.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Comatose): 2.40 out to 2.60.
Favourite (Manaudou): 1.80 out to 1.90. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Rip Snorter Gal (L. Rolls), which was fractious in the barriers, was slow into stride. Fortynil (K. Wharton) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start. Passing the 1000m, Fortynil (K. Wharton) had to be steadied when momentarily placed in restricted room by Rip Snorter Gal (L. Rolls), which shifted in away from Laptop Shez (J. Taylor). Leaving the 700m, Rip Snorter Gal had to be checked away from the heels of the tiring Laptop Shez. Near the 200m, Double Royale (A. Spinks) was hampered as a result of Auanne (W. Clasohm) shifting in under pressure. Manaudou (J. Bowditch) was inclined to shift out in the straight, and nearing the finish brushed Comatose (M. Hellyer). Aurora Magic, which raced three wide throughout, was inclined to hang out in the middle stages. A further veterinary examination of Aurora Magic following the race failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post race veterinary examination of Laptop Shez revealed the filly to be sore in both forelegs. The filly's trainer, J. Bayliss, was advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced before the horse again races.
Race 4:
Class 2 Handicap - 1200
1st - Sneaky Squirrel; 2nd - Maharishi; 3rd - Telerian
Trainer Wayne Whitney: “He gets a very nervous.” Whitney was referring to Sneaky Squirrel’s wayward antics on the way to the start. “He doesn’t do it any other time ... in training, at home, anywhere. Only on race-days. We normally put blinkers on going over to the start. We thought we’d take them off this time and see how he goes.”
I asked if the gelding had displayed the tendency to play up at the track from day one.
Whitney: “He was alright his first start. Then we took him to Toowoomba and he didn’t like the night racing and he didn’t like the young boy that was on him. From that time on he has been nervous on race-days. We’ve tried most things to try and improve his manners. Today is the first time he has had a tongue-tie on during a race as well. It’s the new tongue-tie that Ron Maund designed. The other one didn’t seem to work. We tried it on him, but the new one is good. She’s only got a sprint at the end, so the instructions were pretty easy – just hold him, hold him, hold him as long as you can, then finish off.”
Jockey Mandy Radecker: “He’s a bit like his name suggests – sneaky. But, he’s alright. He’s actually not a bad horse underneath it. You’ve got to really let him be ... and just trust him that he’ll get home – and that’s what he did today. He got shuffled back a little further than I wanted. At one stage I thought I’d run fourth, to be honest, but he got a nice run and just got the splits at the right time. To me he is an honest horse and he took the gaps as they came to him.
“The stuff in here (the parade ring) is all just bluff on his part really. You let him take one step forward and he is as good as gold. I hacked him to the gates. I sat up on him. He just carries on beforehand, that’s all. The best we’ve had him is where he rips up the garden at Eagle Farm, but we stay on him. That’s only before the race though. In the race itself, he is actually a lovely ride.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Sneaky Squirrel): 5.00 out to 7,50.
Favourite (Telesto Warrior): 2.80 in to 2.20 out to 2.25. Finished fourth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sneaky Squirrel (M. Radecker) resented the tongue-tie and refused to proceed to the barriers. Permission was granted to remove the tongue-tie from Sneaky Squirrel and refit it at the barriers. A warning was issued to the connections of Sneaky Squirrel in relation to its behaviour. Telesto Warrior (G. Colless) and Maharishi (J. Kropp) came together on jumping away. A short distance later, Telesto Warrior shifted out and brushed Propheteer (M. Hellyer). A Secret Kept (B. Payne) was slow to begin.
Apprentice M. Hellyer reported that Propheteer was inclined to hang out throughout the race and did not finish the race off as expected. App. jockey I. French was severely reprimanded for using his whip excessively from the point of straightening until passing the 200m.
Stewards questioned M. Radecker and trainer W. Whitney as to the riding tactics adopted today as opposed to the general racing pattern of Sneaky Squirrel, in that on most occasions it races handy. Trainer Whitney stated that he had added a tongue-tie for the first time today as he was concerned that the horse may have been choking in its race due to over-racing when ridden on the pace. He further added that in the past the horse had been ridden forward in races of a distance shorter than 1200m, and with the addition of a tongue-tie today he had hoped Sneaky Squirrel would settle midfield, however due to the fast pace when several runners challenged for the lead, the horse settled further back in the field than anticipated. Apprentice Radecker added she had ridden the horse on occasions when settling midfield. Trainer W. Whitney added that Sneaky Squirrel may be better suited racing in this fashion. Stewards advised Mr Whitney of his obligations under the rules should he decide to vary the racing tactics of Sneaky Squirrel.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Dan Ch'I; 2nd - Dubby Boy; 3rd - Fennec Fox
Apprentice jockey Brent Evans: “He began well and I just positioned him wherever he was comfortable. I got him running comfortable throughout the race and I knew ... I thought the leader was always going to keep on going. But it wasn’t a real good sign for him to keep on going the way he was hanging. He looked like he didn’t want to be here today. I just got a beautiful run up inside him on the fence and the horse just fired. He did his best work over the last fifty.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Dan Ch’I): 7.00 out to 7.50 in to 5.50.
Favourite (County Raider): 2.90 out to 3.50. Finished fifth.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Starelie (R. Wiggins) and Upgrading (G. Colless) missed the start. Roamin’ Off (K. Banks) pulled hard rounding the first turn and the horse raced wide for the entire race. In Stone (S. Seamer) was also wide for the entire race. Dubby Boy (W. Moore) was inclined to hang out rounding the home turn. Near the finish line, County Raider (J. Bowditch) was cramped for room by Dan Ch’I (B. Evans), which shifted in under pressure. Kilkenny Queen (C. Eaton) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the straight. El Corona (C. Whiteley) was obliged to race wide throughout.
Race 6:
Class 2 Handicap - 2150m
1st - Body Double; 2nd - Crocodile Lass; 3rd - Ten Coronas
Trainer Rex Lipp (who saddled the quinella): “I thought her stable-mate was the probably the horse to beat – and that’s the way it worked. At that speed the leaders had to come back to their field and, as Scotty (Seamer) said, this mare’s got no pace early and you can’t make her do what she doesn’t want to do. She had a beautiful run when she came through and she always finishes a race off. She’s a genuine stayer.”
Jockey Scott Seamer: “They set quite a speed up front and she just can’t go the early speed, particularly when they go that fast. She’s a true stayer. She’ll stay all day and the speed helped her get home. With a slow speed she would have been handier.”
I asked Seamer if he always had his stable-mate (Crocodile Lass) covered as the two Rex Lipp trained runners surged forward together.
Seamer: “Yep. I tracked it up and always had it covered. She’s a little bit lazy as well my mare, but she had it well and truly covered, yeah. She did have a bit in hand. She is a better chaser. She won quite well and she’ll win a couple more. She’ll probably graduate to a city class.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Body Double): 2.10 in to 1.95 out to 2.10.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sweet Opinion (R. Wiggins) and Shaddar (J. Letherby) jumped away awkwardly and missed the start.
French Venture (J. Murphy) got its head up and made the first turn awkwardly. As a result, Smart ‘N’ Crafty (G. Colless), Crocodile Lass (B. Evans) and Ella Cinders (R. McMahon) were all inconvenienced and forced wider. R. Wiggins reported that Sweet Opinion hung in throughout the entire race, and near the 800m, the mare hung in and made contact with Smart ‘N’ Crafty, forcing that horse in on to the rails.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Smart ‘N’ Crafty, G. Colless stated that the horse had travelled satisfactorily to the 800m, however at that point he received a bump from Sweet Opinion and as a result was forced in on to the rails and the horse was then under pressure from that point onwards. Trainer R. Heathcote informed stewards that it was his intention to spell the gelding.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1680m
1st - Costa Mucho; 2nd - Bang On Broadway; 3rd - Spin Zero
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bryan Guy: “Look, he did a good job. The other day he was outclassed in the Magic Millions race where he got a long way back and they all had an idea of getting out wide that day. I still reckon if he cut the corner he might have finished around the middle of the field. But dropping back in grade, he gave the second horse 4kg so he hasn’t done a bad job. The wide draw wasn’t that much of a disadvantage, but we still had to make a plan. Glen (Colless) said he’d be running fourth or fifth. Well he wasn’t. He was running second. But, however the plan worked out, we got the end result we wanted.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Costa Mucho): 2.50 out to 2.70 in to 2.30.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After leaving the 1500m, Naniwa (M. Hellyer) which was inclined to over-race, had to be steadied away from the heels of Bay Lady Pay (J. Bowditch). Spin Zero (M. Speers) was inclined to lay out rounding the home turn and made contact with Costa Mucho. At the finish line, Costa Mucho and Spin Zero came together as a result of Spin Zero being inclined to lay out and Costa Mucho shifting in.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses:
Horses swabbed:
All winners.
Pre-race blood samples: Lucky Latar, Full On Party, Radio Star, French Venture, Silver Smith, Naniwa.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, JAN 18)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, January 18.
The Con Karakatsanis trained Black Piranha produced a big effort to take out the $100 000 Sunshine Coast Cup. Jockey Tye Angland was forced to make more use of the gelding than he would have liked early on to hold his position, which left the horse racing against his previously established racing pattern, but the five-year-old still had the fire-power to outgun his rivals in a pressurised battle to the line to score a thoroughly deserved victory.
A sparkling return to full race-riding for jockey Damian Brown was the ‘human interest’ story of the day. Browne has been out of the saddle for an extended period after breaking his leg, and then breaking it again when he originally tried to come back. Hopefully his two wins on the day are a pointer to happier times ahead.
Browne shared the day’s riding honours with apprentice jockey Owen Turpin, who survived a nasty spill from his first race winner (which occurred after the line). Turpin was cleared to continue riding for the rest of the day and he later pulled a second winner out of the hat. Turpin’s double puts him on twenty-four winners for the season at the Sunshine Coast – that is a lead of eleven wins over his nearest rival in the local Jockey Premiership.
Trainer Liam Birchley saddled a double on the day.
Race 1:
4yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Azzmy Witness; 2nd - Splendid Hayil; 3rd - Macreedy
Trainer Greg Kennedy: “It was her first run for me. The horse is actually a half-sister to the Bat Out Of Hell winner (Langfibian). The mother, Heaven’s Eyes, has had three foals and they are all winners now. Bellbird Hill has won two out of three starts. Langfibian’s won fourteen, including the Bat Out Of Hell ... and now Azzmy Witness has got her win.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “It didn’t matter whether I hit it or not, it was going to come out anyway.” Turpin was referring to the fact that Azzmy Witness wanted to run out over the last 200m. “Then afterwards she just saw the crossing, hit the skids and did a quick left turn and I went straight over her head. I actually thought that was the end of the day for me, but it wasn’t as bad as it first looked and felt so I was able to carry on.”
Turpin made the day all the more worthwhile by going on to ride a double to further extend his already sizable lead in the Sunshine Coast’s Jockey Premiership.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Elevarte (G. Baker) and Splendid Hayil (M. Palmer) came together on jumping away. Cotto (M. Hughes), which was slow to begin, was further tightened for room between Cheeky Rebel (R. Wiggins) and Azzmy Witness (O. Turpin), both of which shifted ground. Strong Spirit (S. Galloway) was inclined to over-race in the early stages. Approaching the 400m, Cotto (M. Hughes) had a tendency to lay in on to the hind quarters of Regal Milli (M. Heagney). Near the 400m, Cotto shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Hometown Hero (K. Wharton) wider on the track, which resulted in Hometown Hero bumping the hind quarters of The Ay Team (M. Hellyer) and becoming unbalanced for a short distance. Azzmy Witness (O. Turpin) was inclined to shift out under pressure over the final 200m. The Ay Team (M. Hellyer) raced wide for the majority of the event.
O. Turpin was dislodged from Azzmy Witness after passing the finishing post. As O. Turpin was unable to weigh in, stewards, acting under the provisions of AR142, declared all clear on the Judge's numbers as semaphored. After examination by medical staff, O. Turpin was cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Heartsun; 2nd - Rovert; 3rd - Showboat
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stewart Mackinnon: “We spaced his runs because he is a late maturing horse ... a very late maturing horse. We’d had to wait for him. He had a problem with shin-soreness early days. He’s still nowhere near there yet ... a very, very late maturing horse. He just did that on raw ability because they had race fitness on his today. It was good for (jockey) Damian Browne as well to get back. He’s my rider. He broke his leg and the last couple of years he’s hardly ridden, you know. He got back riding and then he broke it again, so he’s been a bit unlucky like that. That’s only his second ride back, so it’s a good morale booster for him.”
Jockey Damian Browne: “He began well from the outside draw. He’s still very green but he won well.”
I suggested that the others seem to come at him soon after entering the straight and, for a moment, it looked like he might be put under pressure.
Browne: “I think it’s his inexperience. He sort of waited on them a little bit. He’s probably going to need blinkers in time. He’ll improve a lot on that run.”
Browne has faced difficult times in recent years.
Browne: “Yeah, I had no luck at all really. I broke my leg, ah ... two-and-a-half, nearly three years ago. I was back for three weeks and I re-broke it when a horse went through the outside fence when it jumped from the barrier wrongly. That was about nine months ago, so it is just good to get back again. Hopefully I’ll last longer than three weeks this time.”
Browne’s first winner back around came in only his second ride.
“Yeah, it was my second ride back. I had one ride about two weeks ago on the Cushion Track just for a bit of a blow-out and to try to get my touch again. Today is my first serious day back. I’ve worked pretty hard in the gym everyday for the last two-and-a-half months to try to get my fitness at a competitive level. Now I need a bit of race fitness to top it off.”
Browne went on to complete a notable back-to-back race double when scoring again in the third race.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Lady Eowyn (O. Turpin) proving difficult to load. The horse was also fractious in the barriers. Erintee (J. Brown) and Copacabana (M. Palmer) came together on jumping away. Prince Of Danes (M. Hellyer) knuckled on jumping away. Squirmy (K. Cunningham) began awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Comeonwillie (G. Butler). My Whippy (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, Black Sheep (N. Thomas) shifted out, making contact with Rovert (J. Bowditch). Approaching the 500m, Prince Of Danes (M. Hellyer) shifted out and bumped Heartsun (D. Browne). Near the 900m, Triple Ay (S. Scriven) shifted in, forcing Miss Occhilupo (M. Speers) over on to My Whippy (E. Wilkinson), which was taken in onto Copacabana (M. Palmer), which in turn bumped Erintee. S. Scriven, rider of Triple Ay, was reprimanded. My Whippy (E. Wilkinson) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1400m
1st - Damashqui; 2nd - Banana Split; 3rd - Famous Cry
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Damian Browne: “Jason McLachlan has always had a bit of an opinion of this horse. He said to me that quite often it gets too far back and flies home to finish second, third, fourth. Today I was lucky enough to sort of get in touch with them when we straightened for home and he was close enough to run over the top of the.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Banana Split (O. Turpin) was slow to begin. All Join Hands (N. Thomas) shifted in and made contact with Taiko (S. Seamer) at the start. Leaving the 1300m, Slid Up (K. Pope) was momentarily tightened for room by Stratplan (B. Evans), which shifted in. Passing the 1200m, Stratplan was tightened for room by Lapetus (K. Cunningham), which shifted in, and as a consequence, Stratplan shifted in, tightening Famous Cry (E. Wilkinson). Near the 900m, Atlantic Light was tightened for room by Lapetus, which shifted in. K. Cunningham, rider of Lapetus, was reprimanded and advised she must provide more clearance when crossing in future. Natane (A. Spinks) and Lion Blanc (C. Reith) both over-raced for a short distance leaving the 800m. Taiko (S. Seamer), which was trailing Lion Blanc, had to be steadied as a consequence. Approaching the 400m, Little Patch (M. Heagney) was tightened for room when racing between Verre Elite (M. Palmer) and Famous Cry, which shifted out to improve. All Spiced Up, Verre Elite and Fame Dancer (M. Speers) all raced wide for the majority of the event. R. Wiggins, rider of Sarcastically, advised stewards he was disappointed with the performance of that gelding as the horse never travelled well at any stage during running. A post-race veterinary examination of Sarcastically failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m,
1st - Gag Order; 2nd - Rapid Tricia; 3rd - Casholet
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “She did well straight from a Maiden into a Class 1, especially from the barrier. She is a little bit slow maturing (the filly only had her first start as a three-year-old in December) but she’s putting it all together now. We’ll give her a break and come back for the winter.”
Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers: “Yeah, she’s a pretty decent horse. She’s shown a bit in track-work. She started her career a bit late because she was still a bit small and that. She got beat in her first start (her only defeat) by Rhodamine and it’s won again since then. I did have a bit of luck from the barrier. That helped, but she is pretty easy to ride so you can just put her forward or back, where-ever she wants to be.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1100m, Gag Order (M. Speers) improved up on to the heels of Rapid Tricia (T. Treichel) and had to be steadied and as a result shifted wider on the track. Approaching the 900m, Just Cinders (N. Evans) was tightened for room by Rapid Tricia (T. Treichel), which shifted in, and as a result, Any Wonder (R. Hinricks), which was following, over-raced when being steadied at that stage. Leaving the 900m, Howdy Chelle (E. Wilkinson) was crowded for room by Machi (N. Thomas), which shifted in. La Bellashee (M. Hughes) and Tarshae (J. Brown) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Indiana Secret, J. Taylor stated that the horse travelled well until placed under pressure in the straight. Trainer Mr B. Thornton confirmed his disappointment with the mare today and indicated he would have further veterinary tests carried out which would determine his future plans for Indiana Secret. A post-race veterinary examination of Indiana Secret failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 5:
CG&E Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Guns; 2nd - Waitaseq; 3rd - Voodoo Bay Magic
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “The original draw (barrier 16) worried me, but when all the scratchings came out I thought ten out of eleven was good. I was very happy with ten. On his win the other day I thought he had to be hard to beat, but it’s always hard going from the Maiden to a (Class) One. But, on his win the other day, if he could repeat the dose, he had to be hard to beat. He can hit the line the little bugger. The way he finished off here (over 1200m) I think he’ll get 1400m. The nice part is me and the wife own most of him, so it’s a good win for us.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “Troy (Hall) just said jump out, see where he is and try and get cover. I was probably a bit further back then I wanted to be, but we got a nice position just one off the fence. He relaxed beautifully. I just waited till we got to the straight. I peeled him out and he just finished off a treat.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Canefly (A. Spinks) and Voodoo Bay Magic (S. Seamer) came together and bumped on jumping away. Waitaseq (C. McIver) and Raining Kings (E. Wilkinson) were tightened for room shortly after the start between Voodoo Bay Magic, which shifted in after initially being bumped, and Ninth Duke (J. Kropp), which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. Ninth Duke (J. Kropp) was inclined to lay in under pressure over the final 200m, which crowded the running of Tower Bridge (S. Scriven), which resulted in J. Kropp being unable to fully test his mount in the run to the finish.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Cassardi; 2nd - Zeljko; 3rd - Dr Chicago
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “He’s a pretty good horse. He’s got a bit of scope about him and I reckon he’ll get ten furlongs or even further. He was good today, like we were able to let him balance up back a bit further and see if he could hit the line and, yeah, he sprouted wings in the finish.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 1000m, Akoya improved up on to the heels of Mauries Pick (E. Wilkinson) and shifted out, which forced Dr Chicago(B. Evans) across the heels of Raffael Nediym, resulting in jockey B. Evans, rider of Dr Chicago, having to check the momentum of his horse. Near the 900m, Raffael Nediym had to be steadied off the heels of Facundo (R. McMahon), which shifted in. R. McMahon, rider Facundo, was reprimanded. Passing the 350m, Cassardi (J. Bowditch) had to be steadied off the heels of Dr Chicago, which shifted out to improve, resulting in Davion (R. Wiggins), which was following, having to be steadied. Wind Gusts (A. Spinks) was held up for clear running from approaching the 200m until nearing the 100m. Leaving the 200m, Facundo (R. McMahon) and Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) came together and brushed. Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 7:
Sunshine Coast Cup Quality Listed - 1400m
1st - Black Piranha; 2nd - Bareena; 3rd - Calchris
Trainer Con Karakatsanis: “He was probably three lengths too close early on. As you can see he doesn’t finish off as good when he is that handy, but he was game in the finish. It’s been three runs in three weeks so it was a big effort.”
Jockey Tye Angland: “It wasn’t what we planned on doing. He drew well today and usually he’s been getting back, mostly because of the gate. He always jumps well and he jumped so good today, I didn’t want to drag back and come back to the fence so that’s why I sort of held my ground a little bit to race one off. At the 800m I got shoved back on to the fence and all day they’ve been coming down the outside and winning. On straightening at the 400m I was just on the fence and I couldn’t get out and get to the outside and that’s why I had to take the split through. He took off real well and put in a really good effort. His run probably just ended close to the line. He raced too close today, but was brave enough in the end. If you send him over more ground and ride him quiet he’ll get home like he did at the Gold Coast.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cocktail Supreme (M. Radecker) was fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Between the 1200m and 1100m, Mystery City (C. Reith) and Black Piranha (T. Angland) came together and bumped on a number of occasions when endeavouring to obtain the same position. In Rehearsal (J. Taylor), which was having difficulty obtaining clear running rounding the home turn, shifted out leaving the 400m, resulting in Regal Castanea (S. Galloway) being forced wider. Fulmonti (J. Bowditch) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until near the 300m. Nexgen (K. Wharton) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Approaching the 100m, Sequestrate had to be steadied when crowded for room by Bareena, which shifted in under pressure. Sequestrate (M. Palmer) and Tropical Express both raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 8:
Class 2 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Falco Star; 2nd - Monashee Diva; 3rd - Dantain Boy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He likes the 1000m. The wide draw wasn’t so bad for him because he gets back anyway. He (Chris McIver) rode him terrific. He didn’t panic. He just waited till it opened up and he hit the line really well. Basically everything went according to plan.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Raptitude (S. Galloway) was tightened for room on jumping away between Prince Vallen (G. Baker) and Dantain Boy (M. Hellyer), which shifted out abruptly after beginning awkwardly. It was noted that the cup on the nearside blinker on Dantain Boy shifted in this incident, resulting in Dantain Boy racing untractably for the remainder of the event. Isaidiam (D. Barron) began awkwardly. Approaching the 800m, Isaidiam shifted out abruptly, forcing Dantain Boy wider on the track, which resulted in Raspberry Licorice (O. Turpin), Onasong (C. Reith) and Allanact (R. Mason) all being inconvenienced. Near the 250m, Certiori (D. Browne) and Raspberry Licorice (O. Turpin) came together and brushed. Voodoo Brown Magic (M. Hughes) and Allanact (R. Mason) raced wide for the majority of the event.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Zeljko, Bareena
The Con Karakatsanis trained Black Piranha produced a big effort to take out the $100 000 Sunshine Coast Cup. Jockey Tye Angland was forced to make more use of the gelding than he would have liked early on to hold his position, which left the horse racing against his previously established racing pattern, but the five-year-old still had the fire-power to outgun his rivals in a pressurised battle to the line to score a thoroughly deserved victory.
A sparkling return to full race-riding for jockey Damian Brown was the ‘human interest’ story of the day. Browne has been out of the saddle for an extended period after breaking his leg, and then breaking it again when he originally tried to come back. Hopefully his two wins on the day are a pointer to happier times ahead.
Browne shared the day’s riding honours with apprentice jockey Owen Turpin, who survived a nasty spill from his first race winner (which occurred after the line). Turpin was cleared to continue riding for the rest of the day and he later pulled a second winner out of the hat. Turpin’s double puts him on twenty-four winners for the season at the Sunshine Coast – that is a lead of eleven wins over his nearest rival in the local Jockey Premiership.
Trainer Liam Birchley saddled a double on the day.
Race 1:
4yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Azzmy Witness; 2nd - Splendid Hayil; 3rd - Macreedy
Trainer Greg Kennedy: “It was her first run for me. The horse is actually a half-sister to the Bat Out Of Hell winner (Langfibian). The mother, Heaven’s Eyes, has had three foals and they are all winners now. Bellbird Hill has won two out of three starts. Langfibian’s won fourteen, including the Bat Out Of Hell ... and now Azzmy Witness has got her win.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “It didn’t matter whether I hit it or not, it was going to come out anyway.” Turpin was referring to the fact that Azzmy Witness wanted to run out over the last 200m. “Then afterwards she just saw the crossing, hit the skids and did a quick left turn and I went straight over her head. I actually thought that was the end of the day for me, but it wasn’t as bad as it first looked and felt so I was able to carry on.”
Turpin made the day all the more worthwhile by going on to ride a double to further extend his already sizable lead in the Sunshine Coast’s Jockey Premiership.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Elevarte (G. Baker) and Splendid Hayil (M. Palmer) came together on jumping away. Cotto (M. Hughes), which was slow to begin, was further tightened for room between Cheeky Rebel (R. Wiggins) and Azzmy Witness (O. Turpin), both of which shifted ground. Strong Spirit (S. Galloway) was inclined to over-race in the early stages. Approaching the 400m, Cotto (M. Hughes) had a tendency to lay in on to the hind quarters of Regal Milli (M. Heagney). Near the 400m, Cotto shifted out to improve and in doing so forced Hometown Hero (K. Wharton) wider on the track, which resulted in Hometown Hero bumping the hind quarters of The Ay Team (M. Hellyer) and becoming unbalanced for a short distance. Azzmy Witness (O. Turpin) was inclined to shift out under pressure over the final 200m. The Ay Team (M. Hellyer) raced wide for the majority of the event.
O. Turpin was dislodged from Azzmy Witness after passing the finishing post. As O. Turpin was unable to weigh in, stewards, acting under the provisions of AR142, declared all clear on the Judge's numbers as semaphored. After examination by medical staff, O. Turpin was cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate - 1000m
1st - Heartsun; 2nd - Rovert; 3rd - Showboat
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Stewart Mackinnon: “We spaced his runs because he is a late maturing horse ... a very late maturing horse. We’d had to wait for him. He had a problem with shin-soreness early days. He’s still nowhere near there yet ... a very, very late maturing horse. He just did that on raw ability because they had race fitness on his today. It was good for (jockey) Damian Browne as well to get back. He’s my rider. He broke his leg and the last couple of years he’s hardly ridden, you know. He got back riding and then he broke it again, so he’s been a bit unlucky like that. That’s only his second ride back, so it’s a good morale booster for him.”
Jockey Damian Browne: “He began well from the outside draw. He’s still very green but he won well.”
I suggested that the others seem to come at him soon after entering the straight and, for a moment, it looked like he might be put under pressure.
Browne: “I think it’s his inexperience. He sort of waited on them a little bit. He’s probably going to need blinkers in time. He’ll improve a lot on that run.”
Browne has faced difficult times in recent years.
Browne: “Yeah, I had no luck at all really. I broke my leg, ah ... two-and-a-half, nearly three years ago. I was back for three weeks and I re-broke it when a horse went through the outside fence when it jumped from the barrier wrongly. That was about nine months ago, so it is just good to get back again. Hopefully I’ll last longer than three weeks this time.”
Browne’s first winner back around came in only his second ride.
“Yeah, it was my second ride back. I had one ride about two weeks ago on the Cushion Track just for a bit of a blow-out and to try to get my touch again. Today is my first serious day back. I’ve worked pretty hard in the gym everyday for the last two-and-a-half months to try to get my fitness at a competitive level. Now I need a bit of race fitness to top it off.”
Browne went on to complete a notable back-to-back race double when scoring again in the third race.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of this race was delayed as a result of Lady Eowyn (O. Turpin) proving difficult to load. The horse was also fractious in the barriers. Erintee (J. Brown) and Copacabana (M. Palmer) came together on jumping away. Prince Of Danes (M. Hellyer) knuckled on jumping away. Squirmy (K. Cunningham) began awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Comeonwillie (G. Butler). My Whippy (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, Black Sheep (N. Thomas) shifted out, making contact with Rovert (J. Bowditch). Approaching the 500m, Prince Of Danes (M. Hellyer) shifted out and bumped Heartsun (D. Browne). Near the 900m, Triple Ay (S. Scriven) shifted in, forcing Miss Occhilupo (M. Speers) over on to My Whippy (E. Wilkinson), which was taken in onto Copacabana (M. Palmer), which in turn bumped Erintee. S. Scriven, rider of Triple Ay, was reprimanded. My Whippy (E. Wilkinson) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 3:
3yo & Up Maiden Handicap - 1400m
1st - Damashqui; 2nd - Banana Split; 3rd - Famous Cry
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Damian Browne: “Jason McLachlan has always had a bit of an opinion of this horse. He said to me that quite often it gets too far back and flies home to finish second, third, fourth. Today I was lucky enough to sort of get in touch with them when we straightened for home and he was close enough to run over the top of the.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Banana Split (O. Turpin) was slow to begin. All Join Hands (N. Thomas) shifted in and made contact with Taiko (S. Seamer) at the start. Leaving the 1300m, Slid Up (K. Pope) was momentarily tightened for room by Stratplan (B. Evans), which shifted in. Passing the 1200m, Stratplan was tightened for room by Lapetus (K. Cunningham), which shifted in, and as a consequence, Stratplan shifted in, tightening Famous Cry (E. Wilkinson). Near the 900m, Atlantic Light was tightened for room by Lapetus, which shifted in. K. Cunningham, rider of Lapetus, was reprimanded and advised she must provide more clearance when crossing in future. Natane (A. Spinks) and Lion Blanc (C. Reith) both over-raced for a short distance leaving the 800m. Taiko (S. Seamer), which was trailing Lion Blanc, had to be steadied as a consequence. Approaching the 400m, Little Patch (M. Heagney) was tightened for room when racing between Verre Elite (M. Palmer) and Famous Cry, which shifted out to improve. All Spiced Up, Verre Elite and Fame Dancer (M. Speers) all raced wide for the majority of the event. R. Wiggins, rider of Sarcastically, advised stewards he was disappointed with the performance of that gelding as the horse never travelled well at any stage during running. A post-race veterinary examination of Sarcastically failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m,
1st - Gag Order; 2nd - Rapid Tricia; 3rd - Casholet
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “She did well straight from a Maiden into a Class 1, especially from the barrier. She is a little bit slow maturing (the filly only had her first start as a three-year-old in December) but she’s putting it all together now. We’ll give her a break and come back for the winter.”
Apprentice jockey Mitchell Speers: “Yeah, she’s a pretty decent horse. She’s shown a bit in track-work. She started her career a bit late because she was still a bit small and that. She got beat in her first start (her only defeat) by Rhodamine and it’s won again since then. I did have a bit of luck from the barrier. That helped, but she is pretty easy to ride so you can just put her forward or back, where-ever she wants to be.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 1100m, Gag Order (M. Speers) improved up on to the heels of Rapid Tricia (T. Treichel) and had to be steadied and as a result shifted wider on the track. Approaching the 900m, Just Cinders (N. Evans) was tightened for room by Rapid Tricia (T. Treichel), which shifted in, and as a result, Any Wonder (R. Hinricks), which was following, over-raced when being steadied at that stage. Leaving the 900m, Howdy Chelle (E. Wilkinson) was crowded for room by Machi (N. Thomas), which shifted in. La Bellashee (M. Hughes) and Tarshae (J. Brown) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Indiana Secret, J. Taylor stated that the horse travelled well until placed under pressure in the straight. Trainer Mr B. Thornton confirmed his disappointment with the mare today and indicated he would have further veterinary tests carried out which would determine his future plans for Indiana Secret. A post-race veterinary examination of Indiana Secret failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 5:
CG&E Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Guns; 2nd - Waitaseq; 3rd - Voodoo Bay Magic
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “The original draw (barrier 16) worried me, but when all the scratchings came out I thought ten out of eleven was good. I was very happy with ten. On his win the other day I thought he had to be hard to beat, but it’s always hard going from the Maiden to a (Class) One. But, on his win the other day, if he could repeat the dose, he had to be hard to beat. He can hit the line the little bugger. The way he finished off here (over 1200m) I think he’ll get 1400m. The nice part is me and the wife own most of him, so it’s a good win for us.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “Troy (Hall) just said jump out, see where he is and try and get cover. I was probably a bit further back then I wanted to be, but we got a nice position just one off the fence. He relaxed beautifully. I just waited till we got to the straight. I peeled him out and he just finished off a treat.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Canefly (A. Spinks) and Voodoo Bay Magic (S. Seamer) came together and bumped on jumping away. Waitaseq (C. McIver) and Raining Kings (E. Wilkinson) were tightened for room shortly after the start between Voodoo Bay Magic, which shifted in after initially being bumped, and Ninth Duke (J. Kropp), which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. Ninth Duke (J. Kropp) was inclined to lay in under pressure over the final 200m, which crowded the running of Tower Bridge (S. Scriven), which resulted in J. Kropp being unable to fully test his mount in the run to the finish.
Race 6:
Class 3 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Cassardi; 2nd - Zeljko; 3rd - Dr Chicago
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “He’s a pretty good horse. He’s got a bit of scope about him and I reckon he’ll get ten furlongs or even further. He was good today, like we were able to let him balance up back a bit further and see if he could hit the line and, yeah, he sprouted wings in the finish.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Leaving the 1000m, Akoya improved up on to the heels of Mauries Pick (E. Wilkinson) and shifted out, which forced Dr Chicago(B. Evans) across the heels of Raffael Nediym, resulting in jockey B. Evans, rider of Dr Chicago, having to check the momentum of his horse. Near the 900m, Raffael Nediym had to be steadied off the heels of Facundo (R. McMahon), which shifted in. R. McMahon, rider Facundo, was reprimanded. Passing the 350m, Cassardi (J. Bowditch) had to be steadied off the heels of Dr Chicago, which shifted out to improve, resulting in Davion (R. Wiggins), which was following, having to be steadied. Wind Gusts (A. Spinks) was held up for clear running from approaching the 200m until nearing the 100m. Leaving the 200m, Facundo (R. McMahon) and Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) came together and brushed. Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 7:
Sunshine Coast Cup Quality Listed - 1400m
1st - Black Piranha; 2nd - Bareena; 3rd - Calchris
Trainer Con Karakatsanis: “He was probably three lengths too close early on. As you can see he doesn’t finish off as good when he is that handy, but he was game in the finish. It’s been three runs in three weeks so it was a big effort.”
Jockey Tye Angland: “It wasn’t what we planned on doing. He drew well today and usually he’s been getting back, mostly because of the gate. He always jumps well and he jumped so good today, I didn’t want to drag back and come back to the fence so that’s why I sort of held my ground a little bit to race one off. At the 800m I got shoved back on to the fence and all day they’ve been coming down the outside and winning. On straightening at the 400m I was just on the fence and I couldn’t get out and get to the outside and that’s why I had to take the split through. He took off real well and put in a really good effort. His run probably just ended close to the line. He raced too close today, but was brave enough in the end. If you send him over more ground and ride him quiet he’ll get home like he did at the Gold Coast.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Cocktail Supreme (M. Radecker) was fractious in the barriers prior to the start. Between the 1200m and 1100m, Mystery City (C. Reith) and Black Piranha (T. Angland) came together and bumped on a number of occasions when endeavouring to obtain the same position. In Rehearsal (J. Taylor), which was having difficulty obtaining clear running rounding the home turn, shifted out leaving the 400m, resulting in Regal Castanea (S. Galloway) being forced wider. Fulmonti (J. Bowditch) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until near the 300m. Nexgen (K. Wharton) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Approaching the 100m, Sequestrate had to be steadied when crowded for room by Bareena, which shifted in under pressure. Sequestrate (M. Palmer) and Tropical Express both raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 8:
Class 2 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Falco Star; 2nd - Monashee Diva; 3rd - Dantain Boy
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “He likes the 1000m. The wide draw wasn’t so bad for him because he gets back anyway. He (Chris McIver) rode him terrific. He didn’t panic. He just waited till it opened up and he hit the line really well. Basically everything went according to plan.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Raptitude (S. Galloway) was tightened for room on jumping away between Prince Vallen (G. Baker) and Dantain Boy (M. Hellyer), which shifted out abruptly after beginning awkwardly. It was noted that the cup on the nearside blinker on Dantain Boy shifted in this incident, resulting in Dantain Boy racing untractably for the remainder of the event. Isaidiam (D. Barron) began awkwardly. Approaching the 800m, Isaidiam shifted out abruptly, forcing Dantain Boy wider on the track, which resulted in Raspberry Licorice (O. Turpin), Onasong (C. Reith) and Allanact (R. Mason) all being inconvenienced. Near the 250m, Certiori (D. Browne) and Raspberry Licorice (O. Turpin) came together and brushed. Voodoo Brown Magic (M. Hughes) and Allanact (R. Mason) raced wide for the majority of the event.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Zeljko, Bareena
Monday, January 19, 2009
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, JAN 17)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, January 17.
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice A. Taylor, who was injured at trackwork this morning, was examined by the club's doctor and cleared to fulfil her engagements today.
Race 1:
2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Kiss Me Katy; 2nd - Funtantes; 3rd - Temple Of Boom
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Steven O’dea: “I didn’t want her to push forward to hard and it ended up well as she got a nice run behind the leaders. Ideally that was what I wanted for her first-up. I didn’t want her to have to push forward. We’ll probably stay here until the end of February. There are two-year-old races every week so we can pick and choose as it suits us.”
Jockey Ivo Fry: “Well originally we thought Temple Of Boom would probably lead. We thought the best spot to be would be just outside his hind-quarters, but with two-year-old races you can never really predict what is going to happen anyway. There was a bit more pace inside me I thought to begin with. She didn’t quite show as much pace as she did in Townsville (when winning on her debut). We’ve done a few different things with her work ... that type of thing, but I ended up getting in behind them, just off the fence which was a good spot to be in anyway. Then getting to the corner she started travelling up pretty well. I thought getting to the 300m I was always going to win the race, but I thought I was going to win the race easier than she did. The horse that run second (Funtantes) kept going with her and that sort of made us work a bit. But we got there in the end.”
Kiss Me Katy was the first runner in Brisbane for the trainer and the first ride in Brisbane for the jockey. Both are based in Townsville. The duo would later come close to maintaining their perfect record when Go Cart finished second in the seventh race on the card.
Tony Gollan (trainer of beaten favourite, Temple Of Boom): “First thoughts on the run. We used him fairly well ... but, you know he just didn’t have the acceleration he had the other day on a very firm track here today. I’m not saying he can’t handle a firm track and I certainly believe he is as good on top of the ground as he is in the wet. Matty (Palmer) said he wanted to hang a little bit going into the corner today and that’s not like him. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t pull up a bit shin-sore.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kiss Me Katie): 3.00 in to 2.90.
Favourite (Temple Of Boom): 2.30 out to 2.40. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice B. Evans was fined $100 for failing to claim his full allowance on Dorothy. Futantes (J. Bowditch) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Dorothy (B. Evans). Red Dash (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Diehard Trying (E. Wilkinson) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Sniplaz (C. McIver) and Dorothy, which shifted out. Near the 800m, Kiss Me Katie (I. Fry) blundered. Sniplaz and Kiss Me Katie raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Excite And Excel revealed the filly had sustained a laceration to the near fore canon.
Race 2:
Open Handicap - 1800mm
1st - Doug's Mate; 2nd - Pentacity; 3rd - Onalar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “She has been a bit down on her form but Danny Craven rode her the other day at the coast and he said we should give her another go on the top of the ground. So we came here today. Danny already had a ride so we put Amy (Taylor) on it. She rode it a treat. Whether it’s just taken a few runs to get a bit fitter, we don’t know. We’ve been tossing up the idea about selling her. You know what happens when you talk about selling a horse. They come out and win. She just loves Eagle Farm and she loves the ground nice and hard with a bit of pace on. Amy did well to ride her so well, particularly after the mishap she had this morning.”
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “Yeah, I got kicked by a horse this morning at trackwork. They thought it had broken my leg. As soon as they told me my leg wasn’t broken I said, ‘put some ice on it.’ I’ve got a few stitches in about an inch deep cut and my leg is still pretty fat. But I wasn’t going to miss out. There was a bit of speed from Ostras and she just sat on the fence real nice. I didn’t want to get back too far so I just kept her in touch today and she responded much better than she has been.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Doug’s Mate): 6.00 out to 6.50.
Favourite (Onalar): 4.00 in to 3.10. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Winsome Loot (C. McIver) was caught wide in the early stages. Near the 1100m, On The Up (J. Bowditch) improved up on to the heels of Skyleda (S. Galloway) and had to be steadied. Passing the 500m, Doug’s Mate (A. Taylor) was disappointed for a run between King Latarmiss (M. Hughes) and Onalar (O. Turpin) and had to be steadied. As a result, Doug’s Mate shifted in momentarily tightening On The Up. Skyleda (S. Galloway) laid out under pressure over the concluding stages. King Latarmiss (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout. Dream Gal lost its off-hind plate in running.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Hunters Moon, apprentice M. Palmer stated that the gelding travelled well in the early stages and he was able to obtain a position on the back of Pentacity to cart him into the race, however Hunters Moon was under pressure from the 600m. He further added that, in his opinion, the horse performs better on rain affected tracks. A post race veterinary examination of Hunters Moon failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
1MW Handicap - 1400m
1st - Reincarnation; 2nd - Pyramids; 3rd - Margy Magic
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Andrew Spinks: “The rails are the shortest way around. There wasn’t much ... well there was enough room there and he never hesitated but, you know, most horses would have baulked. But he is such a game little bugger. I wasn’t really held up waiting for the run because he is a horse that you’ve got to let have one crack at it. You can’t let him go too early. So you’ve got to sort of hold him up as long as you can in the straight. Once he lets down, he lets down big time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Reincarnation): 10.00 steady.
Favourite (Pyramids): 3.00 out to 3.60 in to 3.40. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Thorondo, which was fractious in the barriers and flipped over, was declared a late scratching at 1.41 pm by order of the stewards. Trainer Mr P. Duff was advised that he must provide a further barrier certificate for Thorondo prior to its next race start. On return to scale a protest was lodged by jockey C. Reith, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Margy Magic, against Pyramids (M. Palmer) being declared 2nd, alleging interference inside the final 100m. After considering the evidence, stewards found that passing the 100m, Margy Magic was placed in restricted room between Albert Cadabra and Pyramids, which shifted in slightly. Stewards however were not satisfied that the minor tightening impeded the momentum of Margy Magic in any way and therefore the protest was dismissed and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings. Lord Nediym (A. Taylor) raced wide in the early stages. Altaica (C. McIver) over-raced in the early stages.
S. Galloway, rider of Sun For Sale, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 500m when endeavouring to improve, shifted out and made contact with Kanpeki (O. Turpin), which resulted in that horse shifting out and becoming unbalanced, losing considerable ground and blundering. S. Galloway was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 18 January and to expire at midnight, 29 January 2009.
Passing the 400m, Lord Nediym (A. Taylor) shifted out to avoid the heels of Albert Cadabra (S. Scriven), which shifted out to improve. Kanpeki (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Kanpeki failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Class 6 Mares Handicap - 1200m
1st - Ugly Betty; 2nd - Dance Girl Dance; 3rd - Michelle Cafea
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “Everything worked out nicely. She was nicely weighted to win here. She took a little while ... she took a few strides to get into acceleration mode sort of thing. She didn’t just turn for home and then go, which makes me think she might be looking for a bit further you know. In the end she did it well though.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Ugly Betty): 3.00 out to 3.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fasliyev Dancer (T. Treichel) jumped inwards at the start and made contact with Thick As Thieves (J. Taylor). Near the 800m, Dance Girl Dance (S. Galloway) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room by Fasliyev Dancer (T. Treichel), which shifted in. Rounding the home turn, Santiara (J. Bowditch), which was endeavouring to shift out to improve, made contact with Koorong Avenue (C. Reith). Near the 200m, Koorong Avenue (C. Reith) shifted in and brushed Santiara (J. Bowditch). Fasliyev Dancer (T. Treichel) raced wide for the majority of the event. Koorong Avenue (C. Reith) and Thick As Thieves raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Red Letter Daze failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 5:
NMW Handicap - 1000m
1st - Cattleman; 2nd - Acquired; 3rd - Decibella
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Harry Richardson: “The owners Noel Mobbs and Billy Loughlan are both cattlemen, so that’s where he gets his name. They bred the horse. He is a good, honest little horse. He got all the breaks today, but that’s racing isn’t it. I thought they had the chance to get to him today, but he kicked again and I thought he ran away from them at the line. He is a horse that you can’t race real often. You have got to space his runs, so I’ll probably give him a few weeks off. There’s no hurry. Has he had any problems? Boy, has he had a few issues! He’s had a foot nearly cut off. He’s had a dislocated pelvis and he’s got one fetlock that jars up. So you could say he’s doing really well.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “We sort of planned to run him off the pace. He was probably a bit closer than I wanted to be. He’s ultra-consistent. He kicked on well so it was a good strong win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Cattleman): 4.80m out to 6.00.
Favourite (Rumba Jack): 5.00 in to 4.20. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mini Maizing (C. McIver) was slow to begin. Rumba Jack (A. Taylor) reared at the start, losing considerable ground. Daphne Ellen (J. Bowditch) jumped inwards at the start, making contact with Rotarian (B. El-Issa). On jumping away, the saddle on Acquired (S. Galloway) shifted back and remained so for the remainder of the event. Near the 500m, Rumba Jack had to be steadied off the heels of Hodges Street (D. Craven). Red Meshach (S. Scriven) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Rumba Jack was inclined to lay in for the majority of the straight and near the 50m was inconvenienced when that horse shifted in near the heels of Daphne Ellen. Barbres (K. Wharton) and Sleepy Jackson (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned jockey El-Issa regarding his riding of Rotarian, in particular that he allowed the horse to shift off rounding the home turn, enabling the eventual winner, Cattleman, to obtain a position to that horse's inside. Jockey El-Issa stated that after racing head and head when challenged by Single Bound, Rotarian was inclined to lay out and he allowed that horse to shift out rounding the home turn instead of trying to fight it. He further added that he then allowed his mount shortly thereafter to shift back in slightly, however Rotarian then commenced to compound. On return to scale, Rotarian was found to have bled from both nostrils. Stewards noted the explanation.
Rotarian (B. El-Issa) bled during the event. Rotarian will be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. A swab sample was taken from Rotarian. Trainer B. Baldwin reported that Hodges Street returned to the enclosure with its tongue over the bit.
Race 6:
3yo Handicap - 1200m
1st - Little Mel; 2nd - Castagnola; 3rd - Piccolo Latte
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “That’s the way you got to ride him. You got to ride him quiet and then just leave him for a run in the straight. His only bad run was when we took the blinkers off. You put the blinkers back on and he is a different horse. No, he is a good horse. Like, he’s been in the stable since before EI. That’s how long he’s been in the stable. They lost his papers. His been in the stable probably the best part of eighteen months and he is racing as good now.
“We’ll probably send him to the paddock now for a few weeks. Sending him down south is a thought, but I think we are better off here. You can’t be in both places and he’s done a good job now. He carried 57kg in one of those three-year-old races and beat them again. If you give him some time you never know what he might be. He might go on to a real good horse this one. I think he would have been a chance if he had got into the Millions because he is so adaptable when there is a bit of speed on and like today, he was just so relaxed. The first time we brought him to the races at Eagle Farm he was a bloody handful, but today he was there, nice and quiet. We’ll decide where he goes later, but maybe the Guineas during the Carnival - that could be a target.”
Jockey Terry Treichel: “He began well today and was able to get a nice run on the fence. He travelled beautifully. Coming to the corner it was just a matter of where we were going to go to try and get out. He was going so well. Then, about the 150m mark, he copped one across the nose from the second horse. It didn’t bother him you know. He got past it with ears all pricked. He did that last start as well when he won at the coast ... he had his ears picked like it was just a day out. He’s a very nice horse now and I think he’s going to be even better later on.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Little Mel): 6.00 out to 7.00.
Favourite (Castagnola): 2.80 out to 2.90 in to 2.80. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Castiglione Kid (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Phebetay (A. Taylor) had to be eased when tightened for room by Star Of Ombre (C. McIver), which was taken in slightly by Bingil Bay (J. Taylor). Castagnola (R. McMahon) jumped away awkwardly. Zahas Pride (B. Pengelly) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Approaching the 1000m, Stoner (S. Seamer) improved up on to the heels of Castagnola and had to be steadied. Stoner continued to over-race until near the 600m and then commenced to hang out and continued to hang out until shortly after straightening. Near the 1000m, Piccolo Latte (D. Craven) improved up on to the heels of Bingil Bay (J. Taylor) and had to be steadied and shifted out. Piccolo Latte was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 800m, Hawkeye Pierce (K. Wharton) improved to the inside of Castiglione Kid (R. Wiggins) where there was insufficient room, and in doing so placed Phebetay in restricted room. Castagnola (R. McMahon) laid out passing the 600m. Bingil Bay (J. Taylor) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight until approaching the 200m. Phebetay had difficulty obtaining clear running for the entire length of the straight. Zahas Pride and Monashee Gold (S. Galloway) raced wide throughout. On pulling up, R. Wiggins was dislodged from Castiglione Kid. Jockey Wiggins returned to the enclosure uninjured and able to fulfil his remaining engagements. Journey On (M. Palmer) returned to scale with blood in its mouth as a result of a laceration to its tongue.
Stewards questioned apprentice A. Taylor regarding her riding of Phebetay, in particular having Phebetay settle at the rear of the field and her failure to improve her position between the 800m and home turn. Apprentice Taylor stated that her instructions were to have the horse settle worse than midfield, however after receiving some tightening in the early stages, the horse settled further back than she had expected. She further stated that near the 800m she again was momentarily placed in restricted room by Hawkeye Pierce. She added that she was unable to obtain clear running at any stage of the straight. Trainer D. Gollan confirmed the instructions. Stewards noted apprentice A. Taylor's explanation, however believed that there was an opportunity for her to improve between the 800m and 400m to have herself positioned slightly closer to the leaders.
Race 7:
4yo & Up E&G Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Solar Secret; 2nd - Go Cart; 3rd - Firedrake
WINNER FEEDBACK
Trainer Phillip Pengelly: “We had the confidence to bring him down here. Last week (at the Sunshine Coast) he hit a few wet patches and Brad (Pengelly) said he didn’t feel comfortable. This was the race we set him for though and Brad said that we shouldn’t drop the bundle. So we pressed ahead and it all went well. It was a very satisfying win.”
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “It was lovely mate, a really lovely result for us. This was always going to be the day. This was his target. It was always going to depend on whether he was good enough. He gave when I asked and it was all good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Solar Secret): 21.00 steady.
Favourite (Firedrake): 1.80 out to 2.30 in to 2.25. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice T. Chambers was fined $100 for failing to claim her full allowance on Firedrake. Go Cart (I. Fry) and Bushland (B. Payne) were slow to begin. Stature (J. Taylor) raced wide in the early stages. Three Chances (A. Taylor) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Approaching the 500m, Yass River (S. Scriven) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Ulladulla (C. Reith) and Firedrake (T. Chambers) which when laying out, shifted out slightly. Near the 250m, On Bail (R. McMahon) obtained a narrow run to the inside of Subtle Glance (R. Wiggins), and then passing the 200m, On Bail was momentarily placed in restricted room to the inside of Subtle Glance, which was taken in slightly by the tiring Stature (J. Taylor). Near the 200m, Solar Secret (B. Pengelly) shifted out to improve and made contact with Heart (M. Palmer). Inside the final 50m, Subtle Glance had to be steadied to avoid the heels of On Bail, which shifted out around the heels of Firedrake to obtain clear running. R. McMahon, rider of On Bail, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. On Bail (R. McMahon) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Feeling Dandy (B. El-Issa), Ulladulla (C. Reith) and Three Chances (A. Taylor) raced wide throughout. Go Cart (I. Fry) was inclined to lay out throughout the event. A post race veterinary examination of Ulladulla revealed the gelding had sustained a laceration to the front of the off hind coronet.
Race 8:
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Take The Plea; 2nd - Shuffle The Cash; 3rd - Majorca
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Wallace: “It’s been a long time since I’ve trained a winner at this price. He won well. I thought he’d probably want further today. He’s work’s been alright. I put him over the jumps in the bull-ring at the Gold Coast. He never really jumped them any good, he ran through them all, but at least it sharpened him a little bit, you know. I was in the trainers’ bar and I said to them at the 1000m he is going to be hard to beat. I could see. I could tell.”
Jockey Scott Galloway: “He’s not a bad old horse, particularly when he gets up over 2000m. He was second-up and so he’s a bit on the fresh side. It was a nice pace so I just sat him back. At the 600m he really gave me a good feeling. He was really strong and he is the type of horse who can make a strong forward move.
“From the 600m I just let him continue. He is such a big, long strider. You know, he is not a sit and sprint horse. So when I straightened I had a lapful of horse. so I just went for home and he opened up real good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Take The Plea): 51.00 out to 61.00.
Favourite (Majorca): 4.60 out to 4.80 in to 4.20. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Humma (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. The Cavern Club (A. Spinks) and Waterford Jack (M. Traecey) came together on jumping away. Shortly after the start, Another Takeover (C Reith) commenced to over-race and continued to do so until the 1100m where it had to be steadied off the heels of Eleventh Command (D. Craven). Another Takeover continued to over-race and near the 800m shifted in, tightening Punch Up (J. Taylor). Primeval Demand (B. El-Issa), which was following, was hampered in consequence. Near the 700m, Punch Up (J. Taylor) became unbalanced when racing to the inside of Another Takeover. Passing the 500m, Humma improved up on to the heels of Primeval Demand and had to be steadied. Eleventh Command (D. Craven) and Punch Up were held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Near the 350m, Majorca (S. Scriven) had to be momentarily steadied when tightened for room by Red Sphere (B. Pengelly), which shifted in.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of Take The Plea, trainer J. Wallace could offer little explanation other than he had varied the horse's training slightly during the week following the horse's disappointing performance first back from a spell. He added that Take The Plea at its last campaign failed to live up to the potential it had shown as a three year old. The explanation was noted.
J. Taylor was questioned regarding the performance of Punch Up, jockey J. Taylor stated he was obliged to race in restricted room from the 600m until shortly after straightening and was then held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. He further added that after obtaining clear running near the 200m it had only run on fairly.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Rotarian
STEWARDS SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice A. Taylor, who was injured at trackwork this morning, was examined by the club's doctor and cleared to fulfil her engagements today.
Race 1:
2yo Handicap - 1000m
1st - Kiss Me Katy; 2nd - Funtantes; 3rd - Temple Of Boom
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Steven O’dea: “I didn’t want her to push forward to hard and it ended up well as she got a nice run behind the leaders. Ideally that was what I wanted for her first-up. I didn’t want her to have to push forward. We’ll probably stay here until the end of February. There are two-year-old races every week so we can pick and choose as it suits us.”
Jockey Ivo Fry: “Well originally we thought Temple Of Boom would probably lead. We thought the best spot to be would be just outside his hind-quarters, but with two-year-old races you can never really predict what is going to happen anyway. There was a bit more pace inside me I thought to begin with. She didn’t quite show as much pace as she did in Townsville (when winning on her debut). We’ve done a few different things with her work ... that type of thing, but I ended up getting in behind them, just off the fence which was a good spot to be in anyway. Then getting to the corner she started travelling up pretty well. I thought getting to the 300m I was always going to win the race, but I thought I was going to win the race easier than she did. The horse that run second (Funtantes) kept going with her and that sort of made us work a bit. But we got there in the end.”
Kiss Me Katy was the first runner in Brisbane for the trainer and the first ride in Brisbane for the jockey. Both are based in Townsville. The duo would later come close to maintaining their perfect record when Go Cart finished second in the seventh race on the card.
Tony Gollan (trainer of beaten favourite, Temple Of Boom): “First thoughts on the run. We used him fairly well ... but, you know he just didn’t have the acceleration he had the other day on a very firm track here today. I’m not saying he can’t handle a firm track and I certainly believe he is as good on top of the ground as he is in the wet. Matty (Palmer) said he wanted to hang a little bit going into the corner today and that’s not like him. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t pull up a bit shin-sore.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Kiss Me Katie): 3.00 in to 2.90.
Favourite (Temple Of Boom): 2.30 out to 2.40. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice B. Evans was fined $100 for failing to claim his full allowance on Dorothy. Futantes (J. Bowditch) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Dorothy (B. Evans). Red Dash (R. McMahon) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Diehard Trying (E. Wilkinson) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Sniplaz (C. McIver) and Dorothy, which shifted out. Near the 800m, Kiss Me Katie (I. Fry) blundered. Sniplaz and Kiss Me Katie raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Excite And Excel revealed the filly had sustained a laceration to the near fore canon.
Race 2:
Open Handicap - 1800mm
1st - Doug's Mate; 2nd - Pentacity; 3rd - Onalar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Michael Nolan: “She has been a bit down on her form but Danny Craven rode her the other day at the coast and he said we should give her another go on the top of the ground. So we came here today. Danny already had a ride so we put Amy (Taylor) on it. She rode it a treat. Whether it’s just taken a few runs to get a bit fitter, we don’t know. We’ve been tossing up the idea about selling her. You know what happens when you talk about selling a horse. They come out and win. She just loves Eagle Farm and she loves the ground nice and hard with a bit of pace on. Amy did well to ride her so well, particularly after the mishap she had this morning.”
Apprentice jockey Amy Taylor: “Yeah, I got kicked by a horse this morning at trackwork. They thought it had broken my leg. As soon as they told me my leg wasn’t broken I said, ‘put some ice on it.’ I’ve got a few stitches in about an inch deep cut and my leg is still pretty fat. But I wasn’t going to miss out. There was a bit of speed from Ostras and she just sat on the fence real nice. I didn’t want to get back too far so I just kept her in touch today and she responded much better than she has been.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Doug’s Mate): 6.00 out to 6.50.
Favourite (Onalar): 4.00 in to 3.10. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Winsome Loot (C. McIver) was caught wide in the early stages. Near the 1100m, On The Up (J. Bowditch) improved up on to the heels of Skyleda (S. Galloway) and had to be steadied. Passing the 500m, Doug’s Mate (A. Taylor) was disappointed for a run between King Latarmiss (M. Hughes) and Onalar (O. Turpin) and had to be steadied. As a result, Doug’s Mate shifted in momentarily tightening On The Up. Skyleda (S. Galloway) laid out under pressure over the concluding stages. King Latarmiss (M. Hughes) raced wide throughout. Dream Gal lost its off-hind plate in running.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Hunters Moon, apprentice M. Palmer stated that the gelding travelled well in the early stages and he was able to obtain a position on the back of Pentacity to cart him into the race, however Hunters Moon was under pressure from the 600m. He further added that, in his opinion, the horse performs better on rain affected tracks. A post race veterinary examination of Hunters Moon failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 3:
1MW Handicap - 1400m
1st - Reincarnation; 2nd - Pyramids; 3rd - Margy Magic
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Andrew Spinks: “The rails are the shortest way around. There wasn’t much ... well there was enough room there and he never hesitated but, you know, most horses would have baulked. But he is such a game little bugger. I wasn’t really held up waiting for the run because he is a horse that you’ve got to let have one crack at it. You can’t let him go too early. So you’ve got to sort of hold him up as long as you can in the straight. Once he lets down, he lets down big time.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Reincarnation): 10.00 steady.
Favourite (Pyramids): 3.00 out to 3.60 in to 3.40. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Thorondo, which was fractious in the barriers and flipped over, was declared a late scratching at 1.41 pm by order of the stewards. Trainer Mr P. Duff was advised that he must provide a further barrier certificate for Thorondo prior to its next race start. On return to scale a protest was lodged by jockey C. Reith, rider of the 3rd placegetter, Margy Magic, against Pyramids (M. Palmer) being declared 2nd, alleging interference inside the final 100m. After considering the evidence, stewards found that passing the 100m, Margy Magic was placed in restricted room between Albert Cadabra and Pyramids, which shifted in slightly. Stewards however were not satisfied that the minor tightening impeded the momentum of Margy Magic in any way and therefore the protest was dismissed and correct weight was semaphored on the Judge's placings. Lord Nediym (A. Taylor) raced wide in the early stages. Altaica (C. McIver) over-raced in the early stages.
S. Galloway, rider of Sun For Sale, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 500m when endeavouring to improve, shifted out and made contact with Kanpeki (O. Turpin), which resulted in that horse shifting out and becoming unbalanced, losing considerable ground and blundering. S. Galloway was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 18 January and to expire at midnight, 29 January 2009.
Passing the 400m, Lord Nediym (A. Taylor) shifted out to avoid the heels of Albert Cadabra (S. Scriven), which shifted out to improve. Kanpeki (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Kanpeki failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Class 6 Mares Handicap - 1200m
1st - Ugly Betty; 2nd - Dance Girl Dance; 3rd - Michelle Cafea
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “Everything worked out nicely. She was nicely weighted to win here. She took a little while ... she took a few strides to get into acceleration mode sort of thing. She didn’t just turn for home and then go, which makes me think she might be looking for a bit further you know. In the end she did it well though.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Ugly Betty): 3.00 out to 3.50.
The winner was the favourite.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fasliyev Dancer (T. Treichel) jumped inwards at the start and made contact with Thick As Thieves (J. Taylor). Near the 800m, Dance Girl Dance (S. Galloway) had to be steadied when momentarily tightened for room by Fasliyev Dancer (T. Treichel), which shifted in. Rounding the home turn, Santiara (J. Bowditch), which was endeavouring to shift out to improve, made contact with Koorong Avenue (C. Reith). Near the 200m, Koorong Avenue (C. Reith) shifted in and brushed Santiara (J. Bowditch). Fasliyev Dancer (T. Treichel) raced wide for the majority of the event. Koorong Avenue (C. Reith) and Thick As Thieves raced wide throughout. A post race veterinary examination of Red Letter Daze failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 5:
NMW Handicap - 1000m
1st - Cattleman; 2nd - Acquired; 3rd - Decibella
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Harry Richardson: “The owners Noel Mobbs and Billy Loughlan are both cattlemen, so that’s where he gets his name. They bred the horse. He is a good, honest little horse. He got all the breaks today, but that’s racing isn’t it. I thought they had the chance to get to him today, but he kicked again and I thought he ran away from them at the line. He is a horse that you can’t race real often. You have got to space his runs, so I’ll probably give him a few weeks off. There’s no hurry. Has he had any problems? Boy, has he had a few issues! He’s had a foot nearly cut off. He’s had a dislocated pelvis and he’s got one fetlock that jars up. So you could say he’s doing really well.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “We sort of planned to run him off the pace. He was probably a bit closer than I wanted to be. He’s ultra-consistent. He kicked on well so it was a good strong win.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Cattleman): 4.80m out to 6.00.
Favourite (Rumba Jack): 5.00 in to 4.20. Finished seventh.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Mini Maizing (C. McIver) was slow to begin. Rumba Jack (A. Taylor) reared at the start, losing considerable ground. Daphne Ellen (J. Bowditch) jumped inwards at the start, making contact with Rotarian (B. El-Issa). On jumping away, the saddle on Acquired (S. Galloway) shifted back and remained so for the remainder of the event. Near the 500m, Rumba Jack had to be steadied off the heels of Hodges Street (D. Craven). Red Meshach (S. Scriven) had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early stages of the straight. Rumba Jack was inclined to lay in for the majority of the straight and near the 50m was inconvenienced when that horse shifted in near the heels of Daphne Ellen. Barbres (K. Wharton) and Sleepy Jackson (E. Wilkinson) raced wide throughout.
Stewards questioned jockey El-Issa regarding his riding of Rotarian, in particular that he allowed the horse to shift off rounding the home turn, enabling the eventual winner, Cattleman, to obtain a position to that horse's inside. Jockey El-Issa stated that after racing head and head when challenged by Single Bound, Rotarian was inclined to lay out and he allowed that horse to shift out rounding the home turn instead of trying to fight it. He further added that he then allowed his mount shortly thereafter to shift back in slightly, however Rotarian then commenced to compound. On return to scale, Rotarian was found to have bled from both nostrils. Stewards noted the explanation.
Rotarian (B. El-Issa) bled during the event. Rotarian will be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. A swab sample was taken from Rotarian. Trainer B. Baldwin reported that Hodges Street returned to the enclosure with its tongue over the bit.
Race 6:
3yo Handicap - 1200m
1st - Little Mel; 2nd - Castagnola; 3rd - Piccolo Latte
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Bailey: “That’s the way you got to ride him. You got to ride him quiet and then just leave him for a run in the straight. His only bad run was when we took the blinkers off. You put the blinkers back on and he is a different horse. No, he is a good horse. Like, he’s been in the stable since before EI. That’s how long he’s been in the stable. They lost his papers. His been in the stable probably the best part of eighteen months and he is racing as good now.
“We’ll probably send him to the paddock now for a few weeks. Sending him down south is a thought, but I think we are better off here. You can’t be in both places and he’s done a good job now. He carried 57kg in one of those three-year-old races and beat them again. If you give him some time you never know what he might be. He might go on to a real good horse this one. I think he would have been a chance if he had got into the Millions because he is so adaptable when there is a bit of speed on and like today, he was just so relaxed. The first time we brought him to the races at Eagle Farm he was a bloody handful, but today he was there, nice and quiet. We’ll decide where he goes later, but maybe the Guineas during the Carnival - that could be a target.”
Jockey Terry Treichel: “He began well today and was able to get a nice run on the fence. He travelled beautifully. Coming to the corner it was just a matter of where we were going to go to try and get out. He was going so well. Then, about the 150m mark, he copped one across the nose from the second horse. It didn’t bother him you know. He got past it with ears all pricked. He did that last start as well when he won at the coast ... he had his ears picked like it was just a day out. He’s a very nice horse now and I think he’s going to be even better later on.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Little Mel): 6.00 out to 7.00.
Favourite (Castagnola): 2.80 out to 2.90 in to 2.80. Finished second.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Castiglione Kid (R. Wiggins) was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, Phebetay (A. Taylor) had to be eased when tightened for room by Star Of Ombre (C. McIver), which was taken in slightly by Bingil Bay (J. Taylor). Castagnola (R. McMahon) jumped away awkwardly. Zahas Pride (B. Pengelly) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Approaching the 1000m, Stoner (S. Seamer) improved up on to the heels of Castagnola and had to be steadied. Stoner continued to over-race until near the 600m and then commenced to hang out and continued to hang out until shortly after straightening. Near the 1000m, Piccolo Latte (D. Craven) improved up on to the heels of Bingil Bay (J. Taylor) and had to be steadied and shifted out. Piccolo Latte was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 800m, Hawkeye Pierce (K. Wharton) improved to the inside of Castiglione Kid (R. Wiggins) where there was insufficient room, and in doing so placed Phebetay in restricted room. Castagnola (R. McMahon) laid out passing the 600m. Bingil Bay (J. Taylor) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight until approaching the 200m. Phebetay had difficulty obtaining clear running for the entire length of the straight. Zahas Pride and Monashee Gold (S. Galloway) raced wide throughout. On pulling up, R. Wiggins was dislodged from Castiglione Kid. Jockey Wiggins returned to the enclosure uninjured and able to fulfil his remaining engagements. Journey On (M. Palmer) returned to scale with blood in its mouth as a result of a laceration to its tongue.
Stewards questioned apprentice A. Taylor regarding her riding of Phebetay, in particular having Phebetay settle at the rear of the field and her failure to improve her position between the 800m and home turn. Apprentice Taylor stated that her instructions were to have the horse settle worse than midfield, however after receiving some tightening in the early stages, the horse settled further back than she had expected. She further stated that near the 800m she again was momentarily placed in restricted room by Hawkeye Pierce. She added that she was unable to obtain clear running at any stage of the straight. Trainer D. Gollan confirmed the instructions. Stewards noted apprentice A. Taylor's explanation, however believed that there was an opportunity for her to improve between the 800m and 400m to have herself positioned slightly closer to the leaders.
Race 7:
4yo & Up E&G Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Solar Secret; 2nd - Go Cart; 3rd - Firedrake
WINNER FEEDBACK
Trainer Phillip Pengelly: “We had the confidence to bring him down here. Last week (at the Sunshine Coast) he hit a few wet patches and Brad (Pengelly) said he didn’t feel comfortable. This was the race we set him for though and Brad said that we shouldn’t drop the bundle. So we pressed ahead and it all went well. It was a very satisfying win.”
Jockey Brad Pengelly: “It was lovely mate, a really lovely result for us. This was always going to be the day. This was his target. It was always going to depend on whether he was good enough. He gave when I asked and it was all good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Solar Secret): 21.00 steady.
Favourite (Firedrake): 1.80 out to 2.30 in to 2.25. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice T. Chambers was fined $100 for failing to claim her full allowance on Firedrake. Go Cart (I. Fry) and Bushland (B. Payne) were slow to begin. Stature (J. Taylor) raced wide in the early stages. Three Chances (A. Taylor) raced ungenerously in the early stages. Approaching the 500m, Yass River (S. Scriven) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Ulladulla (C. Reith) and Firedrake (T. Chambers) which when laying out, shifted out slightly. Near the 250m, On Bail (R. McMahon) obtained a narrow run to the inside of Subtle Glance (R. Wiggins), and then passing the 200m, On Bail was momentarily placed in restricted room to the inside of Subtle Glance, which was taken in slightly by the tiring Stature (J. Taylor). Near the 200m, Solar Secret (B. Pengelly) shifted out to improve and made contact with Heart (M. Palmer). Inside the final 50m, Subtle Glance had to be steadied to avoid the heels of On Bail, which shifted out around the heels of Firedrake to obtain clear running. R. McMahon, rider of On Bail, was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. On Bail (R. McMahon) was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Feeling Dandy (B. El-Issa), Ulladulla (C. Reith) and Three Chances (A. Taylor) raced wide throughout. Go Cart (I. Fry) was inclined to lay out throughout the event. A post race veterinary examination of Ulladulla revealed the gelding had sustained a laceration to the front of the off hind coronet.
Race 8:
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Take The Plea; 2nd - Shuffle The Cash; 3rd - Majorca
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Wallace: “It’s been a long time since I’ve trained a winner at this price. He won well. I thought he’d probably want further today. He’s work’s been alright. I put him over the jumps in the bull-ring at the Gold Coast. He never really jumped them any good, he ran through them all, but at least it sharpened him a little bit, you know. I was in the trainers’ bar and I said to them at the 1000m he is going to be hard to beat. I could see. I could tell.”
Jockey Scott Galloway: “He’s not a bad old horse, particularly when he gets up over 2000m. He was second-up and so he’s a bit on the fresh side. It was a nice pace so I just sat him back. At the 600m he really gave me a good feeling. He was really strong and he is the type of horse who can make a strong forward move.
“From the 600m I just let him continue. He is such a big, long strider. You know, he is not a sit and sprint horse. So when I straightened I had a lapful of horse. so I just went for home and he opened up real good.”
PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Take The Plea): 51.00 out to 61.00.
Favourite (Majorca): 4.60 out to 4.80 in to 4.20. Finished third.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Humma (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. The Cavern Club (A. Spinks) and Waterford Jack (M. Traecey) came together on jumping away. Shortly after the start, Another Takeover (C Reith) commenced to over-race and continued to do so until the 1100m where it had to be steadied off the heels of Eleventh Command (D. Craven). Another Takeover continued to over-race and near the 800m shifted in, tightening Punch Up (J. Taylor). Primeval Demand (B. El-Issa), which was following, was hampered in consequence. Near the 700m, Punch Up (J. Taylor) became unbalanced when racing to the inside of Another Takeover. Passing the 500m, Humma improved up on to the heels of Primeval Demand and had to be steadied. Eleventh Command (D. Craven) and Punch Up were held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. Near the 350m, Majorca (S. Scriven) had to be momentarily steadied when tightened for room by Red Sphere (B. Pengelly), which shifted in.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of Take The Plea, trainer J. Wallace could offer little explanation other than he had varied the horse's training slightly during the week following the horse's disappointing performance first back from a spell. He added that Take The Plea at its last campaign failed to live up to the potential it had shown as a three year old. The explanation was noted.
J. Taylor was questioned regarding the performance of Punch Up, jockey J. Taylor stated he was obliged to race in restricted room from the 600m until shortly after straightening and was then held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. He further added that after obtaining clear running near the 200m it had only run on fairly.
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY EXTRACT:
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses
Horses swabbed
All winners, Rotarian
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