A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, November 23.
A treble from apprentice jockey Owen Turpin, for three different trainers, was a highlight of the meeting. Turpin’s treble came on the back of a city win on Saturday and a double on Friday. Six wins in three days is pretty good going by any standards. The five wins on Friday and Sunday have taken Turpin past the previous dual leaders, Sean Cormack and Jana Piper, to place him at the top of the Sunshine Coast Jockeys Premiership.
Racing was keen with seven of the eight races being decided by a margin of a length or less.
Race 1:
QTIS Maiden 2yo Plate - 1000m
1st - Craiglea Blondie; 2nd - Lissoy's Lass; 3rd - Dienekes
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Natalie Hole: “She is one of my favourites. I haven’t wanted to give her too hard a gallop in work so that was the first time she had to chase anything. Still very green, but she did it well.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “Still very green obviously. She was running around and really wanted to run in behind the leading horse (Lissoy’s Lass) when putting in her challenge. I just had to pull her out again and she was always going too well for them.”
This was an eye-catching victory from the first-timer. The level of opposition can be questioned, but there was plenty to like about the way Craiglea Blonde came through her first assignment, not getting too lost while doing a lot of things wrong, and showing both ability and character in the finish to complete the job with a flourish.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Miss Sanctity (K. Pope) began awkwardly and raced greenly throughout. After taking evidence from jockey K. Pope and receiving an undertaking from trainer Mr M. Mair that he would have the filly compete in a long jump-out prior to starting again, stewards placed a warning on Miss Sanctity regarding its racing manners Correct weight was delayed when apprentice J. Brown was dislodged from Lissoy’s Lass who came back without any apparent injury on return to scale.
Race 2:
Maiden Handicap- 1000m
1st - Faunius; 2nd - Flirten; 3rd - Logan's Hero
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Ryan Wiggins: “We never went around another horse which helped a lot. He was pretty much one-paced from halfway up the straight though, so I thought, here we go, but thankfully he did enough to get the result.”
Faunius brought average city midweek form to the coast. The blinkers went on again, but whether that made any significant difference remains to be seen in more testing conditions. The gelding settled on the rail tracking the early speed and was allowed the liberty of an un-impeded rails-hugging run all the way down the straight. Faunius won the race with a forward move between the 300m and the 150m, by which time he had established enough of a break to hold off the faster finishing Flirten. The latter had been held wide throughout, a factor which certainly played a part in the result.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Flirten jumped away awkwardly, resulting in jockey J. Taylor momentarily losing his balance. The saddle on Kellina’s Shadow shifted near the 500m, resulting in jockey K. Pope being disadvantaged for the remainder of the event. Logan’s Hero (A. Merritt) laid in over the concluding stages. Len’s Gift (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 3:
Class 4 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Casa Cardoso; 2nd - Dauntless; 3rd - Kings Artist
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “His been running against some fair horses (Atomic Huss, Je Ne Sais Pas, Fasliyev Dancer). He goes well at this track and he was ridden well, so we were lucky we could get it all together on the day.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “Trevor (Miller) said I should try to save him without fighting him. That was basically the instructions – and then to see how we could come home from there. He did settle which apparently he doesn’t always do. Apparently he generally pulls early and plods late. But I got him to settle this time ... and then he had to fight hard to win. Trevor said he was surprised how well he came home. He hit the line good because he was able to relax early on.”
Casa Cardoso settled last in the five horse field and had some ground to make up turning into the straight. He wasted little time in moving into contention and just when it seemed he would have the others comfortably covered, Dauntless, who had also bided his time towards the rear of the field, switched off the rail and pushed forward along Casa Cardoso’s inside. These two runners joined issue in a hard-fought, stride for stride battle to the line with Casa Cardoso getting the decision by a nose.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer D. Murphy pleaded guilty to contravening AR68A(2) in that he entered Key To Happiness for this race for the purpose of effecting the total number of acceptors for this event. Mr Murphy was fined $500. Jockey B. Pengelly was reprimanded for allowing Kings Artist to shift in near the 500m, resulting in Dauntless (M. Heagney) having to be steadied. When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Kings Artist B. Pengelly stated that the horse travelled well, however failed to show his customary acceleration when placed under pressure in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Kings Artist failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Maiden Plate - 1400m
1st - Grand Goodway; 2nd - Fly Misty; 3rd - Probability
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Bryan Guy trained Grand Goodway landed in a perfect position and sat in fourth placing just off the speed until the home turn. As the field straighten up, Fly Misty took over the running from the early frontrunner Lord Benson. Jockey Paul Hammersley now had Grand Goodway hard on the heels of Fly Misty and the chase was on. It took the whole length of the straight, a hard ride by Hammersley and a determined response from the three-year-old colt before Grand Goodway was able to snatch the prize away from Fly Misty in the shadow of the post.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seven Shadows (M. Heagney) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Mercent (M. Hughes). Natural Elle (R. Hancock) jumped away awkwardly. Shortly after the start, the saddle on Tanoshimi shifted forward, placing O. Turpin at a disadvantage and as a result Tanoshimi was forced to race wide throughout. Trainer M. Lloyd was advised that Seven Shadows, which finished a distant last, would be barred from provincial class racing until the mare establishes country form.
Race 5:
Class 3 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Frisco's In Charge; 2nd - Chicago Boy; 3rd - Bold Distinction
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Frank Phillips: “He was favourite because he was the best horse in the race and he won like the best horse in the race. The jockey (Owen Turpin) rode him a treat.”
“I’m the fifth trainer Owen’s been with. He went through four trainers in quick time and had only ridden four winners in the bush when he came to me a year-and-a-half ago. Now he’s ridden over eighty winners in total. He’s ridden fifty provincial winners. He’s just going from strength to strength.”
So was has been the difference? Why has Turpin lasted with Phillips and why is he doing well?
Phillips: “I wouldn’t put up with his sh..t. He wouldn’t listen. Had a reputation of someone who wouldn’t listen. I told him, he either knuckles down and makes a go of his riding career, or he could leave. I gave him the option. To his credit, he stuck it out. He’s got a different attitude now and it shows in his riding.”
I mentioned to Phillips the fact that Larry Olsen had given Turpin a similar rap at Eagle Farm on Saturday (see Eagle Farm Review 22-11-08 – race 8). Philips nodded knowingly.
Phillips: “I’ve told Owen. ‘Compared to what you know, Larry Olsen is a professor’. Listen and learn ... and it is good to know that now, unlike when he started, he is doing just that.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “I had a good barrier ... got to the rail and just sat off the speed. I was in a bit of a pocket just before the turn. When I saw Ray Hancock was already having to get to work on his mount (the leader Dustmen) right in front of me, I thought this is either going to turn out very bad or very good. I thought he was either going to come back in my face or he was going to roll off the fence. Luckily he rolled off and gave me the run I needed. After that, we only had to run down Chicago Boy. It took a while, but we were always going to get there.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Seekawinner (D. Gill) raced wide throughout. Apprentice G. Butler was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight. AR145.
Race 6:
Class 1 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Ready To Rise; 2nd - Joburg Angel; 3rd - Deniro Muy Grande
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “He’s been working very well. He had no luck last time. I still think he is a 1400m horse. The only reason we came back in distance (to 1200m) was because there was no other suitable race for him. That’s why our horses clashed actually (the McLachlan stable ran the quinella). It’s sometimes difficult to find suitable races for our runners.”
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “It was pretty much the same tactics as my win on Frisco’s In Charge. It was a bit easier in that, being a bit wider, I didn’t have to sweat for a run and also he went clear pretty early in the straight.”
The most clear-cut winner of the day did it easy. Ready To Rise tracked the leaders before making a forward move early in the straight. He had his race won a long way from home and came back a convincing winner by a comfortable three length margin.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ready To Rise (O. Turpin) jumped outwards at the start and hampered Lucky Landing (A. Merritt). Afleet Boy (R. Hancock) raced wide in the early and middle stages. Near the 500m, Deniro Muy Grande (E. Wilkinson) improved up on to the heels of Hayil And Hearty (D. Gill) and when being restrained became unbalanced. Joburg Angel (K. Pope) raced wide for the majority of the event.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1000m
1st - Black Suit; 2nd - General Patton; 3rd - Sommersea Drive
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Richie Stephenson: “He’s been a very good horse for us. He cost $10 000 and he’s won thirteen races now and something like $235 000 in stakes. You’ve got to take expenses off that of course, but we’re still nicely ahead. The instructions were simple. Jump out and win – really instructions go out of the window once the barriers open, so I just leave it at, jump out and win. I nearly had a heart attack at the 50m when the two of them (Black Suit and General Patton) were fighting it out. I thought, come on, hurry up. I wanted the post to come and us to be in front. On the line I thought we’d got it.”
Black Suit was prominently positioned in third placing until the turn. The gelding was momentarily held up on straightening and Garry Baker had to go to work to get the seven-year-old to push forward along the inside of the track. General Patton, after biding his time in the second half of the field, was now making up ground quickly along the outside. Halfway up the straight, Baker was still urging his mount along, but General Patton appeared to have them all covered. These two contenders had three other runners between them coming through the 200m mark, but they quickly dropped those rivals to make it a two horse race to the line. General Patton shifted in to run right up alongside Black Suit, which seemed to give Black Suit extra impetus and he fought back to take the honours by the narrowest of margins.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Griffin Gate (K. Wharton) was slow to begin. Black Suit (G. Baker) shifted out at the start and made contact with Dynamic Dancing (J. Kropp). Black Suit then became unbalanced and shifted in, making contact with Slick Trick (S. Mossman). Leaving the 200m, Griffen Gate (K. Wharton) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Key Bar Nights (K. Pope), which shifted out and Sommersea Drive, which shifted in slightly. K. Pope, rider of Key Bar Nights was reprimanded and advised that when his mounts shift ground, he must stop riding and straighten sooner than he did on this occasion.
Race 8:
Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Mauries Pick; 2nd - Box Seat; 3rd - Good Medicine
Trainer Clive Sinton: “I’ve only had him for three runs. He had the two starts on the Cushion Track. Two starts over 1000m and 1100m on the Cushion Track is the equivalent of two 1200m races. So he’s done a lot of work. He stepped up to 1600m and I told Eddie (Wilkinson) to get him going early. We’ll probably stay over this sort of trip for a couple of runs and he should go further later.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1200m, Ardmilan (B. Thompson) had to be checked when Legal Technicality (A. Spinks), which had commenced to over-race, shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Box Seat (M. Heagney) raced wide from a point leaving the 700m.
M. Heagney, rider of Box Seat, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 200m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Zibo (K. Pope), resulting in Zibo being forced across the heels of Good Medicine (R. Goltz) and having to be checked. M. Heagney was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 7 meetings, to commence at midnight, 24 November and to expire at midnight, 4 December 2008.
Mauries Pick (E. Wilkinson) shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination of Raining Kings revealed the gelding had quartered its heel on the off foreleg.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, NOV 22)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, November 22.
Race 1:
2yo Fillies Handicap - 1000m
1st - Dual Chamber; 2nd – Fairchild; 3rd - Crystal Honour
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Maryann Thexton: “We always thought she was a talented filly but she got her knickers in a knot last time (on debut). We had to go back to the barriers and that to get some things sorted out. She was just so professional this time. She was so genuine and got home beautifully. She’ll go to the paddock now. I think she’ll furnish into a really beautiful filly and she should go well over more ground.”
Jockey Matthew Palmer: “The plan was to try and sit just off the speed but she was outpaced early and dropped back. So she was left chasing in the middle part but, once she balanced up in the straight she really set about her business and hit the line hard.”
Dual Chamber was chased from a wide draw but couldn’t muster the speed required to race in a prominent position. The two favourites Fairchild and Brazilian Express had the race to themselves in the early part. They were tracked by the first-timer Disputed Bid, who switched out at the head of the straight to threaten the two frontrunners. At this stage Dual Chamber was still some four lengths in arrears and, for a brief moment, she continued to mark time as Fairchild won the battle at the head of affairs and skipped clear, looking every inch a winner. Once Palmer angled her out for a run, Dual Chamber reacted with greater urgency and lengthened her stride with meaning. The chase was always going to end in a close call as Dual Chamber cut into the advantage of Fairchild with every stride, and, as the latter tired late, Dual Chamber surge took her past the second favourite in the shadow of the post to win by a neck. The winner Dual Chamber had blinkers on for the first time and tongue tie on for the first time.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 600m, First Option (K. Pope) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Dual Chamber (M. Palmer), which shifted in away from Melrina Miss (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly. Near the 150m, Dual Chamber shifted out off the heels of Disputed Bid. Disputed Bid (R. Goltz) raced greenly in the straight.
When questioned regarding the performance of Brazilian Princess, L. Dittman stated that, in his opinion, the filly did not feel comfortable in today's rain affected track conditions. A post race veterinary examination of Brazilian Princess failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Winner price fluctuations: 15-1 in to 12-1.
Favourite price fluctuations: 2.40 out to 2.60 (Brazilian Princess – unplaced).
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Chilli Magic; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Seen'em Comin'
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “It was her first time over a mile. The combination of the extra ground and the way she was ridden was the reason for her success. You know she jumps so well that jockeys are tempted to push forward and put her in the race. She hasn’t got a finish if they do that. She just doesn’t have a finish if she is used early. With more ground and a more patient ride, she has more time to relax and then she can build up to a big finish, which is what happened here.”
What also happened here is that a protest was lodged by jockey Sean Cormack, rider of the second placed Our Lukas, against the winner on the grounds of interference that took place in the home straight.
Inside the protest hearing, Cormack stated that Chilli Magic had taken up his horse’s running. He acknowledged that Chilli Magic had gone past him before the incident occurred, but stated that Our Lukas is a horse that takes a bit of time to get going and that he was still very much in the race when Chilli Magic, “drifted onto my horse and took up its running.” Cormack continued saying that Chilli Magic’s inward movement had broken his horse’s momentum. “It took us three or four strides to get going during which time we lost one to two lengths before he rallied back to only be beaten by three-quarters-of-a-length.”
Trainer Robert Heathcote was at one with Cormack’s testimony. Heathcote said, “there is no doubt that severe interference occurred,” and that, in his opinion, “the ground lost exceeded the winning margin. It’s one hundred percent there was severe interference. How much ground it cost I guess is the real question.”
Jockey Jason Holder, rider of Chilli Magic defended his position. “By the 250m mark I was pretty certain that I had all of the runners covered. I got past Sean (Cormack) easily. She did switch off when she hit the front and did drift in a half to one horse width but I think she was a genuine winner of the race.”
Trainer Gillian Heinrich did not attend the protest hearing as she had to saddle a runner in the next race. When she returned, the Stewards were still behind doors, yet to announce the outcome of the protest. Rob Heathcote was waiting outside the Stewards Room when Heinrich walked in.
“I think it is 75 -25,”said Heathcote to Heinrich.
“And am I the 25,”asked Heinrich.
“No, I think they are going to let you keep it,” said Heathcote.
Heathcote was right. The protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Deception Bay was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon at the barriers at the request of the jockey and was cleared to start.
On return to scale a protest was lodged by S. Cormack, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Our Lukas, against Chilli Magic being declared the winner, alleging interference inside the 200m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards acknowledged that whilst an incident occurred near the 150m where Our Lukas had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Chilli Magic, which shifted in, they could not be satisfied that the interference warranted a reversal of the placings, and therefore the protest was dismissed and the Judge's placings confirmed.
At a subsequent inquiry, J. Holder, rider of Chilli Magic, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 150m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Our Lukas, which resulted in Our Lukas being checked and losing momentum. J. Holder was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 November, and to expire at midnight, 5 December 2008.
In the early stages of the straight, Seen’em Comin’ (J. Bowditch) was inclined to lay in. Wind Gusts (S. Galloway) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Deception Bay, S. Scriven stated that the horse travelled well in the early stages, however when placed under pressure prior to the home turn, the gelding failed to respond to his riding. Trainer Mr B. Brown stated that, in his opinion, Deception Bay had come to the end of its preparation and will be sent for an immediate spell. A post race veterinary examination of Deception Bay failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
Winner price fluctuations: 15-1 out to 17-1.
Favourite price fluctuations: 2-1 out to 3.20 (Deception Bay - unplaced).
Race 3:
3yo Handicap - 1400m
1st - Little Mel; 2nd - Delago Pilli; 3rd - Tikit To Glory
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “He over-raced badly in the middle part. Ran onto heels ... nearly fell. Picked himself up from that and just continued to over-race. When I pulled him out in the straight he knuckled down and fought on really well. Once he can learn to settle he’ll be a much better horse. I think they’ll take the blinkers off next time. At least if he’s winning doing all that wrong, it’s a good sign.”
Scott Galloway would have done well in the wide west. The rider had a bumpy ride in transit but emerged to lead a hectic cavalry charge home. From a position in the second half of the field, Galloway pulled Little Mel to the outside turning for home and gradually began a forward move which was to land the duo in the thick of the action by the 200m mark. With runners spread right across the track, Little Mel rallied to get the better of Worthy, who had claimed the lead inside the final 150m, and then kept fighting long enough to keep the fast finishing Delago Pilli and Tikit To Glory at bay.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Queen Of Bling (J. Bowditch) and Little Mel (S. Galloway) were tightened for room on jumping away between Yatala (D. Craven), which shifted out, and Journey On (Matthew Palmer), which shifted in. In this incident, Queen Of Bling blundered. Journey On and Mr Orient raced wide in the early stages. Little Mel (S. Galloway), which commenced to over-race passing the 1200m, shifted out passing the 1000m, forcing Yatala (D. Craven) wider. A short distance later, Little Mel had to be checked off the heels of Delago Pilli (S. Seamer). Little Mel continued to over-race for some distance. Yatala then raced wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 600m, Delago Pilli shifted out to improve and in doing so made contact with Yatala on several occasions. Rounding the home turn, Little Mel (S. Galloway) shifted out to improve and bumped Tunes Of Gold (J. Holder). Approaching the 300m, Adnocon (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run between Journey On and Mr Orient. Near the 150m, Yatala was momentarily tightened for room between Tikit To Glory (P. Hammersley) and Little Mel (S. Galloway), which shifted in. A post race veterinary examination of Little Mel revealed the gelding to have sustained a laceration to the outside of the near-fore canon.
Winner price fluctuations: 3.50 out to 4-1.
The winner was the favourite.
Race 4:
C.E.B. Barnes Quality Handicap- 2400m
1st - Tariki; 2nd - Dream Gal; 3rd - Pay Me
WINNER FEEDBACK
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “The rider-less horse injected some pace into the race . I was in midfield for a lot of the way but only really felt comfortable when I got on the back of Rezone. I tracked Rezone three wide to the turn and he carried me up to the lead. I asked my horse to kick early and for a while I thought I’d gone too soon, but the old boy kept kicking and he did a good job in the end.”
Hammersley rode a patient race early in the script before shifting out and tracking wide behind Rezone when the runners began to quicken approaching the turn. The gelding easily got to the lead early in the straight and then equally as easily opened up a winning lead to be more than two lengths clear by the 200m mark. Dream Gal did come out of the pack to threaten but Hammersley had measured his run well and Tariki still held a clearcut advantage at the line.
Tariki was scoring his second successive win. This success came on the back of a win over 2020m at Doomben two weeks earlier.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
M. Dorrington, rider of Crowning Prince, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 2350m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Tariki (P. Hammersley), taking that horse in and as a result On The up was tightened for room between Tariki and Rezone (K. Pope), resulting in On The Up losing its position. M. Dorrington was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 November, and to expire at midnight 6 December 2008.
P. Hammersley, rider of Tariki, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 2300m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Rezone, resulting in Rezone being steadied when tightened for room between Mr Gold Fire (S. Scriven) and Tariki and shifted out, resulting in On The Up clipping the heels of Rezone, blundering, resulting in S. Cormack being dislodged from On The Up. P. Hammersley was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 2 weeks, to commence at midnight, 22 November and to expire at midnight, 11 December 2008.
Near the 1600m, Crowning Prince (M. Dorrington) had to be checked as a result of the riderless On The Up.
Leaving the 1600m, Grand Corso (S. Seamer), Supreme Agenda (K. Wharton) and Mr Gold Fire (S. Scriven) were all hampered as a result of the riderless On The Up. Rezone (K. Pope) raced 3 wide throughout the race.
A post race veterinary examination of On The Up revealed the gelding had sustained a laceration to the inside of the off-fore fetlock. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that Rezone was suffering from metabolic heat syndrome following the event. He also advised that Derry City had pulled up sore in the off-fore leg. Trainer L. Mayfield-Smith will be advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for that horse prior to its next race start.
Winner price fluctuations: 8-1 out to 10-1 in to 9.50
Favourite price fluctuations: 3-1 out to 3.30 (Mr Gold Fire – unplaced)
Race 5:
2MW 4yo & Up Handicap - 1400m
1st - Pepperwood; 2nd - Onalar; 3rd - Thorondo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Oh it’s just good to know that he’s moving in the right direction.”
I pointed out that this is what racing is all about ... win some, lose some – referring to the fact that Birchley’s runner Fairchild had just been touched off in the first race and this one had just got there.
Liam Birchley: “Maybe, or else maybe it’s about the apprentice (Chris McIver) learning how long the straight is. He rode this one with more patience than he did the other one.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver: “He tends to get back and he did so again ... but he was always travelling well. He wanted to go in the straight and I just let him slide.”
Pepperwood raced towards the rear of the field in the early part. Save A Buck and Dance Girl Dance vied for the lead in the sweep to the turn with Pepperwood moving into contention wide out on the track. The two leaders kicked in the straight with Pepperwood making up ground steadily. At the 120m Dance Girl Dance weakened and Pepperwood loomed large to tackle Save A Buck. The Birchley trained runner got to the head of affairs inside the last 50m, but it was still not ‘race over’ as Onalar and Thorondo both put in spirited late charges. In the end they had to settle for the minor placings.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pepperwood (C. McIver), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened for room a short distance later between Snow Destiny (A. Taylor) and Onalar (R. Wiggins), which was taken in by Mosta House (Matthew Palmer). Our Jangles (K. Pope) was tightened for room on jumping away between Belles Opinion (K. Wharton) and Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz), which shifted in after jumping away awkwardly. Approaching the 1300m, Snow Destiny, which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Thorondo (J. Bowditch) and shifted in abruptly, hampering Pepperwood (C. McIver). Snow Destiny then continued to over-race for some distance.
Winner price fluctuations: 3.60 out to 4.80
Favourite price fluctuations: 4-1 out to 4.60 (Save A Buck – unplaced)
Race 6:
Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Albert The Fat; 2nd - Borsha's Mark; 3rd - Main Vein
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who was celebrating a birthday): “We settled just worse than midfield and we were travelling very well. When we turned into the straight there was no one outside me so I just switched into the clear. He quickened up beautifully and came home strong.”
Luke Rolls only took one ride on his birthday and the result gave him another reason for celebration. Both horse and rider performed perfectly. The duo sat in midfield, one off the fence until the approach to the turn. A quick look over his left shoulder and Rolls found he was able to shift out on his own terms. With nobody coming up behind him, Rolls could select exactly where he wanted to make his run. Once in the clear, Albert The Fat began to extend his stride and, in a perfectly times chase, Albert The Fat went past Borsha’s Mark when it mattered most to score a most impressive win first-up to complete his fourth successive victory. Albert the Fat is trained by Eden Petrie.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) and Consider Yourself (C. McIver) came together on jumping away. Albert The Fat (L. Rolls) and Pelltro (K. Pope) were placed in restricted room on jumping away between Main Vein (J. Holder) and Catchit (M. Radecker), which shifted in. Pietro Vannici (A. Coome) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1000m, Albert The Fat (L. Rolls), which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Red Sphere (C. Reith). The Boxer (Matthew Palmer) raced wide throughout.
Winner price fluctuations: 2.30 in to 2,25 out to 2.60
The winner was the favourite.
Race 7:
Keith Noud Quality Handicap - 1200m
1st -Forestreno; 2nd - Cocktail Supreme; 3rd - Black Ink
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Phil McLeod: “We were quietly confident. He dropped 6,5kg from his last run so we thought he’d go well. That race is exactly what getting winners is all about. It’s all about getting them ridden right. Joe (Bowditch) rode him a treat. I do feel sorry for Tony Pattillo though. He would have been on him if he were not suspended.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “I sat in the same place I did the last time I rode him. The trainer told me if I rode him the same way he should be hard to beat ... and so it proved. He travelled well and I always thought I was going to win in the straight. Just the last little bit he was knocking up a bit, but it had been a tough race so there was nothing wrong with that. He had done enough.”
Bowditch settled Forestreno in fourth spot right on the back of the speed. The gelding thus had an ideal position from which to launch his challenge and he produced a strong, measured run all the way down the home straight which proved too strong for his opposition.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1000m, Forestreno (J. Bowditch) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Dance The Waves (J. Holder), which shifted in. Nexgen (K. Pope) over-raced in the middle stages and near the 700m had to be steadied off the heels of Daunting Lad (S. Scriven). Near the 300m, Nexgen (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run between Vocalic (R. Goltz) and Nuclear Medicine (S. Thurlow). In the early stages of the straight, Thin And Crispy (P. Hammersley) was momentarily held up for clear running. Mystery City raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Nuclear Medicine, S. Thurlow stated that the horse raced in a forward position, as per its normal racing pattern, however the gelding failed to sprint in the straight as expected, its run having ended passing the 150m. A post race veterinary examination of Nuclear Medicine failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer G. Yorke will be requested to advise stewards of any abnormality which may come to light with Nuclear Medicine that may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance.
Winner price fluctuations: 10-1 out to 11-1
Favourite price fluctuations: 3.00 out to 3.80 (Nuclear Medicine – unplaced)
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1000m
1st - Sequablue; 2nd - Bazzooka; 3rd - Covet Gold
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “The plan was to get her across without chasing her. She has got natural speed so we thought we would use it, but just place her where she was comfortable. Once we got a reasonable position the plan was just to wait it out ... to hold off on asking her for her finishing effort for as long as possible. Then to let her go and hope she would have enough fight to finish off the job. Everything worked out well.”
Sky Channel reporter Larry Olsen (who was seen advising Owen Turpin at various stages of the day). “You know, I always tell these boys that they have got to think about things. Successful jockeys put a lot of thought into their riding tactics. You don’t always have to go with the obvious like chasing your horse from a bad draw – particularly in the 1000m races here. There is only one turn you have to worry about. You have to take aim at the position you want to be in and then work out the best way to get there for your horse to still be competitive in the finish. I spoke to Owen about how I would have ridden this horse. He put the plan into effect and it worked.”
I suggested that there is one thing better than giving good advice to apprentice jockeys. That is when they take it.”
Larry Olsen: “You know what you say is absolutely true. I can tell you of times when I’ve been speaking to some young riders, trying to help them, and I can see in the faces that my advice is going in one ear and out the other. They are not really interested. Owen (Turpin) is not like that. He wants to learn. That’s why he is starting to do well.”
Sequablue jumped well from a wide draw. Turpin positioned his mount back in fifth and then sixth position, staying wide but travelling in comfortable fashion. The mare duly put in the big bounds when given her head in the home straight. Bozzooka also came through the field on the back of Sequablue and laid down a determined challenge to apply pressure in the closing stages, but the Barry Baldwin trained mare was not to be denied and she stayed on claim her seventh career success.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after straightening, Azzason (D. Craven) had to be momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of Bazzooka (S. Seamer), which shifted out. Approaching the 400m, Courtyard Circle (Michael Palmer) had to be checked when tightened for room between Pat Attack and Azzasson, which improved quickly around the heels of Bazzooka, which also shifted out slightly. At a subsequent inquiry, stewards were unable to attribute blame on any one rider, however advised both S. Seamer (Bazzooka) and D. Craven (Azzason) to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 400m, Covet Gold shifted in and bumped Youcantseeme (J. Bowditch).
Between the 200m and 100m, Youcantseeme had difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching the winning post, Covet Gold shifted in, taking Youcantseeme in on to Vulcan (L. Dittman). Vulcan, Sequablue (O. Turpin) and Pat Attack (S. Apthorpe) raced wide throughout.
Jockey S. Apthorpe, rider of Pat Attack, was fined $100 under AR137A2(b) in that he used he used his whip excessively on his mount when it was out of contention. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the lower level of his breach and also his good previous record.
Winner price fluctuations: 8-1 in to 7-1
Favourite price fluctuations: Steady at 6-1 (Bazzooka - second)
Race 1:
2yo Fillies Handicap - 1000m
1st - Dual Chamber; 2nd – Fairchild; 3rd - Crystal Honour
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Maryann Thexton: “We always thought she was a talented filly but she got her knickers in a knot last time (on debut). We had to go back to the barriers and that to get some things sorted out. She was just so professional this time. She was so genuine and got home beautifully. She’ll go to the paddock now. I think she’ll furnish into a really beautiful filly and she should go well over more ground.”
Jockey Matthew Palmer: “The plan was to try and sit just off the speed but she was outpaced early and dropped back. So she was left chasing in the middle part but, once she balanced up in the straight she really set about her business and hit the line hard.”
Dual Chamber was chased from a wide draw but couldn’t muster the speed required to race in a prominent position. The two favourites Fairchild and Brazilian Express had the race to themselves in the early part. They were tracked by the first-timer Disputed Bid, who switched out at the head of the straight to threaten the two frontrunners. At this stage Dual Chamber was still some four lengths in arrears and, for a brief moment, she continued to mark time as Fairchild won the battle at the head of affairs and skipped clear, looking every inch a winner. Once Palmer angled her out for a run, Dual Chamber reacted with greater urgency and lengthened her stride with meaning. The chase was always going to end in a close call as Dual Chamber cut into the advantage of Fairchild with every stride, and, as the latter tired late, Dual Chamber surge took her past the second favourite in the shadow of the post to win by a neck. The winner Dual Chamber had blinkers on for the first time and tongue tie on for the first time.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 600m, First Option (K. Pope) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Dual Chamber (M. Palmer), which shifted in away from Melrina Miss (J. Bowditch), which shifted in slightly. Near the 150m, Dual Chamber shifted out off the heels of Disputed Bid. Disputed Bid (R. Goltz) raced greenly in the straight.
When questioned regarding the performance of Brazilian Princess, L. Dittman stated that, in his opinion, the filly did not feel comfortable in today's rain affected track conditions. A post race veterinary examination of Brazilian Princess failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Winner price fluctuations: 15-1 in to 12-1.
Favourite price fluctuations: 2.40 out to 2.60 (Brazilian Princess – unplaced).
Race 2:
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m
1st - Chilli Magic; 2nd - Our Lukas; 3rd - Seen'em Comin'
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gillian Heinrich: “It was her first time over a mile. The combination of the extra ground and the way she was ridden was the reason for her success. You know she jumps so well that jockeys are tempted to push forward and put her in the race. She hasn’t got a finish if they do that. She just doesn’t have a finish if she is used early. With more ground and a more patient ride, she has more time to relax and then she can build up to a big finish, which is what happened here.”
What also happened here is that a protest was lodged by jockey Sean Cormack, rider of the second placed Our Lukas, against the winner on the grounds of interference that took place in the home straight.
Inside the protest hearing, Cormack stated that Chilli Magic had taken up his horse’s running. He acknowledged that Chilli Magic had gone past him before the incident occurred, but stated that Our Lukas is a horse that takes a bit of time to get going and that he was still very much in the race when Chilli Magic, “drifted onto my horse and took up its running.” Cormack continued saying that Chilli Magic’s inward movement had broken his horse’s momentum. “It took us three or four strides to get going during which time we lost one to two lengths before he rallied back to only be beaten by three-quarters-of-a-length.”
Trainer Robert Heathcote was at one with Cormack’s testimony. Heathcote said, “there is no doubt that severe interference occurred,” and that, in his opinion, “the ground lost exceeded the winning margin. It’s one hundred percent there was severe interference. How much ground it cost I guess is the real question.”
Jockey Jason Holder, rider of Chilli Magic defended his position. “By the 250m mark I was pretty certain that I had all of the runners covered. I got past Sean (Cormack) easily. She did switch off when she hit the front and did drift in a half to one horse width but I think she was a genuine winner of the race.”
Trainer Gillian Heinrich did not attend the protest hearing as she had to saddle a runner in the next race. When she returned, the Stewards were still behind doors, yet to announce the outcome of the protest. Rob Heathcote was waiting outside the Stewards Room when Heinrich walked in.
“I think it is 75 -25,”said Heathcote to Heinrich.
“And am I the 25,”asked Heinrich.
“No, I think they are going to let you keep it,” said Heathcote.
Heathcote was right. The protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Deception Bay was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon at the barriers at the request of the jockey and was cleared to start.
On return to scale a protest was lodged by S. Cormack, rider of the 2nd placegetter, Our Lukas, against Chilli Magic being declared the winner, alleging interference inside the 200m. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards acknowledged that whilst an incident occurred near the 150m where Our Lukas had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Chilli Magic, which shifted in, they could not be satisfied that the interference warranted a reversal of the placings, and therefore the protest was dismissed and the Judge's placings confirmed.
At a subsequent inquiry, J. Holder, rider of Chilli Magic, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 150m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Our Lukas, which resulted in Our Lukas being checked and losing momentum. J. Holder was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 November, and to expire at midnight, 5 December 2008.
In the early stages of the straight, Seen’em Comin’ (J. Bowditch) was inclined to lay in. Wind Gusts (S. Galloway) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Deception Bay, S. Scriven stated that the horse travelled well in the early stages, however when placed under pressure prior to the home turn, the gelding failed to respond to his riding. Trainer Mr B. Brown stated that, in his opinion, Deception Bay had come to the end of its preparation and will be sent for an immediate spell. A post race veterinary examination of Deception Bay failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
Winner price fluctuations: 15-1 out to 17-1.
Favourite price fluctuations: 2-1 out to 3.20 (Deception Bay - unplaced).
Race 3:
3yo Handicap - 1400m
1st - Little Mel; 2nd - Delago Pilli; 3rd - Tikit To Glory
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Scott Galloway: “He over-raced badly in the middle part. Ran onto heels ... nearly fell. Picked himself up from that and just continued to over-race. When I pulled him out in the straight he knuckled down and fought on really well. Once he can learn to settle he’ll be a much better horse. I think they’ll take the blinkers off next time. At least if he’s winning doing all that wrong, it’s a good sign.”
Scott Galloway would have done well in the wide west. The rider had a bumpy ride in transit but emerged to lead a hectic cavalry charge home. From a position in the second half of the field, Galloway pulled Little Mel to the outside turning for home and gradually began a forward move which was to land the duo in the thick of the action by the 200m mark. With runners spread right across the track, Little Mel rallied to get the better of Worthy, who had claimed the lead inside the final 150m, and then kept fighting long enough to keep the fast finishing Delago Pilli and Tikit To Glory at bay.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Queen Of Bling (J. Bowditch) and Little Mel (S. Galloway) were tightened for room on jumping away between Yatala (D. Craven), which shifted out, and Journey On (Matthew Palmer), which shifted in. In this incident, Queen Of Bling blundered. Journey On and Mr Orient raced wide in the early stages. Little Mel (S. Galloway), which commenced to over-race passing the 1200m, shifted out passing the 1000m, forcing Yatala (D. Craven) wider. A short distance later, Little Mel had to be checked off the heels of Delago Pilli (S. Seamer). Little Mel continued to over-race for some distance. Yatala then raced wide for the remainder of the event. Passing the 600m, Delago Pilli shifted out to improve and in doing so made contact with Yatala on several occasions. Rounding the home turn, Little Mel (S. Galloway) shifted out to improve and bumped Tunes Of Gold (J. Holder). Approaching the 300m, Adnocon (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run between Journey On and Mr Orient. Near the 150m, Yatala was momentarily tightened for room between Tikit To Glory (P. Hammersley) and Little Mel (S. Galloway), which shifted in. A post race veterinary examination of Little Mel revealed the gelding to have sustained a laceration to the outside of the near-fore canon.
Winner price fluctuations: 3.50 out to 4-1.
The winner was the favourite.
Race 4:
C.E.B. Barnes Quality Handicap- 2400m
1st - Tariki; 2nd - Dream Gal; 3rd - Pay Me
WINNER FEEDBACK
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “The rider-less horse injected some pace into the race . I was in midfield for a lot of the way but only really felt comfortable when I got on the back of Rezone. I tracked Rezone three wide to the turn and he carried me up to the lead. I asked my horse to kick early and for a while I thought I’d gone too soon, but the old boy kept kicking and he did a good job in the end.”
Hammersley rode a patient race early in the script before shifting out and tracking wide behind Rezone when the runners began to quicken approaching the turn. The gelding easily got to the lead early in the straight and then equally as easily opened up a winning lead to be more than two lengths clear by the 200m mark. Dream Gal did come out of the pack to threaten but Hammersley had measured his run well and Tariki still held a clearcut advantage at the line.
Tariki was scoring his second successive win. This success came on the back of a win over 2020m at Doomben two weeks earlier.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
M. Dorrington, rider of Crowning Prince, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 2350m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Tariki (P. Hammersley), taking that horse in and as a result On The up was tightened for room between Tariki and Rezone (K. Pope), resulting in On The Up losing its position. M. Dorrington was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 22 November, and to expire at midnight 6 December 2008.
P. Hammersley, rider of Tariki, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that near the 2300m he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Rezone, resulting in Rezone being steadied when tightened for room between Mr Gold Fire (S. Scriven) and Tariki and shifted out, resulting in On The Up clipping the heels of Rezone, blundering, resulting in S. Cormack being dislodged from On The Up. P. Hammersley was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 2 weeks, to commence at midnight, 22 November and to expire at midnight, 11 December 2008.
Near the 1600m, Crowning Prince (M. Dorrington) had to be checked as a result of the riderless On The Up.
Leaving the 1600m, Grand Corso (S. Seamer), Supreme Agenda (K. Wharton) and Mr Gold Fire (S. Scriven) were all hampered as a result of the riderless On The Up. Rezone (K. Pope) raced 3 wide throughout the race.
A post race veterinary examination of On The Up revealed the gelding had sustained a laceration to the inside of the off-fore fetlock. The club's veterinary surgeon reported that Rezone was suffering from metabolic heat syndrome following the event. He also advised that Derry City had pulled up sore in the off-fore leg. Trainer L. Mayfield-Smith will be advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for that horse prior to its next race start.
Winner price fluctuations: 8-1 out to 10-1 in to 9.50
Favourite price fluctuations: 3-1 out to 3.30 (Mr Gold Fire – unplaced)
Race 5:
2MW 4yo & Up Handicap - 1400m
1st - Pepperwood; 2nd - Onalar; 3rd - Thorondo
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Liam Birchley: “Oh it’s just good to know that he’s moving in the right direction.”
I pointed out that this is what racing is all about ... win some, lose some – referring to the fact that Birchley’s runner Fairchild had just been touched off in the first race and this one had just got there.
Liam Birchley: “Maybe, or else maybe it’s about the apprentice (Chris McIver) learning how long the straight is. He rode this one with more patience than he did the other one.”
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver: “He tends to get back and he did so again ... but he was always travelling well. He wanted to go in the straight and I just let him slide.”
Pepperwood raced towards the rear of the field in the early part. Save A Buck and Dance Girl Dance vied for the lead in the sweep to the turn with Pepperwood moving into contention wide out on the track. The two leaders kicked in the straight with Pepperwood making up ground steadily. At the 120m Dance Girl Dance weakened and Pepperwood loomed large to tackle Save A Buck. The Birchley trained runner got to the head of affairs inside the last 50m, but it was still not ‘race over’ as Onalar and Thorondo both put in spirited late charges. In the end they had to settle for the minor placings.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Pepperwood (C. McIver), which was a little slow to begin, was tightened for room a short distance later between Snow Destiny (A. Taylor) and Onalar (R. Wiggins), which was taken in by Mosta House (Matthew Palmer). Our Jangles (K. Pope) was tightened for room on jumping away between Belles Opinion (K. Wharton) and Dance Girl Dance (R. Goltz), which shifted in after jumping away awkwardly. Approaching the 1300m, Snow Destiny, which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Thorondo (J. Bowditch) and shifted in abruptly, hampering Pepperwood (C. McIver). Snow Destiny then continued to over-race for some distance.
Winner price fluctuations: 3.60 out to 4.80
Favourite price fluctuations: 4-1 out to 4.60 (Save A Buck – unplaced)
Race 6:
Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Albert The Fat; 2nd - Borsha's Mark; 3rd - Main Vein
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Luke Rolls (who was celebrating a birthday): “We settled just worse than midfield and we were travelling very well. When we turned into the straight there was no one outside me so I just switched into the clear. He quickened up beautifully and came home strong.”
Luke Rolls only took one ride on his birthday and the result gave him another reason for celebration. Both horse and rider performed perfectly. The duo sat in midfield, one off the fence until the approach to the turn. A quick look over his left shoulder and Rolls found he was able to shift out on his own terms. With nobody coming up behind him, Rolls could select exactly where he wanted to make his run. Once in the clear, Albert The Fat began to extend his stride and, in a perfectly times chase, Albert The Fat went past Borsha’s Mark when it mattered most to score a most impressive win first-up to complete his fourth successive victory. Albert the Fat is trained by Eden Petrie.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kanpeki (E. Wilkinson) and Consider Yourself (C. McIver) came together on jumping away. Albert The Fat (L. Rolls) and Pelltro (K. Pope) were placed in restricted room on jumping away between Main Vein (J. Holder) and Catchit (M. Radecker), which shifted in. Pietro Vannici (A. Coome) jumped away awkwardly. Near the 1000m, Albert The Fat (L. Rolls), which was over-racing, had to be steadied off the heels of Red Sphere (C. Reith). The Boxer (Matthew Palmer) raced wide throughout.
Winner price fluctuations: 2.30 in to 2,25 out to 2.60
The winner was the favourite.
Race 7:
Keith Noud Quality Handicap - 1200m
1st -Forestreno; 2nd - Cocktail Supreme; 3rd - Black Ink
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Phil McLeod: “We were quietly confident. He dropped 6,5kg from his last run so we thought he’d go well. That race is exactly what getting winners is all about. It’s all about getting them ridden right. Joe (Bowditch) rode him a treat. I do feel sorry for Tony Pattillo though. He would have been on him if he were not suspended.”
Jockey Joe Bowditch: “I sat in the same place I did the last time I rode him. The trainer told me if I rode him the same way he should be hard to beat ... and so it proved. He travelled well and I always thought I was going to win in the straight. Just the last little bit he was knocking up a bit, but it had been a tough race so there was nothing wrong with that. He had done enough.”
Bowditch settled Forestreno in fourth spot right on the back of the speed. The gelding thus had an ideal position from which to launch his challenge and he produced a strong, measured run all the way down the home straight which proved too strong for his opposition.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1000m, Forestreno (J. Bowditch) had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Dance The Waves (J. Holder), which shifted in. Nexgen (K. Pope) over-raced in the middle stages and near the 700m had to be steadied off the heels of Daunting Lad (S. Scriven). Near the 300m, Nexgen (K. Pope) was disappointed for a run between Vocalic (R. Goltz) and Nuclear Medicine (S. Thurlow). In the early stages of the straight, Thin And Crispy (P. Hammersley) was momentarily held up for clear running. Mystery City raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Nuclear Medicine, S. Thurlow stated that the horse raced in a forward position, as per its normal racing pattern, however the gelding failed to sprint in the straight as expected, its run having ended passing the 150m. A post race veterinary examination of Nuclear Medicine failed to reveal any significant abnormalities. Trainer G. Yorke will be requested to advise stewards of any abnormality which may come to light with Nuclear Medicine that may come to light which may have had a bearing on the performance.
Winner price fluctuations: 10-1 out to 11-1
Favourite price fluctuations: 3.00 out to 3.80 (Nuclear Medicine – unplaced)
Race 8:
NMW Handicap - 1000m
1st - Sequablue; 2nd - Bazzooka; 3rd - Covet Gold
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Owen Turpin: “The plan was to get her across without chasing her. She has got natural speed so we thought we would use it, but just place her where she was comfortable. Once we got a reasonable position the plan was just to wait it out ... to hold off on asking her for her finishing effort for as long as possible. Then to let her go and hope she would have enough fight to finish off the job. Everything worked out well.”
Sky Channel reporter Larry Olsen (who was seen advising Owen Turpin at various stages of the day). “You know, I always tell these boys that they have got to think about things. Successful jockeys put a lot of thought into their riding tactics. You don’t always have to go with the obvious like chasing your horse from a bad draw – particularly in the 1000m races here. There is only one turn you have to worry about. You have to take aim at the position you want to be in and then work out the best way to get there for your horse to still be competitive in the finish. I spoke to Owen about how I would have ridden this horse. He put the plan into effect and it worked.”
I suggested that there is one thing better than giving good advice to apprentice jockeys. That is when they take it.”
Larry Olsen: “You know what you say is absolutely true. I can tell you of times when I’ve been speaking to some young riders, trying to help them, and I can see in the faces that my advice is going in one ear and out the other. They are not really interested. Owen (Turpin) is not like that. He wants to learn. That’s why he is starting to do well.”
Sequablue jumped well from a wide draw. Turpin positioned his mount back in fifth and then sixth position, staying wide but travelling in comfortable fashion. The mare duly put in the big bounds when given her head in the home straight. Bozzooka also came through the field on the back of Sequablue and laid down a determined challenge to apply pressure in the closing stages, but the Barry Baldwin trained mare was not to be denied and she stayed on claim her seventh career success.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Shortly after straightening, Azzason (D. Craven) had to be momentarily steadied to avoid the heels of Bazzooka (S. Seamer), which shifted out. Approaching the 400m, Courtyard Circle (Michael Palmer) had to be checked when tightened for room between Pat Attack and Azzasson, which improved quickly around the heels of Bazzooka, which also shifted out slightly. At a subsequent inquiry, stewards were unable to attribute blame on any one rider, however advised both S. Seamer (Bazzooka) and D. Craven (Azzason) to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 400m, Covet Gold shifted in and bumped Youcantseeme (J. Bowditch).
Between the 200m and 100m, Youcantseeme had difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching the winning post, Covet Gold shifted in, taking Youcantseeme in on to Vulcan (L. Dittman). Vulcan, Sequablue (O. Turpin) and Pat Attack (S. Apthorpe) raced wide throughout.
Jockey S. Apthorpe, rider of Pat Attack, was fined $100 under AR137A2(b) in that he used he used his whip excessively on his mount when it was out of contention. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account the lower level of his breach and also his good previous record.
Winner price fluctuations: 8-1 in to 7-1
Favourite price fluctuations: Steady at 6-1 (Bazzooka - second)
Monday, November 24, 2008
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (FRI, NOV 21)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Friday, November 21.
The way the Cushion Track was presented for racing at the Sunshine Coast meeting on Friday has reportedly been described by Queensland racing supremo Bob Bentley as being ‘a disgrace,’ Bentley added that, ‘The way the track raced was an embarrassment’... and ... ‘there is no doubt there was a stuff-up.’ (See Sunday Mail, Nov 23, Page 93).
Who am I to disagree?
Comments overheard as jockeys dismounted after each race left no room for any misunderstanding. Most believed it to be a heavy track, a view far removed from the official ‘Good 3’ rating advised in the Stewards Report and handed out to punters across the country.
Race times backed up the jockeys call. From the first race, when Hamatym won in a time a touch over four seconds outside the Class Record, there was more than just a hint of a problem. Some riders queried how their last 600m times in work in the morning were 33’s and 34’s while on race-day afternoon they were clocking 37’s and 38’s. Lastly, the kickback from the track (see photo section) told its own story of not only what the horses were running on but, equally important in terms of visibility and safety, what they were running through. It was not a pretty picture.
Racecourse Manager Murray Weeding, when approached after the last race on Friday, pointed out that the aim of the race-club was, “to present the track in as good a condition for racing as possible at all times,” He added that he and both Paul Harper, from the Cushion Track company, and Chief Steward Reid Sanders are working together to achieve that goal.
In the report in the Sunday Mail, Bentley is further quoted as saying, ‘The track was too soft. The hardness of the surface can easily be manipulated and, in this case, it wasn’t carried out properly. We had the manufacturer back there this morning and there wasn’t the slightest problem.’
But is it really that simple? Or is there, as some people believe, a learning curve attached to Cushion Track maintenance program, and indeed its viability as a racing surface, that needs to run its course before full knowledge of the working model is attained?
Clearly, if Bentley’s information is correct, and ‘the surface can be easily manipulated,’ there should be no more stuff-ups! Anything less will bring the second question into play.
The truth of the matter will reveal itself in the coming months.
Remember, it was Bentley who said Queensland Racing would not hesitate to take meetings away from a venue where the condition of the track did not meet the required TAB standard? Let’s hope we never have to go there.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Hamatym; 2nd - Our Wave; 3rd - So Long
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “It took long enough. It’s his twentieth start. He’s run a few good ones on this track but he’s been all around them. He’s turn had to come. All of those who beat him have moved on. He’s turn had to come around sometime and today was the day.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
So Long (R. McMahon), Hamatym (K. Pope) and Twinkling Star (C. Dixon) were slow to begin. Thewayoflife (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly. Near the 1100m, Hamatym (K. Pope) improved up on to the heels of Our Wave (M. Hughes) and was steadied. Passing the 300m, Our Wave, which was weakening, and Shoja (C. Reith) bumped on numerous occasions. Resurrected (S. Cormack) and Nakamura Hirofumi (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Paramount; 2nd - Beyond The Limit; 3rd - Zekeza
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Jockey Jaqui Brown: “The horse sat down in the barriers and I thought, ‘here we go, this is going to be fun.’ The attendants took her tail and she seemed alright, but she still jumped in the air and was unbalanced for the first few strides. I knew she had speed though, so I went forward otherwise I would have been caught five wide. Then she just kept grinding away in the straight. Just kept going.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
App. C. Dixon was fined $100 for accepting rides on Iggy’s Girl and No Quarter in this event. M. Hellyer was subsequently named as the rider of No Quarter. Paramount (J. Brown) began awkwardly and shifted out, making heavy contact with Kalinga Hood (K. Wharton), which in turn shifted in, resulting in Pure Slip (O. Turpin) being crowded between Kalinga Hood and Zekeza (N. Thomas). In A Bind (D. Griffin) was slow into stride. Paramount and Pure Slip (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Caucus; 2nd - Tuckclang; 3rd - Moubassin
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Fleming: “We bought him from Bart Cummings. He never raced for Bart. I worked down there for some time so I know how Bart moves some horses on when he gets overloaded – and we managed to pick up this one. He’s still learning and is getting better. He’s got the win. He’ll go for a spell now.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As D. Griffin was to be overweight, K. Wharton was substituted as the rider of Amaizemea. D. Griffin was fined $100. AR120(b). The start of this event was delayed due to Meydan proving very difficult to load. Trainer G. Kennedy will be advised that he must provide a barrier certificate for Meydan prior to its next race start. All Kiwi (A. Merritt) and Swift Cash (D. Van Bekkum) were slow to begin. Dad’s Boy Blue (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly. Lisaldetroy (S. Cormack) raced ungenerously during the early stages. Approaching the 450m, Tuckclang (K. Pope) was inclined to hang out, resulting in the filly having to be steadied away from the heels of Swift Cash (D. Van Bekkum). Elate And Excite (O. Turpin), Langtime (J. Taylor) and Amaizemea (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding Tuckclang settling in a position well back in the field today, jockey K. Pope stated that after the filly was a little slow to begin, Tuckclang then received minor tightening approaching the first turn, which resulted in the filly settling further back than anticipated. He added that when placed under pressure from the 450m, Tucklang responded and finished the race off well. K. Pope further added that at this stage of the filly's preparation, in his opinion, Tucklang would be better suited over longer distances.
Stewards also questioned G. Auckram regarding the disappointing performance of Leapin Leana. He stated that the mare travelled well, however when placed under pressure from the 600m, Leapin Leana failed to respond to his riding and weakened noticeably in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Leapin Leana failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m,
1st - What A Success; 2nd - The Sixties; 3rd - Wonkavator
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Rachel Mason: “He just relaxed so nicely today. He went to sleep. I didn’t have to go for him at all early on. I didn’t even have to go for him on the turn. I only asked him to do some work late in the straight. He was always in control.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer D. Steinbeck was reprimanded for presenting Backstroke and Shealma late to the enclosure. What A Success (R. Mason) shifted out and bumped Coxswain (R. Wiggins) at the start. Backstroke (D. Craven) and Maraquitas (E. Wilkinson) were both tightened for room shortly after the start between Amerrybridge (C. Isdale), which shifted in, and Devils Ransom (K. Cunningham), which shifted out. Near the 200m, Amerrybridge was inclined to shift in when placed under pressure. Amerrybridge (C. Isdale), Cosmic Express (C. Dixon) and Any Wonder (R. Hinricks) raced wide throughout.
A post-race veterinary examination of Coxswain revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that Coxswain would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that the The Sixties had bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer T. Green was advised that The Sixties would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 5:
Class 2 Handicap- 1400m
1st - Raffael Nediym; 2nd - It's Wunderbar; 3rd - Our Heart
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida (when asked if he’d solved the mystery of the Cushion Track): “Yeah. Find one that handles it! What else do you want to know? He was trained to the minute. OK, seriously, he was second up, getting more ground and it was a good ride.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Our Heart (M. Palmer) was very slow to begin. Passing the 1300m, Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) had to be steadied when Raffael Nediym (C. Reith) shifted in. C. Reith, rider of Raffael Nediym, was advised to exercise more care. Tambo Tiger (K. Cunningham) raced ungenerously during the early stages. Passing the 800m, Bronze Warrior (D. Van Bekkum) shifted out across the heels of Raffael Nediym, and in doing so forced Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) wider on the track. Sheeza Drama was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Near the 200m, Siege (J. Bowditch) broke down and was retired from the event. SIEGE was subsequently euthanised on humane grounds.
Race 6:
Class 3 Plate - 2000m
1st - No Limitation; 2nd - Beau Sam; 3rd - Hunka Burnin' Love
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “It was the ten furlong distance that did the trick mate. I was pretty sure he would do well over the trip. I’ve had him for four runs. When he came to me the talk was that 1400m would be his distance. I gave him two tries over 1400m. His runs were not bad, but not good either. Somebody said I should sack him. I said no, but I said what I would do is step in up in distance. In his fourth career start, he finished second over 2000m. For some reason, he’s never been back there until now, his twenty-first start. I was certain he needed more ground. We got a better result when he stepped up to 1600m and now we got the win over 2000m. Mr. Moraitis will be happy.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Barako (K. Wharton) was very slow to begin. Hinka Burnin’Love (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Dawn’s Queen (S. Cormack). Dawn’s Queen raced wide during the early stages.
An inquiry was opened into the handling of Barako. After taking evidence from connections, the inquiry was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed. A post-race veterinary examination of Dawn’s Queen failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Getyourown; 2nd - Reonmay; 3rd - Red Hot Pistol
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paddy Cunningham: “We bred her. Once she won those two starts back to back in June we were pretty happy with the way she was going. You win a Maiden and a Class 1 in successive races anywhere and you are doing alright. At Kilcoy (the mare’s first win) she won from the front. At Beaudesert she came from behind. After that she went to Grafton at Carnival time. That was a very good run. She had to cross from a wide draw and that used up energy which left her weak in the finish, but she was still fourth not far behind the winner.
“She went for a spell than and her first-up run at Doomben was one of those first-up runs” (with a shrug ... the mare finished last). “Last time out she was at Kilcoy and she went down by a neck. It’s hard to say you lost a race because you had a number three barrier, but, the way it turned out the two runners inside her just kept her wide all of the way. Got the good result today though.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Foreshore (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Our General (A. Spinks) and Getyourown (K. Cunningham) bumped on jumping away. Passing the 450m, Love Hit Me (K. Pope) was cramped for room between Shinko Ruler (W. Clasohm) and Reonmay (C. Reith), which shifted in slightly. Rounding the home turn, Getyourown (K. Cunningham) shifted out around the heels of Our Bella Star (S. Cormack) and in doing so forced Foreshore (J. Taylor) wider on the track. Leaving the 200m, A Little Dabl Doya (M. Hughes) was disappointed for a run between Chardonair (M. Palmer) and Our Bella Star (S. Cormack), which shifted in. As a result, A Little Dabl Doya was obliged to alter course to the outside of Our Bella Star in order to improve. Our General (A. Spinks) and Our Bella Star (S. Cormack) raced wide throughout.
A post-race veterinary examination of Love Hit Me revealed the filly to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer T. Hall was advised that Love Hit Me must trial, and provide a veterinary certificate of fitness, including the results of an ECG, prior to its next race start. A post-race veterinary examination of Foreshore revealed the gelding to have heat stress and to have cast its near fore plate in running.
Race 8:
Class 6 Plate - 1400m
1st - No Technique; 2nd - Life's Short; 3rd - Where'smine
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “I can talk about the horse if you like, but what I really like is to give the jockey (apprentice Owen Turpin) some praise. I told you before, I would not have put him on six months ago, but he has just improved so much it is quite amazing. He is riding like an absolute star. As for the horse, he is just so consistent. He’s had nine runs this season for four wins, three seconds and one third placing. You can’t ask much more than that.”
No Technique completed a double for the Troy Hall / Owen Turpin combination on the day. This set of results took Hall into joint second placing on the Sunshine Coast Trainers Premiership ladder and moved Turpin into third placing just one win behind joint leaders Sean Cormack and Jana Piper in the Sunshine Coast Jockeys Premiership.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Crique raced up on to the heels of Where’smine (K. Cunningham) and blundered. Leaving the 400m, M. Okada, rider of Leverage, lost the use of his near side rein and as a result shifted in, forcing Cash In A Hurry (S. Cormack) across the running of Crique (K. Pope), causing that runner to be steadied. Cash In A Hurry raced in restricted room to the inside of Leverage from a point leaving the 250m. Craiglea Countess (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Cash In A Hurry, which raced below expectations, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
The way the Cushion Track was presented for racing at the Sunshine Coast meeting on Friday has reportedly been described by Queensland racing supremo Bob Bentley as being ‘a disgrace,’ Bentley added that, ‘The way the track raced was an embarrassment’... and ... ‘there is no doubt there was a stuff-up.’ (See Sunday Mail, Nov 23, Page 93).
Who am I to disagree?
Comments overheard as jockeys dismounted after each race left no room for any misunderstanding. Most believed it to be a heavy track, a view far removed from the official ‘Good 3’ rating advised in the Stewards Report and handed out to punters across the country.
Race times backed up the jockeys call. From the first race, when Hamatym won in a time a touch over four seconds outside the Class Record, there was more than just a hint of a problem. Some riders queried how their last 600m times in work in the morning were 33’s and 34’s while on race-day afternoon they were clocking 37’s and 38’s. Lastly, the kickback from the track (see photo section) told its own story of not only what the horses were running on but, equally important in terms of visibility and safety, what they were running through. It was not a pretty picture.
Racecourse Manager Murray Weeding, when approached after the last race on Friday, pointed out that the aim of the race-club was, “to present the track in as good a condition for racing as possible at all times,” He added that he and both Paul Harper, from the Cushion Track company, and Chief Steward Reid Sanders are working together to achieve that goal.
In the report in the Sunday Mail, Bentley is further quoted as saying, ‘The track was too soft. The hardness of the surface can easily be manipulated and, in this case, it wasn’t carried out properly. We had the manufacturer back there this morning and there wasn’t the slightest problem.’
But is it really that simple? Or is there, as some people believe, a learning curve attached to Cushion Track maintenance program, and indeed its viability as a racing surface, that needs to run its course before full knowledge of the working model is attained?
Clearly, if Bentley’s information is correct, and ‘the surface can be easily manipulated,’ there should be no more stuff-ups! Anything less will bring the second question into play.
The truth of the matter will reveal itself in the coming months.
Remember, it was Bentley who said Queensland Racing would not hesitate to take meetings away from a venue where the condition of the track did not meet the required TAB standard? Let’s hope we never have to go there.
Race 1:
Maiden Plate - 1600m
1st - Hamatym; 2nd - Our Wave; 3rd - So Long
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “It took long enough. It’s his twentieth start. He’s run a few good ones on this track but he’s been all around them. He’s turn had to come. All of those who beat him have moved on. He’s turn had to come around sometime and today was the day.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
So Long (R. McMahon), Hamatym (K. Pope) and Twinkling Star (C. Dixon) were slow to begin. Thewayoflife (E. Wilkinson) began awkwardly. Near the 1100m, Hamatym (K. Pope) improved up on to the heels of Our Wave (M. Hughes) and was steadied. Passing the 300m, Our Wave, which was weakening, and Shoja (C. Reith) bumped on numerous occasions. Resurrected (S. Cormack) and Nakamura Hirofumi (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 1000m
1st - Paramount; 2nd - Beyond The Limit; 3rd - Zekeza
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice Jockey Jaqui Brown: “The horse sat down in the barriers and I thought, ‘here we go, this is going to be fun.’ The attendants took her tail and she seemed alright, but she still jumped in the air and was unbalanced for the first few strides. I knew she had speed though, so I went forward otherwise I would have been caught five wide. Then she just kept grinding away in the straight. Just kept going.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
App. C. Dixon was fined $100 for accepting rides on Iggy’s Girl and No Quarter in this event. M. Hellyer was subsequently named as the rider of No Quarter. Paramount (J. Brown) began awkwardly and shifted out, making heavy contact with Kalinga Hood (K. Wharton), which in turn shifted in, resulting in Pure Slip (O. Turpin) being crowded between Kalinga Hood and Zekeza (N. Thomas). In A Bind (D. Griffin) was slow into stride. Paramount and Pure Slip (O. Turpin) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
Maiden Handicap - 1100m
1st - Caucus; 2nd - Tuckclang; 3rd - Moubassin
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Fleming: “We bought him from Bart Cummings. He never raced for Bart. I worked down there for some time so I know how Bart moves some horses on when he gets overloaded – and we managed to pick up this one. He’s still learning and is getting better. He’s got the win. He’ll go for a spell now.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As D. Griffin was to be overweight, K. Wharton was substituted as the rider of Amaizemea. D. Griffin was fined $100. AR120(b). The start of this event was delayed due to Meydan proving very difficult to load. Trainer G. Kennedy will be advised that he must provide a barrier certificate for Meydan prior to its next race start. All Kiwi (A. Merritt) and Swift Cash (D. Van Bekkum) were slow to begin. Dad’s Boy Blue (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly. Lisaldetroy (S. Cormack) raced ungenerously during the early stages. Approaching the 450m, Tuckclang (K. Pope) was inclined to hang out, resulting in the filly having to be steadied away from the heels of Swift Cash (D. Van Bekkum). Elate And Excite (O. Turpin), Langtime (J. Taylor) and Amaizemea (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout.
When questioned regarding Tuckclang settling in a position well back in the field today, jockey K. Pope stated that after the filly was a little slow to begin, Tuckclang then received minor tightening approaching the first turn, which resulted in the filly settling further back than anticipated. He added that when placed under pressure from the 450m, Tucklang responded and finished the race off well. K. Pope further added that at this stage of the filly's preparation, in his opinion, Tucklang would be better suited over longer distances.
Stewards also questioned G. Auckram regarding the disappointing performance of Leapin Leana. He stated that the mare travelled well, however when placed under pressure from the 600m, Leapin Leana failed to respond to his riding and weakened noticeably in the home straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Leapin Leana failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 4:
Class 1 Handicap - 1100m,
1st - What A Success; 2nd - The Sixties; 3rd - Wonkavator
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Rachel Mason: “He just relaxed so nicely today. He went to sleep. I didn’t have to go for him at all early on. I didn’t even have to go for him on the turn. I only asked him to do some work late in the straight. He was always in control.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer D. Steinbeck was reprimanded for presenting Backstroke and Shealma late to the enclosure. What A Success (R. Mason) shifted out and bumped Coxswain (R. Wiggins) at the start. Backstroke (D. Craven) and Maraquitas (E. Wilkinson) were both tightened for room shortly after the start between Amerrybridge (C. Isdale), which shifted in, and Devils Ransom (K. Cunningham), which shifted out. Near the 200m, Amerrybridge was inclined to shift in when placed under pressure. Amerrybridge (C. Isdale), Cosmic Express (C. Dixon) and Any Wonder (R. Hinricks) raced wide throughout.
A post-race veterinary examination of Coxswain revealed the gelding to have bled from both nostrils. Trainer B. Wakefield was advised that Coxswain would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months. The Club's veterinary surgeon reported that the The Sixties had bled from both nostrils during the event. Trainer T. Green was advised that The Sixties would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 5:
Class 2 Handicap- 1400m
1st - Raffael Nediym; 2nd - It's Wunderbar; 3rd - Our Heart
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Kelly Schweida (when asked if he’d solved the mystery of the Cushion Track): “Yeah. Find one that handles it! What else do you want to know? He was trained to the minute. OK, seriously, he was second up, getting more ground and it was a good ride.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Our Heart (M. Palmer) was very slow to begin. Passing the 1300m, Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) had to be steadied when Raffael Nediym (C. Reith) shifted in. C. Reith, rider of Raffael Nediym, was advised to exercise more care. Tambo Tiger (K. Cunningham) raced ungenerously during the early stages. Passing the 800m, Bronze Warrior (D. Van Bekkum) shifted out across the heels of Raffael Nediym, and in doing so forced Sheeza Drama (R. Hinricks) wider on the track. Sheeza Drama was then obliged to race wide for the remainder of the race. Near the 200m, Siege (J. Bowditch) broke down and was retired from the event. SIEGE was subsequently euthanised on humane grounds.
Race 6:
Class 3 Plate - 2000m
1st - No Limitation; 2nd - Beau Sam; 3rd - Hunka Burnin' Love
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “It was the ten furlong distance that did the trick mate. I was pretty sure he would do well over the trip. I’ve had him for four runs. When he came to me the talk was that 1400m would be his distance. I gave him two tries over 1400m. His runs were not bad, but not good either. Somebody said I should sack him. I said no, but I said what I would do is step in up in distance. In his fourth career start, he finished second over 2000m. For some reason, he’s never been back there until now, his twenty-first start. I was certain he needed more ground. We got a better result when he stepped up to 1600m and now we got the win over 2000m. Mr. Moraitis will be happy.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Barako (K. Wharton) was very slow to begin. Hinka Burnin’Love (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly and shifted out, making contact with Dawn’s Queen (S. Cormack). Dawn’s Queen raced wide during the early stages.
An inquiry was opened into the handling of Barako. After taking evidence from connections, the inquiry was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed. A post-race veterinary examination of Dawn’s Queen failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
Race 7:
Class 3 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Getyourown; 2nd - Reonmay; 3rd - Red Hot Pistol
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paddy Cunningham: “We bred her. Once she won those two starts back to back in June we were pretty happy with the way she was going. You win a Maiden and a Class 1 in successive races anywhere and you are doing alright. At Kilcoy (the mare’s first win) she won from the front. At Beaudesert she came from behind. After that she went to Grafton at Carnival time. That was a very good run. She had to cross from a wide draw and that used up energy which left her weak in the finish, but she was still fourth not far behind the winner.
“She went for a spell than and her first-up run at Doomben was one of those first-up runs” (with a shrug ... the mare finished last). “Last time out she was at Kilcoy and she went down by a neck. It’s hard to say you lost a race because you had a number three barrier, but, the way it turned out the two runners inside her just kept her wide all of the way. Got the good result today though.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Foreshore (J. Taylor) was slow to begin. Our General (A. Spinks) and Getyourown (K. Cunningham) bumped on jumping away. Passing the 450m, Love Hit Me (K. Pope) was cramped for room between Shinko Ruler (W. Clasohm) and Reonmay (C. Reith), which shifted in slightly. Rounding the home turn, Getyourown (K. Cunningham) shifted out around the heels of Our Bella Star (S. Cormack) and in doing so forced Foreshore (J. Taylor) wider on the track. Leaving the 200m, A Little Dabl Doya (M. Hughes) was disappointed for a run between Chardonair (M. Palmer) and Our Bella Star (S. Cormack), which shifted in. As a result, A Little Dabl Doya was obliged to alter course to the outside of Our Bella Star in order to improve. Our General (A. Spinks) and Our Bella Star (S. Cormack) raced wide throughout.
A post-race veterinary examination of Love Hit Me revealed the filly to be suffering from cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer T. Hall was advised that Love Hit Me must trial, and provide a veterinary certificate of fitness, including the results of an ECG, prior to its next race start. A post-race veterinary examination of Foreshore revealed the gelding to have heat stress and to have cast its near fore plate in running.
Race 8:
Class 6 Plate - 1400m
1st - No Technique; 2nd - Life's Short; 3rd - Where'smine
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Troy Hall: “I can talk about the horse if you like, but what I really like is to give the jockey (apprentice Owen Turpin) some praise. I told you before, I would not have put him on six months ago, but he has just improved so much it is quite amazing. He is riding like an absolute star. As for the horse, he is just so consistent. He’s had nine runs this season for four wins, three seconds and one third placing. You can’t ask much more than that.”
No Technique completed a double for the Troy Hall / Owen Turpin combination on the day. This set of results took Hall into joint second placing on the Sunshine Coast Trainers Premiership ladder and moved Turpin into third placing just one win behind joint leaders Sean Cormack and Jana Piper in the Sunshine Coast Jockeys Premiership.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Near the 800m, Crique raced up on to the heels of Where’smine (K. Cunningham) and blundered. Leaving the 400m, M. Okada, rider of Leverage, lost the use of his near side rein and as a result shifted in, forcing Cash In A Hurry (S. Cormack) across the running of Crique (K. Pope), causing that runner to be steadied. Cash In A Hurry raced in restricted room to the inside of Leverage from a point leaving the 250m. Craiglea Countess (C. McIver) raced wide throughout. A post-race veterinary examination of Cash In A Hurry, which raced below expectations, failed to reveal any significant abnormalities
Thursday, November 20, 2008
SUNLINE IN THE FIGHT OF HER LIFE
Sunline, the great mare, is not going down without a fight. You wouldn’t have expected anything less from a champion.
Four months ago Sunline, who won 32 of her 48 race starts including back to back wins in the Cox Plate in 1999 and 2000, was stricken with an attack of colic.
The thirteen-year-old underwent emergency surgery and was on a forty-eight hour watch as she clung to life, her connections admitting that they were not too far away from losing her at that time.
A second colic attack, more treatment, more anxious moments ... but then she overcame that problem, only to be faced with a second, equally life-threatening condition – laminitis.
With laminitis, the condition of the hooves deteriorate when the normal flow of blood in and out of the hoof, which is called the vascular balance, is altered. Too much blood gathers in the foot when more blood enters the hoof than returns up the leg. This pool of blood causes the sensitive tissue inside the hoof, known as luminae, to become inflamed. The hooves cannot expand to accommodate the inflammation, which makes it a highly painful and a very serious condition.
Laminitis can lead to the weakening of the structures within the hoof. In extreme cases parts of the hoof can disintegrate or become displaced.
In Sunline’s case, and she is affected in all four feet, this hoof condition came about when toxins, released in her body during the outbreak of colic and the subsequent operation, made its way through the mares body and into her feet, severely restricting her movement.
Special plates have been placed on her feet to help support her and restrict the rate at which the disease can progress and hopefully even help turn around the process.
Vets have also taken the drastic step of cutting tendons in both of Sunline’s fore-legs to try and ease the lameness.
Sunline’s connections have acknowledged that had it been any other horse than Sunline, different decisions might have been made, but they remain committed, within reason, to allowing Sunline every chance of survival.
With the mare insured, euthanasia would be an easy option, but Sunline’s connections will not go that route unless the situation worsens.
The mare’s former co-trainer Stephen McKee summed up the situation. “You can be assured she won’t be left suffering, but we are not at that stage yet. She’s a lot more mobile than she was before surgery, she can move around gingerly, and we’re hopeful she’ll recover OK.”
Sunline, who amassed $11 351,607 in stake earnings in a 48 race career (32 wins, 9 seconds and 3 thirds), is being treated at the McKee’s Takanini racing stable.
Four months ago Sunline, who won 32 of her 48 race starts including back to back wins in the Cox Plate in 1999 and 2000, was stricken with an attack of colic.
The thirteen-year-old underwent emergency surgery and was on a forty-eight hour watch as she clung to life, her connections admitting that they were not too far away from losing her at that time.
A second colic attack, more treatment, more anxious moments ... but then she overcame that problem, only to be faced with a second, equally life-threatening condition – laminitis.
With laminitis, the condition of the hooves deteriorate when the normal flow of blood in and out of the hoof, which is called the vascular balance, is altered. Too much blood gathers in the foot when more blood enters the hoof than returns up the leg. This pool of blood causes the sensitive tissue inside the hoof, known as luminae, to become inflamed. The hooves cannot expand to accommodate the inflammation, which makes it a highly painful and a very serious condition.
Laminitis can lead to the weakening of the structures within the hoof. In extreme cases parts of the hoof can disintegrate or become displaced.
In Sunline’s case, and she is affected in all four feet, this hoof condition came about when toxins, released in her body during the outbreak of colic and the subsequent operation, made its way through the mares body and into her feet, severely restricting her movement.
Special plates have been placed on her feet to help support her and restrict the rate at which the disease can progress and hopefully even help turn around the process.
Vets have also taken the drastic step of cutting tendons in both of Sunline’s fore-legs to try and ease the lameness.
Sunline’s connections have acknowledged that had it been any other horse than Sunline, different decisions might have been made, but they remain committed, within reason, to allowing Sunline every chance of survival.
With the mare insured, euthanasia would be an easy option, but Sunline’s connections will not go that route unless the situation worsens.
The mare’s former co-trainer Stephen McKee summed up the situation. “You can be assured she won’t be left suffering, but we are not at that stage yet. She’s a lot more mobile than she was before surgery, she can move around gingerly, and we’re hopeful she’ll recover OK.”
Sunline, who amassed $11 351,607 in stake earnings in a 48 race career (32 wins, 9 seconds and 3 thirds), is being treated at the McKee’s Takanini racing stable.
Monday, November 17, 2008
SUNSHINE COAST REVIEW (SUN, NOV 16)
A review of the meeting held at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, November 16.
Race 1:
QTIS Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Upi Bay; 2nd - One Octave Higher; 3rd - Mr Nicholas
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “I thought he’d win last time (when first-up at 4-1). He finished some way back there. I’m not certain what caused the disappointment. Maybe it was the Cushion Track. Some of them go alright on it and others don’t. His form has always been of soft going and, apart from that one run, it’s always been pretty reasonable. The horse that he finished close-up behind on Coloundra Cup day, Arjuna gave a strong showing when finishing fifth or something in the Sandown Guineas yesterday. So yeah, I really thought he was due.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of the race was delayed when Upi Bay had to be re-plated behind the barriers. One Octave Higher (M. Speers) was caught wide during the middle stages of the event. Upi Bay (K. Pope) was inclined to lay out during the middle stages. Running Fox raced wide from a point leaving the 800m. Passing the 300m Mr Nicholas (S. Scriven) had to be steadied when disappointed for a run between Polish County (K. Wharton) and Riva Gold which shifted in slightly. Jockey S. Scriven was advised to ensure there is sufficient room when attempting runs in future.
Race 2:
Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Deniro Muy Grande; 2nd - Go Rainey; 3rd - Ninth Duke
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Holcolme: “It’s his first run for me so I can’t say what happened before. He’s hasn’t run for eight months so was pretty keen fresh. Also, he has been gelded since his last run which probably made a difference.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “It was bloody close. I thought the other one (Go Rainey) might just have lasted.” (Interestingly enough, correct weight was put on hold while Nathan Thomas, the rider of Go Rainey) asked to view the photo).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Go Rainey (N. Thomas) and Deniro Muy Grande (J. Taylor) were slow to begin. Count Sylvester (C. Dixon) began awkwardly and lost ground. Once More Brother (K. Pope) raced wide throughout. Deniro Muy Grande over-raced during the middle stages of the event. Near the 600m Ninth Duke (J. Kropp) improved up on to the heels of Amaizemea (J. Piper) and had to be steadied. Ninth Duke was inclined to hang out under pressure in the home straight. When questioned regarding the improved performance of Deniro Muy Grande, trainer J. Holcombe stated that the only explanation he could put forward was that the horse was first up from a spell, had been gelded and was having its first start for the stable. A post-race veterinary examination of Once More Brother failed to reveal any abnormalities. The track was upgraded to Dead 5 after the running of this event.
Race 3:
Class 2 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Silvern; 2nd - Smart Opinion; 3rd - Kalinga Steel
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “That’s the way a short priced favourite is supposed to win, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Don’t you worry though. He’s a good horse. He’s got a few more to come yet.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “He’s not quite as quick early as he used to be. He takes a little while to get into it, but I always thought he was good enough to dictate the pace. I made him work without overdoing it in the straight (that’s when the gap widened). I was just making certain. I don’t believe in playing games out there. If I’ve got the best horse in the race, I let him win like he should.”
The win lifted jockey Sean Cormack into joint first placing in the Sunshine Coast Jockeys Premiership, a position he now shares with apprentice jockey Jana Piper.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kalinga Steel (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin. Week Nights On (J. Taylor) and Ozjuria (G. Butler) bumped on jumping away. The track was upgraded to Dead 4 after the running of this event.
Race 4:
Maiden Handicap - 1600m
1st - Smartazariz; 2nd - Queen Of Bling; 3rd - Abindah
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Debbie Barnard (who scratched the horse from the Gold Coast on Saturday - where it had a number one draw): “That was wonderful. He’s just never had a barrier before.” (In his three previous career starts Smartazariz drew 14, 13 and 13). “Then, when I get a number one draw at the Coast, I was suddenly scared that he might get stuck on the rail, so I chose to come here – for that reason, and the softer going.”
Jockey Dan Griffin (who was riding his sixth winner in the last three days): “He was just too good for them. Once he produced that determined run for the length of the straight he was always going to get the result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
So Long (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Regal Xaar (A. Spinks) stood flat-footed at the start and lost considerable ground. Trainer M. Flanigan was advised that he must obtain a barrier certificate for Regal Xaar before it is permitted to start. Arcangela (R. McMahon) over-raced during the early stages. Approaching the 1200m Smartazariz (D. Griffin) made contact with the running rail of its own accord and became unbalanced.
Concarnie (K. Pope) and Smartazariz over-raced during the early and middle stages. Concarnie and Arcangela both raced wide throughout. Probability (S. Cormack) and Arcangela brushed near the 300m when Smartazariz shifted out. Apprentice C. Dixon, the rider of Classic Hero, was reminded of his obligations regarding the use of his whip on a beaten horse.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Craiglea Symphony; 2nd - Siege; 3rd - Hot Pride
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver rode a perfect race. After being slow away at the break, McIver rode with patience, tracking into the race from the rear of the field in the sweep to the turn. On straightening, McIver had Criaglea Symphony poised to strike. When they made their forward move, the duo met with stubborn resistance from the free-running Siege. Halfway up the straight it had become a two-horse race and it was Craiglea Symphony who found the extra required to ease away to score a well judged win. Craiglea Symphony is trained by Natalie Hole.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
She’s A Model (R. Hancock) and Craiglea Symphony (C. McIver) were slow to begin. Craiglea Symphony was inclined to lay in over the final 200m. Methodical (C. Reith) and Franciscan Friar (D. Gill) raced wide throughout the event. Near the 400m Vettori’s Image (Michael Palmer) was steadied when tightened for room between Methodical and Hot Pride (J. Piper) which shifted out. J. Piper was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future. A post-race veterinary examination of Continual (K. Pope) failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6:
Class 4 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Cole Trickle; 2nd - My Counsel; 3rd - Vargas Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray McCall: “She (jockey Rachel Mason) rated the horse really well out in front. In fact I think she is probably one of the best at doing that. As far as the horse is concerned, all you can be certain of is that he will try and try and try. He’s got limitations but he will not stop trying.”
Jockey Rachel Mason: “He always gives his best, but you have to keep at him. He’s quite happy to take it easy if you let him and he is as happy to take it up again if you ask him. So you have to let him know that he must keep working.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Monchengladbach (S. Cormack) and Jondy Rex (K. Pope) were slow to begin. Silver Razz (R. Hancock) was slow into stride. Chaufuhr (E. Wilkinson) over-raced in the early stages. Vargas Girl (J. Piper) raced wide throughout the event. My Counsel (J. Bowditch) shifted out under pressure near the 300m, forcing Vargas Girl wider on the track. Apprentice J. Piper was stood down by the Club doctor following her ride in this event.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1300m
1st - Messiaen; 2nd - Grab The Phone; 3rd - Onalar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray McCall: “He’s still going strong as a nine-year-old. He needs a little help now, that why we took some kilos off with the claim, but he is as honest as ever and he does himself proud. We’ve still got the mother (Grand Shower) in the paddock at home. Grand Shower has had nine runners for nine winners. To have two of them win on the same day is really good.”
Grand Shower is the dam of both of the McCall trained race to race winners, Cole Trickle and Messiaen. Both runners, who have now taken their combined stake earnings to a little under $700 000, are owned by the McCall family.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As A. Badger was indisposed, J. Piper was substituted as the rider of Likazyrtec. After being stood down by the Club doctor, J. Piper was replaced on Likazyrtec by C. Dixon. Set Alight (J. Taylor) over-raced in the early and middle stages of the event.
Race 8:
Class 4 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Onasong; 2nd - The Fifer; 3rd - Hurricaneprince
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Jeremy Vaughan trained Onasong carried too much ammunition for his rivals in the final event on the card. Racing fresh after a spell, the mare was produced at the right time by Nathan Thomas and kicked away with meaning to score the second win of her career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
See Me Thru (M. Speers) and Hunter Dane (S. Mossman), which both became fractious in the barriers, were removed from the barriers, examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. A Scarletpimpernel (K. Pope) began very awkwardly, shifted out and made heavy contact with Miss Pierce (A. Erhart), which in turn shifted out and bumped Onasong (N. Thomas). Hunter Dane and Hurricaneprince (J. Byrne) bumped on jumping away. Shortly after the start One Fuhr The Money (A. Spinks) and See Me Thru bumped. The Fifer (C. Dixon), Telbron Gold (M. Wood), Hunter Dane and See Me Thru raced wide throughout. A Scarletpimpernel raced greenly throughout the event, placing its rider at a disadvantage. Telbron Gold was inclined to lay out under pressure in the home straight. A Scarletpimpernel was inclined to lay out under pressure from the 300m.
A post-race veterinary examination of A Scarletpimpernel revealed a haematoma on the nearside rump and that the colt had lost its off hind plate in running.
Race 1:
QTIS Maiden Plate - 1200m
1st - Upi Bay; 2nd - One Octave Higher; 3rd - Mr Nicholas
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Mick Mair: “I thought he’d win last time (when first-up at 4-1). He finished some way back there. I’m not certain what caused the disappointment. Maybe it was the Cushion Track. Some of them go alright on it and others don’t. His form has always been of soft going and, apart from that one run, it’s always been pretty reasonable. The horse that he finished close-up behind on Coloundra Cup day, Arjuna gave a strong showing when finishing fifth or something in the Sandown Guineas yesterday. So yeah, I really thought he was due.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
The start of the race was delayed when Upi Bay had to be re-plated behind the barriers. One Octave Higher (M. Speers) was caught wide during the middle stages of the event. Upi Bay (K. Pope) was inclined to lay out during the middle stages. Running Fox raced wide from a point leaving the 800m. Passing the 300m Mr Nicholas (S. Scriven) had to be steadied when disappointed for a run between Polish County (K. Wharton) and Riva Gold which shifted in slightly. Jockey S. Scriven was advised to ensure there is sufficient room when attempting runs in future.
Race 2:
Maiden Handicap - 1200m
1st - Deniro Muy Grande; 2nd - Go Rainey; 3rd - Ninth Duke
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer John Holcolme: “It’s his first run for me so I can’t say what happened before. He’s hasn’t run for eight months so was pretty keen fresh. Also, he has been gelded since his last run which probably made a difference.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “It was bloody close. I thought the other one (Go Rainey) might just have lasted.” (Interestingly enough, correct weight was put on hold while Nathan Thomas, the rider of Go Rainey) asked to view the photo).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Go Rainey (N. Thomas) and Deniro Muy Grande (J. Taylor) were slow to begin. Count Sylvester (C. Dixon) began awkwardly and lost ground. Once More Brother (K. Pope) raced wide throughout. Deniro Muy Grande over-raced during the middle stages of the event. Near the 600m Ninth Duke (J. Kropp) improved up on to the heels of Amaizemea (J. Piper) and had to be steadied. Ninth Duke was inclined to hang out under pressure in the home straight. When questioned regarding the improved performance of Deniro Muy Grande, trainer J. Holcombe stated that the only explanation he could put forward was that the horse was first up from a spell, had been gelded and was having its first start for the stable. A post-race veterinary examination of Once More Brother failed to reveal any abnormalities. The track was upgraded to Dead 5 after the running of this event.
Race 3:
Class 2 Handicap - 1200m
1st - Silvern; 2nd - Smart Opinion; 3rd - Kalinga Steel
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Co-trainer Jason McLachlan: “That’s the way a short priced favourite is supposed to win, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Don’t you worry though. He’s a good horse. He’s got a few more to come yet.”
Jockey Sean Cormack: “He’s not quite as quick early as he used to be. He takes a little while to get into it, but I always thought he was good enough to dictate the pace. I made him work without overdoing it in the straight (that’s when the gap widened). I was just making certain. I don’t believe in playing games out there. If I’ve got the best horse in the race, I let him win like he should.”
The win lifted jockey Sean Cormack into joint first placing in the Sunshine Coast Jockeys Premiership, a position he now shares with apprentice jockey Jana Piper.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Kalinga Steel (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin. Week Nights On (J. Taylor) and Ozjuria (G. Butler) bumped on jumping away. The track was upgraded to Dead 4 after the running of this event.
Race 4:
Maiden Handicap - 1600m
1st - Smartazariz; 2nd - Queen Of Bling; 3rd - Abindah
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Debbie Barnard (who scratched the horse from the Gold Coast on Saturday - where it had a number one draw): “That was wonderful. He’s just never had a barrier before.” (In his three previous career starts Smartazariz drew 14, 13 and 13). “Then, when I get a number one draw at the Coast, I was suddenly scared that he might get stuck on the rail, so I chose to come here – for that reason, and the softer going.”
Jockey Dan Griffin (who was riding his sixth winner in the last three days): “He was just too good for them. Once he produced that determined run for the length of the straight he was always going to get the result.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
So Long (P. Hammersley) was slow to begin. Regal Xaar (A. Spinks) stood flat-footed at the start and lost considerable ground. Trainer M. Flanigan was advised that he must obtain a barrier certificate for Regal Xaar before it is permitted to start. Arcangela (R. McMahon) over-raced during the early stages. Approaching the 1200m Smartazariz (D. Griffin) made contact with the running rail of its own accord and became unbalanced.
Concarnie (K. Pope) and Smartazariz over-raced during the early and middle stages. Concarnie and Arcangela both raced wide throughout. Probability (S. Cormack) and Arcangela brushed near the 300m when Smartazariz shifted out. Apprentice C. Dixon, the rider of Classic Hero, was reminded of his obligations regarding the use of his whip on a beaten horse.
Race 5:
Class 1 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Craiglea Symphony; 2nd - Siege; 3rd - Hot Pride
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver rode a perfect race. After being slow away at the break, McIver rode with patience, tracking into the race from the rear of the field in the sweep to the turn. On straightening, McIver had Criaglea Symphony poised to strike. When they made their forward move, the duo met with stubborn resistance from the free-running Siege. Halfway up the straight it had become a two-horse race and it was Craiglea Symphony who found the extra required to ease away to score a well judged win. Craiglea Symphony is trained by Natalie Hole.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
She’s A Model (R. Hancock) and Craiglea Symphony (C. McIver) were slow to begin. Craiglea Symphony was inclined to lay in over the final 200m. Methodical (C. Reith) and Franciscan Friar (D. Gill) raced wide throughout the event. Near the 400m Vettori’s Image (Michael Palmer) was steadied when tightened for room between Methodical and Hot Pride (J. Piper) which shifted out. J. Piper was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances in future. A post-race veterinary examination of Continual (K. Pope) failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6:
Class 4 Handicap - 1400m
1st - Cole Trickle; 2nd - My Counsel; 3rd - Vargas Girl
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray McCall: “She (jockey Rachel Mason) rated the horse really well out in front. In fact I think she is probably one of the best at doing that. As far as the horse is concerned, all you can be certain of is that he will try and try and try. He’s got limitations but he will not stop trying.”
Jockey Rachel Mason: “He always gives his best, but you have to keep at him. He’s quite happy to take it easy if you let him and he is as happy to take it up again if you ask him. So you have to let him know that he must keep working.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Monchengladbach (S. Cormack) and Jondy Rex (K. Pope) were slow to begin. Silver Razz (R. Hancock) was slow into stride. Chaufuhr (E. Wilkinson) over-raced in the early stages. Vargas Girl (J. Piper) raced wide throughout the event. My Counsel (J. Bowditch) shifted out under pressure near the 300m, forcing Vargas Girl wider on the track. Apprentice J. Piper was stood down by the Club doctor following her ride in this event.
Race 7:
Open Handicap - 1300m
1st - Messiaen; 2nd - Grab The Phone; 3rd - Onalar
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Ray McCall: “He’s still going strong as a nine-year-old. He needs a little help now, that why we took some kilos off with the claim, but he is as honest as ever and he does himself proud. We’ve still got the mother (Grand Shower) in the paddock at home. Grand Shower has had nine runners for nine winners. To have two of them win on the same day is really good.”
Grand Shower is the dam of both of the McCall trained race to race winners, Cole Trickle and Messiaen. Both runners, who have now taken their combined stake earnings to a little under $700 000, are owned by the McCall family.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As A. Badger was indisposed, J. Piper was substituted as the rider of Likazyrtec. After being stood down by the Club doctor, J. Piper was replaced on Likazyrtec by C. Dixon. Set Alight (J. Taylor) over-raced in the early and middle stages of the event.
Race 8:
Class 4 Handicap - 1000m
1st - Onasong; 2nd - The Fifer; 3rd - Hurricaneprince
WINNER FEEDBACK:
The Jeremy Vaughan trained Onasong carried too much ammunition for his rivals in the final event on the card. Racing fresh after a spell, the mare was produced at the right time by Nathan Thomas and kicked away with meaning to score the second win of her career.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
See Me Thru (M. Speers) and Hunter Dane (S. Mossman), which both became fractious in the barriers, were removed from the barriers, examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and passed fit to start. A Scarletpimpernel (K. Pope) began very awkwardly, shifted out and made heavy contact with Miss Pierce (A. Erhart), which in turn shifted out and bumped Onasong (N. Thomas). Hunter Dane and Hurricaneprince (J. Byrne) bumped on jumping away. Shortly after the start One Fuhr The Money (A. Spinks) and See Me Thru bumped. The Fifer (C. Dixon), Telbron Gold (M. Wood), Hunter Dane and See Me Thru raced wide throughout. A Scarletpimpernel raced greenly throughout the event, placing its rider at a disadvantage. Telbron Gold was inclined to lay out under pressure in the home straight. A Scarletpimpernel was inclined to lay out under pressure from the 300m.
A post-race veterinary examination of A Scarletpimpernel revealed a haematoma on the nearside rump and that the colt had lost its off hind plate in running.
EAGLE FARM REVIEW (SAT, NOV 15)
A review of the meeting held at Eagle Farm on Saturday, November 15.
Race 1:
2YO C & G Handicap - 1000m
1st - Big Tony; 2nd - Craiglea Scorcher; 3rd - False Accusation
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “The horse knuckled over at the start first time out. Then he raced erratically after that so I had no hesitation putting the blinkers on this time. That kept him focussed and you saw the difference it made. And he’s still got a lot of improvement to come this one. Once he learns to gallop properly he could go on to be very useful.
Good early speed carried Big Tony into the lead by a length early on. Jockey Ken Pope held him together until the turn where Big Tony railed neatly before applying more pressure which was enough to keep the persistent challenge of Craiglea Scorcher at bay.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fast Lover (S. Seamer) jumped out at the start and made contact with Big Tony (K. Pope). Passing the 700m King Salsa (J. Bowditch) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Perfect Option which shifted in and away from Craiglea Scorcher (A. Coome) which shifted in. Indiana (J. Byrne) was inclined to lay in under pressure in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Fast Lover revealed the colt to be shin sore in both forelegs. Trainer M. Thexton was advised that she must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness prior to the horse's next start. A post-race veterinary examination of King Salsa failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Perfect Option revealed the gelding to be shin sore in the near foreleg. Trainer E. Hayes was advised that he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness prior to the horse's next start.
Race 2:
F & M (NMW) Handicap - 1200m
1st - Insistence; 2nd - Satsang; 3rd - Acquired
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Michael Palmer: “Her first-up run was good last time. This time she got the drop on them at the top of the straight and controlled things from there. The other one (Satsang) wouldn’t go away, but she was just too strong for them today.”
Insistence chased well from an outside draw to settle in a clear second placing, one wide behind the front-running Mini View. The mare then moved up to challenge the leader turning for home and quickly took the measure of Mini View. From the moment the balance of the field were left chasing. Satsang led that charge and, despite a determined effort, she could not make any significant inroads into Insistence’s winning advantage.
Insistence was the second winner in an hour for the Gillian Heinrich stable. Earlier, they had won the first race at the Gold Coast with Feline Flyer.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice J. Jones, the rider of Mini View, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a), the careless riding being that near the 1000m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Insistence (Michael Palmer), which was taken in, dictating the line of She’s A Mountain (S. Scriven) and as a result of that horse being dictated in it has taken Satsang (Matthew Palmer) in on to Pickastar (M. Hughes), which had to be checked and lost its position. Apprentice Jones' licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence immediately and expire at midnight on Thursday, 27 November 2008.
Pickastar and Yatala(C. McIver) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
One Metro Win Handicap - 1800m
1st - Bugsytwoshoes; 2nd - Bell Academy; 3rd - Jujulio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Kelly: “I’ve had the horse for seven runs now (from Gerald Ryan). I’ve really clicked with the horse and he obviously thrives in the Queensland weather. He’s super consistent and we knew he would get the trip so it was just a question of whether he would be good enough – and he was.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “He took a long time to pick up the bit because they went a quickly early. But when he did pick it up from the half mile he went on really well. He was travelling that well I knew I had them covered a long way out.”
The fluency of Bugsytwoshoes’s win is highlighted by the manner in which it was achieved. Drawn in the car park, Hammersley eased his mount across heels to settle second last a full dozen lengths off the lead in the early part. When the forward move came it was made out wide in the sweep to the turn, with Hammersley eventually forced to extract Bugsytwoshoes a full six wide on the turn. But he had daylight in front of him then and he quickened with meaning to reel in his rivals with ease to even allow Hammersley time to pose for the photographers at the line.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As S. Galloway was to be overweight, S. Seamer was substituted as the rider of Brief Me. S. Galloway was fined $200 under AR. 120(b). Altaica (A. Taylor) was tightened on jumping away between D’Elcatraz (T. Pannell) and Bell Academy (J. Byrne) which shifted in. Altaica then raced ungenerously for some distance.
Southerly Impact (R. Goltz) over-raced in the early stages. Ostra (K. Pope) raced wide throughout. Southerly Impact was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. The track rating was upgraded to Good 3 following the running of this event.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1000m
1st - Instructed; 2nd - Steptoe; 3rd - Sequallan
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Darren Coleman: “I was caught wide the whole way but Danny (Bowen) told me beforehand not to panic. He said I should just let the horse run his own race. I was still very wide and way back on the turn but he is such a tough horse he just kept putting in. He’s used to having to fight for things. He used to carrying heavy weights. Remember, he was down 7.5kg on his last run. He carried 62kg last time at Grafton. So when the weight was telling on some of the others he was thinking, how easy is this. He just flew over the last 100m.”
Never able to get in from a very wide draw, Coleman bided his time on Instructed. The duo were very wide and last on the turn, but they had conserved energy by not chasing hard early and there was plenty left in the tank when Coleman asked his mount for a serious effort. The big horse likes nothing better than a fight and took to his task with meaning and he pounded all of his opposition into submission with a superb, strong, sustained run to carry the day in impressive fashion.
Just a word on the runner-up here – or rather a word on trainer Danny Bougoure. The man who took the great Falvelon to a string of high profile successes made his reappearance as a trainer in Queensland for the first time following a four-year sortie down south. Bougoure’s runner Steptoe, racing at attractive double figure odds, looked like he making it a winning comeback for his trainer when he hit the front inside the final 50m but he was cut down in the shadow of the post by the flying Instructed.
Trainer Danny Bougoure: “That was just a bit a match practise, mate. He’ll improve with the run and is a better horse over 1200m.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As K. Pope was to be overweight, A. Spinks was substituted as the rider of Leather. K. Pope was fined $100 under AR. 120(b). Approaching the 900m Steptoe (D. Craven) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Tornadic Sky (J. Taylor), which was taken out slightly by Piccohi (P. Hammersley) and In A Circle (Michael Palmer). In A Circle and Instructed (D. Coleman) raced wide throughout. Sequallan (J. Byrne) laid in in the straight. Near the 50m Piccohi shifted out slightly and bumped Starlactic (B. Looker). A post-race veterinary examination of Anwaar (B. Pengelly), which finished last, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
C, G & E (NMW) Handicap - 1200m
1st - Old Trick; 2nd - Primeval Demand; 3rd - Millers Wheel
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Murphy: “That’s it for him mate. He’s finished now. On his history he had no right to be here but we thought we’d give him one last farewell. He’s done his suspensory three times. He’s had two ops on his knees. You couldn’t gallop him at one stage because his suspensory would just blow up. We take him swimming but he’s always half fit because of his issues. But he’s got a heart this big, mate – and a great temperament. Why did I risk another run? Because I knew he had it in him. I had my fingers crossed the whole way. It’s so good to see him go out on a high.”
Jockey Christian Reith: “We settled about fifth or sixth. He’s had problems so I saved him for his effort. He worked himself into it in the straight and finished off well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After being tightened on jumping away between Primeval Demand (P. Hammersley) and Old Trick (C. Reith), Another Takeover (J. Byrne) commenced to over-race and near the 1100m had to be steadied off the heels of Sun For Sale (S. Galloway). Near the 1000m Primeval Demand had to be steadied when tightened for room between Geebeetee (S. Cormack) and Another Takeover which, when continuing to over-race, shifted in after again being steadied off the heels of Sun For Sale. Another Takeover continued to over-race for some distance. Count Henry (A. Taylor), Andamon and Reincarnation (R. Goltz) raced wide throughout. Near the 300m D. Ballard, the rider of Headlight, accidentally dropped his whip. Between the 300m and the 200m Old Trick was momentarily impeded when obtaining a narrow run between Sun For Sale and Count Henry. Passing the 200m Intermac (J. Taylor) was held up for clear running for a short distance.
When questioned regarding the performance of Another Takeover, jockey J. Byrne stated that as the horse had been a little slow to begin at its previous starts, he ensured that the horse jumped with the field today, however shortly after jumping the horse commenced to over-race and did so for a considerable distance. He added that this was detrimental to the horse's performance. His explanation was noted. Another Takeover lost its off hind plate in running.
Jockey W. Wheatley, the rider of Smokin Dave, was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram overweight.
Race 6:
Quality (Listed) Handicap - 1600m
1st - Alverta; 2nd - Nellie Got There; 3rd - Hard To Catch
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Messara: “I was worried when she didn’t get away that well, but Shane gave her a great ride after that. This is the soundest she’s been in any preparation and I’ll probably keep her going. There’s a Listed race (the Recognition) in a couple of weeks time and we’ll head for that. She needs to race Set Weight races. She comes into those well. Handicaps are more difficult. I actually want to put her over further. I think she’ll be good over 2000m. The Sydney Autumn Carnival will be a target. She’ll have various options there.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “I was ready to chase early if need be, but when she dipped at the start I let her recover her composure naturally. She did that without any fuss and did everything right after that. Good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Alverta (S. Scriven) blundered on jumping away. Alverta lost its off-fore plate in running. A post-race veterinary examination of Mr Hornblower revealed that the gelding was sore in the off foreleg. Trainer T. Green was advised that she must provide a veterinary clearance prior to the horse's next start.
Race 7:
Class 6 Plate - 1400m
1st - Hey Elvis; 2nd - Heart Of The Citi; 3rd - Lucky Luna
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “He’s a real good horse. Even though he bled (back in April) – and that was a real pain in the arse when it happened – it probably did him a whole lot of good. It allowed him all that more time to mature. He’s a really good horse.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “He’s come back real good. You know Bruce (Hill) has taken his time with him and the he’s really going well. He travelled beautifully throughout and when it came down to a two horse race (with Heart Of The City) he just had that little bit extra and that was the difference over the last 100m.”
For the record, Heart Of The Citi was Mandy Radecker’s last ride as an apprentice. She comes out of her time on Monday (November 17).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Intramuros (Michael Palmer) jumped in at the start and made contact with the hind quarters of Malandrina (R. McMahon). A short distance later Intramuros had to be steadied when further tightened for room between Malandrina and Hey Elvis (P. Hammersley) which shifted in. Near the 100m Moppett (B. Pengelly) shifted in and bumped Rockem (R. Goltz) and as a result Moppett then became unbalanced for a short distance. Jockey R. McMahon, the rider of Malandrina, was fined $100 under AR. 145 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram overweight.
Race 8:
3YO Handicap - 1000m
1st - Power Of George; 2nd - Congenial; 3rd - High Roll'n Woman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “Everybody was telling me this was not the right race for him. They said it was too difficult. But my husband said, ‘you know the horse best, you must do what you think is right.’ We knew he had the speed and that his speed is one of his biggest assets. So we thought we should use it from the wide draw. Our thinking was if we went back and tried to get clever with him, we’d probably get caught out. I’m just so pleased we got it right, particularly as we’ve had to wait for this run. If you can get a message to the programmers, there was just no other 1000m race for him other than this. We need more 1000m options.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “Yeah, he’s got some speed alright. They made him work though, those horses on the inside, but he’s got tons of ability. I think the connections were hopeful but would have been happy if he ran fourth. He really showed his worth here. It was a very good win.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
High Roll’n Woman (J. Byrne), which jumped away awkwardly, shifted in and made heavy contact with Pegunny Roy (J. Bowditch). As a result Pegunny Roy shifted in and made heavy contact with Pandemonia (S. Scriven). Pandemonia then commenced to over-race. Woorim (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin. Congenial (L. Rolls) jumped outwards at the start and made contact with Carry The Clubs (J. Jones). Congenial then became unbalanced and shifted back in and brushed Miss Teapot (N. Thomas). Approaching the 700m High Roll’n Woman had to be steadied when tightened for room between Pegunny Roy and Aspiran (J. Byrne) which shifted in slightly. Passing the 700m Zebakwe shifted out and made contact with Pandemonia which, when continuing to over-race, shifted out and made contact with Pegunny Roy. As a result Pegunny Roy became unbalanced and lost ground. High Roll’n Woman, which was racing to that horse's outside, was inconvenienced in consequence. A short distance later Pandemonia, which had continued to over-race, had to be checked when tightened for room between Zebakwe and Aspiran (A. Pattillo), which shifted in. when not clear. Jockey A. Pattillo was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Near the 450m Congenial shifted in and made heavy contact with Pegunny Roy, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Approaching the 400m Calm Before shifted out to improve around the heels of Pandemonia and in doing so took Pegunny Roy out on to Congenial and as a result both Congenial and Pegunny Roy became unbalanced and made contact on several occasions.
Race 1:
2YO C & G Handicap - 1000m
1st - Big Tony; 2nd - Craiglea Scorcher; 3rd - False Accusation
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “The horse knuckled over at the start first time out. Then he raced erratically after that so I had no hesitation putting the blinkers on this time. That kept him focussed and you saw the difference it made. And he’s still got a lot of improvement to come this one. Once he learns to gallop properly he could go on to be very useful.
Good early speed carried Big Tony into the lead by a length early on. Jockey Ken Pope held him together until the turn where Big Tony railed neatly before applying more pressure which was enough to keep the persistent challenge of Craiglea Scorcher at bay.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Fast Lover (S. Seamer) jumped out at the start and made contact with Big Tony (K. Pope). Passing the 700m King Salsa (J. Bowditch) had to be steadied when tightened for room by Perfect Option which shifted in and away from Craiglea Scorcher (A. Coome) which shifted in. Indiana (J. Byrne) was inclined to lay in under pressure in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Fast Lover revealed the colt to be shin sore in both forelegs. Trainer M. Thexton was advised that she must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness prior to the horse's next start. A post-race veterinary examination of King Salsa failed to reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Perfect Option revealed the gelding to be shin sore in the near foreleg. Trainer E. Hayes was advised that he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness prior to the horse's next start.
Race 2:
F & M (NMW) Handicap - 1200m
1st - Insistence; 2nd - Satsang; 3rd - Acquired
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Michael Palmer: “Her first-up run was good last time. This time she got the drop on them at the top of the straight and controlled things from there. The other one (Satsang) wouldn’t go away, but she was just too strong for them today.”
Insistence chased well from an outside draw to settle in a clear second placing, one wide behind the front-running Mini View. The mare then moved up to challenge the leader turning for home and quickly took the measure of Mini View. From the moment the balance of the field were left chasing. Satsang led that charge and, despite a determined effort, she could not make any significant inroads into Insistence’s winning advantage.
Insistence was the second winner in an hour for the Gillian Heinrich stable. Earlier, they had won the first race at the Gold Coast with Feline Flyer.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Apprentice J. Jones, the rider of Mini View, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a), the careless riding being that near the 1000m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of Insistence (Michael Palmer), which was taken in, dictating the line of She’s A Mountain (S. Scriven) and as a result of that horse being dictated in it has taken Satsang (Matthew Palmer) in on to Pickastar (M. Hughes), which had to be checked and lost its position. Apprentice Jones' licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings, with the term of suspension to commence immediately and expire at midnight on Thursday, 27 November 2008.
Pickastar and Yatala(C. McIver) raced wide throughout.
Race 3:
One Metro Win Handicap - 1800m
1st - Bugsytwoshoes; 2nd - Bell Academy; 3rd - Jujulio
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Kelly: “I’ve had the horse for seven runs now (from Gerald Ryan). I’ve really clicked with the horse and he obviously thrives in the Queensland weather. He’s super consistent and we knew he would get the trip so it was just a question of whether he would be good enough – and he was.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “He took a long time to pick up the bit because they went a quickly early. But when he did pick it up from the half mile he went on really well. He was travelling that well I knew I had them covered a long way out.”
The fluency of Bugsytwoshoes’s win is highlighted by the manner in which it was achieved. Drawn in the car park, Hammersley eased his mount across heels to settle second last a full dozen lengths off the lead in the early part. When the forward move came it was made out wide in the sweep to the turn, with Hammersley eventually forced to extract Bugsytwoshoes a full six wide on the turn. But he had daylight in front of him then and he quickened with meaning to reel in his rivals with ease to even allow Hammersley time to pose for the photographers at the line.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As S. Galloway was to be overweight, S. Seamer was substituted as the rider of Brief Me. S. Galloway was fined $200 under AR. 120(b). Altaica (A. Taylor) was tightened on jumping away between D’Elcatraz (T. Pannell) and Bell Academy (J. Byrne) which shifted in. Altaica then raced ungenerously for some distance.
Southerly Impact (R. Goltz) over-raced in the early stages. Ostra (K. Pope) raced wide throughout. Southerly Impact was held up for clear running in the early stages of the straight. The track rating was upgraded to Good 3 following the running of this event.
Race 4:
Open Handicap - 1000m
1st - Instructed; 2nd - Steptoe; 3rd - Sequallan
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Darren Coleman: “I was caught wide the whole way but Danny (Bowen) told me beforehand not to panic. He said I should just let the horse run his own race. I was still very wide and way back on the turn but he is such a tough horse he just kept putting in. He’s used to having to fight for things. He used to carrying heavy weights. Remember, he was down 7.5kg on his last run. He carried 62kg last time at Grafton. So when the weight was telling on some of the others he was thinking, how easy is this. He just flew over the last 100m.”
Never able to get in from a very wide draw, Coleman bided his time on Instructed. The duo were very wide and last on the turn, but they had conserved energy by not chasing hard early and there was plenty left in the tank when Coleman asked his mount for a serious effort. The big horse likes nothing better than a fight and took to his task with meaning and he pounded all of his opposition into submission with a superb, strong, sustained run to carry the day in impressive fashion.
Just a word on the runner-up here – or rather a word on trainer Danny Bougoure. The man who took the great Falvelon to a string of high profile successes made his reappearance as a trainer in Queensland for the first time following a four-year sortie down south. Bougoure’s runner Steptoe, racing at attractive double figure odds, looked like he making it a winning comeback for his trainer when he hit the front inside the final 50m but he was cut down in the shadow of the post by the flying Instructed.
Trainer Danny Bougoure: “That was just a bit a match practise, mate. He’ll improve with the run and is a better horse over 1200m.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As K. Pope was to be overweight, A. Spinks was substituted as the rider of Leather. K. Pope was fined $100 under AR. 120(b). Approaching the 900m Steptoe (D. Craven) had to be steadied when tightened for room between Tornadic Sky (J. Taylor), which was taken out slightly by Piccohi (P. Hammersley) and In A Circle (Michael Palmer). In A Circle and Instructed (D. Coleman) raced wide throughout. Sequallan (J. Byrne) laid in in the straight. Near the 50m Piccohi shifted out slightly and bumped Starlactic (B. Looker). A post-race veterinary examination of Anwaar (B. Pengelly), which finished last, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 5:
C, G & E (NMW) Handicap - 1200m
1st - Old Trick; 2nd - Primeval Demand; 3rd - Millers Wheel
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer David Murphy: “That’s it for him mate. He’s finished now. On his history he had no right to be here but we thought we’d give him one last farewell. He’s done his suspensory three times. He’s had two ops on his knees. You couldn’t gallop him at one stage because his suspensory would just blow up. We take him swimming but he’s always half fit because of his issues. But he’s got a heart this big, mate – and a great temperament. Why did I risk another run? Because I knew he had it in him. I had my fingers crossed the whole way. It’s so good to see him go out on a high.”
Jockey Christian Reith: “We settled about fifth or sixth. He’s had problems so I saved him for his effort. He worked himself into it in the straight and finished off well.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After being tightened on jumping away between Primeval Demand (P. Hammersley) and Old Trick (C. Reith), Another Takeover (J. Byrne) commenced to over-race and near the 1100m had to be steadied off the heels of Sun For Sale (S. Galloway). Near the 1000m Primeval Demand had to be steadied when tightened for room between Geebeetee (S. Cormack) and Another Takeover which, when continuing to over-race, shifted in after again being steadied off the heels of Sun For Sale. Another Takeover continued to over-race for some distance. Count Henry (A. Taylor), Andamon and Reincarnation (R. Goltz) raced wide throughout. Near the 300m D. Ballard, the rider of Headlight, accidentally dropped his whip. Between the 300m and the 200m Old Trick was momentarily impeded when obtaining a narrow run between Sun For Sale and Count Henry. Passing the 200m Intermac (J. Taylor) was held up for clear running for a short distance.
When questioned regarding the performance of Another Takeover, jockey J. Byrne stated that as the horse had been a little slow to begin at its previous starts, he ensured that the horse jumped with the field today, however shortly after jumping the horse commenced to over-race and did so for a considerable distance. He added that this was detrimental to the horse's performance. His explanation was noted. Another Takeover lost its off hind plate in running.
Jockey W. Wheatley, the rider of Smokin Dave, was fined $100 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram overweight.
Race 6:
Quality (Listed) Handicap - 1600m
1st - Alverta; 2nd - Nellie Got There; 3rd - Hard To Catch
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Paul Messara: “I was worried when she didn’t get away that well, but Shane gave her a great ride after that. This is the soundest she’s been in any preparation and I’ll probably keep her going. There’s a Listed race (the Recognition) in a couple of weeks time and we’ll head for that. She needs to race Set Weight races. She comes into those well. Handicaps are more difficult. I actually want to put her over further. I think she’ll be good over 2000m. The Sydney Autumn Carnival will be a target. She’ll have various options there.”
Jockey Shane Scriven: “I was ready to chase early if need be, but when she dipped at the start I let her recover her composure naturally. She did that without any fuss and did everything right after that. Good win.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Alverta (S. Scriven) blundered on jumping away. Alverta lost its off-fore plate in running. A post-race veterinary examination of Mr Hornblower revealed that the gelding was sore in the off foreleg. Trainer T. Green was advised that she must provide a veterinary clearance prior to the horse's next start.
Race 7:
Class 6 Plate - 1400m
1st - Hey Elvis; 2nd - Heart Of The Citi; 3rd - Lucky Luna
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Bruce Hill: “He’s a real good horse. Even though he bled (back in April) – and that was a real pain in the arse when it happened – it probably did him a whole lot of good. It allowed him all that more time to mature. He’s a really good horse.”
Jockey Paul Hammersley: “He’s come back real good. You know Bruce (Hill) has taken his time with him and the he’s really going well. He travelled beautifully throughout and when it came down to a two horse race (with Heart Of The City) he just had that little bit extra and that was the difference over the last 100m.”
For the record, Heart Of The Citi was Mandy Radecker’s last ride as an apprentice. She comes out of her time on Monday (November 17).
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Intramuros (Michael Palmer) jumped in at the start and made contact with the hind quarters of Malandrina (R. McMahon). A short distance later Intramuros had to be steadied when further tightened for room between Malandrina and Hey Elvis (P. Hammersley) which shifted in. Near the 100m Moppett (B. Pengelly) shifted in and bumped Rockem (R. Goltz) and as a result Moppett then became unbalanced for a short distance. Jockey R. McMahon, the rider of Malandrina, was fined $100 under AR. 145 for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram overweight.
Race 8:
3YO Handicap - 1000m
1st - Power Of George; 2nd - Congenial; 3rd - High Roll'n Woman
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Helen Page: “Everybody was telling me this was not the right race for him. They said it was too difficult. But my husband said, ‘you know the horse best, you must do what you think is right.’ We knew he had the speed and that his speed is one of his biggest assets. So we thought we should use it from the wide draw. Our thinking was if we went back and tried to get clever with him, we’d probably get caught out. I’m just so pleased we got it right, particularly as we’ve had to wait for this run. If you can get a message to the programmers, there was just no other 1000m race for him other than this. We need more 1000m options.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “Yeah, he’s got some speed alright. They made him work though, those horses on the inside, but he’s got tons of ability. I think the connections were hopeful but would have been happy if he ran fourth. He really showed his worth here. It was a very good win.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
High Roll’n Woman (J. Byrne), which jumped away awkwardly, shifted in and made heavy contact with Pegunny Roy (J. Bowditch). As a result Pegunny Roy shifted in and made heavy contact with Pandemonia (S. Scriven). Pandemonia then commenced to over-race. Woorim (E. Wilkinson) was slow to begin. Congenial (L. Rolls) jumped outwards at the start and made contact with Carry The Clubs (J. Jones). Congenial then became unbalanced and shifted back in and brushed Miss Teapot (N. Thomas). Approaching the 700m High Roll’n Woman had to be steadied when tightened for room between Pegunny Roy and Aspiran (J. Byrne) which shifted in slightly. Passing the 700m Zebakwe shifted out and made contact with Pandemonia which, when continuing to over-race, shifted out and made contact with Pegunny Roy. As a result Pegunny Roy became unbalanced and lost ground. High Roll’n Woman, which was racing to that horse's outside, was inconvenienced in consequence. A short distance later Pandemonia, which had continued to over-race, had to be checked when tightened for room between Zebakwe and Aspiran (A. Pattillo), which shifted in. when not clear. Jockey A. Pattillo was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Near the 450m Congenial shifted in and made heavy contact with Pegunny Roy, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Approaching the 400m Calm Before shifted out to improve around the heels of Pandemonia and in doing so took Pegunny Roy out on to Congenial and as a result both Congenial and Pegunny Roy became unbalanced and made contact on several occasions.
IPSWICH REVIEW (FRI, NOV 14)
A review of the meeting held at Ipswich on Friday, November 14.
Race 1:
Maiden Handicap - 1710m
1st - Whatahoute; 2nd - Ronstadt; 3rd - Nice Looker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Patrick Sexton: “He’s had various trainers. He’s had various issues. What we’ve done is we’ve just bided our time with him. Things have never been quite right with him and we’ve just waited and waited. You must give a plug to Mitchell Fry. He rides work on the horse and he has put in a lot of time trying to get the horse right. This is probably the first time we’ve come to the races where we thought things were going as well as we could have them.”
I pointed out that the number of gear changes that had been made probably also played their part in Whatahoute’s improvement. According to the race-book, Whatahoute had: Blinkers off again. Nose roll on first time. Boots (front) on first time ... and a last point, which probably prompted the quote of the day from the trainer. According to the race-book, Whatahoute had been gelded since his last run.
Trainer Patrick Sexton: “No. No, he hasn’t been gelded. Have a look. He’s got bigger nuts on him than a rhinoseros.”
The information supplied in the race-book is important. It needs to be accurate.
Jockey Jason Warrington kept Whatahoute well off the speed in the early part before asking the five-year-old to push forward wide out on the track in the sweep to the turn. Whatahoute made up ground relatively quickly to be ready to challenge once the field turned for home and he maintained his momentum, following through with his effort all the way down the straight to earn a clear-cut victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As apprentice J. Piper was to be overweight, jockey D. Green was substituted as the rider of Cinquacasino as no other apprentice was available. Apprentice Piper was fined the sum of $300. Under AR120(b). Jockey G. Geran was also overweight and was replaced by R. Goltz on Lava Man. G. Geran will be interviewed regarding this matter. Lava Man (R. Goltz), which was inclined to over-race during the early stages, shifted out near the 1200m and then raced wide until approaching the 900m.
Approaching the 700m, Got the Cash (W. Clasohm) raced up on to the heels of Ronstadt (A. Coome) and as a result had to be checked. Back A Winner (A. Spinks), which was following, was forced to shift out, forcing Rosebrn (C. McIver) wider on the track. Ronstadt was momentarily held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Whatahoute shifted in under pressure from the 100m onwards.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Don Vito, B. Pengelly stated that from an inside barrier he had anticipated being able to take up a forward position today, however despite his urgings, was forced to settle Don Vito in a rearward position. He added that when he rode the horse vigorously leaving the 700m, Don Vito again failed to respond to his riding and proved disappointing. He further stated that, in his opinion, the gelding was not suited by the reduction in distance today, and may be looking for further ground in its races. Trainer T. Sears representative advised stewards that she agreed that the drop back in distance today may have contributed to the performance and gave an undertaking to report to stewards any abnormality which may come to light which may have contributed to the performance.
Trainer P. Sexton was questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Whatahoute. He stated that in the last week he had varied his training practices with the horse in that he had schooled the gelding over jumps, and, in his opinion, this together with a gear change of blinkers off and nose roll on, had resulted in the improved performance today.
A post race veterinary examination of Traditions Time revealed the gelding had bowed its off-fore tendon.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 1350m
1st - Sittinbul; 2nd - Bootooloo; 3rd - Chadwick
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Strapper Sheree Drake (speaking in a state of semi-shock): “We didn’t think he could win. We thought they’d be too strong for him. We didn’t have a cent on the horse. I can’t believe it. I did think he would develop into a fair sort and he reason to improve – blinkers on first time, the step up in distance, but we didn’t see this coming.”
Jockey Daniel Griffin: “His form said he couldn’t win it and on his work – he’s lazy – he rated a place chance at best. Then suddenly he decided to put it all together on race-day.”
Sittinbul jumped into an early lead and then took a trail in second when Bella Sea took up the running. The gelding railed beautifully under a solid ride from Dan Griffin and never had to go around a horse as Bella Sea shifted out and faltered, giving way to Sittingbul and Chadwick, who rallied on the outside but came up a length short of the winner at the line.
The connections of Sittingbul were not the only ones to leave the horse lonely on the betting boards. The three-year-old was the extreme outsider in the field, coming back at odds or $41,00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1000m, Red Silver (T. Pannell) was forced to ease when tightened for room between Super Moon (A. Pattillo), which shifted out slightly when over-racing, and Bootooloo (C. Reith), which was taken in by Silver Whisper (R. Wiggins). Levi’s Bid (S. Scriven), which was following, overreacted when steadied by its rider and shifted in, making contact with the running rail, losing considerable ground. Whilst stewards acknowledged the contribution of Super Moon, R. Wiggins, rider of Silver Whisper, was reprimanded. Super Moon continued to over-race and near the 900m shifted out, making heavy contact with Bootooloo, forcing that horse wider on the track. Red Silver, which was following, also had to be steadied as a result. Canadian Pearl (J. Taylor) over-raced during the middle stages. Chadwick (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout. Canadian Pearl bled during the event. Trainer R. Turgeon was advised that the filly would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 3:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1100m
1st - Kiss The King; 2nd - Jester Canny; Go 3rd - Flirten
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gary Wells: “The reason he sprinted up so well is the gap I’m allowing him between runs. I’ve also backed off on his work quite a bit. The freshness is the key and it worked out well today. The beauty of this game is that when you make mistakes you can keep it to yourself. When you get something right, you can tell everybody about it.
Jockey Ron Goltz: “He did get back a little further than I thought he would, but when I pulled him out he did it really well. He won with something up his sleeve.”
Kiss The King was ridden patiently early and was asked for his effort shortly after switching out into the clear at the top of the straight. The gelding gradually reeled in the frontrunners under a gentle urging from jockey Ron Goltz and he appeared to go to the line with a little more in hand than the official margin suggests.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Spin Kat (S. Wright) was slow to begin. Little Ombra (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly and shortly after shifted out, tightening Thor Real (D. Green) on to the hind quarters of Jester Canny Go (J. Wood). Leaving the 800m, Little Ombra, which was racing greenly, lost ground after shifting out and making heavy contact with Kiss The King (R. Goltz). Thor Real, which was following, was obliged to shift out to avoid that gelding's heels. Thor Real then commenced to hang out and did so for the remainder of the event. Connections of Thor Real were obliged that a warning was being placed on Thor Real regarding its racing manners. Kiss the King was momentarily held up rounding the home turn. Leaving the 400m, the breast plate on Flirten broke, causing the saddle to slip backwards, placing its rider at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event.
Race 4:
F & M Maiden Plate - 1100m
1st - Falzina; 2nd - My Cara Mia; 3rd - Glennie West
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Gollan: “She’s a pretty unruly sort. She’s had three runs, three different jockeys, different gear changes ... that tells a story. That’s why we picked a bit of a soft option today. It’s all about education and the only way she’s going to learn to do things better is through racing experience. And yes, she has got ability as you saw here. She set a New Class Record without really having to work too much at all, so the ability is there. It’s just a question of going through the learning process.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “She’s a really nice horse, but she is a bit fruity. The first time she raced she ran right off the track. She pretty much always wants to hang out. She was much better today. I had no problem with her in terms of settling or anything like that. It was just on the turn again she did want to hang out a bit and that’s when I had to work on her. Once we’d straightened up it was all sweet. She just has to learn what it is all about.”
Falzina was always up with the speed and edged forward to take up the running coming through the 650m. My Cara Mia was the filly’s only real danger throughout the running but, although she chased with some determination in the first half of the home straight, My Cara Mia failed to match the effort of Falzina over the final 150m leaving the winner to come home under a confident hands and heels ride from Ric McMahon.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hitno Bay (W. Clasohm) raced wide throughout.
Race 5:
QTIS Class 2 Handicap - 2200m
1st - Heartland; 2nd - French Venture; 3rd - Overruling
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Shaun Dwyer (who, after the mare’s Maiden win two runs back, stated on this site he thought the mare would stay ten furlongs): “She was a bit of a victim of circumstances last time. She only got out late and was flying home. We actually thought we might lead here, but it didn’t work out that way. She did it pretty easy once she pulled out for a run though.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “We thought we would probably lead but some of them went pretty quick early and came across me so I just let her settle where she was comfortable. Then they slowed the pace down the back and I was stuck on the rail and I couldn’t help being shuffled back. I thought the connections were going to throttle me if I didn’t get out of there. Once we did get out though it all went well. It was a good strong win in the end.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Barako (P. Hammersley) stood flatfooted at the start, losing considerable ground. Near the 1700m, Overruling (C. Reith) commenced to over-race and shifted out, forcing King Ripley (D. Green) wider on the track. Overruling continued to over-race, shifting wider on the track. C. Reith, rider of Overrulling, then elected to allow his mount to stride forward to assume the lead at a point approaching the 1000m. Heartland (J. Taylor) was momentarily held up approaching the 400m. Undine (D. Griffin), Barako and La Mouette (S. Scriven) all raced wide from the 700m onwards.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of La Mouette, S. Scriven stated that although the mare was forced to race wide from a point leaving the 700m, he was disappointed in its finishing effort and could offer no tangible explanation. A post race veterinary examination of La Mouette failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6:
F&M Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Ashita; 2nd - Magnetic Appeal; 3rd - Kistaclang
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Todd Pannell: “I sat just behind the leaders and she was simply cruising. When I pulled her out she responded and kicked on well. Yeah, I did know the other one was coming (Pannell was talking about the flying Magnetic Appeal who got within a nose of the winner at the line). I saw her alright. It was a very good win because my horse was short of a run. Fitness-wise she had a job on her hands and she handled it really well.”
The result was a feather in the cap for Coffs Harbour trainer Brett Dodson as it was a year to the day since Ashita was last in action.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer B. Dodson was advised that he would be required to provide a further barrier certificate for Ashita, which proved difficult to load. Broken Link (B. Evans), which was slow to begin, was hampered shortly after the start by Ashita (T. Pannell), which jumped away awkwardly.
Jockey S. Campton, rider of Gazillion, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that he permitted his mount to shift in near the 900m, resulting in Magnetic Appeal (D. Griffin) being tightened for room, causing D. Griffin to take hold of Magnetic Appeal and lose his position. S. Campton was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 15 November, and to expire at midnight, 27 November 2008. Innangana (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
CG&E Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Kayowed; 2nd - Revered Ruler; 3rd - Alloway King
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Neil Owen: “He’s had his issues, being a Kenfair. All Kenfair’s have their issues don’t they? He has his moments, let’s put it that way. All credit to Clint Roberts who has done a lot of work with the horse ... Oh no, they can’t do this to me. (The last was spoken on hearing that a protest had been lodged against the winner).
A protest was lodged (second against first).
Inside the protest hearing, jockey Tony Pattillo, the rider of the second placed Revered Ruler, stated his reasons for putting in the protest. These reasons included the fact that, in Pattillo’s opinion, Kayowed had shifted out from one off the fence to five wide just after straightening ... at the 150m had proceeded to keep shifting out “to meet my horse (Revered Ruler) and put him off his game” ... as well as the fact that the two runners had got so tight that jockey Taylor (on Kayowed) had “hit my horse over the head, at least once, maybe twice.” Pattillo concluded with the statement that, “If I had not met interference and been allowed to remain fully balanced and in full stride, I would definitely have beaten the winner home as the interference cost me in excess of the winning margin (which was a short-head).”
Darren Bell, trainer of Revered Ruler, concurred with Pattillo’s statement, and he reiterated the view that if his horse had been allowed to maintain a straight line, the result would have been different.
Jockey Jason Taylor responded to Pattillo’s claim. “There is absolutely no evidence of my whip hitting his horse. His horse did want to shift in as well which contributed to the tight running and I believe his run peaked 100m out and he was not going to beat me.”
Neil Owen, trainer of Kayowed, said those protesting must have been watching a different race to him and he believed the result should stand.
The protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by A. Pattillo, rider of the 2nd place-getter, Revered Ruler, against Kayowed being declared the winner, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards found that over the concluding stages whilst Kayowed shifted out, resulting in Revered Ruler being struck over the head by the whip of J. Taylor, rider of Kayowed, stewards could not find that this materially affected the finishing positions of both horses and the protest was dismissed and the Judge's placings confirmed.
Trainer T. Gollan was advised that he would be required to provide a further barrier certificate for Alloway King, which proved difficult to load.
Jockey C. Spry, rider of Magical Joker, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that near the 900m he permitted his mount to shift in, resulting in Miliardo (R. McMahon) being tightened for room and taken in, causing Penalized (A. Spinks) to be tightened and as a result clipped the heels of Miliardo and blundered, losing considerable ground. C. Spry was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 15 November and to expire at midnight, 28 November 2008.
Near the 700m, Kayowed (J. Taylor) shifted out, tightening Savana Royale (D. Griffin) on to the hind quarters of Miliardo (R. McMahon), causing Savana Royale (D. Griffin) to be steadied.
Leaving the 400m, Costner was disappointed for a run between Nova Chenka (D. Tanti) and Savana Royale and had to be steadied when Savana Royale shifted in under pressure. D. Griffin, rider of Savana Royale, was advised to exercise more care. Costner was held up momentarily for clear running leaving the 300m. Alloway King (S. Bogenhuber), which had a tendency to hang out throughout the event, shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. App. Jockey S. Bogenhuber, rider of Alloway King, was advised to stop riding and straighten her mounts in similar circumstances. Regal Mountain (B. Evans) raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Maxmiss; 2nd - Albuquerque; 3rd - Quisatana
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Laurie Richardson: “Her last run gave a warning of what was to come, but even before that she wasn’t finishing way back in the field or anything like that. She was never that far back. She has to be ridden the way she was today. If they go too slow, it’s no good. It has to be the way it was here. I’m so happy with the result. The mare belongs to a wonderful, wonderful owner who’s not so well at the moment and this will provide a nice boost for him.”
Jockey Daniel Griffin: “Last time she was held up for a run. I had to wait for the favourite to get out before I could go and her run home was huge. I thought she’d take some beating with a clear run this time, so I made sure I pushed her into the clear at the top of the straight and she charged home as expected.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Larry’s Song (T. Pannell) raced wide in the early stages until obtaining the lead leaving the 800m. The Guardian (R. Wiggins) raced wide during the early and middle stages. Mistress Of Dreams (C. Spry) raced wide from the 600m onwards. Near the 500m, Ground Swell (S. Bogenhuber) and Shaos improved to the inside of The Guardian (R. Wiggins) where there was doubtful room. A short distance later, The Guardian shifted in slightly, resulting in Ground Swell losing its position. Both Quisitana (J. Wood) and What Is This (A. Pattillo) were held up for clear running rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Shaos was held up for clear running from the 250m onwards. Approaching the 50m, Ground Swell was forced to check when tightened for room between Mistress Of Dreams (C. Spry) and Bet ‘N’ Barney (R. Goltz), which was taken out by What Is This, which had been taken out by Dubby Boy (C. Reith), which shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider after being buffeted by Quisitana, which had obtained a tight run between that runner and Larry’s Song (T. Pannell).
Race 1:
Maiden Handicap - 1710m
1st - Whatahoute; 2nd - Ronstadt; 3rd - Nice Looker
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Patrick Sexton: “He’s had various trainers. He’s had various issues. What we’ve done is we’ve just bided our time with him. Things have never been quite right with him and we’ve just waited and waited. You must give a plug to Mitchell Fry. He rides work on the horse and he has put in a lot of time trying to get the horse right. This is probably the first time we’ve come to the races where we thought things were going as well as we could have them.”
I pointed out that the number of gear changes that had been made probably also played their part in Whatahoute’s improvement. According to the race-book, Whatahoute had: Blinkers off again. Nose roll on first time. Boots (front) on first time ... and a last point, which probably prompted the quote of the day from the trainer. According to the race-book, Whatahoute had been gelded since his last run.
Trainer Patrick Sexton: “No. No, he hasn’t been gelded. Have a look. He’s got bigger nuts on him than a rhinoseros.”
The information supplied in the race-book is important. It needs to be accurate.
Jockey Jason Warrington kept Whatahoute well off the speed in the early part before asking the five-year-old to push forward wide out on the track in the sweep to the turn. Whatahoute made up ground relatively quickly to be ready to challenge once the field turned for home and he maintained his momentum, following through with his effort all the way down the straight to earn a clear-cut victory.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
As apprentice J. Piper was to be overweight, jockey D. Green was substituted as the rider of Cinquacasino as no other apprentice was available. Apprentice Piper was fined the sum of $300. Under AR120(b). Jockey G. Geran was also overweight and was replaced by R. Goltz on Lava Man. G. Geran will be interviewed regarding this matter. Lava Man (R. Goltz), which was inclined to over-race during the early stages, shifted out near the 1200m and then raced wide until approaching the 900m.
Approaching the 700m, Got the Cash (W. Clasohm) raced up on to the heels of Ronstadt (A. Coome) and as a result had to be checked. Back A Winner (A. Spinks), which was following, was forced to shift out, forcing Rosebrn (C. McIver) wider on the track. Ronstadt was momentarily held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Whatahoute shifted in under pressure from the 100m onwards.
When questioned regarding the seemingly disappointing performance of Don Vito, B. Pengelly stated that from an inside barrier he had anticipated being able to take up a forward position today, however despite his urgings, was forced to settle Don Vito in a rearward position. He added that when he rode the horse vigorously leaving the 700m, Don Vito again failed to respond to his riding and proved disappointing. He further stated that, in his opinion, the gelding was not suited by the reduction in distance today, and may be looking for further ground in its races. Trainer T. Sears representative advised stewards that she agreed that the drop back in distance today may have contributed to the performance and gave an undertaking to report to stewards any abnormality which may come to light which may have contributed to the performance.
Trainer P. Sexton was questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Whatahoute. He stated that in the last week he had varied his training practices with the horse in that he had schooled the gelding over jumps, and, in his opinion, this together with a gear change of blinkers off and nose roll on, had resulted in the improved performance today.
A post race veterinary examination of Traditions Time revealed the gelding had bowed its off-fore tendon.
Race 2:
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap - 1350m
1st - Sittinbul; 2nd - Bootooloo; 3rd - Chadwick
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Strapper Sheree Drake (speaking in a state of semi-shock): “We didn’t think he could win. We thought they’d be too strong for him. We didn’t have a cent on the horse. I can’t believe it. I did think he would develop into a fair sort and he reason to improve – blinkers on first time, the step up in distance, but we didn’t see this coming.”
Jockey Daniel Griffin: “His form said he couldn’t win it and on his work – he’s lazy – he rated a place chance at best. Then suddenly he decided to put it all together on race-day.”
Sittinbul jumped into an early lead and then took a trail in second when Bella Sea took up the running. The gelding railed beautifully under a solid ride from Dan Griffin and never had to go around a horse as Bella Sea shifted out and faltered, giving way to Sittingbul and Chadwick, who rallied on the outside but came up a length short of the winner at the line.
The connections of Sittingbul were not the only ones to leave the horse lonely on the betting boards. The three-year-old was the extreme outsider in the field, coming back at odds or $41,00.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Approaching the 1000m, Red Silver (T. Pannell) was forced to ease when tightened for room between Super Moon (A. Pattillo), which shifted out slightly when over-racing, and Bootooloo (C. Reith), which was taken in by Silver Whisper (R. Wiggins). Levi’s Bid (S. Scriven), which was following, overreacted when steadied by its rider and shifted in, making contact with the running rail, losing considerable ground. Whilst stewards acknowledged the contribution of Super Moon, R. Wiggins, rider of Silver Whisper, was reprimanded. Super Moon continued to over-race and near the 900m shifted out, making heavy contact with Bootooloo, forcing that horse wider on the track. Red Silver, which was following, also had to be steadied as a result. Canadian Pearl (J. Taylor) over-raced during the middle stages. Chadwick (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout. Canadian Pearl bled during the event. Trainer R. Turgeon was advised that the filly would be barred from racing for a period of 3 months.
Race 3:
CG&E Maiden Plate - 1100m
1st - Kiss The King; 2nd - Jester Canny; Go 3rd - Flirten
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Gary Wells: “The reason he sprinted up so well is the gap I’m allowing him between runs. I’ve also backed off on his work quite a bit. The freshness is the key and it worked out well today. The beauty of this game is that when you make mistakes you can keep it to yourself. When you get something right, you can tell everybody about it.
Jockey Ron Goltz: “He did get back a little further than I thought he would, but when I pulled him out he did it really well. He won with something up his sleeve.”
Kiss The King was ridden patiently early and was asked for his effort shortly after switching out into the clear at the top of the straight. The gelding gradually reeled in the frontrunners under a gentle urging from jockey Ron Goltz and he appeared to go to the line with a little more in hand than the official margin suggests.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Spin Kat (S. Wright) was slow to begin. Little Ombra (W. Clasohm) began awkwardly and shortly after shifted out, tightening Thor Real (D. Green) on to the hind quarters of Jester Canny Go (J. Wood). Leaving the 800m, Little Ombra, which was racing greenly, lost ground after shifting out and making heavy contact with Kiss The King (R. Goltz). Thor Real, which was following, was obliged to shift out to avoid that gelding's heels. Thor Real then commenced to hang out and did so for the remainder of the event. Connections of Thor Real were obliged that a warning was being placed on Thor Real regarding its racing manners. Kiss the King was momentarily held up rounding the home turn. Leaving the 400m, the breast plate on Flirten broke, causing the saddle to slip backwards, placing its rider at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event.
Race 4:
F & M Maiden Plate - 1100m
1st - Falzina; 2nd - My Cara Mia; 3rd - Glennie West
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Tony Gollan: “She’s a pretty unruly sort. She’s had three runs, three different jockeys, different gear changes ... that tells a story. That’s why we picked a bit of a soft option today. It’s all about education and the only way she’s going to learn to do things better is through racing experience. And yes, she has got ability as you saw here. She set a New Class Record without really having to work too much at all, so the ability is there. It’s just a question of going through the learning process.”
Jockey Ric McMahon: “She’s a really nice horse, but she is a bit fruity. The first time she raced she ran right off the track. She pretty much always wants to hang out. She was much better today. I had no problem with her in terms of settling or anything like that. It was just on the turn again she did want to hang out a bit and that’s when I had to work on her. Once we’d straightened up it was all sweet. She just has to learn what it is all about.”
Falzina was always up with the speed and edged forward to take up the running coming through the 650m. My Cara Mia was the filly’s only real danger throughout the running but, although she chased with some determination in the first half of the home straight, My Cara Mia failed to match the effort of Falzina over the final 150m leaving the winner to come home under a confident hands and heels ride from Ric McMahon.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Hitno Bay (W. Clasohm) raced wide throughout.
Race 5:
QTIS Class 2 Handicap - 2200m
1st - Heartland; 2nd - French Venture; 3rd - Overruling
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Shaun Dwyer (who, after the mare’s Maiden win two runs back, stated on this site he thought the mare would stay ten furlongs): “She was a bit of a victim of circumstances last time. She only got out late and was flying home. We actually thought we might lead here, but it didn’t work out that way. She did it pretty easy once she pulled out for a run though.”
Jockey Jason Taylor: “We thought we would probably lead but some of them went pretty quick early and came across me so I just let her settle where she was comfortable. Then they slowed the pace down the back and I was stuck on the rail and I couldn’t help being shuffled back. I thought the connections were going to throttle me if I didn’t get out of there. Once we did get out though it all went well. It was a good strong win in the end.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Barako (P. Hammersley) stood flatfooted at the start, losing considerable ground. Near the 1700m, Overruling (C. Reith) commenced to over-race and shifted out, forcing King Ripley (D. Green) wider on the track. Overruling continued to over-race, shifting wider on the track. C. Reith, rider of Overrulling, then elected to allow his mount to stride forward to assume the lead at a point approaching the 1000m. Heartland (J. Taylor) was momentarily held up approaching the 400m. Undine (D. Griffin), Barako and La Mouette (S. Scriven) all raced wide from the 700m onwards.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of La Mouette, S. Scriven stated that although the mare was forced to race wide from a point leaving the 700m, he was disappointed in its finishing effort and could offer no tangible explanation. A post race veterinary examination of La Mouette failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6:
F&M Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Ashita; 2nd - Magnetic Appeal; 3rd - Kistaclang
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Todd Pannell: “I sat just behind the leaders and she was simply cruising. When I pulled her out she responded and kicked on well. Yeah, I did know the other one was coming (Pannell was talking about the flying Magnetic Appeal who got within a nose of the winner at the line). I saw her alright. It was a very good win because my horse was short of a run. Fitness-wise she had a job on her hands and she handled it really well.”
The result was a feather in the cap for Coffs Harbour trainer Brett Dodson as it was a year to the day since Ashita was last in action.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Trainer B. Dodson was advised that he would be required to provide a further barrier certificate for Ashita, which proved difficult to load. Broken Link (B. Evans), which was slow to begin, was hampered shortly after the start by Ashita (T. Pannell), which jumped away awkwardly.
Jockey S. Campton, rider of Gazillion, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, in that he permitted his mount to shift in near the 900m, resulting in Magnetic Appeal (D. Griffin) being tightened for room, causing D. Griffin to take hold of Magnetic Appeal and lose his position. S. Campton was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 9 meetings, to commence at midnight, 15 November, and to expire at midnight, 27 November 2008. Innangana (K. Wharton) raced wide throughout.
Race 7:
CG&E Class 1 Handicap - 1100m
1st - Kayowed; 2nd - Revered Ruler; 3rd - Alloway King
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Neil Owen: “He’s had his issues, being a Kenfair. All Kenfair’s have their issues don’t they? He has his moments, let’s put it that way. All credit to Clint Roberts who has done a lot of work with the horse ... Oh no, they can’t do this to me. (The last was spoken on hearing that a protest had been lodged against the winner).
A protest was lodged (second against first).
Inside the protest hearing, jockey Tony Pattillo, the rider of the second placed Revered Ruler, stated his reasons for putting in the protest. These reasons included the fact that, in Pattillo’s opinion, Kayowed had shifted out from one off the fence to five wide just after straightening ... at the 150m had proceeded to keep shifting out “to meet my horse (Revered Ruler) and put him off his game” ... as well as the fact that the two runners had got so tight that jockey Taylor (on Kayowed) had “hit my horse over the head, at least once, maybe twice.” Pattillo concluded with the statement that, “If I had not met interference and been allowed to remain fully balanced and in full stride, I would definitely have beaten the winner home as the interference cost me in excess of the winning margin (which was a short-head).”
Darren Bell, trainer of Revered Ruler, concurred with Pattillo’s statement, and he reiterated the view that if his horse had been allowed to maintain a straight line, the result would have been different.
Jockey Jason Taylor responded to Pattillo’s claim. “There is absolutely no evidence of my whip hitting his horse. His horse did want to shift in as well which contributed to the tight running and I believe his run peaked 100m out and he was not going to beat me.”
Neil Owen, trainer of Kayowed, said those protesting must have been watching a different race to him and he believed the result should stand.
The protest was dismissed.
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On return to scale a protest was lodged by A. Pattillo, rider of the 2nd place-getter, Revered Ruler, against Kayowed being declared the winner, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the patrol video, stewards found that over the concluding stages whilst Kayowed shifted out, resulting in Revered Ruler being struck over the head by the whip of J. Taylor, rider of Kayowed, stewards could not find that this materially affected the finishing positions of both horses and the protest was dismissed and the Judge's placings confirmed.
Trainer T. Gollan was advised that he would be required to provide a further barrier certificate for Alloway King, which proved difficult to load.
Jockey C. Spry, rider of Magical Joker, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding, in that near the 900m he permitted his mount to shift in, resulting in Miliardo (R. McMahon) being tightened for room and taken in, causing Penalized (A. Spinks) to be tightened and as a result clipped the heels of Miliardo and blundered, losing considerable ground. C. Spry was suspended from riding in races for a period covered by 8 meetings, to commence at midnight, 15 November and to expire at midnight, 28 November 2008.
Near the 700m, Kayowed (J. Taylor) shifted out, tightening Savana Royale (D. Griffin) on to the hind quarters of Miliardo (R. McMahon), causing Savana Royale (D. Griffin) to be steadied.
Leaving the 400m, Costner was disappointed for a run between Nova Chenka (D. Tanti) and Savana Royale and had to be steadied when Savana Royale shifted in under pressure. D. Griffin, rider of Savana Royale, was advised to exercise more care. Costner was held up momentarily for clear running leaving the 300m. Alloway King (S. Bogenhuber), which had a tendency to hang out throughout the event, shifted out under pressure over the concluding stages. App. Jockey S. Bogenhuber, rider of Alloway King, was advised to stop riding and straighten her mounts in similar circumstances. Regal Mountain (B. Evans) raced wide throughout.
Race 8:
Class 2 Handicap - 1350m
1st - Maxmiss; 2nd - Albuquerque; 3rd - Quisatana
WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Laurie Richardson: “Her last run gave a warning of what was to come, but even before that she wasn’t finishing way back in the field or anything like that. She was never that far back. She has to be ridden the way she was today. If they go too slow, it’s no good. It has to be the way it was here. I’m so happy with the result. The mare belongs to a wonderful, wonderful owner who’s not so well at the moment and this will provide a nice boost for him.”
Jockey Daniel Griffin: “Last time she was held up for a run. I had to wait for the favourite to get out before I could go and her run home was huge. I thought she’d take some beating with a clear run this time, so I made sure I pushed her into the clear at the top of the straight and she charged home as expected.”
STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Larry’s Song (T. Pannell) raced wide in the early stages until obtaining the lead leaving the 800m. The Guardian (R. Wiggins) raced wide during the early and middle stages. Mistress Of Dreams (C. Spry) raced wide from the 600m onwards. Near the 500m, Ground Swell (S. Bogenhuber) and Shaos improved to the inside of The Guardian (R. Wiggins) where there was doubtful room. A short distance later, The Guardian shifted in slightly, resulting in Ground Swell losing its position. Both Quisitana (J. Wood) and What Is This (A. Pattillo) were held up for clear running rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight. Shaos was held up for clear running from the 250m onwards. Approaching the 50m, Ground Swell was forced to check when tightened for room between Mistress Of Dreams (C. Spry) and Bet ‘N’ Barney (R. Goltz), which was taken out by What Is This, which had been taken out by Dubby Boy (C. Reith), which shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider after being buffeted by Quisitana, which had obtained a tight run between that runner and Larry’s Song (T. Pannell).
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