MENTAL has been deposed of favoritism for the Stradbroke Handicap following his flop in the Queensland Guineas on the heavy track at Eagle Farm on Saturday with the carnival headliner next weekend quickly degenerating into a non-event.
Doomben 10,000 winner SEA SIREN is now $6 favorite for what is shaping as one of the most ordinary line-ups for a Stradbroke with MENTAL out to $7.5 ahead of TIGER TEES ($8), BUFFERING ($8.5) and WEALTH PRINCESS ($9).
The Winter Carnival, sadly lacking a draw-card this year, has paled into insignificance compared to recent years when BLACK CAVIAR and APACHE CAT proved terrific draw-cards.
One only had to look at the crowds and atmosphere in Adelaide when the champion mare made her farewell appearances to realize how disappointing the Brisbane carnival has been.
The heavy track didn’t help the situation on Saturday and if the rain continues will prove an absolute disaster for the main event in Queensland – Stradbroke and Derby day.
QUINTESSENTIAL handled the conditions best in the G1 Queensland Oaks surging away from the despised roughie ELIZE BLUES. Fellow Kiwi, MISS ARTISTIC, which won the Derby across the Tasman went woefully. The eye-catcher in the Oaks was plunge runner DOWAGER QUEEN, $25 to $6.5, storming home for fourth.
SIZZLING continued his domination of the juvenile events proving too strong for an ordinary line-up headed by ACADEMUS in the BRC Sires Produce whilst the Queensland-owned, Peter Moody-trained LIGHTS OF HEAVEN landed some good bets winning the Eagle Farm Cup.
THE failure of MENTAL in the Queensland Guineas was hardly unexpected. From the time betting opened the Stradbroke favorite at the time blew like a gale from $1.8 to as long as $2.7 and was never a winning chance finishing fifth.
PEAR TART was an upset winner of the three-year-old classic but it was not entirely unexpected and as much as $51 was bet about the Patinack runner which started at $18. Stablemate BOYS ON TOUR, previously unbeaten in the heavy, was backed from $15 to $4.8, but didn’t fire a shot and ran 10th.
PUNTERS are still wondering how PEPPERWOOD won the Spear Chief Handicap at $31 – despite the fact he was dropping in class. CELTIC DANCER continued his meteoric rise in the QTC Cup while RED TRACER revelled in the heavy conditions and landed a plunge winning the Dane Ripper Stakes.
A RISING STAR emerged at the SANDOWN meeting when LADY MELKSHAM won the Sportingbet Handicap for the John Sadler stable. She provided the second leg of a successful double for jockey Glen Boss who claimed the filly could have won by 15 lengths.
IRISIH jumps jockey TOM RYAN again cashed in on Steve Pateman's cast-offs to earn entry into a select club at Sandown. He joined Adrian Garraway, Jamie Evans, Nick Harnett and Bob Walsh as the only riders to have won the Australian Steeplechase and Australian Hurdle on the same day when he scored back-to-back wins aboard Megapixel and Kirribilli Gold.
“I think I'm here to stay now,” Ryan said. “This is super, a couple more days like this would be great.”
Ryan's double, in both legs of the J.J. Houlahan Jumps Championship, came aboard horses that Pateman regularly rides.
MUCH was made in the Sydney racing media of trainer GAI WATERHOUSE kepping her Saturday winning streak going and her premiership ambitions alive at WARWICK FARM on Saturday.
At least KEN CALLANDER writing in the SYDNEY TELEGRAPH today highlighted another heavily-backed flop from the stable in BETRAYAL at $1.5 which performed like a mule, beat only one home and will now be spelled. It was the subject of an inquiry and has been ordered to trial before racing again.
It was another feature race win by the Waterhouse stable that attention was focused on though when REUBEN PERCIVAL jumped out of the ground to snare the Listed Winter Cup.
Waterhouse said Reuben Percival had earned a start in the G2 Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm on Saturday. "He will be on the float on Wednesday," she said. "He's the toughest stayer, he thrives on racing.”
OUR POST-MORTEM OF SATURDAY RACING:
STARS OF THE SHOW:
KIWI filly QUINTESSENTIAL won the G1 Queensland Oaks and is now likely to contest next Saturday’s Queensland Derby.
SIZZLING continued his domination of the juvenile races in Queensland winning the Sires Produce Stakes for trainer Kelso Wood and jockey Chris Munce.
LIGHTS OF HEAVEN returned to her best with a win in the Eagle Farm Cup trainer Peter Moody and his long time Queensland clients Ron and Judy Wanless.
IRISH jumps jockey TOM RYAN was the star of the show at SANDOWN winning the Australia Hurdle and Steeple double on MEGAPIXEL and KIRRIBILLI GOLD.
BEST WINS IN EASTERN STATES:
LIGHTS OF HEAVEN could not have been more impressive winning the Group 2 WFA Eagle Farm Cup.
LADY MELKSHAM emerged as a rising star winning at Sandown in effortless style with jockey Glen Boss claiming she could have increased the margin to 15 lengths.
REUBEN PERCIVAL continued his rise with a gutsy win in the Winter Cup at Warwick Farm and is now headed to next Saturday’s Brisbane Cup.
BEST RIDES OF THE DAY:
DAMIEN BROWNE on QUINTESSENTIAL in the Queensland Oaks when he rode aggressively early to take advantage of the good alley.
GLEN BOSS dictated in front of MR O’CEIRIN at Sandown and made the task of hot favorite PUISSANCE DE LUNE virtually impossible.
PETER ROBL landed a winning double at Rosehill and lifted REUBEN PERCIVAL from the canvas to nail THE VERMINATOR in the Winter Cup.
DOWNSIDE OF THE DAY:
ANOTHER dismal performance by a heavily backed runner from the GAI WATERHOUSE stable. Punters have had a gutful of form reversal and favorite failures from the leading stables in Sydney.
IN THE STEWARDS’ HOT SEAT
NICK HALL had his tactics on heavily-backed PUISSANCE DE LUNE, which ran 4th to MR O’CEIRIN, put under the microscope at Sandown.
POST MORTEM OF OUR FRIDAY FORM-LINE SPECIALS (A WOEFUL DAY):
MISS ARTISTIC failed to handle the heavy conditions and dropped out from the turn in the Queensland Oaks.
STEEL ZIP had no luck early and battled on well considering in the BRC Cup.
FAREER had every chance when fourth in The Australian Steeple.
SUSSURO enjoyed the run of the race but didn’t go on with the job when 5th to ANDROMACHE at Sandown.
ONCE WERE WILD came in for some support but never looked a threat in the Winter Cup at Warwick Farm won by stablemate REUBEN PERCIVAL.
TAKE THE OATH was heavily backed and in our opinion ridden too close when a tiring 9th to GAZZA GURU at Warwick Farm.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
EAGLE FARM: SWEET LITTLE FILLY, AMETSIS, DOWAGER QUEEN.
SANDOWN: MAGLISSA, OUTBACK RANGER, VOLANDO.
WARWICK FARM: BARANSKI, SAVANNAH DANCER, THE VERMINATOR.
STEWARDS REPORTS FROM THREE STATES
EAGLE FARM
Race 1: Mittys Class 6 Plate - 1800m
1st - Crosscannons 2nd - Equissential 3rd - Sweet Little Filly 4th - Rhetoric
CROSSCANNONS (C. Munce) was slow to begin.
LOVINGTHELIMELIGHT raced 3 wide in the early stages before crossing to obtain a position outside the leader FULL METAL JACKET (J. Cassidy) approaching the 1200m.
KAROO (E. Wilkinson) overraced in the early stages and for some distance approaching and passing the 1200m had to be restrained from the heels of LOVINGTHETLIMELIGHT (J. McDonald).
EQUISSENTIAL (J. Lloyd) was inclined to lay in when placed under pressure over the final 400m.
Stewards sought an explanation from App J. McDonald regarding the performance of LOVINGTHELIMELIGHT. App McDonald stated that the mare travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages but when pressured from the 600 did not respond to his riding and weakened in the home straight and in his view was disappointing. Trainer P. Jenkins could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance apart from informing stewards that the mare may not have been entirely comfortable on the heavy conditions. Mr Jenkins further undertook to advise stewards of anything that may come to light in the coming days that may have had a bearing on the mare's performance. A post race veterinary examination revealed no significant abnormalities.
A post race veterinary examination of HEAD NORTH (J. Taylor) revealed the mare to be suffering from a mild case of heat stress.
Race 2: Treasury Casino Spear Chief H'Cap - 1500m
1st - Pepperwood 2nd - Dusty Star 3rd - St Germaine 4th - Carry Me Bluey
Trainer D. Weir was fined the sum of $100.00 for failing to declare a gear change for MISS CRISSY by the required time.
Connections advised it was the intention for CARRY ME BLUEY be ridden more positive with blinkers on today. The horse was ridden accordingly.
Connections advised it was the intention to ride LAKE GEORGE quiet from the wide barrier today. The horse was ridden accordingly.
Trainer R. Heathcote advised the plan was to ride RACING HEART in a position just forward of midfield today. The horse settled in a midfield position.
CARRY ME BLUEY (J. Cassidy) was hampered at the start when tightened for room between ST GERMAINE (J. McDonald) and DUSTY STAR (App J. Noonan), which shifted out.
MISS CRISSY (M. Walker) hung in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
CARRY ME BLUEY and ST GERMAINE bumped near the 100m.
CARRY ME BLUEY raced 3 wide throughout the event.
When asked to explain the disappointing performance of MISS CRISSY jockey M. Walker stated that the mare hung in under pressure in the home straight and did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. M. Walker added that MISS CRISSY will be better suited in races over a longer distance than today. A post race veterinary examination of MISS CRISSY revealed no significant abnormalities.
Trainer L. Birchley was asked to explain the improved performance of PEPPERWOOD today. Mr Birchley stated that PEPPERWOOD was better suited back in handicap positions as at its 2 most recent starts it has competed in weight for age races. Mr Birchley added that PEPPERWOOD was suited to today's heavy track.
Stewards questioned trainer M. Sues regarding the performance of TORIN today and the reason for him racing the horse at it first start in a listed race. Mr Sues advised that TORIN has worked well leading into today's race and in his opinion the gelding has given him the indication that it would be competitive today. Mr Sues added that today's heavy track conditions did not suit TORIN. Stewards advised Mr Sues that bearing in mind that the gelding compounded badly from the 600m today they would monitor the future nomination of TORIN and make a determination whether they grant permission for the gelding to take its place in certain races. A post race veterinary examination of TORIN revealed no significant abnormalities.
Race 3: Al Basti Equiworld BRC Sires' Produce Stakes Group 2 - 1400m
1st - Sizzling 2nd - Academus 3rd - Dances On Stars 4th - Toydini
TOYDINI (H. Bowman) overraced in the early stages of the event.
Passing the 1200m SIZZLING (C. Munce) shifted in slightly resulting in HI SON (App T. Bell) having to be steadied. When being restrained HI SON got its head in the air and raced ungenerously for a short distance thereafter.
Near the 500m SIZZLING shifted out to improve taking MIDNIGHT FURY (C. Brown) wider on the track.
Near the 400m NOOGOORA BURR (A. Spinks) was disappointed for a run between GAY DECEIVER (P. Holmes) and SALUTER (P. Hammersley). NOOGOORA BURR then shifted to the inside of GAY DECEIVER and made heavy contact with the hind quarters of HI SON.
TOYDINI was inclined to lay in when placed under pressure over the final 300m.
TOYDINI and ACADEMUS (K. McEvoy) raced 3 wide throughout the event.
P. Holmes the rider of GAY DECEIVER was issued with a reprimand for using his whip in a forehand manner in consecutive strides prior to the 100m.
G. Schofield the rider of DANCES ON STARS reported that passing the 500m ACADEMUS improved to his outside and due to this he was forced to search for clear running towards the inside. G. Schofield stated that he was unable to secure clear running and was then forced to switch out behind ACADEMUS and SIZZLING near the 250m in order to obtain clear running at which stage DANCES ON STARS finished the race off well. G. Schofield added that he reported to Mr Ryan upon return to scale that it would be advantageous to bring the horse to the outside in the early part of the straight in its races in future as it appears to him it does not appreciate racing inside of other horses.
Race 4: Al Basti Equiworld Eagle Farm Cup Group 2 - 2200m
1st - Lights Of Heaven 2nd - Scenic Shot 3rd - Ginga Dude 4th - Fibrillation
Leaving the 600m GINGA DUDE (J. Taylor) shifted out to improve and bumped RUNDLE (N. Rawiller) on 2 occasions.
App J. McDonald the rider of SHEZ SINSATIONAL was issued with a reprimand for using his whip in a forehand manner on more than 5 occasions prior to the 100m.
App J. McDonald reported that SHEZ SINSATIONAL raced flat today and was disappointing when placed under pressure in the straight. App McDonald added that he was of the view that SHEZ SINSATIONAL has come to the end of its current preparation.
Race 5: Patinack Farm Dane Ripper Stakes Group 2 - 1400m
1st - Red Tracer 2nd - Forfeiture 3rd - Alltherightmoves 4th - Ametsis
WEALTH PRINCESS (M. Walker) shifted out at the start and hampered BALMONT (G. Colless) and BONNIE MAC (D. Dunn).
JUST BEEN LUCKY (J.Lloyd) had to be checked soon after the start when tightened for room between SCREEN (D. Browne), which shifted out and RED TRACER (H. Bowman), which shifted in after being bumped by DIVORCES (C. Brown).
ALLTHERIGHTMOVES (D. Oliver) and SCREEN both raced 3 wide throughout the event.
M. Walker reported that WEALTH PRINCESS was not comfortable on today's track conditions.
A post race veterinary examination of JUST BEEN LUCKY, which compounded in the home straight revealed no significant abnormalties.
N. Rawiller the rider of UPON THIS ROCK reported the mare did not handle today's heavy conditions. A post race veterinary examination of UPON THIS ROCK revealed no significant abnormalties.
Race 6: Sky Racing Queensland Guineas Group 2 - 1400m
1st - Pear Tart 2nd - Free Wheeling 3rd - Stradon 4th - Double Impact
Trainer B. Smith advised they will attempt to ride STATE OF WEALTH quieter today. The horse was ridden accordingly.
MORNING CAPTAIN (C. Munce) was slow to begin.
After being a little slow to begin MENTAL (K. McEvoy) was bumped by FREE WHEELING (H. Bowman).
TRUMP (App J. McDonald) had to be checked soon after the start when tightened for room between DICKO'S DREAM (T. Bell) and PEAR TART (J. Lloyd), which shifted in after being bumped by PUNCH ON (P. Hammersley).
Approaching the 1300m AMAH ROCK (J. Noonan) had to be eased when tightened for room between BOYS ON TOUR (J. Cassidy) and EASY RUNNING (D. Browne), which was taken out by DOUBLE IMPACT (E. Wilkinson).
MENTAL was held up and unable to improve from the 600m until rounding the home turn where it shifted wider on the track, resulting in PUNCH ON being taken wider.
OUR SMOKIN' ROCK (N. Rawiller), PUNCH ON and LUCKY TYCOON (G. Cooksley) all raced 3 wide throughout the event.
A post race veterinary examination of BOYS ON TOUR revealed no significant abnormalities.
Race 7: Treasury Casino Queensland Oaks (Group 1) - 2400m
1st - Quintessential 2nd - Eliza Blues 3rd - Vittoria 4th - Dowager Queen
The start of this race was delayed when LOVE EXCELS became fractious in barriers. LOVE EXCELS was examined by the veterinary surgeon and cleared to race.
After again being loaded back into the barriers LOVE EXCELS became fractious and momentarily cast. LOVE EXCELS was subsequently withdrawn by stewards at 4.04 p.m. acting on veterinary advice. All monies invested on LOVE EXCELS were ordered to be refunded. Deductions applicable to bets placed on winner and placegetters prior to 4.04 p.m.:-
4 cents in the dollar for the winner - #8 (QUINESSENTIAL)
4 cents in the dollar for the place of winner - #8 (QUINTESSENTIAL)
5 cents in the dollar for the 2nd place - #14 (ELIZA BLUES)
5 cents in the dollar for the 3rd place - #10 (VITTORIA)
Trainer T. Martin will be advised that LOVE EXCELS must compete in an official barrier trial prior to racing again.
ROCKSAN (J. Lloyd) was slow to begin.
Approaching the 1500m ROCKSAN (J. Lloyd) which was overracing had to be restrained from the heels of DOWAGER QUEEN (G. Schofield) and shifted out resulting in TYCOON'S HEART (App T. Bell) being forced wider.
Approaching the 1200m ROCKSAN continued to overrace and had to be checked from the heels of ANAGOLD (M. Rodd). INVEST (P. Mertens) which was following also had to be checked and shifted outside of the heels of ROCKSAN.
Near the 1000m PRETTY PINS (G. Colless) when overracing improved onto the heels of ROCK HIT (L. Nolen) and shifted out abruptly, resulting in SCORPIO QUEEN (J. Cassidy) being forced wider on the track. TYCOON'S HEART which was trailing also had to be steadied as a consequence.
Near the 400m ROCK HIT which was inclined to lay in had to be momentarily steadied from the heels of QUINTESSENTIAL (D. Browne) when that runner shifted out to improve.
N. Rawiller the rider of RED TYPHOON was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift out near the 550m, resulting in ANGELUS (K. McEvoy) being crowded and becoming unbalanced between RED TYPHOON and INVEST.
RED TYPHOON was unable to secure clear running rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the home straight.
Near the 200m ROCK HIT, which was weakening, was inconvenienced by DOWAGER QUEEN, which shifted out to improve.
Stewards sought an explanation from App J. McDonald regarding the riding tactics he adopted on POSTE RESTANTE, which was ridden forward in the early stages to obtain the lead near the 1800m, which is in contrast to the filly's established racing pattern. App McDonald explained that he had no specific instructions today and it was his intention to obtain cover but when he was caught wide racing to the outside of ANGEL OF MERCY (C. Brown) rather than restrain to the rear of the field he elected to ride forward to the lead. J. McDonald added that POSTE RESTANTE was able to steady to a slow tempo in the middle stages but did not respond to his riding from the 600m. Stewards noted his explanation.
A post race veterinary examination of ANGEL OF MERCY, which weakened badly in the home straight, revealed the filly to be lame in the off fore leg. Trainer G. Ryan will be advised that he must produce a veterinary certificate of fitness for ANGEL OF MERCY prior to horse racing again.
P. Mertens reported that INVEST hung out from the 1000m and proved difficult to ride.
Following the running of this event the track was downgraded to a Heavy 10 retrospective.
Race 8: Brisbane Racing Carnival QTC Cup Group 2 - 1300m
1st - Celtic Dancer 2nd - Belltone 3rd - Joint Chiefs 4th - Funtantes
MYSTICAL GREY (D. Browne) raced extremely wide throughout the event.
T. Bell the rider of CELTIC DANCER was fined the sum of $200.00 for making a celebratory gesture prior to the winning post. In assessing penalty stewards noted it was his first offence.
SANDOWN LAKESIDE
Race 1 – JIM CONWAY HANDICAP - 1200 metres:
Jacaranda Avenue was presented with a tongue tie on which had not been approved as part of the horse’s gear and subsequently trainer Mr C McDonald was advised to remove the tongue tie.
Gondokoro (NZ) jumped away awkwardly.
Catered, which was making ground quickly inside the final 200m, had to be checked to avoid the heels of Good And Hot near the 50m.
During the running of the race Catered lost its near fore plate and Titania Star lost its off hind plate.
N Callow (Gondokoro (NZ)) stated his mount failed to handle today’s track conditions.
G Boss (Jacaranda Avenue) was of the view that the only excuse that could be made for the filly’s performance today was the track conditions. A post race veterinary examination of Jacaranda Avenue revealed no abnormalities.
Race 2 – SAMSON HANDICAP - 1200 metres:
Clinches was restrained at the start.
Approaching and rounding the turn near the 800m Rocking Force got its head up when begin restrained and this resulted in Stanzout, which was following, having to be checked quite severely.
Cannonball (USA) raced wide without cover.
Passing the 600m Stanzout continued to over-race when having to be restrained off the heels of Rocking Force and just prior to straightening Stanzout again was momentarily tightened for room between Giresun and Rocking Force both of which shifted ground before being straightened.
When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on Philda today, A McCabe explained he was instructed to ride the gelding back with some cover and to ensure that his mount was balanced up once entering the home straight and to put the gelding under pressure at that point. He explained that in the straight he lost the use of his off side rein on two occasions and as a result could not ride the gelding out in his normal manner. Apprentice A McCabe was reminded of his responsibilities under the rules to ensure he rides his mounts in a way that do not leave any room for query.
Apprentice T Sadler (Rocking Force) reported at scale that his mount was not comfortable on the rain affected track.
J Winks (Giresun) was of the view that Giresun races better when outside of horses and will improve on today’s first-up performance once stepped up in distance. A post race veterinary examination of Giresun revealed
Race 3 – THE AUSTRALIAN STEEPLECHASE - 3900 metres:
Trainer Mr B Scott was issued with a formal warning for failing to have Tobouggie Nights on course by the prescribed time.
As the Club colours were unavailable Stewards permitted Roodyvoo (NZ) to race in a change of colours that were different to the racebook.
Cats Fun made a very faulty jump when negotiating the third steeple on the hill near the 1400m.
Cats Fun, after negotiating the final two steeples on the hill, was then retired from the event near the 1200m. Cats Fun underwent a veterinary examination after the race which revealed the gelding had sustained a laceration to its near fore pastern and its overall performance has been referred to the Jumps Review Panel for their consideration.
Gravitas was retired prior to the final steeple in the home straight and a subsequent veterinary examination of that gelding revealed no abnormal findings and a good recovery. The overall performance of Gravitas has been referred to the Jumps Review Panel for their consideration.
Roodyvoo (NZ) knuckled on landing after negotiating the final steeple.
A post race veterinary examination of Fareer revealed no abnormalities.
R Eynon (Tobouggie Nights) was fined $200 under the provisions of AR137A(3) for his whip use on a horse that was out of contention.
I Lupton (Roodyvoo (NZ)) was issued with a severe reprimand under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip eight times in a forehand manner prior to the 100m which is three times more than permitted.
Race 4 – THE AUSTRALIAN HURDLE - 3400 metres:
When negotiating the third hurdle on the hill Palmero jumped awkwardly, knuckled on landing and almost fell. A post race veterinary examination of Palmero revealed no abnormalities and the overall performance of Palmero has been referred to the Jumps Review Panel for their consideration.
Near the 1200m Gotta Take Care jumped the fifth hurdle on the hill awkwardly, knuckled and almost fell.
Half Moon Rising was retired from the race prior to the last hurdle in the home straight. A post race veterinary examination of Half Moon Rising revealed no abnormalities and the overall performance of Half Moon Rising has been referred to the Jumps Review Panel for their consideration.
Seeking The Silver (NZ), Tuscan Fire and Kirribilli Gold all jumped the last hurdle a little awkwardly.
Above Average (IRE) hung out quite badly throughout the event and the overall performance of Above Average has been referred to the Jumps Review Panel for their consideration.
T Ryan (Kirribilli Gold) was fined $200 for his celebratory gesture prior to the winning post.
Race 5 – LADIES IN RACING MAGAZINE HANDICAP - 1600 metres:
Cash Currency jumped away awkwardly and was then crowded for room between Westsouthwest (NZ), which shifted in, and Cash Bound which was taken out by Trapunto.
Perfectly Stunning (NZ) and Westsouthwest (NZ) both raced wide without cover.
Westsouthwest (NZ) lost its off fore plate during the race.
B Melham, rider of Savitar (NZ), could offer no explanation for the poor performance. A post race veterinary examination of Savitar (NZ) revealed the gelding to be lame in the near hind leg and co-trainer Mr L Hope was advised a veterinary certificate of fitness must be submitted prior to acceptances for Savitar’s next start.
G Boss, rider of Made You Rock which performed below market expectations, believed that the gelding was not suited to today’s track conditions.
J Duffy, rider of The New Boy which performed below market expectations, could offer no explanation for the poor performance other than after being placed under pressure near the 300m the gelding failed to respond to his riding. A post race veterinary examination of The New Boy revealed no abnormalities.
Race 6 – LE PINE FUNERALS PLATE - 2100 metres:
Trainer Mr P Payne was fined $50 for his late declaration of L Whelan as rider of Titch (NZ) in this event.
The start of the race was delayed due to Mr O’Ceirin (NZ) having to be replated behind the barriers.
The race was further delayed to avoid a clash with a race at the Newcastle Thoroughbred meeting and started 8 minutes after the advertised starting time.
Lordoftheparrots (NZ) raced wide without cover for the majority of the race.
Approaching and rounding the home turn Geejayhaitch was unable to improve its position when held up.
N Hall (Puissance De Lune (IRE)) was questioned regarding the tactics adopted on his mount today in particular his handling of Puissance De Lune (IRE) between the 1400m and 1000m where it appeared, on face value, that his mount had lost ground when initially holding the back of Chasse during this stage of the race. N Hall explained that he was instructed to have Puissance De Lune (IRE) ridden midfield and to ride in it a manner that the horse finished off the race. He said in the early stages he was unable to hold his position passing the winning post the first time and as a result he was further back than instructed. N Hall further added that he elected not to pressure Puissance De Lune (IRE) 1200m from the winning post in an effort to try and follow Chasse into the race as, in his view, the horse is not suited to this style of racing and in his words, “it would’ve taken the horse out of its comfort zone”. N Hall further added that the pace quickened rather quickly from the 1000m and in his opinion was making sufficient effort to try and improve his position and highlighted the fact it was the first attempt for Puissance De Lune (IRE) over the 2100m of today’s event. The Stewards noted that Puissance De Lune (IRE) ran almost 1 second quicker than the winner for the final 1000m of the race. In assessing the explanation and the evidence tendered by N Hall the Stewards accepted that N Hall was unable to hold down a position any closer when passing the winning post the first time and also accepted that the pace did quicken from the 1000m and in these circumstances the Stewards took no further action.
A post race veterinary examination of Puissance De Lune (IRE) revealed no abnormalities.
Race 7 – SPORTINGBET HANDICAP - 1200 metres:
Handcut was slow to begin (two lengths).
Taylor’s Command and Ferocious One race wide without cover.
From the 600m Miss Zoom had to be restrained to avoid the heels of Ferocious One, which was giving ground, and as a result Miss Zoom had to be checked on the point of the home turn and shifted out in an effort to obtain clear running.
T Sadler reported that in his opinion there may be something amiss with Bonaria. A post race veterinary examination of Bonaria revealed no abnormalities.
Race 8 – LE PINE FUNERALS HANDICAP - 1400 metres:
Our Pride And Joy raced wide without cover.
Near the 200m Volando had to be steadied and shifted out across the heels of Our Pride And Joy to improve its position.
N Hall (The Long Road) was severely reprimanded under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(i) for using his whip for three consecutive strides in a forehand manner prior to the 100m.
Apprentice T Sadler was issued with a severe reprimand for using his whip on Hallmark Star (NZ) when it was out of contention.
A post race veterinary of Hallmark Star (NZ) revealed no abnormalities.
WARWICK FARM
RACE 1: Ambassador Travel Services 2YO Plate 1100m:
Weepu was slow to begin and shortly after was hampered when crowded by Diamond Earth, which shifted in. Ptolemy was slow to begin. Weepu was inclined to lay out making the home turn. Approaching the 200m Weepu then commenced to lay in and, as a consequence, shifted in, causing Ptolemy, which was also inclined to lay in, to be steadied away from the heels of Diamond Earth. Approaching the 200m Master Shep and Sir Berus made contact as Master Shep commenced to give ground.
RACE 2: Regupol Equine Safety Surfaces 2YO Handicap 1400m:
New Spur and Dodge That came together at the start and lost ground as a result. When bumped on the home turn by Betrayal, Eight Straight became unbalanced.
An inquiry was opened into the performance of seventh placegetter, Betrayal, when evidence was taken from rider T Berry and stable representative Ms F Blanche. T Berry stated that Betrayal raced a little keenly in the lead, then changed stride on the home turn, causing it to shift out, come into contact with and heavily bump Eight Straight, which resulted in Betrayal losing its momentum. He added that Betrayal was then most disappointing in its failure to finish the race off. Ms Blanche stated that, since winning at Canterbury on 16 May 2012, Betrayal had had no issues, had pleased the stable and had been strongly fancied going into today’s event. A post-race veterinary examination of Betrayal immediately after the event and after cooling down did not reveal any abnormalities. Stewards ruled that Betrayal must trial to their satisfaction prior to its next race start. Ms Blanche advised that the stable would report to the Stewards the results of a full veterinary examination by the stable veterinarian and indicated that Betrayal would most likely be spelled.
RACE 3: Liverpool Catholic Club Handicap 1200m:
By The By proved difficult to load. Shuswap jumped away awkwardly. By The By blundered on jumping away. Secluded and Saramenha both hung out rounding the home turn. Near the 100m Secluded shifted out and inconvenienced Savannah Dancer.
RACE 4: Pages Events Equipment Handicap 1600m:
As there was no other rider available, App. S Guymer was permitted to replace App. J Adams on Shade Of Green claiming 1kg of his 3kg allowance and B Rawiller was permitted to ride Platinum Red ½kg overweight. B Rawiller was fined $300 AR120(b). Flying Fuji, whose arrival on track was delayed due to traffic issues, was passed fit to start by the Club's Veterinary Officer. Magnolia Lane and Shade Of Green were slow to begin. Triple Six pulled hard in the early stages and was restrained from the heels of Glove for some distance. At the 1000m Baranski had to be restrained off the heels of Platinum Red. After the race it was reported that Shade Of Green had lost both hind plates.
When questioned regarding the performance of Flying Fuji, App. C Schofield stated that the filly travelled well in the run, but was unable to quicken when asked for an effort in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Flying Fuji did not reveal any abnormalities.
RACE 5: Big Sports Breakfast Bowl Handicap 1400m:
Havana Rey was slow to begin. Near the 1300m Skip Town blundered. For some distance near the 100m Full Blast had difficulty obtaining clear running.
When questioned regarding the performance of Komodo, N Berry stated he was instructed to ride the gelding back in the field and endeavour to find cover. He said that, although the tempo was strong in the early stages, Komodo was inclined to race a little keenly and, after improving making the home turn, he was taken wider when Ricci Royal shifted out. He added, in his view, although Komodo did have some established form on rain affected going, he felt the gelding did not handle the deteriorating track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination of Komodo did not reveal any abnormalities.
When questioned, K O'Hara, rider of Ricci Royal, reported that the gelding raced quite fiercely in the early and middle stages and, consequently, did not finish its race off. She added that, in her view Ricci Royal had come to the end of its preparation. A post-race veterinary examination of Ricci Royal did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Ms L Aspros reported that Ricci Royal will now be spelled.
RACE 6: Canterbury BMW Winter Cup 2400m:
Mirjulisa Lass was retired from the event at the 1000m. A post-race veterinary examination of Mirjulisa Lass revealed the mare to be displaying cardiac arrhythmia. Trainer Mr G Hickman was advised he must produce the results of a vet check, including a satisfactory ECG, and Mirjulisa Lass must trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to its next start.
At the 600m Two For Tea laid in behind the heels of Voltabolta.
RACE 7: Ranvet Handicap 1300m:
Following an application from trainer Mr R Cameron, Stewards agreed to Translation being withdrawn at 2.40pm on the grounds of the track downgrade. Key West was slow to begin. Approaching the 100m Hard Liquor shifted in and away from Theophorus, which shifted in, resulting in We Betcha being inconvenienced. A post-race veterinary examination of Key West did not reveal any abnormalities.
RACE 8: Café Culture Handicap 1600m:
Following an application from trainer Mr M Hood, Stewards agreed to Al’s Gold being withdrawn at 3.03pm on the grounds of the track downgrade. Polar Circle and Red Eye Special were slow to begin. Fiscal and Kim Devine came together at the start. At the 1500m Gazza Guru was crowded when Chateau Fort was taken in by Zakynthos Imprintz (App. L Wray). App. L Wray was told to ensure she is two lengths clear when shifting ground in future. After this incident Gazza Guru, which was overracing, pulled its way up to the inside of the heels of Chateau Fort for a number of strides. Chateau Fort continued to overrace for some distance after this incident and got its head up when being restrained off the heels of Zakynthos Imprintz. Slick Sniper overraced in the middle stages.