THE Brisbane Winter Carnival didn’t have much going for it until the boy from the Queensland bush rode into town albeit without the star of his stable, the champion mare Black Caviar.
Peter Moody, quickly becoming the best trainer the state has ever produced, took the carnival by the scruff of the neck and saved it from certain oblivion.
In one of the greatest training performances ever seen on the biggest day of racing in the north, Moody saddled up the winners of the Group One Stradbroke (Midsummer Music), the G1 Queensland Derby (Brambles) and the G2 Brisbane Cup (Lights of Heaven).
At a time when the carnival desperately needed a boost Moody provided it. This may not have been the consolation race fans wanted for the decision to take Black Caviar to Adelaide before she headed overseas but it was a victory of Origin proportions at Eagle Farm, racing’s biggest stage in the north.
Some were questioning the authenticity of the crowd figure of 21,000 but the same will happen when that is eclipsed by Ipswich at their Cup day meeting. The bottom line of course is how much these on-course punters are prepared to bet.
It was hard to have MID SUMMER MUSIC at $31 in the Stradbroke after a Doomben 10,000 failure against many runners that she made look second rate this time.
Even trainer Peter Moody admitted she caught him by surprise. “I honestly thought our only chance was a genuine heavy track,” Moody admitted on CORRECT WEIGHT on Radio Sport National yesterday.
“I told Luke to ride her for luck against this class of horse and attempt to just earn some money but she got the big prize which surprised me.”
Moody admitted that after Mid Summer Music landed her first success at the provincials in Victoria he told the owners: “Buy a photo and put it on the well. You have had your birthday.”
But stable jockey LINDA MEECH convinced Moody not to sack Mid Summer Music convinced she would win better races. “Linda has been proven a bloody good judge,” Moody said. “but I don’t even think she would have expected this horse to win a Stradbroke.”
Moody was just as impressed with the effort of fifth placed VATUVEI as he was with the stablemate BRAMBLES , winner of the Derby. “From a better barrier Vatuvei would have made it very interesting but he had to go too far back.”
LIGHTS OF HEAVEN convinced Moody with her win in the Brisbane Cup that she could emerge as a strong hope in the big Spring Cups. “She really has matured this campaign in Queensland,” he said.
The JOHN O’SHEA stable received some minor compensation for the failure of SEA SIREN in the Stradbroke when ALBERTON PARK landed a plunge with a strong first-up win in the Listed June Stakes at Rosehill.
Downside of the Rosehill meeting was the flop of three heavily backed runners from the Gai Waterhouse stable in Charing Cross, Battant and Samui Lad. In fact the trio finished nearer the fail of the field which stunned punters and form assessors. The calls continue to go out for stewards to take some action to halt the continued run of flops by fancied runners from the leading stables in Sydney.
SOME OF THE BIG BETS ON STRADBROKE DAY COURTESY OF sportsbet.com.au
SOME of the big bets laid on SATURDAY on the STRADBROKE DAY meeting courtesy of Australia’s leading corporate bookmaker – sportsbet.com.au
TJ Smith
Sizzling confidently backed all week, some big bets on the day.
Sizzling $1.70 into $1.60 - 5k @ $1.85 pre-post; 8k @ $1.80 pre-post; 10k @ $1.70
Derby
Peter Moody followers stayed solid - Brambles $3.70 into $3.40 on the day.
10k @ $3.40; 5k@ $3.40; 5k @ $3.70
Stradbroke
A good result for bookies - Sea Siren $4.80 into $4.40 on the day - 20k @ $4.60; 8k @ $4.40
Wealth Princess $7.00 steady - 10k @$7.00; 6k @ $7.00
Brisbane Cup
Plenty of money to say the Freedman runner could win again. Only two they really wanted.
Mawingo $3.50 into $2.90 - 19k @ $3.00
Lights Of Heaven $3.50 into $3.40 - 20k Top Fluc @ $3.40
OUR POST-MORTEM OF SATURDAY RACING:
STAR OF THE SHOW:
TRAINER PETER MOODY who dominated the biggest day of racing in Queensland winning the Stradbroke Handicap with MIDSUMMER MUSIC, the Queensland Derby with BRAMBLES and the Brisbane Cup with LIGHTS OF HEAVEN.
DOWNSIDE OF THE DAY:
THREE more heavily backed favorites flop for the GAI WATERHOUSE STABLE. Punters have had a gutful of this continuing situation with excuses at inquiries that are just not acceptable. Sydney racing is quickly assuming the mantle from Brisbane as the punters’ nightmare every Saturday.
BEST WINS IN EASTERN STATES:
BRAMBLES in the QUEENSLAND DERBY and LIGHTS OF HEAVEN in the BRISBANE CUP – both emerging as Spring Carnival contenders.
ALBERTON PARK landed a plunge and looked very impressive winning the Listed June Stakes first-up at Rosehill.
CHOSEN TO FLY is proving quite under-rated and continued his winning run in a heat of the Winter Championship at Flemington with an extremely hard fought effort.
BEST RIDES OF THE DAY:
LUKE NOLEN from the wide alley on LIGHTS OF HEAVEN in the Brisbane Cup and his patient ride to land the money in the Stradbroke upset win by MIDSUMMER MUSIC.
NICK HALL landed a Flemington double but his patient ride on GAIL which had the race won a long way out was a copybook performance.
BLAKE SPRIGGS with a winning double – dictating on RAISE THE LEVEL then producing a well judged effort to win on CHOICE WORDS.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
PETER MOODY after MIDSUMMER MUSIC won the Stradbroke: “I honestly thought our only chance was on a genuine heavy track.”
BOWMAN’S APOLOGY
TOP Sydney jockey HUGH BOWMAN tweeted an apology for his handling of BOBAN in the T J Smith at Eagle Farm but to be fair the horse was impossible to control and the Freedman stable have admitted it is hard to train.
DISAPPOINTING EFFORTS:
TINSZELDA, heavily backed, never a winning chance but little luck in the straight at Eagle Farm.
SEEK AND FIND had the run of the race, was well backed and didn’t fire a shot in the Lightning Handicap at Eagle Farm.
SEA SIREN, WEALTH PRINCESS and TORIO’S QUEST were all disappointing in the Stradbroke Handicap.
MAWINGO may have run third but his Spring Cups prospects nose-dived in the Brisbane Cup when some queried his ability to run out the trip.
BATTANT went woefully when well backed behind CHOICE WORDS at Rosehill.
CHARING CROSS yet another well backed Sydney runner to flop when he ran last to CENSOR at Rosehill.
SAMUI LAD ran last behind WINNING GLORY, another massive form reversal from a Waterhouse trained runner.
ALL ABOUT THE COIN was well backed in the first at Flemington but pulled up lame.
FAMILY CREST ran favorite and finished last – a woeful effort at Flemington.
OUTBACK RANGER, the medium of a big plunge, never gave his backers at hope finishing well back behind TURNER BAYOU at Flemington.
WOEFUL WATERHOUSE RUN WITH FAVORITES CONTINUES
IF someone had declared the three strongly fancied runners from the Gai Waterhouse stable in BATTANT, CHARING CROSS and SAMUI LAD would finish closer last than first they would have been certified. But this is Sydney racing and this is the terrible pattern that is emerging with heavily backed runners from this stable. From a punters’ perspective it stinks because all they get are weak-kneed excuses for these failures.
MUNCE CAPS GREAT SEASON
CHRIS MUNCE continued his great season and combined with SIZZLING to land the BRC Sires Produce Stakes – T J Smith double with an extremely well judged ride.
POST MORTEM OF OUR FRIDAY FORM-LINE SPECIALS (ANOTHER BAD DAY):
WEALTH PRINCESS didn’t fire a shot in the Stradbroke and beat only one home.
VATUVEI ran only 5th to stablemate BRAMBLES in the Queensland Derby but his run after being forced back to near last from a bad alley was as good as the winner.
ROSES IN THE GLEN went terribly behind MANHATTEN MAID at Flemington.
HURDY GURDY MAN was well backed and had every chance when 3rd to SWOOPER at Flemignton.
SKYTRAIN ran an eye-caching when closing late for 3rd to ALBERTON PARK in the June Stakes at Rosehill.
ALUMBRADO ran last in the last at Rosehill after winning impressively at Scone – how do you follow them in Sydney.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
EAGLE FARM: SATURN ROCK, HAPPY ZERO, IRONSTEIN (had no luck in Brisbane Cup).
FLEMINGTON: RIVER CRUISE, DASH FOR VIZ, ROCK MUSICIAN.
ROSEHILL: HENDRICUS, DISPUTES, ROMANUS.
STEWARDS REPORTS FROM THREE STATES
EAGLE FARM
Race 1: AMBASSADOR TRAVEL LANCASTER STAKES - 1200m
1st - Hoss Amor 2nd - Sunset Affair 3rd - Saturn Rock 4th - Caliente
As G. Schofield was unable to arrive on course in time to fulfil his engagement, G. Boss was substituted as the rider of CENTREPET.
After being slow to begin CASINO CARD (M. Rodd) was restrained towards the rear of the field from a wide barrier to gain a position closer to the rail.
CENTREPET (B. Boss) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with SOOKIE (C. Munce).
Soon after the start SCARLET TANAGER (J. Lloyd) had to be checked when tightened for room between IMPETUOUS (C. Browne) and WRITE CHEEK (D. Browne), which was taken in by INTERJECT (B. Rawiller).
LOVE LAUGHING (G. Cooksley) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and bumped IMPETUOUS. Shortly after this LOVE LAUGHING shifted in and made contact with SATURN ROCK (N. Rawiller), taking that runner inwards on to TINSZELDA (D. Spriggs) which had to be steadied from the heels of SUNSET AFFAIR (R. McMahon).
SOOKIE and CENTREPET raced wide throughout.
B. Rawiller, the rider of INTERJECT, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that near the 750m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of HOSS AMOR (J. Cassidy), resulting in that horse being taken in on to YOU'RE MINE (M. Walker), which was tightened on to SPLENDENT CHOICE (J. Taylor), and had to be checked. TINSZELDA, which was following YOU'RE MINE, had to be checked and shifted out abruptly, taking DISCREET (D. Oliver) wider on the track. B. Rawiller's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings, to commence at midnight on Monday, 11 June, and expire at midnight on Friday, 22 June 2012.
Rounding the home turn SUNSET AFFAIR and TINSZELDA were unable to secure clear running.
IMPETUOUS was inclined to lay in when placed under pressure in the home straight.
After passing the 200m DISCREET and TINSZELDA had to be steadied when tightened for room between SATURN ROCK, which shifted in under pressure, and SUNSET AFFAIR, which shifted out whilst under riding. Both R. McMahon (SUNSET AFFAIR) and N. Rawiller (SATURN ROCK) were advised to make a greater effort to keep their mounts on a straight course in similar circumstances.
Over the concluding stages TINSZELDA was awkwardly placed at the heels of SUNSET AFFAIR and as a result rider D. Spriggs was unable to ride that runner out in his normal manner.
Rider G. Cooksley reported that LOVE LAUGHING hung out for a major part of the race. A post-race veterinary examination of LOVE LAUGHING revealed no abnormalities. Trainer T. Hall will be advised that the filly must compete in an official barrier trial prior to racing again.
G. Boss (CENTREPET) reported that he was forced to travel wide throughout and in the early part of the straight his mount had a tendency to lay outwards and tired from that point forward. G. Boss explained that he did not unduly pressure the horse inside the final 200m. Trainer G. Ryan indicated to him that he intended to spell the horse.
Race 2: XXXX GOLD STRAWBERRY ROAD H'CAP - 1600m
1st - Solzhenitsyn 2nd - Firebolt 3rd - Playaction 4th - Pepperwood
Trainer M. Jacobs pleaded guilty to a charge under AR. 140A in that he presented VESPER to race when it was not bandaged in accordance with National Gear Register rules. Mr Jacobs was fined $300.
THEY WON'T LAST (J. Lloyd) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and bumped PLAYACTION (J. Taylor), and then shifted in and had to be steadied from the heels of ST GERMAINE (M. Walker).
THEY WON'T LAST raced fiercely in the early stages and after passing the 1000m had to be restrained from the heels of FIREBOLT (H. Bowman) and as a result shifted out and then became awkward on the heels of SNOW ALERT (D. Oliver). THEY WON'T LAST continued to overrace in the middle stages.
SOLZHENITSYN (M. Rodd) raced three wide throughout.
After passing the 400m SNOW ALERT was tightened for room between VESPER (L. Finlay), which shifted out, and PEPPERWOOD (L. Cassidy), which was inclined to lay in under pressure.
FIREBOLT was held up when unable to secure clear running in the home straight until near the 250m.
HOUR OF PERIL (C. Munce) was also held up for clear running in the home straight until after passing the 300m.
SNOW ALERT lost its off fore plate during the race.
Following the running of this event, the track was upgraded to DEAD 5 retrospective.
Race 3: BEST SECURITY DAYBREAK LOVER - 1600m
1st - Mental 2nd - Venture On 3rd - Double Impact 4th - Our Smokin' Rock
BIGGLES (G. Cooksley) and OUR SMOKIN' ROCK (N. Rawiller) were slow to begin.
ARCTIC (D. Browne) was restrained in the early stages from a wide barrier to the rear of the field to gain a position close to the rail.
ADAMANTIUM (C. Brown) and NOISY OCEAN (L. Cassidy) raced three wide throughout.
VOLKHERE (L. Nolen) raced extremely wide throughout.
Near the 500m EXTRACEED (D. Dunn) had to alter course to the inside of the heels of HARDMAN HARRY (S. Galloway), which had commenced to weaken, in order to improve.
In the early stages of the home straight until near the 350m DOLLARIO (M. Rodd) was held up when awkwardly placed at the heels of UPPLAND (C. Munce), which had commenced to tire.
OUR SMOKIN' ROCK was unable to secure clear running in the home straight and had to alter course to the outside of VENTURE ON (R. McMahon) near the 300m.
N. Rawiller reported that it was his intention to settle OUR SMOKIN' ROCK in a position midfield with cover, however the gelding was fractious in the barriers and was slow to begin which resulted in him having to settle at the rear of the field.
Stewards sought an explanation from G. Cooksley regarding the performance of BIGGLES. G. Cooksley stated that BIGGLES was slow to begin and never travelled comfortably throughout the race and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination revealed BIGGLES to be exhibiting soreness over the hind quarters. Trainer N. Doyle was advised that he must provide a veterinary certificate of fitness. Mr Doyle advised that BIGGLES will now be sent for an immediate spell.
Race 4: DAVID JONES LIGHTNING H'CAP - 1000m
1st - Griffon 2nd - Royal Bender 3rd - Audacious Spirit 4th - Adebisi
PAPRIKA (L. Nolen) and ROYAL BENDER (B. Boss) were slow to begin.
EXCELLANTES (D. Browne) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and bumped GRIFFON (P. Hammersley), which was taken out on to GHETTO BLASTER, which was inconvenienced.
CARRY TO FORTUNE (P. Mertens) and FALCO STAR (R. McMahon) raced wide throughout.
Approaching the 600m TIERQUALO (D. Griffin) hung out and had to be checked from the heels of NUPTSE (J. Lloyd).
ROYAL BENDER was inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight.
Rider J. Lloyd reported that NUPTSE overraced and raced greenly throughout the event and in his opinion was not suited to racing in blinkers for the first time. He added that he had recommended to trainer B. Wakefield that the blinkers be removed for future starts. A post-race veterinary examination revealed NUPTSE to be sore in the off fore knee. Trainer B. Wakefield will be advised that he must provide a veterinary clearance for NUPTSE prior to its next start.
Following his ride in this race, G. Schofield was stood down from his remaining engagements by the Club doctor and riding replacements were made as per the Stewards Race Day Summary.
Race 5: PATINACK FARM THE T.J. SMITH - 1600m
1st - Sizzling 2nd - Kabayan 3rd - Academus 4th - Toydini
BOBAN (H. Bowman) jumped awkwardly, shifted out and made heavy contact with REGULAR (D. Griffin), which was taken on to the hind quarters of SIZZLING (C. Munce).
CHOICE BRO (J. Riddell) was hampered at the start when tightened for room between NINTH LEGION (D. Oliver) and TOYDINI (B. Boss) which shifted out.
WHAT A GAL (P. Hammersley) had to be checked shortly after the start when tightened for room between NOOGOORA BURR (B. Rawiller), which was taken out by SIZZLING, and ACADEMUS (K. McEvoy) which shifted in and away from DONNA CATTIVA (D. Dunn).
TOYDINI overraced in the early stages.
NOOGOORA BURR overraced in the early stages and for some distance approaching and passing the 1300m had to be restrained from the heels of SIZZLING, and approaching the 1200m NOOGOORA BURR shifted out resulting in DANCES ON STARS (C. Brown) being momentarily tightened between NOOGOORA BURR and ACADEMUS.
Near the 350m NOOGOORA BURR shifted in and bumped DONNA CATTIVA.
P. Hammersley, the rider of GRIFFON, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under AR. 137(a) in that inside the final 50m he permitted his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of ROYAL BENDER (B. Boss), resulting in G. Boss having to take hold of his mount and take evasive action away from the heels GRIFFON. P. Hammersley's licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 7 meetings, to commence at midnight on Saturday, 16 June, and expire at midnight on Thursday, 28 June 2012.
Stewards sought an explanation from H. Bowman regarding the riding tactics adopted on BOBAN today. H. Bowman explained that it was his intention to ride the horse back in the field with cover, similar to its most recent start where it was successful, however BOBAN jumped away awkwardly and shifted out abruptly soon after the start and and he then attempted for some distance to restrain BOBAN, but the horse resented this and commenced to race fiercely. He added that rather than continue to restrain BOBAN he allowed the colt to stride forward to the lead as he was of the view that BOBAN may have relaxed when ridden this way. He further added that BOBAN continued to overrace despite his efforts and began to weaken from the 600m. Trainer A. Freedman, after viewing the film, agreed that BOBAN had raced fiercely, leaving jockey H. Bowman with little option but to ride the horse in the manner in which he did. He added that BOBAN has been a difficult horse to train as it has shown in its career that its racing manners had been erratic. He added that BOBAN would now be sent for an immediate spell and he undertook to have the horse compete in a barrier trial prior to racing again.
Subject to any further submissions from K. McEvoy (ACADEMUS), a fine of $200 will be imposed for using the whip in a forehand manner on more than 5 occasions prior to the 100m.
KABAYAN (N. Rawiller) lost its off fore plate in running.
Race 6: CHANNEL SEVEN QUEENSLAND DERBY - 2400m
1st - Brambles 2nd - Quintessential 3rd - Westsouthwest 4th - Tohunga
LUCRIPETOUS (H. Bowman) was slow to begin.
ROCK THE PAC (S. Scriven) and SCREAM MACHINE (A. Hyeronimus) were inconvenienced at the start when VITTORIA (B. Boss) jumped awkwardly and shifted out.
SCREAM MACHINE overraced in the early stages.
TOHUNGA (N. Rawiller) raced wide throughout.
Passing the 1400m POSTE RESTANTE (C. Munce), when overracing, had to be restrained from the heels of RED SHIFT (D. Dunn). REIGNING (M. Walker), which was following and also overracing, had to be checked from the heels of POSTE RESTANTE and shifted out taking ROCK THE PAC wider on the track.
Near the 1300m LARGO DA BARRA (J. Lloyd), when overracing, had to shift out to avoid the heels of VATUVEI (L. Nolen).
Near the 700m REIGNING shifted out around the heels of POSTE RESTANTE to improve, taking ROCK THE PAC wider on the track, resulting in ROCK THE PAC making contact with LARGO DA BARRA.
Near the 500m VATUVEI shifted out in order to improve and bumped with ZABEELIONAIRE (D. Oliver) on two occasions.
VATUVEI was held up in the early part of the home straight.
ZABEELIONAIRE was unable to secure clear running rounding the home turn and in the home straight until near the 250m.
G. Boss reported that VITTORIA failed to back up from last week's Queensland Oaks and weakened badly over the final 300m.
D. Dunn, the rider of RED SHIFT, was fined $200 for using the whip in a forehand manner on 7 occasions prior to the 100m.
Race 7: AAMI STRADBROKE H'CAP - 1400m
1st - Mid Summer Music 2nd - Buffering 3rd - Happy Zero 4th - Pinwheel
HAPPY ZERO (D. Dunn) shifted out at the start and made contact with the hind quarters of TIGER TEES (C. Brown). HAPPY ZERO then shifted in and bumped CELTIC DANCER (J. Taylor).
Near the 1300m TORIO'S QUEST (B. Boss) when being restrained to the rear of the field and shifting inwards to a position close to the rail, had to be checked from the heels of SISTINE ANGEL (C. Newitt).
PHELAN READY (G. Cooksley) raced fiercely in the early stages and after passing the 1000m shifted out abruptly and had to be checked from the heels of SHOPAHOLIC (J. Lloyd). PHELAN READY continued to overrace in the middle stages.
Near the 1100m WEALTH PRINCESS (M. Walker) had to be eased when tightened for room between MID SUMMER MUSIC (L. Nolen) and HAPPY ZERO, which was taken in by SPIRIT OF BOOM (R. McMahon) which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. R. McMahon was issued with a severe reprimand and advised to provide his fellow riders with more racing room in similar circumstances.
Near the 800m MID SUMMER MUSIC when overracing had to be steadied from the heels of THANKGODYOU'REHERE (D. Oliver). VARENNA MISS (J. Noonan), which was following, also had to be steadied as a consequence.
BUFFERING (H. Bowman) raced wide throughout.
Rounding the home turn and in the early part of the home straight TEMPLE OF BOOM (N. Rawiller) was held up when unable to obtain clear running.
HAPPY ZERO was unable to obtain clear running in the home straight until near the 200m.
Approaching the 100m LISTEN SON, which was tiring, had to be steadied when tightened for room between HAPPY ZERO and TRIPLE ELEGANCE (L. Cassidy), which was taken in by TIGER TEES, due to pressure from TEMPLE OF BOOM, which had been taken in by BUFFERING.
Stewards sought an explanation from J. Cassidy regarding the performance of SEA SIREN. J. Cassidy explained that the filly travelled will and he had some difficulty in the early part of the straight gaining clear running between LISTEN SON (C. Munce) and TIGER TEES. Jockey Cassidy added that following this SEA SIREN did not sprint as he expected.
M. Walker reported that WEALTH PRINCESS did not seem to back up from racing last week and needs a firm surface to perform at its best. A post-race veterinary examination of WEALTH PRINCESS revealed the mare to be exhibiting a poor post-race recovery rate and suffering from the thumps. The mare had also sustained a laceration on the near foreleg consistent with having been galloped on.
Race 8: THE BRISBANE CUP - 2400m
1st - Lights Of Heaven 2nd - Dance With Her 3rd - Mawingo 4th - Wazn
The off fore plate of REUBEN PERCIVAL (K. McEvoy) required farrier attention at the barriers.
SPECHENKA (P. Hammersley) knuckled at the start.
SAINT ENCOSTA (J. Lloyd) was slow to begin.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion ANUDJAWUN (C. Brown) shifted in to gain a trailing position and became awkward at the heels of IRONSTEIN (M. Rodd).
Near the 1800m FANTASTIC BLUE (B. Boss) shifted in and brushed the running rail.
Also near the 1800m SCENIC SHOT (S. Scriven) brushed the running rail when tightened for room to the inside of ABSOLUTELY (L. Cassidy), which was taken in slightly by IRONSTEIN.
LARRY'S NEVER LATE (M. Walker) raced three wide in the early stages before being ridden forward to be positioned outside the leader near the 1400m.
IRONSTEIN and ANUDJAWUN raced wide throughout.
FLEMINGTON
Race 1 – MURRAY COX HANDICAP - 1400 metres:
C Symons (River Cruise) reported that his mount was restless in the barriers and as result was slow to begin. After being slow to begin River Cruise was then unbalanced after being bumped heavily by Royal Zenith which was taken in by Steep.
D Nikolic (Digitalism) reported that his mount blundered on jumping away.
Montana Man and Digitalism pulled hard in the early stages.
Montana Man, which was pulling at the time, shifted out abruptly to avoid the heels of Steep and in doing so inconvenienced Speedy Graphito.
J Mott (Montana Man) reported on return to scale that his mount pulled hard in the early stages and was therefore unable to finish the race off.
N Hall (All About The Coin) said the filly may not have handled the step up in class and also the distance today and would benefit from the experience. A subsequent veterinary examination of All About The Coin revealed that the filly lost the near fore plate during the event and also had an abrasion to the off hind pastern.
A Spiteri (Steep) was fined $400 for breaching the provisions of AR137(A)(5)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on nine occasions in a forehand manner prior to the 100 metres.
Race 2 – HILTON NICHOLAS HANDICAP - 1400 metres:
Prior to race 1 the connections of Houston Benefactor notified stewards that it was the stable’s intention to have the filly ridden more forward today. Houston Benefactor missed the start and subsequently settled in a rear position.
Stewards authorised the late withdrawal of Grecian Melody (NZ) at 11.27am due to the track downgrade.
Kasmaher stood flat footed at the start and lost ground. Co trainer D Feek was advised that a warning was now placed on the filly’s record regarding its failure to jump away today and should it repeat this behaviour further action may be taken.
Moudita (NZ) was also very slow to begin and then slow into stride. Shortly after this Moudita (NZ) shifted in and bumped Kasmaher resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Co trainer L Hope was advised that a warning was now placed on the filly’s record regarding its failure to jump away today and should it repeat this behaviour further action may be taken.
Approaching the 1200 metres Angela’s Dream shifted out and inconvenienced Somaly Miss. Near the 1200 metres when Angela’s Dream shifted out it then had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Autilla which shifted in. Barbie Dazzler, which was following, was inconvenienced as a result.
S King (Family Crest NZ) reported his mount travelled well however when placed under pressure did not appreciate the track conditions and did not respond to his riding. A subsequent veterinary examination of Family Crest (NZ) did not reveal any obvious abnormality.
B Knobel (Roses In The Glen) could offer no excuse for the performance today. A subsequent veterinary examination did not reveal any obvious abnormality.
App T Sadler was fined $200 for failing to claim his full allowance.
Race 3 – ALL VICTORIAN SPRINT SERIES HEAT 6 - 1000 metres:
Stewards authorised the late withdrawal of Perturbo at 11.28am due to the track downgrade. All monies bet for a win and /or place and concession betting on Perturbo to be refunded. All successful bets on the horses prior to the time of withdrawal are subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: double bets 21 cents.
Trainer R Griffiths was questioned as to the late notification of L Meech replacing N Hall as the rider of Dash For Viz. R Griffiths explained that the stable had been informed that Beyond Pardon, which N Hall had also been engaged to ride, was unlikely to start and on that basis they did not engage another rider. He added that it was not until after scratching time that it was apparent that Beyond Pardon was running and they then made the riding change. In all of the circumstances the stewards did not take any action.
Dash For Viz jumped away awkwardly.
Inside the final 200 metres Dash For Viz lay in under pressure.
D Nikolic (Undeniably) could offer no excuse for the performance today. A subsequent veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormality.
Race 4 – L V LACHAL HANDICAP - 1700 metres:
Playlist raced wide without cover.
C Symons (Laspiel) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provision of AR137(a). The careless riding being that approaching the 1500 metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of Beg resulting in Beg being taken in across the rightful running of Stanizor which was checked. C Symons had his licence to ride in races suspended for a total of 12 meetings to commence midnight 13 June, 2012 and to expire midnight 25 June, 2012, 2012. (3 metro, 9 provincial). In assessing penalty the stewards were of the view that the incident qualified for the mid range category of carelessness took into account his good record and guilty plea.
B Melham (Chord) reported that his mount hung in when placed under pressure in the straight.
A subsequent veterinary examination of Kallogg did not reveal any abnormality.
Race 5 – A R CRESWICK STAKES - 1200 metres:
Grand Britannia jumped away awkwardly and lost ground.
Angola over raced in the early stages.
From the 500 metres Astro Damus was held up and had to shift out before gaining clear running near the 300 metres and then made ground to the winning post.
During the running of the race Arctic Flight lost the off hind plate.
J Mott (Lady Melksham) explained that after passing the 400 metres he shifted in after having cover from the eventual winner Riziz however the filly failed to accelerate when put under pressure and in his opinion did not back up from its last start at Sandown (2/6/12). Trainer J Sadler explained that the filly will now be having a brief let up. A subsequent veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormality and a swab sample was taken for analysis.
When questioned regarding the performance of Angola today R McLeod explained that he was instructed to get some cover and put his mount into the race from the 600 metres however he was unable to do this as the gelding hung in quite badly and subsequently was on one rein. R McLeod added that when he did try and allow the gelding some rein approaching the 300 metres it shifted in several horses and for these reasons he was unable to ride Angola out in his normal manner. Trainer P Carey advised the gelding would be sent for a spell and he would make the necessary gear changes prior to its next campaign to rectify it racing manners. In the circumstances the stewards took no further action. A subsequent veterinary examination of Angola revealed the gelding to be lame in the off foreleg and a veterinary certificate of fitness is required prior to racing again.
Race 6 – 2012 TROA/LUXBET WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES HEAT 4 - 1400 metres:
Bereft was slow to begin.
Shortly after the start Jungle Ruler shifted in tightening the running of Navillus Superman and Glaneuse.
Chosen To Fly and Population raced wide without cover.
In the straight Silent Surround lay in and had difficulty obtaining clear running inside the final 200 metres.
R Maloney (Sophrosyne) was fined $150 for breaching the provisions of AR137(A)(5)(a)(ii) in that he used his whip on ten occasions in a forehand manner prior to the 100 metres. (5 more than permitted)
J Winks (Bereft) stated that, in his opinion, his mount which was disappointing, may have come to the end of its preparation. A subsequent veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormality. Trainer P Snowden advised that Bereft would now be sent for a spell.
A subsequent veterinary examination of Gold Sand did not reveal any abnormality.
Subsequent to the running of the race stewards downgraded the track rating to Slow 7 at 2.58pm.
Race 7 – ROD JOHNSON HANDICAP - 2000 metres:
Turner Bayou (NZ) and Luckzat (NZ) were slow to begin.
After passing the 1600 metres Regina Coeli, which was over racing, shifted out and as a result forced Rock Wizard wider on the track which in turn shifted out forced Campeao wider without cover. A short distance after this Regina Coeli continued to over race when having to be restrained off the heels of Two Sugars, this caused interference to a number of runners following mainly; Outback Ranger which had to be eased, shifted in and tightened the running of Cash Currency resulting in Luckzat (NZ) which was following having to be checked.
From the 1300 metres Rock Wizard was obliged to race wide without cover.
A Darmanin (Outback Ranger) explained that due to the slow pace the gelding pulled to hard and for this reason was disappointing. A subsequent veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormality and a post race swab sample was taken for analysis.
S King (Bashan) was of the view that the gelding failed to run out the distance and was not suited to today’s rain affected track.
B Melham (Two Sugars) could offer no explanation for the performance today. A subsequent veterinary examination of Two Sugars did not reveal any abnormality.
Race 8 – 2012 BANJO PATERSON SERIES HEAT 3 - 2500 metres:
As a result of further rain falling leading up to the start of this event the stewards amended the track rating retrospective after the event to read in the form guides as a Heavy 8.
Crabs (NZ) raced wide without cover in the early and middle stages until obtaining the lead near the 1600 metres.
Near the 200 metres Hurdy Gurdy Man and Swooper shifted ground and bumped.
When questioned regarding the performance of Keep Cool (NZ) J Mott stated the gelding travelled well in the run however failed to run out the 2500 metre race distance and may be better suited over 2000 metres. A subsequent veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormality. During the running of the race Keep Cool (NZ) lost the off hind plate.
A subsequent veterinary examination of Kutchinsky did not reveal any abnormality however the gelding was coughing after the race.
S Arnold (Crafty Cruiser) stated that the gelding began well so he allowed the gelding to stride forward and lead.
ROSEHILL
RACE 1: St George Motor Boat Club Handicap 1200m:
Brunner jumped awkwardly, shifted in and made contact with Ptolemy. After travelling 50m Zar Zar Binks, which was racing tight to the inside of Ptolemy (N Berry), had to be checked and lost its position when Ptolemy was taken in slightly by Brunner, which shifted in to avoid the heels of Target In Sight. N Berry was reprimanded and told to make more effort to ensure runners to his inside have the room to which they are entitled. P Robl was reprimanded for shifting in when not fully clear or Brunner.
Early in the straight Santa Fe Sun and Target In Sight came together, as Target In Sight shifted out to improve around the heels of Greek Island. In the early part of the straight Ptolemy was held up when disappointed for a run between Catalonia and Santa Fe Sun. N Berry stated that when clear Ptolemy failed to finish its race off and he was of the view the colt was not entirely comfortable in the going.
When questioned concerning the winner, Raise The Level, leading today, as compared to racing back on 26 May 2012, App. B Spriggs stated at its previous start Raise The Level struck interference, which resulted in the gelding racing further back than intended. He said today the intention had been to race midfield, but when caught wide, he felt there was no other option other than to press on to take up a position closer to the rails.
When questioned regarding the performance of Greek Island, App. J Adams stated that, whilst the gelding was up in grade, its run was disappointing and it was inclined to hang out at stages throughout the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Greek Island did not reveal any abnormalities. Stable representative Mr A Rabbett indicated that Greek Island had worked well leading into today’s event and expressed disappointment with the performance of the gelding. He undertook to report back to Stewards if there is anything amiss with Greek Island subsequent to the event.
When questioned regarding the performance of Catalonia, App. C Schofield stated that, after being trapped wide, he had to come back to find cover and took up a midfield position. He added that the filly raced a little greenly and dourly and only finished its race off fairly. A post-race veterinary examination of Catalonia did not reveal any abnormalities. Stable representative Mr B Widdup stated that the stable will now look to apply blinkers to Catalonia and step it up over a longer journey. He undertook to report if there was anything amiss with the filly subsequent to the event.
RACE 2: Michael Hansell Signs Handicap 1200m:
Conroy’s Gap overraced in the early stages. A post-race veterinary examination of Spinhro, which raced wide throughout, did not reveal any abnormalities.
App. C Schofield, rider of Hendricus, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in that near the 200m, when his mount was inclined to lay in, he took a narrow run between Conroy’s Gap and Not A Dancer and did not exercise due care in permitting his mount to continue to shift in, which resulted in both Not A Dancer and Battant being severely checked. App. Schofield’s permit to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 17 June 2012 and to expire on Friday, 29 June 2012, on which day he may ride. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Hendricus had contributed to the interference by laying in.
When questioned, T Berry, rider of Battant, stated that, whilst the gelding suffered interference at the 200m, which resulted in it finishing further back than might otherwise be the case, its run was nevertheless disappointing. He added that Battant was very one-paced today and may be looking for further ground. A post-race veterinary examination of Battant did not reveal any abnormalities. Stable representative Mr J Livingstone stated that the stable may now look to step Battant up in distance. He undertook to report if there is anything amiss with the filly subsequent to the race.
When questioned, App. A Stead, rider of Not A Dancer, which was also involved in interference at the 200m, stated the filly overraced and then was unable to quicken when asked for an effort in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Not A Dancer did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr M Dale advised that Not A Dancer will be spelled.
RACE 3: Pages Events Equipment Handicap 2000m:
Trainer Mr B Baker was fined the sum of $50 for failing to produce the Thoroughbred Identity Card for Mr Tipsy (AR59A). Circle Of Power pulled hard in the early stages, which resulted in its rider allowing it to stride forward and sit outside the leader, Sour Mash. Trainer Mr R Craig advised Circle Of Power will now be spelled. Kim Warrior and Gopana came together near the 250m, as Kim Warrior endeavored to improve around the heels of Charing Cross, which commenced to give ground.
Southern Shimmer was held up for a run for a short distance prior to the 100m. Southern Skye lost its off hind plate in running.
When questioned concerning the performance of Charing Cross, T Berry stated that the gelding travelled well in the run, but when placed under fully pressure in the straight failed to respond to his riding. A post-race veterinary examination of Charing Cross revealed the gelding to be lame in the off hind leg. Stable representative Mr J Livingstone stated that Charing Cross had pleased in its work since its win at Randwick on 20 May 2012 and could offer no explanation for its disappointing effort. Mr Livingstone undertook to report back on the progress of the gelding subsequent to the race and advised the gelding would now be spelled. Stewards ruled that Charing Cross must trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to its next start.
RACE 4: Accountability Recruitment Handicap 1400m:
Zedlion, which was inclined to overrace, was awkwardly placed to the inside of the heels of O’Crikey for some distance approaching and rounding the home turn. Al’s Gold was not able to obtain clear running in the straight and was not fully tested.
When questioned, App. C Schofield, rider of Madibagold, could offer no explanation for the performance of the gelding, other than he bustled his mount along early with its big weight to take up a forward position. A post-race veterinary examination of Madibagold did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr D Payne undertook to report back to the Stewards if there is anything amiss with Madibagold subsequent to the event.
A post-race veterinary examination of The Last General, which finished distanced, revealed the gelding to be displaying atrial fibrillation. Mr M Conners, representing trainer Mr C Conners, was advised that the stable will be required to provide a veterinary clearance, including an ECG and The Last General must trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to racing again.
RACE 5: Santos Coffee Cup 1400m:
Due to the late declaration of App. L Wray as the replacement for App. J Matthews as the rider of San Zaim, permission was granted for App. Wray to claim two kilos of her three kilo allowance. Song And Roses and Outofafrika were slow to begin. After receiving a bump from Fox, Haut Ton (T Berry) shifted in, crowding Titbit in onto San Zaim, resulting in Pregrada being taken across the heels of Madam Nash. T Berry was told in similar circumstances he must react quicker to relieve the crowding to runners to his inside.
T Berry reported that Haut Ton was somewhat one-paced and did not finish the race off as he had anticipated. Over the concluding stages Titbit raced in restricted room between Madam Nash and Fox (App. S Lisnyy), which shifted out. App. S Lisnyy was told to do more to keep his mounts straight. When questioned regarding the performance of Song And Roses, R Quinn stated the mare missed the start slightly, got shuffled back and then failed to finish the race off.
A post-race veterinary examination of Song And Roses did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr K Moses stated it was his intention to remove the pacifiers from Song And Roses and undertook to report if there was anything amiss with the mare subsequent to the race.
RACE 6: Big Sports Breakfast June Stakes 1100m:
My Vegas began awkwardly. See The World and Skytrain came together at the start. See The World was held up rounding the home turn. My Vegas was held up in the early part of the straight and again over the concluding stages had difficulty obtaining clear running. Pontiana laid out rounding the home turn. After being disappointed for a run near the 200m Alberton Park had to shift to the outside of the heels of Stratana to obtain clear ground.
RACE 7: Stuart Macdermid’s 60th Birthday Handicap 1500m:
When questioned concerning the performance of Samui Lad, T Berry stated the gelding raced a little keenly, travelled well, but changed stride on the home turn and laid out, then failed to respond to his riding in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Samui Lad revealed the gelding to be lame in the near foreleg. Stable representative Mr J Livingstone stated that Samui Lad has pleased the stable in its work since its second placing at this track on 26 May 2012 and had been fancied by the stable. Stewards ruled that Samui Lad must trial to their satisfaction and pass a veterinary examination prior to its next start. Mr Livingstone undertook to report back if there is anything amiss with the gelding subsequent to the race.
RACE 8: Vili’s Pies Handicap 1200m:
Buckmoore was a late withdrawal at 8am. Trainer Mr J Sylvester was fined the sum of $100.
Superior Instinct was a late withdrawal at 1.54pm on veterinary advice, when the gelding was found to be lame in the off hind leg. Trainer Mr D P Smith was advised that a veterinary clearance will be required for Superior Instinct prior to racing again.
Cornwall Park and Flight Command both overraced badly in the early stages. Rounding the first turn, Flight Command had to be checked off the heels of Kirinata.
Rider App. S Guymer and trainer Ms K Waugh were unable to offer any tangible explanation for the disappointing performance of Alumbrado. Ms Waugh indicated that Alumbrado had pleased in its work since its first up win on 9 May 2012. A post-race veterinary examination of Alumbrado revealed the gelding to be displaying a poor post-race recovery. Ms Waugh was asked to report the results of a full veterinary check by the stable veterinarian and to report on the future race plans for Alumbrado.
GENERAL:
Trainers K Waugh, T Bartley and D Payne were all spoken to concerning removing the blinkers from their respective runners in the mounting enclosure subsequent to the race.