BEFORE we get into the MONDAY POST-MORTEM there were reports circulating at south-east Queensland tracks on Saturday that Racing Queensland will this week sack more than 20 people.
Some are said to be from the administrative wing, others in the training centre, some in the country and quite a few from the First Level Appeals Board.
We didn't bother asking for confirmation of these rumors but the industry awaits with interest any news emanating from the Deagon bunker.
Our spy there tells us that RQ is keen to dispense with the services of some on the First Level Appeals Board who are not seen to be supporters of the new regime.
One would hope that unlike the situation with the Integrity appointment of Alan Reardon, said to be worth $900,000 over five years, that RQ starts advertising a few positions nationally and internationally rather than leave the new Board open to accusation of 'jobs for the boys' and 'mates of the boys.'
Time will tell!
WATERHOUSE SHOW GOING FROM THE PENTHOUSE TO THE OUTHOUSE WITH PUNTERS
THE Gai Waterhouse charade continued in Sydney racing on Saturday when another fancied runner from the stable blew like a gale, ran accordingly, was the subject of an inquiry but explanations were accepted.
Punters have had a gutful of the Waterhouse flops in recent weeks and are far from happy with the approach adopted by the Ray Murrihy panel or the indignant attitude of the First Lady which gives the impression she believes she should be ‘untouchable.’
The SYDNEY SUN HERALD reported that Waterhouse wasn't interested in Ray Murrihy's thoughts about ‘a pattern developing’ in regard to her fancied runners being beaten out of sight.
Well punters, big and small, are demanding more action as Waterhouse degenerates from the penthouse to the outhouse and from the First Lady to the Last Lady of Australian racing.
“I can't win every time,”' Waterhouse retorted while espousing the ‘tall-poppy’ line.
A week after a trio of Waterhouse gallopers flopped at Rosehill, the trainer's two-year-old Masahiko was beaten 21.9 lengths on Saturday after easing from $3.50 to $6. Unfortunately most of her beaten fancies are blowing alarmingly in the betting.
Masahiko was ridden by Tommy Berry, who explained that ‘one stride out of the barriers’ the horse lost his footing and ‘dipped a couple of times.’
Murrihy pointed out that Masahiko finished second on a heavy track at Canterbury 10 days ago. “A dramatically different track today,” Waterhouse retorted, to which Murrihy replied: “This is a track not everyone is going to handle.”
What has punters upset most is that the Waterhouse runners seem to perform much more consistently in the feature races a la Kinnersley which was nailed on the line by Shenzhou Steeds in the Listed Ipswich Cup on Satuday.
Masahiko, which had a poor post-race recovery, is off for a spell and stewards ordered the youngster must barrier trial before racing again. This has been a consistent pattern with the Waterhouse failures in recent weeks.
THE worst Winter Carnival in a decade continued in Queensland where Ipswich Cup day again drew a crowd to rival the Stradbroke meeting. The downside was the death of Sydney mare Viva Lass which crashed through the grandstand fence in the home straight in the Gai Waterhouse Classic and died of a heart attack in full view of race-goers.
Chris Munce continued his great run of success taking out the Listed Eye Liner Stakes on the Kelso Wood-trained BELLTONE. The Listed Ipswich Cup went to Victorian SHENZHOU STEEDS which had failed badly when favorite in an easier race at Caulfield at his previous starts but grows a leg in Queensland.
The biggest win of the day was that of GAI’S CHOICE for the David Pfeiffer stable in the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic. From a punters’ perspective the Ipswich track was once again not up to carnival standard.
ADROITLY won a farcical 3200m Stayers Cup in the bog at Rosehill while at Flemington the stars of the show were trainer Peter Moody (absent in the UK with Black Caviar) and jockeys Luke Nolen and Ben Melham who rode half the card between them.
SOME OF THE BIG BETS LAID ON SATURDAY COURTESY OF sportsbet.com.au
SOME of the big bets laid in THREE STATES on SATURDAY courtesy of Australia’s leading corporate bookmaker – sportsbet.com.au
FLEMINGTON
Firmers
Race 2: Platelet $2.70 into $2.40: Biggest bet 10k @ $2.40.
Race 3: Aeronwy $3.30 into $2.90: 5k @$3.30, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Race 6: Eraset $2.60 into $2.45: 5k @$2.80 pre-post, 5k @ $2.50.
ROSEHILL
Firmers
Race 2: Eight Straight $2.10 into $1.80: 5k @ $2.50 pre-post.
Race 3: Think Mink $4.60 into $3.80: 2k @$4.60, 5k @$3.80 , 5k@$3.60.
Race 8: Peck $9.00 pre-post into $7.00 starting price: 5k @$9.00, 5k each-way @$7.00, 4k @ $7.00.
Race 9: Nash Rambler $9.00 into $7.00: 5k each way@ $7.00.
Famous Seamus $4.40 into $3.70.
NOTABLE DRIFTER: Race 3: Embark $4.20 out to $6.00.
IPSWICH
Race 5: Gai’s Choice $4.20 into $3.80.
Race 6: Kinnersley $3.60 pre-post into $2.40 starting price: 10k @$2.60.
Race 7: Jetset Lad $26.00 into $11.00: 5k @$15, 2k@$14.
Belltone $2.60 out to $3.20: 5k @ $3 and 4k @$3.20.
OUR POST-MORTEM OF SATURDAY RACING:
STARS OF THE SHOW:
THE Sydney stewards for actually managing to get the First Lady of Australian racing to attend an inquiry into the rank failure of another well fancied runner from her stable. She got rather indignant when questioned but it was to the applause of punters that at last the top trainer and not one of her underlings were being quizzed. Unfortunately it was just another lame excuse for this run of poor performances that was accepted by stewards.
DOWNSIDE OF THE DAY:
THE failure of yet another strongly fancied runner from the Waterhouse stable – punters are losing faith in officialdom and have lost count of the number of flops that must have cost punters hundreds of thousands of dollars.
RUMORS circulating in the industry in south-east Queensland that the new control body is planning mass sackings - 21 is the figure being mentioned - from various sections of RQ.
THE death of Sydney mare VIVA LAS at IPSWICH when she suffered a heart attack in the home straight in the Gai Waterhouse Classic and crashed through the fence in front of the crowd. Fortunately the club had erected a safety barrier and a possible disaster was averted.
BEST WINS IN EASTERN STATES:
THE amazing win by well backed GAI’S CHOICE overcoming a bad barrier and a wide trip to win the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich.
AERONWY, a lightly-raced newcomer from the Peter Moody stable, overcame a slow start but still managed to score a terrific win and land a plunge at Flemington.
Punters’ pal EUCUMBENE continued a meteoric rise and run of success with another all-the-way win at Rosehill after being well backed into odds-on.
BEST RIDES OF THE DAY:
EDDIE WILKINSON gave SHENZHOU STEEDS a box seat run to win the Listed Ipswich Cup but he beat nothing and is hardly a spring carnival contender on this success.
CRAIG NEWITT produced a well judged ride to scrape home on VERDETTO in the Cafetto Spring at Flemington. The horse goes best for him.
KERRIN McEVOY showed plenty of patience but knew he had the goods when ADROITLY slogged through the mud to wear down Roi D’Jeu in the Stayers Cup at Rosehill.
FORM REVERSALS:
SHENZHOU STEEDS bounced back from a woeful effort when favorite and heavily backed in a mile handicap at Caulfield to win the Listed Ipswich Cup at his first try over the trip. Either the Ipswich Cup was lacking in class or he loves Queensland (where he is unbeaten) and jumped out of the ground.
HURRICANE HENRY ran into a heavy track and raced like a dromedary when seventh of 10 at Gosford then comes out and wins at Rosehill beating much better performed two-year-olds. It was just typical of the form reversals that are par for the course from the Gerald Ryan stable.
MY BENTLEY got beaten almost 19 lengths at his previous run at Sandown beind Mr O’Ceirin then comes out and gets well tried at good odds and stages a major form reversal to win at Flemington. Trainer Mick Kent blamed the heavy track at Sandown and attributed the improvement to the addition of blinkers and a great ride by Luke Nolen.
DISAPPOINTING EFFORTS:
ANDROMACHE and HIDDEN KISSES were disappointing in the Gai Waterhouse classic finishing 11th and 12th respectively. ANDROMACHE blew like a gale from the time fixed odds betting opened. HIDDEN KISSES ran below the expectations of trainer Robbie Heathcote who listed her as his best chance on the day.
GINGA DUDE was asked to do too much work by Jason Taylor in the early stages of the Ipswich Cup and with a big weight had to tire at the finish (he ran 5th).
MASAHIKO blew from $3.5 to $6.5 and ran accordingly – another Waterhouse stable fancy to flop – but it seems that not everyone was surprised by the effort to finish 10th when the betting drift is closely examined.
MECIR, previously unbeaten, stepped out on the heavy, failed to handle it and beat only one home at Rosehill.
ISLE BE READY and SKIP TOWN, two of the best backed, finished at the tail of the field, stopping like they were shot in the straight, in the race won by Australian Star at Rosehill.
MONTGOMERY, a last start winner, dropped back in trip and failed to fire a shot behind form reversal winner My Bentley at Flemington.
GERRY GOT IT WRONG AGAIN
INTERVIEWED on Radio Sport National about his chances at Rosehill, media savvy trainer Gerald Ryan declared STAR PASS his best chance. The $15 chance ran seventh behind Eight Straight at Rosehill. Ryan won the first at the same track in a major form reversal with HURRICANE HENRY then quinealled the sixth with AUSTRLAIAN STAR and SARAMENHA (what an improved it staged). Surely Gerry isn’t that bad a judge!
MUNCE CONTINUES GREAT SEASON
CHRIS MUNCE has a great strike rate and continued his big race success with a copybook ride on BELLTONE in the Eye Liner Stakes at Ipswich. It was another big win for the quiet achiever of the Queensland carnival Kelso Wood who prepares juvenile star Sizzling.
POST MORTEM OF OUR FRIDAY FORM-LINE SPECIALS (AN IMPROVEMENT):
BALMONT was well tried at odds in to $6 and closed late but got too far back in the Gai Waterhouse Classic.
GUNDY SON at $8 raced well below his best in the Eye Liner and was far from the horse that caught the eye in town at his previous start.
TURNITUP, $4, worked hard to lead and still looked home but got tired the last bit when third to form reversal winner MY BENTLEY.
SPURCIFIC, $5, may have still been a run short when a closing 3rd to GOSSIP GIRL in the last at Flemington.
EMBARK blew from $3.3 to $6 but just failed to nil RUSHING TO WIN at Rosehill.
THUMBTACKS at $4.8 gave us our only winner of the day when it scored a nice win at Rosehill.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
IPSWICH: FANTISHA, KEVEJON, JETSET LAD.
FLEMINGTON: KING KROVANH, GRACELAND, MODEL TO NITE.
ROSEHILL: SINDARIN, PECK, BRIAN’S HONOUR.
STEWARDS REPORTS FROM THREE STATES
IPSWICH - WHERE DAD'S ARMY AND PLAY SCHOOL WILL SOON BE BOOSTED BY THE RETURN OF ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S BEST - HERE'S HOPING HE IS IN CHARGE AND NOT AN UNDERLING AS WE ARE HEARING
Race 1: Optus Business Centre Ipswich Mile Benchmark 90 H'Cap - 1666m
1st - Grey Assignment 2nd - Brave The Way 3rd - River of Salvation 4th - Telesto Warrior
RACING HEART (App K. Matheson) jumped out at the start making contact with GREY ASSIGNMENT (C. Munce).
App M. Vance the rider of ROSAGAZE was reprimanded for the manner in which she permitted her mount to shift out passing the 600m taking RACING HEARTand LAKE GEORGE (L. Cassidy) considerably wider on the track.
Approaching the 400m TELESTO WARRIOR (App B. Richardson) became awkwardly placed on the heels of ROSAGAZE and had to be restrained for a short distance. A short distance after this incident TELESTO WARRIOR became awkward on the heels of DEACON (R. McMahon) and was unable to be fully tested until near the 150m.
A post race veterinary examination of ON FACE VALUE (J. Byrne), which compounded badly over the concluding stages, revealed no abnormalities.
L. Cassidy reported that he rode LAKE GEORGE aggressively in the early stages however, the horse was reluctant to stretch out and as a result he was obliged to ride LAKE GEORGE in a position worse than midfield.
Race 2: XXXX Gold Grange Plate QTIS 2YO H'cap - 1100m
1st - Caldetes 2nd - Moment of Impact 3rd - Fantisha 4th - Splendent Choice
STRUTTER (J. Byrne) and INFAMOUS (L. Cassidy) were both slow to begin.
Approaching the 800m STRUTTER improved to the inside of CALDETES (G. Colless) resulting in APACHE CLOUD (App K. Matheson) being tightened for room for a short distance.
Near the 500m INFAMOUS improved up onto the heels of NIELLO'S GIFT (C. Munce) and had to be steadied. When being restrained INFAMOUS then shifted out and became awkward
on the heels of FANTISHA (R. Wiggins).
Stewards questioned M. Walker regarding his riding of LADY CAPRI rounding the home turn and in the home straight. M. Walker explained that approaching the home turn LADY CAPRI was under pressure and he was forced to apply the whip to maintain a trailing position behind LILLABELLE (A. Spinks). M. Walker stated that he noticed the head of LILLABELLE turned inwards and it was drifting out and therefore he angled for a run that had commenced to widen to the inside of LILLABELLE and he positioned LADY CAPRI into a narrow run on the inside of LILLABELLE upon straightening however, LILLABELLE shifted in marginally resulting in him having to take hold of LADY CAPRI. M. Walker said that he then looked to the outside to improve however, was unable to do so due to READ ALL ABOUT ME (D. Browne) occupying a position back and to the outside of LILLABELLE. M. Walker informed stewards that from this point onwards he was unable to secure clear running on LADY CAPRI and it went to the finish line without being fully tested. Stewards acting on their own live observations and after viewing the patrol footage with reference to the evidence of M. Walker were satisfied that the tactics adopted by M. Walker through the relevant part of the race were reasonable and accepted his explanation.
Race 3: Ray White Ipswich Dash Class 6 SW Plate - 1100m
1st - Startsmeup 2nd - Liesele 3rd - Rocker 4th - Aquatorial
Trainer G. Heinrich was fined the sum of $200.00 for failing to submit a gear change request for STARTSMEUP.
TALLYHO (J. Ford), TRAIL BOSS (App K. Matheson) and AMBER ALE (P. Hammersley) were all tightened for room on jumping away between PRETTY COMPOSED (M. Hellyer) and NOROCOS (J. Byrne), both of which shifted ground.
Stewards inquired into the reason for GREYZEEL (E. Wilkinson) being checked near the 900m when racing between AQUATORIAL (L. Cassidy) and ALTAI WARRIOR (R. Wiggins). After taking evidence L. Cassidy the rider of AQUATORIAL was charged with careless riding however, after considering further evidence the charge was not sustained. L. Cassidy was reprimanded for shifting ground when not fully clear.
Rider of TALLYHO, J. Ford, was asked to explain the performance of the gelding, which lost contact with the main body of the field in the early stages and failed to make any improvement thereafter. J. Ford stated that he rode the horse aggressively in the early stages however, the gelding did not respond and felt uncomfortable in its action and wanted to hang out. J. Ford further explained that despite his urgings the horse did not make any ground and was very disappointing. After taking evidence from trainer J. Crompton stewards ordered that the horse must trial to the satisfaction of stewards prior to racing again. A post race veterinary examination of TALLYHO revealed no significant findings.
A post race veterinary examination of ROCKER (G. Colless) revealed the horse to be lame in the off fore leg. Trainer K. Schweida will be advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced prior to ROCKER again racing.
Following the running of this event the track was upgraded to a Dead 4 retrospective.
Race 4: Queensland Times Provincial Cup - 2150m
1st - Random Orbit 2nd - Crosscannons 3rd - Handsome Dane 4th - Kevejon
EASY LAGER was withdrawn by stewards acting on veterinary advice at 1.57 p.m. after the horse was found to be lame in the near fore leg. All monies invested on EASY LAGER were ordered to be refunded. Deductions applicable to bets placed on winner and placegetters prior to 1.57 p.m.:-
11 cents in the dollar for the winner # 7 (RANDOM ORBIT)
11 cents in the dollar for the place of winner #7 (RANDOM ORBIT)
10 cents in the dollar for the 2nd place #3 (CROSSCANNONS)
11 cents in the dollar for the 3rd place #12 (HANDSOME DANE)
Trainer R. Milne was advised that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced prior to EASY LAGER again racing.
Shortly after the start KELTIC HONOUR (M. Hellyer) was tightened for room between BILLUM (R. Wiggins) and EPIC FAITH (App M. Vance), which was taken in by RANDOM ORBIT (App K. Matheson).
Rounding the turn out of the front straight CARN (G. Geran) improved up onto the heels of EPIC FAITH and shifted out taking CROSSCANNONS (G. Killen) wider on the track.
CLANGOR (R. McMahon) raced wide in the early stages of the event.
For some distance approaching the home turn WACHEEM (M. Walker) was held up when awkwardly placed at the heels of CLANGOR.
WACHEEM was again held up for clear running shortly after entering the home straight until near the 100m and was then forced to race in restricted room between CARN and CLANGOR over the concluding stages.
WACHEEM raced wide throughout the event.
P. Holmes reported that FOOTSTEPSINTHEDUST was inclined to hang in from a point leaving the 1000m placing him at a disadvantage.
Race 5: Sky Racing World Gai Waterhouse Fillies & Mares Quality Listed Classic - 1350m
1st - Gai's Choice 2nd - Mascareri 3rd - Miss Barwang 4th - Dual Chamber
Near the 500m GAI'S CHOICE (J. Ford) shifted out to improve taking DUAL CHAMBER (E. Wilkinson) wider on the track.
VIVA LAS (L. Cassidy) lost ground suddenly from the 500m resulting in HIDDEN KISSES (J. Byrne) which was trailing that horse having to be severely checked near the 400m to avoid that horse's heels.
GAI'S CHOICE and DUAL CHAMBER made the home turn extremely wide.
VIVA LAS collapsed in the home straight after being retired from the event. The veterinary surgeon reported that VIVA LAS had collapsed and died and a post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death. .
GAI'S CHOICE and MOSSRIVER (App M. Vance) both raced wide throughout the event.
Stewards sought an explanation from J. Lloyd in respect to the seemingly disappointing performance of ANDROMACHE. J. Lloyd reported the horse was somewhat fractious in the barriers and as a result missed the start about a neck. Consequently he was forced to settle the mare further back in the field than he would have liked. J. Lloyd added that he commenced to pressure the mare from the 600m however, it did not respond and proved disappointing in the home straight. After consulting with connections after the race it was agreed that the mare may have been disadvantaged by dropping back in distance at that stage of its preparation.
E. Wilkinson the rider of DUAL CHAMBER was find the sum of $100.00 for failing to weigh in as 4th placegetter. In assessing penalty stewards were conscious of his exemplary record and were satisfied that the horse had carried the correct weight in accordance with AR142.
Race 6: Channel 7 Ipswich Cup Quality Listed - 2150m
1st - Shenzhou Steeds 2nd - Kinnersley 3rd - Warrior Within 4th - Mr Light Blue
SHUFFLE THE CASH was declared a late scratching at 9.48 a.m. acting on veterinary advice.
FANTASTIC BLUE (G. Colless) lost its footing at the start and as a result was slow to begin.
ALTONIO (R. McMahon) was slow to begin.
Leaving the 600m SHENZHOU STEEDS (E. Wilkinson) commenced to shift out around the heels of AUSWORLD (G. Cooksley) to obtain clear running and in doing so forced GINGA DUDE (J. Taylor) wider on the track and again near the 400m shifted out bumping GINGA DUDE which became momentarily unbalanced.
WARRIOR WITHIN (P. Hammersley) raced in restricted room from leaving the 150m to the 50m when racing between PLAYACTION (L. Cassidy) and MR LIGHT BLUE (J. Lloyd), both of which shifted ground under pressure.
Stewards sought an explanation from J. Taylor regarding the performance of GINGA DUDE. J. Taylor stated that the horse enjoyed a nice passage during the race trailing AUSWORLD however, after receiving contact from SHENZHOU STEEDS passing the 600m when that horse shifted out to improve GINGA DUDE did not accelerate as expected and may have felt the effects of the 60 kilo impost over the concluding stages of the event. A post race veterinary examination of GINGA DUDE revealed no abnormalities.
Race 7: City of Ipswich Eye Liner Quality Listed Stakes - 1350m
1st - Belltone 2nd - Jetset Lad 3rd - Adnocon 4th - Prost
DURHAM TOWN (J. Byrne), which was fractious in the barriers, was unloaded and examined by the veterinary surgeon and passed suitable to race.
P. Hammersley the rider of GUNDY SON reported that his saddle shifted at about the 1200m.
Near the 200m GUNDY SON (P. Hammersley) had to be steadied from the heels of BRIGADOON JACK (E. Wilkinson), which shifted in to obtain clear running to the inside of DURHAM TOWN. At the same stage JOINT CHIEFS (M. Hellyer) laid in resulting in STEEL ZIP (G. Cooksley) becoming awkwardly placed on the heels of GUNDY SON.
ADNOCON (D. Browne) travelled wide throughout the event.
G. Colless reported that FUNTANTES did not appreciate the yield in the surface of today's track.
Stewards intend to seek an explanation from G. Cooksley in regards to his riding of STEEL ZIP over the concluding stages.
Race 8: Schweppes T.L. Cooney QTIS 3YO H'Cap - 1350m
1st - Diet 2nd - Divine City 3rd - Epic Terra 4th - Dorchester
BEVICO GIRL (P.Hammersley) and DIVINE CITY (C. Munce) were both slow to begin.
VACALLO (D. Browne) and SLYSERA (J. Byrne) bumped on jumping away.
Near the 1100m VACALLO which was overracing had to be restrained from the heels of URUNGA (L. Rolls).
Near the 500m TROILUS FUSE (A. Spinks) faltered and became unbalanced and then shifted out and had to be restrained from the heels of O'GRADY (G. Cooksley).
DIVINE CITY, BRAUHAUSER (G. Colless) and AMETSIS (R. McMahon) all raced wide throughout the event.
FLEMINGTON
Race 1 – PROGRAMMED PROPERTY SERVICES HANDICAP - 1200 metres:
The start of this race was delayed when Kainji Rock proved difficult to load in the barriers. Stable representative Mr G Fennessy was advised that a formal warning would go on the colt’s record regarding its barrier manners and it would also have to compete in a trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards before being permitted to race again.
From the 500m Dispatch was unable to improve its position when disappointed for clear running before being shifted out near the 200m.
After passing the 300m Stars In The Sky was held up for clear running between Jarrah Twist and Shoreham before being shifted out near the 100m and made ground to the winning post.
Simpatico failed to run on in the straight and a subsequent veterinary examination of the gelding after the race revealed no abnormalities.
Race 2 – TATTSBET.COM HANDICAP - 1200 metres:
At the start Reigning Lass jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and bumped Babel.
When questioned regarding the performance of Grecian Melody (NZ) today, L Nolen explained that the filly handled today’s track conditions however may not have been suited being ridden so close without cover. A subsequent veterinary; examination revealed no abnormalities.
D Yendall, rider of Babel (unplaced), advised that the filly over-raced in the early stages and in his view this was the reason for its disappointing performance.
Race 3 – CHANDLER MACLEOD HANDICAP - 2000 metres:
Aeronwy (IRE) was slow away.
The Night’s Hot pulled hard during the event.
Approaching the 400m Aeronwy (IRE) had to change course in across the heels of Manila Jewel to obtain a clear run.
Near the 350m Blue Nile brushed the running rail.
Race 4 – SWIFT SIGNS HANDICAP - 2000 metres:
Mr T Kelly was cautioned for failing to have Twin Eagles on course by the prescribed time.
My Bentley (NZ) was slow to begin.
Also at the start Dubhdara (NZ) jumped away awkwardly, shifted in and bumped Twin Eagles resulting in both horses getting unbalanced.
Passing the 1400m Model To Nite (NZ), which was pulling hard, had to be checked off the heels of Geejayhaitch.
From the 1200m Twin Eagles raced wide without cover.
Approaching the 800m Magnifique Soleil, which was over-racing, had to shift out abruptly to avoid the heels of Dubhdara (NZ) and as a result shifted out forcing Twin Eagles wider on the track.
When questioned regarding the performance of Magnifique Soleil, J Rule was of the view that the reason the gelding failed to perform today, in his opinion, was due to the gelding over-racing quite badly which prevented the horse finishing the race off.
J Rule was fined $400 under AR137(b) for failing to ride Magnifique Soleil out to the winning post at least hands and heels, and in the view of the Stewards prevented that horse from being fifth placegetter.
When questioned regarding the apparent improved performance of My Bentley (NZ) today L Nolen explained that the gelding seems to perform better when ridden with some cover and not expose the horse too early in the straight and with the blinkers added today, aided in the manner in which he rode the horse. Trainer Mr M Kent stated that the gelding did not handle the rain affected track at Sandown last start and that the previous start at Flemington on May 19 was quite good after being beaten only a length after covering ground. Mr Kent added that after My Bentley (NZ) was slow away today, the horse was given the perfect run in the race and reiterated L Nolen’s thoughts that My Bentley (NZ) cannot be exposed too soon and needs to make one run at them in the straight.
The track was upgraded from Slow 6 to Dead 5 at 2.15pm after the running of this race.
Race 5 – CAFETTO SPRINT - 1200 metres:
Perturbo was slow to begin (one length).
Turbo Qui hung in.
Passing the 200m Wealthy Lad was eased to avoid the heels of Rue Maple (D Lane) which shifted to the inside of Shock Value. D Lane was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care.
D Pires (Turbo Qui) was issued with a severe reprimand for using his whip seven times forehand prior to the 100m which is two more times than permitted.
D Dunn, rider of Wealthy Lad, was questioned regarding that gelding’s overall performance and he explained that in his opinion the horse was quite disappointing, raced awkwardly with its head up and after suffering some interference near the 200m then wanted to hang out, and then over the concluding stages made ground again. Stable representative Mr S Webb said that Wealthy Lad had a perfect preparation leading into today’s race and expected it to be competitive however to his knowledge the stable never supported the gelding today, nor did they when it won at its last start at Sandown on June 2. Mr Webb further added that the intentions were to step Wealthy Lad up to a 1400m race at Caulfield next Saturday.
Race 6 – DOMINANT TORNEY CUP - 1600 metres:
Prior to the running of Race 4 trainer Mr M Kent advised that they would attempt to have Philda ridden forward today due to the step up in distance. Philda led and failed to run on in the straight.
Luvbite was slow away.
When the pace steadied passing the 1200m Eraset commenced to over-race resulting in Sandhill Prince, which was following, having to be checked to avoid that horse’s heels.
Even Adam commenced a three wide move without cover from the 700m however failed to run on in the straight. A subsequent veterinary examination of the gelding after the race revealed no abnormalities.
Race 7 – CITY JEEP ‘DON’T HOLD BACK’ HANDICAP - 1410 metres:
Mr G Fennessy, stable representative for trainer Mr D Hayes, was cautioned for failing to have World Domination on course by the prescribed time.
Banker On Nine over-raced in the early and middle stages.
De Triomphe made a three wide move in the early and middle stages to gain a position outside the leader near the 800m.
Manhattan Maid raced wide without cover as did Cliques.
After passing the 200m J Rule (Manhattan Maid) dropped his off side rein and took approximately several strides to regain it.
J Noonan, rider of Composing, advised that the gelding did not handle today’s track conditions.
Race 8 – CITY JEEP ‘I BOUGHT A JEEP’ HANDICAP - 1200 metres:
Prior to the running of Race 6 trainer Mr C Parry advised that it was the intention to have Charlottes Mint ridden closer today if circumstances permit as it failed to run on at its last Flemington start down the straight over the 1200m. Charlottes Mint settled mid-field and ran on for second.
Trainer Mr C Parry was cautioned regarding his conduct directed towards Club officials who were controlling the horse gate area today.
Auriegirl jumped awkwardly then shifted in abruptly after the start.
Vintage Triumph, which was having its first start back from a spell, weakened over the concluding stages and a subsequent veterinary examination of the mare revealed no abnormalities.
Trainer Mr M Price explained that Inablitz is better suited on drier tracks. A post race veterinary examination of Inablitz revealed no abnormalities.
L Nolen (Legion’s Belle) could offer no explanation for the disappointing performances of his mount. A post race veterinary examination of Legion’s Belle revealed no abnormalities.
During the course of the Stewards conducting routine race day stable inspections, trainer Mr R Maund (Rapidement) was reminded of his obligations, under the rules, to comply with the requirements to notify the RVL Integrity Department when horses are moved from their normal training location. The Stewards accepted that there were some circumstances in this particular matter and that is the reason why no direct action was taken by way of penalty.
ROSEHILL
RACE 1: Australian Turf Club Significant Prelude 1600m:
Approaching the first turn Undoubted Glory had to be checked when it improved to the inside of the heels of Hawkspur, which shifted in. App. C Schofield, rider of Daruna, accidentally dropped his whip near the 75m.
When questioned concerning Queen’s Elect being ridden back in the field, G Schofield stated that his instructions from stable representative Mr S Rankin was not to lead under any circumstances and he therefore elected to restrain out of the barriers. He added he was able to track second placegetter, Hawkspur, into the straight and, whilst the first two placegetters were too strong, he felt in the circumstances, with the filly’s big weight in the conditions, the run of Queen’s Elect was creditable. Mr S Rankin, stable representative for trainer Mr D Payne, confirmed that the only instruction given to G Schofield was not to lead on Queen’s Elect and, apart from that, the tactics were left in the rider’s hands.
RACE 2: Sydney Banana Wholesalers Handicap 1500m:
Kobi Sun and Ivanhoe, which were both scratched on veterinary grounds last Saturday, were examined by the Club's Veterinary Officer and passed fit to start. Kobi Sun jumped away very awkwardly. Be Kind To Me and Roulette Prince was slow to begin. Zar Zar Binks laid out rounding the home turn. On the home turn Masahiko shifted out and bumped Sacred Star. De La Dilo and Nikody were both inclined to lay out in the straight. Eight Straight dipped on a number of occasions in the straight.
When questioned regarding the performance of Masahiko, T Berry stated that his instructions had been to endeavor to race off the fence, but he was unable to fully comply with those instructions due to his barrier and due to Sacred Star racing to his outside for much of the journey. He added that Masahiko dipped shortly after the start, was never at all comfortable in the going and in the straight was reluctant to stretch out. Trainer Mrs G Waterhouse stated Masahiko had pleased the stable since its second placing at Canterbury on 6 June 2012 and, although there had been some difficulties with available training conditions due to the weather, she was fully satisfied with the condition of Masahiko going into the race. When questioned question as to the inability of Masahiko to handle the heavy track today, Mrs Waterhouse stated at Canterbury the track condition, whilst heavy, was superior to the going today and, in her opinion, the gelding was further disadvantaged today by racing in a heavier section of the track for the majority of the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Masahiko revealed the gelding to be displaying a poor post-race recovery. Stewards ruled that Masahiko must trial to their satisfaction prior to its next race. Mrs Waterhouse indicated Masahiko would be spelled and undertook to report the results of a full vet check by the stable veterinarian.
RACE 3: Freshworld Handicap 1200m:
Think Mink shifted out, resulting in Sea Gem shifting out and causing Smash Hit to be inconvenienced. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Bonzerina, App. L Wray stated that, in her view, the mare did not handle the step up to Saturday metropolitan class.
A post-race veterinary examination of Bonzerina did not reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Ingham Magic, which weakened badly over the concluding stages, revealed the filly to be coughing on return to scale. Trainer Mr C Waller was asked to produce a veterinary clearance for Bonzerina prior to its next start.
RACE 4: Champs Cafe Handicap 1300m:
Prince Monashee was a late withdrawal at 9.24am on a vet’s certificate. The Owl shifted in at the start and bumped Bello. First Look overraced in the early stages.
When questioned, R Quinn, rider of Mecir, stated the gelding failed to handle the very heavy conditions. A post-race veterinary examination of Mecir revealed the gelding to have sustained a speedy cut to its near hind leg.
When questioned regarding the performance of The Owl, which was resuming, C Brown stated the gelding never handled the heavy track conditions at any stage and was a beaten horse approaching the home turn. He added that when it was apparent that The Owl was well beaten he desisted from pushing his mount out over the concluding stages. A post-race veterinary examination of The Owl did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr P Snowden undertook to report back on the progress of The Owl.
RACE 5: Sydney Markets Limited Stayers Cup 3200m:
Roi D’Jeu, which was found to have a mild abscess to the off foreleg after galloping on Tuesday, 12 June 2012, was examined by the Club's Veterinary Officer and passed fit to start. At the 1500m Reigning got its head up when being checked off the heels of Star Hawk. Star Hawk blundered in the going shortly afterwards.
RACE 6: N & A Fruit Distributors Handicap 1500m:
Permission was granted to trainer Mr S Aspery to withdraw Flight Of Pegasus at 12.55pm on the grounds of the track downgrade. Havana Rey was slow to begin.
When interviewed, rider H Bowman and trainer T Martin advised that the disappointing performance of Skip Town was attributable to the heavy track conditions. Mr Martin undertook to report if there is anything amiss with Skip Town subsequent to the race. A post-race veterinary examination of Skip Town revealed the gelding to be displaying a poor post-race recovery.
When questioned, App. C Schofield, rider of Isle Be Ready, stated that the disappointing performance of the gelding, in his view, was attributable to the step up in class and also Isle Be Ready may not have backed up from its win at Canterbury on 6 June 2012. A post-race veterinary examination of Isle Be Ready revealed the gelding to have an abrasion to the left hip.
When questioned as to his instructions on Flying Zero, which raced keenly and took up a position outside the leader, Conroy’s Gap, B Avdulla stated that, bearing in mind the deteriorating weather and track conditions, he had been instructed to take up a position behind the speed, but ultimately was not able to find cover on the gelding.
RACE 7: Perfection Fresh Handicap 1500m:
Trainer Mr M Hood was interviewed in light of not having scratched Al’s Gold prior to 7.30 this morning with a track rating of Heavy (9), when he made an application to the Stewards at Warwick Farm on 2 June 2012 to withdraw the gelding on a slow track. Mr Hood explained that in that application at Warwick Farm he had indicated to the Stewards that Al’s Gold had ongoing hip issues, which had now resolved and he was reluctant to start the gelding at Warwick Farm on what he considered to be a shifting surface. Mr Hood was advised that the Stewards in future would be reticent to agree to any further late applications for Al’s Gold to be withdrawn on the basis of rain affected tracks. At the 900m Slick Sniper got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of Mossamine. Tropicana Girl, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Trainer Mr T Bartley reported that Slick Sniper was found to have sustained a laceration to its mouth. Tropicana Girl was held up rounding the home turn. Over the concluding stages Slick Sniper was inclined to lay in under pressure. App. L Wray, rider of third placegetter, Slick Sniper, was reminded of her obligations to ride her mounts out to the finish line. A post-race veterinary examination of Mossamine, which weakened in the straight after being obliged to race wide throughout, did not reveal any abnormalities. A post-race veterinary examination of Calvo did not reveal any abnormalities.
RACE 8: Gaypak/United Fruit Handicap 1900m:
Stewards acceded to a request from trainer Mr C Waller to withdraw Republic Lad at 2.44pm on the grounds that the gelding had previously not performed on very heavy tracks, is second up today and had previously suffered a tendon injury. African Prince was slow to begin. Near the 500m and again on straightening Caroun was hampered when taken out by Red Eye Special (App. S Clipperton), which shifted ground. App. S Clipperton was advised that he must make more effort to keep his mounts straight.
When questioned App. S Guymer, rider of Gazza Guru stated that his mount was trapped wide throughout with its big weight and did not handle the very heavy track.
When questioned, G Schofield (Praise Be) and App. J Adams (The Zeebac) both advised the Stewards that their mounts had failed to handle the heavy going, particularly in the home straight when under pressure and, as a result, were disappointing. Post-race veterinary examinations of Gazza Guru, The Zeebac and Praise Be did not reveal any abnormalities.
App. S Clipperton, rider of Red Eye Special, was reprimanded under AR137A(5)(a)(i) in that he used the whip in consecutive strokes in a forehand manner prior to the 100m.
RACE 9: Sydney Markets Foundation Handicap 1100m:
Girls Go Racing jumped away awkwardly (2L). Brian’s Honour was slow to begin. Millenium Ruler jumped awkwardly and came into contact with Famous Seamus. R Freeman-Key, rider of the winner, Famous Seamus, accidentally dropped her whip near the 200m.
When questioned, H Bowman, rider of Hurrara, stated that, whilst he had to make some use of his mount in a pressure race, racing three wide on the speed, his mount travelled well, but when placed under pressure in the straight failed to handle the heavy track conditions. He added over the concluding stages Hurrara pulled up very quickly and he did not pursue riding his mount, as he felt there may be something amiss with the gelding. A post-race veterinary examination of Hurrara did not reveal any abnormalities.
When questioned, C Brown, rider of Millenium Ruler, reported that his mount got back in the field after missing the start and did not handle the very heavy track conditions. A post-race veterinary examination of Millenium Ruler did not reveal any abnormalities.