THERE was a sweet and sour side of racing at Caulfield on Saturday for one of the most popular jockeys in the country who some punters have labeled ‘Miracle’ Melham.
The moniker follows the similarities that young Ben has encountered during the meteoric rise of his riding career to those of ‘Miracle’ Mal Johnston when it comes to falling foul of stewards for careless riding.
One of the most popular jockeys of his era, ‘Miracle’ Mal is as much remembered for the 56 career suspensions that he suffered as his 2000-plus winning rides in 11 countries and an association with the great Kingston Town.
‘Miracle’ Melham has a long way to go to catch the suspension record of ‘Miracle’ Mal but his careless riding roller-coaster continued when he was a victim of circumstances on the star Peter Moody-trained mare LIGHTS OF HEAVEN in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Melham was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t – an inside barrier casualty as feared by the stable pre-race – which saw him caught up behind tiring runners from the turn. While Lights of Heaven was desperately trying to get clear the proven weight-for-age performer WHOBEGOTYOU had the momentum and went on to win.
In his desperation to get Lights of Heaven out – and protect punters around the country who had plunged heavily on the early Caulfield Cup favorite – Melham shunted into the clear and copped another suspension.
It has become very much an occupational hazard for him in recent months with stewards concerned about his record and Melham spending an unfortunate amount of time on the sideline. At least the interference caused at the weekend was rated in the lower grade by stewards who rightly insist that safety is paramount in racing.
Miracle Melham continues to be sidelined for careless riding for trying to get well backed runners into the clear to give them every chance. The irony is that he copped time for pushing out to win on PERTURBO recently but some months before was the subject of a running and handling inquiry because he got boxed up on stable-mate MONTGOMERY which was rated a certainty beaten when he waited for a run and got clear too late finishing second. It’s easy to see how a jockey in his situation could feel he is in a ‘no-win’ situation.
Melham, who bounced back from the unlucky loss of Lights of Heaven to win the Group 3 Cockram Stakes for the mares on the Moody-trained MID SUMMER MUSIC also teamed with his good mate, trainer Jason Warren, to continue the unbeaten run of promising BEL SPRINTER in the Listed Anniversary of National Service Stakes.
“It was a roller coaster day and didn’t end well,” Melham told the racing panel on Radio Sport National. “I debated with Mr Bailey (chief steward) for a while but it is hard to win with him and in the end I threw my hand up. I tried to explain I felt edging out (on Lights of Heaven) wasn’t careless. I felt I wasn’t putting any rider in any danger.
“He understood I was riding one of the favorites. I would have been in trouble if I hadn’t taken that run. But he (Bailey) certainly wasn’t happy with me coming out.”
Melham said Moody wanted him to take a sit and teach Lights of Heaven to relax heading toward bigger spring goals. “We knew the risks. With an ounce of luck I think we probably beat the winner (Whobegotyou). He got the momentum up and we got held up for a run. She is a high class mare and deserves to be right there in the betting for the Cups.”
WHOBEGOTYOU and LIGHTS OF HEAVEN are headed in different directions but look set for terrific spring campaigns – both will derive a stack of benefit from Saturday’s first-up outings. Whobegotyou is $9 early favorite for the Cox Plate and Lights of Heaven is now outright $8 favorite for the Caulfield Cup.
CHRIS WALLER dominated at Rosehill with a winning treble on Saturday but the down-side of the Sydney meeting was the terrible on-pace track bias which saw only one winner, the heavily-backed ALTIUS in the last, come from further back than third on the turn.
FOXWEDGE and ZARATONE won the San Domenico and Starlight Stakes but both raced on the pace. ANISE looked a good thing beaten coming from last to run Foxwedge to a half length.
It was a full moon on Saturday and that was reflected in the results at Eagle Farm where five heavily-backed favorites were successful. What odds that trend doesn’t continue in the weeks ahead?
Corporate bookmakers suffered another ‘black day’ on Saturday with stories surfacing about one operator going to the wall. It was the second successive weekend that punters have got the better of proceedings down the east coast.
HERE’S OUR POST-MORTEM OF CAULFIELD:
STAR OF THE SHOW: WHOBEGOTYOU returned to racing with a first-up win in the G2 Lawrence Stakes despite the reservations expressed by trainer Mark Kavanagh who tends to down-play his horses pre-race. Australia’s best miler will take a ton of improvement from the outing and looks set for a top campaign heading to the spring.
BEST RIDES: BEN MELHAM who dictated on the promising BEL SPRINTER in the Listed Anniversary of National Service Stakes then rode the patient race to win on the Moody-trained MIDSUMMER MUSIC in the G3 Cockram Stakes for the mares.
DOWNSIDE OF THE DAY: Another careless riding suspension suffered by BEN MELHAM, desperately trying to get into the clear on LIGHTS OF HEAVEN in the Lawrence. The draw was always going to be an obstacle but plenty came away believing the mare should have beaten WHOBEGOTYOU.
MOST IMPRESSIVE WIN: THE return to racing of last season’s brilliant juvenile SEPOY to win the Listed Vain Stakes when he led and exploded away from the field when asked to sprint by McEvoy.
DISAPPOINTMENTS OF THE DAY: MODULE, below his best when odds-on in the first and is going for a spell. CITY OF SONG, which enjoyed a perfect run but dropped out when 10th to SATIN SHOES in the Listed Quezette and DO RA MI, backed from $11 to $6 1st-up, but never sighted behind stable-mate MID SUMMER MISIC when 12th in the Cockram Stakes.
ARGUMENT HE COULDN’T WIN: BEN MELHAM defending his careless riding charge with chief steward Terry Bailey after the Lawrence Stakes: “I debated with Mr Bailey for a while but it is hard to win with him and in the end I threw my hand up. I tried to explain I felt edging out (on Lights of Heaven) wasn’t careless. I felt I wasn’t putting any rider in any danger.” It didn’t matter, Melham was again sidelined.
COMMENT FOR THE FUTURE: BEN MELHAM, after LIGHTS OF HEAVEN finished second to WHOBEGOTYOU: “With an ounce of luck I think we probably beat the winner. He got the momentum up and we got held up for a run. She is a high class mare and deserves to be right there in the betting for the Cups.”
DIFFERENCE IN HOW TWO TRAINERS TREAT THE PUNTERS: PETER MOODY was quite open before the Lawrence in his assessment of LIGHTS OF HEVAEN, saying she had worked brilliantly but the worry was the inside draw. MARK KAVANAGH, trainer of WHOBEGOTYOU, warned punters the horse was under-done, talking its chances down, despite the fact that it had the weight-for-age form on the board and had been beaten in the past first-up by some top gallopers.
BIGGEST BETTING MOVES: TESTACANA into $1.50 before winning the second; SEPOY carried one bet of $200,000 when a $1.25 winner of the third; BEL SPRINTER, $4 to $3.2 in the National Service Stakes; LIGHTS OF HEAVEN, $3 to $2.1, when an unlucky second in the Lawrence; DO RA MI, $11 to $6 when 12th in the Cockram and BIANCON ROSE, $3 to $2.3 winner of the last.
UNLUCKY RUNNERS: GOLDEN ARCHER, forced to track wide when a well beaten but game 1st-up 2nd to SEPOY in the Vain Stakes. GLISSADE, forced into the role of pacemaker which did not suit when 1st-up 4th in Quezette. LIGHTS OF HEAEN (already well documented).
HORSES TO FOLLOW: HISSING SID, big 4th first-up behind TESTACANA. PARABLES, eye-catching 1st-up 2nd to MID SUMMER MUSIC in the Cockram. HEAD NORTH, terrific 1st-up 2nd to BIANCON ROSE in the last.
STEWARDS INQUIRIES OR ACTIONS AT CAULFIELD:
RACE 1 – RSL HANDICAP - 2000m:
Trainer C Hyland advised stewards prior to the first race that it was stable’s intention today to have Crabs (NZ) ridden more quietly with cover if possible. Crabs (NZ) settled a little worse than mid field with cover, however it pulled hard.
Indikator (NZ) made a three wide move without cover from the 1000m. Indikator (NZ) shifted in when struck with the whip near the 200m, inconveniencing Midnight Glory, which shifted out. Crabs (NZ), when making ground over the concluding stages, was held up and was unable to be ridden right to the winning post.
App J Mallyon (Dolphin Jo) stated that in his view his mount raced flat today and failed to respond to his riding in the straight. A subsequent veterinary examination of Dolphin Jo, which failed to run on, did not find any abnormality.
D Oliver (Module NZ) explained that his mount was disappointing as it raced flat and it was possible that the gelding races best on short preparations. Trainer P Gelagotis confirmed that Module (NZ) would now be spelled.
C Williams (De Arias NZ) reported that his mount hung out most of the way and, in his view, this cost the horse fourth placing.
B Melham (Midnight Glory) stated that, in his view, his mount failed to run out the journey of today’s event.
RACE 2 – 2011 LEGACY BADGE APPEAL HANDICAP - 1600m:
Prior to this race C Symons approached the stewards after conferring with trainer G Eurell to advise that it was the stable’s intention to ride Lakedro closer to the speed today due to the wide barrier draw and the apparent lack of speed in the race. Lakedro settled third.
Zagreb was slow to begin. Near the 1400m Diggersanddealers was eased when tightened for room between Akzar (IRE) and Dark Note which shifted in away from Lakedro. Riceman over-raced in the early and middle stages. Langridge Street raced wide without cover. A subsequent veterinary examination of Langridge Street did not find any abnormality. Near the 250m Dark Note had to be eased when tightened for room between Lakedro and Akzar (IRE) (M Payne) which shifted in when not fully clear. M Payne was severely reprimanded and reminded of her obligations under the rules when allowing her mount to shift ground. Shortly after this incident near the 200m, Riceman had to be eased and shifted in to avoid the heels of Dark Note, which was giving ground.
C Newitt (Dark Note) reported that it was not the pre race plans to have his mount as close as he did given that Dark Note began well and there was not a lot of speed.
J Mallyon (Diggersanddealers) explained that his mount was unable to sprint when placed under pressure. A subsequent veterinary examination of Diggersanddealers did not find any abnormality.
RACE 3 – TPI ASSOCIATION VAIN STAKES (LISTED) - 1100m:
Prior to the declaration of correct weight C Symons (Delago’s Lad), 4th placegetter, viewed the stewards' video before deciding not to lodge an objection.
Snitzem, which was a little slow to begin, then lost ground after being bumped by Golden Archer, which shifted out. Awaken The Dragon (NZ) and Golden Archer over-raced in the early stages. Golden Archer continued to over race when wide without cover. Rounding the home turn More Awesome and Awaken The Dragon (NZ) were unable to improve their position when held up for clear running until entering the straight. Golden Archer lay in under pressure in the straight. After passing the 200 metres Grand Brittania shifted in to improve when not fully clear of Delago’s Lad, which had to be eased and shifted out to obtain a clear run.
A subsequent veterinary examination Grand Brittania revealed the colt to be lame in the right hind leg. A veterinary certificate of fitness is required prior to Grand Brittania racing again.
During the running of the race Golden Archer lost the near hind plate.
RACE 4 – DUNLITE QUEZETTE STAKES (LISTED) - 1100m:
M Zahra had to be replaced as the rider of Forever The Chill in this race due to being overweight and Rubinacci in Race 8. After considering M Zahra’s explanation and accepting that he had not been formally engaged to ride Rubinacci, stewards took into account M Zahra’s good record in this area and therefore took no action.
Cute Emily got unbalanced after jumping away and was inconvenienced slightly by Rahveel, which shifted out. Song Of The Bell raced wide without cover. Metonymy was unable to improve its position from the 500m and was held up rounding the home turn before gaining clear running nearing the 300m. Rounding the home turn Forever The Chill was held up for clear running and in the early part of the straight.
Rounding the home turn Mosheen had difficulty in obtaining a clear run and shifted out near the 300m to improve and in doing so inconvenienced Cute Emily.
B Melham (Cute Emily) reported that the filly was under pressure prior to the home turn and was disappointing. A subsequent veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormality.
When questioned, G Boss (Ervbefel) explained that the filly was unsettled in the barriers prior to the start and was standing awkwardly and as he was about to attempt to adjust the left side stirrup the start was affected resulting in him having to take hold, which was the reason why his mount missed the start. Ervbefel then continued to get its head up when over racing. G Boss confirmed, in accordance with his instructions, the filly had over raced in the past and he was specifically instructed not to get his mount over racing.
RACE 5 – 60 ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL SERVICE REGAL ROLLER STAKES (LISTED) - 1200m:
Shortly after the start Jeuneyman and Chasm bumped and were then crowded for room between Bullbars and Eagle Falls, both of which shifted ground. For some distance inside the 800m Swiss Rose (NZ), which was pulling hard, had to be checked off the heels of Danzylum near the 700ms and got quite unbalanced. Rightfully Yours and Dr Nipandtuck raced wide without cover.
Rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight Chasm was held up for clear running before gaining clear running inside the 200m.
K McEvoy (Bullbars) stated that his mount may be better suited when there is more speed on over a longer distance than today’s race.
C Symons (Utah Saints) was reminded of his obligations under the current whip rules that it is offence to raise the arm above the shoulder when using the whip and that he should take steps to rectify this.
RACE 6 – BACK TO CAULFIELD PB LAWRENCE STAKES (G2) - 1400m:
Prior to Race 3 trainer P Payne advised stewards that it was the stable’s intention to try and have Cellarmaster (NZ) ridden in a more forward position today.
L Currie (Guest Wing) which finished 9th past the post lodged an objection against I’m Imposing (GB) (M Payne) being declared 8th placegetter on the grounds of alleged interference inside the final 100 metres. On the evidence it was established that passing the 100 metres I’m Imposing (GB) shifted in several horses when under pressure before being straightened by its rider however this resulted in Guest Wing being taken in behind the weakening Jungle Ruler resulting in Guest Wing having to be eased and shift back out to avoid the heels of Jungle Ruler. In the circumstances stewards were of the view that the ground Guest Wing lost as a result of the incident exceeded the short half head margin between those horses at the finish line. Therefore stewards upheld the objection and amended the placings as follows; Guest Wing (8), I’m Imposing (GB) (9). It was also noted that M Payne, in an effort to straighten her mount was unable to ride I’m Imposing (GB) out to the finish.
Mourayan (IRE) raced wide without cover. Rounding the home turn Lights Of Heaven (NZ) was held up for clear running before shifting out near the 300m.
B Melham (Lights Of Heaven NZ) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provision of AR137(a). The careless riding being that on straightening near the 300m he angled his mount out between Prince Obama and Cellarmaster NZ where there was insufficient room and in doing so made contact with Cellarmaster (NZ) which resulted in Cellarmaster (NZ) being forced out onto I’m Imposing (GB), which in turn forced Time Matters out across heels of Whobegotyou, resulting in Time Matters losing its rightful running. B Melham had his license to ride in races suspended for a total of nine meetings to commence midnight 14 August, 2011 and to expire midnight 23 August, 2011. (1 metro, 8 provincial). In assessing penalty the stewards were of the view that the incident qualified for the low range category of carelessness.
A subsequent veterinary examination of Budai (GER) did not find any abnormality.
RACE 7 – KS ENVIRONMENTAL COCKRAM STAKES (G3) - 1200m:
Lady Lynette dipped shortly after jumping away. Brazilian Pulse jumped away awkwardly and made contact with the side of the barriers.
Parables was held up rounding the home turn and in the straight and did not gain clear running until near the 150 metres.
Near the 300m Mid Summer Music shifted out to improve and in doing so made contact with Spurcific forcing that horse wider on the track which in turn inconvenienced Venus World. In the straight Brazilian Pulse wanted to lay in.
Pinker Pinker had difficulty in obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight and only got clear inside the final 100 metres.
C Williams (Brazilian Pulse) reported that the mare was disappointing and wanted to hang in. A subsequent veterinary examination of Brazilian Pulse (NZ) did not find any abnormality other than marks to the off side stifle and near side elbow.
M Walker (Do Ra Mi NZ) explained that his mount was disappointing and felt that she may be better suited at Flemington.
N Hall (Lady Lynette) explained that from the wide barrier the mare did not possess the speed to take up a forward position over the 1200m and would expect Lady Lynette to race closer when stepped up in distance.
RACE 8 – AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE HANDICAP - 1400m:
Approaching the 100m Sassy Bay was inconvenienced and had to be steadied off the heels of Head North, which shifted in.
G Boss (Little Tycoon) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provision of AR137(a). The careless riding being that near the 100m he allowed his mount to shift in when making ground when insufficiently clear of Gossip Girl resulting in Gossip Girl being checked. G Boss had his license to ride in races suspended for a total of seven meetings to commence midnight 14 August, 2011 and to expire midnight 21August, 2011. (1 metro, 6 provincial). In assessing penalty the stewards were of the view that the incident qualified for the low range category of carelessness and took into account his guilty plea and his recent good record in this area.
Near the 50m Zauberin shifted out under pressure inconveniencing Sneaky Tsu which was weakening. A subsequent veterinary examination of Gossip Girl did not find any abnormality. During the running of the race Little Tycoon lost the near fore plate.
POST MORTEM OF THE ROSEHILL MEETING
STAR OF THE SHOW: TOP trainer CHRIS WALLER back in the winner’s circle with a successful treble (FORETELLER, THE WARRIOR WOMAN and ALTIUS) – all of which cost bookmakers plenty.
DOWNSIDE OF THE DAY: THE ROSEHILL track had a major on-pace bias. The only horse in eight races that came from further back than third on the home turn was ALTIUS and it had a class edge on them in the last.
BEST WIN: ALTIUS, the half-brother to HARADASUN and ELVSTROEM, now with Chris Waller stepped up from a three-year-old win and was too strong for all-comers when heavily backed.
BEST RIDE: KATHY O’HARA going forward from a wide alley and adopting catch-me-if-you-can tactics on the under-rated ZARATONE Listed Starlight Stakes in the upset of the day at $18. The horse was having his first start since failing in the Toowoomba Weetwood in March and took advantage of the on-pace bias.
VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCES: JAY FORD, certainty beaten on ANISE, in the Listed San Domenico. He had planned to settle just off the pace but ANISE missed the start and he was forced to come from last for 2nd to FOXWEDGE, beaten only a half length – a huge run considering the on-pace bias on the day.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: RICHARD CALLANDER of TVN when interviewing his good mate, top trainer CHRIS WALLER. Asked if he had to spend his last $10, which of his three starters in the Mounties Group Handicap would he back, Waller replied: SHAWNEE GIRL. The response from Callander proved spot-on: “Chris is a great trainer and a terrible tipster.” Shawnee Girl missed the start and ran 4th; Thumbtacks the easing favorite ran a tiring 6th and the best backed of the stable trio, THE WARRIOR WOMAN, enjoyed the run of the race for Hugh Bowman and got the money.
BIGGEST BETTING MOVES: THE VERMINATOR, $5 to $3.9, when 3rd to stable-mate FORETELLER in the Premier’s Cup Prelude. Winner THE WARRIOR WOMAN, $7.5 to $4.4, in a race where stable-mate THUMBTACKS drifted from $21.7 to $4 and ran 6th. FOXWEDGE, $2.3 to $1.95, winning the San Domenico. ALTIUS, $3.2 to $2.25, biggest go of the day and winner of the last. JALI, $11 to $4.4, but went like a mule behind SWEETEST MELODY but is much better than that.
DISAPPOINTMENTS ON THE DAY: THUMBTACKS, drifting favorite and went woefully behind stable-mate, the well-backed THE WARRIOR WOMAN, but not a mention in the stewards’ report. MASTER OF DESIGN, heavily backed to run $3 favorite in the Starlight but pulled up sore and has a history of leg problems. JALI, heavily-backed to run second favorite when never sighted behind SWEETEST MELODY and has been sent for a spell.
BIGGEST FORM REVERSAL: AGISTER, backed from $15 to $10, took advantage of the on-pace bias to win the seventh in which his stable-mate LIONCUB had every chance finishing third. Both are prepared by Alan Denham. AGISTER got beaten seven lengths first-up in the heavy at Warwick Farm.
UNLUCKY RUNNERS: BRAVE THE WAY, a close 2nd to FORETELLER, held up early in straight then proved difficult to ride when laid in late. ANISE, slowly away when 2nd to FOXWEDGE in the Sam Domenico.
HORSES TO FOLLOW: STRIKE THE STARS, looking for further after fast finishing 2nd to Darci Be Good. PRESSDAY caught the eye late in a strong comeback. The Victorian DIAMOND COWBOY ran an eye-catcher at huge odds when 5th to Zaratone in the Starlight. ANISE, luckless 2nd to Foxwedge in the San Domenico.
STEWARDS INQUIRIES OR ACTIONS AT ROSEHILL:
RACE 1: Club Liverpool Handicap 1400m:
Daymo jumped awkwardly and shortly after had to be checked when crowded by Darci Be Good, which also jumped awkwardly and shifted out abruptly.
RACE 2: Merrylands RSL Premier’s Cup Prelude 1800m:
Trainer Mr A Bailey, represented by Mr C Tyrrell, was fined the sum of $100 under AR140A for initially presenting Brave The Way without a crossed noseband, part of the gelding’s approved gear.
Approaching the first turn Delago Star and Foreteller came together as Foreteller endeavoured to shift in to improve to the inside of the heels of Akinoshirabe. Brave The Way was held up and unable to improve rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight. Over the final 70m Brave The Way was inclined to lay in and proved difficult to ride out.
C Brown, rider of Foreteller, was reprimanded for not making sufficient effort to prevent his mount shifting in over the final stages of the race and, as a result, causing Viking Legend and The Verminator to be crowded.
RACE 3: Mounties Group Handicap 2000m:
Shawnee Girl, which missed the start slightly, was checked shortly afterwards when tightened between Dunrossil, which shifted in, and Com’ear, which shifted out after bumping Diamond Jim.
The saddle on Com’ear shifted forward approaching the first turn, resulting in that runner being eased out of the race by its rider D Lima. The rider’s gear was inspected and no issues were detected.
Near the 300m Diamond Jim, which had been held up, shifted out and made contact with Shawnee Girl, as Diamond Jim endeavoured to improve into a narrow gap between Shawnee Girl and Adroitly.
RACE 4: Fairfield RSL Handicap 1400m:
Iron Lace was a late withdrawal at 1.50 pm when it was found to have a painful skin condition on the near shoulder. Trainer Mr C Waller was advised he must produce a veterinary clearance prior to Iron Lace’s next race start.
Near the 100m Dailika (B Avdulla) shifted out, resulting in Hide ‘N’ Dash and Divya having to be steadied. B Avdulla was told he must make far more effort to keep his mounts straight in similar circumstances in future.
When questioned regarding the performance of Dailika, B Avdulla stated that the mare did not appear to back up from its good effort in finishing second on this track on 20 July 2011. A post-race veterinary examination of Dailika did not reveal any abnormalities.
When questioned, J Ford, rider of Jali, stated his mount showed no early pace, was never travelling well and only responded fairly to his riding over the final 500m. A post-race veterinary examination of Jali did not reveal any abnormalities. Trainer Mr M Milton agreed with J Ford that Jali had come to the end of its preparation and would now be spelled.
RACE 5: Smithfield RSL San Domenico Stakes 1100m:
When the pace steadied at the 700m Fontelina had to be checked off the heels of Foxwedge.
When questioned as to the tactics adopted on Anise and whether he could have positioned his mount closer to his principal dangers, Karuta Queen and Foxwedge, from the 600m, J Parr, rider of Anise, stated his instructions were to take up an off speed position, but his mount missed the start and was hampered shortly afterwards when taken in towards the hindquarter of Hollyweird by Boys On Tour, which shifted in. He added that he pushed the filly along in an endeavour to comply with instructions for the first 100m, but with the fast pace Anise was then unable to tack onto the back of the field. He added that at the 600m he slapped the filly up, however, it never travelled well at any point of the race. J Parr further stated that he tracked Boys On Tour into the straight and, although briefly hampered inside the 200m when Hollyweird shifted out, it was not until the final 200m that Anise responded to his riding and finished the race off well. The Stewards advised J Parr that his explanation was accepted. A post-race veterinary examination of Fontelina did not reveal any abnormalities.
RACE 6: Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Starlight Stakes 1100m:
Diamondcowboy jumped awkwardly and made contact with Pressday. Diamondcowboy then shifted out and bumped Syreon. Soul and Master Of Design bumped on jumping and shortly afterwards Atomic Force and Master Of Design were badly crowded between Soul and Zaratone (K O'Hara), which shifted in. Whilst the Stewards accepted that Zaratone had a tendency to lay in, K O'Hara was advised that in similar circumstances she must immediately stop riding and straighten her mount.
Pressday, which was overracing, had to be checked off the heels of Soul passing the 800m. Shortly afterwards Royal Discretion, which was racing tight to the inside of Soul, struck the running rail and shifted out, taking Pressday out onto Syreon.
When questioned regarding the performance of Master Of Design, C Brown stated, after receiving some buffeting at the start, he was left three wide without cover making the first turn when Soul did not cross to the rail. He added that the hard run, together with Master Of Design racing closer to the lead today, were, in his view, the principal factors for its somewhat disappointing performance. A post-race veterinary examination of Master Of Design revealed the horse to be lame in the off foreleg. Trainer Mr D Payne was advised that he would be required to tender a veterinary clearance prior to Master Of Design’s next race start.
RACE 7: Dooleys Handicap 1200m:
Kim Divine got its head down and, as the attendant endeavoured to reposition the gelding, both the blinkers and bridle were dislodged. Kim Divine was removed from the barrier, examined by the veterinary officer and passed fit to start. At the 800m Sea Lord shifted in, briefly tightening the ground of Al’s Gold. Passing the 300m Mr Cool Cat (Y Ichikawa) shifted out, resulting in Al’s Gold being taken out onto Aspinal, which became badly unbalanced when bumped by Aspinal.
RACE 8: ClubsNSW Handicap 1500m:
Bay Window shifted out at the start and buffeted Altius. Rightson was briefly held up at the entrance to the straight. At the 950m Break Card, which was overracing, had to be restrained away from the heels of Bay Window. Bay Window was inclined to over-race in the middle stages.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of 2nd placegetter, Storm Kite, as compared to its 11th placing at this track on 30 July 2011, trainer Mr R Quinton stated the previous form of the mare had been most consistent and the only explanation he could offer was that today he elected to change back to a senior rider.
POST MORTEM OF THE EAGLE FARM MEETING
STARS OF THE SHOW: APPRENTICE TIM BELL and the PATINACK TEAM landing a successful treble with JUST BEEN LUCKY, MISS CUTIE and SHAMARDASHING.
DOWNSIDE OF THE DAY: The overnight death of former top bookmaker, fearless punter and great tipster CON ‘CHUBBY’ HOLLOWAY who will be sadly missed.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: THE win by five heavily-backed favorites – MISS CUTIE, AVAILABILITY, SIMMERING, SHAMARDASHING and BELTONE. Punters took a long hard look at the sky on Saturday night and realized it was A FULL MOON.
SOMEONE WAS DAY-DREAMING: The Stewards’ Report on the sixth race on the RQ web site which states: SAM'S TOWN (J. Byrne) was tightened for room on jumping away between GRIEG (M. Hellyer) and SMUGGLER'S INN (C. Munce), both of which shifted ground. SMUGGLER’S INN was a SCRATCHING FROM THE RACE.
BEST WINS: The ROBBIE HEATHCOTE-trained stable-mates SIMMERING, completing a hat-trick of wins and the promising newcomer, AVAILABILITY, a winner of his only two starts.
BEST RIDE: TIM BELL weaving his way through the field and getting clear at the right time to win on the heavily backed MISS CUTIE.
VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCE: Joe Bowditch on the heavily-backed first-upper HAIZUM which got out of his ground and then had trouble securing a clear run before closing much too late for fifth.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS: TRUSTED PARTNER, the Lightning winner, which pulled up lame when 8th to BAZZOOKA. SWAY TO GO enjoyed a nice run but failed to fire when 6th to G’DAY OLD MATE.
BIGGEST GOES OF DAY: AVAILABILITY struck a blow for the much maligned odds-on favorites in Brisbane when a $4 to $1.8 firmer and winner of the third. HAIZUM, backed from $10 to $4 first-up on the strength of an impressive trial in Toowoomba and didn’t have a lot of luck when 5th to BAZZOOKA. SHAMARDASHING, perfectly ridden by Bell to land a $5.5 to $2.35 plunge. BELLTONE, $3 to $2.6, overcame a bad alley to win the last.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Chief steward Wade Birch when completing the inquiry into the woeful ride by Larry Cassidy on the heavily-backed RED ROYAL at Doomben a week earlier: “There is no pause button in a race,” he said. If that’s the case, perhaps they could overcome the problem by issuing trainers with remote controls when they leg these little blokes up. Once again the long-suffering punters who bet on Queensland racing copped it up the rear with a big carrot.
UNLUCKY RUNNERS: LINES OF TIME had to work hard early from a bad alley when 2nd to MISS CUTIE – should win soon. EASY RUNNING well tried and had little luck when 7th to AVAILABILITY. HAIZUM should have finished much closer when bloked for a run and 5th to BAZZOOKA.
HORSES TO FOLLOW: LUCKY TYCOON, strong 1st-up 2nd from a bad alley behind AVAILABILITY. SAM’S TOWN got further back than expected after early trouble when 3rd to SHAMARDASHING. MR NICHOLAS ran an eye-catcher 1st-up closing late behind BELLTONE.
STEWARDS INQUIRIES OR ACTIONS AT EAGLE FARM:
RACE 1: Madison Cleaning Services F&M Class 6 H'cap - 1200m
1st - Just Been Lucky 2nd - Aladah 3rd - Catashee 4th - Sweepstaking
ROSE SOFIA (J. Stanley) was tightened for room on jumping away between ALADAH (A. Spinks) and ELIMBARI (J. Byrne), which shifted out and away from CHASTE (C. Munce). Near the 1000m, SISTER HAVANA (G. Colless) was momentarily tightened for room when racing inside of NIGHT ESCORT (J. Letherby), which shifted in.
The leader CHASTE (C. Munce) and the runner to its outside NIGHT ESCORT both over-raced in the middle stages of the race. QUEEN OF CASTILLE (J. Taylor) laid in behind the heels of SPECIAL SOMETHING (R. McMahon) in the early part of the straight.
RACE 2: Herston Smash Repair F&M NMW H'cap - 1500m
1st - Miss Cutie 2nd - Lines Of Time 3rd - Bitasilk 4th - Dane Princess
SCARLETTT JO (J. Byrne) and CARRY ME BABY (C. Munce) were slow to begin.
MISS CUTIE (T. Bell) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn. Approaching the 100m, MISS CUTIE was momentarily crowded for room when attempting a run between DANE PRINCESS (M. Hellyer) and FLEET RIANE (R. McMahon) when both horses shifted ground.
DANE PRINCESS had a tendency to lay in under pressure over the final 200m. JEZZAWIN (A. Spinks) raced wide for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding the performance of CARRY ME BABY, C. Munce stated that the horse raced in a dour manner today and did not respond when placed under pressure over the final 400m. He further added that the horse was up in class today. A post race veterinary examination of CARRY ME BABY failed to reveal any significant abnormalities.
RACE 3: Programmed Maintenance Services QTIS 3Y0 H'cap - 1000m
1st - Availability 2nd - Lucky Tycoon 3rd - Ferokka 4th - Witches Wonder
Subject to any further submissions from trainer D Forster, a fine of $100 will be imposed on Ms Forster regarding the late rider notification for EASY RUNNING.
WITCHES WONDER (L. Cheshire) began awkwardly. AQUATORIAL (J. Letherby) was slow to begin. AVAILABILITY (J. Byrne) knuckled over on jumping away.
EASY RUNNING (A. Butler) had difficulty obtaining clear running rounding the home turn approaching the 350m was obliged to alter course to the inside of FLAMMABLE (A. Best) in an endeavor to obtain clear running.
Leaving the 300m, FLAMMABLE (A. Best) was tightened for room when racing between MARCH TO VICTORY (J. Taylor) and FEROKKA (N. Thomas), which shifted out under pressure. N. Thomas, rider of FEROKKA, was reprimanded for failing to stop riding and straighten his mount at that stage. EXCAPISHE (S. Seamer) hung out for the majority of the event. A. Best, rider of FLAMMABLE, reported his horse had a tendency to hang out rounding the home turn and in the early stages of the straight.
Stewards questioned S. Seamer regarding the tactics adopted on EXCAPISHE today as compared to the previous tactics adopted on the gelding. S. Seamer advised stewards that the instructions given by the trainer were to ride the horse with a sit from its wide barrier. When questioned regarding this matter, trainer T. Bailey advised that he was concerned that the horse would not be able to obtain an on-pace position due to the pace in the race and its wide barrier, and he instructed the rider to try and obtain a position just off the pace. However this did not eventuate, with the horse caught racing wide for the majority of the event. Stewards noted the explanation given. Trainer T. Bailey further confirmed his disappointment with the horse's performance and indicated that EXCAPISHE would now be sent for an immediate spell.
RACE 4: UMS Uniform Management Services Open H'cap - 1000m
1st - Bazzooka 2nd - Carry The Clubs 3rd - Carry To Fortune 4th - Cat Eyes
FANGLES (L. Rolls) was fractious in the barriers prior to the start. HAIZUM (J. Bowditch) began awkwardly. CATTLEMAN (K. Yoshida) and STOLIT (M. Hellyer) were slow to begin.
HAIZUM had difficulty obtaining clear running over the final 200m. FANGLES (L. Rolls) raced wide throughout.
A post race veterinary examination of TRUSTED PARTNER revealed the gelding to be lame in the near foreleg. Connections were advised that a veterinary clearance would be required for TRUSTED PARTNER prior to its next race start.
RACE 5: Brand & Slater Architects Class 6 Plate - 2125m
1st - Simmering 2nd - King Of The Nile 3rd - Daad's Overtime 4th - Loves A Challenge
Connections advised that LOVES A CHALLENGE would be ridden off the speed today. The horse was ridden accordingly. EDDIE RAPIDO (J. Bowditch) over-raced badly during the early and middle stages of the race. Leaving the 400m, EDDIE RAPIDO (J. Bowditch) had to be checked after being disappointed for a run to the inside of MACSQUIRE (T. Bell). EDDIE RAPIDO (J. Bowditch) then had to be checked near the 200m when GO GERRY (A. Spinks) shifted out when tiring. B. Looker, rider of SUNSHINE ANGEL, lost his whip near the 200m.
KING OF THE NILE (B. Wallace) was inclined to hang in in the early part of the straight. DIAGO lost its off fore plate in running.
M. Hellyer, rider of ELEVEN OYSTERS, was reprimanded for returning to scale in excess of half a kilogram over his declared riding weight. In assessing penalty, stewards took into account that he had not been in breach of this rule previously.
RACE 6: Margaret's Anglican Girls School Benchmark 85 H'cap - 1820m
1st - Shamardashing 2nd - Raeburn 3rd - Sam's Town 4th - Molotov
Stewards approved a late rider change from A. Best to M. Palmer on TRIPITZ due to A. Best having riding engagements at another venue.
MOLOTOV (J. Taylor), which was initially slow to begin, was then tightened for room between XANTHOS (R. McMahon) and MR SLICK (A. Spinks), which shifted out. SAM'S TOWN (J. Byrne) was tightened for room on jumping away between GRIEG (M. Hellyer) and SMUGGLER'S INN (C. Munce), both of which shifted ground. ZA MAGIC (J. Bowditch) was slow to begin. Leaving the 700m, RAEBURN (B. Looker) shifted out to improve and in doing so forced TRIPITZ (M. Palmer) and SINFUL WARRIOR (S. Seamer) wider on the track.
Approaching the 400m SAM'S TOWN (J. Byrne) shifted out to improve and in doing so bumped TRIPITZ. SINFUL WARRIOR (S. Seamer) and REZONE (N. Thomas) raced wide throughout.
MR SLICK lost its near hind plate in running.
RACE 7: Rohrig CG&E Class 6 H'cap - 1200m
1st - G'day Old Mate 2nd - Mington 3rd - Ultra 4th - Seventh Heart
Subject to any further submissions being received from trainer K. Walker, a fined of $100 will be imposed for the late declaration of N. Thomas as the rider of EXPLORE THE WORLD.
SWAY TO GO (J. Byrne) and BRIGADOON JACK (L. Cassidy) came together and bumped on jumping away. BLOODHOUND (R. Hancock) was slow to begin. G'DAY OLD MATE (J. Taylor) over-raced in the early stages of the race.
Leaving the 900m, BRIGADOON JACK (L. Cassidy) and TAKE THIS WALTZ (C. Munce) were tightened for room when racing to the inside of G'DAY OLD MATE (J. Taylor), which shifted in.
SEVENTH HEART (A. Butler) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until leaving the 300m, and when endeavoring to obtain clear running at the 400m, shifted out and bumped BRIGADOON JACK. ULTRA (A. Spinks) was held up for clear running rounding the home turn and until leaving the 300m.
MINGTON (T. Bell), BRIGADOON JACK and HANDSUPFORDETROIT (B. Wallace) raced wide for the majority of the event.
TAKE THIS WALTZ lost its off fore plate in running.
RACE 8: Johnston Rorke Accountants & Valley Edge Design CG&E NMW H'cap - 1400m
1st - Belltone 2nd - River Lad 3rd - Benefaction 4th - Urnfield
As J. Byrne was dually engaged on OVERANXIOUS and BENEFACTION, J. Taylor was substituted as the rider of BENEFACTION.
Correct weight was delayed to enable stewards to view footage of the start to ascertain whether FRETON, which missed the start by a considerable distance, had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the video of the start, stewards were satisfied that FRETON missed the start as a result of its own fractious behaviour, and therefore declared the horse a runner. Trainer T. Hall was advised that he would be required to provide a barrier certificate for FRETON prior to its next race start.
FLYING ALONG (J. Letherby), which was initially slow to begin, was then tightened for room between RIVER LAD (T. Bell) and URNFIELD (E. Wilkinson), which shifted in and away from RIOQUALO (B. Looker).
Leaving the 900m, RIOQUALO (B. Looker) got its head up when restrained from the heels of BELLTONE (C. Munce).
BENEFACTION (J. Taylor) was held up rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight, and near the 200m raced in restricted room for a short distance when securing clear running.
Apprentice T. Bell, rider of RIVER LAD, was reprimanded for using his whip in consecutive strides prior to the 100m.
