Final Field for Group One SA Oaks
- Tuesday, 13 May 2003 00:00
The barriers for the big race are as follows:
01 LASHED (Graeme Rogerson)
John Didham (2) 55
02 SOUND ACTION (Roberta Maguire) Wayne Hokai (1) 55
03 JAMEELA (Tony McEvoy) Corey Brown (18) 55
04 MILANOVA (Tony McEvoy) Steven Arnold (6) 55
05 IONACOLUMBA (Charlie Goggin) (11) 55
06 DANCE ON WOOD (Lee Freedman) Vince Hall (11) 55
07 LARROCHA (Tony McEvoy) Danny Nikolic (4) 55
08 ALICAT (George Hanlon) Jason Patton (7) 55
09 JAYJAYE (Max Hinton) Reece Wheeler (a) (10) 55
10 MISTY PRINCESS (Terry O'Sullivan) Dale Smith (9) 55
11 ALI GEE (Leon Macdonald) Jason Holder (13) 55
12 GYPSY FINGERS (Clarry Conners) Chad Lever (5) 55
13 ACCLAIM (Sheila Laxon) (19) 55
14 TIONA (Ryan Balfour) (16) 55
15 PIPKIN (Barry Broook) Justin Potter (a) (17) 55
16 SAUCY SUSAN (John R Allen) Matthew Allen (14) 55
EMERGENCIES
17 FIRST LOVE (Cliff Brown) (8) 55
18 SPECIAL TEAMS (Tony McEvoy) Paul Gatt (15) 55
19 DIAMOND BROKER (Nigel Blackiston) (3) 55
Gai's Queen the Pick at Breakfast with the Stars
- Tuesday, 13 May 2003 00:00
The mare, who finished an honest sixth in the Sydney Cup last start, was put through her paces by Waterhouse's travelling foreman Charlie Cruz.
"She
had a good look around which is to be expected but she worked nicely,"' Cruz
said. "She has travelled over well and I cant fault her."
Corporate Queen won the Listed Returned Services Cup (2500m) at Randwick before getting well back from a wide gate when an unlucky sixth in the Sydney Cup.
On Monday, the mare will be ridden by top Cups jockey Chris Munce (pictured).
The stable's other Cup runner, Spillway, worked earlier this morning but has pulled up well after finishing a handy sixth in Saturday's Carlton Draught Stakes behind Le Destina.
"He has done well since the run," Cruz said. "He won't have any problems with the distance and I thought he should have finished closer on Saturday. He'll run well in the Cup."
Firetaine was another of the Cup hopeful's to work at Breakfast With The Stars.
On Saturday at Morphettville he finished a short-half-head behind Le Destina in the Carlton Draught Stakes after winning the race last year. He then went on to run a long-neck fourth to The A Train in the Cup.
Webb said the gelding had been a little behind in his campaign until last weekend's run.
"His run on Saturday topped him off well for the Cup," Webb said. "This morning he did a mile in even time and worked home at the finish, then I took him to the beach for a walk. He'll have another good hit-out on Thursday to have him ready for Monday's Cup."
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)
Tony's Toast Coasts Home in Yallambee Classic
- Saturday, 10 May 2003 00:00
A $260,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling purchase in 2001, Toast of the Coast is now a chance of backing up in next Saturday’s Group One Goodwood Handicap.
"I guess there are two issues on whether we will back her up or not," winning trainer Tony Vasil explained. "She would obviously have to pull up well enough and that will only be known over the next couple of days. The track would also have to be really no worse than good as she won’t be starting on a rain affected track."
Vasil said if the two issues are resolved and favourable for connections the daughter of champion Victorian sire Rory’s Jester would run in the Goodwood.
"It is a Group One race and she is here (in Adelaide)," Vasil said. "She has a light weight and you don’t get these chances every week."
From just 15 race starts the beautifully bred filly has racked up four wins and six minor placings and stakes earnings of $351,680.
"I guess she has turned out to be a real investment," Vasil added. "She was pretty expensive as a yearling but I was lucky the owners gave me an open cheque book and I was able to choose them the best filly in the sale."
"She was a stand out in my opinion. And she had a really nice pedigree," he added. "Now she has added a Group win to her recent Sydney stakes win she is probably worth at least $400,000 as a broodmare."
Vasil praised the talented of South Australian born and bred jockey Kerrin McEvoy who gave Toast of the Coast a "beautiful ride."
"Sometimes barrier one can be a disadvantage," Vasil said. "But I was really pleased with how the race unfolded and when she got a run in the straight she was very impressive hitting the line strongly."
Toast of the Coast has firmed in from $13 to $11 following today’s three quarter length success. The favourite remains another Magic Millions graduate, the Keith Dryden trained Into the Night ($5).
The win of Toast of the Coast is Vasil’s third stakes winner over the carnival for the stable. Last Saturday he saddled up two winners including the Goodwood bound Super Elegant and the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale graduate Under the Bridge, one of the favourite’s for next weekend’s SA Sires’ Produce Stakes.
Toast Coasting Toward Group One Goodwood
- Tuesday, 13 May 2003 00:00
The filly was an impressive winner of last Saturday's tough Group 2 Yallambee Stakes - and the win earns her an exemption from the ballot in the Goodwood.
After last weekend's win, Vasil remained uncommittal about a start in the tough Group 1 sprint but on her work at this morning's Breakfast with the Stars Vasil is keen to run.
"She has done well since the run in the Yallambee and has done nothing to suggest she can't back up this Saturday," Vasil said. "She's eaten well and is nice and bright. I will do a final blood test tomorrow to make sure but at this stage I would like to see her run."
From her last four starts the filly has won three races in three states - Moonee Valley in Victoria, the Birthday Card Stakes at Rosehill in Sydney and last weekend's Yallambee at Morphettville.
While
her stud value has skyrocketed with the two stakes wins, the lure of
even a Group 1 placing should see her line up this weekend with Stephen
Baster in the saddle.
"We took her to Sydney to add black type to her record, then she was good enough to add a Group race here last weekend," Vasil said. "If she were to even run a place in the Goodwood it would be another boost to her value as a broodmare."
Vasil wants a dry track for the filly
and, despite rain on Saturday and much on Sundayl was pleasantly
surprised at the performance of the new Morphettville track. He has been
on hand to witness both ends of the spectrum with Morphettville, having
won the Goodwood Handicap in 2000 with Marstic on a bog track before the
surface was upgraded for last year's carnival.
"I was surprised this morning at how well the track had performed after last weekend's rain," Vasil said. "The new track is brilliant. My filly need firm footing and it would take a fair bit of rain between now and the weekend to warrant a downgrade."
Morphettville was bathed in sunshine at this morning's Breakfast with the Stars and, although a shower is forecast tomorrow, fine weather is predicted for the remainder of the week.
Meanwhile
Vasil has also reported another of his youngsters Under The Bridge is on
track for Saturday's Group 3 smoke-free Sires' Produce Stakes.
The gelding was an easy winner of the Listed Alcohol Go Easy Stakes (1500m) at Morphettville a fortnight ago at just his fifth start.
"He's pulled up well after the run and worked this morning," Vasil said. "He galloped over 1200m and sprinted home his last 600m.
"He looks a good chance in the race. His breeding suggests he'll have no problems with the extra trip and he has a good turn of foot."
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)
Mummify Blitzes Rivals in SA Derby
- Saturday, 10 May 2003 00:00
Brilliant three year old Mummify’s recent first class form in three states peaked this afternoon when he blitzed his rivals in the Group One $301,600 Malaysia Airlines South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville.
A recent placegetter in both the Rosehill Guineas and AJC Australian Derby in Sydney, Mummify rounded off his Derby preparation with a runaway win in last Saturday’s listed Veuve Clicquot Stakes.
Today top Melbourne jockey Danny Nikolic had the in form gelding positioned just off the pace before obtaining a run on the inside rail and bursting to the front at the top of the straight.
Mummify, the first Group One winner for the former champion galloper Jeune, is trained by proven big race trainer Lee Freedman, the same trainer who won an SA Derby with the top class performer Subzero in 1992.
Like today’s hero, Subzero was also a bargain Magic Millions graduate. Following his win in the Derby he was backed up nine days later to win the Group One Adelaide Cup (3200m). History also tells up later in the year the flashy grey went on to race into the hearts of the nation when he triumphed in the Melbourne Cup.
Freedman, who notched up four winners around the country today, said he was unsure as to whether Mummify would attempt to follow in Subzero’s footsteps to win the Cup.
"I don’t like to make a decision straight away," Freedman said. "But if it was up to me I would probably skip the race (the Adelaide Cup), but the owners are very keen."
The trainer of today’s Group winner on the Gold Coast, Bush Padre and Moonee Valley victors Slice of Paradise and Le Zagaletta, said the young bay gelding didn’t show he was going to be a start right from the start of his career.
"He took a while to get going," Freedman reported. "He signalled how good he was in Sydney and he has delivered here in Adelaide."
Winning jockey Danny Nikolic said the three-year-old only needed a little luck in today’s race to come out on top.
"He’s the best horse and he got the best run," the successful rider reported. "We just needed a little bit of luck."
"When we got a little bit of room on the inside in the straight he speared through and proved he was the superior three-year-old in the race."
TAB Limited reacted to Mummify’s dashing two length win by trimming his price further for the Cup. His price of $4 before the Derby was cut to $3.75, but TAB spokesman Glenn Munsie said that price would drop again if he was a certain runner in the Cup.
"He’s probably be about $3 for the race if we knew he was going to start," Munsie said. "Things are still a bit up in the air. Should he run he would start the clear favourite and no doubt be the horse to beat."
Purchased by Freedman for just $41,000 at the 2001 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, Mummify was having start number 16 today. Now with three wins and nine minor placings he has amassed some $594,700 for his connections.
Today’s win by Mummify gave his Lindsay Park Stud based sire Jeune a major boost. The Derby triumph was the first at Group One level for the flash chestnut former Melbourne Cup winner and Australian Horse of the Year.
Mummify is so named as he is out of the former talented At Talaq racemare
Cleopatra’s Girl. The three-year-old was bred by South Australian based Des
Green. PICS - Fiona Tomlin.
Into the Night Into the Goodwood
- Monday, 12 May 2003 00:00
Into the Night will leave Canberra for Adelaide on Tuesday morning after winning the 800m trial heat by 11 lengths.
Internationally-experienced Melbourne jockey John Didham made a special trip to Canberra to ride Into The Night in the trial and will retain the ride in the Goodwood.
"He trialled really well," Didham said. "He won by a big margin and in good time. He felt good, he's fit and well and I'm looking forward to riding him on Saturday."
Into The Night was opposed by only three rivals in Monday’s trial but his time of 45.73 seconds was exceptional, the highlight being a sizzling last 600m in 32.28 seconds.
It was a testing trial as Into The Night’s time was almost three seconds faster than the other 800m heat run on the Canberra course on Monday morning.
Dryden had been hesitating on an Adelaide trip for Into The Night and decided to wait and trial the gelding following the sprinter’s disappointing effort in the $1 million Galaxy at Randwick on April 19 when he finished 14th of 15.
It was the worst performance of Into The Night’s 16-start career but a wide barrier on a biased track contributed to the failure.
Into The Night had previously finished second in the Star Kingdom Stakes at Rosehill after resuming with a tremendous effort for fourth in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in March.
Didham has ridden in Singapore, Dubai and New Zealand but has spent much of the last decade in Macau. He is hoping to add another Group 1 win to his record this Saturday - his last being Clay Hero for Rick Hore-Lacy in the 1989 Oakleigh Plate.
Since returning from Macau he has re-united with Hore-Lacy and will ride Pinchbeck in the Sires' Produce Stakes this Saturday and also Rinky Dink in The Jansz on Monday - Cup day.
On Saturday he will also ride Lashed in the Group 1 Feltex Carpets SA Oaks (2500m) for trainer Graeme Rogerson.
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)
Morphettville (SA)
- Saturday, 10 May 2003 00:00
TRACK:
Good
WEATHER: Showers
RAIL: Out 6 metres entire circuit
RACE 1: -TORO AUSTRALIA HANDICAP 2500 metres
Mr L Macdonald, trainer of ARABIAN TOWERS, informed Stewards that he would instruct J Holder that his preferred option would to be attempt to ride ARABIAN TOWERS off the pace in this event.
Mr A McEvoy, the trainer of MOUNT KOSCIUSKO (NZ), informed Stewards that in view of the gelding’s previous disappointing performance he would instruct K McEvoy to attempt to ride MOUNT KOSCIUSKI (NZ) in a forward position in this event.
B Claridge, the rider of NANZAKING, dropped his whip inside the 300 metres. B Claridge was fined $50 for Carelessness under ARR 137 (a).
SMURIFFIC was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who confirmed that the mare had an indication of blood in its offside nostril following the race.
RACE 2: -smoke-free STAKES - 1050 metres
Shortly after the start IN SITU (J Maund) shifted in and brushed SKY SPARKLE (K McEvoy).
Inside the 800 metres WARDROOM (W Kerford), which was inclined to lay in and away from PINCHBECK (J Didham), brushed the running rail on a number of occasions.
Near the 700 metres ON FOCUS (J Bowditch) was obliged to steady off the heels of AL SAMOUD (S King), which shifted in. S King was reminded of his obligations when shifting ground.
RACE 3: -SPORTODDS.COM BEST BOOKIES PRICE HANDICAP - 1600 metres
BEVAN (Darren Holland) and DALNY ROAD (S Price) were slow to jump.
Near the 500 metres CIRCUMNAVIGATING (S King) rolled in and inconvenienced DONNIE BRASCO (NZ) (S Arnold).
Near the 300 metres JIMMY’S EDGE (D Tootell) shifted out across the heels of CASH EXCHANGE (J Maund), which had commenced to weaken, resulting in ON THE NATCH (K Louca) being taken out and obliged to check off the heels of JIMMY’S EDGE (D Tootell).
D Tootell was found guilty of Careless Riding under ARR 137 (a) and suspended from riding for a period to commence at midnight on Sunday 11 May 2003 and conclude at midnight on Saturday 17 May 2003, a period of three (3) meetings. In assessing this penalty Stewards considered D Tootell’s record of not being suspended for over four years.
DONNIE BRASCO (NZ), which performed poorly, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.
CIRCUMNAVIGATING was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who confirmed the evidence of blood in its offside nostril following the race.
RACE 4: - MARSH CLASSIC - 1600 metres
Mr L Macdonald the trainer of LI LO LILL informed Stewards that he would instruct J Holder that his preferred option would be to attempt to ride LI LO LILL off the pace in this event.
TERRENORA (V Duric) was slow to jump.
Near the 1200 metres DEVONSHIRE (A Findlay) clipped the heels of JUG FULL (S Price) and in being steadied shifted in, inconveniencing LADY KNOCKOUT (S King).
Inside the 1200 metres LI LO LILL (J Holder) was inclined to race fiercely for a short distance.
At the entrance to the straight SANTURWASI (C Bryant) shifted out onto JEUNEOLA STAR (N Tomizawa), taking that mare out and contacting the hindquarters of CLASS EULOGY (K McEvoy), resulting in JEUNEOLA STAR being forced to steady and being severely hampered. C Bryant pleaded guilty to a charge of Careless Riding under ARR 137 (a) and was suspended from riding for a period to commence at midnight Wednesday 11 May and to conclude at midnight Wednesday 21 May, a period of four (4) meetings.
RACE 5: -CARLTON DRAUGHT STAKES - 2500 metres
Near the 1800 metres ODYSSEUS (D Nikolic), which was inclined to race fiercely, shifted out to improve and brushed KARASI (IRE) (S Price), which was also inclined to race keenly.
Approaching the 200 metres KARADAN (NZ) (L Currie) shifted in onto THE MIGHTY LIONS (NZ) (D Smith), which was attempting a tight run to its inside, and shortly afterwards KARADAN (NZ) was taken in by FIRETAINE (NZ) (B Park), which shifted in resulting in KARADAN (NZ) being taken in on to THE MIGHTY LIONS (NZ) taking that mare in on to THE A TRAIN (NZ) (Damien Holland), which was obliged to steady.
Inside the 300 metres R McLeod the rider of LE DESTINA (N Rawiller) dropped his whip. R McLeod was advised that future breaches of carelessness may lead to action being taken against him.
Inside the 200 metres QUESTAMATIC (D Tootell) was obliged to alter course whilst being eased off the heels of ODYSSEUS (D Nikolic), which rolled out.
RACE 6: -MALAYSIA AIRLINES SA DERBY - 2500 metres
Shortly after passing the winning post on the first occasion, INQUISITIONAL (B Park), which was inclined to race ungenerously, shifted out onto SIR PENTIRE (NZ) (N. Rawiller), which was obliged to steady when tightened onto JAMEELA (S Price).
ZERO ISSUES (L Currie) was inclined to race keenly in the early stages of the event.
Near the 2100 metres INQUISITIONAL (B Park) was obliged to steady when tightened by MUMMIFY (D Nikolic), which although inclined to race ungenerously, was taken in by CLAY MAN (B Claridge)
IRISH NOBLE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the gelding to have an irregular heart beat. Mr H Connors, representing Mr C Connors the trainer of IRISH NOBLE, was advised that the results of an ECG were to be forwarded to the TRSA Veterinary Surgeon, and the gelding will be required to trial satisfactorily before accepting for a future event.
RACE 7: -THE YALLAMBEE CLASSIC 1200 metres
Shortly after the start KING’S ARCH (D Tootell) was obliged to steady off the heels of CREST OF GOLD (J Bowditch), which shifted in. In being steadied KING’S ARCH was taken in onto the hindquarters of ROYAL RULE (B Park).
Inside the 1000 metres PROSPEROUS BID (NZ) (J Holder), which was inclined to race ungenerously, was obliged to steady off the heels of COBAMUSE (C Lever), as a result of being tightened by UPMARKET STAR (D Carney), which was taken in by AND SHINTARO (S Arnold), which in turn had been taken in by TYCOON RULER (D Nikolic).
Near the 900 metres UPMARKET STAR (D Carney) was forced to check and lose its position when tightened between COBAMUSE (C Lever), which rolled out and AND SHINTARO (S Arnold), which was taken in by TYCOON RULER (D Nikolic), as a result of that colt being tightened by DANTANA (J Didham). AND SHINTARO and TYCOON RULER were both inconvenienced in consequence. J Didham was reprimanded and advised to in future to give riders the room to which they are entitled.
AND SHINTARO (S Arnold) became held up for a short distance after entering the straight.
Approaching the 200 metres AND SHINTARO (S Arnold), in attempting to improve inside DANTANA (J Didham), shifted in onto DEMOGRAPHIC (NZ) (S Price) taking that filly in onto ACEE DEECEE (NZ) (L Currie). Shortly after, ACEE DEECEE (NZ) (L Currie) became disappointed when tightened between DEMOGRAPHIC (NZ) (S Price) and PROSPEROUS BID (J Holder), which shifted out abruptly after being reluctant to shift away from the heels of SUNDAY SHOES (B Claridge). In consequence, DEMOGRAPHIC (NZ) shifted out and inconvenienced AND SHINTARO.
AND SHINTARO was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the gelding to be distressed. An endoscopic examination of AND SHINTARO revealed the gelding had suffered an internal lung haemorrhage.
UPMARKET STAR sustained lacerations to its off foreleg during the race.
WYNDAM GLORY lost its near fore plate during the race.
RACE 8: - HONDA MDX HANDICAP 1050 metres
FANZA under went a Veterinary examination prior to the start, which revealed the filly to have a laceration to the off hock. Acting on that advice FANZA was withdrawn by Stewards at 4.32pm.
BECANT (C Bryant) and HE’S MY PAL (S Price) were both slow to jump.
ALRAMIL (H McKechnie) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out contacting LETA (J Potter).
ALRAMIL (H McKechnie) hung out making the turn in to the straight.
Inside the 300 metres LETA (J Potter), which was inclined to lay in, shifted in onto MAYBE MCLAREN (C Buchiw) taking that filly in onto IRISH FLYER (NZ) (K McEvoy). At the same time, COUNTER SUE (J Holder), which was taken out marginally by SUNBLITZA (R McLeod), edged out on to ALRAMIL (H McKechnie), which was inclined to shift out and away tightening IRISH FLYER (NZ) (K McEvoy). As a result, IRISH FLYER (NZ) was forced to check clipped the heels of MAYBE MCLAREN and fell. Stewards took no action as they deemed no one rider to be at fault.
Approaching the 300 metres, whilst attempting a neat run inside EDGING AROUND (W Kerford), DOLCE GABANA (P Gatt) shifted in and contacted HE’S MY PAL (S Price), resulting in that gelding being taken onto the hindquarters of GOLD ANTHEM (C Lever). In consequence HE’S MY PAL and DOLCE GABANA became unbalanced for a short distance.
Correct Weight was delayed to permit D Nikolic, the rider of the second placegetter NORWICH, to view the official footage over the concluding stages. After doing so D Nikolic lodged an objection against LETA (J Potter) being declared the winner, on the grounds of alleged interference over the concluding 50 metres. After considering the evidence submitted, acting on their observations and viewing the official footage, Stewards dismissed this objection as they could not be convinced the contact suffered by NORWICH occurred prior to the finish post.
C Bryant, the rider of the fourth placegetter BECANT, was questioned regarding his failure to weigh-in. After considering C Bryant’s explanation he was fined $100 under ARR 142.
IRISH FLYER sustained a laceration to its off foreleg and was lame in the off hind leg following the race.
GENERAL
Mr D Hall the trainer of KARASI (IRE) was questioned regarding the late declaration of a rider for that gelding. Mr Hall was fined $50 for failing to declare a rider by the required time.
ROUTINE SWAB SAMPLES:
| Race 1 | HOT GIRL (NZ) | Race 5 | LE DESTINA |
| Race 2 | ON FOCUS | Race 6 | MUMMIFY, VICKSBURG, LORD WOBURN, |
| Race 3 | CIRCUMNAVIGATING | Race 7 | TOAST OF THE COAST, AND SHINTARO |
| Race 4 | SYLVANER | Race 8 | LETA |
RIDING CHANGES:
| Race | Horse | Rider | Replaced By | Reason |
| 5 | KARASIS | S Price | ||
| 6 | THE MIGHTY LIONS | K McEvoy | D Smith | |
| 6 | JEUNE AMOUR | R McLeod |
Mummify to Skip Adelaide Cup
- Monday, 12 May 2003 00:00
Trainer
Lee Freedman has confirmed Saturday's SA Derby winner Mummify will not run
next in Monday's smoke-free Adelaide Cup.On Saturday, punters sent out the son of Jeune at just better than even money and, thanks to a ground-saving ride by jockey Danny Nikolic, he scored by two lengths from local galloper Vicksberg and New Zealander Lord Woburn.
But although Freedman said the gelding had pulled up well from the run, he preferred not to test the three-year-old over two miles this campaign.
"We just thought it was in his best interests not to run," Freedman said. "He's had a long campaign but it will be asking him to peak again next Monday. He has 54kg in the Cup which is a fair weight for a three-year-old and, I'm not saying it's beyond him, but I think from a long-term perspective it's best to save him for the spring."
Freedman
still has versatile galloper Nautilism in the Cup, who will carry 54.5kg.
The seven-year-old has been racing in great heart on the flat, winning two
of his last three starts, but just over 12 months ago won the Von Doussa
Steeplechase at Oakbank before backing up and finishing third in the Great
Eastern Steeplechase two days later.
"He's racing really well and at least I don't have to worry about him running the distance," Freedman quipped.
Final acceptances for the $404,140 smoke-free Adelaide Cup are at 9am Wednesday May 14. Soon after the SAJC will host the traditional Rundle Street Adelaide Cup barrier draw breakfast.
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)
On Focus On Fire in Smoke Free
- Saturday, 10 May 2003 00:00
One of the bargain buys of last year’s Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, On Focus notched up her fourth stakes win at Morphettville on Derby day when she packed too many guns for her rivals in the $50,300 smoke-free SA Stakes (1050m).
Purchased by connections at the Morphettville auction for just $8,000, the filly’s record now includes four stakes wins and a minor placing, earning some $125,540.
The filly is trained at Morphettville by little known horseman Craig Curtis, who when not training horses works for Australia Post. Curtis is found sorting mail for Australia Post at the city headquarters of the postal company before finishing work and heading with his small team to the track.
With talented local hoop Joe Bowditch in the saddle the daughter of Keltrice sat just off the pace in the race and over the concluding stages of the race overpowered the Melbourne visitor Pinchbeck to score impressively.
"She’s a top filly, a real professional," Curtis said. "I’m sure she is," he added when asked whether he felt On Focus was up to Group class in the future.
The filly is likely to head to the paddock, although Curtis hasn’t ruled out the chances of the filly backing up in Monday week’s $100,000 Group Three The Jansz (1200m) also at Morphettville.
"We may look at the Jansz," a delighted Curtis said. "But I prefer to send her out for a spell."
Winning jockey Joe Bowditch was impressed with the filly’s performance again this afternoon.
"She tried very hard again," Bowditch reported. "Her performances have all been very good, she can do it both ways. She has led and come from behind."
On Focus was bred and sold in Adelaide by Magic Millions proprietor Rob Ferguson, the chestnut filly a member of the Torryburn Stud draft.
The filly has now won her past three races, all at stakes level. Last start the daughter of Keltrice downed Rinky Dink in the listed Cinderella Stakes, a win which followed a grinding victory over the well bred Isle of Gibraltar in the listed Walter Brown Stakes.
Her other win came on debut late last year when she powered home strongly to win the Dequettville Stakes at Victoria Park.
Port Augusta (SA)
- Sunday, 11 May 2003 00:00
WEATHER: Fine
RAIL: True
RACE 1 - WEST END / SABIS TWO-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP - 1100 metres
Upon jumping away DOUJEAN (K. Stra) shifted in, resulting in ISA TEARS (J. Burgess), PROGRESS STAR (J. Marks) and DON QUISTADOR (C. Buchiw) all being hampered. Shortly after ESKY PRINCESS (N. Stone) shifted out, resulting in DON QUISTADOR and PROGRESS STAR being inconvenienced.
In the vicinity of the 800 metres PADEIRESS (B. Claridge), which was racing ungenerously, shifted out and hampered MALA MATZA (N. Tomizawa).
PROGRESS STAR (J. Marks) showed a tendency to lay in badly from the 800 metres.
LOW DIGIT (P. Johnstone) raced greenly in the vicinity of the 400 metres and showed a tendency to shift in.
Racing to the 100 metres DOUJEAN (K. Stra) shifted out slightly, resulting in ESKY PRINCESS (N. Stone), which was showing a tendency to lay in, being inconvenienced.
RACE 2 - WEST END DRAUGHT / SABIS 2YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE - 1500 metres
SWEET ARMAGH was a late withdrawal at 11.05 a.m. due to a float breakdown.
In the vicinity of the 600 metres BULL CREEK BABE (B. Grimston) had to be eased due to LUCKY LAURA (J. Lyon) shifting in slightly. After this incident BULL CREEK BABE showed a tendency to hang out for the remainder of the race.
In the vicinity of the home turn BULL CREEK BABE (B. Grimston) was held up momentarily inside JET VARAJA (J. Burgess).
RACE 3 - HAHN PREMIUM LIGHT / SABIS MAIDEN PLATE - 1200 metres
WIND CRY (K. Stra) jumped away awkwardly.
In the vicinity of the 600 metres MOOKSTAR (B. Grimston) rolled in slightly, resulting in WIND CRY (K. Stra) being hampered and becoming unbalanced.
Ms. B. Dunn and Trainer Mr. J. Young were questioned in relation to B. Dunn being doubly engaged in this event on TEENAMENA and ASH THE CRASH, and in Race 8 on SIMPLY SUAVE and SECRET BROTHER. After taking evidence, Stewards took no further action, however advised Ms. Dunn and Mr. Young that future bookings would need to be more specific and confirmed through the Apprentice’s Master.
RACE 4 - SOUTHWARK BITTER CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1600 metres
LITTLE MISS CINDY (J. Lyon) was held up for a short distance in the vicinity of the 300 metres.
DEMOLITION DAME (K. Louca) was held up for a clear run over the concluding 50 metres.
RACE 5 - SOUTHWARK PREMIUM / SABIS CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1200 metres
A Veterinary examination of MANIHI STAR prior to the event and PURE CLASS, which had been kicked by another runner, revealed that both geldings were fit to start.
TARARI FOX (J. Burgess) jumped out at the start, resulting in PURE CLASS (N. Stone) being inconvenienced.
MANIHI STAR (R. Faehr) and POWER TO RULE (J. Marks) jumped away awkwardly.
In the vicinity of the 600 metres MANIHI STAR (R. Faehr) had to be eased off the heels of STARBLAZER (B. Vale), when that gelding improved onto the heels of STARBLAZER.
PURE CLASS (N. Stone) showed a tendency to hang out throughout the event.
RACE 6 - HAHN PREMIUM CLASS 4 HANDICAP - 1100 metres
In the vicinity of the 900 metres BAGS NOT (B. Grimston) had to be steadied from the heels of PELIGRO (B. Claridge), which shifted in. B. Claridge was advised of his obligations when shifting ground.
CHINA VICEROY (K. Stra) was held up for a short distance approaching the 400 metres.
In the vicinity of the 100 metres TAGO (P. Johnstone) shifted out, resulting in SMYTZER’S VIEW (N. Tomizawa) being inconvenienced and forced wider on the track. P. Johnstone was advised of his obligations when shifting ground.
RACE 7 - WEST END DRAUGHT HANDICAP - 1600 metres
ONYX RIVER (J. Marks) jumped away awkwardly.
TEHRIER (K. Stra) was slow to begin.
Upon jumping away MOLLY DOLLY (B. Vale) shifted in, resulting in ASSASSIN (J. Lyon) and BENARBER (D. Tootell) being hampered.
In the vicinity of the 600 metres ONYX RIVER (J. Marks) had to be eased when that gelding had insufficient room to improve inside of RORTING (B. Claridge).
TIKI PRINCE (N. Stone) was eased out of the race over the concluding 300 metres of the event. A subsequent Veterinary examination of gelding revealed it had sustained a rupture to its off fore suspensory ligament. Mr. B. Hatch, Trainer of TIKI PRINCE, was advised that a Veterinary Certificate of Fitness to Race would be required prior to accepting for a future event. Mr. Hatch advised it was the intention the gelding would now be retired.
RACE 8 - HAHN PREMIUM LIGHT CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1400 metres
A Veterinary examination of PRETTY ORDINARY, prior to the event, revealed the gelding was fit to start.
Correct Weight was delayed to permit C. Buchiw, rider of PRETTY ORDINARY, to view the video of the start when she believed the gelding had been denied a fair start. After viewing the video, Stewards declared PRETTY ORDINARY to be a runner.
When the gates were released PRETTY ORDINARY (C. Buchiw), which was extremely fractious in the gates, jumped away awkwardly and stumbled, resulting in the gelding being very slow to begin.
GENERAL
Stewards opened an inquiry into an incident which took place at the Scales prior to Race 1. Evidence was taken from Apprentice B. Dunn and Clerk of Scales Mr. K. Packard. The inquiry was adjourned until the next Port Augusta Meeting on Thursday 22nd May 2003.
Mr. M. Shackleford, Trainer of TEHRIER, was questioned by Stewards into his reasons for leaving the racecourse within the prescribed time, after TEHRIER competed in a race at Balaklava on Wednesday 7th May 2003. As a result, Mr. Shackleford was fined $200 for contravening ARR 117 (3).
SWABBING:
Race 2 JET VARAJA (winner)
| Race | Horse | Rider | Replaced By | Reason |
| 1 | LOW DIGIT | B. Dunn | P. Johnstone | Overweight - fined $100 under ARR 120(b) |
| 1 | DOUJEAN | K. Stra | Notified | |
| 1 | PROGRESS STAR | J. Marks | “ | |
| 3 | TEENAMENA | B. Dunn | P. Johnstone | Doubly engaged |
| 8 | SIMPLY SUAVE | B. Dunn | K. Louca | “ |
Le Destina Shortens for Cup with Draught Win
- Saturday, 10 May 2003 00:00
Le
Destina, prepared by Aquanita trainer Robert Smerdon, grabbed last year's
Carlton Draught winner Firetaine on the line in his final hit-out to Monday
week's smoke-free Adelaide Cup. Local stayer Oxford Dollar flashed through on
the rails to grab third.
Smerdon said Le Destina ($7.00), who was ridden by Rhys McLeod, would improve further on the run and was confident of a solid Cup run on today's effort.
"He had a fairly easy time between his win at Flemington and today's run, so that will have him right for Monday week" Smerdon said. "Everything has gone right for him this campaign. He's looked good, he's worked well and raced well."
Rhys McLeod, who ran fourth on the gelding in last year's Brisbane Cup, will retain the Adelaide Cup mount.
"The owners were very keen to stick with him after his run in Brisbane last year," Smerdon said. "He's a very good rider and the horse goes very well for him."
Runner-up
Firetaine ($15.00), beaten a short-half-head, will also be strongly fancied for
the Cup after today's run.
"I thought he had hung on but nevertheless I was really happy with his run," trainer Stuart Webb said. "He's been about two weeks behind all through his preparation and he'll improve a lot on that run. He'll also meet a lot of these better at the weights."
Le Destina, who carried 54kg today, rises to 55kg for the Cup, while Firetaine, who carried 55kg, will drop significantly to 52.5kg.
"The weights will make it harder in the Cup but I guess at the end of the day I've got a proven two-miler. That's the crucial thing." Smerdon said.
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)