Firetaine Reclaims Winning Spark in Adelaide

Saturday, 03 May 2003 00:00

Last year's Carlton Draught Stakes winner Firetaine returned to form by winning the first race of the day at Morphettville on Australasian Oaks Day.

Firetaine, prepared by Stuart Webb at Cranbourne, carried 57kg to success and showed he was on track for another attempt at the main lead-up to the Adelaide Cup - the $120,000 Group 3 Carlton Draught Stakes (2500m).

Webb said he was worried before the race that the gelding hadn't travelled over well, and was reluctant to eat, but proved too classy for his rivals to win running away.

Firetaine was ridden by Brian Park, who seems to have a knack of winning races at Morphettville over the Adelaide Cup Carnival.

The kiwi bred gelding won last year's Carlton Draught Handicap with Park in the saddle.

At last year's Cup Carnival also won feature races aboard Zip Zip Aray (Goodwood Handicap) and Troubles (Yallambee Classic).

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)

Calm Before the Storm in Adelaide

Friday, 02 May 2003 00:00

The Bill Mitchell stable is confident honest mare Calming can add to her stud value by winning at least one of two feature sprint races in Adelaide over the next few weeks.

Calming, winner of the Listed Liz Davenport Stakes at her only visit to Morphettville last year, is entered for both Saturday's $100,000 Group 3 Honda Stakes and the $300,000 Group 1 Honda Goodwood Handicap (1200m) a fortnight later.

Calming resumed this time in with a luckless seventh in mares' company at Caulfield but has worked stylishly since.

"She is absolutely flying," Mitchell's Racing Manager Joe O'Neil said. "She just had no luck at all at Caulfield where she ran into dead-end after dead-end, but will really appreciate getting back to Morphettville where she can run on."

O'Neil said the mare would contest both feature sprints and may even go on to Brisbane after the Adelaide Cup carnival in search of more stakes successes.

"She is about a length below the top sprinting mares in the country," O'Neil said. "She has been tentatively booked to go to Encosta De Lago at the end of this campaign so we're trying to improve her stud value. The two races in Adelaide look ideal for her."

The mare was handicapped with 59kg first-up at Caulfield but drops to 55kg on Saturday, while in the Goodwood Handicap she has been allotted just 51.5kg. She is garaunteed a run in that race, being 11th in order of entry.

Peter Mertens, who has a great record in Adelaide over the Cup carnival, has the ride.

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)

Sound Action Triumphs in Australasian Oaks

Saturday, 03 May 2003 00:00

Little known Colac trainer Roberta Maguire celebrated her first stakes win as a trainer - by winning today's Group 1 Schweppes Oaks at Morphettville with exciting filly Sound Action.

Maguire, with just two horses in her team, was overwhelmed when the filly, bought at a clearance sale for just $2500, blew her rivals away with an authoritative win.

After settling the race favourite (3.00) midfield, jockey Wayne Hokai, also celebrating his first Group 1 success in the saddle, burst through the pack to win running away from Milanova and Great Anna.

From just seven starts, Sound Action has tasted defeat just once, finishing runner-up on the other occasion. It was the filly's first start in stakes company but the Adelaide Cup carnival has been in Maguire's sights since late last year.

"I have set her for this race and the South Australian Oaks since November," Maguire said.

"The races fitted into her program well and everything has gone right, from winning in Melbourne to coming across and winning here. It's just an amazing thrill and I can't believe I've done it."

Maguire is confident the filly will handle the extra distance of the South Australian Oaks, over 2500m at Morphettville in a fortnight.

"There's no reason she won't run the extra trip," Maguire said.

"She settles really well but has amazing excelleration. All she needs is a bit of luck in running."

Maguire confessed to never ever dreaming of becoming a horse trainer during the early stages of her life. The Colac based horsewoman's first contact with horses was a long way from a speeding thoroughbred.

"My first experience with horses came a girl when I lived in Tasmania," Maguire recalled. "I did a bit of showjumping and when I moved to Victoria I didn't even think of doing anything with racehorses."

It was through her husband that Roberta expanded her equine talents into the racing game.

"My husband owned a racehorse," she said. "And I was sure I could do a better job of training it."

Maguire is now hoping to double her Group One tally when Sound Action runs in the South Australian Oaks in a fortnight.

Story - Jason Hickson (with Greg Irvine)
Pics - Fiona Tomlin

Zip Back for Lightning Attack

Friday, 02 May 2003 00:00

Talented sprinter Zip Zip Aray is being aimed at just two races this time in beginning with tomorrow's Group 3 Honda Stakes at Morphettville.

From there, the lightly-raced four-year-old will attempt to win back-to-back Goodwood Handicaps. The last horse to do so was Musket Belle in 1912.

Zip Zip Aray, trained at Morphettville by David Jolly and bred locally by Wayne and Jenny Francis, is a winner of three of his eights starts. After winning last year's Goodwood, the gelding was sent for a spell before racing twice in the spring. He proved disappointing though, finishing eighth in both the Group 2 National Telecom Stakes and the Group 3 Yallambee Stakes.

Jolly immediately sent the gelding for another long spell with the Adelaide Cup carnival in mind.

"You could probably forget his spring form," Jolly said. "He had a few problems and that combined with rock hard tracks meant he wasn't at his best. He's come up well and has had a good build up to this and the Goodwood. He's best early on his campaign and will be cherry ripe for the Goodwood next start."

Jolly has two other runners in tomorrow's Honda Stakes - Noble Win and Rally.

Noble Win hasn't started since the spring, but is a winner of three of his last four starts. He also ran a close-up ninth in this race last year before also finishing ninth in the Goodwood.

"He's come up well, too," Jolly said. "He's extremely good fresh and probably best at this distance. He gets back but will be charging home late. I've also entered him for the Goodwood but he may go to the shorter Liz Davenport instead."

Rally is best performed over more ground but has run some terrific races fresh, especially with a fast pace on. First-up this time in, the gelding ran an eye-catching third behind speedy filly Sunday Shoes at Cheltenham Park.

"He's absolutely flying," Jolly continued. "He's a hard horse to place because he doesn't carry weight well and pulls too hard over 1400m so this looks a nice option for him. He will need luck but is not without a hope."

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)

Exalted Lad Gives Blevic Three Straight at Morphettville

Saturday, 03 May 2003 00:00

Kambula Stud based sire Blevic scored his third straight winner and second stakes winner of the day when the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling graduate Exalted Lad scored a photo finish win in the Widden Stud Stakes (1522m) at Morphettville this afternoon.

With talented local senior Joe Bowditch in the saddle the five-year-old gelding showed great fight to hold out the challenge of the fast finishing Winning Spirit to claim his maiden stakes race and seventh career victory.

Proven Group One winning trainer Jim Smith said Exalted Lad deserved today’s stakes win and added he was quite surprised by the gelding’s price.

"I couldn’t believe his odds," Smith reported. "He has been very consistent and he really deserved that win."

Smith added that the gelding, who was passed in at the 2000 Adelaide Sale for just $37,500 (he’s now earned $233,300), would chase further stakes races as his form holds up.

"We’ll run him over a mile on Adelaide Cup day," Smith predicted. "And then we’d ideally look at aiming him for the Balaklava Cup."

Exalted Lad became the third Adelaide Magic Millions graduate to win at Morphettville when he took the Widden Stud Stakes. Earlier success for the sales company came courtesy of Under the Bridge and Debben, both also by Blevic, the day was rounded out by two more wins thanks to Mummify in the listed Veuve Clicquot Stakes and Smytzer’s Mustang in the last of eight events on a big day of racing.

Good Track Certain for Morphettville on Saturday

Thursday, 01 May 2003 00:00

The Morphettville track for Saturday's Group One Schweppes Oaks meeting looks set to be in perfect shape with favourable weather conditions predicted over the next couple of days.

Rain fell at the track yesterday and earlier this week with a total of 9.6 millimetres (38.4 points) for the week.

Even after the rain fall yesterday the track this morning was rated as good.

Adelaide is set to experience fine and partly cloudy conditions over the next three days, all but ensuring a perfect racing circuit.

"We had a bit of rain here at Morphettville yesterday," The Virtual FormGuide's Fiona Tomlin reported.

"But the forecast is very positive and Saturday is shaping up as a great day with a perfect track."

As well as the running of the $250,000 Schweppes Oaks (2025m) there are a number of other feature races including the Group Three Honda DC McKay Stakes and the Veuve Clicquot Stakes, the final lead up prior to the SA Derby.

Morphettville (SA)

Saturday, 03 May 2003 00:00

TRACK: GOOD
WEATHER: FINE
RAIL: Out 6 metres from 1800 metres to Winning Post then 3 metres from the Winning Post to the 1800 metres.

RACE 1: – COURAN COVE ISLAND RESORT HANDICAP – 2025 metres

MANILOW reared as the gates opened.

Near the 1600 metres RIDE THE STORM (C Bryant) was obliged to check when tightened by FIRETAINE (B Park), which shifted in abruptly of its own accord and became reluctant to respond to B Parks attempt to relieve pressure.

Approaching the 300 metres GALADRIEL (NZ) (S Tronerud) was inconvenienced by STRIKING PLUME (S Price), which rolled out.

Near the 100 metres TALANTO (J Bowditch) shifted in taking LITTLE NEECO (J Potter) on to the heels of IRISH INTRIGUE (W Kerford) resulting in LITTLE NEECO (J Potter) being obliged to steady momentarily.

Correct weight for the event was delayed to permit Stewards to view the start of the race. After considering a submission by Mr P Jolly the trainer of MANILOW, and viewing the official footage, Stewards ruled MANILOW to be a runner.

RACE 2: – ALCOHOL GO-EASY STAKES - 1522 metres

INNOCENT LAUGHTER (S Price) was inclined to get its head up and raced keenly in the early stages.

J Holder, rider of MOT D’OR explained the gelding had travelled well during the event and he was content to attempt to improve at the entrance to the straight, however, MOT D’OR had not sprinted in its usual manner and he had been disappointed at the ease in which other runners improved on his inside. He added that MOT D’OR had felt flat under pressure. Mr L Macdonald, trainer of MOT D’OR, advised that he would recommend to the gelding’s owners that it would now be spelled. MOT D’OR was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

CARLTON CONQUEST, which had performed poorly, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities. Mr J Cornell, representing Mr A McEvoy, confirmed that the trainer would recommend to the filly’s owners that it would now be spelled.

RACE 3: – ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE OF AUSTRALIAN HANDICAP - 1600 metres

UNTIE MY HEART (S Tronerud) reared on jumping away.

JAES JEUNE (C Bryant) and HIKING (J Maund) were slow to jump.

Near the 1100 metres WESTACE (N Tomizawa) was obliged to steady off the heels of CLASSICAL ROCK (D Smith), which shifted in.

INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU, which performed poorly, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported that colt had a lower than normal heart rate.

RACE 4: – WIDDEN STUD STAKES - 1522 metres

VALIANT CHIEF (P Gatt) knuckled when jumping away.

TARCOOLA MIDNIGHT (J Patton) jumped away awkwardly.

DIMNESS (B Claridge) jumped away awkwardly losing its hind legs.

After entering the straight MUSTAAGEL (NZ) (S Price) had difficulty in gaining clear ground.

C Bryant the rider of ZEDIMBI explained that he had been instructed, and it had been his intention, to take a sit off the pace. He stated after receiving a brush shortly after the start his mount had commenced to race keenly and rather than fight the gelding had elected to allow it to stride forward. He added that in his opinion ZEDIMBI performed better when ridden in a manner to enable it to chase other runners. ZEDIMBI was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

RACE 5: – THE VEUVE CLICQUOT HANDICAP - 2025 metres

In the vicinity of the 1800 metres KRAVITZ (W Treloar) got its head up and raced ungenerously.

Inside the 1800 metres, GOLD ATTIRE (NZ) (C Lever) was forced to ease off the heels of ALI GEE (J Holder), which was taken in by INQUISITIONAL (J Patton), and was taken in on to LIFELONG DREAM (W Hokai) resulting in that filly being severely hampered. In being steadied, GOLD ATTIRE (NZ) (C Lever) shifted out and inconvenienced LE BUCHERON (B Rawiller).

Near the 500 metres, KRAVITZ (W Treloar) rolled out tightening JEUNE AMORE (P Gatt) on to MUMMIFY (L Currie) resulting in JEUNE AMORE (P Gatt) and KRAVITZ (W Treloar) being unbalanced for a short distance.

Inside the 300 metres, SPECIAL TERMS (S Price) shifted out on to KRAVITZ (W Treloar) taking that gelding out inconveniencing DEE JAY TEE (D Smith).

Approaching the 200 metres SPECIAL TERMS (S Price) whilst attempting a tight run inside JEUNE AMORE (P Gatt), which rolled in, was forced to check off the heels of REGAL CHALLENGER (P Mertens), which shifted out whilst being restrained off the heels of MUMMIFY (L Currie), which had rolled in.

When questioned regarding his riding of ZERO ISSUES, V Hall explained that in its previous starts his mount had been quite relaxed behind the barriers and settled in a rearward position. He stated that it was his intention to ride the gelding in a similar manner in today’s event, however, after going over the crossing, near the 1900 metres, his mount had been inclined to lay out and commenced to race keenly. He said that rather than fight ZERO ISSUES and risk continuing to race wide and cover ground, he had elected to stride forward.

He added that when other runners had improved in the vicinity of the 800 metres, because of the earlier effort he had elected to hold his position rather than press forward and as a result, ZERO ISSUES raced in restricted room until after entering the straight.

RACE 6: – SCHWEPPES OAKS - 2025 metres

Inside the 300 metres, LASHED (P Gatt) and JAMEELA (S Price) were reminded of their obligations when shifting ground.

GREAT ANNA (W Treloar) and JUMBLE (NZ) (J Didham) brushed on jumping away.

In the vicinity of the 1800 metres PIPKIN (J Potter) whilst racing tight inside JUMBLE (NZ) (J Didham), which was inclined to shift in, shifted in and away from that filly taking NANCY ELEANOR (J Bowditch) in on to JAMEELA (S Price), which was tightened on to MAKING THE ROAD (B Park) resulting in that filly being held tight on to LASHED (P Gatt) for some distance. J Didham was reminded of his obligations when shifting ground.

Near the 1500 metres JAMEELA (S Price) was obliged to steady when tightened on to NANCY ELEANOR (J Bowditch) by MAKING THE ROAD (B Park), which shifted out.

Near the 1200 metres TARCOOLA DIAMOND (V Hall) shifted in on to JUMBLE (NZ) (J Didham) taking that filly in on to PIPKIN (J Potter), which was tightened and in losing its position clipped the heels of JUMBLE (NZ). Shortly after JUMBLE (NZ), which was inclined to lay out, was obliged to steady off the heels of TARCOOLA DIAMOND, which continued to shift in. V Hall was reprimanded and advised in future to give riders the room to which they are entitled.

Near the 700 metres, RIBE (L Currie) in attempting to improve outside the heels of MILANOVA (C Lever) shifted out taking LASHED (P Gatt) out on to PIPKIN (J Potter), which was forced to check when tightened on to JAMEELA (S Price) and forced to check. L Currie was severely reprimanded and advised in future to shift ground only when entitled to do so.

RIBE was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the filly to be lame in the off fore flexor tendon. Mr L Freedman, the trainer of RIBE was advised that a Veterinary Certificate of Fitness would be required before accepting for any future event.

JUMBLE (NZ) suffered a severe laceration to the near hind cannon during the race.

RACE 7: – HONDA STAKES - 1100 metres

RALLY (J Potter) was slow to jump.

Inside the 1000 metres DEPRAVE (L Currie), whilst being steadied, shifted out and brushed INKAMULLA (NZ) (C Lever).

Near the 900 metres SUIT (W Kerford) was obliged to ease off the heels of AGALIA (C Lindop), which shifted in.

Approaching the 100 metres NOBLE WIN (S Price) was disappointed for a run between SUIT (W Kerford), which shifted out and ZIP ZIP ARAY (J Bowditch), which rolled in.

L Currie the rider of DEPRAVE explained that he had been instructed, considering the apparent speed in the event, to allow his mount to settle where it was comfortable. He stated that he had attempted to carry out those instructions, however, he was surprised to find DEPRAVE had settled further back than he had expected. L Currie said he had been reluctant to give the gelding a dig in case it commenced to over race as it had two starts previously when unsuccessful.

RACE 8: – HIGH LANE FARM HANDICAP - 1050 metres

CHEERS POP (B Claridge) was slow to jump.

B Claridge the rider of CHEERS POP dropped his whip shortly after the start. B Claridge was fined $50 under ARR 137 a.

SMYTZER’S MUSTANG (B Park) jumped away awkwardly and shifted out hampering SAN SONATA (P Mertens).

At the entrance to the straight STARHERE (P Gatt), which was taken out marginally by I AM HE MAN (Darren Holland) rolled out and tightened SNIPPETY DOODAH (B Grimston) on to RUSTIC OPAL (J Bowditch), which was inclined to lay in. As a result SNIPPETY DOODAH (B Grimston) was obliged to steady and lose its position.

C Bryant the rider of the fifth placegetter LIKE JON was questioned regarding his failure to ride his mount to the finish. C Bryant was found guilty until ARR 137 b and fined $100.

STARHERE suffered a bilateral bleeding attack during the event. Mr R Jolly trainer STARHERE was advised that the gelding was suspended for a period of three months under ARR 53 (A).

ROUTINE SWAB SAMPLES:

Race 1	FIRETAINE	Race 5	MUMMIFY
Race 2	UNDER THE BRIDGE	Race 6	SOUND ACTION(winner); MILANOVA and GREAT ANNA (placegetters)
Race 3	DEBBEN	Race 7	SUPER ELEGANT
Race 4	EXALTED LAD	Race 8	SMYTZER’S MUSTANG

RIDING CHANGES:

Race	Horse	Rider	Replaced By	Reason
1	TALANTO	P Mertens	J Bowditch	Missed flight

Potter Hoping to Get the "Chocolates" for Haigh

Thursday, 01 May 2003 00:00

Top local apprentice Justin Potter can't wait for his first Group 1 ride this weekend.

Potter, dux of the apprentice school last year, ride's the Barry Brook-trained Pipkin in the $251,400 Group 1 Schweppes Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville. The filly, who ran third in the lead-up race - the Group 3 Lakewood Stud Stakes, carries the famous colours of the Haigh family, renowned for their chocolates and was bred by John Haigh.

"I've ridden in a few Group and Listed races, but never a Group 1," Potter said. "I'm pretty excited. She ran a great race last start and will only be fitter now. She's not without a chance."

Brook caused a boilover when winning the 1994 Group 1 Goodwood Handicap with Ambala - a 60/1 shot. Pipkin is similar odds in early markets but, according to Potter, won't lack anything at the end of her race.

"She loves to run and will appreciate the extra ground," Potter said. "She can take a forward position and will just keep grinding away."

Potter was having a great season until a horrific fall at Victoria Park in December put him out of the saddle for almost three months. He broke a wing off his pelvis and his wrist.

But after returning earlier this year, he's started to get back into the swing of things and, despite having a quarter of the season abscent, is running 10th in the Metropolitan jockey's premiership.

"Things were going really well before my fall but I'm on a bit of a roll at the moment," Potter said, referring to his first Group win aboard Bellton only last Saturday. "I've missed too much of the season to win the apprentices title but my aim is to be just the second jockey to win back to back Dux Of The School."

Pic: Pipkin (obscured rail) flashes home on the inside behind Yvonne (centre) and Tarcoola Diamond (outside).

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)

Under the Bridge Gets Over His Rivals

Saturday, 03 May 2003 00:00

Melbourne trainer Tony Vasil continued his great record of success when travelling young horses to the Adelaide Cup Carnival when the lightly raced Blevic youngster Under the Bridge scorched home to win today’s $60,300 Alcohol Go-Easy Stakes (1522m) at Morphettville.

Passed in for just $24,500 at the 2002 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Under the Bridge scored his second win from start number five today.

"He’s a nice young horse on the way up," Vasil said. "His last start win was strong and I thought he earned a trip to Adelaide to win a nice race."

Vasil said the ultimate aim in Adelaide over that city’s Cup Carnival was the upcoming Group Three Sires’ Produce Stakes, a race won in the past by a quality group including Umrum, Li Lol Lill, Yangtze, Lashed, Interstellar and Proud Miss.

The gelding by the Victoria Derby winner Blevic was patiently ridden by talented Melbourne jockey Vincent Hall and after being switched off heels to the centre of the track the youngster accelerated markedly after switching legs over the concluding stages.

Vasil’s day of success didn’t end with Under the Bridge. Later in the programme he saddled up proven stakes winning sprinter Super Elegant to win the Group Three Honda DC McKay Stakes as that horse heads to the Group One Goodwood Handicap.

Under the Bridge was the first of three consecutive winners for the Kambula Stud based Blevic. His great feat was completed following the win of the Leon Macdonald trained Debben and the stakes success of Jim Smith’s Exalted Lad.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin

Mummify No Certainty to Run in Adelaide on Saturday

Thursday, 01 May 2003 00:00

Recent Australian Derby placegetter Mummify is no certainty to run in Saturday's listed $100,300 Veuve Clicquot Stakes (2025m) at Morphettville, but he will definitely be at the track come SA Derby Day.

Lee Freedman, the trainer of the classy gelding, said he may elect to skip this weekend's race and go straight into the Derby without another run.

"It all depends how he is over the next couple of days," Freedman said this morning. "I'll have a look at him and decide whether he needs another run before the Derby."

Mummify, a $41,000 bargain buy at the 2001 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, will be gunning for his first Group One triumph in the Morphettville Derby following some excellent placings at racing's elite level in Sydney.

Like his stablemate Ribe in the Group One Schweppes (Australasian) Oaks, Mummify drew an outside barrier in Saturday's event.

Freedman believes Mummify should already have a Group One win on his name, but had that been the case racegoers in South Australia probably would not have had the opportunity to see the youngster just up the road from where he was sold.

"He probably should have won the Rosehill Guineas," Freedman said. "It was his first run in Sydney and it was all a bit new to him."

"He didn't race true enough and he wanted to lay out a bit and failed to really handle it as well as I would have hoped," the master trainer added.

If Mummify starts in Saturday's listed event and Derby lead up he will be partnered by underrated, yet highly successful, Victorian hoop Luke Currie.