Melbourne Next For Rebel Raider

Monday, 16 August 2010 04:45

Rebel Raider's breathtaking return to racing has prompted a change of plans in his Melbourne Cup build-up and his next run will be in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.

Adelaide trainer Leon Macdonald originally had the Penny Edition Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville on August 28 pencilled in for the dual Derby winner's first start for the season.

The horse was doing so well he brought his race return forward to Saturday's Spring Stakes and Rebel Raider put in a dashing performance to win the 1200m sprint.

"He's pulled up a treat and will go to Melbourne for the Makybe Diva early next month," Macdonald said.

"That probably fits in better than the Penny Edition because it will then give him two weeks between races going towards the Cups and the Cox Plate.

"I don't want to get carried away with what he did because he will be going up a class in Melbourne but I think he's going better than ever and his action looks so much better."

The Group Two Makybe Diva (1600m) is at Flemington on September 4.

It will be Rebel Raider's first trip to Flemington since his upset win in the 2008 Victoria Derby.

He failed in a subsequent Sydney campaign but back home racing in his preferred left-handed direction, scored a devastating win in the South Australian Derby.

That propelled into early favouritism for last year's Melbourne Cup but that dream was shattered in early September when he pulled up sore from trackwork.

He subsequently underwent successful surgery on a hind fetlock and had two starts in the autumn.

Last week, bookmakers reported heavy interest in Rebel Raider for the Melbourne Cup and he was as short as $18 on Monday.

With Rebel Raider to miss the Penny Edition, stablemate Majestic Music will represent the stable in the race before she too heads to Melbourne where she won two races last spring.

Picture: Jenny Barnes

Hayes Pair In Adelaide Exhibition Gallop

Thursday, 12 August 2010 07:45

David Hayes' two principal Caulfield and Melbourne Cups contenders Chartreux and Extra Zero will have an exhibition gallop between races at Morphettville on Saturday.

The pair will gallop over 1000m on the course proper before the running of the Group Three Spring Stakes (1200m).

Chartreux, a lightly-raced four-year-old by Catbird from 1996 Adelaide Cup winner French Resort, hasn't raced since winning the Group One WATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Ascot in April.

Extra Zero, runner-up to Monaco Consul in last year's Victoria Derby (2500m) and winner of the Group Two Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield in the autumn, hasn't raced since finishing seventh to Kidnapped in the South Australian Derby in May.

Todd Pannell will ride Chartreux while Paul Gatt will handle Extra Zero.

"I'm very hopeful for Chartreux and Extra Zero (in the Cups)," Hayes said.

"Berlioz was encouraging last Saturday and Gorky Park is another that could pop up.

"But they (Chartreux and Extra Zero) have a bit more class."

Gorky Park, who has had a history of tendon trouble, goes second-up into Saturday's Corps Of Commissionaires Hcp (1600m) at Caulfield and will be ridden by Steven Arnold.

The Montjeu seven-year-old won the 2006 Geelong Classic, was runner-up to Efficient in the Victoria Derby and third to Blutigeroo in the 2007 BMW.

Last preparation the horse won successive races over 2394m at Caulfield and the 2008 Andrew Ramsden Stakes (3200m) at Flemington before again going amiss and spending 26 months sidelined.

Zabeel five-year-old Berlioz, runner-up in the 2009 WATC Derby and winner of the VRC St Leger, returned to form with a surprise second-up win over 1700m at Flemington when sent out at 150-1.

"He's in both Cups and you never know. He might be a genuine sort of horse who could pop up in a Metropolitan," Hayes said.

Pictures: Fiona Tomlin

Apprentice Thompson Suspended

Monday, 16 August 2010 01:07

Victorian-based apprentice Ashley Thompson has been suspended for 11 days after being charged with careless riding at Morphettville on Saturday.

Riding in the third race, the Leabrook Farm Honey Handicap (1050m), Thompson shortly after the start allowed his mount Pray To Win to shift into Cute To Boot who was ridden by fellow apprentice Jordan Frew.

Thompson pleaded guilty to careless riding and was suspended for four meetings with his suspension to commence on after Saturday until September 2 on which day he may be able to ride.

Picture: Greg Irvine

Rebel Raider Back On Cup Trail

Thursday, 12 August 2010 06:45

Almost a year after his Melbourne Cup bid was thwarted by injury, dual Derby winner Rebel Raider is back on the journey towards the great race.

His fitness levels are so high, trainer Leon Macdonald has brought forward his return to Saturday's Spring Stakes at Morphettville.

Rebel Raider was among the leading contenders for the 2009 Cup but suffered a leg injury at trackwork a day after weights were released in September.

He underwent successful surgery and had a short autumn campaign to keep him ticking over.

"He's jumping out of his skin so I decided to start him this week instead of waiting for the Penny Edition in two weeks," Macdonald said.

"Obviously over 1200 metres they will probably be too quick for him but the way he is going I expect him to run well.

"We will then step him up to 1400 metres in the Penny Edition two weeks later before taking him to Melbourne for the weight-for-age races."

Rebel Raider won the 2008 Victoria Derby but failed the right-handed way of going the following autumn in Sydney.

He returned home to Adelaide to cap his season with victory in the South Australian Derby after a daring ride by Clare Lindop who went against his normal pattern and took him to the front when the pace was too slow.

In last year's Penny Edition, Rebel Raider ran a solid first-up third.

The Spring Stakes was also supposed to be the season opener for Alcopop but last year's Melbourne Cup favourite was ruled out on Wednesday after a scope revealed mucous in his trachea.

He has been placed on a course of antibiotics and a decision on his resumption has yet to be made.

Alcopop is currently rated a $21 chance with TAB Sportsbet for this year's Melbourne Cup with Rebel Raider at $31.

The Bart Cummings-trained dual Group One winner Faint Perfume heads betting at $12 with her Queensland Derby-winning stablemate Dariana and 2009 Cup winner Shocking at $14.

Shocking will resume in Saturday's Liston Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Picture: Jenny Barnes

Saturday's Morphettville Races Report

Sunday, 15 August 2010 23:39

The visiting duo of Cranbourne based mentor Chris Hyland and apprentice Jack Hill were the first to be seen in the winner’s circle when the $2.50 chance Crabs won the opening event of 2500 metre at Morphettville on Saturday.

Sired by Danasinga from the Citidancer mare Lady Chanele, Crabs was the last soon after the start and gradually worked his way into the event before taking the lead on the home turn and went going on to record a three and three quarter length win over the James Gardiner prepared Adrian Patterson ridden one time leader Perillo $7.

Starting the $2.25 favourite Summery was a farther eight lengths away third for Richard Jolly and apprentice Claudia Lions.

From the Centaine matron Gaysutina and fathered by the New Zealand bred Towkay, Electronic Millions was the three length winner of the 2006 metre second race after being a drifter in betting from an opening quote of $9 and blowing out to start at $21.

In the care of co trainers Kevin and Heather Frew and piloted by their apprentice son Jordon Electronic Millions was well placed before taking the lead early and going on to beat the Trevor Saltmarsh trained Justin Potter mount Belle Addiction $4.20.

The $21 chance Magnificat was a farther three quarters of a length away filling the minor placing for Mick Huxtable and Ben Claridge.

Sired in the United States the Willow Grove based stallion Mugharreb and the Celestial Dancer mare London Lass tasted victory when their three year old daughter Olivia Lass $3.50 was the one and a half length winner of the third race which was run over 1050 metres.

Having the services of Matthew Neilson and trained by John Dunn Olivia Lass came from last and beat Arakazel $5.50 for the training partnership of Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas and jockey Clare Lindop. Dane Peggy $51 was a farther half length away third for Jon O’Connor and Todd Pannell.

The combination of trainer Jon O’Connor and rider Dominic Tourneur were associated with the 1050 metre fourth event winner Some Call Me Tim.

Starting at $7.50 the Happy Giggle sired Some Call Me Tim, from Bermuda Rose a Last Tycoon mare, came from well back to record a two and a quarter length win over the John Macmillan provided Shayne Cahill piloted Saratoga Dreams $41. Alquamarne $10 was a half length away third for Barry Brook and apprentice Scott Westover.

The second interstate victory for the afternoon came when Echuca trainer Daryl Archard and apprentice Ashley Thompson combined their efforts when Produced $4.20 was the one and a half length winner of the 1200 metre fifth race.

Sired by No Excuse Needed from Ballymoon, an O’Reilly mare, Produced was well placed and beat Vinegar Hill $10 for mentor Phillip Stokes and apprentice Claudia Lions. Street Singer $8 was another one and three quarter lengths away third for Daniel Clarken and apprentice Lauren Stojakovic.

Rebel Raider showed he will be a force to be reckoned with in the staying races in Melbourne during the spring when he came from last on the home turn and powered home to be the one and three quarter length winner of the Group 3 Spring stakes of 1200 metres.

A $15 chance when the starter released the field the Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas trained Clare Lindop ridden Reset five year old stallion from the Dehere mare Picholine, Rebel Raider beat the David Jolly trained Claudia Lions mount Xaieta $11.

Likable Will $7 was another short half head away third for Darren Kolpin and Adrian Patterson.

A pleased Leon Macdonald said afterwards that Rebel Raider will either contest the Listed 1400 metre Penny Edition Stakes at Morphettville on August 28 or the 1600 metre Group 2 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 4.

The Falbrav sired Homicide Hank, from the Kenmare matron Cha Cha, made it two wins in succession when the gelding was the three quarters of a length winner of the 1600 metre final event.

Cared for by Jon O’Connor and ridden by Jeffrey Maund the $6 chance Homicide Hank was well placed and beat the Roslyn Day prepared Adrian Patterson guided Bob’s Shout $8. Shimano Miss $4.60 was another neck away third for Stuart Padman and Justin Potter.

Pictures: Jenny Barnes

Fizz Missing From Alcopop

Wednesday, 11 August 2010 03:15

South Australian star Alcopop has missed a vital trackwork gallop which has delayed the start of his spring campaign.

Alcopop was scheduled to work at Morphettville on Wednesday morning ahead of his return to the racetrack on Saturday.

"Prior to presenting to gallop ... Alcopop underwent an endoscopic examination," SA stewards said.

"The examination revealed mucous in the trachea."

Results from a routine blood sample taken from the six-year-old 24 hours earlier were normal.

Last year's beaten Melbourne Cup favourite has been placed on a course of antibiotics, ruling him out of his return to racing in the Group Three Spring Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.

Alcopop hasn't raced since an unsuccessful two-start Sydney autumn campaign.

Less than 12 months ago he emerged from nowhere to become one of Australia's best stayers with a dominant win in the Herbert Power Stakes.

Connections rejected offers from some of the country's biggest stables to buy Alcopop before the 2009 Melbourne Cup in which the gelding finished sixth.

Trainer Jake Stephens told stewards on Wednesday he would consult with Alcopop's owners before deciding on a revised first-up run.

Stephens had originally earmarked Alcopop for two Adelaide weight-for-age starts - the Spring Stakes and the Penny Edition Stakes at Morphettville on August 28.

Rampaging Return From Rebel Raider

Saturday, 14 August 2010 12:44

Dual Derby winner Rebel Raider showed he was on track for a lucrative spring campaign with a stunning first up win in the Group Three Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville today.

Ridden off the speed, as expected, by regular rider Clare Lindop, Rebel Raider was able to unwind in the straight and race clear for a length and three quarter win.

The five-year-old hadn't raced since finishing fifth in the CS Hayes Memorial Cup - a short autumn campaign after missing last year's spring carnival through injury.

Lindop, who'd ridden the son of Reset to his wins in both the Victorian and South Australia Derbies, was delighted to see one of her favourite horses back to his best.

"I was a little bit surprised I guess," Lindop said. "But I did give him a good chance - particularly when the field dropped away at acceptance time."

"He'd been working well and I think he's better now than he has been for a couple of years."

"Obviously he's had his share of problems so it was great to see him perform like he did today."

Lindop said co-trainers Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas would wait a few days at least to see where their star will race next.

"I know that the Penny Edition in Adelaide was always on the agenda - but Leon and Andrew will see how he pulls up - he might even wait three weeks between runs and head to the Makybe Diva Stakes."

A graduate of Mill Park in South Australia, Rebel Raider was purchased by Macdonald for $150,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

The outstanding galloper has won six of his 19 starts and earned his connections over $1.393 million.

Five of Rebel Raider's wins have been at stakes level.

By Zabeel's unbeaten sire son Reset he is one of three winners, from three runners, for the Dehere mare Picholine.

A winner in Brisbane and Sydney, Picholine was second in a Group One Flight Stakes and third in a Group Three Spring Stakes at Newcastle.

As well as Rebel Raider, Picholine has produced the Group Three Norman Robinson Stakes winner Shamoline Warrior.

Further back it the same family as Queensland Oaks winner A Little Kiss and Hong Kong superstar Able One.

Rebel Raider's sire Reset has been represented by no fewer than 121 winners including fellow stakes winners Set for Fame, Saxford, Likefatherlikeson and Moulin Lady.

Pictures: Jenny Barnes

Alcopop Out Of Spring Stakes

Wednesday, 11 August 2010 01:10

The spring preparation of last year’s Melbourne Cup favourite Alcopop suffered a minor setback this morning.

Consequently the five-year-old will not run in Saturday’s $110,000 Group Three Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.

Trainer Jake Stephens intended on giving Alcopop a gallop at Morphettville this morning.

However after being attributed in Monday’s Adelaide Advertiser to making a comment that Alcopop was “not in the Spring Stakes to win it,” TRSA stewards ordered that Alcopop be examined by the TRSA Veterinary Surgeon prior to and following its gallop on Wednesday morning.

A subsequent endoscopic examination at the Morphettville Equine Clinic today revealed the son of Jeune had mucous in the trachea.

As a result, Alcopop did not gallop with Stephens adding that he would not accept with the gelding for the Spring Stakes tomorrow morning.

Stephens maintained that routine blood tests taken yesterday were sound and that he would treat Alcopop with antibiotics whilst monitoring his condition before considering where he would race first-up.

Picture: Quentin Lang

Wednesday's Murray Bridge Races Report

Friday, 13 August 2010 02:15

The four year old gelding Chunky Custard and five year old mare Olivia Grace enjoyed the surroundings of their home track giving trainer Paul Seater a double at Murray Bridge on Wednesday.

Having the service of jockey Paul Gatt and starting the $3 favourite Chunky Custard was the short half head winner of the 1406 metre sixth race and gave mentor Paul Seater the first leg of a double.

Sired by the Australian bred Niello from the Danewin mare White Fire, Chunky Custard was the first to break from the barrier and then, settling in a forward position and with Gatt steering a centre of track course over the concluding stages, went on to win.

Chunky Custard beat another Murray Bridge runner the Susan Nolan cared for Adrian Patterson mount Irish Cheer $4.60. Another $4.60 chance Copper Arch was a half length away third for Deon Koch and apprentice Claudia Lions.

Paul Seater brought up his second winner when the Clare Lindop ridden Olivia Grace $5 was the nose winner of the 1606 metre final race.

From the Charmwood Forest matron Nero Cavallo and fathered by Falvelon, Olivia Grace took up a rearward position when the event took shape and, coming with a powerful run from the top of the straight, went on to beat the Kirsten McGowan mentored Dominic Tourneur guided Environment Patron $6.50.

Grand Group $18 was a farther five and three quarter lengths away third for Ken Sweeney and his apprentice Tillie Neve.

Apprentice Claudia Lions and her master David Jolly started the afternoon off well when Midnite Crusade was the nose winner of the opening event of 1006 metres.

A $7 chance when the starter released the field the Lion Hunter fathered Midnite Crusade, from Al’s Wish a Flying Spur mare, was well placed and having the advantage of the rails went on to defeat Montana Sagrada $19 for the combination of horse carer Lloyd Kennewell and jockey Dominic Tourneur.

Karen Byrnes and Justin Potter supplied Dapamac $5 who was a farther one and a half lengths away third.

After having to be content with the minor placing in the opening race mentor Karen Byrnes was victorious when the Adrian Patterson mount Cognc Queen $4 was the half length winner of the second race which was run over 1206 metres.

From Miss Zorro a Blazing Sword mare and sired by Half Hennessy Cognac Queen settled well before going on to beat Poomba the $2.35 public elected for trainer Trevor Dansie and jockey Matthew Nielson. Reel Spirit $10 was a farther head away third for David Jolly and Paul Gatt.

Arayofgrey was the second Murray Bridge horse to win in succession after her rider Dominic Tourneur successful argued in the stewards room against Zip Bus being declared the winner and Any Minute Now running second after they both blocked Arayofgrey for a run in the straight in the 1406 metre third race.

Prepared by Rob Wilkinson the $7 returned Arayofgrey, by Stargazer from the Hula Chief mare Wrangle, was well placed and as a result of the protest was the half head winner instead of the Merri Glatz trained apprentice Kate Dyson ridden Any Minute Now $81.

Zip Bus $4.80 the first past the post was relegated to third, a long neck away, for John Hyam and Troy Baker.

Having her first start for trainer Tom Jolly and with the services of Jeffrey Maund Diamondconi $31 was the three quarters of a length winner of the fourth race which was run over 906 metres.

Having her first start and sired by the American bred entire Bianconi, from Truly Diamonds a True Vision mare, Diamondconi was last in the early stages before weaving her way through the field and beating Deal Broker $4.40 for mentor Simon Casey and hoop Paul Gatt.

Starting at $3.10 Heaven For Sure was a farther half neck away third for Bill Bogarts and Kate Dyson.

The combination of trainer Simon Bates and rider Kate Dyson were seen in the winner’s circle after the nose win of the $4.20 favourite Mytika in the 2206 metre fifth race.

A Blevic mare from the Rory’s Jester matron Live Comedy Mytika took full advantage of the rails and beat the John Hickmott trained Tillie Neve ridden Bell Ringer $7 in an all the way stirring battle.

Dancing Havana $4.80 was a father three quarters of a length away third for Karen Byrnes and Justin Potter.

Taking up a good position early in the seventh race Buzlightning gave trainer Trevor Dansie and apprentice Scott Westover a two length win in the 1206 metre event.

Back from $6.50 into $5 after as much as $8 was on offer at one stage during betting the Alsaleet sired Buzlightning from the Kenvain mare Vain Peril beat the Colin Baker charge, the Tillie Neve ridden Kate’s Dream the $4.80 public elect.

You Or Me $8 was a farther one and a quarter lengths away third for Lloyd Kennewell and Matthew Neilson.

Alcopop On Verge Of Return

Tuesday, 10 August 2010 05:30

Last year's Melbourne Cup favourite Alcopop will have a serious track gallop at Morphettville on Wednesday as trainer Jake Stephens prepares to sign off on the stayer's return to racing in Adelaide on Saturday.

"He's done a fair bit of beach work and he's been to Strathalbyn to gallop but it will be good to work him on the grass at Morphettville," Stephens said.

Alcopop, who has been back in work since June, will be trying to restore his reputation as one of Australia's most exciting stayers after an aborted autumn campaign.

He will resume at weight-for-age in the Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville and while his first-up record is impressive with two wins in three starts, Stephens isn't kidding himself about the task ahead.

"It's going to be an interesting race, for sure," he said.

"There are some good 1200-metre specialists nominated but I expect Alcopop to be running home hard, at least."

Alcopop carried the weight of rank-and-file support when he finished sixth in the 2009 Melbourne Cup - 4-1/4 lengths from the winner Shocking - after looming up at the 400-metre mark as the $4.80 favourite.

The six-year-old was then expected to be a force in the autumn in Sydney but his carnival came to a sudden halt after two below-par runs at weight-for-age.

"The good thing about pulling the pin when we did in Sydney was the extra time it gave the horse in the paddock," Stephens said.

"That really helped a lot because it seems he is a lot more relaxed and settled now."

Stephens said Alcopop was pencilled in for two Adelaide runs before continuing his build-up to the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne.

"I haven't really thought too much beyond the Penny Edition Stakes here in Adelaide but the good thing about Melbourne at this time of the year, there is always a suitable race on every week," he said.

Alcopop is rated a $21 chance with TAB Sportsbet in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

There were 18 nominations when Spring Stakes entries closed on Monday, including the 2008 Victoria Derby winner Rebel Raider.

Picture: Quentin Lang