Turkey Lane, an 11-year-old who won the Great Eastern in 1998, beat Shamrock Dancer by a length. The promising trial by the veteran encouraged trainer Brian Searle and jockey Gary Preston.

Searle said Turkey Lane hadn't raced until he turned five and spent 13 months out of racing after his Oakbank success five years ago.

"He fell over another horse at Warrnambool and bowed a tendon soon after and needed a long break," Searle said.

"I know he is 11-years-old but the horse doesn't and considering his age he hasn't had a lot of racing."

Local favourite Raquets, who on recent winning form would challenge for favouritism in next Monday's feature, jumped poorly in the second steeple trial, finishing 22-lengths behind the winner Voodoo Sunset in third place.

Trainer David Halliday will bring Raquets back to Oakbank on Thursday morning to school because he was disappointed with his effort, which failed to inspire confidence.

"He's a funny horse and he may have got bogged down but he is very fit and I know he is better than what we saw today," Halliday said.

"I've got to bring him back for another look around on Thursday because we need to go into the race feeling more confident than we are at the moment."

Premier Adelaide trainer Tony McEvoy produced Lance Corporal and Medipal in the hurdle trials and both gave pointers to strong winning chances this weekend.

McEvoy had intended sending Lance Corporal to Warrnambool in a fortnight for the Galleywood Hurdle but made the horse a late entry for the $94,500 Yalumba Classic Hurdle (abt 3600m) next Monday after seeing the nominations.

"It doesn't look overly strong for a $90,000 race and Lance Corporal was a winner around here last Easter in the Trial Hurdle," McEvoy said.

"It is a race I would love to win and I will have to seriously consider running him in it now on the strength of his trial this morning."

Lance Corporal ran second to the John O'Connor-trained Top Kala but was beaten only a half-head and could have easily won had he been extended by jockey Adrian Garraway.

Medipal, ridden by Shane Pateman, settled last but rounded up his rivals under mild urging to win by a widening half-length. He will start in the $30,500 Ord Minnett Sharebrokers Trial Hurdle (abt 2900m) on Saturday.

Victoria's premier jumps trainer Eric Musgrove produced five runners at the trials. He won a hurdle heat with Refugee, the fastest winner of the morning, and Wriggles ran a close second to Medipal. Super Cobra finished fourth in a hurdle division.

The Rampager and Pooky Bear led with a round to go in their steeple schools and were retired. Both galloped stylishly and took to the Oakbank fences with zeal, indicating they will be competitive in whatever Musgrove chooses to run them in - the $94,500 Von Doussa Steeple (abt 3250m) on Saturday or the Great Eastern.

Media Release - Oakbank Racing Club

TRACK: Good
WEATHER: Overcast
RAIL: Normal Position

RACE 1: - MAGIC MILLIONS HANDICAP - 1600 metres

BENARBER (D. Tootell) raced ungenerously and was inclined to hang out in the early and middle stages of the event.

Approaching the winning post BENARBER (D. Tootell) shifted out and clipped the heels of SALAZAR (J. Maund).

Near the 600 metres RIDE THE STORM (B. Claridge), which was inclined to lay in, shifted in and inconvenienced INTERCEPTION (NZ) (P. Gatt).

Subsequent to the race STRIKING PLUME, which performed poorly, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

Subsequent to the race INTERCEPTION (NZ), which performed poorly, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the mare was suffering from generalised muscular soreness in the shoulders.

BENARBER was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

RACE 2: - CENTRE RACING HANDICAP - 1350 metres

WESTACE (N. Tomizawa) jumped away awkwardly.

SOCIAL GLOW (M. Neilson) and UPMARKET STAR (C. Bryant) were both inclined to rear as when the gates opened.

In the vicinity of the 200 metres, KEETAH’S LADY (C. Lindop), which was attempting to improve inside RUN LIKE BLEVIC (J. Bowditch) became held up for a short distance when that filly rolled in under pressure.

FINNISS D’OR suffered a bi-lateral bleeding attack during the event. Mr. P. C. Barns, trainer of FINNISS D’OR, was advised that the gelding was suspended from training for three months under ARR 53 (A).

RACE 3: - SILVERLINE SECURITY HANDICAP - 1000 metres

ST VIVANT (C. Bryant), which was inclined to rear, was slow to jump.

A CUTE CONNECTION (S. Price) was slow to jump.

Near the 700 metres, SWISS VAULT (B. Claridge) was obliged to steady off the heels of VEGAS SHOW (J. Bowditch), which shifted in.

Near the 600 metres, NORWICH (W. Kerford), which was inclined to lay away from the rail, shifted out onto VEGAS SHOW (J. Bowditch) resulting in that filly shifting away and hampering PELIAS (T. Creek), which became unbalanced for a short distance. In consequence, PURA SEDA (J. Potter) got its head up and raced greenly when being steadied.

Inside the 600 metres SWISS VAULT (B. Claridge), which was inclined to shift about, shifted in and tightened TELBON GOLD (S. Tronerud), which was obliged to ease.

Over the concluding stages QUANTUM LEAP (P. Gatt) was unable to gain clear ground.

J. Holder, the rider of THE DANZIG TRILOGY, explained he had been instructed to settle that colt behind the pace and be aware that it may over-race. He stated he had been able to carry out his instructions and his mount had travelled well until approaching the entrance of the straight. He added, after finding clear ground, he had placed THE DANZIG TRILOGY under pressure; however, it had failed to respond to his riding. Mr. J. Hall, representing Mr. D. Hall, the trainer of THE DANZIG TRILOGY, confirmed the instructions.

THE DANZIG TRILOGY was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported it was lame in the off hind leg. Mr. J. Hall, representing trainer Mr. D. Hall, was advised that a Veterinary Certificate of Fitness to Race would be required prior to accepting for a future event.

PELIAS was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the colt to be lame in the off foreleg.

RACE 4: - THE ENVELOPE SPECIALISTS PLATE - 1350 metres

OAKMART (H. Akiyama), which had got down in the float en route to the track, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon upon arrival and ruled fit to start, however, a further examination revealed the filly to be exhibiting signs of lameness in the off hind leg and as a result OAKMART was withdrawn by Stewards at 1.30 pm.

The start of this race was delayed owing to THOR’S DAUGHTER requiring farrier attention after having sprung a plate in the enclosure.

KALA CHARM (T. Barras) and THOR’S DAUGHTER (R. McLeod) were both slow to jump.

COSMIC DUDE (J. Bowditch) hung out making the turn in the vicinity of the 700 metres and continued to lay out for the remainder o the event. J. Bowditch confirmed that the gelding had hung out severely throughout the event. COSMIC DUDE was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

Approaching the 600 metres, OUTBACK LAD (C. Lindop) shifted out and brushed COSMIC DUDE (J. Bowditch) on several occasions.

Near the 200 metres PAY KEYS (C. Lever) shifted in abruptly and inconvenienced COSMIC DUDE (J. Bowditch), which had commenced to weaken.

Near the 100 metres, CARLTON CONQUEST (C. Bryant) dropped his inside rein.

RACE 1 - SPECIAL OCCASIONS / SABIS MAIDEN PLATE - 1000 metres

Shortly after the start MULLENGANDRA LAD (K. Stra) shifted in resulting in KISS OF MAGIC (J. Potter) being inconvenienced.

In the vicinity of the 700 metres MULLENGANDRA LAD (K. Stra) shifted in onto CORALYN KID (C. Lever) resulting in that gelding being tightened, having to be eased and taken in onto RUBY SAL (M. Neilson), resulting in that mare having to be checked. K. Stra was severely reprimanded by Stewards and advised that she was to be sufficiently clear before shifting in future.

C. Lever, rider of CORALYN KID, reported to Stewards that the gelding showed a tendency to hang in from the 500 metres.

Racing inside the 200 metres CORALYN KID (C. Lever) was inconvenienced due to SHANNONS BELLE (B. Vale) shifting out slightly.

RACE 2 - SA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS INC./SABIS 2YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE - 1350 metres

When the gates were released BEAU INCA (B. Claridge) shifted out onto NOWHERE ELSE (J. Lyon) which in turn shifted out onto GLENDI BELLE (K. Louca). At the same time ANTIQUE EDGE (C. Lindop) shifted in onto IMELDA SEA (M. Neilson) and as a result MUST BE HANNAH (K. Stra), which was racing between those horses, was tightened for galloping room and lost its position.

In the vicinity of the home turn IMELDA SEA (M. Neilson) was eased out of the event. A subsequent veterinary examination of the gelding revealed that it was lame in the near hind leg. Mr. J. Francis, trainer of IMELDA SEA, was advised that a Veterinary Certificate of Fitness to Race would be required before accepting for any future event.

RACE 3 - WHITEMANS BUILDING SUPPLIES CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1000 metres

Prior to the start MIMINI broke through the barriers after being loaded on two occasions and that filly was reined in and underwent veterinary examinations which revealed it was fit to take its place in the field.

STAARCOUX (N. Stone) was slow to begin.

RACE 4 - CENTRAL TELEVISION CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1350 metres

RORTING (B. Claridge) showed a tendency to lay in under pressure in the straight.

In the vicinity of the 200 metres TELBON LOTTO (C. Lever) showed a tendency to lay in.

RACE 5 - KYM CLARKE GENERAL BUILDERS CLASS 6 HANDICAP - 1250 metres

THUNDERING SEA underwent a veterinary examination prior to the start after being kicked by another runner, which revealed the filly was fit to take its place in the field.

Correct Weight for this event was delayed to enable J. Burgess, the rider of FREAK OUT, the third placed horse by the Judge, to view the official image for second place. After doing so, in conjunction with Stewards, Judge’s numbers were verified and Correct Weight declared.

A veterinary examination of SUPREMELY subsequent to the event revealed that mare to be sore in the off foreleg. Mr. R. Angelo, trainer of SUPREMELY, was advised that a Veterinary Certificate of Fitness to Race would be required to be lodged for that mare before accepting for any future event. Mr. Angelo advised Stewards that the mare would now be retired.

RACE 6 - SMOKE-FREE CHALLENGE 2003 (HEAT 7) - 1000 metres

DAYNA’S PRIDE was a late withdrawal at 2.25 pm when that gelding sustained an injury to its off hind leg at its stable.

Prior to the start STAR AGLOW (B. Claridge) and SAN QUEEN (S. Price) both broke through the gates and were quickly reined in. A veterinary examination of both horses revealed they were fit to take their places in the field.

Upon jumping away STAR AGLOW (B. Claridge) shifted out and at the same time BLUESTONE VILLA (J. Lyon) shifted in slightly resulting in SAN QUEEN (S. Price) being taken out onto KING’S CHOICE (D. Tootell), which shifted out turning the hindquarters of BLUESTONE VILLA. As a result of this incident SAN QUEEN had to be steadied from the heels of STAR AGLOW and KING’S CHOICE was tightened and hampered for a short distance.

Inside the 400 metres TOVA (K. Louca) shifted in slightly resulting in ULRICHO (K. Stra) being inconvenienced.

HENRYSEE’S GOLD (C. Lindop) was held up for clear ground for a short distance approaching the home turn.

Rounding the home turn BEADMAN (N. Stone) shifted out and away from HENRYSEE’S GOLD (C. Lindop), brushing BLUESTONE VILLA (J. Lyon).

RACE 7 - PENINSULA MOTEL / SABIS CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1200 metres

HIGH DIGIT (J. Burgess) jumped away awkwardly and shortly after the start had to be eased due to SHAVINGS OF GOLD (K. Louca) jumping outwards.

Shortly after the start JASMYN BLOOMS (C. Lindop) had to be eased due to general tightening.

At the start WEAK ELASTIC (K. Stra) shifted in slightly resulting in MARSCAY EARL (B. Claridge) being tightened and having to be eased.

In the vicinity of the 1000 metres WEAK ELASTIC (K. Stra) shifted in resulting in MARSCAY EARL (B. Claridge) being hampered for a short distance and taken inwards. K. Stra was advised by Stewards of her obligations when shifting ground.

Inside the 400 metres B. Vale, rider of MITOBY, took hold of that gelding when it commenced to weaken and shift ground. Shortly after REKORB (J. Lyon), which was racing on the outside of MITOBY, shifted in slightly, resulting in MITOBY clipping the heels of REKORB and dipping. J. Lyon, rider of REKORB, was advised under similar circumstances in future he would be expected to exercise more care.

In the vicinity of the 200 metres and until approaching the 100 metres REKORB (J. Lyon) was disappointed for a run due to NEAT CHANGE (J. Potter) shifting in.

Approaching the 100 metres LEVITE (S. Price) shifted in resulting in MARSCAY EARL (B. Claridge) being inconvenienced.

SWABBING:

Race 4 TELBON LOTTO (winner)
Race 6 TOVA (unplaced)

RIDER CHANGES:

McEvoy has 15 runners in Adelaide tomorrow, including four in the Group 3 Lakewood Stud Stakes, four in the Listed Lakewood Stud Stakes and three in the Listed Envelope Specialists Plate.

The three feature races have all been won by the late Colin and Peter Hayes and brother David. McEvoy is confident he has both the numbers and ammunition to add a fourth Lindsay Park trainer to the winners roll.

"We've got a lot of valuable horses and these are the sorts of races you have to target with them," McEvoy said. "They're here for Black Type and while many of them are jumping in both class and distance they are bred to handle it."

In the Port Adelaide Guineas, McEvoy saddles up Zibellino, Mount Kosciusko, Blue Haze and Jameela.

"Mount Kosciusko has always looked as though he would develop into a three-year-old stayer," McEvoy said. "He's rising in class and distance on his last start but did run a great race in the Hill Smith Stakes (same track and distance) last year. He's being aimed at the Derby.

"Jameela is going along well but I've decided to split her and Yvonne and run her against the boys. She was a little unlucky behind Yvonne last start and finished on their heels. The month between runs is a worry and she will need a bit of luck from the draw but has the ability."

"Zibellino is up in class and distance but this is an important race for him to let us know where he's at. He has a lot of ability, too. Blue Haze has been disappointing but then ran a terrific race last start - enough to warrant a go in this company."

In the Lakewood Stud Stakes, the stable prepares the unbeaten Yvonne, Lifelong Dream, Jeune Amour and Special Teams.

"You can't knock her form after winning all four starts," McEvoy continued. "She is a lightly-flshed thing though and I chose to miss the Guineas for this. She has had a month between runs and the distance is a query so it's a bit of a gamble with her.

"Special Teams is up in class and distance but this company shouldn't be out of her reach, while Lifelong Dream ran a terrific race in the Lindsay Park Guineas last year. Her form is only fair recently but I know she has the ability. Jeune Amour is going along well and should get a nice run from a good barrier."

In the two-year-old feature - the Listed Envelope Specialists Plate - McEvoy prepares three very well bred fillies - La Boisselle, Isle Of Gibraltar and Carlton Conquest.

"La Boisselle probably should have won her first two starts, then never got a crack at them last start," McEvoy said. "She will really appreciate the extra ground. Isle Of Gibraltar ran a terrific race on debut and will also handle the extra ground, while Carlton Conquest has been consistent the whole way through. She got a little lost with the blinkers on last start but was still there at the finish."

McEvoy also has eight runners at Flemington tomorrow and another three at Ascot. He hasn't had much luck recently with injury in Sydney but will soon move his sights to Brisbane after the Adelaide Cup carnival.

"We've had runners everywhere over the last few weeks but that will continue through the winter," McEvoy said. "Nothing seemed to go right in Sydney but now the focus shifts to home for the Cup carnival. We've got a few in Perth for their classic races and after Adelaide we will target Brisbane with a number of horses."

The stable are currently on 225 winners for the season, 12 ahead of schedule to break the Lindsay Park record in a season.

PIC - Quentin Lang.

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)