Flying Merkel Beats The Odds
- Monday, 16 November 2009 02:59
Trainer Scott Trenowden and his horse Flying Merkel were made to earn their first metropolitan victory at Morphettville on Saturday. Based at Mount Compass on Fleurieu Peninsula around 50kms south of Adelaide, Trenowden was transporting Flying Merkel to the races when a truck collided with his vehicle on the Southern Expressway near Lonsdale.
Trenowden, 34, and his horse fortunately were not injured in the smash however the same could not be said for the truck which was a "write-off" according to the trainer.
"I called my stable strapper while walking the horse under a tree for shade (in 39 degree heat) and she came to collect us and bring us the rest of the way to Morphettville," Trenowden told the Adelaide Advertiser.
When the son of Masterclass finally made it to Morphettville, stewards ordered the veterinary surgeon to examine the galloper. He could only locate a minor abrasion over his near side eye from the earlier accident and passed Flying Merkel fit to run.
And run he did as the despised outsider of the five-horse field with Dean Holland in the saddle sprinted quickly from his off the pace rails position to win the $26,500 Pewsey Vale Handicap (1000m) by a length and a quarter.
Former Virtual Formguide journalist and part-owner in Flying Merkel, Greg Irvine, was thrilled with owning his first city winner and heaped praise on those that have been instrumental in the five-year-olds development.
"Scott has done a tremendous job since taking over his training this preparation," Irvine said.
"Bill (Smart) also needs to be given his thanks for his handling of the horse up until when Scott was licensed to train."
Plagued by injuries, Flying Merkel won two races from seven starts with Bill Smart at Oakbank before transferring to the stables of Trenowden in August.
Winning at Murray Bridge in September (pictured) on debut for Trenowden, Flying Merkel has found form - winning two from his last four starts - and most importantly remained injury free.
"Merk certainly appreciates Scott's rural training style - where he rarely sees a racetrack and enjoys working through paddocks - it certainly keeps him nice and refreshed," Irvine added.
"Hopefully some other owners will take note of Scott's professionalism and send him horses to train into the future - I know he's only got a couple in work and has done an outstanding job with them."
Trenowden's father is renowned Ceduna trainer Trevor "Bushy" Trenowden and is also a part-owner of galloper.
Trenowden Snr trained Flying Merkel's dam Whistling Lass to plenty of success, winning 14 races around the Eyre Peninsula between 1997 and 2002.
Scott Trenowden is one of the few South Australian trainers with a website and it can be viewed by visiting www.trenowden.com.au.
Picture - Greg Irvine
Saturday's Morphettville Races Report
- Monday, 16 November 2009 00:35
Now the winner of four races from eleven starts and the second for Trenowden the Master Class sired Flying Merkel, from the Brondesbury mare Whistling Lass, was handy to the lead throughout and beat the David Jolly trained Simon Price mount Steetcar Stella $4.
Bella Leah $3 was a farther three quarters of a length away filling the minor placing for Paul Seater and Paul Gatt.
Three-year-old filly Luce Del Mare, the $1.40 public elect, was the three and three quarter length winner of the 1200 metre second race and gave horse carer Mark Kavanagh the first of a quartet of wins and was the first of back to back victories for rider Simon Price.
From the Made Of Gold mare Cosmic Strike, Luce Del Mare led all the way in the small field of three, due to two late scratchings at the barrier, and gave her sire Fastnet Rock his third juvenile win in a week.
Luce Del Mare beat the Bill Borgarts cared for Dean Holland piloted Swoopy Coupe $17. The $11 chance Shady Grove was one and a quarter lengths away third for Richard Jolly and apprentice Libby Hopwood.
The Catbird sired Catapulted, out of a Umatilla mare Siren Miss, was the two and a half length winner of the 1200 metre third race and gave his rider Simon Price a double along with bringing up win number two for mentor Mark Kavanagh.
Starting the $1.50 favourite Catapulted, who has now won three races in succession, was third on settling down and, getting to the front half way down the straight, defeated Copper Days $31 for trainer Barry Dunn who engaged jockey Ben Claridge to ride his charge.
The combination of John Hickmott and Carl Spy were seen in the minor placegetter's stall when Taos Pleasure $12 was another half neck away third.
Sired by the Irish bred horse Archway from the Proven Valour mare Blue Capri, Spirit Of Capri gave trainer Bill Peake and jockey Adrian Patterson a short neck win in race four which was run over 1539 metres.
Starting at $9.50 Spirit Of Capri was well placed and beat the John Macmillan prepared Simon Price ridden Al Mahara $8. A farther long neck away third was the $3.70 chance Lapel for Richard Jolly and Libby Hopwood.
Guided to a half lengths victory by Libby Hopwood in the 1539 metre fifth race Believe ‘N Achieve brought up win number four from as many starts and gave mentor Mark Kavanagh his third winner.
Starting the $1.70 public elect Believe ‘N Achieve, a Beautiful Crown filly from the Bahamian Bounty mare Mal de Mer, was well placed and beat the Craig Curtis prepared Dean Holland ridden Storm Brewing $41. A farther short head away third was Bunker Boy $9-50 for the training combination of Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas and rider Matthew Neilson.
The six year old gelding Naughty Boy $3-90 gave the breeding partnership of the United States bred stallion Bellotto and the Indian Raj mare Toora Loora a nose win in the race six which was run over 2500 metres.
Being under the care of Kylie Huxtable Naughty Boy came from a mid field position and gave rider Adrian Patterson a double for the meeting. The combination of mentor John Croucher and rider Dean Holland supplied runner-up Atlantic Air $26. Reprisal $4 was a another head away, taking out the minor prizemoney, for David Hayes and Paul Gatt.
Trainer Mark Kavanagh scored his fourth win for the afternoon when the $3.40 punter's choice French Secret was the short neck winner of the 1539 metre seventh race.
Having the services of Simon Price who brought his third win for the afternoon the French Deputy gelding, from the Machiavellian mare Anigma, French Secret came from the middle of the field and beat the Phillip Stokes mentored and Ben Claridge ridden Vinegar Hill $10.
Al Omghe $4.60 was three quarters of length away third for Mick Price and Jason Maskiell.
The half lengths win of the Ken Matson trained St Fraser $18 gave apprentice Jordan Frew his first city winner in the final event of 1200 metres.
From the Maamur mare Lucy's Gift the Gallo Di Ferro sired St Fraser was mid field and powered home to beat the $3.30 favourite, the Daniel Clarken trained apprentice Lauren Stojakovic ridden Showusyourcugats.
A farther three quarters of a length away third was Edge Off $6.50 for Ken Sweeney and Matthew Neilson.
Thursday's Morphettville Parks Races Report
- Friday, 06 November 2009 03:45
From the Brocco mare Roccina and sired by the United States bred stallion More Than Ready, Rock ‘N' Ready $4 was well placed and beat Miyako Princess $4.60 for mentor Graham Fryer and apprentice Libby Hopwood. The Jonathan Maddigan trained Peter Roff ridden Li'l Miss Sunshine was two and three quarter lengths away third.
The breeding partnership of Johannesburg and the Bluebird mare Loving Cup produced Gastronomy $6 the head winner of race two which was contested over 1000 metres.
Being under the care of Phillip Stokes and having the services of Ben Claridge Gastronomy was no farther back than second for the entire journey and beat the $2-60 public elect, the David Hayes cared for Paul Gatt piloted Fatherson. Trice As Good $3-90 was a half length away third for Daniel Clarken and his apprentice Lauren Stojakovic.
Having his first day at the races the five year old David Baylis mentored Chad Lever mount Balzoni was the four length winner of the race three which was run over 1000 metres.
Starting the $1-85 punter's choice the Bianconi fathered Balzoni, from a Euclase matron Lola, was well placed and recorded a win over the Danny Penna trained apprentice Kate Dyson ridden Good Decision $9. Another two and a half lengths away filling the minor placing was Magicmolly $6.50 for Paul Gatt and David Hayes.
The Stravinsky sired Miss Allegro $5 gave her rider Paul Gatt the second leg of a double in the fourth event which was run over 1400 metres.
Being out of The Minstrel mare Improviste and trained by David Hayes Miss Allegro came from well back to beat the John Hyam cared for Justin Potter ridden Notallowed the $2.80 favourite. Meadows Staar $13 was one and a half lengths away third for Jim Smith and Libby Hopwood.
Teaming with trainer Jon O'Connor Libby Hopwood brought up the frist leg of her double when the $2.80 chance Banderilla was the four and a quarter length winner of the 1400 metre fifth event.
From Summer Gambit, a Bestebreuje mare, and fathered by Delzao Banderilla was well placed and beat Miss Regent $10 for horse-carer Mark Minervini. Quietzer $4-60 was another one and three quarter lengths away third for David Hayes and apprentice Kate Dyson who had her allowance reduced to two kilograms at the start of the day.
Starting at $5 the progeny of Irish bred stallion Street Cry out of the Secret Savings mare Merrimak, Make Me Cry greeted the judge by a margin of two and a quarter lengths in the 1550 metre sixth race.
Trained by Stuart Gower and having the services of Ryan Plumb Make Me Cry came from mid field to beat the $6 chance Noble Connection for mentor Daniel Clarken and jockey Lauren Stojakovic. Swiper $26 was a farther three quarters of a length away filling the minor placing for Colin Graves and Peter Roff.
Libby Hopwood brought up her second win for day when she steered the Stuart Padman charge Roy Rajas $5 to a half length win in the 1400 metre seventh race.
A five year old Devaraja gelding out of the Handy Proverb matron Summer Prize, Roy Rajas settled in fourth position and, maintaining a forward position, went on to beat the Jim Smith prepared Damien Robinson ridden Exalted Dream $5. Mary Goodnight $14 was a neck away third for Mark Minervini and Adrian Patterson.
The $4 chance and first starter Zhen Zhen was the length winner of the 1250 metre final event for Melbourne Cup winning trainer Mark Kavanagh and jockey Simon Price.
From a Mukaddamah mare I'm Wishing and fathered by Galileo, Zhen Zhen was well placed and beat Burgundy Notes $14 for mentor Bill Papazaharoudakis and rider Chad Lever. The combination of David Jolly and Justin Potter were associated with Xaieta $4 who was another one and half lengths away third.
Rebel Raider On The Mend
- Sunday, 15 November 2009 06:45
One time Melbourne Cup favourite Rebel Raider continues to make steady progress from an injury which derailed his spring and trainer Leon Macdonald is looking ahead to next year.
After adding the South Australian Derby to his Victoria Derby win, Rebel Raider was installed favourite alongside Efficient for the Melbourne Cup.But just a day after Cup weights were released in September, he was found to be lame and subsequently underwent surgery to remove a bone chip.
"He has recovered well and will spend another three or four weeks in the paddock," Macdonald said.
"Then he will come back to the stable and we will put him on the water walker for a month and see where we go from there."
Where to go is a problem with Macdonald believing he needs to race the horse in the autumn to keep him up to the mark.
Having aborted Rebel Raider's AJC Australian Derby campaign after three poor runs in Sydney, Macdonald vowed he would never run the horse on right handed tracks again.
"His passport has been stamped never to go north of the Murray," Macdonald said.
"I would like to give him a light autumn but he won't be sharp enough for the Australian Cup and the 3200 metres of the Adelaide Cup will be too far.
"There is a lot to think about but he can't stay in the paddock until June when he will begin his preparation for the Melbourne Cup."
The Sydney autumn is a possibility for stablemate Majestic Music who has held her own this spring with the promise of more to come.
Her past five starts have produced three stakes wins and a fighting second to Kidnapped in Saturday's Sandown Guineas.
Options for Majestic Music include the Australasian Oaks (2000m) on her home track at Morphettville or the rich fillies races in Sydney.
"We will look at all the options for her," Macdonald said.
"She is a very, very good filly and has a big future."
Picture - Jenny Barnes
Additional Stewards Reports From Adelaide
- Wednesday, 04 November 2009 04:15
Some news from TRSA Stewards released on Wednesday:
Stewards advise that Xaieta will wear blinkers in the $7,750 Betfair Maiden Plate (1250m) at Morphettville Park tomorrow.
Trained by David Jolly, Xaieta is a four-year-old mare by Xaar that finished fifth beaten only a length at Murray Bridge last start in a Class 1 (1200m).
**
Sam Kavanagh, representing Melbourne Cup winning trainer Mark Kavanagh has advised Stewards that a routine post-race veterinary examination of Coco Command has identified the gelding to exhibit soreness in both knees upon flexion and associated lower back pain.
Coco Command was disappointing on Saturday, weaking badly in the straight after leading in the $26,500 Sportingbet Handicap (1550m) at Morphettville.
Kavanagh confirmed the gelding would be eased in its work and undergo treatment following which its immediate programme would be re-assessed.
**
Barry Dunn, the Trainer of Satara has advised that following the gelding's unsatisfactory performance in the $41,000 Allan Scott Park Morphettville Handicap (1400m) at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.
Satara has been examined by his Chiropractor and was found to be exhibiting severe stiffness and some swelling to its neck and shoulders extending to its near foreleg, together with stiffness across its rump.
Dunn confirmed that Satara had undergone manipulative therapy and would be given a brief let up.
**
Stewards concluded their adjourned inquiry regarding jockey Paul Gatt's use of the whip in the LVS Fencing 0-68 Handicap (1607m) at Balaklava last Wednesday when riding Akmal.
Gatt was suspended for excessive whip use and will not be able to ride from midnight on Saturday till next Wednesday.
**
Ryan Plumb was suspended in the second race at Morphettville Parks on Saturday for a charge of careless riding aboard Feel The Venom.
He won't be able to ride until after the 20th of November.
TRSA Stewards Amend Arrival Times
- Friday, 13 November 2009 03:45
Stewards will require trainers to have their horses trackside only one hour prior to the advertised start time.
The Bureau of Meteorology are predicting a Dry, very hot and sunny day for Adelaide tomorrow with a maximum temperature of 39 degrees.
TRSA will stage a meeting at Penola on Sunday with temperatures there expected to soar into the 40's.
No Blinkers For Mean Jean
- Sunday, 01 November 2009 23:30
The blinkers were worn by the Fred Meuring trained galloper last start when fifth at Balaklava however have been removed for tomorrow's race which is the third heat of the Spring Series.
Wednesday's Strathalbyn Races Report
- Thursday, 12 November 2009 05:45
Other features of the meeting came the way of local trainers Greg Lesnikowski, Fred Meuring, Barry Dunn and David Jolly who each prepared a winner each along with mentor David Hayes who brought up a double early in the afternoon. Jockey Simon Price chipped in with a double.
Winning by a short neck margin Rock Of Solitude, the $2.20 favourite, gave jockey Chad Lever the first leg of his quartet of winners and trainer David Hayes the first of two winners in the opening event of 1200 metres.
A Fastnet Rock three year old gelding from the Sadler's Wells mare Oh So Precious making his second racetrack appearance and winning his first race Rock Of Solitude was an all the way winner and defeated the Brian Mueller prepared Justin Potter mount Just Omo $41. Another David Hays runner Madlool $2.70 was a farther two and a quarter lengths away third for apprentice Omer Ay.
Rock Of Solitude gave his sire Fastnet Rock his second first-race win in four days as he fathered Rockabee Miss who was the winner of the first race at Morphettville on Saturday.
The partnership of Chad Lever and David Hayes occupied the winner's stall after Pick The Face $9 was the two length winner of race two which was run over 1600 metres.
Being out of a Rory's Jester mare Pick Of The Crop and sired by Face Value, Pick The Face was no farther back than third for the entire journey and beat Akhabrach, the $2.50 punter's choice for mentor Simon Casey and jockey Simon Price. Ken Sweeney and Matthew Neilson provided the $3.10 chance Perfect Crown who was another long head away third.
Chad Lever brought up his third success when he combined with Goolwa based trainer David Jolly in the nose victory of Bianium the $2.60 equal favourite with the fourth placegetter Flameraja in the 1350 metre fourth event.
Sired by the United States bred stallion Bianconi and being from High Royale, a King's High mare, Bianium was the all the way winner and beat My Uncle Vinny $6 for the husband and wife combination of Karen Letts-Maund and Jeffrey Maund. Tarvon $18 was a farther three quarters of a length away filling the minor placing for John Dunn and apprentice Jordon Frew.
Riding for the Morphettville stable of Paula Trenwith the $7 chance Special Causeway gave Chad Lever his fourth victory when the gelding was the one and a half length winner of the 1200 metre fifth race.
The prodgeny of the American bred stallion Giant's Causeway out of the Nureyev mare Ruski Rose, Special Causeway was another on- pace runner to win and the six year old gelding beat the Shane Oxlade cared for Jordon Frew steered Happy As Larry $4. Another two and three quarter lengths away third was Well Acted $20 for Michael Mychajlin and apprentice Mick Engleson.
Greg Lesnikowski was the first of the local mentors to meet with success when Tolderol Teaparty was the long neck winner of race three which was contested over 2050 metres giving his rider Simon Price the first leg of a double.
Starting the $2.40 public elect the Twining sired gelding Tolderol Teaparty, from a Red Anchor mare Venteax, was well placed in the distance event and beat Consume $4.20 for the combination of mentor Philip Stokes and rider Ben Claridge. The $6 chance Noble Connection was another one and three quarter lengths away third for Daniel Clarken and his apprentice Lauren Stojakovic.
Simon Price brought up his double when Zarbika $3-70 was the one and three quarter length winner of the final event of 1200 metres giving trainer Barry Dunn the second leg of a double.
Being out a Rory's Jester mare Ambola and fathered by the English bred sire Xaar, Zarbrika came from midfield and beat the Dennis O'Leary prepared Troy Baker ridden Courting Justice $13.
Another half length away third was Apollo's Girl $2-35 for David Hayes and Chad Lever.
Starting the $3-60 favourite Dark Diva brought up the first leg of a double for trainer Barry Dunn in the 1350 metre seventh race. Sired by Indian Danehill from the Voodoo Rhythm mare Light a Candle, Dark Diva led all the way and beat the Paul Seater trained Simon Price ridden Saeta Rose $6.
The David Jolly trained Chad Lever ridden Star of the Stalls $4-80 was a farther two and a quarter lengths away third.
Local trainer Fred Meuring met with success when Akhameela was the two and a quarter length winner of the sixth race which was run over 1600 metres. Sired by the Adelaide Hills sire Akhadan from a Take Your Partner mare Koomeela, Akhameela was another on-pace runner to meet with success.
Akhameela beat the Richard Jolly prepared Libby Hopwood ridden Tamisra, the $2-35 favourite. A farther one and three quarter lengths away third was Roaring Fortune $31 for Mick Whittle and Matthew Neilson.
Morphettville Parks Races Report
- Sunday, 25 October 2009 13:59
A two year old Barely a Moment colt from the Lake Coniston mare Constant in Opal, Whipthebrewer was well placed during the opening event.
From Queen's Choir, a Palace Music mare and sired by Al Maher, Bint Maher came from a mid field position and beat the Rod Lepley mentored apprentice Libby Hopwood ridden Khaptivaano $4.40. A farther length away was Lost In Love $3-40 for Robert Smerdon and apprentice Jack Hill.
Trainer Richard Jolly and his apprentice Libby Hopwood continued on their winning way scoring the first leg of a winning double when She Swings was the short half head winner of the 1250 metre third event.
Starting at $6.50 the Court of Jewels three year old filly She Swings, from the Monde Bleu matron Stallard, came from a rearward position and beat the Mark Minervini trained apprentice Claudia Lions ridden Tudor Spirit $21. A farther two and a half lengths away third was Banderilla $5 for Jon O'Connor and Matthew Neilson.
The breeding partnership of the American bred stallion Sandtrap and Victory Dance mare Symbolise resulted in a one length win for their offspring Blue Maggich $4.60 in the 1950 metre fourth race.
Being prepared by Barry Dunn and with Ben Claridge in the saddle Blue Maggich led from the barrier before dropping back to fourth and then, mustering enough speed over the concluding stages, going on the beat the $3.60 chance Naughty Boy for trainer Kylie Huxtable who had Ryan Plumb ride her charge.
The $5.50 chance Infatuation was three and three quarter lengths away third for David Hayes and Paul Gatt.
After breaking her pelvis in a track work accident four years ago which resulted in temporary retirement for three years apprentice Lauren Stojakovic, who has returned to saddle under the guidance of trainer Daniel Clarken, rode her first city winner when Metrofox was the half length victor of race five which was run over 1000 metres.
A Foxhound four year old mare from Yuppeckiar, a Kingston Mill mare, Metrofox $7 was well placed before going to the front where she went on to defeat the Stuart Gower cared for Chad Lever ridden Gilded Boots $4. The $2.60 favourite Kisrak was a farther half head away third for David Jolly and Matt Pumpa.
Richard Jolly and Libby Hopwood brought up the second leg of their double when Lapel $3.90 recorded a two and a half length victory over Jeunealistic $3.60 for mentor Ken Sweeney and jockey Paul Gatt with another one and a quarter lengths away third being Rain Strategy $61 for Stuart Dodd and apprentice Claudia Lions in the 1400 metre sixth race.
The progeny of Pins out of the O'Reilly mare Vanilla Sky, Lapel was well placed before going on to win.
Favourite backers were on good terms with themselves after Barwon Express $2.30 was the two length winner of the seventh race for mentor Robert Smerdon and apprentice Jack Hill.
Fathered by Lake Coniston from the Zephyr Zip mare Zonki, Barwon Express came from last in the early stages to record a two length victory over the Byron Cozamanis trained Wayne Kerford mount Finniss Storm $4.
Road Worker $14 was another three quarters of a length away taking the third prizemoney for Roslyn Day and Adrian Patterson.
Jockey Paul Gatt brought up the first leg of a back to back double when he steered the Dean Pannell trained Cavalry Black $5 to a one and a quarter length win in race eight which was run over 1550 metres.
From the Regal Tambo mare Tri Alpyn and sired by Musee D'orsay Cavalry Black was mid field before going on to defeat Tuscany View $4.60 for mentor Greg Lesnikowski and rider David Tootell. Holy Guacamoley, the $2.50 punter's choice, was one and three quarter lengths away third for John Macmillan and apprentice Kyle Hocking.
The win of the Jon O'Connor cared for Dashing Doll $4 in the 1400 metre final event gave jockey Paul Gatt the second leg of his double.
A five year old daughter of Dash for Cash and the Rory's Jester mare Folly Doll, Dashing Doll came from a rearward position to defeat the $21 chance Awe And Wonder for trainer Len Smith and hoop Paul Denton. The combination of Phillip Stokes and Ben Claridge provided Vinegar Hill $12 who was a half head away third.
Picture - Jenny Barnes
Saturday's Morphettville Races Report
- Sunday, 08 November 2009 23:45
Sired by Fastnet Rock from the Grand Lodge mare Bee And Bee, Rockabee Miss, who was purchase as Lot 242 at this year's Inglis Premiership Yearling Sales in Melbourne for $50,000, settled second before going on to beat Sassy Sheila $4.40 who nearly led throughout for mentor Paul Seater and apprentice Kate Dyson.
Another David Hayes runner, the Ryan Plumb ridden Magnetosphere $3.80 was another half neck away third.
Being astride the $2.60 chance Moggaden jockey Ryan Plumb shared in the long head win of five year old gelding's trainer Lloyd Kennewell in the 2035 metre second race.
From the Prince Echo mare Ettu Blue and sired by the American bred stallion Dubai, Moggaden came from the rear of the six horse field to take the race out from the Kylie Huxtable cared for Adrian Patterson ridden Naughty Boy $3. The $2.50 favourite Blue Maggich was two and a quarter lengths away third for Barry Dunn and Ben Ckaridge.
Ben Claridge continued his success in the saddle when he rode Akatak $13 to a neck win in the 1600 metre third race for mentor Karen Byrnes.
After being one of the back markers in the event the Akhadan sired seven year old, out of a Danger mare Dangerous Mission, Miss Akatak beat the Roslyn Day cared for Adrian Patterson mount Road Worker $3-80. Electronic Millions $5.50 was another three quarters of a length away third for the Frew family of Heather and Kevin and their apprentice son Jordon.
Melbourne Cup winning trainer Mark Kavanagh and rider Matthew Neilson were associated with the two and half length win of the $2.25 favourite Believe ‘N' Achieve in race four which was run over 1600 metres.
The progeny of Beautiful Crown and the Bahamian Bounty mare Mal de Mer, Believe ‘N' Achieve was well placed and made it three wins in succession.
Believe 'N ‘ Achieve greeted the judge with two and a half lengths to spare over the $3.90 chance Khaptivaano for mentor Lloyd Kennewell and apprentice Libby Hopwood.
The David Hayes trained Paul Gatt ridden Akmal ran third at $7.
Coming from a rearward position the Real Jester filly Tudor Spirit, from the Snippets mare Spirit of Tudor, was the length winner of race five which was run over 1200 metres.
Now in the care of Mark Minervini after being prepared by David Hayes Tudor Spirit $5 beat the one time leader L'Aubaine $4 for horse carer Jon O'Connor and jockey Dominic Tourneur. About Me, the $3.30 favourite, was a long head away third for John Hyam and Troy Baker.
Jockey Dominic Tourneur joined forces with mentor Stewart Gower in the length victory of Falvelon's Dream $9 in the 1100 metres sixth race.
From the Jackson Square mare She's a Pipe Dream and fathered by Falvelon, Falvelon's Dream was well placed and beat the one time leader Tango's Choice, the $1.85 punter's choice, for trainer Mick Price and rider Clare Lindop.
The $9 chance Metrofox was a farther short neck away third for Daniel Clarken and apprentice Lauren Stojakovic.
Ben Claridge brought up his second winner for the meeting when he guided the Phillip Stokes trained Fastizo $5 to a one and three quarter length win in the 1600 metre seventh race.
Being out of the Noalcoholic mare Bessolic and sired by the Irish bred horse Scenic, Fastizio came from well back to beat another $5 chance, the Ciaron Maher trained Clare Lindop ridden Riveted. Awe And Wonder $7 was a farther nose away third for Len Smith and Paul Denton.
The two and a quarter length win of Ooleo $4 saw the combination of co-trainers Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas and jockey Clare Lindop in the winner's enclosure after the running of the 1100 metre final event.
Farthered by Iglesia from the Gold Carat mare Greinee Pet, Ooleo came from well back and beat the Lois Kettle mentored Kate Dyson mount Sir Sienna, the $2.80 punter's choice. Archalot $26 was another one and a quarter lengths away for Sharon Hayes and Wayne Kerford.
Tortuous Moments For Tourneur
- Sunday, 25 October 2009 13:45
For a few minutes on Sunday afternoon the ride on Melbourne Cup second favourite Alcopop appeared up for grabs. Jockey Dom Tourneur, who is already booked to ride the five-year-old at Flemington next week, fell from the Dennis O'Leary trained Red Ranger in the $6,250 Bullarook Park Stud Class 2 Handicap (1200m) at Mount Gambier.
Another horse, Red Fighter, dislodged his rider John Dertilis as a consequence of Red Ranger's fall.
According to reports, Tourneur remained on the turf for a while but only suffered a twisted ankle from the fall.
Tourneur did not ride for the remainder of the meeting.
Meanwhile the preparation of Alcopop continues to progress smoothly.
While Tourneur was in Melbourne to ride Magical Pearl in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m), Alcopop had a gallop after the last race at Morphettville Parks on Saturday with Matthew Neilson warming the saddle.
Neilson rode Alcopop to victory in the $70,000 Listed Balaklava Cup (1600m) three starts back but was subsequently suspended for seven meetings for causing interference over the concluding stages.
Tourneur has since partnered the Jake Stephens trained galloper to victory at his past two outings.
Alcopop is currently rated a $6.50 chance with Betstar.
Picture - Quentin Lang