Bel Esprit Tragedy: Favourite Good Thing Beaten

Saturday, 12 October 2002 00:00

The John Symons trained son of Royal Academy nearly fell at the top of the home straight, before balancing up and copping more interference before ultimately charging home to finish within a length and a half of the winner Helenus.

Symons, who had arranged with race jockey Damien Oliver, to ride the colt toward the rear of the field today, said the colt was a Cox Plate chance.

"It's a possibility," Symons said. "Some of the connections have mentioned it and Damien said he'd have no trouble settling."

Connections of Bel Esprit were left to wonder what might have been as Helenus, which was the second favourite for the race, dashed up to the early leader Choisir and had the race won.

In the final 200 metres with Damien Oliver throwing everything at him, Bel Esprit rattled home carving out his final 200 metres in a race best 11.19 seconds.

"It's a bit sad really," Symons said. "The fact he has been beaten in his past three Group One races - especially today with all of the bad luck he had out there."

Damien Oliver, who's unlucky recent run in Guineas continued, told connections after the race that Bel Esprit was lucky to stand up after being hampered by Patrick Payne's mount Titanic Jack.

Caulfield Track "Perfect" For Guineas Card

Friday, 11 October 2002 00:00

John Green, the man who oversees the preparation of the track all year round, said already he had a good rating for the surface.

"Things couldn't be much better," Green said. "The track is already rated good and we aren't watering it any more before tomorrow."

Melbourne is tipped to bathed in sunshine tomorrow, giving patrons a perfect day to see horses to the calibre of Sunline, Lonhro, Bel Esprit, Helenus, Great Glen, Umrum, Falvelon, Mistegic, Spinning Hill and Sky Heights.

Green reported that the Caulfield track had a current (as at 11am Friday) penetrometer of 4.37 and there was a forecast tomorrow of a day of about 25 degrees.

"If you had of asked for the perfect day for the races, then that would be it," he added.

The rail will be in the true position for tomorrow's meeting and is likely to stay there for the next week.

"We will reassess the track after Saturday, but it's our intention to stay there (true) for Wednesday as well."

Innovation Girl Stars Again

Saturday, 12 October 2002 00:00

Horsham (Vic)

Friday, 11 October 2002 00:00

Race 1 - $1 Million Wimmera Spring Cups Festival Maiden Plate - 1800 metres:

Mr. J. Craddock, trainer of Sonic Temple was notified he must lodge a transfer of ownership for the mare to show J. Craddock and P. Whittaker as nominators prior to the mare racing again. Mr. T. O'Sullivan, trainer of King Filou was notified he must produce the document of description for the gelding prior to it starting again. Throughout the event Comstar laid in. On the home turn Steavy Bay had to be checked over the heels of Avarga, which commenced to weaken.

Race 2 - Doug Hawkins Super Vobis 3YO Maiden Plate - 1400 metres:

Rounding the home turn Carlisle Joe shifted out and hampered Elite Park. When asked if he could offer any explanation for Guntram performing below expectations J. Keating, rider of Guntram could offer no explanation for the gelding's below expectations run other than that he would recommend to the trainer that the gelding may be suited to racing in blinkers. A veterinary examination of the gelding revealed no abnormalities.

Race 3 - Rutters Race Photography Maiden Plate - 1200 metres:

Mr. T. O'Sullivan, trainer of French Whisky was permitted to lodge an amended stable return to show Maniac Syndicate as nominators of the gelding. Near the 500 metres Fly Along (K Post) shifted out and forced Swift Amy out off its course. K. Post was reprimanded and notified to exercise more care when shifting ground in the future. In the straight Encosting Layed in under pressure and shortly after straightening shifted in and bumped No Views, which shifted out slightly.

Race 4 - Horsham Hire Class 4 Handicap - 2100 metres:

The start of this race was delayed due to a swarm of bees being within close proximity of the starting stalls.

Race 5 - Telstra Shop Sprint - 1200 metres:

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Mr. Michael O'Leary, trainer of Sangha River that the gelding had developed a haematoma on it's girth after light exercise subsequent to 8.00am this morning and in his opinion was unfit to run. Acting on this advice the Stewards withdrew Sangha River from the event at 11.15am. Mr O'Leary was notified he must produce a veterinary certificate in respect of the gelding being unfit to run. Shortly after straightening Star Miss had difficulty gaining a clear run.

Race 6 - Tooheys New Class 3 Handicap - 1400 metres:

Near the 1000 metres Amen Our Wray had to be eased off the heels of Khartoum which steadied. Stewards questioned Brady Cross, rider of Khartoum as to his riding of the gelding from the 700 metres to the home turn, Brady Cross stated his instructions were to gradually improve to three deep near the 700 metres and then continue to shift out on the home turn to five wide. Mr D. Weir trainer of Khartoum confirmed these instructions as he instructed B. Cross to ride the gelding in this manner, D. Weir added that he was of the opinion after confirming with a professional trackwalker that this was the best racing surface. D. Weir further added that in hindsight this was not to the horse's advantage.

Race 7 - Wimmera Roadways Class 2 Handicap - 1100 metres:

Maranello Miss began awkwardly then shifted in and brushed With Passion. Near the 700 metres Desert Bomber became unbalanced when taken out by Prime Dancer, which was hanging out. After passing the 200 metres Maranello Miss after being brushed by Mistress Devine which shifted in slightly then shifted in and had to be checked off the heels of Crème De Mond.

Race 8 - Boronia Peak Villas Class 1 Handicap - 1800 metres:

Baconer's Sister was slow to begin. Rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight Baconer's Sister was held up for a clear run. Near the 400 metres Neerim Reign was hampered when tightened for room between Bold Raj and Baconer's Sister which both shifted ground slightly. At the entrance to the straight Bold Raj was accidentally struck on the head by the whip of N. Beriman rider of Ice Ranger.

SWAB SAMPLES:

Race 1 - Double the Bet/random/race winner.
Race 3 - Encosting/random/race winner.
Race 4 - Brother Jim/race winner.
Race 5 - Teekayo/random/race winner.
Race 7 - Nadema/race winner.

Caulfield (Vic)

Saturday, 12 October 2002 00:00

Riding Changes:

Race 1 - Bolle Classic - 1200 metres:

On jumping away, I Scream and True Glo were hampered when tightened for room between Unbridled Smile and Undenied which shifted out.

On the home turn Logical Choice which was attempting a narrow run between Intuition and Sensational Swing had to be checked when Sensational Swing which had been racing greenly and shifted ground, shifted out slightly. True Glo which was following was inconvenienced.

Wayne Davis, rider of Natural Blitz was severely reprimanded for shifting in in the early part of the straight and brushing Stormy's Son resulting in Stormy's Son being hampered and becoming unbalanced. After passing the 200 metres Natural Blitz shifted out and had to be steadied off the heels of Blur. Natural Blitz then shifted out abruptly to obtain a clear run.

Natural Blitz lost its off fore plate.

Race 2 - Air Conditioning Professionals Plate - 1400 metres:

Shortly after jumping away Frere Jacques was hampered when tightened for between Damaschino and Karamazou which shifted out slightly.

Approaching the 1200 metres Ebony Night had to be checked off the heels of Debrief.

I Rock My World was held up when unable to obtain a clear run from near the 200 metres to the winning post. Debrief was blocked for a run over the concluding stages.

Race 3 - Thoroughbred Club Stakes - 1200 metres:

Trainer T. Noonan informed the Stewards that he did notify D Beadman as rider of Rortrice in accordance with the rules. The Stewards will seek verification of this matter. T.J. Hughes Jnr., trainer of Romantic Flyer explained to the Stewards that the filly was ridden back today as he believed that from an outside barrier she would be trapped wide and it was not in the best interests of success to race forward.

After passing the 600 metres Rortrice had to be steadied off the heels of Innovation Girl which shifted in. On the home turn Edgeton became unbalanced and made contact with the hindquarters of Rortrice when attempting a narrow run between Rortrice and Preferential which shifted out slightly when weakening. After being brushed Rortrice knuckled and Edgeton was hampered for some distance.

Race 4 - Schillaci Stakes - 1000 metres:

Greg Childs and the connections of North Boy 5^th placegetter viewed the Stewards Patrol Video and lodged an objection against Fair Embrace 4^th placegetter on the grounds of alleged interference in the straight. After taking evidence from the parties concerned the Stewards upheld the objection, the amended placings being: 1^st: No 6 Spinning Hill, 2^nd : No1 Falvelon, 3^rd : No 2 Mistegic, 4^th: No3 North Boy and 5^th: No 7 Fair Embrace.

The Stewards established that near the 200 metres North Boy and Fair Embrace came together due to both horses shifting ground. Fair Embrace then shifted out slightly when attempting to obtain a run between Mistegic and North Boy where there was insufficient room that resulted in North Boy being taken out onto the hindquarters of Falvelon and North Boy becoming unbalanced when tightened for room for some distance.

Race 5 - Winning Edge Presentations Stakes - 2400 metres:

Shortly after jumping away The A Train (NZ) and Thong Classic came together.

Near the winning post the first time National Treasure (NZ) got its head up when being eased. National Treasure (NZ) was then tightened slightly when being eased between Requiem and The Second Mortgage (NZ) when both those horses shifted ground. Passing the winning post the first time Lester Thunderwing which was following National Treasure (NZ) was tightened between Gold Lottey and Firetaine (NZ) which shifted in after being bumped by Thong Classic.

Grey Song had difficulty obtaining a clear run from the home turn to passing the 200 metres.

A Findlay rider of Miss Meliss was found guilty of careless riding in that he permitted his mount to shift in at an acute angle running down the straight the first time when not clear of The A Train which resulted in that gelding being taken in onto Grey Song which had to be checked when tightened for room between The A Train and Rum. The A Train was also hampered. And for continuing to shift in making contact with Rum resulting in that gelding also being hampered. A Findlay was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday 17^th October to expire at midnight 30^th October.

In the early and middle stages of the race Maguire got its head up when overracing.

Subsequent to the running of Race 5 Henderson Bay (NZ) was found to have bled from one nostril. Under the Rules of Racing the gelding is not deemed a bleeder. The veterinary surgeon also reported that Henderson Bay was suffering from 'thumps'. Subsequently Mr N. McBurney trainer of Henderson Bay was notified that prior to the gelding racing again he must produce a veterinary clearance with the results of an endoscopic examination and an ECG.

Race 6 - Carlton Draught Caulfield Guineas - 1600 metres:

D.Oliver, rider of Bel Esprit explained that he rode the gelding back as agreed to by the connections as they believed from an outside barrier Bel Esprit may have overraced if ridden in a forward position which would in the opinion of the connections have adversely affected his chances in the race.

P Payne, rider or Titanic Jack was charged with careless riding in that he permitted his mount to shift out on the home turn when not of clear of Bel Esprit resulting in Bel Esprit having to be checked severely. After hearing further submissions from Patrick Payne the Stewards gave him the benefit of the doubt as to whether he was fully responsible for the interference to Bel Esprit as Cool Trent and Half Hennessy which had been taken out by Helenus which had shifted out commencing the home turn then shifted back in at the same time that Titanic Jack had shifted out. However P Payne was severely reprimanded and notified that he must ensure that he is clear of other runners when shifting ground at all times.

In respect of the incident where Cool Trent and Half Hennessy were taken out by Helenus, S. King, rider of Helenus was notified that he must exercise more care when shifting ground in the future.

In the early part of the straight Bel Esprit when making ground had to shift out abruptly on two occassions to obtain a clear run and near the 200 metres Half Hennessy had to be eased off the heels of Bel Esprit which shifted out. D Oliver was notified to ensure he is clear of other runners when shifting ground in the future.

Near the 200 metres Acee Decee which was temp[orarily held up had to shift in across the heels of King Wells to obtain a run.

Titanic Jack lost the near hind plate, Grand Lover lost the off hind plate. Delago Brom lost the off fore plate.

Race 7 - Yalumba Stakes - 2000 metres:

No report.

Race 8 - Toorak Handicap - 1600 metres:

Objections were lodged by D Beadman rider of third placegetter Umrum against Scenic Peak being placed second and by K. McEvoy rider of fourth placegetter Pernod, against Scenic Peak on the grounds of alleged interference in the straight. After taking evidence from the parties concerned the Stewards upheld the objection Pernod against Scenic Peak and dismissed the objection Umrum against Scenic Peak the amended placings being 1^st: No 11 Shot of Thunder, 2^nd: No 3 Umrum, 3^rd: No 4 Pernod, 4^th: No 8 Scenic Peak. It was established that after passing the 300 metres Umrum and Pernod came together due mainly to Umrum shifting out slightly and that Scenic Peak then shifted in under pressure and tightened Pernod onto Umrum resulting in Pernod being hampered for some strides. D Nikolic rider of Scenic Peak was severely reprimanded and notified that he must make a greater effort sooner than he did on this occasion to avoid causing interference.

After passing the 200 metres Society Beau curled up when struck with the whip and passing the 100 metres pig-rooted when again struck with the whip almost dislodging its rider C Newitt resulting in him losing his irons for the remainder of the race. The Stewards will interview C. Newitt and his master Lee Freedman regarding this incident on a date to be fixed.

Race 9 - Adairs Plate - 1200 metres:

Rounding the home turn in the early part of the straight Past the Skies was held up when unable to obtain a clear run and Woodwina also had difficulty obtaining a clear run and approaching the winning post shifted in and inconvenienced Shattered Love.

SWAB SAMPLES:

61 horses were pre-race blood tested all with negative results. Post-race swab samples were taken from all winners and the second and third placegetters in the Caulfield Guineas.

Great Glen the One to Beat: Lawson

Friday, 11 October 2002 00:00

Lawson said he was impressed with the win of Great Glen in the Group Three Guineas Prelude after leading throughout.

"He is the horse getting under everyone's guards," Lawson said. "His win the other day was very strong and he will be making his own luck at the head of the field."

"He (Great Glen) was very strong at the end of the 1400 metres the other day," he added.

While Lawson feels that Great Glen is a great chance of winning the race, he declared Bel Esprit was a huge risk in the race.

"I'm certain he won't get the 1600 metres," he added. "Sure he might be the best horse in the race, but he has plenty of hurdles to overcome."

Lawson will saddle up Cool Trent and Acee Deecee, both at long odds, in the Guineas. He favours Cool Trent and feels that horse has a reasonable chance.

"He's a definite place chance," Lawson predicted. "The other one (Acee Deecee) probably won't appreciate the distance at this stage of his career."

Lawson isn't a stranger to being in the headlines at this time of the year. In the 1999 Guineas Lawson saddled up the star colt Testa Rossa who was outstayed in the race by the brilliant Redoute's Choice.

Both Testa Rossa and Redoute's Choice are now both at stud commanding large service fees, while last year's winner Lonhro will be retired next season to stand at Woodlands Stud for a healthy figure. Other recent winners of the race to head to the breeding barn with success have included the ill fated St. Covet, Our Maizcay and Show a Heart, who served a full book in Queensland this season.

Albury (NSW)

Saturday, 12 October 2002 00:00

An official barrier trial was conducted over 900 metres prior to the first race, in which 8 horses participated…

RACE 1 MAIDEN PLATE 900 M

CHIEF TIMAH was fractious behind the barrier stalls and very difficult to load… Stewards advised Mr B. Cavanough, trainer of CHIEF TIMAH, that a warning had been placed on this gelding… ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LASS and FLIGHT TO PARADISE were both slow to begin… Passing the 700 metres POKEY, which was green and racing tightly inside WINAGAIN, baulked of it’s own accord and lost it’s position… POKEY raced greenly thereafter… MACKEELIE laid outwards over the concluding stages.

RACE 2 CLASS 3 HANDICAP 1000 M

No report…

RACE 3 MAIDEN HANDICAP 1600 M

The saddle on IRISH KIT shifted forward badly in the early stages placing it’s rider at a distinct disadvantage throughout the event… MASTER GHIA over-raced in the early and middle stages…

RACE 4 TRANSITIONAL HANDICAP 1600 M

Mr K. Hanley trainer of MONTAGUE LAD was fined the sum of $50 under A.R.8(e) for negligently presenting this gelding in the mounting enclosure in incorrect gear… STONELEIGH ROAD over-raced in the early stages and raced greenly in the home straight lugging out…

RACE 5 CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1175 M

ABADOO was inspected by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon behind the barrier stalls and passed fit to race… Both CROWN DANCER and ABADOO were slow to begin…

SUMMARY

RACE 1 – CHIEF TIMAH – Difficult to load – Warning
RACE 4 – Trainer K. Hanley – Fined $50 – A.R.8(e) – Negligence

Oliver Has His Say on the Guineas

Friday, 11 October 2002 00:00

Recently crowned the "King of Caulfield," Oliver will need to be the "Wizard of the World," if he is to win his second Guineas.

Bel Esprit has drawn barrier fifteen for the feature event and the colt is also suspect at the 1600 metres.

Oliver talks about tomorrow's big race.

THE HORSE

"He's obviously the best horse in the race. His form against the older horses is very good. He has a lot of speed naturally."

THE BARRIER

"It's obviously a disappointment to have drawn out there (in 15). It may give him a tough run and we know horses with tough runs normally don't win. I'll be trying to give him the best run possible and getting him across into a decent position."

THE DISTANCE

"I'm pretty sure he will get the 1600 metres. He was getting a little tired the other day in the Dubai Racing Club Cup. Hopefully we can get a breather during the race and that will hold us in good stead. The key is to have a relatively easy run, if we can get that then he should be hard to beat."

THE PRESSURE

"I guess there is a little bit of pressure on me out there tomorrow. He is the best horse in the race and the barrier is a major stumbling block. I won't be going out there with negative thoughts though - worrying doens't help things."

THE SYDNEYSIDERS

"Obviously both of the Sydney horse are very good particularly Half Hennessy. I don't think he has been ridden all that well since being in Melbourne. The other one (Choisir) is a bit of a head case, but he does have good ability."

THE TACTICS

"I won't really go out there with any set tactics. But he does have good speed and I will probably use that by riding him forward."

THE RACE

"I won the Caulfield Guineas back in 1990. It was one of my first feature wins. Since then I've had four seconds and I'm keen to win another tomorrow."

Enigmatic Palladium Stars at Caulfield

Saturday, 12 October 2002 00:00

Early Markets for Tomorrow's Group Ones

Friday, 11 October 2002 00:00

CAULFIELD GUINEAS

$4 HELENUS
$5 Bel Esprit, Titanic Jack
$11 Great Glen
$12 Choisir
$13 Delago Brom, Half Hennessy
$18 Bunker
$26 Cool Trent, Tycoon Ruler
$34 Acee Deecee
others $51 or longer

TOORAK HANDICAP

$3.75 EXCELLERATOR
$7 Pernod, Royal Code
$11 Elegant Fashion
$13 Le Zagaletta, Shot of Thunder
$15 Society Beau
$17 Scenic Peak
$21 It's Platonic, La Bella Dama, Tyrolean, Weasel Will
others longer

YALUMBA STAKES

$2.35 LONHRO
$3 Sunline
$8 Distinctly Secret, Republic Lass
$11 Prized Gem
$21 Tully Thunder
$41 Ustinov
$51 Sky Heights, Tyrolean