Wodonga Race 3: Become A Wodonga Member Maiden Plate 1400m

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

Macedon Lodge trainer John Symons took control of Race 3 when Lost Valley (Fuji Kiseki-Peebinga Princess) got home under vigorious riding from Paul Boase to beat Rare Sparkle (Dolphin Street-Spanglet) and more fancied stablemate Archer’s Pride (Archway-Fubb’s Girl). John wasn’t on hand to see the 3yo filly beat the older horses as he had many horses trial at Bendigo this morning and then went on to Melbourne in preparation for stable champion Bel Esprit’s next start. The winning owners weren’t to be seen but the owners of runner up Rare Sparkle were just as happy with their placing. No doubt it will be their turn soon.

Wodonga Race 4: Raceday Packages Class 2 1100m

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

Last Wangaratta meeting I was telling you after Paleface Ben (Mookta-Drumben) won the Class 1 that he was out to try and upstage his classy brothers Playboy Ben and Benmore. Well today he went a lot closer to doing just that. Brendan Ward had the chestnut gelding poised to strike from the 400m and when he let him down he lengthened stride like a well oiled machine and gave nothing else a chance. Trainer Steven Aldridge has yet another handy horse to play with. Brother, Benmore scored at Moonee Valley last month and by all signs this little bloke will do the same when the right race comes along. 6 starts for 3 wins anywhere is handy and no-one knows the breed better than Steven. He looked a treat in the yard and recovered quickly post-race.

Anne Aldridge nee Grealy was an apprentice jockey to Jimmy Hoysted so Steven gets a wife and a qualified helper. Oldest son Brendan,14, had school and won’t be happy missing out on today's win but there’ll be more to come for sure.

Victory Vein Arrives in Melbourne

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

Murray told Racing NSW stewards he would report back to them within the week following the filly's surprise defeat in last Saturday's Flight Stakes at Royal Randwick.

"We had a call from Mr Murray today who is in Melbourne with Victory Vein," commented Mr Greg Rudolph, Deputy Chairman of Stewards.

"Mr Murray stated the filly has done very well down south and has settled in fine.

"He also said that he had blood tests taken and they showed she is 100% right on that score," Mr Rudolph added.

Media Release - NSW TRB

Toorak Handicap - Form Focus

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

Melbourne Racing Club - Toorak Handicap (1600m)
Group 1 Of $352,500 Handicap

TEN YEAR TRENDS

Year - Winner - Trainer - Jockey - No. - Barr. - SP - Wgt - Lead Up - Form
1992 READY TO EXPLODE J.MEAGHER S.KING 12 9 33 51 10th VRC 1100m Hcp-15th Bobbie Lewis
1993 GOLDEN SWORD J.MEAGHER S.KING 2 11 5-2f 55 1st Bobbie Lewis-7th Vic Health Cup-1st Epsom Hcp
1994 OPPRESSOR G.MANCE D.TAGGART 12 5 50 50 3rd Chelmsford Stks-3rd Kingston Town-16th Colin Stephen
1995 SOBER SUIT G.RYAN B.PREBBLE 18 2 9 50.5 4th Bobbie Lewis-7th Vic Health Cup-1st VRC 1400m Hcp
1996 POETIC KING D.FREEDMAN S.MARSHALL 2 3 4f 56.5 3rd Memsie Stks-2nd Feehan Stks-1st Rupert Steele
1997 PENGHULU P.HAYES G.CHILDS 5 6 16 53.5 1st VRC 1200m Hcp-9th Vic Health Cup
1998 MARBLE HALLS D.FREEDMAN J.CASSIDY 7 10 10 55 7th Liston Stks-14th Craiglee Stks-5th MV 2040m LR
1999 UMRUM L.MACDONALD E.WILKINSON 6 17 30 55 7th Craiglee Stks-5th Vic Health Cup-11th Gilgai Stks
2000 UMRUM L.MACDONALD J.CASSIDY 3 4 7-2f 55 8th Craiglee Stks-7th L/Well Cup-3rd Gilgai Stks
2001 SHOW A HEART B.MILLER G.BOSS 6 12 $13 55 8th Bobbie Lewis-15th L/Well Cup

RACE STATS (last 10 years)

Dubai R.C. Cup winners record : 5 runners for 1 placing (Poetic King-1994)

Toorak Handicap winners to contest the Dubai R.C.Cup: Show a Heart, Umrum (1999 & 2000), Penghulu, Sober Suit, Golden Sword

Dual winners: Umrum (1999-2000) Nicopolis (1963-64) Desert Breeze (1952-53) Saxony (1948-49). Since Tobin Bronze won with 9.12 (62.5kg) in 1967, the highest winning weight has been 58.5kg (9.3) by Gunsynd in 1971 - only 3 horses have won with more than 55kg since Gunsynd; All Shot(1972-58kg) King Phoenix(1985-56.5kg) Poetic King(1996-56.5kg)

FEATURE RACE CONNECTIONS (same year victories)

Dubai R.C. Cup-Toorak Hcp: Canny Lass (1986) Magari (1982) Torbek (1980) Tauto (1970) Anonyme (1961) Jovial Lad (1951)

Toorak Hcp-Caulfield Cup: 9 winners - includes Cole Diesel, Leilani, Tobin Bronze, Galilee, Grey Boots, Royal Gem, The Trump

Toorak Hcp-VRC Emirates Stks: 5 winners - Magari(1982) All Shot(1972) Gunsynd(1971) Burberry(1943) Gold Salute(1940)

FORM FACTS

Placed twice at G1 level and 5^th in the G1 Caulfield Guineas on this day in 2001, Royal Code comes off two excellent minor placings in races that feature prominently in previous Toorak Handicap winners and with 54.5kg, fits the recent weight carrying success pattern. Pernod overcame a wide gate to nail Bel Esprit and Royal Code in the G1 Dubai Cup, the mare striving to become just the third of her sex to win this event in the last 20 years, Canny Lass completing the Dubai Cup-Toorak double in 1986, while Ricochet Rosie was the last mare to salute in 1990. The Epsom winner Excellerator is out to match Golden Sword in 1993 (the most recent Epsom-Toorak double winner), but with 57kg has a task, while last year’s runner-up Le Zagaletta fronts up for his 4^th consecutive Toorak. Dual Toorak winner Umrum (3^rd in 1998 & 8^th in 2001) was

13^th in the 1997 Caulfield Guineas, thus racing on this day six years in a row.

FORM FOCUS - FACTS & FIGURES

Media Release - Racing Victoria

Macdonald's Guineas Day Deja Vu

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

Back in 1997, a talented colt named Umrum went into the race as favourite, on the strength of two winning lead-up runs.

Unfortunately, Umrum "squeezed" himself and was gone before the turn, finishing a well-beaten last. After being gelded, he bounced back to his true form in subsequent seasons and has since run in four Toorak Handicaps on the corresponding day – winning two and placing in another. He has also won more than a $1 million since, as well.

This year, the old marvel is back again to run in another and try to create history by winning an unprecedented third Toorak.

"He’s been a great old horse," Macdonald said. "This will be his fifth Toorak, which would be some sort of modern day record and he’s going for his third win. A few horses have won it twice but no horse has won the race three times. He loves the Caulfield mile and I thought his lead-up run (when fourth to Prince Rubiton) over 1400m last week was excellent. He’s getting on in years but he’s still racing well."

Along with his happy memories of the Toorak, Macdonald is hoping to erase that Caulfield Guineas disappointment with another promising three-year-old, Great Glen.

Like Umrum five years ago, Great Glen is in excellent form leading up to the race but, unlike Umrum, Macdonald doesn’t have to worry about Great Glen, a gelding, squeezing himself.

"I’m really happy with the way he is going," Macdonald said. "His win last start was excellent. He led all the way from a wide gate and did it tough, but fought on well to win. He’ll get a much easier run from the draw this time and I’m still convinced he’ll be a better horse when ridden with a sit."

Great Glen’s mission on Saturday is two-fold. The first, obviously, is to win the race he has been set for since the beginning of the year and the other, and somewhat of a bonus for connections, will be to prove to Macdonald he can stay.

"Since he won the Breeders’ Stakes at Morphettville in February, this race has been his aim," Macdonald said. "I’ve felt all along he’s a high-class horse and he gets the chance to prove it this weekend. But if he also suggests to us that he will get more ground then he’ll keep going toward the Derby. All going well he’ll run in the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley and then on to the Derby."

Macdonald has had a good run in Melbourne in the last few weeks, also winning with Hydrometer in the Listed Concept Sports Stakes and Eagle Rhythm in the Cranbourne Cup on Wednesday.

"Hydrometer is another going for the Derby," Macdonald said.

"He’ll run in the Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield next weekend before the Derby. Eagle Rhythm will run in the Geelong Cup before either the Werribee Cup or Saab Quality, leading up to the Melbourne Cup."

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)

Wodonga Race 2: Wodonga Super VOBIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1100m

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

It’s great when you see hard working people have some luck and there’s not many harder working jockeys than Robbie Beattie. He’s the first to arrive and the last to leave most trackwork mornings and always willing to help out if anyone is stuck for a rider. Another Benalla trainer, Peter Burgun knows this only too well and is quick to reward Robbie when possible with race rides.

Of late the pair have had a few wins and today it came in the form of a grey Star Pyramul gelding named Heart Attack. Having his 3^rd race start and following a close 2^nd at Swan Hill the pair travelled well in the run to kick away at the 200 bravely holding off a strong challenge from first starter, filly, D’Flated (Inflate-Go Between) who herself will quickly join the winners club.

Wodonga Race 6: 55 Days To Wodonga Cup Class 3 Handicap 2050m

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

Seymour trainer Steve Clifton has a stunning looking tall black 7yo gelding in Omniwalk (Omnicorp-My Fair Consul) that any Equestrian rider would love to have when his racing days are over. Leading from barrier to post Matthew Gatt rated him well and gave himself a welcome return to Victorian racing after a few months of riding in Brisbane. Steve always turns his horses out in great order and this horse was no exception, being a part owner as well made it all the more pleasing. Locally trained Scarpia (Savage Toss-Exhilarate) had to be content with second and last Sundays winner Blevmick held form to run third.

Cranbourne (Vic)

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

Riding Changes:

RACE 1- NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK HURDLE - 3000 METRES:

No report.

RACE 2 - THE SEPPELT GREAT WESTERN 3YO & UP FILLIES & MARES MAIDEN PLATE - 1000 METRES:

Sabi jumped away awkwardly.

Rounding the home turn, Pariza was held up when unable to obtain a clear run.

C Symons, rider of Home of the Brave was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, the careless riding being that near the 200 metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Tenacious Spirit, thereby taking that filly in on to Sabi and Gemena which resulted in Tenacious Spirit being hampered and Sabi having to be checked and Gemena having to be checked of the heels of Toyelle. C Symons was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight on Saturday 12^th October and to conclude at midnight on Friday 25^th October, 2002 in assessing penalty Stewards took into account C Symons good riding record and the fact that he had missed riding due to injury in recent times.

N Callow rider of Brave Val was found guilty of a charge of careless riding the careless riding being that over the concluding stages of the race he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Abecedarian resulting in that mare having to be checked. N Callow was suspended from riding in races from a period commencing at midnight tonight and to expire at midnight on Tuesday, 29^th October, 2002. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account that N Callow had been penalised for several similar offences in recent times.

RACE 3 - JAYCO 3YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE (1) - 1300 METRES:

On jumping away Hoodlum Harry was severely hampered when tightened for room between Darsawye which jumped away awkwardly and shifted in slightly and Super Jack which shifted out away from Joffa Court and Joffa Court which shifted out on jumping away.

In the straight Dale Short rider of Judge Flowers accidentally dropped his whip.

RACE 4 - JAYCO 3YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE (2) - 1300 METRES:

Acting on a confirmed phone call from trainer Mr A Waymouth that Satine was found to be sore in front subsequent to scratching time. Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the mare at 11.18am. Mr Waymouth has submitted a veterinary certificate in respect of Satine.

A veterinary inspection of Gourmet Fuji, which had weakened in the straight, revealed the mare to be suffering from Atrial Fibrillation. Mr T Krushka was notified that prior to Gourmet Fuji racing again he must produce a veterinary certificate that must include a satisfactory result from an ECG before and after exercise.

Dynamic Lad jumped away awkwardly.

RACE 5 - KILORA SUPER VOBIS 3YO FILLIES CLASS 3 CLASSIC - 1300 METRES:

Near the 1000 metres Enniskerry had to be eased to avoid the heels of Annunciare (P Caddy) which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. P Caddy will be notified to ensure he is clear of other riders in future.

RACE 6 - CARLTON DRAUGHT HANDICAP - 1600 METRES:

No report.

RACE 7 - EMPLOYMENT NATIONAL CLASS 4 HANDICAP - 1200 METRES:

Top Perch was slow to begin.

Our Nudger laid in under pressure on the straight.

RACE 8 - EDWARD (TED) BULL FUNERALS CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 2025 METRES:

Approaching the 400 metres Michael Connick rider of Our Sugar Street (NZ) was dislodged when that mare raced into a slight gap between Karamal and Morebulk where there was insufficient room, as a result of the tightening Our Sugar Street (NZ) became unbalanced, knuckled and as a result M Connickwas dislodged. Future Analysis which was following was slightly hampered and as a result Chris Symons rider of that horse was almost dislodged. Raise the Ark and Strawberry Affair were also hampered in consequence.

Race 9 - BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

Acting on a confirmed phone call from Mr R Maund, trainer of Celtic Melody that he found the mare to be sore in the near fore leg subsequent to scratching. The mare was withdrawn at 8.23am. Mr Maund will produce a veterinary certificate in respect of Celtic Melody.

The saddle on Arrowtown slipped forward enroute to the barrier which resulted in D Holland the geldings rider being dislodged and Arrowtown galloping for some distance before being caught by the Clerk of the Course. Arrowtown was withdrawn by the Stewrds on veterinary advice at 5.07pm and subsequently Stewards ruled:

All monies bet for a win and/or place and concession betting on Arrowtown to be refunded. All successful bets on horses prior to time of withdrawal of Arrowtown are subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket

All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of ticket.

In the early part of the straight, Final Suite shifted out and had to be eased to avoid the heels of Smooth Customer.

SWAB SAMPLES:

Routine swab samples were taken from:Race 3 British Ensign
Race 8 Delvecchio (NZ), winner

Random swab samples were taken from:Race 2 Ella Hia
Race 6 Litmus, unplaced
Race 7 Our Nudger, winner

Wodonga Race 8: Bundy Enclosure 19/10 Class 2 Handicap 1400m

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

To be honest I watched the last from the bar after seeing King’s God (King’s High-God’s Run) in the mounting yard he looked a picture and the race a forgone conclusion. Following up on his 2 recent second placings it was his turn. He had 33 starts for only 1 win , 6 seconds and 6 thirds before today so he was well overdue. Sipping my UDL and watching the monitor I was having a yak with Ray Wellington and his son, trainer Robbie Wellington waiting for the start. Ray leases King’s God to a group of policemen at Wangaratta so he was keen for me to shut up as they jumped.

Colin Dean kept a nice hold on King’s God while the race settled around him and when he asked him for an effort off they went taking 1^st place with them. Gary Aldridge who trains King’s God was very confident before the race so I presume he collected and took off home asap because I couldn’t track him down for a mug shot. Don’t worry I’ll find him at the track because he trains at Wangaratta so he can’t hide from me!!

Wodonga Race 7: Boxing Day Promo Class 4 Handicap 1200m

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

Judy Holden made the trip from Flemington with her talented and very fit looking charge Achieved (Clear Choice-Full Sunset). Jockey Brian Johns always had the grey gelding travelling well to throw down the gauntlet to equal favourite Perada (Perugino-Pampa belle) with George Evagora riding hard. In his earlier starts he was ridden by Les Beer who declared after his first run he would go through his classes he’s now had 25 starts for 5 wins 2 seconds and 6 thirds. The return trip down the Hume Highway won’t seem as long going home for them.