Sydney Invasion Well and Truly Away

Thursday, 10 October 2002 00:00

With Sydney's feature races during the early spring period winding up last weekend the Sydneysiders are now on their way down south.

On Saturday at Caulfield the Sydney invasion intensifies with many leading chances aiming for feature events over Melbourne's Spring Carnival.

Waterhouse, Walter, Hawkes, Perry, Morrisey, Curtis, McBurney, Murray, O'Shea and Quinton are all Sydney based trainers. On Saturday they are all expected to be in Melbourne saddling up runners on Caulfield's black type filled Guineas Day card.

Some of the better Sydney challengers on Saturday include Half Hennessy, Excellerator, Spinning Hill, Mistegic, National Treasure, Lady Cay and Chester County.

They are profiled below:

HALF HENNESSY - Sydney's only runner in the million dollar Caulfield Guineas. Despite being beaten in two runs in Melbourne this preparation the Hennessy colt is expected to be hard to beat. Sizzled at Breakfast with the Stars at Caulfield on Tuesday morning. Stable is having a great trot in recent times and Murray is quietly confident of winning. Beadman replaces Brown, who erred in his ride in the Stutt last start.

EXCELLERATOR - We all forgot about this fellow when he was off the track injured. One of the best juveniles we had seen for a long time before going amiss. Has returned in sparkling shape. Huge run when second to Defier in the George Main and then won the Epsom in sparkling fashion beating that gelding after a lovely ride. Cassidy and Waterhouse to combine here with a lovely barrier.

SPINNING HILL - Gave Bel Esprit a start and a three quarter length beating in the Manikato Stakes at Flemington last start. Always seems to be able to take up a nice position just off the pace and just aboutn always runs home well to figure in the finish. Top performer at weight-for-age and she always runs well with her runs spaced. Drawn the inside for jockey Patrick Payne and trainer Guy Walter.

MISTEGIC - High class sprinter who should have been crowned the country's best for last season. Consistent performer who finished third to Spinning Hill and Bel Esprit in the Manikato Stakes. Has been freshened up by Lee Curtis since then and he normally runs well first up from a break. In form Sydney based Glen Boss is aboard and the two combined to win this year's Galaxy in Sydney.

NATIONAL TREASURE - The second runner for Gai Waterhouse. Is in the group of horses desperately gunning for a berth in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. Finished a good third to highly rated stablemate Red Trinket in the Colin Stephen last start. Before that scored a soft win at Rosehill. Cassidy retains in the ride and the Zabeel mare is drawn ideally.

LADY CAY - Striking Marscay mare from stables of former brilliant jockey Ron Quinton. Two runs this time in when in stakes company in Sydney have been quite good. Was a length off Mica's Pride in Group class last time out. Has a handy draw and has last year's carnival sensation Scott Seamer in the saddle. Expected to be hitting the line strongly.

CHESTER COUNTY - Well bred Hennessy colt from the Paul Perry stable. Is aiming for three straight wins in the Bolle Classic worth $75,500. Facing a siginificant class rise from a Class 2 at Newcastle but he did win that with a leg in the air by about four lengths. Big race jockey on who loves to win in Melbourne. Drawn inside over 1200 metres which is always a plus.

Eagle Has The Rhythm in Cranbourne Cup

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

Melbourne Cup aspirations for the dour stayer Eagle Rhythm gained some momentum this afternoon when that grey gelding scored an impressive win in this afternoon’s listed $130,000 Carlton Draught Cranbourne Cup.

Given a lovely run by Kerrin McEvoy just off the pace the grey was able to get a split in the straight and pounce on the lead. He was then able to comfortably hold out the John Hawkes trained Adolescence, while the kiwi visitor Hail was third.

No longer in the field for Saturday week's Group One Caulfield Cup, Eagle Rhythm is still in contention for the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

The winner was trained by Adelaide based Leon Macdonald, who was not on track today, leaving Melbourne foreman Andrew Noblet in charge.

"All credit must go to the horse," Noblet said. "He’s been going okay in races that haven’t really been run to suit. Today was his day he’s done very well."

One of the keys to today’s listed race win was the readdition of blinkers.

"We tried him without blinkers but hasn’t really settled without them, so we put them back on him today," he added.

Noblet said he was thrilled with the ride by in form former Adelaide jockey Kerrin McEvoy.

"It was a great ride, just terrific," Noblet said moments after the win.

While the well bred grey gelding is not in the running for Saturday week’s Caulfield Cup, he is still a paid up runner for the country’s richest race in November.

"Yes he’s a big chance to run in the Melbourne Cup," Noblet said. "He’ll probably run in some of the lead up staying races in the meantime."

Eagle Rhythm is owned by flamboyant wine entrepreneur Wolf Blass, who is one of racing's biggest supporters.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Wodonga Races 7th October

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

Wodonga Turf Club conducted their first of two meetings for October on Monday. The club has made a lot of changes over the last couple of years and now has Peter Mac Allister, overlooking this track as secretary. He must be a busy boy as he is also the secretary of the Wangaratta Turf Club. It won’t take him long to put his polish on an already great track. With a holiday in NSW and Wodonga only being a bridge drive from Albury they had a good size crowd watching competitive racing. Wodonga was the scene of my first rides as a jockey so I feel part of it’s history and always loved going back as both a jockey then trainer. I ran into former longtime secretary Norm Batters who is now on the Committee and he conveyed they have some exciting plans for the future so don’t be shy to call in if there’s a race meeting on and you’re in the district.

Most of the same boys are on the gates and let me go to the start with them to take a photo, Aunty Pat Freyer and Lorna still work overtime to keep the results flowing, the aroma of a delicious hot meal hits you as you approach the grandstand and the bar hasn’t changed it’s great country hospitality so to be sociable in between races I went there to help solve the problems of the world. The only problem was after 8 races I couldn’t drive home!!!

Ah well enough of that let’s have a look at what went on……..

A quick call into the stewards room assured me the meeting was in good hands. Their preparation for each meeting starts hours before the first and ends a long while after the last.

Race 1: Gold Club Sponsorship Maiden Plate 1600m
Race 2: Wodonga Super VOBIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1100m
Race 3: Become A Wodonga Member Maiden Plate 1400m
Race 4: Raceday Packages Class 2 1100m
Race 5: Tooheys New Handicap 1400m
Race 6: 55 Days To Wodonga Cup Class 3 Handicap 2050m
Race 7: Boxing Day Promo Class 4 Handicap 1200m
Race 8: Bundy Enclosure 19/10 Class 2 Handicap 1400m

Another Track Record for Don't Tell Tom

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

Don’t Tell Tom has broken his second track record at just his second race start when he scored a sizzling win at Cranbourne on Cup day this afternoon.

A member of the Jon Collins stable, Don’t Tell Tom jumped out of the barriers in good style and Malcolm Pay sat quietly on him before giving him a little more rein at the top of the straight.

When allowed to increase the tempo at the home turn Don’t Tell Tom quickly put a number of lengths between himself and the chasing bunch.

Jon Collins, who will give Maguire his final Caulfield Cup lead up run on Saturday, said after the win that his galloper was indeed very exciting.

"He did everything right out there today," Collins said. "He jumped well and then it turned out to be a pretty comprehensive win."

"He’s got a lot of speed and definitely has a future," Collins added.

The future for Don’t Tell Tom will see him targeted at better races, but Collins is aware not to get too excited just yet.

"We really can’t aim him too high at this stage," he reported. "Of course he won’t be able to get in some of the better races yet anyway."

At the post Don’t Tell Tom and Malcolm Pay had over three lengths to spare over the runner-up Amour De Ana, while Bahamian Rhapsody was third.

The gelding also bettered the Cranbourne track record, stopping the clock over a tenth faster than the previous best.

Meanwhile, Don’t Tell Tom’s stablemate Maguire will run at Caulfield this Saturday, but he is unsure which race he will run in at this stage.

"Maguire needs another run," Collins said. "I’m not sure which race he will run in. It may be the Yalumba or the old Herbert Power (Winning Edge Presentation Stakes)."

Oliver Out to Earn His "King" Title

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

Just over a month ago Damien Oliver was announced as the "King of Caulfield" when the Melbourne Racing Club launched their 2002 spring carnival.

On Saturday Oliver will be hoping the honour fits when he takes up some important rides on a triple Group One race program at the Heath.

His most important ride will be aboard the star colt Bel Esprit in the million dollar Carlton Draught Caulfield Guineas (1600m).

Oliver feels the brilliant son of Royal Academy has an undeniable chance of winning the Caulfield Guineas, but that was before the pair were handed barrier 15 in the field of 16.

"There’s little doubt he’s the best horse in the race," Oliver said. "And I’m just hoping he can prove that on Saturday."

Oliver was pleased with Bel Esprit’s gallop at the Breakfast With The Stars at Caulfield yesterday morning in which he ran his final 400 metres in 23.04 seconds, the second fastest final two furlongs of the morning behind the Sydney colt Half Hennessy.

"I was very happy with his work," Oliver said. "He did it all pretty easy, he was looking around a bit and probably was a bit keener than I thought he would be. He also had a good blow."

Oliver and Bel Esprit’s trainer John Symons haven’t cemented any plans for the race as yet and Symons has left that to Oliver.

"It’s all up to Damien," Symons said. "I’m sure he will be able to take a sit if he wants to."

Last start Bel Esprit was run down late by the talented mare and Caulfield specialist Pernod in the Dubai Racing Club Cup (1400m).

"I wanted to ride him a little quieter last start," Oliver recalled. "But he was a little slow out of the gates and he then put himself in a good position."

"With the leader folding before the turn the other day we were left in front a long way out."

Despite drawing a terrible barrier Bel Esprit is expected to be one of the more fancied runners in Saturday’s race along with the Bill Stutt Stakes winner Helenus, the Guineas Prelude victor Great Glen and the Tommy Hughes duo of Delago Brom and Titanic Jack.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Night Racing Launch Attracts New Racegoers

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

Night racing is attracting a large number of young, female racegoers according to research undertaken at Moonee Valley at the Carlton Draught Night Racing launch on Friday night October 4.

The research revealed that just under half of those attending were females and most interestingly, nearly 50% were in the 20-30 year old age bracket. Of those surveyed, 52% said there were attending for the social occasion and the entertainment.

"The research highlights the fact that night racing is introducing a new audience to racing," said MVRC Chief Executive Paul Brettell.

The launch of Carlton Draught night racing on Friday October 4 attracted a crowd of almost 8000 on a night with terrible weather.

The crowd marked a significant increase of 35.5%, up from 5, 732 in 2001.

"This was a wonderful turnout, especially considering the cold wet Melbourne weather and only reinforces the fact that people genuinely like night racing", said MVRC Chief Executive Paul Brettell.

1584 people pre-booked dining packages on October 4 (an increase of 58% on last years figure of 921.)

On-course wagering increased by 3% this year whilst off-course turnover on MV gallops was also up. A good effort considering there was no Sydney racing to support the local program

An added bonus for the club was the increased returns from paid admissions, on-course catering and Tabaret gaming.

Media Release - MVRC

Cranbourne (Vic)

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

Track: GOOD
Penetrometer: 3.1
Weather: OVERCAST
Rail: TRUE

Riding Changes:

Race	Horse	Rider	Replaced By	Reason
1	Jugah Shar	V. Duric	W. Davis	Delayed
4	Enzed	S. Seamer	R. Wheeler	Misunderstanding

Race 1 – EMPLOYMENT NATIONAL CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1400 metres: 

On jumping away, Artistic Gem knuckled.  Flutterby jumped away awkwardly.  Also on jumping away, Scentoy was tightened for room between Jugah Shar and Kyiv Magic, then jumping away awkwardly and shifting in.  In the early part of the straight, Lancaster’s Gold had some difficulty obtaining a clear run.

Race 2 – JAYCO FLYING HANDICAP - 1200 metres: 

Approaching the winning post, N. Callow, rider of Kennett, was unable to ride his mount out due to being unable to obtain a clear run.  Sterling Knight performed below expectations.  A Veterinary examination of Sterling Knight subsequent to the race failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Race 3 – BLUE HILLS RESIDENCE CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1000 metres: 

Bahamian Rhapsody laid in under pressure in the straight.

Race 4 – CRANBOURNE AUTO MARKET DAIHATSU CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1400 metres: 

L. Milham, rider of Brief Truth, was fined the sum of $300 for accepting two rides in the race.  S. Seamer replaced him on Enzed, however, due to S. Seamer being unable to ride the horse, was then replaced by       R. Wheeler.  In determining the penalty, the Stewards took into account that L. Milham had been penalised recently for the same offence.  J. Patton, rider of Abyssinian, explained to the Stewards that his mount did not travel well at any stage of the race and failed to respond to his riding approaching the home turn.  As Abyssinian was weakening badly he eased the gelding down near the 100m.  A Veterinary examination of Abyssinian subsequent to the race failed to reveal any abnormalities. Mr. P. Moody, trainer of Sabre Sonic, was fined $50 for the late notification of S. Seamer as the rider of the gelding.

Race 5 – CRANBOURNE PARK SHOPPING CENTRE COLTS & GELDINGS Cl.3 CLASSIC - 1300 metres: 

N. Callow, rider of No Bull, was dislodged when the horse was doing its preliminary run to the barrier.  For some distance approaching the 600m, No Bull had to be eased off the heels of Mighty Mirage before having to be checked off that gelding’s heels after the 600m.

Race 6 – CARLTON DRAUGHT CRANBOURNE CUP - 2025 metres: 

Oxford Dollar jumped away awkwardly.  In the early part of the straight, Bondi Iceberg was disappointed when unable to obtain a clear run between Kaapstad Way (NZ) and The Almighty One (NZ).  Shortly after this incident Bondi Iceberg was inconvenienced due to Kaapstad Way (NZ) shifting out.  Rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight, Homewrecker (NZ) was held up when unable to obtain a clear run before shifting to the outside to obtain a run approaching the 100m.  Approaching the winning post, The Almighty One (NZ), which was starting to give ground, was hampered when tightened for room between Kaapstad Way (NZ), which shifted in slightly, and Hail (NZ), which shifted out.  When Homewrecker (NZ) shifted to the outside, Dot Com (NZ) was hampered as a consequence.  D. Nikolic, rider of Homewrecker (NZ) will be notified that he must be clear of others before shifting ground in future.  P. Payne, rider of Brave Chief was found guilty of the charge of Careless Riding in that shortly after straightening he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Oxford Dollar, resulting in Oxford Dollar having to be checked.   P. Payne was suspended from race riding for a period to commence at midnight, Saturday 12^th October and concluding at midnight, Friday 25^th October, 2002.  In considering the penalty, the Stewards took into account P. Payne’s good riding record.  D. Oliver, rider of Spirit of Westbury (NZ), advised the Stewards subsequent to the race that, in his view, his mount was sore in the near foreleg.  The Club’s Veterinary surgeon reported that he could find no abnormality with Spirit of Westbury (NZ).

Race 7 – CRANBOURNE EQUINE HOSPITAL CLASS 4 HANDICAP - 1600 metres: 

Master George got its head up on jumping away and began awkwardly.

Race 8 – VICTORIAN STATE HOME LOANS HANDICAP - 1400 metres: 

The Club’s Veterinary Surgeon inspected Star Doc prior to the race, the gelding having sustained a minor wound on the near eye, and passed Star Doc as fit to run.  B. Rawiller, rider of Serious Drink - fourth place getter, requested to view the Stewards video with a view to lodging an objection.  B. Rawiller then lodged an objection against Lord Erin (NZ) being declared second place getter with alleged interference.  After hearing evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the Stewards video and TV evidence of the race, the objection was dismissed.  Subsequently it was established that after passing the 200m, Lord Erin (NZ) shifted out across the heels of Energy Abounds, which had shifted in slightly and hampered Serious Drink, which resulted in Serious Drink being hampered and becoming unbalanced.  D. Short, rider of Lord Erin (NZ), was reprimanded and notified that he must be clear of others before shifting ground in future.

Race 9 – Carlton Draught Class 1 Handicap - 2025 metres: 

Near the 600m, Castle Creek shifted out away from Thunder Gold, which was taken out by Runalot Lass, which shifted out.  After passing the 200m, Look To Monaco had to change course to avoid the heels of Military Prayer, which had shifted in. 

SWAB SAMPLES:

Race 3 – A random sample was taken from Final Dividend, fifth place getter.
Race 4 - A routine sample was taken from Rescato, winner.
Race 5 – A random sample was taken from Lord Harold, winner.

Race 6 - The following horses were pre-race tested for post-race analysis; Hail (NZ), Spirit of Westbury (NZ), The Big Ask (NZ), Homewrecker (NZ), Bondi Iceberg and The Almighty One (NZ).  A routine sample was taken from Eagle Rhythm (NZ), winner.

Race 9 - A routine sample was taken from Rediness, winner.

SUMMARY
FINES	Race 4 - L. Milham ($300) - Accepting two rides in a race Race 4 - P. Moody ($50) for the late notification of rider
SEVERE REPRIMANDS & SUSPENSIONS:	Race 6 – P. Payne – Careless Riding – suspended from midnight, Saturday 12th October to midnight, Friday 25th October 2002.

Bill Stutt Stakes Night Pictorial

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

Moonee Valley held their first night meeting of the new season last Friday night in cool conditions.

Helenus galloped into Caulfield Guineas contention when he easily took the night's feature the Group Two Bill Stutt Stakes.

For a pictorial of the meeting click here and follow the relevant links.

Payne Suspended in Cranbourne Cup

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

Leading heavyweight Melbourne jockey Patrick Payne will miss crucial rides on Thousand Guineas Day and Caulfield Cup Day after being suspended for his ride aboard Brave Chief in today's Cranbourne Cup.

Stewards outed the talented hoop of finding him guilty of a charge of careless riding over the concluding stages of today's listed event, which was won by the Leon Macdonald trained Eagle Rhythm.

The report issued by stewards late today noted that "shortly after straightening he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of Oxford Dollar, resulting in Oxford Dollar having to be checked."

Payne's suspension, which begins at midnight on Saturday, will end on October 25, leaving him free to ride on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley.

Oxford Dollar was the hard luck story in today's $130,000 event. The South Australian bred, owned and trained performer looked to be charging into atleast a first three position when hampered by Brave Chief. At the post Oxford Dollar finished eighth as a $26 chance.

PIC - Quentin Lang.

Thomson Wins Living Legend Award

Wednesday, 09 October 2002 00:00

The TROA Carlton Draught prestigious annual racehorse owners’ awards were presented today at a function at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel. One of Australian racing’s truly great jockeys Brent Thomson was awarded the "TROA / VRC Living Legend Award".

Thomson was a top-level international jockey for three decades amassing over 3,000 wins in 22 countries.

Thomson is best remembered for his four Cox Plate wins and as the jockey of the ill-fated Dulcify – a winner of the VRC and AJC Derbies and the 1979 Cox Plate.

He joins a distinguished list of previous recipients that includes jockeys Roy Higgins, Scobie Breasley and Pat Glennon.

Herald-Sun racing writer and Radio Sport 927 presenter, Adam Hamilton beat a strong field of entries to collect the "TROA Bill Collins Media Excellence Award".

The judges considered Adam’s article about the extraordinary life of owner Ron Wanless as the best promotion of racehorse ownership. Adam was delighted to receive the award from Robin Collins.

The TROA Carlton Draught Metropolitan Owner of the Year for TROA members was shared by Rick Hore-Lacy and Barry Murray, owners of the exciting Dash For Cash who enjoyed a magnificent autumn carnival winning twice at Group One level and twice in Group Three races.

Inez Musgrove collected the "TROA Carlton Draught Provincial Owner of the Year" trophy for the most wins by a TROA member on the country circuit.

Inez won 18 races during the 2001/02 season including the back-to-back win in the Grand Annual Steeplechase with Hibernian Prince.

Media Release - TROA