Shadow To Reign Again At Valley

Friday, 28 May 2010 06:15

Mark Kavanagh is giving promising staying filly Rain Shadow a light winter program with a view to bigger spring prizes.

A slow maturing three-year-old, the half-sister to former top Kenvain stayer Rain Gauge stands a massive 17.2 hands and is favoured to win her fourth race in only seven starts at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Last start Rain Shadow raced wide and, with plenty of galloping room, was able to unwind a powerful finish down the centre of the track to score running away by nearly two lengths at Flemington on May 15.

The daughter of Bianconi scored her other wins last spring at Seymour and Moonee Valley.

She was entered for next week's Queensland Oaks but Kavanagh's racing manager Merv Harvey said the feature had come up too soon.

"She was nominated for the Oaks in Queensland but time will beat her," Harvey said.

Rain Shadow still had to furnish into her huge frame but her performances were already superior to those of Rain Gauge who was not much bigger than 15 hands and took 20 starts to win his first three races, he said.

Rain Gauge trained on to win and run second in two Moonee Valley Cups and notably posted Group One thirds in the 2002 Australian Cup and 2002 The BMW.

He was trained by George Hanlon when he finished sixth to Ethereal in the 2001 Melbourne Cup and eighth to Media Puzzle in the 2002 Cup.

Rain Shadow's racing pattern is to drop back and sustain a strong finish, but Harvey has flagged the possibility of her racing nearer the lead in Saturday's Programmed Property Services Handicap (1600m)

"It looks a winnable race again for her and I wouldn't be surprised if she is racing a bit closer this time," Harvey said.

"She won well the other day at Flemington and she has improved."

Harvey said Moonee Valley suited her but jockey Steven King had a tricky job to get her galloping room from barrier one.

"She takes a while to get fully wound up and get into stride being such a big filly," Harvey said.

He said Rain Shadow was stakes class but wouldn't be rushed.

"We will give her a couple more runs and see what happens," Harvey said.

TAB Sportsbet has her as $2.60 favourite on Saturday just ahead of the Robert Smerdon-trained Beyond Pardon ($3) who has run gallant seconds at his last two starts.

Picture: Colin Bull

Sparking Not Gelded Since Last Start

Thursday, 27 May 2010 05:00

Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) stewards have notified media outlets on Thursday that recent addition to the Patrick Payne stable Sparking has not been gelded since last start.

Sparking, who is due to contest the $70,000 Gillies Famous Pies Cup (3000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday, won on May 15 in New Zealand in an Open Handicap over 2000 metres and raced as a gelding.

It is likely some publications over the weekend may suggest otherwise but this is not the case.

Moonee Valley (Saturday)

Race 4 @ 1:35pm - $70,000 Gillies Famous Pies 0-89 Cup (3000m)

Goggin All Set To Conquer The Valley

Thursday, 27 May 2010 23:38

Former Tasmanian Horse Of The Year Conquering will be looking to string consecutive Melbourne wins together on Saturday when he contests the $70,000 Geoff Torney Cup (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

Having already won four times on the mainland throughout his remarkable career the seven-year-old sprinter-miler has nothing to prove but everything to gain as he winds up an epic preparation which began back in July 2009.

Conquering is trained by Tasmanian Hall Of Fame trainer Charlie Goggin who considered tipping the gelding out following his Sandown victory but was convinced to roll the dice again after arriving back in his home state.

"He just seemed rather well when we got home," said Goggin at track-work this morning.

"The race didn't take a lot out of him so I decided to have a look at what was coming up and the lure of only going up a kilo on his win sealed the deal."

The horse equivalent to an all rounder, Conquering has won from 1080m to 2100m and has been successful with up to 65.5kgs on his back but Goggin strongly believes the mile is his ideal distance.

"Around the mile is his go I think, perhaps up to 1800m, that's when we see the best of him," said Goggin who rates the gelding among the best horses he has ever trained.

"I rate him very highly, up there with the best"

"He has won on every Victorian metropolitan track which is a big effort for any horse let alone one based in Tasmania," Goggin added.

Goggin will again hand the reins to three claiming apprentice Nathan Rose who has partnered Conquering to two wins from as many rides.

"Nathan won on him a while back in Tassie and the fact that he knows the horse and can claim three kilo's are just a big bonus," said Goggin.

Conquering will start from the widest barrier but will no doubt cross the field and dictate terms from the front giving all his supporters an honest run for their money.

Picture: Sportpix

Sandown Hillside - Pictorial Review

Thursday, 27 May 2010 00:45

As shot by photographer Colin Bull, below is all the action from Wednesday's meeting at Betfair Park Sandown Hillside.

Race 1 - $30,000 Star Shower Super VOBIS Handicap (1400m) 2yo

1st: Molson (Fusaichi Pegasus – Canada)

Trainer: John Thompson

Jockey: Dean Holland

Owner: Patinack Farm

2nd: Population

3rd: Female Agent

Race 2 - $30,000 Bunratty Castle 0-82 Handicap (1800m)

1st: Tinamou (Quest For Fame – Whistles)

Trainer: Robert Smerdon

Jockey: Mark Zahra

Owner: P A Howell, MT Racing P/L Synd (M Symons), A McGregor, P McCarthy, P A Seccull, M Dwyer, Jackson Fyfe Syn (Mgr: S Jackson), R Fitzpatrick & K Dumbrell

2nd: Gotta Be A Fox

3rd: Chase The Sun

Race 3 - $30,000 William Pearson 0-82 Handicap (1500m)

1st: Star Pirate (Filante - She's a Pirate)

Trainer: John Salanitri

Jockey: Brian Park

Owner: E Hirsch & J Hirsch

2nd: Definitive

3rd: Mystical Grey

Race 4 - $30,000 Queen Of Scots 0-82 Handicap (1000m)

1st: Ferocia (Invincible Spirit - Safari Sunset)

Trainer: Damien Williams

Jockey: Dwayne Dunn

Owner: DHK Investments Pty Ltd Synd, Footy Racing Pty Ltd Synd & Mrs M & Mrs G Williams

2nd: Sol Brillante

3rd: Alkhafif

Race 5 - $30,000 Charge Forward at Arrowfield Stud 3yoF 0-72 Handicap (1800m)

1st: Deliver the Dream (Elvstroem – Fayrouz)

Trainer: Peter Moody

Jockey: Luke Nolen

Owner: J M & Mrs J A Maclean, Mrs A J Maclean, N L & Mrs C A Pinder, J T & Mrs D Barr, Primecase Pty Ltd Synd (Mgr: A Millson), J E Pilbeam & B H McFarlane

2nd: El Spark

3rd: White Calm

Race 6 - $30,000 Betfair 0-78 Handicap (1300m)

1st: Cheronbutch (Testa Rossa - Pharoah's Spirit)

Trainer: Peter Healey

Jockey: Chris Symons

Owner: R Gower & R Butcher

2nd: Beowolf

3rd: Tuerong Flyer

Race 7 - $30,000 Kelly Maitland Super VOBIS 3yo 0-68 Handicap (1300m)

1st: Nevzlin (Dehere - Ruski Rose)

Trainer: John Thompson

Jockey: Dean Holland

Owner: Patinack Farm

2nd: Midnight Glory

3rd: St Ambrose

Race 8 - $30,000 Captain Gerrard at Lindsay Park Series (1300m) 0-78 Mares

1st: Shysta (Yasey – Shyla)

Trainer: Greg Eurell

Jockey: Craig Newitt

Owner: Hancox Bloodstock Pty Ltd Shyla Syndicate & A Moody

2nd: Show Stealer

3rd: Miss Lily Rose

Pictures: Colin Bull

Black And Bent Placed To Win Again

Thursday, 27 May 2010 05:59

Galleywood Hurdle victor Black And Bent won't run over jumps again until next month's Australian Hurdle but trainer Robert Smerdon has him well placed to continue on his winning way on the flat at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The younger half-brother to dual Jumper of the Year Some Are Bent has been in top form combining flat and jumps racing, winning four of his last five starts, and will be ridden by the in-form Mark Zahra in the Gillies Famous Pies Country Cup (3000m).

Five of the Black Hawk gelding's nine wins from 29 starts have been on the flat including a 2500m event five starts back at Moonee Valley on April 1 and his last-start victory over 2400m at Sandown on May 19.

Smerdon nominated the rising five-year-old for next Wednesday's Winterset Hurdle (3300m) at Sandown but the Caulfield trainer said he would prefer to wait for the Australian Hurdle (3400m) at Sandown on June 19 for his next jumping outing.

Black And Bent is unbeaten in two hurdle starts this year, beating Grizz over 3300m at Sandown on April 21 and again defeating Grizz in the Galleywood Hurdle (3200m) at Warrnambool on May 5.

"He's flying on the flat and has earned his chance at a Saturday win," Smerdon said.

Smerdon has been happy with star `chaser Some Are Bent since his fall in the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool on May 6.

Some Are Bent had his first jumps trial since the fall when second to Our Santa over 2800m at Pakenham on Monday and Smerdon intends to run him in next Wednesday's Redleap Steeple (3300m) at Sandown ahead of the Australian Steeple (3900m) at Sandown on June 19.

With his regular rider Brad McLean suspended until June 11, Steven Pateman will ride Some Are Bent at Sandown.

A field of 14 has accepted for Saturday's staying event with last-start New Zealander winners Sparking (59kg) and Titch (56kg) at the head of the weights.

Both are now with the Patrick Payne stable.

Sparking, who won over 2000m in heavy going at Pukekura on May 15, will be ridden by Danny Brereton while Michelle Payne takes the mount on Titch who won over 2500m at Riccarton on May 8.

Pictures: Colin Bull

Price Duo Well Placed At The Valley

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 23:45

Trainer Mick Price will saddle up runners in just two races this Saturday at the Valley but stands a good chance of heading home with a winning double.

Whilst most would consider Our Baby Bonus the horse to beat in the Adapt Australia Handicap (1000m) it's Price's duet of Gran Sasso and El Mandon, in the Sportingbet Open Handicap (1200m), who look just as well placed to break through.

Price is still looking for both runners to salute this time in and admits his patience is wearing thin with Gran Sasso.

"He (Gran Sasso) just gives me the impression he isn't giving us 100%," said Price at trackwork this morning.

"Gran Sasso is a five-year-old now and has had a bit of racing so perhaps the wear and tear is catching up with him." he added.

Gran Sasso was narrowly beaten in the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) earlier this preparation and was given little chance at his last outing posted three-wide the trip without cover but Price feels El Mandon is a better prospect for punters.

"El Mandon has run some terrific races and was right on his game against Catapulted last time out," said Price.

"In their track gallops El Mandon has definitely had Gran Sasso's measure and I can only go by what I see."

The lightly raced El Mandon would only have to run up to the Catapulted form to win the race with the likely danger coming from the Gary Portelli trained Eight Bills who shaded El Mandon narrowly in the same event.

Both Gran Sasso and El Mandon look ideally placed over the distance and track, having run some of their best races around the tight Moonee Valley circuit, however Price still rates Our Baby Bonus his best chance.

"Our Baby Bonus is going really well and I couldn't be happier with him going into Saturday's sprint," Price said.

"Tan Tat Brav looks an imposing colt, but we will be fresh and meet him nicely at the weights with Jason's (Maskiell) claim.

Pictures: Fiona Tomlin

Shocking In Pre-training In Victoria

Thursday, 27 May 2010 05:59

Melbourne Cup hero Shocking started the long build-up to defending his title when he began pre-training at Euroa on Monday.

The Mark Kavanagh-trained rising five-year-old is being aimed at becoming only the sixth horse to win multiple Cups in what will be the 150th year of Australia's most famous race.

"He arrived at the pre-trainers at Euroa on Monday and will spend four weeks there with a number of my spring horses before coming to our stables here (at Flemington)," Kavanagh told Racing Victoria Online.

"He'll then have a good grounding here from the end of June to get him ready for the spring. He's a colt and a year older so he'll need the work."

While the $6 million Melbourne Cup remains Shocking's primary target, his path to the first Tuesday in November has not been set in concrete with races such as the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the Cox Plate sure to be among the options.

"With a horse like him we'll keep our options open," Kavanagh said.

Three days before last year's Cup success, the Street Cry entire won the Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Derby Day before carrying 51kg to victory in the 3200m Cup.

Kavanagh is naturally optimistic that Shocking will be a better horse this spring after his summer-autumn campaign was cut short due to a hoof abscess.

He was restricted to just two starts, finishing eighth to Typhoon Tracy in the CF Orr Stakes (1400m) and sixth to La Rocket in the St George Stakes (1800m), both at Caulfield in February.

He was scratched the day before the running of the storm-delayed Australian Cup (2000m) won by Zipping at Flemington on March 13.

Nominations for the Melbourne Cup close on August 3 with weights to be released on September 1.

VRC Oaks winner Faint Perfume is the early $17 favourite with corporate bookmaker Betstar ahead of Sydney Cup winner Jessicabeel and Linton at $21 with Shocking at $26.

Picture: Quentin Lang

Horses To Follow - Betfair Park 26 May 2010

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 14:00

Race 1: Star Shower Super Vobis Two-Year-Old Handicap (1400m)

The Lee Freedman trained Danemark will take a lot from its first race start with jockey Luke Nolen keeping the colt balanced in the early stages but sacrificing too much ground in the process.

Seemed to handle the heavy going and should prove very hard to beat at its next start.

Race 3: William Pearson Handicap (1500m)

Don’t jump off Leica Falcon just yet.  Jarrod McLean turned the former star stayer out in fine fettle and he hasn’t lost his beautiful action.  The track didn’t suit an old horse resuming and I’d expect a big improvement third up on something a touch dryer.

Race 6: Betfair Handicap (1300m)

Cheronbutch couldn’t have been more impressive overcoming: big clods; second up syndrome; heavy conditions; and, according to Peter Healy a distance about 700m below his preferred! This horse can take the step to Saturday class next prep.

Race 7: Kelly Maitland Handicap (1300m)

The conditions probably didn’t suit Paper Prince but he still travelled like the winner but was unable to quicken on the heavy going.

If he  manages to find a dry track in the coming month will be very hard to hold out.

RVL Product Fee Policy For Corporate Bookmakers & Betting Exchanges

Thursday, 27 May 2010 05:30

Responding to a newspaper article regarding Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) sharing in corporate bookmaker Centrebet’s losses, RVL Chairman Michael Duffy said today, “The introduction of legislation that allowed RVL to charge interstate operators for wagering on Victorian racing created an opportunity for RVL to reach negotiated settlements with corporate bookmakers and Betfair for the use of our product which has been very successful.”

RVL Chief Executive Rob Hines said, “The issue of RVL sharing in an operator’s loss due to our strategy of charging a percentage of gross revenue is a very rare and unusual occurrence that has not impacted the overall amount of money received as it has been more than adequately compensated for by those months where the bookmaker has a greater than expected win rate with the consequential increase in revenue to RVL.

“Since its inception RVL has collected over $14 million from these operators, excluding interstate totes, all of which has been passed through to participants in the form of prize money,” Hines said.

Duffy added, “Once the outcome of the legal challenges by Sportsbet and Betfair to race fields charging mechanisms in New South Wales are known, the RVL Board will consider modifying its race fields policy to include the implementation of a minimum monthly fee similar to the policy adopted by Western Australia.”

Geelong Meeting Transferred To Kilmore

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 14:00

Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) has today announced that the meeting scheduled for the Geelong synthetic track on Friday, 18 June has been transferred to Kilmore.

“This transfer is required as the process of relaying the synthetic surface by our contractor Pro-Ride is taking longer than originally planned,” RVL Chief Executive, Rob Hines, explained.

“The next meeting is scheduled for the Geelong synthetic track on June 25. The location of this meeting will be confirmed as soon as possible subject to the on-going progress of the works being undertaken by Pro-Ride.

“Whilst we are eager to get the track reopened, we are prepared to accept a delay of a week or two to ensure that the right outcome is achieved for the long term success of the track.”

Racing on the Geelong synthetic track was postponed last year when stones appeared in the surface. RVL subsequently appointed Pro-Ride to install and maintain a new surface at the track.

Reconstruction of the track base, which was identified as a source of the problem, was completed this month by Winslows under the guidance of Dalton Consulting Engineers. Pro-Ride is in the process of laying the synthetic surface.