Shysta Strings Three Wins Together

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 10:04

Greg Eurell secured his thirteenth Melbourne metropolitan win of the season after Shysta registered her third straight victory in the $30,000 Captain Gerrard at Lindsay Park Series 0-78 Handicap (1300m) for mares at Betfair Park Sandown Hillside.

The four-year-old mare raced by Hancox Bloodstock prevailed in a photo finish after fighting tenaciously up the straight.

Her number entering the frame was met with loud cheers of delight from her large ownership in the grandstand.

Shysta ($6-$6.50-$5.50-$6) defeated Show Stealer ($8-$10) by a short neck with Miss Lily Rose ($8-$12) finishing strongly back towards the rails a further length away in third.

Craig Newitt used his trademark vigour over the concluding stages to lift Shysta over the line yet after dismounting was full of praise for the daughter of little known Japanese sire Yasey.

“I think they might have a bit of an above average mare here,” Newitt said.

“She bounced good and travelled well off a muddling tempo but in that very heavy ground showed some very good acceleration.

Newitt, who had only picked up the ride on Shysta after Chris Symons was also booked to ride the Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained Cool Diva, said he “was always confident” of victory up the straight despite an epic struggle with last start winner Show Stealer up the straight.

“I was probably in front the last 300 metres but she was doing enough,” he added.

Eurell shares Newitt’s enthusiasm for the mare which will be music to the ears of connections.

“She’s very, very genuine,” Eurell said.

“We’ve been very careful where we have placed her but I think there is more in store for her.”

Shysta was a maiden prior to the start of her second preparation however was defeated by the likes of Cut And Run and stablemate Belle Artiste who have since won races in the metro area.

She has made amends for that losing form with three straight wins this prep, winning her maiden at Sale over 1200 metres before prevailing in a 0-62 Handicap also over six furlongs at Kilmore 12 days ago.

Today’s victory ensures she has accumulated around $45,000 in prizemoney.

Pictures: Colin Bull

Cheronbutch Brings Healy's Mojo Back

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 05:18

Cheronbutch is bringing trainer Peter Healy's mojo back.

After a slashing win in the $30,000 Betfair Handicap (1300m) on track conditions less than ideal Healy proclaimed it was himself, rather than his horse, that was gaining in confidence.

"I'd like to have declared him but I have just had no confidence at the moment, and you have to know when to back off," Healy said.

"Normally I can tell when a horse is going to win, and tell my owners when to back them, but lately I have been way off the mark."

Cheronbutch ($3.50,$4,$3.90) settled off the pace and despite enduring a face full of clods for the first 800m of the event was still able to work into the race stylishly approaching the turn.

Upon straightening jockey Chris Symons was able to push his way to the outside of the field and as soon as he found daylight Cheronbutch sprinted well opening up a winning margin of almost two and a half lengths on Beowolf ($3.80,$5) with Tuerong Flyer ($10,$11) a head away third.

Two for two this preparation, Cheronbutch appears to have taken the next step and according to Healy the best is yet to come.

"There is a lot of upside with him and I don't think we will see the best of him until he gets up over 2000m," said Healy.

"He is definitely a 2000m horse."

Symons, who lives next door to the horse's owner, was confident he would be hard to beat but was concerned by heavy track conditions.

"He went terrific today," said Symons.

"I wasn't sure if he would get through the track and although he wasn't overly comfortable with it he won with some fight"

Symons was quick to support Healy's comments that the son of Testa Rossa, who has won over 1200m and 1300m at his last two starts, would be better over more ground.

"He is a nice and relaxed horse and I can't see why he wouldn't get over more ground," he added.

Cheronbutch will only have a few more starts in the winter months and look for him to take the next step to Saturday city class when he comes back.

Photos by Sportpix

Maskiell Eyes Milestone At Moonee Valley

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 08:59

Leading apprentice Jason Maskiell has a full book of eight rides in his quest to land a career milestone at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The 19-year-old needs just one winner to notch his 50th metropolitan success.

The son of Tasmanian jockey Stephen Maskiell has abandoned his attempt to win the apprentices' premiership in his home state but already has the Victorian apprentices' title safely in his keeping.

Maskiell, who rode his first city winner aboard pick-up ride Awimoweh at Moonee Valley in June last year, has ridden 47 of his 49 city winners in Melbourne this season placing him second in the jockeys' premiership behind Luke Nolen (57 wins).

His closest apprentice rival is Brent Evans with 24.

Among his mounts at the Valley are two for his master, Caulfield trainer Mick Price - the unbeaten Our Baby Bonus in the Super Vobis Three-Year-Old Hcp (1000m) and Gran Sasso in the Open Sprint (1200m).

He'll also pilot the Robert Smerdon-trained Enzed Girl in the Super Vobis Two-Year-Old Fillies Hcp (1200m) and her stablemate Beyond Pardon in the Super Vobis Three-Year-Old Hcp (1600m).

His other rides are the Tony Vasil-trained Bird Of Fire in the Geoff Torney Cup (1600m), Danny O'Brien's Searing Heights in the 0-89 Hcp (3000m), the Jarrod McLean-trained Kel's Gold in the Mares Hcp (1000m) and Tell The Story in the Fillies And Mares Hcp (1500m for Albury trainer Alex Aquilina.

Maskiell is also eagerly awaiting the trip to Brisbane to ride the Bart Cummings-trained mare Russeting in the Group One Stradbroke (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 12.

"I have ridden in every state now except for Queensland so I'm looking forward to it," he said.

Russeting is weighted to carry 51kg in the Stradbroke and is currently at $35 with TAB Sportsbet behind the $5.50 favourite Ortensia.

Meanwhile, Steven Arnold will ride Russeting, who drew barrier 18, in Saturday's Group One Doomben 10,000 (1350m) which has a field of 16 plus five emergencies.

"On paper it looks a bit strong but she could surprise," Arnold said.

"I trialled her and she went well."

The Commands five-year-old was ridden by Michael Cahill when she won the Group One Winter Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm last June and that event is again part of her winter program.

Arnold has also picked up the ride on the Cummings-trained Dariana in the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.

The Redoute's Choice filly was ridden by Michael Rodd when she won the Frank Packer Plate (2000m) at Randwick on April 24 and finished third Marheta in the Doomben Roses (2020m) last Saturday.

"She'll be hard to beat. She's a top three chance," he said.

Picture: Colin Bull

Dubai WC Winner To Run In Cox Plate

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 05:15

Dubai World Cup winner Gloria De Campeao will contest the 2010 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

Owner Stefan Friborg has advised Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) that the champion galloper is being set for the $3 million weight-for-age feature over 2040m on October 23.

Gloria De Campeao won the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest race with stakes of $US10 million, in March after finishing runner-up in 2009.

He will be the first World Cup winner to compete in Australia.

"We are thrilled that such a significant owner as Stefan Friborg has seen fit to target the spring racing carnival with his champion galloper Gloria De Campeao," Leigh Jordon, RVL general manager of racing operations, said.

"As the winner of the Dubai World Cup, Gloria De Campeao will be one of the best-credentialled horses ever to compete in Australia and his presence in the 2010 Tatts Cox Plate will take Australia's weight-for-age championship to an unprecedented level.

"In addition, the horse's trainer Pascal Bary has prepared Group One winners in six countries, including three Breeder's Cup wins in the USA, so we're equally pleased to welcome a trainer of his stature to Australia for the first time.

"The Cox Plate has yet to attain regular international participation, but together with the Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) we have set about maximising its potential.

"The attraction of an international star like Gloria De Campeao will prove invaluable in lifting the stature of the Cox Plate globally."

MVRC chairman Bob Scarborough said the news was a wonderful boost for this year's race and emphasised the importance of the club's International Promotion Fund which offers a guaranteed $100,000 return for any internationally-trained starter in the Cox Plate.

"We are both thrilled and honoured to have a horse of Gloria De Campeao's quality targeting this year's Cox Plate which has the potential to be the best ever," he said.

"The club has worked hard to increase the international appeal of our great race through initiatives such as the International Promotion Fund and Cox Plate weight-for-age global championship and this is an exciting reward for those efforts."

Trained in France by Bary, Brazilian-bred entire Gloria De Campeao was nominated for the 2009 Cox Plate but didn't make the trip.

A champion middle distance performer who can race on the speed, Gloria De Campeao has been unplaced just once in eight starts since February 2009.

At his most recent appearance he finished a close second in the Group One $2.4 million Singapore International Cup (2000m) 10 days ago after winning the same race in 2009.

A total of 10 internationally-trained horses have contested the Cox Plate with the Saeed bin Suroor-trained and Frankie Dettori-ridden Grandera the best placed when finishing third to Northerly in 2002.

The last internationally-trained horses to compete in the Cox Plate were Super Kid (Hong Kong), Greys Inn (South Africa) and Tosen Dandy (Japan) who finished unplaced behind the great Makybe Diva in 2005.

Ferocia Could Chase Queensland Prize

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 06:15

Cranbourne trainer Damien Williams believes he's finally won the battle of getting Ferocia to settle in his races and is contemplating taking him to Queensland for the Glasshouse Handicap at the Sunshine Coast.

With the addition of ear muffs for the first time, the rising six-year-old by Invincible Spirit out of Danehill mare Safari Sunset landed his third win and his first in the metropolitan area in the Queen Of Scots Hcp (1000m) at Sandown on Wednesday.

"All we've been trying to do is teach him to settle and it looks like the ear muffs have worked today," said Williams.

"He's promised us the world and hasn't delivered a lot but hopefully he can go on.

"We're thinking of taking him to Brisbane for some wet tracks because they run along there which would suit him.

"Here (in Victoria) the races don't have the same tempo so we're hoping to sneak him up there looking for some black-type races like the Glasshouse but we'll just keep him here at the minute and try and lift his rating.

"His rating (67 before Wednesday's victory) is quite low and he won't get into those better races, but he's certainly quite capable on his run in the spring."

The run Williams was referring to was his fourth to flying Queensland sprinter Burdekin Blues in the Listed Grazia Style Stakes (1100m) down the Flemington straight track on VRC Oaks day.

"He's shown he's quite a smart horse. I thought he'd make a great 1400-metre horse but he's never settled until now that we've finally taught him at five years of age," he said.

"Mentally and physically he was always quite weak and immature."

Ridden by Dwayne Dunn, Ferocia ($6) settled third before shooting clear in the straight to score by 1-3/4 lengths from Sol Brillante ($5.50) with Alkhafif ($3.80 fav) three lengths away third.

As well as his three wins, Ferocia has had five seconds and a third from his 15 starts.

He has been placed twice at Moonee Valley and Williams ran him in the Group Two Australia Stakes (1200m) there in January when he finished last of the five runners to star filly Black Caviar.

Pictures: Colin Bull

Tinamou Wins Sandown ‘Slogfest’

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 03:33

Tinamou registered his second consecutive win on heavy going after ploughing through the wet to win the $30,000 Bunratty Castle 0-82 Handicap (1800m) at Betfair Park Sandown Hillside this afternoon.

Ridden one away from the fence in fifth position, Tinamou was held together for as long as possible by Mark Zahra before slipping the Robert Smerdon-trained galloper more rein at the 300 metre mark.

Striking the front inside the final furlong close to the outside rail, Tinamou staved off the late challenge of Gotta Be A Fox and Chase The Sun in what felt like an eternity to complete the race.

Tinamou ($2.25-$2-$2.05 fav) defeated Gotta Be A Fox ($7-$9) by one and a quarter lengths with Chase The Sun ($10-$13) a further three-quarters of a length away in third.

Zahra described the race as a “massive slogfest” and his comments were supported by sectional times.

The last 600 metres of the race was completed in a time of 38.45 and the last furlong run in 13.34 seconds.

“It was a real slogfest out there but he came through it OK,” Zahra said before adding, “There’s a strong headwind in the straight as well.”

Tinamou won his first metropolitan race and Smerdon contained any excitement he had well.

“It wasn’t pretty but he got the job done,” Smerdon said.

Tinamou may now join Some Are Bent and Black And Bent as jumpers in Smerdon’s stable.

“We were just talking, we might jump him,” he added.

“He sticks on and handles the wet.

“He might be running for more money over the jumps then on the flat.”

Tinamou won a 0-72 Handicap over 1700 metres at Warrnambool on the final day of the three-day carnival. Interestingly it was the same race he won last season.

Boasting a record of five wins and seven placings from 25 starts, Tinamou has accumulated over $80,000 in prizemoney.

Pictures: Colin Bull

Vasil Withdraws Appeal

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 05:34

Trainer Tony Vasil has withdrawn his appeal against a $1,500 fine in regards to the sale of three-year-old filly Elviine.

Vasil was found guilty and fined last Tuesday of failing to notifying stewards that his filly Elviine bled from both nostrils prior to her sale in December 2009.

Elviine is now trained in Queensland by Natalie Mccall and has only had one trial at Eagle Farm whilst in her care.

Picture: Quentin Lang

Star Pirate Steals Handicap At Betfair

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 03:22

It takes almost as much luck as ability to win any race on the card and trainer John Salanitri was the recipient of his fair share as Star Pirate took out the $30,000 William Pearson Handicap (1500m) at Betfair Park today.

The Peter Moody trained Definitive ($11,$12) looked to have the race in his keeping with 200m to go but shyed at a shadow towards the outside of the track and cost himself at least a length - and the race, according to Nolen.

"Near the stewards stand in the straight my bloke (Definitive) crossed a shadow and thought it was a bird so he jumped it," said Nolen.

"It cost him the race."

Star Pirate ($21) settled the better said of mid-field for jockey Brian Park and was given the run of the race albeit having to track down the inside of the straight on the run home.

With many runners looking for wider ground Star Pirate was able to grind away along the inside and hit the line strongly securing a half length win over the unlucky Definitive with Mystical Grey ($10,$14) a further neck away third.

Frank Salanitri, stable foreman for the Salanitri stable was thrilled to see the stable stalwart back in form and praised Park's ability to bring a pre-race strategy into fruition.

"He has been a good horse to us all along and when he didn't come up for us last preparation we thought we would just put him away for the winter," said Salanitri.

"I told Brian to cut the corner and if the others scout wide we would make up a bit of ground on them and it worked out".

Park was confident Star Pirate had the form to win the race despite the long odds and was pleased to get the job for Salanitri.

"He was only second up but he has a good second up record and he ran well," said Park.

"Frank told me to kid to the horse a bit and hold him together for the last crack at them and it worked well."

Photos by Sportpix

Hill Fined Over Phone Charges

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 05:21

The Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board, chaired by Judge Russell Lewis (Chair), with Des O’Keeffe, Chief Executive VJA, appearing on behalf of Jack Hill and Mark Hill, Senior Stipendiary Steward, appeared on behalf of the Stewards, on Wednesday heard charges against Victorian apprentice Jack Hill.

Charge 1: Withdrawn.
Charge 2: Breach of AR 175 (gg) – false statement.
Charge 3: Breach of AR 160B(3) – in possession of a mobile phone in the jockeys room.

The charges relate to Hill making a false statement to Stewards regarding the whereabouts of his mobile phone and for having in his possession a mobile phone in the jockeys room at the meeting at Betfair Park on Wednesday, 19 May 2010.

Hill pleaded guilty to both charges.

Decision: The Board found both charges proved.

Hill was fined the amount of $1,000 in relation to Charge 2 and $300 in relation to Charge 3 – a total of $1,300 due on or before 30 June 2010.

Picture: Colin Bull

World Cup Winner Confirmed For Tatts Cox Plate

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 02:36

Victoria’s 2010 Spring Racing Carnival has scored a massive coup with the news today that Dubai World Cup winner Gloria De Campeao is Melbourne bound later this year.

Owner Stefan Friborg has advised Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) that his champion galloper is being set for the $A3m Tatts Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday, 23 October.

Held annually in March, the Dubai World Cup is the world’s richest race with stakes of $US10m. Gloria De Campeao, winner of the 2010 edition after finishing runner-up 12 months prior, will be the first World Cup champion to compete in Australia.

“We are thrilled that such a significant owner as Stefan Friborg has seen fit to target the Spring Racing Carnival with his champion galloper Gloria De Campeao,” RVL General Manager – Racing Operations, Leigh Jordon, said.

“As the winner of the Dubai World Cup, Gloria De Campeao will be one of the best credentialed horses ever to compete in Australia and his presence in the 2010 Tatts Cox Plate will take Australia’s weight-for-age championship to an unprecedented level.

“In addition, the horse’s trainer Pascal Bary has prepared Group 1 winners in six countries, including three Breeders Cup wins in the USA, so we’re equally pleased to welcome a trainer of his stature to Australia for the first time.

“The Tatts Cox Plate has yet to attain regular international participation, but together with the Moonee Valley Racing Club we have set about maximising its potential,” Jordon added.

“The attraction of an international star like Gloria De Campeao will prove invaluable in lifting the stature of the Tatts Cox Plate globally.”

MVRC Chairman, Bob Scarborough, said the news was a wonderful boost for this year’s race and emphasised the importance of the Club’s International Promotion Fund which offers a guaranteed $A100,000 return for any internationally-trained starter in the Tatts Cox Plate.

“We are both thrilled and honoured to have a horse of Gloria De Campeao’s quality targeting this year’s Tatts Cox Plate which has the potential to the best ever,” he said.

“The Club has worked hard to increase the international appeal of our great race through initiatives such as the International Promotion Fund and Tatts Cox Plate WFA Global Championship and this is an exciting reward for those efforts.”

Trained in France by Bary, Brazilian-bred entire Gloria De Campeao was nominated for the 2009 Tatts Cox Plate, but never made the journey to Australia.

A champion middle distance performer who can race on the speed, Gloria De Campeao has been unplaced just once in eight starts since February 2009.

At his most recent appearance he finished a narrow second in the Group 1 $A2.4m Singapore International Cup (2000m) 10 days ago after winning the same race in 2009.

A total of 10 internationally-trained horses have contested the Tatts Cox Plate with the Saeed bin Suroor-trained, Frankie Dettori-ridden Grandera the best placed finishing third in 2002.

The last internationally-trained horses to compete in the Tatts Cox Plate were Super Kid (Hong Kong), Greys Inn (South Africa) and Tosen Dandy (Japan) who finished unplaced behind the great Makybe Diva in 2005.

Picture: Andrew Watkins (Dubai Racing Club)