Bailey Feels Bel Esprit is No Good Thing

Thursday, 12 September 2002 00:00

The son and Melbourne stable foreman of leading trainer Alan Bailey feels Bel Esprit is far from a good thing in Saturday's Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Trevor Bailey, who will saddle up the underrated sprinter Point Danger in the first Group One of the new season, has doubts about the boom John Symons trained youngster.

"Sure he's been winning," Bailey said of Bel Esprit. "But he hasn't been beating much, and that's no disrespect to his opposition in the past."

"This is going to be his big test against a field which contains seasoned sprinters like Mistegic, Spinning Hill and even my old bloke."

"I'd much rather taking 4/1 about Mistegic than 6/4 Bel Esprit," Bailey said.

Bailey also feels that Bel Esprit could have trouble getting across the field from barrier seven on Saturday.

"They tell us he doesn't have to lead, but he has to be up there near the lead," he added. "And he's going to have a bit of trouble getting across."

Point Danger is a "genuine each way chance" according to Bailey, a trainer who will also saddle up Chowpie in the preceding event.

"He's probably better suited down the straight at Flemington," Bailey said of Point Danger. "But his last start run was very good and he is a chance of running a place."

"He's not really suited at weight-for age either and we are getting him ready for the Gilgai Stakes (down the straight) at Flemington in three weeks," Bailey added.

International Stars in Running for Cox Plate

Wednesday, 11 September 2002 00:00

A record number of international horses are set to take part in the Carlton Draught Cox Plate, after first acceptances closed at 12pm on Tuesday September 10.

The International contingent is headed by Grandera, the worlds best 10 furlong horse, winner of the Group One Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 7 this year, a World Series Championship Race.

Grandera is currently rated at 126, the highest rated International horse to ever race in Australia. He is the winner of three Group One races this year. In addition to Ireland, he also won the Singapore International in May and the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Eishin Preston, Japan's champion Group One winner, is also a first acceptor for the Carlton Draught Cox Plate. He won the Group 1 QE 11 Cup over 2000 metres at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong, following an earlier Group 1 victory in Hong Kong in December 2001 when he won the Hong Kong Mile at the International meeting.

Other international horses include Chancellor (United Kingdom), Hawkeye (United Kingdom), Helene Vitality (Hong Kong), Noverre (stablemate of Grandera-Dubai), Sandmason (UK import now trained in Australia), Golden Silca (United Kingdom), Hoeberg (South African now trained in Sydney) and Jazz Beat (Ireland).

"This is by far the most impressive group of international horses we've ever had which can only further reinforce the Carlton Draught Cox Plate's position as a truly International event and a member of the prestigious World Series Racing Championship," said Moonee Valle Racing Club Racing Manager Fred Fox.

Media Release - MVRC

Feature Fields for Valley's Super Saturday

Thursday, 12 September 2002 00:00

Moonee Valley will host a wonderful program which is being dubbed "Super Saturday" this weekend.

The feature fields for the meetings are as follows:

Race 4 - $101,000 CS Hayes Stakes (Group 3) 1200m

01 YELL (John Hawkes) Darren Gauci (2) 55.5
02 CHOWPIE (Alan Bailey) Andrew Findlay (5) 55.5
03 TYCOON RULER (Jim Marconi) Scott Seamer (4) 55.5
04 COUSY (Lee Freedman) Damien Oliver (3) 54.0
05 STEP AHEAD (Rick Hore-Lacy) (1) 54.0
06 SUPER GROOVE (Tony Noonan) Kerrin McEvoy (7) 54.0
07 NATURAL BLITZ (Doug Harrison) Wayne Davis (10) 54.0
08 MONEE LANE (Leon Macdonald) Stephen Baster (8) 54.0
09 BEFORE TOO LONG (Gary Portelli) Greg Childs (9) 53.0
10 CLASS SUCCESS (Michael Moroney) Brett Prebble (6) 53.0

Race 5 - $357,000 Cleanevent Manikato Stakes (Gr 1) - 1200m

01 MISTEGIC (Lee Curtis) Damien Oliver (3) 57.5
02 DASH FOR CASH (Rick Hore-Lacy) Darren Gauci (2) 57.5
03 MARSTIC (Tony Vasil) Rhys McLeod (a) (1) 57.5
04 BARKADA (Lee Freedman) Steven King (6) 57.5
05 POINT DANGER (Alan Bailey) Kerrin McEvoy (5) 57.5
06 SPINNING HILL (Guy Walter) Patrick Payne (4) 55.0
07 FAIR EMRACE (Graeme Rogerson) Brett Prebble (9) 55.0
08 SHAYE SPICE (Leon Macdonald) Craig Newitt (a) (8) 55.0
09 THE BIG CHILL (NZ) (Russell Cameron) Steven Arnold (10) 55.0
10 BEL ESPRIT (John Symons) Scott Seamer (7) 51.0

Race 6 - $253,000 John F Feehan Stakes (Gr 2) - 1600m

01 SKY HEIGHTS (NZ) (Colin Alderson) Patrick Payne (4) 58.0
02 LE ZAGALETTA (Lee Freedman) Steven King (2) 58.0
03 RAIN GAUGE (George Hanlon) Greg Childs (3) 58.0
04 THE A TRAIN (NZ) (Cliff Brown) Vincent Hall (8) 58.0
05 FIELDS OF OMAGH (Tony McEvoy) Damien Oliver (1) 58.0
06 ZAMARIN (Tony Vasil) Rhys McLeod (a) (7) 58.0
07 LA BELLA DAMA (NZ) (Graeme Rogerson) Darren Gauci (6) 55.5
08 MAGICAL MISS (Bart Cummings) Steven Arnold (5) 55.0

Race 7 - $101,000 WH Stocks Stakes (Gr 3) - 1600m

01 PIPER STAR (Roger James) Rhys McLeod (a) (3) 55.5
02 TYROLEAN (Bart Cummings) Steven Arnold (9) 55.5
03 CHICKIE (Bart Cummings) Darren Gauci (6) 55.5
04 DARK WINE (Cliff Brown) Damien Holland (11) 55.5
05 FRIENDLY SEAS (Tony Vasil) (2) 55.5
06 GOOD THING (NZ) (Tony Noonan) (4) 55.5
07 SIXTY SECONDS (NZ) (Roger James) Scott Seamer (12) 55.5
08 GOLD LOTTEY (Graeme Rogerson) Steven King (10) 55.0
09 UGACHAKA (NZ) (Lee Freedman) Damien Oliver (1) 55.0
10 LI LO LILL (Leon Macdonald) Greg Childs (5) 55.0
11 VISAGE (Greg Mance) Brett Prebble (8) 55.0
12 MISS LA LA (John Gunning) Vlad Duric (7) 55.0

Sandown (Vic)

Wednesday, 11 September 2002 00:00

Track: GOOD
Penetrometer: 4.85
Weather: OVERCAST
Rail: OUT NINE METRES FOR THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT

Race 1 - SPECIAL HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

"Here for Glory" jumped away awkwardly, and lost ground.

In the early part of the straight "Whistle Dixie (NZ)" had to change course when disappointed for a run on the inside of "Feisty Lass", which shifted in slightly.

Steven King, rider of "Zedauring" which gave ground over the concluding stages, stated that the mare , which raced on the pace, failed to respond to his riding from the top of the straight, and gave ground over the concluding stages. King added that "Zedauring" felt normal on pulling up.

A veterinary examination of "Zedauring" revealed that the mare had atrial fibrillation. Mr. Bruce Elkington, trainer of "Zedauring", was notified that he must obtain a veterinary clearance for the mare, which should include the satisfactory results of an ECG taken before and after exercise, prior to "Zedauring" racing again.

Race 2 - REGAL WENCH HANDICAP - 1400 metres:

"Fortune Finder" jumped away awkwardly, and shortly after the start had to be eased off the heels of "Kyiv Magic", which shifted out.

D. Oliver rider of "Chimu (NZ)" which performed below expectations, stated that the mare settled well in the race, but failed to respond to his riding and gave ground over the concluding stages. Oliver added that in his opinion "Chimu (NZ)" may not have backed up from its run here at Sandown last Wednesday. A veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 3 - DRAWN SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1500 metres:

"Fullarton Road", which was held up for a run rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight, shifted in and brushed "Rose of Cedar" before shifting out to obtain a clear run.

Race 4 - WINFREUX HANDICAP - 2156 metres:

Jamie Barnett, rider of "Ti Tree Flyer", was severely reprimanded for shifting out near the 900 metres to improve his position when not clear of "Tooborack", which resulted in "Tooborack" being forced outwards, and then having to check over the heels of "Ti Tree Flyer".

Subsequent to the race the Club's Veterinary Surgeon reported that "Salerno (NZ)" was sore in the near hind leg. Mr. Ray Cleaver, trainer of "Salerno (NZ)", has been notified to lodge a veterinary clearance for the gelding prior to it racing again.

Race 5 - MIGHTY KINGDOM HANDICAP - 1300 metres:

After being placed in its stall "Periscope" became fractious and reared. "Periscope" was removed from the barriers, examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, and passed fit to start.

"Saratoga Sam" was slow to begin.

Near the 800 metres "Resoundingly" raced tight on the inside of "Grand Falls", which shifted in away from "Captain Clipper".

Subsequent to the race "Periscope" had blood in one nostril. "Periscope" is not deemed to be a bleeder under the Rules of Racing.

Also subsequent to the race the Club's Veterinary Surgeon reported that an veterinary examination of "Ziparche", which ran below expectations, failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 6 - STRATFORD SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1300 metres:

"Kipfler" was slow to begin, and was then hampered by "Diamond Jake", which jumped away awkwardly and shifted in.

"Bounty Beat (NZ)" jumped away awkwardly, and shortly after the start was hampered by "Doublem", which shifted out.

After passing the 1000 metres "Cape Kennedy", which was racing fiercely, shifted out to avoid the heels of "Regicide", and tightened "Striking Charge" out on to "Equator Kid", resulting in "Striking Charge" being severely hampered, and "Equator Kid" also being hampered..

"Cape Kennedy" continued to over-race for some distance. :"Diamond Jake", which was following, had to be eased off the heels of "Striking Charge".

After passing the 900 metres "Regicide" shifted out and hampered "Equator Kid".

After passing the 800 metres "Ricardo", which was over-racing, had to be eased when tightened slightly by "Regicide", which shifted in.

"Actuary" had some difficulty obtaining a clear run on the latter part of the home turn and the early part of the straight.

Near the 300 metres "Doublem" was temporarily held up for a run behind "Cape Kennedy" before shifting to the outside to obtain a clear run.

Approaching the winning post "Zylvester", which had a tendency to lay in, had to be steadied off the heels of "Actuary", which shifted out under pressure.

Race 7 - DUBBO HANDICAP - 1600 metres:

Linda Meech, rider of "Taibach", was severely reprimanded for shifting out on the home turn, thereby tightening "Shibiri" on to the hindquarters of "Power and Rhythm (NZ)" which had improved on its outside. This resulted in "Shibiri" being hampered and becoming unbalanced for some strides.

When asked if there was any explanation for "Dane River's" improved performance today compared with its most recent start at Werribee on the 21^st August when the gelding hung in and was reluctant to race, Mr. Brian Mayfield-Smith stated that he had sharpened the gelding up by schooling it, and changing its stable environment, and with the addition of blinkers he had seen a marked improvement in the horse's work leading up to today's race. Because of this Mr. Mayfield-Smith believed that the horse would run a much improved race today.

Race 8 - HEIRLOOM SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1300 metres:

"Theatregoer" jumped away awkwardly, threw its head in the air, and became unbalanced and lost ground.

Approaching the winning post "La Bella Dame" shifted in and brushed "Miss Rosedale".

V. Duric, rider of "Fairessa", stated that after passing the 800 metres and running down the hill "Fairessa" was reluctant to race on the inside, and then threw its head in the air when being steadied. He then eased the filly to the outside of "Jameela" at the entrance to the straight as he was instructed to make his run on the outside of the field as "Fairessa" had previously been reluctant to improve its position on the inside.

The Club's Veterinary Surgeon reported that "Theatregoer" had sustained a wound to its near hind leg during the running of the race. 

SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of all races today.

EXPLANATIONS:

Mr. Bill Dalton, trainer of "Iron Bofay" which ran in Race 4, stated that he notified his rider at acceptance time.

Hayes and Rundle Stand Down from MRC

Wednesday, 11 September 2002 00:00

In keeping with its succession planning objectives, Melbourne Racing Club Chairman Kevin Hayes today announced that he and long serving Committeeman Mr. Noel Rundle, OAM, would be standing down from the Committee between now and the end of the year.

Hayes will remain at the helm of the Club’s Committee until the Annual General Meeting in November. His successor will be determined at the Club’s Committee Meeting following on from the A.G.M.

Hayes will retain links with the Melbourne Racing Club, as he has agreed to act as the Club’s alternate Director on the Racing Victoria Limited Board when required.

"I am a firm believer in Chairmen not exceeding an agreed period in office and I have found that organisations with a strong commitment to succession planning continue to improve through the introduction of people with new ideas and skills," Hayes commented.

Hayes first joined the Club’s Committee in 1991. The former Managing Director and Chairman of Cadbury Schweppes was elected to the position of Vice Chairman of the Club in 1998 and assumed the top role in November, 1999.

Buoyed by the recent changes at the Melbourne Racing Club, which is presently well advanced in the implementation phase of a strategic overhaul, Hayes said today that he is full of optimism for the future of both the Club and the Racing Industry.

Hayes said that the early indicators vindicate the faith the Club has in Project Manikato, the bold strategic vision for its racing future that was unveiled last October.

"In the three August racemeetings conducted since we relaunched Caulfield as a centre of excellence with a reduced annual program of 20 feature racedays, crowds have increased by 26%, and our preliminary figures indicate that the combined on and off course tote betting turnover has risen by approximately 20% on the corresponding fixtures last year," he revealed.

Confident that the Melbourne Racing Club is well advanced in its plans and heading in the right direction, Hayes is comfortable to be vacating the chair at this time.

"We have a vibrant organisation, which is the result of a deliberate strategy to target younger people to be the leaders of our Club," he explained.

Not only does that apply at Committee level, as presently the average age of the Club’s executive management team is just 42.

Melbourne Racing Club Chief Executive Peter Sweeney paid tribute to the man who he has worked most closely with since his appointment in September 2000.

"Whilst we will understandably miss Kevin’s experience and expertise, I have great respect for the principles which have been central to his decision to step down," Sweeney stated.

"In the future I am sure we will be able to look back and say that Kevin was Chairman at one of the most significant and exciting times in the Club’s long history. His contribution during his three years as Chairman and eleven years on the Committee has been enormous," Sweeney commented.

Kevin has been an outstanding leader and has provided a strong voice for the Club in discussions at Industry level on such crucial matters as the Racing Victoria Limited structure and Constitution, Members’ Agreement and Pay TV rights," he added.

"Our ground-breaking strategic overhaul would not have come to fruition without Kevin’s support. With the strategy now in the early stages of implementation and promising to deliver an exciting future for the Club, he is undoubtedly bowing out on a high note."

Noel Rundle will relinquish his Committee position at the Melbourne Racing Club’s September Committee meeting.

"Noel has given tireless service to the Committee over the past decade, and more recently held the position of Chairman of the Club’s Audit Committee," Hayes said. "Overall, his contribution has been outstanding."

Rundle’s position on the Melbourne Racing Club Committee has been filled by the appointment of Dr. Stephen Silk.

Aged 47 and presently Sales and Marketing Director of the Pharmaceutical Division of CSL Limited, Dr. Silk holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Graduate Diploma of Marketing.

Stephen will seek re-election to the Committee at the November A.G.M. It will also be necessary for the members to elect another Committee Member due to the retirement of Kevin Hayes.

Married with two children and residing locally in Hawthorn East, Dr. Silk has been a Member of the Club for 27 years and has a strong racing involvement. He was a part owner of the champion galloper Naturalism together with his father Kevin and presently races top hurdler Nautilism and outstanding three-year-old Pillaging.

"Our recruitment of Stephen Silk adds further youth and talent to the Committee," Hayes observed. "Importantly, he also possesses valuable marketing knowledge and ongoing exposure to, and experience in, an extremely successful and large Australian company.

"Sound corporate governance is pivotal to the continued well being of any organisation and we are extremely fortunate to have within the Club Committee another key business executive, Peter McCarthy to take up the significant role of Chairman of the Audit Committee from Noel Rundle," Hayes continued.

"Elected to the Committee in February 2001, Peter is a qualified accountant and at age 47 his appointment is further evidence of the Club's commitment to our leadership strategy," he concluded.

Media Release - MRC

Michelle Wins Teac Heat

Wednesday, 11 September 2002 00:00

Michelle Payne was back in a familiar spot after her win in yesterday's latest race of the 2003 TEAC Rising Stars series at Seymour.

Payne's win on The Duce took her to the top of the points table after four races, three points clear of Dale Smith and Reece Wheeler.

Payne lead the 2002 TEAC Rising Stars Series for most of the season before losing the title on a countback to Mark Zahra.

The next race in the series is scheduled for Tuesday 30 September at Werribee.

Points table after 4 races

Jockey	Pts
Michelle Payne	16
Dale Smith	13
Reece Wheeler	13
Brady Cross	12
Rowan Waymouth	8

PIC - Quentin Lang.

Media Release - Racing Victoria

McEvoy Courting Spring Jewels

Wednesday, 11 September 2002 00:00

Talented staying prospect Court of Jewels will be out to follow in the footsteps of Fraar after he scored an impressive win in the Spring is the Season 1700 at Flemington on the weekend.

Lindsay Park feel that the beautifully bred son of Danehill could emulate their former Caulfield Cup winner by graduating to racing's elite.

Backing up after a fighting second to Chairman's Choice in the Heatherlie Stakes, Court of Jewels showed great heart to hold out Gypsy Lad in a driving finish at Flemington on Saturday.

"He is a real trier this horse," trainer Tony McEvoy said. "We will now get the chance to see exactly how far he will get."

McEvoy said that Court of Jewels' next run was likely to come in the listed $100,000 Emirates Airlines Stakes over 2000 metres at Caulfield on Saturday week.

"We're thinking he'd be ideally suited in a race like the Caulfield Cup, but the distance at this stage is a query," he added. "His next start will give us a good guide."

A follow up run in the Turnbull Stakes will give McEvoy and his owners a chance to see whether Court of Jewels was a leading Caulfield Cup chance.

"We are looking at him having a Fraar preparation," McEvoy noted referring to Lindsay Park's previous Caulfield Cup winner who scored a surprise win in 1993.

Court of Jewels wasn't the only city winner for Lindsay Park on Saturday. At the Morphettville meeting in Adelaide the ghostly grey Unbridled Lad upstaged the hot favourite Get Up to win the Perks Chartered Accountants Handicap.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Symbol Makes Up for Chimu's Miserable Flop

Wednesday, 11 September 2002 00:00

Asian Symbol has helped erase the previous race disappointment of Chimu when he scored a strong win in the Drawn Handicap (1500m) for three-year-olds at Sandown this afternoon.

Carrying the familiar Gooree Pastoral Company Syndicate colours of red and black stripes, Asian Symbol scored a good win for Steven King and Lee Freedman.

The success of Asian Symbol, who was a maiden before today’s event, made up for the ordinary performance from the Lee Freedman trained and Gooree owned Chimu.

Starting favourite in the previous event the Zabeel mare finished last when starting a $3 favourite in a race won by the consistent performer Woodwina.

About 40 minutes later Asian Symbol, a three-year-old colt by the former champion galloper and young sire King of Kings made up for Chimu’s failure with a two and a quarter length win.

At the post Asian Symbol proved too strong for the multiple country winner Fullarton Road, with Mister Expert making up good late ground to finish in third place. A head separated the minor placegetters.

North Boy Out of Manikato

Wednesday, 11 September 2002 00:00

Last start track record breaker North Boy is out of Saturday's Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley with a bruised heel.

A high class sprinting son of the super sire Rory's Jester, North Boy was set to run in Saturday's feature sprint first up before connections pulled the plug today.

North Boy has not started since his three length track record breaking win in the Group Three Krisflyer Sprint in Singapore earlier this year.

Just before that run the gelding had placed in the Group One double of the Newmarket Handicap and Australia Stakes.

Lindsay Park's head trainer Tony McEvoy is naturally disappointed to have lost the gelding from this weekend's race and he may now be forced to go to Sydney to find a suitable kick off race.

The race is now shaping as a two horse war between the proven Group One winners Bel Esprit and Mistegic.

Acceptances and the all important barrier draws will be conducted tomorrow morning.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Rub Shoulders With Stars at Carnival Launch

Wednesday, 11 September 2002 00:00

Block out your calendars because Australia's biggest party is ready to hit Melbourne and its going to be huge!

Victoria's Spring Racing Carnival is just around the corner, and with over 500,000 local and overseas partygoers expected to join the celebrations, you can't afford not to be there!

The thrill of winning, the roar of the crowds, the thunder of hooves, the 'fillies', the fashion, the fellas and the pop of champagne corks. And that is just the opening night celebrations.

For the first time, Racing Victoria Limited will kick off the celebrations on Tuesday 1 October with a Spring Racing Carnival Gala Celebration, which promises to be a dazzling curtain raiser to the six-week event.

The evening, at Crown's Palladium, will provide a sensational night of entertainment with a New Year’s Eve style party to launch the new Spring season.

In a racing first, attendees will be able to grab a piece of the action this Spring. Racing Victoria Limited and The Pines Stud will introduce a unique new sale which will provide party goers with the opportunity to purchase a share in a proven quality horse which is in training and ready to race over the Spring Racing Carnival. Minority shares will be offered on the night in ten well-known, established horses that are currently racing.

The much anticipated 2002 Face of the Spring Racing Carnival, will be introduced,  following Tatiana Grigorieva (2000) and Kelly Dickinson (2001) in representing all the  style, glamour and fun of the Carnival.

The evening will acclaim great racing performers with the announcement of the prestigious Fred Hoysted Award for thoroughbred training excellence. See the likes of Lee Freedman, Brian Mayfield-Smith and Sheila Laxon battle for the ultimate industry accolade.

With the Spring Racing Carnival being renowned for its chance to celebrity spot, this gala black tie event will provide the opportunity to get in with the "A" list right from the word go.

Tickets are already galloping out the door, so to secure your place at what will be ‘the’ party of the year contact Racing Victoria Limited on (03) 9258 4360. Tickets $220 Table of 10 - Special price $1,950 (GST inc.)

And for those who want to make a real night of it, Crown has made available a special accommodation rate. Details on (03) 9292 6868.

Media Release - Racing Victoria