Colac (Vic)

Sunday, 08 September 2002 00:00

Riding Changes:

Race 1 - WILLIAM ROBB MAIDEN HURDLE- 2950 metres:

Acting on an assurance from K. Elford, Trainer of Mr. Travolta, that he had contacted RSB on 3/9/02 to make a gear-change request to place a tongue-tie on Mr. Travolta. The Stewards permitted the gelding to race in a tongue-tie today.

Race 2 - BE A MEMBER MAIDEN PLATE THREE YEAR OLD & UP - 1200 metres:

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Max Hinton, Trainer of Jagnic (NZ), that the gelding had injured itself en-route to the course, and in his opinion, Jagnic (NZ) was unfit to start. The Stewards withdrew the gelding from the event at 11.02am. Mr. Hinton was notified he must produce a Veterinary Certificate in respect of Jagnic (NZ) being unfit to start. After passing the 700 metres, Redskin clipped the heels of Flamenco (L. Bant) knuckled and lost ground when tightened for room by that mare, which initially shifted in away from Fantastico, which also shifted in at this stage. Ms. L. Bant was notified that Stewards accepted the fact that her mount was laying in, however notified her that in their opinion, she could have made a greater effort to protect the riders on her inside on this occasion. Rounding the home-turn, S. Tsaikos, rider of Barbean accidentally dropped his whip. At the entrance to the straight, Swift Mookta was accidentally struck on the head by the whip of C. Massey, rider of The Forum, which had shifted out.

Race 3 - SPRING VOBIS THREE YEARS OLD MAIDEN PLATE - 1000metres:

After being placed in its Starting Stall, Diamonds of Argyle broke through its front Starting Gates, and cantered a short distance before being re-boxed. La Dama Duende began awkwardly. Rounding the home-turn Toyteire was forced out by Hula Native, which was laying out. On the latter-part of the home-turn, Bold Litigator shifted out and inconvenienced Kentucky Gift. Shortly after straightening, Kentucky Gift, which was racing greenly, had to be checked off the heels of Bold Litigator.

Race 4 - MEMBERS DAY CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1100 metres:

Dolphinora's Starting Gate was marginally slow to open. On jumping away Dolphinora shifted out and bumped Jugah Tone, unbalancing that mare, which resulted in Jugah Tone losing ground. On jumping away, W. Nolan, Passaro, lost the use of his near-side stirrup-iron for a short distance. And shortly after the start Half Scotch and Dolphinora were hampered when tightened for room between Gliding Home and Maranello Miss (C.Massey) which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. C. Massey was notified to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

Race 5 - CARLTON DRAUGHT HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

Jones' Starting Stall was marginally slow to open. Near the 700 metres Jones had to be checked when tightened for room by Shango's Image, which was taken in by Mookta Sheree (Lincoln Coffey), which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. L. Coffey was notified to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

Race 6 - LAKE COLAC CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1600 metres:

Monopoly Money was slow to begin. Shortly after the start Incharge had to be checked when tightened for room between English Waiter and Dannick, which both shifted ground.

Race 7 - THE OTWAYS CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 2000 metres:

Latent's Starting Gate was marginally slow to open. Kangertong Road was slow to begin. Turning out of the straight on the first occasion, My Decision (NZ) got its head in the air shifted out and hampered Made for Real. Rounding the home-turn, Latent was held up when unable to obtain a clear run and near the 600 metres had to be checked off the heels of Rockatan, which commenced to weaken.

Race 8 - COLAC MEMBERS 3YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE - 2000 metres:

After being placed in its Starting Stall, Brooklyn Roads reared up and became cast. Brooklyn Roads was removed from its Starting Stalls and examined by the Club Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to run. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, Brooklyn Roads got its head in the air when being eased off the heels of Honey Morn.

SWAB SAMPLES:

Race 1 : A random swab was taken from All Up (NZ), third place-getter.
Race 3: A random swab was taken from Rocketscience, the winner.
Race 4: A random swab was taken from Easy Peasy, the winner.
Race 7: A routine swab was taken from Super Cobra, the winner.
Race 8: A routine swab was taken from Honey Morn, the winner.

Bairnsdale (Vic)

Sunday, 08 September 2002 00:00

* No other rider available

Race 1 -PATTIES BAKERY PTY LTD MAIDEN PLATE

No report.

Race 2 - EAST GISSLAND NEWSPAPERS SUPER VOBIS 3YO MAIDEN

After being placed in its stall SILENT WATERS became fractious and was removed from its stall. SILENT WATERS was then inspected by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and was declared unfit to run. Stewards ordered the withdrawal of SILENT WATERS at 1.07 p.m. Subsequent to the race Stewards ordered the following betting deductions:-
All monies bet for a win and/or place and concession betting on SILENT WATERS to be refunded.
All successful bets on horses prior to time of withdrawal of SILENT WATERS are subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket:
WIN BETS: 8 cents
PLACE BETS: 8 cents
WINNING CONCESSION BETS: 8 cents
DOUBLES BETS: 8 cents
All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of ticket.

After being placed in its stall EXTRATEGIC broke through the front and trotted a short distance. When the gates opened EXTRATEGIC and AKAKA DATAKA came together. Shortly after this FINAL AQUA shifted in and bumped EXTRATEGIC.

Rounding the home turn FINAL AQUA had a tendency to hang out.

Race 3 - WY YUNG HOTEL & FUNCTION CENTRE MAIDEN PLATE

Rounding the home turn and in the straight GEMBROOK LASS hung out badly. Mr. C. Davies Trainer of GEMBROOK LASS was notified that GEMBROOK LASS was now suspended from racing until she performs to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an organised Trial.

Stewards accepted the explanation of Mr. S. Webb Trainer of AS A WINK regarding his late notification of a rider.

Race 4 - McDONALDS THUNDERBIRD CLASS 1 HANDICAP

P. Mertens rider of MY SOUTHPAW which performed poorly stated to the Stewards that he believed that something may have been amiss with the gelding and that in his opinion MY SOUTHPAW failed to handle the track conditions today. Mr. R. Cross part owner/trainer of the gelding stated to the Stewards that in his opinion MY SOUTHPAW pulled up in good condition.

Race 5 - CROWTHER & SADLER PTY LTD SURVEYORS TOWN PLANNERS CLASS 3 HANDICAP

Shortly after the start DOCTOR DANZIG had to be checked when tightened for room between CLASSIC ENCORES and ROCKETEER which both shifted ground slightly.

Near the 200 metres THE FARMER GUY and LADY ELL were tightened for room between DESTINED FOR FAME, which shifted in slightly and DOCTOR DANZIG, which shifted out slightly.

After passing the 200 metres ARGENT RULER and ALROY raced tight for a short distance.

Subsequent to the race the Club's Veterinary Surgeon reported that NOREAMI sustained an injury to his near fore heel.

Race 6 - TOOHEYS NEW BAIRNSDALE CUP

Near the 600 metres ZATOPEK (NZ) had to be eased off the heels of DUVAL.

Over the concluding stages CLASSIC BENBARA experienced difficulty in obtaining a clear run.

After passing the 200 metres CHIMING DOOR and HERCULES MORSE (NZ) come together due to both horses shifting ground slightly.

Race 7 - PARKINSON WHOLESALE FOODS FILLIES & MARES CLASS 2 HANDICAP

When the gates opened FAIR CLARE and CELTIC EDGE jumped away awkwardly.

In the straight ZENA PRINCESS laid in under pressure.

Race 8 - BAIRNSDALE KOKODA TRACK MEMORIAL PLATE

No report.

Race 9 - JAYCO CLASS 4 HANDICAP

Prior to correct weight T. Carson rider of JASPER RULER the second placegetter, wished to view the Stewards films of the straight before deciding whether to lodge an objection. After viewing the films T. Carson decided not to proceed and correct weight was declared.

SWAB SAMPLES -

Race 1 - Routine swab of the winner of the race SUNASTA (NZ)

Race 3 - Routine swab of the winner of the race NO BULL.

Race 6 - Random swab from ZATOPEK (NZ) and also the winner CHIMING DOOR

Race 8 - Routine swab from SHIRLEY'S LUVENA the winner of the race.

FINES & EXPLANATIONS:

Race 3 - Ms B. Horton part owner/trainer of CASPA was fined the sum of $50.00 for producing CASPA in the mounting yard without pacifiers on.

Race 8 - Stewards accepted the explanation offered by Mr. T. Cowan Assistant Trainer to Mr. B. Laming Trainer of HAWAIIAN CALL regarding his late notification of a rider.

Race 9 - Mr J. Blakey was fined the sum of $50.00 for his late notification of a rider for SPECIAL SCENE.

R. Cartright rider of RHAPSODIZE (NZ) was fined the sum of $400.00 for excessive use of the whip on the mare. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account R. Cartright's recent poor record in this area.

Able Choice on Track After Ascot Vale Fourth

Sunday, 08 September 2002 00:00

Champion Hong Kong juvenile Able Choice is on track for next month’s Group One $1 million Carlton Draught Caulfield Guineas after a fourth placing which pleased connections in yesterday’s Ascot Vale Stakes.

Starting at 9/1, the three-year-old was in the ruck throughout the race and battled to the line stylishly behind promising gallopers Innovation Girl, Cool Trent and Titanic Jack.

At the post in yesterday’s event, the son of Dehere was just 1.7 lengths from the Brian Mayfield-Smith trained winner.

Able Choice’s trainer John Moore is confident the well bred colt, who is from the Golden Slipper winner Bint Marscay, is capable of major improvement and future winning hopes are likely to be enhanced over longer distances.

"He had a pretty bumpy trip," Moore said after the race. "They didn’t give him a lot of room and he raced a bit too freely, a bit too keenly."

"Michael (jockey Michael Cahill) had to hook around a tiring horse and make his run probably a touch earlier than would have been ideal but I certainly wasn’t disappointed with the horse’s performance," he added.

The champion juvenile with three wins from as many starts at Sha Tin is set to have his next start in the 1400 metre Guineas Prelude at Caulfield on September 22.

"This horse is definitely not at his peak yet," Moore reported. "There’s a little more spit and polish we can apply."

"We’ll hold him up, off the pace, at his next run and I think you will see him really getting to the line."

Moore is quietly confident Able Choice is bound to measure up to a race which could likely contain brilliant Australian gallopers like Bel Esprit, Titanic Jack, Thorn Park, Half Hennessy, Cool Trent and Broadband.

"I think we learnt that (he would be better suited over longer distances) today and we also know that he is well and truly competitive with the best of these Australian three-year-olds," Moore summed up.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Northerly All Class in Craiglee Classic

Sunday, 08 September 2002 00:00

Rawiller Outed After Ascot Vale Ride

Sunday, 08 September 2002 00:00

Not only was he forced to forego the ride on the brilliant filly and eventual winner Innovation Girl, he was suspended by stewards for careless riding.

Under the set weights scale Rawiller was unable to get down to 53 kilograms to partner the Brian Mayfield-Smith trained race favourite giving Kerrin McEvoy the opportunity to extend his winning streak on the three-year-old.

And to make things even worse the three-year-old he was riding when he copped the suspension in the Ascot Vale Stakes finished last behind the Mayfield-Smith trained speedster.

Not only will Rawiller miss the next ride aboard Innovation Girl, but he will also be forced to watch from the grandstands when the top sprinter Rubitano runs at Caulfield in a fortnight.

Bolter Dents Guineas Aspirations for Boom Pair

Sunday, 08 September 2002 00:00

Hayes Delighted With Helene's Craiglee Effort

Sunday, 08 September 2002 00:00

Hong Kong based trainer David Hayes was beaming after the running of yesterday’s Group Two Craiglee Stakes (1600m) even though his talented stayer Helene Vitality finished in eighth place.

A former New Zealand Derby winner when known as Hades, Helene Vitality stormed home in his first run since May to be beaten less than five lengths after coming from the rear of the field at the home turn.

"It was a tremendous run," a delighted Hayes said. "He has reeled off some tremendous sectionals, the quickest in the race and I couldn’t really have been happier."

Helene Vitality became Hayes’ first Australian runner in over seven years and the Victorian Cups campaign that started as a dream has taken its first positive step.

"We will put him through the traditional Cups campaign," Hayes reported. "He’ll be aimed at the Caulfield Cup before heading for the Melbourne Cup."

Last week the chief Victorian handicapper Jim Bowler released the weights for both Melbourne spring Cups and he gave the Derby winning son of Zabeel 54.5 kilograms for both races.

Hayes said he had hoped for his Cups challenger would make late ground in the Craiglee and be hitting the line in stylish fashion, but the gelding’s performance over the concluding stages had delighted him.

"He must have been 20 lengths behind them early in the race and I reckon that he was in front 100 metres after the finish," Hayes said with a smile. "It was a terrific run, I’m very happy."

A drifter from 20s to 30/1, Helene Vitality sprinted home his final 600 metres in a sizzling 34.7 seconds, more than a second quicker than the race’s winner, the Cox Plate champion Northerly.

Hayes is confident Helene Vitality will measure up to Australasia’s leading stayers in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup, but his fingers are already crossed for favourable weather in the lead up to the spring features.

"Provided the track remains dry, I think he will run very well in both races," Hayes commented. "He just hates wet ground."

"We saw how well he ran when he got on to a dry track in the Group One race in Dubai and that’s proven to be the best staying form race in the world."

Since arriving in Australia the gelding had been in great shape according to Hayes.

"He’s done so well since he’s been in Australia. He’s eating 25 per cent more and just thriving," he added.

"I’m really pleased that he ran so well here which justifies our decision to bring him here."

Helene Vitality is set to step out next in the Group One $352,000 Emirates Racing Association Underwood Stakes over 1800 metres at Caulfield on September 22.

Meanwhile, there was even more reason for Hayes to smile later in the afternoon when Lindsay Park’s current head trainer Tony McEvoy saddled up the in form Court of Jewels to win the final race on the card.

Flemington (Vic)

Saturday, 07 September 2002 00:00

Race 1 - NIVEA VISAGE GIRLS DAY OUT 1100 - 1100 metres:

"Dubai Ice" jumped away awkwardly, shifted in and made contact with "Coupe".

Patrick Payne, rider of "Flashed" which performed below expectations and weakened over the concluding stages, could offer no explanation for the filly's performance. A veterinary examination of "Flashed" revealed that the filly had a very slow recovery rate, and was still showing signs of distress some time after the race. Mr. P. Cannon, who was representing trainer R. Smerdon, was notified that prior to the filly racing again a full certificate of fitness must be produced, such certificate to include the satisfactory results of an ECG and an endoscopic examination.

Race 2 - DRUMSTICK ROYALE PLATE - 1400 metres:

The start of the race was delayed due to "Helenus" proving difficult to be placed in the stalls, and "Zylvester" being unable to be placed in the stalls. Acting on advice from the Starter the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of "Zylvester" from the race at 12.44 p.m.

Subsequently the Stewards ordered that all monies bet on "Zylvester" be refunded, and that all successful bets on horses prior to the time of withdrawal of "Zylvester" be subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win Bets: Four cents; Place Bets: Five cents; Winning Concession Bets: Four cents, and Doubles Bets: Four cents. All monies bet after the Stewards' declaration of withdrawal were ordered to be paid at face value of the ticket.

Acting on a report from the Starter regarding the unruly behaviour of "Helenus" when being placed in its barrier stall, the Stewards notified Mr. Leon Corstens, trainer of "Helenus", that should the filly behave in a similar manner in future more severe action may be taken. Mr. Corstens was further notified that prior to "Helenus" racing again he must obtain a barrier test certificate for it.

At the entrance to the straight "All of Me" and "Took a Chance" bumped, due to "All of Me" shifting in slightly.

Near the 300 metres "Gold Attire (NZ)" was hampered when tightened for room between "Broadband", which was taken in slightly by "All of Me", and "Great Glen" which, when laying out, shifted out away from "Helenus", which improved on its inside. "Great Glen" then had a tendency to lay out.

D. Oliver, rider of "Broadband" which had raced back in the field at its previous runs, stated that he had discussed riding the colt forward as "Broadband" had drawn an outside barrier, and he believed that there would be little pace in the early stages of the race. Oliver added that he was then trapped wide in the middle stages of the race, and it weakened because of its hard run over the concluding stages. Oliver also stated that he believes that "Broadband" may perform better when ridden more quietly in the early stages of the race. Mr. Lee Freedman, trainer of "Broadband", stated that, whilst he had reservations about changing the riding tactics of "Broadband", he accepted Oliver's recommendation that because of the wide draw "Broadband" may be better suited racing in a forward position today. Mr. Freedman said that in hindsight that he also believes that "Broadband" may perform better when ridden quietly in the early stages of its races in future.

Patrick Payne, rider of "Great Glen" which performed poorly, could offer no explanation for the gelding's poor performance, other than that "Great Glen" had a tendency to lay out under pressure in the straight, but felt normal on pulling up. A veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 3 - VISIT US AT www.vrc.net.au - 2000 metres:

"Cyclades (NZ)" jumped away awkwardly, and shortly after the start had to be checked when tightened for room between "Cavallo Bruno (NZ)", which shifted in slightly away from "Piachay (NZ)", and "Stoneleigh Road", which shifted out away from "Southern Crown". When being checked "Cyclades (NZ)" clipped the heels of "Cavallo Bruno (NZ)", knuckled, and lost considerable ground.

Andrew Findlay, rider of "Casino Boy", was severely reprimanded for shifting in at an acute angle shortly after the start when not sufficiently clear of "Pantani" (NZ), resulting in "Pantani (NZ)" having to be checked off the heels of "Casino Boy". "Auckland Blues (NZ)", which was following, then had to be checked off the heels of "Pantani" (NZ)".

Near the 1500 metres "Auckland Blues (NZ)" was hampered when tightened for room by "Pantani" (NZ)", which shifted in away from "Piachay (NZ)" after being taken in initially by that gelding.

In the middle stages of the race the saddle on "Lady Viola" shifted forward, which inconvenienced D. Gauci, the rider of the mare, who had no alternative but to let the mare stride to the front in the middle stages of the race, and placed him at a considerable disadvantage from that point.

Near the 300 metres "Sergio (NZ)", which was weakening, and "Pantani (NZ)" bumped due to both horses shifting ground slightly.

Race 4 - TEAC DIGITAL STAKES - 1400 metres:

"Flying Ed" reared on jumping away, and then knuckled.

Near the 1100 metres "Flying Ed" had to be eased off the heels of "Prince Rubiton", which shifted out when being steadied.

"Prince Rubiton" was held up for a clear run for some distance from the entrance to the straight to the 300 metres.

Near the 200 metres "Eagle Rhythm (NZ)" had to be eased off the heels of "Weasel Will", which shifted in slightly.

S. Seamer, rider of "Moon Dragon" which performed poorly, stated that the mare was over-racing and was never travelling well. A veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 5 - ASCOT VALE STAKES - 1200 metres:

On arrival at the course "Tycoon Ruler" was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to run.

Near the 900 metres "Brief Embrace", when being steadied off the heels of "Able Choice", shifted out and hampered "General Minolta".

N. Rawiller, rider of "Tycoon Ruler", was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, the careless riding being that he permitted his mount to shift out near the 800 metres when not sufficiently clear of "Acee Deecee (NZ)", resulting in "Acee Deecee (NZ)" being tightened on to "Able Choice" and "Acee Deecee (NZ)" having to be checked. N. Rawiller was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight on Tuesday, 10^th September, and to expire at midnight on Friday, 27^th September, 2002.    
After being checked "Acee Deecee (NZ)" shifted in and hampered "General Minolta".

"Brief Embrace" shifted out and brushed "General Minolta" near the 500 metres, and then had difficulty obtaining a clear run until passing the 300 metres.

Near the 200 metres "Titanic Jack" brushed the hindquarters of "Innovation Girl" when disappointed for a run between that filly and "Dama de Noche" where there was insufficient room. "Titanic Jack" then had difficulty obtaining a run for a short distance.

"Cool Trent" had difficulty obtaining a clear run from the 400 metres until passing the 200 metres.

Race 6 - NIVEA VISAGE CRAIGLEE STAKES - 1600 met res:

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Mr. Colin Alderson, trainer of "Sky Heights (NZ)", who stated that the gelding had filling in its near fore canon and was unfit to run, the Stewards authorized the scratching of the gelding at 9.30 a.m. Mr. Alderson will submit a veterinary certificate in respect of "Sky Heights (NZ)".

After being placed in its stall "Helene Vitality (NZ)" became fractious and lashed out on a number of occasions. "Helene Vitality (NZ)" was removed from the starting stalls, examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, and passed fit to run.

"Firetaine (NZ)" knuckled on jumping away.

Near the 1100 metres "Elegant Fashion" was tightened for room between "Le Zagaletta", which shifted in slightly, and "Northerly", which was laying out.

D. Oliver, rider of "Don Eduardo (NZ)", explained that the horse changed stride and became unbalanced near the 1000 metres, and failed to respond to his riding over the concluding stages.

A veterinary examination of "Brew (NZ)" subsequent to the race revealed that the gelding was lame in the off fore leg.

Race 7 - LET'S ELOPE STAKES - 1400 metres:

"Purple Groove (NZ)", which struck the fence on the way to the barrier, was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to run.

Near the 300 metres "Faiza" shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of "Miss La La" when attempting to take a narrow run between "Miss La La" and "Crimson Gem" where there was not quite sufficient room. "Faiza" then had difficulty obtaining a clear run between those two horses until near the 100 metres.

"Bellonic" had difficulty obtaining a clear run for the majority of the straight.

Race 8 - MAKERS MARK DIAMOND QUALITY - 1200 metres:

"Gallopini" stood flat-footed when the gates were released, and lost considerable ground.

"Rubitano" knuckled on jumping away.

"Desert Sky" jumped away awkwardly, and then knuckled.

Near the 500 metres "Gallopini" had to be checked when tightened for room by "Chong Tong" (D. Oliver), which shifted out to improve its position on the outside of "Off to Sea", which shifted out slightly away from "Desert Sky", which also shifted ground at that stage. After taking into account all the circumstances the Stewards gave D. oliver the benefit of the doubt as to whether he was fully responsible for the interference to "Gallopini". However, he was reprimanded, and notified that he must ensure that he is clear of other runners when shifting ground at all times.

Near the 100 metres "Paestum" had to be eased when tightened for room by "Off to Sea", which shifted out slightly. "Paestum" then had to change course in the run to the winning post.

Race 9 - SPRING IS THE SEASON 1700 - 1700 metres:

Near the 1500 metres "Prince Benbara" had to be checked off the heels of "Thong Classic" (S. King), which shifted in. Steven King was reprimanded, and notified to exercise far more care when shifting ground in future.

Near the 1500 metres "Touch the Groom" was tightened for room by "Manang (NZ)", which was taken in by "Smoking Barrel", which had a tendency to shift in away from "Court of Jewels (NZ)". 

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

No Caulfield Guineas for Innovation Girl

Sunday, 08 September 2002 00:00

Connections of brilliant Melbourne filly Innovation Girl will not be tempted to clash with the colts in the $1 million Group One Caulfield Guineas despite a three quarter length win in yesterday’s Group Two Ascot Vale Stakes at Flemington.

Yesterday the high class daughter of Rubiton downed a high class field including Guineas fancies Able Choice, Titanic Jack and Acee Deecee, but winning trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith said he won’t be clashing with the boys again in the Guineas, a race which last year elevated Lonhro to star status.

"There’s no need to take on the colts," Mayfield-Smith said after the win. "We will be aiming at the Thousand Guineas."

Yesterday Innovation Girl made it seven wins from eight starts when she scored a three quarter length win over Cool Trent and Titanic Jack.

"It doesn’t get much better than that," her breeder and part owner Des Pope said moments after the win. "She is such a brilliant filly. I can’t explain how excited I am."

Mayfield-Smith heaped all of the praise of the win on the Melbourne Cup and Blue Diamond Stakes winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy. The former South Australian hoop made it two wins from two rides in the Ascot Vale Stakes triumph.

"What can you say about the ride," he asked. "That was a magnificent rider from such a talented young rider. He’s already won a few big races, but he’s definitely one of the best," Mayfield-Smith said referring to McEvoy.

"That must be one of the best rides anyone has ever given any of my horses over the years," he added. "He was so cool on her during the race."

Innovation Girl became just the sixth filly in the race’s 33 year history to down the boys, following in the footsteps of the Adelaide filly So Gorgeous who scored a dashing win in the race two years ago. Before So Gorgeous the last filly to win the race was the outstanding performer Courtza.

The riders of the placegetters, Brett Prebble (Cool Trent) and Damien Oliver (Titanic Jack), reported they both should have won. Both placegetters had trouble obtaining runs in the final stages and their chances of winning were dashed when Innovation Girl sprinted a length in front with 200 metres to run.

Hong Kong’s star juvenile Able Choice finished just out of the placings in a performance which pleased his visiting trainer John Moore.

Leading jockey Nash Rawiller was suspended for his handling of the last placegetter in the race and he will now be forced to miss the next rides on Innovation Girl and the smart sprinting stablemate Rubitano in a fortnight.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Mildura (Vic)

Saturday, 07 September 2002 00:00

Riding Changes:

Race 1 - MAIDEN - 1800 metres:

Turning out of the straight 'Truce D'Etoile' which when overracing had to be eased to avoid the heels of 'Splashing Sally' which shifted in.

Approaching the 600 metres 'Splashing Sally' had to be eased to avoid the heels of 'Doug's Dream' (S. Vella) which shifted in. S. Vella was reprimanded and notified to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

Shortly after this 'Truce D'Etoile' had to be checked when tightened for room between 'Lack O' Fun' and 'Just Lacey' which shifted out away from 'Splashing Sally' which shifted out slightly.

Approaching the 300 metres 'Splashing Sally' when weakening had to be eased to avoid the heels of 'Lack O' Fun' which shifted in.

Race 2 - MAIDEN PLATE - 1400 metres:

After being placed in its barrier 'Blalocks Rose' reared and became cast. 'Blalocks Rose' along with 'Bella Bianco' which was in the adjoining stall were removed from the barrier and examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and past fit to run. As a result of these incidents the start of the race was delayed.

After passing the 1200 metres 'Louis L'Amour' had to be checked when tightened for room between 'Taoh' which shifted in slightly and 'Provost' which when overracing shifted out to avoid the heels of 'So Aloof'.

In the early stages of the race 'So Aloof' hung out.

Race 3 - CLASS 3 - 1800 metres:

When the gates opened 'Rows Of Arches' was slow to begin.

Near the 1300 metres 'Superior Man' had to be eased to avoid the heels of 'Rows Of Arces' which shifted in.

B. Cross, rider of 'Fergus My Boy' who performed poorly explained to the stewards that the gelding travelled well in the early and middle stages of the race and when put under pressure near the 500 metres failed to respond to his riding.

Subsequent to the race the club's veterinary surgeon reported no abnormalities with 'Fergus My Boy'.

Race 4 - CLASS 1 - 1200 metres:

Prior to correct weight being declared D. Yates, rider of 'Cart Lure' fifth placegetter wished to view the stewards patrol video and side on version in the straight.

After viewing the videos D. Yates did not proceed with his request and correct weight was declared.

It was established that near the 100 metres 'Cart Lure' which had a tendency to hang in had to be checked when attempting to take a narrow run between 'Sparky Star' which shifted out slightly and 'Yan Yean' which shifted in.

Near the 800 metres 'Poets Road' had to be eased to avoid the heels of 'Cart Lure' which when overracing, shifted in.

Near the 100 metres 'Dantastic' had to be eased across the heels of 'Simonde'.

Race 5 - CLASS 5 - 1400 metres:

When the gates opened 'Suave Way' was slow to begin.

Rounding the home turn 'Red Roach' had to be checked of the heels of 'Suave Way' which shifted out to avoid the heels of 'Ryndel Lady' which weakened.

Rounding the home turn 'Mini Waters' was held up when unable to obtain a clear run.

Race 6 - OPEN HANDICAP - 1100 metres:

Shortly after the start 'Sangiovese' had to be checked when tightened for room between 'Spanish Arms' and 'Picnic Belle' which shifted in away from 'Litlcos'.

Shortly after this 'Picnic Belle' had to be eased when tightened for room between 'Spanish Arms' and 'Litlcos' which shifted in away from 'Whistling Lass'.

D. Yendall, rider of 'Flinto' explain to the stewards he eased the gelding down over the concluding stages as he believed something had gone amiss with 'Flinto'. Subsequent to the race the club's veterinary surgeon reported no abnormalities with 'Flinto'.

Race 7 - CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1100 metres:

No report.

Race 8 - MAIDEN PLATE - 1100 metres:

Shortly after the start 'Gemma' had to be eased to avoid the heels of 'Quanch' which was taken in by 'Bees 'N' Honey'.

In the early and middle stages of the race 'Gemma' got its head up when racing ungenerously.

Approaching and rounding the home turn, 'Storm Check' hung out.

M. Pumpa rider of 'Bees 'N' Honey' who performed poorly could offer no explanation for its poor performance today.

Subsequent to the race, the club's veterinary surgeon failed to reveal any abnormalities with 'Bees 'N' Honey'.

SWAB SAMPLES:

Race 1 'Doug's Dream', winner
Race 2 'Bella Bianco', winner
Race 3 'Moxie Magic' winner
Race 4 'Her Honour' winner
Race 5 'Check Our Beez' winner

EXPLANATIONS: