Echuca (Vic)
- Sunday, 01 September 2002 00:00
Weather: Fine
Rail: True
Riding Changes:
| Race | Horse | Rider | Replaced By | Reason |
| 6 | Lord Watman | E. Cassar | D. Schmitt | Became indisposed |
| 7 | Raging Hazard | D. Schmitt* | B. Ward | Overweight |
| 7 | Miss Ochiltree | J. Anstice | P. Johnstone** | Became indisposed |
| 7 | Silken Manor NZ | E. Cassar | M. Johnstone | Became indisposed |
*D. Schmitt was severely reprimanded for having
accepted a ride for which he was unable to fulfil due to being overweight.
**As there was no other senior rider available Stewards permitted apprentice P. Johnstone
to be substituted as the rider of the mare.
Race 1 - 3YO Maiden Plate - 1000m metres:
After leaving the mounting yard My Belle Jester behaved in an unruly manner whilst enroute to the barrier. Mr. P. Cannon representing Mr R. Smerdon trainer of the filly was notified that an official warning would be placed on My Belle Jester for her behaviour today. Voodoo Barbie was slow to begin. Subsequent to the race Mr. E. Buckingham trainer of Naami reported that the filly had sustained a wound to its off hock.
Race 2 - Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate - 1400m
Foxy Trouble jumped away awkwardly. At the 1000 metres Just Lacey shifted out and had to be eased off the heels of Bend The Rules. In the middle stages of the race Foxy Trouble hung out. On the home turn Junique was taken out and tightened onto the hindquarters of Knicci by Aloha Joffa which shifted out slightly.
Race 3 - Colts, Geldings and Entires Maiden Plate - 1400m
Passing the 200 metres Rube which was weakening had to be eased when tightened for room between Man In A Rush which initially shifted out and Gold Commander which shifted in.
Race 4 - Class 3 Handicap - 2100m
Rounding the home turn and in the early part of the straight Bearskin had difficulty in obtaining a clear run.
Race 5 - Class 6 Handicap - 1200m
Miss B Payne rider of Chiaretto which performed poorly stated to the Stewards that the gelding had a tendency to over-race in the early stages of the race and then failed to respond to her riding rounding the home turn and in the straight. A veterinary examination of Chiaretto subsequent to the race failed to reveal any abnormality.
Race 6 - Class 1 Handicap - 1600m
N. Beriman rider of Cheval Marie explained to the Stewards that the mare took charge in the early stages and hung out throughout the race. An inquiry into Nikita Beriman's use of the whip on Cheval Marie was adjourned to a date to be fixed.
Rounding the home turn Centuism had to be checked to avoid the heels of Cheval Marie which was weakening.
Race 7 - Class 2 Handicap - 1400m
As there was no other suitable rider available Stewards permitted J. Patton to ride On The Tear 1.5kgs over its allotted weight. J. Patton was severely reprimanded for accepting a ride for which he was to be overweight.
When leaving the mounting yard Mozart's Mate struck the gate. On arrival at the barrier Mozart's Mate was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and deemed unfit to run. Acting on this the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Mozart's Mate at 4.18pm. Subsequent to the event Stewards ordered the following in relation to betting: All monies bet for a win and/or place and concession betting on Mozart's Mate to be refunded. All successful bets on horses prior to the time of withdrawal of Mozart's Mate to be subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win bets 12c; Place bets 11c; Winning Concession bets 12c: Doubles bets 12c. All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of the ticket.
On jumping away Raging Hazard threw its head up and as a
result unbalanced B. Ward rider of the gelding resulting in Raging Hazard losing
considerable ground. Cherry Hill was slow to begin.
After passing the 200 metres Boat was accidentally struck over the head by the whip of P.
Robl rider of Bicarb.
P. Robl rider of Bicarb, was found guilty of a charge of careless riding, the careless riding being that he permitted his mount to shift out rounding the home turn when not sufficiently clear of Boat thereby taking that gelding out onto Silken Manor NZ which resulted in Silken Manor NZ clipping the heels of Boat and almost falling. P. Robl was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence at midnight Monday September 2, 2002 and to expire at midnight Thursday September 19, 2002.
Race 8 - Fillies and Mares Class 1 Handicap - 1000m
Atomic Lady knuckled on jumping away.
Approaching the 600 metres Tanforan became unbalanced when racing tight between La Tap and
Good Azz. B. Johns rider of Postie's Squeeze which performed below expectations, stated to
the Stewards that Postie's Squeeze raced greenly and could not maintain its position in
the early part of the race and then failed to respond to his riding rounding the home
turn. A veterinary examination subsequent to the race failed to reveal any abnormality.
SWAB SAMPLES: were taken from the following winners:-
Race One - Dantana
Race Three - Gold Commander
Race Four - Like Auntie
Race Five - Belus
Race Eight - Are You Serious
EXPLANATIONS:
Race 2 - The explanations given by Mr. J Bryant, trainer of Just Lacey (M Johnstone) and Mr. G Wheeler, trainer of Brave Cover (L Robertson) for the late notification of their riders were accepted.
Bart's Tank Too Strong in Memsie Showdown
- Saturday, 31 August 2002 00:00
Hall of Fame trainer Bart Cummings proved that looks can be
deceptive when the reigning VRC Oaks winner Magical Miss scored a fast finishing win in
this afternoon's Group Two Silvan Australia Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.The well bred daughter of Danehill was fancied today after an eye catching first up run in the recent Aurie's Star Handicap, a race won by the gelding whom she gunned down today, Fields of Omagh.
Cummings, who is chasing his twelfth Melbourne Cup this spring, was suitably impressed with the performance.
"She might have looked like a tank, but she ran like a
Mercedes," Cummings said moments after the win.
"It was a good first up run and I thought she was a strong each way chance today," he added.
Magical Miss got back among the rear of the field before being switched to the middle of the track by her rider Steven Arnold.
Only moments after Fields of Omagh had hit the front from the early leader Dash for Cash, the Cups favourite swept up on the outside before drawing clear for a comprehensive three quarter length win.
Magical Miss, who is owned by Perth based Bill and Rhonda Wyllie, has now firmed in markets for all three feature spring races.
Leading Melbourne bookmaker Michael Eskander has tightened Magical
Miss into equal favourite for the Melbourne Cup at 7/1 (in from 9s), while she is an
outright fancy for the Caulfield Cup at 5/1 (from 7s) ahead of Republic Lass (7/1). Her
Cox Plate quote was slashed from 33/1 to 20/1.
"We have to now make a decision whether we go to the Cox Plate or the Caulfield Cup," Cummings said.
The favourite Northerly sat just off the pace and looked well and truly under pressure when approaching the turn. But connections would have to have been impressed with the fighting finish of the reigning Cox Plate champion, who battled on to finish fourth, only 1.8 lengths from the winner.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Close Shave for Top Jocks
- Saturday, 31 August 2002 00:00
Four leading Melbourne jockeys had a close shave before the first
race at Caulfield today.But it was never a case of being life threatening, as Damien Oliver, Brett Prebble, Kerrin McEvoy and Peter Mertens had their heads shaved in aid of charity.
They joined fellow jockeys Darren Gauci, Stephen Baster, Greg Childs and John Hawkes' son and foreman Wayne, who recently went under the chop at Moonee Valley.
More than $30,000 was raised for the Bluey Day promotion to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital in recognition of its work with kids suffering from cancer.
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| PICS - Quentin Lang. | |
Caulfield (Vic)
- Saturday, 31 August 2002 00:00
Weather: FINE
Penetrometer: 3.91
Rail: OUT NINE METRES FOR THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT
Race 1 - N. P. HAUFFE HANDICAP - 1410 metres:
Prior to the declaration of correct weight S. King, rider of "Purple Road", second placegetter, viewed the Stewards' video and decided not to lodge an objection. Over the concluding stages "Nul Autre" shifted out under pressure towards "Purple Road".
Acting on a report from the Starter regarding the unruly behaviour of "Luna Scene (NZ)" when being loaded into its starting stall, the Stewards notified Mr. Tony McEvoy, trainer of the filly, that should it behave in a similar manner in future more serious action may be taken. Mr. McEvoy was further notified that prior to the filly starting again it must trial to the Stewards' satisfaction in a barrier trial, at which time he must obtain a barrier test certificate for it. "Luna Scene (NZ)" had been previously warned for similar behaviour.
As a result of the above incident the start of the race was delayed.
"Tarcoola Diamond" raced greenly and had a tendency to lay out in the early stages of the race, and then over the concluding stages "Tarcoola Diamond" had a tendency to lay in under pressure.
Near the 100 metres "Marcella", which was making ground, had to shift out to avoid the heels of "Centella" which was weakening.
Approaching the winning post "Zanna (NZ)" was inconvenienced by "Purple Road", which shifted out slightly under pressure.
Race 2 - DALMORE ENGINEERING HANDICAP - 1100 metres:
K. McEvoy, rider of "Something Funny", stated that the mare was reluctant to race early and, when put under pressure in the straight, it did not feel comfortable on the firm ground. McEvoy added that he believed that there may be something amiss with it. During the running of the race "Something Funny" lost its off fore glue-on shoe.
Michelle Payne, rider of "Spurn" which performed below expectations, stated that the mare travelled well in the early stages of the race but, when the pace quickened approaching the home turn, "Spurn" failed to respond . Michelle Payne added that "Spurn" felt normal on pulling up. A veterinary examination of "Spurn" failed to reveal any abnormality.
During the running of the race the saddle on "Cadastral" shifted back, which placed Darren Gauci, its rider, at a considerable disadvantage over the concluding stages.
Race 3 - SELECTA McNEIL STAKES - 1100 metres:
No report.
Race 4 - M & S TRANSPORT HANDICAP - 1410 metres:
"Gypsy Lad (NZ)" jumped away awkwardly.
In the early part of the straight "Karamazou" was disappointed for a run between "Gypsy Lad (NZ)" and "Penta stic".
"Karamazou" was then temporarily held up before obtaining a run between "Gypsy Lad (NZ)" and "Pentastic" near the 200 metres.
Race 5 - GB GALVANISING SPRINT - 1100 metres:
After being placed in its stall "Lewinsky" broke throutgh the front of the stall and galloped a short distance. "Lewinsky" was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, and passed fit to run.
"Strategic Image" shifted in after jumping away and hampered "Chattanooga".
"Point Danger" jumped away awkwardly, shifted in, and hampered "Little Dozer".
Near the 800 metres "Strategic Image" and "Prince Rubiton" were hampered when tightened for room between "Baarkada", which shifted out slightly, and "Little Dozer", which shifted in.
Race 6 - SILVAN AUSTRALIA MEMSIE STAKES - 1410 metres:
Running to and passing the 1200 metres "Northerly" shifted out slightly and made contact with "Fields of Omagh". "Fields of Omagh" and "Northerly" then raced tight for some distance when "Fields of Omagh" shifted back slightly. In the incident "Northerly" attempted to savage "Fields of Omagh" on two occasions.
In the straight "Northerly" had to change course when disappointed for a run between "Dash for Cash", which shifted out slightly, and "Flavour", which was taken in slightly by "Fields of Omagh".
Race 7 - AGRIPOWER HEATHERLIE HANDICAP - 1700 metres:
"Thong Classic" jumped away awkwardly, shifted in and hampered "The Secondmortgage (NZ)".
Shortly after this "The Secondmortgage (NZ)" had to be checked when tightened further between "Thong Classic" and "Leather Lane", which shifted out after being brushed on the hindquarters by "The Secondmortgage (NZ)".
Shortly after the start "Dot Com (NZ)" had to be eased off the heels of "Benarrivo (NZ)", which shifted out slightly.
Near the 900 metres "Benarrivo (NZ)". which was over-racing, had to be checked off the heels of "Levendiz".
Near the 600 metres "Palace Archway" had to be checked off the heels of "Levendiz", which was weakening.
At the entrance to the straight "The Secondmortgage (NZ)" was tightened slightly between "Kaaponic (NZ)" and "Leather Lane", which was laying out. "Leather Lane" then had to be eased off the heels of "Bush Padre", which shifted out.
"Thong Classic" was held up when unable to obtain a clear run in the early part of the straight.
"Big Pat" had a tendency to lay out under pressure in the straight.
Approaching the winning post "Chairman's Choice", which obtained a narrow run between "Benarrivo (NZ)" and "Bidaily", brushed "Bidaily", resulting in that mare shifting in and inconveniencing "Palace Archway".
Race 8 - NYLEX ROTOMOULD HANDICAP - 1410 metres:
"Gold Lottey" was slow to begin.
Shortly after the start "Storm Fille" and "La Lagune" were tightened for room between "Wyndam Special (NZ)" and "Blue Marwina", which shifted out.
Running to the 1000 metres "Storm Fille", which was over-racing, had to be eased off the heels of "Ena's Treasure".
G. Childs, rider of "She's Golden Class (NZ)" which performed poorly, stated that after being trapped wide in the early and middle stages of the race, the mare failed to respond to his riding from the home turn and felt short in its action over the concluding stages. A veterinary examination revealed that the mare was sore over the back and in the hindquarters. Mr. Michael Moroney was notified that prior to the mare racing again he must produce a veterinary clearance for it.
On the home turn "Blue Marwina" was tightened for room by "Gold Lottey" which, when laying in, shifted in slightly before being eased off the heels of "Storm Fille".
SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of all races today.
Moe (Vic)
- Friday, 30 August 2002 00:00
Weather: FINE
Rail: TRUE
Riding Changes:
| Race | Horse | Rider | Replaced By | Reason |
| 2 | "Quasiboss" | F. Villella | D. O'Heare | Unavailable |
| 2 | "Our Mukaddamah" | M. Connick | R. Waymouth | Injured |
| 5 | "Zipporah" | B. Werner | I. Culliver | Injured |
| 6 | "Classic Encores" | B. Werner | L. Coffey | Injured |
| 6 | "And Strong" | M. Goring | I. Culliver | Unavailable |
| 8 | "Arad" | M. Goring | D. Short | Unavailable |
RACE 1 - CHARLIE NEILSON MEMORIAL MAIDEN HURDLE. 2875 metres
At the barrier, "Gryphon" and "Nostrovia" were examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to run. For this reason, the start of the race was delayed.
RACE 2 - $60 MOE MEMBERSHIP MAIDEN PLATE. 1600 metres
"Quasiboss", which jumped away awkwardly, had to be checked off the heels of "Ole Chum" which shifted in. Shortly after this, "Paddy William", which was slow away, had to be eased off the heels of "Diamond Dealer".
RACE 3 - CHEVYLODGE.COM MAIDEN PLATE. 1200 metres
Approaching the 800 metres, "Super Scope" had to be eased off the heels of "Mystic Kid" which, when racing greenly, shifted in slightly.
Near the 800 metres, "Erosive" had to be eased off the heels of "Lanveda".
RACE 4 - MOE LADIES DAY SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER MAIDEN PLATE. 1200 metres
"Silvermine Wood" was slow to begin and hung out throughout the race.
RACE 5 - MOE MINI FASHION EXPO 3YO FILLIES SUPER VOBIS MAIDEN PLATE. 1200 metres
Subsequent to the race, "Dynamic Impression" which performed poorly was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon and was found to have no abnormalities.
RACE 6 - CHEVYLODGE.COM CLASS 3 HANDICAP. 1600 metres
During the running of the race, "Landrost" suffered a bleeding attack.
Approaching the 800 metres, "Shrewdly Different" shifted out to avoid the heels of "Delvecchio (NZ)" and hampered "Doctor Danzig".
Rounding the home turn and for the majority of the straight, "Meltimi" was unable to obtain a clear run.
RACE 7 - POWER OF RACING GALA BALL 4/10 F & M CLASS 2 HANDICAP. 1100metres
No report.
RACE 8 - TROA OPEN HANDICAP. 2050metres
No report.
RACE 9 - MOE CUP DAY THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER C, G, & E CLASS 2 HANDICAP. 1100 metres
Prior to correct weight V. Duric, rider of "Andalay", the second place-getter, wished to view the Stewards' patrol video and T.V. version of the straight before deciding whether to lodge an objection. After viewing the films, V. Duric decided to proceed with an objection, alleging interference against "Gold Pele" being declared the first place-getter shortly after entering the straight. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and after viewing the Stewards'patrol and T.V. versions of the race, Stewards upheld the objection, the amended placings being - "Andalay" (first), "Gold Pele" (second) and "Salvage" (third). It was established that near the 200 metres, "Gold Pele" (M. Flaherty) shifted out when not sufficiently clear of "Andalay", bumping the hindquarters of "Andalay", resulting in that colt becoming unbalanced and shifting out away from "Gold Pele". M. Flaherty was notified to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.
SWAB SAMPLES -
Routine swab samples were taken from the following winners:
RACE 1 - "Nostrovia"
RACE 3 - "Suave Thought"
RACE 4 - "Scarlet Ruby"
RACE 5 - "Caramel Corn (NZ)"
A random swab sample was taken from:
RACE 8 - "Captain Toddy (NZ)".
Kilmore (Vic)
- Saturday, 31 August 2002 00:00
Weather: Fine
Rail: Out 3m from 1200m to home turn
Riding Changes:
| Race | Horse | Rider | Replaced By | Reason |
| 4 | Channon Grove (NZ) | W. Davis | C. Quilty | Unavailable |
| 6 | Swooping Eagle | J. Dickinson | E. Marchant | Indisposed |
Race 1 - Carlton Draught SV 3YO Maiden Plate - 1600 metres:
Prior to correct weight Brent White rider of Axezewang wished to view the Stewards head on video in the straight with a view to lodging an objection. After viewing the video Brent White did not proceed with an objection.
In the middle stages of the race Arribiata hung out.
After passing the 100 metres Axezewang had to be eased when tightened for room by Pretty Pinay (Nathan Stanley), which shifted in under pressure. Nathan Stanley was severely reprimanded and notified that he must stop riding and straighten his mounts when in similar circumstances in future.
Race 2 - Midland Fresh/ M & K Meats Maiden Plate - 1100 metres:
In the mounting yard Mycedes reared, dislodged its rider and then lost its footing. A subsequent Veterinary examination of Mycedes on arrival at the barrier ruled the mare unfit to start and Stewards withdrew Mycedes at 12.21 p.m. Subsequently the stewards' ordered the following deductions to betting. All monies bet for a win and/place and concession betting on Mycedes to be refunded. All successful bets on the horses prior to the time of withdrawal of Mycedes were subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win bets 5 cents, place bets 6 cents, winning concession bets 6 cents and double bets 5 cents. All monies bet after the stewards' declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of the ticket.
Money Pit jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and hampered General Booth (NZ) and Lets Touch Base.
In the early stages of the race Lunar Rays and Cresatate raced greenly and approaching the 600 metres Lunar Rays was tightened for room and Cresatate had to be checked when tightened for room by Money Pit (Nikita Beriman), which shifted in, when racing greenly. After taking into account all the circumstances, which included all horses were racing greenly, Stewards reprimanded Nikita Beriman and notified her that she must make a greater effort to keep her mounts straight when in similar circumstances in future.
At the entrance to the straight General Booth (NZ) was held up for a run.
Approaching the 100 metres Cresatate, which continued to race greenly, was tightened for room by Money Pit (Nikita Beriman), which shifted in and away from Kenszephyr, which shifted in slightly at that stage. Nikita Beriman was notified that she must make every effort to keep her mount straight when in similar circumstances in future.
Race 3 - Heathcote Dairy/Cheese Cake Shop Campbellfield Maiden Plate - 1900 metres:
Shortly after the start Booby Prize had to be eased off the heels of Saychenko, which shifted out.
Race 4 - Victorian Frozen Food Distributors Class 1 Handicap (1) - 2100 metres:
After Tobbio had been placed in the stalls the mare became restless and then got down and broke through the front of the gates and cantered for a short distance before being caught. Acting on Veterinary advice Tobbio was withdrawn at 1.35 p.m. Subsequently the stewards' ordered the following deductions to betting. All monies bet for a win and/place and concession betting on Tobbio to be refunded. All successful bets on the horses prior to the time of withdrawal of Tobbio were subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win bets 5 cents, place bets 6 cents, winning concession bets 6 cents and double bets 5 cents. All monies bet after the stewards' declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of the ticket. Michael Howard trainer of Tobbio was notified that an official warning would be placed against the mare and should it perform in a similar manner in future action may be taken against it. Michael Howard was also notified that before the mare would be permitted to start again he must be in receipt of a Barrier Certificate.
Approaching the 1200 metres Pleasing Sequence, which was laying out, had to be eased to avoid the heels of No Ticket To Start. Miss Vindes which was following, then had to change course to avoid the heels of Pleasing Consequence.
Approaching the home corner Miss Vindes had difficulty in obtaining a clear run.
Rounding the home corner and in the early part of the straight No Ticket To Start had difficulty in obtaining a clear run.
After passing the 100 metres No Ticket To Start shifted out and had to be eased off the heels of Another Belief, which was taken in slightly by Miss Vindes.
Fabian Alesci rider of Gibson (NZ) when questioned regarding the poor performance of the gelding, stated to the Stewards that he eased the gelding down in the straight as in his opinion Gibson (NZ) had choked down. Stewards ordered a swab sample to be taken from Gibson (NZ), unplaced. A Veterinary examination subsequent to the event revealed that the gelding had pulled up distressed. Stewards notified Jan Adams, representing trainer Cliff Brown that before Gibson (NZ) would be permitted to start again the gelding must trial before the Stewards and at such time a satisfactory Veterinary Clearance must be obtained.
Race 5 - Kilmore Trackside Tabaret Class 1 Handicap (2) - 2100 metres:
On jumping away Infernal was tightened for room between Power To Burn, which shifted out and Striking Luck, which shifted in.
After passing the 200 metres W. Hokai rider of Union Lad dropped his whip.
After passing the 100 metres Union Lad was tightened for room between Striking Luck and Brace Yourself (NZ), which shifted in slightly under pressure.
Race 6 - Simon Wragg & Associates Handicap - 1600 metres:
As the gates opened Tezza Raami reared. Square Time was slow to begin.
In the early stages of the race Close But No Cigar over-raced.
In the middle stages of the race Astro Boy (NZ) hung out.
Rounding the home corner Norton hung out.
Race 7 - Simon Wragg & Assocaites F & M Class 3 Handicap - 1600 metres:
Approaching the 500 metres Swamp Fairy was held up for a run behind Celestial Twig, which was weakening.
Rounding the home corner Cinderella Café (NZ) was held up for a run and after passing the 200 metres had to change course to obtain a clear run.
W. Hokai rider of Oda, 4th placegetter was notified that he must ride all his mounts out hands and heels to the line.
Race 8 - Simon Wragg & Associates Class 4 Handicap - 1200 metres:
After leaving the mounting yard Mr. Printz was reluctant to go to the barriers. Mr. Printz then swung sideways which resulted in Masta Mookta colliding with that gelding. Acting on Veterinary advice Stewards withdrew Mr. Printz and Masta Mookta at 4.07 p.m. Subsequently the stewards' ordered the following deductions to betting. All monies bet for a win and/place and concession betting on Mr. Printz and Masta Mookta to be refunded. All successful bets on the horses prior to the time of withdrawal of Mr. Printz and Masta Mookta were subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win bets 11 cents, place bets 13 cents, winning concession bets 12 cents and double bets 11 cents. All monies bet after the stewards' declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of the ticket. A subsequent Veterinary examination revealed that Masta Mookta had suffered a shoulder injury. Robyn Smith trainer of Masta Mookta will be notified that before the gelding will be permitted to start again he must be in receipt of a Veterinary Clearance.
On jumping away Kaarston was tightened for room between Parish Priest and Brockie Boy, when both those horses shifted ground. Shortly after this Kaarston had to be eased when tightened for room by Parish Priest, which shifted in.
In the early stages of the race Shimouse over-raced.
Race 9 - MERCHANTS FOOD SERVICES CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1100 metres:
During the running of the race Ark Venture suffered a bleeding attack.
Approaching the 600 metres McGuinness Lane had to be checked when tightened for room by Katie Lou, which was taken in by Super Interest, who shifted in to avoid the heels of Ark Venture. McGuinness Lane, when being checked struck the running rail and shifted out resulting in The Pharmacist (NZ) being severely hampered and New Gality being hampered. After taking into account all the circumstances, which included that Ark Venture had suffered a bleeding attack during the race, the Stewards took no action.
SWAB SAMPLES:
Swab samples were taken from the following winners - Disco Hips (NZ) (Race 2), Taibach (Race 6), After Class (NZ) (Race 8)
A swab sample was taken from Gibson (NZ) which was unplaced in Race 4.
Dynamic Duo to Take Centre Stage at Caulfield
- Thursday, 29 August 2002 00:00
Caulfields "Top 20 Racedays" program for 2002/2003
continues on Saturday with Silvan Australia Memsie Stakes Day a meeting which
features two of the Group One stars of the Australian turf Northerly and Bel
Esprit. Western Australian champion Northerly arrived in Melbourne this week and will contest the days feature event the Group 2 $201,000 Silvan Australia Memsie Stakes.
Northerly faces eight quality rivals in the weight-for-age event over 1410 metres, all of whom will be hoping the champion is still vulnerable following his unplaced season debut at Belmont on August 17.
Amongst his principal challengers are the Tony McEvoy-trained Fields of Omagh who is chasing his eighth consecutive victory and leading Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup fancy Magical Miss.
Earlier on the programme, the flying Bel Esprit will be looking to
extend his unbeaten record at Caulfield to four in the Group 3 $125,750 Selecta McNeil
Stakes for three-year-olds over 1100 metres.
The race appears at the mercy of the exciting John Symons-trained speedster, although any chink in Bel Esprits armour could be tested by promising filly Before Too Long.
Damien Olivers mount finished a narrow runner-up last start at Moonee Valley to Innovation Girl, who franked that formline with a dazzling victory in the Quezette Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday.
PICS - Quentin
Lang.
Media Release - MRC
Bel Esprit Slaughters Rivals in McNeil
- Saturday, 31 August 2002 00:00
Champion Melbourne three-year-old Bel Esprit is on track for a
record breaking season after slaughtering his rivals in today's Group Three HDF McNeil
Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.Today the brilliant colt smashed the class and race record, and finished just .11 of a second from Intelligent Star's track record.
"We could have smashed that," winning jockey Nash Rawiller said emphatically.
As expected the horse tipped to give Bel Esprit the most problems, the Sydney filly Before too Long, held the lead on the inside of the track, but the John Symons trained colt was always travelling well and when the Sydneysider felt the pinch the top of the straight the Melbourne colt pounced.
From that point the result was never in doubt as the favourite dashed clear to win by three and a half lengths, while Yell made up some late ground to grab Before too Long for the minor end of the prize.
Symons said the colt was on track for the Group One Manikato Stakes
after today's sizzling win.
"He's really gone from strength to strength," Symons said. "He was much better this time around than last time."
"The plan is to go to the Manikato now," he added.
"Before today he'd never really struck a good track, and I've always thought he'd smash records on top of the ground."
The chances of Bel Esprit being extended to longer distances in the future were further enhanced after today's strong win.
"We'll be able to stretch him out a bit further today," Symons said. "We are aiming him toward the Caulfield Guineas after the Manikato."
Rawiller backed up Symons' assessment, saying the colt was nearly assured of running atleast 1400 metres.
He also said he was "probably" the best three-year-old he
had ridden, obviously placing the colt higher than the classy Mayfield-Smith trained filly
Innovation Girl.
Legendary AFL coach Kevin Sheedy, one of Bel Esprit's joyous owners, was in awe of his colt.
"He's something special, that's for sure," Sheedy said. "We've already had lots of thrills and it looks like there are still some more to come."
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Omagh Looking to Extend Pair's Streak
- Thursday, 29 August 2002 00:00
Leading trainer Tony McEvoy is hoping his sizzling
form can continue in Melbourne on Saturday as the Spring Carnival warms up with the
running of the Group Two Memsie Stakes.Yesterday at Lindsay Park's favourite stomping ground, Balaklava, "Mac" prepared six of the eight winners, in a day which included two quinellas and a trifecta.
There's no time to celebrate the remarkable achievement from Balaklava, as McEvoy now has other things on his mind.
On Saturday in Melbourne his high class galloper Fields of Omagh is gunning to win his eighth straight race and extend the incredible winning streak of McEvoy and the galloper himself.
McEvoy and connections have given glowing reports
on the gelding who returned from a leg injury with a sizzling first up win in the recent
Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington.
"I can't fault him at all," McEvoy said. "He's been working really well at Euroa and he came down to the Flemington stables yesterday."
Although confident the gelding will again run well on the weekend, McEvoy is wary of a stronger field this time around.
"The field on Saturday is very strong, with proven champions like Northerly," McEvoy said. "But he's going to give the race a great shake."
Proven big race jockey Greg Childs is back in Melbourne after riding Sunline to a triumphant return in New Zealand last Saturday, and he will again partner the classy son of Rubiton.
Northerly who arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday night, has his first run in Victoria since his fighting second in the Group One Australian Cup at Flemington behind fellow sand groper Old Comrade.
The Kersley trained gelding, who is again running
without blinkers, is being aimed at back to back Cox Plates in October, and he should
strip fitter after his fair first up fifth in Perth a fortnight ago.
The Bart Cummings trained runaway VRC Oaks winner Magical Miss adds further spice to the race after her eye catching first up fourth to Fields of Omagh in the Aurie's Star.
The daughter of Danehill is one of the early favourites for the Cups double later in the spring and she has impressed track watchers since her first up effort.
Group One winning trainer Mike Moroney is giving his in form gelding The Big Ask just that in the Memsie. A winner of his past three starts, the Jason Patton mount has never ran in a race of this quality in the past.
The ghostly grey Le Zagaletta who most had thought had scored a last stride win in last Saturday's JJ Liston Stakes at Caulfield, only to be denied by the oldtimer Sports, is backing up for Steven King and Lee Freedman.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Brian Unearths Another Potential Stakes Winner
- Saturday, 31 August 2002 00:00
In form trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith may have unearthed another
stakes performer after the impressive first up win of Reactive in the Dalmore Engineering
Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield today.After settling back a little worse than midfield, Reactive was switched out to the centre of the track and swept home to grab Shirley's Luvena, which had got clear in the early stages of the straight.
Reactive, who was having her first start since a second placing here
in May, extended her impressive first up record to three wins from four attempts.
Mayfield-Smith, who's team has been flying in recent weeks thanks to Innovation Girl and Rubitano, said the filly would chase some black type at her next start.
"There's a listed race in three weeks back here," Mayfield-Smith said. "Today's race was basically a pipe opener for that."
The race Mayfield-Smith referred to is the $75,500 Dubai Convention Bureau Plate, a listed event for mares over 1200 metres at Caulfield on September 22.
Connections are confident the daughter of the ill-fated Geiger
Counter will handle distance increases.
"She'll get to 1400 metres easily enough," Mayfield-Smith added. "And I even think 1600 metres will be okay as well."
Winning jockey Reece Wheeler, last season's Melbourne leading apprentice, was impressed with the win.
"She jumped well and then relaxed well," Wheeler told connections. "And she was impressive on the line."
Mayfield-Smith will be hoping to return to the winner's stall later in the afternoon when he saddled up the talented sprinter Prince Rubiton in the GB Galvanising Sprint over 1200 metres.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Ballarat (Vic)
- Thursday, 29 August 2002 00:00
Weather: FINE
Rail: OUT FOUR METRES FOR THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT
Riding Changes:
Race - Horse - Rider - Replaced By - Reason
8 - "Mister Zed" - Vincent Hall - E. Cassar - Became indisposed
Race 1 - BLACK HILL HOTEL MAIDEN PLATE - 1600 metres
"Beaver Reef" knuckled on jumping away.
Near the 800 metres a section of the saddle on "Brogues" broke, which resulted
in B. Werner, the rider of the gelding, losing the use of his off-side stirrup iron and
being dislodged.
A. Findlay, rider of "Miss Meliss (NZ)", stated that after drawing wide he rode
the filly back in the field as is its normal racing pattern. Findlay added that he was
inconvenienced when B. Werner was dislodged from "Brogues" near the 800 metres.
Findlay further stated that "Miss Meliss (NZ)" then had to be checked off the
heels of "Jackie Ex" at the entrance to the straight, and again had to be eased
off the heels of "Brilliant General (NZ)", which shifted out slightly,
approaching the winning
post.
Race 2 - SLICKPIX FILLIES & MARES MAIDEN PLATE - 1000 metres
After being
placed in its starting stall "Doree" was kicked by another runner, which
resulted in the mare becoming restless in the starting gates. Acting on veterinary advice
that "Doree" was unfit to run, the Stewards withdrew the mare from the event at
1.13 p.m.
Subsequently the Stewards ordered that all monies bet on "Doree" be refunded,
and that all successful bets on horses prior to the time of withdrawal of
"Doree" be subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value
of the ticket: Win Bets: 23 cents; Place Bets: 18 cents; Winning Concession Bets: 22 cents
and Doubles Bets: 23 cents. All monies bet after the Stewards' declaration of withdrawal
were ordered to be paid at face value of the ticket.
P. Mertens, rider of "Bruges (NZ)", stated that near the 50-metre mark his mount
was accidentally struck on the head by the whip of M. Goring, rider of "Wild
Sugar". Mertens added that he was then unable to ride the filly out hands and heels
to the winning post due to it becoming unbalanced.
Approaching the winning post "Well Toned" had to be eased off the heels of
"Wild Sugar", which shifted in slightly.
Race 3 - NEBOZUK CARPETS MAIDEN PLATE - 2200 metres
As G. Alexander, trainer of "Bangholme", had
informed Racing Services Bureau at acceptance time to remove the blinkers from the gelding
for today's event, and as this gear request had been misinterpreted, the Stewards
permitted "Bangholme" to race without blinkers.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion "Vice `Chairman" raced
ungenerously when being restrained.
Near the 500 metres "Witch Willy" had to be checked when tightened for room
between "Charnwood Lad (NZ)", which shifted in slightly, and "Something
Clever", which was taken out by "Ruaton (NZ)" (C. Massey), which shifted
out to obtain a run on the outside of "Macroyal". When being checked "Witch
Willy" clipped the heels of "Something Clever", and dislodged its rider, N.
Wilson. "Canaletta", which was following, then collided with "Witch
Willy", resulting in L. Robertson, the rider of that mare, becoming unbalanced and
being dislodged. As the Stewards had some doubt as to whether C. Massey was fully
responsible for the incident, they gave him the benefit of the doubt. However, they
severely reprimanded him for shifting ground when not sufficiently clear.
D. Nikolic, rider of "Laxman", stated that his instructions were to lead today
in an endeavour to make the race a genuine staying event and a truly run race, and to try
and out-stay the other runners Nikolic added that after leading the horse tired in the
straight.
Race 4 - EUREKA REAL ESTATE SUPER VOBIS THREE-YEARS-OLD CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1200
metres
On jumping away "Dodger" was hampered, and
"Bounty eat (NZ)" had to be checked when tightened for room between
"Sensational Swing" and "Finchley (NZ)", which both shifted ground.
When asked if he could offer any explanation for "Finchley (NZ)" performing
below expectations D. Nikolic, the rider of the gelding, stated that "Finchley
(NZ)" travelled well throughout the event until put under pressure shortly after
straightening. Nikolic added that it was a beaten horse from that point. A veterinary
examination of "Finchley (NZ)" failed to reveal any abnormality.
Race 5 - CARLTON DRAUGHT OPEN HANDICAP - 1400 metres
No report.
Race 6 - TEAC RISING STARS CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1200 metres
No report.
Race 7 - WORKSAFE VICTORIA CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1400 metres
On jumping away "Khartoum" was tightened for room
between "Grandy Ole" and "Delvanno", which both shifted ground.
Near the 1000 metres when being eased off the heels of "Grandy Ole",
"Khartoum" shifted out and tightened "Mythical Bid" on to the
hindquarters of "Bagatrix".
Rounding the turn near the 1000 metres "Bagatrix" commenced to hang out.
"Bagatrix" then continued to hang out badly for the remainder of the race. S.
Webb, trainer of the gelding, was notified that a warning was being placed on the gelding
for its excessive hanging today, and should it perform in a similar manner in future it
may be suspended for a period.
Race 8 - BALLARAT LODGE CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1600 metres
Near the 200 metres "Dancing Cat" and
"Lacristi" brushed, and after passing the 100 metres "The Duce" was
hampered when tightened for room between "Defence Treaty (NZ)" and "Mister
Zed", which both shifted ground slightly.
RANDOM SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of the following races:
"Meckiff (NZ)" - Race 1; "Bounty Beat (NZ)" - Race 4, and "Prince
Baa Baa" - Race 8.
SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of the following races: "Charnwood Lad (NZ)" - Race 3, and from "Tough Times" - Race 6.
The following horses were pre-race blood tested for post-race analysis: "Quick Knock" and "Something Clever" - Race 3; "Bergere (NZ)" and "Pro Gold" - Race 5, and "Lacristi" and "Prince Baa Baa" - Race 8.
SUMMARY
FINES
Mr. Bill Mitchell, trainer of "Douglas", was fined $30 for using wrong colours on the gelding. Race 4.
SEVERE REPRIMANDS & SUSPENSIONS:
Clint Massey, rider of "Ruaton (NZ)", was severely reprimanded for shifting ground when not clear. Race 3.
HORSE ACTIONS:
Warned for hanging out "Bagatrix" race 7