Casterton (Vic)

Sunday, 11 August 2002 00:00

SUMMARY

FINES

Race 7 - Mr. M. O'Leary Trainer of VERY QUIET was fined the sum of $50-00 for the late notification of M. Neilson as the rider of the mare.

SEVERE REPRIMANDS & SUSPENSIONS:

Race 2 - M. Neilson was severely reprimanded for having accepted two rides in the one race.

Race 4 - J. Julian rider of DELETE ME NOT (5th place getter) was severely reprimanded for failing to weigh in.

HORSE ACTIONS:

Race 7- Gray O'Toole warned barrier behaviour produce barrier
certificate prior to next run.

Bendigo (Vic)

Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00

Riding Changes:

Race 1 - Tooheys New F & M Maiden Plate - 1300 metres:

Suavette was slow to begin. On jumping away Paris Plaits shifted out and hampered Our Mukaddamah and Midnight Nova.

Approaching the 1000 metres Jog N Style, Theresa and Our Mukaddamah were all hampered when tightened for room by Buonna Notte (M. Pumpa), which shifted in. The interference was then aggravated due to Buonna Notte having to ease and shift in to avoid the heels of Nelidova, which had also shifted in. When being tightened Our Mukaddamah then had to be checked to avoid the heels of Buonna Notte. M. Pumpa was notified that he must do his utmost to protect his fellow riders when in similar circumstances in future. Shortly after this incident Our Mukaddamah had to be eased to avoid the heels of Midnight Nova, which shifted in slightly. Marbled Lady, which was following Our Mukassamah, was hampered in consequence.

Race 2 - Kelvin Lady Members C G & E Maiden Plate - 1300 metres:

Near the 900 metres Ah Geo had to be eased to avoid the heels of Kabuki, which shifted in slightly. As a result Meckiff (NZ), which was following, had to then ease off the heels of Ah Geo.

On the home turn Live Theatre was held up for a short distance when unable to obtain a clear run.

Passing the 200 metres Cyclonic Bay was disappointed for a run between Meckiff (NZ) and My Advice.

Race 3 - Northern Exposure SV 3YO Maiden Plate (1) - 1100 metres:

On jumping away New Brew was hampered when tightened for room between Lord Danzero and La Beau Lady, which jumped away awkwardly and shifted in. Also on jumping away Our Dream Running was hampered when tightened for room between West Bound, which jumped away awkwardly and shifted out, and Dodger, which shifted in.

Approaching the 800 metres La Beau Lady had to be checked when tightened for room between New Brew, which initially shifted out, and Our Dream Running (N. Rawiller), which shifted in away from Classical Note. N. Rawiller was notified that he must do his utmost to protect his fellow riders in future.

Near the 100 metres Regal Roller, which had a tendency to lay in, shifted in and bumped Dodger.

Race 4 - Cara Dignum SV 3YO Maiden Plate (2) - 1100 metres:

At the entrance to the straight Douglas (C. Newitt) shifted out to attempt a run between Polonius and Kentucky Gift , where there was insufficient room and as a result brushed Polonius. The interference was then aggravated due to Kentucky Gift shifting out slightly. C. Newitt was notified to ensure that he has sufficient room when attempting runs in future.

Passing the 200 metres Kentucky Gift shifted out away from Captain Sinbad and brushed Real Slew, which resulted in Real Slew becoming unbalanced.

J Patton rider of Kentucky Gift, which had performed below expectations stated to the stewards that the gelding did not appreciate being ridden hard to be on the pace and as a result he never travelled well. J Patton added that Kentucky Gift hung in when put under pressure in the straight.

Race 5 - Pacific Communications Class 1 Handicap - 1000 metres:

Shortly after the start Artistic Gem was hampered when tightened for room between Trust 'N' Betrayal and Postie's Squeeze, which shifted out.

Near the 300 metres Super Simon had to be eased when tightened for room between Sensible Mind (GB) and Postie's Squeeze, due to both horses shifting ground slightly.

Near the 50 metres Super Simon shifted in towards Postie's Squeeze and as a result was accidentally struck over the head by the whip of B. Johns rider of Postie's Squeeze.

Stewards questioned Mrs. R. Smith trainer of Masta Mookta, winner of the race, for an explanation as to its improved performance today in comparison to its previous starts. Mrs. Smith explained that the gelding recently suffered from a virus and also had previously undergone a knee operation and for this reason was unable to work Masta Mookta as she would have liked, however after three races this preparation, the gelding's fitness did improve.

Race 6 - The Kelvin Club Cup - 1300 metres:

Subsequent to the race the Club's Veterinary Surgeon reported that Evocative had suffered a wound to its near fore leg.

Near the 800 metres L'Avenir was tightened for room between Mighty Way and Vincent (J. Patton), which shifted in. J. Patton was reprimanded and notified to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

Race 7 - Pacific Communications Class 3 Handicap - 3000 metres:

Approaching the 1400 metres Howdyano shifted in and brushed the running rail and became unbalanced.

Race 8 - Jezabel Design Class 2 Handicap - 1400 metres:

King Pasha jumped away awkwardly.

Race 9 -Allgem Jewellers Class 1 Handicap - 1600 metres:

To Be Sure was slow to begin.

On jumping away Star Flight shifted in and brushed Daniel's Song (NZ) and as a result Daniel's Song (NZ) knuckled.

Shortly after the start Capadan (NZ) clipped the heels of Super Spur, which shifted out and knuckled.

In the early stages of the race My Zena over-raced.

In the middle stages of the race Capadan (NZ) hung out.

On the home turn My Zena was eased when tightened for room between Daniel's Song (NZ) and Merlin's Magic, due to both horses shifting ground slightly.

Approaching the 200 metres Capadan (NZ) shifted in and inconvenienced Striking Luck, which was weakening.

SWAB SAMPLES:

Swab samples were taken from the following winners - Paris Plaits (Race 1), Dodger (Race 3), Masta Mookta (Race 5), Vincent (Race 6),

Pre-race swab samples were taken from six horses for post race analysis.

FINES & EXPLANATIONS:

Mr.M. Ellerton, trainer of Live Theatre was fined $50 for the late notification of A. Spiteri as the rider of the gelding which ran in Kelvin Lady Members C G & E Maiden Plate - Race 2.

Mr. R. McDonald , trainer of "Air Cooled (NZ)", was fined $50 for the late notification of D. O'Heare as the rider of the gelding which ran in the Jezabel Design Class 2 Handicap- Race 8.

Swan Hill (Vic)

Saturday, 10 August 2002 00:00

Prior to correct weight, C. Dean rider of Trying To Be Good, fourth place getter, and A. Prentis, rider of Golden Great Wall, third place getter, wished to view the Steward's patrol video with a view to lodging an objection also prior to correct weight Miss C. Payne, rider of Brace Yourself (NZ), second place getter, wished to view the official photo finish print for first place. C. Dean, rider of Trying To Be Good, lodged an objection against Beauciel (NZ) being declared the winner on the grounds of alleged interference over the last 200 metres. After taking evidence from the parties concerned and viewing the Steward's patrol video and side on version of the race, Stewards dismissed the objection and correct weight was declared.

It was established that over the concluding stages of the race Trying To Be Good was inconvenienced after being brushed by Beauciel (NZ) which when hanging in, shifted in.

Approaching the winning post the first time Trying To Be Good had to be eased when tightened for room by Beauciel (NZ) (S. Vella) which shifted in. S. Vella was notified to exercise care when shifting ground in future.

Race 2 - Become A Swan Hill Member Maiden Plate - 1000 Metres

Stewards questioned Mr G. Murphy, trainer of Rhinestone Kobie, who lodged a lease with Stewards showing him as the Lessee, of the mare and Mr N. Davis, owner of the mare, with respect to the ownership of Rhinestone Kobie who had a current lease that had not been cancelled. Mr Davis explained to Stewards that he believed the existing lease for Rhinestone Kobie had been cancelled and acting on a confirmed telephone call from Mr J. Thorne, who was the previous lessee of the horse, who explained that in his opinion he had signed a cancellation of lease for the mare after taking all the evidence into account, Stewards permitted Rhinestone Kobie to start today. Mr Murphy and Mr Davis were notified that prior to the mare racing again, the ownership must be corrected.

When the gates Louis L'Amour and Purple Beau (NZ) were slow to begin.

Over the concluding stages of the race Song of Nile was inconvenienced by Brazen Prince who shifted out under pressure.

On arrival at the course the Club's Veterinary Surgeon inspected Archway Lady and deemed that the mare had sustained an injury to his offside hip and in his opinion was unfit to take its place in the field. Acting on this advice, Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Archway Lady at 12.10 pm.

Race 3 - Kuta Knights Class 2 Handicap - 1600 Metres

Prior to correct weight, Miss L. Meech, rider of Silken Manor (NZ), third place getter, wished to view the Steward's patrol video and side on version of the race. After viewing the videos, Miss L. Meech did not proceed with this request and correct weight was declared.

Race 4 - Brad Rawiller Class 1 Handicap - 1300 Metres

Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Miss K. Jones, trainer of Our Way, who stated to the stewards that due to mechanical problems with her vehicle she was unable to arrive on course at the prescribed time, acting on this advice Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Our Way at 1.33 pm.

On jumping away Darcy's Belle and Legal Reward were tightened for room between Oilcan Harry (NZ) and Capetown Kid which shifted out.

Over the concluding stages Capetown Kid, which had shifted out, was inconvenienced by Oilcan Harry (NZ), which shifted in away from Legal Reward.

Race 5 - Carlton Draught Handicap - 1600 Metres

No report.

Race 6 - Fillies & Mares Class 4 Handicap - 1300 Metres

On jumping away Diamond Carat and Runaway Rhythm (NZ) came together due to both horses shifting ground.

Race 7 - Wolf Blass Class 3 Handicap - 1000 Metres

When the gates opened Bolting was slow to begin.

When asked for an explanation for the improved performance of Gleeso, Mr C. Burgess trainer of the gelding, stated to the Stewards that he could offer no explanation for the geldings improved performance today other than he changed the bit, which allowed Glesso to race more tractable today.

Race 8 - Allen Browell Maiden Plate - 1600 Metres

Acting on a report from the Starter that Mahajini, after being loaded into its barrier stall reared and became cast. Acting on Veterinary advice Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Mahajini at 4.42 pm.

Subsequent to the race stewards ordered the following in relation to betting, all monies bet for a win and/or place and concession betting on Mahajini to be refunded. All successful bets on horses prior to time of withdrawal of Mahajini are subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win Bets - 4 cents; Place Bets - 5 cents; Winning Concession Bets - 4 cents; Doubles Bets - 4 cents. All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of ticket.

When the gates opened Baroness of Bambra knuckled. Also on jumping away Shyster and Have And Hold bumped. Shortly after this Have And Hold was inconvenienced when tightened for room between Accordian and Shyster, which shifted out.

Approaching and rounding the home turn Have And Hod was held up for some distance when unable to obtain a clear run.

At the entrance to the straight Vintage Ripa shifted out and brushed the hind quarters of Let's Romance resulting in that mare being turned inwards. Shortly after this Vintage Ripa shifted in away from Let's Romance and then had to be checked to avoid the heels of Accordian (R. Burgess) which shifted out when not clear. When checking Vintage Ripa clipped the heels of Accordian and almost fell. As no one rider was fully responsible for the incident, Stewards took no action other than to notify R. Burgess that he must ensure he is clear of all other runners when shifting ground in future.

SWAB SAMPLES -
Race 1 - Beauciel (NZ) - winner
Race 2 - - Berceuse - winner

Geelong (Vic)

Thursday, 08 August 2002 00:00

Near the 700 metres "Make a Bid", when being eased off the heels of "California Jack", shifted out and hampered "Phantom's Opera (NZ)" and "Simply Sal".

Race 2 - SCHWEPPES SUPER VOBIS 3YO MAIDEN PLATE - 1412 metres

Approaching the 800 metres "Spacelab" was checked when tightened for room between "Mootang" and "Ascot Lane" (Fabian Villella), which shifted in when being eased. Fabian Villella was severely reprimanded, and notified that he must exercise far greater care when shifting ground in future.

Race 3 - 2002 GEELONG CUP CARNIVAL MAIDEN PLATE - 1512 metres

During the early and middle stages of the race "Ivory's Choice" over-raced.

Near the 500 metres "Get it Together" became unbalanced when bumped by "Le Fraar", which was brushed by "Ivory's Choice", which had over-raced and shifted in.

Race 4 - BRISEIS GOLD CUP 2ND OCTOBER CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1112 metres

Rounding the home turn "Hot Fame" was taken wide by "Centurion Halo".

Near the 500 and 400 metres "Elizabeth Therese" had to be checked off the heels of "Crème de Mond" (Christine Cole) which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. Christine Cole was reprimanded, and notified to exercise more care.

Approaching the winning post "Elizabeth Therese" shifted out and inconvenienced "Cappielow"

Race 5 - WOOL EXCHANGE HOTEL CLASS 6 HANDICAP - 1715 metres:

Near the 200 metres "Martial Rule" and "Cool Talk Café" came together due to ''Cool Talk Café" getting in under pressure.

Race 6 - HOLDEN CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1412 metres

Shortly after the start "Culzean" was tightened for room between "Hey Presto" and "Cedar Springs", which was taken out by "Sepulida".

Race 7 - CARLTON DRAUGHT CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1312 metres

"Noblesse" jumped away awkwardly.

Subsequent to the race "Magic Chance" had blood in both nostrils, and was deemed to be a bleeder under the Rules.

Race 8 - LADIES' DAY 21ST SEPTEMBER CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1715 metres

No report.

SWAB SAMPLES were taken from the winners of the following races: "Throng (NZ)" - Race 1; "Mootang" - Race 2; "Elizabeth Therese" - Race 4; and from "Scarlet" - Race 7.

EXPLANATIONS:

The Stewards accepted the explanation of Greg Mance for the late notification of B. Cross as the rider of "Well Versed" - Race 3.

SUMMARY

SEVERE REPRIMANDS & SUSPENSIONS:

F. Villella - "Ascot Lane" severely reprimanded , Race 2.

HORSE ACTIONS:

"Magic Chance", Race 8, bled.

Sandown (Vic)

Saturday, 10 August 2002 00:00

"Step Ahead" broke away from its attendant in the Birdcage area, was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, and passed fit to run.

Prior to entering the mounting yard "Step Ahead" cast its near fore plate, and had to be re-plated.

"Cyberiad" also cast its near fore plate, and had to be re-plated prior to the start.

Due to these incidents the start of the race was delayed.

"Helenus" was slow to begin.

Near the 1100 metres "Major Woody", which was racing ungenerously, had to be checked off the heels of "King Wells", and in so doing shifted in abruptly and tightened "Acee Deecee (NZ)".

Shortly after this incident "King Wells", which was also racing ungenerously, brushed "Tarnpir Lad".

Near the 700 metres "Acee Deecee (NZ)" had to be eased to avoid the heels of "Major Woody".

In the early part of the straight "King Wells" had some difficulty in obtaining a clear run.

Race 2 - THE PHANTOM HANDICAP - 1600 metres

No report.

Race 3 - SHANKHILL LASS SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1200 metres

Due to an error "Furla" raced in pacifiers.

"Furla" and "Princess Corryong" were slow to begin.

Rounding the turn near the 800 metres "Furla" shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of "Miss Rosedale", resulting in that filly becoming unbalanced.

For some distance in the early stages of the race "Raven Protector", which was racing ungenerously, had to be eased off the heels of "Silent Senorita".

Race 4 - RIPA HANDICAP - 1400 metres

No report.

Race 5 - CARLTON DRAUGHT LINCOLN HANDICAP - 2175 metres

An inquiry into the reason for C. Quilty not arriving on course to ride "Nunkerri Koreka" was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

The Stewards adjourned an inquiry into M. Pumpa's use of the whip on "Nunkerri Koreka."

Race 6 - NEW STATESMAN HANDICAP - 1400 metres

"Thumper (NZ)" jumped away awkwardly, got its head up, shifted in abruptly, and hampered "Levendiz" and "Chairman's Choice".

Near the 900 metres "Chairman's Choice" was tightened for room by "Currency Rep". which was bumped by "Thumper (NZ)", which shifted in abruptly.

Shortly after this incident when being straightened "Thumper (NZ)" shifted out and inconvenienced "Blue Wina".

Near the 700 metres "Satashi" had to be eased to avoid the heels of "Chairman's Choice", which was being steadied.

A veterinary examination of "Blue Wina", which performed below expectations, revealed no apparent abnormality.

Race 7 - CARLTON DRAUGHT HANDICAP - 1200 metres

B. Fenech, rider of "La Serenade", was given the benefit of the doubt whether he had flourished his whip prior to the winning
post.

A veterinary examination of "She's Golden Class (NZ)", which performed below expectations, revealed no apparent abnormality.

Race 8 - KHAPTINGLY HANDICAP - 1200 metres

Prior to the declaration of correct weight G. Childs, rider of "Shattered Love", second placegetter, viewed the Stewards' videos and decided not to lodge an objection.

"Sacred Shield" jumped away awkwardly.

Near the 800 metres "Pro Gold", which was over-racing, shifted out and brushed "Sacred Shield", which resulted in "Sacred Shield" being taken out.

Shortly after this incident "Fraar's Turn", which was racing ungenerously, had to be checked severely off the heels of "Sacred Shield", which shifted in slightly. Whilst the Stewards did not hold C. Newitt, rider of "Sacred Shield", responsible they notified him to exercise the utmost care.

For some distance in the straight "Shattered Love" was taken out off its course by "Redclay" (Reece Wheeler) which, when laying out, shifted out under pressure. Whilst the Stewards accepted that "Shattered Love" had shifted out away from "Redclay" during the incident, R. Wheeler was notified that he must stop riding and straighten his mount far sooner than he had done on this occasion.

Near the 200 metres rider of “Redclay” accidentally dropped his whip.

Acting on a report from Mr. John Burton, Sauna Supervisor, as to the validity of the signature of Luke Currie on the sauna use record for today's meeting, the Stewards interviewed L. Currie and F. Villella regarding this matter. At the conclusion of the inquiry L. Currie was given the benefit of a grave doubt whether the signature attributed to him on the sauna use record was, in fact, his signature, or whether it had been signed by an unknown person. Luke Currie was also notified that his conduct during the inquiry had caused them concern. During the course of the inquiry the Stewardss took evidence from D. Gauci, which was accepted by the Stewards.

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

Sandown (Vic)

Wednesday, 07 August 2002 00:00

After being placed in its stall "Prime Target (NZ)" broke through the front gates and cantered for a short distance. The gelding was examined by the Club's Veterinary Surgeon, and passed fit to run. As a result of this the start of the race was delayed.

Race 2 - SWEET CHIME SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1300 metres

Prior to the declaration of correct weight Rhys McLeod, rider of "Shagny's Sheila", third past the post, viewed the Stewards' videos and decided not to lodge an objection.

"Swiss Storm" was slow to begin.

Shortly after jumping away "Tarcoola Diamond" was hampered by "Am Here", which was taken out by "Dazzling Vintage".

After passing the 1000 metres "Lana Belle" had to be steadied off the heels of "Awe", which shifted in abruptly.

Approaching the winning post "Marcella", which was laying in, shifted in and brushed "Shagny's Sheila", which then shifted in and inconvenienced "Awe" and "Swiss Storm".

Race 3 - WHEATEAR SUPER VOBIS HANDICAP - 1300 metres

Near the 1200 metres "Diver Dave" was tightened on to "Beswinging", and had to be eased off the heels of "Snick", which shifted in. B. Fenech, rider of "Snick", was notified to ensure that he is clear of other runners when shifting ground.

Running to the 1000 metres "Nyneleven (NZ)" was hampered when tightened for room between "Beswinging" and "Bishop's Cleve", which shifted out slightly.

After passing the 800 metres "Beswinging", which had been racing tight, had to be eased when tightened between "Bishop's Cleve" and "Diver Dave".

Approaching the winning post "Nyneleven (NZ)" was taken out slightly by "Conspectus’, which shifted out under pressure away from "Snick", which was also shifting ground.

Also approaching the winning post "All of Me" and "Fullarton Road" came together when "All of Me" obtained a narrow run between "Fullarton Road" and "Sezione".

Race 4 - GLADSOME HANDICAP - 1600 metres

"Midori Gift" knuckled on jumping away.

In the early part of the straight "Lauriston Lass" was hampered when attempting to take a narrow run between "Never Decree (NZ)" and ""Midori Gift", which shifted in.

When asked if there was any explanation for "My Lavinia" performing below expectations, L.Milham stated that the mare may not have been suited by the solid pace in the early stages of the race, and was a beaten horse at the top of the straight. L. Milham said that the mare was a beaten horse from the top of the straight. L. Milham added that he believed that there may have been something amiss with "My Lavinia". A veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormality.

Race 5 - THOMAS MOULE HANDICAP - 1300 metres

At the entrance to the straight "Zephyr Breeze (NZ)" was hampered when tightened for room between "Swooping Eagle" and "Super Boom" due to both horses shifting ground.

D. Gauci, rider of "Dreams Café", stated that the gelding had a tendency to hang out in the early stages of the race, and then hung out badly running down the hill. Gauci added that it was for this reason that he eased the gelding prior to the home turn. A veterinary examination of "Dreams Café" revealed that the gelding was showing signs of soreness across the back. Mr. J. Hawkes, trainer of "Dreams Café", was notified that prior to the gelding racing again he must produce a veterinary clearance for it.

Race 6 - PRIVATE TALK HANDICAP - 1500 metres

"Casino Boy" jumped away awkwardly, resulting in A. Findlay, its rider, losing the use of his near-side iron for some distance.

After passing the 800 metres "Masked Raider" shifted out slightly, and made contact with the hindquarters of "Brockie Boy", which resulted in that gelding being unbalanced, and "Masked Raider" being eased.

Approaching the winning post "Casino Boy" shifted in under pressure towards "Terminus Prince".

During the running of the race "Bluesman" suffered a bleeding attack.

Race 7 - MISTRESS ANNE HANDICAP - 1300 metres

Approaching and passing the 800 metres "Silver Boom", which was over-racing, got its head up when being checked off the heels of "Dance the Music".

"Ena's Treasure" was disappointed for a run at the entrance to the straight, and then was unable to obtain a clear run for the remainder of the race.

Near the 300 metres "Scarlet Ark" had to be checked when tightened for room between "Hidden Moment", which shifted out slightly, and "Duval", which shifted in slightly as "Woodwina" improved on its outside.

Shortly after this "Hidden Moment", which continued to hang out, had to be eased off the heels of "Duval".

Race 8 - AR BLACKWOOD HANDICAP - 2356 metres

No report.

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

EXPLANATIONS:

The Stewards accepted the explanation of M. Ellerton, trainer of "All of Me", for the late notification of G. Childs as the rider of the colt. Race 3.

The Stewards also accepted the explanation of P. Healey for the late notification of his riders: L. Milham as the rider of "My Lavinia" - Race 4 - and B. Prebble as the rider of "Granniah" - Race 7.

SUMMARY

FINES

John Blakey - fined $50 for the late notification of C. Newitt as the rider of "Chakra". Race 8.

HORSE ACTIONS:

Race 5 - veterinary clearance must be produced for "Dreams Café" prior to it racing again. Race 5.

"Bluesman" suffered a bleeding attack. Race 6.

Acee Deecee A Hit at Sandown

Saturday, 10 August 2002 00:00

Flemington based trainer Dean Lawson will launch a two pronged attack into Saturday week's listed Vain Stakes at Caulfield after Acee Deecee scored an impressive win in today's Encounter Super Vobis Handicap (1200m) at Sandown.

Lawson had already chosen the listed event as the race which will signal the return of another smart stablemate Cool Trent and now he will be forced to have two runners in the race.

"I didn't really want to put them in against each other, but he (Acee Deecee) deserves his chance at stakes class," Lawson said.

Lawson feels the maturity and growth already evident in Cool Trent has him favouring that gelding as better at this stage.

"Right now Cool Trent is a better horse. But this guy still has to grow a bit and I think he's got some good improvement in him in the next six months or so," Lawson added.

Acee Deecee, with former Tasmanian apprentice Craig Newitt in the saddle, got well back in the field early before powering home over the final stages to record an impressive half length win over Helenus, while Step Ahead, a last start Werribee winner, was a similar margin away in third place.

Lawson reports Cool Trent is on track for a good return to the track after showing plenty in recent work.

"He's going really well at home and he won a trial yesterday by about a length and a half," he reported.

Cool Trent, a placegetter in the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast, has not started since being beaten five lengths when sixth behind Bel Esprit in the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.

Findlay Shines With Sandown Treble

Wednesday, 07 August 2002 00:00

Findlay's day got off to a perfect start when he guided the David Brideoake trained Prime Target to victory in the first race of the day.

The six-year-old son of Zabeel cantered home to win by three lengths, from another son of Zabeel, Kailey Lamour.

The middle pinning winner of Findlay's day came in the fifth race when he partnered the Bart Cummings trained Benarrivo to victory.

Also by the champion sire Zabeel, Benarrivo was having his first start for the Cummings stable after being originally trained for Lloyd Williams by Myles Plumb.

The treble was completed when Findlay booted home another winner for Cummings in the shape of the Anabaa gelding Casino Boy.

Starting the $3.50 favourite, Casino Boy got home in a driving finish to edge out the South Australian visitor Terminus Prince. Jacque was a close up third.

Meanwhile, former champion apprentice Darren Gauci was the only other jockey to finish the day with multiple winners.

Gauci scored two winners thanks to Lady Viola for Bill Mitchell and Eulalie for John Hawkes.

PIC - Quentin Lang.

Old Man To Chase Second Balaklava Cup

Saturday, 10 August 2002 00:00

Evergreen middle distance performer Old Man will chase his second Balaklava Cup win after today winning The Phantom Handicap (1600m) at Sandown.

Old Man sat back in the field with cover in the early stages before sweeping down the outside to beat Classic Benbara and Foreign Affair. The hot favourite Green Pick was close up in fourth place.

Now an eight-year-old, the John Hawkes trained Old Man, has only raced in South Australia one when he scored a dead heat win in the 1999 listed Balaklava Cup.

"We sent him over there to win the Cup that year," Melbourne foreman John Hawkes said. "He should have won the race outright but he ran all over the place in the straight and virtually threw it away."

In the 1999 Balaklava Cup Old Man started a short priced favourite and was always travelling handy before hitting the line locked together with Old Tawney.

Wayne Hawkes, the son of leading Sydney based trainer John, said the gelding was a well named galloper nowadays.

"Back when he was a two-year-old he was terribly named, but he seems much better name out there today," he said with a smile.

Hawkes added the stable has mande another bright start to the season. Last year the stable won eight metro races in August and set up a handy early lead in the premiership in which they finished a close second on July 31. Old Man's win was the second already this season.

Aussies Takes Early Lead in Jumps Series

Wednesday, 07 August 2002 00:00

By taking the quinella the local Aussie team kicked four points clear after today's race, a highweight flat event.

There were six points up for grabs in today's race and Australia picked up five of them thanks to the efforts of Grant Young and Stephen Pateman to quinella the event.

The best of the Irish riders finished unplaced, but they picked up a point as the third placegetter was ridden by one of the neutral riders, Glen Dorol.

The series will continue with major points on offer at the Adelaide meeting at Morphettville on Saturday with the running of a steeple and hurdle.

Winners of both races will pick up 12 points. Runner-up get half that amount, third placegetters win four points while two are given to the fourth placed runner with a series jockey aboard.

Australia holds a slight advantage in the head to head battles. The series concludes in Melbourne in just over a week's time.