|
|
|
|
|
|
31/1/2012 Benalla transferred next Monday
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Craig Newitt celebrates Apprehend's Werribee Cup win
|
Craig Newitt and Apprehend combined to score an impressive win in the Werribee CupA brilliant front-running ride from Craig Newitt carried Apprehend to a dominant win in Sunday's $140,000 Listed Living Legends Werribee Cup (2600m). Newitt demonstrated why he is the runaway leader in the race for the Victorian jockeys' premiership with a proactive ride aboard the Tony Vasil-trained six-year-old in the first Werribee Cup run in January. After jumping from the inside barrier, Newitt and Apprehend had pressure applied for the first 300m but after winning the battle for the early lead Newitt was allowed to do as he pleased. That involved going for home at the 600m. Newitt caught is rivals napping and after turning for home with a five-length lead, Apprehend maintained healthy margin the entire length of the straight. Apprehend, the $6 second favourite, ran out a three-length winner over Hanks ($8.50) with Hiphopopotamus ($13) half a length away third. Persian Star, the well-backed $4.20 favourite, settled towards the rear and was never a factor, finishing eighth, just over seven lengths from Apprehend. Newitt said the good gate and passive tactics from his rivals were the keys to Apprehend registering the second win of a 12-start campaign that started back at Caulfield on September 17. “This is the right sort of track for him, he's an on-speed sort of horse and that was first time he's drawn a gate in a long time,” Newitt said. “They left us alone going down the straight the first time and he pricked his ears and he really relaxed underneath me and I was pretty confident.” The victory was Apprehend's eighth from 50 starts and the $85,200 winner's cheque took his career earnings to $509,893. Newitt won the day's major prize, but star of the support card was fellow top-liner Dwayne Dunn, who celebrated a winning treble. Dunn won back-to-back races aboard White House and Muhaajir early on the card before getting odds-on favourite Warator home later in the day. They were his only rides outside the Cup, in which he finished fifth aboard Mythical. The Werribee card was also notable for providing champion jockey Glen Boss with his first winner, albeit a dead-heat, since returning from the broken arm that wiped out his Spring Racing Carnival. Boss, riding the Matthew Williams-trained Forever Here, finished level with Daniel Moor and Condahussler in the penultimate event on the nine-race card. |
"I think there is a lot more in front of her" ... Jim Cassidy on Steps In Time. Photo: Jenny Evans
A MYSTERY eye problem caused Steps In Time to miss the spring but she has returned bigger and stronger after an extended spell and as a winner at Canterbury yesterday.
The four-year-old mare, which won the Daybreak Lover Quality during the winter in Brisbane, spelled on owner Mick Everett's property at Meredith Park after picking up an injury on her way home.
''She had to miss the spring after getting something in her eye somewhere between Brisbane and [trainer] John [O'Shea]'s place,'' Everett said. ''We would have loved to be there. It has probably turned out for the best because she had a good long break and is a bit stronger.''
Steps In Time took on the older horses for the first time yesterday and thanks to a positive ride from Jim Cassidy jumped to the front and never look challenged. She was tired on the line but held a half-length margin from Onthelookout with Star Of Octagonal the same margin back in third.
O'Shea was not at Canterbury but gave Cassidy a lot of confidence with his instructions from the yearling sales in New Zealand. ''John has always had a good opinion of her and he told me just to ride her aggressively and she would get the job done,'' Cassidy said. ''That's what I did and that's what happened. She has jumped the first hurdle and I think there is a lot more in front of her.''
Apprentices Shaun Guymer and Sam Clipperton were called into the stewards' room after the race following an incident turning for home. Guymer, on News Alert, which was dropping out to run last, appeared to push Clipperton's arm away as he came around him on Sniper's Bullet. ''It's not a good sight,'' Racing NSW training manager Ron Quinton said.
The O'Shea stable had a winning double when Tigress Lily took out the Sirecam Handicap.
Concerned about interference ... Ray Murrihy. Photo: Barry Chapman
Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy lodged a protest, probably unprecedented, at Canterbury yesterday after an incident turning for home where favourite Mangaroa Flyer was knocked out of the Sirecam Handicap. Mangaroa Flyer, $2.30 to $2.15 in the ring, was moving into the race when Bielski came out sharply, possibly aided by a slight tap from eventual winner Tigress Lily. Mangaroa Flyer finished sixth, a length behind Bielski, but Murrihy was concerned about the significant interference on the turn. Having lodged the protest Murrihy didn't sit in judgment and deputy Greg Rudolph chaired the hearing. Hugh Bowman, who rode Mangaroa Flyer, alleged the trouble cost him five to six lengths, while Schofield admitted his mount took flight and ran away from Tigress Lily. Stewards were satisfied the interference cost the favourite fifth placing. He earned $1800 instead of the $1000 for sixth placing.
FLOW IS SLOWED
Jay Ford would have been ruing his bad luck in Brisbane yesterday as Slow The Flow scored at Canterbury. Ford had been booked to ride the mare in the listed Nudgee Handicap up north and also at Canterbury. He went to Brisbane where Slow The Flow was scratched. ''I had aimed her at that race up there,'' trainer Matthew Smith said. ''But the weather being so dodgy and all the roads shut I had to stay here.'' Ford could not get back to Sydney in time to take the rides on Smith-trained Slow The Flow and Bielski, both picked up by Glyn Schofield.
STYLISH SAM
Sam Clipperton still claims three kilograms but is developing into a smart rider as his effort on Al's Magic Miss showed yesterday. He got home by a nose after running down La Remlap in the final stride. Clipperton has been working on keeping his horses balanced and it was that which enabled the late lunge for victory on Al's Magic Miss. ''I have been talking with my boss [Ron Quinton] about keeping my horses balanced before going for them,'' he said. ''I was going to go for the stick on her at the 200m mark but she was off balance, so I put it away and pushed hands and heels for a couple of strides. Once she was balanced I got the stick out and she lifted and the other one came back to me.''
NO PHOTOS
Punters around Australia could not see the official photo finishes from Canterbury after the main photo-finish camera failed before the first race. ''We are using the back-up camera and it can't put the images out around the track,'' Murrihy said. ''It is in the same position and if there is a close finish we can see the image straight away.''
RAMPAGING COLT
Leading Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman had to get a lift back to the mounting yard after being dislodged by third placegetter Rampaging in the two-year-olds' race at the Canterbury course yesterday. ''As we were pulling up a car went [into the tunnel] down the track and he took flight and off I went,'' Bowman said
Well-paced … Glyn Schofield, right, rides a victorious Jade Marauder in race two at Canterbury yesterday, defeating juveniles Almighty Charge and Rampaging. Photo: Jenny Evans
GLYN SCHOFIELD wants to stay with polar opposite fillies Nocturnelle and Jade Marauder for the autumn carnival.
The pair gave Schofield and premier trainer Chris Waller a winning double to start yesterday's Canterbury meeting, but their demeanours could not be more different.
Three-year-old Nocturnelle did a lot wrong before swooping to victory, while Jade Marauder settled back before sweeping to a soft win from Gai Waterhouse juveniles Almighty Charge and Rampaging.
''She is the opposite to the first winner,'' Schofield said. ''You could light a fire under her and it wouldn't worry her. That is something that you very rarely see in a young horse and is a great quality to have.''
Jade Marauder, which had stormed home from last to run in her only other start in the Gimcrack, once again relaxed at the back of the field. She rounded the field by the top of the straight and then after a brief struggle with Almighty Charge moved away from a length to win.
Waller is keen to test her Golden Slipper credentials in three weeks in the Widden Stakes at Warwick Farm.
''She is the sort of filly that could develop into a chance in those bigger races,'' Waller said. ''The improvement she took from the first run to that, suggests she is a very nice horse and she could get a tad further the way she relaxes,'' he said.
Nocturnelle will also have her next start in three weeks after taking her record to three wins from four runs as she resumed yesterday. The daughter of Elusive Quality was too good for her rivals, coming from last to a soft length win from Pectin and stablemate Mickelberg.
It was the same race Red Tracer won a year ago before she went on to be the runner-up in the Light Fingers Stakes.
''They are very similar types of fillies and have had similar programs,'' Waller said.
''Red Tracer won a race like this last year and went on to run second in the Light Fingers and Surround and then came back to win the P.J Bell and Carr Stakes later on in the carnival.
''That's what starting early gives you - plenty of options.
''She needs to make a huge improvement from that to be competitive with the better fillies [in the Light Fingers].
''She will have the fitness of that run in her favour.''
Nocturnelle raced a little fresh and was slow to move yesterday. Waller said the barrier blanket used would be done away with for her next start as he tries to get her to jump with the rest of the field.
''The way she puts herself in the race and the way she accelerates, you are always thinking of a better race,'' Schofield said.
''She is going to improve mentally and condition-wise from that run and is something to look forward too.''
Schofield made it a treble when he picked the ride on Slow The Flow after Jay Ford elected to go to Brisbane.
.
Talent ... Fontelina. Photo: Jenny Evans
ANTHONY CUMMINGS knew Fontelina had the talent but it took an operation to spur him to produce it as he returned at Canterbury.
The three-year-old was a listed winner in Brisbane as a two-year-old but at his next three runs he could beat only one home and left his owners with one decision, to race him as a gelding.
Fontelina had his first start as a gelding yesterday and foiled a betting plunge on Said Com, from $2.10 to $1.70, as he beat it by a half head with Prosperity Aethon third 1¾ lengths in their wake.
''His mind wasn't on the job,'' Cummings said. ''The choice was to have a failing stallion or a successful racehorse. The talent was always there, he couldn't just show it with his nuts in.''
Cummings has nominated Fontelina for the Australian Guineas and Newmarket Handicap in Melbourne and will discuss which is the better option for the horse with jockey Blake Shinn.
''He has won at black-type level before and he will be back there again on that,'' Cummings said.
Fontelina, which lumped topweight of 59 kilograms, settled second-last with Said Com on his back as the leaders went along. The pair made their runs together from the top of the straight and the Cummings entry proved too strong in the drive to the line.
''I had a lovely run with good tempo up front,'' Shinn said. ''I thought at the 250 the other horse [Said Com] had me covered but he really fought like a nice horse.
''I think he will be able to run the mile on that effort.''
Chris Waller said Said Com paid the penalty for being a little soft in condition. ''He had only had the one trial and that was probably the difference in the end,'' the trainer said.
28/1/2012 Black Caviar back in usual breathtaking style
World Champion Sprinter Black Caviar was back in her usual breathtaking style at a jam packed Moonee Valley in Melbourne tonight, notching up her 17th straight win from as many starts in the Group Two MVRC Australia Stakes (1200m) in a super slick 1:09.44.
Thousands of people flocked to the valley to catch a glimpse of the great mare, leading to the Moonee Valley Racing Club having to swing open the front gates and let the growing crowd surge into the venue free of charge after lines at ticket booths became too long to service.
Fans were not let down, with the undefeated superstar settling two lengths behind the leaders before unleashing her trademark blistering turn of foot coming to the 600m mark before cruising home four lengths ahead of fellow Inglis Melbourne Premier graduate Zedi Knight.
Black Caviar’s time for the 1200m was just 0.15 seconds outside the track record set by subsequent Royal Ascot conqueror Miss Andretti back in 2006.
“Great to see her back, attitude is good, action is terrific, hopefully it’s the start of a wonderful six months”, said trainer Peter Moody.
“She is just terrific for our sport, she’s puts us on the front page for all the right reasons”, Moody added.
Bred by Rick Jamieson’s Gilgai Farm Black Caviar ($210,000 2008 Premier, 5m Bel Esprit-Helsinge) was purchased by Moody at the 2008 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale from the draft of Swettenham Stud.
Swettenham Stud will bring another strong group of 29 yearlings to this year’s Premier Sale which will be conducted over four days from Monday February 27 to Thursday March 1.
39 yearlings by Black Caviar’s sire Bel Esprit are set to go under the hammer at the sale.
Eliza Park Stud, the home of Bel Espirt, has 64 yearlings catalogued for the Melbourne showcase.
Inglis will be gathering all those involved in Black Caviar’s career for the naming of the Black Caviar Bar at Oaklands ahead of her next start in the Group One MRC C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 11.
“We are looking forward to having all the people associated with the superstar mare including her owners, trainer, jockey, breeder, consignor and stable staff all at Inglis’ Melbourne sales complex in the coming fortnight for the naming of the Black Caviar Bar in recognition of her amazing feats”, said Inglis Bloodstock Director Peter Heagney.
Black Caviar’s third start this campaign is planned for the 1400m Group One MRC Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on February 25.
Hoof doctor … Geelong trainer Kelvin Bourke. Photo: Angela Wylie
THERE was a time when Costa In The Glen was one of the darlings of one of Australia's most successful sporting towns. Voted Geelong's most popular horse in 2009 - the same year the Cats won the AFL premiership - the strapping gelding won four of his first six races and was, seemingly, on his way to a career at the elite level.
But things can change quickly in racing. Costa In The Glen started having trouble with his hooves and eventually his form went south. His career was in tatters as he languished in the paddock until noted horseman Kelvin Bourke saw him one afternoon.
''I reckon I can get him going,'' Bourke told owners Tim and Di Dennis, so the trainer took the gelding on what would prove a beach-based recovery. Bourke explained yesterday that he understood a little of hoof troubles in horses. In his former career in the 1970s and '80s, Bourke was a champion jumps jockey and often rode for the late jumps master Jim Houlahan.
''He told me one day that all horses have feet problems and so he worked a lot of his horses barefoot and that's the approach we took with this horse,'' Bourke said.
For five months, Costa In The Glen did all his work, mainly at the beaches around Geelong, without shoes. ''That got his feet back in the right shape but once we got that right, he popped a tendon,'' Bourke said. After help from fellow trainer Mick Kent, Bourke believes the now seven-year-old is again sound and so it is with some expectation that he takes him to Sandown today for the Dandenong Cup. ''I'm happy with him,'' Bourke said. ''It was good to see him get back winning again after two-and-a-half years [at Sandown on January 18] and I think he can keep going.''
Meanwhile, two-year-old Sweet Little Lies has been sent to the paddock after failing as an odds-on favourite in Thursday's Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield.
The Elusive Quality filly showed her customary sizzling pace before she dropped out to run fourth behind Malasun and was found to be shinsore yesterday.
''She was very proppy and we knew straight away what it was,'' co-trainer Simon Zahra said. ''The best thing for her is to give her plenty of time to work through it, so we sent her to the spelling paddock straight away.'' For latest betting markets click here
Back in action ... John McNair's sprinter Hay List cruises to victory in a barrier trial at Randwick yesterday. Photo: Brendan Esposito
ROYAL Ascot-bound sprinters Hay List and Foxwedge laid down a marker for the new year as they impressed in barrier trials at Randwick yesterday.
In front of the Royal Randwick stands, which are being gutted in the $150 million redevelopment, a burly-looking Hay List won his first public hit-out for seven months by four lengths. Trainer John McNair was not worried by Hay List's appearance and believes the six-year-old will be ready to return in the group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington on February 18.
''We don't want him to be the biggest loser but the biggest winner this time,'' McNair said of Hay List. ''He is going to be big because he has had so long off. He had a good blow after but he has recovered a lot better than I thought he would.''
Hay List ran second to Black Caviar in the Lightning last year, one of three runner-up finishes in group 1s behind the unbeaten mare, which were split by a resounding win in the All Aged Stakes. He clocked 58.20 seconds in his 1000-metre trial on a dead track, leaving group winners More Strawberries and Rangirangdoo in his wake. Jockey Glyn Schofield's assessment of the run gave McNair confidence about his sprinter's coming campaign.
''Glyn said he felt really good, which was good to hear,'' he said. ''I put that down to getting his front feet right. There are still some niggles with his back ones but he is a lot better than before. A couple of weeks ago he was 30 or 40 per cent about getting to the Lightning. It is now well above 50 per cent and growing by the day that he will get there. Depending on how he comes through that, I could trial him again in 10 days' time before running in the Lightning.''
Foxwedge is likely to be a challenger at Flemington and could follow the same path as Hay List overseas later in the year. The John O'Shea-trained colt came with a late run to win his trial. ''He felt awesome,'' jockey Nash Rawiller said. ''He is bucking his brands off, and the last 50 was electric.''
Foxwedge, which was second to Sepoy in the Coolmore Stud Stakes on VRC derby day before a spell, will chase the group 1 win that has so far eluded him. ''He will start in the Lightning and we'll decide where we go from there,'' O'Shea said.
''He is magnificently bred and we're looking for that group 1.''
JOHN O'SHEA believes lightly raced mare Steps In Time is ready to match the battle-hardened sprinters as she returns at Canterbury today. ''We have always had a good opinion of her but she has finished into a lovely mare this time,'' O'Shea said. ''She has already shown she is a nice horse, but she is just more seasoned and is ready to take on the older horses now.'' Steps In Time is a $2 favourite for the feature sprint and is part of a good team from the O'Shea yard, including Duke Of Cornwall, Gangster's Choice and Tigress Lily. ''We once again go to the races with good chances all day.'' For latest betting markets click here
The last time United Harmony raced, chief steward Ray Murrihy told Grahame Begg never to race her on a firm track again. That won't be a problem at Canterbury this afternoon and Begg is one trainer who wouldn't mind more rain on a surface rated a slow seven yesterday. ''We are doing the rain dance,'' he said. ''The softer the better for her. It was like a road last time at Warwick Farm and she just didn't handle it at all. When we got a track with a bit of give in it she won at Kembla. She has the ability and on the right track she will be right in a race like this one.'' United Harmony followed a storming win at Kembla on December 14 by running last, beaten almost 10 lengths, at Warwick Farm on January 2. ''Horses just don't do things like that without a reason and it was obviously the hard track,'' Begg said. For latest betting markets click here
Fontelina has returned to Anthony Cummings as a gelding and ''without the attitude''. The son of Testa Rossa won at listed level as a two-year-old in Brisbane, but Cummings believes that win might flatter him because he resumes as topweight this afternoon. ''It wasn't a strong black-type race he won but we are hoping he can get back to that level,'' Cummings said. ''He didn't come up in the spring but he has been a different horse this time as a gelding. We have taken the blinkers off him and he trialled well enough for us to expect he will go all right first-up.'' Cummings will also take Chula Vista and former Perth galloper Single Warrior to Canterbury with high hopes on the wet track. ''They have both won on slow tracks, Single Warrior is particularly good on soft ground.'' For latest betting markets click here
Gwenda Markwell made a late decision to back up Royal Esprit after he hit the line hard last week. Jeff Penza is on the seven-year-old, which come from last to run third to Hardbreak Hotel. ''It is back at Canterbury, where he won [on Christmas Eve], on the same sort of track … '' she said. For latest betting markets click here
This morning’s Barrier Trials at Royal Randwick received unprecedented attention drawing close to 400 people to the track to witness some of Sydney’s finest horses go through their paces in their preparation to autumn Group racing. A special ATC Member’s breakfast proved enormously popular; with the pulling power of top line horses and the Royal Randwick venue highlighted by the turnout.
Gai Waterhouse-trained Descarado made a welcome appearance at the heats, the first time the five-year-old has stepped out in silks since claiming victory in the Group One Caulfield Stakes in October. The son of High Chaparral clocked in fourth behind stablemate Herculian Prince who crossed the line ahead of Viking Legend and Leica Larrikin in the opening heat of the day.
John McNair would have been delighted at his dual Group One winner Hay List’s efforts in this morning’s fifth trial. The talented six-year-old was one behind coming into the straight, but coasted away to finish four-lengths ahead of equally skilled More Strawberries and O’Reilly’s Prize in a time of 58.2 seconds.
Chris Waller’s Group One Doncaster Mile champion Rangirandoo took out fourth place in the same heat; a strong effort after missing the start and coming out of the turn seven-lengths off the lead.
Jersey Lily, who is bound for Group mares races in autumn, showed her brilliance when she went on to defeat the evenly matched duo of Trusting and Winter King respectively in heat six, an 850m sprint. Winter King led at the 500m with no pressure, but the Catbird six-year-old sprinted away at the 200m to take out the trial by a margin of two-lengths in 51.7 seconds.
A tight trial gave spectators an exciting finish in the eighth-heat of the morning. Gwenda Markwell-trained Salade lead narrowly over three-year-old Sandhurst at the 50m mark, but it was Group Two Urbis Roman Consul Stakes winner Foxwedge who came over the top late to snatch victory by a head.
In her second trial in as many weeks, Elite Falls broke away well from the barriers but had to do a little work after coming out wide in the straight. The striking filly swept up to take the lead on heat nine and run on to the finish over John O’Shea-trained Colorado Claire who arrived just in time to claim second ahead of Bold Sari, by a margin of a short-half-head.
Also featuring in this trial was three-year-old filly Streama who was out for a quiet run in her first appearance since her heroic victory in the Group One Coolmore Flight Stakes in spring.
John Thompson-trained Hussousa was one of the star juveniles beginning AAMI Golden Slipper campaigns today in heat ten. The promising two-year-old sat in the middle of an eight horse heat before striding down the outside of the Kensington track at the 300m to hit the lead and past the post first in an impressive time of 50.8 seconds. Gai Waterhouse-trained Valerio and well bred Fastnet Rock filly Arrasene took out the minor placings.
"We’re all proud Aussies now" ... Trainer Chris Waller. Photo: Jenny Evans
IRISH stayer Wazn, prepared by a New Zealander, ridden by a South African and part-owned by an Englishman, took out the Australia Day Cup with the national flag on his back at Warwick Farm yesterday.
It was the ideal example of the multicultural nation that is Australia. ''We're all proud Aussies now,'' trainer Chris Waller said in the middle of a happy crowd of owners.
Wazn delivered the right end to his preparation and will be spelled before chasing a Brisbane Cup in the winter.
''I think that is the sort of race he could be up to,'' Waller said. ''He had had it at the end on the wet track but he is such a trier that he got there. It was good to see him do that.''
Wazn, which started a $4 equal favourite, was given the perfect ride from Glyn Schofield, who bided his time back in the field as fellow top elect Legsman carved out fast sectionals. Schofield picked his way through the field of tiring stayers in the 2400-metre race, taking inside runs and had gone around only Legsman when he sprinted to the front with fellow backmarker Yulalona 200 metres from home.
''I was sitting back, just letting him find his feet,'' Schofield said. ''I knew I had to be in front at the post the second time not the first. He just kept taking inside runs and I knew he had a lot to offer. He was feeling it a bit at the end but it was a good effort and he just gave his all. When we were coming back in he was like, 'Someone come and get me.'''
Wazn had three-quarters of a length to spare from Yulalona with Legsman a long head away in third.
Waller said he had almost spelled Wazn after he disappointed in the Tattersall's Cup as favourite, finishing a well-beaten sixth. ''I thought about pulling the pin then but I didn't want him to finish on that note,'' Waller said. ''I think he felt the [hard] track on that day, and he was much better in the Gosford Cup [when he ran second to Straight Albert] with a bit of give in the ground. It was a very good ride today and he got it done.''
Jim Cassidy had opened up six to eight lengths coming to the straight on Legsman, which kept grinding to the line. ''He just kept toughing it out,'' Cassidy said.
Earlier, trainer Clarry Conners' patience with Blue Ruby paid dividends when she won the opening race.
''I have accepted with her three times already this preparation and she has drawn wide every time so I have scratched her,'' Conners said. ''Even yesterday she was entered at Gosford and came up with barrier 18 of 18. The owner has been good enough to let me wait with her.''
Blue Ruby jumped from barrier three yesterday, and Hugh Bowman came with a late run on the Lonhro filly to beat Lord Mitchell ($6) by a long head, while leader That's How ($8) held on for third another head away in a blanket finish.
''I've always had a nice opinion of this filly,'' Conners said. ''She's no superstar but I think she's got a bit of a future.''
Queer quinella … Nash Rambler crosses in front of second and last placegetter Higashi in Warwick Farm's two-horse race yesterday. Photo: Sahlan Hayes
APPRENTICE Sam Clipperton had a winning double at Warwick Farm yesterday, but in between the wins of Bushcraft and Oakfield Comet, he ran a disappointing last.
The 18-year-old came out second best in a two-horse race on Higashi to the more experienced Brenton Avdulla on Nash Rambler but didn't let it dampen his spirits.
''He got the better of me,'' Clipperton said. ''It was a battle of tactics, and Brenton just had that bit more experience. I thought if I could lead him I would win but he was always there. It was certainly a bit different to a usual race, and you are much more aware of what the other fellow was doing.''
Avdulla was always confident but he had a bit of a heart flutter after making his winning move in the straight. ''I knew mine had a pretty good turn of foot, and I thought I would have him covered and she did,'' Avdulla said. ''When I went for her, the saddle slipped and it was half sideways and back a bit so I was lucky she didn't buck.''
It was the first match-race at a Sydney track for seven years, the last one being Magic Marvo's 5½-length defeat of Shallrun at Canterbury in March 2005.
Avdulla's only winner of the afternoon came in the race where there was 10 scratchings. ''I was filthy there wasn't one more [scratching] because then I would have just had to canter away,'' he said.
Impressive … Malasun wins the Blue Diamond Preview for fillies. Photo: Getty Images
AT A time when $1 million races are hardly scarce in Australian racing, you'd figure a $60,000 winner's cheque is relatively small potatoes. But when you are a young trainer looking for that horse to hang your business on, it's all about the future and yesterday at Caulfield was a big step forward for Matt Laurie.
The 31-year-old Mornington trainer's colt The Travelling Man put paid to several Blue Diamond Stakes aspirations with his all-the-way win in the colt's Preview while also proving his own credentials for the $1m group 1 next month. ''If something like this doesn't get me some more horses, I don't know what will,'' Laurie said after the race.
Laurie not only prepares the colt but picked him out at the New Zealand Select Sales last year. He went to New Zealand with the budget to buy one horse, and although forced to go higher than he hoped at $80,000, he eventually took home the son of Mossman. ''He was such a cracking type, I was happy to have him,'' Laurie said. ''He showed something from the first day he galloped and, look, he did a few things wrong in his only run in the spring, but has matured from that.''
The Travelling Man opened as much as $17 in the early markets for yesterday's race but started at $6.50 after constant money for the colt. Under in-form rider Ben Melham, he was the quickest away and never gave anything else a chance as he ran clear for a 1¼-length win over No Smoken ($21) with a further 3½ lengths to the fast-finishing Timely Truce ($11) in third place.
Laurie, who enjoyed his first stakes win yesterday, said he was likely to continue on toward the Blue Diamond Stakes for which the horse is rated at $9, but another trainer, Danny O'Brien, was cold on the idea of chasing Victoria's premier two-year-old race with yesterday's $2.80 favourite Cambiaso, which raced handy but faded to finish fourth. ''He had no real excuses, and on that, you'd be hard pressed going on to the Diamond,'' O'Brien said.
Just 35 minutes later, in the Preview for fillies, punters launched on the odds-on favourite Sweet Little Lies, which was backed from $1.85 to $1.70, but again they were left empty-handed when the filly led but weakened out of a place in the race won by debut filly Malasun.
Also purchased for $80,000 as a yearling, Malasun was syndicated by BC3 Thoroughbreds, and the daughter of Red Ransom was last night installed the third favourite at $8 behind Jimando ($5) and Raceway ($5.50) and for the Blue Diamond following her impressive victory.
Malasun ($8.50) was ridden by Damien Oliver, who settled the filly off the pace set by Sweet Little Lies and Members Joy ($10) but once the field turned for home, she ran past the leaders to score by 1¼ lengths from Members Joy with a half length to Sabie ($10) which edged out the hot favourite for third.
Sweet Little Lies' rider Chris Symons was nonplussed with his filly's weakening effort. ''She just didn't find much at all,'' he said.
Over 3373 racegoers enjoyed a fabulous Australia Day trackside at Warwick Farm race course.
The crowd was filled with patriotism with patrons enjoying free entry just by wearing the Australian flag. Highlights including the Greater Western Sydney Giants Big Kick, animal petting zoo, face painting, giant inflatable bungee-hopper as well as an 8 race line-up kept the whole family entertained.
Local punter Tom Pithouse won a healthy $100 TAB betting voucher by taking out the Vili’s Pie Eating Competition. Pithouse was the fastest of ten competitors to consume four pies, completing the challenge in just over three minutes.
Local trainer Peter Snowden took his tally to 100 winners Australia-wide for the season when his four-year-old Tactless took out the sixth race today. The Commands mare claimed her fourth win in eighteen starts by a short head over Olinoor.
FEATURE RACE RESULTS
Australia Day Cup – 3.40pm
Wazn took out this afternoon’s Listed $100,000 Australia Day Cup in his sixth win from eighteen starts. There was extra cause for celebration when Glyn Schofield crossed the line wearing the Australia Day silks giving race goers a bonus $5 TAB betting voucher in the ATC’s Australia Day race book promotion. The Chris Waller-trained Wazn narrowly hedged out Peter Snowden-trained Yulalona. TAB favourite Legsman rounded out the minor placings. Today’s win saw Wazn’s prizemoney exceed the $300,000 mark and will target autumn Group races when he returns from a short spell.
|
Australia Day Cup – 2400m ( $100,000) |
||
RESULT |
HORSE |
TRAINER |
JOCKEY |
1. |
Wazn (IRE) |
Chris Waller |
Glyn Schofield |
2. |
Yulalona |
Peter Snowden |
Hugh Bowman |
3. |
Legsman (NZ) |
Chris Waller |
Glyn Schofield |
Unbeaten ... Moody and Black Caviar. Photo: Angela Wylie
A WALL of No. 17s sat as the backdrop yesterday to Peter Moody's media call as a not-so-subtle reminder of the consecutive wins likely to be recorded by unbeaten superstar Black Caviar in her return to racing at Moonee Valley tomorrow night. The clock is ticking, but, as Moody cautioned yesterday, there is more than one clock.
Moody yesterday spoke of the dangers facing Black Caviar over the next six months. He is convinced there is no horse in the world which can beat her over a short trip, but is equally convinced that the best sprinter in the world is one mishap away from the end of her racing career. "We want to see her 110 per cent, so that at any stage along the way that I don't think that's the case, I wouldn't hesitate to one, stop the preparation, and two, recommend retirement to her owners," he said. "Records or not. If she's not in the best shape – we know that she could probably beat these horses half-right – but we're not about doing that."
Moody would love to beat the Poms on their turf, but he knows the hazards involved. "My fear of her being beaten comes through injury. It's my job of trying to take her to the races in a fit and well manner that it [injury] won't happen. But things can go wrong. It's very unpredictable. She's probably at the stage of her career where any run she has now could be her farewell, I've done it [retire] before with Typhoon Tracy – obviously that was a different ballgame – I retired her after a group 1 and I wouldn't hesitate to do the same with this mare."
Moody has pencilled in three runs in Melbourne this autumn, culminating with next month's Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, but another problem arises, as win No. 20 would be recognised around the world as the modern benchmark, eclipsing the 19 consecutive wins by US super mare Zenyatta. "I would dearly love to see her – if she gets as far as that [19 wins] and I'm very confident she will – I just want to see her 20th run in Australia. I think the industry here deserves it. If this mare can go 20/20, I'd love to see it here in Australia. I desperately want to see it here."
Despite all the concerns that go with managing the world's best mare, Moody knows he is living every trainer's dream. "It's quite staggering. It's mind-blowing and I've run out of words to say about her. She's a phenomenal horse."
More than 400 Australian Turf Club Members have booked a place trackside for breakfast which coincides with a star-studded line up of thoroughbred champions which will contest barrier trials at Royal Randwick this Friday, 27 January.
23 trials will be held on the Kensington Track for an important look at what will be start of the autumn campaign for Sydney’s finest horses.
What: ATC Barrier Trials
Date & Time: Friday 27 January from 8.00am
Where: Royal Randwick Racecourse
Parking: Enter via Alison Road or Doncaster Avenue and proceed to Members’ car park
Course Access: Please enter via Members’ Gate A, viewing available in the official seating deck Level 1 of the Officials’ Stand
The following is a guide to the key trials.
Heat & Time |
Distance & Class |
Key starters |
Heat 1 – 8.00am |
1200m, 3YO & Up Open |
Descarado (NZ) |
Heat 5 – 8.40am |
1000m, 3YO & Up Open |
Hay List, More Strawberries, Rangirangdoo (NZ), Tullamore (NZ) |
Heat 6 – 8.50am |
850m, 4YO & Up Open |
Jersey Lily, Red Tracer, Trusting |
Heat 8 – 9.10am |
850m, 3YO CG Open |
Foxwedge |
Heat 9 – 9.20am |
850m, 3YO F Open |
Elite Falls, Streama |
Heat 10 – 9.30am |
850m, 2YO F Open |
Hussousa |
25/1/2012 Injured NSW Riders - Update
DALE SPRIGGS - was injured en route to the barriers aboard Little Vicki at Gosford on Saturday, 5th November 2011.
Riders' Agent, Wayne Harris, said today [Wednesday, 25th January 2012]: "Dale has received his clearance from the specialist to resume riding.
"He started back at trackwork over the past few days and things seem to be going well.
"Dale has pencilled in his race riding return for Friday 3rd February at Tamworth at this point; he is obviously very keen to hit the ground running and make up for lost time."
25/1/2012 Brisbane Australia Day races abandoned
Due to heavy rainfall, the Australia Day Races scheduled at Doomben Racecourse for tomorrow (Thursday, 26 January) have been abandoned.
The Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) will run a phantom meeting with bookmaker and tote (TAB) facilities available as well as select food and beverage outlets.
The race meeting scheduled for this Saturday, 28 January has been transferred from Eagle Farm to Doomben Racecourse.
Black Caviar en route to victory in the 2011 Newmarket Handicap. She has been nominated for the 2012 edition.
|
Defending champion headlines 72 entries for Australia's most prestigious sprintSuperstar mare Black Caviar is a surprise nomination for the $1 million Group 1 Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on 10 March. Nominations for Australia's premier sprint closed today and the defending champion was one of 72 horses entered for the Super Saturday feature. Peter Moody's glamour girl became the shortest priced and fastest winner of the Newmarket Handicap when she carried 58kg to victory in last year's 137th edition. It was a performance that earned her the title of the world's champion sprinter and took her unbeaten streak to a perfect 10. After a stellar 2011 that streak now stands at 16 with the five-year-old a hot favourite to stretch it to 17 when she resumes over 1200 metres at Moonee Valley on Friday night. With plans set in concrete to tackle 1400-metre Group 1 features at Caulfield on 11 and 25 February, a final decision on whether she contests the Newmarket may be some time off. Aside from her progression over the next month, the biggest determining factor may be the weight allocated the champion mare when they're released on 28 February. Pendant, the 1906 winner, is the only mare to have carried more weight to victory in the Newmarket than Black Caviar. She was victorious with 60.5kg. Moody has entered a total of 11 horses in his pursuit of back-to-back Newmarkets including Emirates Stakes runner-up King's Rose who is being primed for a first-up assault on the sprint. Black Caviar's arch rival Hay List, who has been sidelined through injury and illness since last May, headlines an impressive list of interstate entries which includes Ilovethiscity, Secret Admirer, Beaded, Ortensia, Grand Nirvana and the untapped Rain Affair. Other notable entries are Emirates Stakes winner Albert The Fat, the emerging Bel Sprinter, weight-for-age performer Rekindled Interest and three-year-olds Foxwedge and African Pulse. First acceptances for the Lexus Newmarket Handicap will be taken on Tuesday, 21 February. |
Helmet winning the 2011 Caulfield Guineas
|
Caulfield Guineas winner Helmet is the star attraction among the Australian Guineas nominationsInternationally-bound star Helmet headlines an impressive list of 113 entries for the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on 3 March. The Age Caulfield Guineas winner, who is being transferred to Europe this autumn along with stablemate Sepoy, is poised for his Australian swansong in the $750,000 feature. Helmet, who will continue his preparation with a jump out this Friday at Flemington, has not raced since finishing unplaced as favourite against older horses in the Cox Plate (2040m) last October. Helmet is one of seven star-studded entries for trainer Peter Snowden who is chasing his first Australian Guineas after finishing runner-up with Bullbars in 2011. Snowden has also entered Group 1 winner Benfica, AAMI Victoria Derby runner-up Induna and the highly promising Galah, already a Group 3 winner over the Flemington 1600-metre journey. New Zealand's Victoria Derby winner Sangster and Crown Oaks winner Mosheen are both nominated to return to the scene of their great triumphs in search of a unique double. Victoria's premier trainer Peter Moody has 12 entries for the Guineas including Caulfield Guineas placegetter Huegill and unbeaten three-year-olds Le Societe and Moment Of Change. Danny O'Brien, who delivered a Guineas upset in 2011 with the filly Shamrocker, has four entries including the well bred Decircles who impressed on return at Flemington last weekend. Amongst the other entries of note are Sabrage, Chase The Raindow, Specter, That's The One, So Swift, the Gai Waterhouse-trained Laser Hawk and the untapped Soft Sand. First acceptances for the Australian Guineas will be taken on 21 February.
|
|
Former French star Americain is nominated for a tilt at a unique Cups doubleFormer French star Americain will get the chance to land his first major for new Victorian trainer David Hayes when he contests the Group 1 Dubai Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on 10 March. The 2010 Emirates Melbourne Cup winner heads a list of 53 entries for the $1 million weight-for-age showdown following today's closure of nominations. Americain, who finished fourth in the 2011 Melbourne Cup, will be out to join Shocking, Makybe Diva, Saintly and Lets Elope as horses to complete the Melbourne-Australian Cup double. A string of imported gallopers feature amongst the nominations with Anthony Freedman's former German stayer Lucas Cranach, third in last year's Melbourne Cup, creating plenty of interest. Master trainer Bart Cummings will also put his faith in a German import, Moonee Valley Cup placegetter Illo, to deliver a staggering 14th Australian Cup. Trainer Robert Hickmott and leviathan owner Lloyd Williams combined to win the 2010 Australian Cup with Zipping and have seven entries in this year's race. Headlining the stable's assault are talented imports At First Sight, Green Moon and Mourayan, together with Bendigo Cup winner Tanby and 2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient. Peter Moody has enjoyed sustained success with sprinter-milers in recent seasons, but the arrival of talented UK stayer Manighar, fifth in last year's Melbourne Cup, has added weight to his Australian Cup nominations. Manighar's former stablemate Drunken Sailor features amongst Mike Moroney's entries along with this season's Longines Mackinnon Stakes winner Glass Harmonium. Also prominent amongst the nominations are the past two winners of the BMW Caulfield Cup, Southern Speed (2011) and Descarado (2010), along with AAMI Victoria Derby winner Sangster, who headlines the three-year-old contingent. The most intriguing entries are former weight-for-age star Shoot Out, a recent addition to the Chris Waller stable, and highly rated Western Australian gallopers Ranger and Playing God, who finished third in last year's Australian Cup as a three-year-old. First acceptances for the Dubai Australian Cup will be taken on 21 February. |
Craig Williams and Leon Macdonald will again combine with Southern Speed at Caulfield this Thursday
|
Southern Speed set for Melbourne Festival of Racing pipe-openerHe's not expecting it, but co-trainer Leon Macdonald hasn't put victory beyond Southern Speed when the four-year-old resumes in Thursday's $100,000 Listed John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield. The reigning BMW Caulfield Cup heroine's Dubai Australian Cup campaign will begin under 60kg in the 1400-metre event and while an unsuitable race, the veteran trainer has learnt not to put anything past a good horse. “I think she can (win),” he said. “Nothing's impossible for a good horse, but being realistic about it, she'll probably show her best when she gets to about 1800 (metres).” “But she's got to have a couple of runs before that and she's got enough class to be competitive this week, I'm sure.” The John Dillon Stakes will be the start of a four-run Victorian campaign for the pride of South Australia, which will culminate with the $1 million, 2000-metre Australian Cup at Flemington on March 10. After Thursday, the daughter of Southern Image will progress to the $400,000 Group 1 Sportingbet C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 11 before rounding out her Australian Cup preparations in the $200,000 Group 2 St George Stakes (1800m), also at Caulfield, on February 25. Macdonald conceded Thursday's race is a tough ask against recent short-course Listed winners Chasm (55.5kg) and At The Heads (54.5kg) engaged, but he couldn't be happier with the way Southern Speed has done since her last outing, when fourth in the Group 1 Longines Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) on Derby Day. “I'm very happy with her,” Macdonald said of the winner of four of her 13 starts and $2 million. “She's dappled up and she looks sensational.” Southern Speed will start from barrier two in the 13-horse field and be reunited with Craig Williams, who partnered the mare to Caulfield Cup glory. The John Dillon Stakes, to be run at 6.20pm, is one of four $100,000 Listed races on a cracking twilight Australia Day card, which commences at 3.25pm. TJ Smith winner Benfica and Caulfield Guineas placegetter Huegill highlight a talented field of three-year-olds that will contest the Zeditave Stakes (1200m), while the meeting will also see a pair of Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Previews for the two-year-olds. Danny O'Brien's impressive debut Flemington winner Cambiaso heads the field for the colts and geldings qualifier, while Members Joy and Sweet Little Lies are among a slick field that will do battle in the fillies' event. Full fields for Thursday's Caulfield card are available via the link |
25/1/2012 Stewards Report – Mark Young
Racing Victoria (RV) stewards yesterday interviewed trainer Mark Young regarding the riding tactics adopted on his horses, Anteros (Race 5) and Ship In The Night (Race 7), at Flemington on Saturday, 21 January.
Stewards outlined in their official report on the day of the meeting their intention to interview Mr Young, who was interstate and unable to be contacted, regarding Anteros and Ship In The Night being ridden in a forward position which was, on face value, in contrast to both horses’ normal racing pattern.
Mr Young explained that there was no pre-conceived plan to lead on Anteros given the gelding was stepping up in distance (to 1400m) and there was a lack of speed in the race.
Mr Young also noted that when the likely leader Cannonball was ridden with some cover, it was not unreasonable to see Anteros lead.
Stewards accepted Mr Young’s explanation which was similar to the opinion formed by stewards on the day of the meeting.
Mr Young also confirmed that Ship In The Night settled closer in his race due to the favourable barrier draw and again there was no specific pre-race instructions other than to have the gelding placed where it was most comfortable.
Stewards again accepted Mr Young’s explanation and took no further action.
"She's a once in a lifetime horse, isn't she?" ... Trainer Robert Smerdon on Black Caviar. Photo: Paul Rovere
BLACK CAVIAR looks set to tackle a small field of inferior rivals when she resumes in Friday's group 2 Australia Stakes.
VRC Oaks winner and Golden Slipper runner-up Mosheen is the best performed of 12 other nominations for the race, which include 2010 Australian Guineas winner Rock Classic, which has not started since August 2010.
However, Mosheen's trainer Robert Smerdon indicated yesterday that she was unlikely to clash with the champion mare first up.
Smerdon sent Mosheen to Moonee Valley to work yesterday over 1000 metres to give a her a look around the track, with race jockey Danny Nikolic on board, and she went nicely, finishing off her last 600m in 36.35 seconds. The trainer said he was pleased with the work but was likely to delay her return until Caulfield on Saturday week in a three-year-old fillies race.
''She worked on her own, and was a bit lost, but her work was good, and we were pretty happy with it,'' Smerdon said. ''However, Danny's view is that another week will be beneficial to her before going to the races so we are more likely to go that way rather than running this week.''
While Smerdon was happy to be guided by Nikolic, he admitted that the appearance of Black Caviar helped in making up his mind whether to run Mosheen in the race.
''She's a once in a lifetime horse, isn't she?'' he said of Black Caviar.
Mosheen is likely to have two preparatory runs before the Australian Guineas on March 3, before heading to Sydney where possible targets include the Coolmore Stakes and Doncaster Mile.
With Black Caviar stepping up to 1400m after Friday's race, the rich autumn sprints will have a different look this year, and Smerdon said because of her absence, he was aiming group 1-winning mare Lone Rock towards a first-up tilt at the group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington on February 18.
Meanwhile, jockey Nash Rawiller is likely to find out sooner rather than later whether he will face any charges in the aftermath of Vinnie Colgan's dramatic fall in last Saturday's Telegraph Stakes in New Zealand.
Rawiller who finished second on Atomic Force on Saturday, was suspended after winning the Railway Handicap on Atomic Force on New Year's Day and was only riding on Saturday after being granted a stay of proceedings after being suspended at the Magic Millions last Saturday week.
Evidence was taken after the race from Rawiller and fellow jockey Sam Spratt and New Zealand chief steward Cameron George is hopeful of interviewing Colgan who suffered a broken thumb either today or tomorrow before deciding if either or both jockeys will face any charges.
Speed freak … strapper Michael Bailey cools down Hay List after a workout. The crack sprinter will trial this week as trainer John McNair readies him for the Lightning Stakes at Flemington next month. Photo: Simone De Peak
AUSTRALIA'S two best sprinters will be in action in different circumstances on Friday. There will be an official cheer squad for Black Caviar as she attempts to take her unbeaten streak to 17 in the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley, while Hay List will make a low-key return from injury in a barrier trial.
John McNair will decide later in the week whether Hay List will travel to Randwick or Wyong for his first trial since a leg infection had him scratched from the Doomben 10,000 in the winter and threatened to end his career.
''We need to trial him on Friday if we are going to have him ready to run in the Lightning Stakes [at Flemington on February 18], which is our preferred option,'' McNair said.
''I have spoken to Glyn [Schofield] and he is going to find out how Randwick is because I want the track to have a bit of give in it for his trial. Wyong trials are on Friday as well and we could quite easily go there.''
The Randwick barrier trials will be held on the Kensington track as the course proper is undergoing remedial work. It will disappoint some trainers, who have planned to start the preparations of their autumn carnival contenders, which include Flight Stakes winner Streama and several of Gai Waterhouse's stars.
Hay List's part-owner Peter Davenport and McNair have mapped out a conservative program for Hay List in Australia, which will allow him to be at his best for an overseas assault on Singapore and Royal Ascot later in the year.
''The Lightning will be his only run in Melbourne and then we will come here and maybe run in the Challenge Stakes, the T.J. Smith and the All Aged like he did last year,'' McNair said. ''We are very mindful of not over-racing him in the autumn because he has a long preparation in front of him.
''He has been going well and we can't wait to see him back on the track to show how good he is.''
Hay List was runner-up to Black Caviar in the Lightning, the T.J. Smith and BTC Cup last season, and was the only sprinter to test the racing queen. The pair are likely to clash in their new campaigns, most likely in Sydney or Royal Ascot.
Meanwhile, Black Caviar will have a final gallop tomorrow morning before taking on a handful of rivals in Friday's Australia Stakes.
''Everything's going well with her and she's pretty much where we want her at this stage of her prep,'' trainer Peter Moody said yesterday.
''She'll do some work on the track early Tuesday morning but she won't need much as she's where she needs to be for her first-up run.''
VRC Oaks winner Mosheen, which was runner-up in the Golden Slipper as a two-year-old, should add interest to the Australia Stakes if she pleases trainer Robert Smerdon in a gallop at Moonee Valley this morning.
Likes a wet track ... Winning Glory. Photo: Jenny Evans
THE weather forecast for the rest of the week put a smile on David Payne's face as he prepares Winning Glory for Thursday's Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm.
''It is supposed to rain for the next three or four days, which is good for him,'' Payne said. ''He likes a bit of cut in the ground, so I'm hoping they are right for once.''
All five of Winning Glory's wins have come on slow tracks, and it is the edge he needs to beat an even bunch of stayers. Payne also has Double Crescent entered for the 2400 metre test that has drawn together the usual suspects.
''He likes the wet as well but is up in class,'' Payne said. ''The same horses have been going around in these races for a while now, and it seems they are taking turns a bit; a soft track would help Winning Glory have his turn.''
Winning Glory won on a soft track at Canterbury on Christmas Eve before finding Straight Albert a bit strong in the Tattersall's Cup at Warwick Farm on January 2.
Payne thought his charge could turn the tables in the Gosford Cup, but admits he might have got the tactics wrong as the four-year-old faded to seventh behind Straight Albert at the central coast circuit.
''We probably rode him a bit too close and used him up. I'm not sure if he handled the tight circuit, and he will be happier back at Warwick Farm,'' Payne said.
Payne is one of three trainers with two nominations for the Australia Day Cup. Darley's Peter Snowden has Summer Cup winner Yulalona and Peck in the race, while Chris Waller has Wazn, the runner-up at Gosford, and emerging imported stayer Permit.
Meanwhile, New Zealand stewards will interview Vinnie Colgan today about the fall in Saturday's group 1 Telegraph Handicap at Trentham. Colgan was thrown over the running rail off Durham Town about the 400m mark when Atomic Force, ridden by Nash Rawiller, and Eight Schillings, ridden by Sam Spratt, came across to the inside fence.
Rawiller and Spratt have already given evidence.
Popular with the punters ... Royal Randwick circa 1900. Photo: Fairfax Archives
In the past couple of months, Sydney racing has become a roadshow. Wyong, Kembla Grange, Hawkesbury and Gosford have become the new home of midweek metropolitan meetings after Randwick was closed to racing.
The redevelopment of headquarters is the most important step forward for racing in the past 50 years. It will take racing from the pub and stay-at-home sport it has become in modern times and put it on the agenda of punters for a day out again.
But the loss of Randwick as a venue cannot be replaced. Punters like betting at Randwick and are more likely to bet at Randwick than its provincial cousins.
''I can't see why we haven't been racing at Randwick for the past couple of months,'' leading oddsman Robbie Waterhouse said. ''The work really hasn't started and the track is still there in great condition. I think it was an opportunity to revive the flat.''
That's the famous flat from the glory days of racing when the crowds were so big they spilled into the centre of the great track.
It is a far cry from this year when a couple of thousand got to Rosehill on Saturday. Waterhouse is known for thinking outside the box when it comes to racing and the idea of still using the track at Randwick has merit. The days could be promoted as a step back in time. The ATC would have had an event that might attract a few more people through the gates. Everyone in the centre of Randwick sounds like a great idea, but cost and health and safety regulations would probably prevent it.
Waterhouse is a survivor in racing but admits the excitement of being at the track has dwindled since he began working the ring at the now-closed Harold Park.
''There would be more atmosphere and money in that ring on a cold, wet June night back then than on Golden Slipper day now,'' Waterhouse said.
That is a product of society moving on. Technology has played its part, as punters can sit at home and compare the prices from three TABs and countless corporate bookmakers. There is no need to have your running shoes on to get $5 on offer at one end of the ring when $4.60 is the best you can do at the other.
A click of the mouse has replaced that. ''I would love to be able to offer what the corporates do but I can't under the rules,'' Waterhouse said.
Punters want value and if the best way to get that is on an iPad instead of at the track, they will do it.
It is the same with sponsors and Emirates' decision to give away the Doncaster naming rights because it was not assured of having the usual standards of entertainment is understandable. It comes down to getting value for money. The package on a big carnival is all about exposure and with Randwick operating at a restricted capacity, all of a sudden the sponsorship package was not as attractive.
The racing will be of the same high quality but the creature comforts for the corporate clients won't be there. It is another reason the works at Randwick are so important because comfort counts.
In a couple of years there will be a marvellous grandstand and facilities, and the sponsors will return. It is a case of build it and they will come.
Until then, make sure you have a driver's licence, an iPad and good humour if you're going to the races during the carnival.
Raise a glass ... Brenton Avdulla makes it a personal double by steering Cabernet to victory at Rosehill yesterday. He had earlier broken a Saturday drought by winning on Magic Weekend. Photo: Jenny Evans
GRAHAME BEGG will shoot for black-type racing with Cabernet after she was returned to her power-finishing best at Rosehill yesterday.
The win gave Brenton Avdulla a race-to-race double after he scored on Magic Weekend, which tickled Begg's sense of humour.
''He might be back as well,'' Begg, the 21-year-old's greatest supporter, said. ''Everyone knows he has had a bad run and I just haven't had anything to put him on. That could get him going at the right time of the year.
''He is a confidence rider and that has taken a bit of a hit of late and he needed that.''
Cabernet was on a seven-day back-up after running home for second behind Upon This Rock last week in a race that did not suit.
''Last week they walked in front and she did a good job,'' Begg said. ''There was some pace on there today and you see the difference … she can really let down off a good speed and she was devastating.''
Cabernet followed the rail until well in the straight and then launched down the centre to score by 2¾ lengths from Parthian and Mr Unforgettable, which was a long neck away in third.
''I have always said she was a black-type mare and I have no doubt she will win a black-type race,'' Begg said.
''She has been a bit high-maintenance and had some soundness issues, but she has built a good record. When she's right, she is very good. We will put her away for a couple of weeks now and look for the right race for her during the carnival.''
Avdulla said everything was made to order for Cabernet when the speed went on up front, and his only concern was getting the right run through the field.
''I was just hoping that He's Unforgettable would move out of the way at [the top of the straight], and when he popped from the fence she just went though,'' Avdulla said. ''It was then a case of just getting around their heels and she did the rest.''
Earlier Avdulla had given Magic Weekend a lovely ride as he returned to being a winner for Team Hawkes.
Magic Weekend had beaten Stratford, a winner on Magic Millions day, in a barrier trial and the stable had a bit of confidence about his chance.
''He's improved out of sight since his last trial,'' co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.''He's had his ups and downs but he's very professional and is an up-and-comer even though he is six years old.''
Avdulla welcomed the winning double after a tough streak and a long run of outs on Saturdays.
''My life hasn't been the best over the past couple of weeks, so it is nice to get a double,'' he said. ''I just need to keep riding well and prove to everyone I am a good rider.''
Favourite Aeronautical was disappointing, managing only seventh behind Magic Weekend after being fired up in the mounting yard.
''He got into trouble at the 700-metres mark and that didn't help and he over-raced from then on,'' jockey Corey Brown said.
TRAINER Gerald Ryan continued his outstanding record for Triple Crown Syndication as Cavalry Rose overcame difficulties and immaturity to win the Inglis Classic at Rosehill yesterday.
The Charge Forward filly was on debut and it took her the length of the straight to pick up the gallant Diamond Earth and take home $150,000 from the race restricted to Inglis Sales graduates.
''She was the most inexperienced and perhaps uneducated [in the race],'' Ryan said. ''She showed that in the straight.
''She has had two jump-outs and a barrier trial and I had thought about giving her another trial on Tuesday but I decided not to. This [race] had been her goal all along and I didn't want to gut her with a trial as she is only a two-year-old filly.''
Cavalry Rose joins a growing list of Triple Crown winners for Ryan, which includes Hot Snitzel, Swerte Bella and Flying Snitzel.
''It is a good race to win for them [Triple Crown] at this time of year around the sales,'' Ryan said.
Cavalry Rose's inexperience seemed likely to count against her halfway down the straight when Diamond Earth, a winner of two Inglis bonuses, put a couple of lengths on her. The small Diamond Earth, prepared by Anthony Cummings, found the 1200 metres a fraction too far and Glyn Schofield got Cavalry Rose to arrive in time.
''She just really felt it over the last 75 metres,'' Diamond Earth's jockey Peter Robl said.
That was when Cavalry Rose knuckled down and chased hard.
''She overcame a fair bit of adversity to win,'' Schofield said.
''She took fright of Gai [Waterhouse's] horse [Snippetsboy] when I took hold of her and lost about three lengths.
''She just copped a little bump turning for home and [Diamond Earth] got away from me. She wasn't really sure what to do in the straight but as she got closer to the leader she really put out her head.''
Cavalry Rose charged late to score by a long neck from Diamond Earth with Taxmeifyoucan 6¼ lengths back in third.
More to come … James McDonald after his win. Photo: The Dominion Post
NASH RAWILLER faces a nervous wait over his involvement in the prelude to a fall in the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham in New Zealand, which could result in his missing the start of the autumn carnival.
The top Sydney jockey had to settle for second on Australian sprinter Atomic Force yesterday behind Guiseppina after being hailed the winner. However, it was an incident 300 metres from home, in which third favourite Durham Town cannoned into the running rail, dislodging Vinnie Colgan, which will have him worried.
Colgan was taken to hospital with a suspected broken wrist and could not give evidence, but stewards took statements from Rawiller and Sam Spratt, who was to his outside on Eight Schillings, before adjourning their inquiry.
Rawiller can ill afford another suspension after being given time off for his winning ride on Atomic Force in the Railway Stakes and at last week's Magic Millions.
That suspension started last night and will run to February 6. Any more suspensions would cost him group 1 rides in Australia.
Guiseppina provided James McDonald with the most satisfying win of his career so far as she powered down the centre to beat Atomic Force.
McDonald, who turned 20 on January 6, chalked up his first group 1 victory as a senior rider and his eighth in total. But, more importantly, he achieved it for some of the people who have helped him the most during his career.
Guiseppina is owned by Peter and Philip Vela of New Zealand Bloodstock and they have been two of McDonald's greatest backers.
"The Velas have been a huge part of my career and without them I wouldn't be where I am today," McDonald said. "This has to be the highlight of my career because I am repaying them … They run a big operation and it is not easy but they work as a great team and do it so well and to ride a group 1 winner in their colours is something I can't really describe."
McDonald said he was confident of winning on Guiseppina when he climbed aboard the Johar mare at the start.
"She just looked so good and was 100 per cent ready," he said.
The mare had the extreme outside draw to overcome but McDonald settled her at the back behind a couple of runners early, and then brought her out wide again once the field entered the final 400m.
"I had a chance to move in a couple of places but I thought I'd rather give two lengths away to give her a clear run because I knew what she could do once she let down."
The five-year-old beat Atomic Force by a long neck.
Rawiller had earlier recorded a winning double on Denmark and Six O'Clock News, which took out the Trentham Stakes.
GOLD RATING was controversially disqualified by Queensland stewards after apprentice Patrick Keane weighed in light following the horse's narrow win yesterday.
Gold Rating was handicapped on 57.5 kilograms and should have carried 55.5kg after Keane's 3kg claim and the 1kg allowance for the jockey's safety vest.
The clerk of the scales recorded Keane's weigh-out weight at 55.60kg but the lanky apprentice weighed in at 54.74kg after the race.
Under the Australian Rules of Racing, the clerk can afford the rider half a kilo but that still left Keane under his correct weight and chief steward Wade Birch promptly disqualified the horse from the race.
''We can't establish how that loss of weight has occurred,'' Birch said.
''Gold Rating carried less weight than it should have and we have no option but to disqualify the horse.''
Keane blamed the high humidity and a hard ride for the weight loss and Gold Rating's trainer Michael Nolan stormed out of the stewards' room.
The horse's owner Kim McCasker argued Keane would have easily lost half a kilo during the race and said the stewards' decision was too harsh.
Stewards amended the placings declaring Mr Light Blue the winner, Majestic Sound second and Eureka Jack third and adjourned the inquiry.
Meanwhile, a bunch of battlers from the bush upstaged some of the biggest names in racing when Mackay juvenile Doubtfilly scored a decisive win at Eagle Farm.
Ridden by Adrian Coome, Doubtfilly ($4.60) found the line strongly to scoop the QTIS bonus of $53,000 in the Racing Retro Handicap. She downed the John Thompson-trained and Nathan Tinkler-owned favourite, Headless ($3.80).
AAP
First Command all class in Kensington stakes
Saturday, 21 January, 2012
First Command will head to the Rubiton Stakes and could have a crack at the Oakleigh Plate after a solid win in today's listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
Positioned off the hot speed for much of the race, First Command quickened nicely when asked by Steven Arnold to hit the front and then held out his rivals for a strong win.
The win was the fourth in stakes class for the classy Commands gelding who is now prepared by Anthony Freedman.
First Command was previously trained by Anthony's Hall of Fame brother Lee - the man who purchased the outstanding sprinter for $170,000 from the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
With 10 wins and six minor placings on his record from just 24 runs, First Command has earned over $736,000.
"We won't go over the tip with him," Freedman said.
A son of leading Darley sire Commands, First Command is one of two group winners produced by his dam, the Hurricane Sky mare River Serenade.
Combo to go … Hugh Bowman winning on Rolling Pin earlier this month. The duo reunite in the seventh at Rosehill where Rolling Pin is topweight with 60 kilograms. Photo: Jenny Evans
FOR the past few months, Hugh Bowman has been like Harrison from Banjo Paterson's Man From Snowy River on racetracks of Sydney town.
''Few could ride beside him when his blood was fairly up,'' Paterson wrote of the bushman. That may have been more than a century ago but it would be an accurate portrayal of Bowman in the crack Sydney riders' ranks since the start of December.
The boy from Dunedoo, who is known as Hugh because his father, who he is named after, didn't want him to be called little Jimmy, has dominated the Sydney scene.
Two bags of four winners on Saturdays, a couple of trebles and a few doubles have taken Bowman from fifth on the jockeys' standings to be leader by 10 wins.
''It's hard not to notice when things are going this well,'' Bowman said. ''It has just fallen into place, I don't think I'm doing anything particularly different, but I'm riding with a bundle of confidence.
''I think you can see that in the way I'm riding and the win on Key West last week is a great example. He is a horse that doesn't win out of turn and I was able to coax one out of him, and that gives you a good feeling.''
Bowman is ''feeling good'' - getting half of your 46 winners in six weeks will do that. He has chalked up feature wins on Monton in the Villiers Stakes and News Alert in the Razor Sharp Handicap in the process.
A bit of luck helps but having his weight right has played the biggest role in Bowman's surge.
Last week he opted to stay in Sydney and booted home the first three winners before the one he was most proud of, Key West for Chris Waller, instead of going to the Gold Coast to chase the Magic Millions.
''There has been a bit of luck, Nash [Rawiller] got suspended and I was able to get on Raceway,'' Bowman said. ''But I'm in a good head space at the moment and I'm confident. I'm pretty big [for a jockey] as everyone knows, so when my weight is good, it is one less thing I have to worry about. I can put a lot more time and effort into the horses I am riding, which is helping at the moment.
''You need to be in a good space in your head to perform at your best, I think any sportsman will tell you that, and that's where I am now.''
His combination with the Waller stable has played its role in his run and he is one of the first hoops the premier trainer turns to. ''Hugh is a great rider for my horses because of his style,'' Waller said. ''He takes care of horses and there is always something left there to work with, which makes my job that bit easier.''
Bowman has a full book at Rosehill tomorrow, three of which are for Waller. Three-year-old Hoylonny, which Bowman steered to victory resuming on January 2, is a standout.
''There is a big hype around the horse but I don't like pumping them up because you set yourself up for a fall,'' he said. ''I like to see them make a name for themselves. He always gives me a good feel and it will be interesting to see where he can go.''
The Gwenda Markwell-trained Rolling Pin supplied Bowman with a win last start and will hunt a hat-trick under his impost of 60 kilograms later in the afternoon.
''He has a big weight but I think he can carry it,'' Bowman said. ''He has a bit of class about him.''
It is Bowman's understated nature that made him declaring he wanted to win the Sydney jockeys' premiership at the beginning of this season such a surprise. He has made a short-term goal of getting to the half-century by the end of the month and then it will be carnival time.For latest betting markets click here
RACE FOCUS
Following the flight plan … Nathan Berry pilots Aeronautical to the Randwick winning post. Photo: Dallas Kilponen
Joe Pride believes a drop back to mares' grade will help Recorrido regain winning form at Rosehill tomorrow. After an impressive first-up win this campaign, Recorrido disappointed as she went up to black type in the Razor Sharp and Carrington Stakes during the festive season. ''She lost her chance at the start in the Carrington when she went down on her nose and wasn't herself,'' Pride said. ''I think she is capable of winning races like those, but we can drop her back in grade on Saturday and give her the opportunity to show the dash she had first-up. She had a trial this week to sharpen her up and I think she will go better.'' Pride will use Shaun Guymer's three-kilogram claim on So So Sure in the following event. ''Shaun has settled in well and So So Sure is a good opportunity for him to get a win for the stable,'' he said.For latest betting markets click here
LIGHTENING UP
Apprentice Adam Hyeronimus has lowered his riding weight to 52 kilograms and Paul Perry will be the first trainer to take advantage of it with his stayer Southern Skye. ''It was worth doing the work to ride at 52kg because there will be more opportunities to ride things on the limit,'' Hyeronimus said. ''It is very competitive among the apprentices and you want to get as many rides as you can.'' Southern Skye is fitter for two runs since a spell and although the 1400 metres tomorrow is shorter than his ideal distance, Hyeronimus expects him to hit the line. ''He could surprise if there is a bit of speed there,'' he said.For latest betting markets click here
JOSH'S NEW FIGHT
Reigning champion apprentice Josh Adams is determined to overcome the latest setback to his career but knows it will take time. Adams's made his comeback from a five-month drug ban late last year but a car accident has kept away from the track for a couple of weeks. He has just one ride tomorrow. ''I wrote off the car, so I don't have a car at the moment and my knee is still a bit sore, but the worst thing is I have lost a bit of momentum I was getting,'' he said. ''I only have the one ride, Equable, on Saturday, and I need to ride it well to attract other rides and get people wanting to put me on.''For latest betting markets click here
ROSEHILL OPTION
Lionel Cohen opted to miss last Friday's Canterbury Classic to take the easy option with smart three-year-old Aeronautical at Rosehill tomorrow. ''When I found out he was a benchmark-80 horse, this race was the right way to go,'' Cohen said. ''He will actually earn more prizemoney with the BOBS [bonus] if he can win [tomorrow] than he would have at Canterbury. It is a good place to start and then we can look at the three-year-old races. He is going really well and we have been able to get Corey Brown to take the ride, which is big bonus if he continues on towards the bigger three-year-old races.''For latest betting markets click here
BIRTHDAY BOYS
There should be plenty of birthday cake after the last in the jockeys' room tomorrow. Jim Cassidy will celebrate his 49th birthday at Rosehill on the same day Nathan and Tommy Berry turn 21, while Brenton Avdulla also had his 21st during the week. Cassidy has been in great form and has been called upon by John O'Shea to try and find the key to Riding To Win. He has also been booked for Princess Qualo and Our Cannavaro. Injured hoop Josh Parr also had a birthday this week. He has been visiting a hyperbaric chamber in attempt to return in the next couple of weeks from a back injury.
!['Off the track, we are very supportive and if Tom was to get [a group 1] first I would be the first to congratulate him' ... Nathan Berry.](http://images.smh.com.au/2012/01/19/2903272/ipad-art-wide-F3-20Berry-20Bros-20ld-420x0.jpg)
"Off the track, we are very supportive and if Tom was to get [a group 1] first I would be the first to congratulate him" ... Nathan Berry. Photo: Brendan Esposito
NATHAN and Tommy Berry are typical identical twins - fiercely competitive, incredibly supportive and almost inseparable.
They turn 21 tomorrow and will celebrate it by riding at Rosehill, living their dreams. Next is dinner with a small group of family and friends, which says a lot about the focused young men. ''It won't be anything that big but we might head into town later on,'' Nathan said. ''Hopefully we will have something to celebrate after the races.''
The brothers have been far away from each other as they have forged their careers but are neighbours in an apartment block. It has been Tommy who has hogged in recent headlines riding for Gai Waterhouse and last week won his second consecutive Magic Millions Classic on Driefontein after a protest.
''It is a long way from Kembla,'' Tommy said after the race.
That was part of the Berry brothers' journey to the Sydney riding ranks, when mother Julie used to drive them to the races. ''We use to have a milkshake on who would ride a winner,'' Nathan said. ''I wouldn't have a bet with him now because he is going too well - look at the protest last week. He is flying.''
While Tommy has had flying filly Karuta Queen to take him to the best race days across Australia, Nathan is still looking for his star. He thought it may have come with Single, an impressive son of High Chaparral, which could be his birthday present on the track tomorrow.
The Craig Carmody-trained four-year-old is looking to bounce back after a disappointing fourth as a short-priced favourite at Rosehill on New Year's Eve.
''The way he won first-up I thought he was a group horse and I don't think I was the only one,'' Nathan said. ''I have to say I was disappointed with him second-up but I'm sure he is going to make up for it.
''He steps up to 1800 metres on Saturday and that will suit him, and hopefully he will show the same turn of foot he had first-up.
''I'm also on Al Dhafra, which has the blinkers on, if can find his old form he would be very hard to beat.''
Their rivalry has been there since they were kids and the next landmark will be the first to take racing's ultimate prize - a group 1.
''We are very competitive about things like that,'' Nathan said. ''But, off the track, we are very supportive and if Tom was to get [a group 1] first I would be the first to congratulate him. We do a lot of our work away from the track together and that includes videos and looking at each other's riding style.''
Nathan already has the bragging rights for being the first to ride a black-type winner after he was on Rubinda in 2008 Razor Sharp Handicap. Tommy had to wait a year for his first major, winning the same race on Prince Braeman.
However, Tommy has made the most of his opportunities and, as No. 2 rider for the Waterhouse stable, he is getting more chances than his brother.
He could add another big two-year-old bonus race to his resume on Snippetsboy in the Inglis Classic tomorrow. ''Snippetsboy has trialled well and is a nice two-year-old,'' Tommy said. ''He is not up with the Raceways and Driefonteins but he is not far off them.''For latest betting markets click here
20th January, 2012
Top class three year-old Zamorar will begin his autumn campaign on Friday night, February 10.
Trainer Butch Bourne will nominate the lightly raced gelding for a sprint at Moonee Valley. “He's been going extra well since coming back into work," Bourne said on Thursday. “There are plenty of options and I will plot a more specific path after the first-up run."
Zamorar (3g Scandal Keeper - Chloris by Scenic) was last seen running fourth in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on the first day of the Melbourne Cup carnival. He finished within two lengths of champion colt Sepoy down the straight-six.
Zamorar is by Yarradale Stud sire Scandal Keeper who is a three-quarter brother to the dam of Sepoy.
Scandal Keeper (Danzig) was very popular with Western Australian breeders after Bourne produced Zamorar in public. He trounced a Bendigo maiden field in September and then scored a brilliant barrier-to-box victory at Moonee Valley.
Zamorar followed up with that Group 1 fourth to Sepoy at Flemington and, with the imminent departure of the Darley star, it leaves the three year-old sprint division wide open for the remainder of the season.
Scandal Keeper produced another smart youngster at the Belmont Park trials on Monday. Keeper Quiet is a member of his first crop of Yarradale bred two year-olds and she had also won a Lark Hill trial back in October.
Keeper Quiet is a half-sister to 2011 Goldfields Tatt's Cup winner Defy Me (Heritage).
19/1/2012 Australasia's best are Brisbane bound
The Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) today announced an initiative aimed at attracting Australasia's best racehorses to
Queensland for the 2012 Brisbane Racing Carnival.
The initiative, which is being jointly funded by the Queensland Government through Events Queensland, and the BRC will
see the race entry fees and travel expenses covered for select horses invited to compete in the Gr1 Treasury Casino
Queensland Oaks (three-year-old fillies - 2400m) and Gr1 AAMI Stradbroke Handicap (1200m).
"Our vision was to create the ultimate showdown of Australasia's racing champions here in Brisbane, setting a new
benchmark in Australian racing which champions our local industry," said BRC Chairman Kevin Dixon.
"We anticipate this initiative, along with the wonderful Brisbane Racing Carnival atmosphere and mild Queensland winter
weather, will entice the connections of Australasia's best sprinters and staying fillies to take on the best in their league in
either the Treasury Casino Queensland Oaks or the AAMI Stradbroke," Dixon said.
Horses become eligible for the invitational scheme if they win select sprint legs or Oaks races in Australasia in the lead up
to the 2012 Brisbane Carnival.
"The greatest races always involve great horses. For example, under this initiative, world-class champion mare Black
Caviar would have been invited to race in the 2011 AAMI Stradbroke field alongside Australasia's other top champions
such as King Mufhasa," Dixon said.
"We look forward to these two races being the highlights of the Brisbane Racing Carnival in 2012."
Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mulherin said: "This initiative is great news for both the local thoroughbred industry and
will further enhance the profile of Brisbane racing.
"In 2011, more than 68,000 people attended the Brisbane Racing Carnival – which is great for the local economy,
businesses and jobs.
"Hosting major events like the Brisbane Racing Carnival, including the Stradbroke Handicap and the Queensland Oaks is
part of our plan to continue building Queensland's bright future – and encourage visitors to escape from the southern
winter chill and head to Queensland."
Events Queensland CEO John O'Sullivan said the initiative would help further enhance Brisbane's profile as an events
destination.
"This initiative follows unprecedented growth in our major events calendar," Mr O'Sullivan said. "In 2012, we will see a
number of significant sporting, arts and cultural events for Brisbane including Matisse: Drawing Life, QPAC International
Performance Series, Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado, 34th International Geological Congress, World
Theatre Festival, Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb and the Rugby Union Castrol Edge Welsh Tour."
This initiative will see the winners of Australasian sprints including the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 10,
the T.J. Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick on April 14, The Goodwood at Morphettville on May 12 and the Telegraph
Handicap at Trentham Racecourse, New Zealand on Saturday, January 21 invited to Brisbane.
The three-year-old staying fillies winners in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on March 17, the WA Oaks at Ascot on
March 31, the ATC Oaks on April 21 and the Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on May 12 will be invited to
Brisbane.
Eligible horses so far include the Paul Mesarra trained Ortensia (2011 Winterbottom Stakes Winner) and the Robert
Smerdon trained Mosheen (2011 VRC Oaks Winner).
"The Queensland Winter Racing Carnival has a long history of attracting Australasia's leading thoroughbreds and this
joint initiative can only further enhance the quality of horse competing in our Group 1 races. Racing Queensland
congratulates the Queensland Government for their continued support of the Queensland racing industry through the
allocation of funds by Events Queensland for this initiative," said Racing Queensland Limited Chairman, Bob Bentley.
Gai Waterhouse threw her support behind the initiative declaring it to be a great concept.
"It's a great concept because you're bringing together the best of the best. To think you're going to bring together a
number of Group 1 winners from the other handicaps around Australia and New Zealand only can make for better racing
and a better quality field."
Black Caviar Trainer Peter Moody said: "This is certainly a great way to end our racing year. It goes a long way to forming
part of a championship of racing here in Australia where we can have fun in the sun in the middle of winter in
Queensland!"
The Brisbane Racing Club Chairman was also ecstatic to announce a new partnership with Brisbane BMW & Westside
BMW.
"Any trainer who has a placegetter (1st – 4th) in both the Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke Handicap will have a
chance to select 1 of 50 keys which will unlock a new BMW 5 Series Sedan with a retail value of $95,139 drive away.
Should no trainer achieve that feat, the winning trainer of the Stradbroke Handicap will be extended that opportunity.
"We feel this is yet a further opportunity to reward a trainer for their support of our Carnival in preparing their horses to run
in our feature events," said Mr Dixon.
The Brisbane Racing Carnival will take place at Doomben and Eagle Farm Racecourses between May 12 and June 9.
The $1 million AAMI Stradbroke will be run on Saturday, June 9 with the $400,000 Treasury Casino Queensland Oaks
run the week earlier on Saturday, June 2. Both events are conducted at Eagle Farm Racecourse.
Carnival Hospitality Packages go on sale early February 2012.
Baker chasing first city winner at Wyong
18/01/2012
Former New Zealand trainer Bjorn Baker heads to Wyong today searching for his first metropolitan winner since moving to Sydney last July.
Today’s meeting is an Australian Turf Club program, switched to Wyong while Randwick is being re-built, and carries metropolitan status.
And the gates will be thrown open with free entry for all race goers.
Baker will start Havana Rey (Kerrin McEvoy) in the Mercure Kooindah Waters Maiden (1350m) and the former New Zealand galloper A Real Prince (Shaun Guymer)in the H and H Catering Hcp (1350m).
A Real Prince is an interesting galloper, resuming here and having his first Australian start.
In New Zealand, where he was trained by Fraser Auret, A Real Prince won four races and was placed another three times from only 11 starts.
He has had one trial since coming to Australia for a fifth at Warwick Farm last month. For latest betting markets click here
"I would dearly love to see her have her 20th run in Australia for the fact that would break the modern-day record set by Zenyatta" ... Black Caviar trainer Peter Moody. Photo: Angela Wylie
SYDNEY racing fans could be in for a treat this autumn as the carnival looms as the most likely stage for Black Caviar to attempt yet another modern-day record.
Trainer Peter Moody said yesterday he had his eyes on US mare Zenyatta's unbeaten run of 19 wins, and as Black Caviar is likely to equal that number in three runs in Melbourne over the next six weeks, one more run in Sydney this campaign would be considered before she goes to England for the Royal Ascot in June.
Black Caviar returns next week in the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley, attempting her 17th consecutive win, then will race over 1400 metres in the CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield, before she runs in the group 1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on February 25. But there are no other races in Melbourne to suit the mare after that race, while there are several group 1 events in the 1200-1400 metres distance range in Sydney in March and April.
''If she does win those three races, that would take her to 19 wins and I would dearly love to see her have her 20th run in Australia for the fact that would break the modern-day record set by Zenyatta,'' Moody said after her trial win at Caulfield yesterday. ''If, when and where that happens, I'm not so sure at all, but there are numerous options for that to happen.''
17/1/2012 Latest trackwork from the Gai Waterhouse stable
Monday 16/1 Article courtesy of Gai Waterhouse website
Only the B grass was available and luckily for me not many of the other trainers worked their horses this morning. I tried to take advantage of that as I knew Tuesday would be busy and the steeple grass would get a real pounding.
Steve O'Halloran and Nash were over the moon with All Enfield (Red Ransom x Milva) and Valerio (Strategic x Dianthus) who made a great pair and both are quality fillies.
Star Thoroughbreds Starcraft/Seduction easily won her gallop while Sunday Too Far (Bernadini x Quiet Life) and Star's Laurenstar (Commands x Loyal Lauren) made a gorgeous pair. Both have recently returned from a spell in fine order.
Mark said Butterfly Club (Redoute's Choice x Riddle Me) was his best and Nash loved the work of Volutina (Holy Roman Emperor x Opportune) saying she was delightful and lovely.
Richard Cronin and Steve were pleased with Differing Fortunes (Redoute's Choice x Christchurch) and Dormello (More Than Ready x Cinque Cento) who are both on the come back trail for a piece of the autumn riches.
Adam Hyeronimus who did a brilliant job on Saturday when winning on Upon This Rock (Fastnet Rock x Joleur) said that Turf Dancer (Al Maher x Raheebah) was the best of his lot.
Grand Armee's relation Sumarand (More Than Ready x Yarralumla) jumped out of the ground with his blinkers on this morning for Ranjeet Singh. Ranjeet had a birthday last week and I'm sure it won't be long till he's back home in India and slipping a wedding ring on some lucky girl. Someone explained to me that in India if you're not married by a certain age there is pressure applied for an arranged marriage. Ranjeet has a few more years ahead of him before that may come up and I must say after working with him for a number of years I think he feels just as much at home here as he does with his family back in India.
Wild and Proud (Snowland x Blab) and In Plain Sight (Starcraft x Chic Choice) pleased Jason Lee and Tom with their final gallops as Wild and Proud heads to Wyong on Wednesday while In Plain Sight goes to Gosford on Friday. Tuxedo Royale (Encosta De Lago x Golden Dane) also runs on Wednesday at Wyong and Mark thought he was one of his best.
Nash is really satisfied with the work of Miss Ready (More Than Ready x Amistosa) and Tim Bone said Sfera (Rock of Gibraltar x Alisidora) is coming along nicely.
Tango Valentino (Redoute's Choice x Gypsy Dancer) and Sandhurst (Royal Academy X World Event) trial next week and Holy Heart (Holy Roman Emperor x These Days) even though is not the biggest thing going around in my yard, was most tenacious with the blinkers on this morning.
Star Thoroughbreds Roxenburgh (Pins X Ballymore Lass) was ridden by English apprentice Ian Burns who liked the way he felt going to the line and Tim told me he liked the direction in which Von Teese (Pins x Imco Main) is heading.
And finally Tommy was delighted with Champagne Royal (Fastnet Rock x Significant Moment) who'll retrial at Randwick next week.
![Black Caviar at the Mordialloc beach with Vanessa Bartlett from the Peter Moody stable. THE AGE . sport . 24 JANUARY 2012 . pic by Bronwen Healy [0407 622 003] *Pic cannot be onsold without Bronwen's consent*.](http://images.smh.com.au/2012/02/04/2938161/ipad-art-wide-black-caviar-420x0.jpg)
