Riva De Lago Puts Ford Back In Spotlight

Wednesday, 09 November 2011 05:20

Riva De Lago has been earmarked as a potential Group One horse and jockey Jay Ford is happy to be going along for the ride.

Ford has ridden the Con Karakatsanis-trained Riva De Lago to two impressive wins this campaign and is confident the emerging talent can continue his winning way when he steps up to 1500m at Rosehill on Saturday.

Karakatsanis has nominated the Group One Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) as a 2012 target for the gelding.

Ford, who for so long had champion sprinter Takeover Target to look forward to each carnival, admits Riva De Lago is an exciting horse in the making.

"He's definitely one of the most exciting horses I'm riding at the moment," Ford said.

"I've been going well but he's the one that sticks out as a horse that can go on and win races better than just Saturday races, so he's definitely one I want to stick with.

"I think he's definitely up to stakes grade."

Ford has only ridden Riva De Lago in his past three starts but has been doing plenty of work with the horse behind the scenes in trackwork.

"He's always promised this sort of stuff," Ford said.

"He's always had the ability and at times hasn't been bringing it to the races. It's great to see him producing what we thought he could do."

Riva De Lago, who was gelded before this preparation, is one of 21 nominations for Saturday's race and has 54kg.

The gelding won a 1200m race at Randwick by four lengths first-up and then backed it up with another dominant display over 1350m at Rosehill.

"This is another stepping stone for him stepping up in trip," Ford said.

"He worked nicely again this morning and I expect him to run a very good race again."

Riva De Lago worked with stablemate My Destiny and Ford will also partner that galloper on Saturday.

My Destiny placed in the Listed Darby Munro (1200m) in March and bounced back to form with a third-up win on Melbourne Cup day at Randwick.

"He took a couple of runs to get fit and work himself back into form but everything seems to be heading in the right direction now," Ford said.

Cassidy Hoping To Be Back By Thursday

Monday, 07 November 2011 05:46

Leading jockey Jim Cassidy could be back in the saddle sooner than expected.

Cassidy was stood down from Saturday's Randwick meeting after riding the first race winner Merchandise.

In obvious discomfort as he urged Merchandise to the line, Cassidy was taken to hospital where tests revealed the two-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey had some torn cartilage in his chest.

His injury cost him two more winning rides.

Cassidy will miss Wednesday's Warwick Farm meeting but he has accepted four early mounts for Canterbury on Friday night and has five bookings for Rosehill the next day.

But his manager Matthew Privato said there was a chance Cassidy could ride at Hawkesbury on Thursday.

"Jim has been booked for just the one ride - Dream Choice - if it runs at Hawkesbury," Privato said.

John O'Shea will rely heavily on Cassidy on Saturday.

The Randwick trainer has booked Cassidy for four rides, including first starter Faustus in a two-year-old race.

By More Than Ready, Faustus is a grandson of the 1998 Melbourne Cup winner Jezabeel.

From the Magic Millions draft of John Singleton's Strawberry Hill Stud, the colt cost $290,000 at this year's Gold Coast sales.

Faustus will make his debut on the back of a Warwick Farm barrier trial placing.

Lightinthenite, Colorado Claire and Bound To Blush are other Cassidy rides for O'Shea.

Bound To Blush is also nominated for Canterbury.

Cassidy is also booked to ride Chris Waller's last-start Rosehill winner Savannah's Choice for the first time.

Carnival Beckons For Conners' Bargain Colt

Wednesday, 09 November 2011 05:20

Autumn plans for unbeaten Didntcostalot will become clearer after the colt makes his third and final appearance of his first campaign at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

The $3000 yearling purchase, who broke the 1100m track record on debut at Wyong last month, will shoot for his third straight win in Wednesday's Styletread.com.au Handicap (1100m).

"Whatever he does tomorrow he'll be going for a spell," trainer Marc Conners said.

"He's done a good job so far and we'll try to get him ready for some better races in the autumn.

"I think we'll sit down once this preparation is over and work out what races are best to target with him next time."

A speedy customer, Didntcostalot scooted around Wyong in a maiden on October 13 and posted a 5-1/2-length winning margin in course record time.

The son of young stallion Danerich got the job done again in his second start at the provincials, winning by 1-1/2-lengths over 1200m at Gosford carrying 58kg.

Jeff Penza has ridden Didntcostalot in his first two starts but Conners has opted for 3kg-claiming apprentice Ben Vassallo to offset the three-year-old's 59kg impost.

"I think he's really weighted up to his best and that weight was going to make it harder," Conners said.

"With that much weight I've tried to level it up a bit (with a claiming apprentice)."

With the colt's winning start to his career, connections of Didntcostalot have received some interest in the three-year-old.

"There's been a little bit of interest but nothing solid at this stage," Conners said.

Didntcostalot is one of six last start winners in the no-metropolitan win event and Conners is looking forward to the promising colt having his first crack at city racing.

"We're really happy with what he's done so far," the trainer said.

"I'll go in pretty confident. He's won two from two so it gives us every reason to be confident, but I'm sure there are probably three or four others that are confident as well."

Didntcostalot was installed the $4.80 second favourite with TAB Sportsbet on Tuesday behind the Chris Waller-trained True Tussock at $4.60.

Apprentice Sam Clipperton has been stood down from his three rides at Warwick Farm after being concussed in a mounting yard incident at Queanbeyan on Monday.

Atomic Force After Hong Kong Invite

Sunday, 06 November 2011 04:00

Group One winner Atomic Force remains in training in the hope he can secure a Hong Kong Sprint invitation.

"We've thrown in a nomination and he's had two inoculations so now it's a matter of waiting," Dynamic Syndications' Adam Watt told AAP.

"Obviously it would be a massive honour for us and the owners if the horse did get an invite."

Leading jockey Nash Rawiller has already been booked for the Hong Kong ride if an invitation arrives this month.

Trainer Darren Smith said Atomic Force would be spelled if the Galaxy winner missed out on a start.

"If the trip is a no-go then it's straight to the paddock for him," Smith said.

"But if we get an invite then I'm keen to go ... it would be a great experience.

"The horse is ticking over really well and he's come through his last run without any problems."

Atomic Force returned from a successful Melbourne spring campaign to finish a close fourth under 61kg at Rosehill.

Watt said Atomic Force's Galaxy win over a field which included Ortensia, a runner in last year's Hong Kong race, had convinced connections to nominate for next month's International meeting.

"If you run a (form) line through Ortensia who he beat home in the Galaxy then he wouldn't be out of his place," Watt said.

"Besides he's an on-pace horse and Sha Tin suits that style of racing."

Queensland Derby winner Shootoff is also in contention for a trip to Hong Kong.

The four-year-old did no harm to his chances of receiving an invitation with his performance at Flemington on Saturday.

Facing the breeze for the entire journey, Shootoff fought hard to finish second to Ironstein in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club will stage four International races on December 11 with invitations issued on November 23.

Jockeys Agree To Ride At Picnic Meeting

Wednesday, 09 November 2011 05:20

Racing officials are confident an iconic NSW picnic race meeting will go ahead despite threats of industrial action from jockeys.

Amateur riders involved in Wednesday's Bong Bong Cup picnic meeting were reportedly planning to strike over a pay dispute.

But a Racing NSW statement said the jockeys had told the governing body on Tuesday they would be riding at the famous NSW southern highlands fixture.

"Our stewards have contacted all the riders that have engagements at the meeting and each has given their assurance they intend to fulfil their obligations," Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said.

"We can only take them to be true to their word."

Mr V'landys said he was made aware last week of jockeys wanting an increase in riding fees.

"In good faith we had already given the amateur riders an increase of 12.5 per cent to their riding fees when the matter was brought to my attention," he said.

Mount Wins The Last At 'Old' Randwick

Saturday, 05 November 2011 08:16

The final race at Randwick on Saturday wasn't kind to punters but was a great thrill for jockey Jeff Penza who scored on outsider Mount Verde.

"That was awesome," Penza said after the John Wenman-trained gelding burst through from back in the field to take out the Tony Patramanis Handicap (1100m) as a $51 chance.

"I was only just behind the barriers talking to one of the barrier attendants who was leading me around and looking back at the stand saying 'we're going to miss this sight'," Penza said.

"It's only going to be bigger and better of course, but I'm certainly going to miss it anyway. And to come out and win the race just a couple of minutes later was just awesome."

The Randwick meeting on Saturday was promoted as the "Grandstand Finish", as work will start next week on a $150 million redevelopment of facilities.

Mount Verde raced back in the field but surged through a gap late to defeat Mighty Obvious by a head with a long neck to Hardbreak Hotel in third.

"Obviously the horse was out of form and the instructions were just to help him out and try to get him to hit the line," Penza said.

"We took him a bit by surprise, he got through a nice gap there and next thing he was in front right by the post which was great."

Albert The Fat In Frame For Dubai Carnival

Wednesday, 09 November 2011 05:20

A minor spike in temperature could present a major opportunity for the latest eastern states horse to be ruled out of the Perth racing carnival.

Albert The FatAlbert The Fat, who joined Australian racing's big league with his thrilling Emirates Stakes win, will miss his chance at more Group One glory in the $1 million Railway Stakes at Ascot.

"He was booked for the plane flight but this morning he had an elevated temperature," trainer Chris Waller said.

Albert The Fat was given 57kg equal topweight in the Railway Stakes when handicaps were released on Monday.

"History was against him a bit with that weight but I still thought he was capable of winning," Waller said.

Waller's decision to abandon Albert The Fat's Western Australia trip is the second carnival blow within 24 hours for Perth thoroughbred officials.

Racing's ultimate drawcard Black Caviar was ruled out of the Winterbottom Stakes to be saved for a 2012 campaign which is expected to showcase her talents on the international stage.

Waller, too, is thinking what role he can play in the overseas racing scene with Albert The Fat.

Confirming a Dubai campaign was now back on the table, the premier Sydney trainer described Albert The Fat as "the perfect horse" for a Middle East excursion.

"Apart from the little hiccup with his temperature this morning, he's a horse with a great constitution," Waller said.

"As of five o'clock on Monday, because he was going to Perth, Dubai probably was only a remote chance.

"Now it is something we are thinking about very seriously again."

Waller has tentatively mapped out a three-start Dubai World Cup carnival campaign in February and March.

He said Albert The Fat would be part of a "four or five-horse" team he would like to send overseas.

"I've spoken to Tony Noonan who has taken a team over to Dubai and had success," Waller said.

"The climate is similar to ours and if you've got the right horse you can win.

"The reason Tony hasn't been back for a while is that he hasn't the right horse."

A Dubai assault would allow Waller more flexibility in the programming of his carnival horses.

"While having three or four runners in a race gives you a good shot a winning, it's not really ideal," Waller said.

"This way, by going to Dubai, we are spreading the risk and opening up more opportunities."

A Hong Kong stopover to take in the Champions Mile at Sha Tin also figures in Waller's plans for Albert The Fat.

Picture: Quentin Lang

Randwick In Shutdown Mode

Saturday, 05 November 2011 07:31

Bob Rowles admits the overhaul of Royal Randwick will take some getting used to.

The jockey room supervisor at the racecourse since 1946, Rowles concedes he's a bit stuck in his ways ahead of the $150 million redevelopment of the iconic Sydney track.

"I've been here so long it's like a second home," he said.

"It'll be the same, only in a new place, but it will take a bit of time to get used to.

"I feel some regret about it but that's progress and you've got to go with what people think."

Rowles was on hand on Saturday along with a crowd of 15,575 racegoers who rolled up for the last race day at Randwick before work starts on a major facelift of the course.

Saturday's `Grandstand Finish' meeting celebrated the old course and included the burying of a time capsule filled with track memorabilia, a vintage fashion competition and a marching band performance.

The redevelopment, due to finish in autumn 2013, comprises a refurbishment of the Queen Elizabeth II grandstand and the demolition of the public grandstand which will be replaced by a larger state-of-the-art structure.

There will also be a new betting auditorium and parade ring, which will be behind the new grandstand, as well as upgraded members and corporate areas.

Australian Turf Club chairman John Cornish said the redevelopment was overdue.

"We've been racing here for 167 years, like anything else it needs refreshing," he said.

"The two stands that have been coming down have been there for almost four decades, they're tired and have outlived their usefulness.

"The new stand has a more modern look, there will be glass both sides and seating both sides."

He was especially excited about the new parade ring which will allow racegoers to get closer to jockeys and horses than they can at the moment.

"There will be a Theatre of the Horse where the horses will parade and mount up behind the stand and then go through a tunnel and come out on the track to run," Cornish said.

"Royal Ascot does that, the Hong Kong Jockey Club have it at Sha Tin as well - it's a thing that's catching on worldwide."

Randwick will still host 17 meetings including feature autumn and spring carnival days next year during the redevelopment.

Bob Bouffler, Randwick's resident bugler, was also enthusiastic about the new 4,500 seat parade ring, despite not knowing where exactly he'd fit.

"The saddling enclosure is at the back, so they'll probably still have me out the front, but sometimes overseas they have the bugler out the back, so I'm not sure," he said.

However, he was certain of one thing.

"I'll still be here, that's for sure."

Villiers-bound Al Dhafra Tipped To Improve

Monday, 07 November 2011 07:00

The Villiers Stakes is a summer target for comeback gelding Al Dhafra if he improves as trainer Guy Walter expects, starting with his assignment at Rosehill on Saturday.

The five-year-old finished last of nine, beaten 6-1/2 lengths, when he had his first start for a year over 1100 metres at Rosehill last Saturday week.

Walter said Al Dhafra was still carrying a lot of extra condition after his time off caused by illness and injury.

"His first run was pretty average but he is still very big yet," Walter said.

"I think he'll improve and we'll get a better idea on Saturday of how he's going."

Al Dhafra was one of 14 nominations for the Benchmark 90 over 1200 metres headed by triple Group One winner Mentality.

After beginning his career in Queensland with Len Wheeler, Al Dhafra was transferred unraced to Walter and won his first four starts including the Canberra Guineas.

Two starts later in April 2010, he won the Listed Carbine Club Stakes during the Randwick autumn carnival but has not won in four starts since.

His problems began after he was unplaced in the Group Three Betfair Stakes at Caulfield in October last year.

"He had a lung infection and soreness to a bone in a hind leg," Walter said.

"He's been a long time getting back but hopefully he can get to the Villiers."

The Group Two Villiers (1600m) is the biggest race of the Sydney summer and will be run this year on Al Dhafra's home track, Warwick Farm, while Randwick undergoes a major renovation.

It has been a good spring for Walter who claimed a Group One double at Sydney's premier meeting on October 1 with Doctor Doom and Streama winning the Spring Champion Stakes and Flight Stakes respectively.

Foxstar and Skyerush continued the trend by winning races over last week's Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington.

All four are now in the spelling paddock along with Epsom Handicap fourth placegetter Willy Jimmy with Walter confirming the gelding will not travel to Perth for the Group One Railway (1600m).

Willy Jimmy was second emergency for Saturday's Group One Emirates Stakes so Walter opted to run him in Thursday's Hawkesbury Gold Cup where he finished second to Somepin Anypin.

"He's been up for a while and done a good job so we decided to give him a break," Walter said.

Cassidy Misses Winners Through Injury

Saturday, 05 November 2011 07:16

Champion jockey Jim Cassidy rode yet another winner at Randwick on Saturday but missed out on two more through injury as the course hosted its final meeting before undergoing a major facelift.

Cassidy partnered imported galloper Merchandise to victory in the opening race at Randwick's 'Grandstand Finish' meeting but was stood down immediately after returning to scale because of a rib injury he aggravated at the barrier trials on Friday.

The grand slam-winning jockey grimaced in discomfort as he returned to the jockeys' room and wouldn't have been feeling any better as fellow jockeys Glyn Schofield and Tommy Berry made the most of pick-up rides later in the day to win on Cheap Thrills and Mossamine respectively.

A crowd of 15,575 was in attendance at the final meeting before work on a $150 million redevelopment at the course begins which includes a state-of-the-art grandstand and the creation of a Theatre of the Horse parade ring.

Berry had already partnered Magic Millions-bound two-year-old Driefontein to a three-length debut win in the Woods Bagot Handicap (1000m) before jumping aboard the Graeme Rogerson-trained Mossamine to bring up a winning double with a half-length victory in the Future Music Festival Handicap (1400m).

"When you pick up a ride of Jimmy's, they are always going to be not bad rides," Berry said.

Schofield's win on Cheap Thrills was also part of a winning double for him, which he brought up on the talented Chris Waller-trained filly Ingham Magic in the Sky Sports Radio Farewells Royal Randwick Handicap (1200m).

Ingham Magic's half-neck win over Yurrapendi continued a great day for leading trainer Waller who prepared Albert The Fat to win the Group One Emirates Stakes and Vintedge to win the Group Two Matriarch Stakes at Flemington along with a Randwick double.

"It's been a huge day, they don't come around too often like that," Waller's right-hand man Peter Muscutt said.

"Obviously all the hard work is rewarded."

Muscutt said Ingham Magic's win capped a very nice day.

"She's always shown a tremendous amount," Muscutt said.

"She was a very progressive two-year-old and then went through a couple of little issues but those seem to be behind her. I certainly think there is a very decent race in her down the track."

The Waller-trained import Merchandise, meanwhile, could be aimed towards next year's Sydney Cup following his soft win under Cassidy's hands and heels riding in the opening race over 2400m.

"He's a nice stayer going somewhere," Cassidy said while noticeably in discomfort from the rib injury which sidelined him for the rest of the day.