Isopach Wins Oaklands Plate

Saturday, 30 April 2011 04:52

Patinack Farm had three runners out of six starters in Saturday’s Listed $80,000 Adelaide Casino Oaklands Plate (1600m) at Morphettville and that representation proved enough to win the two-year-old feature.

However it didn’t come from $1.90 favourite Win For Wilson as many expected. Instead it was third favourite Isopach ($3.80) that claimed the $50,000 first prize with a stunning last-to-first victory.

Ridden by Mark Zahra, Isopach settled last on the rails before giving chase to Win For Wilson and Pump It at the front of the field, hugging the fence all the way to hit the lead inside the final 100 metres and win by a half length.

Pump It ($3.20) finished second while Win For Wilson weakened into third place, just over a further length away.

Isopach, who finished fifth last start in the Group 3 SAJC Sires’ Produce (1400m), finished in the placings for the first time this time from five career starts.

Monday's Oakbank Races Report

Monday, 25 April 2011 15:13

Trainer John Wheeler became the undisputed king of Oakbank when he won his eighth Great Eastern Steeplechase with Petushki at Oakbank on Easter Monday/ANZAC Day.

Petushki, the $2 favourite, won the 4950 metre event by five and a quarter lengths. The Golan sired Petushki, from the Start Way mare Llamrei, gave young New Zealand rider Richard Eynon his first Australian win. Coming from well back in the field Petushki beat another John Wheeler trained runner the Rowan Weymouth ridden Banna Strand $10.

A nose away third was Fasilenko $13 for John A O’Connor and Tom Ryan.

After missing the start Hearts ‘N’ Halos, the $3.20 favourite, came with a late run to scored a short half head in the 1100 metre opening event,

Being under the care of Morphettville trainer Peter F Blanch and ridden by Dominic Tourneur the Show a Heart mare, from the Don’t Say Halo matron Saintly Halo, beat Saint Sha Rose $4.40 for mentor Darren Magro and apprentice Amy Herrmann.

Glaze $4.40 was a farther neck away filling the minor placing for Phillip Stokes and Paul Gatt.

Punters were on the ball once again when the Gordon Richards trained apprentice Amy Herrmann piloted North Beach, the $2.30 favourite, was the three and a quarter length winner of the 1050 metre second race.

Being handy to the lead throughout the event the Footstepsinthesand gelding from the Danewin mare White Fire beat the Michael Hickmott trained Shayne Cahill ridden Hill Fire $6.

Gold Bumdle $5 was a farther half length away third for Paul Seater and Matthew Neilson.

A year in planning paid off for trainer Eric Musgrove when Famous Prince took out the feature hurdle race of the Oakbank carnival - the Yalumba Classic Hurdle of 3600 metres.

Having the services of Arron Lynch and sired by Galileo, from the Palace Music mare Celebrity Princess, Famous Prince was a $4 chance. Famous Prince settled well and worked his way to the front before going on to beat the $4.40 chance Pay the Aces for mentor Darren Weir and cross-country hoop Tom Logan.

Yamanaura $6 was a farther one and three quarter lengths away third for John Wheeler and Richard Eynon.

The five year old mare Tobouggie Woogie $3 made it two wins in two days when it was the neck winner of the Gallipoli Handicap of 1400 metres.

A daughter of Tobougg and the Royal Academy mare Regal Flute and trained by the combination of Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas and guided by the stable apprentice Jackson Matthews, Tobouggie Woogie was well placed and beat the Dennis O’Leary prepared Dominic Tourneur ridden Roccin Jo $4.80 by a neck.

A farther short head away was Silver Raven $8 for Shane Coombs and Wayne Kerford.

Kingnadim made it two Country Cups in succession when he won the 1900 metre fifth race. Being under the care of Shane Oxlade and ridden by apprentice Claudia Lions the Elnadim sired Kingnadim $6, form the Woodman mare Buncrana, was always in the first four and beat Waywardshot $8.50 for Eric Musgrove and Clare Lindop.

The Justin Potter mount Willego $7 was a farther one and a half lengths away third for the winning trainer Shane Oxlade.

The Tasmanian training partnership of David and Scott Brunton tasted success for the second time in fortnight when Success Dostta $5 was the half head winner of the listed Onkaparinga Cup which was run over 2150 metres.

A Success Express gelding from the Night Shift matron Fringe, Success Dostta came from well back in the field to defeat the $4 equal favourite Lalla Rookh, for the training partnership of Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas and rider Clare Lindop. The Unplaced Daydream Charlie was the other equal favourite.

Doubly Sure $9 was another half head away third for Karen Byrnes and Todd Pannell.

The Jon O’Connor prepared and apprentice Nathan Rose piloted Some Call Me Tim scored a two length win in the final event of 1100 metres. Starting at $6 the Happy Giggle sired Some Call Me Tim, from the Last Tycoon mare Bermuda Rose, came from last with a strong outside run and defeated He’s A Houndog for Oakbank trainer Barry Brook and Wayne Kerford.

Testate $15 was another three quarters of a length away third for Stuart Padman and Shane Cahill.

Goodwood Thrown Open As Hay List Defects

Friday, 29 April 2011 07:15

The Group One Goodwood in Adelaide has been thrown wide open with star sprinter Hay List a confirmed non-runner.

Hay List had been installed a dominant favourite for Sunday week's 1200m feature at Morphettville but he was ruled out on Friday because suitable travel plans couldn't be arranged.

Shrapnel, Ortensia and Crystal Lily now share favouritism at $5.50 in the revised TAB Sportsbet market.

The Mark Kavanagh-trained Shrapnel impressed when winning the Group Two Yallambee Classic at the same track and distance as the Goodwood on March 14.

The talented colt was set to run in the Group One Galaxy (1100m) at Randwick on April 16 but was scratched only a couple of hours before the event when the track was downgraded to a heavy (10).

Last year's Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily has twice finished second to champion Black Caviar in Group One sprints in Melbourne so far this campaign before her last start seventh in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) in Sydney.

Picture: Jenny Barnes

Petushki Wins Great Eastern Steeple

Monday, 25 April 2011 14:25

Trainer John Wheeler celebrated his eighth success in the $160,000 Scott Group of Companies Great Eastern Steeplechase (4950m) following the win of Petushki at Oakbank on Monday.

Petushki put the writing on the wall for Great Eastern success with a fast-finishing second in the $100,000 Von Doussa Steeplechase (3250m) on Saturday behind Vindicating.

The six-year-old son of Golan joins Touch Judge (1993), Tyrolia (1994), Light Hand (1995-96), Foxboy (1997), St Steven (2001) and Real Tonic (2006) as winners of South Australia’s richest jumps race for the master trainer.

While Petushki’s winning margin might not have been anywhere near that of Real Tonic’s 34 length romp, he was a dominant victor over the line for jockey Richard Eynon.

Leading New Zealand South Island flat and jumps jockey Daniel Stackhouse established a solid tempo in the lead for the first two laps of the race aboard South Road.

With over five furlongs remaining, Steven Pateman and last year’s Grand Annual winner Al Garhood inherited the lead from the weakening South Road and went for home down the back straight, opening up a six length break on the chasing pack.

However Eynon rode quietly aboard Petushki and as the field cleared the final fence, Al Garhood’s lead had evaporated with Petushki forging clear over the final furlong.

Petushki ($2 fav) defeated Banna Strand ($10) by 5-1/4 lengths with Fasilenko ($13) just edged out at the post for second.

Al Garhood ($4.80-$5.50) crossed the line a distant fourth, over 20 lengths from the nearest placegetter with Pateman’s early move on the final lap in hindsight perhaps ill-conceived.

Kenwick was the only faller in the event, coming down with two fences remaining. Both Kenwick and his rider Marty Kelly were fine after the accident.

Petushki, runner-up in the Group 1 2008 Queensland Derby (2400m), has now raced 46 times for six wins and six placings for over $335,000 in prizemoney.

Picture: Jenny Barnes

Hay List To Miss Goodwood

Friday, 29 April 2011 06:15

Hay List won't be heading to Adelaide for the Group One Goodwood at Morphettville on Sunday week and will instead go straight to Brisbane for another clash with champion Black Caviar in the BTC Cup at Doomben.

Trainer John McNair aborted plans to start Hay List in Sunday week's Goodwood after South Australian officials were unable to confirm a charter flight for the star sprinter.

While the loss of Hay List from the $350,000 Goodwood is a major blow for Adelaide officials, it is a promoter's dream for the Brisbane Racing Club which hosts the Group One BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben on May 14.

McNair has confirmed Shane Scriven will replace Glen Boss who stood in for the injured Glyn Schofield in Hay List's all-the-way victory in the Group One All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick last Saturday.

Scriven is riding an emotional roller-coaster after being suspended for five months following his infamous whip-stealing incident at Ipswich earlier this month.

He is riding on a stay of proceedings pending his appeal which will be heard by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal on May 23, two days after the Group One Doomben Cup.

The date of the appeal means Scriven is free to retain his association with Perth stayer Scenic Shot in Saturday week's Group Two Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast and the Doomben Cup.

McNair remains confident Hay List can get the measure of Black Caviar, if not in the BTC Cup then in the Group One Doomben 10,000 (1350m) on May 28.

Unbeaten Black Caviar has won all three encounters with Hay List including their last clash when Hay List was runner-up to the wonder mare in the Group One TJ Smith (1200m) at Randwick on April 9.

"She is not rated the best horse in the world at the moment for no reason, and I concede that we need a lot of things to go our way to beat her," McNair said.

"But in saying that I will take anything that comes our way. Once we get over 1200 metres and up to the 1350 metres and 1400, then I concede that I think things will swing back in our favour."

Connections of Hay List opted for Scriven because he's a heavyweight rider.

"The owners were keen to put Scriven on, he's one of the best riders up there and he's a natural heavyweight so it takes away the prospect of dead-weight," he said.

"We're not really concerned about him not having ridden the horse before because he's gone well for everyone else, so I can't see why he wouldn't go well for Shane."

The Group One KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) in Singapore next month has also been ruled out for Hay List.

Picture: Sportpix

Saturday's Oakbank Races Report

Sunday, 24 April 2011 02:05

The Mark Kavanagh prepared Todd Pannell ridden Dubai Me Diamonds $2.90 made it two wins in succession when the three year old gelding was the half length winner of the opening race at Oakbank on Saturday.

From the Regal Classic mare Quantum Leap and sired by Dubawi, Dubai Me Daiamonds was handy to the lead throughout and beat Little Akie $2.50, the one time leader after missing the start.

Fashion Wah Wah $8 was a farther four and three quarter lengths away third for Leon Macdonlad, Andrew Gluyas and Clare Lindop.

Champion jumps trainer Eric Musgrove provided the quinella in the 2900 metre restricted Hurdle when the Arron Lynch ridden Zealous $9 beat its stablemate the Trent Wells ridden Chatillion $31 putting a margin of one and a quarter lengths between them and also giving their sire Zabeel the quinella.

From the Hector Protector mare Hameeda, Zealous was well placed and beat the New Zealand visitor Clarence $6 who was another four and a half lengths away third for Mark Oulaghan and Daniel Stackhouse.

The five year old mare Tobouggie Woogie $4.60 showed its liking for the Oakbank track when he won his second race in three weeks on the Hills circuit. Being under the care of the training combination of Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas and having the services of Clare Lindop the Tobougg sired Toboogie Woogie, from the Royal Academy mare Regal Flute, was another winner to be in a forward position during running and beat Zizz $5 for trainer David Jolly and rider Simon Price.

Rowdy Rocker $12 was another four and three quarter lengths away third for Ken Sweeney and Ben Hoppo.

Joining forces with Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent Chad Lever rode the five year old Statue of Liberty sired Stanstill, the $3.30 public elect, to a half length win in the 3600 metre fourth race. From the Rainbow Quest mare Fervent Wish Stanstill was always well placed and beat the Barry Brook prepared Claudia Lions ridden Dumosa $16.

Count Lotus $6 was another six and three quarter lengths away third for another Victorian trainer Robbie Lang and Adrian Patterson.

Former WA trainer, now private trainer for Ken and Helen Smith, Roy Rogers led in his second SA winner when Exalted Brother $3.50 was the one and a quarter length winner of race five which was contested over 1400 metres.

The Blevic sired gelding, from the Keepers mare Exalted Keepers, Exalted Brother led all the way and beat Dancing Havana $26 for mentor Karen Byrnes and rider Justin Potter.

The combination of John Hyam and Troy Baker supplied Zip Express $5 who was another three quarters of a length away third.

Apprentice Jordan Frew and trainer Georgie Henderson tasted victory when Ticket to Vegas $5 was the neck winner of race six which was run over 1400 metres. From the Grand Lodge mare Evergreen and sired by Rubiton Ticket to Vegas continued the run of well placed horses beating Sacred Snaadee, for Matthew Sayers and rider Paul Gatt, a neck away second.

Billy Whitesox $21 for Daniel Clarken and his apprentice Lauren Stojakovic was a farther head away third.

The New Zealand bred stallion Zabeel completed the jumping double when the seven year old gelding Vindicating was the neck winner of the 3250 metre Von Doussa Steeplechase. Being under the care of Cranbourne mentor Robbie Land and guided to victory by Gavin Bedggood Vindicating, who is from the Rhythm mare Muto Princess, came from the middle of the field to beat Petushki for Kiwi trainer John Wheeler and rider Richard Eyon.

Cash Advance was another length away third for Murray Bridge trainer John A O’Connor and Tom Ryan.

The success of front running horses continued when Cornelia Marie $12 came from third to take out the listed Oakbank Stakes of 1100 metres. The win of the Reset mare Cornelia Marie, who had the services of Justin Potter, gave her trainer David Jolly another black type success. Cornelia Marie beat Play Just For Me $8 for Cranbourne trainer Bevan Laming and apprentice Nathan rose.

Cornelia Marie’s stablemate Arinos, the $2.90 favourite ridden by Paul Gatt, was a farther long head away third. A farther half head away fourth in the feature flat event of the day was another David Jolly trained runner Kisrak.

Local trainer Barry Brook and apprentice Amy Herrmann triumphed in the final event of 1050 metres when Alquamarne was the long neck winner. The Alquoz gelding from the Almaarad mare Almaanne, Alquamarne $12 came from near the rear of the field to defeat Riahgrand $3.30 for Darryl Dodson and Paul Gatt.

My Uncle Vinnie $16 was a farther long neck away third for the husband and wife team of Karen Letts-Maund and Jeffrey Maund.

Wednesday's Strathalbyn Races Report

Thursday, 28 April 2011 08:17

Local trainers David Jolly, John Hyam and Judy Potts celebrated wins at Strathalbyn on Wednesday.

Goolwa trainer David Jolly had the first of successive victories when Donut, $8 broke its maiden status with a three quarters of a length win in the 1200 metre second event.

Ridden by Simon Price the fourth time starter Donut, a Danzero gelding from the Grand Lodge mare Granlassue, came from a better than midfield position to beat he John Hyam prepared Troy Baker piloted Canny Catch Me, the $2.80 favourite.

Another David Jolly charge, the Paul Gatt ridden Spartan Eagle $7.50, was a farther one and a quarter lengths away third.

David Jolly brought up an early double when Noid $6 was the one and three quarter length winner of the 1350 metre third race.

Having the services of Paul Gatt the Blevic gelding, from the Jeune matron Youngster, Noid settled just worse than mi d-field and went on to beat the Phillip Cole prepared Justin Potter ridden Arthurian Legend $26.

Social Finale $6 made it a Strathalbyn track trifecta when the gelding was a farther length away third for Trevor Day and Simon Price.

Road to Finniss $6 gave Finniss trainer John Hyam and jockey Troy Baker a length win in race five which was run over 1200 metres.

A Good Journey four year old gelding from the Sillery mare Premiere Fois, Road to Finniss was well placed and beat the David Balfour prepared Clare Lindop ridden Cute to Boot $5.50.

Local trainer Brian Mueller combined with Dominic Tourneur when The Princess $10 was another neck away third.

Trainer Judy Potts kept the momentum of local trainers going when Kellerman was the three and a half length winner of the 2050 metre Owen Taylor Memorial Handicap.

Guided to victory by apprentice Jordan Frew the Brief Truce gelding from the At Talaq mare Golden Vine, Kellerman $7 was always in the first three and finished full of running to defeat another Strathalbyn trained runner Kuipto Blaze $9 for mentor Roslyn Day and rider Adrian Patterson.

A farther two and a half lengths away filling the minor placing was Cherilyn $5.50 for Barry Brook and Simon Price.

Sporting blinkers for the first time Perugian Spell $15 gave trainer Gary Searle and his apprentice Melanie Tyndall a half neck victory in the opening event of 1600 metres.

His first win from twenty-five starts the Perugino gelding Perugian Spell, form the Voodoo Rhythm mare Lucky Witch, was well back after the starter released the field and came with a strong run late in the race to defeat Flying First Class $4.40 for mentor David Aldridge and rider Dominic Tourneur.

A farther half length away third was Spirits Fly for David Jolly and Paul Gatt.

The last start winner Jeunealistic made it two wins in a row and gave jockey Paul Gatt back to back winners in the 1600 metre fourth race.

Trained by Ken Sweeney from the Euclase mare Classy Looker the Jeune sired Jeunealistic $3-.80 came from midfield to defeat the Barbara Geracitano trained apprentice Amy Herrmann ridden Snapertude $7.

The Colin Baker prepared apprentice Jordan Frew ridden Rikbat $4.40 was another two and three quarter lengths away third.

Apprentice Libby Hopwood celebrated her return to racing after a six meeting suspension when she rode the Mark Minervini prepared Womby Princess $9.50 to a half length win in the 1350 metre seventh race.

From the Soviet Lad mare Womby Queen and sired by the Irish bred Lacryma Cristi, Womby Princess came from a mid field position and defeated the Lloyd Kennewell prepared Shane Cahill ridden Ace or Joka, the $3.50 favourite.

The early leader I’m Bond $9.50 was a nose away third for Hamilton trainer Ron Daniels and Horsham based Holly McKechnie.

The combination of trainer John Hickmott and rider Dominic Tourneur scored a one and a quarter length win when Ruling to Win $11 took out the 1350 metre final event.

Coming from well back the Encosta de Lago six year old gelding from the Zabeel mare Calm as a Lady, Ruling to Win finished too strongly for the John Hyam trained Troy Baker ridden Zip Bus $4.40.

Steeley Resolve $12 was a farther half length away third for Jon O’Connor and Todd Pannell.

Wednesday's Gawler Races Report

Thursday, 21 April 2011 01:45

The victories of Shez A Gaze from the Ken Sweeney stable and the Sam Burford prepared Shanpanichi provided jockey Troy Baker with a race to race double at Gawler on Wednesday.

From the Zoffany mare She Zoff and sired by Stargazer, Shez A Gaze $7 came from well back in the 2100 metre second race and defeated the Roslyn Day prepared Adrian Patterson ridden Handsome As $4.

Cool Classsic $11 was another half neck away third for Peter G Jones and Clare Lindop.

Troy Baker achieved his second win when he guided Shanpanichi $4.80 to a half length win in the 1200 metre third event.

Under the care of Sam Burford the Fusaichi Pegasus sired four year old, from the Flying Spur matron Chandom, was in the leading division for the entire journey and beat Another Discussion $9 for the combination of Matthew Seyers and Matthew Neilson.

King Rodney $5 was another one and a half lengths away for the local training combination of Ron and Brett Campbell and Shayne Cahill.

Murray Bridge trainer Mick Huxtable and jockey Paul Gatt started the day off well when the three year old filly Artie’s Angel, the $3.80 punter’s choice, was the three quarters of a length winner of the opening race.

Having its second start the Artie Schiller sired filly Artie’s Angel, from the St. Jude mare Jude’s Angel, came from well back to defeat another Murray Bridge trained runner Imperial Fury $7 who is under the care of Stuart Padman and was guided by Matthew Neilson.

Morse Code $5.50 was a farther length way third for the combination of Leon Macdonald, Andrew Gluyas and Clare Lindop.

Artie’s Angel could be a contender for the listed Dequetteville Stakes which will be run over 1100 metres on Sunday May 8th at Morphettville.

The Barely a Moment sired Zip In Time $14, from the Bicentenary mare Giftenary, was the two and three quarter length winner of the 1500 metre fourth race. Mentored by John Hyam and piloted to victory by Wayne Kerford Zip In Time came from a mid-field position to defeat Apache Sunrise $19 for the combination of local trainer John Vandermyle and rider Adrian Patterson.

Rescued $7.50 was another half length away third for Ken Sweeney and Todd Pannell.

Favourite backers had their second collect for the day when Sky Raider $2.50 was the three and a half length winner of the 2100 metre fifth race.

Trained by Tony McEvoy who had Simon Price ride his charge the Reset gelding, from the Kashani mare Bright Time, settled well and, maintaining a forward position, beat the Jim Smith mentored Clare Lindop ridden Exalted Lady $4-60.

The $101 chance Hold That Conquest was a farther short neck away third for Margaret Ruberry and Kate Dyson.

The combination of mentor Phillip Stokes and rider Adrian Patterson tasted victory when Beleconi $6 was the half head winner of the 1500 metre sixth event, the John Phillips 80th Birthday Handicap. Coming from barrier 3 Beleconi drifted back into the body of the field but was able to muster enough speed over the concluding stages to beat Invisible Diva, the $3.20 favourite, for mentor Mark Kavanagh and apprentice Nathan Rose.

Sea Coral $5 was a farther three quarters of a length away third for Tony McEvoy and Clare Lindop.

Racing in the first three for the entire journey of the 1200 metre seventh race Our Lara $9 gave the Strathalbyn combination of trainer Brian Mueller and jockey Justin Potter a long head win. From the Marooned Mare Isolated Action the Devaraja sired Our Lara beat Ultramarine Blue $9 for trainer Daniel Clarken and his apprentice Lauren Stojakovic.

The $13 returned Orchestral was a farther half length away third for Simon Casey and Damien Robinson.

Although there were only two favourites successful for the day Super De Lago $7 wrapped up a good day of racing when the four year old was the short half head winner of the final event which was contested over 1500 metres.

Trained by Mark Kavanagh and having the services of Chad Lever the Encosta de Lago horse Super de Lago, from the Irish River mare Romantic River, came from a rearward position and powered home to beat Lots of Smacks $6 for Pakenham trainer Belinda Simpson and Dominic Tourneur.

Eaglehawk Star $6.50 was a farther head away third for John Hyam and Troy Baker.

Hay List Still A Goodwood Chance

Tuesday, 26 April 2011 07:45

A Goodwood Handicap start for Hay List could still be possible with the star sprinter to be nominated for Adelaide's Group One sprint on Wednesday.

A conversation between Hay List's trainer John McNair and South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) chief executive Brenton Wilkinson on Tuesday afternoon reignited the possibility of the All-Aged Stakes winner getting to Adelaide for the 1200m Group One on May 8.

McNair and Hay List's owners had been resigned to bypassing the Goodwood and heading straight to Brisbane for the BTC Cup (1200m) on May 14 because the cost of a flight to Adelaide and back was too expensive.

The SAJC will look into possible sponsorship opportunities in the coming days in an attempt to have Hay List on show at Morphettville.

"I've spoken to Brenton Wilkinson from the South Australian Jockey Club today and he's very keen to get him over there," McNair said.

"I made a few suggestions and he's gone off to do some homework in regards to see if there could be some sponsors."

McNair said it wouldn't be out of the question to run in the Goodwood in Adelaide and back up the following week in the BTC Cup (1200m) against Black Caviar providing there were suitable flights.

Wilkinson confirmed the SAJC was still "dead keen" on trying to see if Hay List could get to the Goodwood, and with the gelding to be nominated Wilkinson said he had some extra time to try see if it could happen.

"John is going to nominate the horse for the Goodwood tomorrow and we're just going to keep working in the next few days on how we can get him here as quickly as possible," Wilkinson said.

"John said that the owners and himself would much prefer the horse to fly so we're just going to look at every avenue we can to have the horse down here because the day Takeover Target came to Adelaide was a great day for us, and to have a horse the quality of Hay List here would just be sensational.

"We will also look at the option of whether we can organise a flight, rather than going back to Sydney, whether we can get a flight to Brisbane for him."

Wilkinson said he would be speaking to possible sponsors on Wednesday.

"It's a huge publicity opportunity for South Australia and for somebody to get involved with," he said.

"I don't have a specific person in mind (but) I will talk to Tourism SA to see whether or not they are happy to assist us in getting a horse like him here, because if we didn't have Black Caviar he would be the pin-up horse of Australia."

McNair has ruled out floating the hulking sprinter to Adelaide for the Goodwood.

"That's not on the cards, especially since we can wait another week and go to Brisbane (for the BTC Cup)," McNair said.

"And to be honest, instead of worrying about Black Caviar, I'm almost starting to look forward to it."

The trainer said he was "absolutely over the moon" with how Hay List had come through his All-Aged Stakes win.

Picture: Sportpix

Al Garhood On Track For Second Von Doussa

Monday, 18 April 2011 06:59

Last year's Von Doussa Steeplechase winner Al Garhood has shown he is on track for a repeat performance with an encouraging trial result at Oakbank.

Ridden by Steven Pateman, the 11-year-old competed in the fastest steeplechase trial on Monday finishing 3-1/2 lengths behind Rude `N' Abrupt who beat Cash Advance by a half length in 3.58.4 for the 3200m.

Trainer Ciaron Maher wasn't at the trial but was pleased with reports from stable staff.

"They said all went okay," Maher said.

Maher confirmed Saturday's Von Doussa (3250m) at Oakbank was again Al Garhood's mission ahead of the Warrnambool carnival where he will target the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) for the fourth time and the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) for the third time.

He won the 2008 and 2009 Brierly and was second last year while he won last year's Grand Annual after finishing second in 2009.

He won last year's Von Doussa after finishing seventh in that race in 2009.

Al Garhood has never run in the Great Eastern Steeplechase (4950m) on Easter Monday but Maher said he would be an acceptor this year if he ran well in the Von Doussa.

However he would have to pull up extraordinarily well to start with the Warrnambool carnival only a week later.

Maher said Brough Superior may end up being his only Great Eastern runner.

The 10-year-old was beaten 30 lengths when second to Lucky Lurch in the slowest of Monday's four steeplechase trials and will have his lead-up run in either Von Doussa or the Yalumba Handicap (3600m) on Saturday.

Of the other horses to trial on Monday, New Zealander South Road and Kenwick both stood out with only a length separating them in their steeplechase trial while the rest of the field was distanced.

Virvacity, winner of the 2008 Von Doussa, only did a lap of the track on Monday and finished 40 lengths clear in a dashing display.

Meanwhile the Eric Musgrove trained Rabbuka, best known as a hurdler, was an impressivewinner of another steeplechase trial.

Jim Smith-trained Borat was the eye-catcher in the four hurdle trials, winning by five lengths from Olympic Light in clearly the fastest trial of 2.25.1 for the 2200m.

Borat is nominated to make his jumps race debut in Saturday's Woodford Reserve Hurdle (2900m) and is also entered for next Monday's Yalumba Classic Hurdle (3600m).

Other hurdle trial winners were Rampur, Stillman and Grinstone.

Oakbank regular John Wheeler is yet to arrive with his Von Doussa and Great Eastern pair Banna Strand and Petushki,and his Yalumba Classic Hurdle contender Squire Rex.

With the jumps focus on the Oakbank carnival, Melbourne Racing Club was unable to get enough acceptances to stage Wednesday's steeplechase while there were only six acceptances for the hurdle.

Picture: Colin Bull