Adelaide to Host First Juvenile Race Tomorrow

Friday, 20 September 2002 00:00

Ten horses have accepted for the $22,000 Smart Choice Spring Plate, a race which will be run over 900 metres down the straight at Victoria Park.

Astute Morphettville based trained David Balfour will have two runners in the race, including the trial runner-up Oakwood.

Lindsay Park will be represented by Son of Spartacus, who as his name indicates is a colt by the Yallambee Stud based former top class sprinter Spartacus.

Other trainers who are represented include Ken Sweeney, Phillip Stokes and the Magic Millions winning trainer Byron Cozamanis.

She's a Card, from the same stable at Squillani, and the Bordertown youngster Our Short Stop are trial winners who will go into the race with some admirers.

South Australia Honour their Best at Awards

Sunday, 15 September 2002 00:00

The South Australian Thoroughbred Racing Industry Awards are about excellence in the racing industry. It recognises the achievements of South Australians and performances within the South Australian industry. The awards presented include South Australian Champion Racehorse Of The Year, South Australia Trainer and Jockey Of The Year, Most Outstanding Achievement Award and the South Australian Hall Of Fame.

This years category winners:

Tony McEvoy - South Australian Trainer Of The Year & Metropolitan Trainer Of The Year & Country Trainer Of The Year

Eric Musgrove - Jumps Trainer Of The Year

Simon Price - South Australian Jockey Of The Year & Country Jockey Of The Year

Travis Creek - Metropolitan Jockey Of The Year & Metropolitan Apprentice Of The Year

Justin Potter - South Australian Apprentice Of The Year &Country Apprentice Of The Year

Craig Durden - Jumps Jockey Of The Year

Kurt - Most Consistent Racehorse Of The Year

Zip Zip Aray - South Australian Champion Racehorse Of The Year

The Most Outstanding Achievement Awards recognise exceptional success or accomplishment by an individual, club or organisation. This achievement may be within South Australia, nationally or internationally.

The four nominees are:

The Bordertown Racing Club – achieved record crowds, turnover and on-course takings in their first ever TAB meeting. Huge support from local businesses, industry and sponsors enabled the Club to double prizemoney from the previous year. As a result of their achievements, the Bordertown Racing Club has rewarded with an additional two TAB meetings.

The Clare Valley Racing Club – traditionally held two meetings over the Easter long weekend. Last year, though, they concentrated the efforts on a single meeting – Easter Saturday – for exceptional results. In attracted 5000 patrons to the day, the Club generated the fourth highest gate taking for a meeting in South Australia.

Dwayne Dunn – got off to a shaky start in his international career, crushing three vertebrae in a horrific fall in Hong Kong. He bounced back, though, and had a wonderful season 2001/2002, finishing sixth in the Hong Kong jockeys premiership with 32 wins, including his first at Group 1 level – the Chairman Sprint Prize worth more than $Aus1.1 million.

Ray Hawke - The redevelopment of the Morphettville track was the major ‘event’ of SA Racing 2001/2002. Ray was at the coalface of every phase of the upgrade – planning and design, construction, costing and reviewing. He has also been TRSA’s consultant on the Strathalbyn irrigation project now under way and also the TRSA consultant on the Mount Gambier track redevelopment.

South Australia will host next year’s Australian Hall Of Fame gala dinner at the Convention Centre on May 15, 2003.

It will be the first time the Hall Of Fame dinner is held outside Melbourne and promises to be a big drawcard during the Adelaide Cup carnival. It honours the legends of the Australian Turf.

The South Australian Hall Of Fame Awards were implemented last year and are aligned with the Australian Hall Of Fame. These awards include the South Australian Hall Of Fame Horse, Jockey, Trainer and Associate.

This year, the four Hall Of Fame inductees are Tobin Bronze, William "Billy" Pyers (jockey), Jim Cummings (trainer) and Wyndham Hill-Smith (associate). All four are worthy inductees for exceptional careers in their chosen field.

Media Release - TRSA

Balaklava (SA)

Wednesday, 18 September 2002 00:00

TRACK: Good
WEATHER: Overcast/Very windy
Rail: True

RACE 1 – PREMIERS DAY MAIDEN PLATE – 1050 metres

LOTTIE (J. Maund) was slow to jump.

CLAY TRICE (B. Claridge) jumped away awkwardly and then raced greenly throughout the event.

At the entrance to the straight FIRE OF YOUTH (M. McDonald) was momentarily disappointed when attempting to improve its position outside EULYKER (C. Lindop), which shifted out.

Near the 200 metres PARIS PUPPET (D. Tootell) shifted in.

Inside the 100 metres PARIS PUPPET (D. Tootell) shifted in abruptly under pressure.

RUSTIC WHIRL was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who reported the mare exhibited a respiratory noise.

RACE 2 – SAMANTHA NICHOLLS APNA BEST & FAIREST MAIDEN PLATE – 1600 metres

Near the 1200 metres TOMBOLAIRE (J. Maund), which had been inclined to race ungenerously when between runners, became reluctant to hold its position and shifted out abruptly, inconveniencing ROYAL BANNER (A. Stead).

Near the 600 metres TOMBOLAIRE (J. Maund) lost ground when reluctant to hold its position inside ZIP EXPLUSION (S. Cahill).

Inside the 400 metres TOMBOLAIRE (J. Maund), which had commenced to weaken, was obliged to steady off the heels of ROYAL BANNER (A. Stead), which shifted in, taking TOMBOLAIRE in onto NEWTON JOHN (C. Lindop), which became unbalanced. A. Stead was reprimanded and advised in future he would be required to stop riding and straighten his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion.

S. Price, rider of MOUNT KOSCIUSKO (NZ), reported that under pressure he was concerned with his mount’s action. MOUNT KOSCIUSKO (NZ) was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who reported no visible abnormalities.

RACE 3 – NATHAN SCHUBERT APFL BEST & FAIREST/SABIS 3YO CLASS 1 HANDICAP – 1200 metres

DUA AWALI (B. Claridge) jumped away awkwardly.

From inside the 400 metres until approximately the 200 metres PUSHING DAISIES (C. Buchiw) was unable to obtain clear running, and was inclined to lay in and away from CRYSTALLION (C. Bryant).

SHALOTTO lost its near fore plate during the race.

RACE 4 – TWO WELLS F.C. ‘B’ PREMIERS CLASS 3 HANDICAP – 1050 metres

JAMATRE (N. Tomizawa) and DISCO KID (B. Grimston) were slow to jump.

Inside the 400 metres JAMATRE (N. Tomizawa) rolled in and inconvenienced TROLL (C. Buchiw) momentarily.

CASH EXCHANGE was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who reported the gelding was inclined to be lame in the near hind leg.

TROLL was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities. Mr. L. M. Macdonald, Trainer of TROLL, undertook to have the gelding subjected to an endoscopic examination.

RACE 5 – MALLALA N.C. ‘A2’ PREMIERS CLASS 1 HANADICAP - 1400 metres

Prior to the start DARK ‘N’ DUSTY was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and ruled fit to race.

The start of this race was delayed owing to BAY OF STEEL (J. Holder) proving difficult to load. Mr. J. Lockyer, Trainer of BAY OF STEEL, was advised that repetition of the gelding’s behaviour would lead to action being taken against it.

IMPERIAL CHARTER (A. Stead) was slow to jump.

C. Lever, rider of JEUNE ROYALE, accidentally dropped his whip approaching the winning post. C. Lever was advised that future carelessness may result in a penalty being imposed.

RACE 6 – UNITED F.C. ‘A’ PREMIERS CLASS 5 HANDICAP – 1300 metres

LIQUID LUNCH (M. McDonald) was inclined to lay in under pressure in the straight. LIQUID LUNCH was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who reported the gelding was suffering a bout of thumps.

RACE 7 – HUMMOCKS N.C. ‘A1’ PREMIERS CLASS 2 HANDICAP – 1600 metres

YOUNG SMYTZER (N. Tomizawa) stood in the gates and missed the start several lengths.

DICEY REILLY (J. Potter) jumped away awkwardly.

Near the 1500 metres DEVARAJA DAAN (J. Bowditch) shifted in abruptly onto SAUVIGNON HILL (D. Carney), as that gelding improved, resulting in SAUVIGNON HILL being taken in onto COMO PRINCE (J. Holder), taking that gelding in onto PROUD RIVER (S. Price), which was tightened onto the hindquarters of BEELZA (NZ) (M. McDonald). PROUD RIVER lost its position and BEELZA (NZ) was unbalanced and struck the running rail in the incident. J. Bowditch was reprimanded and advised that he was given the benefit of a very grave doubt as to whether he was singularly responsible for the incident.

Inside the 600 metres GOLD RACER (NZ) (K. Louca) was obliged to steady off the heels of COMO PRINCE (J. Holder), which shifted out.

Correct Weight for this event was delayed to permit Stewards to review the official footage of the start. After doing so YOUNG SMYTZER was confirmed as a runner.

Subsequent to the race YOUNG SMYTZER was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who reported the mare was in season. Mr. B. Cozamanis, Trainer of YOUNG SMYTZER, was advised the mare would be required to trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an organised trial, prior to accepting for a future event.

J. Holder, rider of COMO PRINCE, explained that despite being tightened shortly after the start, his mount had never travelled as well as he had expected and appeared to resent racing between other runners. He added that, in his opinion, COMO PRINCE may not have raced genuinely. COMO PRINCE was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, who reported the gelding was exhibiting a lower than normal heart rate.

DEVARAJA DAAN sustained a laceration to its near hind cannon during the race.

RACE 8 – LINDSAY WALKER / SABIS FILLIES & MARES MAIDEN PLATE – 1300 metres

CART LURE (N. Tomizawa), which had thrown itself down in the Mounting Enclosure, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon, on arrival at the start and ruled fit. Mr. B. Woosnam, Trainer of CART LURE, which proved difficult to load, was advised that repetition of the mare’s pre-race behaviour may lead to action being taken against it.

SHARE THE WINE (K. Louca) jumped away awkwardly.

MY CHEEKY (J. Potter) was inclined to race greenly in the early and middle stages of the race.

At the entrance to the straight PEARLY MAE (J. Lyon) became held up for a short distance when racing inside AVID STAR (S. Price) and outside the heels of CART LURE (N. Tomizawa).

Near the 300 metres BELL’S SPIRIT (D. Tootell) shifted out and inconvenienced CART LURE (N. Tomizawa).

In the vicinity of the 200 metres DANCE FOR KATE (J. Holder) was inclined to race greenly and shift about under pressure.

Inside the 200 metres AGUILERA (J. Bowditch) shifted in onto SHARE THE WINE (K. Louca), taking that mare in onto JEUNELINE (C. Buchiw), resulting in both runners being inconvenienced.

ROUTINE SWABBING:

Race 3 DILETTANTE (NZ) (Random)
Race 5 BAY OF STEEL (Random)
Race 6 EXTRA SPESH (Random)

Zip Zip Aray Wins Horse of Year Award

Sunday, 15 September 2002 00:00

The David Jolly trained gelding had six starts during the season for three wins and one placing, when an unlucky third in the Yallambee Classic.

Based on a points based system the son of Bellotto gave his rookie trainer and promising young Victorian senior Brian Park with their first Group One wins when he won South Australia's premier sprinting event in May.

Jolly, who's father Peter is a trainer and brother Richard who recently took over as Aquanita's Adelaide trainer, felt he had a handy performer from the first timme he was given a serious gallop.

"The first time I saw him gallop I knew he would make a good horse. He had a lovely action and a great temperament," Jolly said.

"But I also knew he would just need a bit of time to develop, which is why he’s so lightly raced. I was amazed though at how he kept making giant steps and improved a few lengths each and every run."

"So much has to go right to win races like the Goodwood and to do it with a locally-bred horse on my home track was just such a thrill. I’ll remember the day forever," he added.

Zip Zip Aray is raced by well known Adelaide publicans Wayne and Jenny Francis and Jenny's brother Ray Borda. The same trio bred the gelding.

"To breed a horse and see it win is just an amazing thrill. While I’ve had my share of winners, you joke about breeding and racing a Group 1 winner," Wayne Francis said.

"Some people wait their whole lives and never see it happen so to do it was just incredible. It takes a while to sink in," he added.

Morphettville Races (SA) Pictorial from Saturday

Wednesday, 18 September 2002 00:00

Race 1 1MW Hcp 1600m

1st - Rub Shoulders (brown 5yo gelding Rubiton-Chasing Fame) ridden by Nozi Tomizawa. He is trained by Michael Moroney for himself, PA Moroney, A Feroce, SA Aboud, PA Hunt and CF Lindberg.
2 - Colin's Special
3 - Valiant Chief

Race 2 - Mares 4yo+ Hcp 1600m

1st - Jezarich (brown 5yo mare by Zedrich from Sean's Crown) ridden by Simon Price. She is trained by John Hickmott for N & T How, ML & S Harvey, P Brown, S Vandenbrink and K& I Nolan.
2nd - Dholima's Daughter
3rd - Oil Can Annie

Race 3 - 3yo Hcp 1200m

1st - Lawson's Storm (brown 3yo gelding by Bellotto from Poet's Breeze) ridden by Travis Creek. He is trained by David Balfour for himself, P Kristoris, WJ & JS Duthy, KF Corr, BJ Kardachi, JP Hambrook and GK James.
2nd - Hydrometer
3rd - Prosperous Bid

Race 4 - Class 4 Hcp 2000m

1st - Lochi (brown 6yo gelding by Aliocha from Loughmore Lady) ridden by Brian Park. He is trained by Stuart Webb for GR Wells, PJ Troubridge, T Ungar, K Sackville and GB Wallace.
2nd - Dapperstan
3rd - Running Game

Race 5 - 1MWLY Hcp 1200m

1st - House Guest (bay 6yo gelding by Snippets from Gatherneaux) ridden by Michael McDonald. He is trained by Tony McEvoy for GKK Tong and DYS Lee.
2nd - Brother's Jest
3rd - Daneforce

Race 6 - Morphettville Guineas 1600m - LISTED

1st - Milanova (bay 3yo filly by Danehill from L'On Vite) ridden by Simon Price. She is trained by Tony McEvoy for Swettenham Stud Syndicate, The Lord Vestey, R Bonnycastle, A Gurney and Lindsay Park Racing Syndicate.
2nd - Lifelong Dream
3rd - Bluewin

Race 7 - Spring Stakes 1200m - GROUP 3

1st - Strategic Image (chestnut 4yo horse by Strategic from Golden Snippets) ridden by Luke Currie. He is trained by Peter Moody for G Rapisarda.
2nd - Romilada
3rd - Star Hit

Race 8 - Class 6 Hcp 1100m

1st - Ten Carat (bay 5yo mare by Bigstone from Scotch Pebble) ridden by Joe Bowditch. She is trained by David Balfour for RJC Cheung, LYM Ng and PCP Tan.
2nd - Kooda Hurry
3rd - Barossa Broadway

Morphettville (SA)

Saturday, 14 September 2002 00:00

TRACK: GOOD
WEATHER: FINE
RAIL: Normal.

RACE 1 – BLACKWELL FUNERALS PRE-PAID HANDICAP - 1600 metres

VALIANT CHIEF (J. Bowditch) became unbalanced on jumping away and knuckled.

RACE 2 – DARYL BLACKWELL HANDICAP - 1600 metres

Mr. J. Murray, representing Mr. J. Hall, the trainer of PETITE ETOILE, which proved difficult to load, was informed that a repetition of the mare’s behaviour would lead to action being taken against it.

ELATHEA (W. Kerford) missed the start and then jumped away awkwardly.

Inside the 1200 metres PETITE ETOILE (N. Tomizawa) was obliged to steady for a short distance off the heels of OIL CAN ANNIE (C. Bryant), which shifted in. C. Bryant was reminded of his obligations.

Subsequent to this race S. Price requested to be examined by the Club’s Doctor who ruled him fit to continue riding.

RACE 3 – BLACKWELL FUNERALS MORPHETT VALE HANDICAP - 1200 metres

Inside the 900 metres CLEARVIEW BAY (J. Bowditch) was inclined to race greenly and shifted in abruptly inconveniencing PROSPEROUS BID (NZ) (S. Price), which got its head up and reacted away.

Approaching the entrance to the straight PRIOR LEADER (N. Tomizawa) became held up for a short distance and was inconvenienced by PROSPEROUS BID (NZ) (S. Price), which was inclined to lay in.

PROSPEROUS BID (NZ) (S. Price) laid in under pressure in the straight.

C. Bryant, the rider of RENDELSHAM STAR, explained that he had a minor concern in relation to the gelding’s action early in its preliminary, however, he felt that it worked out of it on warming up. He stated that his mount had not begun as well as usual and had not responded to his riding in the early stages, however, it had responded briefly when placed under pressure in the vicinity of the 600 metres. He added that, under pressure in the straight, RENDELSHAM STAR had not felt right in its action. Mr. V. Bradley, the trainer of RENDELSHAM STAR, explained that he could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance today. He added that he had been confident about the gelding’s chances and gave an undertaking to report any abnormalities which arise in the next seven days. A veterinary examination of RENDELSHAM STAR revealed no visible abnormalities.

PROSPEROUS BID (NZ), which was galloped on, sustained lacerations to the off hind cannon during the race.

RACE 4 – BLACKWELL FUNERALS PROSPECT HANDICAP - 2000 metres

In the vicinity of the 1800 metres BAUDIN (T. Creek) got its head up and raced ungenerously whilst under restraint.

Inside the 1600 metres the saddle on DANE’S REWARD (N. Tomizawa) shifted forward disadvantaging that rider for the remainder of the event. DANE’S REWARD was eased out of the event in the vicinity of the 700 metres. N. Tomizawa’s saddle was examined and found to be in good condition.

RACE 5 – BLACKWELL FUNERALS PAYNEHAM HANDICAP - 1200 metres

PEPPI THE PUG was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

BILLANCOURT (N. Tomizawa) shifted out on jumping away onto FUTURE COMMAND (D. Cleaver), which shifted out and inconvenienced BROTHER’S JEST (S. Price).

In the vicinity of the 1100 metres HOUSE GUEST (M. McDonald) shifted in and tightened KING’S CHOICE (D. Tootell) taking that gelding in onto MR. PRINTZ (B. Claridge), which was tightened onto SOVEREIGN ECHO (M. Hoppo) resulting in SOVEREIGN ECHO being forced to check and lose its position. In consequence PEPPI THE PUG (J. Bowditch), which was inclined to get its head up and race ungenerously, was taken in onto TOUGH NUT (A. Stead) resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. M. McDonald was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise greater care in future.

RACE 6 – THE LINDSAY PARK GUINEAS - 1600 metres

Prior to the race GUCCI GURU (NZ) was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and ruled fit to start.

The start of this race was delayed owing to LIFELONG DREAM (J. Maund) proving difficult to load. Mr. C. Parkes, representing Mr. T. McEvoy, was advised that a repetition of the filly’s behaviour would lead to action being taken against it.

Inside the 1400 metres MISS VODKA (W. Kerford) shifted in onto TAIPAN ANNIE (Darren Holland), which was inclined to shift away abruptly and as a result took MILANOVA (S. Price) in onto WISTTRAKOWE (B. Park) taking that filly in onto ANACARDE (S. Cahill), which was tightened onto PIPKIN (B. Claridge). As a result MILANOVA, WISTTRAKOWE, ANACARDE and PIPKIN were all inconvenienced. W. Kerford was reminded of his obligations when shifting ground.

Near the 1300 metres WE WILL ROCK YOU, whilst racing tight outside RED LABELLE (J. Bowditch) and inside MISS VODKA (W. Kerford), clipped heels and dislodged its rider, B. Fenech. In consequence, MILANOVA (S. Price), ANACARDE (S. Cahill) and UMAGOLD (L. Currie) were all hampered. An inquiry was opened into this incident and after taking evidence from W. Kerford, J. Bowditch and T. Creek, the rider of PURPLE ROAD, the inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed to allow B. Fenech to be present.

Inside the 700 metres UMAGOLD (L. Currie) was obliged to steady off the heels of BLUEWIN (D. Carney), which rolled in.

At the entrance to the straight HALO AMORE (D. Tootell) was forced to check to avoid the heels of MISTY PRINCESS (L. Meech), which shifted out. L. Meech pleaded guilty to a charge of Careless Riding under ARR 137(a) and was suspended for a period to commence at midnight on Thursday, 19^th September and to expire at midnight on Saturday, 28^th September 2002; a period of four metropolitan meetings. In assessing the penalty Stewards took into consideration L. Meech’s excellent riding record.

Inside the 400 metres BLUEWIN (D. Carney) shifted out onto TAIPAN ANNIE (Darren Holland), which was inconvenienced and taken out to LA SUPREME (C. Lever).

Approaching the 300 metres PURPLE ROAD (T. Creek) shifted in under pressure onto the heels of GUCCI GURU (NZ) (J. Holder), which was weakening and as a result PURPLE ROAD shifted out abruptly and inconvenienced ANACARDE (S. Cahill).

Inside the 300 metres WISTTRAKOW (B. Park) was inconvenienced and obliged to steady off the heels of MILANOVA (S. Price), which shifted in.

Over the concluding stages ANACARDE (S. Cahill) was unable to obtain clear ground.

Subsequent to the race PURPLE ROAD was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported no visible abnormalities.

GUCCI GURU (NZ) was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the filly had been considerably distressed and taken longer than usual to return to normal.

WE WILL ROCK YOU suffered a contusion to the off hind coronet and was lame after the event.

RACE 7 – BLACKWELL FUNERALS SPRING STAKES - 1200 metres

UMRUM (C. Lever) jumped away awkwardly.

At the entrance to the straight AGINCOURT EXPRESS (T. Creek) attempted a run where, in the opinion of Stewards, there was insufficient ground, inside PRINCESA (B. Park), which rolled in marginally resulting in AGINCOURT EXPRESS being forced to be severely checked. T. Creek was reprimanded and advised in future to attempt runs only where there is sufficient ground.

Also at the entrance to the straight, STAR HIT (D. Tootell) was held up for some distance when racing behind ROMILADA (Darren Holland).

W. Kerford, the rider of SPORTS, explained that his mount had travelled well in running and in the vicinity of the 600 metres as, in his opinion, the pace eased, he had elected to shift out from behind ROMILADA (Darren Holland) as he had been instructed not to fight his mount in running. He added that in the straight SPORTS had not responded to his riding. Mr. D. Pannell, representing Mr. J. Hawkes, the trainer of SPORTS, confirmed his instructions. SPORTS was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon who reported a lower than normal heart rate. Stewards ordered a swab sample be taken from SPORTS.

PRINCESA was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported that mare to be distressed and showing an irregular heartbeat. Mr. G. Eurell, the trainer of PRINCESA, was advised that the results of an ECG were to be forwarded to the TRSA Veterinary Surgeon and that mare must satisfactorily complete an official barrier trial before accepting for a future event.

RACE 8 – BLACKWELL FUNERALS TORRENSVILLE HANDICAP - 1100 metres

Stewards questioned Mr. J. Dunn, the trainer of KOODA HURRY, which had returned an irregularity in the swab sample taken at its previous start on 31^st August 2002, in respect of the treatment provided to the gelding within the last seven days. Mr. Dunn gave an undertaking that KOODA HURRY had not received treatment in the last seven days, would be presented to race in accordance with the Rules and he understood that Stewards had the option to take a swab sample from the gelding this afternoon. Mr. Dunn was advised that Stewards would permit KOODA HURRY to race, however, they would order that a swab sample be taken from the gelding.

HERACLES, which had been restless in the barriers and had reared on a number of occasions, was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon and ruled fit to start.

Inside the 200 metres NOTHING BUT GOLD (A. Stead) was disappointed when attempting a tight run inside BAROSSA BROADWAY (C. Bryant), which rolled in and HERACLES (N. Tomizawa), which rolled out. Stewards advised A. Stead against taking runs where there appears to be insufficient ground in future.

HERACLES was examined by the Club’s Veterinary Surgeon who reported the gelding may have jarred up on the ground.

PRE RACE TESTING:

Blood Samples were taken from the following horses for the purpose of TCO₂ testing:-

Race 1 RUB SHOULDERS and MESERE.

Race 2 QUESTAMATIC, OIL CAN ANNIE and MISTY HEIGHTS.

Race 4 BAITENHAUSEN, HAWK EYE (NZ), LOCHI and ON THE NATCH.

Race 6 RED LABELLE, WE WILL ROCK YOU, PURPLE ROAD, MISS VODKA, MISTY PRINCESS and UMAGOLD.

ROUTINE SWAB SAMPLES:

Race 1 RUB SHOULDERS (winner), Race 6 RED LABELLE (unplaced), Race 2 JEZARICH (winner), Race 7 STRATEGIC IMAGE (winner), Race 3 LAWSON’S STORM (winner), Race 7 SPORTS (unplaced), Race 4 LOCHI (winner), Race 8 TEN CARAT (NZ) (winner), Race 5 HOUSE GUEST (winner), Race 8 KOODA HURRY (second), Race 6 MILANOVA (winner).

RIDING CHANGES:

Milanova Starring for Lindsay Park

Tuesday, 17 September 2002 00:00

Adelaide the Springboard to Riches for Princesa

Thursday, 12 September 2002 00:00

Trainer Greg Eurell said Saturday's weight-for-age feature suited the mare's preparation perfectly, while avoiding the tougher Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on the same day.

"This is a perfect race for her," Eurell said. "The Manikato is always an extremely tough race and, with Bel Esprit in the line-up carrying just 51kg, a lot of people think he's just about unbeatable.

"The Spring Stakes will suit my mare much better. She'll appreciate the big, open track at Morphettville and although it has also attracted a strong field, I think she'll prove an excellent chance."

Princesa, formerly trained by Tony McEvoy before being transferred to Eurell, finished mid-field behind Crystal Finale first-up over 1100m at Caulfield a fortnight ago. But while she will strip trimmer for Saturday's event, Eurell intends on testing her in previously unexplored territory this time in.

"I was a little disappointed with her first-up effort, but she wasn't beaten far and did knock up," Eurell said.

"She's tightened up a lot since but I wouldn't be surprised if she's looking for 1400m after this run. She's never be tried beyond 1200m but I would hope she'll make a sprinter/miler, and there's plenty of options for mares at 1400m and 1600m over the spring carnival."

Princesa had just four runs last time in - winning her first two at Caulfield and Flemington respectively, before finishing a long-neck fourth to dead-heaters Windigo and Libidinious in the Group 3 Honda Stakes at Victoria Park.

She then returned to Melbourne to win the Listed Straight Six Handicap. Eurell resisted the temptation of running her in the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap with the spring in mind.

"She was borderline to make the field so, rather than wait around, we just kept to the game plan and sent her to the paddock," Eurell said. "As a result she's had a decent break and will hopefully go on in the next couple of months."

Eurell will float the mare to Adelaide overnight (Thursday), and coming along for the ride is Adelaide Cup carnival star Brian Park.

Until May, Park had never ridden a Group winner but landed a feature double aboard Firetaine in the Group 3 Carlton Draught Stakes and on Troubles in the Group 2 Yallambee Classic at Morphettville.

He then finished off a dream Adelaide Cup carnival with his first Group 1 success aboard Zip Zip Aray in the Goodwood Handicap and a fourth - beaten just a neck - in the Group 1 Adelaide Cup, again on Firetaine.

"I had never ridden on the track before but I'd have to say now that Morphettville is my favourite," Park said.

"I'm looking forward to riding there again on Saturday. I have never ridden Princesa on raceday but I did ride her in a trial at Ballarat with the specific intention of being aboard her for the Spring Stakes."

While most trainers expect Bel Esprit to prove the one to beat in Saturday's Manikato Stakes, the Spring Stakes looks a little more open.

Among the entries include multiple Group 1 winner Umrum, last-start Liston Stakes winner Sports and promising Victorian sprinters Strategic Image, Sterling Knight and Dynamic Love.

Agincourt Express, formerly prepared by Gai Waterhouse, is having his first start for local trainer David Balfour while classy locals Romilada, Star Hit and Classic Status make up a strong field.

PICS - Princesa (Quentin Lang). Brian Park (Fiona Tomlin).

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)

Fenech Remains in Adelaide Hospital

Monday, 16 September 2002 00:00

Now riding as a senior, the talented hoop was dislodged from the last start winner We Will Rock You at Morphettville in the early stages of the race won by Milanova.

Fenech was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where is was diagnosed he had suffered a punctured lung and multiple broken ribs.

He is expected to remain in hospital under later in the week and the injury is expected to keep him out of the saddle for at least two months.

It's a major blow to the talented hoop who had travelled to Adelaide to partner the last start Liston Stakes winner Sports in the Group Three Spring Stakes. He had to forego his ride on that gelding in the following race. Sports failed terribly, beating only Princesa to the line - that mare pulling up with an irregular heartbeat.

Fenech, one of the few jockeys in recent times in Victoria to have outridden their city allowance, was looking forward to the spring carnival where he was expected to pick up some top rides in many of the feature events.

PIC - Quentin Lang.

She's Set to Rock Them Again in Guineas

Thursday, 12 September 2002 00:00

The Lindsay Park Guineas aspirant, We Will Rock You showed she was on target for Saturday’s feature event by taking out the Haigh’s Chocolates Handicap at Morphettville on the weekend.

Trained at headquarters by ex-jumps jockey Joe Lockyer, We Will Rock You looked to have derived considerable benefit from her first up third behind Gucci Guru over 1254m at Cheltenham a fortnight earlier. However, the quick jump to 1518m coupled with the outside barrier of nine was enough to dissuade most punters and the filly was sent out at the odds of 7-1.

A daughter of Forest Glow (USA), sire of recent Concorde Stakes winner Fouardee, We Will Rock You made use of her early pace, taking up a position handy to the lead. The filly raced keenly throughout and at the two hundred, concerned that the leaders had had an easy time in front, jockey Joe Bowditch sent the filly for home, posting a half length victory over leader Bluewin with a further one and a quarter lengths to Mootang in third place.

On dismount Bowditch described the effort as a "good tough win" given he had to make his run earlier than he would have liked, but expressed concerns that the filly raced a little too keenly.

It is those concerns that have seen Bowditch opt for the ride on the Mark Minervini trained Red Labelle in the Guineas. Trainer Joe Lockyer sees things in a different light, however, and considers Saturday’s win will settle his filly sufficiently to see out the mile trip of the Guineas. Brendan Fenech, with a Group Two victory already under his belt this spring with Liston Stakes winner Sports, has been engaged for the ride.

The field for the Guineas is an even one with five fillies, Miss Vodka, Anacarde, Milanova, Gucci Guru and Pipkin, coming into the race behind Red Labelle’s win at Cheltenham a fortnight ago (1404m). There the margins ranged from just a head to five lengths. Miss Vodka was second on that occasion with Gucci Guru (who was a winner over Miss Vodka their previous start) third, beaten three quarter’s of a length.

Bluewin and La Supreme arrive at the Guineas beaten by We Will Rock You, who continued her run of outs at the barrier again drawing nine. Rival Red Labelle has drawn well in four, whilst Gucci Guru, a Danehill half-sister to Gold Guru, has drawn the slot.

Interstate entries are headed by the Nigel Blackiston trained Purple Road. Purple Road, a filly by Timber Country, comes to Adelaide on the strength of her last start second behind Nul Autre at Caulfield. Nul Autre, among the original entries for the race did not accept.

PICS by Fiona Tomlin.