Club Members Hoping For Sandown Joy
- Friday, 25 November 2011 04:46
The appropriately named Members Joy is favoured to make a winning debut for her band of owners at Sandown on Saturday.
The two-year-old Robert Smerdon-trained filly is raced by the MRC Horse Club, a concept devised by the Melbourne Racing Club to get its 10,000 to 12,000 members involved in horse ownership.
The grey daughter of Hussonet is one of five juveniles, all of them making their racing debut, in the Swettenham Stud Dash For Cash Plate (900m).
Members Joy, to be ridden by Michael Rodd, goes into the dash well schooled having had two trials for a second and a win over 800m at the Cranbourne Training Centre.
"The Melbourne Racing Club set up the MRC Horse Club to give our members an experience of racehorse ownership," the club's racing and media executive Josh Rodder said.
"It's something they can be passionate about, similar to footy clubs and their supporters."
Swettenham Stud principal Adam Sangster purchased the filly for $85,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale in January and the MRC Horse Club has leased her.
Members Joy is the first foal from Flying Spur mare Rosa's Spur who won six races including the 2007 Group Three Dane Ripper (1400m) at Eagle Farm and Listed Dark Jewel (1400m) and earned more than $270,000 prize money.
"She's bred to run early, she's very precocious," Rodder said.
Rodder said the filly was being readied for the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on earlier this month but a setback delayed her debut by a couple of weeks.
"The members are actually getting a great insight into how exciting and frustrating horse ownership can be because she has been set to line up a couple of times," he said.
"She had a little mishap on the way back from the swimming pool, but she's recovered and trialled super at Cranbourne."
Members were asked to name the filly and also design the club's racing silks which are blue, orange horse logo, collar and armbands, blue and orange striped cap.
Members Joy is $2.10 favourite with TAB Sportsbet ahead of the David Hayes-trained Mrs Gray at $3.20 with the Anthony Freedman-trained Chosen Moment at $5.
Trainer Fined Over Race Day Treatrment
- Friday, 25 November 2011 02:46
Victorian country trainer Frank Doderico has been fined $1000 for treating a horse on race day.
He was found guilty of having administered or caused to be administered Tranquil paste orally and/or 10m of Regu-Mate to Speedy Emma prior to the mare winning at Pakenham on August 28.
Tranquil paste assists in calming nervous horses while Regu-Mate is a synthetic reproductive hormone which may be used in fillies and mares to suppress their cycles.
Doderico also pleaded guilty to a charge relating to a post-race urine sample which detected the prohibited substance Sotalol.
Sotalol is a beta adrenergic receptor blocker that blocks the effects of adrenaline on tissue such as the heart.
The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board found that charge proven but no conviction was recorded or penalty imposed.
Speedy Emma was disqualified with the event being awarded to Letsgetrhythm.
Shezaten To Step Up In Class At Sandown
- Thursday, 24 November 2011 04:15
An autumn stakes campaign is the ambition for progressive stayer Shezaten who again steps up in class at Sandown.
Trainer John Sadler is hoping the four-year-old can improve off the back her past two encouraging runs at Ballarat and Moonee Valley and win Saturday's 0-95 D'Urban Handicap (2400m).
"She's a mare we will try and get some black type with eventually," Sadler said.
"She wants to stay, that is all she wants to do."
Sadler was impressed with Shezaten's easy seven-length win in 0-68 class at Ballarat last month and liked the way she battled on to finish a close sixth at Moonee Valley on November 11.
"She didn't seem to beat much at Ballarat but she was really good there and a couple went on and won afterwards," Sadler said.
He said at Moonee Valley she was entitled to drop out after being taken on in front a long way from home over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley in 0-82 class event.
"They got going way too early and put her under a lot of pressure and the horses that put that pressure on finished up out the back.
"To her credit she boxed on and only got beaten two lengths so the run was pretty good."
Sadler said that while Shezaten was eligible for easier races he was content to take on better fields.
"I don't mind jumping the grades and having a crack at (better) races," Sadler said.
"All we want to do with her is get her some black type so hopefully we can do that in the autumn."
Last year Shezaten finished sixth to Brazilian Pulse in the VRC Oaks (2500m) but Sadler has been unable to get her back out to a staying distance until now.
In-form apprentice Katelyn Mallyon, who landed her first city double at Moonee Valley last week, will claim three kilos on Shezaten, bringing the mare's weight down to 50kg on Saturday.
The daughter of Handsome Ransom is one of TAB Sportsbet's favourites for the Sandown event at $5 just behind Sea Galleon, who is $3.20 to repeat last Saturday's win at Moonee Valley, and Musical Hit ($4.80).
Crowe Steps Down From Station
- Thursday, 24 November 2011 07:40
Following a restructure at Radio Sport National Noel Crowe is stepping down from his role as CEO of Radio Sport National effective immediately, after successfully leading the station through the last 16 years.
Michael Harms, Chairman of Radio Sport National today thanked Noel for his service and dedication to the station and staff and his leadership over many years.
“I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone at the station, the shareholders, Board and the Racing Industry, in wishing Noel and his family all the best for the future in whatever endeavors he chooses to pursue.
"Noel has placed the station on a great footing to meet the challenges of the next 16 years and we thank him for that.”
Michael Harms went on to say that:
“Radio Sport National is a core asset of the Victorian Racing Industry."
"The radio service we provide is critically important to racing’s customers across Victoria.
"Importantly, we have also established a state wide network of radio stations that ensures the maximum coverage to our listeners in regional and country Victoria.
"Radio Sport National’s shareholders have long demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the business.
"In today’s rapidly changing world of technology and telecommunications, change is inevitable, but the media asset of Radio Sport
"National and the content it provides is of significant value. It should be noted that the racing industry in Victoria has a track record of securing IP assets rather than divesting them.”
Michael Harms will assume the Role of Executive Chairman of Radio Sport National until a new General Manager is appointed, and will be working alongside Denis Stirton who will take on more of the day to day management responsibilities.
Jones Celebrates First City Win
- Wednesday, 23 November 2011 07:46
Moe trainer Ian Jones landed his first metropolitan win with Our Skeeta at Sandown on Wednesday and now wants to win his home town Cup with the four-year-old.
Our Skeeta
Ian JonesJones, who combines training a small team of horses with his work as a plumber, bred Our Skeeta who is the second foal from his Stargazer mare Starkeeta.
The gelding is one of three horses Jones has in work but he has another five unnamed younger stock and two broodmares.
Ridden by Jason Benbow, Our Skeeta ($11) took out the Betfair Handicap by 2-1/4 lengths from Giresun with Sheahan a nose away third.
Jones said Benbow was impressed with Our Skeeta when he won an 800m barrier trial aboard him at Cranbourne in September.
He has been aboard him in all five starts this preparation for 1200m wins at Cranbourne and Sale before Our Skeeta stepped up to 1400m at Sandown.
The gelding had not raced beyond 1300m and had not won beyond 1200m before Wednesday.
He has now raced nine times for four wins and two seconds.
The Moe Cup has been shortened from 2050m to 1600m for this year only and will be run on a later date than usual, December 16.
It is usually two days before the Caulfield Cup in October but that meeting was transferred to Cranbourne this year as the Moe track wasn't ready for racing following drainage work.
Luke Nolen dominated the Sandown meeting winning three of the seven races, two of them for leading trainer Peter Moody.
The two-time Melbourne premiership pair opened with Zabeel four-year-old Zoomania ($8) taking out the Premier Signs Maiden Plate (1600m).
Savabeel three-year-old Brambles ($2.45 fav) gave them a double with an impressive four-length win in the Le Pine Funerals Hcp (1600m).
Brambles
Luke NolenNolen completed the treble aboard eight-year-old Devils Quest ($20), prepared by Geelong-based Jason Clifford, in the Ahern's At Highways After The Last Hcp (1800m).
Nolen currently leads the Melbourne jockeys' premiership with 23 wins, four clear of Craig Williams and Michael Rodd.
Moody, with 28 wins, is 10 clear of his nearest rival Robert Smerdon.
Pictures: Colin Bull
First Winner For Serenade Rose
- Thursday, 24 November 2011 06:46
Just weeks after the death of multiple Group One winner Serenade Rose, her daughter Outdoor has posted an impressive debut win.
A dual Oaks winner, Serenade Rose started 19 times for eight victories and more than $1.7 million in prize money before being bought by Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stud as a broodmare.
She produced three foals - Outdoor, a yearling filly by Street Cry and a colt by Lonhro who was born shortly before she died.
Outdoor, a three-year-old Redoute's Choice filly, showed she had inherited some of the family ability with her resounding 2-1/2 length victory over 1300m at Bendigo on Thursday.
She is prepared by Anthony Freedman, brother of Lee Freedman who trained Serenade Rose throughout her career.
Picture: Sportpix
Lakedro Out To Break Winning Drought
- Wednesday, 23 November 2011 06:16
The Greg Eurell-trained Lakedro gets his chance to break through for an overdue win at Sandown on Saturday.
Resuming since some encouraging runs early in the season, the Clangalang six-year-old hasn't won since taking out a 1600m event at Sandown in April 2010.
But since then he has run second to Eraset in the 2010 Sale Cup (1600m) and third to Aloha in the Lord Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield last Boxing Day.
Earlier this season, he was sent for a spell after his fifth to subsequent Group One Turnbull Stakes winner December Draw over 2000m at Flemington on September 4.
Before that Lakedro had finished runner-up twice in succession to Testascana at Caulfield in August - over 1600m at Caulfield and in the Listed National Jockeys Celebration Day Stakes (1700m).
Chris Symons, who has been Lakedro's rider in all of his four wins from 23 starts, retains the ride in the Betfair Hcp (1300m) in which the gelding has drawn barrier 15 in the field of 16 plus an emergency.
"It looks not a bad race for him actually, first up 1300 metres should be a nice little pipe opener for him " said stable representative John Baker.
"He goes all right fresh."
Lakedro hasn't won first up in four tries, but has been placed third twice.
"He had a little trial the other day and he's done well since," Baker said referring to his 10th to Strike The Tiger over 800m at Cranbourne last Monday week.
Baker said a race such as the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m), to be run at Mornington on December 27, will again be on the agenda.
"He was racing well during the spring but couldn't quite get there," he said.
"He's run some very good races and it would be nice if he could do it first up."
Lakedro's Cox Plate winning stablemate Pinker Pinker is due back at Eurell's Cranbourne stables this weekend after a short break and to be aimed at autumn riches.
"We went and had a look at her on Friday and she looks marvellous," Baker said.
"She really had a good rest so we'll be looking forward to her.
"We haven't set out a program for her yet but there a number of good races for her such as the Doncaster."
Apprentice Rodder Outed For Six Weeks
- Thursday, 24 November 2011 06:46
Victorian Jockeys Association chief Des O'Keeffe has described a six-week suspension for apprentice Talia Rodder on a running and handling charge as tantamount to "killing Bambi".
Talia RodderStewards charged Rodder, 27, over her ride on the Robbie Laing-trained Serene Tanie at Moonee Valley last Saturday and found her guilty at an adjourned inquiry on Thursday.
She was charged with failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure her mount had full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the Corporate Interiors Handicap (1500m).
Serene Tanie led at a speed the stewards deemed too fast and faded to finish second last to stablemate Maquina who came from near the tail of the seven-horse field to win.
O'Keeffe said Rodder, who is indentured to Geelong trainer Heath Conners, was hurt by the stewards' decision and would lodge an appeal.
"She is a very principled person and bitterly disappointed and extremely concerned because, in her eyes, her integrity has been attacked," O'Keeffe said.
"To put it graphically what they have successfully done today is pretty much kill Bambi."
O'Keeffe said the result of Rodder's appeal could have ramifications for every jockey in the state after it was conceded at the inquiry Rodder had made an error of judgment.
"Every Victorian jockey should be intently interested in the outcome of the appeal because the decision to find a three-kilo claiming apprentice, who has ridden one winner in the Melbourne metropolitan area, guilty today of an error of judgment is not our understanding of the intent of rule AR135b," O'Keeffe said.
O'Keeffe said there appeared to be no allowance for an apprentice, or any rider, to make a mistake.
Robbie Laing"Every rider at Bendigo today and Kyneton and Moonee Valley tomorrow and Sandown on Saturday and Cranbourne on Sunday should be fairly nervous going to the races in case they make an error."
Peter Jurkovsky, acting for Rodder, and Laing both gave further evidence at Thursday's stewards inquiry.
Racing Victoria form analyst, Andre Kassay, also gave evidence concerning the sectional times of the race.
Stewards charged Rodder on the grounds that after having asked Serene Tanie to do significant work in the early stages to take up a forward position, she failed to make sufficient effort to restrain the mare between the 1100 and 800 metres.
They also found that from the 800 metres she allowed her mount to stride forward and passing the 600 metres she placed the horse under further pressure.
Stewards explored the possibility of team riding but they found insufficient evidence to suggest there had been any collusion by Laing to give instructions to Rodder to ride in a manner that would benefit the chances of stablemate Maquina.
Pictures: Colin Bull
Price Applies Polish On Pride With Joy
- Wednesday, 23 November 2011 04:56
Our Pride And Joy made it two wins on the trot with an impressive victory in Wednesday's $30,000 Schweppes 0-82 Handicap (1800m) for fillies and mares at Sandown Hillside.
Our Pride And JoyRidden by Craig Newitt for Mick Price, Our Pride And Joy settled down outside the leader Manilla Jewel who was ridden by Katelyn Mallyon.
Mallyon established a steady tempo in the lead and her mount looked to be travelling nicely only to be headed off by Our Pride And Joy with 350 metres remaining.
Newitt kicked clear on his mount at the furlong pole with the outcome of the race put beyond doubt.
Our Pride And Joy ($2.10 fav) defeated Manilla Jewel ($4.60) by 1-1/4 lengths with Fine Calibre ($14) finishing 1-1/2 lengths from the winner.
Seeking Chi ($6.50) only managed to beat one runner home in the small field of five, that being Mayenda Strategy ($6) who ran 2.1 lengths from Our Pride And Joy.
“They went pretty steady and I swamped them a long way out,” Newitt said.
“She’s racing extremely well.
"She was well-placed today."
Our Pride And Joy is a recent acquisition for the Price stable. This was her third start for the stable since transferring from the Rockbank stables of Patrick Payne.
Our Pride And Joy
Craig NewittIn that space of time she’s won two city races and finished third on the other occasion.
“She’s tough and I’ve got an opinion of the horse she beat the other night (at Moonee Valley) of Rick Hore-Lacy’s (Snitza)," Newitt said.
“If you step her up in grade and get some weight off her back she’ll measure up to the boys pretty good.”
Stable foreman Mick Nolan believed the key to the horse was keeping her fresh for her races and doing plenty of work on the water walker between races.
“This time of year is good for her, these are her types of races,” Nolan added.
Our Pride And Joy has raced 13 times for four wins and seven placings with prizemoney beyond the $91,000 mark.
Pictures: Colin Bull
Sandown Suits Snitza On Saturday
- Thursday, 24 November 2011 05:16
Trainer Rick Hore-Lacy will take it one step at a time with up and coming galloper Snitza who looks ready to win at Sandown on Saturday.
Rick Hore-LacySnitza resumed with a fifth to subsequent Flemington winner Fawkner over 1600 metres at Moonee Valley before he led and went down by a half length when runner-up to subsequent Sandown winner Our Pride And Joy over 1600m at the Valley on November 11.
"Our Pride And Joy had the sit on him and they fought it out and she only just got him the last little bit," Hore-Lacy said.
"He's had a couple of runs under his belt and he's pretty fit now.
"We'll just take it start by start and we'll see what he can do.
"We're hoping he'll turn into a good horse but at this stage we haven't got any big plans for him."
The Caulfield trainer said the Snitzel four-year-old's performances would determine where he took him as his campaign progressed.
The gelding has come a long way since starting his second preparation as a maiden last time in.
He won four of nine runs that time in including metropolitan victories over 2419m at Mornington and 2000m at Caulfield.
While he is by an Oakleigh Plate winner, Snitza gets his stamina from his dam's side being out of the Zabeel mare Alba Zitta, a winner twice at 1400m.
His grand-dam Yelgun Dawn, by Deputy Governor, won the 1995 Group One Australasian Oaks (2000m).
Snitza is the $3.30 favourite with TAB Sportsbet for the Corey Gilbey Memorial Handicap (1800m) in which he'll be ridden by Craig Newitt.
Stablemate Big Spirit is second up after an 11-week break in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap after a satisfactory fourth to Saturday's rival Centexpress over 955m at Moonee Valley on November 11.
"She's good. Up the hill at Sandown is a bit of a worry but it's only 1000 metres," Hore-Lacy said.
Steven Arnold is booked to ride Big Spirit who has won six times at 1000m but has never raced at Sandown.
The five-year-old mare is second pick at $10 behind the dominant $2.50 favourite Miss Octopussy who was most unlucky last start when hampered near the 800m and runner-up to Centexpress at the Valley.
Miss Octopussy will be ridden by in-form claiming apprentice Katelyn Mallyon.
Picture: Colin Bull
Sixth Time Lucky For Zoomania
- Wednesday, 23 November 2011 04:01
Well-bred mare Zoomania broke her maiden status at her sixth outing by claiming today’s $30,000 Premier Signs Plate(1600m) at Sandown Hillside.
-NolenLuke-11232011-9883.JPG)
Zoomania (yellow cap)Ridden by Luke Nolen for trainer Peter Moody, Zoomania stepped up to the mile for the first time with the aid of blinkers also for the first time.
Those two factors worked in favour of Zoomania ($8), who hit the lead with a furlong remaining before holding off the challenges of the Mick Kent-trained Darlimurla Star ($4.20) and Brendan McCarthy-trained Circle The Globe ($5.50).
Stroemsky ($3.80 fav) had every chance as favourite settling behind the leader but failed to come on in the straight and was one-paced battling into fifth, beaten 3-3/4 lengths.
“She’s got a very nice pedigree and she needed a win for her record,” Nolen said in the absence of Moody who is currently in New Zealand with several leading Australian trainers inspecting yearlings.
“She did what she had to do to get the win and has now got her confidence boost.
Zoomania & Luke Nolen“She got a bit tired late and needs a bit more education," he added.
Zoomania is a four-year-old mare by Zabeel out of Group 1 placed mare Galapagos Girl. The victory took her win beyond the $20,000 mark.
Pictures: Colin Bull