Dante's Banquet Out Of Perth Cup

Thursday, 24 December 2009 13:15

Dante's Banquet was ticking over perfectly for rider Danny Miller and he was regarded as one of the main local chances in the New Years Day feature.

Trainer Owen Cocking was giving the stable star his regular feed when he noticed to swelling in his joint.

He was quick to react getting him straight to the vets, who confirmed the bowed tendon.

"It is shattering news for the owners, Danny (Miller), and me. He was working along perfectly and we were all excited about his chances in the Cup," a devastated Owen Cocking commented to Perthracing.com.au.

"He has never had soundness issues in his life, but I suppose that's just racing."

"I have to take him back to the vets on Thursday and then the vet will have a clearer picture of how severe it is. He hasn't ruled out a chance of him racing again, but it will be a good six months with everything going to plan."

The son of Dante's Fury won 12 races during his 44 start career, amassing $337,690 in prize money.

Media Release - Perth Racing

Extra Trip To Suit Largo Lad

Friday, 18 December 2009 07:45

Hayes said the step up to 2100m would help Largo Lad get around the Ascot circuit better than he did at his past two starts at the track when he settled back and got strung up in traffic.

The Encosta De Lago five-year-old finished 12th to Sniper's Bullet in the Railway Stakes (1600m) then was slowly away when 10th to Sniper's Bullet in the Kingston Town Classic (1800m).

"According to (stable manager) Gary Fennessy who is over in Perth with the horse if he doesn't run well on Saturday it's the shape of the track," Hayes said.

"Some horses don't go at Caulfield and some don't go at Ascot, but I think the longer distance is easier for a big horse like him as he has more time to get into his rhythm and stride and work into the race.

"He's flying. He ran very good sectionals getting checked last start and ran nowhere.

"We think he should be going into this race having finished in the first three so we'll see."

Glen Boss, who rode Largo Lad at his past two starts in Perth, has stayed in Melbourne to ride at Flemington, paving the way for local jockey Steven Parnham to take the mount on Saturday.

Largo Lad won the Group Two Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in March and was a close-up fourth to Vision And Power in the Group One Doncaster Hcp (1600m) at Randwick in April.

The gelding, at $21 with TAB Sportsbet, drew barrier three in the weight-for-age feature which is dominated by classy seven-year-old Scenic Shot, the $2.25 favourite, who finished a solid third in the Kingston Town.

Since dead-heating with Daka's Gem in the Cox Stakes three years ago, which was his last win in Perth, the Danny Morton-trained Scenic Shot has won two Group One races - the 2009 Doomben Cup (2020m) and Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) - and four at Group Two level.

The Scenic gelding carried 60kg when he won the 2009 Brisbane Cup (2400m) and has won the past two PJ O'Shea Stakes at Eagle Farm and the 2008 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast.

The Paul Perry-trained Newport ($12) will be having his first start since finishing 10th to Shocking in the Melbourne Cup and travelling foreman Shannon Perry says he's in excellent order.

The grey, who won the 2007 Brisbane Cup and the 2008 Group One Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick, is weighted on 55kg in the Group Two Perth Cup (2400m) on New Year's Day in which Scenic Shot has topweight of 60kg and Largo Lad 54.5kg.

Picture - Fiona Tomlin

Scenic Shot Withdrawn From Perth Cup

Tuesday, 22 December 2009 02:41

Local star Scenic Shot has been officially withdrawn from the Perth Cup leaving NSW visitor Newport as topweight for the New Year's Day feature.

Scenic Shot was given 60kg, five kilos more than Newport with weights to be increased at final declarations to provide for a 57kg topweight in accordance with the rules.

Both Scenic Shot and Newport were unplaced in Saturday's C B Cox Stakes won by Lords Ransom who received a one kilogram penalty for the victory.

The Adam Durrant-trained Lords Ransom was TAB Sportsbet's \$3.80 favourite on Tuesday ahead of Adelaide's Right Fong at \$7.

Newport, trained by Paul Perry at Newcastle, was a \$10 chance.

Jockey Brad Rawiller was happy with Newport's ninth in the Cox Stakes after he raced wide all the way.

"We had a torrid run," Rawiller said.

"I still think he has a live chance in the Cup."

Final declarations for the Perth Cup (2400m) close next Monday.

Picture - Fiona Tomlin

Newport Spot On For Cox Stakes

Friday, 18 December 2009 00:45

Perry could not be happier with Newport who is having his first start since an unlucky Melbourne Spring Carnival, where he was sixth to Scenic Shot in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes and a close-up 10th in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup, on both occasions suffering interference at a crucial stage.

"I think he can near win the race." Perry told perthracing.com.au.

"He has not raced since early November, so you know he will improve with this run and be spot on in the Perth Cup, but I would not be surprised to see him win."

The last time Newport tasted success was at Randwick in March, in the Group 3 Randwick City (2000m), where he carried 58.5kg under handicap conditions and flashed home to score.

"We are aware he faces opposition, who are rock-hard fit, but he has missed no work since the Melbourne Cup and outside Scenic Shot, there are not many in the race that should be so close to him at the weights." Perry said.

Shannon is deputising for his father Paul and the Perry travelling road show rarely misses when they embark on an interstate carnival.

Top Perry prepared horses such as Bezeal Bay, Dantelah, Notoire, Matter Of Honour, Kbenjar and Newport have all returned to Newcastle with cross border silverware.

Leading Victorian rider Brad Rawiller has been booked to ride Newport in the Landscape Development CB Cox Stakes, as well as comeback galloper Vizard in the RS Crawford Stakes.

Lords Holds Perth Cup To Ransom

Sunday, 20 December 2009 11:59

The Adam Durrant-trained six-year-old brought up his eighth win from just 17 starts when he held off Largo Lad by 1-3/4 lengths to win Saturday's 2100m Group Two event at Ascot.

TAB Sportsbet reacted by firming him to $4 for the Cup on New Year's Day with Scenic Shot drifting and most unlikely to run after his sixth place finish.

Durrant and local owner-breeder Bob Peters have been patient with Lords Ransom who was once touted as a Caulfield and Melbourne Cup contender.

The gelding won the 2008 Bunbury and Pinjarra Cups and was sent east to be prepared for the bigger races.

But after many setbacks he was taken home where Durrant who gave him almost a year off.

"That was quite satisfying, he bounced back to his best," Durrant told Perth Racing.

"He has got more than a future here. I still think he can measure up anywhere when he is right. Now we look forward to the Perth Cup."

Steven Parnham, who rode the runner-up, was equally impressed with Largo Lad's improved effort with the David Hayes-trained gelding now at $9 for the Cup.

"He is starting to travel in his races and I think he will be hard to beat in the Cup," Parnham said.

Scenic Shot's rider Jason Brown said the horse raced in restricted room throughout and had little chance.

"He had no luck the whole race," Brown said.

"He needs clear galloping room, otherwise he is a different horse."

Scenic Shot's current campaign began in September with the highlight his victory in the Group One Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.

The Paul Perry-trained Newport was forced to race wide and never a threat to the leading group but jockey Brad Rawiller was still optimistic.

"We had a torrid run," he said.

"I still think he has a live chance in the Cup."

The winner of the 2008 Group One Metropolitan Handicap (2400m), Newport was at $12 on Sunday.

Second favourite at $7 was Adelaide stayer Right Fong, a winner over 2000 metres at Flemington on December 12.

Markus Maximus Makes Move West To Perth

Monday, 14 December 2009 07:15

Trainer Peter Moody ventured to Perth with Markus Maximus in April and came away with a victory in the Group One WATC Derby (2400m) at Ascot.

The plan this time around is to contest Saturday's $250,000 C B Cox Stakes and the $400,000 Perth Cup on New Year's Day.

Stablemate Fairygem was also among Moody's entries for the Perth Cup but will run at Flemington on Saturday before heading to Sydney or New Zealand.

Markus Maximus was also nominated for the Comic Court Hcp (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday, but stable manager Jeff O'Connor confirmed he would head to Perth.

Fairygem will be ridden by Luke Nolen in Saturday's Bitalli Handicap (2000m).

"Fairygem has other options coming up, a stakes race over 2000 metres at Randwick next month, or even New Zealand," O'Connor said.

"How she goes on Saturday will dictate where she heads.

"She's a horse who only holds enough condition so we can't plan too far ahead with her, but this is the best she's ever done."

A five-year-old by Viscount, Fairygem has won four of her 15 starts, including her latest outing when second-up over 1800m at Caulfield on December 5, beating The Wolverine who is also nominated for the Bitalli Handicap.

O'Connor said Markus Maximus would be the stable's lone Perth Cup runner.

The four-year-old has had six starts since his WATC Derby success including a six-length second to Saint Minerva in the Grand Prix (2200m) on a slow track after which he ran eighth to Court Ruler in the Queensland Derby (2400m) on a heavy track, both at Eagle Farm.

Second up this preparation, Markus Maximus finished sixth to Bashful Girl in the Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on November 21 before a last-start third behind The Zeebac and Itstheone in the Briseis Cup (2255m) at Geelong on December 3.

O'Connor said Markus Maximus would be ridden by Jarrad Noske in the Group Two weight-for-age Cox Stakes (2100m) at Ascot.

Markus Maximus has 52kg in the Group Two Perth Cup (2400m) and will be Moody's only runner in the race with Pentoscar and Definitive to stay home.

Durrant & Peters Have Ransom On BMW Perth Cup

Saturday, 19 December 2009 13:59

Lords Ransom ($13.70) was given a superb ride by big race rider Jason Whiting, who patiently rode the lightly raced gelding in the back half of the field before gaining the luck he needed turning for home, and drawing away for a commanding Ascot feature race triumph.

It has been a long road long and winding road for Lords Ransom who after securing the 2008 Bunbury/Pinjarra Cup double was once considered a live Caulfield/Melbourne Cup chance.

Lords Ransom encountered setback after setback with east coast trainers, before being returned home to Durrant and having a good spell.

Subsequently Durrant unconventionally ran Lords Ransom first-up in the Railway Stakes over 1600m, with the Landscape Development C.B. Cox Stakes/BMW Perth Cup double the main target.

Lords Ransom ran a slashing fifth in the Railway Stakes, before racing flat at his next outing in the Kingston Town Classic.

BMW Perth Cup markets will now face a big reshuffle with favourite Scenic Shot failing to raise backer's hopes with a grinding sixth after being crowded throughout, and it now almost certainly looks as though he will be scratched from the Cup.

Lords Ransom now ranks as one of the leading chances in the $400,000 Group 2 BMW Perth Cup (2400m) on New Years Day, a race Peter and Durrant always thought their charge was capable of winning.

The David Hayes trained Largo Lad made a super return to form, racing three wide with cover before looking the winner halfway down the running and holding on well for a strong second.

Dante's Banquet also ran a solid cup trial, box seating throughout and working to the line well for a third place.

The favourite Scenic Shot again raced in restricted room throughout from his inside draw, and was never a threat, with a spell now likely for the hometown champ.

Novocastrian Newport was well held, but did race three wide without cover at his W.A. debut, and will be improved by his first run since the Melbourne Cup.

What they said - "That was quite satisfying, today he bounced back to his best. He has got more than a future here. I still think he can measure up anywhere when he is right. Now we look forward to the Perth Cup." Winning trainer Adam Durrant said following the big race triumph.

"He did it well. He was further back than planned but on the bend he was travelling like a winner." Winning rider Jason Whiting said following the win.

"Really happy with that. He is starting to travel in his races and I think he will be hard to beat in the Cup." Steven Parnham Largo Lad (2nd).

"The horse is ticking over perfectly. I wouldn't want to be on any other horse in the Perth Cup." Danny Miller Dante's Banquet (3rd).

"He had no luck the whole race, he needs clear galloping room, otherwise he is a different horse." Jason Brown Scenic Shot (6th).

"We had a torrid run. I still think he has a live chance in the cup." Brad Rawiller Newport (9th).

"She was not suited going forward and she still a definite a chance in the cup." Brad Parnham Star Encounter (11th).

Media Release - Perth Racing

Impressive Jeuney In Seacorp WA St. Leger Triumph

Sunday, 13 December 2009 00:59

Impressive Jeuney ($5.10) was rated to perfection in front by Shaun O'Donnell, prior to saving a big kick on the swing home, making the final 600 metre bid for victory in 33.29.

The overall time recorded smashed the 3YO record set in 2007 by Eternalism.

The closing sectional made it virtually impossible for the chasing pack which was headed by the well bred colt Red Hot Choice, who was outsprinted by Impressive Jeuney but to his credit dug deep to finish a close second.

The two fancied runners Ranger and Thorn Dancer travelled well in the run with superb trips in transit nevertheless faced an insurmountable lead margin to reel in at the business end.

McAuliffe's Impressive Racing must be commended for their preparation of their horses with another stakes victory in Western Australia going to the yellow, with red striped silks.

Despite wretched luck with many of their big guns over the years, they have managed to achieve some fantastic results with horses such as Universal Ruler, Kasabian, Impressive Stats and now Impressive Jeuney.

Experienced rider O'Donnell is currently experiencing his best year in the saddle thus far in 2009, with the victory taking him to 18 winners for the 2009-10 racing season, in fourth place behind perennial leading hoop Paul Harvey.

Not a bad effort from a jockey not directly connected to any of the current leading stables in the metro training premiership race.

McAuliffe stated post-race that even though he had nominated Impressive Jeuney for the $400,000 Group 2 BMW Perth Cup (2400m) on New Years Day, it was unlikely the gutsy filly would take her placed with the compressed weight scale meaning she would only get two kilograms from seasoned campaigners such as Gondorff, Lords Ransom, Star Encounter, etc.

Impressive Jeuney is now more than likely to head to the paddock for a well deserved break according to McAuliffe, before being set for the Classic's during the Ascot Autumn Racing Carnival.

"She has turned her form around since we have turned into a front runner. She really digs deep when challenged. I said to Shaun (O'Donnell) make sure you turn it in to a staying test," Winning trainer Darren Mc Auliffe said following the win.

"Brad (Parnham rider Red Hot Choice) got to me but she just fought, she is very tough and has a great will to win," Winning rider Shaun O'Donnell said following the win.

Media Release - Perth Racing

Stratazoa Takes Out R.S Crawford Stakes

Saturday, 19 December 2009 13:59

Stratazoa was ideally handled by Shaun O'Donnell, settling him behind the speed throughout, before gaining an inside split at the top of the lane, racing through to victory.

The rising ten-year-old took his stake earnings past the $320,000 mark after his Crawford win, and will now be freshened up for an open sprint at Ascot on January 9.

Race favourite Vain Raider set the speed for Jason Brown, but once the pressure was applied in the home running he began to lay out under pressure, fading to finish in third position.

The George Daly trained Vizard showed he was back to somewhere near his best, finishing a close up second for Victorian jockey Brad Rawiller.

The son of Magic Of Money looked the part in the mounting yard and fingers crossed he can get back to his brilliant best.

"This is a big thrill. He's been a wonderful old horse to us. He is happy with his routine, down the track each morning and to take out a race like this, is amazing," winning trainer Kevin Temple said following the win.

Media Release - Perth Racing

Well Bred Proart Graduates To Stakes Level In Scahill

Sunday, 13 December 2009 00:59

Proart ($4.20 fav) faced a big challenge at his first weight-for-age essay, but thanks to a gem of a Peter Hall ride, the inform son of Rock Of Gibraltar simply proved too good for a classy line-up of local talent.

Most form students believed that there was no exposed speed or pressure, however former Queenslander Nellie Got There anticipated the start and lobbed in front with relative ease.

There after Hall was left with no option to try and get some cover behind Elliotto, who had made the position outside the leader his own.

Proart settled beautifully behind the leaders and it was just a matter of Hall pressing the button, which he gradually worked towards inside the 500 metre point.

Turning for home Proart showed quality acceleration which is vital at Ascot, and put a break on the chasing pack.

Proart held a margin over the gallant veteran Tarzi in second place, who loomed a winning chance for a fluking moment half way down the running, with stable mate Elliotto fighting on well to hold third place.

Durrant has turned around Proart from a horse that always promised plenty, to an animal that is truly enjoying his racing and delivering the owners results for their patience.

Proart is by former star English galloper Rock Of Gibraltar who has now sired a double for the day with an impressive win earlier in the day to Almohad, out of one of the best mares this state has produced in Beaux Art.

Beaux Art won in three states at Group level, saluting in the 1994 WA Oaks and Derby, prior to winning the 1995 AJC St. Leger and Feehan Stakes, followed by placing's in the Caulfield and Sydney Cup's.

"I told Peter (Hall) you don't have to lead, just be where he is comfortable. This horse is really in the zone, he is fit and racing well. For an entire he is just a toff at home," Winning trainer Adam Durrant said following the win.

"He was travelling like a winner and I didn't want to get in a bumping dual before the corner with Grand Nirvana so I popped out and he really let down well in the straight. To his credit Tarzi came at him and he held him which is no mean feat," Winning rider Peter Hall said following the win.

Media Release - Perth Racing