Racing to continue
CEO of Racing Victoria Giles Thompson confirmed on Thursday that thoroughbred racing will continue without crowds or owners throughout the duration of the state’s seven-day snap lockdown.
“Racing and training can continue in Victoria at this time under the strict biosecurity protocols that saw our sport safely continue throughout previous periods of lockdowns and restrictions,” Thompson said in a statement.
“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to take decisive action to ensure that we provide the safest environment possible for both those participating in Victorian racing, as well as the wider community."
Stars showing lameness
Examinations of key G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup contender Gytrash (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Savatiano (Street Cry {Ire}) has shown that the pair are showing signs of lameness.
Gytrash is exhibiting signs of lameness in his near-fore while Savatiano has been found mildly lame in her off-fore.
Impressive last start G1 The Goodwood H. winner Savatoxl (Kuroshio), a fellow Cup contender, is also mildly lame in the near-fore. The trio will be re-examined by vets on Friday.
Gytrash
Castile wins on debut
Well-bred Yulong Investments juvenile Castile (Lonhro) saluted on debut at Sale on Thursday.
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained horse accounted for fellow first starter Jet Jitsu (Ajaya {GB}) by 0.3l in the 1200 metre event.
Castile is a three-quarter brother to Group 3 winner and dual Group 1 placegetter Generalife (Lonhro) and hails from the extended family of G1 Robert Sangster S. winner Instant Celebrity (Not A Single Doubt).
Tendon for Mugatoo
High-class Australian Bloodstock import Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {USA}) has officially been ruled out of the spring carnival after suffering a tendon injury in last Saturday’s G1 Doomben Cup.
“It’s obviously very disappointing. A tendon injury is a tendon injury unfortunately, but it is what it is,” Australian Bloodstock's Director, Jamie Lovett, told The Daily Telegraph.
Mugatoo (Ire)
Zaaki presses on
Trainer Annabel Neasham has confirmed on Twitter that dominant last-start G1 Doomben Cup winner Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) will line up in next month’s G2 Q22 at Eagle Farm.
Bold Showing Inevitable
Trainer Scott Brunton is hopeful classy gelding The Inevitable (Dundeel {NZ}) can show shades of his former self when returning from an extended injury layoff at Caulfield this Saturday.
The Tasmanian-based horseman confirmed the 5-year-old to be in good order, saying that he is ticking all the right boxes ahead of the 1100 metre H. (Race 9).
“He had a few issues and we’ve given him a sufficient amount of time off and a lot of rehab at the beach. He’s had a couple of trials and grass gallops so he’s ready to go but he’s maybe a little bit over-trained for the 1100 metres. However, I expect him to be hitting the line hard,” Brunton told RSN927.
The Inevitable (white cap)
Jack ready for another crack
Leading Victorian-based hoop John Allen expects star stayer Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) to assert his dominance in Saturday’s G1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.
Allen is confident the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained 3-year-old can put his best foot forward in the 2400 metre feature, saying that he wouldn’t swap his mount for anything else in the race.
“He’s a real laid-back character, he’s tough and has plenty of ability to back up his staying prowess. Hopefully there’s a bit of tempo in the race and he can be right in the firing line when he needs to be,” Allen told Racing Pulse.
Explosive Jack (NZ)
Zahra staying put
Leading Victorian-based hoop Mark Zahra will forgo his book of rides at Eagle Farm on Saturday after the state closed its borders to Victoria on Wednesday.
Zahra had hoped to fly to Queensland on Thursday night and was booked to ride the lightly raced, OTI-owned Hezashocka (NZ) (Shocking) in the G1 Queensland Derby.
So Si flying
Lindsay Park co-trainer Tom Dabernig expects talented gelding So Si Bon (So You Think {NZ}) to produce a bold showing in Saturday’s G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup at Eagle Farm.
"He's fallen just short of the mark when we've had him in Group 1s but he's run some very good races at Group 1 level, so I certainly wouldn't put it past him," Tom Dabernig told Racing.com.
"He's the sort of horse that, even when he gets beat, often the margin isn't too great. So, if the race happened to go his way, he's certainly the horse that will be finishing strong."
So Si Bon | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
McDonald to partner Quickie
Star hoop James McDonald will replace Jamie Kah aboard the Phillip Stokes-trained Mr Quickie (Shamus Award) in next month’s G1 Stradbroke H. at Eagle Farm.
“Kah’s manager wanted to see the state of play after this weekend for the Stradbroke so couldn’t give us a firm commitment,” part-owner Anthony Mithen told the Moody On The Mic podcast.
“She’s riding Vega One I think this weekend who’s a chance to go into the Stradbroke. I understand all those things, but you’ve got to make the right decision for your horse.”
Mr Quickie
Rawiller returns hungrier
Talented apprentice Campbell Rawiller says he has returned to Victoria hungry for success after a three-month stint in Sydney with leading trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
Rawiller will recommence race riding in Victoria at Cranbourne on Friday.
“I feel it has made me very hungry to come back to Victoria. I’m very confident in myself that I can get the job done and hopefully I can strike early and get some momentum,” Rawiller told Racing.com.
