Premier flags Cup crowd comeback
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed the Melbourne Cup could be in line to be one of the first events in the state to welcome back crowds after outlining Victoria's roadmap to reopening after COVID-19 shutdowns.
Vaccination rates are set to hit 80 per cent in Victoria around the time that the Melbourne Cup will be run on November 2.
“It is the race that stops the nation. I want it to be held in as normal circumstances as possible,” Andrews said on Sunday. “But 80 per cent is the marker that opens our state.
"It would be great to think we could get it done before then and perhaps we can have a crowd of double vaccinated people. But it’s too early for us to say that today.
“If we deliver 80 by Cup Day or it's really clear we are going to, then we will have options to have a crowd there. I can’t say how big."
It’s likely those crowds will need to be fully vaccinated.
Richards positive on Gytrash
Co-trainer Gordon Richards was far from disheartened by Gytrash's (Lope De Vega {Ire}) unlucky third in the G1 The Shorts on Saturday.
Gytrash ran out of room in the straight when finishing behind likely The Everest rivals Eduardo (Host {Chi}) and Nature Strip (Nicconi), in his first run of the campaign.
Gytrash
“At least we know he is back,” Richards told Racenet.
“I’ve said before you go from one prep to another, sometimes they just don’t come up, but he has this time.
"A few bubbles burst in the race yesterday but that will change over the next month again. I am happy with where we are at, at the moment.”
Options open for Verry Elleegant
The connections of Verry Elleegant (Zed {NZ}) are assessing their options on where the star mare goes for her next run after her ninth Group 1 success in the George Main S. on Saturday.
Part-owner Brae Sokolski told Racing.com that a trip to Melbourne for the G1 Turnbull S. on October 2 was likely, but hasn't ruled out contesting the G2 Hill S. on the same day at Randwick.
“I know Chris (Waller, trainer) is certainly leaning towards the Turnbull because that’s his tried and proven formula of having a run down south before the grand final,” Sokolski said.
“The other thing in favour of the Turnbull is it’s a Group 1, and we feel like this mare’s entitled to be running in Group 1 level every time she goes around."
A trip to Melbourne would also give Damian Lane a chance to ride the mare before she tackles the G1 Cox Plate.
“At the end of the day, Chris will decide, and it will be the race that’s the best steppingstone into the Cox Plate,” Sokolski said.
Rothfire pleases Heathcote
Comeback sprinter Rothfire (Rothesay) has proven himself up to being up in The Everest field, according to trainer Robert Heathcote.
Heathcote was pleased with Rothfire's fourth on an unsuitably wet track in the G2 The Shorts at Randwick.
Rothfire
“That confirms his slot now in The Everest,” Heathcote told Punters.com.au. “I have no doubt he is up to that class. He has every right to be in The Everest.
“He has pulled up fine on Sunday morning and it is onwards and upwards.”
Rothfire was recently selected by slotholder James Kennedy to run in the rich sprint on October 16.
Avantage bidding opens
Bidding has opened on Te Akau Racing’s nine-time Group-1 winning mare Avantage (Fastnet Rock) on Gavelhouse Plus.
The exceptional mare is expected to garner substantial international interest with bidding closing from 7pm (NZST) on Wednesday, 22 September.
“Avantage’s versatility was remarkable. She won Group 1 races at 1200 metres, 1400 metres, 1600 metres and 2000 metres. This indeed is a rare accomplishment,” Te Akau Principal David Ellis said.
“In fact Avantage has won more Group 1 races than any other horse by Fastnet Rock, anywhere in the world - more than Group 1 stars Atlantic Jewel, Mosheen and Sea Siren."
Gavelhouse.com General Manager Haylie Martin recognises the significance of the sale.
Avantage
“The team at Te Akau is one of the linchpins in our industry and we are all fortunate to have Te Akau’s commitment to the domestic scene. This is made even more evident by Te Akau choosing to sell Avantage via a Kiwi-owned company,” she said.
“Herself a Karaka yearling hand-picked by David Ellis, I know the team at NZB has taken great pleasure in following her career and it’s fitting she comes full circle to be sold via gavelhouse.com.
“We cannot thank David, Karyn, Jamie and the connections enough for putting their faith in us and for offering her to the market in such a genuine manner as unreserved. It’s going to be an exciting few days.”
Heart out of spring
Progressive stayer Heart Of Puissance (Puissance De Lune {Ire}) has been ruled out of spring.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained 5-year-old held nominations for the G1 Caulfield Cup and G1 Melbourne Cup, but is instead headed to the paddock.
Heart Of Puissance
“He’s a got a soft tissue injury to a right-fore limb and it means he will miss the spring unfortunately,” co-trainer Eustace told Racing.com.
“He should be back for the autumn. He hasn’t done anything too serious but he will need time and rehab, no surgery and he is on box rest at the moment.”
Stars continue to sparkle
Vinery Stud's Star Turn has continued a strong start to the season with his progeny, with a ninth winner in impressive fashion at Ballarat.
The Brent Stanley-trained colt Serenaur powered away to win a 1400-metre maiden by 3l.
The homebred 3-year-old is out of Orlaith (Toorak Toff), who hails from the family of star filly Alcove (El Qahira {NZ}).
Star Turn, who stands for $16,500 (inc GST) at Vinery, has more Australian winners than any other second-season sire this season.
Riddell riding high
Jonathan Riddell is delighted to have celebrated his 13th Group 1 success aboard Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) in Saturday's G1 Tarzino Trophy at Hastings.
“It was a very good day and to cap it with a Group 1 win was very special,” he said.
“They are not easy to get and to do it on a horse trained by John Bary only added to the occasion as we have had a fantastic association that started back when I rode Jimmy Choux for him.
“I guess with winning the race last year with Callsign Mav and again yesterday, you could say the gang is back in town.”
Riddell admits he was feeling confident leading into the race and those levels rose when pre-post favourite Avantage was scratched on Friday.
“I knew I was on a fit horse who proved he was up to them with his win last year,” Riddell said.
“He had the benefit of an extra trial at Taupo which really cleaned him up, and when I heard Avantage had been scratched I knew I was on the best horse in the race."
Banke heads Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders' Cup Board of Directors unanimously elected Barbara Banke as Board Chairman Friday night, the organisation announced on Saturday.
Banke, the owner of Stonestreet Farms in Lexington and chairman of Jackson Family Wines, becomes the first woman to chair Breeders' Cup Limited and succeeds Fred Hertrich III.
Barbara Banke
Banke, whose will serve a two-year term as Chairman, was first elected as a Breeders' Cup Member in 2012 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2014. Gainesway Farm's Antony Beck was elected for a two-year term as Vice Chairman.
“It is a great honor to be named Chairman of the Breeders' Cup Board of Directors, and I look forward to serving with my fellow Directors and Members in continuing the mission and vision of the Breeders' Cup World Championships in support of our nominators and our racing fans around the world,” said Banke.
