Eustace has faith in science and Coolangatta
Co-trainer David Eustace is confident in Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) ahead of her tilt at Royal Ascot glory in the G1 King’s Stand S. on June 20.
The filly was last seen in a jump-out down the Flemington straight with fellow Royal Ascot aspirants Artorius (Flying Artie) and Cannonball (Capitalist), in which co-trainer Ciaron Maher described Coolangatta’s performance as ‘plain’ moments after.
However, Eustace said a deeper look at Coolangatta’s performance produced a different outlook. Maher and Eustace utilise heart rate trackers and other scientific instruments to assess the performance and condition of their horses in work and trials.
Coolangatta | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I think the critical part of it for us were the splits and what we saw of her recovery,” Eustace said.
“It was a quick time on soft ground, and we know she’s better on top of the ground. The heart rate tracker gave us all the data to compare with Coolangatta’s work and was very encouraging.”
Steparty attracts big offers
Exciting colt Steparty (Artie Schiller {USA}), who is raced by a big group of owners and syndicates, including his breeder Greg Baldwin have been given plenty to think about since Saturday when the colt backed up his impressive debut victory with a dominant win at Flemington.
Steparty’s trainer Paul Preusker shared on Monday morning his phone had been running hot with offers to buy the 2-year-old, but all to this point had been rejected. But he left the door ajar for the potential sale of Steparty.
“It's been a busy 24 hours on the offers already, but at this moment, we're just pushing ahead with our business,” Preusker told RSN927.
Preusker will monitor Steparty before declaring to start the colt in the Next Generation Sprint Series Final at Flemington on Finals Day, July 3.
Currie appeal successful
Mark Currie, a Toowoomba-based trainer, has won an appeal against a $15,000 fine imposed by Queensland Racing Stewards. Currie's horse End Assembly (Outreach) had been disqualified from his victory in the Listed Gold Edition Plate after the post-race urine sample came up positive for the prohibited substance of Cocaine.
The fine was altered to $10,000, following a successful appeal by Mark Currie against the initial penalty of $15,000 handed down by Queensland Racing stewards. Currie's barrister Michael White argued that the steep penalty was too harsh for the offence and should be entirely quashed. The panel ultimately agreed that the fine was excessive and reduced the fine marginally.
It was reported by Racenet, Currie was more than 400 kilometres away in Taroom with his daughter on the day of the race. But the Queensland Racing Integrity argued this did not remove Currie’s responsibility over horses in his care.
Racing Victoria to address revenue shortfall
It is expected later this week Racing Victoria will announce measures to address the industry’s revenue shortfall, with significant budget cuts anticipated.
Racing Victoria has been forced to look at methods of reducing costs across the industry for the coming season on the back of declining wagering revenue.
The idea of reducing prizemoney is a potential saving measure; as expected, the idea was met with resistance from the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Association, Chairman Jonathan Munz slammed the proposal to cut prizemoney and suggested that Racing Victoria looks within for any potential savings before slashing prizemoney.
Racing Victoria could announce the introduction of the 10-race cards on Saturdays, following the Sydney model that has been in place.
However, the Victorian Jockeys’ Association questioned that suggestion, and is concerned about the effects an extra race will have on its members.
Meech to partner with Lighting
Popular Victorian-based jockey Linda Meech will ride at Eagle Farm on Saturday, the first time in nearly four years, having scored the ride on the Peter Moody-trained Chain Of Lighting (Fighting Sun) in the $3 million G1 Stradbroke H.
Assistant trainer Katherine Coleman says the 4-year-old mare has been allotted the light weight of 52kg and will have her final hitout on Tuesday morning.
Linda Meech | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“Chain Of Lighting’s last run was good,” Coleman added.
“She didn’t like the firmer tracks over the summer months, so ideally, we’d love to see a shower of rain. She’s at her best when the tracks are soft.”
Gear change for Roy
Lindsay Park trainers Ben and JD Hayes will tinker with Gentleman Roy’s (So You Think {NZ}) headgear to extract the best from the tenacious gelding in Saturday’s G1 Stradbroke H. at Eagle Farm.
Gentleman Roy will have winkers reapplied as he strives to land a maiden Group 1. The popular galloper wore winkers from late 2021 until midway through last spring, a run that included six victories, but he hasn’t worn them in any of his six runs this year.
Co-trainer JD Hayes said they would go back on in an attempt to spark the 6-year-old after an uncharacteristic tardy getaway when unplaced in the G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup last start.
Gentleman Roy | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“We've put the winkers back on, he needed the pipe-opener (last start), and he missed the start, so it was a bit of a non-event after the first 200 metres.
“Hopefully, we don't get the visitor's carpark (barrier), which will be a step in the right direction.
“Drawing a barrier would be nice, but we don't want to miss the start again. That was a bit unlike him, so we've gone over him, he strips fitter, and hopefully, he can prove me right.”
Waller seeks fourth JJ Atkins win
Champion trainer Chirs Waller hopes to record a fourth victory in the $1 million JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Waller saddled the outstanding The Autumn Sun to success in 2018, Press Statement in 2015 and the late Pressday in 2010.
Waller will depend on the last start winners Tannhauser (Dundeel {NZ}) and Congregation (Snitzel) and the tough Chrysaor (Better Than Ready) in the last 2-year-old Group 1 of the season.
Abbott’s fairytale Stradbroke tilt
Brisbane-based trainer Lauren Abbott dreams of Group 1 glory when she saddles up Superstorm (Sebring) in the G1 Stradbroke H.
A former jockey and journalist, Abbott purchased the Group 1 winner Superstorm for $70,000 from an Inglis Digital Online auction from prominent West Australian-based owner Bob Peters.
Abbott has never had a Group 1 runner or stakes runner before but is looking forward to the highlight of her four-year training career.
Lauren Abbott | Image courtesy of Lauren Abbott Racing
“It’s very hard to buy a Group 1 winner for $70,000. He only has to be half right to be very competitive in the Stradbroke,” Abbott said.
“Superstorm wasn’t a very happy horse when he first turned up at my place; he was a bit dirty on the world. I have just focused on getting him happy and sorting out any niggling issues.”
McEvoy chases third Stradbroke victory
Kerrin McEvoy, fresh off riding five winners at Rosehill on Saturday, will chase a third victory in the G1 Stradbroke H. at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
McEvoy will partner the classy James Cummings-trained Aft Cabin (Astern) in the $3 million feature and will retain the ride on the Chris Waller-trained Congregation (Snitzel) in the G1 JJ Atkins after winning on the colt on Saturday.
McEvoy is confident the 3-year-old colt Aft Cabin will make his presence felt in the Stradbroke, “I feel Aft Cabin can go to the Stradbroke and be a good chance with 53kg. He wasn’t beaten far by Giga Kick last start (G1 Doomben 10,000), which is the best form in the land.”
Lake to have first runner at Swan Hill
Newly licensed Victorian-based trainer Toby Lake will look to have his first runner at this weekend’s Swan Hill Carnival.
Lake, 25, returned to his hometown of Bendigo to build his stable. He is the great-nephew of champion rider Des Lake. Lake gained experience from his father, Steven and Shane Fliedner, before moving to Melbourne and spending time with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, then Nick Ryan, where Lake held the role of assistant trainer for five years.
Toby Lake | Image courtesy of Lake Racing
Lake’s first runner at Swan Hill is set to be Grand Pope (More Than Ready {USA}), a former winner at Flemington. Meanwhile, the former Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Zoist (Zoustar) and Dinga (Safeguard) have also joined Lake’s boutique team.
“I originally had three of the team set for the carnival but between one thing and another I think Grand Pope will be the only one heading up,” Lake said.
Bosson named Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Opie Bosson’s decorated riding career has been further acknowledged in the 2023 King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours list.
The champion jockey has been named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his contribution to the thoroughbred industry.
“I’m very proud; it’s a real honour to be recognised for the things I’ve done on the track,” Bosson said.
Opie Bosson | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk
“I was a little bit shocked to start with, but I’m actually quite over the moon to be recognised for my achievements.
“I really feel like it is an honour to be given national recognition, not just within the racing industry.”
It is the second major credit for the 42-year-old in 2023, having also been inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame at a gala dinner in Hamilton in May.
Allen, Downey and Mertens suspended
Group 1-winning hoop Ben Allen was one of several jockeys suspended by Racing Victoria stewards for rides across the weekend.
Allen was suspended for seven meetings for whip use at Geelong on Sunday. He pleaded guilty to the charge, with his suspension to expire at midnight on Sunday, June 11.
Robbie Downey, who rode his first Flemington winner on Verifier (NZ) (Tivaci), was suspended for that ride for whip overuse. Downey’s suspension will end at midnight on Wednesday, June 21.
Beau Mertens was also outed at Flemington after pleading guilty to a low-range careless riding charge; his suspension will end at midnight on Tuesday, June 20.
