Racing and Sports
Monday, 22 March 2010:
The Sydney autumn campaign of Alcopop may be over after finishing last in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
The South Australian stayer, who started favourite in last year's Melbourne Cup, has failed to fire in two runs in Sydney in the autumn and trainer Jake Stephens will now weigh up whether to continue on.
Nothing has gone right for Alcopop in Sydney, including a poor blood count and failing to stretch out hindering his first run in the Sydney direction when 10th in the Apollo Stakes.
A mild virus forced him to miss the Chipping Norton Stakes and second-up in the Ranvet on Saturday he layed in up the straight and was seemingly at sea in the clockwise direction, finishing a six length last behind Theseo.
Stephens and connections will now think about whether to press on or return home and concentrate on the spring.
'He'll have an easy few days and we'll evaluate what to do,” Stephens said.
“The BMW is still a possibility but my gut feeling is to pull up stumps and go home. It's probably a better idea to give him a good spell and concentrate on the spring.”
Stephens wants to give the horse every chance to turn the corner but admits he's facing an uphill battle.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Carthage for the Cup
Racing and Sports
Monday, 22 March 2010:
Hong Kong trainer John Moore has named the Melbourne Cup as the target for a horse who was once favourite for the world's premier weight-for-age event, the Prix De l”Arc de Triomphe.
Carthage, who raced in Europe as Beheshtam, was rated one of the most exciting prospects in France last year when he finished fourth in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) as a three-year-old when trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre.
The son of Arc winner Peintre Celebre has raced just six times, winning his first two starts at Maisons-Laffitte and the Listed Prix De L'Avre at Longchamp over 2600m and 2400m before he contested the Derby.
Beheshtam was also second in the G2 Prix Niel, a traditional Arc prep race, and was acquired by Moore's “Trainer Syndicate” from his owner the Aga Khan after he finished 12th, beaten only 6.8 lengths, in the Arc won by champion colt Sea The Stars at Longchamp in October.
Moore is hoping Carthage can match the success he has enjoyed with his current star Collection, another Peintre Celebre acquisition from Europe who won last year's G1 Hong Kong Derby and the G1 HK Gold Cup at his most recent start on February 28.
Carthage has been given two recent trials at Sha Tin by Moore as he begins what will be a long build up to his planned Australian campaign in October and November.
"We hope to give him two or three runs in Hong Kong before the end of the season and then ship him to Melbourne for the spring carnival," Moore told SCMP.
Moore plans to send Carthage to Victoria in August with his son George to supervise his training.
"The Caulfield and Melbourne Cups are the two main targets but we will find a couple of lead-up races over shorter distances beforehand,” Moore said.
"His form behind Cavalryman when he was beaten just half a length in the Prix Niel speaks for itself.
“We are very much looking forward to the journey ahead."
Monday, 22 March 2010:
Hong Kong trainer John Moore has named the Melbourne Cup as the target for a horse who was once favourite for the world's premier weight-for-age event, the Prix De l”Arc de Triomphe.
Carthage, who raced in Europe as Beheshtam, was rated one of the most exciting prospects in France last year when he finished fourth in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) as a three-year-old when trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre.
The son of Arc winner Peintre Celebre has raced just six times, winning his first two starts at Maisons-Laffitte and the Listed Prix De L'Avre at Longchamp over 2600m and 2400m before he contested the Derby.
Beheshtam was also second in the G2 Prix Niel, a traditional Arc prep race, and was acquired by Moore's “Trainer Syndicate” from his owner the Aga Khan after he finished 12th, beaten only 6.8 lengths, in the Arc won by champion colt Sea The Stars at Longchamp in October.
Moore is hoping Carthage can match the success he has enjoyed with his current star Collection, another Peintre Celebre acquisition from Europe who won last year's G1 Hong Kong Derby and the G1 HK Gold Cup at his most recent start on February 28.
Carthage has been given two recent trials at Sha Tin by Moore as he begins what will be a long build up to his planned Australian campaign in October and November.
"We hope to give him two or three runs in Hong Kong before the end of the season and then ship him to Melbourne for the spring carnival," Moore told SCMP.
Moore plans to send Carthage to Victoria in August with his son George to supervise his training.
"The Caulfield and Melbourne Cups are the two main targets but we will find a couple of lead-up races over shorter distances beforehand,” Moore said.
"His form behind Cavalryman when he was beaten just half a length in the Prix Niel speaks for itself.
“We are very much looking forward to the journey ahead."
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
ChangingOfTheGuard dies
The Age
PATRICK BARTLEY
March 11, 2010
WHAT looked to be the dream of winning a Melbourne Cup with imported galloper Changingoftheguard turned out to be an ongoing nightmare, and the final chapter was played out yesterday when the stayer died during surgery.
Reportedly purchased for $1 million by a Melbourne-based syndicate, Changingoftheguard did not survive a simple gelding operation.
''He suffered a ruptured bowel during the operation and didn't survive. He was put down for humane reasons,'' said trainer David Hayes.
''That has never happened at Lindsay Park before and we've had hundreds, even thousands, done. Sometimes a horse can injure a leg when getting up after an operation, but not this.''
The horse finished second in the Ebor Handicap at York in England, prompting a group of owners in Melbourne to purchase the horse with a view to running in last year's Melbourne Cup.
But from the time Changingoftheguard arrived in Australia, he has been embroiled in a series of controversies, including his dramatic withdrawal hours before the Melbourne Cup.
His withdrawal by stewards acting on veterinary advice was the centre of much debate, with Hayes rejecting claims that the horse had hoof problems.
Changingoftheguard had one run last month, but after finishing down the track the stable reported that the stallion, who was formerly with leading Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien and owned by Kilmore Stud, appeared to have respiratory problems after the race.
Last Tuesday week he beat two of Hayes' four Australian Cup runners, Our Aqaleem and Zagreb, in an impressive gallop at Flemington. ''He coughed after the gallop and I decided to look after him and not run him in the Australian Cup,'' Hayes said.
The stable then elected to geld Changingoftheguard with a view to this year's Melbourne Cup.
PATRICK BARTLEY
March 11, 2010
WHAT looked to be the dream of winning a Melbourne Cup with imported galloper Changingoftheguard turned out to be an ongoing nightmare, and the final chapter was played out yesterday when the stayer died during surgery.
Reportedly purchased for $1 million by a Melbourne-based syndicate, Changingoftheguard did not survive a simple gelding operation.
''He suffered a ruptured bowel during the operation and didn't survive. He was put down for humane reasons,'' said trainer David Hayes.
''That has never happened at Lindsay Park before and we've had hundreds, even thousands, done. Sometimes a horse can injure a leg when getting up after an operation, but not this.''
The horse finished second in the Ebor Handicap at York in England, prompting a group of owners in Melbourne to purchase the horse with a view to running in last year's Melbourne Cup.
But from the time Changingoftheguard arrived in Australia, he has been embroiled in a series of controversies, including his dramatic withdrawal hours before the Melbourne Cup.
His withdrawal by stewards acting on veterinary advice was the centre of much debate, with Hayes rejecting claims that the horse had hoof problems.
Changingoftheguard had one run last month, but after finishing down the track the stable reported that the stallion, who was formerly with leading Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien and owned by Kilmore Stud, appeared to have respiratory problems after the race.
Last Tuesday week he beat two of Hayes' four Australian Cup runners, Our Aqaleem and Zagreb, in an impressive gallop at Flemington. ''He coughed after the gallop and I decided to look after him and not run him in the Australian Cup,'' Hayes said.
The stable then elected to geld Changingoftheguard with a view to this year's Melbourne Cup.
Anthony Cummings, Damien Oliver and Zavite win Auckland Cup
11/3/10
Memo from Max:
Ahhhhhh...It is funny how we all 'claim' a winner. It is entertaining to see how the media in Australia and New Zealand compete with each other for 'ownership' of successful horses. Read the next two paragraphs about Zavite and you will see what I mean. Zavite was bred in New Zealand but has done most of it's racing in Australia.
(From TVNZ) Australian-based horse Zavite has won the $1 million Group One Auckland Cup race at Ellerslie. Zavite finished ahead of Booming while Tin Goose was third.
(From Racing and Sprts Australia) Thursday, 11 March 2010: Sydney stayer Zavite put a dent in New Zealand pride on Wednesday when he became yet another Australian galloper to win a Kiwi Group One race with a dominant performance in the $1 million Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.
Although the 7YO Zabeel gelding is NZ-bred, it was an all Australian triumph as he is trained at Randwick by Anthony Cummings and was ridden by Melbourne champion Damien Oliver.
Zavite proved a class above his opponents to win in one of the fastest times for the race in recent years.
Carrying top weight of 57.5kg, Zavite covered the 3200m in 3:18.96 to give Oliver another major New Zealand trophy to go with the Wellington Cup he won aboard Ed in 1995.
The 37-year-old Oliver had not ridden a winner in New Zealand for 10 years with his previous Kiwi success being in the 1998 NZ Derby on So Casual, however Oliver was aboard the Paul Perry-trained Dantelah in the 1999 Group 1 Telegraph Stakes when relegated to second on protest in a controversial decision.
In contrast to Zavite's usual on pace pattern, a fast early pace saw Oliver settle him back in twelfth position until the 700m when he set the gelding alight.
Zavite showed sparkling acceleration to sprint past the leaders on the home turn and opened a winning break of three lengths that he maintained down the long Ellerslie straight.
Zavite powered to the line three and a quarter lengths clear of Glen Boss' mount Booming with the outsider Tin Goose third with last year's winner Spin Around fourth.
Oliver said he never had any worries despite settling back in the field.
“They went pretty hard from the gate and I thought I'd pop in behind them and get him to relax,” said the champion Melbourne rider.
“He settled nice and coming to the turn I had some good chances in front of me, but they weren't going near as good as this bloke.
“He just cruised up and was jogging on the turn. He kicked well, I might have gone a bit early, but he was just going so well.
“It was a comprehensive win and a good effort under the weight.”
Zavite, winner of last year's Adelaide Cup, returned to winning form at Moonee Valley at his previous start.
He could have gone back to Morphettville last Monday for another Adelaide Cup assault but Cummings opted for the New Zealand trip because of the bigger prizemoney.
“It is one million dollars, and even if it's Kiwi it's still good,” he said.
“I left the riding decisions to Damien. He helped him carry the weight and made the right move coming toward the turn.”
Zavite was purchased by Cummings as a yearling at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale in 2004 for $80,000. He has now won ten of his fifty starts for earnings of $1.1 million.
Memo from Max:
Ahhhhhh...It is funny how we all 'claim' a winner. It is entertaining to see how the media in Australia and New Zealand compete with each other for 'ownership' of successful horses. Read the next two paragraphs about Zavite and you will see what I mean. Zavite was bred in New Zealand but has done most of it's racing in Australia.
(From TVNZ) Australian-based horse Zavite has won the $1 million Group One Auckland Cup race at Ellerslie. Zavite finished ahead of Booming while Tin Goose was third.
(From Racing and Sprts Australia) Thursday, 11 March 2010: Sydney stayer Zavite put a dent in New Zealand pride on Wednesday when he became yet another Australian galloper to win a Kiwi Group One race with a dominant performance in the $1 million Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.
Although the 7YO Zabeel gelding is NZ-bred, it was an all Australian triumph as he is trained at Randwick by Anthony Cummings and was ridden by Melbourne champion Damien Oliver.
Zavite proved a class above his opponents to win in one of the fastest times for the race in recent years.
Carrying top weight of 57.5kg, Zavite covered the 3200m in 3:18.96 to give Oliver another major New Zealand trophy to go with the Wellington Cup he won aboard Ed in 1995.
The 37-year-old Oliver had not ridden a winner in New Zealand for 10 years with his previous Kiwi success being in the 1998 NZ Derby on So Casual, however Oliver was aboard the Paul Perry-trained Dantelah in the 1999 Group 1 Telegraph Stakes when relegated to second on protest in a controversial decision.
In contrast to Zavite's usual on pace pattern, a fast early pace saw Oliver settle him back in twelfth position until the 700m when he set the gelding alight.
Zavite showed sparkling acceleration to sprint past the leaders on the home turn and opened a winning break of three lengths that he maintained down the long Ellerslie straight.
Zavite powered to the line three and a quarter lengths clear of Glen Boss' mount Booming with the outsider Tin Goose third with last year's winner Spin Around fourth.
Oliver said he never had any worries despite settling back in the field.
“They went pretty hard from the gate and I thought I'd pop in behind them and get him to relax,” said the champion Melbourne rider.
“He settled nice and coming to the turn I had some good chances in front of me, but they weren't going near as good as this bloke.
“He just cruised up and was jogging on the turn. He kicked well, I might have gone a bit early, but he was just going so well.
“It was a comprehensive win and a good effort under the weight.”
Zavite, winner of last year's Adelaide Cup, returned to winning form at Moonee Valley at his previous start.
He could have gone back to Morphettville last Monday for another Adelaide Cup assault but Cummings opted for the New Zealand trip because of the bigger prizemoney.
“It is one million dollars, and even if it's Kiwi it's still good,” he said.
“I left the riding decisions to Damien. He helped him carry the weight and made the right move coming toward the turn.”
Zavite was purchased by Cummings as a yearling at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale in 2004 for $80,000. He has now won ten of his fifty starts for earnings of $1.1 million.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Capecover wins Adelaide Cup
8th March 2010
Former champion jockey Patrick Payne has celebrated his biggest day as a trainer with Capecover winning the Group Two Adelaide Cup at Morphettville from stable-mate Kerdem on Monday.
But in an ironic twist, the winning connections had an anxious wait when Payne's sister Michelle, who rode the runner-up, fired in a protest against the winner.
It was dismissed and New Zealand stayer Capecover was declared the victor of the gruelling 3,200-metre contest.
Capecover is trained by Alexander Fieldes when he races in New Zealand but remained with Victorian-based Payne after the Melbourne Cup in which he finished in 17th place.
He beat Kerdem by a length with Itstheone another short half-head behind in third.
Former champion jockey Patrick Payne has celebrated his biggest day as a trainer with Capecover winning the Group Two Adelaide Cup at Morphettville from stable-mate Kerdem on Monday.
But in an ironic twist, the winning connections had an anxious wait when Payne's sister Michelle, who rode the runner-up, fired in a protest against the winner.
It was dismissed and New Zealand stayer Capecover was declared the victor of the gruelling 3,200-metre contest.
Capecover is trained by Alexander Fieldes when he races in New Zealand but remained with Victorian-based Payne after the Melbourne Cup in which he finished in 17th place.
He beat Kerdem by a length with Itstheone another short half-head behind in third.
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