GALLOPERS Your Thoroughbred

..... To Brisbane trainer Kelly Schweida produced a future Saturday city winner when Rocker won the last race at Doomben today. Coming from an awkward barrier leading jockey Glen Colless got the gelding over to sit quietly outside the leader D'jet. The race was all over on straightening with Rocker doing his job comfortably over the final 200m to beat D'jet by over a length. Rocker broke 1:9:00 for the 1200m which is only a second outside Takeover Targets track record which stamps him as a very promising horse. Rocker has now won 3 races from only 4 starts & ran second in the other outing. Punters will do worse than follow Rocker throughout a career that holds a bright future.

..... The Bryan Guy trained Manzano over came a few very big hurdles to win at Doomben this afternoon. Manzano won a maiden at his last start & jumped straight into a Class Plate event. It is very rare to see any horse jump three grades & still win when straight out of maiden class. In fact, the maiden he won was restricted to 3yos only which makes his effort today even better. Manzano was a 3yo taking on the older horses today & rarely do punters see 3yos win in these circumstances at this early stage of the season. Manzano has now won 2 from 8 attempts with three placings & as he steps up in distance he impresses even more. In over coming all these issues, Manzano definitely stamped himself as a horse to follow out of Doomben this afternoon.

..... Danny Nikolic earned the wrath of VR Stewards at Warrnambool today copping a 9 meeting suspension for careless rising in the first race. Three Queensland jockeys were also suspended out of the Cluden Park meeting today. Adrian Coome copped 2 weeks for failing to ride Carmenator out to the line, while Dean Tanti (7 meetings) & Geoff Cullen (4 meetings) were outed for careless riding.

..... Leading Victorian hoop Damien Oliver will not ride again this year. He will enter hospital to have long awaited surgery on his hip & will be out of the saddle until mid January. Oliver has been trying to find time in his busy schedule to have the surgery for the past12 months & believes now is the ideal time.

..... Grant Buckley is facing several months on the sidelines after coming off Danzing Shadow after the horses crossed the line in the first event at Canberra today. Buckley was taken to Canberra Hospital immediately where he was diagnosed with a dislocated left shoulder. Very bad luck for the hard working hoop.

.....Leading trainer Peter Snowden has been fined $4,000 for presenting the horse Moravany at Hawkesbury in early September with a banned substance in its system. Snowden pleaded guilty to the charge & Stewards took into account his exceptional record before deciding on the punishment. Moravany has been disqualified from the event with the Gai Waterhouse trained De Burghlar as the winner. Alas, punters who backed De Burghlar do not get paid.

..... Queensland jockey Corey Gilby has died in Townsville Hospital after a fall at Julia Creek on Saturday. The fall occurred after the last race when Corey was galloping a horse in a trial. Apparently bandages around the horses leg came loose causing the galloper to trip & fall, rolling over Gilby several times. Gilby's family, who had travelled north to be at his bedside made the grim decision to turn off his life support last night. Corey had only moved to Mt Isa this year after opportunities at Toowoomba where he was based had petered out. Gallopers thoughts are with the 27yos family & friends.

..... Saturday's Zipping Classic winner Americain will remain in Australia for the rest of his career & will not travel to Hong Kong for the big International meeting next month. The burning question still remaisn however, who will train Americain in the future?

..... Did We Win did just that in taking out the Donald Cup in comfortable fashion. The Terry & Karina O'Sullivan training teams puts the polish on the gelding who scored by nearly 3 lengths from Redhead Rage & favourite Nicastro who felt the big weight & only plodded in the straight. Leading SA hoop Clare Lindop made it a double for the O'sullivans after Viva Del Spec had won the previous race for the partnership.

..... Jim Byrne earned the wrath of Stewards at Eagle Farm yesterday copping a 7 meeting suspension for careless riding. Jim Cassidy after riding 4 winners at Rosehill was hit with a 3 week ban for over use of the whip. And at Kembla Grange Brad Pengelly copped 5 meetings for returning over weight after the race while Victorian apprentice Jake Duffy was handed down a 3 week suspension for careless riding.

..... Craig Williams took the riding honours at Sandown today with a winning quadrella. Williams won the first on 2yo Maximus Moonhard for Tony McEvoy, backed up to win on Under The Eiffel for Tony Vasil, then won the Guineas on So Swift & finished off in the last with Hi Belle for John Gunning. It could have ben better. Williams had two seconds, both beaten less than a head.

Jim Cassidy matched Williams at Rosehill where he rode 4 winners also. Alas, to spoil the party, Cassidy copped a 3 week suspension for 2 counts of whip abuse.

..... So Swift caused yet another boil over in the Sandown Guineas this afternoon narrowly winning the race by a nostril from Niagara & the most unlucky favourite Galah. The win gave Warrnambool training partnership Bill & Simon Wilde one of their biggest thrills in racing. The Sandown Guineas has always been a hoodoo race, especially for favourites & 2011 was certainly no exception.

..... Americain continued his dominance down under by comfortably winning the Zipping Classic at Sandown this afternoon. The gelding had his 4 rivals covered a long way out & was given an easy time of it by hoop Gerard Mosse in the closing stages to beat Manighar & Mourayan.

.....In form hoop Mark Zahra notched an early winning double when Soul saluted in the Heffernan Stakes at Sandown. The Peter Snowden trained gelding sat on the speed & went home too strongly for early leader Masthead who had to work hard in the early stages to get to the fence from a wide barrier. Zahra is riding on the crest of a wave following his Group 1 success aboard Albert The Fat at Flemington last Saturday.

..... A great front running ride by Mark Zahra was enough to get Olympic Win home in the Sandown Cup this afternoon. It was the first time the Cup had been run over 3200m & Zahra summed the race up & dictated the speed of the race to a nicety. Robert Smerdon continued his excellent recent run of late with Olympic Wins narrow victory over Our Serena with favourite Norsqui back in third placing.

..... Makybe Divas first foal Rockstardom finally broke through for his first win today at Bendigo after 7 frustrating starts without a win for the connections. First up after almost 7 months off the track, the son of Galileo came from last in the 5 horse field to nail the Peter Moody trained Daley right on the line. Rockstardom raced as if he is looking for further than the 1600m of today's assignment.

..... Chad Schofield, son of leading jockey Glynn, starred at Hawkesbury today with a winning double including the feature on Underthetuscansun for local mentor Garry White. White rarely goes a Hawkesbury meeting without a winner & he & Chad combined for the winning double after Diamond Springs won the 1600m Maiden.

..... Peter Snowden's filly Moravany has returned a positive swab to bute, a pain killer used regularly by the throroughbred industry, after winning at Hawkesbury in September. Racing NSW Stewards will hold an enquiry into the matter on Monday 14 November.

..... Punters did their money cold in the last at Seymour today when odds on favourite Couragio Bianco finished last. The Mick Price trained 4yo had had only 1 start for 1 win prior to today & punters let loose to make him a prohibitive $1.80 favourite. However, the gelding burst through the barriers prior to the start and had to undergo a veterinary inspection before being allowed to start in the race. As always with a short priced favourite Couragio Bianco was deemed fit to start & punters lost their money when the gelding led to the top of the straight before wilting to finish last.

Why is it that whenever short priced favourites undergo a veterinary inspection prior to a race they are always allowed to start?

..... Didn'tcostalot made it 3 wins from 3 starts when he saluted at Warwick Farm this afternoon. The Danerich colt, who cost only $3,000 as a yearling, broke the track record at Wyong at his first start then lumped 58kg to win at Gosford last start. Today he started from a wide barrier, crossed early to lead & was never in danger of being run down. Trainer Clarrie Connors will now spell the colt & bring him back fro a tilt at autumn riches next year.

..... Trainer Jim Taylor will send promising sprinter Barakey to the paddock after he felt the horse had gone off after his 6th consecutive victory last Saturday at Ascot. That means he will not run in the Winterbottom Stakes on Saturday week. Peter Moody also announced today that Master Harry will not make the trip to the west.

..... The CSIRO have developed an experimental vaccine to immunise horses against Hendra Virus CSIRO Researchers believe a vaccine is critical to stopping the transmission of Hendra Virus from horses to humans. A field trial will commence in early 2012.

.....Both Sam Clipperton & Jim Cassidy will be back in the saddle later this week. Clipperton was thrown off a horse in the mounting enclosure yesterday at Queanbeyan & spent the night in Queanbeyan hos pital for observation. However he has no broken bones & has the all clear from doctors to resume riding later this week. Clipperton will not ride at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

Cassidy became indisposed last Saturday at Randwick after riding the first winner Merchandise. A trip to hospital revealed Cassidy has torn cartilage in his ribs. Two mounts he had been booked to ride at Rosehill won their respective races. Cassidy will ride at Hawkesbury on Thursday, Canterbury on Friday night & then to Rosehill on Saturday.

..... Chris Waller will now send Group 1 winner Albert The Fat top the paddock & not to the west. The 7yo came up with some form of virus this morning & Waller will not risk the gelding on a 5 hours plane trip. Instead he will be saved for the autumn.

..... Racing NSW have reported on their web site the warning off of two persons. Alan Nightingale of Nightingale Thoroughbreds has been warned off under Local Rule of Racing 6 (LR6), Racing NSW had received many complaints in regards to Nightingale's activities in the operation of business. Owners has also complained to RNSW about Nightingale's unprofessional behaviour & his own behaviour toward persons or clients.

Horse Trader & owner Cameron Barnes has also been warned off by Racing SW pursuant to Rules 175(a) & 175(p) following several complaints in regards to sales of race horses.

.... Despite the fact Black Caviar is not heading west for the Winterbottom, the eastern states will still have a big say in the outcome of the race. The Peter Moody trained Master Harry, Cosmic Causeway & Leun Yat Forever are all booked on today's plane to Perth. Chris Waller has Group 1 winner Albert the Fat nominated while Gerald Ryan has sent Egos Dare to WA to be trained by Grant Williams for the summer racing. Darley have Rarefied in the Winterbottom as well as Pinwheel & Launay in the Railway Stakes. Rick Hore-Lacey is considering sending Toorak Toff over for the Winterbottom while Patinack Farm have both Moment In Time & Run For Levi in the Railway. David Hayes has Extra Zero & Largo Lad, Mark Webb Avienus, And Wall Street & He's Remarkable represent the Kiwis, so plenty of interest for eastern state punters in the Perth summer carnival.

..... Queanbeyan races had a tough time of it this afternoon. Prior to Race 1 leading apprentice Sam Clipperton was tossed off his mount in the mounting enclosure & was taken to hospital with facial injuries after hitting the turf head first. Clipperton has a suspected broken nose & abrasions to his face from the incident. All races were put back one race because the ambulance on track had to take Clipperton to hospital.

Then, as the horses for Race 6 were milling behind the barrier, a brown snake slithered onto the course, spotted by both Steward Craig Yeo & the Sky Channel cameras. Stewards delayed the race for some minutes for safety reasons as horses will shy at snakes if they see them. The reptile, appearing to be quite big at around the 2 metre mark, disappeared into the in field so the race could finally begin. The Gai Waterhouse trained Flying Ash won the race.

..... Trainer Peter Moody has announced this morning champion mare Black Caviar will not go to Perth this week for the Winterbottom Stakes in a fortnight. Moody reported the mare has not pulled up satisfactorily following her in the Patinack Classic on Saturday. Black Caviar will now be spelled & brought back for an autumn campaign then a possible trip to Royal ascot in June.

..... Beaten Queen Elizabeth favourite Bauer has been retired. The 9yo started a short odds to take out the Group 2 event on Saturday at Flemington however finished a disappointing 4th.

..... Diamondsondinside made it two straight country cups when Brad Rawiller steered the 9yo to victory in the Ararat Gold Cup this afternoon. Rawiller rode the gelding patiently at the rear until the filed approached the turn into the straight, then hooked him to the outside with a well times run to nail leader Tube in the shadows of the post. Sylvan Lodge who had trouble getting clear in the early part of the straight after box seating, was an unlucky third. A great training performance by Luke Oliver as he has the 9yo flying at present, making it two cups on end winning the Mortlake Cup a fortnight ago.

..... Former dual Cox Plate champion So You Think ran unplaced in the Breeders Cup classic at Churchill Downs this morning. After being given a box seat run third on the fence, So You Think failed to finish the race off with any gusto to drop out & finish 6th. The Classic was won by Drosselmeyer who finished powerfully from a long way back in the middle stages to over run his rivals over the concluding stages.

..... Former Australian star So You Think will line up in this morning's Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on the dirt. The race is scheduled for 10am EDST or 9am Queensland time. The race will be shown live on both Sky & TVN..

..... Imposing WA star Barakey made it 6 wins from 6 starts when he walked in over 1200m at Ascot this afternoon. It was the 4yos first attempt at 1200m however he led on his ear & was never threatened at any stage of the event. Trainer Jim Taylor is uncertain whether the gelding will take the giant leap top take on Black Caviar in the Winterbottom Stakes in a couple of weeks. Taylor places his horses to perfection & may prefer to bring Barakey slowly through his grades before tackling some better races in Melbourne in the autumn. Taylor was the mentor of Hay List prior to that gelding heading east to John McNair so he knows what it takes to have a top class sprinter. Barakey even looks like Hay List when he races with big, long, bold strides putting his opponents away well before the turn. Nonetheless, a fantastic effort by Barakey to maintain his winning streak.

..... Albert The Fat nailed his second Group 1 race when the 7yo took out the Emirates Stakes at Flemington today. The win gave trainer Chris Waller his first group 1 win in Victoria this spring & Mark Zahra a most fortunate pick up win in a Group 1 event after Corey Brown & Damien Oliver were suspended earlier in the carnival. Albert The Fat had previously won the BTC Sprint during the Brisbane winter 18 months ago & has only been in the Waller camp for 6 months. The win came off a terrific ride by Zahra & a great training performance by Waller..

..... Black Caviar made a one act affair of the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington. Never out of second gear the champion mare won eased by nearly 3 lengths. The superlatives are running out for, in fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult to descried her feats & her wins. If she continues to race in Australia, there is little doubt she will never be beaten.

..... One of the nice guys in the industry deservedly scored a win over the carnival today at Flemington when Musical Hit won the Antler Luggage Handicap over 2000m. Ken Keys trains his small team down at Cranbourne & does a terrific job with them, gets them fit, places them to perfection & reaped the rewards today when the lightly raced 6yo gelding sat on the pace & held off all challengers. Good on you, Ken, hopefully a few more big wins will be forthcoming.

..... Royal Randwick will host its final race meeting before under $150m of redevelopment works this afternoon. A crowd of over 10,000 is expected at headquarters to farewell the "old" course. The redevelopment will commence immediately & continue through to the autumn of 2013 however Randwick is expected to host all the major autumn meetings of 2012.

..... Both Damien Oliver & Corey Brown have not appealed against their suspensions & will sit on the sidelines at Flemington tomorrow. For all the jockey changes plese click here.

..... Champion mare Black Caviar will again steal the limelight at Flemington tomorrow when she attempts to win her 16th consecutive race in the Patinack Farm Classic. The classic will be the first Group 1 race she has contested this spring & will be a magnificent way for her to end her spring campaign. Black Caviar is a prohibitive $1.05 favourite for the Classic & will have only 6 other horses to oppose her.

..... So You Think will wears blinkers & race on lasics when he contests the Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs, Kentucky on Sunday

..... Lisa Cropp was suspended at Flemington yesterday for 8 meetings while Jake Noonan copped the wrath of Hawkesbury Stewards yesterday being whacked with a 5 meeting suspension for careless riding. For a full list of current suspended jockeys, click here.

..... Its Prince put up one of the biggest form reversals ever seen at Flemington in winning the final event on Oaks Day today. Beaten 25 lengths at Seymour last start, Its Prince defied the bias by leading, staying close to the fence & fighting off all challengers to win at odds of over $40. A terrific training performance by Robbie Griffiths to turn the horse around. The run at Seymour was better than it looked on paper as he was wide throughout from a bad barrier & was eased out of the race in the straight. Its Prince had won at Flemington in the past & the step up in distance suited. Congratulations to Robbie, the guy can train. For those who do not remember Glastonbury, he came out to win the Metropolitan back in the mid 1990s after being beaten 26 lengths the week before with few excuses.

..... Somepin Anypin made a one act affair of the Hawkesbury Gold Cup this afternoon. Jumped straight to the front from a wide barrier by Jimmy Cassidy the 4yo dashed away on straightening to win running away by 4 lengths & never in danger of defeat. Willy Jimmy came from a long way back against the track bias to finish a great second with Renewed Vitality third. Trainer Gary Portelli is keen to aim Somepin Anypin at the Villiers in December, then bring him back for a tilt at the Doncaster in April. The way he won today, he will be very hard to beat in Anypin he runs in.

..... Robert Smerdon pulled off a magnificent training performance & another magnificent plunge when his filly Mosheen brilliantly won the Crown Oaks at Flemington today. Perfectly rated in front by Danny Nikolic with the blinkers off today, Mosheen led & gave nothing else a chance in the race to bolt away to win eased up by a mere 9 lengths without Nikolic applying any pressure to the filly. Favourite Dowager Queen was a grinding second with Roma Giaconda improving to run a good third however neither got close to Mosheen.

..... David Payne unearthed a promising galloper at Hawkesbury this afternoon when Dream Choice won his maiden in easy fashion. The well bred 3yo by Redoutes Choice raced away from his older rivals to win his maiden at his 7th race start. Dream Choice has form around Foxwedge & Uate last preparation, had been working the track down & finally reproduced that work on race day. More wins in store for Dream Choice.

..... Melbourne Cup 4th place getter Americain has pulled up well after the run on Tuesday & will back up in the Zipping (formerly Sandown) Classic at Sandown on Saturday week. The entire will now remain in Australia & be trained by Peter Moody at Caulfield in future preparations.

..... Lucky Eighty Eight over came a wide barrier to confirm he is a horse with Group potential today by winning the Kyneton Cup over 2000m. Very well ridden by Michelle Payne she brought the 6yo with a well times run in the straight to hold off his rivals comfortably. Lucky Eighty Eight had been racing top class company during the spring in an attempt to get into the big Cups, however he just fell short of the top grade. However trainers Simon Zahra & Matty Ellerton placed him to perfection in today's race & they came away with the chocolates.

..... There were several high profile jockeys suspended at Flemington yesterday. Corey Brown copped 14 meetings for interference he caused going out of the straight in the Melbourne Cup on Lucas Cranach. Chris Symons copped 7 meetings for interference he caused on And Rock in race 6, while Damien Oliver copped 11 meetings from an adjourned inquiry in Saturday's Derby where he caused interference on Sabrage.

..... Tabcorp has reported a fall in turnover on Melbourne Cup day. Betting figures were down over 14% for The Cup, & over 10% overall for the day. Tabcorp allegedly attribute the fall in turnover to reduced activity by high turnover premium account holders. Mr Zjelko might have been using Betfair yesterday.

2.11.11 Vale Maureen Olsen

..... The racing community is in shock today after the news hit yesterday afternoon of the passing of Maureen Olsen, wife of Melbourne Cup winning jockey Larry Olsen. Maureen passed after a short battle with cancer in a Gold Coast hospital, on the 24th anniversary of Larry's Cup victory aboard Kensei. She had been diagnosed with the disease about 6 weeks ago. Maureen is survived by husband Larry, 3 children & 5 grand children.

Gallopers sends Larry & the entire family our deepest sympathies at this tragic time.

..... In one of the closest finishes in Melbourne Cup history, French stayer Dunaden nosed out Red Cadeaux in a nail biting finish to our great race. The two horses hit the line locked together & it took the judge an agonising 3 minutes to find a winner. Christophe Lemaire rode a perfect race on Dunaden waiting patiently worse than mid field before bringing the gelding through the field in the straight. Red Cadeaux excellently ridden by Michael Rodd looked to have Dunaden's measure over the final 100m however Dunaden's head bobbed right on the line to secure a victory in the $6m race.

Anthony Freedman trained Lucas Cranach looked the winner half way up the straight ran a creditable third just in front of favourite & 2010 champion Americain who came from well back. Overseas horses took the first 5 placings with Manighar finishing officially 5th.

.....Team Williams stayer Mourayan has succumbed to a hoof injury & will not take his place in this afternoon's big race. The only representative now for Williams will be At First Sight.

1.11.11 Spare A Thought For Craig

..... In the entire history of the Spring Carnival, no jockey has won the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate & the Melbourne Cup in the same year. In fact, few have even gone close. Plenty have won the Cups double on the same horse, even Glen Boss won the Cox Plate Melbourne Cup double on Makybe Diva. None have won all 3 in the same calendar year.

Craig Williams rode Southern Speed to victory in this years Caulfield Cup, then backed up a week later to partner $20 shot Pinker Pinker to win the WFA championship of Australia, the Cox Plate.

Williams in the mean time rode Dunaden to win the Geelong Cup & was booked to ride the French trained gelding in today's Melbourne Cup. That was until he copped a 10 meeting suspension on Bendigo Cup day last Wednesday. Despite appeals against the suspension & then an application for a Stay Of Proceedings so he could ride in today's Melbourne Cup, all avenues failed & Williams watched the big race on a television set.

Now, no matter what you think of Craig Williams, and no matter what you think of high profile jockeys, their main ambition is to win Group 1 races, especially over the Spring Carnival. They try their hearts out for success, each & every ride.

Williams is the complete professional. He has a computer program that spits out in depth form of every runner in every race, a program far better than most professional punters are in possession of. Speak to some of the trainers he rides for, they describe him as the consumate professional & because of the hours he spends on form study, trainers rarely have to give him riding instructions.

History is there to be broken, history awaited Craig Williams today. He had won the Geelong Cup on Dunedan, & was booked to ride the gelding in the Melbourne Cup. History now tells us, had Williams had taken his rightful place in the saddle of Dunaden today, he would have created history, history that had not been completed in 151 years.

Extreme bad luck Craig, we feel for you , mate. Let's hope you & Mark can get on the right horses next year & achieve history.

..... Nash Rawiller has also failed in his last minute bid to ride in tomorrow's Melbourne Cup after QCAT quashed his plea for a Stay Of Proceedings. Brother Brad will replace Nash on Unusual Suspect in the Cup.

..... Craig Williams has failed in his appeal to QCAT in attempt to gain a Stay Of Proceedings against a 10 meeting suspension. Williams was trying to be the first jockey ever to ride the Caulfield Cup winner, the Cox Plate winner & the Melbourne Cup winner in the same year. Frenchman Christophe Lemaire will now take the ride on second favourite Dunaden in the big race tomorrow.

..... The hearings for Craig Williams & Nash Rawiller at VCAT have been put back until 2:30pm EDST this afternoon. Gallopers will publish the outcome as soon as the verdicts come through.

..... There are 4 early scratchings for Flemington tomorrow. For all the early scratchings for all venues for tomorrow, please click here.

..... The Flemington track is currently a dead (5) & there is little likelihood of rain over the next 24 hours meaning the track should be perfect for the running of tomorrow's Melbourne Cup.

..... Hot favourite for the VRC Oaks on Thursday Atlantic Jewel will not run after injuring a hamstring. Atlantic Jewel won the Wakeful Stakes yesterday in emphatic fashion, the traditional lead up to the Oaks. The filly was going to start the shortest priced Oaks favourite in history had she taken her place on Thursday.

..... The weather forecast for Flemington over the next 3 days is for showers. The likelihood of showers today is quite high however the showers are less likely on Monday & Tuesday. The Flemington track at this stage is a dead(5) & will remain that way unless heavy rain falls. The track may even improve to a dead(4) come Tuesday afternoon if no further rain falls.

..... Riding honours went to Damien Oliver at Flemington today when he scored a winning treble. Group 1 victories aboard Glass Harmonium & Hurtle Myrtle plus the Group 2 Salinger aboard 4yo mare Sister Madly.

..... Damien Oliver made it a Group 1 double when Hurtle Myrtle flew down the middle of the Flemington straight to take the Group 1 Myer Classic today. The win gave Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith his first Group 1 success. Oliver had not won a Group 1 race at Flemington since 2004, however made up for the run of outs today. 2010 winner Sacred Choice finished a great second with Dysphonis running on well into third place. The favourites Mosheen & More Joyous were disappointing & both missed a place.

..... Hugh Bowman made it consecutive Victoria Derby wins with a magnificent ride to guide Sangster to victory in the Blue Ribband today at Flemington. Bowman rated the horse perfectly sitting outside leader Niagara all the way, keeping a solid tempo yet leaving enough in reserve for the final 400m of the race. Sangster fought on tenaciously in the straight to hold off the fast finishing Induna who may have been a little unlucky. Favourite Manwanui didn't run the trip & finished unplaced. Sabrage finished a gutsy third after coming from a wide gate.

..... Cox Plate failure Glass Harmonium made lie of that perfroamnce with a bold front running effort to win the Mackinnon Stakes today. Perfectly rated by Damien Oliver in front, the Michael Moroney trained entire played up as always before the race however at no stage looked like being beaten in the run to win by a length from Mourayan & Rekindled Interest.

..... Sepoy claimed yet another Group 1 victory when the 3yo colt narrowly held off Foxwedge to win the Coolmore Stakles today. Sepoy got to the front with 300m to go however was not able to dash away as punters as used to seeing him do. Foxwedge followed Sepoy all the way & charged late to fail narrowly but courageously.

..... Atlantic Jewel made a one act affair of the Wakeful Stakes today winning eased up by 7 lengths. Jockey Michael Rodd settled the filly well back in the field then took off at the 700m. Atlantic Jewel rounded up the leaders quickly on straightening & put a gap in the field very quickly. She will start the shortest priced favourite of all time in The Oaks on Thursday.

..... The Team Hawkes trained Niwot rocketed into the Melbourne Cup field & into serious Cup contention with an emphatic victory in The Lexus today. The 7yo, ridden brilliantly by Dean Yendall, put up a stout staying performance to win running away by 3 lengths from Macedonian & Anudjawun.

.... Galah ($1.50 fav) started Derby Day off well for punters when he narrowly won the Carbine Club Stakes from Highly Recommended & Saint Etienne

..... Flemington will start the day on a Dead (5) surface for today's Derby program. Just over 11mm of rain fell over night which should make the track perfect for the days racing action, Showers are forecast for Melbourne however according to the BOM site it appears most of the rain has dissipated. The penetrometer is 4.86. For scratchings & track conditions for all today's meetings, click here.

..... Definitely Ready certainly was tonight at Moonee Valley when he won easily despite another tardy start. The Mark Kavanagh trained gelding had barrier 1 & did not appear to relish standing in the barriers waiting for the other horses to load & dwelt badly when the gates opened. Top hoop Michael Rodd did not panic, simply allowed the gelding to sprint up along the rails to hold the inside & that was the end of the race. Might be a good race in Definitely Ready, although he might struggle to get further than 1100m.

..... Jumpin Jack Cash showed he has well above average ability by bolting in at Moonee Valley tonight. Sitting off the pace set by odds on favourite Reuben Percival, Michelle Payne brought the gelding with a well times run to finish over the top of his rivals & win running away by 5lengths. More wins in store for Jack.

..... Both Craig Williams & Nash Rawiller have lodged appeals to VCAT, the final opportunity for them to obtain a Stay Of Proceedings so they can take their place in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup. The appeals will be heard on Monday.

.....Yosei has succumbed to her hoof injury & has been scratched from the Myer Classic tomorrow at Flemington.

..... Tullamore, who has now got a run in the Melbourne Cup due to Linton's scratching, will not run in The Lexus tomorrow.

..... Nash Rawiller has had his appeal against an 8 meeting suspension dismissed, however he has had his suspension shortened & he will be able to ride on Emirates Stakes Day next Saturday.

..... Craig Williams has lost his appeal against a 10 meeting suspension & will not be able to ride in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday. His legal representatives are considering taking the matter to QCAT however the case would have to be heard on Monday if Williams is to take his place aboard second favourite Dunaden in the Cup.

..... Team Williams has scratched Linton from the Mackinnon Stakes tomorrow & confirmed he will not run in the Melbourne Cup. Tullamore now grabs the 24th spot in The Cup & may not run in The Lexus tomorrow.

..... Victoria Racing Veterinarians & Stewards have set out on a big task this morning to fully vet the top 35 horses in order of entry in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup. These inspections are being carried out to ensure a full field of 24 runs in the Melbourne Cup. In past years horses have been scratched on race morning due to injuries they have been carrying over the spring & RV would like to avoid this situation.

All horses racing on Saturday that are entered for The Cup, will be vetted after they race on Saturday to ensure they are fit to take their place on Tuesday.

..... There is a lot to be played out in Race 2 at Flemington tomorrow. The Lexus, formerly & traditionally known as the Hotham Handicap has always been the last chance for horses to make the field for the Melbourne Cup. More so in 2011 than any other year before.

Here is the list of runners in The Lexus with their Melbourne Cup order of entry number beside them:-

Tullamore 25th
Booming 21st
Green Moon 35th
Moyenne Corniche 27th
Niwot 34th
Tactic 23rd
Older Than Time 22nd
Galizani 39th
Rafaello 42nd
Showcase 37th
Macedonian 28th
Midnight Martini 43rd
Spechenka 36th
Anudjawun 40th
Reprisal 45th
Home On A Wing Not entered

Leaving Home On A Wing out who is not nominated for The Cup, the only three horses engaged in The Lexus that are in the Cup field are Booming, Older Than Time & Tactic.

Now, of those in the first 24 in order of entry, only 1 horse probably will not run, and that is the Team Williams gelding Linton. So that would mean Tullamore would get into the field.

Nevertheless, that leaves punters with 11 runners tomorrow that have to win The Lexus to make the Cup field on Tuesday. So, what a race this should be! Punters know every jockey will be trying their hearts out to win the race.

One of the craziest things about the order of entry is Caulfield Cup runner up Green Moon. Bad enough is that fact in itself that the second place getter in Australia's second biggest race, & the main lead up race to the Melbourne Cup cannot get into the field for the first Tuesday in November. However Green moon also won the Newcastle Cup, a race steeped in Melbourne Cup tradition that has provided many Cup winners over the years including Gurners Lane who took the Cups double back in 1982.

Nonetheless, The Lexus should be a terrific contest, & now at least punters are aware where their horse stands in the order of entry for Tuesday.

For what it is worth, if Green Moon repeats his astounding performance from the Caulfield Cup a fortnight ago, he should be winning The Lexus

..... Nash Rawiller has also appealed against his 8 meeting suspension which rules him out of Melbourne Cup, Oaks & Stakes Days.

..... Tanby has been given a 1kg penalty by RV Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter in the Melbourne Cup for his win in the Bendigo Cup yesterday. This still gives Tanby very little hope of actually making the Cup field next Tuesday. He will need an attrition rate of 7-8 horses for him to make the field.

..... Melbourne jockey Danny Nikolic has been charged with 6 counts of assault involving 3 separate incidents that occurred earlier this year. Nikolic will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 12. Nikolic claims the charges are completely unfounded & claims the truth will be revealed in court.

..... Craig Williams has lodged an appeal against a 10 meeting suspension handed won by RV Stewards yesterday. The appeal will be heard on Friday at 10:30am. If Williams appeal fails, he can still ride in the Melbourne Cup should he be successful in gaining a Stay of Proceedings.

..... Caulfield Cup & Cox Plate winning jockey Craig Williams is considering an appeal against a 10 meeting suspension handed down by RV Stewards at Bendigo yesterday. The suspension means Wiiliams will miss the Melbourne Cup ride on Dunaden. Williams was attempting to become the first jockey in history tor ide the winners of the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate & Melbourne Cup in the same year. The only other avenue for Williams is if he is granted a Stay Of Proceedings which may allow him to ride on Tuesday.

27.10.11 Warwick Farm Trainers Angry At Land Sell Off

The rezoned area lies to the bottom left of Warwick Farm race course

..... Warwick Farm trainers are angry that Liverpool City Council has rezoned prime land adjacent to their training facilities. This rezoned land is now under a development application by Woolworths for hardware & home improvement centre.

The trainers feel they will be hemmed in & wanted a showpiece developed to highlight thoroughbred training facilities such is the case with Newmarket in England & The Curragh in Ireland.

Trainers fear the area will become over run with traffic chaos should the DA be approved by council and they will end up in the middle of another industrial area.

The Australian Turf Club is reported to be in favour of the sell off & intend to use the money to upgrade both the roads in the area & the Warwick Farm race course.

..... Craig Williams copped a 10 meeting suspension today for careless riding aboard The Red Emperor & will miss the ride on Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup. Williams was attempting to be the first jockey in history to ride the winners of the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate & the Melbourne Cup in the same year. Williams has the right to appeal the suspension.

..... Nash Rawiller was also handed out an 8 meeting suspension at Bendigo today for his ride on Star Bender in the opening race of the day. For a full list of currently suspended jockeys, click here.

..... So You Think will have his next start in the USA when he contests the Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Saturday week.

..... Lamasery has been scratched from today's Bendigo Cup giving the gelding little or no hope of now making the Melbourne Cup field.

..... "If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them" is the motto Gai Waterhouse used as motivation after she purchased two European stayers from the Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale at Newmarket in England. Following the successful influx of European horses to Australia in recent as well as the economic crisis in Europe, now was the right time for Gai to act.

.....Reports from a Western Australia web site Pert Now confirm that Chief Steward of RWWA John Zucal has resigned in "mysterious curcumstances".

..... NSW jockey Mark Whiteman has been suspended from race riding for 7 months by Racing NSW Stewards. Whiteman pleaded guilty to a charge of provided a urine sample while riding track work at Rosehill on 19 September which contained a prohibited substance. Whiteman will be able to resume race riding 2 months earlier should he indergo a satisfactory course of counselling.

..... Sky Channel have completed a deal with Thorooughbred Racing South Australia that will see them as allies until at least 2017. Sky have held media rights for all SA races since 2008 however this deal sets the realtionship in stone for the next 6 years. Gallopers has been told both parties are extremely pleased with the outcome.

24.10.11 News Updates

..... 47 horses were left in the Melbourne Cup when second acceptances wre declared this morning. For a full list, click here.

..... As indicated in an earlier bulletin, rain consinues at Pakenham causing a downgrade of the track to a heavy(8).

..... In an attempt to ensure a full field of 24 runners in the Melbourne Cup next Tuesday, Racing Victoria will have all international horses vetted this Friday to prove all are fit & ready to take their place in the field of 24.

..... A magnificent rails hugging ride by Steven Arnold stole the Sale Cup today for trainer Rick Hore-Lacey & his gallant 6yo Pinnacles. Arnold settled the gelding mid field on the rails & was forced to ride for luck when runs came outside him approaching the turn. However Steven didn't panic, stuck to the inside & the heavens opened to allow Pinnacles to skate through without going around a horse to win by a length from $20 shot Lord Pyrus & the unlucky Cosmic Causeway. Heartiest congratuations to all the connections especially to Rick & Steven as success is well deserved to both.

...... Godolphin have confirmed their Melbourne Cup riders this morning. Kerrin McEvoy will rise Modun while boom UK hoop William Buick will ride Lost In The Moment

..... HKJC Laboratory have informed Racing Victoria Stewards they have found an irregularity in a sample from a horse containing arsenic. Stewards have not anmed the trainer of the horse until confirmation has been recieved. Arsenic, in small doses is regarded as a tonic & cna also be used as a masking agent for other drugs.

..... Craig Williams once again rode a sensational race to get 4yo mare Pinker Pinker home in the 2011 Tatts Cox Plate. From a wide barrier Williams eased the mare back to near the rear of the field & gave her an easy run in transit. When the runs started to come in the race, Williams eased the mare between runners, then hugged the rail until the field straightened for home. Williams then eased the mare off the fence & brought her home to over power Jimmy Chioux over the final 100m of the Group 1 event. Jimmy Chioux held on for second while Rekindled Interest ran on to grab third just in front of Kiwi Wall Street. Favourite helmet led an a fair tempo however he wilted over the final 200m to finish well back. 2010 Victorian Derby winner Lion Tamer unfortunately collapsed on the track after the race after sitting outside Helmet for most of the race. Lion Tamer broke a hind leg & was euthanased. However all the accolades again went to Williams & trainer Greg Eurell, one of the nice blokes of the industry.

..... 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain returned to Australia with a zing this afternoon with an emphatic victory in the Moonee Valley Cup over 2500m. The set weights & penalties event suited the French trained galloper perfectly as he carried only 58kg, a luxury weight compared to his his nearest lesser performed rivals who carried 57kg. Americain defeated Caulfield Cup place getter Tullamore comfortably with German import Illo a strong third having his first start in Australia. Americain rocketed to a firm $5 favourite for Tuesday weeks big one, while Illo firmed to $10.

..... Easy work for champion sprinter Black Caviar at Moonee Valley today when she comfortably accounted for her rivals in the Schweppes Stakes. The mare ran away to win by 6 lengths defeating stable mate Doubtful Jack & Here De Angels. The question is, will she ever be beaten, and if so, by whom?

..... Manawanui confirmed his favouritism for the Victorian Derby by winning the Mitchelton Wines Vase over 2040m at Moonee Valley this afternoon. Ridden quietly today by jockey Glyn Schofield, Manawanui cam from worse than mid field to hit the front shortly after straightening to win running away in effortless style. Trainer Ron Leemon indicated after the race he would head to the Derby with Manawanui as long as he pulled up okay & ate up. Ron Leemon is handling all the hype around Manawanui with aplomb & he deserves full credit for looking after his star horse in the way he has. It has been one step at a time for Leemon right throughout this preparation & this plan is working perfectly for both horse & trainer.

..... Karuta Queen franked the form around Black Caviar today at Moonee Valley by demolishing a good field of 3yos over 1200m. The filly was over 4 lengths behind the champ last start at Caulfield & veteran trainer Neville Layt pulled the right reign by dodging Black Caviar today to take on her own age group.

..... Jockeys from around the country will hold a meeting today at Moonee Valley to discuss the lack of progress in negotiations with State Governments in regards to their lack of commitment to the National Jockeys Trust. States Governments have pledged their support however until now, no financial support has been provided. The Australian Jockeys Associtation are seeking a commitment of $5m from State & Territory Governments.

..... Showers & possible rain periods are forecast for Melbourne for the running of the 2011 Cox Plate. Rain may change the complaxion of some races on the program, especially the Tatts Cox Plate. Will trainer Peter Moody risk Black Caviar on a rain affected track should there be a track downgrade?

..... Racing NSW have closed Broadmeadow race course while urgent repairs are made to the track. A meeting yesterday between jockeys & representatives of RNSW agreed the work had to be carried out immediately for the safety of jockeys. Upcoming Newcastle meetings will be transferred to other venues.

..... Victorian apprentice Jack Hill has been suspended for a month for striking a horse over the head with his whip & causing an injury to the horses eye. The incident occurred at a race meeting at Donald earlier in October. For a complete list of current suspended jockeys, click here.

..... In an unprecedented move, Victoria Racing have allowed Black Caviar to start Saturday's Schweppes Stakes with a vacant stall next to her. Noted barrier rogue Here De Angels who has barrier bars placed on him on two occasions in the past was drawn directly outside the champ, however he will now start from barrier 6 & give Black Caviar a free reign. This is a dangerous precedent in Gallopers opinion.

..... VR handicapper Greg Carpenter has penalised Dunaden 0.5kg in the Melbourne Cup for his win in the Geelong Cup yesterday.

..... Darley have indicated they will pay the $82,500 late entry fee for Geelong Classic winner Induna to be able to start in the Victoria Derby next Saturday.

..... Gai Waterhouse has scratched 2010 Caulfield Cup winner Descarado from Saturday's Cox Plate, the gelding succumbing to a near hind leg injury. Emergency Avienus now gaisn a start in the Group 1 event.

..... The presence of Black Caviar could again over shadow the major Group 1 WFA race at Moonee Valley on Saturday. A crowd of over 40,000 is expected to flock to the track to see the champion mare attempt to make it 15 consecutive victories.

..... A meeting today between Racing NSW officials & jockeys will determine the future of Broadmeadow race course in Newcastle. Jockeys have made complaints about several sections of the track which are in urgent need or repair. There is a possibility the track may have to be closed for the necessary repairs to be carried out as jockeys are concerned for their safety when riding in races.

..... US Scientists in Montana have discovered an antibody which has shown to protect monkeys from contracting the Hendra Virus. There has been 14 known outbreaks of the Hendra Virus in Australia since 1994 killing 40 horses & 4 humans. There is no known treatment in humans for the Hendra Virus.

..... French raider Dunaden became the second horse in successive years trained in France to take home the majoe end of the spoils in the Geelong Cup. Ridden a treat by Craig Williams Dunaden settled well back in the field before Williams let him loos at the 700m mark & he over powered favourite Tanby in the straight. 2008 Geelong Cup winner Bauer was the eye catching run in 3rd place.

..... Darley owned 3yo Induna gave nothing else a chance in winning today's Geelong Classic by 3.5 lengths & gave the indication the 2500m of the VRC Derby would be ideal for him. Darley will have to fork out a mere $82,500 late entry fee for Induna to contest the Derby as he has not been nominated for the race. Gallopers is sure they can afford it.

..... Black Caviar will have only 4 opponents at Moonee Valley on Saturday in the Schweppes Stakes over 1200m

..... Manawanui has also scared off his propective rivals with only 5 opponents Mitchelton Wines Vase over 2040m, the traditionak lead up to the VRC Derby

..... Victorian jockey Ben Melham has been given a Stay Of Proceedings by Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal which virtually means he can resume riding immediately until his appeal is heard.

..... Yosei has been scratched from the Cox Plate on Saturday & her spring future is in grave doubt due to a hoof injury

..... Leading trainer Peter Moody has been found guilty of presenting Lethal Arrow to the races with the prohibited substance Oripavine in its system. Moody argued contaminated feed was the cause of the substance being found in the hroses system. Stewards recorded a conviction but did not hand out a penalty.

..... Rekindled Interest ($12 into $10) & Helmet ($3.50 into $3.40) were the firmers following the Cox Plate barrier draw.

..... Barriers will play a huge role in Saturday's Cox Plate after the all improtant draw this morning. Favourites Helmet (11) & Jimmy Chioux(10) both drew poorly.

..... The Gai Waterhouse trained Descarado is in a battle to be fit to run in Saturday's Cox Plate after suffering an injury to his enar hind leg

..... Caulfield Cup heroine Southern Speed will miss the Cox Plate & be saved for the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington a week later.

..... Caulfield Cup favourite December Draw has a fracture in a bone in his off hind leg & will be spelled

..... Breakfast with the Stars tomorrow morning at Moonee Valley will feature many of the runners for the 2011 Cox Plate

..... Former Sydney based jockey Tim Clark rose his first black type winner at Shatin in Hong Kong yesterday

..... 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain will be seen at Moonee Valley on Saturday running in the Moonee Valley Cup

..... 2010 victorious Victorian Derby combination Lion Tamer & Hugh Bowman will finally reunite in the Cox Plate on Saturday. Lion Tamer will wear blinkers for the first time in The Plate.

..... Wellington races have been severely delayed today due to a barrier malfunction in Race 2 of the day causing that race to be declared a no race. Other races are back up to 2 hours.

17.10.11 Southern Speed Goes To MacKinnon ..... Caulfield Cup victor Southern Speed will miss this Saturday's Cox Plate at Monee Valley & reappear on Saturday week at Flemington in the WFA MacKinnon Stakes over 2000m.

In other racing news Caulfield Cup favourite December Draw has had a fracture in his off hind leg discovered which explains has disappointing performance on Saturday & will be spelled for a lengthy period of time.

2010 Melbourne Cup victor Americain will have his final lead up to the first Tuesday in November in the Moonee Valley Cup this Saturday. Obviously no one told his French trainer the Moonee Valley Cup is a grave yard for horse who then run in the Melbourne Cup.

2010 VRC Derby winners Lion Tamer & Hugh Bowman will reunite for the first time since that victory in this Saturday's Cox Plate. Blinkers will be added to Lion Tamer at The Valley for the first time in an attempt to improve him on his disappointing run in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington last week.

16.10.11 Winks & Tiakinui Take Seymour Cup ..... An absolutely brilliant ride by James Winks on Taikinui stole the show today to win the Listed Darley Seymour Cup. Starting from barrier 14 Winks went back early & slotted in perfectly, then took rails hugging rides to get along the inside of his more fancied rivals. Starting @ $26, Tiakinui defeated the well supported Smoulders ($6) with a very game La Rocket ($26) back in third position.

15.10.11 Not Nick's Day At Caulfield ..... Nich Hall had a bad day at the office at Caulfield today. The young hoop was unluckily beaten into second place aboard Green Moon in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup however his woes did not start there. Hall was trapped 3 deep the entire trip on Green Moon from the wide barrier yet still had the tenacity to hit the front in the straight only to be run down by Craig Williams aboard Southern Speed.

Stewards then whacked a $5,000 on Hall for excessive use of the whip on Green Moon. And to make matters worse, they suspended him for 8 days for careless riding in Race 1 of the day meaning he will not be able to ride at the Cox Plate meeting at Moonee Valley next Saturday.

NZ apprentice James McDonald was also suspended at Caulfield today for a total of 14 meetings for careless riding.

15.10.11 Barakey Makes it 5 From 5 ..... Promising WA sprinter Barakey fired a shot across the bow of Sepoy & even Black Caviar today by taking his record to 5 wins from only 5 attempts at Ascot this afternoon. The 4yo was having his second run back from a spell, jumped straight to the front & did not give his opposition a look in winning eased up by 2 lengths & going within a whisker of breaking the Ascot 1100m track record.

Barakey is trained by Jim Taylor who also trained Hay List prior to the gelding heading east. Taylor has always said Barakey is the best horse he has had since Hay List.

Barakey is outstanding & will be seen in the eastern states at some time in the future. Maybe a race like the Oakleigh Plate would be ideal for the gelding.

15.10.11 Sepoy Does It Again ..... Champion Darley galloper Sepoy remained unbeaten this preparation with an easy win in the Caulfield Sprint this afternoon. Taking on the older horses at handicapped weights for the first time, jockey Kerrin McEvoy allowed the colt to settle just off the pace before letting him loose at the top of the straight & putting paid to the opposition very quickly. Sepoy will continue to win this preparation unless the much anticipated titans clash against Black Caviar eventuates.

15.10.11 Tinkler & Cummings Settle Feud ..... The long running battle between mining magnate Nathan Tinkler & his former trainer Anthony Cummings is finally over. Tinkler & Cummings met on Thursday in a popular Sydney restaurant for lunch with organiser & retail giant Gerry Harvey. According to reports the meeting was a congenial one & a final settlement was agreed to. The matter was to have gone to court on Monday after Cummings sued Tinkler for hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid training fees. Tinkler then counter sued & made allegations that Cummings received kick backs from breeders for the yearlings he purchased on Tinkler's behalf. The legal bills in this dispute which has been ongoing since 2009 are estimated to be well over the million dollar mark for each combatant. Gallopers believe that Tinkler agreed to pay Cummings around $1m to settle the dispute.

14.10.11 Emotional Win By Publican ..... Tears all around after the first race at Ipswich this afternoon when maiden galloper Publican won by 4 lengths. When spelling after his initial preparation he was washed away in the January floods earlier this year, only being discovered some 1.5km down river from his owners property. When the gelding was pulled out of the river a massive gash was discovered on his leg & it took nearly 5 months of treatment before the horse was able to go back into work. Now 4 months later trainer Peter Hulbert showing the patience of Jobe presented Publican to the races for the first time since his accident & Publican made it well worth while for the connections. He bolted away to win the first race showing there are plenty more wins in store for the gelding. Both owners & trainer has misty eyes as Publican returned to scale with top hoop Jim Byrne aboard.

The racing industry can certainly bring up some fascinating & heart warming stories. Good luck to connections of Publican, we trust there are many more wins ahead.

13.10.11 Patinack Close Adelaide Stable ..... High profile stable Patinack Farm has closed its Morphettville stable & retrenched 4 full time employees. Horses currently stables in Adelaide will be transported to Melbourne. They will retain boxes at Morphettvile so they can shuttle horses over from Melbourne for suitable races.

13.10.11 Qld Stewards To Appeal Cassidy Decision ..... Racing Queensland Stewards have indicated they will take court action to appeal against the Queensland First Level Appeals Committee decision to over turn the 3 month suspension given to top jockey Larry Cassidy earlier this month. Cassidy was suspended for his ride on odds on favourite Trump at Doomben in early September for not giving the gelding every opportunity to finish in the best possible position. Cassidy successfully argued it was simply "a bad ride".

13.10.11 Two NSW Trainers Fined For Positives ..... Two NSW trainers have been fined large sums of money for bringing one of their charges to the races with an illegal amount of testosterone in their blood systems.

Cessnock mentor Robert "Pud" Davies was fined $4,000 for presenting Karnege Mix at Muswellbrook on 25 July 2011 with an excessive level of testosterone. Canberra based trainer John Nisbet was fined $5,800 for presenting gelding Fair Expectation at Wagga on 17 July 2011 with an excessive amount of testosterone in his blood system.

..... A scintillating performance this afternoon by Atlantic Jewel in winning the 1000 Guineas at Caulfield. Allowed to ease well back in the field from the start, jockey Michael Rodd showed immense patience before allowing the filly to stride forward around the 800m mark to get within striking range of the leaders approaching the turn. On straightening Danny Nikolic shot second favourite Mosheen to a clear lead however Rodd had the filly in his sights & soon after put paid to her rivals. Atlantic Jewel sprinted away to win by over 2 lengths from Mosheen who ran a terrific second & Shawnee Rose was third.

Onward to the VRC Oaks one would think after that performance today as there is no filly will get near Atlantic Jewel this preparation if she can retain the form she is currently in.

11.10.11 Smart Missile Spelled, Lamasery Misses Caulfield Cup ..... In racing news this morning over hyped under performed 3yo Smart Missile has been sent to the spelling paddock with a view to him racing in the top grade through the autumn. The colt simply has not lived up to expectations his last two runs in Melbourne & this is certainly the best road to take with him. Hopefully he returns better in the autumn.

Metrop place getter Lamasery has not settled in at all well in Melbourne & has not eaten up. So trainer David Van Dyke is looking at other options & has not accepted with the smart gelding for the Caulfield Cup on Saturday. The Geelong Cup is a serious option for Van Dyke & Lamasery if the horse improves in the next week.

10.10.11 Shewan Gets Cup Penalty ..... The Robert Smerdon trained Shewan has been allotted a 1.5kg penalty in the Melbourne Cup for his win in the Herbert Power on Saturday at Caulfield. This is the same penalty Alcopop received two years ago fro winning the same race on his way to a Melbourne Cup start. This will move Shewan up the order of entry to 43rd & assist him in gaining a start on the first Tuesday in November.

9.10.11 Newitt Salutes Four Times on Cranbourne Cup Day

Craig Newitt in the Boom N Zoom colours

..... After five races at Cranbourne today, leading Melbourne jockey Craig Newitt might have been felling a little deflated as he ahd failed to ride a place getter. Newitt quickly replaced that emotion with one of elation by riding the next four winners on the program including the Cup winenr Boom N Zoom for local mentor Ken Keys. The quaddie started for Robbie Griffiths with Dash For Viz, then Queens Delight also for local trainer Doug Harrison, next came the Cup on Boom N Zoom before winning the 9th event on Spirited Eagle. Sure he had plenty of favours with Boom N Zoom who started from barrier 1, however Dash For Viz (10), Queens Delight (8) & Spirited Eagle (8) were certainly no gimmes for Newitt.

9.10.11 Boom Zooms Home In Cranbourne Cup

Boom N Zoom

..... A home town victory in today's Cranbourne Cup when affable local trainer Kenny Keys produced well above average stayer Boom N Zoom trained to the minute to win their big Cup. Ridden patiently by Craig Newitt the 6yo came with a barnstorming finish to win running away by over a length from Paddy O'Reilly & favourite Ginga Dude back in third position.

Tipped exclusively by Gallopers, Boom N Zoom had blinkers on for the first time & paid better than $14 on all totes around the country. It was great to see the very likeable Ken Keys win his local Cup as a nicer bloke in this industry would be difficult to find.

The winner of today's Cup is in line for a $2 million bonus should he lift the Caulfield Cup next Saturday at Caulfield. Congratulations Ken, upward & onward with Boom to the Caulfield Cup now, We knew he had a big race in him, let's see if he has an even bigger one in him as well.

9.10.11 Cranbourne Track Downgraded ..... The Cranbourne track for Cup day has been downgraded to a slow (6) with a likelihood of a further downgrade if showers in the area persist. There is a plethora of late scratchings for the meeting because fo the downgrade. For all scratchings click here.

8.10.11 Warwick Cup Meeting Abandoned ..... The non TAB Warwick Cup Day meeting ahs been abandoned today due to a deluge of rain that fell on the track early this morning. Stewards inspected the track at 8:30am local time & found several areas of surface water & had no alternative to call the meeting off. This is the second successive year the Warwick Cup meeting has been abandoned due to rain.

8.10.11 At First Sight Out Of Caulfield Stakes ..... The Robert Hickmott trained & very heavily supported At First Sight will not take his place in the field for the Caulfield Stakes today. Sources close to the stable told Gallopers yesterday the horse had a virus. In fact one of the stable foreman had spent all of Thursday night in the geldings stable to monitor his condition.

At First Sight had been well supported in early markets for todays race following his narrow defeat behind December Draw at Flemington 3 weeks ago. An improved showing was expected today & the Lloyd Willams owned imported gelding had also been well supported in both Cups.

7.10.11 Union Dispute Will Not Disrupt Guineas Day ..... The AWU have accepted a new offer of a 4,5% pay increase today which means there will be no disruption to the Caulfield Guineas meeting tomorrow. It also means the entire Melbourne Spring carnival will progress without a threat of industrial action hanging over it's head.

7.10.11 Quinnell Disqualified for 2 Months ..... Northern Rivers based hoop Jamie Quinnell has been disqualified by Racing NSW Stewards for 2 months for his participation in the Wayne Wheatley case. Jamie assisted Wheatley by removing Wheatley's race day bag from the jockeys room & giving it to Wheatley outside the course on the day Wheatley ignored a direction by Stewards to provide mandatory urine sample. Jamie then allegedly lied to Stewards when interviewed about the incident. Wheatley was disqualified for 12 months in regards to this incident.

Gallopers knows Jamie personally as he has ridden our horses in the past. He is a nice kid however weight has become a real issue for him in recent times & he now gets limited opportunities. Hopefully Jamie will learn from this mistake & make a successful come back because he can ride if given the opportunities.

6.10.11 Cassidy Wins Appeal ..... Leading Queensland hoop Larry Cassidy has won his appeal against a 3 month suspension today for his handling of Trump at Doomben in early September. However, although the Stewards decision has been over turned by the Appeals Board, Racing Queensland Stewards are considering another appeal against the Boards decision. Stay tuned to this space folks.

6.10.11 Whobe Out Of The Spring ...... Trainer Mark Kavanagh has pulled the plug on Whobegotyou's spring campaign after battling without success to resolve an issue with his joints. Whobe will be scratched from Saturday's Caulfield Stakes & has been removed from Cox Plate markets.

6.10.11 Cats Enjoy A Day Out At Lincoln ..... The Geelong Cats AFL premiership winning team enjoyed a day out at Port Lincoln races today. Gallopers trust the bar at Port Lincoln had advanced warning of the VIP visitors or it could well run dry before the afternoon is over. No matter, not far into town from the race track to replenish supplies. The players flew from Adelaide this morning in the same plane the Adelaide jockeys catch to attend the meeting & Gallopers have been told were in high spirits & looking forward to the day at the races. Hopefully the boys behaved themselves & had a winning day.

6.10.11 Union Dispute Threatens Spring Carnival ..... Around 47 AWU workers for the Melbourne Racing Club are threatening strike action which may disrupt Saturdays Caulfield Guineas meeting. Workers are seeking a pay rise & have rejected a 4.2% increase offerred to them by the MRC. Union officials have not ruled out industrial action on Saturday, nor at next Saturday's Cox Plate meeting nor even a disruption on the first Tuesday in November.

The MRC is confident there will be no disruption to Saturday's Guineas meeting which features the return to the track of champion mare Black Caviar.

Let us hope not because the MRC are catering for a crowd of around 30,000 for Guineas day on Saturday. What a great day it will be for racing in Australia to get a crowd of that magnitude outside of the Flemington carnival.

And to think Union action may affect the day is a disgrace to Unions across the country. Come on boys, other people's livelihoods are at stake here, think about others, not just the fact you can hold a knife to the MEC throat because it is their biggest day of the year.

5.10.11 Treble For Bowman @ Canterbury ..... Fresh from Group 1 success aboard Streama on Saturday at Royal Randwick, leading jockey Hugh Bowman secured a winning treble at Canterbury Park yesterday. bowman won the first race of the day on the Bart Cummings trained Shuswap then completed a double for trainer Chris Waller by winning on the impressive Said Com & Savannah's Choice. Said Com settled well back in the field & looked to be held up soon after straightening however Bowman eased the gelding to the outside & he put paid to his rivals quickly once he saw daylight. Looks like plenty more wins in store for Said Com & Bowman.

Bowman will now commence a 7 meeting suspension incurred at Flemington on Sunday.

5.5.11 Spring Over For My Kingdom Of Fife ..... Yet another Spring casualty today after Chris Waller announced Cox Plate contender My Kingdom Of Fife will miss the race. My Kingdom of Fife pulled up slightly lame after his strong win in the Craven Plate last Saturday at Randwick & Waller has decided not to risk him any further this spring & has sent him to the spelling paddock. Waller hopes the gelding will be back bigger & better for an autumn campaign in 2012.

5.10.11 Overseas Raiders Starting To Learn A Lesson

Americain Winning the 2010 Melbourne Cup

..... Plenty have tried, only a rare few have conquered. Each and every first Tuesday in November there is up to 10 overseas raiders attempting to take our Cup away from where it belongs. However only a few have actually victory in Australia's most famous race. Vintage Crop was the first European victor, a victory which stunned many parochial Australians who thought an overseas win bordered on treason. Nevertheless, raiders came & went year after year & it was not until Media Puzzle in the memorable 2002 edition that the second European actually won on the First Tuesday in November. The Japanese were the next to salute with Delta Blues in 2006 & finally last year we saw Americain victorious in the Melbourne Cup.

So what is the key? Which ones can win & why? Well, if we leave out Vintage Crop, all of the other three had a run here in Australia prior to running in the Cup. That is the key. Not only does it assist fitness wise, it also assist in the horse acclimatising to Australia & its race tracks.

Now on Saturday punters see an early influx of overseas horses attempting to emulate Americain & Media Puzzles major feats. Punters be warned, first up runs in Australia re usually below par & the horses will definitely improve on the run. Nonetheless the European trainers are starting to learn that to be successful on the first Tuesday in November, it appears most important their charges have a warm up run prior to the big one.

On Saturday at Caulfield we see Bauer (runner up in the 2009 Cup), Moyenne Corniche & Saptapadi all running in the Herbert Power Handicap. We also see the Hong Kong trained Mighty High & the Luca Comani trained Sahara Sun running in the Cauflield Stakes. At least punters will now be able to have a very close look at the horses on Saturday & accurately assess their chances in the Melbourne Cup, remembering of course all will derive plenty of benefit from the run.

Black Caviar winning the T J Smith at Randwick in April
..... It is most unusual that another race on the program could upstage the Caulfield Guineas, however that might be the case in 2011. Champion mare Black Caviar will have just 8 rivals in her come back to the track this Saturday at Caulfield in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes over 1000m. Both trainer Peter Moody & regular rider Luke Nolen are extremely pleased with the mare at this stage of her preparation & expect her to win on Saturday. It is likely patronage & TAB turnover will be increased at this years meeting more so because of the presence of Black Caviar and all eyes will be on her when she makes her long awaited return to the track. Black Caviar will be attempting to take her record to an amazing 14 successive victories, the last 12 of which have been at Black Type level. She will start one of the most prohibitive favourites in the history of Australian horse racing.

4.10.11 Melham Appeal Dismissed ..... Victoria Racing Stewards this morning heard an appeal by leading jockey Ben melham against a 2 month suspension for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure Numen Lumen was given full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing in a maiden at Mornington a fortnight ago. Stewards dismissed Melham's appeal & the penalty will stand. Melham will be able to resume riding on 3 December.

..... Top Melbourne jockey Chris Symons has secured the ride on Toorak Toff in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap this Saturday at Caulfield. The ride became available when Craig Williams was suspended on Sunday at Flemington ruling out of Saturday's big Caulfield Guineas meeting. Symons has ridden The Toff twice in the past, winning on both occasions so he will be keen to make it a hatrick on Saturday.

4.10.11 Moe Cup Day Postponed ..... Moe's big day which was to have been held next Thursday has been postponed until Friday December 16. The track had been under going repairs to its drainage system however recent storms & rain has delayed the works being completed.

3.10.11 Penalty For The Verminator

..... The Chris Waller trained The Verminator has been slugged 2kg in both the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups following his easy victory in the Metrop on Saturday at Randwick. The Verminator is likely to run on the first Tuesday in November & not at Caulfield.

3.10.11 Top Jockeys Suspended @ Flemington ..... Leading hoops Craig Williams & Hugh Bowman earned the wrath of Racing Victoria Stewards at Flemington yesterday. Both jockeys were suspended in the final event of the day for careless riding, Williams copping 7 meetings & Bowman 9. William's will resume riding on 8 October, Bowman on 14 October meaning both will miss the Caulfield meeting this Saturday. For all current suspended jockeys click here.

..... Dual Cox Plater champion So You Think finished 4th in last night Prix L'arc De Triomphe at Longchamps after gving away a big start & running to the line strongly. The race was won in effortless style by German trained filly Danedream, careering away to win by 5 lengths in the fastest time ever recorded in the event. So You Think's performance was good as he was eased back at the start from his wide barrier & he was hitting the line better than anything else in the race. Trainer Aiden O'Brien now seems keen to get So You Think to the USA for the Breeders Cup on dirt next month.

2.110.11 Dual Group 1 Wins For Walter ..... Leading Warwick Farm trainer had a career highlight yesterday at Royal Randwick when he saddled up two Group 1 winners on the same program. His tough 3yo Doctor Doom put up an outstanding performance to lead all the way to win the Spring Campion Stakes over 2000m narrowly holding off Darci Be Good.

An hour & a half later he watched his 3yo filly Streama demolish her opposition in the Flight Stakes stamping her as an exceptional filly of her year. Streama will now head to Melbourne to take on the best fillies in the country & she will definitely hold her won against them if yesterday's win is any guide.

A career highlight for Walter training two Group 1 winners in one day & heartiest congratulations to the very likeable trainer.

30.9.11 Jimmy Chioux Shines At Hastings ..... Top class 4yo Jimmy Chioux put up an outstanding performance to win the Group Spring Classic at Hastings in New Zealand confirming his position as favourite for the WS Cox Plate in three weeks.

Jockey Jason Riddell was in a little bit of strife approaching the turn after giving Jimmy a nice run mid field on the fence in tracsit. However he became held up behind horses on straightening while leader Red Ruler shot 4 lengths in front. Riddell got Jimmy clear at the 300m mark and once daylight was in front of him gathered in the leader quickly to run away to win by a length and a half. Admittedly the field was not overly strong however he did over come difficulties & got to the lint with plenty up his sleeve.

Jimmy Chioux is a deserved Cox Plate favourite & will hard to beat in anything he contests this spring in Australia.

30.9.11 Unbelievable Win By Sepoy In The Manikato..... Campion 3yo Sepoy over came extreme difficulties to bolt away in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes tonight at Moonee Valley. Missing the kick by more than half a length, jockey Kerryn McEvoy had to hunt the colt up along the rails to challenge Buffering for the lead eventually taking over after about 300m. It was all over after that as Sepoy accelerated around the turn to sprint away from his rivals to win by 2 lengths. Gallant mare Sister Madly ran second while More Joyous ran on late to grab third.

Sepoy was a 3yo taking on the older horses, and Group 1 performed horses at that & he gave them a caning. He is exceptional & will go on to be one of the best sprinters Australia has seen.

30.9.11 Apprentice replaced for being too under weight ..... A most unusual occurrence in Race 5 @ Wyong this afternoon. Apprentice Sam Clipperton who weighs only 46kg was booked to ride top weight Monte Ichiban who was to carry 59kg. However, Monte Ichiban had a wither injury when a young horse & because of that has to wear a specially light saddle. So when attempting to weight out Clipperton found he could not fit enough padding in the saddle to get his weight up to the 59kg less his 2kg claim allowance & therefore could not make the weight because he was too light. Stewards decided to replace Clipperton with Ben Vassallo who also claims 2kg & weights 8kg more than Clipperton, and he had no trouble making the correct weight of 57kg with his claim.

Almost every day we see jockeys unable to make the correct weight on horse because they are too heavy however this is the first time Gallopers has ever heard of a jockey not being allowed to ride a horse because he could make the weight, being under weight.

29.9.11 Black And Bent & Mourayan Not To Run In Metrop ..... Robert Smerdon has indicated today that star jumper Black And Bent will miss the Metrop on Saturday & will be saved for the Bart Cummings at Flemington on Sunday. Team Williams has scratched Mourayan from the Metrop this afternoon so he too can take his place at Flemington on Sunday in the Bart Cummings. Southern Speed & At First Sight will also run at Flemington on Sunday in the Turnbull Stakes & have been scratched from the JRA Cup on Friday night. For all the latest scratchings for all the weekend's big races, click here.

29.9.11 Plastic Running Rails For NSW Tracks ..... In a major safety initiative, Racing NSW has announced that plastic running rails will be installed at 30 country tracks across the state. This initiative is part of a multi million dollar funding package provided by the NSW State Government. This is outstanding news for all concerned in the industry & hopefully all race clubs will have plastic running rails at all tracks.

29.9.11 Kings Rose Out of Epsom ..... Peter Moody has scratched talented mare Kings Rose from the big Randwick mile this Saturday leaving a field of 17 to face the starter. For all the fields & latest odds for all the big Group 1 races this weekend, click here.

29.9.11 Kyneton Abandoned, Rain at Other Venues ..... The Kyneton meeting today has been abandoned after nearly 50mm of rain fell on the track over night. The rain band is also likely to affect both Grafton & the Gold Coast meetings today despite the fact both tracks have been officially rated as Good (3). Rain is heading directly toward both venues & will play a role in proceedings before the afternoon is over. So punters need to be aware that both tracks will probably deteriorate as the day progresses.

28.9.11 Scarlet Lady Gone For Spring ..... The growing list of Spring casualties continues to grow with Queensland Oaks winner Scarlet Lady today added to the expiree rate. Trainer Graeme Rogerson is hopeful the 4yo mare will be back for an autumn campaign after bone chips are removed from her knee.

27.9.11 Moment Of Change To Spell ..... Promising Peter Moody trained 3yo gelding Moment Of Change is going to the spelling paddock & will miss the Caulfield Guineas in a fortnight. The trainer has put the horse first & will not overly pressure him during the rest of the spring & save for a tilt at the autumn carnival. Moment of Change has only had two starts for two most impressive victories & does appear to be a horse of the future.

27.9.11 Stay Of Proceedings For Melham .....

Top Melbourne hoop Ben Melham has appealed against the 2 month suspension handed down to him by RV Stewards & has been granted a stay of proceedings meaning he can ride up until his appeal is heard on 4 October. Melham was suspended for his ride on Numen Lumen at Mornington last Monday, Stewards alleging he did not give the horse every permissible chance to win the race.

27.9.11 Penalty A Help To Lamasery ..... A 1kg penalty for both the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups handed down by RV Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter might assist 5yo gelding Lamasery to obtain runs in the races. The penalty was given following Lamasery's win the Colin Stephen Quality on Saturday at Rosehill edging him up to 40th in order of entry at Caulfield & 60th in order of entry for the first Tuesday in November. Lamasery will carry 51kg in both events.

27.9.11 Cassidy Suspended For 3 Months ..... Queensland Racing Stewards have suspended leading jockey Larry Cassidy for 3 months following his ride on beaten odds on favourite Trump at Doomben on 17 September. Trump finished 3rd to stable mate Blevico Girl after sitting 3 deep for most of the trip. Trainer Rob Heathcote was unhappy with Cassidy's ride after the race.

27.9.11 Moody & Riley Charged For Positive Swabs ......
Leading Victorian trainer Peter Moody will face a RAD Board Hearing at a date to be fixed for taking Lethal Arrow to Pakenham races in May with a prohibited substance in his system. This is the only case RV Stewards are investigating in regards to Moody at this time. Mornington trainer Mark Riley will also face the RAD Board at a date to be fixed for a positive swab taken from his horse Diablo Rosso at Bendigo in early August.

26.9.11 Boss Sidelined For At Least A Month .....

There have been varying reports in regards to the length of time top hoop Glen Boss will ahve to spend out of the saddle following the tragic accident with Crysstal Lily last week. Boss underwent shoulder surgery on Friday & reports are the shoulder is healing well. However, it now appears Boss will not be riding for at least a month, which all but rules him out of the major spring carnival races.

25.9.11 Colless Rides A Treble First Day Back ..... At his first day back after a fortnights suspension, Queensland hoop Glen Colless made amends quickly for his time on the sidelines. He rode a winning treble at the Sunshine Coast today from only 6 rides. The first was a beautiful rails hugging ride on Liger ($4.60) followed by a barn storming finish by Picawinner ($3.30) & winding up in the final event on Troopingthecolour $4.50). What a way to show punters you are back & still in form. Well done to Glen.

25.9.11 Corey Brown Next In Line for Smart Missile ..... Corey Brown will be the third jockey in the last three starts for the fast becoming enigmatic galloper Smart Missile. The Anthony Cummings trained colt will next contest the Caulfield Guineas on Saturday week & will have to everything right to beat impressive winners from yesterday Manwanui & Helmet.

24.9.11 Gai Quinellas Shannon ..... An outstanding training performance this afternoon by Gai Waterhouse when she supplied the quinella in the main race at Rosehill the Shannon Quality. King Lionheart, given a great ride by Tommy Berry was a little too good for stable mate Fast Clip who set the pace, with middle distance performer Lone Command running on strongly for third. Well done, Gai, must be one of your career highlights.

24.9.11 Rick Hore Lacy Quinellas the Group 1 ..... A career highlight today for Melbourne trainer Rick Hore-Lacy when he quinellad the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes today at Caulfield. Given a gun run in transit by Craig Williams Toorak Toff was too strong for his rivals in the straight beaten stable mate Pinnacles by a length and a half. Master Of Design held on for third after setting the pace. Congratulations to Rick who has always had faith that Toorak Toff was a Group 1 horse & his faith has been reinforced today. Favourite Smart Misslie, the lay of the day, finished unplaced.

24.9.11 Gallopers Money Trail ..... Where is all the smart money going on race day morning? Follow the Money Trail with Gallopers new feature each & every Saturday morning ..... click here

23.9.11 Black Piranha Sold ..... Duel Stradbroke winner Black Pirhana has been sold at auction this afternoon for $245,000. The Group 1 winner went through the auction due to an ownership dispute. Cameron Cook Bloodstock made the winning bid on behalf of Sean Buckley & will now be trained by Anthony Freedman.

23.9.11 Ben Melham Suspended for 2 months ..... Victorian hoop Ben Melham has been suspended today by Racing Victoria Stewards for his ride on Numen Lumen at Mornington on Monday. Stewards stated Melham failed to improve his position on two seperate occasions when they claim he ample opportunity to do so. Melham's suspension commences on Monday 26.9.11 & concludes on 26.11.11. Ben has the right to appeal.

23.9.11 Prebble to Ride Smart Missile ..... While Glen Boss lies in a hospital bed awaiting scans on his injured shoulder, Anthony Cummings has announced Brett Prebble will fly back from Hong Kong tomorrow to partner Smart Missile in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. Ironically, it was Prebble who rose Crystal Lily to victory in the Golden Sipper & it was the same horse that collapsed this morning at Flemington with Boss aboard causing Boss's injuries.

23.9.11 Ilovethiscity Spelled ..... The Graham Begg trained gelding has fluid behind one tendon so has been immediately spelled. Begg reports the gelding will return in the autumn as the injury is not serious.

23.9.11 Crystal Lily Dies During Jump Out ..... 2010 Golden Slipper winner Crystal lily has died during a jump out at Flemington this morning. The mare was being prepared for the Group 1 Manikato next Friday at Moonee Valley. Jockey Glen Boss has been taken to hospital complaining of shoulder pain after the mare collapsed on the track. Scans have been completed on Boss's painful shoulder & results will be known this afternoon. Boss has relinquished all his rides at Caulfield tomorrow including Smart Missile in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

22.9.11 Port Lincoln Abandoned .....

The Port Lincoln galloping meeting set down for decision this afternoon has been abandoned due some unsafe areas of the track. Some work has been carried out installing a new sprinkler system & some of the sprinklers were protruding out of the ground & extremely close to where the horses would have been racing. Why the track was not inspected yesterday or even early this morning is a mystery as this was the first meeting of the new season. So all jockeys, trainers & their staff, horses all arrived at the track before any knowledge of the problem surfaced. Pretty ordinary performance by those in charge of the meeting.

22.9.11 Randwick Will be Ready For Epsom Day ..... A confident ATC Chief Executive Darren Pierce has reported remedial work on the Queen Elizabeth Stand at Randwick is ahead of schedule & should work continue all will be ready for the big Epsom/Metrop Day on 1 October. Punters certainly hope so as it is impossible to imagine an Epsom Handicap being conducted anywhere else but Royal Randwick.

21.9.11 Hoop Suspended for Betting ..... Qld racing Stewards have suspended Justin P Stanley for one month for betting on Kahui, a horse that he rode at Doomben on 14 September. The bet was placed in a Pub TAB in Brisbane the evening before the race & Stanley is featured on CCTV. Definitely against the rules of racing, however at least punters know Justin was trying with his own money on board. Kahui ran second, & alas, Justin made the mistake of being caught.

21.9.11 Quaddie For McEvoy & Neilson ..... Tony McEvoy & Matthew Neilson made Morphettville Parks their own this afternoon with a winning quartet. Nassau ($5.40), Divine Being ($2.80), Horatius ($10) & Grand Ginger ($3.60) made up the quartet which included the final 3 winners of the day. Matty made a great decision a few weeks ago to walk away from some of his regular trainers to ride exclusively for McEvoy & the decision has paid off big time. It is a great combination, McEvoy can train, & Matty can ride, so punters could do worse than follow the combo in the future.

21.9.11 Once Were Wild ..... will have epiglottis surgery in the coming days so the Waterhouse trained mare can be added to the long list of casualties for this spring. A Cups contender seems to be added to this ever growing list almost on a daily basis, so punters need to be very careful if placing any futures bets in All In markets.

20.9.11 Marlon Dolendo ..... has been diagnosed with Diabetes. This dreadful news for the embattled hoop comes after he underwent a kidney transplant on 31 August, the kidney was donated by his sister. Doctors are hopeful the diabetes has been brought on by medication & the condition may not be permanent. Gallopers sends out its best wishes to Marlon who surely deserves a change of luck ......... & soon. Good luck, mate.

20.9.11 Warm Love ..... was tragically put down on Sunday night after a 24 hour fight for her life. Gallopers understands the David Brideoake trained sprinter suffered a heart problem which turned into pneumonia. Our thoughts are sincerely with David & his family who raced the promising mare in partnership.

19.9.11 December Draw ..... today received a 2kg penalty for the Caulfield Cup, & a 1.5kg penalty for the Melbourne Cup. Green Moon has been penalised 0.5kg for both Cups while Fox Hunt has been penalised 0.5kg for the Melbourne Cup.

19.9.11 Heart Of Dreams ..... Out for spring due to soreness in his off front knee following his 6th placing in the Underwood on Saturday

19.9.11 Black Caviar ..... not surprisingly was last night named Australian Horse of the Year

Australian Racehorse of the Year: Black Caviar.

Champion 2YO: Sepoy.

Champion 3YO Filly: Shamrocker.

Champion 3YO Colt or Gelding: Star Witness.

Champion Sprinter: Black Caviar.

Champion Middle Distance Performer: So You Think.

Champion Stayer: Americain.