BLACK CAVIAR staked her claim for the title of Australia's greatest ever sprinter when she blitzed her rivals in the $1 million Group One Lexus Newmarket Handicap, 1200m, at Flemington on Saturday.

With a huge crowd cheering her on, Australia's World Champion racehorse stretched her unbeaten streak to 10 when she was eased down to win the nation's premier sprint by three lengths.

In winning she became the first horse in Australian racing to land a perfect 10 on city tracks eclipsing a record first set by 1880 Melbourne Cup winner Grand Flanneur.
Carrying 58kg and the hopes a nation, Black Caviar also entered the record books as both the shortest priced and fastest winner in the 137-year history of the Newmarket Handicap.

In the hands of jockey Luke Nolen, who was celebrating his 31st birthday today, the four-year-old mare stopped the clock at 1min 7.36sec as a commanding $1.18 favourite.

Her trainer Peter Moody was in awe of the performance which he declared a mixture of relief and joy after an unprecedented build-up to the race.

"What do you say? You get lost for words. She's just awesome," he declared.

"It's been a big build up and it's nice to put it behind us. It's just a great relief."

Despite conceding up to 8kg to her rivals, victory was never in doubt as Black Caviar sat on the speed and cruised past her rivals at the 300-metre mark.

"This was the one chance you would think for the opposition to beat her, it's probably the only chance the handicapper will ever get at her," Moody declared.

"I just said to Luke (Nolen), 'be as kind as you can for as long as you can, you don't have to be three (lengths) in front at the furlong (200-metre mark), just be a half inch in front on the line'."

Pendant, winner of the 1906 Newmarket, is the only mare to carry more weight than Black Caviar to victory in the Newmarket Handicap. She lumped 9st 7lb (60.5kg).

Nolen, who combined with the Moody-trained three-year-old Wanted to win last year's Newmarket Handicap, said Black Caviar was "every jockey's dream".

"She didn't let them down," he said. "The VRC's spent many a dollar promoting this week with the 10 out of 10 - I thought they probably should have put a question mark on the end of it just in case - so she had pressure on her today from the crowd.

"They all showed up just to see Black Caviar and she hasn't disappointed them."

Second across the line in the Newmarket was last year's Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily ($71) who led and battled on bravely with the mares Beaded ($21) and Response ($31) completing an all-female First 4.

Black Caviar will now head to Moonee Valley on Friday night, 25 March where she'll chase her fourth consecutive Group 1 victory in the $500,000 Pulse Pharmacy William Reid Stakes (1200m).

SHOCKING SHINES IN AUSTRALIAN CUP ON SUPER SATURDAY

EMIRATES Melbourne Cup winner Shocking made a welcome return to the winner’s circle at Flemington today when he won the $1 million Dubai Australian Cup (2000m) – the headline weight-for-age race of the 2011 Melbourne Festival of Racing.

The victory helped trainer Mark Kavanagh erase the nightmare of 12 months ago when Shocking was scratched from ‘two’ Australian Cups as the pre-post favorite.

An injury saw him withdrawn on the morning of the 2010 Super Saturday race meeting, but when a freak storm hit Flemington and the race was postponed a week Shocking was reinstated in the field.

Unfortunately for connections he failed to recover in time to take his place in the rescheduled race which was won by Zipping, who ironically was withdrawn on the eve of this year’s event after succumbing to injury.

Sent out an $8.50 chance, Shocking sat near last today as the leaders set a hectic tempo before jockey Corey Brown pulled him to the extreme outside and he mowed down his rivals over the last 400 metres.

In the end he enjoyed a two length margin over Zipping’s stablemate Linton ($9) with WA three-year-old Playing God ($6.50) a further one-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

With his bankroll now nudging $5 million, Shocking will embark on a Sydney campaign where he’s likely to step out in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill next Saturday.

Joining him in Sydney will be stablemate and crowd favourite Whobegotyou who also returned to the winner’s list today at Flemington when he took out the Group 2 $250,000 Blamey Stakes (1600m).

HERE’S WHAT THE WINNING JOCKEYS AND TRAINERS HAD TO SAY AFTER SUPER SATURDAY AND WHAT THE STEWARDS HAD TO REPORT:

THE STEWARDS' PANEL consisted of: Mr T Bailey (chairman), Mr A Reardon, Mr R Cram, Mr B McGinley, Mr D. Triandafillou, Ms S Miller, Mr B Scarlett and Mr D Torpy.

WINNER: TRIPLE ASSEET

Trainer: John Keys
“We come here hoping, we didn't know for sure how we'd go. We thought we'd give it a scare, but I didn't know if we could win or not.

“When Golden Archer won (last week), that was what made our decision. We only made it on Sunday afternoon, sitting around having a beer.

“This is something special.

Future plans: “We'll leave her down at my brother Kenny's and we're going to the Jansz now for sure. If everything is right tomorrow we'll stay.”

Jockey: Michael Rodd

On how he came about the winning ride in Tasmania at Triple Asset's previous start: “I arrived at the course probably half an hour before the race and Lincoln Coffey had broken a couple of ribs so I picked up the ride at his expense and she came out
and romped in there.

“It's been a month between runs since she's come here and it's a bloody good effort.

“It's great for the guys, they're all small-time sort of owners so it was a big thrill for them and a great effort by the horse as well.

During the run: “Some come off the bridle probably about the 450 just through not knowing what to do, probably waiting for a turn or something like that, but once I sort of gave her a rub up with the stick she picked the bridle up.

“Every time a horse would challenge her she'd keep sticking her head out, so she's got plenty of guts and she's got the right attitude.”

STEWARDS REPORT

On jumping away Star Of Coureuse shifted in and inconvenienced Flor Do Mar which had been slow to begin.

Spectrolite shifted in abruptly at the start causing crowding to Plucky Belle and Holdontoyahorses.

Ervbefel which had been held up for a run until approaching the 200m shifted out and hampered Spectrolite to obtain a clear run.

Approaching the 100m C Symons (And Rock) accidentally dropped his whip.

D Oliver rider of Holdontoyahorses, which performed poorly, explained that the filly was now at the end of its preparation and trainer Mr M Price confirmed that the filly would now be spelled.

RACE 2: Listed MISS SECURITY STAKES

Trainer: Peter Moody

“Her run in the Oakleigh Plate was phenomenal, it was just a tragedy that she drew the outside that day.

“Her second-up form is super, she had a victory over the Slipper winner last time around, so she's in for a good prep I think.

“She heads to Adelaide now for the fillies and mares Group 1.

On Michael Walker taking the ride: “The reason for him to ride her today was with the view that he'll ride her in the Group 1 with Luke (Nolen) probably off to Sydney.

“I thought he was in a bit of trouble mid-race but he extricated himself and she got a chance to finish off well.”

Jockey: Michael Walker

“She ran a good race in the Oakleigh Plate. Everyone thought it was out of her depth, but if she'd drawn inside barrier seven I think she could have run first five. I'm not saying she would have won it, but she could have weighed in.

“I was very happy and I come here with enough confidence to know that, obviously Peter Moody would have her spot on and his team, they do a tremendous job, and I knew she'd win today.

“I was just waiting, I knew my horse had the acceleration and the horse on the outside of me end up stopping so we got a good run through and I knew if I followed another horse of Peter's it would drag me into it.

“She could have won by a lot more. She got to the front and pulled up. Horses that have a little bit of ability and they tend to do it that easy, they do pull up for it was a good effort.”

STEWARDS REPORT

Shortly after the start Flokkati had to be eased off the heels of Kulgrinda which shifted in after getting its head up.

Near the 400m Miss Elvee shifted in slightly bumping Pontiana resulting in both horses getting a little unbalanced.

For some distance inside the 300m That’s Not It had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 150m.

Also near the 150m Tricky Tricky had to be steadied to avoid the heels of Umgeton which shifted in slightly under pressure.

A post race veterinary examination of Umgeton revealed no abnormalities other than the filly was slightly distressed.

RACE 3: G2 VRC SIRES’ PRODUCE STAKES

WINNER: RUNNING TALL

He'll probably run a mile no problem on what we saw today.

“He missed a run early in the campaign and that probably put him a run behind.

“He just peaked on his run late in the Diamond, but we had him a lot fitter today.

He's a class animal and the second colt's (Decircles) not a bad colt either.

“We always had the plan to be handy enough, these two-year-old 1400-metre races are usually leisurely enough run, and Benny had him in the right spot.

“The horse stripped a lot fitter for it today and it was a dominant win.

On how he got Running Tall: “I've got to thank George and John Moore and Robert Ng, the owner from Singapore.

“He was a quality animal and we would have loved to have bought him ourselves but when George bought him we approached him and he very kindly left him here.

“If he keeps winning like that I'd say he'll stay here. When he's a colt, obviously the value is for him to stay here and he's put a bit of value on him today winning a Sires produce, so I'd say he'll stay here.”

Jockey: Ben Melham

“He's a horse with a bit of class and I actually thought I could nearly win the diamond on him.

“That was a little bit disappointing but it was good to see him come out and show his true colors today.

On the late scratching of favourite Helmet: “I was hoping to track behind it (Helmet) and I end up being a bit closer, but he travelled well and won well. He's got a good future.”

STEWARDS REPORT

Helmet, which became temporarily cast, was a late withdrawal on veterinary advice at 12.41pm after being examined by the Club’s veterinary surgeon.  Subsequently the Stewards ordered the following deductions to betting. All monies bet for a win and/place and concession betting on Helmet to be refunded. All successful bets on the horses prior to the time of withdrawal of Helmet were subject to the following deductions in the dollar from the face value of the ticket: Win bets 32 cents, place bets 21 cents, winning concession bets 30 cents and double bets 32 cents. All monies bet after the Stewards declaration of withdrawal to be paid at face value of the ticket.  Trainer Mr P Snowden was advised that Helmet must compete in a jump out to the satisfaction of Stewards prior to racing again.

Cash For Matt, which was in the adjoining stall to Helmet, was examined by the Club’ s veterinary surgeon and passed suitable to race.

Masthead was slow to begin.

Delago’s Lad was obliged to race wide without cover throughout.

Decircles layed in after passing the 300m and as a result approaching the 200m tightened the running of Cash For Matt and Minute By Minute resulting in Cash For Matt having to be eased.

From the 200m Cash For Matt was then held up for clear running and to shift out several horses to obtain clear running near the 50m.

Approaching the winning post Delago’s Lad was tightened for room by Masthead which shifted in under pressure then near the winning post Masthead was bumped by Grand Britannia which shifted in under pressure.

B Melham (Running Tall) was fined $200 for his celebratory gesture prior to the winning post.

RACE 4: G2 BLAMEY STAKES

WINNER: WHOBEGOTYOU

Trainer: Mark Kavanagh

“He made hard work of it but they went a little slower than he wanted but he finished it off good.

“He's a remarkable horse really, who has performed at the absolute top level since his three-year-old carnival right the way through.

“We've looked after him and only given him four races, three races each preparation and looked after him to the point where he can continue on and race into these carnivals each year and that's pretty good fun.

“He was a Flemington maiden believe it or not.

Where to next: “He'll go up there (Sydney) in a couple of weeks and head towards the Doncaster and then go a spell and be back towards the Cox Plate.”

“He's a class horse and not many have got a better turn of foot than him. His acceleration is his biggest asset.

“It's good for him to win a good race again.

“Dao Dao gave a great kick when he got there and he's not an easy horse to get past by any mean, but this horse's racing pattern and the wide gates are forcing him to get back a bit further than he can do.

“It's a great crowd here today and beautiful weather, there's nothing like riding a nice winner at Flemington on a big day.”

STEWARDS REPORT

Correct weight was delayed when D Yendall rider of Roadtrain, fourth placegetter, viewed the Stewards film before deciding not to lodge an objection.

Extra Zero failed to obtain clear running in the home straight and subsequently went to the line not fully tested.

After passing the 200m Spacecraft shifted in slightly away from Whobegotyou and in doing so tightened the running of Rockpecker which had to be eased.

For a short distance inside the 200m Roadtrain had difficulty in obtaining clear running.

The track was upgraded from Dead 4 to Good 3 at 1.29pm after the running of this race.

RACE 5: G2 KEWNEY STAKES

WINNER: DO RA MI

Trainer: Peter Moody

“I've got to thank Gary Chittick. I was keen to run her in the mile and he asked me how she was going and I said ‘super'. He said ‘well I'd love a Group 2 win for Savabeel', who has really started to find his feet at stud.

“I said, ‘we'll I've got three front-runners in this race and the other one I want to send forward, it might be the day to ride her quiet'.

“The barrier lent us to leading that way and Michael rode a well judged race. I said, ‘just wait, wait, wait, there'll be a ton of speed here and you'll have to be the last one standing' and he did a tremendous job.

On her versatility: “You're not going to get that tempo in every race and from a better gate she probably would have been midfield, but the way the race presented itself I said ‘go back until you get cover even if you've got to go all the way back
just don't panic and if she shows the turn of foot here that she has shown us at home she'll let down really quick'.

“We just haven't had her in a race where she's had that opportunity (to ride her from behind).

“She's a good quality filly from a terrific family and it's great to see that Group 2 up beside her name and now we might go hunting something a little bigger in Sydney.”

Jockey: Michael Walker

“I just rode to instructions. Peter told me don't move until you think you should and probably 350, 300 (from home) I'm still holding on and I looked up and I seen Brazilian Pulse and all the other horses pushing and I was like, ‘this race is over as soon as I let her down'.

“I let her down and she put paid to them within three or four strides.

“Obviously her usual racing pattern is going forward, but from the draw Peter decided to do something different which was ride her quiet and let her come from the back.

“It suggests that she can go forward, she can go back and suggests that she'll get further.”

STEWARDS REPORT

Stewards were advised prior to the horses entering the enclosure that Do Ra Mi (NZ) would be ridden off the speed today from the wide barrier draw.  Do Ra Mi (NZ) settled last and went on and won.

Divorces knuckled at the start and almost dislodged M Zahra.

Ain’tnofallenstar was slow to begin.

Jeter jumped away awkwardly.

Off And Laughing and Frenetica raced wide without cover throughout.

Near the 1300m Do Ra Mi (NZ) shifted out and bumped Royal Bender, Royal Bender then commenced to over-race and near the 1100m had to be checked off the heels of Iridenscente.

Rounding the home turn and in the straight Iridescente was held up for clear running until near the 300m where it shifted out abruptly to obtain clear running.

Near the 400m Royal Bender shifted out and bumped Divorces.

Frenetica which was racing in restricted room near the 300m brushed slightly with Royal Bender then shifted in abruptly as it was commencing to give ground.

In the early part of the straight Kittens was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 200m.

C Williams (Brazilian Pulse (NZ)) advised that the filly over-raced in the early and middle stages.

C Newitt rider of Off And Laughing reported that he eased his mount down after receiving minor interference in the early part of the straight as his mount did not feel right in its action.  A post race veterinary examination of Off And Laughing revealed the filly to be lame in the off hind leg and trainer Mr J Thompson must submit a veterinary certificate of fitness for the filly prior to racing again.

D Oliver (Sistine Angel) explained after the race that his mount was reluctant to stretch out and a subsequent veterinary examination revealed the filly to be lame in the near foreleg and trainer Mr A Noblet was notified he must submit a veterinary certificate of fitness for Sistine Angle prior to racing again.

L Nolen (Zelsnitz) was of the view that the filly was in need of a spell.  A post race veterinary examination of Zelsnitz revealed no abnormalities and trainer Mr P Moody confirmed that the filly would now be spelled.

After the running of the race the Club’s veterinary surgeon reported that Ain’tnofallenstar was showing signs of mild heat stress.

RACE 6: G1 LEXUS NEWMARKET HANDICAP

WINNER: BLACK CAVIAR

Trainer: Peter Moody

“She's broken 33 (seconds) her last 600. You wouldn't like to be chasing her on foot, would you?

“It's been a big build up and it's nice to put it behind us. It's just a great relief. This was the one chance you would think for the opposition to beat her, it's probably the only chance the handicapper will ever get at her.

“Like I said last time, what do you say? You get lost for words. She's just awesome.

“I just said to Luke, ‘be as kind as you can for as long as you can, you don't have to be three (lengths) in front at the furlong, just be a half inch in front on the line'.

On the pressure associated with the build up to the race: “I'd like to think we've kept our cool all week and I think that extends to the horse.

“The public perception is the thing that scares me. I know she's going to give her all and the only thing that will bring about her downfall is injury.

“I would have been more disappointed for the owners and everyone that had come to see her if something had gone wrong.

“It's only two races down of maybe a six-run campaign, but she's done a hell of a job.”

Jockey: Luke Nolen

On the race: “We travelled just over halfway well on the bridle then I just let slide up.

“I went full bore just thinking with the 58 (kilos) and with a couple of others in it (it might be harder).

“I didn't pull my neck out looking at the big screen today but when she went she went. She's every jockey's dream.

On living up to the hype: “She didn't let them down. The VRC's spent many a dollar promoting it with the 10 out of 10 – I thought they probably should have put a question mark on the end of it just in case – but she had pressure on her today just
from the crowd.

“They all probably showed up just to see Black Caviar and she hasn't disappointed.

On the reception: “She did it all, makes me look real good, so I give her a clap.

“I wish all were like her. You wouldn't get many jockeys getting sacked off horses because she makes your job easy.”

STEWARDS REPORT

The explanation of trainer Mr H Conners for presenting Chasm late on course was accepted.

Black Caviar, Hinchinbrook and Grand Duels were all presented late on course due to traffic difficulties.

On jumping away Eagle Falls shifted in and bumped Grand Duels in onto Response.

Star Witness jumped away awkwardly, shifted out and tightened Snapparazi out onto Hinchinbrook resulting in Snapparazi then losing its running.

On jumping away Chasm had to be eased to avoid the heels of Black Caviar which shifted out.

Approaching the 1000m Chasm clipped the heels of Response and dipped as a result of Response initially being taken in by Grand Duels however Response then continued to shift in away from Grand Duels contributing to the incident.  Stewards were satisfied that no rider error contributed to the incident therefore no action was taken.

Beaded, which was over-racing near the 900m, had to be restrained off the heels of Black Caviar.

Star Witness over-raced in the early stages.

J Maskiell (Hinchinbrook) was fined $200 for weighing in in excess of ½ kg over his declared weight and $300 for his excessive use of the whip.

A post race veterinary examination of Star Witness revealed no abnormalities.

A post race veterinary examination of Eagle Falls revealed no abnormalities other than the gelding was mildly distressed.

RACE 7: G1 DUBAI AUSTRALIAN CUP

WINNER: SHOCKING

Trainer: Mark Kavanagh

On breaking his Australian Cup hoodoo: “The last three years I've had four favourites that never got to the post, so I suppose I've been waiting for the good bit haven't I?

“He grows a leg at Flemington and halfway through the race, when the pace was right on like that, they carved it out pretty well, I thought ‘he's going all right, he's going all right', then he was back and then the front ones started to cave in.

“When they just came by us here (in the mounting yard) I thought, ‘shit he's going to win'.

“A Group 1 at weight-for-age is certainly a really good sign for the horse. He's won a Group 2 over a mile at weight-for-age, so certainly to win 2000m at weight-for-age is pretty cool.

Next step: “He's in Sydney next Saturday over 2000 (in the Ranvet Stakes). I might go.

“We've looked after these horses and patched them up all the time and made sure they're not over-raced and looked after so they continue to come back for these carnivals, they're a lot of fun.

“If you look after them they seem to look after us and certainly he's done that today.”

Jockey: Corey Brown

On overcoming rib injuries to ride today: “To be honest, after riding Wednesday I didn't think I was going to get here. Lucky I've got a decent chiropractor back there in Sydney, he pushed four ribs back into the position they needed to be.

“It still feels quite tender and sore on it, but when you're riding good horses like this it does it for you.

On why he committed to the ride weeks ago: “He's won me a Melbourne Cup. There were a few people up there in Sydney wondering why I took the ride on him.

“I missed the first half of the Sydney Carnival, but when you come down here and win an Australian Cup it makes it all that much better.

“He's been quite lethargic in his first two runs back at Caulfield.

“I wasn't really concerned with the tempo, mainly from about the 1000m to the half mile he sort of lost a bit of interest and although they were going hard they seemed to go a little bit quicker when we got to about the 1000m.

“Full credit to Mark and his staff, they've done a super job and it's good to get him back into winning form.

“BMW here we come.”

STEWARDS REPORT

The explanation of trainer Mr C Maher for presenting Moudre late on course was accepted.

Heart Of Dreams was slow to begin.

Near the 700m Cedarberg attempted to shift out from behind Scenic Shot to improve and in doing so bumped Playing God.

Inside the final 400m Precedence (NZ) raced in restricted room between Heart Of Dreams and Shocking and at the same time was inclined to lay in.  When Precedence (NZ) gained sufficient racing room near the 200m it continued to lay in all the way to the winning post.

Shocking lost its off fore plate during the running of the race.

Trainer Mr R Hickmott was questioned regarding the tactics adopted on Mourayan (IRE) today given that it led easily in the early and middle stages and was then put under pressure from the 600m.  Mr Hickmott explained that D Nikolic was carrying out his instructions as it is the stable’s opinion that Mourayan (IRE) performs best when ridden this way.  He added that Mourayan (IRE) was previously trained in the UK and is accustomed to this style of racing and subsequent training and was ridden in a similar manner in last years AJC Metropolitan (placed 2) and will continue to be ridden this way in the future.  Mr Hickmott was advised that his explanation given today would be noted and has been recorded if required for further reference and that the stable be mindful that all horses be ridden in a manner that they are given full opportunity to obtain the best possible placing in the field.

M Walker reported after the race that Ginga Dude (NZ) had jarred up today.  A post race veterinary examination of Ginga Dude (NZ) revealed the gelding to have a slower than normal recovery and mild heat stress.

A post race veterinary examination of Heart Of Dreams revealed the gelding to be suffering from mild heat stress.

After the running of the race the Club’s veterinary surgeon reported that Cedarberg had sustained a wound to its off foreleg.

RACE 8: G3 SCHWEPPERVESCENCE TROPHY

WINNER: PINKER PINKER

Trainer: Greg Eurell

“She give us a few (nervous) moments in the straight, but she's tough and she tries very ,very hard.

“She boxed on very solidly. She certainly didn't blend on into the run as I'm sure Dwayne would have liked her to, but she certainly picked herself up and she didn't give in.

On her taking a while to hit top gear: “Be interesting to see what his (Dwayne Dunn's) thoughts are.

“The tempo, I suppose, (was against) and just where we were – we probably would have liked to drawn out a touch and given her a bit more room to let her blend into it like she has been doing.

Future plans: “Ideally we wanted to get through today and if she raced well three weeks we'll have a go at the Storm Queen in Sydney.”

Jockey: Dwayne Dunn

“I just had to fight my way through there. The horse on the outside, Gail, just layed down a little bit, nothing untoward, but I had to fight my way through.

On his day: “I've had a pretty good day I thought. Dao Dao just got rolled by a pretty good horse (Whobegotyou) and I run second on a 100-1 shot so for the punters I've probably had a good day.

“She was my best ride for today, I thought that by far, and everyone's won money today backing favourite so there was always going to be plenty of roll-up money and she's rewarded those that have followed the favourites.

On where she should head next: “They'll have to work out whether to go to Sydney or Adelaide, but I'm tipping they head towards Sydney than Adelaide.”

STEWARDS REPORT

Culminate (NZ) was presented late on course due to traffic difficulties.

Co-trainers Mr D and S Brunton were fined $50 for their late notification of C Newitt as rider of Lady Lynette in this event.

Approaching the 1100m Culminate (NZ) got its head up when being restrained off the heels of Mayneda Strategy.

On straightening just after passing the 500m Culminate (NZ) shifted out and made contact with Mayneda Strategy resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.

C Newitt (Lady Lynette) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137a, the careless riding being that near the 400m he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of Culminate (NZ) resulting in Culminate (NZ) being checked severely.  In issuing the charge the Stewards concede that Mayneda Strategy shifted in slightly.  C Newitt had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight March 14 and to expire at midnight March 24, a total of eleven race meetings.  In assessing penalty Stewards took into account C Newitt’s guilty plea and good record, the careless riding was in the mid-range and the contributing circumstances.

N Hall (Gail) was fined $300 for using his whip nine times in a forehand manner, three of which were consecutive, prior to the 100m.

RACE 9: Listed TAB $500,000 FIRST4 JACKPOT STAKES

WINNER: ORBIT EXPRESS

After the running of Race 8 trainer Mr M Riley advised Stewards that Gold In Dubai would be ridden back today from its wide barrier and trainer Mr P Moody advised that Set For Fame would be ridden quieter.  Gold In Dubai was ridden accordingly and Set For Fame settled in a rear position and finished third.

Roman Emperor (NZ), Offenders and Miles Above were both slow to begin.

Set For Fame had to be checked off the heels of Gold In Dubai near the 1200m.

Gold In Dubai raced wide without cover throughout.

Approaching the winning post S King, rider of Orbit Express, accidentally dropped his whip.

G Schofield (Influential Miss) was fined $200 for weighing in in excess of ½ kg over his declared weight.

S King (Orbit Express) was fined $200 for using his whip six times in a forehand manner prior to the 100m.

M Rodd (Undeniably) explained that his mount over-raced and was of the opinion the gelding would be better suited on tracks with shorter straights.  A post race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities and a swab sample was taken for analysis.

GENERAL STEWARDS NEWS

Medical Certificate produced today:

C Brown was examined by the Club’s doctor after arriving on course and passed fit to ride.

Other Comments / Explanations:

72 horses that were engaged for today’s meeting were subjected to out of competition testing leading up to today’s meeting.

ABOVE INFORMATION PROVIDED COURTESY OF RACING VICTORIA MEDIA AND RVL STEWARDS’ PANEL.