From The Stewards' Room - Saturday October 7

Key pointers from the stewards’ reports at the feature race meetings at Randwick and Flemington last Saturday, October 7.

Randwick:

Dia De Reyes (Race 4): The gelding was an eye catcher when running on for third in the Highway Handicap but his barrier manners are testing the patience of the stewards. Dia De Reyes stood flat-footed when the gates opened and lost three lengths. The trainer's representative Mrs K Dunn was advised a final warning would be placed on the gelding's barrier manners. Mrs Dunn undertook to experiment with the gear on the gelding during the week.

Burning Passion (Race 5): Second favourite behind eventual winner Sir Plush, the usually consistent Burning Passion dropped out for a conspicuous last. Rider Glyn Schofield said the gelding never really travelled well at any stage and in his opinion raced like a horse that had come to the end of its preparation. No veterinary issues were found after the race and trainer Mark Newnham said the horse would now be spelled.

Chauffeur (Race 6): Things just haven’t gone right for the colt this campaign and that trend continued when running last in the Roman Consul Stakes. Chauffeur lost ground after an awkward start, with rider Sam Clipperton saying the colt then raced keenly given the slow early tempo and after making a short run on the home turn, disappointed in his finishing effort. Co-trainer Michael Hawkes attributed the failure to the slow start and a wide run from the 600m. He said the immediate racing future of the colt would be decided in the next few days.

Imposing Lass (Race 8): The mare struggled to the line to be beaten more than five lengths in the Angst Stakes. Jockey Jason Collett said the mare raced keenly in the run and when under pressure in the straight, gave ground and was disappointing. A vet’s examination found Imposing Lass to be to be mildly lame in the off-foreleg and requires a veterinary clearance before racing again.

Flemington:

The Quarterback (Race 4): The gelding is a Group 1 winner down the Flemington straight but was a long way short of that when eased down to be beaten 33 lengths in the Gilgai Stakes. Slow to begin, rider Matthew Allen said The Quarterback never travelled and when placed under pressure did not feel comfortable. A scope detected a degree of internal exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage and a vet clearance will be required before The Quarterback races again.

Spieth (Race 4): The stallion started favourite but couldn’t get into the contest when beaten 3.5 lengths in the Gilgai. Spieth raced with his head in the air due to a slow tempo through the early stages but neither rider Corey Brown or trainer Bryce Heys could offer an explanation for the performance which was below expectations. Spieth was cleared of any veterinary issues post race.

Kinema (Race 7): Chris Waller’s stayer was eased down in the straight with rider Craig Newitt reporting his mount felt short in its action. A vet check found Kinema to be lame in the near foreleg and requires a vet clearance before racing again.

Ellicazoom (Race 8): The mare was disappointing when beaten 5.5 length in the Blazer Stakes but a vet report showed there were excuses. She was found to have a slow recovery and had sustained a laceration to her off hind pastern.