Chris Scholtz reviews racing around Australia on July 29.
THE STARS
He's back!
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 29, 2017
After 692 days without a win, Shiraz bursts back onto the scene to take out the listed Winter Challenge at #Rosehillpic.twitter.com/oLC0T825X4
HUGH BOWMAN – You win some, you lose some. Shut the door on Brenton Avdulla’s premiership hopes with a Rosehill double, lost another on race on protest and ended the day with a suspension. Enjoy the Kokoda Track!
JAMIE KAH – Caps her Adelaide premiership win with her 500th career victory. A fine season.BOBBY EL-ISSA – Landed the Townsville Cup on the favourite Chivadahli with a terrific rails ride. A deserving feature win after his health and career battles.
CHRISTIAN REITH/BRAD WIDDUP – Brothers-in-law are running hot. Reith lands a Rosehill a double including a first city win for Widdup.
DOM TOURNEUR - Good to see top Adelaide rider land first black type win since his return form injury.CHAD LEVER - He’s become the king of the NSW Provincials. Dominated the Gosford meeting with four wins.
Well done @HugeBowmanpic.twitter.com/PEl7CyDxCx
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) July 29, 2017
THEY SAID IT!
• “I had a bit of ground to make up on Brenton. After a few inspirational words from my wife, Chris Waller and other trainers I decided to knuckle down and it really gave me something to focus on." – Hugh Bowman’s sums up his drive to win the Sydney premiership.• “I don't feel sorry for Brenton. There is nowhere to hide at the top level and I found that out the hard way. He'll be a better rider for it.” – Bowman’s words of advice to runner-up Brenton Avdulla.
"It's very humbling and I'm very proud to have won it for a fourth time." Congratulations @HugeBowmanpic.twitter.com/UWtaLmfEzE
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 29, 2017
• “I'm pretty sure if people followed and supported Charlevoix I'm still in their bad books.” Craig Williams after his Charlevoiux slaughter and later win on Shamport at Caulfield.
• "It's been a great season. It was a great fight with Beau.” Williams on his premiership win over apprentice Beau Mertens.• "I exceeded my expectations. I was brave in defeat and Craig's a very good competitor - I'm thrilled to run second to him." – a gracious Beau Mertens on his breakout season.
• “We tried. We went out there and rode and it was obviously very strong gusts. They had to tie the barriers down to tractors with chains. Obviously, the barriers weigh a lot more than a horse and the horses were getting blown around and everybody agreed that it was just not safe." – Steve Baster describes the gale force conditions at Caulfield.• "He can be a cranky boy but he's a lovely horse. If I didn't think he was worth going on with I would have stopped." – Kim Waugh on her problem horse Shiraz.
• "That's Brad's fifth winner from just 15 starters. He's going great guns and I couldn't be happier." - Damion Flower, the big spending owner of Suspenders who has put his support behind new trainer Brad Widdup.Suspenders wears down Slumber Party to claim honours in the #TheRaces Handicap at #Rosehill. Well done @BWiddupRacing! pic.twitter.com/2q5fPsBKLo
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 29, 2017
SIN BIN
CRAIG WILLIAMS: Even he admitted it was a shocker of a ride on Charlevoix at Caulfield.DULCIMUS: Big flop at the short odds at Morphettville.
INSENSATA: Betting drift told you all good things come to an end.ZOURKHAN/LIAPARI Raced well below market expectations.
RIDES OF THE DAYA dead heat between the two rails hugging rides by Bobby El-Issa to win the Townsville Cup on Chivadahli and Ryan Maloney on Every Faith at Caulfield.
BLACKBOOKCHARLEVOIX: Would be in everybody’s blackbook. Certainty beaten.
CHAPEL ROAD: Untested behind a wall of horses. Had plenty to offer.OBERLAND: Never got a crack. Big improver next time.
MORE TO GAIN: Excellent first-up. Set for a good campaign.SULTAN OF SWING: No luck from wide gate. Talented.
BERGERAC: Ready to win over a middle distance.
