Key pointers from the stewards’ reports at the feature race meetings at Rosehill and Moonee Valley last Saturday, September 9.
Rosehill:
The Mission (Race 4): Last autumn’s Group 1 Champagne Stakes winner failed to beat a runner home when making his spring bow in the Stan Fox Stakes. The three-year-old did receive an extensive mention in the stewards’ report having been slow to begin and copping a check at the 1200m, causing him to lose his running. Jockey Corey Brown told stewards that after being crossed, The Mission raced fiercely and refused to settle, prompting Brown to let the colt stride forward and take up the running. The Mission subsequently weakened in the straight to be beaten 6L. It is worth noting his Champagne Stakes win came on a heavy track, as did his victory in the Group 3 Schweppervescence, so he made need a rain-affected track to produce his best.
Ghisoni (Race 6): The dual stakes winner was stepping out for the first time in 15 months when beating only one rival home in the Sheraco Stakes. The mare was slow to begin and was hampered in the early stages of the race, but never fired a shot. Jockey Brenton Avdulla said the mare never travelled at any stage and was most disappointing in her failure to respond to his riding. With no obvious physical issues detected, trainer James Cummings said the mare would undergo a thorough veterinary examination. As a well-bred five-year-old who has won up to Group 2 level, a stud career could be beckoning for Ghisoni in the not-too-distant future.Chauffeur (Race 7): Having caught the eye with a closing second to Pariah when resuming, Chauffeur was unable to back that effort up when sixth in the Run To The Rose. Stewards reported the colt was slow to begin and he was unable to get into the race, beaten 4.5 lengths. He featured in the veterinary report with a minor abrasion found on the colt’s chin. It is worth noting his career best rating came when third up at his juvenile preparation, running second in the Magic Millions Classic, so he could be an improver at his next outing.
Moonee Valley:
Houtzen (Race 6): One of last year’s leading juveniles, Houtzen made her spring returning at weight for age, finishing third in the McEwen Stakes. The first surprise for many was that the flying filly was unable to lead, with rider Craig Williams reporting the filly was a little awkward away, caught deep and was reluctant to take on the two leaders. Houtzen was under heavy pressure approaching the turn and Williams was concerned at that point but was pleased that the filly was competitive in the straight and in his opinion, will benefit from the first up run today. Cleared of any veterinary issues, Houtzen may also appreciate a return to a bigger track or her own age group next start.Sanadaat (Race 6): The filly started favourite but missed a place when a two-length fourth in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes. Stewards questioned rider Jake Duffy as to why he eased Sanadaat near the 900 metres allowing eventual winner Shoals to go around him and take a position outside the leader. Duffy explained he was satisfied to take cover and believed that when he presented the filly at the top of the straight, she would be able to improve past Shoals. However when he placed the filly under pressure she was slightly disappointing and did not finish off the race as anticipated. Stewards noted Sanadaat had raced keenly in the early and middle stages but suffered no veterinary issues.
Lizzie L'Amour (Race 8): The Kiwi mare stepped out in the Dato’Tan Chin Nam Stakes at single figure odds but was gone a long way from home, eventually finishing almost 28 lengths behind stablemate Bonneval. Rider Damien Oliver told steward he believed something was amiss with the mare and while initial veterinary examinations failed to reveal any abnormality, later tests showed she was suffering from atrial fibrillation. She was one of two runners in the race to encounter the problem, Sir Isaac Newton returning a similar veterinary report after being beaten almost 35 lengths.
