May 15, 2015
While Doomben was hosting interstate gallopers last Saturday, a winter tourist was also in the firing line at Burrandowan.
Arma De Fuego, a four-year-old chestnut from the Wangaratta yard of Jennifer Williams, narrowly scored in the South Burnett Times-BGA AGRI Services Class B (1000m).
The victory, with Nathan Evans aboard, could be a confidence booster for the sprinter whose name is Spanish for firearm.
His only previous success was in an Alice Springs Class 1, but he had rung up some nine placings in his 16 earlier tasks.
Jennifer’s daughter Rebecca Williams, a frequent partner of the Bramsham gelding, rounded off a great day for the family by booting home a Clifford Park double for trainer Kevin Kemp.
She has been on the Downs since mid-March.
Matt Farley, Jennifer’s nephew and part owner of Arma De Fuego, performed the Burrandowan strapper duties on the thoroughbred whose sire is a half brother to Danewin and Commands and is a close relative of Octagonal.
On the other side of the coin, Graeme Postle’s Writtenintherain continues to shine.
By taking out the Agforce Queensland-Patron’s Cup (1200m), the Written Tycoon gelding made it three wins (and a third placing) from his past four outings.
The marvellously consistent campaigner from Dalby was handled by Danielle Daniel, the former Victorian amateur rider who chalked up her second win from eight Sunshine States assignments.
Interestingly, Darling Downs based candidates won six of the seven events set down for decision.
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Mixed Emotions For The Hoops
Jockey Jason Missen and connections of Tropical Heatwave, the runner-up in the Clovely Estate-4SB 1071 AM-Ted Fisher BM 65 Handicap were certainly left frustrated after missing out by a nose (0.1 length) to Come On Lulu (Melody O’Brien), the Jet Spur mare owned and trained at Oakey by Julie Brown.
The official Stewards’ Report states that:”Correct weight was delayed to allow jockey J. Missen, the rider of the second placegetter Tropical Heatwave, to view the photo finish. After viewing the photo, Jockey J. Missen placed an objection on the judge’s placings. After taking evidence from all the connections involved and the judge, stewards could not be comfortable in altering the judge’s numbers and correct weight was declared.”
The long-serving race caller Barry Jones, who was behind the microphone for his final time at Burrandowan, the judges and the photo-finish camera operator experienced a torrid workout with three races going down to nose verdicts, one to a head (0.2 length) and another by a long neck (0.4 length) margin.
Dr House, owned and trained by Oakey’s Brad Hudson, provided apprentice Hannah Phillips with her third success on the track in two years.
The Nanango apprentice also finished second on Count Romano and third on Captain Clayton and Hay Life.
In the Crow FM90.7-SBRC Mayor’s Community Fund BM 60 Handicap (1600m) Lyall Appo successfully adopted box-seating tactics on Red Beretta ($6.50), prepared by his long time friend Mark Goodwin.
The veteran Deception Bay jockey’s popular, post-race exuberance certainly was softened soon afterwards, though, when he pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding and was suspended for 6 meetings over an incident near the 400 metre mark.
Appo now bases his itinerary around handling Goodwin’s Chinchilla-based string.
The rising 51-year-old is not bothered by the long hauls to the west and indicated that he will continue to ride while he still enjoys it.
Hoofnote: Omen punters at Burrandowan with a knowledge of guns would have “backed the bookend” winners with Arma De Fuego and Beretta having connections with pistols and shotguns.
After all, the day did begin with an early morning clay-pigeon shoot!
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St Mary’s Will Congregate At Lee Park
A feature of the Nanango Race Club’s program on May 30 is that it will be a component of the St Mary’s Catholic College’s weekend reunion.
A side benefit for racegoers on Saturday fortnight is that there is every chance they will bump into someone that they have not seen in a long time.
It is an ideal date for those who not have been to Lee Park (either previously or recently) to head out for this key day.
The Moffatdale Ridge Wines “Spot” Fashion Theme is Vivid Velvet and Vintage.
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The Somerset Scene
The South Burnett Regional Council has always been supportive of its racing industry community and this coming weekend its southern neighbour, the Somerset Regional Council, follows a similar scenario.
Its two courses at Esk and Kilcoy will be active on consecutive days and the Council has provided $1000 to each club for prize money purposes.
It’s also offering $5000 to the owners(s) of any horse that wins at both venues.
Six possible contenders, namely Cheeky Boi, Cool Trick, Best Shot, Duan Major, Dina’s Dancer and Harada Pearl, have accepted for relevant races on both days.
