SCST SEPT 06 - BACK TO BACK WINS FOR JOINT CHIEFS

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Sunshine Coast, September 6, 2009.
Track - Good 3. Rail - True.
Class 2 Handicap - 1200m. Time: 1-11.52.
1 Joint Chiefs; 2 Straight Edge; 3 Revered Ruler.

The Brian Wakefield trained Joint Chiefs made it two-in-a-row and remained unbeaten this prep when he came home with some authority to win a little bit more easily than the 0.80 length margin suggests.

Jockey Michael Cahill made full use of the number one barrier as he settled his mount just off the speed on the rail until the turn. On straightening, Cahill had to sweat on a run for a fair period, but one he got the spilt at the 200m Joint Chiefs was never going to be denied and he strode out strongly to the line to secure his third career victory from only five starts.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Brian Wakefield: “He settled a lot better today. I tried him in those ear muffs. I been mucking around a bit with him ... playing around with the ear muffs on and they seem to suit the horse. He does relax in them and he relaxed a lot better there today.

“He hit the line well again (as he did when winning last time out over the same track and distance). So, maybe eventually he’ll probably get to seven furlongs when he learns to do things, but he is certainly taking the right steps.”

Jockey Michael Cahill: “That’s two out of two this prep. He did feel better than last time. He over-raced last time. He settled better today, but he is a bit of a handful the horse ... not an easy ride. He (trainer Brian Wakefield) is doing a good job with him. The ear-muffs might have helped a bit and getting a bit of cover.

“He relaxed better today, but he still has a little way to go. He has got fair ability. He’ll be a Saturday class horse if he just keeps taking these little steps.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT
O. Turpin was examined by the club's doctor and stood down from his engagement on Tokyo Tango and was subsequently replaced by M. Dorrington.

Verridon was declared a late scratching at 5.02 pm on veterinary advice after the gelding reared in the barriers, striking its head. Trainer E. Ropiha was advised that he would be required to provide a veterinary clearance for Verridon prior to its next race start.

My Whippy (C. Reith) and Dr Chicago (B. Thomson) were tightened for room at the start between Punter's Corner (D. Griffin) and Famous Cry (J. Bowditch), which jumped outwards. Canadian Chief (M. Heagney) began awkwardly and shifted in, making contact with Tokyo Tango (M. Dorrington). Joint Chiefs (M. Cahill) began awkwardly. Straight Edge (J. Taylor) was slow to begin.

Straight Edge was held up for clear running from leaving the 400m until approaching the 200m. Punters Corner (D. Griffin) had to be steadied off the heels of My Whippy near the 300m and shifted in to obtain clear running. Dr Chicago, Red Shadow (C. Priest) and Canadian Chief (M. Heagney) all raced wide throughout.