MY CALL - VISION DOES NOT BACK UP FREE WHEELING DECISION

By David Fowler | Tuesday, June 7, 2011

David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB, taking the position upon Wayne Wilson's retirement last August. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.

Free Wheeling was denied a fair start and should have been declared a non-runner in Saturday's Sires Produce.

History will tell us that Free Wheeling was declared a runner by Racing Queensland stewards and hundreds of thousands of dollars went down the drain.

How do I come to this conclusion on the hottest topic away from the racing action on Saturday?

There are three arguments that can be put forward when debating this issue:-

(a) Did Free Wheeling rear after the gates opened?

(b) Did Free Wheeling rear when the gates opened?

(c) Did Free Wheeling rear before the gates opened?

And they are the only three alternatives that can be thrown up.

If we are to accept the stewards' decision … and its all academic now anyway so, yes, we do have to accept it … they have pinned their judgement in case scenario (b).

But the vision does not back this up.

I have observed the lateral, head on and back vision of the start and have slowed it to a frame by frame procedure. Every which way I examine it, Free Wheeling reared before the gates opened.

Drawing the longest possible bow, Free Wheeling reared at exactly the same time when Peter Cousins pressed the "go" button...a dead-heat if you like.

Under these circumstances, I am suggesting case scenario (c) with a slight possibility of (b).

Either way, Free Wheeling did not receive a fair start and his backers were also
disadvantaged financially.

There seems to be roughly equal numbers supporting either side of the argument and both sides are adamant in their point of view.

One thing to come out of the whole unfortunate affair is why is the starter placed alongside the barrier stalls at Eagle Farm and Doomben and not positioned in front of the stalls like at Ipswich etc.

Surely, this issue must be addressed.

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Much has been made of Alan Thomas' gaffe in the Queensland Oaks on Saturday.

I was unaware until he spoke with me after the last race.

Let me say from the outset, Alan and I are not close but we are close enough to appreciate each other's professionalism in a job that demands you're right all of the time.

There are no second prizes in the calling business particularly at the highest level in which we are employed.

I think it's testament to Alan's broadcasting career that this is the first time this has happened.

In fact, as I have said to those who have asked my thoughts, I've never known Alan to call a bad race.

Why did it happen in the Oaks? Why was it Scarlett Lady the horse that had to be in the mix-up? So many questions that we, as callers, beat ourselves up over when this sort of thing happens.

I went through the same thing almost a decade ago at Doomben when I mixed up Flash Valentine and Amex in a finish. It's the worst feeling in the world.

Its times like these colleagues stick together because you appreciate every bit of support you get.

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And now we arrive at the $1million AAMI Stradbroke Super Saturday weekend.

Can the good weather last? The gods have smiled upon us for the last four meetings, but rain is predicted this weekend.

Maybe we can squeeze a few more drops of luck to keep that predicted rain away until Sunday.

I backed Beaded and Hay List several weeks ago to win the Straddy and with Hay List gone, I'm more than happy to have my cash riding with this bonny mare.

The only horse I can see beating her is Woorim and he will need a firm surface to be at his most effective.

I tipped you Almas Fury as a long-shot several weeks ago in the Derby and I'm happy to stay with him at the still reasonable odds. He won't disgrace himself.

This has been my first Carnival in the Radio TAB and on-course calling capacity and it's been a great thrill. I can't wait till Saturday for what is our greatest raceday in Queensland.

Until next week.

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