BRC AUG 08 - FINCH LANDS FIRST METRO WIN

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Eagle Farm, Saturday, August 8, 2009.
Track - Good 3. Rail - True.
Open Handicap - 1000m. Time: 58.03.
1st - Shakeva; 2nd - Monashee Dancer; 3rd - Kelly.

Trainer Sharon Finch landed her first Metropolitan win when Shakeva triumphed in her fourth start this prep following a two-year break from the racetrack.

The mare was inconvenienced when Monashee Dancer took an abrupt left turn with his first step out of the stalls (as were all of the other runners in a chain-reaction effect) but jockey Danny Craven never chased the seven-year-old, allowing her to settle in her own time before moving up to fourth on the inside approaching the turn.

Craven had to weigh up his options for a run on straightening as Monashee Dancer kicked away strongly at the head of affairs with Kelly in hot pursuit. Craven angled his mount out to the better going and Shakeva gradually came into the race. Shakeva took time to gather momentum and it was a long chase, but it got its reward when Monashee Dancer started to falter late and, with Kelly also running on empty, Shakeva pounced in the last stride to earn the eighth success of her career.

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Shakeva): 10.00 out to 12.00.
Favourite (Monashee Dancer): 2.80 out to 3.40. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prior to the declaration of correct weight, S. Seamer, the rider of Kelly, 3rd placegetter, sought permission to view the official video films as he thought there may have been grounds to lodge a protest against Monashee Dancer, 2nd placegetter. After viewing the available films, jockey Seamer decided it would be inappropriate to proceed. Correct weight was then declared.

When the gates opened Monashee Dancer (A. Pattillo) jumped away awkwardly, shifted out abruptly and caused crowding to all other runners in the race. The main sufferers were Shakeva and Falco Star, both of which were severely checked. Unnecessary crowding also occurred to Kelly, Ima Joker and Myagi. Whilst the incident was one of some consequence, the stewards believed that in all the circumstances it would be inappropriate to take direct action against A. Pattillo; however he was told that he must do his utmost at all times to avoid this type of crowding taking place.