EF AUG 26 - CHASKI FLIES HOME IN IMPRESSIVE FASHION

By Graham Potter | Friday, August 28, 2009

Eagle Farm, August 26, 2009.
Track - Good 3. Rail - out 10m.
Class 4 Handicap (C, G & E) - 1200m. Time: 1-11.45.
1 Chaski; 2 Pimpala Cobber; 3 Falconten.

The Liam Birchley trained Chaski was impressive when claiming his second successive win. The gelding raced towards the rear of the field and looked like running into a roadblock at the top of the straight where apprentice jockey Chris McIver had to take a strangle-hold and wrestle his mount off the heels of the runners in front of him.

Rather than rob Chaski of his chance of victory, that episode seem to fire up the six-year-old who, once switched wide out on the track into clear running, accelerated with meaning. He flashed into contention and maintained his effort all of the way to the line to sweep past the favourite Pimpala Cobber, who had looked a likely winner when making an early break for home, and on to an eye-catching win.

The result gave trainer Liam Birchley a double on the day.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Apprentice jockey Chris McIver: “He went a lot better today than he did last week. They went a bit quick so he couldn’t box seat like he did the other day, but it was alright. I was a bit worried at the top of the straight because I was a bit back and they weren’t coming back to me as quick. At the furlong he started to sprint. He let down really good.

“The only thing I was worried about then was if the line was getting a bit too close ... if we were going to pick the line up before I picked the horse (Pimpala Cobber) up. But, yeah, he did finish well. He improved by a few lengths.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Chaski): 3.80 out to 7.50.
Favourite (Pimpala Cobber): 3.30 out to 3.50 in to 2.80. Finished second.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ponche Soto was declared a late scratching at 8.35 am on veterinary advice. Fielding (A. Merritt) missed the start. Pimpalo Cobber (S. Thurlow) and Patch’s Express (M. Speers) were tightened for room at the start between Falconten (S. Katsidis) and Digger Sydney (J. Wood) when both horses shifted ground. Near the 400m, Fielding (A. Merritt) shifted out to improve and made contact with Laurels (M. Hellyer). At the same stage, Chaski (C. McIver) had to be checked when it improved on to the heels of Laurels and was obliged to shift out to obtain clear running. Patch’s Express (M. Speers) and Falconten raced wide for the majority of the event.