EF SEPT 05 - LISTEN SON COMPLETES HAT-TRICK

By Graham Potter | Monday, September 7, 2009

Eagle Farm, September 5, 2009.
Track - Good 3. Rail - out 1m.
3yo QTIS Handicap - 1400m. Time: 1-25.03.
1 Listen Son; 2 Good Emperor; 3 Titanium Rock.

The Tony Gollan trained Listen Son completed a hat-trick of wins when prevailing in a pressurised run to outgun his rivals in a tough chase to the line.

Jockey Kristy Banks brought the gelding across from his wide alley to lead the field after 150m but he was never left alone as Good Emperor raced alongside, half a length back, and the favourite Princess Qualo waited in ambush just off the speed.

That was the situation turning for home and Good Emperor, Princess Qualo and also Titanium Rock, who improved into contention along the inside running rail, all had their chances to lower the colours of Listen Son in the final run-in, but Listen Son refused to succumb to the pressure and he kicked on strongly throughout to maintain a winning advantage.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Darryl Gollan (speaking on behalf of trainer Tony Gollan): “Tony’s not here. He has gone to Dalby. He won the first race there by five.

“He’s got the makings of a nice horse later on this bloke. You only have to look at him. He’s not ready yet. The sire Big Jesse used to stand at Fairview. Alan Bailey used to train him at the Gold Coast. He is by Danehill. He is the loveliest horse you have ever seen. He didn’t get many mares. I’ve only had two horses by him and they could both gallop.

“The horse is now over in Tasmania. They put him over warm-bloods to breed show-jumpers. The girl who bought him down there to put him over warm-bloods, she keeps ringing me up ... like, now with this horse winning today, she’ll have more thoroughbred owners showing interest in him.”

Jockey Kristy Banks: “I had to do a little bit of work early. He is still a bit dumb and immature yet and I sort of had to shake him up to get him over to the fence (from his wide alley). Once he got over there he was just cruising. Whenever something came up alongside him he just grabs the bit again. He grabs the bit, shakes them off and then drops the bit again. He’s so funny.

“He is still a bit backward yet he’s still winning so he might be a pretty handy horse. I think every run he is improving. Like it was a better field today and he still held them off. I never really felt under pressure. Although they got close, they really couldn’t peg him down.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Listen Son): 7.50 out to 6.00.
Favourite (Princess Qualo): 3.40 out to 3.60 in to 3.50. Finished fourth.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Lord Linlithgow was fractious in the barriers, dislodging L. Rolls. Lord Linlithgow was examined by the club's veterinary surgeon and cleared to race. L. Rolls was examined by the ambulance paramedics and cleared to fulfil his engagement. The start was further delayed slightly due to Lord Linlithgow having to be resaddled. As a result of barrier manners of Lord Linlithgow, trainer T. Bailey was advised that Lord Linlithgow must trial satisfactorily prior to its next race start. Mr Bailey advised that the gelding would now be sent for a spell.

Near the 300m, Charmingly (J. Byrne) was disappointed for a run between Brujita (J. Taylor) and Lord Linlithgow (L. Rolls) and was obliged to shift back to the inside in an endeavour to obtain clear running. Fantastic Force (G. Colless) was caught three wide after the start and obliged to race three wide for the majority of the event.

C. Reith, rider of African Lion, was cautioned for raising his arm above the shoulder when using his whip over the final 200m. When questioned as to Shadow Buster getting out of his ground in the early stages, M. Hellyer stated that his mount was reluctant to travel at that stage despite his efforts.

L. Rolls was examined by the club's doctor following this event and cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.