SCST SEPT 06 - BOULDERS IN EYE-CATCHING DEBUT WIN

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Sunshine Coast, September 6, 2009.
Track - Good 3. Rail - True.
Maiden Handicap - 1200m. Time: 1-12.96.
1 Boulders; 2 Red Raiders; 3 Taormina.

The Trevor Bailey trained Boulders scored an eye-catching debut win. While he wasn’t beating anything of note, the way the first-timer went about his business and the way he let down in the finish was all that could be asked of a horse first-time out.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Daniel Griffin: “Look, he trialled really well. (Trainer)Trevor (Bailey) sort of figured he could run. The only question today was if he was going to settle. He settled beautifully like he’d been around half a dozen times. He really let down. He looks like a pretty nice horse.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT
Stewards accepted the explanation of trainer T. Sears for the late declaration of rider for Red Raiders. The start was delayed when Verre Elite proved difficult to load. Trainer B. Gill was advised that he must provide a further barrier certificate for the mare prior to its next race start. Prozellan (J. Taylor) stood flatfooted at the start and lost ground.

Handsome Playboy (M. Cahill) was tightened for room shortly after the start between Rosy Road Home (M. Hellyer), which shifted in slightly, and Cangrande (K. Sawyers), which shifted out making heavy contact with Handsome Playboy. As a consequence of this incident, Cangrande then shifted in, making contact with No Consensus (J. Bowditch).

Handsome Playboy (M. Cahill) and Cangrande (K. Sawyers) over-raced in the early stages of the event. Taormina (B. Pengelly) over-raced and threw its head in the air for a short distance after the start. Debird (K. Forrester), Verre Elite (D. Gill) and Red Raiders (D. Browne) raced wide for the majority of the event. Lord Downer (C. Reith) lost its near-fore plate during the race.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of Handsome Playboy, M. Cahill stated after being hampered at the start the horse travelled fairly in the early and middle stages, however failed to let down when placed under pressure in the home straight and in his opinion was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of failed to reveal any significant abnormalities and a swab sample was taken.