SPORTS DESK
Absolutely fabulous leader of spring hopefuls MICHAEL Kent has four-yearold mare Absolutely right on the mark for an assault on the $2.5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) on 15 October. The winner of the Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick last autumn, Absolutely resumed with a slashing fifth behind former Kiwi King’s Rose in the Group 2 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Over the years the Memsie Stakes has proven to be a reliable guide to Melbourne’s feature races in spring and Absolutely’s effort indicated she would follow that pattern. Others to come under notice in the Memsie were Red Colossus, Rekindled Interest, Precedence and Linton. The Greg Eurell-trained Red Colossus, which finished third in the Memsie, also seems set to fly the flag for Cranbourne. The five-year-old looked in brilliant health and has obviously thrived since his last run in May, giving every indication he will be highly competitive in the handicaps coming up. Another Cranbourne representative – Rekindled Interest – confirmed his impressive first-up effort at Flemington when he finished fourth just in front of Absolutely. The winner of the AAMI Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley last spring, Rekindled Interest will be a legitimate chance in the Cox Plate if trainer Jim Conlan decides to head that way. Taking a line through the Memsie, the Lloyd Williamsowned Linton, who finished strongly in the straight, could also be a serious Cox Plate threat. Although only lightly raced, Linton has proven his quality with a series of top class
performances and judging by his appearance at Caulfield, the Cox Plate could be well within his grasp. Australian racing icon Bart Cummings also seems destined to walk away with some of the big prizemoney on offer over the next three months. Cummings, who has an incredible 12 Melbourne Cups to his credit, has Precedence ticking along nicely for the first Tuesday in November. A proven stayer, Precedence has developed and matured since last season and his first-up sixth in the Memsie indicates the best is still to come. While the Memsie was the feature event at Caulfield, there were numerous other horses who caught the eye. Cranbourne trainer Ken Keys has the even-reliable Status Symbol going as well as ever. A stakes winner at Flemington last spring, the six-year-old was unlucky when a first-up second ($17) to the Aldersons’ Miss Bindi in heat 1 of the Sprint Series. Underrated Simply Put had excuses when down the track on resumption, but never stopped trying when third behind the inform Little Tycoon and is worth following in similar company at her next start. Cranbourne mare Ocean Challenger and Mark Kavanagh’s Midnight Martini who finished on the heels of Simply Put and are also worthy of an investment over the next few weeks. Euroa-based trainer David Hayes may have found himself
another classic winner in Cross Of Gold. A striking individual by Redoute’s Choice, Cross Of Gold hit the line powerfully when runner-up behind the speedy Golden Archer and will continue to get better as he steps up in distance. Staying bred Tanby has been brought along quietly by trainer Robert Hickmott and that patience is likely to pay dividends this spring judging by the five-year-old’s fast finishing third behind the emerging Testascana in the National Jockeys Celebration Day Stakes (1700m). Greg Eurell’s Lakedro and David Brideoake’s I’m Jake also hit the line with gusto and
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Western Port News 30 August 2011
will be winning in the near future. Others to catch the eye at Caulfield were Testa My Patience, Rightfully Yours, Lucky Eighty Eight, and Luen Yat Forever while at Sandown on Sunday I was taken with the performances of Candy Stripes, Hi Belle, Sassy Bay, Excluded and Savoy. Best: Cross Of Gold Spring fever in the air: Kiwi King’s Rose flashes to the front to win the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Michael Kent, left, had Absolutely in good form to finish a slashing fifth in her first race back from a break. The Memsie has been a springboard for many a major winner over the spring carnival. Pictures: Slickpix
Gulls rise to the occasion when the chips are down MORNINGTON Seagull’s Soccer Club will progress to the State League division 2 next year following a gutsy 3-2 come-from-behind win against the Waverley Wanderers in the third last round of the season. After missing out on promotion by a point last year, Gull’s coach Adam Jamieson was a relieved man when he spoke to The News on Monday. “It was roller coaster of week I tell you but I am very proud of our performance on Saturday,” Jamieson said. “It was one of the best halves of football I have ever seen.” The Gulls copped a punishing 6-0 hiding the previous Monday night against co-leader Kingston City before being 2-0 down at half time on Saturday against mid-table Waverley. In front of a home crowd at Dallas Brooks Park the Gull’s dug in and turned on a three goal second half with Lee Vallance scoring twice and Cameron Syratt nabbing one.
This is the side’s third promotion in four years and vindication for Jamieson who by now has surely silenced the knockers who said he was too young and inexperienced to coach first class football. Jamieson was mentored at Frankston Pines by respected coach Stan Webster and, like Webster, he gets the best out of his players, regardless of their level of ability. Jamieson was messily deposed from Pines in early 2008 after coaching them back into the Premier League the previous year. Along with Pines’ then core playing group, Jamieson reluctantly headed south to Dallas Brooks Park but has not looked back. The controversial decision by the then committee also marked the start of diverging fortunes for the two clubs. In the three and a half years since they parted company, Pines have won less than 10 games and are now headed for the previously unthinkable, the Provisional League. Somewhat ironically, Pines’ impressive nil draw against the rampaging Kingston on Saturday means the Gulls still have a chance at
the premiership. Jamieson said that while the Gull’s won’t be just making up the numbers in next year’s competition, it will take the time to consolidate their remarkable ascension over the past few years. With a number of quality players nearing retirement, the club will continue to cultivate youth. “We will be focussing on having a good look around the peninsula for young players who want to commit to the club,” he said. Still in division 3, Peninsula Strikers went down 3-0 to Old Scotch on Saturday but have enough of a buffer to avoid relegation heading into the final two rounds. Meanwhile, it appears Langwarrin has managed to avoid the chop from State League division 1 after two solid wins against Sunshine George Cross and Preston Lions respectively. Langwarrin is three points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand and is unlikely to be demoted.