Originally Posted by
Messenger
From Saturday's Melton
Gavin Lang (Chilli Palmer NZ) was questioned regarding his tactics in the early stages when there was an option to move forward three wide to take a forward position when it was apparent that the speed was moderate. Driver Lang reported that he was mindful that the leader Cold Major and the horse racing to its outside Smudge Bromac NZ would be reluctant to hand up any forward position and he was then forced to race at the rear of the field but when the pace quickened from the 800m and the last half was run in 54.7 seconds, Chilli Palmer NZ raced wider rounding the home turn on the final occasion but was unable to make ground due the quick speed of the last 800m. Driver Lang’s explanation was noted.
Why would this be noted/accepted? If Smudge Bromac does not hand up the death he would be not only holding out Chilli but he would be putting the pressure on his stablemate in the lead. This is a FFA with a lead time slower than the C2 and a Q1 of 33. Geoff Webster was also questioned as to why he did not make a move. I know Chilli is suited to a late fast run at them but that was a joke. This horse was the Fav
(and NO I did not have a bet on it - I have just seen it now)
It is up to the stewards to insist on some competitive racing because this is a betting industry
Interesting that in the next race over the shorter distance Gav could get to the death despite a much faster pace
ps It would be interesting to know if the Stewart stable supported one of their runners in the 8th as the 'team' did a good job of stitching up the Fav and winning with their less fancied runner (Gav gets another 'noted' in the Stewards Report)