2018 Victorian Interdominion

[Adaptor]

That’s a bold call Noel, well sort of anyway, do we take it if Menin Gate doesn’t handle the three heats in a week that he wasn’t right for the series rather then he just didn’t handle three heats in a week?

I seem to recall San Carlo handling the three heats in a week pretty good in Perth last year, including winning one and making the final. Drew poorly in the final and raced at the rear of the field pulling hard which does your chances no good in that company. Cant see why that experience won’t hold him and connections in good stead this time around.

As an aside the SBSW stock so far have been at their best as juveniles more so then as aged horses here and in the states, Menin Gate would need to buck that trend.

It was a bold call ( with the benefit of hindsight).
It was a shock to see Menin Gate fade quickly in the mile on Saturday night after racing in the death after Mick battled to hold him
Need to rethink.

The stewards said:
Michael Stanley, trainer/driver of Menin Gate, was questioned regarding the performance of the gelding which finished in 8th and last placing beaten 31m. Mr Stanley explained that Menin Gate was racing very keenly during the early stages and as a result he was unable to restrain the gelding to obtain a position with cover. Mr Stanley further explained as a result he elected to improve forward three wide, however upon improving three wide and thereafter Menin Gate failed to race keenly and in his opinion in a genuine manner. Mr Stanley explained that Menin Gate appeared to pull up well following the event and it would be his intention to employ gear changes to ensure that Menin Gate races more keenly in future, particularly when unable to lead. Post-race veterinary examination of Menin Gate, inclusive of an endoscopic examination, failed to reveal any obvious abnormalities. Mr Stanley will be contacted in the coming days relative to the progress of Menin Gate subsequent to the event.