You noted the other runners went well. I'm not one to usually bat for the tonkin/stewart stable but the comments about the retention barn are unfair.
We need to remember the horses were floated up a couple of days before in the heat, which takes all day.....a loooong trip. Then put in unfamiliar surroundings (he is still a stallion) and raced at 11pm. We just need to consider that some horses cope with the upheaval better than others. They aren't machines, it's not like taking a drag car on a trailer to race interstate. Given the times he ran at Melton, I would say he performed below his best.

Quote Originally Posted by gutwagon View Post
They have taken a team to NSW for the big races. They never seem to go as well away from Vic. Lot of talk on twitter that the retaining barn could be effecting how well their horses run. I did notice CR seemed to be most effected. Could be something in that !