"Driver Chris Alford (Chilli Palmer, $1.40 fav) explained that he had attempted to gain a three wide trail into the race, initially behind Kotare Roland NZ (Emmett Brosnan), however when that gelding failed to shift wider he gained a trail on Im Barney Rubble NZ (Lance Justice) which failed to take him sufficiently into the race. Mr Alford added that over the fast final quarter it would always be difficult for Chilli Palmer NZ to make up ground when wide on the track."
Back to back weeks Chris Alford has got away with shockers on Chilli Palmer but at least this past week the Stewards noted it and probably apologized for bothering him afterwards : )
A 1.51 on the CV Track/Distance, a 4yo Classic in WA and a recent Geelong Cup win and as a red hot Fav he's playing cat and mouse with no hopers back in the field when the leaders are crawling in front.
Ballarat April 24, I'm Smouldering (Gavin Lang) 1-3 Fav, tucks in 6th of 8 in the running line, makes no effort at all to improve his position with the leaders dawdling, closes late for the 3rd. Not a peep from the Stewards.
Fast forward a week and racing for 25K, I'm Smouldering (Gavin Lang) around them from the second line to sit parked as soon as they settled. Not a peep from the stewards and no COT.
Three of the four examples above (this past fortnight) resulted in the defeat of prohibitive short priced public elects. All of which were basically ignored by Stewards.
When similar occurs at the Gallops, Stewards are all over it. Alford and Lang might be the best drivers in Victoria but the best jockeys in Victoria wouldn't get away with it. Jockeys would be reprimanded for their lack of initiative.
I missed a chunk of Aussie harness from 2003 - 2012 working abroad. 10+ years ago those policing the sport were far more on the ball than this current mob.
The sport has a credibility problem from the ground up. It needs to start there.