RACE 1: 2002 Golden Slipper Ball Handicap 1100m:

Gleam was slow to begin and was hampered shortly after the start when Highest was taken in by Shehaab.

Ms Bowie and Rainfalls were crowded on jumping between Half Hennessy and Choisir, which missed the start slightly and then was taken in by Takas.

Approaching the first turn the saddle on Choisir shifted back and L. Cassidy stated that he was disadvantaged for the remainder of the race when the saddle continued to move and as a result Choisir was inclined to shift out and prove difficult to ride.

RACE 2: Champagne Bar Handicap 1250m:

When questioned concerning his riding in the middle stages on 3rd placegetter, Handel, G. Boss stated that his instructions were to be handy and although he rode his mount from the barrier it could not muster speed and he was obliged to take up a trailing position behind Collaroy and inside the heels of Zeltrice where Handel travelled reasonably throughout the early stages. He stated that mid-race he had intended to follow Zeltrice into the race, but when passing the 600m as the leader, Magic Duck, quickened neither Collaroy nor Zeltrice could improve, and as he was initially positioned to the inside of the heels of Zeltrice he was not able to immediately shift out and a short distance later was disappointed when attempting a narrow run between Zeltrice and Collaroy, which shifted out.

He added that when taken to the outside at the entrance to the straight Handel ran on fairly and in his view is looking for additional distance in its races. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of 4 th placegetter, Zeltrice,

R. Quinn stated that his mount travelled reasonable well early, but when the pace quickened the filly commenced to

race greenly and was inclined to lay in under pressure in the straight. A post-race veterinary examination of Zeltrice

revealed no abnormality. A swab sample was taken.

It's Our Time was slow to begin.

Jabiru Lad had some difficulty obtaining clear running early in the straight.

RACE 4: New Idea Marquee Superfecta 1550m:

Snaatic was hampered shortly after the start when tightened for room between O'Temptation and Mighty Pedrille, both of which shifted ground.

When the pace slowed approaching the first turn O'Temptation was steadied off the heels of Ripon By.

Shortly after Mighty Pedrille had to be checked off the heels of J'Amuse.

When questioned regarding racing more forward today, C. Brown stated that when Conjuror jumped well and when there was no pace on he elected to cross and race outside the leader J'Amuse.

A post-race veterinary examination of O'Temptation revealed no abnormality.

RACE 5: Young Members Harbour Cruise Handicap 1550m:

At the 1400m Two Time Tart got its head up when being restrained off the heels of Elton's Girl.

Gwendolyn experienced difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the straight.

When questioned why he had allowed Airlie Bird to improve around him at the 600m, C. Brown stated that Spirit Of The Nite travelled well but he did not believe it was in the interests of the horse to commence a run three wide so far from home. He added that he endeavoured to track up Airlie Bird, but that mare sprinted too quickly and although Spirit Of The Nite ran on fairly, its run ended prior to the finish line.

Space Age and Danger Danger were held up for runs in the early part of the straight.

Approaching the 200m Grampians was disappointed for a run between Space Age and Power Of Pegasus, which shifted in slightly under pressure.

Grampians was then held up and unable to be tested for the remainder of the race.

When questioned regarding the performance of Agincourt Express G. Boss stated that the gelding was obliged to race three wide without cover, but nevertheless was most disappointing in that it was a beaten horse at the 1000m. A post-race veterinary examination of Agincourt Express revealed no abnormality. A swab sample was taken.

Ms E. Candy, representing trainer Mrs G. Waterhouse, stated that the gelding had pleased the stable going into the run and could offer no tangible explanation for its performance. The inquiry was adjourned so that Ms Candy may report to the Stewards on the results of a full veterinary examination of Agincourt Express.

RACE 7: 2002 Golden Slipper Festival Handicap 1250m:

Trainer Mr K. Jordan was fined $50 for failing to produce the Document of Description for Freedom Fighter (AR59A).

Caissa was slow to begin.

H. Bowman (Caught At Dawn) was reprimanded for shifting in on the first turn resulting in Pride Rock, Strawberry Blonde and Bulkhead being crowded briefly.

Megaforce hung out at the entrance to the straight, which allowed Ludlum to gain a run to its inside.

Coveted did not obtain a clear run until passing the 100m.

Mr J. Longhurst, representing trainer Mr A. Denham, trainer of  Megaforce, was asked to remind Mr Denham of his responsibility to notify the Stewards of any change of race tactics.

Close to the finish line H. Bowman (Ludlum) was obliged to stop riding when Coveted shifted in under pressure.

When questioned about the disappointing performance of Commando Bay, G. Boss stated that his mount gave ground quickly in the straight and was making an unusual respiratory noise following the event. A post-race veterinary examination of Commando Bay revealed no abnormality. A swab sample was taken.

Mr G. Murray, representing trainer Mr B. Murray, was advised that the stable must report to the Stewards the results of a full veterinary examination prior to Commando Bay's next race start.

Fines:
Race 7: Trainer K. Jordan (Freedom Fighter) fined $50—not produce Document of Description (AR59A)

Reprimands:
Race 7: H. Bowman (Caught At Dawn)—shifting in (AR137(a)).

The Stewards Room