Riding Changes: Nil

Race 1 - CARLTON DRAUGHT HANDICAP - 1200 metres

On jumping away, Violet Tints and Lorette bumped, mainly due to Lorette jumping away awkwardly and then shifting out.

Approaching the 800 metres, Froth and Bubble shifted in abruptly towards Eulalie, which had also shifted in, and as a result was inconvenienced.

Race 2 - STRATHAYR HANDICAP - 1600 metres

Circumnavigating jumped away awkwardly.

D Gauci, rider of Circumnavigating, explained to the Stewards that his mount had travelled extremely well in the early and middle stages of the race, but when asked to go forward approaching the 700 metres, Circumnavigating failed to respond to his riding. He added that Circumnavigating and Love A Laga bumped near the 700 metres due to his mount shifting out, but in his view this had no bearing on Circumnavigating's performance. D Gauci further added that Circumnavigating appeared to pull up well. A veterinary examination of Circumnavigating revealed no apparent abnormality.

Race 3 - GUINNESS - HAVE YOU SEEN THE DARK HANDICAP - 3000 metres

Covet Cross was slow to begin.

On two occasions over the concluding stages of the race, Our Only Vice (NZ) shifted in and inconvenienced Mt Stromlo (NZ).

Race 4 - THE WATERFORD CRYSTAL - 1600 metres

On jumping away, Blue Marwina was hampered due to Tickle My shifting out.

Near the 200 metres, Tickle My had to be checked off the heels of Runs on Ego.

D Oliver, rider of Panoramic Lad, explained to the Stewards that he had elected not to put his mount under full pressure near the 600 metres on the inside of Runs On Ego as he was concerned that he may then be in a pocket between Runs On Ego and Marlie (NZ). He stated that he also wished to see whether Risky Venture, which was racing on the outside of Runs On Ego, weakened quickly at that point, which would have left him with an option to shift to the outside of Runs On Ego.

Acting on confirmed advice from Mr D J Hall that Saboteur was lame in the near foreleg and unable to run, the Stewards withdrew the gelding from the race at 3.30 pm. Mr Hall will produce a veterinary certificate in respect of Saboteur.

Race 5 - THE QUIET MAN IRISH PUB HANDICAP - 1000 metres

On jumping away, Sir Talaq was tightened on to Show No Emotion by Straight Ace, which jumped away awkwardly and shifted out.

Near the 200 metres, Gold Boom, which had been racing tight on the outside of Show No Emotion, was inconvenienced due to Dalla Vista shifting in. In the incident, L Milham, rider of Gold Boom, became unbalanced.

Rounding the home turn near the 500 metres, Straight Ace shifted out slightly away from the running rail and bumped Ol' Blue Eyes.

Race 6 - MV GREAT RACE SWEEPSTAKE HANDICAP - 1200 metres

On jumping away, Provident had to be checked when tightened for room between Indigo Rain and Spine Tingler, both of which shifted ground. Shortly after being checked, Provident knuckled.

Near the 1,000 metres, Tyra was tightened for room by Chalonnaise (NZ) which shifted in away from Duchess Kachia, which shifted in at that stage. Whilst the Stewards accepted there were some circumstances, they notified N Callow to ensure that he leaves comfortable room for runners on his inside in future.

Near the 800 metres, Tyra brushed the rail when racing tight on the inside of Duchess Kachia.

On straightening, Gateway Bid was inconvenienced due to Rich Ruby Red shifting in.

After passing the 100 metres, Spine Tingler had to be checked when attempting a narrow run between Saxophone and Indigo Rain, which shifted in slightly.

Race 7 - CLUB COZMO HANDICAP - 2040 metres

Kinjika began awkwardly, shifted out, and bumped Loire Valley.

Near the 400 metres, She's Hand Picked (NZ), which was weakening, was bumped by Our Riesling (NZ), which shifted out when improving its position.

SWAB SAMPLES - routine swab samples were taken from the winners of all races tonight.

ADJOURNED INQUIRY - Melbourne Racing Club, Autumn Country Cup, adjourned inquiry, 23/2/02. Mr P. A. Healey, trainer of Mr Bombastic, was fined the sum of $50 for nominating that horse when ineligible.

The Stewards Room