BLUE Diamond Stakes winner Star Witness may run at Flemington on Saturday on his way to a Golden Slipper start next month if he works impressively today, reports The Age.

It says: The unbeaten colt returned to Flemington on Monday to be tested as a possible late entry into the $3.5 million Golden Slipper after spending two weeks at trainer Danny O'Brien's Barwon Heads stable following his Blue Diamond triumph.

''I'm really happy with him but we'll know what we are doing after he works over a half-mile [800 metres] the reverse [clockwise] way at Flemington in the morning,'' O'Brien said.

''If he was to go to the Slipper, he'd either run this Saturday at Flemington or go to Sydney the following week for the Todman Stakes [at Rosehill].''

Star Witness is one of 15 entries for Saturday's listed $100,000 race at Flemington for two-year-olds over 1000 metres.

Initially, the Golden Slipper was not on the colt's autumn agenda but O'Brien said he had thrived since his astonishing Blue Diamond victory.

Connections need to pay a $150,000 late-entry fee by the end of the month if the colt is to contest the Slipper.

Star Witness entered the Golden Slipper market for the first time on Monday as a $10 equal fourth favourite with Magic Millions winner Military Rose, behind Solar Charged [$4.60] as well as Chance Bye and Beneteau at $7.

STEWARDS have allowed jockey Nash Rawiller to keep the ride on Theseo in the Ranvet Stakes despite suspending him at Warwick Farm yesterday, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

It says: Rawiller was found guilty of careless riding on Dee Lilly in the second race of the afternoon. However, his plea to stewards to consider the time of year resulted in only a four-meeting suspension, which will start after Wednesday's Canterbury meeting and allow him back for the Ranvet on March 20.

''We work all the year for this time and it would be a crying shame to be put out on a Monday at Warwick Farm when you're trying to look after your fellow riders,'' Rawiller said. ''I have a very good ride in Ranvet [Theseo].''

Rawiller initially plead not guilty to the charge that he took the running on Blake Shinn's Preventable at the 200 metre mark when he steered out from behind Minnisaw ridden by Kathy O'Hara. He launched a fierce defence.

''I admit there was interference there but I don't think it was a careless act,'' said Rawiller during his defence. But once he found guilty he changed his tune, saying. ''I agree there is an ounce of careless in it, so can I change my plea?''

In handing down the suspension, acting chairman of stewards Marc Van Gestal gave Rawiller a 30 per cent dispensation for the group 1 event he will miss on Saturday. The stewards also gave him a 10 per cent discount for a guilty plea, which took the suspension from seven to four meetings on the stewards templated system.

Rawiller will miss likely rides on Viking Legend in the group 1 Randwick Guineas and Zutara in the group 3 Sweet Embrace Stakes.

A PROFESSIONAL punter laid ''a substantial amount of money'' which ''far exceeded his usual or historical betting pattern'' on at least eight of Dan Nikolic's mounts shortly after speaking on the phone with the jockey, racing's judiciary heard yesterday, reports The Age.

It says: The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board was told that between November last year and January, punter Neville Clements laid eight horses ridden by Nikolic to lose races on betting exchange Betfair. Clements collected on all but one of the bets.

The board yesterday reserved its decision to a date to be fixed on the charge that Nikolic, under Australian Rule of Racing 175 (p), failed to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the stewards when he refused to surrender his mobile phone to stewards when directed during an investigation into a number of his rides.

Richard Smith, SC, appearing for Nikolic, said the submissions made to the board by the stewards' representative Paul Holdenson, QC, should not have been heard by the media as it was ''waffle'' and little more than a smear campaign that had nothing to do with the charge that his client was facing yesterday.

''It is an attempt to smear without going anywhere,'' he said. ''None [of Holdenson's submissions] were necessary to make. They are devastating and will be devastating when published.

''No charges were laid by the stewards and there is no indication that charges will be laid. The stewards have looked at the film until they are blue in the face and have not charged. It's a disgrace.''

A further charge against Nikolic under racing rule 160B (3) for using his telephone to call Clements during the January 1 race meeting at Flemington without the permission of stewards has been deferred to a date to be fixed.

Holdenson said that stewards are continuing with their inquiries and have not said ''that Nikolic had pulled up any horse''. But he said that any refusal to comply with a stewards' order undermines or impedes the way an inquiry is conducted.

During his submission, Holdenson told the board that the stewards' investigations into a number of beaten rides of Nikolic's had disclosed that:

*Clements has a personal relationship with Nikolic.

*He engaged in frequent telephone contact with Nikolic.

*He laid on Betfair substantial amounts of money on at least eight horses ridden by Nikolic.

*The frequent telephone contact is ''proximate and indeed precedes the timing of the races'' in which Clements has laid the eight racehorses.

*Each and all of the horses have been beaten except one, which was laid to miss a place. He did run a place.

Smith said in pressing Nikolic for his mobile phone, the stewards were on a ''huge fishing exercise''. ''We say it was not reasonable or proper for stewards to ask for his entire list of contacts,'' Smith told the board.

TODAY'S ruling by Victorian racing's judiciary regarding jockey Dan Nikolic's failure to follow a stewards' order and give up his mobile phone for examination could have ramifications for all licensed persons, it was claimed yesterday, reports The Age.

Victorian Jockeys Association chief executive Des O'Keeffe said all persons licensed under the Australian rules of racing will watch today's proceedings with great interest as the ruling could either set a precedent for future cases or may even force a rule change.

''I think every licensed person wants clarity and certainty in the rules,'' O'Keeffe said. ''This particular rule is open-worded as stewards certainly have a different interpretation as to how the rule works compared to the interpretation of other licensed persons.''

O'Keeffe said the VJA believed the stewards' power to order a licensed person to surrender a mobile phone opened up privacy concerns.

Nikolic today faces one of two charges laid last week by Racing Victoria Ltd stewards following a lengthy investigation into a number of his rides going back to the spring carnival of last year.

Today he will face a charge under ARR 175 (p) which states that a licensed person must comply with a stewards' order. Stewards may penalise any licensed person who fails to do so.

The Australian Racing Board's chief executive Andrew Harding said his board will play no part in today's inquiry. ''We make the rules and it is up to the individual judiciary - in this case the RAD Board - to interpret the rules,'' he said.

Harding said that the result of today's inquiry will not necessarily force the board to review the particular rule unless an ambiguity is found to exist in the interpretation.

Stewards are today likely to argue that no one has forced Nikolic to become a licensed person. He did so willingly so as to pursue his career as a jockey and so by signing on as a licensed rider, he is automatically bound by the rules and therefore bound by an order from the stewards.

A second charge against Nikolic for using his mobile phone during a race meeting to call professional punter Neville Clements without authorisation will be heard at a later date. A related charge against Clements will also be heard at a date to be fixed.

FLEMINGTON Acceptances on Saturday 6th March, 2010
TAB MEETING. Rail: True Position Entire Circuit
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1-11.30 TBV THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS STAKES 1200 M
Of $150000 and $1500 trophy. 1st $90000 and trophy of $1500, 2nd $27000, 3rd $13500, 4th $6750, 5th $3750, 6th $3000, 7th $3000, 8th $3000.For Two-Years-Old Fillies. Set Weights plus Penalties. (GROUP 3).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 NOT A PRETENDER John P Thompson Danny Nikolic 4 56.5 (72)
2 SWEET CHEEKS John McArdle Damien Oliver 6 55.5 (76)
3 SHAAHEQ David Hayes Steven Arnold 2 54 (86)
4 MARVELLOUS MISS Robbie Griffiths Nicholas Hall 5 54 (63)
5 SUBLIME GIRL Mick Price Craig Newitt 1 54 (65)
6 FOLLONICA Lee Freedman Dwayne Dunn 3 54 (65)
7 CONSTANT RHYTHM Michael Hibbs Brent Evans (a) 7 54 (60)

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2-12.05 MSS SECURITY STAKES 1100 M
Of $125000 and $1000 trophy. 1st $75000 and trophy of $1000, 2nd $22500, 3rd $11250, 4th $5625, 5th $3125, 6th $2500, 7th $2500, 8th $2500.For Three-Years-Old. (LISTED).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 20 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 AVENUE Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 3 59 (97)
2 COMMON INTEREST Lee Freedman Dwayne Dunn 7 58.5 (91)
3 RAREFIED Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy 6 58.5 (91)
4 KWASSA KWASSA Shane Stockdale Logan McGill 10 55.5 (80)
5 NICASTRO Jarrod McLean Nikita Beriman 1 55.5 (80)
6 HOONESS Jason Petch Aaron Spiteri 4 54 (82)
7 DISSOLVED Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Steven King 5 53.5 (72)
8 FREE SPIRITED David Hayes Paul Gatt 8 53 (70)
9 ROCK FACE Danny O'Brien James Winks 9 53 (68)
10 TROUNCE Peter G Moody 2 53 (65)

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3-12.40 VRC SIRES' PRODUCE STAKES 1400 M
Of $300000 and $2000 trophy. 1st $180000 and trophy of $2000, 2nd $54000, 3rd $27000, 4th $13500, 5th $7500, 6th $6000, 7th $6000, 8th $6000.For Two-Years-Old. Set Weights. (GROUP 2).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 EBONY ROCK David Hayes Brad Rawiller 4 55.5 (72)
2 IN FAITH David Hayes Steven Arnold 1 55.5 (80)
3 BACKGAMMON Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy 5 55.5 (70)
4 LUCKYI'MBAREFOOT Tracey Templeton Danny Nikolic 2 55.5 (61)
5 THEGREATANDTHEGOOD John P Thompson Craig Williams 6 55.5 (65)
6 ECHOES OF HEAVEN Mick Price Damien Oliver 7 55.5 (61)
7 WILLOW CREEK Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 8 53.5 (71)
8 YOSEI Stuart Webb Michelle Payne 3 53.5 (70)
9 SHAMROCKER (NZ) Danny O'Brien Glen Boss 9 53.5 (68)

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4-01.15 SCHWEPPERVESCENCE TROPHY 1400 M
Of $125000 and $1000 trophy. 1st $75000 and trophy of $1000, 2nd $22500, 3rd $11250, 4th $5625, 5th $3125, 6th $2500, 7th $2500, 8th $2500.(LISTED). (Weights Raised 2kg.)No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 DANZYLUM Robbie Griffiths Matthew Allen 9 57 (100)
2 EXCELLTASTIC Peter G Moody Jason Benbow 8 57 (100)
3 LIFE TO THE FULL David & Scott Brunton Garry Murphy 3 56.5 (99)
4 ELECTROMOTIVE Lee Freedman Dwayne Dunn 2 56 (98)
5 MARVEEN Robert Smerdon Glen Boss 5 55 (97)
6 HUXSSEN Rodney Douglas James Winks 7 55 (95)
7 SILVER BULLION Leon Corstens Danny Nikolic 4 55 (92)
8 CAPTAIN COLTISH Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 1 55 (86)
9 VALIDATOR Michael Hibbs Brent Evans (a) 6 55 (76)

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5-01.55 TABCORP KEWNEY STAKES 1400 M
Of $400000 and $2000 trophy. 1st $240000 and trophy of $2000, 2nd $72000, 3rd $36000, 4th $18000, 5th $10000, 6th $8000, 7th $8000, 8th $8000.For Three-Years-Old Fillies. Set Weights. (GROUP 2).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 FAINT PERFUME Bart Cummings Michael Rodd 8 55.5 (105)
2 ROSTOVA Steve Richards Steven King 3 55.5 (99)
3 IRISH LIGHTS David Hayes Glen Boss 7 55.5 (104)
4 GIGAS Gai Waterhouse Brad Rawiller 1 55.5 (89)
5 TRIM Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy 4 55.5 (89)
6 BABY CORN Lee Freedman Dwayne Dunn 10 55.5 (78)
7 EUROPA POINT Lee Freedman Damien Oliver 5 55.5 (86)
8 NO EVIDENCE NEEDED John P Thompson Craig Williams 6 55.5 (86)
9 FOMALITE Shane Fliedner Ben Melham 2 55.5 (78)
10 RESPONSE Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra 9 55.5 (68)

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6-02.35 NEWMARKET HANDICAP 1200 M
Of $1000000 and $5000 trophy. 1st $600000 and trophy of $5000, 2nd $180000, 3rd $90000, 4th $45000, 5th $25000, 6th $20000, 7th $20000, 8th $20000.(GROUP 1).No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 24
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 ALL SILENT Grahame Begg Nicholas Hall 17 57 (117)
2 EL SEGUNDO (NZ) Colin Little Steven Arnold 13 56.5 (116)
3 NICCONI David Hayes Damien Oliver 16 56 (115)
4 TURFFONTEIN Anthony Cummings Michael Rodd 2 55.5 (114)
5 LIGHT FANTASTIC Mick Price Craig Newitt 1 54 (109)
6 STARSPANGLEDBANNER Leon Corstens Danny Nikolic 9 53.5 (115)
7 CANNONBALL (USA) Gai Waterhouse Steven King 15 53 (107)
8 DUPORTH Peter G Moody Dwayne Dunn 11 53 (107)
9 ARINOS David Jolly James Winks 12 52.5 (105)
10 EAGLE FALLS David Hayes Kerrin McEvoy 8 52.5 (105)
11 FIVE CAR STUD Anthony Cummings Brent Evans (a) 3 52 (78)
12 GRAN SASSO Mick Price Chris Symons 19 52 (102)
13 WANTED Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 7 51.5 (109)
14 HEADWAY Peter G Moody Clare Lindop 6 50 (107)
15 KING PULSE Michael Moroney Stephen Baster 5 50 (95)
16 SHELLSCRAPE Chris Waller Glen Boss 18 50 (103)
17 TICKETS Peter G Moody Jason Benbow 14 50 (99)
18 TOLLESPRIT Shane Fliedner Jason Maskiell (a) 4 50 (94)
19 TRUSTING John P Thompson Craig Williams 10 50 (103)

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7-03.20 CROWN GUINEAS 1600 M
Of $750000 and $5000 trophy. 1st $450000 and trophy of $5000, 2nd $135000, 3rd $67500, 4th $33750, 5th $18750, 6th $15000, 7th $15000, 8th $15000.For Three-Years-Old. Set Weights. (GROUP 1).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 DENMAN Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy 9 55.5 (110)
2 CARRARA Tony Vasil Craig Williams 4 55.5 (103)
3 HANKS Peter G Moody Steven Arnold 2 55.5 (95)
4 LINTON Robert Hickmott Nicholas Hall 8 55.5 (95)
5 CHIEF OF STAFF Mark Minervini Dwayne Dunn 7 55.5 (80)
6 MOST IMMEDIATE Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Steven King 6 55.5 (76)
7 GURU BOB (NZ) Lee & Shannon Hope Danny Nikolic 3 55.5 (76)
8 ROCK CLASSIC Bart Cummings Michael Rodd 5 55.5 (74)
9 SET FOR FAME Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 1 53.5 (99)

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8-04.05 DARLEY AUSTRALIAN CUP 2000 M
Of $1000000 and $5000 trophy. 1st $600000 and trophy of $5000, 2nd $180000, 3rd $90000, 4th $45000, 5th $25000, 6th $20000, 7th $20000, 8th $20000.Standard Weight for Age. (GROUP 1).No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 18 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 SHOCKING Mark Kavanagh Michael Rodd 12 59 (115)
2 MASTER O'REILLY (NZ) Danny O'Brien James Winks 5 59 (110)
3 ZIPPING Robert Hickmott Nicholas Hall 13 59 (115)
4 SIRMIONE Bart Cummings Luke Nolen 3 59 (112)
5 HEART OF DREAMS Mick Price Craig Newitt 8 59 (113)
6 LITTORIO Nigel Blackiston Craig Williams 11 59 (107)
7 GROWL (NZ) David Hayes Brad Rawiller 4 59 (101)
8 BARBARICUS Danny O'Brien Kerrin McEvoy 7 59 (104)
9 OUR AQALEEM (GB) David Hayes Steven Arnold 15 59 (106)
10 MOATIZE Bart Cummings Clare Lindop 6 59 (103)
11 ZAGREB David Hayes Paul Gatt 1 59 (104)
12 TOBIQUE Allan Denham Mark Zahra 2 59 (88)
13 ZARITA (NZ) Pat Hyland Dwayne Dunn 9 57 (106)
14 MISS MAREN (NZ) Mick Price Damien Oliver 10 57 (109)
15 DIVINE REBEL (NZ) Michael Moroney Sebastian Murphy 14 57 (100)
16 EXTRA ZERO David Hayes Glen Boss 16 54.5 (102)

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9-04.45 MELBOURNE FOOD & WINE PLATE 1400 M
Of $150000 and $1500 trophy. 1st $90000 and trophy of $1500, 2nd $27000, 3rd $13500, 4th $6750, 5th $3750, 6th $3000, 7th $3000, 8th $3000.For Three-Years-Old and Upwards Fillies and Mares. Set Weights plus Penalties. (GROUP 3).No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 BIRD OF FIRE (NZ) Tony Vasil Damien Oliver 5 57.5 (103)
2 LADY LYNETTE Robert Smerdon Nicholas Hall 14 56.5 (105)
3 FLYING RUBY John Moloney Ben Melham 11 56.5 (91)
4 EMBLEM OF LIBERTY (SAF) Lee Freedman Dwayne Dunn 7 56.5 (98)
5 KEEPING SCORE (NZ) Michael Hibbs Michael Rodd 2 55.5 (86)
6 FLYING TESSIE Matthew Williams Craig Williams 8 55.5 (86)
7 AVIENUS Mark Webb Kane Bradley 13 55.5 (86)
8 ESTEE Lee Freedman Kerrin McEvoy 6 54 (90)
9 RUNNING RIOT Mick Price Jason Maskiell (a) 9 54 (94)
10 RED FLAIR Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra Chris Symons 12 53 (85)
11 TELL THE STORY Alex Aquilina Michelle Payne 1 53 (82)
12 BELSCENICA Tony Noonan 10 53 (85)
13 BE POSITIVE Tony Noonan Danny Nikolic 3 53 (78)
14 THE LONG ROAD Jon O'Connor Luke Nolen 4 53 (82)

WITHOUT a standout weight-for-age horse to make headlines in what is essentially an average Australian Cup, the VRC will be thankful that Super Saturday's other two feature races, the Australian Guineas and Newmarket Handicap, have attracted star-studded fields, reports The Age.

It says: The Peter Snowden-trained Denman has a stranglehold on Guineas markets after taking all before him this autumn, but the Lloyd Williams-owned grey Linton looms as a threat, evoking thoughts of Melbourne Cup winner Efficient with sweeping wins at his past two runs.

With all the pressure on Denman and jockey Kerrin McEvoy to justify the enormous boom on Darley's latest star colt, Nick Hall will be feeling relatively at ease aboard Linton, a horse of which much is expected but perhaps not until later this year.

Linton began to be mentioned as a serious threat to Denman following the Alistair Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley, a race he won soon after breaking his maiden status.

''He's still an unknown in a race like the Guineas but Lloyd [Williams] wouldn't be running him unless he thought he was up to it,'' said Hall.

Hall rode Linton to victory at Cranbourne when the pair made a mess of their maiden rivals with a seven-length win. Michael Rodd took over for the Alistair Clark but Hall is back aboard for Saturday's group 1 and will also ride Zipping for Williams in the Australian Cup.

FLEMINGTON Acceptances on Saturday 6th March, 2010
TAB MEETING. Rail: True Position Entire Circuit
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6-02.35 NEWMARKET HANDICAP 1200 M
Of $1000000 and $5000 trophy. 1st $600000 and trophy of $5000, 2nd $180000, 3rd $90000, 4th $45000, 5th $25000, 6th $20000, 7th $20000, 8th $20000.(GROUP 1).No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 24
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 ALL SILENT Grahame Begg Nicholas Hall 17 57 (117)
2 EL SEGUNDO (NZ) Colin Little 13 56.5 (116)
3 NICCONI David Hayes Damien Oliver 16 56 (115)
4 TURFFONTEIN Anthony Cummings 2 55.5 (114)
5 LIGHT FANTASTIC Mick Price Craig Newitt 1 54 (109)
6 STARSPANGLEDBANNER Leon Corstens Danny Nikolic 9 53.5 (115)
7 CANNONBALL (USA) Gai Waterhouse Steven King 15 53 (107)
8 DUPORTH Peter G Moody Dwayne Dunn 11 53 (107)
9 ARINOS David Jolly James Winks 12 52.5 (105)
10 EAGLE FALLS David Hayes Kerrin McEvoy 8 52.5 (105)
11 FIVE CAR STUD Anthony Cummings 3 52 (78)
12 GRAN SASSO Mick Price Chris Symons 19 52 (102)
13 WANTED Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 7 51.5 (109)
14 HEADWAY Peter G Moody Clare Lindop 6 50 (107)
15 KING PULSE Michael Moroney Stephen Baster 5 50 (95)
16 SHELLSCRAPE Chris Waller Glen Boss 18 50 (103)
17 TICKETS Peter G Moody Jason Benbow 14 50 (99)
18 TOLLESPRIT Shane Fliedner Jason Maskiell (a) 4 50 (94)
19 TRUSTING John P Thompson Craig Williams 10 50 (103)

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7-03.20 CROWN GUINEAS 1600 M
Of $750000 and $5000 trophy. 1st $450000 and trophy of $5000, 2nd $135000, 3rd $67500, 4th $33750, 5th $18750, 6th $15000, 7th $15000, 8th $15000.For Three-Years-Old. Set Weights. (GROUP 1).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 DENMAN Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy 9 55.5 (110)
2 CARRARA Tony Vasil Craig Williams 4 55.5 (103)
3 HANKS Peter G Moody Steven Arnold 2 55.5 (95)
4 LINTON Robert Hickmott Nicholas Hall 8 55.5 (95)
5 CHIEF OF STAFF Mark Minervini Dwayne Dunn 7 55.5 (80)
6 MOST IMMEDIATE Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Steven King 6 55.5 (76)
7 GURU BOB (NZ) Lee & Shannon Hope Danny Nikolic 3 55.5 (76)
8 ROCK CLASSIC Bart Cummings Michael Rodd 5 55.5 (74)
9 SET FOR FAME Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 1 53.5 (99)

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8-04.05 DARLEY AUSTRALIAN CUP 2000 M
Of $1000000 and $5000 trophy. 1st $600000 and trophy of $5000, 2nd $180000, 3rd $90000, 4th $45000, 5th $25000, 6th $20000, 7th $20000, 8th $20000.Standard Weight for Age. (GROUP 1).No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 18 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 SHOCKING Mark Kavanagh Michael Rodd 12 59 (115)
2 MASTER O'REILLY (NZ) Danny O'Brien James Winks 5 59 (110)
3 ZIPPING Robert Hickmott Nicholas Hall 13 59 (115)
4 SIRMIONE Bart Cummings Luke Nolen 3 59 (112)
5 HEART OF DREAMS Mick Price Craig Newitt 8 59 (113)
6 LITTORIO Nigel Blackiston Craig Williams 11 59 (107)
7 GROWL (NZ) David Hayes Brad Rawiller 4 59 (101)
8 BARBARICUS Danny O'Brien Kerrin McEvoy 7 59 (104)
9 OUR AQALEEM (GB) David Hayes Steven Arnold 15 59 (106)
10 MOATIZE Bart Cummings Clare Lindop 6 59 (103)
11 ZAGREB David Hayes Paul Gatt 1 59 (104)
12 TOBIQUE Allan Denham Mark Zahra 2 59 (88)
13 ZARITA (NZ) Pat Hyland Dwayne Dunn 9 57 (106)
14 MISS MAREN (NZ) Mick Price Damien Oliver 10 57 (109)
15 DIVINE REBEL (NZ) Michael Moroney Sebastian Murphy 14 57 (100)
16 EXTRA ZERO David Hayes Glen Boss 16 54.5 (102)

A ''THROWAWAY line'' that racing stewards could not track a bleeding elephant through the snow has cost trainer Rod Douglas a $1000 fine, the second time in as many years he has been found guilty of making comments prejudicial to the image of racing, reports The Age.

It says: The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board yesterday found Douglas' comment, broadcast on the industry's pay-TV station TVN at the Mornington Cup meeting two weeks ago, had the clear inference ''that racing is run by incompetent people''.

Douglas pleaded not guilty to the charge that his comment ''these blokes would have a bit of trouble tracking an elephant though the snow with a bleeding nose'' was an offence under racing rule 175A.

His legal representative, Cliff Pannam, QC, argued the comments did not dispute the character of the stewards and instead were made by one of racing's colourful characters and one who added diversity to the sport and entertainment for the public.

Board chairman Brian Forrest said he accepted Douglas was a colourful character but that he had a certain responsibility to the industry regarding his public comments.

Although the decision was the second time Douglas had a charge under the rule proven, his fine was less than his previous penalty. In April 2008, Douglas was fined $3000 by the RADB for calling stewards ''numbskulls'' after they were found to be in error over a mix-up concerning a supposed gear change for one of Douglas' horses.

VICTORIA Derby runner-up Extra Zero will dodge superstar Denman and try to emulate Denman's sire Lonhro by winning the Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

It says: Wollongong owner Rob Bergstrom said his stayer lacked the turn of foot to match it with Denman, Linton and Set For Fame in the Australian Guineas and trainer David Hayes is happy to take on the older horses over 2000 metres.

''The three-year-olds this year are outstanding and we just couldn't match the sprint of a horse like Denman,'' Bergstrom said.

''[Extra Zero] did run second in the derby and we have always thought he would be better suited at 2000m and beyond, so why not take on the older horses? Three-year-olds get a good weight advantage and our horse is on the rise.''

Only eight three-year-olds have won the Australian Cup including Saintly, Dulcify and Gay Icarus, with most trainers preferring to keep young horses to the classic races.

However, Hayes has always been confident of Extra Zero's ability to match the best at weight-for-age and had the Australian Cup in mind after the Victoria Derby.

OWNER Lloyd Williams does not think Denman is unbeatable in Saturday's Australian Guineas and nor does trainer Peter Moody, who is set to pay up for his filly Set For Fame to tackle Melbourne's sole autumn classic, reports The Age.

It says: Denman is a $1.50 favourite for the $750,000 race at Flemington on Saturday but Moody said on Saturday that his filly only had to work well again tomorrow for him to pay the $8250 final declaration fee on Wednesday.

''On her work this morning [Saturday], she showed me she was ready for it so I'm 90 per cent sure we'll take on the boys rather than run in the Kewney [Stakes],'' Moody said. ''I'm not saying that I think we'll definitely beat Denman as he's obviously a great colt but I've got a high regard for this filly. I thought she was over the line in the Thousand Guineas last year before she had that hiccup [bled] and I've got no doubt she's come back bigger and stronger.''

Williams is today due to pay a late entry fee of $41,250 by noon to include his Galileo gelding Linton in the Guineas line-up after the grey's impressive start to his career.

But while Linton faces a task in beating Denman only seven weeks after his debut, history suggests Set For Fame will have to be something special to be able to roll the colts.

HONG Kong's leading rider Brett Prebble yesterday experienced first-hand the domination of mare Typhoon Tracy and said later he preferred not to have to race her again after she thrashed her rivals to clinch a fourth group 1 win in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, reports the Sunday Age.

Its report adds: Prebble, who flew into Melbourne on Friday to partner the Hong Kong-owned galloper Dao Dao in yesterday's $500,000 race, said Typhoon Tracy reminded him of former champion mare Sunline and said he hoped that her owners decided against sending her to Hong Kong for the Champions Mile in April.

''After that, I would recommend that she's stays at home,'' he quipped. ''She's got a touch of Sunline about her.''

Prebble said he thought Dao Dao had a chance of causing a boilover when Typhoon Tracy looked to be in trouble on the home turn. ''I was surprised she kicked as strong as she did. I thought, 'I'm a chance here', but then she got into top gear and she was soft on the line I thought. She is one serious racehorse.''

Yesterday's Futurity Stakes was the first leg of the Asian Mile Challenge, which moves to Dubai next month and then Hong Kong for the Champions Mile in April. If she was to travel to Hong Kong and win, her connections would receive a $1 million bonus, but trainer Peter Moody said a decision on Hong Kong would be made later today.

Moody said yesterday's 2.75-length win - in a sizzling time of one minute 34.43 seconds - was the most impressive of her nine career victories.

''That was probably her best win. The time suggests that and the quality of the opposition suggests that. She's all racehorse.''

JOCKEY Dan Nikolic said last night he would strenuously defend himself against two charges laid by Racing Victoria Ltd stewards relating to a six-week investigation into his handling of as many as 10 horses in races in Victoria, reports The Age.

It says: After two weeks of speculation, RVL stewards yesterday charged Nikolic with failing to comply to a stewards' order to surrender his mobile phone when requested, and that he made an unauthorised phone call to professional punter and commission agent Neville Clements during a Flemington race meeting on January 1.

Stewards have asked Nikolic, 35, to attend an inquiry into the charges on Thursday.

Nikolic said last night he would do everything in his power to clear his name after weeks of innuendo. ''This whole thing has really hurt me, as a lot of the mud has stuck,'' he said.

''I've got two rides tomorrow [at Caulfield] on a big day of racing and I haven't ridden trackwork for the last three days, as there's been a real stigma attached to all the rumour and innuendo.

''It's not fair and I'm not going to take it. I will fight it to the end. Neville Clements does form for me and I rang him on that day to ask him about the tempo of a race. It was a 12 to 15-second phone call that I made away from the jockeys' room.''

MOONEE VALLEY Acceptances on Friday 26th February, 2010
TAB MEETING. Rail: Out 5m Entire Circuit
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1-06.45 ADAPT AUSTRALIA HANDICAP 1000 M
Of $50000. 1st $31363, 2nd $9650, 3rd $4342, 4th $1930, 5th $965, 6th $350, 7th $350, 8th $350, 9th $350, 10th $350.For Three-Years-Old - 0 - 68.This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $7,000 and a SUPER VOBIS Owners Bonus of $23,000 for qualified horses. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 BIG SPIRIT Rick Hore-Lacy Brent Evans (a1.5) 3 59 (68)
2 ELZEEZA David Hayes Steven Arnold 1 59 (68)
3 CRYSTAL TIGER Ciaron Maher Jarrod Fry (a3) 4 58 (62)
4 PERMINSKY Robbie Griffiths Danny Brereton 9 58 (62)
5 PROVEN THEORY Mick Cerchi Billy Egan (a2) 7 58 (62)
6 CLUB HA HA Byron Cozamanis Craig Newitt 5 57.5 (61)
7 MISSI DOMINICI Robbie Laing Jake Noonan (a3) 10 57.5 (61)
8 NOVADANTE Saab Hasan 11 56 (58)
9 POLYMOOK Darren Weir 6 56 (62)
10 VIVA LA STAR Norm Loy Dean Holland 2 55 (60)
11 SHOT OF SCARLET Sally-Anne Horsley Sally Wynne 8 54.5 (55)

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2-07.15 TATTS GROUP HANDICAP 1600 M
Of $80000. 1st $48800, 2nd $14400, 3rd $7200, 4th $3600, 5th $2000, 6th $800, 7th $800, 8th $800, 9th $800, 10th $800.. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 INSTRUCTOR (NZ) Robert Hickmott Nicholas Hall 6 57.5 (98)
2 TOULOUSE LAUTREC Chris Hyland Brad Rawiller 7 56.5 (95)
3 SANDHILL PRINCE Sam Turner Billy Egan (a2) 3 55 (90)
4 GENERAL MACKJOSH Wayne Walters Kate Walters 2 54.5 (89)
5 PRECEDENCE (NZ) Bart Cummings Luke Nolen 1 54.5 (89)
6 BLUE OSCAR (NZ) Michael Kent Glen Boss 4 54 (86)
7 XAVIER Robbie Laing 5 54 (85)

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3-07.45 TEAC FLASHBACK HANDICAP 1000 M
Of $50000. 1st $31363, 2nd $9650, 3rd $4342, 4th $1930, 5th $965, 6th $350, 7th $350, 8th $350, 9th $350, 10th $350.For Three-Years-Old and Upwards Fillies and Mares - 0 - 89. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 MRS WATERS Peter Healey Michael Rodd 4 59 (89)
2 WOPPITT Lee Freedman Jake Noonan (a3) 1 58.5 (88)
3 BEL SHOES Steve Richards Steven King 3 57 (85)
4 OCEAN CHALLENGER Darren Magro Craig Newitt 5 57 (85)
5 TWO HILLS Allen Browell Brad Rawiller 6 55.5 (80)
6 SATSUMA Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra Luke Nolen 9 54 (67)
7 TAHNEE TOPAZ David Hayes Glen Boss 7 54 (66)
8 COMPLETE CONTROL Robbie Griffiths Craig Williams 8 54 (64)
9 THE TOECRUNCHER Austy Coffey 2 54 (60)

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4-08.15 ADVANCED MAILING SOLUTIONS HANDICAP 2040 M
Of $80000. 1st $48800, 2nd $14400, 3rd $7200, 4th $3600, 5th $2000, 6th $800, 7th $800, 8th $800, 9th $800, 10th $800.For Three-Years-Old and Upwards Fillies and Mares. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 SWOOPER Darryl Dodson Billy Egan (a2) 8 59.5 (95)
2 BRITOMART Rick Hore-Lacy Steven Arnold 6 56.5 (89)
3 PERSIAN STAR Robert Smerdon Craig Williams 1 54 (78)
4 KINKA RHODE Tony Noonan 9 54 (76)
5 AMERICAN MORSECODE Dianne Wynne Sally Wynne 2 54 (71)
6 FIVECOUGARSTHANKS Austy Coffey 7 54 (71)
7 ALLTALKNOACTION Michael Kent Glen Boss 5 54 (66)
8 LIBERTINA Austy Coffey Ben Melham 4 54 (65)
9 FORD'S THEATRE Sonny Coombes Kyle Hocking (a3) 3 54 (50)

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5-08.45 TOUR OF VICTORIA FINAL 1600 M
Of $100000 and $1000 trophy. 1st $61000 and trophy of $1000, 2nd $18000, 3rd $9000, 4th $4500, 5th $2500, 6th $1000, 7th $1000, 8th $1000, 9th $1000, 10th $1000.0 - 82.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 FLAGSTAFF Brian Cox Corey Brown 11 59 (82)
2 LASPIEL Robert Smerdon Luke Nolen 3 58 (78)
3 ASPHALT JUNGLE (NZ) Bill & Symon Wilde 2 56.5 (75)
4 PAY DAY Donna Gaskin Craig Newitt 5 56.5 (75)
5 WATTO'S RACER Bill & Symon Wilde Craig Williams 9 56.5 (75)
6 LIGHT TAN Michael O'Leary Damien Oliver 10 56 (74)
7 SKY DEVIL (NZ) John McArdle 6 56 (74)
8 COUNT THE DIAMONDS John Rattle 4 55 (72)
9 ST IVES (NZ) Michael Moroney Nicholas Hall 16 55 (72)
10 COUNT DEWIN Mathew Cooper Michelle Payne 8 54.5 (71)
11 ANGRY CAT Robbie Griffiths Luke Currie 15 54 (70)
12 HASTA PRONTO Peter Snowden Mark Zahra 13 54 (70)
13e ALPINE CLUB (SAF) Stuart Webb 1 54 (70)
14e BORSCHT Pat Trotter Dwayne Dunn 14 54 (70)
15e FIXED BAYONETS Tony Dynon 12 54 (68)
16e GENERAL REVISION Kevin Chisholm Darren Gauci 7 54 (64)

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6-09.15 MV FILLIES CLASSIC 1600 M
Of $200000 and $3000 trophy. 1st $122000 and trophy of $3000, 2nd $36000, 3rd $18000, 4th $9000, 5th $5000, 6th $2000, 7th $2000, 8th $2000, 9th $2000, 10th $2000.For Three-Years-Old Fillies. Set Weights. (GROUP 2).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 TALLOW Anthony Cummings Corey Brown 8 57 (89)
2 TIO ROSSA Colin & Cindy Alderson 6 57 (84)
3 MY EMOTION (NZ) Michael Kent Craig Williams 4 57 (86)
4 ABSOLUTE FAITH John McArdle Brad Rawiller 3 57 (80)
5 SPEEDY NATALIE Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 1 57 (82)
6 AZWA David Hayes Steven Arnold 2 57 (80)
7 ALOHA Mick Price Damien Oliver 9 57 (78)
8 NEW VENTURE Dean Binaisse Michael McDonald 5 57 (70)
9 EXCEPTIONALLY (NZ) Terry & Karina O'Sullivan Danny Nikolic 7 57 (64)

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7-09.45 YARRA VALLEY MEMBERS' TOUR MOONEE VALLEY NIGHT CUP 2500 M
Of $100000 and $1000 trophy. 1st $61000 and trophy of $1000, 2nd $18000, 3rd $9000, 4th $4500, 5th $2500, 6th $1000, 7th $1000, 8th $1000, 9th $1000, 10th $1000..This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $7,000 and a SUPER VOBIS Owners Bonus of $23,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 ZAVITE (NZ) Anthony Cummings Damien Oliver 16 60.5 (102)
2 GRAND DESTINY Michael Kent Glen Boss 8 56 (90)
3 PHAZE ACTION Bevan & Richard Laming 6 55 (88)
4 HUMAWAY Byron Cozamanis 2 54 (85)
5 THE TIGER Colin & Cindy Alderson Danny Nikolic 15 54 (82)
6 LINTON STREET (NZ) Michael Moroney Mark Zahra 11 54 (80)
7 PORTLAND PAIJE Greg Eurell Nicholas Hall 1 54 (80)
8 AL WAFI Chris Hyland Michael Rodd 7 54 (78)
9 FALVETTE Darren Weir 4 54 (78)
10 ROBRICK Robbie Laing 12 54 (76)
11 JEUNEYS END Allan Fitzgerald Darren Gauci 13 54 (72)
12 WILDLY EXCITED Billy Stockdale Corey Brown 10 54 (72)
13e MONTAON (NZ) Leon Corstens Brent Stanley 5 54 (72)
14e SUMMER SAPPHIRE (NZ) Tony Noonan 14 54 (70)
15e MR RIGGS Robbie Griffiths Luke Currie 3 54 (70)
16e PENTIFFIC (NZ) Fran Houlahan & Brian Johnston 9 54 (64)

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8-10.15 PULSE PHARMACY HANDICAP 1000 M
Of $50000. 1st $31363, 2nd $9650, 3rd $4342, 4th $1930, 5th $965, 6th $350, 7th $350, 8th $350, 9th $350, 10th $350.0 - 89. Field Limit: 12 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 UNCLE IVAN Patrick McKenna Brent Evans (a1.5) 10 59 (89)
2 MONDANO Ross McDonald 7 57.5 (86)
3 JETEVEN Ray Besanko Jordan Mallyon (a3) 8 57 (85)
4 KENNY KID Byron Cozamanis Steven Arnold 3 56 (82)
5 TAN TAT JET Peter G Moody 4 56 (82)
6 ISA HALO Kate Goodrich Glen Boss 6 55 (85)
7 JUSTSAY SUMTHINK Peter Healey 5 54.5 (84)
8 BRAMBLE BLITZ Anthony Bolden Craig Robertson 1 54 (74)
9 CROWN SEAL Brett Cavanough Michael Rodd 11 54 (74)
10 BURLY GRIFFEN David Hayes James Winks 9 54 (72)
11 HILLBILLY DANCER Norm Loy Dean Holland 2 54 (71)

CAULFIELD Acceptances on Saturday 27th February, 2010
TAB MEETING. Rail: Out 3m Entire Circuit
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1-12.20 REDOUTE'S CHOICE AT ARROWFIELD STUD HANDICAP 1200 M
Of $70000. 1st $42700, 2nd $12600, 3rd $6300, 4th $3150, 5th $1750, 6th $700, 7th $700, 8th $700, 9th $700, 10th $700.For Three-Years-Old.This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $7,000 and a SUPER VOBIS Owners Bonus of $23,000 for qualified horses. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 TRUE PERSUASION Mick Price Jarrod Fry (a3) 1 59 (78)
2 LAUNAY Peter Snowden Mark Zahra 7 57.5 (72)
3 PERIKON (NZ) Ricky Maund Brent Evans (a1.5) 4 57.5 (72)
4 NO VACANCY Mick Price Damien Oliver 3 57 (70)
5 ORBITING BELLE Mick Price Nicholas Hall 6 56 (74)
6 VOILE ROUGE (NZ) David Hayes Brad Rawiller 5 56 (67)
7 WAR ENDS Mark Kavanagh 2 53 (61)

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2-12.55 BIB STILLWELL BMW HANDICAP 1200 M
Of $70000. 1st $42700, 2nd $12600, 3rd $6300, 4th $3150, 5th $1750, 6th $700, 7th $700, 8th $700, 9th $700, 10th $700.For Three-Years-Old and Upwards Fillies and Mares. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 ACQUIRED (NZ) Gary Portelli Michael Rodd 1 57 (87)
2 ARIARNI Tony Vasil 7 56.5 (86)
3 WITH APOLOGIES Tony Noonan Nicholas Hall 2 55.5 (84)
4 GALLOPING HILL Terry & Karina O'Sullivan 3 53 (74)
5 AVIONICS Robbie Griffiths Craig Williams 6 53 (72)
6 DOUBLE CROSSING Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra James Winks 8 53 (72)
7 RETURNTOSENDER Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 4 53 (72)
8 RAPIDEMENT Ricky Maund Jade Darose 5 53 (67)

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3-01.35 THE INGLIS PREMIER 1200 M
Of $250000 and $2000 trophy. 1st $150000 and trophy of $2000, 2nd $50000, 3rd $20000, 4th $10000, 5th $5000, 6th $5000, 7th $5000, 8th $5000.For Two-Years-Old. Set Weights.This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $7,000 and a SUPER VOBIS Owners Bonus of $23,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 I AM AICHI Dean Binaisse Dwayne Dunn 2 55.5
2 LUCKYI'MBAREFOOT Tracey Templeton Craig Newitt 4 55.5 (61)
3 MERGER BENEFITS Anthony Cummings Michael Rodd 8 55.5 (61)
4 RENOUNCE Mick Price Damien Oliver 5 55.5
5 RULING HEART Michael Templeton Mark Zahra 3 55.5 (59)
6 GOLDEN MILLENNIUM Anthony Cummings Glen Boss 6 53.5 (61)
7 KURODA FIELD David Hayes James Winks 1 53.5 (61)
8 MARVELLOUS MISS Robbie Griffiths Nicholas Hall 10 53.5 (61)
9 NOT A PRETENDER John P Thompson Danny Nikolic 9 53.5 (61)
10 THE FIREFLY Colin & Cindy Alderson Craig Williams 7 53.5 (61)

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4-02.15 CHAIRMAN'S STAKES 1100 M
Of $100000 and $500 trophy. 1st $60000 and trophy of $500, 2nd $18000, 3rd $9000, 4th $4500, 5th $2500, 6th $2000, 7th $2000, 8th $2000.For Two-Years-Old. Set Weights plus Penalties. (LISTED).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 GENERAL TRUCE Ricky Maund Andrew Mallyon 1 57 (82)
2 MCLOADED John McArdle Danny Nikolic 12 56 (70)
3 TOORAK TOFF Rick Hore-Lacy Damien Oliver 10 56 (72)
4 CRYSTAL LILY Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra Brett Prebble 11 55 (80)
5 GARVAN Peter Snowden Mark Zahra 5 55 (64)
6 THEGREATANDTHEGOOD John P Thompson Craig Williams 13 55 (66)
7 TAMAKA Libby Haworth Steven King 2 55 (59)
8 MAGNUM FORCE John McArdle Brad Rawiller 9 55
9 LOVE IN SPRING Ross McDonald Glen Boss 8 54 (70)
10 PARISIAN SUNRISE David Hayes James Winks 6 53 (65)
11 BEDHRAH David Hayes Dwayne Dunn 3 53 (66)
12 YOSEI Stuart Webb 4 53 (66)
13 ROCK OF FORTUNE Mick Price Craig Newitt 7 53

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5-02.55 VICTORIA GOLD CUP 2000 M
Of $100000 and $500 trophy. 1st $60000 and trophy of $500, 2nd $18000, 3rd $9000, 4th $4500, 5th $2500, 6th $2000, 7th $2000, 8th $2000.Quality. (LISTED).No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 ZAVITE (NZ) Anthony Cummings Michael Rodd 2 59 (102)
2 SADALBARI Michael Kent Glen Boss 3 58 (100)
3 IRAZU Steve Richards Steven King 4 56 (95)
4 BOLLE Robert Smerdon Mark Zahra 9 55 (92)
5 INKSTER Mick Price Damien Oliver 8 54 (95)
6 MY BENTLEY (NZ) Michael Kent Dwayne Dunn 5 53 (82)
7 BERTONIC Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 7 53 (80)
8 OLD JOCK (NZ) Mick Price Craig Newitt 1 53 (78)
9 ROWLAND Robbie Laing 6 53 (61)

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6-03.35 JRA STAKES 1200 M
Of $100000 and $500 trophy. 1st $60000 and trophy of $500, 2nd $18000, 3rd $9000, 4th $4500, 5th $2500, 6th $2000, 7th $2000, 8th $2000.(LISTED).No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 TIME MATTERS Darren Weir Steven Arnold 8 59 (103)
2 STANZOUT Colin Davies Danny Brereton 1 57.5 (100)
3 HAPPY GLEN Robbie Griffiths Nicholas Hall 6 55.5 (95)
4 VELOCITEA (NZ) Mick Price Damien Oliver 3 54.5 (98)
5 SOLCHOW Kel Chapman Craig Williams 2 53 (92)
6 CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD (NZ) Chris Hyland Luke Nolen 7 53 (88)
7 FLORAMOUR Peter Gelagotis Brett Prebble 4 53 (75)
8 LIGHTHORSEMAN Gary Portelli Craig Newitt 5 53 (75)

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7-04.15 ROKK EBONY FUTURITY STAKES 1600 M
Of $500000 and $4000 trophy. 1st $300000 and trophy of $4000, 2nd $90000, 3rd $45000, 4th $22500, 5th $12500, 6th $10000, 7th $10000, 8th $10000.Standard Weight for Age. (GROUP 1).No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 SNIPER'S BULLET Tracey Bartley Damien Oliver 4 59 (116)
2 DAO DAO Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Brett Prebble 3 59 (108)
3 BARBARICUS Danny O'Brien James Winks 2 59 (104)
4 JOKU Gai Waterhouse Brad Rawiller 1 59 (107)
5 LORD TAVISTOCK (NZ) Andrew R Campbell Jason Waddell 5 59 (105)
6 TYPHOON TRACY Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 6 57 (116)

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8-04.55 THE YALUMBA 161 1800 M
Of $180000 and $1000 trophy. 1st $108000 and trophy of $1000, 2nd $32400, 3rd $16200, 4th $8100, 5th $4500, 6th $3600, 7th $3600, 8th $3600.For Three-Years-Old. Set Weights. (GROUP 2).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 EXTRA ZERO David Hayes Glen Boss 9 55.5 (95)
2 TAKE THE RAP (NZ) Danny O'Brien Craig Williams 2 55.5 (91)
3 VIKING HERO Michael Moroney Mark Zahra 5 55.5 (68)
4 COSMOCRAT Mick Price Damien Oliver 10 55.5 (68)
5 LOOPED Jim Conlan Daniel Moor 8 55.5 (66)
6 CHILLED BY CHOICE Russell Cameron Steven Arnold 3 55.5 (61)
7 ABSOLUTE FAITH John McArdle Dwayne Dunn 1 53.5 (80)
8 SALINAS Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 4 53.5 (78)
9 MONEY ROCKS Anthony Cummings Michael Rodd 6 53.5 (76)
10 PINS ON ICE (NZ) Danny O'Brien James Winks 7 53.5 (74)

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9-05.35 PREMIER SIGNS PLATE 1400 M
Of $70000. 1st $42700, 2nd $12600, 3rd $6300, 4th $3150, 5th $1750, 6th $700, 7th $700, 8th $700, 9th $700, 10th $700.. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 LIGHT VISION (NZ) Robert Smerdon Nicholas Hall 3 61 (107)
2 MENTALITY Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Billy Egan (a2) 5 59.5 (104)
3 STILLME Sheila Arnold Steven Arnold 11 58.5 (102)
4 THE SPORTSMAN (NZ) Russell Cameron Brent Evans (a1.5) 2 58.5 (102)
5 REVEREND LOVEJOY David Hayes Brad Rawiller 8 57.5 (100)
6 ARBITRATION John Wheeler Ben Melham 6 55.5 (95)
7 LEICA LARRIKIN Richard Freyer Dwayne Dunn 4 53.5 (89)
8 BERRINGAMA Brian Cox Glen Boss 1 53 (87)
9 CONFIDENCE REEF Ray Besanko Jordan Mallyon (a3) 10 53 (85)
10 XAVIER Robbie Laing 9 53 (85)
11 DELTA GEE Leon Corstens Danny Nikolic 7 53 (82)

DESPITE a lacklustre exhibition gallop by All Silent at Betfair Park yesterday, trainer Grahame Begg said the straight-track specialist was on target for Saturday week's group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, reports The Age.

It says: A failure in the Hong Kong Sprint in December and a minor injury hiccup haven't deterred Begg in the lead-up to the Newmarket, so the gallop, which Begg described as typical All Silent work, certainly wasn't going to derail his plans to tackle the $1 million sprint.

"He's never been a flash track worker at any time of his life and he's never won a gallop, I don't think. It was just nice work but the object was to bring [him] over for a day out, a trip out in the float to simulate race day," Begg said. "He's going to have a jumpout next Tuesday at Flemington and that will have him right at his top."

Working with a horse from the Russell Cameron stable, All Silent stood his work partner around four lengths at the 200-metre mark before Nick Hall asked the five-year-old to increase speed. He did but the response was laborious rather than electrifying.

All Silent has 57 kilograms in the Newmarket and is likely to be topweight and favourite, particularly after wins in the Gilgai Stakes and Patinack Classic at Flemington during the spring carnival.

JOCKEY Dan Nikolic could face a charge of refusing to comply with a stewards' order for failing to hand over his mobile phone when asked yesterday, reports The Age.

It says: Nikolic said Racing Victoria Ltd stewards had asked him for his phone so they could look at his contacts menu, but on legal advice from lawyer Paul O'Sullivan, who was present yesterday with Nikolic at the RVL offices as an observer, he declined.

Stewards cautioned him that he could face consequences for not surrendering his phone. O'Sullivan said Nikolic told stewards he would supply any phone number that related directly to their investigation but was not prepared to allow them to look at his contact list for privacy reasons. Under Australian Rule of Racing 175, stewards have the power to force a licenced person to comply with a stewards' order that is related to their inquiries.

Section (p) of the rule states that stewards may penalise: Any person who fails or refuses to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the stewards or any official. Section (t) relates to: Any person who obstructs or hinders the stewards or other official in the exercise of their powers or duties. Chief steward Terry Bailey was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Nikolic is at the centre of an investigation into a number of his beaten rides in Victoria since last November. He was interviewed again yesterday, along with seven licenced trainers.

A SMALL group of Australian punters who have accounts with the world's largest betting exchange, Betfair, will be the basis of an investigation into jockey Danny Nikolic by Racing Victoria Stewards, which starts today, reports The Age.

It says: The punters' accounts and the betting trends of those accounts over the past few months will be pivotal to the investigation.

The inquiry follows Betfair's investigators, after careful monitoring of accounts, alerting stewards around Australia to a series of abnormal transactions.

It's understood that these isolated betting accounts revealed significant spikes on certain races with ''multiple changes'' in the value of the bets.

Investigations are also probing a relationship between the account holders.

''We are not able to reveal any information on specific accounts. However, if RVL stewards have concerns about those parties we are able to suspend them betting with the company,'' Betfair spokesman Hugh Taggart said last night. Betfair's security process can analyse punters' betting patterns and throw a red flag if a punter starts laying horses for large amounts rather than backing them to win.

Wagering operator Betfair has announced an in-principle agreement with the Tasmanian government to keep its operations in the Apple Isle for the next decade.

Betfair was awarded a non-exclusive licence to operate by the Tasmanian government in 2006 with the new agreement set to extend the betting exchange's stay in the state until 2020.

The deal is conditional on approval from the Tasmanian Gaming Commission as well as legislation passing the Tasmanian Parliament reducing tax on betting exchanges to five percent of gross revenue.

Betfair employs 135 staff in its Hobart offices and contributes $20 million annually to the Tasmanian economy with more than $5 million product fees paid directly to racing and sports.

"Today's announcement is an important step towards providing long-term certainty for Betfair in Australia and its Tasmanian workforce," said Betfair Australia's chief executive, Andrew Twaits.

"In the last four years, we've helped to reshape the wagering landscape in areas of integrity, harm minimisation and industry funding for racing and sports. Importantly, we've also encouraged a better deal for punters.

"This agreement is a big step forward for the future of racing, not only in Tasmania, but right across Australia. Our contribution to both racing and sports has been significant and we look forward to continuing our commitment right across the country.

Trainer Peter Moody has been forced to re-arrange plans for his awesome sprint team after Saturday's Oakleigh Plate, where all four of his runners missed a place, reports The Age.

It says: His multiple group 1 placegetter Wanted is now unlikely to chase the Newmarket Handicap in 12 days, with Moody considering races in Sydney next month instead.

Moody said Wanted, who finished a brave fourth in the Oakleigh Plate, was jaded after two runs in seven days and may now be given a light break. to be ready for more group 1 races.

SUPPORTERS of yesterday's Blue Diamond Stakes winner Star Witness were not quite on the same page as his rider Nicholas Hall as the field turned for home in the $1 million race. With just a couple of horses behind him and many lengths behind the leaders, things were looking bleak from the grandstand, reports the Sunday Age's Andrew Eddy.

His report adds: ''That was exactly where I wanted to be,'' Hall said later. ''He was comfortable and travelling well and ready to let down.'' Asked whether he was worried he was too far off the lead, he replied: ''That never worries me. They'd run hard and they were going to stop and come back to you and that's what happened.''

But for those watching, it looked a hopeless task as filly Shaaheq looked to put the race beyond doubt when Dan Nikolic sent her clear with 200 metres to run. But then Hall got to work and, on the line, Star Witness [$10] had a half-neck to spare over Shaaheq [$11] with the same margin to the favourite Beneteau [$3.20], who also ran home strongly from the back of the field.

Star Witness was bought for $150,000 as a yearling at the Magic Millions sale by his trainer Danny O'Brien as he was the first foal out of Leone Chiara, whom O'Brien had trained to several wins. He also trained Leone Chiara's brother, Ferocity, to a win in the Ascot Vale Stakes at Flemington and the Adelaide Magic Millions.

Leone Chiara's greatest claim to fame before yesterday was that she was the horse who Craig Newitt rode and was beaten on as favourite at Sandown in 2004. He was later suspended for 18 months for giving false evidence to stewards about a relationship he had with a bookmaker.

The Diamond runner-up Shaaheq looked certain to give trainer David Hayes his sixth Blue Diamond when she burst clear 200 metres from home but she just tired late after doing a lot of the tough work on the speed. Stablemate Evidentia ($21) had no luck as she was squeezed at the start and then nearly fell at the tail of the field at the 800-metre mark before picking up ground to finish 10th.

Beneteau's rider, Daniel Ganderton, said the Blue Diamond was one of the roughest races he had ridden in. ''There was a real skirmish inside me and I didn't want to be part of that so I got trapped a bit wide and had nothing to take me into the race,'' he said.

The Adelaide Cup is next on the agenda for classy staying mare Montahlia following her effortless win in Friday night's Brandon Machinery Sales Handicap (3000m) at Moonee Valley, reports www.breednet.com.au.

It adds: Sent out the even money favourite with bookmakers following a five and a half length romp here a fortnight ago, Montahlia was never going to be beaten again tonight. Apprentice Brent Evans rode the lightly raced six-year-old mare with great confidence, positioning her off the speed before coming with a run when approaching the turn.

Trainer Mick Kent said the mare would go into Adelaide's famous two miler on March 8 without another run.

"She's going to be a lightweight chance," Kent said. "It looks like being a great race the Adelaide Cup this year...I think we'll probably go straight into it...She's a pretty natural stayer. There's not much to her. She's only a light mare. So it might be better if we go straight into it now.

DAVID Hayes has claims on both group 1 races at Caulfield tomorrow but it will be the Australian debut of the controversial Irish horse Changingoftheguard that could have a longer-lasting impact for the stable, reports The Age.

It says: Hayes bought the horse from Coolmore last September to contest the Melbourne Cup and, while that did not happen when veterinary stewards ruled him unfit on race morning, the trainer has not downgraded his ambition. ''It's about getting him ready for the Melbourne Cup next spring so we'd be hoping for a couple of solid efforts this autumn starting with the St George [Stakes] on Saturday,'' Hayes said.

''He really is pleasing me and while I'd be happy to see him finish off nicely, he's that sort of horse that could just jump out of the ground and put his stamp on things.''

Changingoftheguard is rated a $10 chance for a first-up St George win.

Hayes will saddle Eagle Falls ($9) in the group 1 Oakleigh Plate and has three promising youngsters Shaheeq ($13), Legalistic ($23) and Evidentia ($21) representing the stable in the Blue Diamond Stakes.

The Blue Diamond Stakes field was reduced to 15 yesterday with the scratching of the Leon Corstens-trained Danzero colt Tricky Tricky, with a virus.

PETER Moody will have all guns blazing in the group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday, reports The Age.

It says: Moody will tackle the sprint with four high-class three-year-olds in a bid to snare his second group 1 of the autumn.

His team, headed by Lightning Stakes and William Reid runner-up Wanted, makes up nearly a quarter of the Oakleigh Plate field, which will mark the return from injury of star galloper Weekend Hussler.

Flying filly Avenue, group 1 winner Headway, and the highly rated colt Tickets join Wanted, who is chasing his first win at the elite level after a string of placings against the older horses during the past six months, his latest when second to Turffontein in last weekend's William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.

"He's come through the run really well and the back-up shouldn't be a problem. He'll run another big race after drawing ideally in barrier three," Moody said.

"Headway ran a super race in the Lightning and this will top her off nicely for the Newmarket, and Tickets is also working really well but the Newmarket will probably suit him better as well."

CAULFIELD on Saturday, February 20

ARROWFIELD STUD BLUE DIAMOND STAKES 1200 M
Of $1000000 and $15000 trophy. 1st $600000 and trophy of $15000, 2nd $180000, 3rd $90000, 4th $45000, 5th $25000, 6th $20000, 7th $20000, 8th $20000.For Two-Years-Old. Set Weights. (GROUP 1).This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses.No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16 + 4 EM
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No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 GENERAL TRUCE Ricky Maund Andrew Mallyon 14 55.5 (82)
2 STAR WITNESS Danny O'Brien Nicholas Hall 15 55.5 (82)
3 BENETEAU Paul Messara Daniel Ganderton (a) 9 55.5 (86)
4 SECESSION Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy 5 55.5 (78)
5 BIT OF A DUDE Stuart Gower Michael Hoppo 8 55.5 (68)
6 SPIRIT CENT John Leek (Jnr) Michelle Payne 13 55.5 (64)
7 TRICKY TRICKY Leon Corstens Michael Rodd 1 55.5 (66)
8 LEGALISTIC David Hayes Brad Rawiller 12 55.5 (65)
9 SHE'S GOT GEARS Robbie Laing Craig Williams 2 53.5 (78)
10 SWEET CHEEKS John McArdle Damien Oliver 4 53.5 (76)
11 CRYSTAL LILY Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra Chris Symons 11 53.5 (80)
12 ROULETTES Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Steven King 3 53.5 (74)
13 PSYCHOLOGIST Tony Vasil Mark Zahra 16 53.5 (86)
14 SHAAHEQ David Hayes Danny Nikolic 6 53.5 (70)
15 EVIDENTIA David Hayes Brett Prebble 7 53.5 (70)
16 WILLOW CREEK Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 10 53.5 (66)

BLUE Diamond Stakes favourite Beneteau has the pedigree and form to win Saturday's $1 million race at Caulfield and now he also has the favours at the barrier after yesterday's crucial draw, reports Andrew Eddy in The Age.

His report adds: A firm $3.60 favourite, Beneteau will jump from gate nine of 16 starters but it was the gates drawn by those ranked as his main dangers that confirmed his position at the top of the market for Victoria's premier two-year-old race.

Second favourite Psychologist, who drifted from $4.40 to $6 after the draw, must become the first horse in the race's 39-year history to win from barrier 16, while third favourite Star Witness ($7 to $8) drew alongside her in gate 15.

Next in the betting is speed filly Crystal Lily ($7 to $9), who faired little better in barrier 11.

Beneteau's trainer, Paul Messara, was understandably pleased. ''Just the way the barriers have panned out, we should find ourselves in a pretty nice position,'' he said.

''There's pretty good speed with those horses drawn out wide, so we'll probably camp on their back and go from there.''

A winner of his only two starts - at Randwick and Caulfield - Beneteau, a $1 million yearling purchase, is by 1999 Blue Diamond winner Redoute's Choice out of Slice Of Paradise, who is a dual stakes-placed sister to the 2004 winner Alinghi.