Tasracing has decided to press ahead with the thoroughbred meeting at Mowbray on Sunday week after careful consideration of the state of the track.
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Tasmanian Turf Club chief executive Peter Scott confirmed on Monday morning that the possibility of the club’s final meeting of the season having to be moved – most likely to Devonport – had been raised.
”We’ve been talking about it for a week and have just been waiting for Tasracing to make the final call,” Scott said.
“They have been consulting properly with the club with a view to doing what is best for the industry and trying to get a good outcome.”
Tasracing announced on Monday afternoon that the meeting would go ahead at Mowbray with the running rail out 10-½ metres to the 1200m mark and out 7m for the remainder of the track.
The unusual rail shift will necessitate field sizes for most races being reduced to 12 runners. The limit for the 2100m race will be decided on Wednesday after a stewards’ inspection.
Mowbray was rated a heavy 8 for its last meeting nine days ago after a week of heavy frosts.
We’ve got a couple of balls in the air so we needed to know one way or the other
- TTC chief executive Peter Scott
After the next meeting, Mowbray will be rested until the start of the night racing season in late September.
The TTC requested an early call on the July 2 program.
“We’ve got a couple of balls in the air so we needed to know one way or the other,” Scott said.
“It’s the Governors Plate meeting so we’ve got the Governor attending and we’ve also got a fund-raiser that day in conjunction with the Salvation Army.”
LORD DA VINCI EARNS A REST
Lord Da Vinci will return home for a spell after his dominant win at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Seven Mile Beach trainer Scott Brunton said the gelding had “a fair few problems” and would need time to get over the run.
“If it’s not one thing it’s another – we’re always trying to patch up something,” Brunton said.
“But the beach life certainly suits him and he’s got a tough constitution.
“He’ll be feeling this run for a few days but he’ll bounce back – we’ll just take our time.”
Lord Da Vinci was ridden by Brunton’s stable jockey David Pires who hadn’t won a race at Moonee Valley for 13 years.
“For David to win one for us in town is a big thrill,” Brunton said.
After being heavily backed early, Lord Da Vinci blew from $2.80 to $4.80 on raceday amid reports he hadn’t settled in well after arriving from Tasmania.
“I was worried about the way he had travelled, absolutely,” Brunton said.
“I certainly don’t think he was at his best but he got the job done and we’re thrilled.
“He’s a really nice horse and hopefully will be back here again but I might try it a different way next time.”
Lord Da Vinci has raced 10 times for the Brunton stable for seven wins.
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