There was plenty of melodrama about on the Gold Coast before racing commenced, throwing the starting times of the following races into disarray.

All was on track until Damien Oliver’s mount; Tango Rock was forced to be withdrawn after a veterinary inspection.

Then the even money favourite, Wolf Cry, began to get restless, he required an inspection, once cleared to run a further delay, he had cast a plate.

Whilst he was being re-shod many of the runners were beginning to get agitated, another two horses required inspections, finally all was completed to the relief of the starter.

Wolf Cry gave his rivals a short back and sides, winning by three lengths, and the first leg of a winning double for Blake Shinn, and the Snowden team of Peter and Paul.

A sight rarely seen on a racecourse was when the starter, at Quenbeyan on Saturday, started the races at ground level inside the running rail.

Even in the days when flags were in use at the Hunt Club meetings, the starter made sure he was well clear when he let the field get away.

The Hunt Club fixtures were marvellous, with a big patronage under the control of the Victoria Racing Club stewards.

Ballarat was well represented on the Gold Coast at the richest race day ever held in Australia. Darren Weir, based at Ballarat, took home a fair share of the prize money when Lucky Hussler and Mahuta both won the collective prizemoney of $1.8 million.

Mahuta has come a long way in a very short time, he has untapped potential, if he continues at the same rate of improvement he is currently showing, weight for age may not be beyond him.

He has shown great improvement since winning a Maiden race at Kyneton in October of last year, over 1450 metres in a field of eight runners.

Weir set him the task and he delivered , 20 at the gate and 58 to lump, a capacity field and he made light of the assignment.

Mahuta is by the same sire as Magnus, Flying Spur, he has enough pedigree, however, when he finally goes to stud he needs mares that will be accepted into a premier sale.

Mahuta - all class

Stay With Me, who emulated her dam, Miss Finland, when she won the One Thousand Guineas in the Spring, is coming to hand well in her preparation for the Autumn, but plans are in limbo at present.

The Sydney Autumn could be the better option, her likely target is the $1 million Group1 Randwick Guineas, sure she would be meeting the colt, but if Press Statement stays at home it will make it easier.

Really she cannot come to Melbourne and do justice to herself then go to Sydney that is just asking too much.

Stay With Me wins 1000 Guineas

Wolf Cry was the highest priced winner, sold as a yearling, to have won at the Gold Coast’s $ 10 million race day.

He was a maiden before the win costing $320,000 , War Jet sold for $46,000, Buffering $22,000, I Am Zelady $80,000, Tinto not sold, Lucky Hussler $100,000, Mahuta $35,000, Capitalist $165,000, Husson Eagle $42,500.  

                                                   ----------------