Race 1 A moderate field contested the opening agenda Black, Tomahawk opened as favourite ahead of his stable mate Au Revoir, who defeated him two weeks ago at Flemington.

It was left to Black Tomahawk who was the pronounced favourite when the field was dispatched, he looked a good thing when he went around Refectory by the school, except Refectory didn’t go away, he came again in the straight to score by three parts of a length, he drifted from $10 to $15.

Richard Laming said, “it was a tough win, he left it up to the rider, Craig Newitt, the gelding enjoys jumping, however, when he makes his debut over the obstacles is not yet known, it may still be some time off, however, we will see which way we go from here, he still has a few tricks up his sleeve, it was a good win.

Refectory

Race 2 Grand Dreamer continued the run of success for trainer, Robert Smerdon, when he won the SKM Recycling Handicap, he was always popular in betting, starting favourite ahead of Miss Denni, she ran just a fair race.

Caprese was friendless in the market, he opened at $6, went to $10, leading until the top of the straight but was gone when turning for home, it was revealed it was his 13^th start this preparation this time in, at last he will go for a spell that he so richly deserves.

Robert Smerdon said, “the gelding has been consistent throughout his career, he came to us after winning at Geelong, he goes along alright, we may give him a break now and bring him back for the summer races“.

“He is not a staying type horse, 1600 metres or maybe a bit further, he is strong at that distance we will work from there.”

Grand Dreamer returns to scale

Race 3 David Hayes spoke in glowing terms about the win of Catch A Fire, a lightly raced mare, having had just 10 starts previously to Saturday, and been in the money six times.

“She has had a reasonable let up since she last appeared, she came off a fast pace and was going away when the post was reached.”

“Her immediate mission now is the Let’s Elope Stakes on the 10^th September, there will then be some decision made.”

“I think 1400 metres would be better for her, there are plenty of races at that distance, we will take it from there,” he added.

Catch A Fire returns to form

Race 6 Cory Parish was a proud young man as he brought Bold Sniper back to scale, not only a winner but in the royal colours of Her Majesty the Queen.

By the time the field reached the school he had Bold Sniper tucked in behind Pin Your Hopes and Rhythm To Spare, it was just a matter of how far.

He just eased the big gelding out, the issue was put away quickly, a good win and a good ride, the margin was three quarters of a length.

The stable was tossing up whether to go to the 2500 metres or stick to the 2040, I guess he could have won either, but the Hayes stable opted for the shorter distance race.

Her Majesty thought his form best was around 2000 metres and David Hayes was pleased with the ultimate result.

David was thrilled with the win, the gelding is not top class, his races are carefully selected and while he is winning there are no complaints.

A proud day for Cory Parish

Race 8 Heatherly was not quite at her brilliant best, yet she was good enough to beat those that opposed her in the Listed Carlyon Stakes, named after a former chairman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club.

Heatherly was among the stars of the autumn, winning three times, showing speed which warranted a start as a short priced favourite in the Oakleigh Plate, she never got a break on the field at any stage, finished third.

She can be improved after Saturday and will be a much better mare next time, she was a bit fidgety in the gates and hence beaten for pace early, she still won, that is what she was there for.

“I think she will improve with racing, when she got to the front and still won, I am not worried, she will improve,” said joint trainer, Matthew Ellerton.

Heatherly winning the Carlyon Stakes