Scotch Thistle 133 Report post Posted December 8, 2013 Compare the following two items: 22 March 2013 Waipukurau Dead 4 Mendoza runs 5th of 9 in a Rating 65 1600 run in 1:38.78 beaten 6.4 lengths. Stipes report: When questioned regarding the run of MENDOZA rider B Lammas could offer no real excuse but was of the opinion that the gelding may be better suited by a firmer track. 8 December 2013 Waipukurau Good 3, upgraded from Dead 4, Mendoza runs 8th of 8 in a Rating 75 2200 run in 2:16.18 beaten 7.2 lengths. Stipes report: When questioned into the disappointing run of MENDOZA rider R Myers was of the opinion the gelding was better suited to a more rain affected track. So the stipes have been given the opinions that Mendoza is better suited by a firmer track than Dead 4, and is better suited by a more rain affected track than Good 3. The first opinion by his regular rider, B Lammas, the second by R Myers having her first race day ride on him But hang on, Mendoza has had 2 wins in his 9 start career, both before the two items above. The first win was on a track rated Dead 4, and the second win was on a track rated Dead 3. It is hard to escape the conclusion that the stewards lack the energy or wit to test whatever jockeys offer by way of opinions. Surely they have immediate access to form records? Where a jockey's opinion does not square with race records, they should have the sense to test the jockeys' opinions. Questioning the trainer might provide enlightenment, especially where the rider hasn't ridden the horse before and the horse has been in the same stable all its career. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotch Thistle 133 Report post Posted December 8, 2013 Correction: the second win was on a Good 3 track. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...