FNQ MAIL: Friends in high places

Cairns Post racing writer Jordan Gerrans reviews the week’s racing across the north in FNQ Mail, including a Mareeba stable’s plan for their promising youngster.

WINNING WAYS: Buoyancy for trainer Roy Chillemi and jockey Wanderson D’Avila wins the Class 1 Handicap (1200m) on Saturday at Tolga. The D’Avila’s were involved in four of the five winners across the day. Picture: JORDAN GERRANS.

Cairns Post racing writer Jordan Gerrans reviews the week’s racing across the north in FNQ Mail, including a Mareeba stable’s plan for their promising youngster.

WINNING WAYS: Buoyancy for trainer Roy Chillemi and jockey Wanderson D’Avila wins the Class 1 Handicap (1200m) on Saturday at Tolga. The D’Avila’s were involved in four of the five winners across the day. Picture: JORDAN GERRANS

GOOD FRIENDS

It helps to have friends in high places.

Tablelands trainer Sharlee D’Avila has certainly found that with top Brisbane trainer Chris Anderson, who won a Group 3 race just the other day.

Trainer Chris Anderson speaks to the media after James Orman rode Equipped to victory in race 4, the Benchmark 75 Handicap, during Metro Races at Doomben Racecourse in Brisbane, Saturday, December 7, 2019. (AAP Image/Albert Perez)

Former Anderson horses keep finding their way to FNQ.

“He had sent up Power Of Diva’s before and something came about a few weeks ago, I got Better Than Silver, he won and now I have two more,” D’Avila said.

“He is a real good fella to talk to, he leaves me alone and tells me to do what I want because I know the jockeys and conditions.”

Anderson had Se Rendre, who won well on Saturday up at Tolga.

THINKING BIG

It was only a couple of non-TAB wins but the Mareeba stable of Alex Malliff are thinking big with three-year-old Paniagua.

Mareeba trainer Alex Malliff with Amuleto. PHOTO: Bronwyn Wheatcroft.

The bay gelding made it two on the bounce on Saturday after almost breaking through in Townsville in May.

“I will have to have a look at the Townsville or Mackay Guineas for him now,” Malliff said.

FLAT-FOOTED

The Style Line saga rolls on.

Earlier this month, Style Line was banned from TAB meetings after she stood flat-footed in the gates.

Gulf Cattleman’s Association organising committee, standing: Carol Ryan, Green Hills station, Georgetown; Tammy Hughes, North Head station, Forsayth; secretary Sharon Hughes, Paddys station, Georgetown; media officer Taryn Seccombe, Coralie station, Croydon. Seated: Major Elgey, Townley station, Forsayth; treasurer Allan Holmes, Mareeba.

Trained by Allan Holmes at Mareeba, the chestnut mare was at it again on Saturday, being a late withdrawal when she was unable to be loaded into the barrier.

Holmes was advised by QRIC stewards the mare would be required to trial satisfactorily prior to her next race start and racing would be restricted to non-TAB meetings until she displays consistently improved barrier manners.

Owner Tom Hedley, jockey Robert Thompson and trainer Stephen Massingham celebrate after The Harrovian wins the Cairns Amateurs Cup at Cannon Park. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE.

HARD DONE BY

Cairns trainer Stephen Massingham would still be feeling hard done by after Battle Cry was a good thing beaten last Thursday at Townsville.

Battle Cry was flying before his run was cut off by Evil Eye Mac, ridden by jockey Frank Edwards.

Eightfa takes the win, Jockey Frank Edwards and Trainer Alby Molino.

Later, Edwards pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding.

Edwards’ licence to ride in races was suspended for a period of 12 days.

Battle Cry’s rider, Chris Whiteley’s face told the entire story: he was not very happy to be cut off like he was by Edwards.

Originally published as FNQ MAIL: Friends in high places