Late Caulfield Cup might have worked in Queensland but turnover falls

RUNNING the feature race on a program is fraught with danger for betting turnover, writes NATHAN EXELBY.

Late Cup figures bot clear-cut

THE TattsBet win pool of just under $2.4 million on the Caulfield Cup would indicate the decision to make the main event the last of the day was a good thing for turnover.

But TattsBet's Brad Tamer said the figure, which was up considerably on the $1.59 million last year, was bloated by the no commission "Pool Party" promotion.

Tatts players received an inflated $12.10 dividend on Fawkner, compared to $9.90 on the two southern totes.

"Possibly in Queensland we are better off because daylight saving means the race is run at 4.45pm," Tamer said. "I think if it was 5.45 it could be disastrous.

"The big thing for me is reinvestment. Making the main race last means people can't play up their winnings on later races.

"I'm all for people trying things, but I think it needs to be consultative."

Southern figures back up Tamer's assertion to some extent.

In Victoria, the Caulfield Cup win pool fell from $3.3 million in 2012 to $3.1 million on Saturday. NSW was also slightly down to $1.99 million.

The TattsBet Pool Party promotion continues into the Manikato Stakes on Friday night and then Cox Plate on Saturday.

STEWARDS were in a ruthless mood in two states on Saturday night.

The decision to fine Ric McMahon $200 for his "celebratory gesture" after winning on Cape Kidnappers was heavy handed.

It was hardly a display of lair, but more a show of affection for a brave horse, the type of human image racing needs to showcase itself to a wider audience.

In Melbourne, the pleas by Glen Boss and Nick Hall for stewards to have mercy, given the massive rewards at stake, fell on deaf ears.

"It's unfortunate, but they are the cards we have been dealt," chief stipe Terry Bailey told Boss.

"We understand what you are saying. It's clear you looked and it's clear you come away. But one's gone up the fence."

The revolving door on Saturday night had Glen Boss and Nick Hall join fellow big names Damien Oliver and Nash Rawiller on the Cox Plate casualty list.

Bailey said stewards had "made concessions" owing to Boss' outstanding record and were "mindful of the meetings" he would be missing before wiping him out.

Hall's poor record, six suspensions since March, meant he was never a hope of being a player this week.

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