RACING NSW stewards went close to setting a new record for quickly dismissing a protest before confirming Test The World’s win as another favourite was rolled at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
New Universe, the $ 2.25 favourite, lost his unbeaten Australian record when inconvenienced by the slow mid-race tempo before labouring under his big weight (59.5kg) to run only eighth.
But the drama didn’t end when Test The World crossed the line as Dean Watt of Dynamic Syndications and a part-owner of runner-up Arbeitsam, lodged an objection against the winner alleging interference in the final 25m of the Pro Rata ATC Membership Handicap (1200m).
The stewards head-on film showed the two horses coming together near the line but it was evident Arbeitsam had shifted out further than Test The World shifted in and the filly was given a significant bump, throwing her off-balance.
Test The World’s trainer Bjorn Baker said in evidence that he was glad it wasn’t him protesting as it was bordering on a frivolous objection.
Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel dismissed the protest but pointed out as Test The World had shifted in marginally it was enough to persuade stewards not to pursue a frivolous protest charge.
Test The World ($ 13) scored her third successive win with her short head margin over early leader Arbeitsam ($ 3.70) with Dissolute ($ 11) 1½ lengths away third.
Champion jockey Corey Brown said Test The World was the first winner he has ridden for Baker, one of Sydney’s emerging training forces.
Test The World, right, edged out Arbeitsam in a tight finish. Picture: Jenny EvansSource:News Corp Australia
“I used to ride a lot for his father, Murray, but this is my first win for Bjorn,’’ Brown said. “She is a nice filly but is still doing a few things wrong in her races. She could have gone right on with it today but she is still learning and will continue to improve.’’
Baker revealed he had planned to buy Test The World as a yearling when he was approached by syndicator Grant Morgan as the filly entered the ring.
“Grant said to me are you interested in this filly and when I said yes he told me he’d buy the filly for me to train,’’ Baker said. “She has always been an athletic horse with good presence, and I like the stallion, Testa Rossa. As it turned out, she only cost $ 40,000 which looks a good buy now.’’
Baker said he will consider his options for Test The World but conceded she won’t be at her best until next season.
Firsthand shows fighting spirit
FIRSTHAND is developing an imposing race record — but the best is yet to come.
This is the prediction of co-trainer Michael Hawkes after Firsthand scored his fourth win from just eight starts in the Tab.com.au Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Hawkes said Firsthand has always shown plenty of natural ability but has been a slow-maturing horse. “He is probably still another six months away,’’ Hawkes said. “But he is getting better all the time, he’s a promising horse. This was a good test for him today and he was able to fight hard to win which is a very good sign.’’
In a thrilling finish, Firsthand ($ 3.60 favourite) scored by a head from Wild ‘N’ Famous ($ 5) with Pick Me Up ($ 18) a half neck away third.
Firsthand, a four-year-old by Star Witness, has a high-profile group of owners including Channel 7 sports presenter Ryan Phelan, jockey Tommy Berry’s wife Sharni, Queensland bookmaker Laurie Bricknell and Hawkes’s wife, Claire.
Christian Reith, rider of Firsthand, echoed the trainer’s assessment of the gelding after his narrow win. “He doesn’t know how to put them away yet,’’ Reith said. “But he is definitely improved from the last time I rode him and he is only going to continue to improve.’’
Originally published as Baker’s filly handles pressure Test
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