Follow Up Report

LEETON 10/08/2021

Race 2, SHARK DANCER

At Wagga on the 5th of October, Stewards questioned Driver S Piltz, with senior Driver M Towers present, regarding the tactics adopted on the gelding in the above race, in particular him appearing to apply pressure to his runner near the 1400 metres and approaching the 1000 metres, when racing outside the leader, given his runner appeared to over-race at other times during the race and the sectional times being set. S Piltz stated that he had hoped to lead in the race, and attempted to do so rounding the first turn, however was unable to muster enough speed to cross CRAFTY MATCH. He added that near the 1800 metres he was happy to maintain his position outside the leader and his runner commenced to travel comfortably, however when SEAMARK NZ improved around him to take the lead, his gelding got fired-up and over-raced during the middle stages of the event. He further added that near the 1400 metres and approaching the 1000 metres he wasn’t attempting to get his runner to quicken as he was comfortable with the pace being set. Given S Piltz’s relative inexperience, and the racing manners of SHARK DANCER, Stewards were not comfortably satisfied that his drive was of a standard that was culpable under the rules to a charge. Stewards did remind S Piltz that he must always drive his runners in a manner that ensures they are able to perform to the best of their capabilities and spoke to him advisedly regarding his actions at the points in the race they were concerned with.