Symphony’s sour note
IRATE trainer Tony McEvoy has scratched favourite Royal Symphony from the Victoria Derby on Saturday after the horse had a torrid run in the Cox Plate.
McEvoy was furious with jockey Damien Oliver’s tactics on Happy Clapper, saying it was the reason the horse will miss the Derby.
Oliver was suspended for 20 meetings on a charge of improper riding on Happy Clapper for shifting in on Royal Symphony in the early stages of the race.
Oliver’s appeal against the suspension will be heard today by the Victorian Racing and Appeals Disciplinary Board.
At stake is whether Oliver will ride at the Flemington carnival and if he can fulfil his engagement on Almandin in the Melbourne Cup.
McEvoy said Happy Clapper leaned in on Royal Symphony for 1000m of Saturday’s race.
“He’s cost us third in a Cox Plate and now he’s cost us a Derby as well,” McEvoy said after Royal Symphony finished fourth to Winx.
“He’s pretty tired this morning. He looks like a kid who has been bullied by bigger kids. I was sickened by what I saw. I couldn’t believe what was happening.
“We know we were in a big race but (Dean) Yendall was entitled to hold his spot.
“I understand Ollie wanted to get across but we were entitled to stay where we were. He persisted for 1000m though and bullied our horse throughout. He’s pulled up with lacerations and knowing he’s had a run.
“I’m gobsmacked with the tactics. It was a massive run from my horse.”
McEvoy said he also left Moonee Valley with his confidence dented for the VRC Oaks on November 9 after seeing Aloisia score a dominant win the Moonee Valley Vase and firm into a $1.80 favourite. He has the $7 third favourite Bring Me Roses set for The Oaks and she will start on Saturday in the Wakeful Stakes.