WHAT THEY SAID AT CANNON PARK

Eight races were run and won at Cairns’ Cannon Park on Thursday afternoon.

Race 1 – Maiden Handicap (1250m)

Technician for Fred Wieland and jockey Graham Kliese: “I thought he could definitely win today,” Wieland said. “(But) he is a bit dumb as a horse, just immature, and he is still yet to put it together. ”

Race 2 – Benchmark 69 Handicap (1900m)

Mt Peter Miss for Alwyn Bailey and jockey Shohei Kaya:

“My instructions were to go a little bit forward, because I did not think there would be a great deal of pace in the race,” Bailey said. “Shohei rode the horse a treat, sat outside the leader and just kicked.”

Race 3 – Ratings Band 0 – 55 Handicap (950m)

Jack Derippa for dual trainerjockey Chelsea Jokic:

“He has always had really bad feet, he had about seven months off,” Jokic said.

“I have changed the farrier and that has really helped him ... he is performing now.”

Race 4 – QTIS Three-YearsOld Handicap (950m)

Bet On Love for Roy Chillemi and jockey Stephen Wilson: “Bet On Love got a beautiful run up the inside,” Chillemi said.

Race 5 – Open Handicap (950m)

Desert Cowboy for trainer Trevor Rowe and jockey Stephen Wilson:

“He is a ... very good horse, carrying 62kg and he won that as he liked,” Rowe said. “I ... just felt he might give in to the 62kg. But, as Wilson said ... he let down and felt like he had just 54kg on his back.”

Race 6 – Class 3 Plate (1250m)

Battle Cry for trainer Stephen Massingham and jockey Chris Whiteley:

“He should have won the other day for sure, so it is good for him to win today,” Massingham said. “He came from the same guy that had Full Recognition, Mark Newnham, who former Cairns jockey Kirk Stone rides work for. Kirk said he was sound and that is the main thing ... he is a nice horse for us.”

Race 7 – Class 6 Handicap (1500m)

Ruby Red Socks for trainer Ross Fransen and jockey Chelsea Jokic:

“She had problems last preparation so we put her out and this preparation it has taken her a while. The horse has gone up two classes from her last win. I thought she would be right in this and she will get the mile, no doubt.”

Race 8 – Class 2 Handicap (1400m)

Brilliant Mind for trainer Stephen Massingham and jockey Nathan Day:

“He has had a throat operation, which might restrict him a little bit, but that's why you just need to let him roll ahead in front,” Massingham said.