Last Saturday’s Turffontein sixth race Stipes report regarding the win of Dynamite Jim underlines the lack of science applied in what appears to be a groundless comment from horseracing’s policemen.
The report states:
DYNAMITE JIM (*L Hewitson), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer G M Alexander advised. (GF). When questioned regarding the improved performance of DYNAMITE JIM, Trainer G M Alexander could offer no suitable explanation. Due to the severe in and out nature of this gelding’s form, an investigation, in terms of Rule 62.3.1, has been opened.
The Stipes should be asked to show what exactly is meant by ‘improved performance’ and ‘severe in and out nature of form”.
In our book Dynamite Jim ran no worse than anything else.
He has had four runs following an 8 month layoff.
He ran to a rating of 62 with us at his penultimate start, and only needed a rating of 59 here to win!
Looking at how the race panned out, Jim was allowed a soft lead in a strung out field, where the second horse was 5 lengths clear of the remainder at the 400m.
Perhaps the Stipes should consult the resident handicapper on the day before jumping in as they have?
We look forward to the outcome of the investigation.
