By MIKE DILLON
Roger James rejected any suggestion Kiwi filly Giovana did not fire in Saturday's $A450,000 Queensland Derby because she failed to back up after her Oaks win the previous week.
"It was only the wet track that upset her," said James.
Despite the fact Landsighting, remarkably, ran a near track record in the 1400m Stradbroke Handicap a race after the Derby, the footing was definitely rain-affected and loose.
"Chris (Munce) said she just couldn't sprint off the surface the same as she did when she won the Oaks on a fast track."
James was delighted with the fitness of Giovana going into the race.
"Her work this week had been sensational. I was very happy with her."
Munce quickly had Giovana in a nice position behind the pace, but in an effort to secure better footing, moved out three wide at the end of the back straight.
Giovana was right in the picture on the home bend, but could find nothing when the pressure went on.
Freemason and Larry Cassidy proved far too strong in the closing stages, but equally impressive was the finishing run from well back of former New Zealand 3-year-old Citra's Prince, who loved the give in the track.
Freemason's win avoided the unkindest cut of all - he has been forgiven an appointment with the vet's gelding scalpel.
The Sydney colt has been a difficult, head-strong individual.
"He's difficult to ride and has got Darren Gauci and myself into all sorts of bother a few times," said winning rider Larry Cassidy.
"He's got to have the speed on in his races or he does too many things wrong. The pace was right on from the start today and that suited perfectly."
Master trainer John Hawkes was quick to praise Cassidy for his ride.
"I get bagged for telling jockeys when they ride a bad race, and I always do, but I can tell them when they come up trumps as well."
Heavily backed Fairway was left three wide without cover for Brian York and lacked the finishing dash that won him the AJC Derby.
"There was nothing I could do about it," said York, "but I feel he's probably come to the end of his campaign this time."
Racing: Wet too much for filly to take
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