The judge was in hot demand at Canterbury this afternoon after being called upon to separate winner Pythagorean from the brave Golden Aro.
But the man in the hot seat has been crossed off jockey Tommy Berry’s christmas card list after declaring a nose margin against the rider for the second time today.
Berry was also downed by the barest of margins aboard Private Secretary in race four, and could only shake his head after being pipped by Blake Shinn and Pythagorean.
“The photo finish hasn’t been in our favour today with Preferment beaten earlier, and I didn’t like our chances there either,” winning trainer Chris Waller said.
“This horse has done some good work and one of our track riders Charlie Duckworth has put a lot of hours into him.
“He’s the type of horse that can improve with racing, we’ve just gotta keep his head right.”
Shinn took control of the race early on Pythagorean ($8) and rode for dear life to hold out the late challenge of Golden Aro ($10) on the line.
Forgotten Years ($5.50) was a length and a quarter away in third.
Onemore Eightmore was eased out of the event down the back straight and connections will be eagerly awaiting the vet report on the Taree-trained runner.
Source: TVN