The Stewards have interviewed Trainer M J Freedman regarding his application to change the gear carried by ELITE BOY, a declared starter in the stated race. ELITE BOY was successful at its most recent race start over the same course and distance on 25 March 2018 when racing with Blinkers and a Lugging Bit.

Mr Freedman explained that as instanced in the Racing Incidents Report following its most recent race start, ELITE BOY hung in badly in the straight. As a result of the horse’s racing manners in this race he applied a Blinker with One Cowl (Right Side), a Ring Bit and Tongue Tie to the horse in a subsequent barrier trial on 10 April 2018 and that both he and Jockey J Moreira, who rode the horse in the trial, were satisfied that the amended gear assisted the horse in racing more genuinely.

After considering the merits of Mr Freedman’s application, in particular the horse’s racing manners at its most recent race start the Stewards have approved the gear change. ELITE BOY will therefore carry Blinker with One Cowl, a Ring Bit and Tongue Tie in the stated race.