Racing Victoria stewards have launched an investigation into the betting patterns and tactics used in race seven at Pakenham on Thursday night, following John Allen’s ride aboard Boga Legend.
Trained by Mitch Freedman, Boga Legend finished fourth in the Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix 0 – 64 Handicap (1400m) after being last at the 400-metre mark.
Jumping only fairly from barrier eight, the grey gelding settled at the rear of the field, positioned one-off the fence.
As the field turned for home, Allen had the opportunity to shift wider and circle the field but instead chose an inside run, which left Boga Legend stuck behind runners until approximately the 150-metre mark.
“Stewards inquired into the ride of John Allen, in particular as to the reason why he elected to shift to the inside of Gambino passing the 400m, rather than continue to improve to its outside,” the stewards’ report reads.
Both Allen and Freedman gave evidence, with the trainer appearing via telephone. However, no further details regarding the reasoning behind Allen’s tactics have been made public at this stage.
The inquiry remains open and has been adjourned to a date yet to be determined. Stewards have also confirmed a full betting review of the event will be conducted.
Boga Legend, returning from a 33-week break, was sent out at $7.50 with betting sites, drifting slightly from his $6.50 on-course quote.
The race was taken out by Fear No Evil, who drifted significantly from an opening price of $1.95 to start at $5.50 with corporate bookmakers.
Fear No Evil defies a heavy drift & wins at his second start 😈@GaiWaterhouse1 @beau_mertens pic.twitter.com/xo46iKRZpS
— Racing.com (@Racing) April 3, 2025
A veterinary examination conducted after the race found no abnormalities with Boga Legend.
