NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has hit back at a potential Turkish ban on MPs attending the Gallipoli centenary

Source: ABCNews

The New South Wales Government has reacted harshly to reports the Turkish speaker of parliament has threatened to ban MPs from attending the centenary commemorations of the Gallipoli landing.

Tension between the NSW Parliament and Turkish authorities first erupted in May, when MPs passed a motion recognising the Armenian genocide.

Genocide scholars say that from 1915 to 1923 more than 1 million Armenians lost their lives at the hands of the Ottoman empire.

Turkey has long disputed it was genocide.

Places limited for Gallipoli landings centenary.

The Turkish speaker of parliament, Cemil Cicek, has reportedly called on the State Government to withdraw its resolution.

He says NSW MPs could be banned from attending the 2015 Anzac centenary at Gallipoli if action is not taken.

In a statement, Premier Barry O’Farrell said anyone associated with the Turkish government should not use the centenary for political purposes and labelled the comments “deplorable”.

It comes after the ABC revealed that one of the world’s most vocal Armenian genocide deniers is set to make an address at Parliament House in Canberra next week.

The address, titled “What happened during 1915-1923”, will be given by Professor Justin McCarthy, an American history professor whom many Armenians view with the same disdain as Jews view Holocaust denier David Irving.

Ballot opens for Gallipoli centenary tickets

The escalation of tensions between NSW and Turkey comes as the ballot for Australians hoping to attend the 2015 Anzac centenary at Gallipoli opens.

A total of 6,000 tickets will be available to the general public, and another 2,000 will be reserved for direct descendents of World War One veterans, veterans of other wars and school children.

The Federal Government will extend personal invitations to the 160 surviving widows of World War I veterans.

Ballot key dates

The ballot will close at the end of January and the Government expects to announce the results in March.

Veterans Affairs Minister Senator Michael Ronaldson says Prime Minister Tony Abbott will attend the event and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will also be invited.

But he says the remaining official delegation will be small to ensure as many members of the public can attend.

He says that although attending Anzac Day commemorations in 2015 would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, if unsuccessful in the ballot, visitors could also consider visiting Gallipoli at another time during the centenary year.

“The Gallipoli campaign lasted eight months from April to December 1915,” he said.

“I encourage those who may not be successful in the ballot to consider visiting Gallipoli at another time in 2015.”

The ballot had initially been delayed over fairness concerns.

Rare albino kangaroo’s incredible tale of survival in the Australian outback

Source: canberratimes.com.au

A rare albino kangaroo at the Namadgi National Park.

A rare albino kangaroo at the Namadgi National Park. Photo: Rohan Thomson

Lazing in the middle of a kangaroo mob just a half hour drive from city suburbs is a truly incredible tale of survival, rarely seen in the animal kingdom: an albino kangaroo that has survived beyond its perilous childhood.

Its pure, almost dazzling white coat strikes an amazing contrast against the lush greens and bush greys of the valley floor in the ACT’s Namadgi National Park.

Parks ranger Brett McNamara thinks the albino kangaroo, likely an eastern grey, is probably about two years old, which is extremely rare in the wild.

Rare albino kangaroo found in Canberra national park

A rare albino kangaroo at the Namadgi National Park. Photo: Rohan Thomson

The usual fate of such an outstanding creature is a very short lifespan. In this part of the world, 30 minutes past Canberra’s southern suburbs, they make easy prey for wild dogs, foxes, and even eagles from the moment they are born. Their pale skin also makes them susceptible to sun burn and cancer, much like a fair-skinned human.

To add to their woes, albino kangaroos also tend to have a genetic predisposition towards sight and hearing issues, making it even more difficult to escape hungry predators.

“The whole thing about natural selection is that you want to blend in. Grey kangaroos are grey for a reason – they blend in with the rest of the environment,” Mr McNamara says.

Surrounded by its extended family of grey eastern greys, this young kangaroo looks alert but at ease. It appears to notice the clicking of a camera, and moves with its mob as we near.

Mr McNamara says the healthy population of kangaroos in the valley has probably played a large part in its survival, as the family bands together against potential dangers.

“It’s literally a face in the mob,” he says. “They do form very close-knit mobs within that valley. There’d be a dominate male kangaroo, there’d be a harem of females that he would be keeping a close eye on, then there would be some adults and obviously the juveniles coming through.”

From a distance it’s too hard to tell the sex of the albino, although the sight of a large male sniffing around could be an indication that it is a girl.

Rangers have given it the nickname Rene(e) (with the second ‘e’ awaiting confirmation of its sex), after a staff member in the department, but say they’re open to suggestions from the community.

Having survived the inherent dangers of a childhood of standing out in the crowd, Mr McNamara says he sees no reason the creature shouldn’t enjoy a full and happy life going forward – although he warns rangers will be keeping an eye out for any human interference.

“We are concerned about its ongoing welfare because of some illegal hunting activities that do occur in the park. We know we have those problems in the park,” he says.

Since it was first captured on film in a fuzzy shot by a ranger on Sunday, the park has received reports of at least two other albino kangaroos in its vast expanse in the ACT’s south. Friday was the second time The Canberra Times was called to the park to look for the creature.

But Mr McNamara says visitors shouldn’t come just to look for them. He won’t reveal the exact locations of the sightings, but instead says people should take it as an indication of just how worthwhile visiting the park could be.

“It really, to my mind, underscores the incredible biodiversity value that is Namadgi National Park,” he says.

“That something like this can occur, I know it’s all a bit clichéd, but literally a stone’s throw from the nation’s capital … what other national capital anywhere in the world could you do something like that? That’s what I reckon makes Canberra such an incredibly unique place.”

Territory emergency staff to aid Typhoon effort including Darwin-based Dr Len Notaras

Source: ABC

Territory emergency staff to aid Typhoon effort

By Ruby Jones

Updated Mon 11 Nov 2013, 5:51pm AEDT

Fallen trees and destroyed houses

A team of Northern Territory medical and emergency workers trained in disaster relief are preparing to travel to Tacloban City in the Philippines with a portable hospital and supplies following typhoon Haiyan.

In Tacloban 10,000 people are reported dead and thousands more are injured.

The 36 workers – who are part of the Darwin-based National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre – will leave Darwin within 24 hours.

The Centre’s head, Dr Len Notaras, said the team will treat thousands of people injured in the typhoon, and their operation will be fully self sustained.

“They’ll go up there for a minimum of two weeks to start with,” Dr Notaras said.

“They’ll have a sixty bed, fully deployable hospital, which is air conditioned, its own generators, its own power sources, and fuel, and as well as that they’ll have their own sleeping quarters, their own food and so on.”

Dr Notaras said it is expected the team will treat up to three and a half thousand people in the first two weeks.

“It will be a confronting scene but by the same token these are highly trained individuals who are well equipped to respond to events such as this and will be, as soon as they touch down, able to provide assistance to the people of the Philippines.”

The Federal Government has approved a $10 million dollar humanitarian assistance package to the Philippines.

The Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles said his Government will also donate $10,000 to the relief effort.

Medical team prepares for emergency airlift

Photo: Members of the NCCTRC medical team gather as supplies are prepared for their emergency mission to the Philippines. (ABC News)

Queensland scientists researchers uncovers breast cancer switch

Source: Ninemsn.com

Queensland scientists have identified a genetic “switch” which indicates whether breast cancer is aggressive and likely to spread.

The discovery may provide a clearer prognosis for breast cancer patients and pave the way for new treatments.

Teams from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and the Institute of Molecular Bioscience (UQ) have found a particular RNA (Ribonucleic acid) molecule goes missing in aggressive cancers.

QIMR Berghofer’s Dr Nicole Cloonan says the discovery will make it easier to identify aggressive tumours.

“Essentially, this particular gene fragment, or microRNA, normally acts like an emergency brake in our genetic program, ensuring our cells continue to reproduce normally,” Dr Cloonan explained.

“But we’ve identified that this “emergency brake” fails in invasive, aggressive tumours. Its sudden absence in cancer tests would be a clear marker that a tumour is likely to spread.

“And we know that primary breast cancer rarely kills; it is those aggressive tumours that spread, or metastasise, which result in poor outcomes.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women.

Survival largely depends on the timing of diagnosis. If the cancer is limited to the breast, 96 per cent of patients will be alive five years after diagnosis, according Cancer Council Australia.

Dr Cloonan says, although the research focused on breast cancer, it has wider implications.

It is clear the microRNA is also missing in aggressive liver, stomach, brain and skin cancers, she said.

“What we’ve uncovered seems to be a common cellular process which could be a new drug target,” Dr Cloonan said.

Fiorente wins the 2013 Melbourne Cup

Source: News.com.au

Melbourne Cup favourite Fiorente claims the 2013 crown, pipping Red Cadeaux by a length on the final straight.

Winner … Fiorente takes out the 2013 Melbourne Cup. Picture: Seven Network Source: Supplied

GAI Waterhouse has become the first Australian woman to train a Melbourne Cup winner, with Fiorente seizing the Melbourne Cup in commanding fashion this afternoon.

Ageless marvel Red Cadeaux has run second for the second time after finishing runner-up by a few pixels to Dunaden in 2011, while Mount Athos ran third, in what will be another frustrating placing for the English Cumani stable.

“It’s a dream come true,” Waterhouse said. “I’m so thrilled for all the people who come up to me and say ‘good luck, Gai’.”

The win of Fiorente is also a triumph for jockey Damien Oliver, who claims his third Melbourne Cup after wins aboard Doriemus in 1995 and Media Puzzle in 2002.

Reaction … The cashed-up trainer’s response to her victory was caught on camera. Picture: Seven Network Source: Supplied

Oliver was outed from the sport last year for betting on a rival horse in a race where he was riding the second favourite.

He returned earlier this Spring, and some said he didn’t deserve to be in the saddle so soon.

But Oliver has added another incredible chapter to his career, after he became the toast of the nation in 2002 when he won the Cup the same week his brother Jason, also a jockey, was killed in a trackwork fall.

Victory … Jockey Damien Oliver with his winning horse Fiorente. Source: HeraldSun

Cup-holder … Gai Waterhouse is the first Australian woman to train a horse to Cup victory. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Winning duo … Damien Oliver hugs trainer Gai Waterhouse after Fiorente won the Emirates Melbourne Cup. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

For Waterhouse, this caps off an amazing year in which her name was dragged through the mud in the More Joyous Affair and she fell out with her long-time friend and client John Singleton, who withdrew all his horses from the Waterhouse stable.

But after finishing second in the race twice and winning virtually every major race on the Australian turf, Waterhouse has finally claimed Australia’s greatest race.

Bred in Europe, Fiorente was acquired by Waterhouse before last year’s spring.

The cashed-up trainer outbid rival Aussie trainer Mike Moroney in an 11th hour bid, and had immediate success, running second to Green Moon in last year’s Melbourne Cup.

Waterhouse and the horse went one better today.

Finish line … Oliver keeps Fiorente a full length in front of Red Cadeaux. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Lucky man … The part-owners of Fiorente. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

TRAGIC INCIDENT

Trackside officials confirmed French mare Verema was euthanised after it fractured a cannon (leg) bone at the 2000m mark.

Dr Brian Stewart, Racing Victoria’s Head of Veterinary and Equine Welfare, confirmed the incident in a statement.

“This was an unfortunate accident that happens infrequently in racing and our sympathies are extended at this time to the Aga Khan, Alain de Royer Dupre and the connections of Verema.”

The Eurythmics formed in the NSW city of Wagga Wagga, according to founding member Dave Stewart

Source: CanberraTimes

Eurythmics formed in the New South Wales city of Wagga Wagga, according to founding member Dave Stewart.

“That’s where Annie and I decided to become a duo. It was in a place called Wagga Wagga,” Stewart said.

“We were in a hotel late at night with a little portable mini-synthesizer and playing around. We were interested in doing something, just the two of us.”

At the time, singer Annie Lennox and Stewart were part of a band called The Tourists, lead by singer Peet Coombes.
“He became very sick on the tour,” Stewart said. Coombes eventually died in 1997 following years of alcohol and drug abuse.

Lennox and Stewart had their first Australian hit in The Tourists with a cover of the song I Only Want To Be With You.

Stewart recently released his new album Lucky Numbers with yet another Aussie connection. Melbourne’s Vanessa Amorosi sings on three tracks on the album.

The video for the single Every Single Night is the first music video ever recorded in 11:1 surround sound.
On Monday, Sir Elton John and Adele were among the stars who praised singer Annie Lennox as the chart-topping performer was honoured for her contribution to music at the Music Industry Trusts Award in London.
More than 1000 people attended a fundraising dinner to see the former Eurythmics star given the award for her achievements and her charity commitments.

Speaking in a recorded video tribute, Sir Elton said of her award: ”It is so well deserved and not only for your extraordinary contribution to music and songwriting but also for your outstanding and tireless work as an HIV and AIDS activist and supporter of women’s rights.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was also among those who spoke on film saying: ”She is one of those exemplary human beings who chose to put her success in her chosen career to work in order to benefit others. She is a true friend of Africa and of South Africa.”

Her AIDS activism in general, and support for the treatment action campaign in-particular, contributed significantly to turning the pandemic around in our country.”

Writing in the program for the event, Oscar-winning star Adele said: ”So many of her songs have been the soundtrack to my life.

“Annie Lennox has been a constant part of my life. An example of a brilliant talent that exudes excellence and influence on everyone.”

Lennox, 58, follows in the footsteps of Sir Elton, Gary Barlow and the late John Barry in being presented with the award.

The singer — whose solo hits include Why and Walking On Broken Glass — also performed at the dinner, which was staged in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel and is raising money for Nordoff Robbins and the BRIT Trust.

She said: ”I’m very touched and honoured to receive this award. Music has given me a lifetime of experiences and opportunities that I would never have dreamed possible, and I feel very privileged to have been able to become an artist and communicator, especially as a woman.”

The event was hosted by Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley, after her station colleague Paul Gambaccini withdrew from his appearance following his arrest last week as part of the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Yewtree investigation. He has denied all allegations.

Newcastle Port sale includes 700 hectares, but not Nobbys

Source: TheHerald

MORE than 700 hectares of land are set to be included in the lease of the Port of Newcastle, after state cabinet opted on Monday night to go ahead with the transaction based on advice of strong interest from investors.

However, Nobbys headland won’t be included in the 99-year lease, to ensure public access to the iconic site is retained.

The plan to lease the port was unveiled in the June budget, after the government got more money than it expected for the earlier lease of Port Botany and Port Kembla.

It has promised to use $340 million of the anticipated $700 million proceeds for Newcastle to install light rail in the city centre.

A scoping study was commissioned to recommend what should be included in the transaction.

Treasurer Mike Baird and Ports minister Duncan Gay said on Tuesday the study had confirmed initial investor interest and value in leasing the port.

“Today is an exciting day for the people of Newcastle, who are one step closer to achieving the much-needed revitalisation of their city centre – a major investment which will be made possible through funds raised by the lease of the Port,” Mr Baird said on Tuesday morning.

Newcastle Port Corporation will retain maritime functions including the Harbour Master, dangerous goods approvals, emergency response, and administration of the existing coal chain capacity framework arrangements.

Some staff will transfer to the lessee to ‘‘ensure business continuity’’.

The government is aiming to complete the lease by mid next year and will call for expressions of interest later this month.

Investigation: Doctors were required to repay a total of more than $1.5 million

Source: SMH

One doctor billed the taxpayer for seeing more than 500 patients in a single day, and more than 200 patients on several other days, according to the Medicare watchdog.

The case is in the annual report of the Professional Services Review agency, which disciplines doctors for inappropriate practice.

The doctor, who worked for a company that provided workplace health and safety services, including vaccinations, told the agency they had ”eyeballed” each patient.

A GP who provides 80 or more services on 20 or more days of the year is generally considered to be guilty of inappropriate practice, because professional bodies say it is not possible to effectively treat such large numbers of patients.

The doctor, whose details are not disclosed, billed Medicare for 90 or more services on 29 days, potentially running up a bill of several thousand dollars in inappropriate services. The doctor negotiated a confidential settlement with the agency, which included an acknowledgement that they had engaged in inappropriate practice.
Over the year, 26 doctors were required to repay a total of more than $1.5 million and 11 were suspended from Medicare.

The agency reported that some of the GPs referred for investigation for very high levels of servicing worked in large, extended hours clinics. The agency said these doctors argued they were responding to demand.

The agency expressed concern about possible abuse of generous rebates for chronic disease management. Doctors can charge Medicare more than $135 to prepare a plan to co-ordinate the management of a patient’s disease.

One plan simply listed the patient’s conditions and entered the word ”dental” under goals. Other doctors populated the plans with template entries. In one case, a plan for a patient who had never smoked included advice on strategies for giving up smoking.

The Department of Human Services referred 45 cases to the agency in 2012-13, a 50 per cent increase on 2011-12. However, the increase may be partly attributable to legal challenges, which disrupted the agency’s operations between 2010 and last year.

Guide for the final 24 horses in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup

Source: News.com.au

2011 Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux works at Werribee. Picture: Colleen Petch

2011 Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux works at Werribee. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

IT’S time to read up on the Melbourne Cup form and sort the contenders from the pretenders ahead of the race that stops a nation.

1 DUNADEN

(Mikel Delzangles) 8h By Nicobar – La Marlia (41:10-11-8)

Finished 1-1/4 length 2nd (58.0) Novellist 2400m Fr – Saint Cloud De Saint-Cloud slow track June 23 then ran 6-1/4 length 8th (58.0) Orfevre 2400m Fr – Longchamp Prix Foy slow track Sept 15. Outstanding French stayer who won this race (and the Geelong Cup) in 2011 then produced an amazing last-to-first performance to win the 2012 Caulfield Cup. He again came from well back under 59kg to beat ten rivals home in last year’s renewal of this race and while yet to win since, he has been very competitive at the top level all over the world. Impossible to leave him out.

2 GREEN MOON

(Robert Hickmott) 7h By Montjeu – Green Noon (25:7-3-0)

Wasn’t suited with the slow pace when 4 length 9th (59.0) It’s A Dundeel 1800m Caulfield Underwood Stks slow track Sept 21 then did his best work late when 7-1/2 length 9th (59.0) Shamus Award 2040m M Valley W.S. Cox Plate Oct. 26. Last year’s winner and has been ticking over OK in his weight-for-age lead-ups which have generally not been run to suit. Goes up 3kg on last year’s win but the stable appear to have aimed him at just the one target this spring and you ignore him at your peril. Key player.

Green Moon, ridden by Brett Prebble (left), works out with stablemate Thought Worthy. Source: News Limited

3 RED CADEAUX

(Ed Dunlop) 8g By Cadeaux Genereux – Artisia (40:7-10-6)

Finished strongly for 1-1/2 length 2nd (61.5) Royal Empire 2716m G B – Newbury Freer Stakes Aug. 17 before running 11 length 4th (62.0) Voleuse De Coeurs 2816m Ire – Curragh Irish St Leger Sept 15. Amazingly reliable stayer who in his past 10 starts has raced in seven different countries – Australia, Japan, China (Hong Kong), UAE, Singapore, Great Britain and Ireland. In that time, he has run 8th in the 2012 Melbourne Cup, finished 8th (of 17) in the Japan Cup, won the Hong Kong Vase, run 2nd in the Dubai World Cup and generally been competitive in most starts. Lost this race by a whisker in 2011 and connections would dearly love to atone here. Handles all types of going and must go in.

4 SEA MOON

(Robert Hickmott) 6h By Beat Hollow – Eva Luna (14:6-3-1)

Looked unlucky to lose on protest when nose 2nd (60.0) Araldo 2520m Flemington Bart Cummings Oct. 5 then raced closer to the lead for 3/4 length win (59.5) Oasis Bloom, Simenon 2400m Caulfield Herbert Power Oct. 12. Imported stayer who has a victory over Dunaden and Red Cadeau at level weights at Ascot on his CV (over 2414m) although he is yet to win at G1 level. Digs in for the fight but will face tougher opposition here than in his lead-up races. Has been placed up to 2900 metres but last bit will be the test.

5 BROWN PANTHER

(Tom Dascombe) 6h By Shirocco – Treble Heights (17:7-3-1)

Followed 3-1/2 length win (60.5) Ahzeemah, Altano 3219m G B – Goodwood Cup Aug. 1 with 4-3/4 length 5th (59.5) Grandeur 2012m G B – Goodwood Greene King Sept 25. UK stayer who went to a new level with a dominant win in the G2 Goodwood Cup in August, beating Godolphin’s class galloper Ahzeemah and leaving the likes of Mount Athos in his wake. That win stamped him as a key player in this race after he sat on a solid pace and fought off all challengers to win comprehensively. Looks to have settled in beautifully here and sure to be in the finish.

Sarah Lynam rides Fiorente (second from right) during a morning swim at the beach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

6 FIORENTE

(Ms G Waterhouse) 6h By Monsun – Desert Bloom (15:3-4-2)

Missed the start and had to be eased early on before finishing 1/2 length 4th (56.5) Happy Trails 2000m Flemington Turnbull Stakes Oct. 5 then was game when finishing 1/2 head, long neck 3rd (59.0) Shamus Award, Happy Trails 2040m M Valley W.S. Cox Plate Oct. 26. Runner-up in this race last year (to Green Moon) and looks to have had a perfect preparation. Fought on determinedly in the Cox Plate after going forward and likely to settle further back here. Gives trainer a super chance to break her hoodoo in this race.

7 FORETELLER

(C J Waller) 7g By Dansili – Prophecy (36:10-4-1)

Missed the start when 4 length 2nd (59.0) Atlantic Jewel 2000m Caulfield Caulfield Stks Oct. 12 then finished 1-1/4 length 4th (59.0) Shamus Award 2040m M Valley W.S. Cox Plate Oct. 26. Grand Sydney galloper who finished better than anything in the Cox Plate to finish on the heels of the placegetters. He’s a proven G1 performer and while the trip is a query, he did run 5th (beaten 1.4 lengths) in the BMW (2400m) earlier in the year. Will give his all.

8 DANDINO

(M Botti) 7h By Dansili – Generous Diana (26:8-9-1)

Followed 1/2 length win (54.0) Suntracer, Najjaar 2716m U S A – Arlington St Leger Aug. 17 with 1-1/4 length 2nd (56.5) Fawkner 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct. 19. Widely-travelled stayer who has finished further back than 2nd just once in his past seven starts. Stormed home to finish runner-up in the Caulfield Cup to indicate he has clearly adapted to our style of racing and the trainer will be keen to improve on last year’s 3rd placing in this race with Jakkalberry. Meets many of his rivals very well at the weights here and makes strong appeal.

Nick Hall (right) celebrates winning the Caulfield Cup aboard Fawkner. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

9 ETHIOPIA

(P G Carey) 5g By Helenus – Shona (13:1-1-2)

Finished 7-3/4 length last (59.0) It’s A Dundeel 1800m Caulfield Underwood Stks slow track Sept 21 then followed up with 9-3/4 length 13th (56.5) Fawkner 2400m Caulfield Caulfield Cup Oct. 19. Since finished 2-3/4 length 4th (58.0) Ruscello 2500m Flemington Lexus Stakes dead track Nov. 2. Hadn’t done much since his 2012 Australian Derby win and a 4th in the Cox Plate that year but indicated a return to form with a late finishing 4th in the Lexus on Saturday. Very rough place claims.

10 FAWKNER

(Robert Hickmott) 6g By Reset – Dane Belltar (20:9-3-3)

Got hampered near the 1400m and lost a plate when short neck, head 3rd (55.5) Happy Trails, Puissance De Lune 2000m Flemington Turnbull Stakes Oct. 5 then stormed home for 1-1/4 length win (55.0) Dandino, Dear Demi 2400m Caulfield Caulfield Cup Oct. 19. Produced a career-best performance to win the Caulfield Cup after an unlucky run in the Turnbull Stakes. Has gone to a new level this campaign and stable knows what it takes to win this race. Comes into calculations.

11 MOURAYAN

(Robert Hickmott) 8h By Alhaarth – Mouramara (41:5-8-5)

Beat half the field home when 3-1/2 length 7th (59.0) Foreteller 1600m Flemington Makybe Diva dead track Sept 7 then raced on the pace before finishing 3 length 8th (58.0) Seville 2400m Randwick The Metro. Oct. 5. Since finished 8 length 7th (59kg) Side Glance 2000m Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday. Was 7th in this race last year and won the Sydney Cup three starts back over this distance lugging 58kg although this is a much deeper race. 8yo who only battled home in the Mackinnon on Saturday but he’ll appreciate getting down in the weights and will run the trip out but place hopes look best.

Craig Williams aboard the flying Mount Athos at Werribee trackwork. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Limited

12 SEVILLE

(Robert Hickmott) 6h By Galileo – Silverskaya (19:2-6-1)

Followed 1/2 length win (55.5) Julienas, Sneak A Peek 2400m Randwick The Metro Oct. 5 with 5-1/2 length 7th (59.0) Shamus Award 2040m M Valley W.S Cox Plate Oct. 26. Has mixed his form since arriving from the UK 18 months ago but his best runs indicate a horse of some talent. Showed great fight to win the G1 Metropolitan two starts back when wore blinkers for the first time and his Cox Plate run looked the perfect lead-up for this race. Still a query at the trip but impossible to dismiss totally.

13 SUPER COOL

(M A Kavanagh) 4g By Fastnet Rock – Queen Mother (14:4-2-3)

No match for the first two when 4 length, length 3rd (58.0) Atlantic Jewel, Foreteller 2000m Caulfield Caulfield Stks Oct. 12 then far from disgraced when 3-1/4 length 5th (57.5) Shamus Award 2040m M Valley W.S. Cox Plate Oct. 26. Stuck on gamely in the Cox Plate and while he was runner-up in last year’s VRC Derby over 2500 metres, his best form to date has been over shorter trips. Has a touch of class but will need things to fall his way.

14 MASKED MARVEL

(Robert Hickmott) 6h By Montjeu – Waldmark (17:4-1-2)

Just missed when short neck 2nd (59.0) Honorius 2000m Randwick Craven Plate dead track Oct. 5 then never a threat when 11-1/2 length 13th (59.0) Shamus Award 2040m M Valley W.S Cox Plate Oct. 26. Wasn’t suited by the conditions in the Cox Plate and he’s well weighted here on his best UK form which includes a win over the likes of Brown Panther and Sea Moon in the 2011 UK St Leger. Conversely, that was his last win and his career may have peaked back then. Take on trust.

Model Jess Gomes with trainer Chris Waller’s Melbourne Cup hope, Hawkspur. Source: News Limited

15 MOUNT ATHOS

(L M Cumani) 7g By Montjeu – Ionian Sea (26:8-1-1)

Finished 8-3/4 length 8th (60.5) Brown Panther 3219m G B – Goodwood Cup Aug. 1 before running head 2nd (62.5) Harris Tweed 2816m G B – Goodwood March Stakes Aug. 24. Finished a luckless 5th in this race last year and stable are back to try to break their hoodoo in this event. Carries the same weight as he did last year and looked to be back in form at his most recent run before heading here this time. Definite threat.

16 ROYAL EMPIRE

(Saeed Bin Suroor) 5h By Teofilo – Zeiting (13:5-5-1)

Followed head 2nd (60.5) Prince Bishop 2414m G B – Kempton Park September Stks Sept 7 with 2-1/2 length 2nd (58.5) Secret Number 2414m G B – Ascot Cumberland Lodge dead track Oct. 5. Very consistent stayer but hasn’t raced outside of G3 level to date. Three starts back he scored over Red Cadeaux and stablemate Lost In The Moment (6th in the 2011 Melbourne Cup) in the G3 Freer Stakes which is the same race Mount Athos won before finishing 5th in this race last year. Give some thought.

17 VOLEUSE DE COEURS

(M D Moroney) 5m By Teofilo – Vadorga (13:5-3-2)

Followed 1/2 length 2nd (61.0) Royal Diamond 2816m Ire – Curragh St Leger trial Aug. 24 with 6 length win (61.0) Ahzeemah, Saddler’s Rock 2816m Ire – Curragh Irish St Leger Sept 15. Nominated for the race when trained by Dermot Weld, this mare carried 61kg to win the G1 Irish St Leger by six lengths in September and meets the 4th placegetter from that race, Red Cadeaux, a kilo and a half better for beating it by 11 lengths. She is unbeaten in two tries at the trip and while she handles all conditions, she is a superior wet-tracker. Comes right into calculations.

Antoine Creton puts Verema through his paces at Werribee trackwork. Source: News Limited

18 HAWKSPUR

(C J Waller) 4g By Purrealist – Mollyhawk (23:7-6-0)

Had no luck when 1/2 length 5th (56.5) Happy Trails 2000m Flemington Turnbull Stakes Oct. 5 then was severely hampered in the early stages before storming home for 2-1/2 length 7th (54.5) Fawkner 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct. 19. Emerged as a potential spring contender during the Brisbane winter carnival when three successive wins culminated in victory in the G1 Queensland Derby. He has been luckless after drawing wide barriers in his two most recent lead-up runs including a superb effort in the Caulfield Cup after striking early trouble and being forced back to the rear of the field. Looks one of the key local hopes.

19 SIMENON

(W P Mullins) 7g By Marju – Epistoliere (32:6-4-6)

Finished head 2nd (58.5) Ahzeemah 3299m G B – York Lonsdale Cup dead track Aug. 23 then was hampered near the 2000m before finishing 3/4 length, short head 3rd (56.5) Sea Moon, Oasis Bloom 2400m Caulfield Herbert Power Oct. 12. Irish stayer who mixes flat and jumps racing back home and he scored two wins at the 2012 Royal Ascot festival over 4000m-plus trips before finishing runner-up in this year’s Ascot Gold Cup (4023m). Will be vastly improved by his Caulfield run and you know he’ll be strong at the finish. Worth consideration.

20 IBICENCO

(P G Moody) 6h By Shirocco – Iberi (21:4-3-2)

Found trouble near the 1200m and stewards queried the run 4-3/4 length 12th (53.5) Seville 2400m Randwick The Metro. Oct. 5 then scored neck win (56.5) Verdant, Moudre 2400m Geelong Cup heavy track Oct. 23. Import who won last year’s Sandown Cup over this distance and returned to his best last time on a heavy track in the Geelong Cup. His only poor run this campaign has been in The Metropolitan when he found trouble in the run and he could be the surprise packet here given his ability to run the trip out. Not the worst.

Dear Demi is a great lightweight hope for owner John Singleton. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Limited

21 VEREMA

(A De Royer-Dupre) 5m By Barathea – Vermentina (12:4-2-1)

After 3/4 length win (55.0) La Pomme D’Amour, Goldtara 2800m Fr – Longchamp Prix De Nieuil July 13 scored 1/2 length win (58.5) Joshua Tree, Dance Moves 3000m Fr – Deauville Prix Kergorlay dead track Aug. 18. Interesting mare who is trained by the same trainer as 2010 Cup winner Americain. Only started racing 18 months ago and she has put together successive wins at G2 level leading into this while her only run over this trip resulted in a 3rd in the Dubai Gold Cup in March. Has come a long way in her 12 starts and ticks a few boxes here. Major player.

22 DEAR DEMI

(C E Conners) 4m By Dehere – Shirley (28:6-5-6)

Jumped awkwardly before finishing 2-3/4 length 8th (54.5) Happy Trails 2000m Flemington Turnbull Stakes Oct. 5 then was eased in the early stages before running 1-1/4 length, nose 3rd (53.0) Fawkner, Dandino 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct. 19. Another big effort when rearward in transit, switched back to the fence and closed intently when clear on winner for 3/4 length 2nd (56.5) Side Glance 2000m Flemington Mackinnon Stks Nov. 2. Caught the eye in the Caulfield Cup when she stormed home for third and was a bit unlucky in the Mackinnon. Won the VRC Oaks (2500m) here last year and she is on track to pull out a big run in this. Blowout chance.

Ruscello wins Lexus Stakes 1:32

Bottom weight Ruscello puts in courageous performance to claim the Lexus Stakes along the rails from Let?s Make Adeal as the two come away to fight out the finish. The five-year-old comes into $41 from $301 for the Melbourne …

23 TRES BLUE

(Ms G Waterhouse) 4h By Anabaa Blue – Tres Ravi (10:4-2-1)

Followed 3/4 length win (56.0) Montclair, First Mohican 2500m Fr – Deauville Prix De Reux dead track Aug. 4 with head win (53.5) Penglai Pavilion, Slow Pace 2500m Fr – Deauville Gp Deauville dead track Aug. 25. Emerging French stayer who is now with Gai Waterhouse. Comes through different form lines to many of the other international runners but he clearly has plenty of talent. Must be included.

24 RUSCELLO

(Ed Walker) 5g By Cape Cross – Sea Picture (18:5-3-4)

Following 1-1/4 length, 3/4 length 3rd (61.5) Cat O’Mountain, Castilo Del Diablo 2213m G B – Kempton Park (95) Sept 6 ran short head 2nd (58.0) Backbone 2000m Caulfield (84) Oct. 16. Made most of the running and kept on courageously for short neck win (54.0) Let’s Make Adeal, Araldo 2500m Flemington Lexus Stakes dead track Nov. 2. All-the-way winner in the Lexus on Saturday (in slow time) but can expect a great deal more pressure in this. Place perhaps.

Adventure World launches new spooky attraction the Abyss roller-coaster

Source: News.com.au

Hold onto your hat! Picture: Jackson Flindell Source: News Limited

The Abyss roller-coaster was unleashed on Halloween night. Picture: Jackson Flindell Source: News Limited

BOASTING a G-force thrust greater than a space shuttle launch and reaching speeds of up to 85km/h, you could be forgiven for being a little nervous about riding on the Abyss at Adventure World.

The Perth theme park officially launched its spooky ride on Halloween night, giving competition winners and the media the first chance to ride the thriller.

The two-minute adrenalin-pumping journey begins in darkness with several speedy turns and rolls that will give you a head rush. Next comes the slow, perpendicular lift, full of trepidation for the inevitable plunge back down to Earth.

That massive 30m drop is both exhilarating and a little nauseating, and is the sixth steepest roller-coaster drop in the world.

What follows is a series of disorientating and stomach-churning loops before the ride ends.

The Abyss has the broadest range of G-forces and speed of any theme park ride in Australia.

It includes -1 to 4.5 G-forces, which is close to those achieved by Formula 1 cars at corners or pilots catapulted off a Navy aircraft carrier.

You’ll need a strong stomach for this adventure ride. Picture: Jackson Flindell Source: News Limited

As I disembarked from the ride, my legs were shaking and my heart was still pounding for a couple of minutes after the experience.

It was just as thrilling the second time around as the Abyss took riders on a journey including four inversions, a rollover loop, cobra roll and incline loop.

The $12 million Abyss has been billed as Australia’s most thrilling roller-coaster and is the single largest investment at Adventure World since it launched in 1982.

The Abyss cost a whopping $12 million to build. Picture: Jackson Flindell Source: News Limited

Adventure World chief executive Mark Shaw said the Abyss would firmly place WA on the world theme park stage.

The 630m-long ride was custom built in Germany with the theme pieces built at a facility in the Philippines that specialises in fit-outs for theme parks around the world.

The impressive landscape features 30 three-metre tall ancient druid “Guardians” throughout the mysterious terrain and an arch at the entrance.

Massive upturned trees with exposed roots also help create a spooky atmosphere.

The Abyss has been billed as Australia’s most thrilling roller-coaster. Picture: Jackson Flindell Source: News Limited

Winners from an online game competition experienced the ride first and many were screaming with every twist and commenting afterwards that it was the best ride in Australia.

Local MP – and self-confessed roller-coaster thrill seeker – Joe Francis described the Abyss as an “amazing piece of mechanical engineering”.

Mr Shaw told those gathered to try the Abyss they should feel apprehensive before going on the ride.

“It’s smooth, fast, it’s even better in the dark,” he quipped. While I have enjoyed other rides in the world more, the Abyss is certainly the best thrillseeking ride in Australia and is sure to attract tourists seeking an adrenalin rush.