IRISH CLING ONTO LEAD IN AUSTRALIA A 'short ? head' went against the Irish in the hurdle at Sandown on Wednesday when Andrew Lynch on 9/1 chance Deeayebee was foiled 'on the nod' by Australian rider Adam Trinder on topweight Crying Storm.But the points system, restructured by the Australians after six years of consecutive defeats by Irish teams, has played to the advantage of the visitors who cling on to the lead by a single point; 76 to 75, going into Moonee Valley on Saturday despite not having enjoyed a win in this year´s series so far. This is the way the Australian Jump Racing Association wanted it to climax in the 21st year of the series. 'The visiting jockeys in front by only a point going into Irish Day at Moonee Valley with the $61,500 Dominant Steeple as the feature race of the tour is our idea of the perfect finish' said AJRA spokesman Peter Griffiths.The Sandown winner, 9/2 chance Crying Storm, was a withdrawal from Moe the previous day where Robbie Moran was supposed to ride him. 'Prefers a firmer track' was the official line but the Sandown race was worth twice as much. Deeayebee is trained by Robbie Laing at Cranbourn and he swore, a couple of years ago, 'never again' when it came to putting Irish riders up. But after being assured that Andrew Lynch would do the horse justice, he relented. Delighted with the ride Lynch gave the horse, he´s backing the series now with full power.Lynch led on Deeayebee to go a half length up after the second last, the winner edged on again halfway up the run-in but Lynch fought back again to go under by the narrowest margin. 'The best finish in a jumps race here in years' was the verdict.Moe on the Tuesday didn´t play to the full strength of the Irish team, Robbie Moran and Andrew Lynch were spectators as their mounts were both scratched. Denis Hogan was a points earner on third placed favourite Magnastar behind 10/1 winner Royal Laddie ridden by Brad McLean. Everything hinges now on the Moonee Valley chase this Saturday. Never before have the Irish gone without a winner. Never before have their Australian hosts gone into the final just one point down.
