Year: 2018

Wyong has advertised just advertised the newly created position of General Manager. The successful applicant will have a key business development role to play at the Wyong Race Club (Club) to maintain and deliver all aspects of the Club’s strategy.

The primary role of the position is to provide ongoing support to the CEO, while leading the management team on a day to day basis across all areas of the Club’s business.

The role will include working closely with the current CEO and Board to implement the Club’s strategic plan through what promises to be an exciting new era for the Club.

Chairman Garry Whitaker explains that the Board is looking to make this appointment as part of its succession planning for the future. Mr Whittaker said current CEO David Jewell will continue to lead the business,  but over the next 6-12 months it is planned that David will have a greater focus on a couple of major projects currently under development, with the new GM taking over the day to day management of the business.

The newly created General Manager position incorporates responsibilities across all aspects of the Club’s day to day operations including – Business planning and development, Community and stakeholder management, Risk Management, Financial oversight and analysis, Event (raceday) Management, Sales and Marketing, Membership and Sponsorship. An interest or knowledge of the Thoroughbred Racing industry while advantageous is not a prerequisite to your employment in the role. See link below for more details:

Employment Opportunity: General Manager – Wyong Race Club

Kris Lees looks to have another couple of smart three-year-old fillies in his stable after Evalina and Power Rush won their respective races.

In a stable littered with three-year-old stars like Miss Fabulass and Smart Melody, foreman Keyren Forbes believes the two Wyong winners could both have bright futures. “It’s exciting times for the stables with so many talented fillies and I believe these two have plenty of ability,” he said.

Evalina ($3) put on a dominant performance to win the 1200m SE RENTALS FOR SMEETHY Maiden.

The I Am Invincible filly, raced by Leb Petagna who also owned Lees’ multipe group winning mare Lucia Valentina, was a $280,000 purchase at the 2017 Easter Yearling sales.

Evalina was having her third race start, coming off a fifth at Newcastle over 900m on August 16 when resuming.

The win brought up a race to race double for leading rider Brenton Avdulla.

He said Lees had found the right race for the filly and believed she would improve further off the win.

“Going back to the trials the other day Aaron (Bullock) gave her a good bit of education. He rode her quiet and went back through them,” Avdulla said. “Today in a slowly run race she over-raced for me a little bit early but I was always confident.

“I was happy to ride my race and hit the front at the top of the straight and kick her home and she was good enough to get the job done.”

Stable foreman Keyren Forbes described Evalina as a “really nice filly who is only going to go forward.”

“It’s very exciting. She hit the line very hard and was very keen. She’s going the right way and that’s great.”

Godolphin runner Segalas ($8) was a length behind in second, with the Clare Cunningham trained Coppergate ($4), third.

Power Rush ($3fav) was equally impressive taking out the 1000m EVERYTHING SPORTS & PERPETUAL CONVEYANCING CLASS 1.

Jason Collett, who brought up a winning double on the filly, settled her just behind the speed, taking a rails run in the straight to win by a half-length.

The filly was coming off a last start win at Tamworth on debut, and Forbes said it was great to see her take to the next step to provincial class.

“She’s got plenty of ability and it will be interesting to see how she progresses. She’s doing everything right and that is a great sign.”

Miss Invincible ($4.20) from the Bjorn Baker stable was second, with Venture Capital ($13) trained by Brett Partelle, a close third.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Into The Oblivion ($2.90fav) is headed for a Melbourne Spring campaign after his impressive win in the 1600m JIMMY JURD FOR SMEETHY 3YO Maiden.

The Paul Perry trained gelding made short work of his opposition in the final stages of the straight, drawing away for a half-length win.

Perry will now target the feature distance races, if he continues to show ability in lead-up races in Melbourne.

“That will be the goal, but we will see how he goes,” stable foreman Mick Rowland said.

“I’d say Paul will start him in a few minor races but that will be up to him.”

Jockey Jay Ford had settled the three-year-old near the rear of the field, before bringing him to the outside on straightening and finishing strongly.

The Hinchinbrook gelding is raced by a syndicate that includes Danny and Barbara Grant, long-time supporters of the Perry stable, who raced Group 1 winner The Mission.

Rowland said he had been concerned when Into The Oblivion was settled back in the field.

“I was having palpitations, but he got him going early and got a nice cart into the race off the back of Miss Moama,” he said.

“He loomed up in the straight and made short work of them.

“He put them away like a good horse in the end and he just eased him down on the line.”

Ford said the horse had to earn his money the “hard way” but in the end was too strong for his opposition.

“He resumed with a really eye-catching run and was a tad unlucky so it’s good to see him come her today and put them to bed,” Ford said.

“He put himself to sleep and was struggling to keep up, so that will put him in good stead when he gets over further.

“Once I shook him up he took a while to wind up but his class was too strong over the last furlong.”

Into The Oblivion beat the John Sargent trained Miss Moana ($5), with Northern Voyage ($3.20) from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, third.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Robbie Dolan continued his great association with Victory Anthem bringing up his fourth win on the Darci Brahma gelding.

The pair combined to take out the 1600m MINGARA AND PKF FOR SMEETHY BENCHMARK 64, securing the win for Dolan’s boss Mark Newnham.

Dolan has combined with Victory Anthem for all his four career wins and all but one of his five placings.

His latest victory brought up a double on the program for the in-form apprentice.

Against his normal pattern, Victory Anthem ($5.50) settled to the rear of the field, but showed good determination when hitting the front in the straight to hold out his opposition and record a narrow win.

Dolan said the pace in the early stages of the race had been quick, leaving him further back in the field.

“He’s a better horse when you can get him on the bridle and build up his confidence,” he said.

“He showed in the finish he had that little bit extra with plenty of determination.”

Paula Newnham, representing the stable, said Mark had questioned if the horse had the ability to step up to provincial grade following his last start Nowra win.

“He took that next step today. Robbie has done a great job and we are absolutely thrilled,” she said.

“He is a stable favourite and just keeps putting in. It’s great to see him win like this today.”

The $2.80 favourite Zabeel’s Choice, from the Bjorn Baker stable was second, ahead of the Lees trained Hermosa Reward ($3.40).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A thrilling three-way finish in the 1000m THE ENTRANCE LEAGUES FOR SMEETHY CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 saw Josh Adams snatch the narrowest of wins for his close mate Luke Thomas.

Adams crossed the line on Princess Lottie ($5.50), just a nose ahead of Stone Cold ($9), with another Muswellbrook runner Eminent Duke ($3.50) behind in third.

An excited Adams said it was great to win for Thomas and his family.

“I’ve known Luke for a long time through riding horses. We were mates before he got his trainers licence and I’ve been able to get a couple of winners for him since.

“This was the one I’ve been wanting to win on, so it was great to get the result.”

Adams joked that Thomas’s daughter had made him a lucky bracelet in the colours of Princess Lottie and he would leave it on.

“It worked a charm today, so I’ll probably keep wearing it,” he laughed.

Thomas was also excited to get another winner with Adams.

“Josh is a good mate of mine. We’ve been friends for a long time. Six months ago I was struggling to get him on horses because I didn’t have much,” he said.

“I’ve got some nicer horses coming through now and I’ve finally got him on. It’s terrific.

“I’ve always thought Lottie’s got a turn of foot. Sometimes she goes a bit hard early, but I took the blinkers off her and she’s been flying on the training tracks.

“I’m rapt for her and rapt for Josh.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Owners Sarah English and John Horn had plenty to celebrate after their gelding Soir De Lune ($3.70) broke through for his first win in the ROILY AND BOOTHY FOR SMEETHY Maiden over 1350m.

Trainer Clare Cunningham said the Wyong straight had never seemed so long after Jason Collett took the four-year-old to the lead on the turn.

He kicked away by more than two lengths but had to hold out the fast finishing Jarhead ($4.80) and the $2 race favourite Starvino to score a narrow win.

“Wyong’s not a long straight but it was today,” Cunningham laughed.

“It was a very good ride and good to get the job done straight off the bat. He was knocking on the door last prep and trialled well coming into this.”

Cunningham said the owners had brought Soir De Lune at a tried horse sale, unaware he had suffered a serious injury earlier in his career.

“He did a four out of five suspensory and didn’t even make it to the track with his first trainer,” she said.

“They didn’t know that when they brought him, but they love the horse and would of given him a home even if he didn’t race.

“They will be very excited today.”

Cunningham said she would look at putting the gelding up in distance and add a couple of gear changes.

“He is pretty dour and a set of blinkers will help him in the future.

“He’s not a superstar but we will try and find races like this.”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There was plenty of emotion in the enclosure after Bobbing ($3.20) came from the rear of the field to win the REAL ESTATE ACADEMY FOR SMEETHY Class 1 for Hawkesbury trainer Bernie Kelly.

Kelly and his wife Anne bred the Beneteau gelding, with Bernie delivering him outside the couple’s bedroom window.

“It’s very special,” an emotional Anne Kelly said.

“We raced both Mum and Dad and Bernie delivered this one.

“He was born the week after our 26-year-old pony Bob died so that’s how he got the name.”

The $2.40 race favourite Our Royal Egyptian looked to have the race won, pulling away for a four-length lead on straightening.

Under strong riding by apprentice Robbie Dolan, Bobbing made up considerable ground in the straight to run down the leader on the line for a three-quarter length win.

Kelly said he hadn’t expected the five-year-old to be so far back in the run.

“I’d given up on him half way through the race,” he said.

“I thought he might run last at one stage, so it was good to see him get to the line.

“Being first up I thought he might race a bit keener. He has a good turn of foot so its onwards and upwards from here.”

Dolan said Bobbing was going to be a ‘nice horse.’

The winner was resuming following his maiden win at Hawkesbury in July. Single Intent ($9.50) from the Damien Lane stable, was third.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A drop in grade and strong ride by Brenton Avdulla proved to be the winning formula for the James Cummings trained Fallgood ($2.50fav), who held off the swoopers to take out the 1000m JA TIGHE PLUMBING & WHOLESALE APPLIANCES Maiden.

The Exceed and Excel gelding didn’t get it all her own way with the Matthew Smith trained Bentley Magic ($21) and Fallgood’s stablemate Hiemal ($4), challenging late.

Fallgood scored by a short neck, with Godolphin stable foreman Darren Beadman describing it as a “deserving win.”

“She’s been knocking on the door in her last few starts and it’s nice to get that maiden out of the way,” he said.

“She had a few challengers there at the 100m mark, but she is quite a determined filly, which has been her Achilles heel, in the sense that she just wants to overdo it all the time.

“Brenton gave her a lovely ride today, produced her late and it was a solid win.”

Avdulla said Cummings had been “pretty bullish” about the chances of Fallgold.

“He said if I kept her out of trouble she would probably win.

“She gave me a good ride, nice and comfortable and was able to stick her head out and get the job done. “

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

Three months ago Wyong trainer, Jeff Englebrecht, decided that while Profiler might be eight years old it might not be too late to try something new with a horse that up until then had been solely a   sprinter.

On Sunday at Wyong Profiler will tackle 1600 metres for the first time in the Mingara and PKF For Smeethy Benchmark 64.

His four previous runs, all over 1400 metres, produced a third at Warwick Farm, a third at Taree, an eighth on a soft track at Mudgee and a good effort when fourth at Newcastle after racing keenly in the early and middle stages.

“He is fast but he can run on,” Englebrecht said.

“However, in those shorter races he doesn’t have the time to finish them off.

“If nothing else wants to lead Serg (Lisnyy) can use his speed and go to the lead and then let him run on.

“I was happy with three of his four runs over 1400 metres.

“Forget the run at Mudgee because he does not like soft tracks.

“The run at Newcastle convinced me we should try him over 1600m metres because despite over racing early he really got home well.”

Profiler started his career at Gosford but after three runs was switched to Stephen Lee at Ballina and won seven races including one at Doomben and the Grafton heat of the 2016 Country Championship before a luckless 12^th in the final at Randwick after starting from an outside barrier.

The horse was later switched to Englebrecht and while he is yet to win for that trainer in nine starts he has turned in several promising runs, particularly now that he has been stepped up in distance.

Meanwhile the Mark Newnham trained Victory Anthem is a proven 1600 metre performer and will be aiming for his third win over that distance in this race.

He resumed from a freshen up to score an easy win over the distance at Nowra. In fact all three of his wins have been on that track.

In 2005 Taree trainer Bob Milligan scored an important win when his top-class stayer Carael Boy won the Wyong cup before going on to win the Newcastle Cup.

Milligan can’t return to Wyong on Sunday but will be watching from his bed in Taree hospital when Malea Magic (Andrew Adkins) runs in the Everything Sports and Perpetual Conveyancing Class One (1000m).

Malea Magic resumed to score a run-away maiden win at Tamworth late last month at only her second start and is going to Wyong to allow connections to decide if they should consider preparing her for a tilt at next year’s Country Championships.

She led for much of the Tamworth race to win by five and a half lengths in smart time on a track rated a soft 7.

“We have always had an opinion of her but we need to know how good she might be and the only way to find out is to throw her in at the deep end,” Milligan’s son and foreman, Glenn, said.

“The Country Championships is something we have talked about and if she wins or runs a big race on Sunday we will need to give her a break then get her back and get her ready.”

Glenn, a licensed trainer, is running the stable following the serious accident his father suffered in April after he was found face down in the wash bay at Taree with serious facial injuries.

No one has been able to establish what happened.

Milligan has had a tough six months since then, first at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital where he had to overcome two heart attacks and pneumonia and now at Taree Base Hospital where he still has a tube in his throat.

“The accident damaged his vocal chords among other things and he cannot swallow properly which is why the tube is still in,” Glenn said.

“We are hoping that eventually it will come out.

“Dad is still doing what he can to be involved but he still has some challenges ahead of him as does Mum when she gets him home.

“We need to keep Dad involved with the horses because it’s his passion, it’s his one interest and a winner or two on Sunday would certainly help lift his spirits.”

Glenn’s wife, Vicki, will take Malea Magic to Wyong while Glenn will saddle up two runners at Port Macquarie.

 

SELECTIONS:

1-1.00, ROILY AND BOOTHY FOR SMEETHY MAIDEN, 1350m: COLTRANE 1, Starvino 2, Soir De Lune 3, Lamplight Lili 4.

2-1.40, JIMMY JURD FOR SMEETHY 3YO MAIDEN, 1600m: INTO THE OBLIVION 2, Moss Moana 2, Pyro 3, Lady Cuvee 4.

3-2.20, REAL ESTATE ACADEMY FOR SMEETHY CLASS ONE, 1350m: OUR ROYAL EGYPTIAN 1, Bobbing 2, Etheridge 3, Auchentoman 4.

4-2.55, JA TIGHE PLUMBING AND WHOLESALE APPLIANCES MAIDEN, 1000m: FALLGOLD 1, Hiemai 2, Nobody’s Puppet 3, Hubble 4.

5-3.30, SE RENTALS FOR SMEETHY MAIDEN, 1200m: COPPERGATE 1, Evalina 2, Ambleve 3, Akeed 4.

6-4.05, MINGARA AND PKF FOR SMEETHY BENCHMARK 64, 1600m: PROFILER 1, Victory Anthem 2, Zabeel’s Choice 3, Twilighter 4.

7-4.40, THE ENTRANCE LEAGUES FOR SMEETHY BENCHMARK 70, 1000m: PATRON BLACK 1, Second Island 2, Stone Cold 3, Rastafarian 4.

8-5.15, EVERYTHING SPORTS AND PERPETUAL CONVEYANCING CLASS ONE, 1000m: POWER RUSH 1, Miss Invincible 2, Malea Magic 3, Celer 4.

Best Bets: Coppergate, Patron Black.

Owner breeder Nick Vass has had nine Group 1 victories in the past but classes the victory of Carzoff in the $160,000 Listed CARLTON DRAUGHT WYONG GOLD CUP as up with his best racing moments.

Vass was a four-time placegetter in the prestigious Cup when he had runners trained by Neville McBurney but shrugged off the bridesmaid’s tag with a great win by the six-year-old Zoffany gelding.

“To win a Cup, any sort of cup is exciting, it doesn’t matter where it is,” an excited Vass said.

“I own 20 percent and he races in my colours. I haven’t had a good win for the last two or three years so this is very special.”

Vass previous winners include champion mare Sweet Idea, Cheeky Choice and Electronic.

From the powerful Waller stable, Carzoff was the sixth Wyong Cup victory for the trainer since 2010.

It also capped off a great day for jockey Kerrin McEvoy, bringing up a winning treble and securing the highly sought-after Nathan Berry Shield.

McEvoy put in a pearl of a ride to secure victory, coming from the rear in the straight and weaving a passage through runners before pulling away to secure a length win.

Glen Barnes, representing the Waller stable described it as a “masterful ride.”

“Kerrin got the break just when he needed it and the horse did the rest, “he said.

“He’s been such an honest little horse and races consistently all the time. It’s good ot see him get a very nice race under his belt.

“He doesn’t mind the sting out of the track and he ran right up to his best today

“It’s good fun winning races like this. The owners will be very happy.”

McEvoy said early tactics had seen him further back in the field then he had planned.

“There was a bit of jockeying going on early and I had to sit back right behind them to get some cover.

“Past the mile I thought I’m well back here and I’m going to need some luck.

“Once the race was starting to develop I was able to funnel up in between them. “My horse gained a lot of confidence and was ready to go once I asked him. It was a nice effort by the Waller team and a great effort by the horse.

“He’s an honest horse who has been around the mark and his last run was good. “Today with 54kg on his back looked like a nice race for him to be competitive in and the rain sort of helped him and he was able to bring his best today.”

Carzoff, who recorded his fourth career win from 22 starts, beat the Waterhouse trained Dark Eyes ($9), with Taree Cup winner Shalmaneser ($21), trained by Richard Freedman, a half-length behind in third.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Godolphin galloper Savatiano will push forward to the spring full of confidence after resuming with a convincing win in the 1350m WINNING COMMERCIAL MONA LISA STAKES.

Both stable representative Darren Beadman and jockey Kerrin McEvoy were pleased with the filly’s performance, her fifth win from 12 starts.

“It’s not an easy task 1350m first up especially on a rain affected track but she trialled extremely well this time through and was as forward as James could get her leading into this race,” Beadman said.

“We said to Kerrin if you can be one, one or three pairs with cover it would be ideal, but the pace wasn’t that strong and Kerrin being the horseman that he is and good judge he is, he kept her rhythm happening and it was a very solid effort.

“It’s nice for this filly to get some black type beside her name. She deserves it.

“She’s got some pretty handy form and won very well at Randwick with last time in. There are bigger fish to fry for her in the spring.”

Beadman said there were plenty of options for trainer James Cummings to consider going forward.

“We will see how she pulls up from here and then decide where to take her, but we will try and stick with the fillies and mares races.”

The win brought up a double on the day for McEvoy, who said the Street Cry filly had done a good job to tough it out.

“It was a funny run race. Sometimes there are no rules. She wasn’t switching off and I didn’t have much cover, so I decided I better work with her and slide forward,” he said.

“They weren’t going as fast as I thought they would, but it paid to be on the speed.

“She didn’t switch off but did a good job to tough it out and win the race today.”

Shumookh ($5.50) from the Waterhouse stable was second, ahead of the Bjorn Baker trained Irithea ($4.20).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Smart Melody did nothing to dent her spring campaign expectations with a dominant win on resuming over the 1200m.

Carrying the famous Gooree colours, the Smart Missile filly brought up her third win from three starts in the BISHOP COLLINS ACCOUNTANTS CLASS 2.

Smart Melody ($1.40) was held up for a run in the straight before jockey Kerrin McEvoy steered her along the rails and onto a length and a half victory.

Trainer Kris Lees admitted he had a few nervous moments as they headed into the straight.

“Just on the corner when she was held up I was a bit nervous,” he said.

“But Kerrin made the right decision and switched her onto the rails and she was able to go on with it.

“I like the way she relaxed today. I’d like to think she will get to a mile. We are a long way off that, but she was good late.

“Any horse that shows you a bit over the winter you are a little anxious when they return in the spring and she’s a three-year-old filly taking on older horses.

“It wasn’t ideal, and the plan was to get off the fence but Kerrin’s hand was forced to go back to the rails. I think there were a lot of positives to the win.

“She does have a wet track profile so is one that can get through it, but she was on the worst part of the track and she was good through the line which is what you want going forward.

“There are some smart three-year-olds going around but I think she’s one of them.”

Lees said Smart Melody’s next start would be the Heritage Stakes at Randwick on September 15 or the Group 2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington on the same day.

McEvoy said Smart Melody was a “very smart filly” who was going to have a good spring.

Americana Magic ($12) trained by Grant Allard was second, with Ridicule ($4.40) from the Widdup stable three lengths behind in third.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Paul Messara’s impressive filly Panzerfaust is headed for the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes on the back of her dominant win the HC GROUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP.

The Redoute’s Choice filly, a full sister to dual Group 1 winner Panzer Division, scored a two and a half-length victory over the 1600m and always looked the winner courtesy of a great Tim Clark ride.

While Spring Champion Stakes is the next assignment for Panzerfaust, the Group 1 Kennedy Oaks at Flemington is a strong possibility.

“If she continues improving and racing well the Oaks is the goal, “ Messara’s stable representative Leah Gauranich said.

Clark settled the $1.55 favourite toward the rear in the early stages of the race, before circling the field on the turn for a sustained run in the straight.

“It was comfortable to watch and a comfortable win,’ Gauranich said.

“I thought it was an excellent ride by Tim Clark. She always travelled like the winner but Tim got her going early, swooped around them and put her into the race.

“Obviously with a potential Oaks prospect that’s what we want to see, to put them away like that.”

Gauranich said the filly would definitely head to the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on October 6.

The Waller trained Flower Of Love ($5.50) was second, with Cinderconi ($31) trained by Jason Attard, a half head behind in third.

++++++++++++++++++++++

Prophet’s Thumb will head for black type following her impressive win on debut in the 1200m BIOCHEM WATER F&M MAIDEN PLATE.

David Pfieffer has the Listed Heritage Stakes at Randwick on September 15 as the next start for the I Am Invincible filly, before a likely trip to Melbourne.

Corey Brown settled the $2.20 favourite mid-field, sweeping to the outside on the turn to hit the front before drawing away in the final stages for a length and a half win.

The Pfieffer stable had a good opinion of the filly coming into the race.

“She’s always shown us a bit of talent at home, but we’ve just had to be patient with her, not physically but mentally, stable representative James Ferguson said.

“It was a good ride by Corey and a nice educational day out for her. We are very pleased to see her win when we know what she’s been doing at home.”

Ferguson said if the filly pulled up well they would head to the Heritage Stakes.

Brown was also full of praise for the filly.

“She’s had a few problems and the ear muffs were on her today to keep her calm.” Brown said.

“She went well today and was in the perfect condition. She knew where the post was today and got the job done.

“She’s a nice filly.”

The O’Shea trained Lucky Helmet ($8) finished second, with Veranes ($3), from the Waller stable a close third.

++++++++++++++++++

A well-deserved win by the Gerald Ryan trained Rectitude who had put together a string of placings before breaking through in the 1200m SENPOS CG&E MAIDEN PLATE.

The Sepoy gelding had notched up a second and two third placings in his first preparation.

Tye Angland settled Rectitude just off the lead in a middling run race, with taking him to the front in the straight, where he held off contenders to score a half-length win.

The short-priced favourite Shinju ($2), from the Snowden stable had no luck in the straight, kept in a pocket in the concluding stages of the race and finishing third.

Ryan said Rectitude ($3.70) had been racing well.

“He’s only a little fellow and has run three placings prior to the race so it was good to see him break through.

“He was tough today and had race fitness on his side and that told in the end.

“He has done a great job this preparation. It is great for Sun Bloodstock because they’ve been getting a few placings lately, so it’s good for them to get a win.”

Ryan said it had been a good first preparation for the three-year-old, who was now likely to spell.

“He’s struck some smart horses and been in pretty good maidens, but he’s held his own.

“He had been sold to Hong Kong but he failed the height test so he’ll stay here now.

“I’ll probably put him out and hopefully he can grow a bit.”

Rock ($4.60) from the Hawkes stable was a half-length behind in third.

+++++++++++++++++

Inanup ($8.50) upset some of the more favoured runners to take out the 1600m

HC GROUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP in a close three way finish.

The Jarrod Austin trained gelding brought up a race to race double for jockey Tim Clark.

Resuming from a spell, the Bon Hoffa gelding scored his second win from just five starts, both at the Wyong track.

Brian Austin, representing his son Jarrod, said the key to the five-year-old was keeping him fresh.

“He’s very good first up. He’s been working well and he won first up last prep,” Austin said.

“He’s a good first upper, you’ve just got to keep him fresh. That’s the key to him.”

Austin was also complimentary of the ride by Clark.

“It was a very, very good ride. He can really lift them to the line. When it comes to it he can really push them out.

“Jarrod will probably put him away for a month now and then have a look at another similar race. He’s the sort of horse you just have to keep fresh.”

He said the father of one of the owners, David Andrews, wasn’t well and the win would be a real lift.

“He’s been with Jarrod from the day he started so it’s good to get a win for good owners.”

Inanup beat The Patrician ($12) trained by Robert Pearse, by a neck with Lady Of Shallot ($10) from the Lees stable third.
+++++++++++++++

Joe Pride believes Destiny’s Kiss is primed to become the first horse to win back to back Wyong Gold Cups.

The veteran stayer will carry the number one saddlecloth when he lines up on Friday in a field of nine for the $160,000 Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup.

Destiny’s Kiss, a renowned Cup specialist, added to his impressive haul in 2017 with a victory in the Wyong Gold Cup, his eighth feature win.

He has since gone on to record subsequent black type victories in the City Tattersals Club Cup and McKell Cup.

Pride has given the gelding a similar lead-up to last year’s Wyong Gold Cup and is confident he can get the job done.

“I don’t know if horses have ever gone back to back in the Cup but I’m sure he’s a very good chance of doing that,” he said.

“He’s in really good order and I’m looking forward to Friday. A shower on the day would be even better for his chances, so we will see what happens.”

Jay Ford will partner Destiny’s Kiss, who will start from barrier eight, and carry 61 kilos.

Neither the weight nor barrier have Pride overly concerned.

“He’s carried big weights before. It’s not ideal but in saying that it’s his grade, he’s won a lot of races carrying big weights and I see him as a great chance on Friday.

“I’m sure he won’t let me down.”

Destiny’s Kiss will face strong opposition from likely favourites Morton’s Fork, a last start winner from the Godolphin stable, whose past victories include the 2016 Sandown Guineas and the Gerald Ryan trained Harper’s Choice, who won the Listed Winter Cup over 2400m in June and Premiers Cup Prelude in August 4.

Chris Waller has two runners, Black On Gold or Carzoff, with a victory giving him his sixth Wyong Gold Cup.

The stable claimed five cups from 2010 to 2015 but victory has eluded them since.

Another of the ‘older brigade’ could give the race a shake, with Richard Freedman considering Shamaneser a good chance.

The eight-year-old gained automatic entry to the Cup with an eye-catching win in the Taree Cup on August 19.

Freedman believes the gelding is recapturing his best form but concedes he will need things to go in his favour.

“Old horses like him need plenty going for them. I’ve booked Corey Brown to ride him and he’s drawn reasonably well,” he said.

“He’s always been a very capable horse, but he’s just had some issues that needed to be sorted out.

“He’s going in the right direction now.”

The other feature race of the day, the $125,000 Winning Commercial Mona Lisa Stakes has attracted a strong field of 16.

Multiple New Zealand Group winner I Am Coldplay, having her second start for the Waller stable, along with the Lees trained Princess Posh and Irithea, shooting for three straight wins from the Bjorn Baker stable, are the likely favourites.

All eyes will be on another Lees runner Smart Melody, touted to be a star filly in the spring, when she kicks off her campaign in the 1100m $40,000 Doylo Springtime Benchmark 74.

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.50pm.

 

 

SELECTIONS:

 

 

 

Race 1 – 12.50pm: SENPOS CG&E MAIDEN PLATE (1200m): 1 RECTITUDE, 2 Shinju, 3 Rock, 4 Alcatran.

Race 2 – 1.25pm: BICOHEM WATER F&M MAIDEN PLATE (120m): 1 ALISON OF TUFFY, 2 Enfilade, 3 Fine Behind, 4 Yulong Jupiter.

Race 3 – HC GROUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 PANZERFAUST, 2 Flower Of Love, 3 Marabel, 4 Velocano.

Race 4 – 2.40pm: BISHOP COLLINS ACCOUNTANTS CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1200m): 1 LADY OF SHALOT, 2 Mighty Marmalade, 3 Emaan, 4 Inanup.

Race 5 – 3.20pm: THE DOYLO SPRINGTIME BENCHMARK 74 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 SMART MELODY, 2 Americana Magic, 3 Nosey, 4 Shalama.

Race 6 – 3.55pm: WINNING COMMERCIAL MONA LISA STAKES (1350m): 1 Princess Posh, 2 Irithea, 3 I Am Coldplay, 4 Reiby Rampart.

Race 7 – 4.35pm: 2018 CARLTON DRAUGHT WYONG GOLD CUP (2100m): 1 MORTONS FORK, 2 Harper’s Choice, 3 Destiny’s Kiss, 4 Testashadow.

Race 8 – 5.15pm: HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DA VINCI 3&4YO BENCHMARK 66 HANDICAP (1300m): 1 Kaapfever, 2 Algaffaal, 3 I’m So Sweet, 4 Nai’a.

Last year’s Wyong Gold Cup winner Destiny’s Kiss heads a strong line-up of nominations for the 2018 race to be run on Friday.

Trainer Joe Pride has given the 10-year-old gelding a similar preparation to 2017, running him in Saturday’s Group 3 Premier’s Cup, following a short let-up.

The renowned Cup specialist showed he can still match it in good company, taking out the Listed McKell Cup at Randwick on May 18 and running placings in Stayers and Winter Cups before spelling.

He finished second behind Harper’s Choice in the 2400m Winter Cup, with the Gerald Ryan trained gelding also nominated at Wyong.

Harper’s Choice was impressive taking out the Premier’s Cup Prelude at Rosehill on August 11 and will be one of the main contenders.

Testashadow, from the Portelli stable, is also among the 18 nominations, and is coming off a third in Saturday’s Premier’s Cup

Darren Weir could have his first Wyong Cup runner, with Mongolian Wolf a likely starter.

Raced by Australian Bloodstock, the five-year-old is a proven stayer claiming the Group 3 Frank Packer Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in April, with a win and two placings over 2000m and further since resuming.

James Cummings has nominated last start Mooney Valley winner Morton’s Fork, while the Waller stable has five horses nominated including Quick Defence, who was a last start winner at Rosehill over the 2000m.

Shalmaneser, trained by Richard Freedman, gained automatic entry following his impressive Taree Cup win, while Kim Waugh with Goathland and Damien Lane with All But Gone, will be keen to take out their home town Cup.

Kris Lees has decided not to start Sunday’s Cup Prelude winner Dubaiiinstyle, but will have another of his headline fillies Smart Melody resuming in the 1100m Benchmark 74.

The Listed Mona Lisa Stakes has also attracted strong nominations including the Waller trained Egg Tart, a last start Group 2 winner and multiple group winner Foxplay.

Full nominations for the meeting: https://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/Nominations.aspx?Key=2018Aug31,NSW,Wyong

 

 

Phillip Pollicina is hoping for a chance to claim his second Wyong Gold Cup if Dubaiinstyle backs up in the $160,000 race on Friday.

The six-year-old earned a spot in the prestigious race with a dominant win in the 2100m TRAVEL ASSOCIATES ERINA WYONG CUP PRELUDE – CLASS 4 HCP.

Pollicina was an owner of Beyond Thankful, who claimed the Wyong Gold Cup in 2015, and is hoping trainer Kris Lees will start Dubaiinstyle in next Friday’s Cup.

“It would be great to have another runner and chance to win,” Pollicina said.

“I was part of a big syndicate when Beyond Thankful won but this time it’s a smaller group and even more exciting.”

Dubaiinstyle was never threatened with jockey Andrew Gibbons taking him to an early lead and dictating terms, before drawing away in the straight for a dominant three length win.

Lees stable foreman Cameron Swan said they would see how the horse pulled up before deciding on a run in the Cup.

“That will be up to Kris but he went well today backing up from Taree a week ago, so he’s tough,” he said.

“Gibbo rated him beautifully in front. I was concerned that he might not settle but Gibbo, after riding him the other day, got a bit of confidence out of him and was keen to go forward. It worked out well.

“There was no cause to panic at any stage of the race. He seemed to have them all covered.”

Gibbons, who is having a career best start to a season with 14 wins, said Lees had left it up to him how to ride Dubaiinstyle.

“He said ride him for feel and he’s the sort of horse that can go a touch keen. Ideally I would of liked to have ridden him with cover but they were looking for a leader so I thought I’m on the best horse I’ll take it up.

“I got an easy time. He’s tough and I think if he went to the Wyong Cup he’d be the sort of horse who would race better in good company, with more genuine speed.

“He wouldn’t have to do the donkey work and he’s up to that grade.”

It was a Lees quinella with stablemate Go Benny ($4) finishing second, two lengths ahead of Mr Smartee ($12) trained by Tas Morton.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

The John Sargent trained Come Along ($6) upset the short-priced race favourite to score a narrow victory in the 1350m REMEMBERING MURRAY DOYLE 3YO MAIDEN PLATE.

It was fitting that former AJC Chairman David Hall is a part owner of the winner, in a race honouring former Wyong Race Club Chairman, the late Murray Doyle.

Hall said he hadn’t been to Wyong for many years and it was great to see how the club had progressed.

The $230,000 yearling purchase, sporting the colours made famous by Think Big, appreciated the step up in distance to 1400m, with the stable confident his best form will come over more ground.

Campbell Ashby, representing the stable, said there is plenty of improvement still to come for the three-year-old gelding.

“It was a great ride by Jeff and I think you will see the best of this horse when gets up to the mile and more,” Ashby said.

“We put the nose roll on today because he can run around a bit for some reason and it made a difference.

“It kept his head down and focused and it was a good win.”

Ashby said they would see how the horse pulled up before deciding to either spell him or step him up over more ground.

Come Along beat Le Lude ($1.80) from the Thompson stable by a neck, with the Hawkes trained Rivalry ($5.50), third.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

James Innes Jnr claimed his first Group victory on Saturday at Rosehill taking out the Ming Dynasty and continued the form with a win on the short-priced Omar ($1.80).

Trained by Gerald Ryan, the Snitzel gelding held off a challenge by the Damien Lane trained Rastafarian ($9.50, to grab a narrow win in the THE ROYAL HOTEL WYONG BENCHMARK 64 over 1000m.

Having his third start, the gelding is owned by prominent breeder George Altomonte from Corumbene Stud.

Blake Ryan, representing his father, said he felt the soft track had taken a bit of speed out of Omar.

“It was good. James is riding with a lot of confidence and he came out and summed the race up well,” Ryan said.

“With the sting out of the track today it dulled his sharpness a little bit. He’s a fast horse, who has been able to go straight from a maiden to a benchmark race. Mr Altomonte will be happy, dad will be happy and it’s good for the horse.

“I reckon he’ll run 1100m with a bit less pressure in the race as well. It was good to see him put two together. He’s going the right way.”

Innes said he had concerns during the race.

“I was thinking how far on the point of the turn but off the bridle with a bit of cut out of the track there was a bit of a question mark.

“He definitely zips off a hot tempo on a good track, but I had my heart in my mouth for a little bit today.”

Second Island ($9.50), trained by Greg McFarlane, was a half-length behind in third.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Allan Kehoe looks to have bagged a real bargain with Tikkitala after the gelding’s impressive three length win in the 1100m CARLTON DRAUGHT WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY AUGUST 31 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

The five-year-old was having only his second start, coming off two trials wins at Newcastle.

Kehoe owns the gelding with David Ruttley from Glenthorne Park.

He was given the horse by its previous owner after it was discovered he had wind issues.

“The owner didn’t want to go on with him, so she gave him to David and I,” Kehoe said.

“He had the wind operation and had a good break at David’s place.

“He hasn’t looked back since. You wouldn’t know there had ever been a problem the way he is now.”

Kehoe said he had been confident going into the race.

“He trialled well both times and has been working good on the track.

“We thought he’d win today, and he didn’t let us down.

“I’ve got a pretty good opinion of him, so hopefully he can go on a win a few more races.”

Tikkitala ($16), ridden by Rory Hutchings, beat the $2.25 favourite Infinitely Pretty, trained by David Pfieffer, with Neruda ($7.50) from the Buchanan stable third.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A well-deserved win by the consistent Spring Creek Star ($2.70) to break through for his second win in the 1350m STAR 104.5 BENCHMARK 64.

The Jarrod Austin trained Dubleo gelding has put together a string of placings and hard luck stories since last tasting success in March 2017.

He has been placed three times at Wyong this preparation and finally proved too strong for his opposition.

A relieved Austin said it was great for the horse and owners, who had been very patient.

“It was a good win and he’s very deserving,” Austin said.

“I was happy to see the favourite come out this morning and I knew we had a good chance.

“He races well around this track and there have been excuses for his last few placings, so it’s great to see him finally break through.

“Rachel rode him really well today. We’ve had a bit of success together.”

Austin said he would see how the horse pulled up but was reluctant to send him out for a spell.

“He’s been up for a while but is racing so well at the moment. I’ll probably look for a class 2 somewhere and take it from there.”

The win brought up a double for Rachel King, scoring earlier on the program on Elaborate.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ben Smith considers Elaborate ($3.50) has the makings of a good horse after his breakthrough win in the FRESH-R CLASS 1 HANDICAP over 1600m.

The Excelebration three-year-old, having his third start for the stable, was given a great ride by Rachel King, sitting just off the leader and race favourite Homework ($1.65).

Smith said the plan had been to pressure the favourite and take advantage of a pull in the weights.

“The decision to scratch from the maiden to the class 1 gave him a big difference in the weight and we thought we could roll forward and put a bit of pressure on the top weight,” Smith said.

“Hopefully that weight difference was the telling factor in the end and it was a good ride by Rachel today.

“He’s a really nice progressive horse but it’s just taken him a little while to put it all together race day. He’s shown plenty at home so hopefully he can keep taking the next step and keep improving and we will have a nice horse.

“I think he might even get a bit further later on, once he develops a bit more. He’s just turned three so there is plenty of scope there for him.”

King also considered the plan to pressure the favourite a winning one.

“We wanted to keep a lot of pressure on the favourite. We had a lot less weight, he’s a very fit horse and we were confident the mile today was definitely going to help him,” she said.

“He’s still got a bit to learn but he’s getting there.”

Raced by Dynamic Syndications, Elaborate scored a half length win over Homework, with the Kim Waugh trained Joy For Us ($6.50), a close in third.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Short priced favourite Madame Markievicz ($1.24) greeted the judge by a narrow margin courtesy of a well-rated, front running ride by Christian Reith.

The O’Reilly mare held off the Kim Waugh trained Seeingisbelieving ($5.50) to take out the 1600m WYONG PRODUCE AND FARM SUPPLIES MAIDEN PLATE by a short half head.

Trained by Anthony and Edward Cummings, the four-year-old was coming off a narrow defeat over 1400m at Newcastle on August 11.

Stable representative Steve Oliver described her a “nice mare,” who would get better next preparation.

“She’s only a little thing but she stuck on well today and will take plenty out of that win.”

Christian Reith said he had benefitted from some easy sectionals during the race.

“I know the margin was only close, but she accelerated nicely from the 300m,” he said.

“The second horse gave her a good challenge but to her credit she toughed it out.”

Reith said the plan had been to lead and a good start had helped.

“I spoke to Anthony and Edward this morning and I said to them if we ride her positively we will take all the bad luck out of it.

“She was best horse in the race and we rode her forward and were able to get away with the win.”

Select Royal ($12) from the David Payne stable was almost three lengths behind in third.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

The John Sargent trained Come Along ($6) upset the short-priced race favourite to score a narrow victory in the 1350m REMEMBERING MURRAY DOYLE 3YO MAIDEN PLATE.

It was fitting that former AJC Chairman David Hall is a part owner of the winner, in a race honouring former Wyong Race Club Chairman, the late Murray Doyle.

Hall said he hadn’t been to Wyong for many years and it was great to see how the club had progressed.

The $230,000 yearling purchase, sporting the colours made famous by Think Big, appreciated the step up in distance to 1400m, with the stable confident his best form will come over more ground.

Campbell Ashby, representing the stable, said there is plenty of improvement still to come for the three-year-old gelding.

“It was a great ride by Jeff and I think you will see the best of this horse when gets up to the mile and more,” Ashby said.

“We put the nose roll on today because he can run around a bit for some reason and it made a difference.

“It kept his head down and focused and it was a good win.”

Ashby said they would see how the horse pulled up before deciding to either spell him or step him up over more ground.

Come Along beat Le Lude ($1.80) from the Thompson stable by a neck, with the Hawkes trained Rivalry ($5.50), third.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Jeff Englebrecht is happy to concede his mare Villarrica is stepping up in grade in Sunday’s 2100m Wyong Cup Prelude but believes a significant weight advantage will help her cause.

The Smart Missile mare is one of 10 acceptors for the Travel Associates Erina Class 4 Prelude, with the winner gaining a start in the $160,000 Listed Wyong Gold Cup, to be run on August 31.

Englebrecht is under no illusions Villarrica faces a tough task and is hoping predicted rain will further her chances.

“She is an each way chance. She’s only going to carry 51kg because I’ve decided to claim on her and if the forecast rain comes that will help,” he said.

“Alena Skerrit will ride her. She has ridden her in work and that’s an advantage.”

He said the mare’s last start at Taree over the 2000m on August 17 was good.

“Distance won’t be a problem for her. She ran on well at Taree after getting back a long way.

“She jumped the crossing going out of the straight and that put her back to nearly fourth last when she should have been up on the speed.

“The plan will be to have her up in the first four or five on Sunday. She’s drawn barrier nine but I think it will be better for her out there because she can work her way across rather than having to hunt her up too early.”

He said Villarrica had two wins on a soft track and if the rain did come she would appreciate the going.

“That would be better for her but they’ve been putting a bit of water on the track, so it won’t be rock hard by any means.

“There are a few up there that are higher up in class than her but she’s going to meet them with no weight on her back.”

He said if Villarrica won on Sunday he would consider pushing on to the Cup.

“She’d only be a Class 3 horse, so it would be a bit jump but we will see what happens.”

The mare is having her sixth start for the stable, having previously been trained by Laurie Wray and Michael Moroney in Victoria.

“We’ve won a race already, so the owner is happy, and we’ll see if she can take the next step come Sunday.”

The David Payne trained Momentum To Win looks the hardest to beat, coming off a fourth at Wyong last start over 1600m.

The Animal Kingdom gelding won over the 2100m at Gosford and 2000m at Hawkesbury last preparation.

Dubaiinstyle from the Kris Lees stable is another contender, following a good performance in last Sunday’s Taree Cup, finishing third behind Shalmaneser.

Bjorn Baker is undecided if Allez Bien will start at Wyong or Rosehill on Saturday.

A large crowd is expected for the seven race program, with Ladies Day Out one of the most popular days on the club’s racing calendar.

 

 

 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.45pm: FRESH-R CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 HOMEWORK, 2 Joy For Us, 3 Elaborate, 4 Son Of A Fox.

Race 2 – 1.20pm: WYONG PRODUCE AND FARM SUPPLIES MAIDEN PLATE (1600m): 1 MADAME MARKIEVICZ, 2 Select Royal, Elaborate, 4 Take Time To Chill.

Race 3 – 1.55pm: REMEMBERING MURRAY DOYLE 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 COME ALONG, 2 Rivalry, 3 Wishbone, 4 Shuffle Up.

Race 4 – 2.30pm: TRAVEL ASSOCIATES ERINA WYONG CUP PRELUDE – CLASS 2 (2100m): 1 MOMENTUM TO WIN, 2 Go Benny, 3 Meiner Freccia, 4 Allez Bien.

Race 5 – 3.05pm: THE ROYAL HOTEL WYONG BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1000m): 1 OMAR, 2 Rastafarian, 3 Second Island, 4 Red Chandelier.

Race 6 – 3.40pm: STAR 104.5 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m): 1SPRING CREEK STAR, 2 Home Made, 3 Scatter Blast, 4 Lady I Am.

Race 7 – 4.15pm: CARLTON DRAUGHT WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY AUGUST 31 4YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m): 1 PRETTY SONG, 2 Oxford Gem, 3 Fine Behind, 4 Neruda.

 

Rejuvenated gelding Shalmaneser could step up to the $160,000 Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup on Friday week after a bold front-running win in Sunday’s Taree Gold Cup over 2000m.

The eight-year-old Shalmaneser has found a new lease of life under his new trainer Richard Freedman, who had a day to remember on his first visit to a Taree race meeting.

Rosehill-based Freedman took three horses to the Taree Cup Showcase meeting and came away with two wins after Triple Choice, another horse he inherited from former trainers, won his Benchmark race over 1600m.

It could have been three wins for Freedman as his strongly fancied filly Unguarded was denied a start in the first race after she was a late scratching at the barrier after failing a vet examination.

“The day didn’t start as we hoped but it’s been a happy ending,” said Rosehill-based Freedman, who became the first metropolitan trainer to win a Taree Cup since 1998.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Shalmaneser as the 8YO started his racing career with Taree trainer Andrew McDonald in 2014 and was placed in two of his first four starts before he was transferred to Hawkesbury trainer Scott Singleton.

Shalmaneser recorded five wins and seven placings in 42 starts for Singleton before he joined the Freedman stable four months ago. The Taree Cup was just his third start for Freedman and his first success since he won over 1800m at Randwick in 2016.

Ridden by Andrew Adkins, Shalmaneser defied all attempts to run him down after taking up the lead from the start. He defied the pattern of the day as he was the only leader to win on the eight-race program, a strong head wind from the 1200m to the home turn taking its toll on pacemakers.

After being perfectly rated in front by Adkins , Shalmaneser gave a strong kick off the home turn to win by a clear cut 1.5 lengths from Allzin, a Wauchope-trained gelding who ran boldly for a horse taking on the 2000m of the Taree Cup at his first start since April.

Dubaiinstyle, one of three Kris Lees-trained runners, finished third.

Taree Cup winners and placegetters have an excellent record in the Listed Wyong Cup (2100m). Freedman said the rich prize money on Friday week made it an obvious target for Shalmaneser at his next start.

“We will see how he comes through this win as he is now an 8YO but the owners are keen to have a crack at the big prize money at Wyong and it does look a nice race for him,” Freedman said.

Freedman’s Taree Cup win adds to his growing success since he returned to training at Hawkesbury in 2016 with the intention of running a small stable as an aside to his media work.

He has since moved to Rosehill and has a team of 30 horses in work.

“Things have grown quickly. It’s more than I anticipated but I am really enjoying it,” Freedman said.

All four Freedman brothers are now training successfully in their own right with family leader Lee based in Singapore, Anthony running a big stable in Victoria and youngest brother Michael training in Hong Kong.

 

Harper’s Choice will line up in the $160,000 Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup at the end of the month following his strong win at Rosehill on Saturday.

Gerald Ryan confirmed the Street Cry gelding had pulled up well following his victory in the 1800m Premier’s Cup Prelude.

“At this stage, all being well, Wyong will be his next start,” Ryan said.

“We won’t do a lot with him between now and then. The race fits in really well with his program and we will likely head to the Newcastle Cup after that.”

Harper’s Choice made it back to back wins last Saturday, having previously taken out the 2400m Winter Cup at Rosehill on June 30.

Ryan then freshened the five-year-old up, trialling him prior to Saturday’s run.

He believes the gelding, who was runner-up to Jon Snow in last year’s Group 1 ATC Derby, will have no problems with the Wyong track.

“He hasn’t been there before but he’s won around Canterbury, so I couldn’t picture the track being a problem for him.

“It’s great to see this horse in such good form and the Wyong Cup looks ideal.”

Jason Collett, who partnered Harper’s Choice to his latest victory, will be the likely rider.

The Listed Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup will be run on August 31 and is the highlight to Club’s 120^th anniversary of their major Racing carnival of the year.