Year: 2019

Kylie Gavenlock is planning a step up to metropolitan class for her consistent mare Wild About Her who resumes at Wyong’s NBN Television Raceday on Thursday.

The Big Brown four-year-old, bred and raced by John Singleton, put together three successive wins last preparation and Gavenlock is confident she can make the next step.

“She was pretty good last prep, and she’s gone well fresh before,” Gavenlock said. “Hopefully this weather continues and dries out the track a little bit but in saying that she trialled nicely on the soft the other day and I’m pretty happy with how she’s going.”

Wild About Her, who has had 15 starts for four wins and seven placings, starts from barrier four in the 1350m Benchmark 70.

“Grant Buckley’s been riding her and is happy to stick with her. All indications are she will go well.”

Gavenlock admits she has a soft spot for the mare.

“I’ve done pre-training for John for years and years and had a couple of horses for him that didn’t take to the city as well.

“I had a lot to do with Wild About Her as a young horse and saw something in her that I really liked.

“I thought she’d get over a bit of ground, so I harped at John for a bit and it worked.

“We will probably look at a metropolitan race next.”

Gavenlock has two other runners on the eight-race program and considers both chances.

Magic Albert filly Lightning Ally is looking for back to back wins when she starts in the 1300m Class 1, while stablemate Furlana is a dual acceptor in the 1350m Maiden and 1350m Provincial and Country Maiden.

“Lightning Ally does look promising,” she said. “This is her first preparation, she’s had a lot of issues early on, but they seem to be all good at the moment.

“She raced nicely in her first start in the provincials, then she went to the country where she was ridden a bit upside down. She was ridden really well the next start and won at Port so hopefully she can take the next step. I’ll probably tip her out for a bit of a break after this.”

Gavenlock has retained the services of Chad Lever, her winning rider at Port Macquarie.

She said she is still contemplating which of the 1350m maiden races to start Furlana in.

The Pierro mare, a $150,000 yearling purchase, has been runner up at her past two starts at Hawkesbury and Newcastle.

“She’s been just out of the money the last couple of times when she hasn’t drawn well. That’s one of the reasons why I put her in two races, because I think drawing a bad alley has been against her in her last two starts.

“She has drawn badly in the Provincial and Country Maiden which I thought was the weaker of the two races and better in the other, so I’ve got some thinking to do.

“Her provincial form is pretty good, and the distance will suit her fine.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.50pm.

 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.50pm: BAYVIEW HOTEL MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 FURLANA, 2 Provocative Man, 3 Tapiconic, 4 Akileos.

Race 2 – 1.25pm: FREDDY’S FISHING MAIDEN PLATE (2100m): 1 ALAM MO NA, 2 Avalene, 3 Heaven’s Dream, 4 Final Honour.

Race 3 – 2.05pm: GOSFORD RENT A TRUCK PROV & CTRY MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m): 1 WELL DECORATED, 2 Palais De Louvre, 3 Reiby’s Regent, 4 Our Eppy.

Race 4 – 2.40pm: HALEKULANI BOWLING CLUB MAIDEN HANDICAP (1000m): 1PRETORIUS, 2 Rock Amore, 3 Chelsea Reign, 4 Rebecca’s Quest.

Race 5 – 3.15pm: HARVEY NORMAN CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 LOVESEAT, 2 Elaborate, 3 Plagiarist, 4 Vive Marie.

Race 6 – 3.50pm: JIM’S MOWING CENTRAL COAST & NEWCASTLE CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1300m): 1 LUCKY MISSION, 2 Bondi Boy, 3 Lightning Ally, 4 Kosciusko.

Race 7 – 4.25pm: JOB CENTRE AUSTRALIA CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 (1350m): 1 BE MINDFUL, 2 Blinkin Artie, 3 Wild About Her, Your Witness.

Race 8 – 5.50pm: NBN NEWS CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 TRUMBULL, 2 Valeria, 3 Don’t Doubt Arthur, 4 Thiswilldous.

 

An emotional win for Samantha Clenton who cemented her comeback after serious injury taking out the $150,000 POLYTRAK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER on Turnberry.

Clenton was the State’s leading apprentice when she was injured in a fall at Taree in October 2016 suffering serious spinal damage.

Doctors told Clenton she was fortunate not to be in a wheelchair, but it didn’t deter her drive to return to the saddle.

She spent more than two years on the sidelines recovering and giving birth to her now 16-month-old son Isaac.

Clenton made a comeback to riding only two weeks ago at Scone, the Qualifier win being her third victory from just nine rides.

“It feels wonderful,” an emotional Clenton said.

“I can’t thank Kris enough for his support. It is so good to be back and to win this race today.”

Clenton is apprenticed to Lees, who listened to the race from Dubai where he was waiting an appearance later in the day by Brave Smash in the rich Al Quoz Sprint.

“Kris was on the phone, but I told him I thought Turnberry was gone mid-race,” stable foreman Mal Ollerton said.

“The other runners had got to him and I thought they would just go past but he fought on.”

Turnberry ($7.50), who sat three wide without cover for most of the race, appeared to be headed in the straight but fought on to score a narrow win over the fast finishing Bobbing ($4.20). Bangkok ($18) trained locally by Allan Denham, was a close third.

Ollerton said Lees had told Clenton she would have to ride the horse “ugly” after he drew wide.

“She was stuck three-wide, but we thought that might happen. Kris said ride him like he’s in a 1600m race.

“He’s just a tough, tough horse and he proved that today.

“They’ll know he’s in the final in a fortnight,” Ollerton said.

Turnberry, a $250,000 yearling purchase, brought up his seventh win from 19 starts, including a last start Randwick victory over 1500m on January 12.

The win gave Lees his third runner in the $500,000 final, after Evalina and Chalmers qualified in an earlier race.

With Bangkok’s third placing Wyong trainers now have six representatives in the April 13 final, Safado and Spring Charlie from the Kim Waugh stable, Damien Lane’s duo Oakfield Missile and Oakfield Twilight and the Tracey Bartley trained Miss Redoble.

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

 

Kim Waugh looks to have two promising two-year-olds in the stable after Erno ($8.50) and Trajection ($61) outclassed their rivals in the LAKES PODIATRY 2YO MAIDEN.

A large group of excited owners celebrated the Waugh quinella with Rubick gelding Erno scoring a length victory over his stablemate, a Smart Missile filly syndicated by Darby Racing.

Waugh said she had been unable to split the two horses leading into the race.

“They do everything together, so it’s great they went so well. They are stabled side by side, they work together, gallop together, kind of like girlfriend and boyfriend. It’s hilarious,” she laughed.

Serg Lisnyy found the lead on Erno early in the race and Travis Wolfgram settled Trajection just behind him. They stayed that way throughout the running, fighting out the finish, with Maisaa ($8.50) from the Snowden stable, more than two lengths behind in third.

Waugh said there wasn’t much between the two horses but thought Erno may have been a “little bit sharper.”

“He’s a lovely horse. He trialled really well, and she did too.

“He drew a really tricky barrier. I told Serg to just jump out and be positive and work out if he could get in somewhere in the first 100m. He did that and got across.

“The other filly she travelled beautifully, there’s not much between the two but the price difference was huge.

“I was very proud of both of them. You put a lot of work in them to educate them well and to do that first start on a heavy track it’s a great effort.

“Today was just about running them and seeing how they get through the race. They are both really nice.”

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

 

Lexi’s Choice was rewarded for her consistency with a breakthrough win in the SERVERS AUSTRALIA MAIDEN over 1350m.

The three-year-old filly, trained at Hawkesbury by Scott Singleton, was sent out $2.70 favourite on the back of two recent fourth placings at Orange and Kembla Grange.

She had to survive a protest from the second placed Well Decorated, before notching up her first victory at her eighth career start.

“She’s been knocking on the door to do something in her past few starts and with the wet track today it helped her,” Singleton said.

“She hasn’t raced on a heavy track before but jarred up a bit on the firm tracks last preparation. She had a little let up and its nice and wet for her now so hopefully she can go on with it.”

Singleton said he expected the Choistar filly would get further this preparation.

Apprentice Brandon Griffiths has partnered Lexi’s Choice at her last two starts and in track gallops leading up to the race.

He settled her toward the rear of the small field, hitting the front half way down the straight and holding out her rivals to win by half a length.

The Michael Plummer trained Well Decorated ($3.80) was second, with Charged Flame ($3.50) from the Waterhouse Bott stable third.

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

 

Scott Singleton will target the Orange Cup with Itasca ($15) after his strong win in the LAKE MACQUARIE SHEET METAL CLASS 2 HANDICAP over 1600m.

The Tickets five-year-old returned to the winner’s circle with a length victory over Soldier Of Love ($3.30), with Miss Moana ($7), a length and a half behind in third.

The win gave Singleton a winning double and cause to praise the Wyong track.

“I always have a bit of luck here,” he said. “I’ll have to come back more often.

“We haven’t been having the best run of late. We just needed some luck so it’s great to get a double.”

Singleton said Itasca had been disappointing at his last start when he was narrowly beaten over 2000m at Queanbeyan.

“He just threw it away that day. I’ve put the blinkers back on him and that switched him on a bit today,” he said.

“He’s very consistent. I wanted to run him in the Orange Cup, so I needed to run him over the mile here today.

“This was just an in between race for him. He hasn’t been beaten far in the provincials in a lot stronger races than this. He’s probably a little bit ingenuine but hopefully we can bring the best out in him.”

Itasca, ridden by Jess Taylor, has now had three wins, and six minor placings from 25 starts.

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

 

Brad Widdup will consider a trip to Brisbane’s winter carnival with his filly Lily Astolat ($4.80) after her tough win in the 1600m HALEKULANI BOWLING CLUB MAIDEN.

Ridden by Koby Jennings, the three-year-old snatched a narrow victory in an exciting four-way finish.

Widdup said he would rule out a trip to Brisbane if the filly continues to improve.

“I’ll see how far we go with her. Once we get to 2000m there is always Queensland if she’s going well enough.

“I won’t get ahead of myself, but we will see,” he said.

“Her first run was good, and I was a little bit disappointed the other day at Hawkesbury but it’s tough competition this time of year. She’s been racing well and it’s good to see her win here today.

“He probably went a little bit early on her but he’s the one riding so I’ll give him that. Her pattern will be to just ride her quiet and get home. I think she will get over a bit further as well.”

Jennings settled the filly toward the rear of the field, making his move around the 600m mark. He chased the early leader Elgin into the straight and held on to win by a head.

The Sainty Sunrise ($7) from the Maher/Eustace stable was second, with Senatorial ($31) trained by Tony Ball, a short half head behind in third.

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

 

A great ride by Keagan Latham gave the in-form Richard Freedman stable their third winner in two days, after Bondi Boy stormed home over the top of his rivals to win the 1100m MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AIR CONDITIONING AUSTRALIA METRO & PROV MAIDEN.

Freedman had a day out at Muswellbrook on Friday with a feature double, including the Muswellbrook Cup with The Bandit, and Bondi’s victory ended a great week with six winners.

“I’ll probably celebrate tonight because it’s been pretty hectic,” Freedman’s son and foreman Will said. “We’ve had a good run. It’s been great.”

“It was an A-1 ride by Keagan today. There is nothing more to be said. Keagan comes in and rides a bit of work for us and is very much a part of our team. “He’s been doing a great job.”

Latham had Bondi Boy a little worse than midfield for much of the race, squeezing through on the rails in the final stages to score a length win.

Freedman said a change in riding tactics had made the difference.

“It was a different tactic today. Letting him conserve energy and finish off late is his go. If he gets too much open air early, he just over does things. He is a little bit fresh as well and has acquitted himself.

“We will keep going with him, probably another provincial class 1 race and if he shows that he’s got ability to make it back in town, he will earn that right.

“At this point he will need to reproduce it again before we give him a crack in town.”

Bondi Boy ($4.20), beat the Anthony Cummings favourite Making Whoopee ($4), with Jaytees ($5), trained by Gerald Ryan, third.

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

 

Praise for jockey Leigh Magorrian after Burbank’s return to form in the 1350m VIETNAM VETERANS KEITH PAYNE V.C HOSTEL CLASS 1.

The Sizzling gelding was last from 14 when resuming at Newcastle on March 21, but a tactical change, well executed by Magorrian, saw the gelding score a convincing three length win.

Stable foreman Clare Heuston said the ride had won the race.

“It was a beautiful win. He doesn’t like being around other horses. Lee was going to ride him positive today. He missed the kick a little bit but just took his time and pinched ground on the outside and had him basically in a very good position coming to the turn,” she said.

“He was full of running and obviously appreciated not being around other horses. That’s the key to him.

“We might find a Canterbury mid-week for him now because he’ll suit the tighter track.”

Burbank ($6), beat the Perry trained Shark Alley ($81), with the Rodney Bailey trained outsider Annie Saturday ($81), third.

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

 

Taree trainer Tony Ball had plenty of reason to celebrate after his sprinter Bancroft, the outsider of the field, took out the TWIN LAKES AIR AND SOLAR CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 over 1100m.

Bancroft, ridden by Shaun Guymer, was sent out at $34 but defied the odds to win by a short neck.

Ball, who races the horse in partnership, said it was a great win for him and his owners.

“We got second in an earlier race so to take this out was fantastic,” he said.

“There was so much against him today. He doesn’t handle the heavy and I told Shaun to lead on him at all costs.

“He’s never come from behind in his whole life. I just can’t believe it.

“Ten out of ten to Shaun, it was a great ride.

“He’s missed the kick but then done everything right. That’s why you put the good jockeys on.

“It’s unbelievable, very, very good.

“We will go home now and recoup, see how he pulls up and go from there.”

Bancroft beat Sniponet ($7), trained by Wayne Wilkes, with the $3.50 race favourite Crackneck, trained by Allan Kehoe, third.

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

 

Tracey Bartley is justifiably proud his small stable will be represented in the $500,000 Polytrack Provincial Championship final at Randwick on April 13.

His consistent mare Miss Redoble secured her spot in the race with a convincing three length win in the Kembla Qualifier last Saturday.

But Bartley isn’t finished there and believes his last start winner McCormack could give him two chances in the final.

“He won pretty well at Kembla on Saturday over 1400m and has pulled up pretty good,” he said. “I had decided before the race that if he won, he should have a go at the Wyong Qualifier.

“It was a bit of a tough run at Kembla, but he came home and licked the bin, so it’s all systems go.

“I’ve just been giving him a trot and canter and he had a swim this morning.”

Bartley said three-year olds didn’t have a great record in the Provincial Championships, but he was hoping McCormack could buck the trend. The Eurozone gelding has had three wins from just five starts and Bartley has always had a good opinion of him.

“I thought he was a pretty nice horse from day one. He’s one of those arrogant horses but he’s putting together a good record and I’m rapt to be training him.”

Bartley believes there will be plenty of speed in the race and would ideally like McCormack to be just behind the leaders.

“They will go very hard in this race on Saturday, no risk in the world, and I think from the four barrier we will be fourth or fifth at best in the run. “He won’t be second like he was the other day but he’s bouncy and he’s well so who knows.”

McCormack is owned by Andrew and Mary Phillips and family from Tamworth, new owners to the Bartley stable.

“They gave me this bloke and Commute to train, and both are going really well,” he said.

“They are really excited about McCormack racing in the Qualifier. It took them six hours to get the Kembla the other day. They were so happy with the win and will be heading to Wyong on Saturday.”

Bartley said Miss Redoble had pulled up well from her win.

The mare was sent out at $51 and upset many of the more fancied runners but Bartley was always confident she would race well.

“I knew she would be hard to beat, and she has pulled up fantastic. I think she will be hard to beat in the final as well.”

Bartley was full of praise for the Provincial Series.

“For a small stable with only 16 horses it’s a great feather in our cap to have a runner in the final and possibly two,” he said.

“It’s not like a Group One race but it’s very good for us provincial trainers, and we are all aiming horses towards these races.”

Wyong trainers already dominate the final field with five runners, including Miss Redoble, previously qualifying.

Kim Waugh and Allan Denham saddle up Fuchu and Bangkok, respectively in Saturday’s race.

The club has a huge day of entertainment planned, with the first of eight races at 1.34pm.

 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.34pm: SERVERS AUSTRALIA MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m): 1 WORD FOR WORD, 2 Charged Flame, 3 Loving Heart, 4 Well Decorated.

Race 2 – 2.14pm: HALEKULANI BOWLING CLUB MAIDEN PLATE (1600m): 1 LADY LUCIENNE, 2 Elgin, Costa Zou 4 Lily Astolat.

Race 3 – 2.54pm: LAKES PODIATRY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE (1200m): 1 TRAJECTION, 2 Bandersnatch, 3 Anethole, 4 Swiftlet.

Race 4 – 3.34pm: LAKE MACQUARE SHEET METAL LCLASS 2 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 EVERARD, 2 Faith In Kind, 3 Onthetake, 4 Appertizing.

Race 5 – 4.14pm: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AIR CONDITIONING AUSTRALIA METRO & PROV MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m): 1 JAYTEES, 2 Ultimate Power, 3 Absolute Control, 4 Bondi Boy.

Race 6 – 4.54pm: VIETNAM VETERANS KEITH PAYNE V.C. HOSTEL CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 VENDELLA, 2 Shark Alley, 3 City Of Love, 4 Continuation.

Race 7 – 5.29pm: TWIN LAKES AIR AND SOLAR CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 RARE EPISODE, 2 Tony’s Reward, 3 Shelley Beach Road, 4 Rare Episode.

Race 8 – 6.05pm: POLYTRACK WYONG PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER (1350m): 1 BOBBING, 2 Sheriff, 3 Fuchu, 4 Turnberry.

 

 

 

Wyong trainer Tracey Bartley is confident his mare Miss Redoble can perform well in tomorrow’s $150,000 Polytrack Provincial Championship Qualifier at Kembla, despite a wide barrier draw.

Bartley said the four-year-old, who put together back to back wins last preparation, had been unlucky at her two runs this time in.

“She hasn’t raced with a lot of luck but I’m happy with how she is going,” he said.

“Barrier 16 doesn’t worry me. I think she can get into a better spot. She really needs the 1400m so this suits perfectly and if she gets clear running, she will be finishing hard.

“I’ve booked Travis Wolfgram. He’s a very good rider and I’m happy with that.”

Miss Redoble is one of three Wyong hopes in the Qualifier, with Kristen Buchanan saddling up last start winner Oakfied Geronimo and consistent gelding Hubble.

Wyong trainers already have four trainers heading for the final, with Kim Waugh and Damien Lane each qualifying two horses at Hawkesbury and Newcastle respectively.

The Wyong Qualifier, the last in the series, will be run on March 30, with the club planning a big day of entertainment.

Kristen Buchanan is confident she has two genuine chances heading into this Saturday’s $150,000 Gosford Polytrack Provincial Championship Qualifier.

Her runners, Invincible Gangsta and Grand Exit are among the field of 16, as the series hits the halfway mark.

Fellow Wyong trainer Allan Denham will also be vying for a spot in the rich final with his mare Bangkok. The four-year-old, a last start Rosehill winner, put together four successive victories last preparation.

Buchanan said both her runners deserve a chance in the race.

“Grand Exit is a nice consistent filly. I like the distance for her and there should be plenty of speed which will suit her,” she said.

“Invincible Gangsta could be a query over the distance but if he gets enough speed, he will have the last crack at them.”

Wyong trainers Damien Lane and Kim Waugh, both have two gallopers already qualified for the April 13 Randwick final.

The $150,000 Wyong Provincial Championship Qualifier will be run on Saturday, March 30.

 

 

Damien Lane is excited about the prospect of his two runners in Saturday’s Polytrack Provincial Championship Qualifier at Newcastle.

The Wyong based trainer hasn’t had a runner in the Provincial Championship final at Randwick and hoping this could be the year.

“I haven’t had a lot of chances previously but these two are genuine hopes.”

Lane saddles up Oakfield Missile and Oakfield Twilight, both for well-known owner Bruce Mackenzie.

Oakfield Missile narrowly missed out on securing a berth in the April 13 final, when he finished fifth in the Hawkesbury Qualifier.

Lane said the mare was “very stiff” not to run third.

“With even luck, she would of got third and be in the final already,” he said. “We get another chance at Newcastle and she’s drawn soft this time.

“She likes Newcastle and has won three races there. Grant Buckley is sticking with her and I think she’ll go really well.”

Lane won’t be surprised to see Oakfield Twilight figure in the finish.

“He’s finished second at his last three starts behind three nice horses. He shows the same ability as Oakfield Missile at home but has taken a while to learn what it’s all about.

“He’s got a lot of ability but just has to live up to it on raceday.”

Fuchu, representing the Kim Waugh stable, has drawn barrier five and will be ridden by Robbie Dolan.

He is coming off a barrier trial win at Newcastle on February 27.

Prior to a brief let up he strung together three successive wins at Newcastle, Wyong and Kensington, and looks among the top chances.

WYONG COMMUNITY SERVICES RACEDAY – 28 FEBRUARY 2019

Frances O’Shea

In-form Blake Shinn took out the riding honours at Wyong with a winning double, taking out the first two races for the Snowden and Anthony Cummings stables.

Shinn, who only recently returned from a lengthy stint on the sideline with a serious neck injury, has booted home eight winners for the month despite serving a suspension.

The Snowden camp are hoping their well-bred galloper Sir Owen can progress to higher grades after his impressive win in the 1200m Wyong Provincial Championships March 30 Maiden.

Perfectly ridden by Shinn, the $2 race favourite pulled away in the final stages to score a two and a quarter length victory.

Shinn positioned the Fastnet Rock gelding just behind the leader and second favourite Jaytees ($4) until straightening, hitting the front around the 250m mark.

Sir Owen, who was coming off a second at Gosford last start, is owned and was named after prominent Kiwi Sir Owen Glenn, owner of the successful Go Bloodstock empire.

“It’s good to get a win for Sir Owen, particularly on one named after him,” Shinn said.

“We knew he had ability because he finished nicely behind a handy filly at Gosford the other day.

“He did a great job today and I think he is in store for better things.”

Colum McCullagh, representing the Snowden’s, said hopefully Sir Owen could “go on with it” after claiming his maiden victory.

“It was a nice win for him. Blake gave him a lovely run just behind the speed and it was great to see him lit the line like he did,” McCullagh said.

“We always knew there was untapped ability there so hopefully now he can go on with it.”

The outsider of the field Chapartica ($51) trained by Adam Wadick, was third.

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

 

Anthony Cummings had plenty of reason to celebrate after Blast, who he bred and races in partnership, scored an impressive debut win over the 1350m.

Cummings is enjoying a purple patch, the latest victory the fifth for the stable in a week.

Blast also brought up the early double for Shinn.

By Irish sire Dalakhani, Blast was the well supported $2.70 second favourite in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service 3YO Maiden, on the back of two good trials, the latest a third over 1045m at Randwick on February 19.

He settled at the rear of the small field and was revved up by Shinn around the 700m.

Despite appearing in trouble coming into the turn, Shinn took him wide into the straight where he knuckled down and was able to rein in the speedy On The White Turf ($4.40), from the Richard Freedman stable.

Blast drew away in the final stages to win by just over a length, from On The White Turf, with the $2.45 favourite, On Canyonero, third.

Shinn said it was a tough win by Blast, who was having only his second start.

“He made it hard work for myself and himself but showed his superiority against his rivals today,” he said.

“He is a nice horse and he’s going to get better when he gets to 1600m and even 2000m.

“Once he gets out in distance he will get into his own.

“I think he could measure up in one of the lesser races in the carnival on the way to bigger things.”

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

 

A dominant win by the short priced favourite Pop Girl who was rewarded for her consistency taking out the COAST SHELTER MAIDEN PLATE over 1600m.

Trained by John O’Shea and ridden by Brenton Avdulla, Pop Girl ($1.55) has been placed in all of her four starts this preparation.

She was second at Canterbury over the 1550m at her last start on February and sent out short priced favourite by punters.

The three-year-old Snitzel filly didn’t disappoint and despite being eased down on the line by Avdulla, still put almost four lengths on her rivals.

Pop Girl, out of Music Review, is raced by Neil Werrett.

John O’Shea said the filly had “deserved the win.”

“It was great to get one for Neil today because he’s been very patient,” he said.

“She’s been crying out for the mile. That, some head gear and a lovely Brenton ride got the job done.

“She’s been racing well and we were very keen to get her here today. It’s a beautiful circumference and a lovely surface here and the opportunity to grab Brenton Avdulla was another plus.”

Pop Girl beat the Godolphin trained Love Seat ($6), with Lady Grande ($12) trained by John Sargent, third.

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

 

A Cummings trifecta in the 1000m COMMUNITY TRANSPORT CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN with Godolphin’s James Cummings training the winner Ariege and runner-up Pindus, while the third placegetter Agassi was trained by his father Anthony.

Ariege, the $1.75 race favourite ridden by Josh Parr, showed plenty of gate speed and was settled just off the speed on the rails.

She was well-rated by Parr, who took her to the lead before the straight, kicking two lengths clear and maintaining the lead to the line.

Darren Beadman, stable representative, described Ariege’s win as ‘very dominant’.

“She jumped straight onto the bridle and gave nothing else a chance,” he said.

“She’s a lovely running type filly and she trialled really well coming into this. She’s a lovely bred filly and it’s good to see her get on the board.

“She’s nice and strong and really developed. James has given her the time to mature and find herself. She’s got a lovely mannerism and hopefully can go on to bigger and better things.”

The Exceed and Excel filly, having her third race start, was coming off a trial win at Warwick Farm on February 14.

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

 

The David Pfieffer trained Crafty Tycoon ($8) upset some of the more favoured runners to take out the 1200m COMMUNITY & BUSINESS WOMEN’S NETWORK CENTRAL COAST NSW BENCHMARK 64.

The Written Tycoon gelding, appreciated a fast tempo in the early part of the race, with Corey Brown taking him to the outside around the 700m mark.

He fought out the final stages of the race with the Waugh trained Mighty Marmalade, gaining ascendency on the line.

“It’s about time, he’s been knocking on the door for a while,” stable representative Sue O’Keefe said.

“He was supposed to go to Brisbane last week but doesn’t like the wet tracks, so we canned that because of the cyclone.

“He’s in fine form and doing everything right at home and he finally got over the line today.”

Brown was also pleased with the win.

“The big weight today he did a good job.

“He was a fraction slow away and I got him a long way out with the big weight. He did a great job.”

Crafty Tycoon beat Mighty Marmalade ($4.20) by just over a length, with Come Along ($7), trained by John Sargent, third.

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

 

The Kris Lees trained Kanavu snatched victory in a thrilling three-way finish in the CENTRAL COAST CENTRE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP over the 1200m.

Under strong riding by Glynn Schofield, the Dream Ahead colt, took out the race by a half head.

He beat the Nick Mitchell trained Radical Impact ($3.80), with Angela Davies $2.85 favourite Queen Ablaze a close third.

Kanavu, a $110,000 two-year-old purchase, was having his second start for the Lees stable having resumed with a second at Gosford on February 12.

Cherie Markham, from the Lees stable said Kanavu keeps on improving with every run.

“It was a very good run at Gosford last start and he rode him perfectly today to finish off. He’s a big nice type, he’s developed more and he’s on his toes keen to race,” she said.

“Glynn had him in the perfect spot in the one, one. He was confident with his race plan before he went out and it worked out perfectly.”

Schofield said there was still plenty of improvement to come with Kanavu.

“He felt like he was going to win comfortably but he’s still a little bit green and didn’t really know how to put the race to sleep when I needed him to,” he said.

“He’s still got a little bit to learn still but it was a comfortable win none the less.

“Mentally he’s got a bit of learning to do, but when it counted, he got his head down and won well.”

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

 

Apprentice Mikayla Weir capped off a great month bringing up her 10^th winner for February in the 1350m VINNIES SHOPS CLASS 2 HANDICAP.

Weir booted home outsider, Tinkermosa ($31) for Randwick trainer John Sargent.

The Singleton based apprentice is proving popular with trainers for their provincial and metropolitan runners, where she still claims two and three kilos respectively.

Weir turned second on straightening on Tinkermosa, after sitting just off the lead for most of the race, and under strong riding was able to run down the leader Oakfield Twilight ($4.40), trained by Damien Lane.

It was the second career win for Tinkermosa, an Alamosa mare, who raced in the 2018 Queensland Oaks.

Sargent, who praised Weir, said a wind operation had made the difference to the mare.

“The wind operation was definitely a big help here,” he said.

“We took her up to the Oaks very confident and she disappointed. After that her two or three runs were very average. We scoped her and found out she had a wind problem. Obviously, the operation worked.

“She’s a lovely horse and now she’s back she’ll probably get up over a trip. It was a nice win today and a lovely ride by the jockey.”

She had a soft run on the leader and got up strong late

Weir said she had to go to plan B when the horse jumped so well.

“I let her travel where she was off the speed and she hit the line beautifully. She is a lovely mare,” Weir said.

China Gale, the $4 equal favourite from the O’Shea stable finished third.

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

 

Another in-form apprentice was in the winner’s circle following the IRIS FOUNDATION BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m) after Billy Owen booted home the Waterhouse Bott trained Zepplin ($2.80).

Neil Campton, representing the stable was full of praise for Owen, who is apprenticed to Nick Olive at Canberra.

“He rode him so well,” he said. “He did exactly what we wanted so it was a terrific ride by the boy,” he said.

“He is such a consistent horse this time in which is great for everyone concerned.”

The $500,000 yearling, by Fastnet Rock out of Media, brought up his fifth career win from 20 starts.

He appreciated the drop in class in the Benchmark 64, with Owen content to take a sit just off the leader.

He hit the front on straightening and was able to stave off challengers to win by almost a length.

Owner Charles Kelly from Newhaven Park said Zepplin had had a great preparation and had been very consistent.

“He’s won four races this time in including the Bong Bong Cup,” Kelly said.

“I love this horse. I love his name and it’s great to see him win.”

Sensacova ($8) from the Marc Connors stable was second, with the Jeff Englebrecht trained Hammond Lane ($10), a half- length behind in third.

Kim Waugh is on track to claim another Provincial Championship Final berth with Fuchu resuming from a let up with a dominant trial win.

The All Too Hard gelding put together three successive wins in December and early January, including a metropolitan victory.

Waugh gave him an eight-week let-up before Wednesday’s 1200m trial on the Beaumont track at Newcastle.

The four-year-old took out the trial with Robbie Dolan in the saddle.

The apprentice will partner Fuchu in the Newcastle Qualifier on March 9.

“We decided to head to the Newcastle race because that is the way it worked out best for him,” Waugh said.

“He had a nice freshen up after he won his last race at Randwick.
“Robbie rode him in each of his wins last preparation and was happy to come up for the trial. He will be on him at Newcastle.”

Waugh’s gallopers Safado and Spring Charlie progressed through to the $500,000 April 13 final after finishing first and second in last Sunday’s Hawkesbury qualifier.

Wyong will host the last qualifier of the series on Saturday, March 30.

Kim Waugh is hoping to continue on from a winning weekend with a trio of chances at her home track meeting on Thursday.

Waugh secured spots for two horses in the $500,000 Provincial Championships final at Randwick on April 13, when Safado took out the Hawkesbury qualifier on Sunday narrowly beating stablemate Spring Charlie.

And she hopes the successful run can keep going with Joy For Us, Mighty Marmalade and Holy Reign all looking to be strong chances in their respective races at the club’s Community Services Race Day.

“It was very exciting to get both horses into the final and hopefully we can qualify another one or two,” Waugh said.

And while the race isn’t a part of the immediate plans for talented mare Joy For Us, Waugh hasn’t ruled it out completely.

“At this stage we aren’t considering it but there are a still a couple more qualifiers down the track so you never know,” she said.

The Lonhro mare scored a strong win over the 1350m on her home track last start, and lines up on Thursday in a Class 2 over the same distance.

“She won very well the other day,” Waugh said.

“She hasn’t had much luck in the couple of runs before that. She got interfered with a couple of times in the run at her previous start but she had a lovely run the other day and won the race.

“It showed how well she had been going without having luck. She has drawn barrier seven but does get back a bit so that won’t be of great concern.”

Waugh has booked Josh Parr, who won on the mare at her last start.

Blake Shinn will partner both Holy Reign and Mighty Marmalade.

Waugh is confident about the chances of Holy Reign who is shooting for his third successive win in the 1600m Benchmark 64.

The Manhattan Rain three-year-old has won at Kembla and Newcastle at his last two outings, and has been unplaced in only two of his eight starts.

“He is a nice horse who keeps improving all the time. He is going very well,” she said.

“He is still learning. The first win at Kembla with Blake (Shinn) he floated around a bit when he hit the front and Blake confirmed he’s still got a bit to learn but when he won his next start, he was a bit more focused which was good.

“I’ll keep taking him through his grades, teaching him and giving him confidence at the same time.”

Waugh is hoping for a better start from her consistent mare Mighty Marmalade, who jumps from barrier nine in the 1200m Benchmark 64.

The four-year-old has had four seconds and a win from eight starts, with Waugh concerned about her tardiness at the barriers.

“She has gotten into a habit of missing the start a bit which has been quite costly to her,” she said.

“She’s going well without winning and she does race well at Wyong. Hopefully Blake can get her out of the barriers and running.”

Waugh said she was happy with the way her team was racing at present, having scored a winning double at the last Wyong meeting on February 19.

“We have had some good results lately but they can’t win all the time. As long as they are consistent, we are happy,” she said.

The first of eight races kicks off at 1.15pm.

 

SELECTIONS:

 

Race 1 – 1.15pm: WYONG PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS MARCH 30 MAIDEN HANDICAP (1200m): 1 BUOYANCY, 2 Sir Owen, 3 Jaytees, 4 Live The Moment.

Race 2 – 1.50pm: WESTPAC RESCUE HELICOPTER SERVICE 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 CANZONET, 2 Canyonero, 3 Blast, 4 Mimi.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: COAST SHELTR MAIDEN PLATE (1600m): 1 POP GIRL, 2 Loveseat, 3 Sound Off, 4 Lady Grande.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: COMMUNITY TRANSPORT CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN PLATE (1000m): 1 VERMONT, 2 Ariege, 3 Pindus, 4 Agassi.

Race 5 – 3.40pm: COMMUNITY & BUSINESS WOMEN’S NETWORK CENTRAL COAST NSW BENCHMARK 64 (1200m): 1 SEGALAS, 2 The Soloist, 3 Mighty Marmalade, 4 Alliterate.

Race 6 – 4.20pm: CENTRAL COAST CENTRE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m): 1 QUEEN ABLAZE, 2 Kanavu, 3 Triple Choice, 4 Hubble.

Race 7 – VINNIES SHOPS CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 CHINA GALE, 2 Joy For Us, 3 Oakfield Twilight, 4 Titus.

Race 8 – 5.30pm: IRIS FOUNDATION BENCHMARK 64 H