Tracey
Bartley is looking at the real prospect of saddling up three runners in the
Provincial Championship Final if Defeat can run up to expectations in
Saturday’s Wyong Polytrack Qualifier.
The
I’m Invincible gelding resumed in the Gosford Provincial Championship heat and
while the run looked disappointing on paper, Bartley believes there were
excuses.
He
expects the four-year-old to race well and with an ounce of luck join
stablemates McCormack and Moana Jewel in the $500,000 Final at Royal Randwick
on April 11.
“He’s
got ability and I can see him running a race nice,” Bartley said.
“He
got knocked over in the running the other day about a furlong and a half from
the start and was making room up the running when he got shortened up again.
“It
was a much better run then it looked on paper. He certainly deserves another
chance.
“He’s
won at Wyong and I think the home track is an advantage. He doesn’t mind the
sting out of the ground either, and I think he will get that on Saturday.”
Defeat,
a $150,000 yearling, has had four wins and a placing from 13 starts. He has
tasted success at Newcastle over 1400m and Bartley believes Saturday’s race is
an ideal distance.
“He
appreciates this distance and if he gets through to the final the 1400m will be
no worries.”
Bartley
has engaged Grant Buckley to ride the four-year-old, who will start from
barrier seven.
“I’d
probably prefer him to be taken a bit wider and wouldn’t have been worried if
he’d drawn wide. He can work up to them from out there.”
Bartley
said McCormack and Moana Jewel were both progressing nicely toward the April 11
final.
“It’s
an exciting prospect to have two and possibly three runners in the final. I
believe the two that have already qualified are live chances.”
Bartley
also saddles up three-year-old All Over Magic in the Class 1 over 1350m.
“I
was a bit disappointed with him in his last two runs at Newcastle and Kembla,
but I think you will see a vastly improved horse this time.”
The
$150,000 Wyong Polytrack Provincial Qualifier has attracted a full field of 16,
with four emergencies.
Wyong
trainer Kim Waugh is hoping Celer and Oxford Tycoon can progress to Randwick,
while Damien Lane and Kristen Buchanan, who both have runners through to the
final, have Oakfield Captain and Margie Bee respectively in the race.
Fellow
Wyong trainer Jeff Englebrecht saddles up The Crimson Idol.
The
first of eight races gets underway at 12.54pm.
SELECTIONS:
Race
1 – 12.54pm: TWIN LAKES AIR AND SOLAR MAIDEN (1600m): 1 URBINO, 2 Dame Margot,
3 Revellers, 4 Izzat.
Race
2 – 1.34pm: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AIR CONDITIONING AUSTRALIA CLASS 1 AND
MAIDEN (2100m): 1 COLONNADE, 2 Elisa Carolina, 3 Tahuna, 4 Encostar Glory.
Race
3 – 2.14pm: LAKE MACQUARIE SHEET METAL MAIDEN (1000m): 1 ZANZIDANCE, 2 Emanate,
3 Red Hot Moon, 4 At The Helm.
We’re continuing to implement Racing NSW restrictions and NSW Health guidelines until further notice.
With NSW COVID-19 cases remaining at low levels and the NSW Government commencing to relax COVID-19 restrictions, Racing NSW has now commenced relaxing some of the restrictions it introduced on 16 March 2020, to allow industry stakeholders the opportunity for increased participation.
We are being extremely proactive and taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our Club’s patrons, staff and community. Following the latest advice from Racing NSW, we continue to implement restrictions on public attendance.
Wyong Race Club’s thoroughbred race meeting restrictions are being eased. Despite the 1 July 2020 NSW Public Health Orders permitting the admission to spectators to racecourses:
by way of tickets to assigned seating areas, with total numbers not to exceed 25% of the capacity of the racecourse or 10,000 persons; or
limited to a maximum of 500 persons (subject to 4 square metre rule).
as we have some of our facilities, such as the Sincero Bar, being utilised to assist in the social distancing of essential personnel, the Club is not in a position to take full advantage of the eased restrictions. For our next meeting on 11 July 2020, in addition to essentential personnel, we are only allowing owners and pre-booked Members on-course.
Access to licensed training stables remains closed to the public, including owners, until further notice.
We’re also asking all our staff, business partners, owners, trainers, jockeys and other contractors to adopt enhanced preventative measures and maintain social distancing.
RACECOURSE ATTENDANCE (RNSW Guidelines)
Race Meetings, Barrier Trials and Trackwork
Attendance by persons working at racecourse
Persons that are engaged in work are permitted to attend race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork without restrictions.
All other attendees
Race Clubs are now able to admit racegoers into the racecourse by way of tickets to assigned seating areas or without seating if limited to a maximum of 500 persons.
For race meetings where the Race Club has elected to admit racegoers by way of tickets to assigned seating areas, admission to the racecourse is by way of a ticket with each person assigned to a seating area, with total numbers not to exceed 25% of the capacity of the racecourse or 10,000 persons.
For race meetings where the Race Club has elected to limit attendance to a maximum of 500 persons and barrier trials and trackwork, the only other restriction on numbers is that the size of the racecourse is sufficient to ensure that there is at least 4 square metres of space for each person.
Racegoers are required to provide contact details by way of phone number or email address. If racegoers are attending as part of a discreet group, then at least one adult member of that group (for example, the person who makes the booking or reservation) need to provide contact details. That adult member must provide contact details of all other persons in the group to the Department of Health if requested.
Any hospitality areas where food and drink is served is restricted to the total number of customers calculated by allowing four (4) square metres of space for each customer (excluding staff members) in that area.
Racegoers should consult with the relevant Race Club in respect of the process for attending race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork, including as to whether the Race Club intends to cap attendance at a maximum of 500 persons or alternatively, offer admission by way of tickets to allocated seating areas. Noting that pre-booking will ensure attendance and avoid disappointment due to capacity restrictions
Race Clubs are required to develop and comply with a COVID-19 Safety Plan, which includes provisions in respect of physical distancing such as separation of seated groups, ensuring physical distancing between non-household groups, preventing co-mingling of spectator groups and reducing crowding in areas where people stand (including along the railings at racecourses). The approved COVID-19 Safety Plan also provides that alcohol can only be served to seated patrons.
Race Clubs and racegoers continue to abide by existing COVID-19 Protocols including social distancing of 1.5 metres, sufficient space for one person per 4 square metres, good hygiene practices at all times and unwell persons not to be permitted access to racecourses.
Other
All other restrictions remain in place, including segregation of jockeys and other on course personnel. Temperature checking of jockeys entering the racecourse for race meetings to continue.
Additional Measures for Upcoming Race Meetings:
If you are due to attend Wyong racecourse, we need to ensure an extra precautionary layer before you can access our grounds.
In the interest of public health, please do not visit the Club if you’re:
Suffering from coronavirus symptoms or are generally unwell
Had close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus
Awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test
Subject to self-isolation requirements imposed by the Government
The best course of action is to be proactive. Familiarise yourself with the COVID-19 facts. If you suspect you may have coronavirus, or have been in contact with someone who has, you should isolate yourself and immediately seek medical advice.
Call the national Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080, or contact your medical practitioner.
If an event you were due to host at our Club needs to be postponed or cancelled due to updated advice from NSW Health, there will be refund or rescheduling options made available to you. If you have any questions about an upcoming race day, event, or function you are involved in with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If we act together, we can ensure that Wyong Race Club and its thoroughbred racing community continue to run as close to normal operations as possible in the near future.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, and our Club wishes your family well at this challenging time.
Given the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation across New South Wales, we need to advise you of changes to Wyong Race Club’s approach to equine operations, race meetings, functions and events.
We are being extremely proactive and taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our Club’s patrons, staff and community. Following the latest advice from Racing NSW, we are implementing restrictions on public attendance.
Effective immediately, Wyong Race Club’s thoroughbred race meetings, barrier trials, trackwork and access to licensed training stables will not be open to the public, including owners, until further notice.
We’re asking all our staff, business partners, owners, trainers, jockeys and other contractors to adopt enhanced preventative measures and maintain social distancing.
If we act together, we can ensure that Wyong Race Club and its thoroughbred racing community continue to run as close to normal operations as possible in the near future.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, and we wish your family well at this testing time.
Robin Taylor General Manager Wyong Race Club Limited.
Changes to Upcoming Race Meetings
Until further notice, only essential personnel will be permitted entry to our racecourse. They will be required to leave promptly after their horses have run. There will be no wagering facilities provided. This is all in accordance with the latest advice provided by Racing NSW.
Essential personnel permittedaccess includes:
Racing NSW Stewards and Veterinarians
Trainers, Jockeys and Stablehands with a runner at the race meeting
Barrier Attendants,
Starters and essential Track Staff
Clerks of the Course
Judges and Sectional
Timing Teams
Weighing Room Staff and Jockey’s Attendants
Race day Event Staff and security (horse stalls, mounting yards and float carpark)
Club Doctor and Ambulance Services
Farriers and other essential service providers approved by Racing NSW and Wyong Race Club
Broadcast services including Race Caller
Restricted Core Racing Media as approved by Racing NSW and Wyong Race Club
Restricted operational Wyong Race Club staff and management.
Additional measures for upcoming Race Meetings:
If you are an essential personnel required to attend Wyong racecourse, we need to ensure an extra precautionary layer before you can access our grounds.
In the interest of public health, you won’t be permitted access to our grounds if you’re:
Suffering from coronavirus symptoms or are generally unwell
Had close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus
Subject to self-isolation requirements imposed by the Government
Vulnerable to or have a pre-existing respiratory disease
Considered in a high risk group, including the elderly or have an underlying illness such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure or a suppressed immune system.
Be proactive.
Familiarise yourself with the COVID-19 facts. If you suspect you may have coronavirus, or have been in contact with someone who has, you should isolate yourself and immediately seek medical advice.
Call the national Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080, or contact your medical practitioner.
We’re here to help.
If an event you were due to host at our Club needs to be postponed or cancelled due to updated advice from NSW Health, there will be refund or rescheduling options made available to you.
If you have any questions about an upcoming race day, event, or function you are involved in with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The
win, in class record time, brought up a double for Keagan Latham.
“He’s been
promising to do that for a while,” he said.
“He was a
tragedy beaten at Scone and he’s a very good rider this boy. I left it up to
him as to where he would be.
“He’s broken
the class record and has enough ability to be a nice horse in town on a
Saturday.
“It’s good to
see him get the monkey off his back because he’s had a few excuses and it’s
been a bit disappointing for his owners so far in a couple of his races, but he
made amends today.”
Aytobe ($5),
a four-year-old Bullet Train gelding, beat Uprise ($3) from the Widdup stable,
with Just Like Jessie ($41) from the Attard/Keegan stable, third.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kristen
Buchanan will consider a shot at the Wyong Provincial Championship Qualifier
with Maggie Bee after the mares’ strong win in the 1200m SPORTS TURF SOLUTIONS
CLASS 2.
The
four-year-old was given a soft, front running ride by Jenny Duggan and was able
to sustain the lead to the line, winning by a length and a quarter.
“I’ll have a
good talk to Jenny, but we may head to the Wyong Qualifier. I think she
deserves a shot,” Buchanan said.
“Her last run
at Newcastle was good but she burned a bit of petrol, so we just decided to
change a bit of gear and be a little more gentle, and not try and drive her to
be anywhere.
“The alley
made it possible because if you draw an outside alley or an inside alley you’ve
got your hands full. We drew a nice gate today and she got the job done.
“She always
tries really hard and it was perfect today.”
A large crowd
of excited connections were on hand to celebrate the win.
The Tim
McIntosh trained Absolute Trust ($3.40) was second, with Titus ($12) from the
Perry stable, a length behind in third.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Hawkes
trained Pink Beau ($3.30) overcame a slow start to bring up her debut win in
the SYNGENTA POSTERITY 2YO MAIDEN over 1200m.
The Brazen
Beau filly was sent out $3.30 favourite on the strength of her first start on
February 19, when she finished fifth behind Black Opal winner Barbaric.
Andrew Atkins
didn’t panic when the filly reared at the start, missing the kick by a length.
He settled
her just off the pace and then ran down the opposition in the straight to
record a three quarter of a length win.
Trainer
Michael Hawkes said he would access the next run for the filly over coming
days.
“She jumped a
bit awkward but to Andrew’s credit he didn’t panic and just let it all sort of
unfold. He wanted to push her out on the corner, but the gap disappeared, so he
had to wait and when he let her go, she knuckled down to the task and got the
job done.
“She did
everything right in her first start, the gap just probably closed that day as
well, so with her two runs she hasn’t had much like.
“In saying
that I do like her, she knuckles down and really wants to get the job done.”
The Kim Waugh
trained Princess Betty ($4) was impressive on debut finishing second, over
Princess Glamour ($19) from the Gary Portelli stable.
It was
another good result for favourite backers, with the Smart Missile gelding sent
out at the skinny odds of $1.45 following his fourth on debut at Kensington on
February 19.
He put paid
to his opposition in impressive style, winning by almost five lengths.
Stable
foreman Ronnie Nunn said the three-year-old was good at his first start and had
improved after a subsequent trial.
“We were
pretty confident today and he won as the price would suggest,” he said.
“Everything
went to plan. He relaxed nice and easy in front and was impressive.
“He travelled
well throughout the run. There was a bit of merit in the win. He got left in
front a long way out, and for a lightly raced horse, he’s heading in the right
direction.
“He will most
likely go to a midweek race next start.”
Adam
Hyeronimus said Mensa Missile relaxed well and once asked to pick up and find
the line he did so.
“It was the
perfect race for him today. He’s a real seven-furlong horse so it’s good to get
him up to the distance.”
Unloch The
Rock ($13) trained by Gary Portelli was second, with Craig Carmody’s galloper
Red Hot ($5.50), third.OHot Hot
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A well rated
ride by Louise Day saw the speedy Vinci Lady ($8.50) upset some of the more
favoured runners to take out the BAYER INDEMNIFY CLASS 1.
The
I Am Invincible mare hit the ground running and let throughout the 1000m dash.
Trainer
Gary Portelli was complimentary of the ride and Vinci Lady.
“Louise
has been down to ride her work a few times and I think that makes a difference
she knows what’s she’s capable of doing.” he said.
“It
was a great ride. She just controlled her, let her go through her gears and the
fastest horse won.
“We were
pretty keen on her chances. If she turned up, I thought she’d win.
“I heard a
few people say there was a lot of speed in the race, but I don’t think there
would be too many lead this girl when she’s on song.
“She travels
better in front now. Last preparation she was going to the front and over
racing. At Newcastle in a 900m she went helter skelter but just blew out late
and I think she was favourite that day. I hope the punters got something back
today.”
Cameron
Crockett’s $2.40 favourite Fox Spirit was a length behind in second, over Crimson
Ticket ($20) from the Jim and Greg Lee yard.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A last-minute
decision proved to be a winning one for Clare Cunningham after Ready’s Girl
($8.50) put paid to her opposition to take out the TURFCARE AUSTRALIA
CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 over 1600m.
The Better
Than Ready filly was coming off a good run at Canterbury over the 1900m and
Cunningham had intended to step her up to the 2000m.
“To be honest
there wasn’t much around for her over that distance, so we decided to bring her
here,” she said.
“I was as
confident as you can be going back in distance. She drew nicely and it looked
like a suitable race.
“We will take
her out to the 2000m now.
“She’s a
ripping little filly and it was a wonderful ride by Rachel (King).
“This filly
has come such a long way. She really had to knuckle down and tough it out.
“She’s very
fit and tough and looks like she’s got a good wind capacity so I wouldn’t be
too worried about the 10 furlongs.”
Ready’s Girl
beat the Paul Perry trained Opinions ($7.50) by half a length, with the Deamer
trained Time Raid ($8) third.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A long-time
friendship paid dividends for Luke Thomas and Aaron Bullock when the pair
combined to win the ECO BUNKER AUSTRALIA BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m with Asudem.
The Duporth
gelding brought up his fifth win from 18 starts and is now likely to target the
Country Championship Wild Card at Muswellbrook on March 22.
“I want to
really thank Aaron,” Thomas said after the race. “He and I have been friends
for a long time. He has been struggling with his weight but gave me his word
he’d ride for me today.
“This horse
is really tough. To win like that with the 60kg was a really big effort,
particularly when the winners have been leading here today.
“He has been
super consistent, and I think he deserves a chance in the Wild Card.”
Bullock said
it was great to win for Thomas.
“We went to
school together so have been mates for a long time. I really wanted to ride for
him today and it was good to see him get another win.
“He’s a
tough, consistent horse.”
In a
nail-biting finish, Asudem, the $2.80 race favourite, beat Mohican ($61) from
the Robert and Luke Price stable by a short half head, with Salsa Man ($8.50)
from the Perry stable, a close third.
It’s been a harrowing few months for Brett Partelle with his Central
Coast property hit hard by fires and flood.
Smoke and ash from fires plagued his property for several months and
then floods forced everything into lockdown for more than 10 days.
He saddles up six runners at Wyong on Tuesday and is hoping for a
much-needed change of luck.
“It’s been a pretty tough time. We’ve been hammered,” Partelle said. “We
had to back off the horses for weeks because of smoke and ash falling
everywhere. We had them ready to go again and a few of them raced well at Scone
and then we were hit hard by the floods.
“The horses didn’t have a saddle on them for 10 days because the flood
water was lapping at our door. It’s been four months of absolute misery.”
Partelle said due to his circumstances Wyong had allowed him a private
trial and he was confident the horses were all ready to go.
“I expect them all to race well but Aytobe would be the best of them,”
he said. “Whatever they do on Tuesday there will be improvement to come.”
Aytobe lines up in the Provincial and Country Maiden over 1200m.
“I like this horse. He has a lot of ability and I think he’s the one to
beat. He should have won last start clearly. He is the most forward of them all
and if he gets around Wyong, he’s the horse to beat.
“He ran third in town last year and I think he’s in for a good
preparation. We will knock his maiden off and then assess where to go from
there.”
Pierro gelding, Commander Bell starts in the 1200m Class 2 and Partelle
expects a good performance.
“He went well at Scone on January 30 but is basically first up again
here because of the let-up. I’m looking forward to getting him over more ground
because that’s when we will see the best of him.”
Stablemate Bring Glory, a last start Scone winner, is in the same race.
“His win was full of merit. It was his first start for us, and I think
he will make a nice 1400m horse. He is a nice enough, progressive horse.”
Partelle saddles up Sacred Sword and Hard Reality in the 1000m Class 1.
“Sacred Sword has only had the two starts for us and won impressively first
up. Then at Gosford he pulled up a bit tight over his back area, so he went for
a break.
“He’s a nice progressive horse, who’s got good first up form and is in
for a good campaign.
“Hard Reality improves with a run under his belt. He’s one who will
definitely take improvement out of it and then will be placed back into similar
company around Scone and I think that’s where he can knock off a race and move
forward from there.”
Completing Partelle’s runners is Rifles in the 1000m Maiden.
“He is a horse with really nice ability. He’s been gelded and that will
make a huge difference to him. It’s a bit of look and see after being gelded
but if he holds his head right, I think he’s also in for a good campaign.
“There’s been no positivity for us or the owners so it will be so good
to get them back to the track and racing.”
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 1.15pm: ICL SIERRAFORM GT MAIDEN (1000m): 1 BUCKIN’ RIPPA, 2
Rifles, 3 At The Helm, 4 Phoenician Queen.
Local trainer Kristen Buchanan has a potential Provincial Championships qualifier in her stable after Jeff Penza delivered a textbook ride on Designated – a 3yo son of Rubick in Race 7 101.3’s Top Koala-T Aussie Race Day Benchmark 64 Handicap 1600m.
The
win was a second under the class record time set back on 12 December 2018 by
Classic Princess (1:37.32).
Heavily
backed, Designated took a clear lead at the 100m mark and had three lengths on
the field at the winning post.
A
delighted Buchanan and an equally happy owner Alex Illes couldn’t contain their
excitement as their horse returned to scale.
“This
is fantastic, just fantastic!” Mr Illes said.
Buchanan said the
horsehad been screamingout for the 1600m.
“He
went very well for Serg [Lisny] when fresh over 1000m. Since then he has been a
little bit tardy away and building into his races and today was an experiment,
but I was very confident that he would get it and I like being right,” she
said.
Buchanan
said Designated had come to be in her care after running amiss in Queensland.
“Alex
is his breeder and he and his wife Deidre send us a few horses and they are
lovely people to train for.”
Second
in the race was Nordic Lover (Glyn Schofield), third was Frenzied (Tommy Berry)
and fourth was Parry Sound (Billy Owen). Race time was 1:36.29 (last 600m in
34.18). Official margins were 2& 3/4 lengths x 1/2 head.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jason
Coyle and Mikayla Weir combined to take out the 1100m You’ll Love It! By The
Halekulani Bowling Club 4YO & Up Maiden Plate with Freefica.
The
four-year-old daughter of Benfica broke from the barriers with early speed and
maintained the pressure for t 1100m, the remainder of the field simply running
out of room to catch her.
Coyle
said the mare had done it at both ends and had done ‘a good job of it.
“She
will now work her way through her classes. She has a similar racing pattern to
her sister who is stakes placed but whether she has what is required to get to
that level is yet to be seen,” Coyle said.
Weir
said of her mount: “when she got to the front she had a good look around. She
travelled well but was a bit raw.”
Patrina
(Chris O’Brien) tried desperately to close the gap in the final stages without
success. Race favourite Shadow Colour finished third (Tom Marquand) and Pure
Faith (Tommy Berry) was fourth.
Race
time was 1:02.98 (last 600m in 34.24). Official margins were 3/4 length x 3.5
lengths. Track rating is a Good 4. Rail position is true.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Travis
Wolfgram piloted the well-bred Lady Legend to her first win in class record
time in The Jett’s Fitness @San Remo Aussie Day Hoseplay Maiden Plate over 1600m.
The
$300,000 daughter of Redoute’s Choice, trained by Les Bridge, had been winless
in her previous six starts but made amends over the 1600m with winning jockey Travis
Wolfgram saying the victory gave him every indication she could appreciate even
further ground.
Stable
representative Carmel Size said the filly was the first she had bought for
owner Mr Ho and had always been a horse that needed strengthening.
“I
gave her another four months off at the end of last preparation and I think we
are going to reap the rewards of that this preparation,” Size said.
“She
is a very special filly to me and is by Redoute’s Choice so that is going to
hold her in good stead.
“I
certainly think she will go on to city class.”
Wolgram
said that Lady Legend jumped well and showed good early speed and was on the
back of the right horses coming to the turn.
“It
was a good tough win,” he said.
Space
is Deep (Tommy Berry) made up good ground to take 2nd, Sebourg (Robbie Dolan)
hung on for 3rd and Startalk (Tom Sherry) was 4th.
Lady
Legend won in a time of 1.37.22 (last 600m 34.22). Official margins were 3/4
length x a head.
A
protest 2nd (Space Is Deep) against 1st (Lady Legend) was dismissed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Darkening
skies and a threatening storm put the races back by one come by the third race,
the Capital One Real Estates Aussie, Aussie, Aussie … Run … Run … Run Maiden
Handicap over 1350m.
Race
favourite Atherton (Jay Ford) led from the start and Capri of Tuffy (Cejay
Graham) took a sit behind.
Just
after the turn, following a slight wobble, the three-year-old filly found her
balance and let down, easily sprinting past the opposition to secure the win.
“We
elected to come here and claim 2kg off her back and put Cejay on her and ride
her on the speed,” trainer Peter Robl said.
“Those
tactics proved correct. Every so often you get it right. I may have asked too
much of her last preparation.
“She’s
a very genuine filly and she can certainly win a metropolitan race – a mid-week
at Canterbury or similar.
“The
owner Richard Tuffy also owns the mare and bred this filly so he’ll be over the
moon.
“It’s
great for everyone involved.”
Another
class record fell in this race, the previous record of 1:18.72 set by Absolute
on January 28, 2018.
Amica
(Travis Wolfgram) finished second and Charles Seven (Tommy Berry) was third
with Atherton (Jay Ford) fourth after making up some late ground. Race time was
1:18.68 (final 600m in 35.37). Official margins were 3/4 length x 1.25 length.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The
Alloom Beauty Aussie Day Dash Class 1 Handicap over 1100m was pitched as a galloping lesson and it
panned out as exactly that … or did it?
The
Godolphin owned and trained Acumen, whose pedigree page sports Group 1 winners
and sires such as Helmet and Epaulette, jumped from the starting gates at odds
of $1.30.
The
royal blue Godolphin silks gave every indicator of leading from pillar to post
and Jason Collet made it look like a morning at track work.
Keagan
Latham had other ideas and as the horses powered into the final 100m, the Jason
Attard & Lucy Keegan-Attard trained Reiby’s Regent (at odds of $26)
suddenly loomed as a major threat, reducing Acumen’s lead with every stride.
In
horse racing though you just have to win, even if just by a neck but punters
who took the $1.30 would of been having heart palpitations.
“He
didn’t overdo it early,” Godolphin’s assistant trainer Darren Beadman said
post-race.
“It’s
always nice to see them back up and go from a maiden to a Class 1, particularly
to win a fast race like this one.
“He
was still in control of things and strong on the line. They broke 11 seconds
for nearly every furlong that they ran today and that’s not an easy task so he’s
a horse with a good future.
“He’s
now had two Provincial wins so James [Cummings] will try and find a nice mid-week
city race for him now, just go through the grades and see what he has to offer.
“He
is only a lightly framed horse, so I think there is quite a lot of upside to
him.”
Reiby’s
Regent looks a horse to follow after today’s effort. Hyannis Point (Jay Ford)
was third and Circus (Robbie Dolan) was fourth. Race time was 1:03.06 (last
600m 33.39). Official margins were a neck x 1.75 lengths.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Horses
that put money in your bank account every time they step foot out are always an
owner’s best friend and Merlinite gave her owners more reasons to love her
today taking out the Event Cinemas Gold Class Gallop Benchmark 64 Handicap over
2100m.
The
John O’Shea trained four-year-old mare, ridden by Tom Sherry, didn’t have the
easiest of runs for the first half of the race given the muddling pace and her
position against the fence.
Making
her move at the 500m mark, Merlinite came wide and took the lead from Sea
Spirit (Keagan Latham) at the 150m mark and was strong late to post back to
back wins.
“She
really hit the line strong,” Sherry said.
“It
was a massive run. She travelled well throughout and I just wanted to get her
to the outside so she could get the run.”
“She
will be off to town now,” stable representative Tom Charlton said.
“She
is now at a rating of about 64. She is also at the bracket of about 2400m and
needs a wider track. The barrier seems to be a bit of an issue for her.
“She
is jumping a bit slow. Whether she is just very relaxed it’s hard to say. She
needs more room to best show her assets.”
Highjacker
(Travis Wolfram) was second, Sea Spirt (Keagan Latham) was third and Elleofadeel
(Rory Hutchings) was fourth. Race time was 2:10.32 (last 600m 34.04). Official
margins were 1.5 lengths x a nose.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
By
the same sire as Everest winner Yes Yes Yes, Turnstyle showed she has plenty of
potential when she showed the opposition a clean set of heels in the Freddy’s Fishing.com.au Benchmark
64 Handicap over 1000m.
The
three-year-old filly has now won her last two starts and placed second in her
only other race. Her latest win was in class record time; the previous record
being set by Tough Larry on 27 November 2019 (a time of 57.10).
Turnstyle
is raced by a well-known group of owners who include three brothers, the
Hendersons, who owned and raced Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente, Champion two-year-old
colt/Gr 1 Golden Slipper winner Sebring, Magic Millions two-year-old winner and
Gr 1 Galaxy H winner Sweet Idea and Caulfield Cup winner Descarado. Turnstyle.
They
may well be their next star in the making.
“She’s
always shown us promise but we have had setback after setback, and it has
always held back the preparation. Nothing major but enough to hold things
back,” David Henderson said after the race.
“She
has never done too much wrong.
“We
have always thought she was going to be Saturday city class if not better so we
thought we would come here today and hopefully she would win.
“It
was a tough race, but she was comfortable, and she won it well, so we’re really
pleased.
“She
has a bit of that X factor about her and that keeps coming out as we go along
with the preparation.”
Jason
Collett was the successful jockey, the win bringing up a winning double for
him.
Second
was Tikkitala (Louise Day), third was Moccasin Miss (Tom Sherry) and fourth was
My Fire Phoenix (Tommy Berry). Race time was 57.07 (last 600m in 33.17).
Official margins were 1.5 lengths x 1.25 lengths.
After four days on the road Damien Lane is hoping his home track on
Sunday will bring out the best in his runners.
Wyong’s Australia Day HIT 101.3 FAMILY DAY meeting ends a busy
period for Lane, with five consecutive meetings at Canterbury, Tamworth, Port
Macquarie and Newcastle in the preceding days.
“You don’t often get a run like that, but you have to take the horses
where they are best suited.
“I have a capacity 35 in work now and you have to travel them.
“It will be good to race at home and it should suit the horses we’ve got
in.”
Lane is hopeful three of the four runners could figure in the finish.
Mr McBat returns to his ideal distance in the BM64 over the 1600m and
Lane said he should run well.
The seven-year-old was side-lined with a tendon injury for 18 months and
returned on the Beaumont track on December 21 where he finished fourth over
1150m.
“I thought his first up run was good, but he was a bit plain second up
at Warwick Farm.
“It was a decent enough race in town and I just thought he might be
looking for further straight away this time, so he’s up to the mile. That is
his best distance so he should race well.”
Mr McBat won both the South Grafton and Wingham Cups over the 1600m in
2017.
Lane expects Lavish Rose to return to her best form in the 2100m BM64,
after a failing in city class last run.
The four-year-old Domesday mare won over the 2200m on the Beaumont Track
on Boxing Day and Lane believes she is more suited to Provincial grade.
“She won well two starts ago and then I tried her in a Saturday Sydney
grade over the 2400m.
“It was a pretty strong race and she’s probably not quite up to that.
“She looks pretty well placed in this race and back at the Provincials.
I think she will be much better suited back at this level.”
Lane believes a softer track on Sunday will also suit Oakfield Gettem,
who previously tasted success over the 1100m at Wyong in June last year.
She starts in the 1100m Class 1, which according to Lane should be
ideal.
“She went really well first up and was then a bit plain second up at
Wyong. It was probably one of the hardest tracks we’ve raced on that day and
she just jarred up a bit.
“I think with some rain about the moisture in the track will suit her
better on Sunday.
“I would of preferred a soft draw because if you’ve got to use her early
she tends to go on with the job and not relax but she will start from 10.
“My other runner Oakfield Cheyenne hasn’t shown a lot to date and I
think if she is going to show us something it will be when she gets to a mile
and beyond. Sunday will be just more a fitness run for her.”
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 1.30pm: YOU’LL LOVE IT! BY THE HALEKULANI BOWLING CLUB 4YO
& MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): 1 SHADOW COLOUR, 2 Monstrosity, 3 Freeifica, 4 Pure
Faith.
Race 2 – 2.05pm: THE JETT’S FITNESS @SAN REMO AUSSIE DAY HORSEPLAY
MAIDEN PLATE (1600m): 1 LADY LEGEND, 2 Luvoir, 3 Sebourg, 4 Haunting Spirit.
Race 3 – 2.40pm: CAPITAL ONE REAL ESTATE AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE,
RUN…RUN…RUN MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m): 1 CAPRI OF TUFFY, 2 Gogol, 3 Enchantingly,
4 Atherton.
Race 4 – 3.15pm: THE ALLOOM BEAUTY AUSSIE DAY DASH CLASS 1 HANDICAP
(1100m): 1 ACUMEN, 2 Hyannis Port, 3 Mandirigma, 4 Circus.
Grant Buckley continued a winning run with a treble at Wyong, his second in just eight days.
The in-form
rider rode a double for Godolphin with Canzonet and Rebukes, and booted home
Opinions for Paul Perry.
Buckley had a
standout season in 2018/2019 with 104 winners but looks set to surpass that
figure with 57 to date.
His Wyong
treble giving him nine winners in the past eight days.
Buckley’s
first win came on well-bred Godolphin gelding Canzonet, who may have earned a
reprieve from the sales ring after his impressive win in the WWW.TAB.COM.AU 4YO
& UP MAIDEN over 1200m.
Canzonet (Photo Steve Hart)
The Exceed
And Excel gelding was the first leg of a winning double for jockey Grant
Buckley.
Darren
Beadman, representing Godolphin, said he felt they might now reconsider the
sale.
“The way he
won there I’d think they could have second thoughts,” he said.
“He really put
them away. It’s only his sixth start and he’s been placed three times.
“Bucko had a
few options coming into the turn, but he opted to go wide and got the job
done.”
Buckley, gave
Canzonet a nice trail just off the pace, hooking to the outside on straightening,
and drawing away on the line to win by more than three lengths.
Monstrosity
($6) from the Joe Pride stable was second, from the Pat Webster trained Lake
Marion ($18).
The winner
was sent out $1.24 short priced favourite on the strength of his last run, when
he was narrowly defeated over 1100m at Hawkesbury.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A great front
running saw Buckley secured his second victory on the Paul Perry trained
Opinions ($6.50) in the CANADIAN CLUB CLASS 2 over 1600m.
A $220,000 So
You Can Think gelding, Opinions ($6.50) brought up his second career win at
start 17.
He was able
to hold off the fast finishing Doctor Manhattan ($2.80fav) on the line to score
a narrow victory.
Buckley
considers there is further improvement to come in the four-year-old.
“It was a
nice win today. I was able to dictate terms and quicken when I wanted to
quicken and that won me the race,” he said.
Opinions (Photo Steve Hart)
“From the
500m I was able to get going on my bike and with no weight on his back, he did
a great job.
“He’s got
improvement in him. He will be a better horse on a bigger track and probably
over a little bit further.”
Judicator
($3.30) from the Gerald Ryan stable was third.
The Sepoy
mare proved too strong for her opposition on the line, scoring a one and a
quarter length win over $4.80 equal favourites Nines Enough, trained by
Gabrielle Englebrecht, with Money Heist ($5.50) from the Waterhouse/Bott
stable, third.
Rebukes (Photo Steve Hart)
Darren Beadman was full of praise for the ride by Buckley.
“He
rode her really well. He had options again on the turn and took the right one,”
he said.
“Obviously
she’s stepping up in distance a little bit but being by Sepoy, they tend to get
better as they get older.
“She
will go through her grades and I’m sure James will find a nice race for her
somewhere.
“She’s
480kg, a big girl, and she could make a nice horse.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Irish jockey
Oison Orr added to his tally of Wyong winners with a double for the Waller
stable.
Orr, who
arrived in Sydney in late November, has had four rides at Wyong for three wins.
His latest
double came on Sayl, who broke through for his debut win in the 1600m maiden,
and Duneagle, who took out the 1350m maiden.
Orr is a
two-time champion Irish apprentice, spending three months with the Waller
stable.
Oison Orr (Photo Steve Hart)
He has more
than 120 winners to his name, five of those since arriving in Sydney.
“It’s been
lucky enough here for me and I like the track,” Orr said. “I’m really enjoying
my stint in Sydney.”
Relocating
from Victoria proved the key for Sayl who broke through for his first win in
the 1600m CENTRAL COAST BUILDING MAIDEN.
The
four-year-old Great Britain import was having his 13th career start,
and first in NSW, having been placed on three prior occasions in France and
once at Moonee Valley.
“Chris likes
to move them around if he thinks they have improvement in them, if they are
getting bored or need more confidence and it worked a treat for this bloke today,”
stable foreman Craig Ritchie said.
“He is still
learning and is a horse that doesn’t have a lot of confidence, and does a lot
wrong, so it was great to see him get a win today.
“He will
continue to improve and should take plenty away from the win today.
“Oison (Orr)
gave him the run of the race and that certainly helped. He is riding really
well.”
Orr settled
the gelding midfield, hitting the lead on straightening and drawing away to win
by almost two lengths.
It was the
second Wyong win for Orr, who claimed several Irish apprenticeships before
coming to Australia in December.
Sayl ($7)
beat Keen On Gold ($4) trained by Jason Coyle, with the race favourite Flying
Mojo ($3.20) from the Anthony Cummings stable, third.
Ritchie
considers Duneagle has a bright future following his victory in the 1350m RYAN’S
METAL AND ROOFING MAIDEN.
The Dissident
three-year-old, a $215,000 yearling, was gelded following his debut run at
Canterbury on August 7.
“He did a
fair bit wrong in his first start but seems to have come back a much better
horse this time in,” Ritchie said.
“The owners
have a smart horse on their hands.”
Orr said
Duneagle still had plenty to learn.
“Once I got
in behind the horse he switched off and was perfect, but early on he was a bit
keen.
“He finished off well.”
Duneagle ($15) beat the Les Bridge trained Lady Legend ($13), with
another Waller runner, Space Is Deep ($12) third.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Stable
favourite Carluca ($5.50) put a smile on the face of trainer Jarrod Austin,
defying a previous ordinary first up record to win the JIM BEAM CG&E
BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.
The
eight-year-old gelding proved too strong for his opposition, holding out the
fast finishing runners-up, to win by a short half head,
“He’s a
stable favourite and it’s great to see him win today, particularly first up,”
Austin said.
“He’s been
working well, and his trial was good. He’s never showed us much first up, but
he did today.
“He’s a horse
that looks after himself in track work but he’s tough. His class showed through
today.”
Austin said
he would likely find a metropolitan race for Carluca.
“He’ll go
back to town now, where he belongs. It’s a great way to start the new year.”
Ridden by
apprentice Tom Sherry, Carluca brought up his eighth career win from 54 starts.
He beat the
Craig Carmody trained Buzz ($31), with Salsa Man ($4.80) from the Perry stable,
third.
The
three-year-old gelding, trained by Bjorn Baker, was having his third race start,
after tasting success at Nowra on December 8 over the same distance.
Bell settled
him just off the pace throughout, before taking him wide on straightening and
finishing strongly to run down the leaders on the line.
He was happy
with the performance of The Factor gelding.
“He’s come
from a maiden at Nowra back to provincial grade, so it’s a good result,” Bell
said.
“He felt good
going through the line and is improving. He feels like a potential 1400m horse,
so they have a few options.”
Bushido ($6),
beat the Gwenda Markwell trained Philanthropist ($21), with Mandirigma ($5)
from the Lees stable, third.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saturday looms as a big day for Wayne Seelin with the
Wyong based trainer saddling up more than half his stable at two venues.
His consistent galloper Cliff’s Choice and maiden
Doin’ Shots will be racing on their home track, while veteran Isorich and
speedy mare Invincible Kiss line up at the Kensington meeting.
“It will be a
busy day and be great to see them all run well,” Seelin said.
“We have been enjoying a nice little patch at the
moment with a few winners, so it would be good if that can continue.
“I’m training about seven horses at present and happy
with that number. I do them all myself so don’t want to get much bigger and
I’ve got a good bunch of owners at the moment.”
Seelin believes Cliff’s Choice, coming off a fifth at
Wyong last start, should run well over his ideal distance.
He lines up from barrier seven in the 1350m BM64, with
Winona Costin in the saddle.
“He jarred up a bit last run and I would have liked to
have seen a bit of rain but unfortunately that didn’t happen. We’ve been doing
a bit with him but he’s going alright now.
“His best distance is anywhere between 1200m to 1400m
and he goes well around Wyong.
“I’d probably like to see him just off the speed, in
the first five or six, that’s when he seems to finish off well.”
Seelin said if Cliff’s Choice continued to improve, he
would consider a metropolitan start.
“They all get their turn if they deserve it, but they
have to earn the right to go. “He’s doing everything right at this stage.”
Seelin isn’t as upbeat about the chances of his maiden
runner Doin’ Shots, a Shooting To Win gelding who has been unplaced in eight
starts.
“He’s a big horse and it’s taking a bit to get him
fit,” he said. “He’s been struggling in his races, but he is bred to stay.
“He’s over the 1600m on Saturday and I’ll continue
stepping him up but if he doesn’t show us something, he might have a limited future.”
At Kensington, Seelin considers both his runners’
chances.
“Isorich has drawn the outside gate again but I’m not
too worried. He will push forward and be a chance.
“The other little one is flying at the minute and with
no weight and barrier one, she will be a sneaky chance too.”
Wyong’s Summer Festival Of Racing, continues with a
seven race meeting, getting underway at 12.59pm.
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 –
12.59pm: WWW.TAB.COM.AU 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1200m): 1 CANZONET, 2 Monstrosity, 3 Lake Marion, 4
Supra Marnium.
Race 2 – 1.34pm: HIT 101.3 FAMILY RACE DAY JANUARY 26
CLASS 1 (1100m): 1 MANDIRIGMA, 2 Deepfield’s Raine, 3 Bushido, 4 Belle
Of Clonmel.
Race 3 – 2.09pm: CENTRAL COAST BUILDING MAIDEN
(1600m): 1MCGRAW, 2 Sayl, 3 Completed, 4 Keen On Gold.
Race 4 – 2.44pm: RYAN’S METAL ROOFING MAIDEN (1350m): 1
CHANTING, 2 First Crown, 3 California August, 4 Lady Legend.
Race 5 – 3.16pm: CANADIAN CLUB CLASS 2 (1600m): 1
FAIRY ME HOME, 2 Highjacker, 3 Judicator, 4 Mowanjum.
