ACTION PACKED WYONG MEETING

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Ashley Morgan took out the riding honours with a double, but it was Brenton Avdulla who stole the show with a memorable ride on Speak Up in the 1300m Maiden. 

In a busy day for stewards, there were two protests, both dismissed, while the judge couldn’t split Pharoah’s Reign and Capital Asset in the 1350m BM68, declaring a dead heat. 

Kristen Buchanan trained a winner for the locals, with Street Candi continuing her great home track form with another win. Catch up on all the highlights here. 

Race 1 – INSURANCE HOUSE CLASS 1 (1600m):

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STREET CANDI

A popular home track win in the first, with the Kristen Buchanan trained Street Candi ($6.50) upsetting the more favoured runners to post an impressive victory. 
The Pride Of Dubai mare has now won both her two starts on the Wyong track, having posted a string of placings before her maiden win over the 1600m on January 23. 

She was coming off a fifth at Newcastle on February 4 where she was beaten just over a length.

Buchanan described the four-year-old as “super genuine.”

“She tries very, very hard but can work against you if try to restrain her too much. It was an outstanding ride by Ash (Morgan) today,” she said. 

“He rode her a treat last start and has figured her out. I thought she might be way too hot today, but she’s matured and grown up a lot.”

There were few excuses for the beaten brigade, with the $2.10 favourite, John O’Shea’s Condrieulaying out on the turn and dropping out in the straight to finish fifth. Jockey Reece Jones telling stewards she was disappointing in her failure to finish off the race. 

Runner up, Silvakia ($6.50) from the Newnham yard, fought on well, while Maralago ($4.20) trained by Anthony Cummings was third. 

Race 2 – AMTOTE CG&E MAIDEN (1100m):

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RESTRICTIONS

Adam Duggan was full of praise for his Written Tycoon gelding Restrictions after the five-year-old made short work of his opponents in his first Australian start. 

The former Hong Kong galloper caught the eye of Duggan when he first spotted him in the paddock, and he is confident he will live up to his expectations. 

“It’s a relief to get the win,” Duggan said. “I put my cash forward to get him. He showed a lot of promise and got the job done today.”

Dylan Gibbons rated Restrictions perfectly in front and was able to hold out the late challengers to win by a length.

Duggan believes he can improve more ridden quieter.

“He shows a lot of speed, but I still don’t think that’s the way to ride him. I think he’ll be even better with a sit. I thought the second horse had him cold at the furlong, but he had good upside and was strong late. I really think he’s got a good future.”

Restrictions earned strong support to start $4.60. It had been 12 months between his last Hong Kong run, with a trial at Gosford on January 24.

The Neasham trained Chartwell ($4) was second, with Grand Crusader ($2.10fav) third and appearing to have every chance.

Race 3 – MECHPRO SOLUTIONS AU F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 

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ZARINYA

John Thompson’s filly Zarinya ($11) broke through for her first win, but it could have been a different story if the short priced favourite Eagle Nest had got a run in the straight. 

Chad Schofield, aboard the $2 favourite, found himself behind a wall of horses on straightening and when he did find clear running, the Ryan/Alexiou filly looked flat footed for a stride or two before speeding home to finish a close second. 

All credit to the winner Zarinya who was angled off the rails in the straight and ridden hard to the line by Brock Ryan. 

Anne-Maree Mulligan, representing the Thompson stable, said they had changed the filly’s gear leading into the race, which seemed to make the difference. 

“We put blinkers on today and they really helped. Brock put in a good ride too. We’ve tinkered with her gear a little bit and, it’s worked. She will get plenty of confidence out of that.”

A $50,000 yearling, Zarinya was having her fifth career start. Peter Robl’s Sky Artist ($7.50) was third, with Eagle Nest the one to follow.

Race 4 – LINCOLN ELECTRIC MAIDEN (1300m):

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SPEAK UP

The superlatives were flowing freely for Brenton Avdulla who lived up to his nickname with a gun ride on the O’Shea trained filly Speak Up.

Avdulla was able to cross to the fence from barrier eight and pinch ground along the rails, trailing Tim Clark on the Cummings trained Moonflower ($6.50).

He waited patiently when held up in the straight before weaving a passage through to snatch victory on the line. 

Tom Charlton from the O’Shea stable was complimentary of the ride. 

“He’s seeing them well at the moment Brenton. He’s a good man and he’s always ridden well for John, all class.”

Charlton said Speak Up, a $220,000 Magic Millions yearling raced in partnership by Frank and Christine Cook, had been a work in progress but would take plenty of confidence from the win. 

Moonflower was the runner-up and not far off a win, with the Nathan Doyle trained Ambassadors ($9) finishing off strongly in third. 

Race 5 – SITE INNOVATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m):

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OWARI

It was an easy watch for favourite backers with the result never in doubt for the well supported Owari($1.45) trained by Brad Widdup.


Brett Prebble partnered the Astern three-year-old, in his only ride for the day, and was able to dictate terms up front. 

He had pressure from Ashley Morgan on the Doyle trained Higher Hand ($7.50) mid-race but was able to find another gear and speed away in the straight to win by more than two lengths. 

“He won as his price suggested and was too good for them,” stable representative Andre Rabbett said. “Brett rode him with confidence knowing he was likely the best horse in the race. The horse is still really learning and there is plenty of improvement to come.”

Prebble agreed saying Owari would keep ‘getting bigger and stronger and would run for days.’ 

Kim Waugh’s Piccadilly Lass ($15) isn’t far off breaking through finishing second, with High Hand third. 

Race 6 – KINCROME BM64 HANDICAP (1000m):

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MISS VIOLET

Speedy Flying Artie mare Miss Violet ($3.90fav) made the step up to Provincial class in a sentimental victory for her owners. 

The four-year-old, who made it three wins from eight starts, is part-owned by Gary Johnson. 

Trainer Mark Minervini said Johnson named the mare after his granddaughter Violet. 

“It’s her birthday today so it was meant to be,” he said. “I wasn’t totally convinced she was up to Provincial class just yet but when we saw the field and the barrier, I thought she’d be right in it. 

“They took her on early, it was pretty willing, but she was tough to the line. Ashley (Morgan) suggested we put the blinkers on her, and I think she found another length or two. I’m proud of her today.”

The win brought up a double for Morgan, who had to ride hard to the line to hold out the fast-finishing Amazing Nicci ($17) from the Portelli yard. 

Mark Newnham’s Crystalane ($4.60) was a close third, with less than half a length separating the three. 

Winning connections had a few anxious moments after Alysha Collett fired in a protest against the winner alleging interference approaching the 100m, which was dismissed with the both riders told to exercise more care when shifting ground.

Race 7 – 4.50pm: MACK CONDITIONAL BM68 (1350m):

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PHAROAH’S REIGN & CAPITAL ASSET

The judge couldn’t split Pharoah’s Reign ($10) or Capital Asset ($5.50) who hit the line together in a dead heat, with the Freedman and Snowden father and son partnerships sharing the spoils. 

Richard and Will Freedman’s American Pharoah mare Pharoah’s Reign brought up her fourth career win, ridden by Rachel King, while Snowden’s three-year-old gelding Capital Asset scored his second win at start eight, with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

In the second protest of the afternoon, Bayliss claimed interference in the last 50m by King but following a lengthy deliberation stewards dismissed the protest.

Soloist ($26) trained by Clare Lever was third, beaten less than a long neck. 

Race 8 – INFRABUILD MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m):

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GALACTIC ANGLE

Another Wyong specialist greeted the judge with Galactic Angel ($11) bringing up her second win on the track. 

The Zoustar mare, a $360,000 Inglis yearling trained by Anthony Cummings, was given a great front running ride by in-form apprentice Tyler Schiller. 

She brought up her first career win at Wyong in December last year and was then placed third there prior to her latest victory.

“She does seem to like it here,” Brock Walker, representing the stable said. 

“She’s been going good this preparation. Tyler rated her very well today, got her to switch off and she got home very nicely.”

The locally trained Skye Banner ($10) from the Partelle yard put in a strong performance to finish second after jumping awkwardly, while Peter Robl had to settle for another third with his $2.90 favourite Hasten Delight. 

Brock Walker GA – won here 3 starts back. Sagy outside lead and put away nicely, Same tactics today, jumpu and do the same today. 

RYAN KEEN ON WYONG runner

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Sara Ryan admits she is sick of running third and is confident her runners at Tuesday’s Wyong meeting can buck the trend and see her back in the winner’s stall. 

Ryan, 28, is in her first full season as a trainer and to date has posted four wins and nine placings from her 51 runners. 

The experienced horsewoman took over as Domeland’s head trainer in June last year and has been on somewhat of a learning curve since. 

“It’s taken a while to get all the systems in place, but everything is running really smoothly now,” she said. “The horses are racing well and I’m confident the results will come. It all takes time but we are ticking over nicely now.”

Ryan trains a team of 31 horses from Domeland’s Central Coast base, including Group 3 winner Parry Sound, who lined up in yesterday’s Listed Parramatta Cup at Rosehill. 

She saddles up two runners at Tuesday’s home track meeting and is pinning her hopes on her own horse Vegas Outlaw.

“I’m sick of running third, that’s for sure,” Ryan laughed. “It would be so good if I could get a win and I am pretty confident.”

Four of Ryan’s past eight runners have finished third including Chief Conductor at Gosford on Saturday. The well-bred son of I Am Invincible, who was a dual acceptor a Gosford and Wyong, finished third when Ryan opted to start him there.

She now has her hopes pinned on her own horse, six-year-old gelding Vegas Outlaw, and is confident he can put his best foot forward in the 1600m Provincial Maiden.

She paid just $400 for the lightly raced son of Casino Prince and said the six-year-old is “a work in progress.” 

“I suppose you would describe him as a pet project for me. I brought him so I could get my trainers licence initially and it’s taken a long time for the penny to drop. He definitely has ability and has been racing well.

“He ran a nice race at Port last start finishing third over 1506m, but they ran very fast up front and he didn’t get a chance to get his momentum going. We will press forward with him on Tuesday and let him be comfortable and I expect a much better performance. It will be exciting if he can break his maiden.”

Vegas Outlaw has had six starts to date and was placed third at Wyong over 1600m in his first preparation. He will be ridden by apprentice Madeline Owen, who has partnered him in his last two starts.

Ryan other runner is $120,000 Magic Millions yearling Iconic Icon, who debuts in the 1100m CG&E Maiden.

Ryan said the Extreme Choice colt is a “work in progress” but believes he is also an exciting prospect. 

“His trials haven’t been good on paper, but we’ll ride him quite on Tuesday and give him a chance to find his feet. 

“He’s shown us a lot more at home than what he does in the trials. If he gets his head right, he could be a very handy horse.”

 The first of eight races on our BJ Howes Race Day gets underway at 1.15pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.15pm: INSURANCE HOUSE CLASS 1 (1600m): 1SILVAKIA, 2 Condrieu, 3 Street Candi, 4 Maralago.

Race 2 – 1.50pm: AMTOTE CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 1 GRAND CRUSADER, 2 Cool Jakey, 3 Free Enterprise, 4 Mission Ridge.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: MECHPRO SOLUTIONS AU F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 1 DAYTONA GAL, 2 Royal Empress, 3 Choose Your Words, 4 Sacred Girl.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: LINCOLN ELECTRIC MAIDEN (1300m): 1 AMBASSADORS2Mindspace, 3 Regal Inheritance.

Race 5 – 3.40pm: SITE INNOVATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m): 1 OWARI2 Higher Hand, 3 Steam Clock, 4 Vegas Outlaw. 

Race 6 – 4.15pm: KINCROME BM64 HANDICAP (1000m): 1 MISS VIOLET2 Nasdaq Dubai, 3 Florida Sky, 4 Crystalane.

Race 7 – 4.50pm: MACK CONDITIONAL BM68 (1350m): 1 PHAROAH’S REIGN,2 Speak Now, 3 Capital Asset, 4 The Himalayas.

Race 8 – 5.30pm: INFRABUILD MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 WEALTHOFKNOWLEDGE, 2 Mad Darcey, 3 Hasten Delight, 4 Notifies.

CLEAN SWEEP FOR SCHOFIELD

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Wet weather may have impacted the crowd but certainly didn’t affect the racing, with several impressive performances across the seven races and a clean sweep for Chad Schofield, winning on both his mounts.

Kris Lees looks to have a handy prospect in Russian Revolution three-year-old Brudenell, who brought up his third win from just five starts in the 1000m BM64. 

Earl Of Devon could live up to his $230,000 price tag, the New Zealand bred three-year-old staying prospect breaking through at just his second start for trainer John Thompson. 

The Mark Newnham trained Lim’s Sydney could be one to follow with a dominant win in the 1100 Maiden, while training duo Tara and Phillipe Vigouroux were celebrating in the last with Izfallihngdown greeting the judge at $26.

The track held up well after being downgraded to a heavy 8 before the first race.  

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POLE POSITION

Race 1 – BOOK YOUR NET FUNCTION AT WYONG RACE CLUB CLASS 1 (1100m)

An upset in the first with the Joe Pride trained Pole Position ($8) too strong in the final stages over the 1100m. 

The Astern gelding was in a battle down the straight with the Kim Waugh’s Oxford Vision ($11) and got the bob on the line to score by a head. 

The first and second placegetters kicked clear in the straight and Brad Widdup’s short priced favourite Justina looked like being well beaten. 

She hit a flat spot-on straightening before storming home late to finish third and looks like the one to follow. The Snitzel filly was sent out $2.05 favourite after late support, with the Lees trained second favourite Zanzibar Gem ($2.60) appearing to have no excuses. Aaron Bullock later relayed to stewards, the mare failed to handle the heavy track.

There were plenty of excited owners on course to cheer home the winner, a $50k Magic Millions buy, raced by Triple Crown and ridden by Chad Schofield

“It was a good debut run for him,” Pride said. “It looked a suitable assignment first up, it’s a good start to his preparation and there is good improvement to come.”

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BRUDENELL

Race 2 – PRESILIENT – MANAGED IT SERVICES PROVINCIAL BM64 (1000m)

The Lees trained Brudenell showed his class to overcome a wide run and bring up his third win from just five starts. 

The son of Russian Revolution was sent out $2.70 favourite on the strength of his dominant win over the same distance at Tamworth last start. 

Stable representative Danny Greer said the three-year-old was showing plenty of promise. 

“We expect him to progress nicely through his grades,” he said. “He had no favours today, posted wide without cover, but Aaron (Bullock) got him moving at the right time and it was a solid win in the end.”

The Ben Smith trained Belieber ($3.60), who was the recipient of late support, battled on gamely to finish second, with the Perry trained Aspen Chase ($7) third. 

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EARL OF DEVON

Race 3 – ABCOE CENTRAL COAST MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m)

John Thompson looks to have a handy stayer on his hands, with Earl Of Devon ($8) scoring a nice first up win over the 1350m. 

The New Zealand bred three-year-old by Tavistock, a $230,000 Karaka yearling, was resuming from a spell having been unplaced at his only start. 

Coming off just one trial, he earnt support with the punters, opening at $13 and starting at $8. 

Despite being caught wide, Keagan Latham gave the gelding a good ride just off the speed and just when the $2.20 favourite Shigeru looked like he was going to break through for a win, Earl Of Devon was able to run him down on the line to win by a long neck.

Rod Craig, representing the stable, said they had expected a good run first up. 

“We wanted him to be more on the pace today and he was ridden beautifully,” he said. “I was a bit worried coming to the turn that he was pushing him along, but he levelled out nice. He’s a nice horse and it was a good win today.”

Lord Bob, ($5.60) trained locally by Allan Kehoe, was third. 

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LIM’S ENERGY

Race 4 – BIDFOOD MAIDEN (1100m)

Lim’s Energy ($1.50) won like a short-priced favourite should, putting more than three lengths on his opposition. 

The Smart Missile three-year-old was having just his second career start, after finishing second on debut at Nowra on January 8. 

Trainer Mark Newnham, had him over the same distance at Wyong and he was again partnered by apprentice Tyler Schiller, who gave the gelding a gun ride, despite copping interference at the 600m. 

He settled him one out, one back in the small field, before taking him to the front on straightening where he sped away for a dominant win. 

Schiller had been confident Lim’s Energy could break his maiden. 

“He was very good at his first start but was a bit wayward when he hit the front. I thought he would show a good turn of foot late and he did.”

The Matthew Smith trained Fiancetto ($7) was second and will be improved by the run, while Choix De La Mer ($4.20) from the Snowden stable, was third. 

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MORE SAINTLY

Race 5 – GIBBOS PIES MAIDEN (1600m)

John O’Shea’s New Zealand bred More Saintly ($5.50) showed a super turn of foot to present Chad Schofield with a winning double.

The Reliable Man three-year-old was stepping out for the third time, his second start over the 1600m. 

He looks certain to excel over more ground after showing a great turn of foot to overhaul the leader and race favourite Bridget Wenlock ($4.20) in the final stages. 

The Neasham runner looked to have the race won after shooting away in the straight, before More Saintly emerged from the pack and gave chase, overhauling the favourite on the line to win by half a length. 

The Waller trained Stella Simone ($5.50) could be one to follow, finishing strongly in third. 

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REAL PEACE

Race 6 – COAST & COUNTRY MEATS WYONG BM64(1600m)

The addition of blinkers and a trouble-free run set the tone for Real Peace to bring up his fifth career win after being sent out $3.30 favourite. 

The Clarry Connors trained five-year-old, a $30,000 Magic Millions yearling, has returned nearly $300,000 for his owners, many who were trackside to celebrate his latest victory. 

Tom Sherry was able to put the gelding in a good position despite the wide barrier, and when he gave him his head in the straight, he pulled away to win by three lengths. 

“He’s a horse that tends to find trouble and Tom took all the bad luck out of the equation today and sat outside the leader,” Marc Connors said. “He didn’t get in trouble and got the job done. He relaxed really well and when Tom asked, he gave plenty. The blinkers helped today as well.”

Mark Cross’s Sian’s ($5) put in another honest performance to finish second, with the Widdup trained Ausbred Bluebird ($8) third and looking for more ground.  

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ITZFALLINGDOWN


Race 7 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING BJ HOWES METALAND RACE DAY FEBRUARY 21 BM64 (2100m)

A rough result in the staying race with an outsider Izfallingdown upsetting her more fancied rivals to return $26.

Trained at Hawkesbury by Tara and Philippe Vigouroux, the six-year-old mare was having her first start over the 2100m and appreciated the extra ground, with a tough win. 

The Vigouroux’s have taken their time with Izfallingdown, a daughter of American sire London Bridge, who they race with Tara’s father former Hawkesbury Race Club chairman Ken Quigley. 

She was coming off a third at Canberra over 1600m on January 11. 

Taylor settled Izfallingdown midfield before circling the field on the turn and hitting the front on straightening. She toughed it out in the straight and was able to stave off the placegetters, the Doyle trained Brave Angel ($5.50) and Endorphins ($3.90) from the Lees stable, with both having every chance. It was Brave Angel’s last race, with the mare in foal. 

Tom Sherry reported to stewards Allan Kehoe’s $3.90 favourite Dragon Dream, had faield to back up after racing a Canterbury on Friday night. 

KEHOE KEEN ON LOCAL PAIR

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Allan Kehoe is confident his locally trained duo Dragon Dream and Lord Bob can both figure in the finish in their respective races at Sunday’s Wyong Family Fun Day meeting. 

Kehoe is enjoying a good season, having trained six winners to date, just two short of his total in 2021/22, with an impressive place ratio of 42 percent.

His latest win came on Monday when promising three-year-old Bring The Rabble, brought up his third successive win from just four starts.

Following a period of self doubt 18 months go having moved back to Wyong from Port Macquarie, Kehoe has now rebuilt his team and is reaping the rewards. 

“It got the point not long after we moved back that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to train anymore,” he said. “My head wasn’t in the game and I got rid of all the horses bar about four. I went to work for Tim Boland breaking in horses and just raced a couple but after four months I decided to give it another go.”

Kehoe now has around 40 horses on his books, 18 in work and rotates them between his boxes at Wyong and his property, just five minutes from the track. 

He has new clients on his books and is excited about the prospects of several of his younger brigade. 

“It took me a while to get it right, swapping them out between the track and the farm. Some thrive at the farm and others just come out for a few days after they have raced. 

“It seems to be working. As well as the six winners we’ve had 21 placings, so things are ticking over nicely.”

Lord Bob is one of the team who has responded well to the farm and Kehoe believes he is a strong chance in Sunday’s 1350m Midway Maiden. 

The Office Bearer four-year-old has had just two starts, having proved a handful for his previous trainer and part-owner Nicole Hudson. 

“He was more interested in bucking than racing and Nicole gave him to me to try and straighten out. It was a challenge but he’s changed his ways and is in a good space now. I think this is a winnable race for him. 

“He’s been at the farm since his last start in Port and has grown a leg. I’ve put the winkers on and his work has been great. He’s never looked better and I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t figure in the finish. 

“The extra distance will also suit. I’ll give him a few weeks off after this and I think he’s the type of horse who can come back and win two or three in a row.”

Kehoe’s stable stalwart Dragon Dream is a likely starter in the 2100m BM64, weather dependant, and he gives the five-year-old a strong chance. 

“I really think he’s ready to win. He didn’t tough it out over the 1900m at Canterbury on New Years Day, but he’s been working well since. 

“He’s drawn well and I think Mitch Bell will really suit him. I am toying with starting him at Canterbury Friday night because he likes to get his toe into the ground. Hopefully they can both run at their best if he starts at Wyong and finish top three.”

The first of seven races gets underway at 1pm, with the track currently rate a good 4 and the rail in the true position. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1pm: BOOK YOUR NET FUNCTION AT WYONG RACE CLUB CLASS 1 (1100m): 1 CHIPPER, 2 Zanzibar Gem, 3 Oxford Vision, 4 Justina.

Race 2 – 1.35pm: PRESILIENT – MANAGED IT SERVICES PROVINCIAL BM64 (1000m): 1 ZENTI, 2 Aspen Chase, 3 Brudenell, 4 Perfect Style.

Race 3 – 2.10pm: ABCOE CENTRAL COAST MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m): 1 SHIGERU, 2 Lord Bob, 3 Edgewise, 4 Cubed.

Race 4 – 2.45pm: BIDFOOD MAIDEN (1100m): 1 MISS ADAMAS, 2 Lim’s Synergy, 3 Choix De La Mer, 4 Boston City.

Race 5 – 3.20pm: GIBBOS PIES MAIDEN (1600m): 1 COMPETITION, 2 Smartawi, 3 More Saintly, 4 Melanin.

Race 6 – 3.55pm: COAST & COUNTRY MEATS WYONG BM64 (1600m): 1 BEL SUONO, 2 Ausbred Blue Bird, 3 Test The Waters, 4 Crowned By Aces.

Race 7 – 4.35pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING BJ HOWES METALAND RACE DAY FEBRUARY 21 BM64 (2100m):  1 ENDORPHINS, 2 Hide Your Heart, 3 Dragon Dream, 4 Nyota.

 
 

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD 20

RACING never fails to throw up a good story!

Owner Bernie Young, who will be 85 years of age next month and got involved with the game only five years ago, celebrated his first winner with a young horse he purchased online for only $5000.

Four-year-old gelding Putt For Dough, having only his third start after beginning his career at Tamworth last year and his second for Hawkesbury trainer Mick Attard, sank his rivals in the Save The Date – Northlakes Toukley Rotary Race Day Saturday March 25 Provincial Maiden Handicap (1200m).

With Winona Costin, who rode the last two winners at the previous Wyong meeting, aboard, Putt For Dough looked hard to beat on the back of an excellent first-up fourth at Warwick Farm earlier in the month.

But another Hawkesbury representative, Terry Croft’s I’m A Shaker, went to the post as a heavily backed favorite. He was never in the hunt and finished fifth.

“I’ve had four trainers and this is my first winner,” a delighted Young said afterwards.

“I rarely look at a horse’s breeding, but I did with this horse and he had a good pedigree with both his sire and dam having won races.

“My system is to measure horses, and I suppose I’ve done that with about 15,000 of them.

“When I saw Putt For Dough, I said to myself: ‘What an animal as he was up there with Winx’s measurements and I thought I might have half a show of winning a race with him’.

“But I didn’t like his original name Vermeulen and changed it as I remember a golfer telling me many years back that he slogs for show, and putts for dough, and I liked that.”

Young secured Putt For Dough online last October not long after he had finished sixth at Tamworth in a 1000m Maiden when on debut.

It wasn’t a bountiful day for favorite punters with only one successful on the seven-race program.

There were plunges on a number of runners which went astray, and Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Journalism was the only bright light, notching his third win from as many starts as a first-up proposition.

The rail was 3m out for the entire circuit, and a “Good 4” rating was maintained all day in spite of the very warm conditions.

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD 21

RACE 1: GREAT NORTHERN 4YO & UP MAIDEN(1600m):

THE locals kicked the day off with a winner, and a quinella to boot. Trainer Kristen Buchanan didn’t want STREET CANDI ($2.80) bailed away inside, and jockey Ashley Morgan lived up to his part with an aggressive ride, ensuring the mare saw plenty of daylight. He had her up on the speed with OFFANEASY (4th), and took the front on straightening to break through at her 12th start after six minor placings.

“STREET CANDI has been a bit unlucky through different circumstances at her last few starts, and Ash gave her a lovely ride,” Buchanan said. “The mare has a real desire to win, and it’s great to get a break through for lovely owners.”

Rod Bailey’s AUSSIE LINDBERGH ($26) ran home strongly along the inside to clinch the Wyong quinella, and you had to feel sorry for the backers of well-supported favorite MARALAGO ($2.60), who got strung up inside runners before the home turn as the leaders got away. He got into the clear on straightening and made up many lengths to finish third – but the bird had flown! Definitely ready to break his maiden status. Racing NSW stewards questioned jockey James Innes Jnr, who said he had intended to settle in a more prominent position, but the gelding did not show sufficient speed. OFFANEASY’S rider Lee Magorrian was suspended on a careless riding charge from  January 24 until January 27. 

RACE 2: SAVE THE DATE – NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY RACE DAY SAT MARCH 25 PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1200m):

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD 22

HAWKESBURY trainers had four of the seven starters, so it was no surprise one of them collected the cash. But the majority of punters went the wrong way, plunging on unplaced I’M A SHAKER (5th), who was heavily backed to start a dominant $2.40 favorite. He was never travelling like a winner and was under pressure before the home turn. Apprentice Tyler Schiller told stewards I’m A SHAKER laid in for the majority of the race.  Not so with the lightly-raced PUTT FOR DOUGH ($3.60), who travelled sweetly outside eventual third placegetter DEVILRY ($8), and cleared out for the easiest of victories, with Winona Costin in the saddle.

Trainer Mick Attard was understandably rapt with the four-year-old’s performance, especially as he was having only his second start for him after owner Bernie Young purchased him online last October for what is now a bargain $5000 (today’s first prize was $21,000). Young didn’t fancy the gelding’s original name Vermeulen and changed it after buying him. After conferring with son and racing manager Chris, Attard will look to make it two in a row with PUTT FOR DOUGH in a Class 1 Handicap in the coming weeks.

“He looks a nice horse,” Attard said. As Wyong grabbed the first race quinella, Hawkesbury did the same here with $101 rank outsider WINGED BEAUTY finishing second on debut, albeit more than three lengths astern.

RACE 3: TAB CLASS 1 (1200m):

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD 23

It shaped as a two-horse race in the betting ring – and that’s exactly how it panned out. While PAR FIVE ($3.40) had noluck at his last start at Gosford, jockey Tim Clark ensured there was no chance of a repeat by taking up the running, with HAMAKI ($3.10 fav) in close attendance. In keeping with the golf theme following the previous race winner, PAR FIVE got a break on straightening and held off HAMAKI, who tried really hard and is surely deserving of another victory soon. Clark said he felt PAR FIVE would be even better suited on a bigger track, and stressed that his mount kept lifting even though the winning margin was narrow. It was only PAR FIVE’S sixth start and his second since breaking through at Scone last August, after which he went for a break. 

Hellbent filly OFF DA HIZZLE ($8) was doing her best work late to grab third placing, and is another who can win again in the coming weeks after scoring on debut at Gosford late last month. Recent Warwick Farm winner MAD DARCEY was a late withdrawal at the start after becoming fractious in his barrier stall, rearing and striking his head. Stewards have ordered MAD DARCEY to trial satisfactorily before clearing him to race again.

RACE 4: SKY RACING MIDWAY MAIDEN (1000m):

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD 24

WARWICK Farm trainer Gabby Ellis produced a smart debutante in FOURTH SPARGO ($6), who left her rivals with no excuses. The Bon Hoffa three-year-old won a hotly contested lead early and did a terrific job to keep going and score nicely. 

“I expected her to run well, but that exceeded my expectations,” Ellis said. “She was very impressive, especially as it is her first preparation. I might give her a break now, and I’m sure she has a nice future.”

Winning rider Jay Ford agreed. “She is raw but keeps improving,” he said. 

FOURTH SPARGO is the second foal of the four-times winner Moroccan Ruby, and lost her off fore plate in running, adding further merit to her success. Runner-up ROYAL EMPRESS ($4.80) and third home TANGLEWOOD ($18), like the winner, were also having their first starts and ran well. Locally-trained VILLA TINO ($3.90 favorite) appeared to have every chance. She trailed the leaders on the fence into the straight but didn’t finish off well enough.

RACE 5: WYONG RACE CLUB’S HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIP $30 F&M BM 64 (1100m):

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD 25

Tim Clark grabbed a double, but it was oh so close! He drove SEVEN SISTERS ($3.60) home hard to foil a concerted plunge on recent Nowra winner ROTORUA, who kept firming and started at $2.50. All honours with the winner, who was widest on the home turn before sustaining a determined burst to get there in the nick of time. 

Stable spokesman Darren Beadman said SEVEN SISTERS came to the races on the back of two quiet trials and with blinkers on. 

“She didn’t jump as well as we had hoped, and did a good job to win,” he said. “She is in for a nice preparation.” 

The Godolphin filly was having her first start since last July and as a three-year-old, and conceded the runner-up 4.5kg, so there was plenty to like about her performance.  ROTORUA had a nice run in transit and was caught right on the post. Locally-trained DUAL ESCAPE ($26) flew the stalls to lead and gave her supporters a great sight, leading well into the straight before holding on gamely to clinch third placing. JAYANTHI (4th) could not be fully tested over the closing stages when right on the heels of DUAL ESCAPE.

RACE 6: HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS CG&E BM64 (1350m):

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD 26

A couple of plunges had gone west earlier – but this one didn’t. JOURNALISM was solidly supported to start a $2.50 favorite, ousting DIRTY MERCHANT (4th at $2.90), and maintained his unbeaten first-up record, which total his three career victories to date. 

Jockey Josh Parr tried to lead from an awkward draw but couldn’t and wisely took a sit behind THEO LEGION and DIRTY MERCHANT before making his move approaching the home turn. In spite of his 60.5kg, he sprinted strongly in the straight to defeat PIRAEUS ($11), who had enjoyed a cosy run on the fence and ran home solidly along the inside. MIHOCEK ($8.50) caught the eye, hitting the line hard after beginning awkwardly and will be better suited on a roomier circuit. 

Stable spokesman Neil Paine said co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott had worked hard to amend the winner’s barrier manners. 

“JOURNALISM hasn’t been jumping all that well, and it was good to see him leave the stalls in the manner he did today. He has been a tricky horse, but that was a good win today and hopefully he can go on with it now.”

RACE 7: WYONG’S FAMILY FUN DAY THIS SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023 F&M BM 64 (1350m):

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD 27

Two winners in two days for leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup and 37 times Group 1 winning rider Brett Prebble, who has hit the ground running since relocating from Melbourne. The pair scored with first starter SHALAA’S MOMENT at Newcastle yesterday, and this time with $16 chance THE HALO, whose margin belied her double figure odds. 

“She didn’t have the best of luck first-up at Gosford, and her appearance this morning suggested to me that she would run well today,” Widdup said. 

A $130,000 Melbourne yearling buy for Tricolours Racing, THE HALO had won a 1400m Maiden at Bathurst last July and showed she is clearly up to Provincial company at least. She trailed the leader LA JOLIE FILLE ($4.40), put paid to her quickly on straightening and won easily. LINGUEE ($17) again did her best work late to grab second, with PINK BAROQUE ($4.40) snatching third from LA JOLIE FILLE in the last bound. Jockey Josh Parr couldn’t offer a plausible explanation for the defeat of The UNICORN (5th as a $2.10 favorite), other than she might not have been comfortable on the tight turning circuit.

ATTARD KEEN TO BREAK WYONG DUCK

ATTARD KEEN TO BREAK WYONG DUCK 28

“DRIVE for show, putt for dough” is one of golf’s familiar sayings.

Whilst Hawkesbury trainer Mick Attard isn’t picking up a golf club, he won’t mind the car drive from home to Wyong at all on Wednesday if his recent acquisition Putt For Dough can sink his rivals.

The lightly-raced Winning Rupert four-year-old has his second start for Attard in the Save The Date – Northlakes Toukley Rotary Race Day Saturday March 25 Provincial Maiden Handicap (1200m).

Having ridden winners at Wyong when apprenticed to Paul Cave in Sydney, he is keen to not only breakthrough for his first winner at the track as a trainer, but even more so to repay owner Bernie Young’s faith.

“I had never trained for Bernie, who has carnival rides and he followed me closely when I was training in Central Queensland,” Attard said. “He promised to buy me a horse after I moved back to New South Wales and settled at Hawkesbury. That was before I got hurt (Attard sustained life-threatening injuries when double-barrelled by one of his horses West Elk on the first morning of a new season, August 1, 2021, and has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing a number of operations).

“Bernie kept his word and bought this horse online for $5000 through Bloodstockauction.com last October after he had raced only once earlier that month and finished sixth of eight runners at Tamworth. He didn’t like the horse’s original name Vermeulen and changed it to Putt For Dough.

“I got him going and won an 800m trial with him at home (Hawkesbury) in December.

“Reece Jones rode him and suggested we should have a crack at a midweek race in town first-up.

“Putt For Dough loomed up strongly in the straight in a 1200m Maiden and only got tired the last bit when fourth to Mad Darcey, beaten less than two lengths. He has trained on well since that race, and hopefully we have found a nice race for him, going back to provincial company at Wyong.

“I’m sure he will be very competitive. Reece is suspended, so Winona Costin (who rode the last two winners at the last Wyong meeting on January 7) takes over.”

Putt For Dough fetched $30,000 when sold as a yearling at the2020 Inglis Classic sale and has a winning pedigree. His sire Winning Rupert was unbeaten at his first five starts and retired to stud after finishing fourth in the 2017 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas as an odds-on favourite, while his dam, the now deceased Encosta De Lago mare Margham, won four races (including two at Rosehill Gardens and another at Sandown).

Attard’s gelding is one of four Hawkesbury representatives in a field of eight at Wyong and is disputing early favouritismwith Wayne Austin’s Jabali Belle.

Terry Croft’s I’m A Shaker (Tyler Schiller) is next favoured in latest TAB.com.au betting.

Jabali Belle was a beaten favourite at only her third start when fifth to Galactic Angel in a 1300m Maiden at Wyong on December 24 following two placings on her home track, whilst I’m A Shaker has raced only twice since joining Croft’s stable and was third to Chipper in a 3YO Maiden (1100m) at that same meeting.

Fellow Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup has booked Brett Prebble for both his Wyong runners; Justina in Wyong Race Club’s Half Year Membership $30 F&M Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m) and The Halo (Wyong’s Family Fun Day This Sunday January 22, 2023 F&M Benchmark 64 Handicap, 1350m).

Prebble rode Widdup’s Group 1 winning mare Icebath in a Warwick Farm trial this morning, and will partner her for the first time in a race when she resumes in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on February 11.

Racing NSW stewards have given Keagan Latham permission to ride Shiffrin 0.5kg over in the Sky Racing Midway Maiden Handicap (1000m) where Bryce Heys’ Dancing Alone is a dominant pre-post favourite.

There will be no more interesting runner than the I Am Invincible three-year-old, who fetched a cool $1.4m at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale. She goes to Wyong on the back of an 805m Warwick Farm trial success on January 3.

Dancing Alone is one of five rides for Alysha Collett on the seven-race card.

The rail is out 3m for the entire circuit, and a “Good 4” rating has been posted. Racing begins at 1.45pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.45pm: GREAT NORTHERN 4YO & UP MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m: 1 STREET CANDI, 2 Maralago, 3 Julimar, 4 Hillbilly Pickin’.

Race 2 – 2.20pm: SAVE THE DATE – NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY RACE DAY SAT MARCH 25 PROVINCIAL MAIDEN HCP, 1200m: 1 PUTT FOR DOUGH, 2 Jabali Belle, 3 I’m A Shaker, 4 Meet Me InBondi. 

Race 3 – 2.55pm: TAB CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1200m: 1 MAD DARCEY, 2 Hamaki, 3 Vindication, 4 Par Five.

Race 4 – 3.30pm: SKY RACING MIDWAY MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1000m: 1 DANCING ALONE, 2 Mr Kennedy, 3 Royal Empress, 4 Fourth Spargo.

Race 5 – 4.05pm: WYONG RACE CLUB’S HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIP $30 F&M BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1100m: 1 FLYING ANNIE, 2 Jayanthi, 3 Justina, 4 Zetarita.

Race 6 – 4.40pm: HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1350m: 1 JOURNALISM, 2 Mihocek, 3 Dirty Merchant, 4 Piraeus.

Race 7 – 5.15pm: WYONG’S FAMILY FUN DAY THIS SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023 F&M BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m: 1 DEFINITELY MAYBE, 2 Pink Baroque, 3 Linguee, 4 Silvakia.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA 29

IT’S all in 24 hours’ work.
Jockey Winona Costin was in Tasmania on Friday to land a feature race for co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, then returned home to ride the last two winners at Wyong yesterday.
The much-travelled Costin, who chalked up 84 winners last season and is approaching a career tally of 550, was successful in the Listed Tasmanian Guineas (1600m) on three-year-old Russian Roni, who clinched a hat-trick.
She was at Wyong principally to partner stablemate Bucks Party in a successful debut and then finished off a busy 24 hours by also winning the closer on Miss Checkoni for Gosford trainer Nick Mitchell.
Punters who went to the meeting expecting to clean up on three short-priced favourites were left bitterly disappointed when none were successful.
Asva ($1.55) managed third and Overriding ($1.26) was narrowly beaten before bookmakers took a set against locally trained True Crime, who was withdrawn from a Rosehill Gardens engagement to resume on his home track when trainer Kim Waugh opted not to run him on a heavy surface in Sydney.
After opening at odds-on, he got out to start at $2.20 and couldn’t pick up Costin’s mount Miss Checkoni, although he ran on well.
The seven-race program was conducted on a soft 7 track and there were no suspensions, although Blake Spriggs was reprimanded by Stewards after his ride in the sixth race and told to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA 30


RACE 1: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1600m):
The ride won the race. Jockey Jeff Penza took off from second last on Gleefilly nearing the 600m when the pace was muddling, and hotpot Asva was behind the leading pair and being steadied off heels. Gleefilly ($4.80) continued on with her run, took the lead on the home turn and kept going to comfortably defeat Pioneer Lass ($10) and the $1.55 favourite. A lightly raced Kermadec three-year-old who cost only $35,000 as a yearling, Gleefilly was having only her fourth start and continues to show improvement. On this performance, she looks capable of stretching out further in distance. Jockey Mitchell Bell told stewards Asva started to race keenly when the speed slackened near the 700m. He added that when able to secure clear running at the top of the straight, his mount finished the race off only fairly. Kaisa, who finished last of the seven runners, pulled up 1/5 lame in the off foreleg and a vet clearance is required before she can either trial or race again.
RACE 2: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS BENCHMARK 64 (2100m):
FORMER French gelding Flambeur ($3.80 favourite) finally cracked it for his first Australian win. Trainer Matthew Smith was confident beforehand the seven-year-old could break his Aussie “duck” and jockey Ashley Morgan duly delivered. Nonetheless, it looked a bit dicey in the early stages when the seven-year-old was trapped wide until Morgan was able to secure cover in the back straight. He found the drop back to Provincial grade to his liking, having been runner-up to Made By Khan (who raced at Sandown Saturday) in a 2000m Midway Handicap at Royal Randwick on Christmas Eve. Under his 60kg today, he outstayed Nathan Doyle’s stablemates Celestial Fury ($12) and Brave Angel ($7). That pair are capable of getting into the winning list soon, both finishing solidly although never likely to overhaul the winner.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA 31


RACE 3: PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS MIDWAY MAIDEN (1000m):
Well supported first starter First Class Molley was a late withdrawal when she became fractious in the barriers, reared up and lunged forward and momentarily got her head cast over the front gate. Stewards ruled she would have to barrier trial to their satisfaction being before permitted to start in a race. At his 16th start and after seven placings, Newcastle trained Super Freds ($4.60) shed his maiden status. Ridden by Andrew Adkins, the four-year-old settled near the tail but got a magnificent run through on straightening to run down Mr Kennedy ($7.50), who had kicked clear and looked a likely winner. Trainer Jay Hopkins said Super Freds was consistent, but usually found a way to strike trouble in his races and should have won a couple of starts back when runner-up at Taree. Separatist ($3.20 fav) was resuming and lost all chance when he didn’t make the home turn well and battled on to finish third. He will no doubt take improvement from this outing.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA 32

RACE 4: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION F&M CLASS 1 (1350m):

Another “shortie” bit the dust here. Newcastle filly Overriding had made a winning debut at home in a 1200m Maiden on Boxing Day and was sent out at $1.26 against only four rivals. However, she never travelled like the good thing she was expected to be. She jumped awkwardly, then had to be steadied to avoid the heels of another runner near the 400m and shifted in under pressure from the 100m to 50m before being straightened. Just as she looked some chance of getting past Galactic Angel (third at $6.50), Definitely Maybe ($9) swooped and nabbed her in the closing stages. A $370,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling, the So You Think four-year-old gave her trainer Matt Smith a double. While Overriding was beaten, she is definitely worth another chance.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA 33


RACE 5: GO ELECTRICAL CG&E CLASS 1 (1350m):
Wild Irish Rover ($6) won his Maiden on protest at Wyong on December 14 and jockey Andrew Adkins considered attempting a similar feat. His mount was narrowly beaten by Smooth Flight ($3.60 fav) and he asked to view Stewards’ footage to establish whether there were grounds to lodge an objection against the winner. Both Adkins and Stewards were satisfied there were insufficient grounds for a protest and correct weight was declared. Smooth Flight, a four-year-old by Air Force Blue, was having his seventh start and notched his second success. Watch The Clock ($7.50) followed up his recent Hawkesbury win with a solid third, running on gamely. Apprentice Georgina McDonnell was reminded of her obligations to fully ride her mounts out to the finish wherever possible after just holding fourth on Mancconi from By Nine, who was resuming and ran home stoutly and is looking for further ground.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA 34


RACE 6: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (1350m):
The Waterhouse-Bott stable is happy to send inexperienced young horses to the Provincials to begin their careers – and such was the case with New Zealand-bred three-year-old BUCKS PARTY ($3.60 fav). He made his debut after overcoming a stress fracture and contesting four barrier trials and gave Winona Costin the first leg of her double. He did a good job too, beginning well and sitting behind Sir Tom before challenging that horse and taking over on straightening. Though hotly pursued in the closing stages, Bucks Party wouldn’t surrender and toughed it out to hold off Diaco ($21) and Mister Hemsworth ($7.50). The runner-up had done nothing in five previous starts, so this was an indication that he is turning the corner. Nice run also from fourth placed Competition, who drew awkwardly and hit the line with purpose.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA 30
BUCKS PARTY


RACE 7:  WYONG’S NEXT RACES JANUARY 18TH & 22ND PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 (1200m):
Bookmakers gambled and won when the third supposed “special” Kim Waugh’s True Crime couldn’t send most punters home with at least something in their pockets. Easing from odds-on to start at $2.20, True Crime was under pressure from the 600m and still found the line, but was no match for Miss Checkoni ($7), who enjoyed a comfortable run in transit and eased around the leader’s heels at the 200m to score decisively. Jockey Andrew Gibbons told Stewards in his opinion True Crime will derive a fitness benefit from the outing and be better suited over a longer distance. Miss Checkoni was considered good enough to tackle a heat of the Provincial Championships at Newcastle last March, so her win at her third run this preparation was certainly no surprise. She was dropping back from a last start fifth in city grade at Canterbury, and recorded her fourth victory. Local mare Mosht Up ($8.50) loomed up menacingly and finished third, whilst iron horse ISORICH ($13) faltered near the 100m before finishing fifth. Another local Oakfield Mahogany ($3.40) was strongly supported and appeared to have every chance when fourth.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA 36
MISS CHECKONI

MARY KEEN ON RETURN TO WYONG

MARY KEEN ON RETURN TO WYONG 37


 
Lou Mary has been a fan of Wyong since his talented mare Proverbial broke through for her maiden win just over a year ago.
And while he doesn’t get the opportunity to race there too often, he comes to Saturday’s Connect Social race meeting with two strong chances.
Scone based Mary saddles up Piccinni in the 2100m BM64 and Kaisa in the 1600m Maiden and believes both are capable of winning.
“They are both doing really well, and I am confident,” Mary said. “When you come to these Provincial tracks with good surfaces and good jockeys, you give your horses the best opportunity to perform at their best.”
Well-bred four-year-old Piccinni, a daughter of Pierro, is primed for a strong performance stepping up to her ideal distance over the 2100m.
She put together back-to-back wins over similar ground at Tamworth and Scone last preparation and has had two runs this time in which pleased her trainer.
“I’ve been taking my time with her, and this looks like an ideal race. Her run at Rosehill when resuming was good. She made up plenty of ground in the final stages.
“Second up I put her in a BM78 at Randwick. She did a bit too much work early and was a bit flat footed around the 450m but still battled on well.
“Back in grade at Wyong and over this distance she should be right in it. She looks amazing, all dappled up and she worked a treat on Wednesday. I’ve got a good opinion of her and think in time she’ll get out over the mile and a half, if not further.”
Mary is hoping his mare Kaisa can go one better than her last start second at Wyong on December 8.
The lightly raced four-year-old has had two placings from just four starts, both since joining the Mary stable.
“There were excuses for her last start. She’s a real winning chance on Saturday over the same distance.
“She was to run at Gosford last Saturday, but I was concerned the track may have been downgraded. I’m hoping it’s a blessing in disguise, and she can get the job done.
“She spent a long time in the paddock before she came to me, and the owners have been very patient. I think she’s a genuine Provincial horse.”
Mary’s attentions will be divided on Saturday, with Proverbial lining up in the Highway at Rosehill, but he’ll be trackside at Wyong and hopeful of saddling up a double.
The first of seven races gets underway at 1.15pm.
 
SELECTIONS:
 
Race 1 – 1.15pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1600m): 1 ASVA, 2 Beauty Crusade, 3 Gleefilly, 4 Kaisa.
Race 2 – 1.50pm: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS BM64 (2100m): 1 CLASSIC DEEL, 2 Brave Angel, 3 Portnoy, 4 Celestial Fury.
Race 3 – 2,25pm: PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS MIDWAY MAIDEN (1000m): 1 CLOVELLY, 2 Super Freds, 3 Mr Kennedy, 4 First Class Holley.
Race 4 – 3.05pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDAION F&M CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 OVERRIDING, 2 Beirut Miss, 3 Fairway Star, 4 Galactic Angel.
Race 5 – 3.45pm: GO ELECTRICAL CG&E CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 WILD IRISH ROVER, 2 Sealion, 3 Global Encounter, 4 Watch The Clock.
Race 6 – 4.25pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (1350m): 1 MISTER HEMSWORTH, 2 Bucks Party, 3 Ranhita, 4 Eau De Vie.
Race 7 – 5.05pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACES JANUARY 18TH AND 22ND PROVINCIAL BM68 (1200m): 1 CHIPPER, 2 True Crime, 3 Isorich, 4 Fleet Air Arm.

ANOTHER WIN LOOMS FOR ISORICH

ANOTHER WIN LOOMS FOR ISORICH 38

Can Wyong’s very own “iron horse” Isorich bring up yet another win on Saturday, furthering his remarkable home track stats?

Certainly, according to trainer Wayne Seelin, who said the rising 13-year-old is “feeling good and really happy” and ready to race well in the 1200m BM68 at the club’s Christmas Eve meeting. 

“He’s got an amazing record at Wyong and there’s no reason why he can’t bring up another win on Saturday,” Seelin said. “He just loves the track and has only been out of the placings in seven of his 21 starts there.”

In fact, eight of those starts were winning outings, making up half of the geldings 16 career wins. 

His latest Wyong victory was on November 24 when he saluted the judge in the same grade and distance. 

As in most of his 147 career starts, he was sent out at big odds, returning $61 for the Isorich faithful, many who were on track to cheer him home. 

“It was a fantastic win that day and we’re hoping he can do it again. It would be nice if he can get another result before he finishes up. There were excuses for him at Wyong last start when he finished well back over the 1300m. He was wide the whole way and if he doesn’t win the speed battle early, he doesn’t try so hard.”

Isorich was beaten more than six lengths in the Wyong race on December 14, having finished not far behind the winner at his previous start at Newcastle on December 3.

“He’s never really loved Newcastle. He led that day and only really got grabbed in the last 50m. The straight there is the extra 100m longer than Wyong and the tempo of the races is always solid over the 1200m. 

“So, it’s never really suited him. You can’t just go to Wyong all the time, so we had to run him there but he’s back at this favourite track this time and ready to go.”

Isorich was a $7500 yearling who has returned his connections, including Seelin and Paul Watson, more than $800,000 in prizemoney. 

He has been part of Seelin’s stable for more than half of his training career and he admits he’ll be sad to see him retire at the end of 2022/23 racing season.

“That’s racing. I knew life before him, and I’ll know life after him and he won’t be far away. He’ll have a home here in the top paddock.

“It’s been a buzz training him and I’ll keep looking for another one to replace him.”

The first race gets underway at 12.40pm. 

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1- 12.40pm: THANK YOU TO ALL RACE DAY STAFF 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1300m): 1 JABALI BELLE, 2 Oakfield Blue Bell, 3 Galactic Angel, Ranhita.

Race 2 – 1.15pm: GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP – MID YEAR SPECIAL JUST $30 CLASS 1 (1000m): 1Flying Shelly, 2 Command Approved, 3 Rotorua, 4 Meod.

Race 3 – 1.50pm: TAB.COM.AU MIDWAY 3YO MAIDEN (1100m): 1 CHIPPER, 2 Adore The Rush, 3 Coolex, 4 I’m A Shaker.

Race 4 – 2.25pm: MAGIC MILLIONS YEARLING SALES 10-16 JANUARY MAIDEN (1100m): 1WINDSHADOW, 2 Hot Sundae, 3 Our Lady Stardust, 4 Rubicks Choice.

Race 5 – 3.05pm: MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WYONG RACE CLUB CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 IRONBARK ARTIE, 2 Sirens Star, 3 Pinky, 4 Karuta King.

Race 6 – 3.45pm: CHALAMAR ESCAPES CONDITIONAL BM68 (1200m): 1 OAKFIELD TRIUMPH, 2 Don Luigi, 3 Isorchich, 4 Cushy.

Race 7 – 4.25pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY 7THJANUARY PROVINCIAL BM64 (1600m): 1SHOW ME YOUR LOVE, 2 Blue Guitar, 3 The Crimson Idol, 4 Sherwoods’ One. 

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His father took out the Wyong Magic Millions and later had success on the Gold Coast and Sovereign Fund could well follow in his footsteps after his debut win in the MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 2YO CLASSIC.

The Snowden’s trained star colt Capitalist, who took out the Wyong race in 2015, went on to claim success in both the Gold Coast feature and the Golden Slipper the following year.

Sovereign Fund has impressed both the stable and champion jockey James McDonald, who believe he’s got what it takes to take out the $2m Gold Coast 2Y0 Classic in January. 

“It was a tradesman like performance today,” McDonald said, after bringing up a treble with the win. “He’s a ready-made two-year-old, big and strong, and he’ll cope with a preparation that’s involved with getting him to the Gold Coast. 

“If he improves off the win today, and he should, he’s got the tactical speed and is tough enough to be a good chance. He’s a nice horse.”

Paul Snowden agreed Sovereign Fund had the ability to win the Gold Coast feature. He’s come a long way in a short space of time.

“This has always been the main form race going north and he’s a pretty strong and tough. He will improve off today’s win and has the constitution to get up there in good order. 

“He was a very unassuming horse early, very shy and didn’t like to be cluttered up around other runners, which was very evident in his first trial. We’ve done a lot of work with him on the track and tinkering with a bit of gear. He keeps ticking boxes and putting his hand up.”

Snowden said they had been confident leading into the race. 

“What gave us confidence today was the initial fast tempo and the fact we drew so well. If everything jumped clean and decided to put tempo into the race, when knew we’d get a lovely cart into the race. 

“James summed it up particularly well and he was the strongest late, which is what we wanted him to be.”

Sovereign Fund, a $550,000 Magic Millions yearling, earned late support starting at $6 on the back of his recent trial at Canterbury, where he finished second behind The Novelist, a subsequent Kembla winner. 

He is now listed as an $11 chance at the Gold Coast and will join stable mates Empire Of Japan, the current $5 favourite and Godfather $11.

Dubbo galloper Quasimoto ($51) flashed down the outside to finish second, giving trainer Clint Lundholm a “great thrill.”

Summer Loving ($4), trained by Waterhouse/Bott was third, while the Widdup trained $3.70 favourite, Fire Lane, finished fourth.

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John O’Shea is Gold Coast bound with not one but two three-year-olds after a quinella by stablemates Hell I Am and Shalailed in the MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 3YO & 4YO STAKES over 1200m. 

Hell I Am, a $150,000 Magic Millions yearling, was sent out $2.70 favourite and the win was never in doubt, courtesy of another great ride by James McDonald. 

He had intended to go back from the outside barrier, but a muddling start landed him just behind the front runners. 

It turned out to be the perfect spot, with Hell I Am hitting the front on straightening and speeding away in the final stages to win by almost two lengths. 

The Hellbent gelding came into the race with impressive form, putting together three wins in his previous preparation, all on rain affected tracks. 

Punters were confident a good track wouldn’t affect him, and they weren’t disappointed. 

Shalailed was impressive in defeat, with the stable sharing a good opinion of the Shalaa colt. 

Racing Manager Alex Maher was full of praise for McDonald. 

“What a ride. We didn’t expect him to be up there, but it all panned out pretty well. He’s a lovely horse going forward. He’s a lot more mature than he was and has grown up a bit,” Maher said.

“I wouldn’t write off the second horse, he’s also a lovely horse. It’s good to see them both performing on top of the ground. They’ll both have one more run now and then head to the Gold Coast.”

Hell I Am now shares equal favouritism at $8 for the race and McDonald is a fan.

“He only had one soft trial coming into this but has come on immensely from that. He felt terrific on top of the ground and is a lovely horse.”

Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Triumph ($81) ran on strongly to finish third and also looks to have a bright future.

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It was a fight to the line for the two greys Jack Duggan and Youthfull in the MAINSTREAM FINANCE SERVICES PTY LTD BM64 (2100m) with the $2.50 favourite Jack Duggan getting the bob on the line. 

Jason Deamer’s American import brought up his third win at start 14, with Tim Clark in the saddle. 

The five-year-old outstayed Youthfull ($3.90) in the final stages, the Brad Widdup trained mare, wayward in the straight. 

Deamer was pleased with the efforts of his five-year-old gelding, raced by Dynamic Syndications, having his first outing at the 2100m.

“It was a real staying test, and he was strong at the finish,” he said. “Tim rode him very well. He put him to sleep, and he relaxed nicely and was able to sit and smoke his pipe until he pushed the go button. He had a fight on his hands but got the job done. It was great to see him back to the winner’s stall today.”

Chappelli ($7.50) trained by David Payne was third. 

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The O’Shea stable has big wraps on Irish import Master Copy who brought up his third Australian win in the WYONG LEAGUES GROUP CLASS 1 over 1600m.

The four-year-old broke through for his maiden at Kembla on November 22 over the 1400m and made short work of his opponents at Wyong, looking the winner a long way from home. 

He was sent out at $1.65 favourite and given a super ride by James McDonald, just behind the leaders. He took him to the front on straightening, riding hands and heels to the line to win by a length and a half. 

“We are looking forward to bigger and better things,” Racing Manger Alex Maher said. “He’s one of the better imports we’ve had, and John has a good opinion of him.”

McDonald agreed in his first ride back from Hong Kong after being named the Worlds’ Best Jockey. 

“He’s a lovely horse. Still a bit new but he’s got plenty of pace and a good mind and that will take him a long way.”

Wayne Seelin’s Every Effort ($61) put in an improved performance to finish second on his home track, over another local Damien Lane’s Oakfield Redgum ($8). 

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It looked like a Godolphin victory in the 1350m GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 10-16 JAN MAIDENbut the stewards had other ideas upholding a protest by the ridder of the runner-up Josh Parr.

Aboard the Mark Newnham trained Wild Irish Rover ($3.40), Parr claimed interference in the final 50m after he was bumped by Mr Wallace ($2.20fav), ridden by his brother-in-law Tim Clark. 

With only a nose separating them on the line, it was always going to be a touch and go decision, with stewards awarding the win to Parr after a lengthy protest.

The winner, having his sixth career start, was coming off a third on the Beaumont track on November 22, when he was beaten less than a length over the same distance. 

The Snowden trained Nullify ($4.80) finished third. 

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Alibi Dot Com brought off some big bets to take out the 1100m EBH BUILDING GROUP MIDWAY BM64

Trained by Greg McFarlane, the Your Song mare, gave Tim Clark a winning double. 

The five-year-old caught the eye with a second at her previous start over the 1100m at Gosford on November 30. 

She was backed in from $9 to $3.70 favourite returning some big bets.

McFarlane believes Your Song is up to Metropolitan grade.

“It was a brilliant win today. She looked to have left plenty in the tank and I think she’s a city horse,” he said. “We’ve taken our time with her, and she’s come along leaps and bounds. She just needed time to find her feet and hopefully its onwards and upwards now.”

Damien Lane’s Oakfield Mahogany ($4) was second, with O’Not A Doubt ($31) trained by Joseph Khalifeh, third.  

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The powerful Lees stable wasn’t to be denied on the day, taking out the last with Australian Bloodstock four-year-old Mobstar ($9.50).

The Shalaa gelding was too strong for his rivals when resuming in the 1300m PBL LAW GROUP PROVINCIAL BM68.

Dylan Gibbons came from the rear of the field on the turn, storming down the to win win by more than two lengths, eased down on the line. 

Stable representative Cameron Swan said Mobstar had returned a much better horse. 

“I was watching the racing and thinking Dylan had plenty of horse and just needed the luck to get out and when he did, he put them to bed very quickly,” Swan said. 

“He showed a really good turn of foot and has come back a much better horse. 

Claire Lever’s Grace Bay ($3.80) finished second, ahead of another Lees runner Terrameades ($10) third.