CUNNINGHAM COUNTING ON KIMMYLEE

CUNNINGHAM COUNTING ON KIMMYLEE 1

Clare Cunningham is enjoying one of the best seasons in her short training career and is hoping to further her success at Wyong on Thursday.

The Warwick Farm based trainer, who saddles up two runners at the meeting, is only a couple of wins short of her best season with six weeks to go.

The consistent trainer has had 23 winners in 2019/2020 and 42 placings from her 145 runners.

She hopes she can further her success with Kimmylee at Wyong, given the right track conditions.

The Star Witness filly, coming off a fourth at Hawkesbury last start, lines up in the 1600m Benchmark 64.

“As long as the track isn’t too soft, I think she will run a good race,” Cunningham said.

“She’s been a tricky horse for us, but I think we have her worked out now.

“I was quite excited about her last preparation, but she came back a bit more dour and didn’t have the same sprint.

“We were scratching our heads but now realise she just needed more ground.

“She seems to appreciate the middle distances and this race looks ideal for her.”

Kimmylee, a $15,000 yearling, has had six starts for the stable for a win and two placings, her only victory over the 1000m.

Cunningham said she is hoping for a drying track to bring out the best in the filly.

“Hawkesbury the other day was rated a soft 5 but Jason (Collett) said it was more like a seven.

“She was letting down well but didn’t get much traction so a better track should make a big difference.”

Cunningham continues a good association with successful breeders Graham and Linda Huddy when she saddles up first starter Lethal Lucas in the 1600m Maiden.

The Huddy’s have supported her since she began training four years ago, their latest success with promising stayer Lady Highly at Canterbury last week.

She believes Lethal Lucas will require more time.

“He’s a nice enough horse but pretty raw,” she said.

“He will probably have this run and then go out. He’s bred to stay, and it is always good training for the Huddy’s because they are patient.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.54pm: ROYAL HOTEL WYONG MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m): 1 RULES DON’T APPLY, 2 Our Cheeky Monkey, 3 Past Tense, 4 Misty Brook.

Race 2 – 1.20pm: THE DOYLO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 PITCHFORK, 2 Timon Stinger, 3 Delector, 4 La Jolie Fille.

Race 3 – 1.55pm: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN PLATE (1000m): 1 COAT OF ARMS, 2 Pure Rubick, 3 Glock, 4 Essoess.

Race 4 – 2.35pm: DE BORTOLI WINES 4YO & UP CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 ALAKAHAN, 2 Mick An’ Nicks, 3 Mr Costigan, 4 Dr Mayhem.

Race 5 – 3.10pm: WYONG RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB GROUP CLASS 2 HANDICAP: 1 SHADOW BRIDGE, 2 Archery Butts, 3 Spaceboy, 4 Belladeel.

Race 6 – 3.50pm: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT BENCHMARK 64 (1600m): 1 APRIL THUNDER, 2 Delicately, 3 Kimmylee, 4 Red Hot Chillypins.

Race 7 – 4.25pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY SATURDAY JULY 11 BENCHMARK64: 1 MANTELLI, 2 Ondo Pasa, 3 Rabbit Clause, 4 Emergent.

ANOTHER HOME TRACK WIN FOR THOMAS

ANOTHER HOME TRACK WIN FOR THOMAS 2

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Veteran local trainer Stan Thomas was in the winner’s circle with his tough mare Ondo Pasa in a race honouring a fellow Wyong trainer Johnnie Roberts.

The six-year-old brought up her eighth career win and the third on her home track.

She was disappointing at her last start at Wyong on May 14 after being caught three wide but atoned for that with a convincing one and a half-length victory.

Mikayla Weir continued a great association with Ondo Pasa, having combined with her in her last three wins.

ANOTHER HOME TRACK WIN FOR THOMAS 3
Mikayla Weir continued a great association with Ondo Pasa

Kindly given to Thomas by a couple of valued friends, Ondo Pasa has now amassed more than $215,000 in prizemoney.

It was a popular win for the 83-year-old trainer, who has three horses in work.

“She’s been a great horse for me. She tries hard every time she goes around and that’s all you can ask,” Thomas said.

Weir had Ondo Pasa ($9) toward the rear of the field in the early stages, circling the field on the turn and fighting on in the straight to claim victory.

She beat the Widdup trained Louder ($31), with Nishka ($8.50) from the Ron Quinton stable, third.

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Tom Sherry extended his lead in the provincial jockey’s premiership and took out the riding honours at Wyong with a winning double.

Currently the State’s leading apprentice, Sherry now has 46 wins in the premiership, five ahead of his nearest rival.

The first leg of his double came on De Grawin in the 1000m DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN PLATE.

He piloted the Joe Pride trained filly to a length win, in her first run for the new stable.

The Snitzel filly was placed twice in two starts for Matt Vella, before being transferred to Pride.

She had trialled well leading into the Wyong race, and was heavily supported by punters starting at $2.20.

Sherry drove the filly to the lead from the barriers and she travelled well throughout, holding out her rivals, to score by a length.

De Grawin beat Giselle Anne ($7) trained by Lee Curtis, with Godolphin trained Segosha ($9), third.

Sherry, who had been favourite in the jockey’s challenge, had to wait until the final race to bring up his double.

He combined with his master Mark Newnham, to win the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY JUNE 18 CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP over 1350m.

Newnham had the Shamus Award gelding primed for a strong first up performance, following an eye-catching trial win at Warwick Farm on May 22.
He was sent out $4.20 equal favourite and didn’t disappoint, beating fellow Darby Racing runner Amoretti by a long neck.

Sherry had the four-year-old three-wide with cover in the early stages, looming up on the turn, before hitting the front around the 200m.

He was able to hold out the Portelli trained Amortetti ($26), with Cubix ($4.20 eqfav) from the Matthew Dunn stable, two lengths behind in third.

A $150,000 yearling, Academy has now had three wins from eight starts.

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All Things put on a dominant staying performance to take out the 2100m SKY RACING CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE in his first trip over the distance.

The So You Think gelding, trained by John Sargent, is compiling an impressive record with two wins and three placings from seven starts.

Foreman Campbell Ashby believes the four-year-old will continue to improve.

“That’s his trip and I think he will get further than that,” he said.

“Andrew (Gibbons) was able to get him into a good spot and into his rhythm.

“He’s a momentum horse and he got that today. He out-toughed them all.

“He is still very immature, and he’ll improve from that win.”

Gibbons settled All Things just behind the leaders, before moving up around the 500m and hitting the lead on straightening.

He got into a battle with Seporto in the final stages but kicked on the line to win by a half neck.

All Things ($6) was coming off a fourth at Newcastle over the 1800m, having broken through for his debut win the previous start.

He beat Seporto ($4.80) trained by Clarry Connors, with Mick ‘N Nicks ($16) from the Peter Robl stable, third.

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A strong ride by Lee Magorrian secured victory for the Waller trained April Thunder in the GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN HANDICAP over 1600m.

Magorrian had to work hard on the Sebring filly after she looked to have dropped the bit mid-race.

She responded to his hard riding, hitting the front in the straight to score a three quarter of a length win.

April Thunder, a $120,000 yearling, had been strong on debut at Randwick in December finishing third but then failed at her subsequent four starts.

She was coming off a seventh at Hawkesbury last start and seemed to appreciate the step up to 1600m.

She was sent out $3.80 second favourite and didn’t disappoint, with the $3.40 favourite and early leader, California Spell, finishing back in the field.

April Thunder is raced by Hermitage, who also owned multiple Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun.

Jazirat ($8) from the Godolphin stable put in a much-improved performance to finish second, with Our Cheeky Monkey ($5), trained by Gary Portelli, three and a half lengths behind in third.

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An exciting three-way finish in the 1100m TAB.COM.AU CLASS 2 HANDICAP with the Terry Drayton trained Belladeel ($15) snatching victory on the line.

The Dundeel gelding upset some of the more favoured runners to bring up his second career win.

There was late support in the betting for the four-year-old, who was coming off an unplaced run at Scone on May 15.

Chris O’Brien settled Belladeel just off the pace and chasing the two leaders in the straight looked certain to finish third.

O’Brien drove him to the line, and he was declared a half head winner in a photo finish.

Previously trained by Chris Waller, Belladeel was having his sixth start for the new stable. He beat Shadow Bridge ($4.80) from the Mark Newnham stable, with the Snowden trained Crimlet ($5.50) third.

GIBBO SHOOTING FOR MORE WINS

GIBBO SHOOTING FOR MORE WINS 4

Andrew Gibbons heads to Wyong on Thursday hoping to continue a winning run.

Gibbons is finishing the season strongly with 10 winners over the past two weeks, bringing up his 100th winner at Newcastle on May 26.

“I know I won’t reach last year’s record of 137 but I’m hoping to get as close as I can,” he said.

“I had a slower start to the season. I went overseas and didn’t hit the ground running when I got back.

“Things have built and built, and the winners are coming. The Corona restrictions have also played into my hands and I’ve picked up some handy rides at the Provincials.”

That trend continues at Wyong with Gibbons four rides all looking to be winning chances.

He partners the Adam Duggan trained Devan in the Class 2 over 1100m.

He has ridden the gelding to back to back wins at Quirindi and Taree and believes he’s earned the chance at Provincial grade.

“He’s been a really nice horse for Adam.

“He only recently got him off Peter Snowden and he was a frustrating horse for them, who kept running places. But Adam’s done a terrific job placing him very well, obviously in lower grades, but he couldn’t be more impressive with both his wins.

“He carried a big weight the other day and got the job done. He’s earned his crack at Provincial grade, so we’ll see if he’s up to it.”

Gibbons believes Hard Lady, from the Lees stable, is another deserving of a chance at the Provincials.

The All Too Hard filly lines up in the 1350m F&M Benchmark 64, coming off a 1200m Tamworth win last start.

“She was a nice horse last time in, but she looks to have come back a bit better this time. She’s bigger, stronger and she did a good job first up.

“They expect her to improve off it. She’s coming from the bush to the Provincials, but I think she’s good enough.”

Gibbons also considers the Kim Waugh trained Mo The Great will show considerable improvement from his first up third at Wyong on May 14.

He starts in the 1350m C&G Benchmark 64.

“I rode him last start and he was a little bit big in condition and needed the run.

“It was on a soft track and I thought he did a really good job to hang around and finish as close as he did. It was testing conditions for him, so hopefully we get a better surface to suit. I think he will improve a lot.”

Completing Gibbons commitments is the John Sargent trained All Things, who he rode to victory at Newcastle on May 9.

The So You Think gelding is shooting for his second victory in the 2100m Class 1 and Maiden.

“He was a bit disappointing when John stepped him up to 1850m, but it was a small field and a tricky run race.

“He was really, really dominant in his first start over the mile and is the sort of horse the further he gets the better he’s going to get.

“The 2100m plays right into his hands, he runs up on the speed and makes his own luck. I’m happy to forgive him the other day.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.10pm: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m): 1 COSTA ZOU, 2 April Thunder, 3 Jazirat, 4 Our Cheeky Monkey.

Race 2 – 1.50pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN PLATE (1000m): 1 DE GRAWIN, 2 Absolutely Foxy, 3 Segosha, 4 Fenech.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: SKY RACING CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m): 1 ALL THINGS, 2 Lord Tropicana, 3 Celebrator, 4 Qinghai Lake.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: TAB.COM.AU CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 DEVAN, 2 Belladeel, 3 Rabbit Clause, 4 Estrado.

Race 5 – 3.40pm: 1 VALE JOHNNIE ROBERTS F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 MAISAA, 2 Nishka, 3 Red Hot Chillypins, 4 Ondo Pasa.

Race 6 – 4.20pm: 1 SNITZIFY, 2 Cubix, 3 Academy, Tapiconic.

GOOD NEWS DAY FOR WAUGH

GOOD NEWS DAY FOR WAUGH 5

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Kim Waugh is excited about the prospects of Great News after the filly’s breakthrough maiden win at her third start.

The Uncle Mo three-year-old put more than a length on her opposition on the line to take out the TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN over 1100m, courtesy of a patient ride by Andrew Gibbons.

He was behind the leaders on straightening, but found a gap round the 200m mark, driving the filly through for victory.

“She’s a lovely filly,” Waugh said.

“She’s been slow maturing but she’s getting there, and I like her a lot.

“She was very impressive in her trial last week and her work has been great.

“She just keeps improving all the time and she’s exciting.”

Waugh said it was great to see the owners get a winner, particularly Jim Lee, a long-time client who she described as “very loyal.”

Great News ($2.70) was resuming after two provincial placings in her first preparation and had finished second in a trial at Gosford to Miss Fabulass.

She brought up her first win beating the Bryce Heys trained Key Largo ($21), with the $1.75 favourite Ballistic Missile, from the Joe Pride stable, third.

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Anders is on the way to justifying his expensive price tag after his dominant seven length win in the 2YO maiden.

The Not A Single Doubt colt, a $670,00 Magic Millions purchase, had the 1100m COCA-COLA 2YO MAIDEN won at the turn, drawing away from his opposition as he went to the line.

The Maher Eustace stable has always had a strong opinion of the colt, who debuted in the spring with a fourth at Randwick, followed by a Queensland campaign where he finished third at Eagle Farm and sixth in the Gold Nugget on the Gold Coast.

He resumed with a second at Kembla on April 28 and looks set to return to metropolitan class, following his breakthrough Wyong win.

Anders jumped well with jockey Ash Morgan settling him just behind the leader, before hitting the front around the 600m mark and pulling away for a commanding win.

Anders, sent out $3 favourite, beat the Snowden duo Sharpshooter ($26) and Falcon ($5.50).

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A change of riding tactics proved to be a winning move for the Keegan-Attard trained Reiby’s Regent in the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY JUNE 4 BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

The four-year-old by Uncle Mo, left his rivals in his wake with Keagan Latham leading from barrier to post to score a three-length win.

Jason Attard said he had left the riding instructions to Latham after a downgrade in the track had him concerned.

“He had failed before on heavy tracks, but they were quite wet, and I was just concerned if this was a soft 7 or a heavy 8.

“We came here pretty confident but then we had that downpour of rain, so I did have a query.

“I left it up to Keagan, but I was thinking we may have been a little closer than we were at Newcastle last start.”

Reiby’s Regent was narrowly beaten at Newcastle on May 2 with no luck in the race.

The Wyong win was his second in 10 starts, both on the same track.

“There has been some good form around him, and he’s got plenty of ability,” Attard said.

Salsa Man ($7) from the Perry stable was second, with Mo The Great ($11) trained by Kim Waugh, third.

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Mitch Newman has a good opinion of his filly Diva Bella who brought up back to back wins taking out the DE BORTOLI WINES CLASS 1 over 1200m in impressive style.

Newman seems to have found the key to the Reward For Effort filly, who has had two wins and two placings since switching from the Tim Martin stable.

“She’s a filly with nice ability and hopefully she can go on with it,” Newman said following the win.

“It was a good effort today. She had a good draw and nice pull in the weights on the favourite.

“She seemed to plough through the going. There is a bit of wet form in her breeding and she ticked that box today.

“She’s a filly in good form.”

Cejay Graham had Diva Bella ($5) in a good position, just behind the leader, taking her to the front on straightening and drawing away on the line to win by two lengths.

She beat the Widdup trained Louder ($26), with Ranges ($4.20) from the Snowden stable, third.

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Only five days back from a fall Grant Buckley continued his winning run lifting the Godolphin trained Delicately ($7) to victory.

Buckley was sidelined with a broken collarbone and torn chest muscle for almost six weeks and has now booted home four winners since his return on May 9.

He produced a strong ride to steer Medaglia D’Oro filly Delicately to a half-length victory in the WYONGRACECLUB.COM.AU 3YO MAIDEN over 1350m.

Buckley settled the three-year-old, just behind the leaders, drawing level with Timon Stinger in the straight.

He lifted the filly to the line, bringing up her debut win at her fourth start.

She was coming off a third at Canberra over 1400m on April 24.

Timon Stinger ($7.50) trained by Lindsey Kennedy was second, over the $2.70 race favourite Shuwaamekh from the Waterhouse/Bott stable.

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Crown Affair ($5.50) confirmed his status as a stayer putting almost eight lengths on his opposition to win the 2100m CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN.

Trainer David Payne has always had a good opinion of the Snitzel gelding who raced in the Group 3 Canonbury as a two-year-old.

He was passed in by owner/breeder John Cordina as a yearling for just shy of $1million.

“I like to get them in and having a run early because it is good to have that experience,” Payne said. “I knew he was going to get better with time and more ground.”

The now three-year-old proved Payne right with placings over the 1900m and 1800m in his last two starts at Gosford and Hawkesbury.

The 2100m at Wyong looked ideal and he didn’t disappoint breaking through for his debut win at his 13th career start.

Crown Affair jumped well, and Rory Hutchings took him to the lead, maintaining the front throughout and kicking away in the final stages.

He beat the Perry trained The Borough ($19), with Spring Secret ($17) trained by Paul Niceforo, third.

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It was a race to race double for Rory Hutchings who pounced on the leaders to claim victory on the Joe Pride trained Stockman.

The three-year-old had been looking for more ground and relished a downgrade in the track to take out the SKY RACING CLASS 1 over 1600m.

Hutchings brought the Tavistock gelding down the outside in the straight, after it had looked like a race in two with Benfica Maid and Significance fighting out the finish.

Stockman swooped on the line to score a half-length win.

It was his second victory from six starts, having tasted success over the 1300m at Goulburn when resuming.

“I think he’s a really nice horse,” Pride said.

“He’s got fantastic pedigree to stay with quite a few Derby winners having the same breeding.

“It was an excellent win at Goulburn and there were excuses last start.

“He’s got stamina and that’s a big plus.

“It’s good to see him out over the mile and even beyond. That’s when we are going to see the best of him.”

Stockman ($5) beat the $2.70 favourite Benfica Maid, trained by Jason Coyle, with Significance, ($3.90), from the O’Shea stable, two lengths behind in third.

WIDDUP BANKING ON CHANGE OF LUCK

WIDDUP BANKING ON CHANGE OF LUCK 6

Brad Widdup is keen to end a frustrating run of seconds when he saddles up four runners at Thursday’s Wyong meeting.

Widdup has had 12 seconds in the past seven weeks and jokingly believes he’s on track for some sort of record.

“I’d be breaking a second’s record for sure,” he laughed.

“It’s been incredibly frustrating. You go to the races doing everything the same and they are just getting beat.

“At least they aren’t running last so that’s obviously good but it’s hard running second all the time. It’s just been that type of season.

“Even over the carnival I was running places in stakes races.

“I suppose you’ve got to wait your turn and hopefully it’s my turn on Thursday.

“Wyong is one track where I do have a bit of luck, but I’ve probably jinxed it now saying that.”

Widdup sees well bred colt Tycoonist as the best of his chances.

The $750,000 yearling purchase, by Written Tycoon, resumes in the 1100m 2YO Maiden, having finished fourth on debut at Rosehill in December.

“I think he’s a nice little horse. The 1100m is possibly a little bit short for him but he’s had two trials and we will ride him from the good draw as close as we can and go from there,” he said.

“His run last time in was probably better than it looked. He’s going well enough and while he’s still very immature, I’ve been quite happy with him this time around.

“With two-year-old racing you’re not sure what you’re going to be finding. “There are fair few first starters and it looks like a competitive race.”

Widdup is hoping Daksha can break through in the 1350m 3YO Maiden after finishing runner-up in his last two starts.

The Deep Field colt was narrowly defeated over the same distance at Wyong on April 30.

“I’m very happy with him. He seems to be slowly improving and I think he should be more than competitive.

“His two runs have been good. He’s a tough little horse, who’s had a few issues just maturing. He seems to be going really well at the moment and this looks an ideal race.”

Widdup considers Louder a chance in the 1200m Class 1 but said the inside barrier draw is a hindrance.

The three-year-old filly was a last start winner at Goulburn, her first victory from five runs.

“Normally you want barrier one, but I would have preferred five or six where she could be off the fence,” he said.

“Both her runs this time in have been good. Her run at Newcastle she would have finished a bit closer if she could have got to the outside. The other day at Goulburn was similar. It took a long time for her to get out to the middle of the track and when she did, she hit the line really good. 

“This is a suitable race for her, she’s trained on good but will need a bit of luck from the barrier.”

Widdup isn’t as keen on Pepikhani, in the 2100m, with the filly on her last chance.

“She’s been very plain, so we are just trying to get her out to this sort of distance to see what she does.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.50pm: WYONGRACECLUB.COM.AU 3YO MAIDEN (1350m): 1 DAKSHA, 2 Shuwaamekh, 3 Delicately, 4 Who Loves Zou.

Race 2 – 1.25pm: TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN (1100m): 1 GREAT NEWS, 2 Giselle Anne, 3 Glock, 4 Ballistic Lover.

Race 3 – 2.05pm: COCA-COLA 2YO MAIDEN (1100m): 1 FALCON, 2 Anders, 3 Black Jacamar, 4 Tycoonist.

Race 4 – 2.40pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (2100m): 1 GUNALUVA, 2 Tamarin Falls, 3 Les Amoureux, 4 Crown Affair.

Race 5 – 3.20pm: SKY RACING CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 SIGNIFICANCE, 2 Benfica Maid, 3 Stockman, 4 Lando Bay.

Race 6 – 3.55pm: DE BORTOLI WINES CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 ROCKETING TO WIN, 2 Fiery Red, 3 Shepherd Of Fire, 4 Sarah Elizabeth.

Race 7 – 4.35pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY JUNE 4 BM64 (1350m): 1 EIGHTH IMMORTAL, 2 Reiby’s Regent, 3 Mo The Great, 4 Ondo Pasa.

REINVEST EARNS TRIP TO QUEENSLAND

REINVEST EARNS TRIP TO QUEENSLAND 7

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Reinvest is headed to the Queensland winter carnival after making it back to back wins with an impressive victory at Wyong.

The Newhaven Park bred three-year-old was a Newcastle winner on debut and handled the step up in distance and grade to score a tough win in the HMA GROUP METRO & PROV MAIDEN HANDICAP over 1600m.

A $450,000 yearling purchase, Reinvest started $1.45 favourite and despite being headed in the straight by Fill Of Fun, got his head in front on the line to win by a half neck.

Lee Magorrian had settled the gelding just behind the leader in a slowly run race, moving up on the corner and battling it out the final stages of the straight to score a tough win.

Neil Paine, representing the stable, confirmed Reinvest would head to Queensland.

“I’ve had Gai on the phone and she’s very excited,” he said.

“They picked out this race and he got the job done. This horse has got potential.

“It was only his second run in a race and to win a tough class 1 is impressive.

“Gai is looking at taking him to Queensland for a longer race up there over the carnival.

“This horse will get over 2000m to 2400m and that’s when you’ll see the best of him. “He will stay all day. He’s a nice horse with a good stride on him.”

Reinvest beat the Anthony Cummings trained Fill Of Fun ($17), with Cottenham ($14) from the O’Shea stable, third.

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A strong ride by apprentice Tom Sherry secured victory for the John Thompson trained Lando Bay in the WYONGRACECLUB.COM.AU MAIDEN over 1350m.

The short-priced favourite went head to head in the straight with runner-up Daksha, getting the bob on the line to score by a long neck.

Stable representative Danielle Podelwski described it as a “good win.”

“He had to dig deep to get over the line. It was great to get his maiden win,” she said.

“It was a good ride by Tom. When he asked him to give that extra length near the line he responded. It was nice.”

Lando Bay ($1.60), a $100,000 Inglis yearling, was having his eighth career start, having previously been placed twice at provincial level.

The three-year-old Sebring gelding was coming off a third at Kembla last start.

The Widdup trained Daksha ($5) was second, with Oakfield Lane ($14) from the Damien Lane stable, third.

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A race to race double for in-form apprentice Tom Sherry after Miss Maisel’s win in the CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN over 1100m.

The Mark Newnham trained filly was sent out $3.10 favourite after her narrow last start defeat to Marboosha in the Miss Finland at Muswellbrook on April 13.

Marboosha, trained by the Snowden’s was an impressive winner at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, franking the form of Miss Maisel.

Sherry settled the Hinchinbrook filly just behind the leaders, hitting the front on straightening before drawing away in the final stages to win by more than two lengths.

Newnham has always had an opinion of the two-year-old, who was having her fourth race start.

She was sent out favourite on debut at Kembla in November but missed the start, storming home to finish second.

Miss Maisel finished fifth at a subsequent Rosehill start before spelling and resuming at Muswellbrook.

Sherry, who rode the filly at Muswellbrook, was confident coming into the Wyong race.

“We thought we would just go to Muswellbrook and win but it didn’t pan out that way,” he said.

“I was very confident she’d race well today.”

Miss Maisel beat Kiss And Tell ($5.50) from the Gerald Ryan stable, with Spanish Fighter ($21) trained by Peter Green, third.

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A great training performance by Jason Coyle with Maui Girl ($3.40) returning to the winner’s circle first up after 18 months on the sideline.

The four-year-old mare scored a tough win in the SKY RACING CLASS 2 over 1350m after being caught wide in the early stages.

Andrew Gibbons was forced to go forward and sat just off the leader, hitting the front on straightening and holding off rivals to win by a long head.

“It was a good tough effort,” Coyle said after the race.

“Both her trials had been good, and I thought she was forward enough to run a nice race, but I was a little concerned with her getting onto a track that was a touch testing.

“It was good to see her knuckle down over the last 100m and get the win.

“Things didn’t quite pan out like we thought early, she was caught wide and Gibbo had to roll forward mid-race. She relaxed then but not having raced for so long, I was always worried about the last little bit.

“I think she’s a mare with some ability and she can only improve off the back of that.”

Maui Girl, having her first start for the Coyle stable, beat the Matthew Dunn trained Cubix ($3.80), with Jim and Greg Lee’s Ladies Gem ($12) third.

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Gerald Ryan believes there is plenty of improvement in his filly Sally’s Day who broke through for her second win in the COCA-COLA BENCHMARK 64 over 1100m.

The More Than Ready filly, a $220,000 yearling, bred and raced by John Singleton, was resuming following an impressive trial win at Rosehill on April 6.

She was sent out $2.50 favourite and didn’t disappoint, with Christian Reith sitting just off the leader, hitting the front on straightening and drawing away for an impressive two length victory.

“It was a good win,” Ryan said.

“She’s only a light little filly and can’t cop a lot of work, but a three-year-old filly up against the older horses today, she did a good job.

“She had to carry weight and cover ground, she was good.”

Ryan believes Sally’s Day will only get better with time.

“When you can get her to settle like Christian did today, she can race well but she can also over race.

“We’ve been working on getting her to settle and when she learns to switch off completely, she’ll have a good turn of foot.”

Ondo Pasa ($14), trained by Stan Thomas was second, with the locally trained Dual Escape ($15), from the Denim Wynen stable, third. 

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A change of gear and a welcome change of luck were key to the Lees trained Darleb ($5) taking out the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY MAY 14 BENCHMARK 64 over 1300m.

The Uncle Mo colt, a $16,000 yearling purchase, had no luck at his last start at Wyong and Lees added blinkers.

The move proved successful and courtesy of a strong ride by Sam Clenton, he posted a narrow victory over Kim Waugh’s race favourite Holy Reign ($3.20).

The pair fought it out in the final stages with Darleb gaining ascendency on the line.

“He was too good today,” stable representative Danny Greer said.

“Everything worked out a lot better today. It was a lovely ride by Sammy.

“They looked to be a jammed up on the home turn, she just popped out of that trouble, found clear running and was strong late.

“He was really good third up today with the blinkers on. Sammy got him out of trouble and really lifted him over the line late. “

The Paul Perry trained Salsa Man ($8) was third.

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Peter Green seems to have found the key to former Victorian galloper Auvergne, with the filly bringing up her debut win in the HMA GROUP METRO & PROV MAIDEN.

The three-year-old was having her second start for the Green stable, with three previous unplaced starts in Victoria.

Hawkesbury based Green picked her up for the bargain price of $3000 in December and is now reaping the rewards.

The Dawn Approach filly finished fifth at Wyong over 1350m on April 16 and appreciated the step up to 1600m.

She had no trouble handling the going, with a heavy downpour hitting the track shortly before the race.

Green had been confident Auvergne ($7.50) could run a good race, with the only question mark the distance.

“I thought if she gets the mile and settles, after not settling last start at Wyong, she would run well because she’s been working very well,” he said.

“We got a nice run in behind them and that suited her.”

Mikayla Weir settled Auvergne toward the rear of the field, bringing her along the rail on straightening to snatch a narrow win on the line.

She beat Clever Man ($8) trained by Anthony Cummings, with Gloraya ($9.50) from the Perry stable, a length behind in third.

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RYAN BANKING ON WYONG STATS

RYAN BANKING ON WYONG STATS 8

Gerald Ryan isn’t big on statistics but knows that Wyong has always been a happy hunting ground for his stable.

The stats show Ryan has produced more winners at Wyong than any other provincial track and he’s hoping to add to that tally on Thursday.

He saddles up four runners across the seven-race meeting and is confident they will all race well.

He expects I Am Invincible gelding Highbury to have improved following his first up second at Wyong over 1600m on April 16.

He lines up over the same distance in the Metro & Prov Maiden with Mitchell Bell in the saddle.

“He got beaten by a smart horse at Wyong last start. He got to the line well and his work has been good since,” Ryan said.

“The mile again and hopefully a firm track should really suit him.

“He was first up the other day and he’s come on from that and looks well. He’s had a couple of placings at Wyong now and seems to race well there.”

Ryan is also expecting a strong showing from well-bred three-year-old filly Sally’s Day.

The John Singleton owned filly, a $220,000 yearling, resumes in the 1100m Benchmark 64 and Ryan believes he has found the key to her.

“I was only feeling my way with her last preparation. I’d only just got her when she won at Hawkesbury and I’ve learned how to train her better.

“She trialled well, and the distance is ideal.”

“I think she’ll suit Wyong although the wide barrier is a concern. She tends to over race a bit so it could be tricky to get cover so she can relax.”

Christian Reith will partner Sally’s Day, the More Than Ready filly having her seventh start for a win and two placings.

Ryan is hoping Zoustar mare Kiss And Tell can go one better than her last start second at Orange.

The four-year-old, who has been placed twice in her four previous runs, starts in the 1100m Maiden with Lee Magorrian in the saddle.

“She ran a nice race at Orange last start. She drew wide and just got collared on the line.”

“She has definitely improved off that. It’s a step up in grade from Orange but she’s been placed in provincial class.”

“I think she’ll be well suited by both the track and distance.”

Swahili Mai completes Ryan’s runners, the Japanese bred filly, resuming in the 1350m Maiden Plate.

The $80,000 yearling was unplaced in her only two starts at Newcastle and Hawkesbury last preparation.

“She was disappointing last time in, but we gave her a long spell and she’s come back better,” Ryan said.

“She’s trialled good both times leading into this and I expect her to race well.”

“I think eventually she’ll get up around the mile, but we will definitely see improvement on what she showed last time in.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.55pm: HMA GROUP METRO & PROV MAIDEN (1600m): 1 HIGHBURY, 2 The First King, 3 Carlin Trend, 4 Cuff And Collar.

Race 2 – 1.35pm: WYONGRACECLUB.COM.AU MAIDEN (1350m): 1 LANDO BAY, 2 Great Tye, 3 Daksha, 4 Who Loves The Zou.

Race 3 – 2.10pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (1100m): 1 KISS AND TELL, 2 Segosha, 3 Giselle Anne, 4 Gallant Run.

Race 4 – 2.45pm: TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 STOCKMAN, 2 Reinvest, 3 Mubariz, 4 Butch’N’Bugs.

Race 5 – 3.25pm: SKY RACING CLASS 2 (1350m): 1 SKY DIAMONDS, 2 Hildalgo, 3 Serbelloni, 4 Camp Rifle.

Race 6 – 4.05pm: COCA-COLA BENCHMARK 64 (1100m): 1 KEY TO GLORY, 2 Sally’s Day, 3 Ballistica, 4 Catapult.

Race 7 – 4.40pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY MAY 14 (1300m); 1 ANUBIS, 2 Darleb, 3 Salsa Man, 4 Sky Diamonds.

MORTON TO TARGET CUPS WITH ACOUSTIX

MORTON TO TARGET CUPS WITH ACOUSTIX 9

By Frances O’Shea

A Tamworth Cup start could be on the agenda for the Tas Morton trained Acoustix after his tough win in the WWW.TAB.COM.AU CONDITIONAL PROVINCIAL CUP – CLASS 4.

The well-bred Snitzel gelding, ridden by Jenny Duggan, led throughout to win the feature race by almost two lengths.

“It was a very gutsy win,” Morton said.

“When he was taken on mid-race, I thought this will be a real test for him.

“He certainly proved his ability by going on with it.”

Morton said he had always expected to see the best of Acoustix when he got over the mile.

“It was the right distance for him at Gosford last start and he was only beaten a lip,” he said.

“It was a step up in class for him today, but he was good and got the job done.”

Morton, who races the four-year-old with close friends, said he would now consider the Tamworth and South Grafton Cups for Acoustix, or a mid-week metropolitan meeting.

“He’s continuing to improve so that’s promising. He’ll be weighted out of most country races now, but we’ll look at the Cups and a mid-weeker in town.

“I’m very happy with the win today.”

Acoustix ($5), who has now had five wins from 19 starts, beat the $3.80 favourite Surjin from the Perry stable, with First Lady ($7) trained by Gary Portelli, third.

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Million-dollar colt Signficance showed his class to break through for a dominant debut win in the H & H CATERING MAIDEN over 1600 metres.

Trained by John O’Shea, the Frankel gelding had been disappointing in his last two starts on rain affected tracks but appreciated the good four Wyong surface, putting more than seven lengths on his opposition.

Apprentice Tom Sherry had the UK bred colt in the perfect position, just behind the leader before hitting the front around the 600m mark and pulling away in the straight.

He cruised to the line, never overextended by Sherry, to record an impressive seven and a half length win at his sixth start.

Signficance, who justified his $1.55 favouritism, was purchased as a yearling at the Inglis Sales by Domeland for $1.1million.

He beat the Gerald Ryan trained Highbury ($3.90), with the locally trained Dunlee ($7) from the Damien Lane stable, third.

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Speedy gelding Kyo ($5.50) upset some of the more favoured runners to win the 1000m RAPID CLEAN CENTRAL COAST 3YO MAIDEN in a tight finish.

The three-year-old, by Poet’s Voice, had shown plenty of speed at her previous two starts at Gosford over the 1000m and although finishing out of the placings had only been beaten just over a length on both occasions.

Apprentice Cejay Graham was confident the gelding would appreciate the Wyong track.

“It’s my first ride on him but his pattern had been to jump and run and that is an asset on a track like Wyong,” Graham said.

“I think the two kilos off definitely helped, particularly in the closing stages.”

Graham followed the race plan and was able to dictate terms with Kyo jumping to the lead.

She pulled away in the straight and held out the fast finishing Glock ($12) to win by a nose.

Short priced favourite More Prophets ($1.90) was third, two and a half lengths behind the winner.

The winner is trained by Craig Carmody and raced by Kim Harding.

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Gerald Ryan expects Secretly Awesome ($1.55) to be a much better horse as a four-year-old after his impressive win in theGO ELECTRICAL TUGGERAH MAIDEN.

The Snitzel gelding put paid to his opposition over the 1350m in just his second race start, having finished second on debut at Newcastle over 1200m on March 31.

Ryan said Secretly Awesome, owned by Cressfield, had been a ‘very, very difficult horse’ to get to the races.

“It’s taken a long time to get to this stage,” Ryan said. “He been a very difficult horse to get going, not just around the stables but at the farm, at the breakers, everywhere.

“He trialled well and raced well at Newcastle last start. I think we will get a better idea of how far he will go next preparations. I’ll give him a couple more runs for education and then turn him out.”

Keagan Latham, settled the three-year-old just behind the leader, peeling three-wide on the turn to hit the front and dash away in the straight.

He posted a three-length win over the Waller trained Savaspur ($5.50), with Mikhail ($10) from the Portelli stable, third.

Latham said he had thought Secretly Awesome would take a ‘power of beating.’

“He’s a lovely horse and Gerald said he had come on a ton since his first run, so I thought he’d be hard to beat.”

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A nice ride by Louise Day secured victory for the Anthony Cummings trained Loves To Rock in the 2100m CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BENCHMARK 64.

It was the second win in five days for the tough Loves To Rock mare, who was successful at Newcastle over 1850m on Saturday.

The mare continued the trend of favourites winning, scoring a dominant three and a half length victory.

The four-year-old, who is raced in partnership by Cummings, is putting together an impressive record with four wins from 15 starts, three this preparation.

Day settled Loves To Rock just behind the early leader, maintaining the position until around the 500m mark, when she hit the front, pinching a break on straightening.

The Freedman trained Unamerican ($5) was second, with Also Cool ($13) trained by Garry White, third.

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Shamus Award gelding Corcra made it back to back wins taking out the 1000m COCA-COLA CLASS 2 in impressive style.

The Bjorn Baker trained three-year-old earned plenty of support from punters on the strength of his last start Nowra win and was sent out $3.30 favourite.

He didn’t disappoint, with jockey Mitchell Bell giving him a lovely run just behind the leaders, before taking him to the front on straightening and drawing away to win by more than a length.

Baker said Corcra had handled the step up to provincial class.

“It was another test for him today. He came into the race in good order,” he said.

“I thought his last win was very good and he showed good speed.

“I wanted him to be positive today because he’s a very fast horse.

“Coming back to the 1000m was also a good thing for him.”

Corcra, an $80,000 Inglis Classic yearling, brought up his third win from seven starts.

He beat King’s Champ ($3.70) from the Gerald Ryan yard, with Gulgong visitor Deviate ($51) trained by Brett Thompson, third.

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FIRST LADY ON TRACK FOR VICTORY

FIRST LADY ON TRACK FOR VICTORY 10

The Portelli stable is hoping First Lady can replicate her last start win when she lines up in the Provincial Cup at Wyong on Thursday.

There is no doubting the toughness of the Not A Single Doubt mare, who is coming off a last start win at Canberra on April 3.

She will be having her 11th start this preparation, having claimed victories at Nowra, Mudgee and Canberra all over the 1600m.

“She’s tough and she’s got plenty of heart,” Racing Manager James Fathers said.

“She’s pretty consistent when she gets the right conditions and that should be the case at Wyong.

“She likes the sting out of the ground, but it was good to see her win at Mudgee with the track a good three.

“It shows her versatility, that she can get the job done even if it’s not wet.”

The mare will start from barrier six and looks well weighted with Tom Sherry claiming two kilos.

First Lady is one of three last start winners in the Class 4 Provincial Cup field of 11, with Larynx from the Brett Thompson stable coming off a win at Muswellbrook and the locally trained Our Tax Return, trained by Les Tilley, having tasted success at Tamworth.

Vinci Lady, looks to be another strong chance for Portelli, starting in the 1000m Class 2.

The I Am Invincible mare was an impressive winner over the same distance at Wyong on March 2, before having excuses when finishing toward the rear of the field at Goulburn on March 23.

“Hopefully things will go her way and she’ll jump in front and see if they can catch her,” Fathers said.

“That’s her normal racing pattern and she’s won at Wyong so there won’t be any problems there.

“She’s had a little freshen up since Goulburn. She’s quite an enthusiastic work horse at home and keeps herself pretty fit.”

Louise Day, who rode her to her Wyong win, partners the four-year-old, who is shooting for her third victory from nine starts.

Tom Sherry also partners Redoute’s Choice gelding, Mikhail, who is second up in the 1350m Maiden.

The four-year-old has had three starts for a second at Wyong over 1100m last preparation.

Fathers said his first up effort at Gosford was credible, having been off the scene for 35 weeks.   

“He’s improved a heap off that and had a good blow after the race.

“He was probably better than the result shows there. He knows Wyong and should be pretty competitive.

“He’s a big solid Redoute’s Choice gelding who was always going to need a run back anyway and the extra distance will suit.”

The first of six races gets underway at 1.15pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.15pm: H & H CATERING MAIDEN (1600m): 1 SIGNIFICANCE, 2 Dunlee, 3 Highbury, 4 Gunzel.

Race 2 – 1.50pm: RAPID CLEAN CENTRAL COAST 3YO MAIDEN (1000m): 1 GLOCK, 2 More Prophets, 3 Giselle Anne, 4 Kyo.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: GO ELECTRICAL TUGGERAH MAIDEN (1350m): 1 SECRETLY AWESOME, 2 Mikhail, 3 Savaspur, 4 Capital Venture.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BM64 (2100m): 1 MOON PANTHER, 2 Also Cool, 3 Loves To Rock, 4 Zellmay.

Race 5 – 3.40pm: COCA-COLA CLASS 2 (1000m): 1 VOX POP, 2 Invincible Kiss, 3 Invincible Lad, 4 King’s Champ.

Race 6 – 4.15pm: WWW.TAB.COM.AU CONDITIONAL PROVINCIAL CUP – CLASS 4 (1600m): 1 ACOUSTIX, 2 First Lady, 3 Controlthewitness, 4 Balmaceda.

CONNORS CAUSES ANOTHER UPSET

CONNORS CAUSES ANOTHER UPSET 11

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

CONNORS CAUSES ANOTHER UPSET

Veteran trainer Clarry Connors pulled off his second upset in as many days with Segrill’s win in the COCA-COLA CLASS 1.

The Sebring gelding greeted the judge at the juicy odds of $19, following on from Connors Warwick Farm win the previous day with Bolero King at $31.

Segrill, a three-year-old by Sebring, made it back to back wins after scoring at Kembla over the same distance on March 13.

Jockey Digger McLellan gave the filly a lovely run throughout, sitting just off the leader before hitting the front on straightening.

Segrill was full of running and drew away in the final stages to win by more than a length.

Marc Connors, representing his father, said they had gone into the race with confidence.

“She put the writing on the wall with a fantastic win last start,” he said.

“We were positive today that if he put her into the race she’d go well again, and she got the job done.

“I was surprised she was $20 but good luck to everyone who was on.

“It’s been a good couple of days.”

John O’Shea’s $2.80 race favourite Kirwan’s Lane finished second, a length behind the winner, with the Jason Coyle trained Benfica Maid ($5.50), third.

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A super ride by apprentice Tom Sherry secured a well-deserved victory for Red Hot Chillypins ($2.05) in the RFS VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN over 2100m.

In a small field, Sherry settled the Joe Pride trained favourite, toward the rear switching to the inside on the turn before coming around the heels of the leaders to score a narrow win.

The Rock’N’Pop four-year-old has been runner up at her past three starts.

Hayley Blythe-Devlin, representing the Pride stable, said while the mare didn’t make it easy watching, it was good to final see her win.

“It felt like I was watching her over 2300m,” Blythe-Devlin laughed.

“She’s just so green still. She needs racing and exposure to that, and I’m really pleased for the ownership group that she won today.

“She’s a very genuine, lovely sound filly and I think she’ll give them a lot of fun.

“Joe’s been waiting to get her up in distance and it did look like a good race for her today.”

Whiskey Jack ($4.80) finished a long head behind the winner, with Scorching Zorro ($7) third.

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The Greg Hickman trained Enigma ($4.40) defied a late betting drift to bring up her debut win in the 1000m SES VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN.

The Time For War filly had her first start at Randwick on March 18, finishing midfield.

Hickman said she had now earned another metropolitan start.

“She’s a nice filly and I’ll probably look to start her in town again now,” he said.

“She jumped well today, was travelling throughout and hit the line very strong.

“It’s good to get her confidence up with a win.”

The filly jumped well and Andrew Gibbons maintained the lead throughout, kicking away on straightening to win by more than a length.

He beat the fast finishing Shepherd Of Fire ($8.50), trained by Bruce Heys, with Schengen ($14) from the Jeff Englebrecht stable, third.

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A return to the provincials proved to be the key to the Waterhouse/Bott trained Smart Success ($8), who upset some of the more fancied runners to take out the VRA VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN over 1350m.

The Smart Missile filly, ridden by Lee Magorrian, was expected to lead but settled midfield, before peeling wide on straightening and running down the leaders on the line to win by a neck.

Lauren De Arias Huep, representing the stable, said they were confident leading into the race.

“She was really good first up at Gosford and only narrowly beaten. Then she stepped up in class, but it wasn’t the right race for her.

“We had expected her to put in a performance today similar to when she was first up.

“She had quite a bit of work to do today coming into the straight but flew home.

“She will only improve coming off this. We will take her through her grades and hopefully see her progress.”

The Craig Carmody trained Bob’s Your Uncle ($5.50) was second, nearly two lengths ahead of Bjorn Baker’s Qinghai Lake ($9).

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Written Tycoon colt Axe ($6) lived up to his big price tag with a strong win in GOOD LUCK WYONG @ THE POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL CLASS 1 over 1000m.

The three-year-old, a $350,000 Magic Millions Yearling purchase, scored his second career win from just three starts, both victories on the Wyong track.

Samantha Clenton took Axe to an early lead garnering early speed from a wider barrier.

She was able to gain a breather in the middle stages before kicking clear in the straight to win by a length and a half in the fastest 600m of the day.

Axe was resuming from a spell, having finished second in a trial at Hawkesbury on March 23.

There was plenty of drama before the start with the Brett Partelle trained Rifles ($4.60) having to be re-plated in the stalls.

The gelding finished third, despite a wide run, behind the Godolphin trained favourite Bollywood ($3.60).

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A change of gear could have been a winning move for the Brad Widdup stable, with Carte Blanche ($8.50) taking out the 1300m CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES CLASS 1 in impressive style.

The daughter of Casino Prince, ridden by Christian Reith, brought up her second win from eight starts.

Widdup removed the blinkers from the filly and she responded with a strong win.

The four-year-old is owned by Julie Ritchie, the vice-chairwoman of the ATC.

“Julia gave Carte Blanche to me to train as an unraced three-year-old, and I’ve taken my time with her,” Widdup said.

“Our apprentice Qin Yong rode her at her first start at Kembla Grange last September and she was narrowly beaten at big odds ($81).

“Carte Blanche ran fourth at her next two starts and was given a break, and I was always confident we could win at least a maiden with her.

“Now she’s brought up two wins and should keep improving.”

Reith came from last on the turn, circling the field and drawing away in the straight to win by three quarters of a length.
She beat the Peter Robl trained Power Of Attorney ($3.80), with Rocquette ($41) from the Clare Cunningham stable, third.

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Bargain buy Butch’n’bugs put in an improved performance to secure victory in the WWW.TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN over 1350m.

The Sidestep filly, a $3000 yearling purchase, was coming off a fourth at Wyong last start.

Cejay Graham took advantage of an inside run in the straight, overhauling the leaders to win by more than a length.

The filly is trained at Hawkesbury by Peter Green, who races her with family members.

She was having her third race start, having finished third on debut at Tuncurry in February.

Butch’n’bugs appreciated the extra distance, beating the Stephen Schofield trained $2.80 favourite Queen Snip, with Buckin’ Rippa ($4.20) from the Damien Lane stable, third.

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Dream Circle ($10) regained his winning form with a narrow victory in the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY APRIL 16 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 over 1350m.

The Dream Ahead gelding, a $130,000 yearling, was an impressive winner on the Beaumont track on February 27 before failing at Kembla over 1400m last start.

Jockey Serg Lisnyy, who has combined with the three-year-old in his past two starts, gave him the ideal ride just off the pace.

He showed a good turn of foot in the straight to run down the leader, The Cartoonist ($21), in the final stages.

Bringing up his third win at his 13th start, Payne said he had an opinion of him.

“He’s a nice little horse,” he said.

Salsa Man ($14) from the Perry stable, was third.

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