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The Matthew Smith stable had plenty of reason to celebrate saddling up the first two winners on the program. 

Debutant Per Ivy and Bedford Square didn’t disappoint, both sent out favourites on the strength of their recent from. 

Per Ivy had great trial form, while Bedford Square was rewarded for her consistency after running six placings in nine starts. 

The well-bred Niffler from the Waller stable looks a handy type and likely to progress to better races 

Jason Collett bagged a double with Per Ivy and Glittery.

The predicted rain didn’t eventuate until late in the day, with a storm resulting in the last race to be abandoned. 

Race 1: 1800RESPECT MAIDEN (1000m): 

Matthew Smith looks to have unveiled a promising filly in Per Ivy who backed up her impressive trial form with a debut win. 

The Per Incanto three-year-old looked was under heavy riding and looked to be in trouble on the turn after Kristen Buchanan’s One Way Street kicked away. 

But she put her head down in the final stages and overhauled the leaders on the line to win by a long neck.

“She’s a nice progressive filly,” Jason Collett said. 

“The speed really suited her, but she did a few things wrong in the middle stages. 

“The racing experience is going to help her, but it was a good start to her career.”

Per Ivy was coming off an eye-catching trial win at Rosehill on November 8. 

She earned good support in a strong betting race, sent out $2.70 favourite. 

She beat the $2.90 second favourite One Way Street, from the Kristen Buchanan yard, who also looked strong in his first start. 

The three favourites finished in market order, with the Ryan/Alexiou’s Miss Maz ($3.50), third. 

Race 2: MOUNTIES GROUP 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1600m): 

A running double to the Matthew Smith stable after Bedford Square brought up a well-deserved win. 

The Tavistock mare had been placed in six of her nine starts and was coming off a fourth at Canterbury on November 12. 

The stable had considered both the Wyong track and track conditions would be ideal and the plan worked to perfection, with the four-year-old gathering in the leader late to bring up her first win. 

Joe Curran, representing the Smith stable, said it was a great start to the day. 

“It’s very pleasing to get the first two home and great to see this mare finally break through.

“It was a very good ride by Jay (Ford) because they were walking early and our plan had been to be a bit further back,” he said. “He used his initiative placing her second for most of the trip and she finished strongly.

“The Canterbury run really put the writing on the wall and being by Tavistock she could be even better over more ground.”

Bedford Square ($2fav), a $45,000 Karaka yearling, beat the Anthony Cummings trained Tailoring ($4).

Les Bridge’s second favourite Miss Delia ($2.70) finished strongly in third and will appreciate more ground.

Race 3: #NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE MAIDEN (1350m): 

Well bred filly mare Too Much Lippy continued a super run for the Ryan/Alexiou stable bringing up their seventh winner for the month. 

Bred and raced by John Singleton, the four-year-old was having only her second start but looks set to progress through the grades. 

She debuted in March with a second at Goulburn and was given a trial heading into the Wyong race. 

Nash Rawiller gave Too Much Lippy ($3.10) the perfect ride, holding her together into the straight before letting her down in the final stages. 

The win was never in doubt, despite a mid-race move by Tommy Berry who circled the field on John Sargent’s Gin Martini ($3fav), but couldn’t sustain the run, finishing second. Gary Moore’s Stay Wealthy ($3.10), appeared to have every chance finishing third. 

Rawiller said the winner, a son of More Than Ready, could progress off the victory. 

“She’s been lightly treated for a four-year-old mare but had a few little issues and took a long time to mature. I wanted to hold onto her as long as I could and let her show her dash and she certainly did that.

“She’s got a bit of rating in hand now.”

Race 4: STAND UP AGAINST DOMESTIC AND FAMILY ABUSE CLASS 1(1350m): 

An eye-catching win by the Waller trained Niffler coming from behind in a slowly run race to overhaul her rivals. 

The Chris Waller trained mare, another winner on the program by Tavistock, looks headed for better races after bringing up her second win from as many starts. 

Niffler came from near last on the turn and chased the three leaders down the straight, rounding them up in the final stages to win by more than a length. 

Bred in New Zealand by iconic breeders Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, the four-year-old was sold at Karaka for $200,000.

She debuted with a win at Kembla on April 3 and was then spelled, resuming with two trials. 

Winning rider Lee Magorrian said he believes Niffler will progress to better races.

“She gave me the impression she’ll take the next step,” he said. “Chris and his team did a great job to get her ready to win over 1350m, when ideally she’ll be better suited over the mile plus.

“I always go into the races confident when I’m riding one with the Waller bridle and Debbie Kepitis as the owner.”

Niffler ($3.80fav) beat Cushy ($5.50) from the Pride stable, with Field Wiri ($4.40) trained by the Freedman brothers, third. 

Race 5: WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1100m): 

Penopera gave Jason Coyle plenty of reason to celebrate, the mare breaking through for her first win. 

Coyle bred the four-year-old having trained her mother Ashlee’s Jewel, and now races her. 

She had been racing without luck in several of her recent races and was placed fourth at Gosford over 1100m at her last start. 

Penopera ($12) was given a great ride by Jess Taylor, who was toward the rear of the field on straightening. 

She had plenty of momentum in the straight and found a gap through a wall of horses to post a half length victory. 

Taylor returned to scale cheered on by her two young daughters. 

“It was exciting to have a win in front of the girls,” she said. 

“This mare has been getting better with each run. She is so consistent and there’s not a lot of her. 

“I was three wide with cover but I think it helped having a bit of room today. 

“I was confident from the top of the straight and had a lovely run through.”

Hypnosis ($6) from the Baker stable, showed plenty of heart fighting on for second, over the local trained and ultra-consistent Mister Ripley ($9) from the Rod Bailey yard. 

Race 6: DOMESTIC & FAMILY ABUSE AWARENESS BM64 (1100m): 

It was a race in two in the straight with Never Second and Glittery neck and neck before the Godolphin runner got the upper hand on the line. 

A half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Bivouac, Glittery ($3.50) was having her sixth career start, having brought up her maiden win at Gosford in June. 

She was given a well-timed run by Jason Collett, who fought out the finish with fellow leading rider Tommy Berry, on the Neasham trained $2.50 favourite Never Second. 

Joe Pride’s Macomo ($6) was two and a half lengths behind in third. 

Darren Beadman, representing the stable, said Glittery had come back better from her spell. 

“Her coat was glistening today, and she came into the race today with the right sort of lead up,” he said. “She’s a very well-bred filly and that breeding will hold her in good stead into the future. 

“She went well in a very strong trial at Warwick Farm and had a good bit of time between the trial and today’s run. It worked out perfect.”

The win brought up a double for Collett.

A successful day for punters, doubles for three jockeys along with two horses who won and look destined for better things.

They were the notable highlights from today’s midweek meeting.

Punters definitely came out on top with favorites winning five of the eight races.

The successful major elects were For Valour ($1.45), Bon Vivant ($1.90), Glamour and Glory ($2.20), Sweet Ruby ($2.50) and Ka Bling ($2.10).

Close second favorite Oceanic Flash ($2.50) also scored, pipping favorite Tea Leaves ($1.95) in the opening event.

Jockeys Mitchell Bell (Oceanic Flash and Proverbial), Hugh Bowman (Bon Vivant and Sweet Ruby), and Tommy Berry (Glamour and Glory and Ka Bling) shared riding honours.

Bon Vivant and Ka Bling, both young horses, are worth following.

Whilst their margins weren’t great, their performances indeed were and they look capable of winning better races.

RACE 1 – WYONG RACE CLUB FUNCTION CENTRE CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):

CO-TRAINER Gerald Ryan was concerned beforehand that last-start runaway Newcastle winner Oceanic Flash would be as well suited on the tighter circuit – but need not have worried.

The lightly-raced four-year-old made it two wins in a row, but it was nowhere near as comprehensive as his 1850m victory on the spacious Newcastle track on October 30. 

Oceanic Flash ($2.50) nosed out the $1.95 favorite Tea Leaves, and the pair had the finish to themselves, leaving third placegetter Seporto ($12) more than five lengths astern. 

“He got the job done,” Ryan said afterwards. “I was concerned because he is a big-striding horse and pricked his ears in the straight when he looked to be putting the second horse away easily. He had a bit of a think about it for sure, but he is a big immature horse who is still learning.” 

A gear change on Tea Leaves almost brought about a reversal in form, having been beaten 19 lengths at Kembla Grange at his previous start after doing plenty of work in the run. Blinkers replaced winkers and Tim Clark gave him a perfect run. A two-year-old winner at Newcastle in March, the now three-year-old is ready to return to the winning list.

RACE 2: BUSINESS WYONG RACE DAY DECEMBER 9 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m):

TIM Clark and the Waterhouse-Bott team just missed in the opener, but they quickly struck back with hotpot For Valour ($1.45). 

Clark took bad luck out of the equation by making the running and the Zoustar four-year-old made it two wins on end,  holding off a game Miss Scalini ($5.50), who tried hard to overhaul him. 

Mo’s Crown ($14) was third without ever threatening the first pair and can win if he returns to a suitable country event. 

For Valour had scored over 1500m on heavy ground at Hawkesbury on November 9, and is taking the next step with every start this campaign. 

Stable representative Neil Paine said it was never easy to progress straight from a Maiden to winning a Benchmark race. 

“He is the whole package and can certainly get up to city class,” Paine said. “I thought he won with a bit of confidence today and has now won on heavy and good ground.

“We won the race in the first 150m because For Valour has so much gate speed, and then got into a nice rhythm and had more to offer at the finish.” 

RACE 3: TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m):

HUGH Bowman’s class shone through on the $1.90 favorite Bon Vivant, who overcame a wide draw and slow beginning to overhaul Pelennium ($5.50) and Gerardjoseph ($7.50).

“He’s very raw and things didn’t work out in the early stages, and he wasn’t all that comfortable making the home turn,” Bowman said. “But I was confident once he balanced up on straightening, and he didn’t let me down.” 

Stable representative Darren Beadman agreed that Bon Vivant was a “big, raw horse” and it was a matter of Bowman keeping him balanced. He also pointed to the run of stablemate Abenaki ($26), who hit the line stylishly to finish fifth and said she could be worth following. Abenaki had done little in four previous runs but looks as though she is going to appreciate a middle distance. 

Stewards questioned jockey Glyn Schofield about his riding of Abenaki from the 800m. Schofield agreed with stewards that, in hindsight, the better option would have been to shift outside Gerardjoseph passing the 700m, which would have avoided his mount losing ground at that point.

RACE 4: WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1000m):

FAVORITE punters struck again when Star Turn filly Glamour and Glory ($2.20) broke through at her fourth start.

 Jockey Tommy Berry gave her the run of the race, then pulled her around the heels of the two leaders, London Ruler and The Leopard’s Tale (both $41 chances) on the home turn. She stretched out nicely to beat the latter and former horses into the placings. 

Berry had a broad smile returning to scale – and with good reason as his wife Sharnee is a part-owner of the filly, a $200,000 Magic Millions purchase. 

“She is raced by a ladies’ syndicate and they have been very patient,” Berry said. “Glamour and Glory has always been a bit temperamental, and is now starting to work it out.

 “This is probably the tightest track she has raced on, and didn’t get around it all that well, so it adds merit to her win. She will be better on a bigger track.”

RACE 5: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): 

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SCONE trainer Lou Mary clinched his second Provincial success much to the delight of bookmakers, as favorites had won three of the first four races. His $18 chance Proverbial provided Mitchell Bell with his second winner of the day, and Mary’s second in two days. Bell picked up an unexpected booking when illness forced Christian Reith to forego the mount. Mary was excited to win for new clients and said he had been waiting to put blinkers on Proverbial, who had kept improving this preparation. Proverbial led and just held out the late-finishing $61 roughie Miss Lenorr, who showed rapid improvement on her debut failure at Gosford in June. It looked a two-horse race on paper, but Sacred Field ($1.85) and Bartoselli ($2.70) finished fourth and third respectively. Hugh Bowman reported Bartoselli hung in and never travelled comfortably, whilst Tommy Berry said Sacred Field was obliged to race wide and without cover and hung out during the race.

RACE 6: WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS DECEMBER 15 F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m): 

HUGH Bowman claimed a double when another favorite Sweet Ruby ($2.50) scored – but runner-up My Snow Queen ($3.90) cost herself the race. She made the running but didn’t make the home turn well and veered to the centre of the track. Her waywardness enabled the winner to enjoy a trouble-free run in the straight and she responded gamely to edge out My Snow Queen. Locally-trained Mosht Up ($21) finished third and nearly upset the fancied pair. Winning trainer Kim Waugh described Sweet Ruby as a “nice filly who keeps on improving”. “She looks as though she is looking for 1600m already,” she said. Bowman added: “Sweet Ruby wasn’t comfortable amongst horses, and I’m sure she will be better placed on a bigger track getting over more ground.”

RACE 7: DE BORTOLI WINES CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m):

UNDOUBTEDLY one of the wins of the day! No other way to describe $2.10 favorite Ka Bling’s victory. Not the best away, he continued to make ground to race up near the lead, then found plenty in the straight to defeat Mystic Vein ($11) and Buzz ‘N’ Joe ($20). The Capitalist three-year-old was having only his fourth start and has now won twice. Co-trainer Paul Snowden was full of praise for Ka Bling, explaining he was a late scratching at Gosford recently when also favorite, after pulling a shoe and pricking himself after arriving at the track. 

“We’ll be looking to get to town with him soon, but he’s still a preparation away,” Snowden said. Winning rider Tommy Berry echoed Snowden’s comments. “I’m really looking forward to his next preparation as he still has plenty of improvement,” he said. “After he began awkwardly, I went forward on him when the speed slackened as it is hard to win today from back in the field.” Apprentice Tyler Schiller, who rode Land Of Valens (ninth at $6), told stewards his mount received heavy contact from another runner passing the 700m and became under pressure from that point and failed to respond to his riding.

RACE 8: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1000m):

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No excuses for the beaten brigade here. Winner Toro Toro ($7.50) gave them a start and a beating. The Scone-trained five-year-old, having his fourth start this preparation, began awkwardly and shortly afterwards was bumped by eventual runner-up Flora ($11). He came from last, made the home turn the widest and still rounded up his seven rivals. Stewards, however, cautioned winning rider Matt Palmer to exercise more care as Flora’s rider Josh Parr had to take hold to avoid the heels of the winner when it shifted in under pressure over the closing stages. Favorite Emilette ($3.50), just nudged out of a minor placing, made contact with the inside running rail near the finish when racing tight inside third placegetter Young Heart ($6.50).

A local win in the $40,000 SKY RACING Summing Provincial Series opening heat was the highlight of the eight-race ‘Back To The Races’ meeting.

Kim Waugh’s Oxford Tycoon was too strong for his rivals in the feature race and now heads to the $150,000 final at Newcastle on December 18.

The six-year-old Written Tycoon gelding will step up to 1600m for the final, having previously placed over 1500m at Rosehill. 

Darleb will represent Kris Lees after finishing second, the Lees stable already claiming two of the three series Summer Provincial Series finals run to date. 

The Angela Davies trained Momack, who fought on gamely for third, also earned a finals berth, and will also appreciate more ground. 

Reece Jones, who took out the Wyong Apprentice Premiership last season, made an impressive return to the track after injury, riding a race to race double.

He shared the riding honours with Louise Day also bagging two winners. 

Speedy Scone filly I’m Not Slew looks to have an impressive future, easily making the step up from Country to Provincial grade in the 1000m BM64.

Race 1 – MAGIC MILLIONS – GOLD COAST IN JANUARY MAIDEN (1600m):

Impeccably bred Snitzel colt Vyner broke through for his first win for trainer Mark Newnham and prominent part-owner Alan Jones.

The three-year-old was coming off a second at Kembla over the same distance on October 23 and earned strong late support, starting $2.30 favourite. 

Koby Jennings gave Vyner a confident ride, settling just behind the leaders before taking off on the turn. 

He kicked three lengths clear on straightening and was never in doubt in the final stages, beating his rivals by half a length. 

Newnham has always had an opinion of Vyner, whose mother Vadomoro was runner-up In the VRC Oakes and Vinery Stud Stakes.

“Vyner is a nice horse,” Newnham said. “He was a late foal, so he has taken a while to mature but he has always shown me above average ability.

“We thought he would be effective at the mile to 2000m, and he’s shown that today.”

John Sargent’s Al Sahara, the $2.80 second favourite, was runner-up, over Vitae ($7), from the Matthew Dunn yard. 

Race 2 – WWW.TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m):

Back-to-back wins for Louise Day on the Waller trained Black Queen, who justified her short price to record another dominant Wyong win. 

The Mongolian Khan mare was ridden to victory by Day at Kembla on October 23, catching the eye of punters who were confident she could replicate her last start win and sent her out $1.30 favourite. 

The victory was never in doubt with Day settling the four-year-old just behind the leader in a slowly run race, before taking him to the lead at the 600m mark and drawing away in the straight to win by almost two lengths.

Black Queen was having her eighth start, after beginning her racing career with a second in New Zealand. 

She made the switch to Waller’s Sydney stables and has since won two races, with four placings.

Paul Murray’s Kembla-trained Lady Redwood ($6.50) was again runner-up to Black Queen, with Deel Street ($7) from the Waugh stable, third. 

Race 3 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY JADE CG&E MAIDEN (1350m):

Joe Pride made the trip to Wyong to see his gelding Cushy win before heading back to Sydney to saddle up his Golden Gift favourite Shalatin.

And while Shalatin was narrowly beaten he also tasted success at Rosehill with Zoushack.

Pride has a share in the ownership of Cushy, a Super Easy gelding having his fourth career start. 
He was in a battle for favouritism with Gary Moore’s Stay Wealthy and the pair were in a race of their own in the final stages, with Andrew Gibbons getting the most out of Cushy on the line. 

The three-year-old appreciated the step up in distance and firmer track, after a last start third over 1200m at Kembla in the heavy on October 23.

Cushy ($3.20), out of New Zealand mare Our Solaris, beat Stay Wealthy ($2.90fav) by a nose, with the tiring Marvelous ($7.50), from the Lee and Cherie Curtis yard, third.

Race 4 – WELCOME BACK TO RACING WRC MEMBERS F&M MAIDEN (1350m):

Louise Day brought up a double in an upset win on the Maher Eustace first starter Pono Kitoro. 

The Reliable Man filly was the outsider in the field, with Day giving him a soft run toward the rear of in the early stages. 

She made a sweeping run from last to first just before the turn, and from then on, the win was never in doubt. 

Pono Kitoro drew away in the final stages to win by almost three lengths. 

The three-year-old was coming off two moderate Metropolitan trials, the latest on October 19 when he was beaten more than six lengths over the 1045m.

He relished the race day conditions, giving Day a double and win for her former boss Maher. 

The $2.45 favourite Estonia was second for Richard and Michael Freedman, with Drummin ($5.50) trained by Lee and Cherie Curtis, third.

Race 5 – GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP MAIDEN (1000m): 

Leading apprentice Reece Jones didn’t take long to return to the winner’s circle in his second meeting back after being sidelined with injury. 

Jones spent almost two months recovering from a wrist injury, resuming at Muswellbrook on Melbourne Cup Day without tasting success.

At only his second meeting back he piloted speedy Goulburn sprinter Girl Mania to a four-length win. 

The Jean Dubois trained filly was sent out $3.40 second favourite on the back of her fourth at Hawkesbury when resuming on October 26. 

It was another race in two in the final stages, with Girl Mania running down Brad Widdup’s $2.45 favourite Mareeba early in the straight, and then drawing away for a dominant win. 

Matthew Smith’s Rubigal ($7) was a length behind in third. 

A Capitalist filly, Girl Mania has now had a win and two placings from her seven starts. 

Race 6 – WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS RACE DAY 15 DEC CLASS 1 (1350m): 

A race to race double for the returning Reece Jones, coming from last on the turn to steer Artero to victory. 

The Flying Artie colt, trained by Matthew Dunn, was back in grade after finishing last in the Listed Brian Crowley at Randwick on October 23. 

He was unfancied by punters drifting in the betting to $6.80 but seems to have returned to the form that saw him take out the Inglis Challenge at Scone in May.

Jones settled Artero at the rear of the field, coming from behind on the turn with a sustained run to win by a length and a half. 

The $10,000 Inglis yearling, has now amassed more than $155,000 in prizemoney with more wins in store. 

He beat Dale Riley’s The Defiant One ($21) who fought on strongly in the straight, with Irish Kisses ($2.25fav) from the Tracey Bartley yard, third. 

Race 7 – SKY RACING SUMMER PROVINCIAL SERIES HEAT 1 – CLASS 5 (1350m):

A home track win in the opening heat of the Sky Racing Summer Provincial Series with Kim Waugh’s Oxford Tycoon too strong for his rivals. 

The six-year-old earned a spot in the $150,000 final with a half-length win over the Kris Lees race favourite Darleb. 

Oxford Tycoon was coming off a second in the Midway over 1300m on August 28 and was the recipient of strong late support.

He started $3 second favourite and didn’t disappoint, courtesy of a confident ride by Jeff Penza. 

He stalked the leaders prior to the turn before hitting the front on straightening.

Oxford Tycoon put two lengths on his rivals in the straight and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Darleb. 

They put a gap between the rest of the field, with the Angela Davies trained Momack fighting on strongly in the final stages to finish more than three lengths behind in third. 

Waugh had been confident of the chances of Oxford Tycoon leading into the $40,000 heat. 

“I’ve been really happy with him leading into this,” Waugh said. 

“He galloped the other morning and worked really well.

“It’s the perfect distance for him and he’s won here before so there was plenty in his favour today.”

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT MEETING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16 BM64 (1000m):

The Scott Singleton trained I’m Not Slew looks set for bigger things on the strength of her dominant win in stronger grade.

The speedy Sooboog filly was stepping up from a Scone win over the 1100m on October 22 but had no problem with the rise to Provincial grade.

Christian Reith drove the three-year-old to the lead from the barriers and maintained the front throughout, drawing away in the straight to win by more than a length. 

Punters were confident I’m Not Slew could put together successive wins, sending her out $.190 favourite on the strength of his Scone win.

The victory was never in doubt, with the filly showing an abundance of speed throughout. 

She beat Denim Wynen’s Dual Escape ($12), who always saves her best runs for the Wyong track, with Allan Denham’s Adios Steve ($19) third. 

Another super Provincial meeting saw plenty of progressive winners across the eight races, as the club recognised Police Remembrance Day.

Three-year-old trio Ka Bling, Garmish and Riduna all look set for bigger things, while Les Bridge’s The Denzel will also head to town on the strength of his dominant six length victory.

Grace Bay and Dom Tycoon stamped themselves as Four Pillars candidates with strong wins, while Tim Clark and Regan Bayliss shared the riding honours with doubles.

Damien Lane showcased two of his aspiring Four Pillars runners, Zorocat and Too Good To Be True, who looked impressive in a gallop between races. 

Race 1 – GREAT NORTHERN CG&E MAIDEN (1200m):

It didn’t take long for leading jockey Tommy Berry to return to the winner’s circle steering Ka Bling to a nice victory in the first.

Berry, who has been sidelined from suspension for a month, came from behind in the straight to win by a length. 

It had looked a race in two when the favourites The Poacher ($2.40) and Hold On Honey ($2.60) headed into the straight, but the back markers had other ideas, running down the leaders on the line. 

“It’s always the start you want to come back on with a win,” Berry said. 

“I was glad to get on this bloke today because I’d done a bit of work on him at home and ridden him in a couple of trials. 

“I always thought he could progress well off his first run, and he was really good today.

“He got a bit lost in front but he’s a beautiful big horse and will take plenty of 

Improvement out of that.”

The well-bred Ka Bling ($6), a son of Capitalist, was a $200,000 yearling raced in partnership by trainers Peter and Paul Snowden. 

He beat Greg Hickman’s Unwritten ($14), with Podium ($17) from the Waller stable, an eye-catching run in third. 

Race 2 – CANADIAN CLUB F&M MAIDEN (1200m):

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Riduna lived up to stable expectations with a tough maiden win.

Regan Bayliss rode the Fastnet Rock filly to victory, crossing from the wide barrier and giving her a mid-race breather.

She hit the lead on straightening and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Mystic Mermaid ($4.60) to win by a half-length. 

“She looked so good in the coat and was bouncing around before the race. Just on that she looked the winner,” stable representative Neil Paine said.

“Regan rode her exactly to Gai and Adrian’s instruction, bouncing her out and crossing over. When they attacked her, she showed a lot of heart to win the race.

“She’s not overly big but she’s got a big heart. As long as they’ve got a heart it doesn’t matter how big or small, they are.”

Riduna, a $120,000 Magic Millions yearling, was sent out $2.90 second favourite on the strength of her last start third at Hawkesbury.

The Snowden trained Mirra View ($26) was third. 

RACE 3 – CHOOSE TO DRINK WISE MAIDEN (1350m):

Garmish made a promising return to racing, proving too strong for his opposition first up.

The Snitzel colt had been impressive in his first preparation, having placed fourth at Metropolitan grade and second at Newcastle.

Tim Clark settled the three-year-old just behind the leader and hit the front on straightening.

He held out Dubai Showgirl ($16) and the fast-finishing Danzette ($7), both from the Snowden yard, to win by a half-length. 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained Garmish was a $450,000 Magic Millions yearling. 

Clark said the colt had the right form leading into the race.

“It looked like his race, but he had to get out there and execute and that’s what he did,” Clark said.

“He travelled well throughout but was waiting for something to come at him.

“He hit the front and waited a bit but when challenged he had plenty to give.” 

Race 4 – IN MEMORY OF S/C CHRISTOPHER JOHN THORNTON 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1600m):

The Denzel was in a class of his own bringing up his first win by almost six lengths. 

The Adelaide gelding, trained by Les Bridge, shook off his bridesmaid tag in fine fashion, blitzing the field.

Kerrin McEvoy took the four-year-old to the lead, dictating terms in front, before pinching three lengths on the turn and drawing away in the straight.

“That’s how we thought he’d win, “McEvoy said.

“He’s been bumping into a few handy horses of late but has done well since his last run.

“He backed up lovely today and is heading in the right direction. Les will find a race for him in the coming weeks. I think he can go a bit further in trip as well.”

The Denzel, who started $1.10 favourite, had been placed in five of his last six starts. 

He beat the Gwenda Markwell trained Blackall ($13), with Anthony Cummings’ Guard ($31), third.

Race 5 – IN MEMORY OF S/C DAVID JOHN MANSFIELD CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m):

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A great staying performance saw Godolphin’s Silhouette bring up her second career win assisted by of a super Tim Clark ride.

The Teofilo mare had been placed second at her past two starts on the Kensington and Newcastle tracks. 

She was sent out $2.25 favourite on the strength of those placings and didn’t disappoint despite missing the start. 

Clark, who brought up a winning double, was able to settle Silhouette toward the rear, before circling the field on the turn and running down her rivals on the line. 

“She put the writing on the wall last start,” Clark said. 

“Things didn’t go to plan today but she showed she had a bit of class. She stood a bit flat footed, but I rode her quiet and was able to pick through the field and she was soft to the line.”

Zudin ($4) from the Waller stable was runner-up, with Anthony Cumming’s Believe So ($9.50), third. 

Race 6 – TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 (1350m):

A great first up victory by Writing Unexpected who earned strong late support to start $5.50 second favourite. 

Backed in from $12 earlier in the day, John Steinmetz’s Choistar gelding had good first up-form and didn’t disappoint with a strong win. 

Regan Bayliss, who brought up a winning double, positioned the six-year-old toward the rear, circling the field on straightening and running down the leaders on the line to win by a long neck. 

“It was a good performance from him,” Bayliss said. “He’s a horse that gets up over a bit further.

“He tracked wide today but felt comfortable and got into a good rhythm. “The key to him is we were able to get going when we wanted to get going. “He’s not a stop start horse and built good momentum and was able to fend them off and win first up. He’s in for a good prep.”

Writing Unexpected, who is raced by the Steinmetz family, brought up his sixth career win beating Tony Newing’s Camp Rifle ($3.40), with the Perry trained She’s Independent ($21) third. 

Race 7 – POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY BENCHMARK 64 (1350m):

A super training performance by Claire Lever saw Grace Bay catch the eye of Four Pillars slot holders, bringing up her fifth win when resuming.

The five-year-old last started in the Provincial Championship Final at Randwick on April 17 where she finished 2.9 lengths behind the winner. 

She was subsequently spelled and looks to have returned in great form. 

Starting at $5, Grace Bay earned good support and didn’t let punters down, with a sustained run in the straight giving her a three quarters of a length victory. 

“I rode her when she first came back in and thought she’d come back stronger and bigger and improved further on last preparation,” Lever said. 

“She had three jump outs coming into today and we knew she was going well. 

“She races well fresh and is easy to read. You know when she’s ready. 

“She is honest and just tries. It turned out perfect today.”

Collett described it as a “pretty professional performance.”

“He was the class runner coming into this and was fantastic first up. I think they will be aiming for something higher now.”

Andrew MacDonald’s Major Murphy ($21) put in an improved performance to finish second, ahead of the Stephen Jones trained Toro Toro ($9), who was strong under the big weight. 

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6 BENCHMARK 64 (1600m):

An upset in the last with the Peter Robl’s consistent galloper Dom Tycoon bringing up his third win this preparation. 

The Written Tycoon gelding, beat the Annabel Neasham’s short-priced favourite Jesse James, who seemed to baulk in the final stages. 

Robl said the four-year-old would be an ideal Four Pillars runner. 

“He has won three out of his last four starts and won over the journey, so they could do a lot worse,” Robl said. 

“His benchmark will be ideal, and I think he would go really well in a race like that. 

“He’s been a good little money spinner for the owners. They brought him cheap and he’s getting better with age. They are great customers of mine and it’s good to be able to reward them with this type of consistency.”

Clipperton agreed Dom Tycoon was in good form. 

“He’s racing with a lot of confidence and going through his grades nicely,” he said. 

“I needed an out at the top of the straight and had a lot of horse. Once I got into the clear he dug deep and knuckled down.”

In the closest finishes of the day, Dom Tycoon beat Jesse James ($1.60) by a head, with Damien Lane’s Oakfield Captain ($17) third.

A Super Tuesday meeting unveiled several potential Spring Carnival candidates and two exciting Four Pillars prospects for Tracey Bartley and Kim Waugh.

Favourites dominated the program, taking out five of the eight races, while Tim Clark and Jason Collett shared the riding honours, both claiming a double. 

Race 1 – SAL – LEGRAND – ELECTRA MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):

A berth in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes could be on the cards for Raging Bull following his dominant staying performance. 

The Bull Point gelding was sent out $1.24 favourite and didn’t disappoint winning by more than three lengths. 

Tim Clark opted to take the sit just off the leader before hitting the front on straightening and drawing away in the final stages. 

Trainer David Payne had expected the three-year-old to perform well, having already targeted the Spring Stakes over 2000m at Randwick on October 9.

“He’ll go from strength to strength now,” stable foreman Stuart Rankin said. 

“He was way too good this afternoon. When he came past the post the first time, I had the feeling it was race over.”

Clark agreed it was a strong win. 

“He looked well suited in this race and David spoke highly of him as a staying prospect,” Clark said.

“It was his first time over the trip. He was well suited and showed his dominance.”

Raging Bull was placed twice at Metropolitan level as a two-year-old, before given a freshen up prior to the Wyong start. 

So Incisive ($8) trained by Clarry Connors was runner-up, ahead of the Nathan Doyle trained Kintos ($41). 

Race 2 – BOVARA MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):

The Anthony Cummings trained Lease hit back from a disappointing last start Hawkesbury run to bring up his debut win at start six. 

The Choisir colt was beaten more than 20 lengths when first up over 1100m at Hawkesbury on September 9.

He was able to atone for that performance with a good win, aided by a great Josh Parr ride.

Leased met with late support in the betting starting at $8.50.

Parr said he had been confident the three-year-old would win from a long way out.  

“He floated his way to the start but appreciated a squeeze out of the gates and got up and travelling,” he said.

“I was quite confident a long way from home.”

A $75,000 Magic Millions yearling, Leased beat the fast finishing How Do You Sleep ($6) from the Joe Pride stable, with the Waller trained Hollywood North ($6.50), third. 

The short priced favourite Island Legend, from the Ryan/Alexiou yard, appeared to have every opportunity, finishing third. 

Race 3 – EVOLT – TRADER – HAGER – ILD CG&E MAIDEN PLATE (1100m):

Bjorn Baker’s debutant Battleton ($2.60) looks to have a bright future on the strength of his come from behind win over the 1100m.

The Zoustar colt, a $300,000 Magic Millions yearling, was coming off two impressive Warwick Farm trials. 

The race plan had been to sit just off the pace, but a slow start saw the three-year-old settle at the rear of the field. 

Jason Collett didn’t panic, getting Battleton into a rhythm before circling the field on the turn and running down the leaders to win by a long neck. 

“It was a good start to his career,” Collett said. 

“He did a lot wrong. I was hoping to be close to the lead, but he was slow away and over raced early.

“He’s obviously got ability to be able to rail out three and come around them like that. 

“He’s got a bit of growing up to do upstairs but to do what he did today and win like that is promising.”

Paul Messara’s $2.20 race favourite Adios raced greenly to finish second but still looks to have plenty of talent.

Legend I Am ($7) trained by Les Bridge, was a length behind in third.

Race 4 – HANECO CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m):

Promising four-year-old Ma And Pa brought up back to wins courtesy of a well rated Nash Rawiller ride.
The Redoute’s Choice gelding out of Oaks winning mare Dear Demi, was sent out $1.60 favourite on the strength of his last start Hawkesbury win. 

Rawiller took Ma and Pa to an early lead and dictated terms in front. 

He led into the straight and looked to have the race won but had to dig deep in the final stages after a late challenge by the second favourite The Denzel ($2.90).

“He gave me a nice feel,” Rawiller said. “He just tended to track a bit funny around the corner. 

“He felt vulnerable about 100m out but dug in to win. 

“He is still quite raw and green but did a good job and will get over further for sure.”

Clare Hewson, representing the Waller stable, said she expected they would now target a metropolitan race with Ma And Pa. 

“He’s heading in the right direction, and I’d say we will go to town next. It was a good win today and a lovely ride.”

Ma And Pa is bred and is raced by John Singleton.

It was the third successive second for Les Bridges’ The Denzel, with The Mediator ($17) trained by Mark Newnham, third.

Race 5 – APP – IPD – OMNI F&M MAIDEN PLATE (1100m):

Capitalist filly Shihonka was a class above her rivals scoring an impressive six length win as she heads to town for black type races. 

Tim Clark brought up a winning double on the three-year-old, who was resuming from a spell. 

She finished third in the Listed Woodlands in May and looked to have returned in great style winning a trial at Gosford on August 30. 

She was sent out $1.12 favourite and the win never looked in doubt after Clark was able to cross from the wide barrier and lead throughout. 

She hit her straps in the straight pulling away from her rivals and easing down on the line. 

Neil Paine, representing the Waterhouse/Bott stable, said it is likely they will target black type races. 

“It was terrific and great to get that first win off her back,” he said. 

“I think she will progress from here and Gai and Adrian will have a look and see what is for her over the carnival. 

“She’s already stakes placed and if she can win a stakes race along the way it will be good for her.”

Clark said Shihonka, a $220,000 Magic Millions yearling, had come back from her spell more switched on. 

“She knows what her job is now. She’s come back in good enough order to get to stakes level and can hopefully take out one of those races over the carnival.”

Yumi ($13) from the Snowden stable was runner-up, from Drummin ($21) from the Curtis stable.

Race 6 – CLIPSAL BY SCHNEIDER CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m):

Kiss Sum looks to have a big future on the back of his super home track win. 

Tracey Bartley will now target a midweek metro race for the three-year-old Shamus Award gelding, he believes would be an ideal candidate for the $700,000 Four Pillars.

“We’ve got a very nice horse on our hands,” Bartley said. 

“I think he’s definitely a Provincial Championships horse and if he can win in town, he’d be putting his hand up for the Four Pillars. 

“I’m very excited about him.”

Jason Collett, who brought up a winning double on the $1.85 favourite, was also impressed with the win. 

“He’s pretty electric at the moment, with a really good turn of foot and is definitely a mid-weeker.

“He began fine today but didn’t have a hell of a lot of speed. Once I got him in his rhythm, I was able to manoeuvre a way out and make sure he got clear air.”

In a super ride, Collett came from a long last, making ground from the 500m before sweeping wide on the turn and drawing away to win by almost two lengths. 

He beat Sky Castle ($8) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, with Gregory McFarlane’s Rahni Factor ($14), third. 

Race 7 – BRILLIANT – CABAC – PSA CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1100m):

A race in two in the final stages of the 1100m BM68, with the Matthew Smith trained Undeniable getting the bob on the line. 

The Not A Single Doubt mare brought up her fifth career win, coming off a successful Brisbane campaign.

It was a patient ride by apprentice Ellen Hennessey, who had to wait for a gap in the straight and then run down the leader Cassy’s Sister at the post. 

The runner-up was brave in defeat and likely to have caught the eye of remaining Kosciusko slot holders. 

Hennessey was full of praise for Undeniable. 

“She chased really strongly and ended off the race well, “she said. 

“I was sitting just behind the speed, and she was comfortable there. We waited for the gap to appear and when it did, she extended really well. “

Undeniable ($5.50) beat Cassy’s Sister by a head, with Lady Of Luxury ($3.10) from the Bjorn Baker stable, more than two lengths behind in third. 

Race 8 – PRYSMAIN – MATCHMASTER – LEVEY AGENCIES CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m):

Different Strokes stamped his credentials as a Four Pillars candidate with a dominant win for Kim Waugh and Hugh Bowman. 

The Hinchinbrook gelding was a on the quick back up from Kembla last Saturday where he finished second, in an unsuitably run race. 

Back on his home track and with Bowman in the saddle he didn’t disappoint, coming from behind on the turn and drawing away in the final stages to win by two lengths. 

“I was pretty confident from a long way out,” Bowman said. 

“He seemed to thrive on the quick back up. I’ve had a few horses mentioned to me regarding the Four Pillars and this is the most interesting one.”

Waugh agreed Different Strokes should appeal to slot holders for the $700,000 race. 

“He’s the perfect Four Pillars horse and will love the 1500m,” Waugh said. 

“He’s a lovely horse and is still learning but he’s catching on quick which is fantastic. 

“As he gets more experience he will get even better.”

Different Strokes ($2.10fav) beat the Portelli trained Long Weekend ($15), with the Lees trained False Step ($16) third