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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 

The 2021 Carlton Wyong Gold Cup Day may have been devoid of crowds for the first time in history but there was no shortage of action of the track with John O’Shea claiming his first Wyong Cup and James McDonald bagging four winners.

Imposing grey Berdibek put in a supreme staying display to sprint away in the final stages and claim victory in the Cup, courtesy of a super Hugh Bowman ride. 

The unstoppable James McDonald brought up winner number four on John Thompson’s More Prophets in the Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa. 

Kristen Buchanan carried the flag for the locals with Fumiko and Eyewitness both greeting the judge, while Kim Waugh was also in the winner’s circle with Different Strokes. 

New dad Jason Collett bagged a double, rounding off a fantastic day! 

Race 1 – PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m):

A super start to the day for the Kim Waugh stable, with Different Strokes an impressive winner. 

Waugh believes the Hinchinbrook gelding is headed for bigger things after bringing up his debut win at start three.

“He’s a lovely horse and is still learning,” she said.

“He’s a very casual, laid-back horse, who hasn’t had a lot of luck in his last two races.

“I’ve got a good opinion of him. He’s had a lot of issues, eye operations all sorts of things that have held him back. 

“We’ve waited a long time to get to this stage and will keep him going now.”

James McDonald, who partnered the $40,000 yearling, agreed with Waugh.

“He’s very progressive. He’s still a raw talent but once the penny drops, he will develop into a really nice horse.”

Different Strokes looked to be a class ahead of his rivals and was sent out $1.40 favourite. He beat the Gary Moore trained Stay Wealthy ($10) who boxed on in the straight, by more than a length, with Coppersonic ($11) from the Attard yard, third. 

Race 2 – WINNING COMMERCIAL MAIDEN (1200m): 

A great training effort by the Waterhouse/Bott stable with five-year-old Invincible Vision winning on debut. 

The I Am Invincible gelding, a $1.05m Inglis yearling, was having his first start after an original trial three years ago. 

Ongoing issues prevented him from racing in the subsequent two years and he went into the race with two Randwick trial wins indicating he would race well.

Tim Clark gave Invincible Vision the perfect Wyong ride, leading from start to finish and considers the gelding has plenty of improvement to come. 

Neil Paine, representing the stable, said the horse had been “a work in progress.”

“It was great to get the win today and a credit to the staff who put a lot of work into this horse over the years.

“We were fairly confident coming here today. We knew the horse had ability and he handled everything really well. He’s a really nice horse going forward.”

Invincible Vision was sent out $3.20 in a strong maiden field, beating the Freedman Brothers trained Amathuba ($7.50) by more than a length, with John O’Shea’s $3 favourite Ruinart, storming down the outside to finish third.

Race 3 – CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCI – 3YO & 4YO BM64 (1300m):

Gary Portelli was full of praise for James McDonald, who brought up a double on his Maurice colt Akihiro.

McDonald had to revert to plan B after the three-year-old was slow to begin. He came from the rear before the turn, circling the field and drawing away to win by half a length. 

“This bloke’s a top rider for a reason and he showed it out there,” Portelli said.

“He was going to go forward but the horse wasn’t there for him, so he switched tactics. 

“When he realised he had to get going he put the foot down and I don’t know if there are too many jockeys who would have had the courage to do that.

“He’s a nice, neat little horse and we might be able to sneak him into a nice race over the carnival.”

Akihiro ($6.50), an $80,000 Magic Millions yearling, brought up his second win at start seven. 

He beat Peregrination ($8) from the Richard Litt yard, with country galloper Previso ($12), trained at Guyra by Ian Cook, running a nice race to finish third. 

Race 4 – BISHOP COLLINS BM64 (1600m):

Jason Collett wasted no time getting back into the winner’s circle following the birth of his first child, booting home Ita for Bjorn Baker. 

The new dad has been sidelined for a week after his partner Clare Cunningham gave birth to a daughter Scarlett. 

Collett gave the All Too Hard mare a great ride, settling her back toward the rear of the field. 

He took off before the turn, circling the field and hitting the front on straightening, before drawing away in the final stages to win by two lengths. 

“There’s a bit of class about her,” Collett said. “She’s progressive and doing really well and I think she can make the step up to city grade after today.”

Baker agreed with Collett, describing the four-year-old as “really professional.”

“She is a good, honest mare and has come back much better. It’s amazing what time can do. I think she’s city grade for sure.”

It was the third win from nine starts for Ita ($4.80), who was coming off a Bathurst victory on August 23. 

She beat the O’Shea trained Socrates ($5), with Jason Coyle’s Chateaux Park ($4.40), third.

Race 5 – HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 (1100m):

The in-form Kristen Buchanan stable struck again with her Flying Artie filly Fumiko an impressive winner. 

Resuming from a spell, the three-year-old was given a super ride by James McDonald, who brought up a winning treble. 

“I’m really pleased with her,” Buchanan said. 

“She’s a lovely filly, lightly framed with a bit of physical growing to do, but mentally she’s a beautiful horse to take to the races who puts her best foot forward. 

“She’s in for a good preparation and will get to a decent trip as we get along. 

“I gave James an open book today as to where he had her in the run and it was perfect.”

McDonald also spoke highly of the filly. 

“She’s a lovely filly, very speedy with great enthusiasm. She’s very well handled and educated here to win today and did a great job.”

Fumiko was sent out $3.70 favourite and beat Deepour ($7) from the Freedman Brothers stable, with Matthew Smith’s Agrum ($7.50) third.

Race 6 – WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MONA LISA STAKES (1350m):

Another perfect James McDonald ride secured victory for the John Thompson trained More Prophets, earning the mare her first black type race. 

McDonald again bucked the trend of the day by coming from the rear, making significant ground around the turn and running down the leaders to win by a long neck.

The Smart Missile mare, sent out at $5.50 second favourite, let down beautifully on the line, to bring up back-to-back wins.  

She is now likely to contest the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle on September 17.

Danielle Podlowski, representing Thompson, described it as a “terrific win.”

“She went super today and needed every inch of that track to get there.

“It was a great ride by James. He put her in a good spot. There is always plenty of confidence when he’s on board.

“She’s been a bit frustrating, but John’s always had faith in her and it’s lovely to see her get the wins.” 

McDonald was full of praise for More Prophets. 

“I love how she chimed in and hit the line well,” he said.

“I thought the only thing that could of beat her today was the Wyong circuit because of her racing style. 

“She felt much more relaxed today and the way she executed the 1350m was much, much better. 

“She’ll head to the Tibbie now and be a good ride for someone.”

Bring The Ransom ($18) ran a nice race to finish second, with the Kim Waugh’s luckless Great News ($2fav), boxing on for third after being caught wide throughout. 

Race 7 – 2021 CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP (2100m):

A hot tempo played into the hands of the John O’Shea trained Berdibek, paving the way for the trainer to claim his first Wyong Gold Cup.

Hugh Bowman partnered the eight-year-old gelding to victory, his fourth Cup win. 

With a strong early tempo, Bowman was content to sit back off the pace before looping the field on the turn. 

The eight-year-old Dark Angel gelding raced away in the final stages of the straight to win by almost two lengths. 

“I knew we had him in great form but obviously he needed a bit of luck,” O’Shea said.

“Hugh put him to sleep down the side and when he relaxes, he’s got a wonderful ton of speed.

“It was probably one of his best efforts today. 

“Wyong winners have got a good record in the Newcastle Cup so we will likely head up there.”

O’Shea paid tribute to injured jockey Brenton Avdulla, a regular rider of Berdibek.

Bowman said it was a nostalgic win for him, having claimed his first black type race on Pecan Pie in the 2000 Wyong Cup.

“It was great to win for John O’Shea and the team. The horse had great credentials coming into this race,” he said. 

“He always carries a lot of weight and I thought he was well in it today with the 56.5.

“He was well prepared, and everything fell into place. I was able to get a trouble-free run and once I decided to inject myself into the race he delivered in spades and gobbled them up in a twinkling of the eye.”

Berdibek ($5.50) beat the Waller pair Criminal Code ($5.50), and Mubariz ($5.50).

Race 8 – THE DOYLO SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM68 (1100m): 

Kristen Buchan completed a super Wyong Cup Day, with speedy mare Eyewitness bringing up her third win. 

Jason Collett partnered the Star Witness four-year-old, bringing up a double. 

“She’s a little flying machine,” Buchanan said. 

“I had other options in mind because this race was quite strong, but I really wanted to keep Jason on. 

“He’s got a handle on her, and he rode her a treat. It’s a very pleasing result and the owners will be over the moon. 

“I think there is plenty of ability there, but I’ll take her along steady through the grades and let her learn the ropes.”

Eyewitness ($6) has now had three wins from six starts. 

Neretva ($15) from the Grant Allard stable was second, with Jenny Graham’s The Drake ($4.20) third.  

Tracey Bartley had a memorable day on his home track, with a winning double at the last Wyong meeting of the season. 

The wins took Bartley’s 2020/21 total to 27, his best season to date.

Sebrenco and Defeat greeted the judge for the stable in their respective races, both well supported in the betting. 

It was also a memorable day for popular jockey Grant Buckley who brought up 100 wins for the season on Sombre Prize, for Hawkesbury trainer Henry Reeves.

Reeves was also celebrating with the win his first since 2016.  

Race 1 – TAB.COM.AU 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): 

A great first up effort saw the Grant Allard trained Rubielie ($3.30) out sprint her rivals over the 1100m. 

The Rubick mare, having her 13^th career start, had been luckless in several of her previous runs but returned fresh from a spell to bring up her debut win. 

The speed was slow in the early stages, forcing Josh Parr to take off early in the straight. 

Despite not trialling, Rubielie responded well and was able to finish strongly to win by a half-length. 

“She’d done plenty of work at home and in the past, she’d raced well fresh,” stable representative Jake Hull said. 

“I’m not sure how strong of a form race it is today, but she had too much on them.

“Things didn’t really go her way. They walked early and Josh made the right call to take off.

“She’s a bit of a slow mature, but the penny has really dropped with her now.”

Em Cee Gee ($3.50) from the Marc Connors stable was second, with Aleacia Bennett’s $3 favourite Rockamo, third.  

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Race 2 – SKY RACING 4YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):

Sombre Prize gave popular jockey Grant Buckley his 100^th win for the season, the Dream Ahead gelding bringing up his first win at start 20.

Buckley had to work hard to claim his century, with the Henry Reeves trained Sombre Prize ($7.50) laying in in the final stages, before recording a narrow victory. 

He then had to survive a protest from the runner-up, which was quickly dismissed by stewards.

“He took some riding but I’m glad to get the 100 up,” Buckley said. “It takes a bit of pressure off now.

“He’s not an easy horse to ride. He wanted to lay all over the other horse, so it was a slog down the running. 

“Henry only has a small team at Hawkesbury and does a good job. I rode him when he was placed second last start and we talked about where to start him next. 

“This race looked cherry ripe for him, and it turned out well.”

The Dream Ahead four-year-old is Reeves’ only horse in work and has now had a win and three placings from his 20 starts. 

He paid $7000 for Sombre Prize, who has given him his first winner since Stormy Benz in 2016.

Rod Bailey’s $2.80 race favourite Mister Ripley looked like ending a run of placings, only to be nailed on the line. 

Gloraya ($15) from the Alexandre Lemarie stable, was third. 

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Race 3 – RYAN’S METAL ROOFING MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m):

A decision by Mitchell and Desiree Kearney to back up Carlisle Bay paid off with the Smart Missile gelding breaking through for his first win. 

The three-year-old was coming off a second over 1300m at Kembla on July 22, with the stable confident he would appreciate the quick back up and rise in distance. 

Carlisle Bay did just that and courtesy of a well rated ride by Jean Van Overmeire, brought up his debut win at start ten. 

Co-trainer Desiree Kearney said they had been confident the gelding would run well and expect more improvement next preparation. 

“He has trained on really well since last run, is very fit and we couldn’t be happier,” she said.

“He tries very hard and is one of the unluckiest horses going around. We wanted to give him one more chance with the BOBS.

“He’s a smart little horse and I think we will have a bit more fun with him next preparation when he gets up over 1800m to 2000m.

“There is a race for him at home in two weeks, if he’s not giving us any reason not to, we will keep him going.”

It was the second win in three days for the Hawkesbury based Kearney stable, with a third at Kensington in between.

They paid $2000 for the then unraced two-year-old at an online sale in May last year.

Carlisle Bay ($4.40) beat the fast finishing $2.90 favourite Kouklara from the Pride stable, with Dr Evil ($17) trained by John Steinmetz, third.

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Race 4 – DE BORTOLI WINES 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m):

An upset in the three-year-old maiden, with Brad Widdup’s Eminencia beating the two fancied Waller runners. 

The I Am Invincible filly, having her fifth career start, was coming off a narrow defeat over 1300m at Hawkesbury last start. 

Tom Sherry settled Eminencia ($12) just behind the early leader, hitting the front on straightening and holding out the Waller pair of Barrichello ($2.90) and Cat D’Oro ($2.60fav).

Stable representative Andre Rabett said the filly had finally brought her trackwork form to a race. 

“It was great to see her win today,” he said.  

“She’s always trialled well but has shown a few tricks in her races. 

“It’s really good for her to come out and do everything right today and get the result. 

“She’s finally shown what we see in trackwork and trials. Hopefully she will move forward to better races.”

Waller’s Cat D’Oro was the hard luck story of the race, denied a run in the final stages.  

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Race 5 – GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m):

Tracey Bartley’s Sebrenco could head to the city for her next start, after bringing up her second career win.  

The Sebring two-year-old, proved too strong for her older opposition, leading from barrier to post to record a one length victory. 

Bartley will assess the filly over the next few days but could give her one final race in town to round off her preparation. 

He had been confident coming into the race, after Sebrenco was runner-up at her two previous starts at Muswellbrook and Dubbo. 

“She’s a young two-year-old and this is only her second race preparation,” he said.

“She shows good potential at home, and I thought she’d be hard to beat today.

“She’s a nice filly and being on her home track, from the soft draw and on top of the ground, I knew there would be improvement.

“She got a good kick coming to the corner and put them away. 

“I’d like to see her in a race where she can take a sit and relax, that would be ideal. 

“I’ll assess her over the next few days but might give her one more run in town.”

Sebrenco, the $2.90 favourite, beat the Kim Waugh trained Underboss ($13), who stormed home in an impressive first up run, with Bec Dunn’s On Her Word ($5.50) third.

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Race 6 – CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m):

Gary Moore’s consistent Prince Invincible could be headed for a Midway Handicap on the strength of his strong three and a half length win. 

The heavily backed son of I Am Invincible brought up his second win with Tim Clark in the saddle. 

In typical Clark style, Prince Invincible was given a great front-running ride, drawing away in the final stages. 

Clark was full of compliments for Prince Invincible, a $580,000 yearling purchase, who now has two wins and five placings from 10 starts.

“He’s going really well and is in a really good zone at the moment,” Clark said.

“He’s a really happy horse and that translates to a really good performance, probably a personal best for him and hopefully he can continue in that way.

“He was caught wide at his last start but still ran a solid race. They freshened him up, then he had a good tick over trial win and came here in really good order. 

“Gary has done a great job with him. A think a tilt at the Midway could be well and truly on the cards.”

Prince Invincible($3.60fav) beat Allan Denham’s Gidgee Guy ($7.50), with Into The Fire ($7.50) from the Bjorn Baker stable, third. 

Matt Vella’s Sniper Legend, well supported in the betting, failed to load at the barriers.

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Race 7 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANT PIDGEON CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1600m):

A perfect ride and quick tempo set the scene for Go Gazza to bring up back-to-back wins and plot a course to a Midway Handicap.

The Foxwedge three-year-old was coming off a last start Wyong win over the same distance and earned strong support starting at $5. 

Tommy Berry, who rode Go Gazza to his dominant maiden win, settled him midfield off the strong tempo, before bringing him to the front on straightening.

He was able to hold out the fast-finishing favourite, Bjorn Baker’s Lake Tai ($3.50), to win by a long neck.

Trainer Mark Minervini said Go Gazza, a $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, had always shown ability. 

“He took confidence out of the maiden win and Tommy was impressed, so we said we will do what worked and bring him back. 

“As it turned out it was the right race, over the right distance, with the right jockey. Everything aligned and he got the job done. 

“He’s related to a couple of Oaks winners, and we did a DNA test on him that told us he will run up to 2400m. 

“We aren’t in a hurry to get him there. I think he will be well suited for a midweek or a Midway, so we will see what’s around.

Another of the Baker runners, Deel With Me ($10) was third. 

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Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SUNDAY AUGUST 29 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m):

Tracey Bartley was expecting a much-improved performance by Defeat and that’s exactly what he got with the five-year-old winning by almost three lengths. 

The I Am Invincible gelding capped off a great day for the stable, with Sebrenco scoring earlier in the program. 

Bartley said Defeat had been the victim of bad track conditions and barrier draws in his recent runs.

Despite drawing wide at Wyong, the good track rating suited and the win resulted. 

Brock Ryan was given instructions to rev the five-year-old up midrace, and he followed them to a tee, taking off at the 600m. 

Defeat circled the field and kicked in the straight, drawing away for a dominant win. 

“I told him to rip into him and build momentum and that’s exactly what he did,” Bartley said. 

“They weren’t going to beat him with that momentum. He rode him a treat.

“It’s been a great year and credit to the staff.”

Defeat ($7), who earned plenty of late support, beat fellow Wyong gallopers Big Surprise ($15) from the Buchanan stable, and Damien Lane’s Oakfield Target ($4.80). 

Kim Waugh’s debutant Pretty Enuff was one of the standouts on a strong day of racing at Wyong. 

The Rich Enuff filly was impressive in winning the 1200m Prov & Ctry Maiden and looks to have a bright future. 

Mr Bond emerged as a good staying prospect for Brad Widdup after blitzing his opposition in the 2100m Class 1 & Maiden. 

There could be some promising newcomers’ surface from the two-year-old race including the winner Sealion from the Waterhouse/Bott stable and Tracey Bartley’s Mabel, who stormed home to be narrowly beaten.

Jay Ford took out the riding honours with a double, partnering Mr Bond to victory and Roderick’s Secret for Matthew Smith in the 1600m Class 1. 

Race 1 – Great Northern Maiden (1350m): 

Crazy Wolf took out the opening event, despite the Hawkes trained three-year-old looking beaten on the turn. 

The All Too Hard gelding started $2.70 favourite and was settled toward the rear of the small field by Regan Bayliss. 

When he asked for an effort on the corner, Crazy Wolf dropped the bridle and looked beaten. 

But Bayliss was able to get the best out him in the final stages, with Crazy Wolf rallying to win by three quarters of a length. 

Kim Waugh’s Don’t Recall was the hard luck story of the race, finishing second after hanging badly in the straight. 

Bullet Hero ($2.80) from the Mark Newnham stable, was a long head behind in third. 

The winner, a $210,000 Magic Millions yearling, was having his fourth start, his previous three runs in Victoria.

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Race 2 – SKY Racing Class 1 & Maiden (2100m):

Brad Widdup is excited about the prospects of his stayer Mr Bond, who made short work of his opposition to score a dominant five and half-length win over the 2100m. 

Jay Ford settled the Darci Brahma four-year-old at the rear of the field for much of the race, before making his move on the turn and outsprinting his rivals in the final stages. 

Widdup said the gelding, who had two starts in New Zealand before joining his stable, had plenty of potential. 

“He’s a nice type of horse and I think he could have some better staying races ahead of him,” he said. 

“He came over to me in great order from New Zealand and has been pretty straight forward to train. 

“He got cast in the box after his Nowra win, so we had to take a bit of time with him. 

“The run at Kembla last start just topped him off for today.

“He’s going to be a lovely horse next time and is going from strength to strength.”

Mr Bond ($2.40fav) beat Kermajack ($4.40) from the Waller stable, with the Waterhouse/Bott trained Mantinello ($2.45) third.

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Race 3 – Canadian Club 3YO Maiden (1600m):

A top Tommy Berry ride secured victory for the Mark Minervini trained Go Gazza. 

The Foxwedge gelding, a $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, is raced by Newcastle based Minervini and a group of his friends.

He was a runner up at Kembla over the same distance last start and looked well suited to the Wyong race. 
Berry settled him toward the rear, before circling the field on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by almost two lengths.

Go Gazza started at $5 after the Waller trained runner-up Mouvement earned strong late support and was sent out $2.45 favourite.

Law Party ($3.20) from the Newnham stable was third, with Kylie Gavenlock’s Trojan Hero the one to follow, making up plenty of ground in the straight.

The consistent Go Gazza has now had a win and three placings from his seven starts. 

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Race 4 – Carlton Dry Prov & Ctry Maiden (1200m):

It was an impressive debut by the Kim Waugh trained Pretty Enuff, who looks to have a promising future. 

The Rich Enuff three-year-old was coming off two trials, her latest at Wyong on June 25, an eye catching third over 1000m.

She earned strong support in the betting on the strength of the trial, starting $2.40 favourite. 

Tim Clark opted to ride Pretty Enuff back in the field, before taking off on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by more than a length.

Waugh said she has a good opinion of the filly, a $50,000 Inglis yearling.

“She’s a lovely filly with good ability but she’s taken a lot of time to get her act together. 

“I like her, and her last trial was really good. 

“She is built like a colt, and we had a lot of trouble early with her knees jarring up. 

“She just needed time and it’s good to get the win today.”

Pretty Enuff is raced by a syndicate which includes Waugh’s husband Mark. 

It was a Wyong quinella with Nayziair ($11) from the Lane stable second, over 

Nick Mitchell’s Miss Checkoni ($3.50). 

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Race 5 – TAB.COM.AU 2YO Maiden (1000m):

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Sealion caused an upset in a classy field of two-year-old’s, beating the more favoured runners at the juicy odds of $41.

Jean Van Overmire piloted the Astern gelding, who was coming off a trial on July 5, when he finished second over the 800m.

Sealion pinged the gates and was wide throughout but still managed to hold out his opposition in the final stages and win by a half-length.

Tracey Bartley’s Mabel, the $3.50 favourite, came from near last on the turn to finish second, ahead of Godolphin runner The Globe ($8.50). 

Neil Paine, from the Waterhouse/Bott stable said they had expected Sealion would need more ground. 

“He was wound up to do his best today, but it was just a steppingstone to get him up to the 1350m and mile,” Paine said. 

“He’s a real big duffer of a horse and we thought he’d be looking for further but it’s great to get a win along the way.”

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Race 6 – De Bortoli Wines Class 1 (1600m):

An exciting four-way finish saw the locally trained Apex narrowly beaten on the line by Roderick’s Secret from the Matthew Smith yard. 

John Cooper’s Apex ($15) looked the winner after leading throughout but was swamped on the line by the backmarkers.

A Rubick’s gelding, Roderick’s Secret ($9) brought up his second win at start 18. 

It was another great ride by Jay Ford, to bring up a winning double, taking off at the 400m mark, making up ground on the turn and storming down the outside to win by a half head.

The $50,000 yearling was coming off a sixth at Hawkesbury last start over the same distance, beaten just over two lengths. 

The John Thompson trained Speedzone ($3.60) was third, with the $2.60 favourite UK import Sidereal, struggling under the 62kg. 

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Race 7 – COCA-COLA Benchmark 64 (1300m):

John Thompson’s consistent mare Eye See Things continued her strong preparation bringing up another win. 

The Star Witness four-year-old has had seven runs this time in for two wins and five placings. 

She added to her win tally with a great ride by Rachel King, who went head-to-head with the favourite Born To Play around the turn, before drawing away to win by a length and a half. 

The $150,000 Magic Millions yearling now has career stats of two wins and eight placings from 12 starts. 

Eye See Things ($3.30) beat the Damien Lane trained Oakfield Captain ($19), who put in a much-improved run, with Matthew Smith’s American Salute ($5.50) third.

The $3.20 favourite Born To Play struggled in the final stages, finishing more than three lengths behind in sixth. 

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Race 8 – Wyong’s Next Race Meeting Thursday July 29 Class 1 (1000m):

A clever ride by James Innes Jnr secured victory for Star Cherie, a daughter of Star Witness, who brought up her second win from five starts. 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained three-year-old relished the improving track conditions to win by a long neck over the $3.10 favourite Head On Up. 

Innes looked like being posted wide from the barriers but elected to stride up and settle the filly just behind the leader. 

She hit the front on straightening and dug deep in the final stages to record her second win. 

Gerald Ryan described the winner as “a little fighter.”

“That’s one of her best qualities, she’s a real fighter. She’s no star but she digs deep and has a go.

“For her first racing prep she’s done a terrific job. She might be looking for a rest now, but we’ll see how she pulls up, she could have one more run.”

The Matthew Dunn trained Amungee ($9) was third.