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Tyrone Coyle took on some racing heavy weights and came out on top when Prince Aurelius proved too strong in the Polytrack Provincial Championships Wyong Qualifier.

The Kembla based trainer has only one horse in work and will now head to Randwick with the lightly raced four-year-old for the $500,000 Provincial Final on April 17. 

The son of Love Conquers All brought up his fourth consecutive win in the $150,000 Qualifier, which was transferred to Gosford.

Prince Aurelius began well for jockey Robbie Brewer, who took him to the front, maintaining the lead throughout to score a convincing length and a half win.

“I came here full of confidence today,” an excited Coyle said. “It’s unbelievable, I’m over the moon.

“We were watching the market before the race and he was blowing out and out. I think it’s because he’s only just becoming the horse, we want him to be. He’s been a really nervous, sort of sweating up horse. 

“That’s what he did in his first and second up starts but today he travelled up here really well. He wouldn’t have blown a candle out and there wasn’t an ounce of sweat on him and that’s the result we get.”

Coyle bred Prince Aurelius with a friend Steve Ennis, and the gelding has now won five of his 10 starts. 

He was given a two-month freshen up in preparation for The Championships after clocking up three successive wins at Moruya, Wagga and Kembla. 

Hoping to overcome the horse’s anxious travelling habits, Coyle trialled him at Randwick on March 11 and had planned to start at the now rescheduled Kembla Qualifier, which was due to run on March 20. 

He made the decision to run at Gosford, which proved to be a winning move. 

“His regular track work rider Nick Hyde, who does all the work on him, got off him on Thursday morning and said, ‘they won’t know which way this bloke is going, he’s going that well.’

“He was right.”

Coyle gave credit to Hyde, apprentice Maddy Waters, Brewer and fellow trainer Brett Lazzarini. 

Kris Lees duo Zeftabrook and Loch Lomond will also head to the Final after filling the minor placings. 

The final Provincial Qualifier will be run at Kembla on April 3.

Another small-time trainer tasted success at the meeting, with Wyong based John Cooper taking out the 1000m HALEKULANI BOWLING CLUB Maiden with Hay John. 

The three-year-old Magic Albert gelding brought up his first win at start four, resuming from a spell and ridden by apprentice Reece Jones.

Cooper had decided to run Hay John in the race after three other meetings he was nominated for were washed out. 

“I didn’t know whether to trial him or not, but he worked so well that I decided not to, and he went great today.”

Cooper, who has five horses in work at Wyong, bred and races Hay John. 

Apprentice Brandon Griffiths took out the riding honours with a double, tasting success for the Snowden’s on California Cible in the 1200m LAKE MACQUARIE SHEET METAL Class 1 and Taumalolo in the 1200m MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AIR CONDITIONING AUSTRALIA Maiden for Anthony Mountney.

Matthew Smith trained a double with Belle Espoir winning the 1600m PANASONIC NANOEX Maiden and All Girls a dominant victor in the 1200m VIETNAM VETERANS KEITH PAYNE V.C HOSTEL LIMITED 2Y0 Maiden Plate. 

LEAD and win. That was the order of the day; pure and simple. Seven of the eight winners dictated terms on the fence and most were never seriously threatened. Lightly-raced youngster CONRAD showed the way by winning the opening race at only his second start, and is clearly headed for better things. 

Wyong trainer Kim Waugh hopes to parlay today’s success into qualifying Great News at Gosford on Saturday in the third heat of the Provincial Championships for the $500,000 Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 10. 

As well as CONRAD, three horses to follow are MISS KONO, MOKULUA and TWITCH. MISS KONO was the sole winner not to lead and her performance suggested she can win again. MOKULUA, a beautifully-bred youngster, was making her debut and impressed with her solid second though no match for CONRAD. 

TWITCH also was making her debut and after beginning slowly and then being bumped heavily by another runner just after the start, raced keenly as she made ground and was game in finishing second to odds-on favorite RUSSBUSS. Brenton Avdulla took the riding honours with a double.

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AUSTRALIAN RACING CHRISTIAN CHAPLAINCY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE 1200m

IF there was any doubt about CONRAD’S luckless debut second at Canterbury recently, the promising youngster quickly dispelled that with an authoritative breakthrough as a $1.45 hotpot, leaving his rivals with no excuses. 

A son of Maurice, he was pressured early by several runners but showed his ability by bounding clear to win easily from MOKULUA ($17) and another son of the winner’s sire, MAURICE’S MEDAD ($16). Wyong trainer Kim Waugh and jockey James McDonald not surprisingly have a good opinion of CONRAD. 

“We bred him, and he is a nice horse to train; very sensible,” Waugh said. “James likes him and that’s very exciting.” McDonald afterwards said CONRAD was “sure to go on to better things”. 

Provided he does well after today’s outing, CONRAD will be given another start before a break.

Though beaten easily, beautifully bred runner-up MOKULUA ran really well and should not be long shedding her maiden status. A daughter of the renowned sire Redoute’s Choice, she is the third foal of the 2012 Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner and 2013 Caulfield Cup (2400m) placegetter Dear Demi.

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CARLTON DRAUGHT PROVINCIAL & COUNTRY MAIDEN PLATE (1200m)

SCONE’S Reece Jones is leading the NSW apprentices’ premiership – and it’s easy to see why. 

He won his first metropolitan race at Warwick Farm last Wednesday, landed a Country Championships Qualifier for his master Rod Northam on Spiranac at Tamworth last Sunday and gave a polished display to lead throughout in this race on the pacy MADDISON’S MISSILE ($4.20). 

Giving leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup his 20^th winner of the season, the lightly-raced three-year-old daughter of The Factor put the outcome beyond when she burnt through after beginning awkwardly and led easily after only 100m. The addition of blinkers certainly did the trick and, having only her third start, she was always in control and won by nearly four lengths from $101 outsider THE PETTI EXPRESS. 

“She had no luck at all first-up at Goulburn and should have gone close to winning,” Widdup said. “I was confident she would be hard to beat.” The $2 favorite ACCELERANT had to race wide throughout and it was obvious on the home turn he would be struggling to overhaul the leader, but battled on gamely to finish third. Jockey Sam Clipperton escaped injury when the runner-up’s stablemate GRAND PALAZZO ($7.50) reared and dislodged him on jumping away. ELUSIVE BIRDIE ($10) pulled up 2/5 lame in the off foreleg, and a vet clearance will be required before trialling or racing again.

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HMA MAIDEN PLATE (1350m)

LAST Saturday’s victorious Group 1 Randwick Guineas jockey Brenton Avdulla noted the first two winners led throughout and adopted similar tactics on SPIRITUALITY ($3.20) – and the race was over a long way out. 

“She was coming back from two good city runs and this was a pretty weak provincial Maiden,” Avdulla said. “I knew it would be advantageous to go to the front.” 

Winning co-trainer Gerald Ryan was surprised his Spirit Of Boom filly had taken seven starts to break through, and was understandably pleased to see her finally get the job done.

 “I thought she might sit outside the leader, but Brenton grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck after she began a bit awkwardly,” he said. “She worked with Bottega (Group 3 Newcastle Newmarket runner-up) the other morning and he couldn’t get past her. I’m not saying she is in that class, but that should give her confidence and she should be able to win another one.” SPIRITUALITY fetched $80,000 at the 2019 Inglis Premier yearling sale in Melbourne.

Runner-up EARL OF SANDWICH ($3.60) was resuming and tried hard to match the winner in the straight. He is going to improve as local trainer Kristen Buchanan lifts him in distance. The first pair had the race to themselves with third placegetter AUNT BELLE ($71) belying her odds, though beaten easily. CANTRELL ($6) was 3/5 lame in the off foreleg when examined after the race and a vet clearance will be required before he is permitted to trial or race again.

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GO ELECTRICAL MAIDEN HANDICAP (1000m)

FOUR races. Four leaders. Four winners. A “sit and steer” job was how jockey Josh Parr aptly summed up his ride on odds-on favorite RUSSBUSS ($1.65) for Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker. 

 “She is still very raw, and threw away the race here the other day, but hugged the rail today,” Parr added. “She is a nice filly who is progressing.”

A three-year-old daughter of Dream Ahead, RUSSBUSS drew the rails and drove through to quickly assume the lead, this time giving no indication of being wayward. 

Well-backed first starter TWITCH ($3.70) wasn’t so flash at the start but then showed pace to sit behind the winner and got out in plenty of time on straightening, but couldn’t pick up RUSSBUSS, who was racing for only the fifth time. 

“This filly reminds Bjorn a lot of her mother Miss Tenpins,” said Baker’s Racing & Bloodstock manager Stephen McLean. Baker won six races (including three in town) with Miss Tenpins, and RUSSBUSS is her first foal. 

PHASES ($10) was 2/5 lame in the off foreleg after pulling up and trainer Tracey Bartley told stewards the colt would be gelded and spelled.

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BOOK NOW POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WYONG MARCH 27 CLASS 1 HCP (1000m) 

THIS race ended the trend of winners leading throughout. Nonetheless, there was enough pace on to enable the improving MISS KONO to overpower her rivals. 

The Newcastle filly didn’t step brilliantly, but it didn’t matter as the solidly supported PICK THE SCORE ($4.60), GENKIDES ($3.10 favorite) and DOZER BAY ($7.50) all went lickety split trying to get to the front. 

PICK THE SCORE eventually led before DOZER BAY took over. Despite making the home turn awkwardly, MISS KONO (Christian Reith) showed a nice turn of foot once she balanced up and burst down the outside to beat PICK THE SCORE and GENKIDES. 

Who says you have to spend a lot of money to pick up a nice horse? MISS KONO, a daughter of Star Witness, cost only $5000 as a yearling at Scone in 2019. By contrast, the now Coffs Harbour-trained WILD WIND ($11), who ran fifth of six, was a $600,000 purchase the same year at the Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale. 

Winning trainer Rod Ollerton saw only positives in his filly’s victory. “She has natural pace which won her first race, but she is now showing she can sit behind and be strong to the line.”

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HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1600m)

MISS KONO in the previous race might have bucked the trend of winners leading, but “normal service” resumed here. 

Cessnock trainer Jeremy Sylvester has done a terrific job with IF YOU THINK SO (Kathy O’Hara), the four-year-old daughter of dual Cox Plate winner So You Think. 

Since she was switched last year from Warwick Farm trainer Gary Portelli, Sylvester has given her 11 starts for three wins and four placings. 

“IF YOU THINK SO wasn’t up to city standard, and Gary sent her to me in good order to try to win some races in the country and hopefully a TAB Highway (which she did on January 30 at Rosehill Gardens),” Sylvester said. “Kathy has formed a good association with her and leading on her seems to be the key. IF YOU THINK SO is better in the wet, but can handle any type of ground.” Sylvester says his mare has a nice environment at home and often works through the bush. 

IF YOU THINK SO ($4.20) was never seriously threatened in leading throughout to defeat RENALOT ($11) and CASINO MONDIAL ($6). THE MEDIATOR started a $2.70 favorite but covered ground and was never a serious winning prospect. Stewards queried rider Robbie Dolan, who said the colt raced flat and finished off only fairly. 

O’Hara praised Sylvester for his work with IF YOU THINK SO. 

“She is not without her quirks,” she said. “You have to go with her and keep her as happy as you can. When she’s happy, we’re all happy.” 

A post-race vet examination revealed SKY DIAMONDS ($5) to be 2/5 lame in the off foreleg, and stewards require a vet clearance before trialling or racing again.

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TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m)

Same story here, though even better as the remarkable 10-year-old ISORICH won his 15^th race – and seven of them have been on his home track – at his 128^th start for local trainer Wayne Seelin, who deserves great credit for the manner in which he has managed the veteran’s career. 

Jockey Sam Clipperton bounced back from a mishap earlier in the day when dislodged from his mount just after the start of the second race, and took full advantage of the gelding’s inside draw to dictate terms. 

“He is a course specialist and had the conditions to suit today,” he said. “I held the front because leaders have been winning most of the day. The 1350m is probably as far as he wants to go, but he travelled strongly and was tough.” 

ISORICH ($6.50) battled for the lead early with eventual third placegetter SAFARIS ($5.50), but once he assumed control was never really threatened. BUZZ ($17), who also races well at Wyong, ran home strongly to grab second placing and looks to be nearing another win.

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WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY SATURDAY MARCH 27 CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m)

Yet another front-runner demolished his rivals. Returning as a gelding, Newcastle three-year-old MIDLAND ($2.60 favorite) had no trouble returning to the winning list; his cause enhanced when a number of strong chances dropped out before the 7.30am scratching deadline. 

Wearing the colours of the famed New Zealand breeding farm Waikato Stud, rider Brenton Avdulla clinched a double, having won earlier on SPIRITUALITY. “I put the foot to the floor to lead, and he gave a good kick on the bend,” Avdulla said afterwards. MIDLAND indeed gave a good kick, racing clear to score by more than three lengths from AUSTEJA ($6) and TIMPERLEY ($8). ENAMOUR ($12) was 2/5 lame in the off hind leg after the race, and cannot trial or race again until a vet cleara

Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou took out the training honours while Jason Collett rode a double, in a great day of racing at Wyong. 

Kim Waugh’s The Bullring raised the flag for the locals while Godolphin filly Siege impressed with a tough win. 

Check out the race-to-race highlights below.

A confident ride by James Innes Jn secured victory for Just A Jedi ($3.50) in the JIM BEAM CLASS 1 & MAIDEN. 

The three-year-old looks to have the makings of a promising stayer, impressing at his first attempt over the 2100m.

Trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou had concerns about the extra distance but the Free Eagle gelding put paid to that, posting a length win. 

“Jimmy (Innes Jnr) gave him a confident ride and that was the difference,” Alexiou said after the race. 

“He sat and waited patiently and knew the horse was going to be there when he asked.

“He’s always shown us good ability at home, but I think in time he can be a more than handy stayer.”

What A Girl ($2.80), from the Waller stable, finished second, with Singapura ($5.50), trained by Glen Thompson, third. 

A $60,000 yearling, Just A Jedi (pictured), brought up back-to-back wins with the victory, having greeted the judge at Gosford over 1600m on February 4.

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A race to race double for the Ryan/Alexiou stable with Le Vizir ($7.50) winning the SKY RACING METRO & PROV MAIDEN over 1350m.

The three-year-old, resuming from an eight-month spell, dictated terms throughout and was able to hold out the fast-finishing favourite, Lady Of Luxury ($1.30), on the line.

Winning rider, Robbie Dolan, was impressed with the colt’s victory, in only his third race start. 

“He’s learning and the best is definitely ahead of him,” he said. 

Alexiou agreed believing Le Vizir will get over more ground in time.  

“He’s always shown a good amount of ability at home but taken a long time to come to hand. 

“A bit of cut in the track today and a good ride by Robbie has certainly helped him. 

“I think he will get out over a trip and time is going to be his best friend. He obviously wobbled around the turn and was on the wrong leg today but was good enough to hold them off late.”

 Our Flaming Moes ($21) from the Matt Dunn stable was third.

Le Vizir, by French sire Siyouni, was a $260,000 Magic Millions yearling purchase.

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A thrilling three-way finish in the DE BORTOLI WINES 2YO MAIDEN with local galloper The Bullring ($2.80) holding on for a narrow win.

The Kim Waugh trained gelding led throughout the 1300m trip and looked to be on track for an easy victory before late challenges by Tea Leaves and Geisel.

The judge was called to separate the trio with The Bullring getting the nod by a short half head much to the relief of the stable and connections. 

“It was close but he’s a lovely horse and it’s great to get the win,” Waugh said. 

“It was disaster at Scone at his first run. He missed the start badly and flew home. 

“I was worried about him getting the 1300m today, so I don’t think I’ll do that again in a hurry, but he hung on and did very well.

“He had to tough out it but fought hard and is still very new and very green. 

“Jason Collett rode him beautifully. He’s going to be a nice horse and is still six months away.”

A $120,000 Rubick yearling, The Bullring was sent out $2.80 favourite on the back of his Scone third on February 16. 

He beat the Waterhouse/Bott trained Tea Leaves ($9), with Geisel ($81), from the Perry stable, third.

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Plenty of wraps for Godolphin filly Siege following her win on debut in the 1100m GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP 3YO MAIDEN. 

The well-bred Street Boss three-year-old was caught wide throughout after drawing the outside barrier and still managed to score a convincing win.

Christian Reith couldn’t get cover from the wide draw, but Siege still had plenty in the tank on the line, winning by half a length. 

“She wasn’t entitled to win with the run she had but I had no chance to get her in,” Reith said.

“I just had to have confidence that she would go on with it and she won with plenty in hand.

“She will take a lot of improvement from that. She was very good today and has a lot of upside to her.”

Darren Beadman, representing the stable, agreed with Reith.

“She’s a nice filly and was quite impressive today.

“She’s extremely well bred and has the Merchant Navy bloodlines.

“She had a few little issues in her early days, but the stable has looked after her and given her plenty of time to strengthen up and build her confidence.”

Siege ($5.50) beat Russbuss ($7) from the Bjorn Baker stable by a half-length, with the $2.30 favourite Zain’s Girl, a length behind in third. 

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Bargain returned to the winner’s circle in impressive style with a soft victory in the BOOK NOW POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WYONG MARCH 27 F&M CLASS 1.

The Ocean Park filly was given a great ride by Rachel King, who went from the rear of the small field on the turn, weaving a passage down the straight before drawing away to score a length and a quarter win over the 1350m.

King described the Mark Newnham trained Bargain as “pretty promising.”

“She did everything right today. Mark took the blinkers off and she was a lot more relaxed and very professional in the run. 

“She was able to get on the back of a couple of horses going forward and was quite brave and put them away comfortably in the end.”

Stable representative Robyn Fowler said they always knew the filly had ability. 

“We knew she had some talent and in her last run at Warwick Farm she was over racing, so it was good to see her settle today. 

“She will go places.”

Bargain ($3) beat another Newnham runner Rosie Riveter ($2.20fav), with Jeanne D’Arc ($5) from the Ryan Alexiou stable, third. 

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Class prevailed in the 1200m CANADIAN CLUB MAIDEN with the Clare Cunningham trained Impressive Lass ($2) putting paid to her opposition with a two-length win. 

The Real Impact three-year-old had been racing in better company, coming off a fourth at Warwick Farm on February 10. 

She appreciated the drop in grade and showed a good turn of foot in the straight to draw away from her opposition. 

“We’ve always had time for this filly,” Cunningham said.

“She’s always shown nice ability and I hope the confidence she gets from this win propels her forward.

“I’m happy with her, she showed a nice dash and it’s very good to see her put it together.

“I always thought she might get over bit further and we’ll head her through the grades now.”

Jason Collett, who brought up a winning double, was caught wide from the barrier. 

“I was really confident despite being wide.

“It was the spot I wanted to be and worked out perfectly. I had plenty of horse coming into the straight.” 

The Godolphin trained Jadida ($4.40) was runner-up, with an eye-catching run by Oh Golly Gosh ($61) from the Attard stable, for third. 

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A great front running ride by Serg Lisnyy secured victory for the Denim Wynen trained Dual Escape in the TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 over 1100m.

The Dubleo mare brought up her fourth win for the young trainer, who relocated from Wyong to Port Macquarie last year. 

Dual Escape, the $31 outsider of the field, pinged the gates and was taken to the lead by Lisnyy, who defied the racing pattern of the day and hugged the rails. 

The seven-year-old mare gave a kick on straightening and was able to hold out her opposition to win by half a length. 

Wynen said Dual Escape still had trouble getting to the gates. 

“She still carries on like a two-year-old. 

“She never changes but when she’s like that is when she runs her best races. 

“I worked for Kristen (Buchanan) when she had her so have known this mare from the word go. 

“When she offered her to me, I was keen to take her and it’s great to get her fourth win up, especially another provincial win.”

Dual Escape beat the fast-finishing Barossa Rosa ($5.50) from the Tracey Bartley stable, with Tony Ball’s Standing Bear ($7) a close third.

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Well bred gelding Nordicus ($5) brought up his second career win taking out the WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY TUESDAY MARCH 9 CG&E CLASS 1 over 1350m.

The Dundeel five-year-old out of Miss Finland, hadn’t tasted success since a Randwick victory in November 2018. 

Tommy Berry sat just behind the leader and short priced favourite Bojack ($1.50) before bringing him to the front on straightening and drawing away to win by half a length. 

“Hopefully that win gives him a lot of confidence,” Berry said. 

“He’s always had that sort of ability and has been racing in much tougher grades.

“Coming back to the provincials suited him and hopefully he can go on with it now. 

“He gave me a really good feel and can hopefully go on with in in the city.” 

Trained by Anthony Cummings, Nordicus beat Tectonicus ($6) from the Ryan/ Alexiou stable, with Peter Green’s Spanish Fighter ($15) third.

The Tracey Bartley trained Enamour started the day well for locals breaking through for a well-deserved win in the DE BORTOLI WINES 4YO & UP MAIDEN over 1100m.

The Charm Spirit mare had been placed in her past four starts and was coming off a third when resuming at Muswellbrook on January 7. 

Her win continued a great month for the Bartley stable with four winners to date. 

Enamour’s win came courtesy of in-form apprentice Reece Jones, who took the four-year-old to the lead and rated her well in front, holding out the fast-finishing Giselle Anne to win by half a length.

“She’s a winning mare now and we are all very happy,” Bartley said.

“It’s great for the owners to win a race with her. She’s run second to some good horses so the form around her is good. She will definitely pay her way.”

Bartley said he would consider dropping Enamour back to 1000m next start. 

“I’d like to drop her back to 1000m and ride her quieter even though she won like that today.

“We tried to hold her up in her trial and she went really good but the other day at Muswellbrook she got her toe on again.

“It would be good to get her to settle behind them.”

Bartley said it was a good ride by Jones, with his instructions to “rate her and save her for the kick home,” carried out to a tee.

Enamour ($2.40) beat the race favourite Giselle Anne ($2.30fav) trained by Lee and Cherie Curtis, with Ron Lemon’s Redconi ($9), third.

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Reece Jones brought up a race to race double after Taree visitor Standing Bear upset the favoured runners to take out the 1100m GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP CLASS 1. 

The four-year-old by Smart Missile, a $150,000 yearling, brought up his second win at start nine. 

Jones rated the gelding well in front, drawing away in the final stages to win by almost four lengths.

Ball said he had expected Standing Bear to race well. 

“He didn’t handle the heavy 10 at Coffs last start and before that he got beaten only two lengths in a Highway,” he said. 

“It was an absolute bog at Coffs but here on a soft 5 he was well suited. 

“He’s got plenty of ability and can go for a spell now. 

“He will come back a better horse.”

Standing Bear ($13) beat Ron Leemon’s Miss Anticipation ($8), with Hurt Money ($3.80) from the Snowden yard, a close third.

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Well-bred Chris Waller debutant Lucilight proved too smart for her opposition in the JIM BEAM MAIDEN over 1350m, overhauling the short-priced favourite on the line. 

Rachel King piloted the $140,000 yearling to a strong three-quarter length victory.

By All Too Hard, Lucilight carries the Inglis colours of Group 1 winning mare Youngstar.  

King settled the three-year-old toward the rear of the small field throughout, before finding a gap on straightening and drawing away for an impressive win.

Damien Fitton, representing the Waller stable, described the winner as a ‘very nice filly.’

“We’ve given her a bit of time to get to the races, strengthen up and mature,” he said.

“She won quite easily today but it was just a matter of would she be able to do it first up. 

“Rachel gave a glowing report and said she’s very professional and will go on with the job.

“She should be a nice metropolitan horse and maybe even go a bit further.” 

Lucilight, who returned $8.50, beat the $1.55 favourite Nearly Fine, from the Mark Newnham stable, with another Waller runner, Big Angle ($6), third. 

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A few anxious moments for the connections of Desert Flame in the final stages of the RYAN’S METAL ROOFING MAIDEN over 1600m.

The three-year-old daughter of Pride of Dubai looked all out of steam heading for the line but managed to hold out the fast-finishing opposition to win by half a length. 

A $200,000 yearling, Desert Flame had four placings leading into the race, the latest a third a Warwick Farm on January 13.

She was sent out $1.40 favourite on the back of her strong Metropolitan and Provincial form.

Trainer David Payne had planned to let the filly roll along in front and Keagan Latham was able to carry out his instructions, with Desert Flame taking an early lead. 

Latham dictated the pace in front before kicking away on the turn, only to be threatened late by the Sombre Prize ($51) from the Henry Reeves stable and Red Hot Zone ($17), trained by Clarry Connors. 

Payne said he has always had a decent opinion of the filly.

“She’s been knocking on the door for a while,” he said.

“We wanted to get that win out of the way today.”  

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Consistent stayer Duchess Of Windsor put her best foot forward outstaying her opposition to take out the 2100m ROYAL HOTEL WYONG BENCHMARK 64.

The Matthew Smith trained mare brought up her fourth career win at start 29.

Alysha Collett settled the five-year-old outside the leader and short priced favourite So United but had the superior fitness in the straight drawing away to win by more than a length. 

Matthew Smith said the Rip Van Winkle mare could always perform with the right conditions. 

“She is just one of those horses who needs things to go right for her in the run,” he said.

“She’s won over the 2100m before and it was good to see her sitting handy and keeping out of trouble.

Duchess Of Windsor ($13), beat the $2.30 favourite So United from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, with Itasca, trained by Scott Singleton, third.

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A strong ride by Mikayla Weir secured victory for the John Steinmetz trained Writing Unexpected in the TEAM THOROUGHBRED NSW REHOMING HORSES BENCHMARK 64 over 1600m. 

The son of Choistar, raced by the Steinmetz family, brought up his fifth career win in a thrilling three-way finish.

Weir had the mare well-placed midfield for much of the race, before taking her to the lead on straightening. 

She had to dig deep in the final stages to secure a narrow short half head win for the five-year-old over the Freedman trained Dinado ($7), with the $2.60 race favourite Lexi’s Choice, from the Widdup stable, a half-length behind in third.

Writing Unexpected appreciated the drop in class having last run in the Moruya Cup over 1435m.

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Promising filly Proud Mia franked her winning form with an impressive victory in the WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25 BENCHMARK 64.

The Pride Of Dubai three-year-old brought up her fourth win from just nine starts in a smart time over the 1000m.

Apprentice Tyler Schiller drove the filly to the lead from the barriers, rating her well in the running before pulling away in the final stages to win by more than a length. 

Trainer Nick Olive has always had a good opinion of Proud Mia, who was sent out $3 favourite. 

“She is very fast but also seems very professional in what she does,” he said.

“She’s got a lot of natural speed and that’s probably her biggest asset.”

A $60,000 yearling, Proud Mia beat the Stephen Bartley trained Engadine ($7) by more than a length, with Upper East Side ($17) from the Buchanan stable, third.

Kristen Buchanan looks to have unveiled a promising galloper with Delexo blitzing his opposition on debut.

The three-year-old was sent out $2.35 favourite and didn’t disappoint, taking out the MARK CROSS RACING 2&3YO PROV & CTRY MAIDEN by almost three lengths. 

Ridden by Ashley Morgan, Delexo raced fiercely at times but still had the ability to finish off the 1000m race in convincing fashion.

“I do like this bloke,” Buchanan said following the win.

“I was nervous about today but he’s a really, lovely animal.

“He was fierce in the early stages and has to learn to cool his jets a little but over the 1000m he’s got some good jets.

“He has a very competitive mind set on game day and you can’t complain about that in a racehorse.”

Buchanan said she had purchased Delexo at the breeze up sales on the Gold Coast. 

“He was a standout in terms of heart rate and recovery and that really drew my attention plus he was a cracking sort as well. 

“He had a few little issues and because of that we got him at a reasonable price. 

“I was prepared to be patient, but he got here a little earlier than I expected and it’s great to see him win like that.

“He’s a beautiful strong horse and a favourite in the stables.”

Coming off three trial wins, Delexo beat Sniper Legend ($4.60) trained by Matthew Vella, with Belleofthehunter ($26) from the Ken Lantry stable, third.

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Snitzify denied local warrior Isorich victory in the HAPPY RETIREMENT WYONG TRAINER STAN THOMAS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68, getting the bob of the head on the line. 

Apprentice Reece Jones took the 10-year-old veteran to the lead and kicked away in the straight, only to be run down in the final stages by Snitzify.

The winner, a $105,000 yearling, is trained by Peter and Paul Snowden for Triple Crown syndications. 

Racing manager Colum McCullagh was full of praise for the ride by Keagan Latham.

“Keagan slid across and got him in a nice spot just outside the lead.

“It was nice to see him knuckle down and try really hard in the straight,” he said.

“We were counting steps in the end for Isorich to stop but luckily for us and a great bunch of Triple Crown owners, Snitzify was able to stretch out and get his nose on the right side of the post.”

Snitzify ($3.40) beat the Wayne Seelin trained Isorich ($21), with the $3 favourite Debari, from the Pride stable, third.

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Patience paid off for the connections of Blue Sky Moon, with the first starter taking out the 1200m KIM WAUGH RACING 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

The four-year-old, by Irish Sire Puissance De Lune, had been trialled twice in the lead up by trainer Paul Cave.

He looked sharp winning his latest trial over 740m at Warwick Farm on December 30 and carried that form into the race.

The gelding pinged the gates, enabling Kathy O’Hara to dictate terms in front. 

Courtesy of a well-rated ride, she was able to hold out the short priced favourite Doppelpunkt in the final stages, to win by half a neck.

“He’s a lovely horse and is still pretty raw,” O’Hara said after the win.

“He’s a big, scopey horse who will improve with time and racing.

“The owners have taken their time with him and hopefully they will be rewarded.

“It’s all before him at the moment and he will take a lot of benefit out of today.”

Blue Sky Moon ($3.30) beat John O’Shea’s $1.75 favourite Doppelpunkt, with Chloebella Rose ($41) from the Kearney stable, third. 

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The formidable combination of Tim Clark and Waterhouse/Bott struck again in the KRISTEN BUCHANAN RACING CG&E MAIDEN with Anotherthinkcomin’ a dominant winner.

The three-year-old, a $210,000 Vancouver yearling, was coming off a ninth on debut at Bathurst on December 21, but made the step up to Provincial grade impressively, recording a four-length win.

Clark took the gelding to the lead in the 1350m race, and maintained the front, kicking away in the final stages. 

Stable foreman Ron Nunn said they had expected an improved performance. 

“The win wasn’t totally unexpected,” he said.

“He didn’t have a whole lot of luck at Bathurst last start. It was a bit short and he got caught out in the middle of no man’s land and just had a tough run. “He trained on from that and cleaned up in the coat and was looking a lot better.”

Anotherthinkcomin’ beat the short priced favourite Kaptive ($1.40) from the Hawkes stable, who was held up on the turn, with Apex ($31) trained by John Cooper, third. 

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The well-supported Correlate overcame a wide barrier to score a tough win in the 1350m TRACEY BARTLEY RACING F&M MAIDEN.

Josh Parr was able to take the Not A Single Doubt filly to a soft lead from barrier nine after a positive ride from the gates.

He dictated terms in front, giving the filly a breather in the back straight, before drawing away in the final stages to win by more than a length.

Aaron Lau, representing the Newnham stable, said Correlate had gone into the race with plenty of fitness.

“She was third up today and was fit enough to win like that,” he said.

“The original plan was to sit outside the leader, but she got into a lovely rhythm and was way too strong.

“She got a stitch over in the last 100m at Newcastle last start but was very good today.”

Correlate, who had been placed once from five starts, earned plenty of late support to start $2.40 favourite.

She beat the Snowden trained Danzette ($7.50), with Princess Amira ($8.50) from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, third.

The winner was a $180,000 Magic Millions yearling.

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It was back-to-back Wyong wins for the Kylie Gavenlock trained Go For Gold taking out the 1100m ALLAN DENHAM CLASS 1.

The five-year-old by Medaglia D’Oro had to survive a protest by runner-up Cinderella after being wayward in the final stages of the straight.

He kept his winning record intact in his second start since joining the Gavenlock stable, recording a half length win.

Andrew Gibbons had Go For Gold just behind the leaders, before circling the field on the turn and hitting the front in the straight.

Gavenlock described the winner as a work in progress. 

“He’s a really quiet, beautiful animal but it’s a psychological thing for him,” she said.

“He had bad barrier manners when he came to us. He collapsed at Gosford after his second start and since then his manners got worse.

“We had to go right back and get it all out of his head and take him to the races and give him nice experiences. 

“It seems to be paying off but it’s still pretty nerve wracking waiting for him to get into the gates. 

“He’s very versatile and a fair dinkum racehorse but we still have to keep working on his manners.”

Go For Gold ($14) beat Cinderella ($17), trained by Richard and Michael Freedman, with Colonel ($5) from the Snowden stable, third.

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The heavily backed Never Never River proved too strong in the JEFF ENGLEBRECTH RACING BM64 over 1350m.

The Written Tycoon three-year-old, a $130,000 yearling, was a Canterbury winner two starts back and struggled in the heavy at his last outing on the Kensington track.

Apprentice Tyler Schiller claimed a heat of the Rising Star Series with the victory along with the praise of trainer Gerald Ryan.

“He is a nice horse and Tyler rode him terrific,” Ryan said.

“He can be a difficult horse to ride, over racing and pulling.

“Tim Clark spoke to Tyler and said to just flow with him, and he would do what he did today, come back off the bit and travel. 

“I’ve always had an opinion of him, but he’s been his own worst enemy but he’s starting to learn his craft.”

Never Never River ($1.55fav) beat the Lees trained Elegant Grace ($6.50) by a length and a half, with Bizou ($19) from the O’Shea stable, third.