On a race day paying tribute to Wyong’s talented training pool, it would be fitting if the longest serving local Rodney Bailey could taste success.
Bailey saddles up two runners at Thursday’s Wyong Trainers Race Day, last start winner Aussie Lindberg and progressive four-year-old Mr Bingo and expects both to race well.
With only a small team in work, Bailey is enjoying one of his better seasons and is confident both his runners on Thursday will go on to win more races.
Aussie Lindberg (pictured) broke through for his Maiden victory over the 1600m at Gosford on March 16 in his 17th start for the stable, with three previous placings.
Bailey said he had been “a work in progress” and had needed time to improve his racing style.
“I always knew he had ability, but he was over-racing badly in his runs. We had to be patient and take him back in races to teach him not to pull too hard,” he said.
“He’s in his second prep for me now and is finally getting it together.
“We brought him online in 2021 and he’s owned by family and friends. Fortunately, they’ve allowed me to take my time with him and that paid off when he won last start. They were very excited, and all won on the day.”
The Proisir five-year-old, originally with the Bjorn Baker stable, has had 22 starts for a win and his three placings.
Bailey paid $6000 for the gelding & is hoping to add to the $40,000 plus prizemoney he has pocketed for connections when he starts in Thursday’s 16000m Class 1.
“He certainly hasn’t gone backwards since his Gosford win. A wet track won’t worry him if the rain keeps coming and Grant Buckley will ride him again.”
Bailey is also keen on the chances of Mr Bingo, who has had two wins and two placings since joining the stable in September last year.
The Hong Kong based-owner George Ma, who has been a client of Bailey’s since 2004, bred the Deep Field four-year-old.
“He won first up for me and has been racing really well ever since. His last run at Hawkesbury was good finishing second over the 1100m.
“He’s in the same grade and over the same distance at Wyong which will suit, and I don’t think a rain affected train will worry him either.
“Maddi Derrick has ridden him well in his last two starts and she’s on him again.”
Bailey, who recently turned 60, has around six horses in his name and works side by side with his son Callum, who has a pre-training and breaking-in business, from the family property just five minutes from the Wyong track.
“He does a great job and I’m proud of him. He helps me out and a lot of the Wyong trainers. I’m the third generation of my family involved in racing so it’s no surprise Callum went down the same path.”
Fellow Wyong trainers Amanda Davis, Damien Lane, Brett Partelle, Allan Kehoe, Kristen Buchananm Kim Waugh, Tracey Bartley and John Cooper all saddle up runners at the meeting.
The first of eight races gets underway at 12.50pm, with the track currently rated a Heavy 8.
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 12.50pm: WYONG TRAINERS – CONTRIBUTING MORE THAN JUST WINNERS MAIDEN (1000M): 1 GILMORE, 2 Sumo Star, 3 Provencal, 4 Alegna.
Race 2 – 1.25pm: SARA RYAN RACING MAIDEN (1350m): 1 TWILIGHT ROCK, 2 Fiancetto, 3 Gulf Of Panama, 4 Star Legacy.
Race 3 – 2.05pm: ALLAN KEHOE RACING PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1350m): 1 BEETSON, 2 Single Shot, 3 Yamba’s Award, 4 United Front.
Race 4 – 2.40pm: TRACEY BARTLEY RACING MAIDEN (2100m): 1 AUNT ROBERTA, 2 Rapid Impact, 3 Iberian Ruler, 4 The Golden Rule.
Race 5 – 3.20pm: DAMIEN LANE RACING CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 QUEENMAKER, 2 XTRAREVZ, 3 BY NINE, 4 AUSSIE LINDBERGH.
Race 6 – 3.55pm: KRISTEN BUCHANAN OWNERS LOUNGE CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 FLYING DESTINY, 2 Warby, 3 Jovita, 4 King Adviso.
Race 7 – 4.35pm: KIM WAUGH RACING MIDWAY BM68 (1350m): 1 WRATHFUL, 2 Surfers Royale, 3 The Empire, 4 Starstruck Barbie.
Race 8 – 5.10pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING – THURSDAY APRIL 20 BM64 (1100m): 1 ONCE AGAIN MY GIRL, 2 Cappelletti, 3 Passistas, 4 Time For Victory.
Tracey Bartley is the first to admit he’s a very lucky man.
The Wyong-based trainer is recovering at home after spending the past two weeks in hospital being treated for serious injuries he sustained after being kicked by a horse.
Bartley received life threatening internal injuries and underwent five procedures during his time at Royal North Shore Hospital to control bleeding to his spleen, liver and kidneys.
He was in intensive care for the majority of his stay in hospital and while he expects to make a full recovery, he knows it’s a long road ahead.
“I’m just very weak and I have to take it slow and steady,” he said. “I’m lucky because they were able to save all my organs and in time I will be back to normal.
“For now, I’m watching from the sidelines which is very frustrating when you’re used to being on the go all the time. I walked down the back to feed one yesterday and I was exhausted, so I know I’ve got to take my time.”
Bartley was rugging horses in a paddock behind his home on March 19 when he was kicked by his mare Compassionate.
“She didn’t mean to kick me. There was a horse in between us and it moved so she got me,” he said.
“I saw a bright light and went down. I must have fainted and when I came too I was able to get myself from the yard to the lawn.
“The pain was incredible and then I had to crawl towards the house to try and call out.
Bartley’s wife Tracy heard moaning and found him badly injured on the lawn, his effort to get to the house likely to have saved his life.
“I crawled around 100 metres, but I knew I had to get help. If there had been no-one home, I don’t know what would havehappened.
“It was mayhem when I got to hospital. I was bleeding internally but they got the job done down there. It’s amazing what they can do and what the body can do.
“I’m not in too much pain now and it’s just a matter of resting and getting my energy back.”
Bartley is hoping a win by his mare Sebrenco in Saturday’s Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championship Final will be a great tonic.
“She loves the wet and is a true miler. It will be like a 1600m race if the track is heavy and that will really suit her.”
Bartley won’t be trackside at Randwick, leaving the training duties to Tracy, but has booked a hotel in Sydney for hopefully a quite celebration.
The family will then have a holiday in Fiji.
“I think in a fortnight or so I should be back at the track. Not doing anything physical but just sitting watching the horseswork. Our staff have been really good but there’s nothing like having your eyes on them.
“People have been very supportive since the accident. Racing is a great industry and I’ve been around a long time. You really realise how good it is when something like this happens.”
FOUR times winner Kris Lees has been a slow starter in this year’s Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championship, failing to qualify a runner in the first four heats for the $500,000 Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 8 on Day 2 of The Championships. Now he has two representatives – and a great chance to make it three Final victories in a row after import Acquitted trounced his rivals in today’s 1350m Qualifier to join stablemate Cloudland, who ran second at Kembla Grange a week ago. A dashing ride by Koby Jennings, who was permitted by RacingNSW stewards to declare 0.5kg overweight and landed his third winner of the day, saw Acquitted circle the field and beat Hawkesbury pair Cross TheRubicon and Soloist. Whilst Lees has two finalists (with the 1400m Wildcard at Newcastle on Thursday being the last chance for trainers to qualify their horses), leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup has three, courtesy of Cross The Rubicon, who joined stablemates Phearson (Hawkesbury Qualifier winner) and last week’s Kembla Grange 1400m record breaker Short Shorts in another Qualifier. Acquitted’scomprehensive victory didn’t go unnoticed by market framers at TAB.com.au, who reacted by shortening his quote for The Final to $6 third favorite, not far behind other heat winners Kayobi ($4) and Short Shorts ($4.50). Jockey Aaron Bullock was replaced on four rides as he was overweight, and RacingNSW stewards intend to interview him on a date to be fixed.Overnight rain resulted in a substantial downgrade to a “Heavy 10” for the beginning of the meeting, but was upgraded to a “Heavy 9” immediately after that race was run, and remained there for the rest of the program.
RUSSIAN ROSE
Race 1 – LAKES PODIATRY 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):HARDLY the best start for punters when heavily-backed favourite Russian Rose ($2.40 to $1.90) couldn’t even manage a placing in a field of six. She settled outside the leader and eventual winner DE POET ($3.90), but didn’t appear comfortable handling the home turn and was unable to finish the race off, being edged out on the line by third placegetter Bantarki ($12). Warwick Farm trainer Jason Coyle had set his lightly-raced gelding DE POET for a first-up tilt, having won both his trials (804m and 974m) on his home track earlier this month. A $50,000 Inglis Classic yearling sale buy in 2021, he was having only his third start and first since November. Jockey Koby Jennings had him away smartly to lead, and he never really looked in danger in the straight, although Beauty Bound ($6) on debut was doing good work at the end and got close after beginning awkwardly. A Sebring filly, she had trialled three times in preparation for her first appearance in a race, and is definitely going to be better suited as she gets over more ground.
JUSTINA
Race 2 – REWARD HOMES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 HCP (1350m):LEADING Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup claimed his 46thwinner of the season – but not with the horse most punters had hoped. Widdup put winkers on both his representatives, and jockey Koby Jennings made it victories in the opening two races when FUN SUNDAY ($4) overpowered stablemate Justina ($2.15 favorite) in the closing stages to post her second career success (along with six placings) at her 13thstart. Even though she finished ahead of her stablemate in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) at Newcastle on March 9, Justina was clearly the best backed of the pair. Locally-trained Uncaged ($3.20) was also well in commission at his first start for Kristen Buchanan, and got his own way in front with a comfortable lead. Stewards advised Buchanan that a warning would be placed on Uncaged re his racing manners after he blundered on jumping and hung out rounding the home turn and in the straight and proved difficult to test. Justina’s rider Alysha Collett, concerned Uncaged was getting it too easy, began to improve her position from the 600m, and looked the winner when she took over in the straight. However, FUN SUNDAY had the drop on her and was strongest to the line.
DOMINGO
Race 3 – LIFEFUL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):The well-named DOMINGO (out of a mare called Falsetto) made short work of his rivals here and looks to have a future as a stayer. Bookmakers took risks and bet as much as $1.90 before he firmed to start a dominant $1.50 hotpot – and his backers never had a moment’s worry. Jockey Alysha Collett gave him the run of the race in third place behind Balinor and Strobing before making her move at the 600m, and he was dominant over the last 200m. A $115,000 Ready To Run purchase in New Zealand in 2021, DOMINGO has been taken along steadily by trainer John O’Shea, who ran him only once as a two-year-old, and he is really hitting his straps now, with a trip to Melbourne firmly on the cards. DOMINGO broke through in a 2000m Class 1/Maiden Plate at Canberra on March 12, and handled the heavy ground here without any problems. Rank outsider Flatout Elle ($51) and Australian Citizen ($19) filled the minor placings, but were never likely to catch the winner, who scored by a widening four plus lengths. Whilst the form might look questionable considering the runner-up has won only one race – and that was at $151 in a 1600m Maiden at Gosford in June, 2020 as a three-year-old – from 19 starts, DOMINGO continues to improve and does look capable of going on to better things.
WAVERLEY
Race 4 – PETER MAC’S SERVICE CENTRE MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):FULL marks to jockey Keagan Latham, who ran third in the second race at Rosehill Gardens at 12.45pm on Waverley ($8.50), then changed and headed straight to Wyong for the 3.05pm event. The drive to the Central Coast was worth it as he was successful on favorite VEGAS OUTLAW ($3.50) for trainer Sara Ryan, who struck a blow for the locals in scoring with the six-year-old gelding for Domeland Pty Ltd. The Casino Prince six-year-old was a $20,000 yearling buy for his original trainer Jarrod Austin, but did not race for him after trialling on four occasions. He has been with Ryan for all nine starts, and doesn’t lack heart. He looked in trouble when headed by third placegetter Meerut ($8.50) after straightening, but fought back strongly to regain the lead and then held off Kim Waugh’s Riley Park ($4.40), making it a quinella for local trainers. VEGAS OUTLAW was having his fifth start this campaign and followed up on a previous second placing, though beaten easily, in a 1400m Maiden Plate at Kembla Grange on March 10 when he raced as though the extra 200m would suit.
TOWNSEND
Race 5 – THE ARY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE (1200m):WITH dual Group 1 winning parents Dundeel and Secret Admirer, it was no surprise blueblood TOWNSEND ($5) made a successful debut for co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Ridden by Winona Costin, who continued her formidable association with the stable at the provincials, the colt was always handy and, after having to alter course to gain clear running, burst through on the inside of favorite Snippety Star ($2.80) to grab the lead not far from the post. He beat the Godolphin stablemates Vividness ($5), who was also having her first start, and Abstruse ($7). TOWNSEND fetched $360,000 at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale, and being by Dundeel, looks certain to continue to improve as his distances are increased. He had been given two recent trials; the latest when runner-up to The King, who also made his debut last Wednesday on the Kensington track and was a strong finishing second. Snippety Star made the running and appeared to travel comfortably enough before being collared in the closing stages and was beaten less than a length in finishing fourth.
DUBAI FLYER
Race 6 – NATIONAL AIR PARTS MAIDEN HCP (1350m):THE outsider winning a four-horse race! How often does it happen? Newcastle trainer Mark Minervini’s decision to book apprentice Georgina McDonnell proved telling as her 3kg claim meant DUBAI FLYER ($7) carried 2.5kg to 4kg less than his three rivals. A $50,000 yearling buy for Minervini Racing, DUBAI FLYER is out of an unraced mare by renowned wet track sire Snitzel. He raced outside the leader and favorite Just An Upstart ($1.90), and looked gone when he became unbalanced on the home turn and looked likely to run last of the quartet. However, he balanced up in the straight and, courtesy of his weight advantage, gathered in his opposition to defeat Theoneandonly ($4.60) and Just An Upstart. DUBAI FLYER was having only his second start and, though beaten clearly on debut in a 1280m Maiden at Muswellbrook on March 10, did make some ground when last of 14 runners at the 800m.
ACQUITTED
Race 7 – POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL-MIDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER (1350m):KOBY Jennings not only clinched a treble, but deservedly earned ride of the day plaudits. He didn’t wait for someone else to make a move and, when trapped wide on ACQUITTED ($3.10) in the second half of the field, took off nearing the 600m and circled the field. Kris Lees’ import again showed his liking for heavy ground, having won his first Australian race last May on a “Heavy 8”, and went right on with the job, pulling away in the last 200m to score by two and a half lengths from Hawkesbury pair, Brad Widdup’s Cross The Rubicon ($21), who just nudged out Claire Lever’s Soloist ($61). Lees was adamant beforehand that Acquittedhad taken improvement from his first-up fourth to True Crime in the Newcastle Qualifier (1400m) on March 9, and the overnight rain put the icing on the cake. Cross The Rubicon’s performance in defeat was full of merit. She began awkwardly and contacted the off side barrier partition, then shifted in abruptly and lost a couple of lengths as a result. She came from last and tried hard to match the winner, whilst Soloist ran his best race this campaign. Kim Waugh’s solidly backed favorite Conrad ($2.90) raced up on the speed, but faded to finish eighth. His jockey Keagan Latham afterwards told stewards he felt Conrad didn’t handle the heavy ground even though he had some prior wet track form. The gelding displayed a poor post-race recovery. Fielding (ninth at $10) pulled up 1/5 lame in the near foreleg.
Race 8 – TWIN LAKES AIR & SOLAR CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP (1200m):NEWCASTLE trainer Nathan Doyle celebrated a quick two-State double when PAD THAI ($8.50) finished best for his second win from his last three starts. Doyle less than a quarter of an hour earlier had seen his promising four-year-old Kipsbay extend his picket fence to four when he bolted in at Eagle Farm. PAD THAI settled in last place in the field of seven, but rider Lee Magorrian got a split on him between runners when it mattered and came from nowhere to defeat Mr Polar ($19), who looked like causing an upset when he took the lead on straightening and was run down only in the closing stages. Akaka Falls ($10) was the widest runner in the straight and kept up a strong gallop to finish a close third. Favorite Ningaloo Star ($2.90) harmed her chances by being slowly away after being fractious in the barrier. In the circumstances she wasn’t disgraced in finishing fourth and may be worth another chance. Second favorite Our Lady Stardust ($3.10) also was slowly away and finished last of seven runners. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.
Kristen Buchanan’s talented mare Oakfield Arrow handed her one of her biggest career wins when she took out last year’s $500,000 Four Pillars at Rosehill.
On Saturday she makes her long anticipated return in the Polytrack Provincial-Midway Qualifier on her home track in her quest to add another lucrative race to her resume.
And Buchanan only has one chance to get it right, with Oakfield Arrow ineligible for the Wildcard at Newcastle the following Thursday.
“We’ve had to have her spot on for Saturday and I think she is. This race was our plan all along and she likes Wyong,” she said.
The five-year-old went straight to the paddock following her impressive Four Pillars victory on October 29 and has trialled twice leading into the race.
Buchanan has her primed for a first up win and believes she is the type of horse who can take out the series.
“You need a very flexible horse to be successful in this series and she is definitely that,” Buchanan said. “There is intensity in these races that goes beyond group racing because everyone is just so desperate to get into the final it changes how the races are run.
“You have to have a horse who ideally can go on any surface and cope with different patterns of racing. This mare is beautifully mannered and that’s what won her the Four Pillars. She drew a terrible gate, but you can ask her to go forward and settle and then go again. She’s manoeuvrable, can lead, sit back, run on, it just depends on what unfolds.”
With 20 previous starts, Buchanan has had to go first up into the Wyong Qualifier with Oakfield Arrow the meet eligibility but has no qualms about her fitness.
“She’s ticked all the boxes with a couple of good trials and has done plenty of work. The race has worked in really well with her programming and we’d be silly not to give it a shot with the prizemoney on offer. She’ll have to win or finish second to progress because she will have had too many runs to get a second chance in the Wild Card.
“She certainly hasn’t gone backwards since her Four Pillars win and I will be targeting some black type fillies and mares races for her this campaign.”
Oakfield Arrow was a $170,000 Magic Millions yearling purchased by prolific owner/breeder Bruce McKenzie. She has had five wins and five placings from her 20 starts to date, for almost $500,000 in prizemoney.
A previous 1350m winner at Wyong, the mare will be ridden by Aaron Bullock on Saturday, who will have to overcome barrier 12.
Fellow Wyong trainers Kim Waugh, Damien Lane and Tracey Bartley all saddle up runners in the race, with all three having already qualified runners for the final.
The feature race will be run at 5.05pm, with the first of eight at 1.05pm.
Ashley Morgan took out the riding honours with a double, but it was Brenton Avdulla who stole the show with a memorable ride on Speak Up in the 1300m Maiden.
In a busy day for stewards, there were two protests, both dismissed, while the judge couldn’t split Pharoah’s Reign and Capital Asset in the 1350m BM68, declaring a dead heat.
Kristen Buchanan trained a winner for the locals, with Street Candi continuing her great home track form with another win. Catch up on all the highlights here.
Race 1 – INSURANCE HOUSE CLASS 1 (1600m):
STREET CANDI
A popular home track win in the first, with the Kristen Buchanan trained Street Candi ($6.50) upsetting the more favoured runners to post an impressive victory. The Pride Of Dubai mare has now won both her two starts on the Wyong track, having posted a string of placings before her maiden win over the 1600m on January 23.
She was coming off a fifth at Newcastle on February 4 where she was beaten just over a length.
Buchanan described the four-year-old as “super genuine.”
“She tries very, very hard but can work against you if try to restrain her too much. It was an outstanding ride by Ash (Morgan) today,” she said.
“He rode her a treat last start and has figured her out. I thought she might be way too hot today, but she’s matured and grown up a lot.”
There were few excuses for the beaten brigade, with the $2.10 favourite, John O’Shea’s Condrieulaying out on the turn and dropping out in the straight to finish fifth. Jockey Reece Jones telling stewards she was disappointing in her failure to finish off the race.
Runner up, Silvakia ($6.50) from the Newnham yard, fought on well, while Maralago ($4.20) trained by Anthony Cummings was third.
Race 2 – AMTOTE CG&E MAIDEN (1100m):
RESTRICTIONS
Adam Duggan was full of praise for his Written Tycoon gelding Restrictions after the five-year-old made short work of his opponents in his first Australian start.
The former Hong Kong galloper caught the eye of Duggan when he first spotted him in the paddock, and he is confident he will live up to his expectations.
“It’s a relief to get the win,” Duggan said. “I put my cash forward to get him. He showed a lot of promise and got the job done today.”
Dylan Gibbons rated Restrictions perfectly in front and was able to hold out the late challengers to win by a length.
Duggan believes he can improve more ridden quieter.
“He shows a lot of speed, but I still don’t think that’s the way to ride him. I think he’ll be even better with a sit. I thought the second horse had him cold at the furlong, but he had good upside and was strong late. I really think he’s got a good future.”
Restrictions earned strong support to start $4.60. It had been 12 months between his last Hong Kong run, with a trial at Gosford on January 24.
The Neasham trained Chartwell ($4) was second, with Grand Crusader ($2.10fav) third and appearing to have every chance.
Race 3 – MECHPRO SOLUTIONS AU F&M MAIDEN (1100m):
ZARINYA
John Thompson’s filly Zarinya ($11) broke through for her first win, but it could have been a different story if the short priced favourite Eagle Nest had got a run in the straight.
Chad Schofield, aboard the $2 favourite, found himself behind a wall of horses on straightening and when he did find clear running, the Ryan/Alexiou filly looked flat footed for a stride or two before speeding home to finish a close second.
All credit to the winner Zarinya who was angled off the rails in the straight and ridden hard to the line by Brock Ryan.
Anne-Maree Mulligan, representing the Thompson stable, said they had changed the filly’s gear leading into the race, which seemed to make the difference.
“We put blinkers on today and they really helped. Brock put in a good ride too. We’ve tinkered with her gear a little bit and, it’s worked. She will get plenty of confidence out of that.”
A $50,000 yearling, Zarinya was having her fifth career start. Peter Robl’s Sky Artist ($7.50) was third, with Eagle Nest the one to follow.
Race 4 – LINCOLN ELECTRIC MAIDEN (1300m):
SPEAK UP
The superlatives were flowing freely for Brenton Avdulla who lived up to his nickname with a gun ride on the O’Shea trained filly Speak Up.
Avdulla was able to cross to the fence from barrier eight and pinch ground along the rails, trailing Tim Clark on the Cummings trained Moonflower ($6.50).
He waited patiently when held up in the straight before weaving a passage through to snatch victory on the line.
Tom Charlton from the O’Shea stable was complimentary of the ride.
“He’s seeing them well at the moment Brenton. He’s a good man and he’s always ridden well for John, all class.”
Charlton said Speak Up, a $220,000 Magic Millions yearling raced in partnership by Frank and Christine Cook, had been a work in progress but would take plenty of confidence from the win.
Moonflower was the runner-up and not far off a win, with the Nathan Doyle trained Ambassadors ($9) finishing off strongly in third.
Race 5 – SITE INNOVATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m):
OWARI
It was an easy watch for favourite backers with the result never in doubt for the well supported Owari($1.45) trained by Brad Widdup.
Brett Prebble partnered the Astern three-year-old, in his only ride for the day, and was able to dictate terms up front.
He had pressure from Ashley Morgan on the Doyle trained Higher Hand ($7.50) mid-race but was able to find another gear and speed away in the straight to win by more than two lengths.
“He won as his price suggested and was too good for them,” stable representative Andre Rabbett said. “Brett rode him with confidence knowing he was likely the best horse in the race. The horse is still really learning and there is plenty of improvement to come.”
Prebble agreed saying Owari would keep ‘getting bigger and stronger and would run for days.’
Kim Waugh’s Piccadilly Lass ($15) isn’t far off breaking through finishing second, with High Hand third.
Race 6 – KINCROME BM64 HANDICAP (1000m):
MISS VIOLET
Speedy Flying Artie mare Miss Violet ($3.90fav) made the step up to Provincial class in a sentimental victory for her owners.
The four-year-old, who made it three wins from eight starts, is part-owned by Gary Johnson.
Trainer Mark Minervini said Johnson named the mare after his granddaughter Violet.
“It’s her birthday today so it was meant to be,” he said. “I wasn’t totally convinced she was up to Provincial class just yet but when we saw the field and the barrier, I thought she’d be right in it.
“They took her on early, it was pretty willing, but she was tough to the line. Ashley (Morgan) suggested we put the blinkers on her, and I think she found another length or two. I’m proud of her today.”
The win brought up a double for Morgan, who had to ride hard to the line to hold out the fast-finishing Amazing Nicci ($17) from the Portelli yard.
Mark Newnham’s Crystalane ($4.60) was a close third, with less than half a length separating the three.
Winning connections had a few anxious moments after Alysha Collett fired in a protest against the winner alleging interference approaching the 100m, which was dismissed with the both riders told to exercise more care when shifting ground.
Race 7 – 4.50pm: MACK CONDITIONAL BM68 (1350m):
PHAROAH’S REIGN & CAPITAL ASSET
The judge couldn’t split Pharoah’s Reign ($10) or Capital Asset ($5.50) who hit the line together in a dead heat, with the Freedman and Snowden father and son partnerships sharing the spoils.
Richard and Will Freedman’s American Pharoah mare Pharoah’s Reign brought up her fourth career win, ridden by Rachel King, while Snowden’s three-year-old gelding Capital Asset scored his second win at start eight, with Regan Bayliss in the saddle.
In the second protest of the afternoon, Bayliss claimed interference in the last 50m by King but following a lengthy deliberation stewards dismissed the protest.
Soloist ($26) trained by Clare Lever was third, beaten less than a long neck.
Race 8 – INFRABUILD MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m):
GALACTIC ANGLE
Another Wyong specialist greeted the judge with Galactic Angel ($11) bringing up her second win on the track.
The Zoustar mare, a $360,000 Inglis yearling trained by Anthony Cummings, was given a great front running ride by in-form apprentice Tyler Schiller.
She brought up her first career win at Wyong in December last year and was then placed third there prior to her latest victory.
“She does seem to like it here,” Brock Walker, representing the stable said.
“She’s been going good this preparation. Tyler rated her very well today, got her to switch off and she got home very nicely.”
The locally trained Skye Banner ($10) from the Partelle yard put in a strong performance to finish second after jumping awkwardly, while Peter Robl had to settle for another third with his $2.90 favourite Hasten Delight.
Brock Walker GA – won here 3 starts back. Sagy outside lead and put away nicely, Same tactics today, jumpu and do the same today.
Sara Ryan admits she is sick of running third and is confident her runners at Tuesday’s Wyong meeting can buck the trend and see her back in the winner’s stall.
Ryan, 28, is in her first full season as a trainer and to date has posted four wins and nine placings from her 51 runners.
The experienced horsewoman took over as Domeland’s head trainer in June last year and has been on somewhat of a learning curve since.
“It’s taken a while to get all the systems in place, but everything is running really smoothly now,” she said. “The horses are racing well and I’m confident the results will come. It all takes time but we are ticking over nicely now.”
Ryan trains a team of 31 horses from Domeland’s Central Coast base, including Group 3 winner Parry Sound, who lined up in yesterday’s Listed Parramatta Cup at Rosehill.
She saddles up two runners at Tuesday’s home track meeting and is pinning her hopes on her own horse Vegas Outlaw.
“I’m sick of running third, that’s for sure,” Ryan laughed. “It would be so good if I could get a win and I am pretty confident.”
Four of Ryan’s past eight runners have finished third including Chief Conductor at Gosford on Saturday. The well-bred son of I Am Invincible, who was a dual acceptor a Gosford and Wyong, finished third when Ryan opted to start him there.
She now has her hopes pinned on her own horse, six-year-old gelding Vegas Outlaw, and is confident he can put his best foot forward in the 1600m Provincial Maiden.
She paid just $400 for the lightly raced son of Casino Prince and said the six-year-old is “a work in progress.”
“I suppose you would describe him as a pet project for me. I brought him so I could get my trainers licence initially and it’s taken a long time for the penny to drop. He definitely has ability and has been racing well.
“He ran a nice race at Port last start finishing third over 1506m, but they ran very fast up front and he didn’t get a chance to get his momentum going. We will press forward with him on Tuesday and let him be comfortable and I expect a much better performance. It will be exciting if he can break his maiden.”
Vegas Outlaw has had six starts to date and was placed third at Wyong over 1600m in his first preparation. He will be ridden by apprentice Madeline Owen, who has partnered him in his last two starts.
Ryan other runner is $120,000 Magic Millions yearling Iconic Icon, who debuts in the 1100m CG&E Maiden.
Ryan said the Extreme Choice colt is a “work in progress” but believes he is also an exciting prospect.
“His trials haven’t been good on paper, but we’ll ride him quite on Tuesday and give him a chance to find his feet.
“He’s shown us a lot more at home than what he does in the trials. If he gets his head right, he could be a very handy horse.”
The first of eight races on our BJ Howes Race Day gets underway at 1.15pm.
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 1.15pm: INSURANCE HOUSE CLASS 1 (1600m): 1SILVAKIA, 2 Condrieu, 3 Street Candi, 4 Maralago.
Race 2 – 1.50pm: AMTOTE CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 1 GRAND CRUSADER, 2 Cool Jakey, 3 Free Enterprise, 4 Mission Ridge.
Race 3 – 2.25pm: MECHPRO SOLUTIONS AU F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 1 DAYTONA GAL, 2 Royal Empress, 3 Choose Your Words, 4 Sacred Girl.
Race 4 – 3.05pm: LINCOLN ELECTRIC MAIDEN (1300m): 1 AMBASSADORS, 2Mindspace, 3 Regal Inheritance.
Race 5 – 3.40pm: SITE INNOVATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m): 1 OWARI, 2 Higher Hand, 3 Steam Clock, 4 Vegas Outlaw.
Wet weather may have impacted the crowd but certainly didn’t affect the racing, with several impressive performances across the seven races and a clean sweep for Chad Schofield, winning on both his mounts.
Kris Lees looks to have a handy prospect in Russian Revolution three-year-old Brudenell, who brought up his third win from just five starts in the 1000m BM64.
Earl Of Devon could live up to his $230,000 price tag, the New Zealand bred three-year-old staying prospect breaking through at just his second start for trainer John Thompson.
The Mark Newnham trained Lim’s Sydney could be one to follow with a dominant win in the 1100 Maiden, while training duo Tara and Phillipe Vigouroux were celebrating in the last with Izfallihngdown greeting the judge at $26.
The track held up well after being downgraded to a heavy 8 before the first race.
POLE POSITION
Race 1 – BOOK YOUR NET FUNCTION AT WYONG RACE CLUB CLASS 1(1100m)
An upset in the first with the Joe Pride trained Pole Position ($8) too strong in the final stages over the 1100m.
The Astern gelding was in a battle down the straight with the Kim Waugh’s Oxford Vision ($11) and got the bob on the line to score by a head.
The first and second placegetters kicked clear in the straight and Brad Widdup’s short priced favourite Justina looked like being well beaten.
She hit a flat spot-on straightening before storming home late to finish third and looks like the one to follow. The Snitzel filly was sent out $2.05 favourite after late support, with the Lees trained second favourite Zanzibar Gem ($2.60) appearing to have no excuses. Aaron Bullock later relayed to stewards, the mare failed to handle the heavy track.
There were plenty of excited owners on course to cheer home the winner, a $50k Magic Millions buy, raced by Triple Crown and ridden by Chad Schofield
“It was a good debut run for him,” Pride said. “It looked a suitable assignment first up, it’s a good start to his preparation and there is good improvement to come.”
The Lees trained Brudenell showed his class to overcome a wide run and bring up his third win from just five starts.
The son of Russian Revolution was sent out $2.70 favourite on the strength of his dominant win over the same distance at Tamworth last start.
Stable representative Danny Greer said the three-year-old was showing plenty of promise.
“We expect him to progress nicely through his grades,” he said. “He had no favours today, posted wide without cover, but Aaron (Bullock) got him moving at the right time and it was a solid win in the end.”
The Ben Smith trained Belieber ($3.60), who was the recipient of late support, battled on gamely to finish second, with the Perry trained Aspen Chase ($7) third.
EARL OF DEVON
Race 3 – ABCOE CENTRAL COAST MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m)
John Thompson looks to have a handy stayer on his hands, with Earl Of Devon ($8) scoring a nice first up win over the 1350m.
The New Zealand bred three-year-old by Tavistock, a $230,000 Karaka yearling, was resuming from a spell having been unplaced at his only start.
Coming off just one trial, he earnt support with the punters, opening at $13 and starting at $8.
Despite being caught wide, Keagan Latham gave the gelding a good ride just off the speed and just when the $2.20 favourite Shigeru looked like he was going to break through for a win, Earl Of Devon was able to run him down on the line to win by a long neck.
Rod Craig, representing the stable, said they had expected a good run first up.
“We wanted him to be more on the pace today and he was ridden beautifully,” he said. “I was a bit worried coming to the turn that he was pushing him along, but he levelled out nice. He’s a nice horse and it was a good win today.”
Lord Bob, ($5.60) trained locally by Allan Kehoe, was third.
LIM’S ENERGY
Race 4 – BIDFOOD MAIDEN (1100m)
Lim’s Energy ($1.50) won like a short-priced favourite should, putting more than three lengths on his opposition.
The Smart Missile three-year-old was having just his second career start, after finishing second on debut at Nowra on January 8.
Trainer Mark Newnham, had him over the same distance at Wyong and he was again partnered by apprentice Tyler Schiller, who gave the gelding a gun ride, despite copping interference at the 600m.
He settled him one out, one back in the small field, before taking him to the front on straightening where he sped away for a dominant win.
Schiller had been confident Lim’s Energy could break his maiden.
“He was very good at his first start but was a bit wayward when he hit the front. I thought he would show a good turn of foot late and he did.”
The Matthew Smith trained Fiancetto ($7) was second and will be improved by the run, while Choix De La Mer ($4.20) from the Snowden stable, was third.
MORE SAINTLY
Race 5 – GIBBOS PIES MAIDEN (1600m)
John O’Shea’s New Zealand bred More Saintly ($5.50) showed a super turn of foot to present Chad Schofield with a winning double.
The Reliable Man three-year-old was stepping out for the third time, his second start over the 1600m.
He looks certain to excel over more ground after showing a great turn of foot to overhaul the leader and race favourite Bridget Wenlock ($4.20) in the final stages.
The Neasham runner looked to have the race won after shooting away in the straight, before More Saintly emerged from the pack and gave chase, overhauling the favourite on the line to win by half a length.
The Waller trained Stella Simone ($5.50) could be one to follow, finishing strongly in third.
REAL PEACE
Race 6 – COAST & COUNTRY MEATS WYONG BM64(1600m)
The addition of blinkers and a trouble-free run set the tone for Real Peace to bring up his fifth career win after being sent out $3.30 favourite.
The Clarry Connors trained five-year-old, a $30,000 Magic Millions yearling, has returned nearly $300,000 for his owners, many who were trackside to celebrate his latest victory.
Tom Sherry was able to put the gelding in a good position despite the wide barrier, and when he gave him his head in the straight, he pulled away to win by three lengths.
“He’s a horse that tends to find trouble and Tom took all the bad luck out of the equation today and sat outside the leader,” Marc Connors said. “He didn’t get in trouble and got the job done. He relaxed really well and when Tom asked, he gave plenty. The blinkers helped today as well.”
Mark Cross’s Sian’s ($5) put in another honest performance to finish second, with the Widdup trained Ausbred Bluebird ($8) third and looking for more ground.
ITZFALLINGDOWN
Race 7 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING BJ HOWES METALAND RACE DAY FEBRUARY 21 BM64 (2100m)
A rough result in the staying race with an outsider Izfallingdown upsetting her more fancied rivals to return $26.
Trained at Hawkesbury by Tara and Philippe Vigouroux, the six-year-old mare was having her first start over the 2100m and appreciated the extra ground, with a tough win.
The Vigouroux’s have taken their time with Izfallingdown, a daughter of American sire London Bridge, who they race with Tara’s father former Hawkesbury Race Club chairman Ken Quigley.
She was coming off a third at Canberra over 1600m on January 11.
Taylor settled Izfallingdown midfield before circling the field on the turn and hitting the front on straightening. She toughed it out in the straight and was able to stave off the placegetters, the Doyle trained Brave Angel ($5.50) and Endorphins ($3.90) from the Lees stable, with both having every chance. It was Brave Angel’s last race, with the mare in foal.
Tom Sherry reported to stewards Allan Kehoe’s $3.90 favourite Dragon Dream, had faield to back up after racing a Canterbury on Friday night.
Allan Kehoe is confident his locally trained duo Dragon Dream and Lord Bob can both figure in the finish in their respective races at Sunday’s Wyong Family Fun Day meeting.
Kehoe is enjoying a good season, having trained six winners to date, just two short of his total in 2021/22, with an impressive place ratio of 42 percent.
His latest win came on Monday when promising three-year-old Bring The Rabble, brought up his third successive win from just four starts.
Following a period of self doubt 18 months go having moved back to Wyong from Port Macquarie, Kehoe has now rebuilt his team and is reaping the rewards.
“It got the point not long after we moved back that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to train anymore,” he said. “My head wasn’t in the game and I got rid of all the horses bar about four. I went to work for Tim Boland breaking in horses and just raced a couple but after four months I decided to give it another go.”
Kehoe now has around 40 horses on his books, 18 in work and rotates them between his boxes at Wyong and his property, just five minutes from the track.
He has new clients on his books and is excited about the prospects of several of his younger brigade.
“It took me a while to get it right, swapping them out between the track and the farm. Some thrive at the farm and others just come out for a few days after they have raced.
“It seems to be working. As well as the six winners we’ve had 21 placings, so things are ticking over nicely.”
Lord Bob is one of the team who has responded well to the farm and Kehoe believes he is a strong chance in Sunday’s 1350m Midway Maiden.
The Office Bearer four-year-old has had just two starts, having proved a handful for his previous trainer and part-owner Nicole Hudson.
“He was more interested in bucking than racing and Nicole gave him to me to try and straighten out. It was a challenge but he’s changed his ways and is in a good space now. I think this is a winnable race for him.
“He’s been at the farm since his last start in Port and has grown a leg. I’ve put the winkers on and his work has been great. He’s never looked better and I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t figure in the finish.
“The extra distance will also suit. I’ll give him a few weeks off after this and I think he’s the type of horse who can come back and win two or three in a row.”
Kehoe’s stable stalwart Dragon Dream is a likely starter in the 2100m BM64, weather dependant, and he gives the five-year-old a strong chance.
“I really think he’s ready to win. He didn’t tough it out over the 1900m at Canterbury on New Years Day, but he’s been working well since.
“He’s drawn well and I think Mitch Bell will really suit him. I am toying with starting him at Canterbury Friday night because he likes to get his toe into the ground. Hopefully they can both run at their best if he starts at Wyong and finish top three.”
The first of seven races gets underway at 1pm, with the track currently rate a good 4 and the rail in the true position.
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 1pm: BOOK YOUR NET FUNCTION AT WYONG RACE CLUB CLASS 1 (1100m): 1 CHIPPER, 2 Zanzibar Gem, 3 Oxford Vision, 4 Justina.
Owner Bernie Young, who will be 85 years of age next month and got involved with the game only five years ago, celebrated his first winner with a young horse he purchased online for only $5000.
Four-year-old gelding Putt For Dough, having only his third start after beginning his career at Tamworth last year and his second for Hawkesbury trainer Mick Attard, sank his rivals in the Save The Date – Northlakes Toukley Rotary Race Day Saturday March 25 Provincial Maiden Handicap (1200m).
With Winona Costin, who rode the last two winners at the previous Wyong meeting, aboard, Putt For Dough looked hard to beat on the back of an excellent first-up fourth at Warwick Farm earlier in the month.
But another Hawkesbury representative, Terry Croft’s I’m A Shaker, went to the post as a heavily backed favorite. He was never in the hunt and finished fifth.
“I’ve had four trainers and this is my first winner,” a delighted Young said afterwards.
“I rarely look at a horse’s breeding, but I did with this horse and he had a good pedigree with both his sire and dam having won races.
“My system is to measure horses, and I suppose I’ve done that with about 15,000 of them.
“When I saw Putt For Dough, I said to myself: ‘What an animal as he was up there with Winx’s measurements and I thought I might have half a show of winning a race with him’.
“But I didn’t like his original name Vermeulen and changed it as I remember a golfer telling me many years back that he slogs for show, and putts for dough, and I liked that.”
Young secured Putt For Dough online last October not long after he had finished sixth at Tamworth in a 1000m Maiden when on debut.
It wasn’t a bountiful day for favorite punters with only one successful on the seven-race program.
There were plunges on a number of runners which went astray, and Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Journalism was the only bright light, notching his third win from as many starts as a first-up proposition.
The rail was 3m out for the entire circuit, and a “Good 4” rating was maintained all day in spite of the very warm conditions.
RACE 1: GREAT NORTHERN 4YO & UP MAIDEN(1600m):
THE locals kicked the day off with a winner, and a quinella to boot. Trainer Kristen Buchanan didn’t want STREET CANDI ($2.80) bailed away inside, and jockey Ashley Morgan lived up to his part with an aggressive ride, ensuring the mare saw plenty of daylight. He had her up on the speed with OFFANEASY (4th), and took the front on straightening to break through at her 12th start after six minor placings.
“STREET CANDI has been a bit unlucky through different circumstances at her last few starts, and Ash gave her a lovely ride,” Buchanan said. “The mare has a real desire to win, and it’s great to get a break through for lovely owners.”
Rod Bailey’s AUSSIE LINDBERGH ($26) ran home strongly along the inside to clinch the Wyong quinella, and you had to feel sorry for the backers of well-supported favorite MARALAGO ($2.60), who got strung up inside runners before the home turn as the leaders got away. He got into the clear on straightening and made up many lengths to finish third – but the bird had flown! Definitely ready to break his maiden status. Racing NSW stewards questioned jockey James Innes Jnr, who said he had intended to settle in a more prominent position, but the gelding did not show sufficient speed. OFFANEASY’S rider Lee Magorrian was suspended on a careless riding charge from January 24 until January 27.
RACE 2: SAVE THE DATE – NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY RACE DAY SAT MARCH 25 PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1200m):
HAWKESBURY trainers had four of the seven starters, so it was no surprise one of them collected the cash. But the majority of punters went the wrong way, plunging on unplaced I’M A SHAKER (5th), who was heavily backed to start a dominant $2.40 favorite. He was never travelling like a winner and was under pressure before the home turn. Apprentice Tyler Schiller told stewards I’m A SHAKER laid in for the majority of the race. Not so with the lightly-raced PUTT FOR DOUGH ($3.60), who travelled sweetly outside eventual third placegetter DEVILRY ($8), and cleared out for the easiest of victories, with Winona Costin in the saddle.
Trainer Mick Attard was understandably rapt with the four-year-old’s performance, especially as he was having only his second start for him after owner Bernie Young purchased him online last October for what is now a bargain $5000 (today’s first prize was $21,000). Young didn’t fancy the gelding’s original name Vermeulen and changed it after buying him. After conferring with son and racing manager Chris, Attard will look to make it two in a row with PUTT FOR DOUGH in a Class 1 Handicap in the coming weeks.
“He looks a nice horse,” Attard said. As Wyong grabbed the first race quinella, Hawkesbury did the same here with $101 rank outsider WINGED BEAUTY finishing second on debut, albeit more than three lengths astern.
RACE 3: TAB CLASS 1 (1200m):
It shaped as a two-horse race in the betting ring – and that’s exactly how it panned out. While PAR FIVE ($3.40) had noluck at his last start at Gosford, jockey Tim Clark ensured there was no chance of a repeat by taking up the running, with HAMAKI ($3.10 fav) in close attendance. In keeping with the golf theme following the previous race winner, PAR FIVE got a break on straightening and held off HAMAKI, who tried really hard and is surely deserving of another victory soon. Clark said he felt PAR FIVE would be even better suited on a bigger track, and stressed that his mount kept lifting even though the winning margin was narrow. It was only PAR FIVE’S sixth start and his second since breaking through at Scone last August, after which he went for a break.
Hellbent filly OFF DA HIZZLE ($8) was doing her best work late to grab third placing, and is another who can win again in the coming weeks after scoring on debut at Gosford late last month. Recent Warwick Farm winner MAD DARCEY was a late withdrawal at the start after becoming fractious in his barrier stall, rearing and striking his head. Stewards have ordered MAD DARCEY to trial satisfactorily before clearing him to race again.
RACE 4: SKY RACING MIDWAY MAIDEN (1000m):
WARWICK Farm trainer Gabby Ellis produced a smart debutante in FOURTH SPARGO ($6), who left her rivals with no excuses. The Bon Hoffa three-year-old won a hotly contested lead early and did a terrific job to keep going and score nicely.
“I expected her to run well, but that exceeded my expectations,” Ellis said. “She was very impressive, especially as it is her first preparation. I might give her a break now, and I’m sure she has a nice future.”
Winning rider Jay Ford agreed. “She is raw but keeps improving,” he said.
FOURTH SPARGO is the second foal of the four-times winner Moroccan Ruby, and lost her off fore plate in running, adding further merit to her success. Runner-up ROYAL EMPRESS ($4.80) and third home TANGLEWOOD ($18), like the winner, were also having their first starts and ran well. Locally-trained VILLA TINO ($3.90 favorite) appeared to have every chance. She trailed the leaders on the fence into the straight but didn’t finish off well enough.
Tim Clark grabbed a double, but it was oh so close! He drove SEVEN SISTERS ($3.60) home hard to foil a concerted plunge on recent Nowra winner ROTORUA, who kept firming and started at $2.50. All honours with the winner, who was widest on the home turn before sustaining a determined burst to get there in the nick of time.
Stable spokesman Darren Beadman said SEVEN SISTERS came to the races on the back of two quiet trials and with blinkers on.
“She didn’t jump as well as we had hoped, and did a good job to win,” he said. “She is in for a nice preparation.”
The Godolphin filly was having her first start since last July and as a three-year-old, and conceded the runner-up 4.5kg, so there was plenty to like about her performance. ROTORUA had a nice run in transit and was caught right on the post. Locally-trained DUAL ESCAPE ($26) flew the stalls to lead and gave her supporters a great sight, leading well into the straight before holding on gamely to clinch third placing. JAYANTHI (4th) could not be fully tested over the closing stages when right on the heels of DUAL ESCAPE.
RACE 6: HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS CG&E BM64 (1350m):
A couple of plunges had gone west earlier – but this one didn’t. JOURNALISM was solidly supported to start a $2.50 favorite, ousting DIRTY MERCHANT (4th at $2.90), and maintained his unbeaten first-up record, which total his three career victories to date.
Jockey Josh Parr tried to lead from an awkward draw but couldn’t and wisely took a sit behind THEO LEGION and DIRTY MERCHANT before making his move approaching the home turn. In spite of his 60.5kg, he sprinted strongly in the straight to defeat PIRAEUS ($11), who had enjoyed a cosy run on the fence and ran home solidly along the inside. MIHOCEK ($8.50) caught the eye, hitting the line hard after beginning awkwardly and will be better suited on a roomier circuit.
Stable spokesman Neil Paine said co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott had worked hard to amend the winner’s barrier manners.
“JOURNALISM hasn’t been jumping all that well, and it was good to see him leave the stalls in the manner he did today. He has been a tricky horse, but that was a good win today and hopefully he can go on with it now.”
RACE 7: WYONG’S FAMILY FUN DAY THIS SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023 F&M BM 64 (1350m):
Two winners in two days for leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup and 37 times Group 1 winning rider Brett Prebble, who has hit the ground running since relocating from Melbourne. The pair scored with first starter SHALAA’S MOMENT at Newcastle yesterday, and this time with $16 chance THE HALO, whose margin belied her double figure odds.
“She didn’t have the best of luck first-up at Gosford, and her appearance this morning suggested to me that she would run well today,” Widdup said.
A $130,000 Melbourne yearling buy for Tricolours Racing, THE HALO had won a 1400m Maiden at Bathurst last July and showed she is clearly up to Provincial company at least. She trailed the leader LA JOLIE FILLE ($4.40), put paid to her quickly on straightening and won easily. LINGUEE ($17) again did her best work late to grab second, with PINK BAROQUE ($4.40) snatching third from LA JOLIE FILLE in the last bound. Jockey Josh Parr couldn’t offer a plausible explanation for the defeat of The UNICORN (5th as a $2.10 favorite), other than she might not have been comfortable on the tight turning circuit.
“DRIVE for show, putt for dough” is one of golf’s familiar sayings.
Whilst Hawkesbury trainer Mick Attard isn’t picking up a golf club, he won’t mind the car drive from home to Wyong at all on Wednesday if his recent acquisition Putt For Dough can sink his rivals.
The lightly-raced Winning Rupert four-year-old has his second start for Attard in the Save The Date – Northlakes Toukley Rotary Race Day Saturday March 25 Provincial Maiden Handicap (1200m).
Having ridden winners at Wyong when apprenticed to Paul Cave in Sydney, he is keen to not only breakthrough for his first winner at the track as a trainer, but even more so to repay owner Bernie Young’s faith.
“I had never trained for Bernie, who has carnival rides and he followed me closely when I was training in Central Queensland,” Attard said. “He promised to buy me a horse after I moved back to New South Wales and settled at Hawkesbury. That was before I got hurt (Attard sustained life-threatening injuries when double-barrelled by one of his horses West Elk on the first morning of a new season, August 1, 2021, and has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing a number of operations).
“Bernie kept his word and bought this horse online for $5000 through Bloodstockauction.com last October after he had raced only once earlier that month and finished sixth of eight runners at Tamworth. He didn’t like the horse’s original name Vermeulen and changed it to Putt For Dough.
“I got him going and won an 800m trial with him at home (Hawkesbury) in December.
“Reece Jones rode him and suggested we should have a crack at a midweek race in town first-up.
“Putt For Dough loomed up strongly in the straight in a 1200m Maiden and only got tired the last bit when fourth to Mad Darcey, beaten less than two lengths. He has trained on well since that race, and hopefully we have found a nice race for him, going back to provincial company at Wyong.
“I’m sure he will be very competitive. Reece is suspended, so Winona Costin (who rode the last two winners at the last Wyong meeting on January 7) takes over.”
Putt For Dough fetched $30,000 when sold as a yearling at the2020 Inglis Classic sale and has a winning pedigree. His sire Winning Rupert was unbeaten at his first five starts and retired to stud after finishing fourth in the 2017 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas as an odds-on favourite, while his dam, the now deceased Encosta De Lago mare Margham, won four races (including two at Rosehill Gardens and another at Sandown).
Attard’s gelding is one of four Hawkesbury representatives in a field of eight at Wyong and is disputing early favouritismwith Wayne Austin’s Jabali Belle.
Terry Croft’s I’m A Shaker (Tyler Schiller) is next favoured in latest TAB.com.au betting.
Jabali Belle was a beaten favourite at only her third start when fifth to Galactic Angel in a 1300m Maiden at Wyong on December 24 following two placings on her home track, whilst I’m A Shaker has raced only twice since joining Croft’s stable and was third to Chipper in a 3YO Maiden (1100m) at that same meeting.
Fellow Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup has booked Brett Prebble for both his Wyong runners; Justina in Wyong Race Club’s Half Year Membership $30 F&M Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m) and The Halo (Wyong’s Family Fun Day This Sunday January 22, 2023 F&M Benchmark 64 Handicap, 1350m).
Prebble rode Widdup’s Group 1 winning mare Icebath in a Warwick Farm trial this morning, and will partner her for the first time in a race when she resumes in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on February 11.
Racing NSW stewards have given Keagan Latham permission to ride Shiffrin 0.5kg over in the Sky Racing Midway Maiden Handicap (1000m) where Bryce Heys’ Dancing Alone is a dominant pre-post favourite.
There will be no more interesting runner than the I Am Invincible three-year-old, who fetched a cool $1.4m at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale. She goes to Wyong on the back of an 805m Warwick Farm trial success on January 3.
Dancing Alone is one of five rides for Alysha Collett on the seven-race card.
The rail is out 3m for the entire circuit, and a “Good 4” rating has been posted. Racing begins at 1.45pm.
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 1.45pm: GREAT NORTHERN 4YO & UP MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m: 1 STREET CANDI, 2 Maralago, 3 Julimar, 4 Hillbilly Pickin’.
Race 2 – 2.20pm: SAVE THE DATE – NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY RACE DAY SAT MARCH 25 PROVINCIAL MAIDEN HCP, 1200m: 1 PUTT FOR DOUGH, 2 Jabali Belle, 3 I’m A Shaker, 4 Meet Me InBondi.
Race 3 – 2.55pm: TAB CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1200m: 1 MAD DARCEY, 2 Hamaki, 3 Vindication, 4 Par Five.
Race 4 – 3.30pm: SKY RACING MIDWAY MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1000m: 1 DANCING ALONE, 2 Mr Kennedy, 3 Royal Empress, 4 Fourth Spargo.
