race day preview

Tracey Bartley is heading towards his best season in more than a decade and hopes to add to his tally with four home track runners on Saturday.

Bartley has 23 winners to date in 2019/2020, along with a host of frustrating placings but has also enjoyed black type success with In Good Time claiming a Listed race at Eagle Farm last month.

“It’s been a good season and would be great to finish it off with a couple more wins,” Bartley said.

“I’m very pleased with how things are going along, and we’ve recently taken over a barn at Wyong and that increases our numbers from 16 to 20.

“It’s the perfect number for us and now we’ve got to keep the results coming.”

In Good Time’s half-sister Rose Sauvage races on her home track for the first time on Saturday and Bartley expects her to run well.

The Outreach filly, a $90,000 yearling purchase, lines up in the 1000m Class 1.

“She had a good preparation last time in and won a two-year-old race.

“She trialled nice the other day and while I normally would run them that quick after a trial, this race was there and just walking across the road, she’s got to run.

“I’m hoping the track firms up because that will suit her.

“She is owned by a group of us, including Gerard Maher who races In Good Time.

“We paid good money for her, so she’s got to live up to that. We will kick off here and hopefully get her to town.”

Stablemates Rockness Angel and Rise’N’Shine, start in the 1100m Maiden. 

Bartley expects Rockness Angel to perform well first-up.

“She’s a very well-bred filly who we brought off Hayes and Dabernig,” he said.

“She’s owned by a group of guys, including Brett Jones the vet, and we are looking forward to her resuming.”

“I expect her to run really well. She trialled nice and I’m very happy with her.”

“We found she was out in the back last time in, so we’ve been training her differently.”

Bartley also believes his Shooting To Win gelding, Rise’N’Shine, will run well.

“I think the 1100m and the short course here will suit him much better. He missed the start at Grafton, and it was a bit of a nothing run. I’m expecting a much-improved performance.”

Rounding out Bartley’s runners is Equilibrium, resuming in the 1350m Benchmark 64.

The six-year-old, another Victorian import has had 40 starts for five wins and four placings,

“He probably needs the run. He was competitive last preparation, but he just needs to get our in distance and get a bit fit.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 11.54am: WELCOME BACK WYONG RACE CLUB MEMBERS MAIDEN (2100m):  1 LIBRARIAN, 2 Past Tense, 3 Ausbred L’Or, 4 Final Showdown.

Race 2 – 12.29pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1100m): 1 PRIVATE EYE, 2 Honey Go Lightly, 3 War Weapon, 4 Rockness Angel.

Race 3 – 1.04pm: COCA-COLA MAIDEN (1350m): 1 KISS AND TELL, 2 Aeecee Beau, 3 Ultimate Thinker, 4 Heads Will Roll.

Race 4 – 1.39pm: CARLTON DRY CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 ELDER PRICE, 2 Mission Dream, 3 Sarah Elizabeth, 4 Dummy Run.

Race 5 – 2.19pm: DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL 2YO MAIDEN (1350m): 1 CASTLECOMER, 2 Urban Warrior, 3 Honored Vow, 4 Bolson.

Race 6 – 2.59pm: JIM BEAM BENCHMARK 64 (1350m): 1 WESTLINK, 2 Buzz, 3 Fantasy Eagle, 4 Ellie’s Encore.

Race 7 – 3.39pm: OFF THE TRACK NSW CLASS 1 (1000m): 1 ESCAPED, 2 Star Girl, 3 Rose Sauvage, 4 Superbellaa.

Race 8 – 4.18pm: WYONGS NEXT RACEDAY TUESDAY JULY 21 CLASS 2 (1200m): 1 CRIMLET, 2 Zell, 3 Temple Run, 4 Snippy Fox.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She believes Lethal Lucas will require more time.

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

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

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first of six races gets underway at 1.15pm.

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jason Coyle heads to Wyong on Thursday with plenty of confidence his trio of runners should all race well.

Warwick Farm based Coyle admits he normally favours big, wide tracks but concedes he has had plenty of luck at Wyong.

“For someone who likes big, open tracks I do like running my horses at Wyong,” he said.

“The surface up there is normally very good and it’s just a matter of finding the right races.”

He is hopeful to have done just that with Malthouse lining up in the 1350m BM70, Benfica Maid in the 1600m Class 1and Scorching Zorro in the 2100m Maiden.

“Malthouse is a nice horse. We started him over a distance that was a touch short at Goulburn last start, for what he will eventually be after.

“He was a touch underdone as well but I think he will improve again second up. He is still carrying good condition but will definitely appreciate the step up in trip.

“I think he is a horse who will get over more ground. In his first preparation I wouldn’t have said that because he did a lot wrong and wanted to over race but based on his first up run, where he relaxed really well, I think he should be able to press out to a mile at some stage.”

The four-year-old Carlton House gelding put together back to back wins in his first preparation, including a 1300m victory at Goulburn.

Coyle is full of praise for his four-year-old Benfica Maid and believes she will have the ideal conditions on Thursday.

The Benfica mare has consistent form around the Provincials and is coming off a last start fourth at Wyong over the 1350m on March 28.

“She was excellent last start. Her runs have been terrific this preparation back, she’s done nothing wrong. She placed in a maiden at Canterbury over 1550m last time in and there is no reason to think she won’t appreciate another step up in journey.

“She was looking for the mile last start and given that she’s drawn a nice gate, she’s in the right grade, right class and doesn’t mind the sting out of the track, I think she should race well.

“She’s a mare who should be able to continue to work through her grades. Ideally, we’ll have her fit once the carnivals finished and hopefully step into a fillies and mares mid-week Benchmark race at some stage.”

Coyle looks to have found the ideal race with his Sizzling gelding, Scorching Zorro.

The three-year-old has been consistent in his first preparation, with a second at Goulburn over 1600m and fourth on the same track on March 23 over 2140m.

“He’s not far away. The more he steps up in the trip the more it’s suiting him. He was very good last start, after being attacked throughout the race at Goulburn.

“He’s got not turn of foot and is very one paced, so these are the sort of races that are going to suit him.

“With an even sort of run in transit, you’d think in a staying maiden he’d be competitive again.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.55pm.

SELECTIONS

Race 1 – 12.55pm: RFS VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN (2100m): 1 RED HOT CHILLYPINS, 2 Aguante, 3 Scorching Zorro, 4 Whiskey Jack.

Race 2 – 1.35pm: SES VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN (1000m): 1 ZANZIDANCE, 2 Down To Earth, 3 At The Helm, 4 Fused Magic.

Race 3 – 2.10pm: VRA VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN (1350m): 1 DUTY, 2 Smart Success, 3 Buckin Rippa’, 4 Qinghai Lake.

Race 4 – 2.50pm: WWW.TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1350m): 1 QUEEN SNIP, 2 Buckin’ RIppa, 3 Butch’N’Bugs, 4 Divine Eleven.

Race 5 – 3.25pm: COCA-COLA CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 KIRWAN’S LANE, 2 Rockarosa, 3 Benfica Maid, 4 Segrill.

Race 6 – 4.05pm: CARLTON UNITED BREWERIES CLASS 1 (1300m):1 ESTROVERTO, 2 Darleb, 3 Favra, 4 Instant Attraction.

Race 7 – 4.40pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY APRIL 16 CONDITIONAL BM70 (1350m): 1 ABSOLUTE TRUST, 2 Ashton Blair, 3 Trajection, 4 Salsa Man.

Race 8 – 5.15pm: GOOD LUCK WYONG @ THE POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL CLASS 1 (1000m): 1 AXE, 2 Penang, 3 Rifles, 4

Tracey Bartley is looking at the real prospect of saddling up three runners in the Provincial Championship Final if Defeat can run up to expectations in Saturday’s Wyong Polytrack Qualifier.

The I’m Invincible gelding resumed in the Gosford Provincial Championship heat and while the run looked disappointing on paper, Bartley believes there were excuses.

He expects the four-year-old to race well and with an ounce of luck join stablemates McCormack and Moana Jewel in the $500,000 Final at Royal Randwick on April 11.

“He’s got ability and I can see him running a race nice,” Bartley said.

“He got knocked over in the running the other day about a furlong and a half from the start and was making room up the running when he got shortened up again.

“It was a much better run then it looked on paper. He certainly deserves another chance.

“He’s won at Wyong and I think the home track is an advantage. He doesn’t mind the sting out of the ground either, and I think he will get that on Saturday.”

Defeat, a $150,000 yearling, has had four wins and a placing from 13 starts. He has tasted success at Newcastle over 1400m and Bartley believes Saturday’s race is an ideal distance.

“He appreciates this distance and if he gets through to the final the 1400m will be no worries.”

Bartley has engaged Grant Buckley to ride the four-year-old, who will start from barrier seven.

“I’d probably prefer him to be taken a bit wider and wouldn’t have been worried if he’d drawn wide. He can work up to them from out there.”

Bartley said McCormack and Moana Jewel were both progressing nicely toward the April 11 final.

“It’s an exciting prospect to have two and possibly three runners in the final. I believe the two that have already qualified are live chances.”

Bartley also saddles up three-year-old All Over Magic in the Class 1 over 1350m.

“I was a bit disappointed with him in his last two runs at Newcastle and Kembla, but I think you will see a vastly improved horse this time.”

The $150,000 Wyong Polytrack Provincial Qualifier has attracted a full field of 16, with four emergencies.

Wyong trainer Kim Waugh is hoping Celer and Oxford Tycoon can progress to Randwick, while Damien Lane and Kristen Buchanan, who both have runners through to the final, have Oakfield Captain and Margie Bee respectively in the race.

Fellow Wyong trainer Jeff Englebrecht saddles up The Crimson Idol.

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.54pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.54pm: TWIN LAKES AIR AND SOLAR MAIDEN (1600m): 1 URBINO, 2 Dame Margot, 3 Revellers, 4 Izzat.

Race 2 – 1.34pm: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AIR CONDITIONING AUSTRALIA CLASS 1 AND MAIDEN (2100m): 1 COLONNADE, 2 Elisa Carolina, 3 Tahuna, 4 Encostar Glory.

Race 3 – 2.14pm: LAKE MACQUARIE SHEET METAL MAIDEN (1000m): 1 ZANZIDANCE, 2 Emanate, 3 Red Hot Moon, 4 At The Helm.

Race 4 – 2.54pm: VIETNAM VETERANS HOSTEL 2YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 ARGENTEUS, 2 O’Tartan Lass, 3 Only Mine, 4 Princess Betty.

Race 5 – 3.34pm: LAKES PODIATRY MAIDEN (1350m): 1 MUCH MUCH BETTER, 2 Derbari, 3 Static, 4 Estroverto.

Race 6 – 4.14pm: PANASONIC AUSTRALIA CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 AYTOBE, 2 Buzz, 3 Earth Song, 4 Lady Tavista.

Race 7 – 4.54pm: NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY CLUB CONDITIONAL BM70 (1100m): 1 ICONIC STAR, 2 Rhythmic Pulse, 3 Night Flyer, 4 Upper East Side.

Race 8 – 5.35pm: POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WYONG QUALIFIER (1350m): 1 OXFORD TYCOON, 2 Bubbles Ball, 3 Esteem Spirit, 4 Celer.

It’s been a harrowing few months for Brett Partelle with his Central Coast property hit hard by fires and flood.

Smoke and ash from fires plagued his property for several months and then floods forced everything into lockdown for more than 10 days.

He saddles up six runners at Wyong on Tuesday and is hoping for a much-needed change of luck.

“It’s been a pretty tough time. We’ve been hammered,” Partelle said. “We had to back off the horses for weeks because of smoke and ash falling everywhere. We had them ready to go again and a few of them raced well at Scone and then we were hit hard by the floods.

“The horses didn’t have a saddle on them for 10 days because the flood water was lapping at our door. It’s been four months of absolute misery.”

Partelle said due to his circumstances Wyong had allowed him a private trial and he was confident the horses were all ready to go.

“I expect them all to race well but Aytobe would be the best of them,” he said. “Whatever they do on Tuesday there will be improvement to come.”

Aytobe lines up in the Provincial and Country Maiden over 1200m.

“I like this horse. He has a lot of ability and I think he’s the one to beat. He should have won last start clearly. He is the most forward of them all and if he gets around Wyong, he’s the horse to beat.

“He ran third in town last year and I think he’s in for a good preparation. We will knock his maiden off and then assess where to go from there.”

Pierro gelding, Commander Bell starts in the 1200m Class 2 and Partelle expects a good performance.

“He went well at Scone on January 30 but is basically first up again here because of the let-up. I’m looking forward to getting him over more ground because that’s when we will see the best of him.”

Stablemate Bring Glory, a last start Scone winner, is in the same race.

“His win was full of merit. It was his first start for us, and I think he will make a nice 1400m horse. He is a nice enough, progressive horse.”

Partelle saddles up Sacred Sword and Hard Reality in the 1000m Class 1.

“Sacred Sword has only had the two starts for us and won impressively first up. Then at Gosford he pulled up a bit tight over his back area, so he went for a break.

“He’s a nice progressive horse, who’s got good first up form and is in for a good campaign.

“Hard Reality improves with a run under his belt. He’s one who will definitely take improvement out of it and then will be placed back into similar company around Scone and I think that’s where he can knock off a race and move forward from there.”

Completing Partelle’s runners is Rifles in the 1000m Maiden.

“He is a horse with really nice ability. He’s been gelded and that will make a huge difference to him. It’s a bit of look and see after being gelded but if he holds his head right, I think he’s also in for a good campaign.  

“There’s been no positivity for us or the owners so it will be so good to get them back to the track and racing.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.15pm: ICL SIERRAFORM GT MAIDEN (1000m): 1 BUCKIN’ RIPPA, 2 Rifles, 3 At The Helm, 4 Phoenician Queen.

Race 2 – 1.50pm: SYNGENTA POSTERITY 2YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 STAGECOACH MARY, 2 Cryptogram, 3 Dynamic Impact, 4 Darlene.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: TURFCULTURE THUMPER MITICIDE MAIDEN (1350m): 1 SURF SONIC, 2 Confinement, 3 Mensa Missile, 4 Bottoms Up Babe.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: BAYER IDEMNIFY CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m): 1FOX SPIRIT, 2 Sacred Sword, 3 Vinci Lady, 4 For Love.

Race 5 – 3.40pm: FLORATINE FOLIARS PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1200m): 1UPRISE, 2 Sending Love, 3 Sepplime, 4 Moinda.

Race 6 – 4.15pm: SPORTS TURF SOLUTIONS CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1200m): 1APOLLO PRINCE, 2 Laila De Vega, 3 Screenager, 4 Margie Bee.

Race 7 – 4.50pm: TURFCARE AUSTRALIA CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 (1600m): 1 SUCCENDAM, 2 First Lady, 3 Elaborate, 4 Time Raid.

Race 8 – 5.30pm: ECO BUNKER AUSTRALIA BENCHMARK 64 (1350m): 1 BELLE DE VEGA, 2 Asudem, 3 Singing River, 4 Galahad’s Quest.