race day preview

THERE is arguably no more interesting acceptor than Shuri for Saturday’s Wyong meeting – but trainer Kris Lees is holding off confirming a start.

The leading Newcastle trainer is tossing up whether to run the impressive Taree debut winner in the Gosford Masonic Centre Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) for her first provincial appearance, or stay in the country for a Benchmark 58 Handicap over the same distance at Scone on Monday.

Andrew Gibbons has been booked for Wyong if Shuri goes there, and his apprentice son Dylan goes aboard if she runs at Scone.

Shuri has 56kg (1kg over the limit) at Wyong, but 60kg staying in a country race if Scone gets the nod.

The beautifully-bred four-year-old mare, a daughter of Japanese stallion Satono Aladdin and New Zealand mare Phoenix Tycoon, didn’t begin racing until October 20 when she outclassed her rivals in a 1400m Maiden by four and a half lengths.

“She beat nothing that day but did it well all the same,” Lees said from Melbourne this afternoon.

“I would expect she can hold her form whichever race she runs in.

“We haven’t made a decision yet where she will go.”

Dylan Gibbons went to Taree to partner Shuri on debut, but has Rosehill Gardens bookings on Saturday, including Regal Lion in the $2m Five Diamonds (1800m).

Lees has two Wyong acceptors, and irrespective of what decision he makes with Shuri, will definitely start Bellascent (Andrew Gibbons) in the Freemasons On The Central Coast Provincial Maiden Handicap (1600m).

He regards the three-year-old filly as a place chance after a nice debut fifth in a Newcastle Provincial Maiden (1300m) against her own age on October 17.

Whilst Lees is uncertain about a target for Shuri, Wyong trainer Damien Lane has confirmed Red Cobra will dodge a 1600m Maiden Handicap at Scone to line up at home in the same race as Bellascent.

Lane’s talented apprentice Anna Roper will claim 3kg, bringing Red Cobra in with 2.5kg under the limit at 53.5kg.

The Sebring four-year-old deserves a change of luck after finishing second (Wyong 1350m), Newcastle 1600m and Grafton 1720m) at his last three starts.

“Red Cobra is racing well and looks to be the best of my chances,” Lane said.

“The only negative might be that he is a get back horse, and thus isn’t necessarily best suited at Wyong.

“But we’re staying at home with him on Saturday, and hopefully we can get a breakthrough.”

Stablemate Zedari (Rentokil Initial Super Maiden Plate, 1300m) won’t run as he is heading to Kempsey for the Cup meeting tomorrow, and Lane says it’s 50-50 whether another of his Wyong acceptors contests the same race or also goes to Kempsey.

Trainers Blake Ryan and Richard Collett have made decisions about their respective dual acceptors Critical Time and Struff.

Critical Time (Christian Reith) will start in the Wideline Windows & Doors Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m) rather than the Wyong Leagues Group – The Roos Foundation Midway Class 1 Handicap (1200m), and Ryan has opted to run him minus visors.

Struff (Andrew Calder) contets the race Critical Time has been withdrawn from, and bypasses the Peter Mac’s Service Centre Class 1 Handicap (1350m).

A lightly-raced daughter of Winning Rupert, Struff hasn’t missed a placing in five starts to date.

She finally shed her maiden status at her last run, in a 1300m Maiden at Hawkesbury on October 19.

. The rail is in the TRUE position, and racing gets underway at 1.20pm.

SELECTIONS: RACE 1 – 1.20pm: GOSFORD MASONIC CENTRE BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1600m: 1 SHURI, 2 Oakfield Twilight, 3 Vegas Outlaw, 4 Statesville. 

RACE 2 – 1.55pm: GARY TURNER MEMORIAL – ABBEY TIMBER 3YO MAIDEN HCP, 1000m: 1 PRIMA BELLA, 2 Winning Run, 3 Angel Of Spring, 4 Slush Fund. 

RACE 3 – 2.35pm: WYONG LEAGUES CLUB GROUP – THE ROOS FOUNDATION MINDWAY CLASS 1 HCP, 1200m: 1 DECEIVE, 2 Struff, 3 Parisian Rose, 4 Estephania.

RACE 4 – 3.15pm: PETER MAC’S SERVICE CENTRE CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1350m: 1 EAU DE VIE, 2 Imran, 3 Always In, 4 Happy Saturday.

RACE 5 – 3.55pm: FREEMASONS ON THE CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN HCP, 1600m: 1 RED COBRA, 2 Seasons Of Mist, 3 Bellascent, 4 Razella. 

RACE 6 – 4.35pm: RENTOKIL INITIAL SUPER MAIDEN PLATE, 1300m: 1 JAEX, 2 Aix En Provence, 3 Prairie Legend, 4 Major Look.

RACE 7 – 5.06pm: WIDELINE WINDOWS & DOORS BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1100m: 1 IRON HAT, 2 One Destiny, 3 One Kind, 4 Pad Thai.

HOME is where the heart is!

Wyong trainer Damien Lane’s local track was his most successful last season, and with 23 wins, isn’t far behind Taree (27) as the winningest overall during his career.

And he takes a bevy of runners to home turf tomorrow, keen to make a further impact.

Lane has seven acceptors on the eight-race program, but is settling for five runners.

He has ruled out starting Oakfield Echidna in the Omni – Hager – Cabac CG&E Maiden Handicap (1100m) and Impact Star (Sharkrack – IPD – Emerald Lighting Benchmark 64 Handicap, 1100m) because of wide barriers.

Oakfield Echidna instead will make his debut at Muswellbrook on Monday, whilst Impact Star heads to Dubbo on Friday.

With the latter a Wyong absentee, Lane will rely on Tidal Impact (pictured) in the Benchmark 64 and is looking forward to wiping the slate from an unsuccessful three-start campaign earlier in the year.

“It was a forget preparation,” he said. “She just didn’t come up, and that can sometimes happen with mares. 

“But I’m really pleased with how she is shaping this time in work.

“Jenny Duggan rides her tomorrow, and never had her off the bit when she was a close second in a 1000m Wyong trial on September 18.

“Tidal Impact won twice first-up earlier in her career, and will give them something to catch.

“I’m expecting her to run well.”

Whilst Duggan, who will have her first Group 1 ride in Saturday’s The Metropolitan at Royal Randwick, partners Tidal Impact, Lane’s apprentice Anna Roper has the mounts on three of his other four runners.

They are La Pelago (Haneco F&M Maiden Handicap, 1100m), Glendenning (Robus Lighting – HPM LeGrand – Electra Cables Provincial 4YO & Up Maiden Plate, 1600m), and Red Cobra (Schneider Super Maiden Plate, 1350m).

Adam Hyeronimus rides Oakfield Twilight in the Klein Tools – Evolt – Prysmian – Brilliant Midway Benchmark 64 Handicap (1350m).

Roper has ridden 13 winners already this season, including a Taree success last Sunday and double on the Beaumont track yesterday, and Lane is delighted with her progress since returning from a long lay-off through injury and joining his stable.

“Anna was out for nine months, and it takes time to get going,” he said. “She is very focused, and is really starting to hit her straps again.

“Glendenning and Red Cobra both have 59kg in the set weights events, so her 3kg claim will be very helpful.”

Lane resumes the lightly-raced La Pelago after the Star Turn three-year-old had two unplaced runs last season.

“She showed enough ability, but was a big heavy two-year-old and wasn’t ready,” he explained.

“This isn’t an easy race, but she trialled nicely when a winner at Wyong last week, and it’s a good starting point for her.

“Glendenning has been thereabouts, and I thought his latest run when placed at Coffs Harbour was good.

“He is fit, has drawn nicely enough and can run well again although he has struck a decent field here.

“Red Cobra has taken improvement from his first-up fourth at Muswellbrook when he made nice ground.

“He is at big odds, but I feel has a better chance than his price suggests.

“Oakfield Twilight will run in spite of his awkward draw.  

“He won a Midway Benchmark 68 over this distance earlier in the year, and had a couple of runs at the Sunshine Coast and Murwillumbah in August when transferred to a Queensland trainer.

“His first run at the Sunshine Coast was good, and is back with me now.

“He lives out at our farm, and loves life at home.

“Oakfield Twilight is a naturally fast horse, and will need to be at his best to feature in another open affair.”

. The rail is in the TRUE position, and racing gets underway at 1.05pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.05pm: SAL – MATCHMASTER – OMEGA POWER BENCHMARK 64 HCP (2100): 1 DREAMDEEL, 2 Microna, 3 Myeyesadoreyou, 4 Frank Express.

Race 2 – 1.40pm: HANECO F&M MAIDEN HCP (1100m): 1 PAJANTI, 2 Costa Smerelda, 3 Miss Bayles, 4 Belyaev. 

Race 3 – 2.20pm:  ROBUS LIGHTING – HPM LEGRAND – ELECTRA CABLES PROVINCIAL 4YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE (1600m): 1 SATIRICAL FAN, 2 Daytona Gal, 3 Hellbetta, 4 Glendenning.

Race 4 – 2.55pm: PSA – THORNE LIGHTING – APP BENCHMARK 64 HCP (1600m): 1 MORITZ GIRL, 2 Oakfield Prince, 3 The Seven Seas, 4 Domingo. 

Race 5 – 3.35pm: OMNI – HAGER – CABAC CG&E MAIDEN HCP (1100m): 1 DARK HALO, Keenan, 2 Rhesus, 4 Battle Of Vienna.

Race 6 – 4.10pm: SCHNEIDER SUPER MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 WILD FLASH, 2 Worth Avenue, 3 Let’s Try, 4 Cape Byron.

Race 7 – 4.50pm: SHARKRACK – IPD – EMERALD LIGHTING BENCHMARK 64 HCP (1100m): 1 CARDONE, 2 Big Happiness, 3 Tidal Impact, 4 Solar System.

Race 8 – 5.25pm: KLEIN TOOLS – EVOLT – PRYSMIAN – BRILLIANT MIDWAY BENCHMARK 64 HCP (1350m): 1 WRITE THIS WAY, 2 Oh Golly Gosh, 3 Egyptian Tycoon, 4 Oakfield Twilight.

In just 12 months Sara Ryan has forged a name for herself in racing and this Friday she could go down in history by adding a Carlton Wyong Gold Cup to her growing resume.

At just 29, Ryan would become the youngest trainer to claim the prestigious Cup and the first local to do so in many years. 

Irish import The Mediterranean and Group 3 winner Parry Sound line up for Ryan in the capacity field of 16. 

“They are both going really well, and either is capable of winning the race,” Ryan said. 

“To win a Wyong Cup would mean so much to me, it would be fantastic. We want the Cup to stay in Wyong.”

Ryan said she has always had a very big opinion of The Mediterranean, who was placed third in the Listed Winter Cup over 2400m at Rosehill in June. 

“He’s a very interesting horse. He had very good form overseas but needed a wind operation when he came over here. 

“It has taken ages to get him right and then when he came back from Queensland, he got travel sickness and needed a break.”

Ryan said she decided to take the Wyong and Newcastle Cup paths to see where he would progress. 

“He’s a naturally fit horse and can retain that fitness. He’ll have to do a bit of work early from the barrier but will roll forward.”

Ryan has booked Reagan Bayliss for the ride and said he galloped both The Mediterranean and Parry Sound on Tuesday and was happy with them both. 

Parry sound had been second emergency and Ryan was sweating on him getting a run. 

“I’m really happy Parry Sound got a run because he’s absolutely flying. He was first up in the Rowley Mile and his stats indicate it’s the best he’s ever come back. 

“He gets back so the barrier doesn’t really matter and I’m hoping to engage a senior rider.”

Ryan will have to contend with one of the strongest Cup fields in recent years to see her dream come true. 

A full field of 16 runners have accepted with two emergencies. Chris Waller has three starters as he vies for his ninth Wyong Cup winner in 12 years.

Kris Lees saddles up the early favourite Kalapour, who took out the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben in May. 

Waller’s Olentia, a Group 3 winner in the autumn, is favourite for the Mona Lisa, the $200k Listed racing attracting a strong field of 15. 

Damien Lane saddles up local hope Zorocat.

The Nathan Berry Medal for the leading rider over the two days will be decided following Cup Day, with Adam Hyeronimus the current leader on 11, over Tyler Schiller on 10 and Jean Van Overmeire on seven. 

Nathan’s twin brother Tommy will be on course to present the medal. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.45pm. 

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 12.45pm: SENPOS POINT OF SALE PROVINCIAL BM64 (1600m): 1 BROADWAY BOUNCER, 2 Silvakia, 3 Oakfield Prince, 4 Blackcomb.

Race 2 – 1.20pm: WISEBERRY HERITAGE GROUP MIDWAY 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): 1 MONOPOLY GIRL, 2 Drialle, 3 Bold Storm, 4 Miss Artfire. 

Race 3 – 1.55pm: HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 (1100m): 1 BETSY’S FLAG, 2 Capital Flag, 3 Jedibeel, 4 Tawfiq Star.

Race 4 – 2.35pm: CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCI – 3&4YO BM64 (1300m): 1 RAZORS, 2 Memoria, 3 Peace Officer, 4 Mercury Rose. 

Race 5 – 3.10pm: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS SUPER MAIDEN (1200m): 1 BALKANS, 2 Cape Byron, 3 Bolero Belle, 4 Xidaki.

Race 6 – 3.50pm: WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MONA LISA STAKES (1350m): 1 VA VIA, 2 Olentia, 3 Beour Bay, 4 Diamond Dealer. 

Race 7 – 4.25pm: 2023 CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP (2100m): 1 HOSIER, 2 Kalapour, 3 Spirit Ridge, 4 Military Mission. 

Race 8 – 5.05pm: THE DOYLO SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM68 (1100m): 1 FLYING DESTINY, 2 Chipper, 3 De Poet, 4 Major Murphy.

IT’S no joke!

Hawkesbury husband and wife training partners Mitch and Desiree Kearney have been winless since the couple’s bargain buy Lady Shenanigans was first home at Taree’s April Fool’s Day meeting on April 1.

But they haven’t lost confidence and believe their frustrating drought can be broken with the same horse at Wyong’s opening day of the Gold Cup carnival on Sunday.

The booking of Sydney’s champion apprentice Zac Lloyd for Lady Shenanigans in the Johnnie Roberts Memorial Benchmark 64 Handicap (1350m), named in honour of the late popular Wyong trainer, has boosted their confidence.

Placed four times since that Taree victory, the six-year-old gelding has drawn nicely (barrier two in a field of 10) and the forecast of some more rain – Wyong is currently a “Soft 6” – was music to Team Kearney’s ears.

“Lady Shenanigans is rock-hard fit; we’ve never had him any more ready,” Desiree Kearney said.

“I’m confident he can get us back into the winning list.

“Mitch rang Zac’s father Jeff, who manages his bookings, and he took the ride straight away.

“It’s been a tough time over the last few months, and we’ve had a good cleanout of our stable.

“You get attached to horses, and thus it is never easy to move them on.

“But we have culled five in the last six weeks as they weren’t performing, and we’re down to eight horses.

“Lady Shenanigans can give us a real boost by winning on Sunday.”

There is no doubt the Zoustar gelding has been a wonderful performer for the popular couple’s stable – and they own him themselves.

Ever on the lookout for an online bargain, Desiree Kearney found the then unraced and unusually-named Lady Shenanigans at an April 2021 sale, and bought him for $1750 after he had fetched $300,000 as a Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling in 2019.

The Kearney’s have won five races (along with 12 placings) with Lady Shenanigans, who has earned just over $153,000 prizemoney. 

His wet track prowess is such that all his wins have been on wet ground; three on soft tracks and two on heavy surfaces.

Fellow Hawkesbury trainer Fabio Martino also has a good opportunity for a provincial breakthrough, with the consistent Mr Papera (Alysha Collett), in the Robson Civil Projects Provincial Maiden Plate (1600m).

The Winning Rupert five-year-old has been placed at both starts since resuming, at Newcastle over 1400m and 1600m on July 29 and August 10 respectively, when also ridden by Collett.

One of provincial racing’s newest trainers, Martino clinched his first and only success to date, with Eliseo at Canberra in November last year.

Leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees has pulled the plug on a Doomben start on Saturday with Ventura Ocean, who instead will be a rival in Lady Shenanigans’ race.’

Ventura Ocean drew poorly in a Benchmark 70 Handicap (1350m) in Brisbane, and stable apprentice Ben Osmond, who won on Cheerful Legend midweek on the Kensington track, claims 3kg to lessen the gelding’s 63kg impost.

Experienced Northern Rivers jockey Raymond Spokes will make a rare visit to the provincials to continue a successful association with Wyong trainer Allan Kehoe’s promising filly One Kind in the CBWN Midway Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m).

Spokes has partnered the lightly-raced Sebring Sun three-year-old’s three wins to date; the latest in a Class 2 Handicap (1000m) at Tuncurry on August 11 when resuming.

The eight-race program begins at 12.30pm, and the rail is out 3m for the entire circuit.

SELECTIONS:

RACE 1: THE AGENCY 3YO MAIDEN PLATE, 1200m: 1 DUCASSE, 2 Solar System, 3 Capzinzi, 4 Countyourblessings

RACE 2: CARE 2 THR MAX 4YO&UP MAIDEN HCP, 1100m: 1 GLOBAL EMPIRE, 2 Wonder Missile, 3 Separatist, 4 Hong Kong Harmony

RACE 3: IRIS FOUNDATION BENCHMARK 68 HCP, 2100m: 1 BULLBARROW, 2 Vincenzo, 3 Mr Bond, 4 Piraeus

RACE 4: ROBSON CIVIL PROJECTS PROVINCIAL MAIDEN PLATE, 1600m: 1 MR PAPERA, 2 Satirical Fan, 3 Stanczyk, 4 Sacred Girl

RACE 5: ODA ADVISORY CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1600m: 1 GOLDEN PASSPORT, 2 Rise To It, 3 Kingston Charm, 4 Skylon

RACE 6: MAGIC MILLIONS RACING WOMEN F&M BENCHMARK 68 HCP, 1600m: 1 SHOWSUMGRIT, 2 Blackcomb, 3 Obvious Step, 4 Oakfield Redgum

RACE 7: JOHNNIE ROBERTS MEMORIAL BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m: 1 LADY SHENANIGANS, 2 Ventura Ocean, 3 Rockabilly Rebel, 4 Princess Amira

RACE 8: CBWN MIDWAY BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1000m: 1 ONE KIND, 2 Major Murphy, 3 Cable Tie, 4 Queen Of The Mile 

After sealing her first ever Wyong Trainers Premiership Kristen Buchanan is keen to kick off the new season in winning style. 

A season best 37 wins in 2022/23 saw Buchanan share her home track leading trainers title with Kim Waugh, who has taken out the premiership for the previous five years. 

The title came down to the second last day when Buchanan saddled up Stenson Wallman in the 1000m 2YO Maiden at Muswellbrook. The promising Invader colt got the job done in impressive style, much to the relief of his trainer. 

“To win the Wyong Trainers Premiership is a huge deal to me,” Buchanan said. “I’ve had it in my sights for a few years, but Kim is such a good trainer and hard to run down. 

“I put in a fairly concentrated effort over the last few weeks and it paid off. It’s a great result for the stable.”

Buchanan had a nervous wait to see if Stenson Wallman would start at Muswellbrook. Owners Trilogy Racing had accepted a good offer for the colt to race in Hong Kong but found out late Saturday night the deal had fallen through, allowing Buchanan to race him on Sunday. 

“I’ve never been more determined in my life to win a race and it was great to get the job done and in such good fashion.”

Buchanan hopes her trio of runners at Wyong on Thursday can get the new season off to a winning start. 

She is excited to get two-year-old Hell Of A Show to the track after three good trials. 

The Hellbent colt debuts in the 1000m Provincial Maiden with Ashley Morgan in the saddle. He impressed winning two trials at Wyong and Rosehill in May and came home nicely in his latest trial at Gosford on July 26. 

“He had two good trials and then we gave him a bit of a let up. He did everything he had to do at Gosford and finished off nicely. I expect him to race well.”

Buchanan believes her Shamus Award four-year-old Blue Guitar, also to be ridden by Morgan, will appreciate the step up in distance in the 2100m Class 1 & Maiden. 

“I’ve been looking forward to getting up out to the 2100m and just letting him roll forward. He’s been placed at his last two starts and this race should suit. 

“He’s very consistent and we put the blinkers on last start which woke him up a bit. He struggles to change gears but will cover the ground and race well if he can build momentum.”

Three-year-old filly Zara’s Hope lines up in the 1350m Maiden and Buchanan expects her to race well.  She is coming off a fourth at Gosford over 1100m on July 22^nd. 

“She’s a very clean winded filly and the tempo was a bit too slick for her at Gosford. I think the extra ground on Thursday should really suit her. Anna Roper should suit her as well.”

Buchanan is undecided if she will run Gardenzio and Our Gigi Rocks in the 1200m Class 1. 

Four-year-old Menari gelding Garadenzio, was a Wyong winner two starts ago before finishing fifth at his latest outing at Gosford on July 22. 

Lightly raced four-year-old mare Our Gigi Rocks won on debut at Port Macquarie in March and was uplaced at her next start before spelling. 

“I’ll weigh the field up before deciding if either will start,” Buchanan said.

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.25pm. 

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1-12.25pm:  GOOD LUCK ROBIN TAYLOR IN YOUR NEW GOLF CLUB GM ROLE 3YO MAIDEN: 1GOLD BULLION, 2 Fire Star, 3 Rockabilly Rebel, 4 Solar System.

Race 2 – 1.05pm: BOOK YOUR NEXT FUNCTION AT WYONG RACE CLUB CLASS 1 & MAIDEN: 1 DEEP VOYAGE, 2 Blue Guitar, 3 Interventionist, 4 The Professor.

Race 3 – 1.45pm: LADIES DAY – AUGUST 17 MAIDEN (1350m): ! ZARROSE, 2 Zara’s Hope, 3 Sense Of Humour, 4 Rule Of Salex. 

Race 4 – 2.20pm: DE BORTOLI WINES PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1000m): 1 STAR MAGIC, 2 Hongkong Harmony, 3 Hell Of A Show, 4 Coco Dreaming.

Race 5 – 2.55pm: TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 BOSTON ROCKS, 2 Serene Nic, 3 Gardenzio, 4 Astral Thoughts.

Race 6 – 3.35pm: CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1 BM64 (1600m): 1 ALLHALLOWIDE, 2 Martini Crusader, 3 Nitride, 4 Reach Beyond.

Race 7 – 4.10pm: TO THE MOON AND BACK IN MEMORY OF LYN GALE MIDWAY BM64 (1000m): 1 VEGAS RAIDER, 2 Mr Bingo, 3 Bring Glory, 4 Chipper.

Race 8 – 4.50pm; WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY SUNDAY AUGUST  27 CONDITION BM68 (1350m): ! Princess Amira, 2 Danza In The Dark, 3 Chain Of Gold, 4 Appetite For Risk.

Denim Wynen is confident she can saddle up a home track winner at Saturday’s final Wyong meeting of the season. 

Obvious Step lines up in the 1350m F&M BM64 and Wynen believes the consistent mare is primed to bring up win number six. 

The five-year-old daughter of Sidestep was narrowly beaten at her last start at Gosford over 1200m on July 6, finishing less than a length behind the winner.

Wynen has opted to back her up ten days later knowing she is race fit and ready to win. 

“I really think she’ll be hard to beat. I thought she should have won last start at Gosford, but she didn’t get any clear running in the straight. 

“Her first two runs this time in were in a lot tougher company and then she had no luck at her past two starts at Gosford and Newcastle. 

“She meets the top two horses on Saturday with some weight relief and plenty of race fitness.”

It will be the first time Obvious Step has raced on her home track and Wynen is hoping it won’t be an issue. 

“She’s a bit of a hot head but really quiet when she gets to the races. I’m not sure how she will cope with just walking down the road to the race day stalls but if she handles that okay I think she can win.”

Wynen has opted for a rider change in Heavelon Van Der Hoven, on the recommendation of one of her owners. 

“He comes from the same place as one of the owners, naturally he’s a bit of a fan, so we decided to go with him. He rides well and I was happy to get him on.”

Wynen is shooting for her fifth winner for the season and happy with how things are ticking along for her small stable. 

“I’ve got two young children and do everything myself, so having just six in work is a good number. We’ve had a pretty good season and I’m excited about the prospects of several of the horses in the stable.”

It could by a big day for the Wyong trainers, who saddle up 16 runners across the eight races. 

The meeting will be last for General Manager Robin Taylor, who leaves at the end of July to take up a position as General Manager at the Forster Tuncurry Golf Club. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.05pm, with the track currently rated a soft 5, with the rail in the true position. 

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 12.05pm: BEST WISHES ON YOUR RETIREMENT KEVIN MILLER MAIDEN (1100m): 1 PUDACIOUS, 2 Condordia, 3 Gardenzio, 4 Desert Safari.

Race 2 – 12.40PM: GERMANY – WWC 2023 – WELCOME TO WYONG MAIDEN (1350m): 1 PRINCESS RAYAA, 2 Encroachment, 3 Gago, 4 Lod Bob.

Race 3 – 1.15pm: WYONG CUP CARNIVAL AUGUST 27 & SEPTEMBER 1 2YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 HIGH KING, 2 Broadway Bouncer, 3 Global Pivot, 4 Bucareli Bay.

Race 4 – 1.5opm: THE KIMBERLEY BURK CELEBRATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m): 1 COMMUNITY, 2 Ideel Hero, 3 Killer Kerr, 4 Penfold Park. 

Race 5 – 2.25pm: DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL BM64 (1600m): 1KOKOSHNIK,2 Scat’s Surfer Girl, 3 Nyika, 4 Badda Boom Baby.

Race 6 – 3.05pm: GO MATILDAS 2023 – FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 C’MON MATE, 2 Lady Harlem, 3 Chipper, 4 Vindication.

Race 7 – 3.45pm: HAPPY 50^TH DARIN F&M BM64 (1350m): 1 SHIFFRIN, 2 Hinchinjive, 3 Hallavadancer, 4 Obvious Step. 

Race 8 – 4.20pm: GET WELL SOON GARY HARLEY CG&E BM64 (1350m): 1 SKYLIGHT SON, 2 Smooth Flight, 3 Royal Charge, 4 Hollywood Hero. 

A drop in grade should see John O’Shea’s Group 1 placed Benaud return to the winner’s circle at Wyong on Tuesday. 

O’Shea has opted to return Benaud to Provincial grade in an effort to build up his confidence. 

The Reliable Man gelding was touted as a champion stayer in the making following his narrow defeat in the G1 ATC Derby (2400m) at Randwick in April last year and subsequent second in the G3 Kings Town (2000m) on the same track in September. 

He was spelled after an unsuccessful Caulfield Cup appearance in the spring and was unplaced in all five starts in black type races last preparation before resuming in the 2000m Listed McKell Cup on June 17 where he finished well back in the field. 

O’Shea has now opted for the 2100m Class 1 and Maiden at Wyong in an attempt to return the four-year-old to winning form. 

“I was disappointed with him in the autumn, “O’Shea said. “I thought we should drop him back in grade and try to build up his confidence. 

“Winning is a habit and we can get the horse back winning then we can revisit what we can do with him later in the year.”

Tyler Schiller will partner Benaud along with O’Shea’s second runner Infinite Rose.

The Astern filly debuts in the 1000m 2YO Fillies Maiden, coming off two recent metropolitan trials. 

She impressed with her latest outing, narrowly beaten at Canterbury over 900m on June 26, coming off a third at a 740m Randwick trial two week earlier.  

Success by O’Shea on Tuesday could help him secure his second Wyong Trainers Premiership.

With only two meetings remaining he currently leads the way with nine winners on the track, two head of two ahead of father and son combo Peter and Paul Snowden, with Mark Newnham, who recently relocated to Hong Kong, and Brad Widdup on six.

O’Shea last claimed the Wyong title in the 2015/2016 season when he was at the helm of the Godolphin stable. 

Kristen Buchanan leads the way for the locals with five winners on her home track, one ahead of Kim Waugh, both saddling up runners at the meeting.

Things are equally as tight in the jockeys ranks with Josh Parr and Jay Ford both riding seven winners to date, one ahead of trio Tim Clark, Koby Jennings and Tom Sherry. 

Ford has a good opportunity to break clear with five rides, while Tyler Schiller, who has a narrow grasp on the Apprentices title with six wins, has a full book.

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.10pm. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.10pm: DE BORTOLI 3YO MAIDEN (1600m): 1 KINGSTON CHARM, 2 Rabairneach, 3 Dancemania, 4 Discover.

Race 2 – 12.45PM: BECOME A WYONG RACE CLUB MEMBER FOR JUST $55 MAIDEN (1350m): 1 DOUBLE SCOOP, 2 Frank Express, 3 Burns To Embrace, 4 Lord Bob.

Race 3 – 1.20pm: MAGIC MILLIONS – CLUB SPONSOR 2002-2027 2YO FILLIES MAIDEN (1000m): 1 SHAKEN, 2 Lover And Light, 3 Infinite Rose, 4 Wezza.

Race 4 – 1.55pm: LADIES DAY AUGUST 27 IN SUPPORT OF THE IRIS FOUNDATION MIDWAY MAIDEN (1100m): 1 EXSENSIBLE, 2 Amberina, 3 Soobooco, 4 Parmenio.

Race 5 – 2.35pm: HAPPY RETIREMENT ISORICH CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 BENAUD, 2 Got An Inspiration, 3 Fleet Commander, 4 Sky Out.

Race 6 – 3.10pm: CONSIDER RACE SPONSORSHIP AT WYONG PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 ALWAYS IN, 2 Queen Astrid, 3 Monte Outlander, 4 Oakfield Redgum.

Race 7 – 3.45pm: CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1 BM64 (1100m): 1 ORLABENT, 2 Captain Bond, 3 Silvanito, 4 Meod.

Race 8 – 4.25pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SATURDAY JULY 15 CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 SKYLIGHT SON, 2 Modern Millie, 3 Lease, 4 Lysander. 

GROUP 1 winning trainer Nick Olive was based at Canberra the last time he had a runner at Wyong.

And whilst he has since shifted camp to Queanbeyan, he is hoping for a similar result tomorrow with his first starter at the Provincial track in nearly two and a half years.

The pacy Proud Mia (now retired) was Olive’s last Wyong representative when she led throughout, with apprentice Tyler Schiller on board, in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m) on January 24, 2021.

He won’t be relying on speed this time when Invincible Dash lines up in a similar Benchmark 64, but over 1600m, in the Clubs NSW Central Coast Region sponsored event.

Olive began training at Canberra with a few horses in 2000 before setting up his own stabling operation in 2005, and was there until last spring when, tired of the ACT Government’s apparent lack of interest in the industry along with burgeoning workers’ compensation costs, upped stumps and moved to Queanbeyan.

“We have settled in well; I’m glad I made the move,” Olive said last night.

“I’m looking forward to having another runner at Wyong.

“Whilst I haven’t had many starters there over the years, I did have a few who ran in the Magic Millions races there leading up to the big meeting at the Gold Coast.”

One of those was Single Gaze, who ran a close third to Zoutenant in the 2014 Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) at only her second start, before finishing third in the Gold Coast MM Classic (1200m) the following month.

Single Gaze on debut had beaten six rivals to land a 2YO Plate (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 1, 2014 when an $81 rank outsider.

The bonny mare at the same track the following season presented her trainer with a Group 1 breakthrough in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), and was runner-up no less than six times in Group 1 and 2 features, including the 2017 Caulfield Cup.

Connections parted company with the mare to Japanese breeding interests in 2018 when they were made an offer too good to refuse.

Olive celebrated his transfer to Queanbeyan by landing the Cup (2000m) there last November with Invincible Dash, and got a pleasant surprise when he scored first-up with 60.5kg in a 1200m Handicap at Parkes on May 14.

“He had been working well, but had never won first-up before and obviously the distance was short of his best,” Olive said.

“I’m really happy with how he has progressed since, and the 1600m at Wyong is more to his liking.

“We’re going from country to provincial company, but if he gets the race run to suit, he can definitely be competitive.”

Invincible Dash was a $170,000 yearling purchase in 2018 and was a member of a leading Sydney stable before joining Olive’s team in late 2020.

He is planning to chase further country Cups with the gelding this preparation, but feels the $3m The Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick in November might be beyond his limit.

The I Am Invincible six-year-old ran 11^th in last year’s $500,000 The Little Dance (1600m) on the same program before winning the Queanbeyan Cup two starts later.

Though his Wyong rider Jeff Penza hasn’t won on Invincible Dash, he has partnered him in two 1600m events, finishing third at Dubbo in September 2021 and fourth at Canberra last November; a week before the gelding backed up and won the Queanbeyan Cup, ridden by Brendan Ward.

Trainer Richard Litt has opted for blinkers again on MrKennedy (Josh Parr) in the Club Terrigal Midway 4YO&Up Maiden Plate (1100m) in a bid to hoist him into the winning list.

The Fastnet Rock six-year-old was a $1.8m yearling purchasein 2018, and has raced only seven times for five placings.

He has been runner-up at his last three appearances since joining Litt’s Warwick Farm team; the latest when a $1.35 hotpot in a similar race at Gosford a week ago.

Hawkesbury trainer Claire Lever has withdrawn dual venue acceptor Luai from the Kensington meeting today in favour of a Wyong engagement in the Ettalong Diggers 3YO Maiden Handicap (1100m), and Kathy O’Hara will ride him.

Luai is going back to where he began his career a fortnight ago, when third to Orlabent in an 1100m Provincial Maiden.

With both Spicy Hotpot (Sara Ryan) and Bubba’s Bay (Kris Lees) starting on the Kensington track today, the field for tomorrow’s Munmorah United Bowling Club Class 1 Handicap (1100m) will be reduced to six.

One of the more interesting runners at the meeting will be Hawkesbury three-year-old Highway Patrol, who has won both his home track trials on May 8 and 22 and is favorite for the Wyong Leagues Club Group Maiden Plate (1350m).

Trainer Ed O’Rourke has decided to use a lugging bit on the gelding, who was withdrawn from engagements at Dubbo last Friday and again on his home track two days later.

. The eight-race program begins at 12.05pm. The rail is in the TRUE position, and a “Soft 7” rating was posted this morning, with a “Heavy 8” in the chute between the 1350m and 1000m.

SELECTIONS:

RACE 1 – 12.05pm: ETTALONG DIGGERS 3YO MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1100m: 1 MAGNATEAR, 2 Amberina, 3 Emphatic Bel, 4 Luai.

RACE 2 – 12.40pm: WYONG LEAGUES CLUB GROUP MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m: 1 HIGHWAY PATROL, 2 Huracanevo, 3 Skyhawk, 4 Dapper Dancer.

RACE 3 – 1.20pm: CLUB TERRIGAL MIDWAY 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE, 1100m: 1 COUNTER MOVE, 2 MrKennedy, 3 Lord Bob, 4 Prize Tulip.

RACE 4 – 1.55pm: MINGARA RECREATION CLUB PROVINCIAL CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE, 2100m: 1 ACCEBER, 2 Special Day, 3 El Bravo, 4 Semper Fortis.

RACE 5 – 2.35pm: COASTLINE CLEANING & MAINTENANCE MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m: 1 OCCHIATA, 2 The Professor, 3 Jamrock, 4 Our Kinsmen.

RACE 6 – 3.10pm: MUNMORAH UNITED BOWLING CLUB CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1100m: 1 ANGEL FUND, 2 Mount Warning, 3 Ringdembells, 4 Sir Kerm. 

RACE 7 – 3.50pm: BELLA GROUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1350m: 1 EDGE OF REWARD, 2 Bokuden, 3 Victory Salute, 4 Lord Heron.

RACE 8 – 4.25pm: CLUBS NSW CENTRAL COAST REGION BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1600m: 1 INVINCIBLE DASH, 2 Trust The Process, 3 Roccaforte, 4 Mr Severino.

An impressive debut win by Haysiri has given Scone based trainer Lou Mary the confidence to step the three-year-old up to Provincial grade at Wyong on Thursday.

The Dawn Approach gelding had his first start in a 1300m Maiden on May 12, Scone Cup Day, bringing up an eye-catching win after storming home over the final 200m. 

He steps up to the 1350m CG&E BM 64 at Wyong, but Mary is confident he can handle the task. 

“He pulled up very well from the Scone win. It was a beautiful first up run and always good to win on the home track. 

“He is still a bit immature and raw, and I don’t even think he knew what happened when he won,” Mary laughed. 

“I’m very mindful that it was only a country maiden, but it was the way he won that we were taken by. Wyong is a very different track, but he has a good cruising speed, showed a good turn of foot at Scone and has done everything right since.

“You have to bring you’re A game to these Provincial meetings and I think he’s the horse to do it.”

French-born Mary, who has only been licensed for two and a half years, trains Haysiri for local breeder Greg White, the two having formed a connection after Mary purchased Nitride from White in an online auction.

The now seven-year-old went on to become one of the best horses in Mary’s stable and he was grateful when White approached him to train the well-bred Haysiri.

“He had one preparation for me as a two-year-old but just wasn’t there mentally, so we turned him out. He developed foot abscess problems in the paddock so needed a decent amount of time to get over that. I was very happy when Greg rang and asked if I’d take him back. 

“I’ve always had a good opinion of him and think he will be even better next preparation and could even get out to the mile.”

Chad Schofield, who partnered Haysiri to victory at Scone, will ride him again at Wyong. The form from the Scone maiden has been strong, with two subsequent winners and a number of placings from the beaten brigade. 

Haysiri will have to contend with Kristen Buchanan’s last start Wyong winner Oakfield Waratah who lines up in the field of 10 and Mark Minervini’s Media Man chasing it’s third successive win. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.10pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.10pm: THE IRIS FOUNDATION – WRC CHARITY PARTNER MAIDEN (1000m): 1 SATIN AND SILK, 2 Mafia, 3 World Alliance, 4 Orlabent.

Race 2 – 12.45pm: TICKETS ON SALE – WYONG’S NEXT COCKTAIL PARTY – SATURDAY JULY 15 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): NOTABADONE, 2 Sir SMity, 3 Skyhawk, 4 Oakfield Opal.

Race 3 – 1.20pm: THE WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION – WRC CHARITY PARTNER MAIDEN (1600m): 1 DISHIN ‘N’ DANCIN, 2 Royal Promise, 3 Beach Party, 4 She Sends Kisses.

Race 4 – 1.55pm: NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY – WRC CHARITY PARTNER CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1CALIFORNIA GRASS, 2 Four O’Clock Knock, 3 Viadelamore, 4 Perfection Man.

Race 5 – 2.35pm: WRC IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF POLICE LEGACY F&M BM64 (1350m): 1 LEANDRA, 2 Golden Gate, 3 Star Impact, 4 Beirut Miss.

Race 6 – 3.10pm: WRC PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1100m): 1 MISTY DREAMS, 2 Highway Patrol, 3 Orlabent, 4 Emphatic Bell.

Race 7 – 3.50pm: WYONG CUP CARNIVAL – SUNDAY AUGUST 27 & FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1 CG&E BM64 (1350m): 1 HAYSIRI, 2 Oakfield Waratah, 3 Trust The Process, 4 Windshadow.

Race 8 – 4.25pm: CLUBS NSW CENTRAL COAST MEN’S HEALTH CHARITY RACE DAY – THURSDAY JUNE 15 MIDWAY BM68 (1100m): 1 TOCOMAH, 2 Eyewitness, 3 Fire And Ice, 4 Mr Bingo.