race day preview

It’s been almost seven years since Mark Newnham trained his first career winner, taking out a maiden at Wyong with four-year-old gelding Boaz.

In the ensuing time Randwick based Newnham has gone on to taste considerable success and become one of the most respected trainers in the game, with more than 400 victories to his name including four Group 1 wins. 

On Thursday he will saddle up his final runners at Wyong as he prepares to relocate to Hong Kong, and it would be fitting if he could go out a winner. 

“I trained my first winner there at Wyong, so it would be nice we could have a winner with the last. I think they are winning chances,” he said. 

The track has been somewhat of a happy hunting ground for Newnham who has trained 33 winners from 158 runners, his 20.9% winning Wyong strike rate his best of all the Provincial tracks. 

Stayer Sonic The Hedgehog provides the stable with a winning hope in the 2100m Class 1 and Maiden.

The four-year-old by American Pharaoh, is getting back to his ideal distance, having previously won over the 2000m at Wyong in April last year. 

Sonic The Hedgehog, finished fourth at Gosford over 1900m on April 25 beaten just over a length, and will appreciate the 2100m. 

“It looks like a suitable race for him,” Newnham said. “Sonic is fully fit now after a couple of runs back and he won his maiden over this track and distance,” Newnham said.

Newnham also has a good opinion of Mindspace, who represents the stable in the 1600m BM64.

His last two runs have been over 2000m, but Newnham said he hasn’t run out the distance. 

“He’ll be better suited over the 1600m and on the better ground. His last couple of runs have been on rain affected tracks and I think he’s better on top of the ground. 

“From the nice inside gate he should sit mid-field and be strong late.”

Mindspace, who was a $310,000 yearling, is raced in partnership by Newnham.He has had a win and a third from his previous six starts and Newnham is confident he can make it two wins on Thursday. 

The first of eight races at the club’s The Wyong Roos Foundation Race Day, gets underway at 12.20pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.20pm: ACCOLADE WINES PROVINCIAL 3YO MAIDEN (1350m): 1 EPICUS, 2 Jo Jo Sun, 3 Burrowa, 4 Always In.

Race 2 – 12.55pm: AUSTBROKERS AND BISHOP COLLINS MAIDEN (1350m): 1 LITTLE COINTREAU, 2 Dishin ‘N’ Dancin, 3 Slipstreaming, 4 Commando Jack. 

Race 3 – 1.35pm: COCA COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS AND HOSPITALITY SUPPLIES EPXRESS 2YO MAIDEN (1100m): SNATCHREAILLY, 2 Absolute Power, 3 Frenemy, 4 Kovanos.

Race 4 – 2.10pm: NESTLE PROFESSIONAL AND WE CARE CONNECT MAIDEN (1100m): 1 KAPUNDA, 2 Woodlander, 3 Consenza, 4 Silent Russian.

Race 5 – 2.50pm: HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL AND CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 ITSAGOODDEEL, 2 The Englishman, 3 Thornycroft, 4 Sonic The Hedgehog.

Race 6 – 3.25pm: ARCADE TRADER AND CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED BM64 (1350m): 1 MATRONYMIC, 2 Rockstar Boy, 3 Isorich, 4 Oakfield Waratah.

Race 7 – 4.05pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION MIDWAY BM64 (1100m): 1 RESTRICTIONS, 2 Wondereach, 3 Chief Conductor, 4 Tinka’s Lad.

Race 8 – 4.40pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES AND REGNIS REFRIGERATION BM64 (1600m): 1  MINDSPACE, 2 Reginald, 3 Flexing, 4 Tip Top Timing.

The Big Biig has certainly tested the patience of Warwick Farm trainer Lauri Parker.
The aptly named Adelaide gelding has always impressed Parker but it’s taken some time for his confidence to grow.
Parker has been waiting to stretch the four-year-old out over the 2100m and he gets his chance at Wyong on Thursday.
“I can’t wait to see how he goes over this distance,” she said. “I really think he wants this trip and hopefully I’m right.
“I’ve always had an opinion of him from day one, but he’s just needed time to mature. He’s such a big horse physically but mentally he’s very insecure. “It has certainly taken a while for the penny to drop but I think he is starting to work it all out now.”
The Big Biig finished fifth at his last start at Newcastle on April 23 over the 1850m and was doing his best work late.
“Jess (Taylor) rode him that day and agrees he wants more ground. She’ll be on him again at Wyong. It’s good to have a jockey who knows the horse. “I’ve had to be patient with him and am hoping that will pay off.”
It was Parker’s association with another Adelaide gelding, Torrens that resulted in her training The Big Biig.
Torrens had great success while under Parker winning four of his 11 starts including the Listed Tatts Cup, her biggest win to date.
“I was winning races with Torrens so the owners of The Big Biig decided to send him to me. It would be good if he can go on and win a few races.” Parker is also looking for improvement from her other runner Crowie’s Shout, in the 1200m Maiden.
The three-year-old son of Xtravagant lines up for his fifth career start, having finished well back when resuming over the 1000m at Nowra on April 9. “He’s been a frustrating horse as well,” Parker said. “He does have some ability, but he doesn’t handle race day pressure too well.
“He’s a lovely big strong horse and trialled well. If we can get him to put it all together race day, he’ll improve and the 1200m should suit.”
Parker, 42, juggles her small stable with raising her two-year-old daughter Indie.
The former jockey maintains a team of between eight and 12 horses and rides all her own work.
“It’s a struggle at times combining motherhood with the horses but Indie loves them as well. I like to be hands on and ride them work because you get a good feel for them.”
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 12.30pm: HMA GROUP MAIDEN (1200m): 1 SILENT RAINDROPS, 2 Gustosisimo, 3 Parmenio, 4 Castlerosse.
Race 2 – 1.05pm: HMA INSTRUMENTATION PROVINCIAL 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): 1 TWENYEIGHTDRAGONS, 2 Prize Tulip, 3 Ruby Flyer, 4 Cataratas.

Race 3 – 1.40pm: HMA POWER GENERATION MAIDEN (2100m): 1 AUNT ROBERTA, 2 Hardazhell, 3 Four O’clock Knock, 4 The Big Biig.
Race 4 – 2.20pm: HMA MATERIALS HANDLING MAIDEN (1600m): 1 BOY LOVES TO RUN, 2 Theoneandonly, 3 We Don’t Roam, 4 Walk Up Start.
Race 5 – 2.55pm: 1 QUEENMAKER, 2 Shooting Pasture, 3 Critical Time, 4 Acceber.
Race 6 – 3.35pm: HMA GEOTECHNICAL CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 GRAND CRUSADER, 2 Cappelletti, 3 Surf On Turf, 4 Free Enterprise.
Race 7 – 4.10pm: HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BM64 (1350m): 1 SHIPSHAPE, 2 The Halo, 3 Takara Star, 4 Malabar.
Race 8 – 4.45pm: HMA GTECH CYCLONES BM64 (1000m): 1 TOCOMAH, 2 Wanaroo, 3 Deep Opinions, 4 Bayezid.

In a decade long career racing’s ‘iron horse’ Isorich has always had a preference for his home track. 

In fact, the rising 13-year-old has won eight times at Wyong, half of his 16 career victories at the track and been placed on six occasions.

So, it’s no surprise trainer Wayne Seelin expects he can find his best in Thursday’s BM68 over the 1200m, his 154^th start.

With his career now coming to an end another victory would mean the world to Seelin and owner Paul Watson. 

“He’s probably only got another couple of runs in him so a win would be great,” Seelin said. “It’s been a long preparation for him but there was no point spelling him at this stage, so I’ve been spacing his runs & freshening him up here and there.

“I’m not one of those people who need him to go out on a high, so if he won, he’d probably race again but it depends how he pulls up. We’re racing him because we enjoy it, so a couple more starts would be good but we’re taking it day by day.

Seelin said there are excuses for several of Isorich’s recent runs. 

He had to contend with an unsuitable heavy track at Taree in his latest outing on April 1 and was galloped on at Rosehill in a Midway on January 28. 

“There’s plenty of things in his favour on Thursday, he’s happy and I really think he will run well. 

“He likes the track and distance, so it looks a good race for him. He’s been working well so providing we don’t get any rain and he gets a bit of luck in running he’s a good chance.” 

A win would have a real Wyong flavour with Seelin engaging locally based apprentice Maddi Derrick.

“She can claim a couple of kilos and he generally races well for the apprentices.”

Isorich, who has amassed $815,000 in prizemoney, had his last win at Wyong on November 24 last year and was narrowly beaten on his home track a month later. 

Seelin also saddles up Flying Artie filly Kobold in the 1200m Fillies & Mares Maiden. 

“She’s still a fine little thing and needs to strengthen up, so I’ll probably spell her after this. In saying that she’s been working good and with the blinkers on I expect improvement but whether she’s up to some of these Sydney horses time will tell.”

The stable also has another veteran, nine-year-old Ondo Pasa who is fourth emergency in the 1350m F&M BM64. 

Seelin trains the mare for the late Stan Thomas, who’s partner Evelyn remains in the ownership.

“She’s been struggling a bit lately, so I’m not sure how long they’ll keep her racing, but in saying that if she gets a run and the rain comes it will help.”

The first of eight races on the club Members Day, gets underway at 12.30pm.

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 12.30pm: PAVILION EVENTS CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN (1600m): 1 UNITED FRONT, 2 Yamba’s Award, 3 Star Legacy, 4 Venetian Blue.

Race 2 – 1.05pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BM64 (2100m): 1ITSAGOODDEEL, 2 Mirror Queen, 3 Dreamdeel, 4 Youthfull.

Race 3 – 1.40pm: DE BORTOLI F&M MAIDEN (1200m): 1 CHOICE LEGEND, 2 Agnodice, 3 Foxford Babe, 4 Turbo Charged.

Race 4 – 2.20pm: MAGIC MILLIONS MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m): 1 SUPREME WIND, 2 Gold Something, 3 Yamba’s Award, 4 Doraskaya.

Race 5 – 2.55pm: TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN (1100m): 1 SURRENDERS, 2 Chilada, 3 Salaasel, 4 Alegna.

Race 6 – 3.35pm: EARLY BIRD MEMBERSHIP $55 PROVINCIAL BM68 (1200m): 1 FIVE CROWNS, 2 Princess Amira, 3 Oxford Tycoon, 4 Jacquine Reward.

Race 7 – 4.10pm: WYONG’S NEXT COCKTAIL PARTY – SATURDAY JULY 15 – BO0K NOW F&M BM64 (1350m):1 RESISTIBLE, 2 Takara Star, 3 Seany’s Girl, 4 Starstruck Barbie.

Race 8 – 4.50pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING – THURSDAY APRIL 27 CG&E BM64 (1350m): 1 SKYLIGHT SONG, 2 Buillt, 3 Surfers Royale, 4 Strombus.

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 17^th 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.”

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. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.05pm: LAKES PODIATRY 3YO MAIDEN (1000m): 1 RUSSIAN ROSE, 2 Really Motivated, 3 Beauty Bound, 4 Bantarki.

Race 2 – 1.45pm: REWARD HOMES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 YANKEE HUSSEL, 2 Takara Star, 3 Headstock, 4 My Artie. 

Race 3 – 2.25pm: LIFEFUL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 DOMINGO, 2 Piccadilly Lass, 3 Owari, 4 Balinor. 

Race 4 – 3.05pm: PETER MAC’S SERVICE CENTRE MIDWAY MAIDEN (1600m): 1 MEET ME IN BONDI, 2 Vegas Outlaw, 3 Riley Park, 4 Meerut.

Race 5 – 3.45pm: THE ARY 2YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 SECRET KEEPER, 2 Thunderlips, 3 Belyaev, 4 Simplicity. 

Race 6 – 4.25pm: NATIONAL AIR PARTS MAIDEN (1350m): 1 VICTORY SALUTE, 2 Just AnUpstart, 3 Theoneandonly, 4 Personal Best.

Race 7 – 5.05pm: POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL-MIDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER (1350m): 1 MOBSTAR, 2 Oakfield Arrow, 3 Fielding, 4 Conrad.

Race 8 – 5.45pm: TWIN LAKES AIR & SOLAR CONDITIONAL BM68 (1200m): 1 CEASEFIRE, 2 Ningaloo Star, 3 Akaka Falls, 4 Jacquine Reward.

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. 

Race 6 – 4.15pm: KINCROME BM64 HANDICAP (1000m): 1 MISS VIOLET, 2 Nasdaq Dubai, 3 Florida Sky, 4 Crystalane.

Race 7 – 4.50pm: MACK CONDITIONAL BM68 (1350m): 1 PHAROAH’S REIGN,2 Speak Now, 3 Capital Asset, 4 The Himalayas.

Race 8 – 5.30pm: INFRABUILD MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 WEALTHOFKNOWLEDGE, 2 Mad Darcey, 3 Hasten Delight, 4 Notifies.

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.

Race 2 – 1.35pm: PRESILIENT – MANAGED IT SERVICES PROVINCIAL BM64 (1000m): 1 ZENTI, 2 Aspen Chase, 3 Brudenell, 4 Perfect Style.

Race 3 – 2.10pm: ABCOE CENTRAL COAST MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m): 1 SHIGERU, 2 Lord Bob, 3 Edgewise, 4 Cubed.

Race 4 – 2.45pm: BIDFOOD MAIDEN (1100m): 1 MISS ADAMAS, 2 Lim’s Synergy, 3 Choix De La Mer, 4 Boston City.

Race 5 – 3.20pm: GIBBOS PIES MAIDEN (1600m): 1 COMPETITION, 2 Smartawi, 3 More Saintly, 4 Melanin.

Race 6 – 3.55pm: COAST & COUNTRY MEATS WYONG BM64 (1600m): 1 BEL SUONO, 2 Ausbred Blue Bird, 3 Test The Waters, 4 Crowned By Aces.

Race 7 – 4.35pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING BJ HOWES METALAND RACE DAY FEBRUARY 21 BM64 (2100m):  1 ENDORPHINS, 2 Hide Your Heart, 3 Dragon Dream, 4 Nyota.

, 

“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.

Race 5 – 4.05pm: WYONG RACE CLUB’S HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIP $30 F&M BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1100m: 1 FLYING ANNIE, 2 Jayanthi, 3 Justina, 4 Zetarita.

Race 6 – 4.40pm: HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1350m: 1 JOURNALISM, 2 Mihocek, 3 Dirty Merchant, 4 Piraeus.

Race 7 – 5.15pm: WYONG’S FAMILY FUN DAY THIS SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023 F&M BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m: 1 DEFINITELY MAYBE, 2 Pink Baroque, 3 Linguee, 4 Silvakia.

 
Lou Mary has been a fan of Wyong since his talented mare Proverbial broke through for her maiden win just over a year ago.
And while he doesn’t get the opportunity to race there too often, he comes to Saturday’s Connect Social race meeting with two strong chances.
Scone based Mary saddles up Piccinni in the 2100m BM64 and Kaisa in the 1600m Maiden and believes both are capable of winning.
“They are both doing really well, and I am confident,” Mary said. “When you come to these Provincial tracks with good surfaces and good jockeys, you give your horses the best opportunity to perform at their best.”
Well-bred four-year-old Piccinni, a daughter of Pierro, is primed for a strong performance stepping up to her ideal distance over the 2100m.
She put together back-to-back wins over similar ground at Tamworth and Scone last preparation and has had two runs this time in which pleased her trainer.
“I’ve been taking my time with her, and this looks like an ideal race. Her run at Rosehill when resuming was good. She made up plenty of ground in the final stages.
“Second up I put her in a BM78 at Randwick. She did a bit too much work early and was a bit flat footed around the 450m but still battled on well.
“Back in grade at Wyong and over this distance she should be right in it. She looks amazing, all dappled up and she worked a treat on Wednesday. I’ve got a good opinion of her and think in time she’ll get out over the mile and a half, if not further.”
Mary is hoping his mare Kaisa can go one better than her last start second at Wyong on December 8.
The lightly raced four-year-old has had two placings from just four starts, both since joining the Mary stable.
“There were excuses for her last start. She’s a real winning chance on Saturday over the same distance.
“She was to run at Gosford last Saturday, but I was concerned the track may have been downgraded. I’m hoping it’s a blessing in disguise, and she can get the job done.
“She spent a long time in the paddock before she came to me, and the owners have been very patient. I think she’s a genuine Provincial horse.”
Mary’s attentions will be divided on Saturday, with Proverbial lining up in the Highway at Rosehill, but he’ll be trackside at Wyong and hopeful of saddling up a double.
The first of seven races gets underway at 1.15pm.
 
SELECTIONS:
 
Race 1 – 1.15pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1600m): 1 ASVA, 2 Beauty Crusade, 3 Gleefilly, 4 Kaisa.
Race 2 – 1.50pm: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS BM64 (2100m): 1 CLASSIC DEEL, 2 Brave Angel, 3 Portnoy, 4 Celestial Fury.
Race 3 – 2,25pm: PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS MIDWAY MAIDEN (1000m): 1 CLOVELLY, 2 Super Freds, 3 Mr Kennedy, 4 First Class Holley.
Race 4 – 3.05pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDAION F&M CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 OVERRIDING, 2 Beirut Miss, 3 Fairway Star, 4 Galactic Angel.
Race 5 – 3.45pm: GO ELECTRICAL CG&E CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 WILD IRISH ROVER, 2 Sealion, 3 Global Encounter, 4 Watch The Clock.
Race 6 – 4.25pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (1350m): 1 MISTER HEMSWORTH, 2 Bucks Party, 3 Ranhita, 4 Eau De Vie.
Race 7 – 5.05pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACES JANUARY 18TH AND 22ND PROVINCIAL BM68 (1200m): 1 CHIPPER, 2 True Crime, 3 Isorich, 4 Fleet Air Arm.