raceday review

John O’Shea is making the WYONG LEAGUES GROUP WYONG CUP his own, claiming his third feature in just four years. 

Lion’s Roar was the latest of O’Shea’s protégé to claim the prestigious Listed race and the first since linking with training partner Tom Charlton. 

Jason Collett gave the seven-year-old a super ride, getting the gelding into the perfect rhythm in the early stages of the 2100m race, before hitting the front in the straight and holding out his rivals on the line. 

Lion’s Roar showing his supreme staying prowess to take out the $250,000 race, taking his prizemoney to more than $2.3million. 

He has now won six of his 36 starts with 10 minor placings for owners Champion Thoroughbreds, including the G1 Randwick Guineas in 2021.

“It was a really rewarding win for the team,” O’Shea said. “We had a plan to go into the Rowley Mile and come here and got the job done. 

“He was really strong and gallant. He has been a tremendous horse for Champion Thoroughbreds and our stable. 

“He won his first race as a two-year-old and is seven now and it’s not over yet. Where do we find more of them?”

O’Shea was also complimentary of the ride by Collett, who brought up a race to race double with Lion’s Roar.

“He is riding in sensational form. He’s grown a leg, and we are lucky to be associated with him.”

O’Shea’s winning Wyong Cup run began in 2021 with Berdibek, followed by Benaud last year. Chris Waller still holds the record with eight cup wins but the O’Shea/Charlton stable has dominated in the past few years. 

The Cup win brought up a winning double for the O’Shea/Carlton combo, Aunty Rene taking out an earlier race.

Birthday girl Kristen Buchanan got the job done for the locals in the CARLTON DRAUGHT PROVINCIAL BM64 (1600m) with her consistent mare Kervette. 

A daughter of Kermadec, the four-year-old has now had two wins and eight placings from her 14 race starts. 

It was a perfectly timed ride by Jason Collet, coming from the rear of the field to claim victory. Kim Waugh’s Doraskaya finished third. 

Short priced favourite Yoshinobu got the job done in the opening race, READY’S @ THE DOYLO SUPER MAIDEN (1200m) justifying his favouritism.

The Neasham/Archibald colt, a $550,000 Magic Millions yearling, had been impressive in his two trials before resuming. He was ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. 

Carrying the name of former champion Show County, the modern-day namesake claimed his first win in the 1350m WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MIDWAY 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

A son of Showtime, the four-year-old was having his fourth start, with trainer Alexandre Lemarie confident he could win. 

And that he did, beating the short priced favourite Classic Poetry, with Mark Cross’s locally trained Hoo Haa third. Brazilian born Louis Beuzelin the winning rider.

As is often the case the outsider in a small field wins and that’s exactly how it panned out in the CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCE – 3&4YO BM64 over 1300m.

Gary Portelli’s Debello was given a great front running ride by apprentice Mollie Bourke and was able to hold out his fast-finishing rivals to win. 

It was the third win from 18 starts for the son of Deep Field.

Dual acceptor Edited By looked well placed by trainer Michael Freedman in the 1200m BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS’ SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM64 (1200m).

The Written By gelding had impressed last preparation with back-to-back Newcastle wins and raced well when finishing fourth on resuming at Warwick Farm on August 21. 

He stormed home down the outside with Rory Hutchings in the saddle to bring up his third career win at start nine with two minor placings. 

Aunty Rene held on to win the HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS F&M BM66 over 1600m in a tough victory. 

The So You Think mare making it back-to-back wins following her last start first at Kembla. She brought up win number three for Andrew Adkins and trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton. 

Wyong trainers filling the minor placings, with Tracey Bartley’s Lady Superspy second over Allan Kehoe’s Moonlight Grace. 

Race favourite Hezdarnhottoo claimed the last, the SENPOS POINT OF SALE CLASS 1 (1100m) for Bjorn Baker and Tommy Berry. 

The Too Darn Hot three-year-old now has two wins and a placing his name from just four starts. 

Josh Parr was the winner of the prestigious Nathan Berry Medal for the most successful jockey over the three-day carnival. Parr finishing on 14 points. 

Jarrod Austin hatched a plan to win the Domeland Mona Lisa several months ago and that plan came to fruition with talented mare Terra Mater getting the job done in impressive style. 

The Wandjini five-year-old gave Austin one of his biggest career wins, a cool ride by champion Nash Rawiller securing victory in the Listed $200,000 race. 

Rawiller was met by a wall of horses when he turned into the straight, pushing through when a gap opened around the 100m mark to win by a head. 

“It was a little hairy at one stage,” an excited Austin said. “I thought Nash would come through but was a bit worried with 150m to go. 

“I knew back on a dry track today her turn of foot would be even better and he showed that. 

“Not often do our plans come off but it did and that’s really satisfying. I wanted to get black type into her and I’m really happy today. 

“We’ll look toward the Tibbie now in a couple of weeks.”

Rawiller said her knew the mare would be there for him when he needed her to be. 

“I knew she’d be there when we finally saw daylight and banked on her turn of foot. 

“There has never been a more deserving black type winner than her and all credit to Jarrod.”

Rawiller was full of praise for Terra Mater.

“You get an association with horses and she has been one of them over the last three years that you know what they can do and what they are made of,” he said.

“When it starts getting a bit tough there, she was there for you.

“I banked on her turn of foot because there was no speed early and they weren’t going to stop.”

John Sargent’s Ningaloo Star was the runner-up over the Neasham/Archibald trained Hell Hath No Furty.

Earlier on the program there was plenty of excitement with Hawkesbury based Jackie Greentree’s Zoum Raider training her first winner in four years in the 1100m #Teamwyong Equimillion Provincial Maiden.

Fellow Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup saddled up short-priced favourite The Act, but when they went hard in front Chad Scofield was able to storm home on Zoum Raider to snatch victory over Sara Ryan’s Koios, with The Act third. 

Zoum Raider was a $2000 online purchase and after being unplaced in his only start last preparation, has resumed a winner. He is one of only two horses in Greentree’s stable. 

It was an effortless win in the opener for the Neasham/Archibald trained Minnehaha Falls, the Sacred Falls mare sent out short, priced favourite and not disappointing. Alysha Collett partnering the four-year-old to her debut win in the Tabcorp Maiden over 1625m. 

Line of Fire led from barrier to post in the Wyong Leagues Group Class 1 (1625m), Josh Parr riding the Dundeel gelding to victory. 

Bjorn Baker’s four-year-old is building a strong resume with two wins and three placings from his seven starts. He was a $200,000 Magic Millions yearling, raced by Darby Syndications. 

It’s rarely a Wyong meeting without Chris Waller tasting success, and this was no exception, $420,000 Magic Millions yearling Useapin taking out the 1000m De Bortoli Wines Maiden. 

The daughter of Yes Yes Yes, having her fourth start, was given a super ride by Tyler Schiller to secure her first win. 

Another favourite went under in the 1200m Sky Channel Maiden with the Maher trained Deconstruction overpowering the short priced Excelindeed on the line. 

The Snitzel colt, a $350,000 yearling trained by Ciaron Maher was resuming off a Rosehill barrier trial win. 

Jason Collett gave the three-year-old a peach of a ride sitting off the favourite before hitting the front in the final stages of the straight to bring up his first win at start two. 

It was a tight finish in the Johnnie Roberts Memorial BM64 (1000m) with Nathan Doyle’s Reigning King holding out the favourite Fire Star.  The victory bringing up a double for Josh Parr.

A four-year-old Snitzel gelding, Reigning King was a $400,000 yearling having his 11^th career start for two wins and five placings.

Etched In Time eased in the betting in the 1350m CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MDIWAY BM64 (1350m) but still got the job done, with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

Richard & Will Freedman’s Written Tycoon four-year-old brought up his third win at start 10, with a minor placing.

The winner, a $160k yearling, is raced by NSW Tycoons.  

WYONG trainer Rodney Bailey spoiled the Domeland “party” at his home track today.

The affable Bailey was confident beforehand that a firmer surface would help lightly-raced Norton Road recapture winning form – and he did exactly that in the inaugural Domeland-sponsored Kulnura Cup (a Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1300m) at $17.

Unfortunately for Domeland, Norton Road’s victory was at the expense of their only runner at the meeting, trainer Sara Ryan’s $2.60 favorite Spicy Hotpot.

Norton Road, a $7500 online buy in 2021 and raced by the trainer’s daughter Bridget, needed time before getting to the races and won his first two starts at Wyong and Newcastle in January and February.

Bailey sent him for a spell, but the Stratum Star gelding had failed to recapture that form in four starts since resuming.

However, his trainer was adamant wet tracks had played a role in that and also rued his decision to put winkers on him, which he quickly changed.

Rider Jenny Duggan had Norton Road smoothly into the box seat outside Global Empire and, after hitting the front in the straight, the now five-year-old kicked strongly to hold out the challenge of Spicy Hotpot, who began awkwardly but nonetheless had every chance.

Third placegetter Killer Kerr ($17) isn’t far off another win after being slow to begin. 

Norton Road’s return to winning form lift his earnings to nearly $67,000 – a tidy return indeed on his purchase price.

Fellow Wyong trainers Kim Waugh and Kristen Buchanan joined Bailey in the winning list, both making an excellent start to the new season.

Waugh followed her Hawkesbury victory last Thursday with stable newcomer Northern Eyes by landing the Limitless Lodge Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) with Doraskaya (Jay Ford).

A $6.50 chance, Doraskaya really surged in the closing stages to overhaul another local, Allan Kehoe’s Dreamdeel ($2.70 favorite), who had made the running and looked home when nicely clear in the straight.

A five-year-old daughter of Russian Revolution, Doraskaya won her third race and is part-owned by the trainer’s husband, Australian cricket legend Mark.

Buchanan followed her Newcastle victory yesterday with favorite Fioprospero ($2.15) by scoring with another punters’ elect – and a heavily backed one at that.

Four-year-old Kermadec mare Kervette had been placed on six occasions from 10 starts, and was backed from $2 to start $1.70 favorite in the Agrana Fruit Australia Provincial Maiden Handicap (1350m).

Gun apprentice Zac Lloyd took bad luck out of the equation, taking off on her approaching the home turn, and she quickly rounded up her rivals.

Kervette won stylishly from Noises ($10) and fellow local, Damien Lane’s Oakfield Blue Bell ($11).

“I expected her to beat hard to beat,” Buchanan said. “She drew well, had Zac (Lloyd) riding her and getting up to 1350m suited.

“We’ve got a lot of nice young horses coming through, so hopefully we’re set for another good season.”

Torie’s Rose ($5.50), racing in blinkers for the first time, was slowly away and did her best work at the end to finish fourth. 

Lloyd, last season’s Wyong apprentice premiership winner, made it a double in consecutive races when successful on his master James Cummings’ Rip Off ($2.70 favorite) in the Milangall Park Maiden Handicap (1100m).

The four-year-old daughter of Ribchester took eight starts to break through after three minor placings.

She finished a shade strongly for a gallant Conchierro ($19), who fought valiantly to hold on in the straight.

Talk about an excellent start to the season! Definitely none better than leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup, who scored with debutante Canny Queen ($8.50) in the Economy Waste Group 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m).

This was his eighth starter in the first four days of the new season – and he has won five races and finished second with the other three.

Owner John Cordina’s Summertime Thoroughbreds, for whom Widdup won with Party Doll at Hawkesbury last Thursday, purchased the three-year-old daughter of Victoria Derby winner Ace High for $20,000 as a yearling in New Zealand last year.

It looks to be a pretty astute decision, given Canny Queen’s dam Quella Finale is a daughter of the great staying influence Zabeel, and here she is winning first-up at 1200m.

Winning rider Tom Sherry had Canny Queen racing smoothly in third last place on the fence, and got a split between runners in time for the filly to pip Forrest Gum ($5.50) in the last few strides.

Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride got punters off to a good start when hotpot Elle Hudson ($1.35) took the Stone Real Estate Wyong Maiden Plate (1600m).

But not before they took a few deep breaths.

Elle Hudson (Regan Bayliss) needed the entire straight to run down Casterly Rock ($8.50) and break through for his first win.

“We bought him in New Zealand and he’s still learning his race craft,” Pride said.

“I’m sure he can win more races.”

Newcastle trainer David Atkins won the Sublime Aluminium & Glass Somersby Bracelet Midway Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m) with Leave Me Some ($4.60).

Jockey Ash Morgan produced a brilliant ride, navigating a path between runners in the straight to deny $2.45 favorite Oceans One victory.

Age certainly isn’t worrying the nine-year-old mare.

This was her 59^th start and her ninth win, and she has also been placed 19 times.

Oceans One was gallant under his 61kg (after apprentice Zac Wadick’s 2kg claim), especially as he conceded the winner 5kg.

Rosehill Gardens trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou didn’t hesitate to take Incarcerated back to Wyong for the Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club Town Plate Class 1 Handicap (1100m) – and he made it two in a row at the track.

Having only his fourth start, four-year-old Incarcerated ($2.80 co-favorite) was clearly too nippy for his rivals and scored by nearly five lengths.

The other joint favorite She’s All It was second after trying to put pressure on the winner on the winner on the home turn.

Incarcerated had won a Super Maiden (1200m) at Wyong on July 20 by two lengths, and he was even more impressive this time.

Kim Waugh was pipped at the post for the Wyong Trainers Premiership with Snowden Racing grabbing the title at the last local meeting of the season. 

The trainers went into the day with 10 winners apiece and three runners each, but while Waugh failed to taste success, the well named Zousain Bolt was a winner for the Snowden’s. 

Waugh doesn’t end the 2023/24 season empty handed, and will take out the her seventh Wyong Premiership, for the most overall winners, next week. 

Tyler Schiller secured the senior Jockey’s title with a winner on the day giving him 11 for the season, while Zac Lloyd claimed the Apprentices Premiership with 11.

Matthew Smith took out the training honours with a double, including Scalextrics who brought up his fourth successive win in the 1600m BM64.

Jaden Lloyd has partnered the So You Think four-year-old to all four wins. 

Smith said a change up in training tactics had seen the gelding turn the corner. 

“He’s a bit of a lazy horse so we changed things up and he’s found very good form.”

Smith’s other win came with Lone Force in the 1300m Super Maiden.

A top Jay Ford ride helped secure victory for Sooboog gelding, 

Ford was able to get on the back of the favourite Spanish Fox throughout, before pulling away in the final stages to hold out his rivals. 

“He’s come back in good shape,” Smith said. “He should get out to seven furlongs and a mile and that will give him more opportunities.”

Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou continued their recent winning run at Wyong with well-bred two-year-old Lone Force taking out the 1300m 3Y0 Maiden.

The stable trained a double last Saturday, Lone Force giving them their third win in five days.

The $180,000 Magic Millions yearling was on debut, having performed well in the latest of his three trials at Rosehill on July 12. 

Tom Sherry partnered the Trapeze Artist colt to victory, with the stable having good expectations of him going forward. 

“It was a nice win,” representative Jason Thompson said. “He did a few things wrong, but that will come with race experience. There was plenty of positives to take out of the win today.”

Snowden Racing’s Zousain Bolt appreciated the drop back to two-year-old grade and was too strong in the second 1300m 2YO Maiden. 

Andrew Adkins, coming off a Wyong treble last Saturday, rode the Zousain colt to victory. 

“He’s starting to switch on that he’s a racehorse,” foreman Matt McCudden said. “It’s good to get the win out of the way and he will continue to improve when he gets over more ground.”

It was a tight three-way finish, with placegetters Cristal Clear and Komodo Dragon not far off a win.

Lonhro filly Waamil is another who looks to have a bright future, the three-year-old winning the 1600m Maiden with Tim Clark in the saddle. 

Waamil joined the Waterhouse Bott stable this preparation and was coming off a fourth at Scone on a heavy 10 track.

“The dry track made the difference today” Neil Paine said. “It was bottomless at Scone, so to come here on a good track over the mile was perfect. She’ll step up to 1900m, 2000m and will improve again.”

The favourite Rampazetto raced greenly in stages and will improve from the run. 

Stephen O’Halloran’s Albe Red is putting together an impressive resume, his latest win in the 1350m Provincial Class 1, his second in just five starts. 
The well-bred son of Autumn Sun was having only his second run for the stable and coming off a second at Goulburn on July 5.

Winning rider Shaun Guymer  is confident there are more wins to come. 

“It was a tough win today. He was wide for the majority of the race and performed exceptionally well. Once he puts it all together he should be able to get a string of wins,” he said.

Godolphin rarely go home from a Wyong meeting without a win and today was no exception, with Equipage too strong in the 1350m Conditional BM68.

Tommy Berry partnered the progressive Lonhro filly to her second career victory from 11 starts, with seven minor placings.

Despite a wide run throughout, Berry was able to get a kick in the straight and run down his rivals to win by a half-length. 

The Pride stable was confident about the chances of Global Empire in the 1200m BM64 and the four-year-old didn’t disappoint with a strong win. 

The son of I Am Invincible hit the front in the straight and was able to hold out fast finishing duo Trapeze Pleasure and Drama Dodger. 

Brave Pride said they were hopeful the win would give the gelding the confidence to win a few more races. 

There was plenty of late support for Global Empire, who started $3 favourite with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

The surname Ryan was prominent in the winners list at today’s Wyong meeting, master trainer Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou training a double and Blake Ryan unveiling a smart two-year-old in He’s In Like Flynn.

Blake Ryan has a big opinion of the well-bred Showtime gelding, a $350k Ready To Race purchase by Barlaine Racing.

He considers He’s In Like Flynn to be the best horse he’s had in his stable and plans to run him in a Stakes race if he successful in next start at Wyong on August 4.

Ryan had him primed for a strong debut performance in the 1000m Provincial Maiden after he won a Hawkesbury barrier trial on July 8 by more than five lengths. 

He was sent out $1.50 favourite and the win was never in doubt, Andrew Adkins drawing away in the final stages to post a four-length victory. 

Ryan had been excited to see if He’s In Like Flynn could transfer his trial form to a race and he didn’t disappoint. 

“His trials had been good last time in, and the other day was really good, but you never know what they can do under race pressure,” Ryan said. 

“Once he began well enough today, I knew they wouldn’t get past him. He was an expensive ready to run purchase and I was lucky enough to get him to train.” 

Ryan’s father Gerald and racing partner Alexiou had two Maiden horses break through, Press Statement gelding Incarcerated in the 1200m Super Maiden and Flying Artie three-year-old Contrived in the 1000m 3YO Maiden. 

Contrived, a $150k yearling, broke through at his third start, while stablemate Incarcerated was also having his third career start. 

Brandon Lerena partnered both the stable winners but it as Andrew Adkins who took out the riding honours with a treble. 

Along with He’s In Like Flynn, Adkins scored on Misty Legend, another impressive Maiden winner from the Hawkes racing stable, and Jason Coyle’s Bluff ‘N Bluster in the last. 

It’s been a fruitful month for Adkins with six winners to date including last Wednesday’s Listed Ramornie at Grafton with Ka Bling for the Snowdens.

Rodney Bailey snared a win for the locals, with Dreams Of Thunder taking out the 1200m Class 1 in impressive style. 

Ridden by Jenny Duggan, the Overshare three-year-old brought up his second win in the 1200m Class 1 at just his eighth career start. 

Lee Curtis was the other winner on the day, claiming the first race, the 1600m 2YO & 3YO Maiden with Laspirit Deeler. 

Race by a syndicate including prominent owner breeders Frank and Christine Cook, the three-year-old filly breaking through at just her second career start. 

ON A Domeland-sponsored day, what better than their sole representative getting the money!

Wyong trainer Sara Ryan could have run Aix En Provence at Hawkesbury on Tuesday, but understandably waited a couple of days for the DOMELAND – GAZILLION BUBBLES CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m) – and it paid off.

With regular rider Grant Buckley sidelined, Kerrin McEvoy gave Aix En Provence (3.60) a faultless ride, getting him away first from an inside draw, then taking a trail on the fence and having only to go around fellow Wyong representative, Damien Lane’s Externus ($10).

The Shalaa three-year-old, a $160,000 buy at the 2022 Inglis Premier yearling sale in Melbourne, edged away from Externus in the closing stages, with French import Barazin ($12) a luckless third, unable to be fully tested for the majority of the straight.

“He is a very honest boy, who has never been out of a place (seven starts for two wins and five placings),” Ryan said of Aix En Provence.

“The winkers seemed to make him fight that bit harder today.

“This is only his second preparation. I’ll see how he pulls up, but he might go for a spell.”

Ryan is enjoying clearly her best season in only her second full year of training. Aix En Provence was her 24^th winner, double last year’s tally.

Unfortunately for connections and punters who backed $1.75 favorite It’s A Wonder, who was never really a winning prospect and finished fifth, she bled from both nostrils and incurred the mandatory three months’ ban.

GODOLPHIN two-year-old Last Druid’s breakthrough victory in the DOMELAND THANKS STABLEHANDS MAIDEN PLATE (1000m) revived memories of the recently deceased champion Lonhro.

The Brazen Beau colt is the sixth foal of Lonhro’s sister Shannara (by Octagonal), a four-times winner, including the Dark Jewel Classic at Scone in 2011.

Giving gun stable apprentice Zac Lloyd a double (he had scored earlier on hotpot Euromaster), Last Druid ($2.20 favorite) gave away a year’s age but was still good enough to defeat three-year-olds, debutante Patience Is Virtue ($3.60), and well-backed Brokerage ($3).

The trio had the race to themselves in the straight, and it was Last Druid who had the drop on the placegetters and was strongest to the line.

“He’s got a classic look about him,” said Godolphin spokesman, former champion jockey Darren Beadman.

“Last Druid is still learning his craft, but changed stride when he got out into the clear on straightening and charged to the line with purpose.

“We put a tongue tie on him because he was a bit thick in the wind after his last trial at Warwick Farm 10 days ago.

“That was only his third start and first since February.”

ZAC Lloyd’s earlier success on $1.35 favorite Euromaster in the DOMELAND SUPPORTS EQUIMILLIONS MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (1350m) ended the lightly-raced four-year-old’s frustrating run of four previous seconds.

And he made no mistake, giving him a perfect ride, getting away from the fence at the right time to enjoy the run of the race and thus allowing him to build momentum.

Euromaster was too strong at the end for Can Expect Greater ($9), who began awkwardly and lost several lengths, and Steve Schofield’s Elusive Mission ($41), who was having her 25^th start and indicated perhaps a win isn’t far away with a stout finish, though beaten clearly.

Warwick Farm trainer Ron Leemon, who won the 2011 Group 1 Golden Rose with Manawanui, secured Euromaster for $20,000 at the 2021 Inglis HTBA sale in Sydney.

Lloyd afterwards had a “tip” for connections. “I think he will benefit from some headgear to switch him on a touch,” he said.

WHEN you’re hot, you’re hot!

Sydney apprentice Molly Bourke came off a Warwick Farm double a day earlier to repeat the feat.

She scored on La Belle Claire ($3 favorite) in the DOMELAND CONGRATULATES LES STARKEY FOR 30 YEARS SUPER MAIDEN PLATE (1600m), and four races later picked up a replacement mount from fellow apprentice Angus Villiers on OSMAN ($4), who landed the DOMELAND RACING BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m).

Bourke took La Belle Claire to the front, and was never headed.

The Highland Reel three-year-old filly was strong through the line and easily defeated Dalio ($9.50) and Ample Time ($18) in an all-Warwick Farm result.

“We were a bit concerned La Belle Claire might find the 1600m a shade too far, but Molly took bad luck out of the equation,” co-trainer Martha Cave said.

“That win hopefully will give the filly plenty of confidence.”

Osman, a five-year-old by American Pharoah, has won eight races – and this was his first at the provincials.

“He is a very honest horse, and looked well placed,” said Mudgee trainer Mack Griffith.

“Osman had a few issues last time and trained off, but we sorted them out and he’s really good this time in work.

“With his pedigree, he should be a Sydney Saturday horse, but we’re happy to poke along and take each race as they come.”

Osman, last year’s Parkes Cup winner, defeated recent Wyong winner Bonus Tempus ($8), who would have made matters interesting had he got clear earlier.

Steve Schofield’s nine-times winner Mosht Up was a late withdrawal from this race with a near fetlock injury, and her trainer advised RacingNSW stewards she would be retired.

NEWCASTLE’S star apprentice Dylan Gibbons is becoming something of a front-running specialist.

He has won two races recently at Wyong and Hawkesbury on the Kembla Grange-trained Verbek by leading throughout, and turned in another beauty on Tenniel ($6) in the DOMELAND SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL JOCKEYS TRUST CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE (2000m).

The Annabel Neasham-trained three-year-old daughter of Tarzino might have a bright future as a stayer.

She ran second last preparation over 2000m at Queanbeyan, and was never going to lose this race.

Tenniel was having only her fifth start, and followed an excellent first-up fourth over a shorter 1600m at Wyong on June 13.

She had a clear margin to spare at the finish over $3 favorite Lygon Street, who chased hard and didn’t stop trying.

PUNTERS were on the mark early when they backed Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Mostro ($3) to defeat $2.60 favorite Pink Shalala in the SKY RACING 3YO MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m).

Jockey Regan Bayliss ensured there was no chance for excuses by taking the three-year-old to the front, and he was never seriously threatened.

Try as Pink Shalala did in the straight, she could not overhaul Mostro, who broke through at his fourth start.

“Mostro has always shown some ability, and ran second to a smart filly (Arctic Glamour) at Rosehill Gardens last September at only his second start,” stable spokesman Neil Paine said.

“I think he’ll get further; his dam (Allaboutus) won up to 1800m at Randwick.”

ICONIC Newcastle trainer Paul Perry and Hawkesbury apprentice Zac Wadick combined to win with favorite Curcl Curl at Newcastle on June 15, and did it again, this time with Cosy Corner in the DOMELAND WISHES PARRY SOUND AN ENJOYABLE RETIREMENT BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1000m).

Whilst Cosy Corner ($4) was crowded for room soon after the start and did a good job to score, Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan’s runner-up Drama Dodger ($13) caught the eye.

Drama Dodger was slow to begin and came from last on the turn with a determined burst on the inside to go under narrowly.

The heavily-backed $2.50 favorite Morpheus Bragi (Jason Collett), with 62kg topweight, struck trouble on a couple of occasions before finishing seventh.

Stewards reported a veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities other than a small speedy cut to the off-fore cannon.

WYONG has been a happy hunting ground for Kris Lees.  

Aside from his beloved home track at Broadmeadow, Wyong is the leading Newcastle trainer’s second most successful provincial track with 155 winners, including the 2016 Gold Cup (2100m) with import Slow Pace, ridden by Robert Thompson.

Now he is banking on another couple of imports adding to his record there on Thursday at the Domeland sponsored meeting.

Lees will start Lygon Street in the Class 1/Maiden Plate (2100m) and Barazin in the Class 1 Handicap (1600m).

Kerrin McEvoy will ride Lygon Street, and stable apprentice Ben Osmond partners Barazin to lessen his 61.5kg topweight to 58.5kg.

Both horses recently made their debuts for their new stable; Lygon Street when runner-up at Wyong on June 13 in a Provincial Class 1/Maiden Plate (2000m), and Barazin ran fourth in a 1400m Class 1 Handicap at Newcastle on June 1.

Lygon Street, a four-year-old son of 2014 Epsom Derby winner Australia, had his first five starts in Ireland for one placing at Gowran Park over 1911m in June last year.

He hadn’t raced since August when he lined up at Wyong, and stable spokesman Danny Greer says he has taken good improvement from his first run for the stable.

“Kerrin (McEvoy) rode him then, and was happy to stay with him,” Greer said.

“Lygon Street ran well first-up, but found one better (Rico Suave) on the day.

“He gives the impression he will stay all day, and going an extra 100m will suit him, and he is getting fitter.”

Barazin, who raced in the Australian Bloodstock colours, is fronting up for his fourth start after having his first three starts in France.

The four-year-old son of Siyouni won a 3YO Maiden over 1800m on debut in April last year before being placed at Lyon-Parilly (1600m) and Saint-Cloud (2000m).

“Barazin’s first-up run for us was sound enough at 1400m, and Kris has given him three and a half weeks before starting him again,” Greer said.

“On his French form and the fact he has also taken improvement from the June 1 race suggests stepping up to 1600m is definitely more suitable.

“That plus the fact he drops 3kg on the weight he carried at Newcastle are in his favour.”

Locally-trained Aix En Provence will be a tough rival for Barazin to crack.

With Domeland sponsoring, their Wyong trainer Sara Ryan chose to bypass a Hawkesbury engagement on Tuesday with Aix En Provence to oppose Barazin in the Class 1 Handicap.

And whereas Kerrin McEvoy was in the Lees’ camp earlier with Lygon Street, he is in the Domeland corner this time, partnering Aix En Provence.

The three-year-old is a model of consistency, having not missed a placing in his six career starts, including a breakthrough victory in a Kembla Grange Super Maiden Plate (1400m) on May 18.

He subsequently was narrowly beaten by Bonus Tempus in a Midway Class 1 Handicap (1500m) there on June 4.

Whilst Aix En Provence wears ear muffs pre-race, Ryan has decided to add winkers for this assignment.

Star apprentices Dylan Gibbons and Zac Lloyd, with nine wins each, are locked in a tight battle for junior riding honours this season.

Both have already tasted Group 1 success; Gibbons twice on Explosive Jack in last year’s Sydney Cup and Kalapour in the Tancred Stakes at Rosehill Gardens earlier this year, whilst Lloyd won the recent Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on Stefi Magnetica.

The jockeys and trainers premierships also are evenly poised, with only meetings on July 16 and 25 remaining after Thursday.

Jockey Tyler Schiller (10 wins) lead Keagan Latham and Ash Morgan by two, whilst Wyong’s Kim Waugh and Sydney’s Peter and Paul Snowden currently top the trainers’ table with 10 winners a piece.

A super home track meeting for Tracey Bartley scoring a winning double with Titanium Miss and Villa Tino.

Bartley had been confident of the chances of both runners and that confidence was rewarded in spades, with both impressive winners. 

It was a day of doubles with Peter and Paul Snowden also training two winners, while gun apprentices Zac Lloyd and Dylan Gibbons both bagged doubles. 

Villa Tino was the first of Bartley’s runners to taste success, in a great training effort winning first up after almost a year on the sidelines.  

The son of Supido put more than two lengths on his rivals in the HOODOO GUROOS @TEG 16^TH November Maiden over 1100m. 

It was a rewarding win for the stable, with Bartley putting plenty of work into the four-year-old who was returning from a bleeding attack. 

He last raced in July 2023 but looked strong in two recent trials. 

Partnered by Reece Jones, Villa Tino snuck up the rails in the straight, drawing away to win by more than two lengths much to the delight of his trainer. 

“I told Reece to be kind to him early and let him explode late and that’s exactly what happened,” Bartley said. 

“He didn’t have to do much on him once he went through the gap. He’s a nice horse and the main thing is that he pulls up well.”

Villa Tino was having his 10^th career in the 1200m INDUSTREE GROUP MAIDEN, having been placed in four of his previous runs. 

Titanium Miss was also given a positive ride by Ashley Morgan and despite being headed in the straight fought back to win by two lengths. 

Bartley had been happy with the All Too Hard filly’s Hawkesbury debut and expected her to improve at Wyong and that she did. 

“It was a good tough win today. I thought she’d run well, and she didn’t disappoint. It’s very rewarding to have a home track double.”

The double bringing up 14 wins for season.

 Lygon Street may have some heavy hitters in his ownership but that wasn’t enough to secure victory for the import in his debut Australian run. 

The Kris Lees trained four-year-old is raced by prolific owner Lloyd Williams and media mogul James Packer and was sent out $2.30 favourite on the back of his Great Britain form. 

But that didn’t deter Stephen O’Halloran’s Rico Suave, who stormed home in the straight to win the DE BORTOLI WINES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2000m) by a length, with Mitchell Bell in the saddle. 

O’Halloran purchased the Fastnet Rock gelding in 2022 for just $15,000 and since joining his stable he has brought up two wins and seven minor placings for almost $85,000 in prizemoney.

Lygon Street will definitely improve over more ground, while Kirsten Buchanan’s Opus could be another one to follow.

Snowden Racing’s Evenflow was also sent out favourite in the EVE ELECTRICAL SUPER MAIDEN over 1600m but didn’t disappoint bringing up his first win at start five. 

A two-year-old Super Seth colt, Evenflow ($1.55) was a $260,000 Magic Millions yearling. 

He was narrowly beaten at his last start at Kembla over 1400m and appreciated the extra distance at Wyong courtesy of a great front-running ride by Zac Lloyd. 

Dylan Gibbons followed Lloyd’s lead piloting Verbek to victory in the TASTE OF THE COAST @ TEG 15^THSEPTEMBER BM64.

Gibbons took the Robert and Luke Price trained five-year-old to the front from the barriers in the 1600m race, maintaining lead throughout to score a two and a half length win.

The Turn Me Loose gelding was having his 42^nd start, with three wins and 12 placings to his name. 

It’s rarely a Wyong meeting without a Godolphin galloper greeting the judge and today was no exception. 

Epaulette filly Diamond Firetail was resuming from a spell in the SNEDDON BROS. MAINTENANCE 2&3YO MAIDEN over 1100m.

Zac Lloyd, who brought up a winning double on the two-year-old, came from midfield on the turn and was able to run down the The Grey on the line to win by a length. 

Diamond Firetail was sent out $2.40 favourite one the back of his impressive trial at Hawkesbury on June 3. 

A Snowden double after Mafia proved too strong in the 1100m PLUIM GROUP CLASS 1.

The well-bred son of Written Tycoon was resuming from a spell after two winning trials.

He brought up his maiden win at Wyong in June last year and just over 12 months later scored his second victory at start eighth on the same track with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

Dylan Gibbons rode his second winner of the last, booting home the Waller trained Unstopabull to success in the 1200m EVE SECURITY SERVICES BM64.

The Russian Revolution three-year-old is building an impressive resume with two wins and four placings from his nine starts. 

The meeting was marred by an incident in the enclosure in which popular jockey Grant Buckley was thrown from his mount. He suffered a fractured pelvis and will be off the scene for up to six months. 

LOCAL trainer Rod Bailey produced a $26 upset on his home track at Wyong today – but unlike the majority of punters wasn’t surprised at all. 

Bailey’s lightly-raced Dissident four-year-old Let’s Go Johnny, a $3500 weanling purchase, overcame a slow beginning and came from second last on the turn to overpower his rivals in the BENDIGO BANK – CENTRAL COAST FOOTBALL SUPER 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1200m).

“He really hasn’t been out of form except for his last run when he pulled up ordinary,” Bailey said.

“His first three runs all were good and I put blinkers on him today.

“Coming back to his home track, I thought he was over the odds.

“He’s no superstar, but I think he will win a couple more.”’

Jockey Jenny Duggan switched Let’s Go Johnny wider on the track on straightening and, once into the clear, he sustained a strong burst to swamp joint second placegetters Euromaster ($2.60 favorite) and Red Duster ($5.50).

Winning rider Duggan was adamant about the blinkers contributing to her mount’s performance.

Fellow Wyong trainer Kim Waugh followed Bailey’s victory by scoring with Linguee ($9) in the BROWN FORMAN – CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m).

In posting her sixth win, the six-year-old mare led home a local “girls’ quinella, gamely holding out Steve Schofield’s eight-year-old mare Mosht Up ($12) in the drive to the line.

Nothing could be taken away from Linguee, who did a terrific job to sustain a long run wide on the track and without cover.

She tackled and overhauled the leader She’s Independent on straightening, and then had to pull out all stops to deny the runner-up’s late finish.

Waugh and husband Mark are enjoying a holiday, and winning rider Jay Ford said Linguee had been threatening to win another race, though she had disappointed at her last start when she got too far out of her ground in a similar race at Newcastle when she drew the outside barrier.

Kristen Buchanan had hoped to make it a Wyong TAB quadrella by winning the last two races (after Let’s Go Johnny and Linguee) – but it wasn’t to be.

She had to be content with both Taking The Mikki ($3.60 favorite) and Winning Proposal ($3.20 second favorite) finishing second in respective races.

In defeat however, the Buchanan pair was responsible for excellent performances.

Taking The Mikki raced wide and without cover throughout, whereas the winner Life Coach ($9) enjoyed a rails-hugging ride from Jean Van Overmeire in the WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m).

Buchanan’s five-year-old continues to race consistently and another win is most likely just around the corner.

It’s been a good week for Life Coach’s Kembla Grange trainer Brett Lazzarini, who also won with Bonus Tempus (a winner at Wyong’s Cup carnival last September) on his home track two days ago.

Lazzarini felt Life Coach was well placed back in Benchmark 64 Handicap grade and also was surprised by the generous odds offered about the gelding.

Winning Proposal is a two-year-old who was having only her third start and first after a break, and tackled older horses in the ACCOLADE WINES – REGNIS & SONS REFRIGERATION MIDWAY CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m).

Whilst she couldn’t overhaul the pacy Newcastle three-year-old The Escape, who was strongly supported to start $2.25 favorite, she kept coming to the line and will take further improvement from the outing.

Whereas Newcastle finished the day with a good result, that was also the case at the start of the eight-race card on the Wyong Roos Foundation raceday.

Leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees began the day with the quinella in the ANGKASA – SENTOSA MAIDEN PLATE (1600m) – and with the progeny of two mares he trained, both of whom were city winners. 

Tigon Princess ($3.50) favorite broke through after seconds at Tamworth at her last two starts, defeating her stablemate So Newchee Thinks ($5.50), whose strong finish suggests she won’t be long hitting a winning note either.

The dams of the quinella pair between them won 11 races – and six were in town.

Tigon Princess is the first foal of Serene Miss, who won six out of her 10 starts, including the 2018 Provincial Championships Final at Royal Randwick.

So Newchee Thinks’ dam Wahng Wah was a five times winner, and three were in the city.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed a small laceration to the filly’s inner left nostril.

He has an unusual name, but there was plenty to like about debutante Kwyjibo’s victory in the ARCADE TRADER – BISHOP COLLINS MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m).

Trained by husband and wife Lee and Cherie Curtis, the Showtime three-year-old was stylish in comfortably defeating Du Cap ($5) and $2.60 favorite Lily Bobtail.

Kwyjibo had won all four trials (the first at Hawkesbury and then three at his home track at Rosehill Gardens, the latest on May 23), and ran right up to that form.

“We thought earlier on that he might be sold to Hong Kong as he kept trialling so well,” Lee Curtis said.

“But nothing eventuated, and so we decided to kick him off at Wyong in what looked a suitable race.

“He’s a big boy, and a nice horse. I think we’ll have some fun with him.”

Trainer father and jockey son Richard and Jason Collett combined to take the AUBREY BROWN – AUSTBROKERS Benchmark 64 Handicap (2000m) with Whetu ($3.10 favorite).

But the jockey wasn’t supposed to be in the saddle. He deputised for sister Alysha, who sustained an eye injury at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday before the last five races were called off.

“Even though he had 60.5kg topweight, he appreciated the ground and looks set for a good winter with the rain about,” Jason Collet said.

Richard Collett added: “Whetu had two nice lead-up runs over 1500m and 1600m with our apprentice Olivia Dalton to help prepare him for the 2000m.

“And there’s further improvement in him.”

Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup scored with Guzumped at his first start for him at Kembla Grange just over 12 months ago after the four-year-old’s original trainer Mark Newnham relocated to Hong Kong.

And whilst he hadn’t won another race until today, Widdup explained there had been a couple of issues with another son of Dundeel.

“Guzumped had a quarter crack in a foot, and we had to give him time off,” he said.

“He has been consistent in between the two wins (three seconds and a third), and will definitely take further improvement from today’s race as that was only his second start back.”

Jockey Tyler Schiller looked to be in trouble on $1.75 favorite at one stage when shuffled back and caught between other runners, but kept his cool in the HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL – DIAGEO CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m).

Once he got Guzumped to the outside in the straight and balanced, the gelding was too good for his rivals and his trainer believes he will handle further as he gets fitter.

GUZUMPED was runner-up twice over 2100m at Hawkesbury and Gosford last winter.

Wyong trainers Kim Waugh and Tracey Bartley got the job done for the locals at the Club’s NSW Central Coast Men’s Health Charity Race Day. 

Bartley pulled the right rein with his progressive three-year-old Magicon (pictured above), the gelding an impressive winner in the MOUNTIES CLASS over 1600m. 

The trainer had been toying between the home track race and the 3YO Wagga Guineas the following day but opted for the home rack meeting. 

“The owners are from Wagga and wanted to go that way, but I decided to keep him at home. It looked a good race from him, and I was confident he would race well. 

“He’s got the makings of a good horse and I think he’ll get over more ground next preparation.”

Lee Magorrian partnered the son of Prized Icon to his second win at start three, both coming on the Wyong track. 

Unlike Magicon, it had been 16 months between wins for Kim Waugh’s Dimaggio but the seven-year-old was too strong in the ETTALONG BOWLING CLUB MIDWAY BM68 over 1350m.

Waugh had expected the gelding to be in the first three, but the race didn’t pan out as expected and Adam Hyeronimus had to settle him toward the rear. 

He was able to weave a passage in the straight to bring up his sixth win at start 47. 

“I thought we’d missed the boat in the straight, but it was a good effort,” Waugh said. 

“He’s been going well but just hasn’t had much luck this prep. He’s a lovely horse and it’s great to see him come back and win again. He deserved that.”

A mid-race move paid off for Zac Lloyd with John Thompson’s promising stayer Montgomery scoring a six length win in the 2100m BELLA GROUP MAIDEN. 

The Prized Icon three-year-old was narrowly beaten over the 1890m at Newcastle on April 24 and was well placed by Thompson over the extra ground. 

Stable representative Annamarie Mulligan said the race had been the “perfect set-up” for the horse and they were excited to see what he could do in the future. 

Keegan Latham outrode his rivals in the 1300m WYONG LEAGES GROUP SUPER MAIDEN, piloting Street Magic to victory over the two favourites. 

The Per Incanto three-year-old relished the heavy conditions to score a length win, breaking through at his sixth start. 

Well-supported favourites Creek and Make A Call were disappointing, neither appreciating the slow tempo of the race. 

Nathan Doyle saddled up both favourites in the 1350m CLUB TERRIGAL PROVINCIAL MAIDEN, but it was Nick Mitchell’s Smart Serenade who got the job done, posting a three-length victory.

“It was a good confident ride by Robbie (Downey),” Mitchell said. “He over raced at Taree on debut but settled beautifully today. I’m really happy with that.”

The three-year-old son of Smart Missile had no issue with the heavy track and showed a great turn of foot to run down the two favourites in the straight. 

Kim Waugh’s Bertie was second and won’t be far off a win. 

Lizzie’s Gem broke through for her first win in the 1000m ETTALONG DIGGERS MAIDEN, but not without a fight. 

Du Cap went head-to-head with the $1.80 favourite in the final stages of the race, the Widdup trained Lizzie’s Gem getting the nod on the line. 

“It was a good job by the team and Zac (Wadick),” Rosie Gilla, representing the stable said. 

“She had to fight for the win and has shown she has got that toughness in her. She ticked off the heavy track. She needed that win. She’s been close numerous times. We’ll get her home and go from there.”

Paul Perry’s well supported favourite Bodgie was too strong in the TOUKLEY GOLF CLUB CG&E BM64. 

Zac Lloyd gave the son of Epaulette a well rated ride and was able to hold out the second favourite Pisanello on the line. 

The victory giving Lloyd a winning double. 

Epaulette had two previous heavy track wins, before bringing up his fifth career victory at start 34.

Smiling Prophet was last in the winner’s circle at Wyong in November and replicated that victory in the 1100m F&M BM64. 

Trainer Mark Minervini was full of praise for apprentice Braith Nock. 

“It was a brilliant ride,” Minervini said. “An 11 out of 10 ride. Braith rode him well at Muswellbrook last start and I told him he could ride him at Wyong. 

“The heavy 10 was a query here today but he was rock hard and fit and has won here before. I thought he was a good chance.”

A four-year-old Diving Prophet mare, Smiling Prophet has had four wins from 21 starts, with four minor placings.