FAVOURITE’s RULE THE DAY AT WYONG

FAVOURITE’s RULE THE DAY AT WYONG 1

FIVE favourites and two second favourites greeted the judge on the eight-race Wyong card. Little wonder punters couldn’t hide their smiles and were quickly searching for the date of the next Wyong meeting (Thursday, May 11) as they left the track. Even the day’s longest priced winner Cappelletti at $7 had his admirers, so it was a blackout for bookmakers. Senior jockey Sam Clipperton and star apprentice Zac Lloyd rode doubles. Clipperton scored on favourites Silent Raindrops and Queenmaker (pictured), whilst Lloyd also did the right thing by favourite backers, getting home on Ruby Flyer and Shipshape.  Jockeys Jason Collett and Keagan Latham were both charged with careless riding by Racing NSW stewards in the sixth race, but escaped with reprimands.

RACE 1 – HMA GROUP MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1200m:

PUNTERS were on the ball when well-backed favorite SILENT RAINDROPS ($2.30) was successful – but weren’t on good terms with themselves when she conceded her five rivals a decent start before rounding them up. Trainer Joe Pride said he thought the Sebring three-year-old, a $280,000 yearling purchase in Melbourne two years ago, would have won before now, and was understandably glad to see her break through at her fifth start and third this campaign. “She has been a work in progress, but is a nice style of filly and that win should give her plenty of confidence to go on with it,” he added. SILENT RAINDROPS was the best backed runner, ousting Gustisisimo (who eased from a shade of odds-on to $2.90), and left the two-year-old with no excuses. Gustisisimo trailed the two leaders and took over on straightening, but was no match for the winner. Parmenio ($4.80) raced up on the speed, but weakened and finished a distant third. Winning rider Sam Clipperton said SILENT RAINDROPS broke cleanly but took a while to get into her rhythm, hence why she settled a clear last in the small field.

RACE 2 – HMA INSTRUMENTATION PROVINCIAL 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m:

THE market suggested a two-horse race was in the offing, but it turned out to be a one-act affair for odds-on favorite RUBY FLYER ($1.85). The Hawkesbury four-year-old settled in an awkward spot on the inside back past midfield, but star apprentice Zac Lloyd produced a pearler of a ride, securing a decent split on straightening – and it was all over. RUBY FLYER bolted away to score by a widening five and a half lengths from his main rival Twentyeightdragons ($3.40). The victory had special significance for husband and wife training partners Jason Attard and Lucy Keegan-Attard, as the former prepared the gelding’s dam Kellyville Flyer, and also her brother Sons Of John (2015 Hawkesbury Gold Cup winner) when training in his own right. Locally-trained Skybeam($18) was third and should appreciate further ground.

RACE 3 – HMA POWER GENERATION MAIDEN PLATE, 2100m:

IN a tricky finish, another favourite was successful, but it was oh so close. Tyler Schiller picked up a late ride from Chad Schofield, who was ill, on AUNT ROBERTA ($3.20), who nabbed Four O’Clock Rock ($4.80) in virtually the last bound. The Pierro filly was having her seventh start and followed up recent placings at Hawkesbury and Wyong by breaking through after beginning awkwardly. Connections thought enough of AUNT ROBERTA to start her in a Group 3 over 2000m at Caulfield last spring, and she should be able to measure up in better company now that she has broken through. The runner-up didn’t jump brilliantly either, but the winner came from behind him. Bonaventure ($5.50) had his supporters and finished third after having every chance.Octahedron (sixth at $7) pulled up 1/5 lame in the off hindleg, and stewards told trainer David Payne a veterinary clearance will be required before the gelding can either trial or race again. 

RACE 4 – HMA MATERIALS HANDLING MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m:

TRAINER Bjorn Baker and jockey Brandon Lerena were pipped in the previous race, but not here. Lerena took any bad luck out of the equation on the well-named BOY LOVES TO RUN ($3.30), and he ran right up to his name. Lerena made the running on the three-year-old, and he never looked like losing at his 10th start, scoring comfortably from Doutelle($31) and Vegas on Fire ($6). The South African expat afterwards said his mount travelled comfortably throughout, and felt he had further upside. “The owners have been very patient, so they deserved to finally get a result,” said stable spokesman Glenn Lobb. While beaten easily, there was plenty of merit in the performance of runner-up Doutelle, who came from last at the 400m. This was only his second start, so connections should have plenty to look forward to with him. BOY LOVES TO RUN was the second favorite, but favorite Theoneandonly ($2.80) was never a possibility in finishing fourth.

RACE 5 – HMA FLOW & INDUSTRIAL MIDWAY CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1600m:

HAWKESBURY trainer Edward Cummings warmed up for a tilt at Saturday’s Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide with Arts by winning here with QUEENMAKER ($3 fav) – but he might not be the most popular with his trainer father Anthony. QUEENMAKER, a daughter of Tavistock, beat Cummings’ Snr’s horse Reginald ($4.40), and beat that horse decisively. Rider Sam Clipperton had QUEENMAKER away smartly and trailed front-runner Mayapple ($20) before taking over approaching the home turn. Her dominance was such that she had more than four lengths to spare at the post.  “She has been a bridesmaid a few more times than I would have liked,” Ed Cummings said, referring to his mare’s six second placings in her career. “The form around her has been good for a race like this. “Hopefully we can do the same in Adelaide on Saturday, but Arts won’t be ridden the same way as QUEENMAKER.” Clipperton felt his mount was going well enough to be competitive in a suitable Sydney race in the near future. Both Reginald and third placegetter Acceber ($4.80) found the line well enough even though they were never a chance of overhauling the winner.

RACE 6 – HMA GEOTECHNICAL CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1200m:

CAPPELLETTI was the longest priced winner of the day at $7, and continued his consistent form this preparation. He has now won twice and been placed twice since resuming as a gelding, and there’s no reason he can’t win again soon. “He has always shown good ability, and is starting to put it all together,” co-trainer Sterling Alexiou said. “They paid big money for him ($725,000 as an Easter yearling two years ago), and it’s good to see they are now getting some returns.” Runner-up Principessa ($4 fav) looks capable of scoring at her next start. She has been placed at 10 of her 13 starts (one solitary win) and was having her first start since November. Principessa hit the line with purpose and looks like she will handle further ground, and third placegetter Grand Crusader ($) also ran home strongly. Jockey Regan Bayliss said Surf On Turf ($4.60) started to weaken passing the 400m, and was disappointing in the manner it finished the race. A subsequent vet examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 7 – HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1350m:

ZAC Lloyd was an odds-on favourite for the Jockeys’ Challenge before racing began, and everything was shipshape here. The young rider made it a double when the Godolphin colours saluted. Lloyd had SHIPSHAPE ($2.10) away smartly, dictated out in front and got a break on the point of home turn to leave his rivals chasing thin air. He scored easily from Nitride ($31), who finished gamely and the remarkable 12-year-old Isorich ($26) was third after being forced to race wide and running his heart out in the straight at his 155th start. Along with his 16 wins, he has also been placed on 37 occasions. “SHIPSHAPE is a very casual customer, hence the blinkers on him,” said stable spokesman Darren Beadman. Nitride was having his fourth start this campaign and is getting close to another win, whilst Kozluca ($26) finished determinedly and could pay to follow as he was resuming and can handle longer trips.

RACE 8 – HMA GTECH CYCLONES BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1000m:

GARRY Frazer made it a treble for Hawkesbury trainers when the well-backed TOCOMAH ($3.90) saluted. As much as $10 was bet about him, and he did a good job to score under his 61kg at his first start in six months. “He bolted in with a Gosford Maiden at his second start, but we had plenty of issues with him after that,” Frazer said. “Thankfully, he is now the soundest he has ever been. I was a little concerned beforehand that the 1000m might be a trifle short, and that’s why you put the top jockeys on (Kerrin McEvoy had the mount).” Frazer gave credit to TOCOMAH, who carried a big weight and found plenty in the closing stages. Laroupe ($3.80 favorite) was one of the biggest tips of the day on the strength of a couple of good recent trials, but didn’t help her chances by beginning awkwardly and making contact with the offside barrier partition. In the circumstances, her performance was excellent, but nothing can be taken away from the winner, who conceded her a tidy 4.5kg. Fire And Ice ($8) hit the line nicely at his first start since November, and trainer Mark Minervini should be able to place him to advantage this campaign.

Young guns dominate & classy filly debuts

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Young guns dominate & classy filly debuts 3
Chad Schofield – Youthfull

SENIOR jockey Chad Schofield and star apprentice Zac Lloyd claimed doubles – but the track certainly earned plaudits as well. From a “Soft 5” morning rating, Racing NSW stewards downgraded it to a “Heavy 10” retrospective to the fourth race as consistent and at times heavy rain fell, but the eight-race card was able to be completed.

The fields weren’t big, but full marks to course manager Phill Robinson and his team.

Schofield scored on favourites Youthfull and Allasandra, and Lloyd, who goes from strength to strength, won on well-supported Diamond Blush and the day’s outsider Commander Bell. While she had only three rivals to beat, there was much to like about the debut of the Tracey Bartley-trained Chilada, who quickly took up the front in her race and won with seemingly plenty in hand. Bartley described her as a “city class filly”, so it will be interesting to gauge her future progress.

RACE 1 – PAVILION EVENTS CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m: 

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Venetian Blue

FOLLOWING rain throughout the morning, the track was downgraded to a “Heavy 8” before the meeting began. The renowned Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott ball of muscle was again to the fore with $3 favourite VENETIAN BLUE, who broke through at her fifth start after being runner-up on three occasions. Jockey Regan Bayliss took the filly to the front and she had a comfortable run during transit before being strongly challenged on straightening by Ocean Honour ($7), who cruised up and looked certain to overhaul her. However, VENETIAN BLUE, a $320,000 Magic Millions yearling buy in 2021, would not surrender and toughed it out to the line to stall the runner-up’s challenge. The first two horses were sired by multiple Group 1 winner Merchant Navy, and Ocean Honour should not be long breaking through either. This was also his fifth start and his third this preparation. The $31 outsider Tina’s Rock made nice ground along the inside in the straight to finish third. 

RACE 2 – CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 2100m: 

PUNTERS were on good terms with themselves during the race with jockey Chad Schofield giving the $2.70 favourite YOUTHFULL a perfect run, one out and one back in harness racing parlance. But it proved to be a real struggle before they were able to collect. Schofield wisely made his move from the 800m to ensure locally-trained Dreamdeel ($2.90) did not get it all his own way up front – and just as well he did. YOUTHFULL took the entire length of the straight before just edging past Dreamdeel in the closing stages to give the daughter of So You Think the third win of her career. Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup edged toward a half century of winners for the season, and opted to back up YOUTHFULL after she had run fourth at Newcastle yesterday week in a similar race over 1850m. She met Dreamdeel (second in the Newcastle race) 1kg better, and it was a telling factor in such a hard slog to the line. Into The Oblivion ($13) made a dash after straightening but was unable to pick up the first two and had to be content with third placing. As with the opening winner, YOUTHFULL also was purchased at the Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast, this time in 2020 for $375,000. She is a younger sister to 2018 Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento. Sian (fourth) stood flatfooted and missed the start, and will have to trial to stewards’ satisfaction before being allowed to race again. 

RACE 3 – DE BORTOLI F&M MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1200m:

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Diamond Blush

THIS result was never in doubt. Star apprentice Zac Lloyd took DIAMOND BLUSH ($4.20) to the front and the four-year-old daughter of Deep Field, whose stock are generally accomplished wet trackers, never gave her rivals a chance. She travelled strongly throughout, moved clear approaching the home turn and trounced her rivals. DIAMOND BLUSH was having her 13th start, and her young rider took any possible bad luck out of the equation to ensure she had the best opportunity to break through. She had been unplaced at her previous two starts, but revelled in the heavy ground. 

Kristen Buchanan’s Foxford Babe ($51) was making her debut and, although convincingly beaten, did a good job to finish second, belying her generous odds. Undoubtedly she can be placed to advantage to shed her maiden status in the near future. Turbo Charged ($5) finished third, whilst the $2.10 favourite Choice Legend was up on the pace, but was under pressure on the home turn and dropped out to finish last of the eight runners. Apprentice Jett Stanley told stewards his mount failed to handle the conditions.

RACE 4 – MAGIC MILLIONS MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m:

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A further downgrade to a “Heavy 10” certainly didn’t affect the chances of Pride of Dubai three-year-old ALLASANDRA ($2.60 joint fav), who broke through at her ninth start. Jockey Chad Schofield, as he had done earlier on second race winner Youthfull, didn’t wait and began his run well before the home turn. ALLASANDRA looked a certain winner as she circled the field, but had to work hard to get the better of runner-up Willaidow ($5), who has continued to show improvement this preparation and didn’t give in without a fight. The other co-favorite Yamba’s Award appeared to travel well enough in the early and middle stages, but struggled down the running and finished a distant third.

ALLASANDRA had been placed on heavy ground as a two-year-old at Goulburn in May last year, and this race could hardly be described as the strongest of Maidens. In stark contrast to the first two winners and the third ($180,000 as a yearling), she was a “cheapie”, fetching a mere $4250 online in 2020 as a weanling.

RACE 5 – TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1100m:

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Chilada

The downgrade to a “Heavy 10” precipitated a number of late withdrawals, and only four horses faced the starter here. It may not have mattered anyway how many faced the starter as well-supported first starter CHILADA ($2.35) made a mess of her three rivals. Local trainer Tracey Bartley was on track, recovering well from serious injuries sustained when kicked by a horse a few weeks back, and described the Pride OfDubai filly, who races in the iconic colours of the White family, as city class. “You wouldn’t normally run her on a such a heavy track, but she had a good grounding,” he said. “She is a really good filly who prepped up beautifully with two good trials (winning both at Gosford and on the Beaumont track). “It is an honour to train this filly for the White family.” Rider Jason Collett took CHILADA straight to the front, and she was never threatened. Surrenders ($1.75 favorite) tried hard but was no match for the impressive debutante, and Amadi ($8) was third.

RACE 6 – EARLY BIRD MEMBERSHIP $55 PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP, 1200m:

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Jacquine Reward

IN front again was definitely the place to be. Alysha Collett made the running on JACQUINE REWARD ($6), who has a liking for a heavy track at Wyong. He had previously won a Class 1 Handicap (1200m) here in July, 2020 on a ‘Heavy 8’. JACQUINE REWARD was having his fifth start this preparation and clinched his second success and his fifth overall. It was hard going in the straight but he toughed it out to defeat the rising 13-year-old ISORICH ($14), who finished best of all and would have made matters interesting had the race been much further. The old warrior was having his 154thstart and is a credit to his Wyong trainer Wayne Seelin, who continues to keep him in such fine fettle. Oxford Tycoon ($3.50) had his chance before finishing third. Odds-on favorite Miss Fox ($1.85) was never in contention and was beaten a long way out. She tailed the field home in the six-horse field. Jockey Josh Parr told stewards the mare never travelled at any stage and failed to finish the race off.

RACE 7 – WYONG’S NEXT COCKTAIL PARTY – SAT JULY 15 – BOOK NOW F&M BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m:

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Beirut Miss

FAVOURITE backers were on the mark with BEIRUT MISS ($3.50) – but it was no gimme!  She was trapped wide early without cover and rider Sam Clipperton had to ease back to get a decent position before making a swooping run around the field. As with Allesandra earlier, BEIRUT MISS looked likely to win comfortably, but had to battle hard in the straight to overcome runner-up She’s Independent ($10). Taking into account she had 60kg and was conceding 5kg, it was a pretty tidy effort. A lightly-raced four-year-old mare, she has raced only eight times for two wins and three placings, so there appears no reason why she cannot show further improvement. The pair had the finish to themselves with third placegetter Impressive Lass ($4.60) more than two length astern. Hyacinth finished a distant last and her rider could not offer a plausible explanation for her failure.

RACE 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING – THURSDAY APRIL 27 – CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m:

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FOUR favourites and two second favorites had won leading up to the last and the longest-priced winner was $6. The seven-year-old gelding COMMANDER BELL gave bookmakers some relief when he finished best to score at $14 for local trainer Brett Partelle. Yet another good day for his young rider Zac Lloyd, who had five rides at the meeting for two wins and two placings. COMMANDER BELL had finished last at his previous start at Wyong a fortnight ago, but obviously relished the heavy ground. He had not won in nearly two years – and that was also on a heavy surface at Gosford in June, 2021. Just as $2.50 favourite Surfers Royale was being hailed the winner, COMMANDER BELL got him down. Jason Collett dropped his off-side rein on Surfers Royale 150m out, and regathered it a short time later. Josh Parr told stewards second favorite Skylight Song (5th at $2.60) struggled to run out a strong 1350m in such heavy conditions, and also felt he might be better suited with the addition of blinkers. Jutland bled from both nostrils.

LANE SHINES ON TRAINERS RACE DAY

LANE SHINES ON TRAINERS RACE DAY 11

A race to race double to Damien Lane was fitting on a day paying tribute to our talented Wyong trainers. 

Lane ended a run of outs with Oakfield Twilight taking out the 1350m BM68 & Princess Amira winning the 1100m BM64.

Doubles were the flavour of the afternoon with Mark Newnham training two winners Skylight Song and Street Gossip, while both Josh Parr and Tom Sherry bagged doubles. 

There were some impressive winners with the Snowden trained Gilmore breaking her maiden by more than five lengths and Gary Portelli’s Itsagooddeel revelling in his first attempt over the 2100m to win by three lengths. 

Race 1 – WYONG TRAINERS – CONTRIBUTING MORE THAN JUST WINNERS MAIDEN(1000m): The Snowden trained Gilmore put her rivals to bed with a dominant win in her fourth career start.

A $200k Magic Millions filly by Flying Artie, Gilmore had two starts in her first preparation, and was spelled following a fourth at Canterbury. 

She was runner up when resuming at Hawkesbury after racing greenly in the straight but showed none of those characteristics in her Wyong win. 

Josh Parr led from barrier to post, drawing away in the finals stages to post a five-length victory. 

“Josh took her to the front and took all the bad luck out of the equation,” stable representative Colin McCullagh said. “It was good to see her finish off the way she did. I think it’s been a maturity thing with her. She was in a rush to do things last preparation, but Peter & Paul gave her time to get her to mature physically and mentally and it’s paid off in spades. 

“We’ll get her back to town know where she belongs.”

Gilmore earned plenty of supper and was sent out $1.60 favourite She beat the Damien Lane trained Alegna ($16), with Sumo Star ($7.50) from the Portelli stable third.

Race 2 – SARA RYAN RACING MAIDEN (1350m):

An early double to Josh Parr and another favourite greets the judge, with the Mark Newnham trained Skylight Song too strong for his opposition. 

The son of Your Song was resuming from a spell, having run three seconds in his previous six starts. 

Parr engaged similar tactics to the first race, sitting just outside the early leader Twilight Rock. He hit the lead on straightening and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Star Legacy, to win by almost a length. 

Newnham has always had a good opinion of Skylight Song, but said he needed time to mature. 

“He needed to grow up mentally. He’s always been a terrific style of a horse who has shown above average ability, but he didn’t have a killer punch. He did today and was able to put them away.

“It was good to see him get the job done and hopefully there are many more wins to come.”

Newnham has had a long association with owner Frank Mittiga, having ridden his first horse for him as an owner.

Skylight Song started $1.90 fav, with the runner up Star Legacy from the Portelli stable ($8.50) & Bjorn Baker’s Twilight Rock ($7), third.

Race 3 – ALLAN KEHOE RACING PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1350m):

Tom Sherry was full of praise for the Paul Perry trained Angara following the Frankel gelding’s debut win. 

There was plenty of late support for the three-year-old who was backed in from $6 to $4 favourite. 

Punters weren’t disappointed, with Sherry sweeping down the outside on Angara to nab a narrow victory on the line. 

Sherry had settled the gelding toward the rear of the field early, taking him to the outside on straightening. 
It was a race in two in the final stages, with Yamba’s Award ($4.80) fighting on strongly, but Angara gained ascendency on the line to win by a short half head. 

“He’s a lovely horse,” Sherry said after the race. “He didn’t show a lot of gate speed and I had to get up him to keep him in touch with them. It was a nice race for him today and he will improve immensely from that. I think he’ll be a lovely miler.”

A $130k Magic Millions yearling, Angara is raced in partnership by Perry, with Frank and Christine Cook.

Allan Kehoe’s Gold Something ($18) was third, after leading for much of the race.

Race 4 – TRACEY BARTELY RACING MAIDEN (2100m):

A patient ride by gun apprentice Tyler Schiller helped secure victory for the Gary Portelli trained Itsagooddeel ($7).

Schiller, who had a wall of horses in front of him on the turn, waited until they fanned and was able to get a dream run along the rails. He sped away over the last 50m to win by more than three lengths. 

The son of Dundeel was having his first attempt at the 2100m and relished the extra ground. 

“We’ve been really keen to get him up in trip but had to be patient,” stable representative James Fartherssaid. “We were thrilled to get the reward today and great for the connections Elite Thoroughbreds.

“It was a fantastic ride by Tyler. He gave him every opportunity to put his best foot forward.”

There was no such luck for the O’Shea trained favourite Aunt Roberta ($2.10), who was slow to start, raced ungenerously and knocked up to finish third following a sustained run. 

The Kearney trained Hardazhell ($26) was an eye-catcher, coming from last on the turn to finish second. 

Race 5 – DAMIEN LANE RACING CLASS 1 (1600m):

Mark Newnham has a good opinion of his filly Street Gossip ($2.70), who proved too strong in her first run over the mile. 

The three-yar-old by So You Think, a $140k Magic Millions yearling, had previously won over the 1200m at Warwick Farm and was coming off a fifth on the Kensington track over 1400m. 

Newnham removed the earmuffs for the Wyong race with the desired result, the filly pinging the gates and enabling Sherry to take a sit just off the speed. 

Despite being wayward on the turn, she managed to pull away from her rivals in the straight and win by more than a length. 

“She’s always been a nice filly but has taken a while to come together. I think she’s got a bright future. She’s always had above average talent and I thought she’d get to a fairly good grade.”

Queenmaker ($3.60) trained by Edward Cummings was second, over the Portelli trained Regal Inheritance ($6.50) who was doing her best work on the line. 

Race 6 – KRISTEN BUCHANAN OWNERS LOUNGE CLASS 1 (1350m):

An upset by the Mark Connors trained Vandelay Style ($13), who ran down the favourite on the line to bring up her second career win. 

The $15,000 Magic Millions yearling is proving to be somewhat of a bargain buy, with more than $45,000 in prizemoney to date and the trainer expecting more wins to come for the four-year-old.

She was well ridden by Reece Jones who settled her to the rear of the field, coming from behind on the turn to overhaul the favourite on the line by a narrow margin. 

It was a pickup ride for Jones after Brock Ryan was indisposed. 

Connors said it had been a stop/start career for the Vandelay Style. 

“She has given us a lot of trouble back home but has come back bigger and better than ever,” he said. “Credit to the staff, especially Mikayla Young who rides her in all her work and got her to where she is today. She’s a lovely big strong mare and I think they further they go the better she will get.”

Michael Freedman’s $2.70 favourite looked to have the race one before Vandelay Style appeared from the pack. Lehndorff ($3.80) trained by Mark Newnham was third.

Race 7 – KIM WAUGH RACING MIDWAY BM68 (1350m):

Damien Lane’s eight-year-old Oakfield Twilight returned to form to bring up his eighth career win ending a frustrating run of outs for the stable. 

The Zoffany gelding was having his 56th career start and given a peach of a ride by Brad Rawiller. 

Despite drawing the outside barrier, Rawiller was able to cross and eventually get a soft lead in front. He drew away on the turn and kicked to score by two and a half lengths. 

Lane said it was good to get back on the board with a win. 

“We’ve had a frustrating run without much luck and its good to finally get a win. Brad rode him a treat. He likes to get in front dictating and that’s what he did. He’s been a super horse for Bruce (McKenzie) and me. He might be past his best, but he’s still got a few wins in him.”

Oakfield Twilight ($5.50) beat Clarry Connors $3.40 favourite Peace Officer, with Impressive Lass ($7) trained by Clare Collett, third. 

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT MEETING – APRIL 20, 2023 BM64 (1100m):

It was a race to race double for Damien Lane with his five-year-old Princess Amira ($13) edging out another local on the line, Rodney Bailey’s Mr Bingo. 

The win came as a bit of a surprise for Lane who had expected she would need more time. 

“She trialled super the other day, but I was surprised who forward she was today,” Lane said. 

“Her first preparation for us was really good but she didn’t com e up last prep. She seems to have come back really well this time. It’s funny you can’t get a winner and then get two in a row,” Lane said. “It’s always good to get a win on the home track and hopefully the luck has changed and we’re on for a good period.”

Princess Amira, ridden by Jenny Duggan, brought up her third win at start 15, with five minor placings. 

She beat Mr Bingo ($16) by a nose, with Cappelllettii ($6) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable third. 

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LEES TAKES OUT WYONG QUALIFIER

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FOUR times winner Kris Lees has been a slow starter in this year’s Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championship, failing to qualify a runner in the first four heats for the $500,000 Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 8 on Day 2 of The Championships. Now he has two representatives – and a great chance to make it three Final victories in a row after import Acquitted trounced his rivals in today’s 1350m Qualifier to join stablemate Cloudland, who ran second at Kembla Grange a week ago. A dashing ride by Koby Jennings, who was permitted by RacingNSW stewards to declare 0.5kg overweight and landed his third winner of the day, saw Acquitted circle the field and beat Hawkesbury pair Cross TheRubicon and Soloist. Whilst Lees has two finalists (with the 1400m Wildcard at Newcastle on Thursday being the last chance for trainers to qualify their horses), leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup has three, courtesy of Cross The Rubicon, who joined stablemates Phearson (Hawkesbury Qualifier winner) and last week’s Kembla Grange 1400m record breaker Short Shorts in another Qualifier. Acquitted’scomprehensive victory didn’t go unnoticed by market framers at TAB.com.au, who reacted by shortening his quote for The Final to $6 third favorite, not far behind other heat winners Kayobi ($4) and Short Shorts ($4.50).  Jockey Aaron Bullock was replaced on four rides as he was overweight, and RacingNSW stewards intend to interview him on a date to be fixed.Overnight rain resulted in a substantial downgrade to a “Heavy 10” for the beginning of the meeting, but was upgraded to a “Heavy 9” immediately after that race was run, and remained there for the rest of the program.

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RUSSIAN ROSE

Race 1 – LAKES PODIATRY 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):HARDLY the best start for punters when heavily-backed favourite Russian Rose ($2.40 to $1.90) couldn’t even manage a placing in a field of six. She settled outside the leader and eventual winner DE POET ($3.90), but didn’t appear comfortable handling the home turn and was unable to finish the race off, being edged out on the line by third placegetter Bantarki ($12). Warwick Farm trainer Jason Coyle had set his lightly-raced gelding DE POET for a first-up tilt, having won both his trials (804m and 974m) on his home track earlier this month. A $50,000 Inglis Classic yearling sale buy in 2021, he was having only his third start and first since November. Jockey Koby Jennings had him away smartly to lead, and he never really looked in danger in the straight, although Beauty Bound ($6) on debut was doing good work at the end and got close after beginning awkwardly. A Sebring filly, she had trialled three times in preparation for her first appearance in a race, and is definitely going to be better suited as she gets over more ground.

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JUSTINA

Race 2 – REWARD HOMES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 HCP (1350m):LEADING Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup claimed his 46thwinner of the season – but not with the horse most punters had hoped. Widdup put winkers on both his representatives, and jockey Koby Jennings made it victories in the opening two races when FUN SUNDAY ($4) overpowered stablemate Justina ($2.15 favorite) in the closing stages to post her second career success (along with six placings) at her 13thstart. Even though she finished ahead of her stablemate in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) at Newcastle on March 9, Justina was clearly the best backed of the pair. Locally-trained Uncaged ($3.20) was also well in commission at his first start for Kristen Buchanan, and got his own way in front with a comfortable lead. Stewards advised Buchanan that a warning would be placed on Uncaged re his racing manners after he blundered on jumping and hung out rounding the home turn and in the straight and proved difficult to test. Justina’s rider Alysha Collett, concerned Uncaged was getting it too easy, began to improve her position from the 600m, and looked the winner when she took over in the straight. However, FUN SUNDAY had the drop on her and was strongest to the line.  

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DOMINGO

Race 3 – LIFEFUL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):The well-named DOMINGO (out of a mare called Falsetto) made short work of his rivals here and looks to have a future as a stayer. Bookmakers took risks and bet as much as $1.90 before he firmed to start a dominant $1.50 hotpot – and his backers never had a moment’s worry. Jockey Alysha Collett gave him the run of the race in third place behind Balinor and Strobing before making her move at the 600m, and he was dominant over the last 200m. A $115,000 Ready To Run purchase in New Zealand in 2021, DOMINGO has been taken along steadily by trainer John O’Shea, who ran him only once as a two-year-old, and he is really hitting his straps now, with a trip to Melbourne firmly on the cards. DOMINGO broke through in a 2000m Class 1/Maiden Plate at Canberra on March 12, and handled the heavy ground here without any problems. Rank outsider Flatout Elle ($51) and Australian Citizen ($19) filled the minor placings, but were never likely to catch the winner, who scored by a widening four plus lengths. Whilst the form might look questionable considering the runner-up has won only one race – and that was at $151 in a 1600m Maiden at Gosford in June, 2020 as a three-year-old – from 19 starts, DOMINGO continues to improve and does look capable of going on to better things.

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WAVERLEY

Race 4 – PETER MAC’S SERVICE CENTRE MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):FULL marks to jockey Keagan Latham, who ran third in the second race at Rosehill Gardens at 12.45pm on Waverley ($8.50), then changed and headed straight to Wyong for the 3.05pm event. The drive to the Central Coast was worth it as he was successful on favorite VEGAS OUTLAW ($3.50) for trainer Sara Ryan, who struck a blow for the locals in scoring with the six-year-old gelding for Domeland Pty Ltd. The Casino Prince six-year-old was a $20,000 yearling buy for his original trainer Jarrod Austin, but did not race for him after trialling on four occasions. He has been with Ryan for all nine starts, and doesn’t lack heart. He looked in trouble when headed by third placegetter Meerut ($8.50) after straightening, but fought back strongly to regain the lead and then held off Kim Waugh’s Riley Park ($4.40), making it a quinella for local trainers. VEGAS OUTLAW was having his fifth start this campaign and followed up on a previous second placing, though beaten easily, in a 1400m Maiden Plate at Kembla Grange on March 10 when he raced as though the extra 200m would suit.

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TOWNSEND

Race 5 – THE ARY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE (1200m):WITH dual Group 1 winning parents Dundeel and Secret Admirer, it was no surprise blueblood TOWNSEND ($5) made a successful debut for co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Ridden by Winona Costin, who continued her formidable association with the stable at the provincials, the colt was always handy and, after having to alter course to gain clear running, burst through on the inside of favorite Snippety Star ($2.80) to grab the lead not far from the post. He beat the Godolphin stablemates Vividness ($5), who was also having her first start, and Abstruse ($7). TOWNSEND fetched $360,000 at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale, and being by Dundeel, looks certain to continue to improve as his distances are increased. He had been given two recent trials; the latest when runner-up to The King, who also made his debut last Wednesday on the Kensington track and was a strong finishing second. Snippety Star made the running and appeared to travel comfortably enough before being collared in the closing stages and was beaten less than a length in finishing fourth.

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DUBAI FLYER

Race 6 – NATIONAL AIR PARTS MAIDEN HCP (1350m):THE outsider winning a four-horse race! How often does it happen? Newcastle trainer Mark Minervini’s decision to book apprentice Georgina McDonnell proved telling as her 3kg claim meant DUBAI FLYER ($7) carried 2.5kg to 4kg less than his three rivals. A $50,000 yearling buy for Minervini Racing, DUBAI FLYER is out of an unraced mare by renowned wet track sire Snitzel. He raced outside the leader and favorite Just An Upstart ($1.90), and looked gone when he became unbalanced on the home turn and looked likely to run last of the quartet. However, he balanced up in the straight and, courtesy of his weight advantage, gathered in his opposition to defeat Theoneandonly ($4.60) and Just An Upstart. DUBAI FLYER was having only his second start and, though beaten clearly on debut in a 1280m Maiden at Muswellbrook on March 10, did make some ground when last of 14 runners at the 800m. 

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ACQUITTED

Race 7 – POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL-MIDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER (1350m):KOBY Jennings not only clinched a treble, but deservedly earned ride of the day plaudits. He didn’t wait for someone else to make a move and, when trapped wide on ACQUITTED ($3.10) in the second half of the field, took off nearing the 600m and circled the field. Kris Lees’ import again showed his liking for heavy ground, having won his first Australian race last May on a “Heavy 8”, and went right on with the job, pulling away in the last 200m to score by two and a half lengths from Hawkesbury pair, Brad Widdup’s Cross The Rubicon ($21), who just nudged out Claire Lever’s Soloist ($61). Lees was adamant beforehand that Acquittedhad taken improvement from his first-up fourth to True Crime in the Newcastle Qualifier (1400m) on March 9, and the overnight rain put the icing on the cake. Cross The Rubicon’s performance in defeat was full of merit. She began awkwardly and contacted the off side barrier partition, then shifted in abruptly and lost a couple of lengths as a result. She came from last and tried hard to match the winner, whilst Soloist ran his best race this campaign. Kim Waugh’s solidly backed favorite Conrad ($2.90) raced up on the speed, but faded to finish eighth. His jockey Keagan Latham afterwards told stewards he felt Conrad didn’t handle the heavy ground even though he had some prior wet track form. The gelding displayed a poor post-race recovery. Fielding (ninth at $10) pulled up 1/5 lame in the near foreleg.

Race 8 – TWIN LAKES AIR & SOLAR CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP (1200m):NEWCASTLE trainer Nathan Doyle celebrated a quick two-State double when PAD THAI ($8.50) finished best for his second win from his last three starts. Doyle less than a quarter of an hour earlier had seen his promising four-year-old Kipsbay extend his picket fence to four when he bolted in at Eagle Farm. PAD THAI settled in last place in the field of seven, but rider Lee Magorrian got a split on him between runners when it mattered and came from nowhere to defeat Mr Polar ($19), who looked like causing an upset when he took the lead on straightening and was run down only in the closing stages. Akaka Falls ($10) was the widest runner in the straight and kept up a strong gallop to finish a close third. Favorite Ningaloo Star ($2.90) harmed her chances by being slowly away after being fractious in the barrier. In the circumstances she wasn’t disgraced in finishing fourth and may be worth another chance. Second favorite Our Lady Stardust ($3.10) also was slowly away and finished last of seven runners. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

ACTION PACKED WYONG MEETING

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Ashley Morgan took out the riding honours with a double, but it was Brenton Avdulla who stole the show with a memorable ride on Speak Up in the 1300m Maiden. 

In a busy day for stewards, there were two protests, both dismissed, while the judge couldn’t split Pharoah’s Reign and Capital Asset in the 1350m BM68, declaring a dead heat. 

Kristen Buchanan trained a winner for the locals, with Street Candi continuing her great home track form with another win. Catch up on all the highlights here. 

Race 1 – INSURANCE HOUSE CLASS 1 (1600m):

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STREET CANDI

A popular home track win in the first, with the Kristen Buchanan trained Street Candi ($6.50) upsetting the more favoured runners to post an impressive victory. 
The Pride Of Dubai mare has now won both her two starts on the Wyong track, having posted a string of placings before her maiden win over the 1600m on January 23. 

She was coming off a fifth at Newcastle on February 4 where she was beaten just over a length.

Buchanan described the four-year-old as “super genuine.”

“She tries very, very hard but can work against you if try to restrain her too much. It was an outstanding ride by Ash (Morgan) today,” she said. 

“He rode her a treat last start and has figured her out. I thought she might be way too hot today, but she’s matured and grown up a lot.”

There were few excuses for the beaten brigade, with the $2.10 favourite, John O’Shea’s Condrieulaying out on the turn and dropping out in the straight to finish fifth. Jockey Reece Jones telling stewards she was disappointing in her failure to finish off the race. 

Runner up, Silvakia ($6.50) from the Newnham yard, fought on well, while Maralago ($4.20) trained by Anthony Cummings was third. 

Race 2 – AMTOTE CG&E MAIDEN (1100m):

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RESTRICTIONS

Adam Duggan was full of praise for his Written Tycoon gelding Restrictions after the five-year-old made short work of his opponents in his first Australian start. 

The former Hong Kong galloper caught the eye of Duggan when he first spotted him in the paddock, and he is confident he will live up to his expectations. 

“It’s a relief to get the win,” Duggan said. “I put my cash forward to get him. He showed a lot of promise and got the job done today.”

Dylan Gibbons rated Restrictions perfectly in front and was able to hold out the late challengers to win by a length.

Duggan believes he can improve more ridden quieter.

“He shows a lot of speed, but I still don’t think that’s the way to ride him. I think he’ll be even better with a sit. I thought the second horse had him cold at the furlong, but he had good upside and was strong late. I really think he’s got a good future.”

Restrictions earned strong support to start $4.60. It had been 12 months between his last Hong Kong run, with a trial at Gosford on January 24.

The Neasham trained Chartwell ($4) was second, with Grand Crusader ($2.10fav) third and appearing to have every chance.

Race 3 – MECHPRO SOLUTIONS AU F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 

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ZARINYA

John Thompson’s filly Zarinya ($11) broke through for her first win, but it could have been a different story if the short priced favourite Eagle Nest had got a run in the straight. 

Chad Schofield, aboard the $2 favourite, found himself behind a wall of horses on straightening and when he did find clear running, the Ryan/Alexiou filly looked flat footed for a stride or two before speeding home to finish a close second. 

All credit to the winner Zarinya who was angled off the rails in the straight and ridden hard to the line by Brock Ryan. 

Anne-Maree Mulligan, representing the Thompson stable, said they had changed the filly’s gear leading into the race, which seemed to make the difference. 

“We put blinkers on today and they really helped. Brock put in a good ride too. We’ve tinkered with her gear a little bit and, it’s worked. She will get plenty of confidence out of that.”

A $50,000 yearling, Zarinya was having her fifth career start. Peter Robl’s Sky Artist ($7.50) was third, with Eagle Nest the one to follow.

Race 4 – LINCOLN ELECTRIC MAIDEN (1300m):

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SPEAK UP

The superlatives were flowing freely for Brenton Avdulla who lived up to his nickname with a gun ride on the O’Shea trained filly Speak Up.

Avdulla was able to cross to the fence from barrier eight and pinch ground along the rails, trailing Tim Clark on the Cummings trained Moonflower ($6.50).

He waited patiently when held up in the straight before weaving a passage through to snatch victory on the line. 

Tom Charlton from the O’Shea stable was complimentary of the ride. 

“He’s seeing them well at the moment Brenton. He’s a good man and he’s always ridden well for John, all class.”

Charlton said Speak Up, a $220,000 Magic Millions yearling raced in partnership by Frank and Christine Cook, had been a work in progress but would take plenty of confidence from the win. 

Moonflower was the runner-up and not far off a win, with the Nathan Doyle trained Ambassadors ($9) finishing off strongly in third. 

Race 5 – SITE INNOVATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m):

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OWARI

It was an easy watch for favourite backers with the result never in doubt for the well supported Owari($1.45) trained by Brad Widdup.


Brett Prebble partnered the Astern three-year-old, in his only ride for the day, and was able to dictate terms up front. 

He had pressure from Ashley Morgan on the Doyle trained Higher Hand ($7.50) mid-race but was able to find another gear and speed away in the straight to win by more than two lengths. 

“He won as his price suggested and was too good for them,” stable representative Andre Rabbett said. “Brett rode him with confidence knowing he was likely the best horse in the race. The horse is still really learning and there is plenty of improvement to come.”

Prebble agreed saying Owari would keep ‘getting bigger and stronger and would run for days.’ 

Kim Waugh’s Piccadilly Lass ($15) isn’t far off breaking through finishing second, with High Hand third. 

Race 6 – KINCROME BM64 HANDICAP (1000m):

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MISS VIOLET

Speedy Flying Artie mare Miss Violet ($3.90fav) made the step up to Provincial class in a sentimental victory for her owners. 

The four-year-old, who made it three wins from eight starts, is part-owned by Gary Johnson. 

Trainer Mark Minervini said Johnson named the mare after his granddaughter Violet. 

“It’s her birthday today so it was meant to be,” he said. “I wasn’t totally convinced she was up to Provincial class just yet but when we saw the field and the barrier, I thought she’d be right in it. 

“They took her on early, it was pretty willing, but she was tough to the line. Ashley (Morgan) suggested we put the blinkers on her, and I think she found another length or two. I’m proud of her today.”

The win brought up a double for Morgan, who had to ride hard to the line to hold out the fast-finishing Amazing Nicci ($17) from the Portelli yard. 

Mark Newnham’s Crystalane ($4.60) was a close third, with less than half a length separating the three. 

Winning connections had a few anxious moments after Alysha Collett fired in a protest against the winner alleging interference approaching the 100m, which was dismissed with the both riders told to exercise more care when shifting ground.

Race 7 – 4.50pm: MACK CONDITIONAL BM68 (1350m):

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PHAROAH’S REIGN & CAPITAL ASSET

The judge couldn’t split Pharoah’s Reign ($10) or Capital Asset ($5.50) who hit the line together in a dead heat, with the Freedman and Snowden father and son partnerships sharing the spoils. 

Richard and Will Freedman’s American Pharoah mare Pharoah’s Reign brought up her fourth career win, ridden by Rachel King, while Snowden’s three-year-old gelding Capital Asset scored his second win at start eight, with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

In the second protest of the afternoon, Bayliss claimed interference in the last 50m by King but following a lengthy deliberation stewards dismissed the protest.

Soloist ($26) trained by Clare Lever was third, beaten less than a long neck. 

Race 8 – INFRABUILD MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m):

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GALACTIC ANGLE

Another Wyong specialist greeted the judge with Galactic Angel ($11) bringing up her second win on the track. 

The Zoustar mare, a $360,000 Inglis yearling trained by Anthony Cummings, was given a great front running ride by in-form apprentice Tyler Schiller. 

She brought up her first career win at Wyong in December last year and was then placed third there prior to her latest victory.

“She does seem to like it here,” Brock Walker, representing the stable said. 

“She’s been going good this preparation. Tyler rated her very well today, got her to switch off and she got home very nicely.”

The locally trained Skye Banner ($10) from the Partelle yard put in a strong performance to finish second after jumping awkwardly, while Peter Robl had to settle for another third with his $2.90 favourite Hasten Delight. 

Brock Walker GA – won here 3 starts back. Sagy outside lead and put away nicely, Same tactics today, jumpu and do the same today. 

CLEAN SWEEP FOR SCHOFIELD

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Wet weather may have impacted the crowd but certainly didn’t affect the racing, with several impressive performances across the seven races and a clean sweep for Chad Schofield, winning on both his mounts.

Kris Lees looks to have a handy prospect in Russian Revolution three-year-old Brudenell, who brought up his third win from just five starts in the 1000m BM64. 

Earl Of Devon could live up to his $230,000 price tag, the New Zealand bred three-year-old staying prospect breaking through at just his second start for trainer John Thompson. 

The Mark Newnham trained Lim’s Sydney could be one to follow with a dominant win in the 1100 Maiden, while training duo Tara and Phillipe Vigouroux were celebrating in the last with Izfallihngdown greeting the judge at $26.

The track held up well after being downgraded to a heavy 8 before the first race.  

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POLE POSITION

Race 1 – BOOK YOUR NET FUNCTION AT WYONG RACE CLUB CLASS 1 (1100m)

An upset in the first with the Joe Pride trained Pole Position ($8) too strong in the final stages over the 1100m. 

The Astern gelding was in a battle down the straight with the Kim Waugh’s Oxford Vision ($11) and got the bob on the line to score by a head. 

The first and second placegetters kicked clear in the straight and Brad Widdup’s short priced favourite Justina looked like being well beaten. 

She hit a flat spot-on straightening before storming home late to finish third and looks like the one to follow. The Snitzel filly was sent out $2.05 favourite after late support, with the Lees trained second favourite Zanzibar Gem ($2.60) appearing to have no excuses. Aaron Bullock later relayed to stewards, the mare failed to handle the heavy track.

There were plenty of excited owners on course to cheer home the winner, a $50k Magic Millions buy, raced by Triple Crown and ridden by Chad Schofield

“It was a good debut run for him,” Pride said. “It looked a suitable assignment first up, it’s a good start to his preparation and there is good improvement to come.”

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BRUDENELL

Race 2 – PRESILIENT – MANAGED IT SERVICES PROVINCIAL BM64 (1000m)

The Lees trained Brudenell showed his class to overcome a wide run and bring up his third win from just five starts. 

The son of Russian Revolution was sent out $2.70 favourite on the strength of his dominant win over the same distance at Tamworth last start. 

Stable representative Danny Greer said the three-year-old was showing plenty of promise. 

“We expect him to progress nicely through his grades,” he said. “He had no favours today, posted wide without cover, but Aaron (Bullock) got him moving at the right time and it was a solid win in the end.”

The Ben Smith trained Belieber ($3.60), who was the recipient of late support, battled on gamely to finish second, with the Perry trained Aspen Chase ($7) third. 

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EARL OF DEVON

Race 3 – ABCOE CENTRAL COAST MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m)

John Thompson looks to have a handy stayer on his hands, with Earl Of Devon ($8) scoring a nice first up win over the 1350m. 

The New Zealand bred three-year-old by Tavistock, a $230,000 Karaka yearling, was resuming from a spell having been unplaced at his only start. 

Coming off just one trial, he earnt support with the punters, opening at $13 and starting at $8. 

Despite being caught wide, Keagan Latham gave the gelding a good ride just off the speed and just when the $2.20 favourite Shigeru looked like he was going to break through for a win, Earl Of Devon was able to run him down on the line to win by a long neck.

Rod Craig, representing the stable, said they had expected a good run first up. 

“We wanted him to be more on the pace today and he was ridden beautifully,” he said. “I was a bit worried coming to the turn that he was pushing him along, but he levelled out nice. He’s a nice horse and it was a good win today.”

Lord Bob, ($5.60) trained locally by Allan Kehoe, was third. 

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LIM’S ENERGY

Race 4 – BIDFOOD MAIDEN (1100m)

Lim’s Energy ($1.50) won like a short-priced favourite should, putting more than three lengths on his opposition. 

The Smart Missile three-year-old was having just his second career start, after finishing second on debut at Nowra on January 8. 

Trainer Mark Newnham, had him over the same distance at Wyong and he was again partnered by apprentice Tyler Schiller, who gave the gelding a gun ride, despite copping interference at the 600m. 

He settled him one out, one back in the small field, before taking him to the front on straightening where he sped away for a dominant win. 

Schiller had been confident Lim’s Energy could break his maiden. 

“He was very good at his first start but was a bit wayward when he hit the front. I thought he would show a good turn of foot late and he did.”

The Matthew Smith trained Fiancetto ($7) was second and will be improved by the run, while Choix De La Mer ($4.20) from the Snowden stable, was third. 

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MORE SAINTLY

Race 5 – GIBBOS PIES MAIDEN (1600m)

John O’Shea’s New Zealand bred More Saintly ($5.50) showed a super turn of foot to present Chad Schofield with a winning double.

The Reliable Man three-year-old was stepping out for the third time, his second start over the 1600m. 

He looks certain to excel over more ground after showing a great turn of foot to overhaul the leader and race favourite Bridget Wenlock ($4.20) in the final stages. 

The Neasham runner looked to have the race won after shooting away in the straight, before More Saintly emerged from the pack and gave chase, overhauling the favourite on the line to win by half a length. 

The Waller trained Stella Simone ($5.50) could be one to follow, finishing strongly in third. 

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REAL PEACE

Race 6 – COAST & COUNTRY MEATS WYONG BM64(1600m)

The addition of blinkers and a trouble-free run set the tone for Real Peace to bring up his fifth career win after being sent out $3.30 favourite. 

The Clarry Connors trained five-year-old, a $30,000 Magic Millions yearling, has returned nearly $300,000 for his owners, many who were trackside to celebrate his latest victory. 

Tom Sherry was able to put the gelding in a good position despite the wide barrier, and when he gave him his head in the straight, he pulled away to win by three lengths. 

“He’s a horse that tends to find trouble and Tom took all the bad luck out of the equation today and sat outside the leader,” Marc Connors said. “He didn’t get in trouble and got the job done. He relaxed really well and when Tom asked, he gave plenty. The blinkers helped today as well.”

Mark Cross’s Sian’s ($5) put in another honest performance to finish second, with the Widdup trained Ausbred Bluebird ($8) third and looking for more ground.  

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ITZFALLINGDOWN


Race 7 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING BJ HOWES METALAND RACE DAY FEBRUARY 21 BM64 (2100m)

A rough result in the staying race with an outsider Izfallingdown upsetting her more fancied rivals to return $26.

Trained at Hawkesbury by Tara and Philippe Vigouroux, the six-year-old mare was having her first start over the 2100m and appreciated the extra ground, with a tough win. 

The Vigouroux’s have taken their time with Izfallingdown, a daughter of American sire London Bridge, who they race with Tara’s father former Hawkesbury Race Club chairman Ken Quigley. 

She was coming off a third at Canberra over 1600m on January 11. 

Taylor settled Izfallingdown midfield before circling the field on the turn and hitting the front on straightening. She toughed it out in the straight and was able to stave off the placegetters, the Doyle trained Brave Angel ($5.50) and Endorphins ($3.90) from the Lees stable, with both having every chance. It was Brave Angel’s last race, with the mare in foal. 

Tom Sherry reported to stewards Allan Kehoe’s $3.90 favourite Dragon Dream, had faield to back up after racing a Canterbury on Friday night. 

BARGAIN BUY WINS FOR ATTARD

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RACING never fails to throw up a good story!

Owner Bernie Young, who will be 85 years of age next month and got involved with the game only five years ago, celebrated his first winner with a young horse he purchased online for only $5000.

Four-year-old gelding Putt For Dough, having only his third start after beginning his career at Tamworth last year and his second for Hawkesbury trainer Mick Attard, sank his rivals in the Save The Date – Northlakes Toukley Rotary Race Day Saturday March 25 Provincial Maiden Handicap (1200m).

With Winona Costin, who rode the last two winners at the previous Wyong meeting, aboard, Putt For Dough looked hard to beat on the back of an excellent first-up fourth at Warwick Farm earlier in the month.

But another Hawkesbury representative, Terry Croft’s I’m A Shaker, went to the post as a heavily backed favorite. He was never in the hunt and finished fifth.

“I’ve had four trainers and this is my first winner,” a delighted Young said afterwards.

“I rarely look at a horse’s breeding, but I did with this horse and he had a good pedigree with both his sire and dam having won races.

“My system is to measure horses, and I suppose I’ve done that with about 15,000 of them.

“When I saw Putt For Dough, I said to myself: ‘What an animal as he was up there with Winx’s measurements and I thought I might have half a show of winning a race with him’.

“But I didn’t like his original name Vermeulen and changed it as I remember a golfer telling me many years back that he slogs for show, and putts for dough, and I liked that.”

Young secured Putt For Dough online last October not long after he had finished sixth at Tamworth in a 1000m Maiden when on debut.

It wasn’t a bountiful day for favorite punters with only one successful on the seven-race program.

There were plunges on a number of runners which went astray, and Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Journalism was the only bright light, notching his third win from as many starts as a first-up proposition.

The rail was 3m out for the entire circuit, and a “Good 4” rating was maintained all day in spite of the very warm conditions.

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RACE 1: GREAT NORTHERN 4YO & UP MAIDEN(1600m):

THE locals kicked the day off with a winner, and a quinella to boot. Trainer Kristen Buchanan didn’t want STREET CANDI ($2.80) bailed away inside, and jockey Ashley Morgan lived up to his part with an aggressive ride, ensuring the mare saw plenty of daylight. He had her up on the speed with OFFANEASY (4th), and took the front on straightening to break through at her 12th start after six minor placings.

“STREET CANDI has been a bit unlucky through different circumstances at her last few starts, and Ash gave her a lovely ride,” Buchanan said. “The mare has a real desire to win, and it’s great to get a break through for lovely owners.”

Rod Bailey’s AUSSIE LINDBERGH ($26) ran home strongly along the inside to clinch the Wyong quinella, and you had to feel sorry for the backers of well-supported favorite MARALAGO ($2.60), who got strung up inside runners before the home turn as the leaders got away. He got into the clear on straightening and made up many lengths to finish third – but the bird had flown! Definitely ready to break his maiden status. Racing NSW stewards questioned jockey James Innes Jnr, who said he had intended to settle in a more prominent position, but the gelding did not show sufficient speed. OFFANEASY’S rider Lee Magorrian was suspended on a careless riding charge from  January 24 until January 27. 

RACE 2: SAVE THE DATE – NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY RACE DAY SAT MARCH 25 PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1200m):

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HAWKESBURY trainers had four of the seven starters, so it was no surprise one of them collected the cash. But the majority of punters went the wrong way, plunging on unplaced I’M A SHAKER (5th), who was heavily backed to start a dominant $2.40 favorite. He was never travelling like a winner and was under pressure before the home turn. Apprentice Tyler Schiller told stewards I’m A SHAKER laid in for the majority of the race.  Not so with the lightly-raced PUTT FOR DOUGH ($3.60), who travelled sweetly outside eventual third placegetter DEVILRY ($8), and cleared out for the easiest of victories, with Winona Costin in the saddle.

Trainer Mick Attard was understandably rapt with the four-year-old’s performance, especially as he was having only his second start for him after owner Bernie Young purchased him online last October for what is now a bargain $5000 (today’s first prize was $21,000). Young didn’t fancy the gelding’s original name Vermeulen and changed it after buying him. After conferring with son and racing manager Chris, Attard will look to make it two in a row with PUTT FOR DOUGH in a Class 1 Handicap in the coming weeks.

“He looks a nice horse,” Attard said. As Wyong grabbed the first race quinella, Hawkesbury did the same here with $101 rank outsider WINGED BEAUTY finishing second on debut, albeit more than three lengths astern.

RACE 3: TAB CLASS 1 (1200m):

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It shaped as a two-horse race in the betting ring – and that’s exactly how it panned out. While PAR FIVE ($3.40) had noluck at his last start at Gosford, jockey Tim Clark ensured there was no chance of a repeat by taking up the running, with HAMAKI ($3.10 fav) in close attendance. In keeping with the golf theme following the previous race winner, PAR FIVE got a break on straightening and held off HAMAKI, who tried really hard and is surely deserving of another victory soon. Clark said he felt PAR FIVE would be even better suited on a bigger track, and stressed that his mount kept lifting even though the winning margin was narrow. It was only PAR FIVE’S sixth start and his second since breaking through at Scone last August, after which he went for a break. 

Hellbent filly OFF DA HIZZLE ($8) was doing her best work late to grab third placing, and is another who can win again in the coming weeks after scoring on debut at Gosford late last month. Recent Warwick Farm winner MAD DARCEY was a late withdrawal at the start after becoming fractious in his barrier stall, rearing and striking his head. Stewards have ordered MAD DARCEY to trial satisfactorily before clearing him to race again.

RACE 4: SKY RACING MIDWAY MAIDEN (1000m):

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WARWICK Farm trainer Gabby Ellis produced a smart debutante in FOURTH SPARGO ($6), who left her rivals with no excuses. The Bon Hoffa three-year-old won a hotly contested lead early and did a terrific job to keep going and score nicely. 

“I expected her to run well, but that exceeded my expectations,” Ellis said. “She was very impressive, especially as it is her first preparation. I might give her a break now, and I’m sure she has a nice future.”

Winning rider Jay Ford agreed. “She is raw but keeps improving,” he said. 

FOURTH SPARGO is the second foal of the four-times winner Moroccan Ruby, and lost her off fore plate in running, adding further merit to her success. Runner-up ROYAL EMPRESS ($4.80) and third home TANGLEWOOD ($18), like the winner, were also having their first starts and ran well. Locally-trained VILLA TINO ($3.90 favorite) appeared to have every chance. She trailed the leaders on the fence into the straight but didn’t finish off well enough.

RACE 5: WYONG RACE CLUB’S HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIP $30 F&M BM 64 (1100m):

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Tim Clark grabbed a double, but it was oh so close! He drove SEVEN SISTERS ($3.60) home hard to foil a concerted plunge on recent Nowra winner ROTORUA, who kept firming and started at $2.50. All honours with the winner, who was widest on the home turn before sustaining a determined burst to get there in the nick of time. 

Stable spokesman Darren Beadman said SEVEN SISTERS came to the races on the back of two quiet trials and with blinkers on. 

“She didn’t jump as well as we had hoped, and did a good job to win,” he said. “She is in for a nice preparation.” 

The Godolphin filly was having her first start since last July and as a three-year-old, and conceded the runner-up 4.5kg, so there was plenty to like about her performance.  ROTORUA had a nice run in transit and was caught right on the post. Locally-trained DUAL ESCAPE ($26) flew the stalls to lead and gave her supporters a great sight, leading well into the straight before holding on gamely to clinch third placing. JAYANTHI (4th) could not be fully tested over the closing stages when right on the heels of DUAL ESCAPE.

RACE 6: HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS CG&E BM64 (1350m):

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A couple of plunges had gone west earlier – but this one didn’t. JOURNALISM was solidly supported to start a $2.50 favorite, ousting DIRTY MERCHANT (4th at $2.90), and maintained his unbeaten first-up record, which total his three career victories to date. 

Jockey Josh Parr tried to lead from an awkward draw but couldn’t and wisely took a sit behind THEO LEGION and DIRTY MERCHANT before making his move approaching the home turn. In spite of his 60.5kg, he sprinted strongly in the straight to defeat PIRAEUS ($11), who had enjoyed a cosy run on the fence and ran home solidly along the inside. MIHOCEK ($8.50) caught the eye, hitting the line hard after beginning awkwardly and will be better suited on a roomier circuit. 

Stable spokesman Neil Paine said co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott had worked hard to amend the winner’s barrier manners. 

“JOURNALISM hasn’t been jumping all that well, and it was good to see him leave the stalls in the manner he did today. He has been a tricky horse, but that was a good win today and hopefully he can go on with it now.”

RACE 7: WYONG’S FAMILY FUN DAY THIS SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023 F&M BM 64 (1350m):

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Two winners in two days for leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup and 37 times Group 1 winning rider Brett Prebble, who has hit the ground running since relocating from Melbourne. The pair scored with first starter SHALAA’S MOMENT at Newcastle yesterday, and this time with $16 chance THE HALO, whose margin belied her double figure odds. 

“She didn’t have the best of luck first-up at Gosford, and her appearance this morning suggested to me that she would run well today,” Widdup said. 

A $130,000 Melbourne yearling buy for Tricolours Racing, THE HALO had won a 1400m Maiden at Bathurst last July and showed she is clearly up to Provincial company at least. She trailed the leader LA JOLIE FILLE ($4.40), put paid to her quickly on straightening and won easily. LINGUEE ($17) again did her best work late to grab second, with PINK BAROQUE ($4.40) snatching third from LA JOLIE FILLE in the last bound. Jockey Josh Parr couldn’t offer a plausible explanation for the defeat of The UNICORN (5th as a $2.10 favorite), other than she might not have been comfortable on the tight turning circuit.

WINNING 24 HOURS FOR WINONA

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IT’S all in 24 hours’ work.
Jockey Winona Costin was in Tasmania on Friday to land a feature race for co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, then returned home to ride the last two winners at Wyong yesterday.
The much-travelled Costin, who chalked up 84 winners last season and is approaching a career tally of 550, was successful in the Listed Tasmanian Guineas (1600m) on three-year-old Russian Roni, who clinched a hat-trick.
She was at Wyong principally to partner stablemate Bucks Party in a successful debut and then finished off a busy 24 hours by also winning the closer on Miss Checkoni for Gosford trainer Nick Mitchell.
Punters who went to the meeting expecting to clean up on three short-priced favourites were left bitterly disappointed when none were successful.
Asva ($1.55) managed third and Overriding ($1.26) was narrowly beaten before bookmakers took a set against locally trained True Crime, who was withdrawn from a Rosehill Gardens engagement to resume on his home track when trainer Kim Waugh opted not to run him on a heavy surface in Sydney.
After opening at odds-on, he got out to start at $2.20 and couldn’t pick up Costin’s mount Miss Checkoni, although he ran on well.
The seven-race program was conducted on a soft 7 track and there were no suspensions, although Blake Spriggs was reprimanded by Stewards after his ride in the sixth race and told to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

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RACE 1: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1600m):
The ride won the race. Jockey Jeff Penza took off from second last on Gleefilly nearing the 600m when the pace was muddling, and hotpot Asva was behind the leading pair and being steadied off heels. Gleefilly ($4.80) continued on with her run, took the lead on the home turn and kept going to comfortably defeat Pioneer Lass ($10) and the $1.55 favourite. A lightly raced Kermadec three-year-old who cost only $35,000 as a yearling, Gleefilly was having only her fourth start and continues to show improvement. On this performance, she looks capable of stretching out further in distance. Jockey Mitchell Bell told stewards Asva started to race keenly when the speed slackened near the 700m. He added that when able to secure clear running at the top of the straight, his mount finished the race off only fairly. Kaisa, who finished last of the seven runners, pulled up 1/5 lame in the off foreleg and a vet clearance is required before she can either trial or race again.
RACE 2: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS BENCHMARK 64 (2100m):
FORMER French gelding Flambeur ($3.80 favourite) finally cracked it for his first Australian win. Trainer Matthew Smith was confident beforehand the seven-year-old could break his Aussie “duck” and jockey Ashley Morgan duly delivered. Nonetheless, it looked a bit dicey in the early stages when the seven-year-old was trapped wide until Morgan was able to secure cover in the back straight. He found the drop back to Provincial grade to his liking, having been runner-up to Made By Khan (who raced at Sandown Saturday) in a 2000m Midway Handicap at Royal Randwick on Christmas Eve. Under his 60kg today, he outstayed Nathan Doyle’s stablemates Celestial Fury ($12) and Brave Angel ($7). That pair are capable of getting into the winning list soon, both finishing solidly although never likely to overhaul the winner.

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RACE 3: PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS MIDWAY MAIDEN (1000m):
Well supported first starter First Class Molley was a late withdrawal when she became fractious in the barriers, reared up and lunged forward and momentarily got her head cast over the front gate. Stewards ruled she would have to barrier trial to their satisfaction being before permitted to start in a race. At his 16th start and after seven placings, Newcastle trained Super Freds ($4.60) shed his maiden status. Ridden by Andrew Adkins, the four-year-old settled near the tail but got a magnificent run through on straightening to run down Mr Kennedy ($7.50), who had kicked clear and looked a likely winner. Trainer Jay Hopkins said Super Freds was consistent, but usually found a way to strike trouble in his races and should have won a couple of starts back when runner-up at Taree. Separatist ($3.20 fav) was resuming and lost all chance when he didn’t make the home turn well and battled on to finish third. He will no doubt take improvement from this outing.

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RACE 4: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION F&M CLASS 1 (1350m):

Another “shortie” bit the dust here. Newcastle filly Overriding had made a winning debut at home in a 1200m Maiden on Boxing Day and was sent out at $1.26 against only four rivals. However, she never travelled like the good thing she was expected to be. She jumped awkwardly, then had to be steadied to avoid the heels of another runner near the 400m and shifted in under pressure from the 100m to 50m before being straightened. Just as she looked some chance of getting past Galactic Angel (third at $6.50), Definitely Maybe ($9) swooped and nabbed her in the closing stages. A $370,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling, the So You Think four-year-old gave her trainer Matt Smith a double. While Overriding was beaten, she is definitely worth another chance.

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RACE 5: GO ELECTRICAL CG&E CLASS 1 (1350m):
Wild Irish Rover ($6) won his Maiden on protest at Wyong on December 14 and jockey Andrew Adkins considered attempting a similar feat. His mount was narrowly beaten by Smooth Flight ($3.60 fav) and he asked to view Stewards’ footage to establish whether there were grounds to lodge an objection against the winner. Both Adkins and Stewards were satisfied there were insufficient grounds for a protest and correct weight was declared. Smooth Flight, a four-year-old by Air Force Blue, was having his seventh start and notched his second success. Watch The Clock ($7.50) followed up his recent Hawkesbury win with a solid third, running on gamely. Apprentice Georgina McDonnell was reminded of her obligations to fully ride her mounts out to the finish wherever possible after just holding fourth on Mancconi from By Nine, who was resuming and ran home stoutly and is looking for further ground.

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RACE 6: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (1350m):
The Waterhouse-Bott stable is happy to send inexperienced young horses to the Provincials to begin their careers – and such was the case with New Zealand-bred three-year-old BUCKS PARTY ($3.60 fav). He made his debut after overcoming a stress fracture and contesting four barrier trials and gave Winona Costin the first leg of her double. He did a good job too, beginning well and sitting behind Sir Tom before challenging that horse and taking over on straightening. Though hotly pursued in the closing stages, Bucks Party wouldn’t surrender and toughed it out to hold off Diaco ($21) and Mister Hemsworth ($7.50). The runner-up had done nothing in five previous starts, so this was an indication that he is turning the corner. Nice run also from fourth placed Competition, who drew awkwardly and hit the line with purpose.

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BUCKS PARTY


RACE 7:  WYONG’S NEXT RACES JANUARY 18TH & 22ND PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 (1200m):
Bookmakers gambled and won when the third supposed “special” Kim Waugh’s True Crime couldn’t send most punters home with at least something in their pockets. Easing from odds-on to start at $2.20, True Crime was under pressure from the 600m and still found the line, but was no match for Miss Checkoni ($7), who enjoyed a comfortable run in transit and eased around the leader’s heels at the 200m to score decisively. Jockey Andrew Gibbons told Stewards in his opinion True Crime will derive a fitness benefit from the outing and be better suited over a longer distance. Miss Checkoni was considered good enough to tackle a heat of the Provincial Championships at Newcastle last March, so her win at her third run this preparation was certainly no surprise. She was dropping back from a last start fifth in city grade at Canterbury, and recorded her fourth victory. Local mare Mosht Up ($8.50) loomed up menacingly and finished third, whilst iron horse ISORICH ($13) faltered near the 100m before finishing fifth. Another local Oakfield Mahogany ($3.40) was strongly supported and appeared to have every chance when fourth.

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MISS CHECKONI

SNOWDEN’S Eyes on millions

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His father took out the Wyong Magic Millions and later had success on the Gold Coast and Sovereign Fund could well follow in his footsteps after his debut win in the MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 2YO CLASSIC.

The Snowden’s trained star colt Capitalist, who took out the Wyong race in 2015, went on to claim success in both the Gold Coast feature and the Golden Slipper the following year.

Sovereign Fund has impressed both the stable and champion jockey James McDonald, who believe he’s got what it takes to take out the $2m Gold Coast 2Y0 Classic in January. 

“It was a tradesman like performance today,” McDonald said, after bringing up a treble with the win. “He’s a ready-made two-year-old, big and strong, and he’ll cope with a preparation that’s involved with getting him to the Gold Coast. 

“If he improves off the win today, and he should, he’s got the tactical speed and is tough enough to be a good chance. He’s a nice horse.”

Paul Snowden agreed Sovereign Fund had the ability to win the Gold Coast feature. He’s come a long way in a short space of time.

“This has always been the main form race going north and he’s a pretty strong and tough. He will improve off today’s win and has the constitution to get up there in good order. 

“He was a very unassuming horse early, very shy and didn’t like to be cluttered up around other runners, which was very evident in his first trial. We’ve done a lot of work with him on the track and tinkering with a bit of gear. He keeps ticking boxes and putting his hand up.”

Snowden said they had been confident leading into the race. 

“What gave us confidence today was the initial fast tempo and the fact we drew so well. If everything jumped clean and decided to put tempo into the race, when knew we’d get a lovely cart into the race. 

“James summed it up particularly well and he was the strongest late, which is what we wanted him to be.”

Sovereign Fund, a $550,000 Magic Millions yearling, earned late support starting at $6 on the back of his recent trial at Canterbury, where he finished second behind The Novelist, a subsequent Kembla winner. 

He is now listed as an $11 chance at the Gold Coast and will join stable mates Empire Of Japan, the current $5 favourite and Godfather $11.

Dubbo galloper Quasimoto ($51) flashed down the outside to finish second, giving trainer Clint Lundholm a “great thrill.”

Summer Loving ($4), trained by Waterhouse/Bott was third, while the Widdup trained $3.70 favourite, Fire Lane, finished fourth.

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John O’Shea is Gold Coast bound with not one but two three-year-olds after a quinella by stablemates Hell I Am and Shalailed in the MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 3YO & 4YO STAKES over 1200m. 

Hell I Am, a $150,000 Magic Millions yearling, was sent out $2.70 favourite and the win was never in doubt, courtesy of another great ride by James McDonald. 

He had intended to go back from the outside barrier, but a muddling start landed him just behind the front runners. 

It turned out to be the perfect spot, with Hell I Am hitting the front on straightening and speeding away in the final stages to win by almost two lengths. 

The Hellbent gelding came into the race with impressive form, putting together three wins in his previous preparation, all on rain affected tracks. 

Punters were confident a good track wouldn’t affect him, and they weren’t disappointed. 

Shalailed was impressive in defeat, with the stable sharing a good opinion of the Shalaa colt. 

Racing Manager Alex Maher was full of praise for McDonald. 

“What a ride. We didn’t expect him to be up there, but it all panned out pretty well. He’s a lovely horse going forward. He’s a lot more mature than he was and has grown up a bit,” Maher said.

“I wouldn’t write off the second horse, he’s also a lovely horse. It’s good to see them both performing on top of the ground. They’ll both have one more run now and then head to the Gold Coast.”

Hell I Am now shares equal favouritism at $8 for the race and McDonald is a fan.

“He only had one soft trial coming into this but has come on immensely from that. He felt terrific on top of the ground and is a lovely horse.”

Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Triumph ($81) ran on strongly to finish third and also looks to have a bright future.

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It was a fight to the line for the two greys Jack Duggan and Youthfull in the MAINSTREAM FINANCE SERVICES PTY LTD BM64 (2100m) with the $2.50 favourite Jack Duggan getting the bob on the line. 

Jason Deamer’s American import brought up his third win at start 14, with Tim Clark in the saddle. 

The five-year-old outstayed Youthfull ($3.90) in the final stages, the Brad Widdup trained mare, wayward in the straight. 

Deamer was pleased with the efforts of his five-year-old gelding, raced by Dynamic Syndications, having his first outing at the 2100m.

“It was a real staying test, and he was strong at the finish,” he said. “Tim rode him very well. He put him to sleep, and he relaxed nicely and was able to sit and smoke his pipe until he pushed the go button. He had a fight on his hands but got the job done. It was great to see him back to the winner’s stall today.”

Chappelli ($7.50) trained by David Payne was third. 

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The O’Shea stable has big wraps on Irish import Master Copy who brought up his third Australian win in the WYONG LEAGUES GROUP CLASS 1 over 1600m.

The four-year-old broke through for his maiden at Kembla on November 22 over the 1400m and made short work of his opponents at Wyong, looking the winner a long way from home. 

He was sent out at $1.65 favourite and given a super ride by James McDonald, just behind the leaders. He took him to the front on straightening, riding hands and heels to the line to win by a length and a half. 

“We are looking forward to bigger and better things,” Racing Manger Alex Maher said. “He’s one of the better imports we’ve had, and John has a good opinion of him.”

McDonald agreed in his first ride back from Hong Kong after being named the Worlds’ Best Jockey. 

“He’s a lovely horse. Still a bit new but he’s got plenty of pace and a good mind and that will take him a long way.”

Wayne Seelin’s Every Effort ($61) put in an improved performance to finish second on his home track, over another local Damien Lane’s Oakfield Redgum ($8). 

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It looked like a Godolphin victory in the 1350m GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 10-16 JAN MAIDENbut the stewards had other ideas upholding a protest by the ridder of the runner-up Josh Parr.

Aboard the Mark Newnham trained Wild Irish Rover ($3.40), Parr claimed interference in the final 50m after he was bumped by Mr Wallace ($2.20fav), ridden by his brother-in-law Tim Clark. 

With only a nose separating them on the line, it was always going to be a touch and go decision, with stewards awarding the win to Parr after a lengthy protest.

The winner, having his sixth career start, was coming off a third on the Beaumont track on November 22, when he was beaten less than a length over the same distance. 

The Snowden trained Nullify ($4.80) finished third. 

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Alibi Dot Com brought off some big bets to take out the 1100m EBH BUILDING GROUP MIDWAY BM64

Trained by Greg McFarlane, the Your Song mare, gave Tim Clark a winning double. 

The five-year-old caught the eye with a second at her previous start over the 1100m at Gosford on November 30. 

She was backed in from $9 to $3.70 favourite returning some big bets.

McFarlane believes Your Song is up to Metropolitan grade.

“It was a brilliant win today. She looked to have left plenty in the tank and I think she’s a city horse,” he said. “We’ve taken our time with her, and she’s come along leaps and bounds. She just needed time to find her feet and hopefully its onwards and upwards now.”

Damien Lane’s Oakfield Mahogany ($4) was second, with O’Not A Doubt ($31) trained by Joseph Khalifeh, third.  

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The powerful Lees stable wasn’t to be denied on the day, taking out the last with Australian Bloodstock four-year-old Mobstar ($9.50).

The Shalaa gelding was too strong for his rivals when resuming in the 1300m PBL LAW GROUP PROVINCIAL BM68.

Dylan Gibbons came from the rear of the field on the turn, storming down the to win win by more than two lengths, eased down on the line. 

Stable representative Cameron Swan said Mobstar had returned a much better horse. 

“I was watching the racing and thinking Dylan had plenty of horse and just needed the luck to get out and when he did, he put them to bed very quickly,” Swan said. 

“He showed a really good turn of foot and has come back a much better horse. 

Claire Lever’s Grace Bay ($3.80) finished second, ahead of another Lees runner Terrameades ($10) third. 

AVDULLA DOMINATES WITH Treble

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A treble for Brenton Avdulla, an impressive debutant and a long shots surprise win were among the highlights of our GO Electrical Race Day.
The Ryan Alexiou trained Tsarina Sophie could be the one to follow from the meeting, bringing up her second win in as many starts.  
And the locals weren’t to be denied with Kim Waugh and Damien Lane book ending the meeting with Sir Godric and Oakfield Warpaint.
 
Race 1: LEDVANCE – HPM LEGRAND – PRYSMIAN – HAGER MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (1350m):
A Wyong winner was never in doubt in the final stages of the 1350m Maiden and it was Kim Waugh’s $2.10 favourite Sir Godric who got the bob on the line.
The Dundeel gelding fought out the finish with Tracey Bartley’s Frosbie ($3.90), the latter proving too strong in the final stages to win by a long neck. The pair put almost three lengths on the third placegetter Rabainreach ($9).
Sporting the distinctive colours of two of Australia’s biggest owners Frank and Christine Cook, Sir Godric was having his third race start and second this preparation.
Jockey Jay Ford signalled his intent early, settling him on pace beside the leader Frosbie, patiently holding his position until the final 50m.
Waugh was full of praise for Sir Godric, believing the three-year-old is a future stayer in the making.
“It was a super confident ride by Jay and great performance by what I consider to be a very progressive horse.”
 
Race 2: SHARKRACK CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):
The judge wasn’t required by Mum’s The Boss ($2.30fav) who put more than two lengths on her rivals to bring up her second career win.
The Foxwedge mare had to wait almost eight months to break through for her second victory, but trainer Brad Widdup found the perfect race at Wyong.
Her victory was assisted by a well-rated, front-running ride from Brenton Avdulla, who brought up the first of a treble of wins.
The five-year-old led from barrier to post, with Avdulla drawing away in the final stages.
Stable representative Andrew Rabbett said they had expected the mare to race well.
“It’s taken a while for her to win again but she has run in a few races that were beyond her at the time. She does have ability but has been slow maturing mentally.
“She’s starting to figure things out and we knew the step up in distance would help.”
Second favourite Vincenzo ($3.80), from the Ryan Alexiou yard, fought on well to the line, with the Gavenlock trained Tina’s Rock ($31) putting in a much-improved run to finish third.
 
Race 3: THORN – OMEGA POWER – PSA – SCHNEIDER MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):
The step up to a mile suited Lonely Rock to a tee, the Fastnet Rock four-year-old bringing up his first win at start eight.
And it was a huge upset with Ian Finn’s horse, the rank outsider of the field, returning $101.
Warwick Farm-based Finn has always had an opinion of Lonely Rock, a $350,000 Magic Millions yearling, having nominated him for last year’s Cox Plate.
Reece Jones pulled off a super ride, settling just behind the leaders, and despite being forced wide on the turn, was able to emerge from the pack in the final stages and snatch victory.
Lonely Rock was having his eighth career start and had been unplaced in all his previous runs.
He will certainly be worth following as he continues to step up over ground, as will Gary Portelli’s $2.15 favourite, Spitfire, who hung out badly in the straight, finishing fourth.
The runner-up Kaisa ($16) trained by Lou Mary, also had excuses after being held up on the tun, while the Neasham trained Jamrock ($7.50), who finished third, isn’t far off a win.
 
Race 4: RED SMOKE ALARMS – OMNI – LEVY AGENCIES – IPD MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):
Annabel Neasham’s impeccably bred debutant Anavinci ($4) kicked off her career in super fashion with a dominant win.
And it was another great ride by the in-form Avdulla, who took luck out of the equation, by leading all the way to win by almost two lengths.
The I Am Invincible filly had impressed at both her barrier trials, catching the eye with a win over the 794m at Warwick Farm on November 18.
She was sent out $3.30 second favourite and with the impressive debut win, looks to have a bright future.
Joe Pride’s $1.80 favourite Ramones was disappointing, with apprentice Tyler Schiller telling stewards he had been forced wide and without cover throughout.
Godolphin galloper Coriolis ($18) finished strongly in second after a slow start, while the Snowden trained Fanagoria ($9.50) was third.
 
Race 5: MATCHMASTER – EVOLT – TRADER – APP CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m):
Ponca ($4.20) made it back-to-back wins with a convincing victory, eased down on the line to win by a length.
The win continued a great run for Hawkesbury-based Michael Freedman, who has trained eight winners in less than a month.
By gun sire American Pharoah, Ponca was a $400,000 yearling and is raced by China Horse Club. She was coming off a last start victory at Gosford over 1200m.
Tom Sherry gave the three-year-old a great, rails hugging ride, with the filly showing an impressive turn of foot in the final stages.
Sophie Johnson, representing the stable, said it was a huge improvement by the filly.
“She was super. It was a massive improvement from her last start. She just needed a bit of winding up last time but today she just glided along like it was nothing. She’s definitely improved.”
The Hawkes trained Shines ($4.40), fought on well to finish second but the hard luck story belonged to Snowden’s $3.30 favourite California Press, who flashed down the outside to finish third, after missing the start by more than two lengths.
 
Race 6: HANECO BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1000m):
Finally, it was a win for the favourite, with speedy filly Tsarina Sophia ($2.60) keeping her unbeaten record intact with her second win in as many starts.
The Russian Revolution three-year-old was resuming from a spell, having won on debut at Kembla in May and looks to have a bright future.
She was spelled after the win by the Ryan Alexiou stable and looked smart finishing second in a trial at Rosehill on November 24.
Punters were keen to support her, and she didn’t disappoint, with Avdulla placing her midfield after a slow start, before peeling to the outside in the straight and running down the leaders on the line.
Mike Van Gestel’s consistent gelding No Statement ($6.50) put in another honest performance to finish second, with local galloper Bedtime Stories ($41) putting in a much-improved run to finish third.
There were excuses for equal favourite Boomsong, who was untested in the straight.
 
Race 7: GENERAL TRADE SUPPLIERS PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m):
The locals were cheering in the last after Damien Lane’s Oakfield Warpaint ($8.50) brought up his fourth career win.
The Exceed And Excel gelding was coming off a second at Gosford on November 30, where he was narrowly beaten over the 1600m.
Lane kept him in the same grade and distance at Wyong and the five-year-old didn’t disappoint, winning by a length and a half.
Tyler Schiller had the five-year-old just off the speed throughout before peeling wide on the straight and racing away on the line.
The stable had been confident of a good run, with the gelding having great third up form.
The Lees trained Handsome ($16) was slow the start but hit the line strongly to finish second in only his second Australian start, while another local galloper Mark Cross’s Sian ($3.40fav) finished third.