raceday review

The Matthew Smith stable had plenty of reason to celebrate saddling up the first two winners on the program. 

Debutant Per Ivy and Bedford Square didn’t disappoint, both sent out favourites on the strength of their recent from. 

Per Ivy had great trial form, while Bedford Square was rewarded for her consistency after running six placings in nine starts. 

The well-bred Niffler from the Waller stable looks a handy type and likely to progress to better races 

Jason Collett bagged a double with Per Ivy and Glittery.

The predicted rain didn’t eventuate until late in the day, with a storm resulting in the last race to be abandoned. 

Race 1: 1800RESPECT MAIDEN (1000m): 

Matthew Smith looks to have unveiled a promising filly in Per Ivy who backed up her impressive trial form with a debut win. 

The Per Incanto three-year-old looked was under heavy riding and looked to be in trouble on the turn after Kristen Buchanan’s One Way Street kicked away. 

But she put her head down in the final stages and overhauled the leaders on the line to win by a long neck.

“She’s a nice progressive filly,” Jason Collett said. 

“The speed really suited her, but she did a few things wrong in the middle stages. 

“The racing experience is going to help her, but it was a good start to her career.”

Per Ivy was coming off an eye-catching trial win at Rosehill on November 8. 

She earned good support in a strong betting race, sent out $2.70 favourite. 

She beat the $2.90 second favourite One Way Street, from the Kristen Buchanan yard, who also looked strong in his first start. 

The three favourites finished in market order, with the Ryan/Alexiou’s Miss Maz ($3.50), third. 

Race 2: MOUNTIES GROUP 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1600m): 

A running double to the Matthew Smith stable after Bedford Square brought up a well-deserved win. 

The Tavistock mare had been placed in six of her nine starts and was coming off a fourth at Canterbury on November 12. 

The stable had considered both the Wyong track and track conditions would be ideal and the plan worked to perfection, with the four-year-old gathering in the leader late to bring up her first win. 

Joe Curran, representing the Smith stable, said it was a great start to the day. 

“It’s very pleasing to get the first two home and great to see this mare finally break through.

“It was a very good ride by Jay (Ford) because they were walking early and our plan had been to be a bit further back,” he said. “He used his initiative placing her second for most of the trip and she finished strongly.

“The Canterbury run really put the writing on the wall and being by Tavistock she could be even better over more ground.”

Bedford Square ($2fav), a $45,000 Karaka yearling, beat the Anthony Cummings trained Tailoring ($4).

Les Bridge’s second favourite Miss Delia ($2.70) finished strongly in third and will appreciate more ground.

Race 3: #NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE MAIDEN (1350m): 

Well bred filly mare Too Much Lippy continued a super run for the Ryan/Alexiou stable bringing up their seventh winner for the month. 

Bred and raced by John Singleton, the four-year-old was having only her second start but looks set to progress through the grades. 

She debuted in March with a second at Goulburn and was given a trial heading into the Wyong race. 

Nash Rawiller gave Too Much Lippy ($3.10) the perfect ride, holding her together into the straight before letting her down in the final stages. 

The win was never in doubt, despite a mid-race move by Tommy Berry who circled the field on John Sargent’s Gin Martini ($3fav), but couldn’t sustain the run, finishing second. Gary Moore’s Stay Wealthy ($3.10), appeared to have every chance finishing third. 

Rawiller said the winner, a son of More Than Ready, could progress off the victory. 

“She’s been lightly treated for a four-year-old mare but had a few little issues and took a long time to mature. I wanted to hold onto her as long as I could and let her show her dash and she certainly did that.

“She’s got a bit of rating in hand now.”

Race 4: STAND UP AGAINST DOMESTIC AND FAMILY ABUSE CLASS 1(1350m): 

An eye-catching win by the Waller trained Niffler coming from behind in a slowly run race to overhaul her rivals. 

The Chris Waller trained mare, another winner on the program by Tavistock, looks headed for better races after bringing up her second win from as many starts. 

Niffler came from near last on the turn and chased the three leaders down the straight, rounding them up in the final stages to win by more than a length. 

Bred in New Zealand by iconic breeders Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, the four-year-old was sold at Karaka for $200,000.

She debuted with a win at Kembla on April 3 and was then spelled, resuming with two trials. 

Winning rider Lee Magorrian said he believes Niffler will progress to better races.

“She gave me the impression she’ll take the next step,” he said. “Chris and his team did a great job to get her ready to win over 1350m, when ideally she’ll be better suited over the mile plus.

“I always go into the races confident when I’m riding one with the Waller bridle and Debbie Kepitis as the owner.”

Niffler ($3.80fav) beat Cushy ($5.50) from the Pride stable, with Field Wiri ($4.40) trained by the Freedman brothers, third. 

Race 5: WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1100m): 

Penopera gave Jason Coyle plenty of reason to celebrate, the mare breaking through for her first win. 

Coyle bred the four-year-old having trained her mother Ashlee’s Jewel, and now races her. 

She had been racing without luck in several of her recent races and was placed fourth at Gosford over 1100m at her last start. 

Penopera ($12) was given a great ride by Jess Taylor, who was toward the rear of the field on straightening. 

She had plenty of momentum in the straight and found a gap through a wall of horses to post a half length victory. 

Taylor returned to scale cheered on by her two young daughters. 

“It was exciting to have a win in front of the girls,” she said. 

“This mare has been getting better with each run. She is so consistent and there’s not a lot of her. 

“I was three wide with cover but I think it helped having a bit of room today. 

“I was confident from the top of the straight and had a lovely run through.”

Hypnosis ($6) from the Baker stable, showed plenty of heart fighting on for second, over the local trained and ultra-consistent Mister Ripley ($9) from the Rod Bailey yard. 

Race 6: DOMESTIC & FAMILY ABUSE AWARENESS BM64 (1100m): 

It was a race in two in the straight with Never Second and Glittery neck and neck before the Godolphin runner got the upper hand on the line. 

A half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Bivouac, Glittery ($3.50) was having her sixth career start, having brought up her maiden win at Gosford in June. 

She was given a well-timed run by Jason Collett, who fought out the finish with fellow leading rider Tommy Berry, on the Neasham trained $2.50 favourite Never Second. 

Joe Pride’s Macomo ($6) was two and a half lengths behind in third. 

Darren Beadman, representing the stable, said Glittery had come back better from her spell. 

“Her coat was glistening today, and she came into the race today with the right sort of lead up,” he said. “She’s a very well-bred filly and that breeding will hold her in good stead into the future. 

“She went well in a very strong trial at Warwick Farm and had a good bit of time between the trial and today’s run. It worked out perfect.”

The win brought up a double for Collett.

A successful day for punters, doubles for three jockeys along with two horses who won and look destined for better things.

They were the notable highlights from today’s midweek meeting.

Punters definitely came out on top with favorites winning five of the eight races.

The successful major elects were For Valour ($1.45), Bon Vivant ($1.90), Glamour and Glory ($2.20), Sweet Ruby ($2.50) and Ka Bling ($2.10).

Close second favorite Oceanic Flash ($2.50) also scored, pipping favorite Tea Leaves ($1.95) in the opening event.

Jockeys Mitchell Bell (Oceanic Flash and Proverbial), Hugh Bowman (Bon Vivant and Sweet Ruby), and Tommy Berry (Glamour and Glory and Ka Bling) shared riding honours.

Bon Vivant and Ka Bling, both young horses, are worth following.

Whilst their margins weren’t great, their performances indeed were and they look capable of winning better races.

RACE 1 – WYONG RACE CLUB FUNCTION CENTRE CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):

CO-TRAINER Gerald Ryan was concerned beforehand that last-start runaway Newcastle winner Oceanic Flash would be as well suited on the tighter circuit – but need not have worried.

The lightly-raced four-year-old made it two wins in a row, but it was nowhere near as comprehensive as his 1850m victory on the spacious Newcastle track on October 30. 

Oceanic Flash ($2.50) nosed out the $1.95 favorite Tea Leaves, and the pair had the finish to themselves, leaving third placegetter Seporto ($12) more than five lengths astern. 

“He got the job done,” Ryan said afterwards. “I was concerned because he is a big-striding horse and pricked his ears in the straight when he looked to be putting the second horse away easily. He had a bit of a think about it for sure, but he is a big immature horse who is still learning.” 

A gear change on Tea Leaves almost brought about a reversal in form, having been beaten 19 lengths at Kembla Grange at his previous start after doing plenty of work in the run. Blinkers replaced winkers and Tim Clark gave him a perfect run. A two-year-old winner at Newcastle in March, the now three-year-old is ready to return to the winning list.

RACE 2: BUSINESS WYONG RACE DAY DECEMBER 9 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m):

TIM Clark and the Waterhouse-Bott team just missed in the opener, but they quickly struck back with hotpot For Valour ($1.45). 

Clark took bad luck out of the equation by making the running and the Zoustar four-year-old made it two wins on end,  holding off a game Miss Scalini ($5.50), who tried hard to overhaul him. 

Mo’s Crown ($14) was third without ever threatening the first pair and can win if he returns to a suitable country event. 

For Valour had scored over 1500m on heavy ground at Hawkesbury on November 9, and is taking the next step with every start this campaign. 

Stable representative Neil Paine said it was never easy to progress straight from a Maiden to winning a Benchmark race. 

“He is the whole package and can certainly get up to city class,” Paine said. “I thought he won with a bit of confidence today and has now won on heavy and good ground.

“We won the race in the first 150m because For Valour has so much gate speed, and then got into a nice rhythm and had more to offer at the finish.” 

RACE 3: TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m):

HUGH Bowman’s class shone through on the $1.90 favorite Bon Vivant, who overcame a wide draw and slow beginning to overhaul Pelennium ($5.50) and Gerardjoseph ($7.50).

“He’s very raw and things didn’t work out in the early stages, and he wasn’t all that comfortable making the home turn,” Bowman said. “But I was confident once he balanced up on straightening, and he didn’t let me down.” 

Stable representative Darren Beadman agreed that Bon Vivant was a “big, raw horse” and it was a matter of Bowman keeping him balanced. He also pointed to the run of stablemate Abenaki ($26), who hit the line stylishly to finish fifth and said she could be worth following. Abenaki had done little in four previous runs but looks as though she is going to appreciate a middle distance. 

Stewards questioned jockey Glyn Schofield about his riding of Abenaki from the 800m. Schofield agreed with stewards that, in hindsight, the better option would have been to shift outside Gerardjoseph passing the 700m, which would have avoided his mount losing ground at that point.

RACE 4: WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1000m):

FAVORITE punters struck again when Star Turn filly Glamour and Glory ($2.20) broke through at her fourth start.

 Jockey Tommy Berry gave her the run of the race, then pulled her around the heels of the two leaders, London Ruler and The Leopard’s Tale (both $41 chances) on the home turn. She stretched out nicely to beat the latter and former horses into the placings. 

Berry had a broad smile returning to scale – and with good reason as his wife Sharnee is a part-owner of the filly, a $200,000 Magic Millions purchase. 

“She is raced by a ladies’ syndicate and they have been very patient,” Berry said. “Glamour and Glory has always been a bit temperamental, and is now starting to work it out.

 “This is probably the tightest track she has raced on, and didn’t get around it all that well, so it adds merit to her win. She will be better on a bigger track.”

RACE 5: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): 

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SCONE trainer Lou Mary clinched his second Provincial success much to the delight of bookmakers, as favorites had won three of the first four races. His $18 chance Proverbial provided Mitchell Bell with his second winner of the day, and Mary’s second in two days. Bell picked up an unexpected booking when illness forced Christian Reith to forego the mount. Mary was excited to win for new clients and said he had been waiting to put blinkers on Proverbial, who had kept improving this preparation. Proverbial led and just held out the late-finishing $61 roughie Miss Lenorr, who showed rapid improvement on her debut failure at Gosford in June. It looked a two-horse race on paper, but Sacred Field ($1.85) and Bartoselli ($2.70) finished fourth and third respectively. Hugh Bowman reported Bartoselli hung in and never travelled comfortably, whilst Tommy Berry said Sacred Field was obliged to race wide and without cover and hung out during the race.

RACE 6: WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS DECEMBER 15 F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m): 

HUGH Bowman claimed a double when another favorite Sweet Ruby ($2.50) scored – but runner-up My Snow Queen ($3.90) cost herself the race. She made the running but didn’t make the home turn well and veered to the centre of the track. Her waywardness enabled the winner to enjoy a trouble-free run in the straight and she responded gamely to edge out My Snow Queen. Locally-trained Mosht Up ($21) finished third and nearly upset the fancied pair. Winning trainer Kim Waugh described Sweet Ruby as a “nice filly who keeps on improving”. “She looks as though she is looking for 1600m already,” she said. Bowman added: “Sweet Ruby wasn’t comfortable amongst horses, and I’m sure she will be better placed on a bigger track getting over more ground.”

RACE 7: DE BORTOLI WINES CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m):

UNDOUBTEDLY one of the wins of the day! No other way to describe $2.10 favorite Ka Bling’s victory. Not the best away, he continued to make ground to race up near the lead, then found plenty in the straight to defeat Mystic Vein ($11) and Buzz ‘N’ Joe ($20). The Capitalist three-year-old was having only his fourth start and has now won twice. Co-trainer Paul Snowden was full of praise for Ka Bling, explaining he was a late scratching at Gosford recently when also favorite, after pulling a shoe and pricking himself after arriving at the track. 

“We’ll be looking to get to town with him soon, but he’s still a preparation away,” Snowden said. Winning rider Tommy Berry echoed Snowden’s comments. “I’m really looking forward to his next preparation as he still has plenty of improvement,” he said. “After he began awkwardly, I went forward on him when the speed slackened as it is hard to win today from back in the field.” Apprentice Tyler Schiller, who rode Land Of Valens (ninth at $6), told stewards his mount received heavy contact from another runner passing the 700m and became under pressure from that point and failed to respond to his riding.

RACE 8: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1000m):

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No excuses for the beaten brigade here. Winner Toro Toro ($7.50) gave them a start and a beating. The Scone-trained five-year-old, having his fourth start this preparation, began awkwardly and shortly afterwards was bumped by eventual runner-up Flora ($11). He came from last, made the home turn the widest and still rounded up his seven rivals. Stewards, however, cautioned winning rider Matt Palmer to exercise more care as Flora’s rider Josh Parr had to take hold to avoid the heels of the winner when it shifted in under pressure over the closing stages. Favorite Emilette ($3.50), just nudged out of a minor placing, made contact with the inside running rail near the finish when racing tight inside third placegetter Young Heart ($6.50).

A local win in the $40,000 SKY RACING Summing Provincial Series opening heat was the highlight of the eight-race ‘Back To The Races’ meeting.

Kim Waugh’s Oxford Tycoon was too strong for his rivals in the feature race and now heads to the $150,000 final at Newcastle on December 18.

The six-year-old Written Tycoon gelding will step up to 1600m for the final, having previously placed over 1500m at Rosehill. 

Darleb will represent Kris Lees after finishing second, the Lees stable already claiming two of the three series Summer Provincial Series finals run to date. 

The Angela Davies trained Momack, who fought on gamely for third, also earned a finals berth, and will also appreciate more ground. 

Reece Jones, who took out the Wyong Apprentice Premiership last season, made an impressive return to the track after injury, riding a race to race double.

He shared the riding honours with Louise Day also bagging two winners. 

Speedy Scone filly I’m Not Slew looks to have an impressive future, easily making the step up from Country to Provincial grade in the 1000m BM64.

Race 1 – MAGIC MILLIONS – GOLD COAST IN JANUARY MAIDEN (1600m):

Impeccably bred Snitzel colt Vyner broke through for his first win for trainer Mark Newnham and prominent part-owner Alan Jones.

The three-year-old was coming off a second at Kembla over the same distance on October 23 and earned strong late support, starting $2.30 favourite. 

Koby Jennings gave Vyner a confident ride, settling just behind the leaders before taking off on the turn. 

He kicked three lengths clear on straightening and was never in doubt in the final stages, beating his rivals by half a length. 

Newnham has always had an opinion of Vyner, whose mother Vadomoro was runner-up In the VRC Oakes and Vinery Stud Stakes.

“Vyner is a nice horse,” Newnham said. “He was a late foal, so he has taken a while to mature but he has always shown me above average ability.

“We thought he would be effective at the mile to 2000m, and he’s shown that today.”

John Sargent’s Al Sahara, the $2.80 second favourite, was runner-up, over Vitae ($7), from the Matthew Dunn yard. 

Race 2 – WWW.TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m):

Back-to-back wins for Louise Day on the Waller trained Black Queen, who justified her short price to record another dominant Wyong win. 

The Mongolian Khan mare was ridden to victory by Day at Kembla on October 23, catching the eye of punters who were confident she could replicate her last start win and sent her out $1.30 favourite. 

The victory was never in doubt with Day settling the four-year-old just behind the leader in a slowly run race, before taking him to the lead at the 600m mark and drawing away in the straight to win by almost two lengths.

Black Queen was having her eighth start, after beginning her racing career with a second in New Zealand. 

She made the switch to Waller’s Sydney stables and has since won two races, with four placings.

Paul Murray’s Kembla-trained Lady Redwood ($6.50) was again runner-up to Black Queen, with Deel Street ($7) from the Waugh stable, third. 

Race 3 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY JADE CG&E MAIDEN (1350m):

Joe Pride made the trip to Wyong to see his gelding Cushy win before heading back to Sydney to saddle up his Golden Gift favourite Shalatin.

And while Shalatin was narrowly beaten he also tasted success at Rosehill with Zoushack.

Pride has a share in the ownership of Cushy, a Super Easy gelding having his fourth career start. 
He was in a battle for favouritism with Gary Moore’s Stay Wealthy and the pair were in a race of their own in the final stages, with Andrew Gibbons getting the most out of Cushy on the line. 

The three-year-old appreciated the step up in distance and firmer track, after a last start third over 1200m at Kembla in the heavy on October 23.

Cushy ($3.20), out of New Zealand mare Our Solaris, beat Stay Wealthy ($2.90fav) by a nose, with the tiring Marvelous ($7.50), from the Lee and Cherie Curtis yard, third.

Race 4 – WELCOME BACK TO RACING WRC MEMBERS F&M MAIDEN (1350m):

Louise Day brought up a double in an upset win on the Maher Eustace first starter Pono Kitoro. 

The Reliable Man filly was the outsider in the field, with Day giving him a soft run toward the rear of in the early stages. 

She made a sweeping run from last to first just before the turn, and from then on, the win was never in doubt. 

Pono Kitoro drew away in the final stages to win by almost three lengths. 

The three-year-old was coming off two moderate Metropolitan trials, the latest on October 19 when he was beaten more than six lengths over the 1045m.

He relished the race day conditions, giving Day a double and win for her former boss Maher. 

The $2.45 favourite Estonia was second for Richard and Michael Freedman, with Drummin ($5.50) trained by Lee and Cherie Curtis, third.

Race 5 – GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP MAIDEN (1000m): 

Leading apprentice Reece Jones didn’t take long to return to the winner’s circle in his second meeting back after being sidelined with injury. 

Jones spent almost two months recovering from a wrist injury, resuming at Muswellbrook on Melbourne Cup Day without tasting success.

At only his second meeting back he piloted speedy Goulburn sprinter Girl Mania to a four-length win. 

The Jean Dubois trained filly was sent out $3.40 second favourite on the back of her fourth at Hawkesbury when resuming on October 26. 

It was another race in two in the final stages, with Girl Mania running down Brad Widdup’s $2.45 favourite Mareeba early in the straight, and then drawing away for a dominant win. 

Matthew Smith’s Rubigal ($7) was a length behind in third. 

A Capitalist filly, Girl Mania has now had a win and two placings from her seven starts. 

Race 6 – WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS RACE DAY 15 DEC CLASS 1 (1350m): 

A race to race double for the returning Reece Jones, coming from last on the turn to steer Artero to victory. 

The Flying Artie colt, trained by Matthew Dunn, was back in grade after finishing last in the Listed Brian Crowley at Randwick on October 23. 

He was unfancied by punters drifting in the betting to $6.80 but seems to have returned to the form that saw him take out the Inglis Challenge at Scone in May.

Jones settled Artero at the rear of the field, coming from behind on the turn with a sustained run to win by a length and a half. 

The $10,000 Inglis yearling, has now amassed more than $155,000 in prizemoney with more wins in store. 

He beat Dale Riley’s The Defiant One ($21) who fought on strongly in the straight, with Irish Kisses ($2.25fav) from the Tracey Bartley yard, third. 

Race 7 – SKY RACING SUMMER PROVINCIAL SERIES HEAT 1 – CLASS 5 (1350m):

A home track win in the opening heat of the Sky Racing Summer Provincial Series with Kim Waugh’s Oxford Tycoon too strong for his rivals. 

The six-year-old earned a spot in the $150,000 final with a half-length win over the Kris Lees race favourite Darleb. 

Oxford Tycoon was coming off a second in the Midway over 1300m on August 28 and was the recipient of strong late support.

He started $3 second favourite and didn’t disappoint, courtesy of a confident ride by Jeff Penza. 

He stalked the leaders prior to the turn before hitting the front on straightening.

Oxford Tycoon put two lengths on his rivals in the straight and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Darleb. 

They put a gap between the rest of the field, with the Angela Davies trained Momack fighting on strongly in the final stages to finish more than three lengths behind in third. 

Waugh had been confident of the chances of Oxford Tycoon leading into the $40,000 heat. 

“I’ve been really happy with him leading into this,” Waugh said. 

“He galloped the other morning and worked really well.

“It’s the perfect distance for him and he’s won here before so there was plenty in his favour today.”

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT MEETING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16 BM64 (1000m):

The Scott Singleton trained I’m Not Slew looks set for bigger things on the strength of her dominant win in stronger grade.

The speedy Sooboog filly was stepping up from a Scone win over the 1100m on October 22 but had no problem with the rise to Provincial grade.

Christian Reith drove the three-year-old to the lead from the barriers and maintained the front throughout, drawing away in the straight to win by more than a length. 

Punters were confident I’m Not Slew could put together successive wins, sending her out $.190 favourite on the strength of his Scone win.

The victory was never in doubt, with the filly showing an abundance of speed throughout. 

She beat Denim Wynen’s Dual Escape ($12), who always saves her best runs for the Wyong track, with Allan Denham’s Adios Steve ($19) third. 

Another super Provincial meeting saw plenty of progressive winners across the eight races, as the club recognised Police Remembrance Day.

Three-year-old trio Ka Bling, Garmish and Riduna all look set for bigger things, while Les Bridge’s The Denzel will also head to town on the strength of his dominant six length victory.

Grace Bay and Dom Tycoon stamped themselves as Four Pillars candidates with strong wins, while Tim Clark and Regan Bayliss shared the riding honours with doubles.

Damien Lane showcased two of his aspiring Four Pillars runners, Zorocat and Too Good To Be True, who looked impressive in a gallop between races. 

Race 1 – GREAT NORTHERN CG&E MAIDEN (1200m):

It didn’t take long for leading jockey Tommy Berry to return to the winner’s circle steering Ka Bling to a nice victory in the first.

Berry, who has been sidelined from suspension for a month, came from behind in the straight to win by a length. 

It had looked a race in two when the favourites The Poacher ($2.40) and Hold On Honey ($2.60) headed into the straight, but the back markers had other ideas, running down the leaders on the line. 

“It’s always the start you want to come back on with a win,” Berry said. 

“I was glad to get on this bloke today because I’d done a bit of work on him at home and ridden him in a couple of trials. 

“I always thought he could progress well off his first run, and he was really good today.

“He got a bit lost in front but he’s a beautiful big horse and will take plenty of 

Improvement out of that.”

The well-bred Ka Bling ($6), a son of Capitalist, was a $200,000 yearling raced in partnership by trainers Peter and Paul Snowden. 

He beat Greg Hickman’s Unwritten ($14), with Podium ($17) from the Waller stable, an eye-catching run in third. 

Race 2 – CANADIAN CLUB F&M MAIDEN (1200m):

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Riduna lived up to stable expectations with a tough maiden win.

Regan Bayliss rode the Fastnet Rock filly to victory, crossing from the wide barrier and giving her a mid-race breather.

She hit the lead on straightening and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Mystic Mermaid ($4.60) to win by a half-length. 

“She looked so good in the coat and was bouncing around before the race. Just on that she looked the winner,” stable representative Neil Paine said.

“Regan rode her exactly to Gai and Adrian’s instruction, bouncing her out and crossing over. When they attacked her, she showed a lot of heart to win the race.

“She’s not overly big but she’s got a big heart. As long as they’ve got a heart it doesn’t matter how big or small, they are.”

Riduna, a $120,000 Magic Millions yearling, was sent out $2.90 second favourite on the strength of her last start third at Hawkesbury.

The Snowden trained Mirra View ($26) was third. 

RACE 3 – CHOOSE TO DRINK WISE MAIDEN (1350m):

Garmish made a promising return to racing, proving too strong for his opposition first up.

The Snitzel colt had been impressive in his first preparation, having placed fourth at Metropolitan grade and second at Newcastle.

Tim Clark settled the three-year-old just behind the leader and hit the front on straightening.

He held out Dubai Showgirl ($16) and the fast-finishing Danzette ($7), both from the Snowden yard, to win by a half-length. 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained Garmish was a $450,000 Magic Millions yearling. 

Clark said the colt had the right form leading into the race.

“It looked like his race, but he had to get out there and execute and that’s what he did,” Clark said.

“He travelled well throughout but was waiting for something to come at him.

“He hit the front and waited a bit but when challenged he had plenty to give.” 

Race 4 – IN MEMORY OF S/C CHRISTOPHER JOHN THORNTON 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1600m):

The Denzel was in a class of his own bringing up his first win by almost six lengths. 

The Adelaide gelding, trained by Les Bridge, shook off his bridesmaid tag in fine fashion, blitzing the field.

Kerrin McEvoy took the four-year-old to the lead, dictating terms in front, before pinching three lengths on the turn and drawing away in the straight.

“That’s how we thought he’d win, “McEvoy said.

“He’s been bumping into a few handy horses of late but has done well since his last run.

“He backed up lovely today and is heading in the right direction. Les will find a race for him in the coming weeks. I think he can go a bit further in trip as well.”

The Denzel, who started $1.10 favourite, had been placed in five of his last six starts. 

He beat the Gwenda Markwell trained Blackall ($13), with Anthony Cummings’ Guard ($31), third.

Race 5 – IN MEMORY OF S/C DAVID JOHN MANSFIELD CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m):

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A great staying performance saw Godolphin’s Silhouette bring up her second career win assisted by of a super Tim Clark ride.

The Teofilo mare had been placed second at her past two starts on the Kensington and Newcastle tracks. 

She was sent out $2.25 favourite on the strength of those placings and didn’t disappoint despite missing the start. 

Clark, who brought up a winning double, was able to settle Silhouette toward the rear, before circling the field on the turn and running down her rivals on the line. 

“She put the writing on the wall last start,” Clark said. 

“Things didn’t go to plan today but she showed she had a bit of class. She stood a bit flat footed, but I rode her quiet and was able to pick through the field and she was soft to the line.”

Zudin ($4) from the Waller stable was runner-up, with Anthony Cumming’s Believe So ($9.50), third. 

Race 6 – TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 (1350m):

A great first up victory by Writing Unexpected who earned strong late support to start $5.50 second favourite. 

Backed in from $12 earlier in the day, John Steinmetz’s Choistar gelding had good first up-form and didn’t disappoint with a strong win. 

Regan Bayliss, who brought up a winning double, positioned the six-year-old toward the rear, circling the field on straightening and running down the leaders on the line to win by a long neck. 

“It was a good performance from him,” Bayliss said. “He’s a horse that gets up over a bit further.

“He tracked wide today but felt comfortable and got into a good rhythm. “The key to him is we were able to get going when we wanted to get going. “He’s not a stop start horse and built good momentum and was able to fend them off and win first up. He’s in for a good prep.”

Writing Unexpected, who is raced by the Steinmetz family, brought up his sixth career win beating Tony Newing’s Camp Rifle ($3.40), with the Perry trained She’s Independent ($21) third. 

Race 7 – POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY BENCHMARK 64 (1350m):

A super training performance by Claire Lever saw Grace Bay catch the eye of Four Pillars slot holders, bringing up her fifth win when resuming.

The five-year-old last started in the Provincial Championship Final at Randwick on April 17 where she finished 2.9 lengths behind the winner. 

She was subsequently spelled and looks to have returned in great form. 

Starting at $5, Grace Bay earned good support and didn’t let punters down, with a sustained run in the straight giving her a three quarters of a length victory. 

“I rode her when she first came back in and thought she’d come back stronger and bigger and improved further on last preparation,” Lever said. 

“She had three jump outs coming into today and we knew she was going well. 

“She races well fresh and is easy to read. You know when she’s ready. 

“She is honest and just tries. It turned out perfect today.”

Collett described it as a “pretty professional performance.”

“He was the class runner coming into this and was fantastic first up. I think they will be aiming for something higher now.”

Andrew MacDonald’s Major Murphy ($21) put in an improved performance to finish second, ahead of the Stephen Jones trained Toro Toro ($9), who was strong under the big weight. 

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6 BENCHMARK 64 (1600m):

An upset in the last with the Peter Robl’s consistent galloper Dom Tycoon bringing up his third win this preparation. 

The Written Tycoon gelding, beat the Annabel Neasham’s short-priced favourite Jesse James, who seemed to baulk in the final stages. 

Robl said the four-year-old would be an ideal Four Pillars runner. 

“He has won three out of his last four starts and won over the journey, so they could do a lot worse,” Robl said. 

“His benchmark will be ideal, and I think he would go really well in a race like that. 

“He’s been a good little money spinner for the owners. They brought him cheap and he’s getting better with age. They are great customers of mine and it’s good to be able to reward them with this type of consistency.”

Clipperton agreed Dom Tycoon was in good form. 

“He’s racing with a lot of confidence and going through his grades nicely,” he said. 

“I needed an out at the top of the straight and had a lot of horse. Once I got into the clear he dug deep and knuckled down.”

In the closest finishes of the day, Dom Tycoon beat Jesse James ($1.60) by a head, with Damien Lane’s Oakfield Captain ($17) third.

A Super Tuesday meeting unveiled several potential Spring Carnival candidates and two exciting Four Pillars prospects for Tracey Bartley and Kim Waugh.

Favourites dominated the program, taking out five of the eight races, while Tim Clark and Jason Collett shared the riding honours, both claiming a double. 

Race 1 – SAL – LEGRAND – ELECTRA MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):

A berth in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes could be on the cards for Raging Bull following his dominant staying performance. 

The Bull Point gelding was sent out $1.24 favourite and didn’t disappoint winning by more than three lengths. 

Tim Clark opted to take the sit just off the leader before hitting the front on straightening and drawing away in the final stages. 

Trainer David Payne had expected the three-year-old to perform well, having already targeted the Spring Stakes over 2000m at Randwick on October 9.

“He’ll go from strength to strength now,” stable foreman Stuart Rankin said. 

“He was way too good this afternoon. When he came past the post the first time, I had the feeling it was race over.”

Clark agreed it was a strong win. 

“He looked well suited in this race and David spoke highly of him as a staying prospect,” Clark said.

“It was his first time over the trip. He was well suited and showed his dominance.”

Raging Bull was placed twice at Metropolitan level as a two-year-old, before given a freshen up prior to the Wyong start. 

So Incisive ($8) trained by Clarry Connors was runner-up, ahead of the Nathan Doyle trained Kintos ($41). 

Race 2 – BOVARA MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):

The Anthony Cummings trained Lease hit back from a disappointing last start Hawkesbury run to bring up his debut win at start six. 

The Choisir colt was beaten more than 20 lengths when first up over 1100m at Hawkesbury on September 9.

He was able to atone for that performance with a good win, aided by a great Josh Parr ride.

Leased met with late support in the betting starting at $8.50.

Parr said he had been confident the three-year-old would win from a long way out.  

“He floated his way to the start but appreciated a squeeze out of the gates and got up and travelling,” he said.

“I was quite confident a long way from home.”

A $75,000 Magic Millions yearling, Leased beat the fast finishing How Do You Sleep ($6) from the Joe Pride stable, with the Waller trained Hollywood North ($6.50), third. 

The short priced favourite Island Legend, from the Ryan/Alexiou yard, appeared to have every opportunity, finishing third. 

Race 3 – EVOLT – TRADER – HAGER – ILD CG&E MAIDEN PLATE (1100m):

Bjorn Baker’s debutant Battleton ($2.60) looks to have a bright future on the strength of his come from behind win over the 1100m.

The Zoustar colt, a $300,000 Magic Millions yearling, was coming off two impressive Warwick Farm trials. 

The race plan had been to sit just off the pace, but a slow start saw the three-year-old settle at the rear of the field. 

Jason Collett didn’t panic, getting Battleton into a rhythm before circling the field on the turn and running down the leaders to win by a long neck. 

“It was a good start to his career,” Collett said. 

“He did a lot wrong. I was hoping to be close to the lead, but he was slow away and over raced early.

“He’s obviously got ability to be able to rail out three and come around them like that. 

“He’s got a bit of growing up to do upstairs but to do what he did today and win like that is promising.”

Paul Messara’s $2.20 race favourite Adios raced greenly to finish second but still looks to have plenty of talent.

Legend I Am ($7) trained by Les Bridge, was a length behind in third.

Race 4 – HANECO CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m):

Promising four-year-old Ma And Pa brought up back to wins courtesy of a well rated Nash Rawiller ride.
The Redoute’s Choice gelding out of Oaks winning mare Dear Demi, was sent out $1.60 favourite on the strength of his last start Hawkesbury win. 

Rawiller took Ma and Pa to an early lead and dictated terms in front. 

He led into the straight and looked to have the race won but had to dig deep in the final stages after a late challenge by the second favourite The Denzel ($2.90).

“He gave me a nice feel,” Rawiller said. “He just tended to track a bit funny around the corner. 

“He felt vulnerable about 100m out but dug in to win. 

“He is still quite raw and green but did a good job and will get over further for sure.”

Clare Hewson, representing the Waller stable, said she expected they would now target a metropolitan race with Ma And Pa. 

“He’s heading in the right direction, and I’d say we will go to town next. It was a good win today and a lovely ride.”

Ma And Pa is bred and is raced by John Singleton.

It was the third successive second for Les Bridges’ The Denzel, with The Mediator ($17) trained by Mark Newnham, third.

Race 5 – APP – IPD – OMNI F&M MAIDEN PLATE (1100m):

Capitalist filly Shihonka was a class above her rivals scoring an impressive six length win as she heads to town for black type races. 

Tim Clark brought up a winning double on the three-year-old, who was resuming from a spell. 

She finished third in the Listed Woodlands in May and looked to have returned in great style winning a trial at Gosford on August 30. 

She was sent out $1.12 favourite and the win never looked in doubt after Clark was able to cross from the wide barrier and lead throughout. 

She hit her straps in the straight pulling away from her rivals and easing down on the line. 

Neil Paine, representing the Waterhouse/Bott stable, said it is likely they will target black type races. 

“It was terrific and great to get that first win off her back,” he said. 

“I think she will progress from here and Gai and Adrian will have a look and see what is for her over the carnival. 

“She’s already stakes placed and if she can win a stakes race along the way it will be good for her.”

Clark said Shihonka, a $220,000 Magic Millions yearling, had come back from her spell more switched on. 

“She knows what her job is now. She’s come back in good enough order to get to stakes level and can hopefully take out one of those races over the carnival.”

Yumi ($13) from the Snowden stable was runner-up, from Drummin ($21) from the Curtis stable.

Race 6 – CLIPSAL BY SCHNEIDER CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m):

Kiss Sum looks to have a big future on the back of his super home track win. 

Tracey Bartley will now target a midweek metro race for the three-year-old Shamus Award gelding, he believes would be an ideal candidate for the $700,000 Four Pillars.

“We’ve got a very nice horse on our hands,” Bartley said. 

“I think he’s definitely a Provincial Championships horse and if he can win in town, he’d be putting his hand up for the Four Pillars. 

“I’m very excited about him.”

Jason Collett, who brought up a winning double on the $1.85 favourite, was also impressed with the win. 

“He’s pretty electric at the moment, with a really good turn of foot and is definitely a mid-weeker.

“He began fine today but didn’t have a hell of a lot of speed. Once I got him in his rhythm, I was able to manoeuvre a way out and make sure he got clear air.”

In a super ride, Collett came from a long last, making ground from the 500m before sweeping wide on the turn and drawing away to win by almost two lengths. 

He beat Sky Castle ($8) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, with Gregory McFarlane’s Rahni Factor ($14), third. 

Race 7 – BRILLIANT – CABAC – PSA CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1100m):

A race in two in the final stages of the 1100m BM68, with the Matthew Smith trained Undeniable getting the bob on the line. 

The Not A Single Doubt mare brought up her fifth career win, coming off a successful Brisbane campaign.

It was a patient ride by apprentice Ellen Hennessey, who had to wait for a gap in the straight and then run down the leader Cassy’s Sister at the post. 

The runner-up was brave in defeat and likely to have caught the eye of remaining Kosciusko slot holders. 

Hennessey was full of praise for Undeniable. 

“She chased really strongly and ended off the race well, “she said. 

“I was sitting just behind the speed, and she was comfortable there. We waited for the gap to appear and when it did, she extended really well. “

Undeniable ($5.50) beat Cassy’s Sister by a head, with Lady Of Luxury ($3.10) from the Bjorn Baker stable, more than two lengths behind in third. 

Race 8 – PRYSMAIN – MATCHMASTER – LEVEY AGENCIES CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m):

Different Strokes stamped his credentials as a Four Pillars candidate with a dominant win for Kim Waugh and Hugh Bowman. 

The Hinchinbrook gelding was a on the quick back up from Kembla last Saturday where he finished second, in an unsuitably run race. 

Back on his home track and with Bowman in the saddle he didn’t disappoint, coming from behind on the turn and drawing away in the final stages to win by two lengths. 

“I was pretty confident from a long way out,” Bowman said. 

“He seemed to thrive on the quick back up. I’ve had a few horses mentioned to me regarding the Four Pillars and this is the most interesting one.”

Waugh agreed Different Strokes should appeal to slot holders for the $700,000 race. 

“He’s the perfect Four Pillars horse and will love the 1500m,” Waugh said. 

“He’s a lovely horse and is still learning but he’s catching on quick which is fantastic. 

“As he gets more experience he will get even better.”

Different Strokes ($2.10fav) beat the Portelli trained Long Weekend ($15), with the Lees trained False Step ($16) third 

The 2021 Carlton Wyong Gold Cup Day may have been devoid of crowds for the first time in history but there was no shortage of action of the track with John O’Shea claiming his first Wyong Cup and James McDonald bagging four winners.

Imposing grey Berdibek put in a supreme staying display to sprint away in the final stages and claim victory in the Cup, courtesy of a super Hugh Bowman ride. 

The unstoppable James McDonald brought up winner number four on John Thompson’s More Prophets in the Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa. 

Kristen Buchanan carried the flag for the locals with Fumiko and Eyewitness both greeting the judge, while Kim Waugh was also in the winner’s circle with Different Strokes. 

New dad Jason Collett bagged a double, rounding off a fantastic day! 

Race 1 – PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m):

A super start to the day for the Kim Waugh stable, with Different Strokes an impressive winner. 

Waugh believes the Hinchinbrook gelding is headed for bigger things after bringing up his debut win at start three.

“He’s a lovely horse and is still learning,” she said.

“He’s a very casual, laid-back horse, who hasn’t had a lot of luck in his last two races.

“I’ve got a good opinion of him. He’s had a lot of issues, eye operations all sorts of things that have held him back. 

“We’ve waited a long time to get to this stage and will keep him going now.”

James McDonald, who partnered the $40,000 yearling, agreed with Waugh.

“He’s very progressive. He’s still a raw talent but once the penny drops, he will develop into a really nice horse.”

Different Strokes looked to be a class ahead of his rivals and was sent out $1.40 favourite. He beat the Gary Moore trained Stay Wealthy ($10) who boxed on in the straight, by more than a length, with Coppersonic ($11) from the Attard yard, third. 

Race 2 – WINNING COMMERCIAL MAIDEN (1200m): 

A great training effort by the Waterhouse/Bott stable with five-year-old Invincible Vision winning on debut. 

The I Am Invincible gelding, a $1.05m Inglis yearling, was having his first start after an original trial three years ago. 

Ongoing issues prevented him from racing in the subsequent two years and he went into the race with two Randwick trial wins indicating he would race well.

Tim Clark gave Invincible Vision the perfect Wyong ride, leading from start to finish and considers the gelding has plenty of improvement to come. 

Neil Paine, representing the stable, said the horse had been “a work in progress.”

“It was great to get the win today and a credit to the staff who put a lot of work into this horse over the years.

“We were fairly confident coming here today. We knew the horse had ability and he handled everything really well. He’s a really nice horse going forward.”

Invincible Vision was sent out $3.20 in a strong maiden field, beating the Freedman Brothers trained Amathuba ($7.50) by more than a length, with John O’Shea’s $3 favourite Ruinart, storming down the outside to finish third.

Race 3 – CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCI – 3YO & 4YO BM64 (1300m):

Gary Portelli was full of praise for James McDonald, who brought up a double on his Maurice colt Akihiro.

McDonald had to revert to plan B after the three-year-old was slow to begin. He came from the rear before the turn, circling the field and drawing away to win by half a length. 

“This bloke’s a top rider for a reason and he showed it out there,” Portelli said.

“He was going to go forward but the horse wasn’t there for him, so he switched tactics. 

“When he realised he had to get going he put the foot down and I don’t know if there are too many jockeys who would have had the courage to do that.

“He’s a nice, neat little horse and we might be able to sneak him into a nice race over the carnival.”

Akihiro ($6.50), an $80,000 Magic Millions yearling, brought up his second win at start seven. 

He beat Peregrination ($8) from the Richard Litt yard, with country galloper Previso ($12), trained at Guyra by Ian Cook, running a nice race to finish third. 

Race 4 – BISHOP COLLINS BM64 (1600m):

Jason Collett wasted no time getting back into the winner’s circle following the birth of his first child, booting home Ita for Bjorn Baker. 

The new dad has been sidelined for a week after his partner Clare Cunningham gave birth to a daughter Scarlett. 

Collett gave the All Too Hard mare a great ride, settling her back toward the rear of the field. 

He took off before the turn, circling the field and hitting the front on straightening, before drawing away in the final stages to win by two lengths. 

“There’s a bit of class about her,” Collett said. “She’s progressive and doing really well and I think she can make the step up to city grade after today.”

Baker agreed with Collett, describing the four-year-old as “really professional.”

“She is a good, honest mare and has come back much better. It’s amazing what time can do. I think she’s city grade for sure.”

It was the third win from nine starts for Ita ($4.80), who was coming off a Bathurst victory on August 23. 

She beat the O’Shea trained Socrates ($5), with Jason Coyle’s Chateaux Park ($4.40), third.

Race 5 – HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 (1100m):

The in-form Kristen Buchanan stable struck again with her Flying Artie filly Fumiko an impressive winner. 

Resuming from a spell, the three-year-old was given a super ride by James McDonald, who brought up a winning treble. 

“I’m really pleased with her,” Buchanan said. 

“She’s a lovely filly, lightly framed with a bit of physical growing to do, but mentally she’s a beautiful horse to take to the races who puts her best foot forward. 

“She’s in for a good preparation and will get to a decent trip as we get along. 

“I gave James an open book today as to where he had her in the run and it was perfect.”

McDonald also spoke highly of the filly. 

“She’s a lovely filly, very speedy with great enthusiasm. She’s very well handled and educated here to win today and did a great job.”

Fumiko was sent out $3.70 favourite and beat Deepour ($7) from the Freedman Brothers stable, with Matthew Smith’s Agrum ($7.50) third.

Race 6 – WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MONA LISA STAKES (1350m):

Another perfect James McDonald ride secured victory for the John Thompson trained More Prophets, earning the mare her first black type race. 

McDonald again bucked the trend of the day by coming from the rear, making significant ground around the turn and running down the leaders to win by a long neck.

The Smart Missile mare, sent out at $5.50 second favourite, let down beautifully on the line, to bring up back-to-back wins.  

She is now likely to contest the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle on September 17.

Danielle Podlowski, representing Thompson, described it as a “terrific win.”

“She went super today and needed every inch of that track to get there.

“It was a great ride by James. He put her in a good spot. There is always plenty of confidence when he’s on board.

“She’s been a bit frustrating, but John’s always had faith in her and it’s lovely to see her get the wins.” 

McDonald was full of praise for More Prophets. 

“I love how she chimed in and hit the line well,” he said.

“I thought the only thing that could of beat her today was the Wyong circuit because of her racing style. 

“She felt much more relaxed today and the way she executed the 1350m was much, much better. 

“She’ll head to the Tibbie now and be a good ride for someone.”

Bring The Ransom ($18) ran a nice race to finish second, with the Kim Waugh’s luckless Great News ($2fav), boxing on for third after being caught wide throughout. 

Race 7 – 2021 CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP (2100m):

A hot tempo played into the hands of the John O’Shea trained Berdibek, paving the way for the trainer to claim his first Wyong Gold Cup.

Hugh Bowman partnered the eight-year-old gelding to victory, his fourth Cup win. 

With a strong early tempo, Bowman was content to sit back off the pace before looping the field on the turn. 

The eight-year-old Dark Angel gelding raced away in the final stages of the straight to win by almost two lengths. 

“I knew we had him in great form but obviously he needed a bit of luck,” O’Shea said.

“Hugh put him to sleep down the side and when he relaxes, he’s got a wonderful ton of speed.

“It was probably one of his best efforts today. 

“Wyong winners have got a good record in the Newcastle Cup so we will likely head up there.”

O’Shea paid tribute to injured jockey Brenton Avdulla, a regular rider of Berdibek.

Bowman said it was a nostalgic win for him, having claimed his first black type race on Pecan Pie in the 2000 Wyong Cup.

“It was great to win for John O’Shea and the team. The horse had great credentials coming into this race,” he said. 

“He always carries a lot of weight and I thought he was well in it today with the 56.5.

“He was well prepared, and everything fell into place. I was able to get a trouble-free run and once I decided to inject myself into the race he delivered in spades and gobbled them up in a twinkling of the eye.”

Berdibek ($5.50) beat the Waller pair Criminal Code ($5.50), and Mubariz ($5.50).

Race 8 – THE DOYLO SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM68 (1100m): 

Kristen Buchan completed a super Wyong Cup Day, with speedy mare Eyewitness bringing up her third win. 

Jason Collett partnered the Star Witness four-year-old, bringing up a double. 

“She’s a little flying machine,” Buchanan said. 

“I had other options in mind because this race was quite strong, but I really wanted to keep Jason on. 

“He’s got a handle on her, and he rode her a treat. It’s a very pleasing result and the owners will be over the moon. 

“I think there is plenty of ability there, but I’ll take her along steady through the grades and let her learn the ropes.”

Eyewitness ($6) has now had three wins from six starts. 

Neretva ($15) from the Grant Allard stable was second, with Jenny Graham’s The Drake ($4.20) third.  

Tracey Bartley had a memorable day on his home track, with a winning double at the last Wyong meeting of the season. 

The wins took Bartley’s 2020/21 total to 27, his best season to date.

Sebrenco and Defeat greeted the judge for the stable in their respective races, both well supported in the betting. 

It was also a memorable day for popular jockey Grant Buckley who brought up 100 wins for the season on Sombre Prize, for Hawkesbury trainer Henry Reeves.

Reeves was also celebrating with the win his first since 2016.  

Race 1 – TAB.COM.AU 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): 

A great first up effort saw the Grant Allard trained Rubielie ($3.30) out sprint her rivals over the 1100m. 

The Rubick mare, having her 13^th career start, had been luckless in several of her previous runs but returned fresh from a spell to bring up her debut win. 

The speed was slow in the early stages, forcing Josh Parr to take off early in the straight. 

Despite not trialling, Rubielie responded well and was able to finish strongly to win by a half-length. 

“She’d done plenty of work at home and in the past, she’d raced well fresh,” stable representative Jake Hull said. 

“I’m not sure how strong of a form race it is today, but she had too much on them.

“Things didn’t really go her way. They walked early and Josh made the right call to take off.

“She’s a bit of a slow mature, but the penny has really dropped with her now.”

Em Cee Gee ($3.50) from the Marc Connors stable was second, with Aleacia Bennett’s $3 favourite Rockamo, third.  

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Race 2 – SKY RACING 4YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):

Sombre Prize gave popular jockey Grant Buckley his 100^th win for the season, the Dream Ahead gelding bringing up his first win at start 20.

Buckley had to work hard to claim his century, with the Henry Reeves trained Sombre Prize ($7.50) laying in in the final stages, before recording a narrow victory. 

He then had to survive a protest from the runner-up, which was quickly dismissed by stewards.

“He took some riding but I’m glad to get the 100 up,” Buckley said. “It takes a bit of pressure off now.

“He’s not an easy horse to ride. He wanted to lay all over the other horse, so it was a slog down the running. 

“Henry only has a small team at Hawkesbury and does a good job. I rode him when he was placed second last start and we talked about where to start him next. 

“This race looked cherry ripe for him, and it turned out well.”

The Dream Ahead four-year-old is Reeves’ only horse in work and has now had a win and three placings from his 20 starts. 

He paid $7000 for Sombre Prize, who has given him his first winner since Stormy Benz in 2016.

Rod Bailey’s $2.80 race favourite Mister Ripley looked like ending a run of placings, only to be nailed on the line. 

Gloraya ($15) from the Alexandre Lemarie stable, was third. 

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Race 3 – RYAN’S METAL ROOFING MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m):

A decision by Mitchell and Desiree Kearney to back up Carlisle Bay paid off with the Smart Missile gelding breaking through for his first win. 

The three-year-old was coming off a second over 1300m at Kembla on July 22, with the stable confident he would appreciate the quick back up and rise in distance. 

Carlisle Bay did just that and courtesy of a well rated ride by Jean Van Overmeire, brought up his debut win at start ten. 

Co-trainer Desiree Kearney said they had been confident the gelding would run well and expect more improvement next preparation. 

“He has trained on really well since last run, is very fit and we couldn’t be happier,” she said.

“He tries very hard and is one of the unluckiest horses going around. We wanted to give him one more chance with the BOBS.

“He’s a smart little horse and I think we will have a bit more fun with him next preparation when he gets up over 1800m to 2000m.

“There is a race for him at home in two weeks, if he’s not giving us any reason not to, we will keep him going.”

It was the second win in three days for the Hawkesbury based Kearney stable, with a third at Kensington in between.

They paid $2000 for the then unraced two-year-old at an online sale in May last year.

Carlisle Bay ($4.40) beat the fast finishing $2.90 favourite Kouklara from the Pride stable, with Dr Evil ($17) trained by John Steinmetz, third.

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Race 4 – DE BORTOLI WINES 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m):

An upset in the three-year-old maiden, with Brad Widdup’s Eminencia beating the two fancied Waller runners. 

The I Am Invincible filly, having her fifth career start, was coming off a narrow defeat over 1300m at Hawkesbury last start. 

Tom Sherry settled Eminencia ($12) just behind the early leader, hitting the front on straightening and holding out the Waller pair of Barrichello ($2.90) and Cat D’Oro ($2.60fav).

Stable representative Andre Rabett said the filly had finally brought her trackwork form to a race. 

“It was great to see her win today,” he said.  

“She’s always trialled well but has shown a few tricks in her races. 

“It’s really good for her to come out and do everything right today and get the result. 

“She’s finally shown what we see in trackwork and trials. Hopefully she will move forward to better races.”

Waller’s Cat D’Oro was the hard luck story of the race, denied a run in the final stages.  

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Race 5 – GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m):

Tracey Bartley’s Sebrenco could head to the city for her next start, after bringing up her second career win.  

The Sebring two-year-old, proved too strong for her older opposition, leading from barrier to post to record a one length victory. 

Bartley will assess the filly over the next few days but could give her one final race in town to round off her preparation. 

He had been confident coming into the race, after Sebrenco was runner-up at her two previous starts at Muswellbrook and Dubbo. 

“She’s a young two-year-old and this is only her second race preparation,” he said.

“She shows good potential at home, and I thought she’d be hard to beat today.

“She’s a nice filly and being on her home track, from the soft draw and on top of the ground, I knew there would be improvement.

“She got a good kick coming to the corner and put them away. 

“I’d like to see her in a race where she can take a sit and relax, that would be ideal. 

“I’ll assess her over the next few days but might give her one more run in town.”

Sebrenco, the $2.90 favourite, beat the Kim Waugh trained Underboss ($13), who stormed home in an impressive first up run, with Bec Dunn’s On Her Word ($5.50) third.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 6 – CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m):

Gary Moore’s consistent Prince Invincible could be headed for a Midway Handicap on the strength of his strong three and a half length win. 

The heavily backed son of I Am Invincible brought up his second win with Tim Clark in the saddle. 

In typical Clark style, Prince Invincible was given a great front-running ride, drawing away in the final stages. 

Clark was full of compliments for Prince Invincible, a $580,000 yearling purchase, who now has two wins and five placings from 10 starts.

“He’s going really well and is in a really good zone at the moment,” Clark said.

“He’s a really happy horse and that translates to a really good performance, probably a personal best for him and hopefully he can continue in that way.

“He was caught wide at his last start but still ran a solid race. They freshened him up, then he had a good tick over trial win and came here in really good order. 

“Gary has done a great job with him. A think a tilt at the Midway could be well and truly on the cards.”

Prince Invincible($3.60fav) beat Allan Denham’s Gidgee Guy ($7.50), with Into The Fire ($7.50) from the Bjorn Baker stable, third. 

Matt Vella’s Sniper Legend, well supported in the betting, failed to load at the barriers.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 7 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANT PIDGEON CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1600m):

A perfect ride and quick tempo set the scene for Go Gazza to bring up back-to-back wins and plot a course to a Midway Handicap.

The Foxwedge three-year-old was coming off a last start Wyong win over the same distance and earned strong support starting at $5. 

Tommy Berry, who rode Go Gazza to his dominant maiden win, settled him midfield off the strong tempo, before bringing him to the front on straightening.

He was able to hold out the fast-finishing favourite, Bjorn Baker’s Lake Tai ($3.50), to win by a long neck.

Trainer Mark Minervini said Go Gazza, a $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, had always shown ability. 

“He took confidence out of the maiden win and Tommy was impressed, so we said we will do what worked and bring him back. 

“As it turned out it was the right race, over the right distance, with the right jockey. Everything aligned and he got the job done. 

“He’s related to a couple of Oaks winners, and we did a DNA test on him that told us he will run up to 2400m. 

“We aren’t in a hurry to get him there. I think he will be well suited for a midweek or a Midway, so we will see what’s around.

Another of the Baker runners, Deel With Me ($10) was third. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SUNDAY AUGUST 29 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m):

Tracey Bartley was expecting a much-improved performance by Defeat and that’s exactly what he got with the five-year-old winning by almost three lengths. 

The I Am Invincible gelding capped off a great day for the stable, with Sebrenco scoring earlier in the program. 

Bartley said Defeat had been the victim of bad track conditions and barrier draws in his recent runs.

Despite drawing wide at Wyong, the good track rating suited and the win resulted. 

Brock Ryan was given instructions to rev the five-year-old up midrace, and he followed them to a tee, taking off at the 600m. 

Defeat circled the field and kicked in the straight, drawing away for a dominant win. 

“I told him to rip into him and build momentum and that’s exactly what he did,” Bartley said. 

“They weren’t going to beat him with that momentum. He rode him a treat.

“It’s been a great year and credit to the staff.”

Defeat ($7), who earned plenty of late support, beat fellow Wyong gallopers Big Surprise ($15) from the Buchanan stable, and Damien Lane’s Oakfield Target ($4.80). 

Kim Waugh’s debutant Pretty Enuff was one of the standouts on a strong day of racing at Wyong. 

The Rich Enuff filly was impressive in winning the 1200m Prov & Ctry Maiden and looks to have a bright future. 

Mr Bond emerged as a good staying prospect for Brad Widdup after blitzing his opposition in the 2100m Class 1 & Maiden. 

There could be some promising newcomers’ surface from the two-year-old race including the winner Sealion from the Waterhouse/Bott stable and Tracey Bartley’s Mabel, who stormed home to be narrowly beaten.

Jay Ford took out the riding honours with a double, partnering Mr Bond to victory and Roderick’s Secret for Matthew Smith in the 1600m Class 1. 

Race 1 – Great Northern Maiden (1350m): 

Crazy Wolf took out the opening event, despite the Hawkes trained three-year-old looking beaten on the turn. 

The All Too Hard gelding started $2.70 favourite and was settled toward the rear of the small field by Regan Bayliss. 

When he asked for an effort on the corner, Crazy Wolf dropped the bridle and looked beaten. 

But Bayliss was able to get the best out him in the final stages, with Crazy Wolf rallying to win by three quarters of a length. 

Kim Waugh’s Don’t Recall was the hard luck story of the race, finishing second after hanging badly in the straight. 

Bullet Hero ($2.80) from the Mark Newnham stable, was a long head behind in third. 

The winner, a $210,000 Magic Millions yearling, was having his fourth start, his previous three runs in Victoria.

++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 2 – SKY Racing Class 1 & Maiden (2100m):

Brad Widdup is excited about the prospects of his stayer Mr Bond, who made short work of his opposition to score a dominant five and half-length win over the 2100m. 

Jay Ford settled the Darci Brahma four-year-old at the rear of the field for much of the race, before making his move on the turn and outsprinting his rivals in the final stages. 

Widdup said the gelding, who had two starts in New Zealand before joining his stable, had plenty of potential. 

“He’s a nice type of horse and I think he could have some better staying races ahead of him,” he said. 

“He came over to me in great order from New Zealand and has been pretty straight forward to train. 

“He got cast in the box after his Nowra win, so we had to take a bit of time with him. 

“The run at Kembla last start just topped him off for today.

“He’s going to be a lovely horse next time and is going from strength to strength.”

Mr Bond ($2.40fav) beat Kermajack ($4.40) from the Waller stable, with the Waterhouse/Bott trained Mantinello ($2.45) third.

++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 3 – Canadian Club 3YO Maiden (1600m):

A top Tommy Berry ride secured victory for the Mark Minervini trained Go Gazza. 

The Foxwedge gelding, a $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, is raced by Newcastle based Minervini and a group of his friends.

He was a runner up at Kembla over the same distance last start and looked well suited to the Wyong race. 
Berry settled him toward the rear, before circling the field on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by almost two lengths.

Go Gazza started at $5 after the Waller trained runner-up Mouvement earned strong late support and was sent out $2.45 favourite.

Law Party ($3.20) from the Newnham stable was third, with Kylie Gavenlock’s Trojan Hero the one to follow, making up plenty of ground in the straight.

The consistent Go Gazza has now had a win and three placings from his seven starts. 

++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 4 – Carlton Dry Prov & Ctry Maiden (1200m):

It was an impressive debut by the Kim Waugh trained Pretty Enuff, who looks to have a promising future. 

The Rich Enuff three-year-old was coming off two trials, her latest at Wyong on June 25, an eye catching third over 1000m.

She earned strong support in the betting on the strength of the trial, starting $2.40 favourite. 

Tim Clark opted to ride Pretty Enuff back in the field, before taking off on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by more than a length.

Waugh said she has a good opinion of the filly, a $50,000 Inglis yearling.

“She’s a lovely filly with good ability but she’s taken a lot of time to get her act together. 

“I like her, and her last trial was really good. 

“She is built like a colt, and we had a lot of trouble early with her knees jarring up. 

“She just needed time and it’s good to get the win today.”

Pretty Enuff is raced by a syndicate which includes Waugh’s husband Mark. 

It was a Wyong quinella with Nayziair ($11) from the Lane stable second, over 

Nick Mitchell’s Miss Checkoni ($3.50). 

++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 5 – TAB.COM.AU 2YO Maiden (1000m):

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Sealion caused an upset in a classy field of two-year-old’s, beating the more favoured runners at the juicy odds of $41.

Jean Van Overmire piloted the Astern gelding, who was coming off a trial on July 5, when he finished second over the 800m.

Sealion pinged the gates and was wide throughout but still managed to hold out his opposition in the final stages and win by a half-length.

Tracey Bartley’s Mabel, the $3.50 favourite, came from near last on the turn to finish second, ahead of Godolphin runner The Globe ($8.50). 

Neil Paine, from the Waterhouse/Bott stable said they had expected Sealion would need more ground. 

“He was wound up to do his best today, but it was just a steppingstone to get him up to the 1350m and mile,” Paine said. 

“He’s a real big duffer of a horse and we thought he’d be looking for further but it’s great to get a win along the way.”

++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 6 – De Bortoli Wines Class 1 (1600m):

An exciting four-way finish saw the locally trained Apex narrowly beaten on the line by Roderick’s Secret from the Matthew Smith yard. 

John Cooper’s Apex ($15) looked the winner after leading throughout but was swamped on the line by the backmarkers.

A Rubick’s gelding, Roderick’s Secret ($9) brought up his second win at start 18. 

It was another great ride by Jay Ford, to bring up a winning double, taking off at the 400m mark, making up ground on the turn and storming down the outside to win by a half head.

The $50,000 yearling was coming off a sixth at Hawkesbury last start over the same distance, beaten just over two lengths. 

The John Thompson trained Speedzone ($3.60) was third, with the $2.60 favourite UK import Sidereal, struggling under the 62kg. 

++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 7 – COCA-COLA Benchmark 64 (1300m):

John Thompson’s consistent mare Eye See Things continued her strong preparation bringing up another win. 

The Star Witness four-year-old has had seven runs this time in for two wins and five placings. 

She added to her win tally with a great ride by Rachel King, who went head-to-head with the favourite Born To Play around the turn, before drawing away to win by a length and a half. 

The $150,000 Magic Millions yearling now has career stats of two wins and eight placings from 12 starts. 

Eye See Things ($3.30) beat the Damien Lane trained Oakfield Captain ($19), who put in a much-improved run, with Matthew Smith’s American Salute ($5.50) third.

The $3.20 favourite Born To Play struggled in the final stages, finishing more than three lengths behind in sixth. 

++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 8 – Wyong’s Next Race Meeting Thursday July 29 Class 1 (1000m):

A clever ride by James Innes Jnr secured victory for Star Cherie, a daughter of Star Witness, who brought up her second win from five starts. 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained three-year-old relished the improving track conditions to win by a long neck over the $3.10 favourite Head On Up. 

Innes looked like being posted wide from the barriers but elected to stride up and settle the filly just behind the leader. 

She hit the front on straightening and dug deep in the final stages to record her second win. 

Gerald Ryan described the winner as “a little fighter.”

“That’s one of her best qualities, she’s a real fighter. She’s no star but she digs deep and has a go.

“For her first racing prep she’s done a terrific job. She might be looking for a rest now, but we’ll see how she pulls up, she could have one more run.”

The Matthew Dunn trained Amungee ($9) was third. 

IT wasn’t a feature meeting by any means – but it is one RACHEL KING won’t easily forget.

The expatriate English woman, who has made an outstanding success of her Australian riding career, reached a milestone when she hit a century of winners for the first time in a season.

And she produced a typically brilliant performance to post her 100^th winner when she scored on favourite TANGIER in the opening event.

King began riding in her adopted country only in March, 2015 when she rode her first winner Run Cannon Run at Tamworth, and her previous best season performance had been 88 winners in 2016-17.

Now a Group 1 winner, she is firmly entrenched in Sydney’s riding ranks. 

This was CLUBSNSW Central Coast Itty Bitty Charity Race Day, held to raise important funds to brighten the lives of sick and disadvantaged children on the Central Coast.

There was no shortage of excitement with the day’s shortest-priced favourite, Kristen Buchanan’s OAKFIELD CHEROKEE scraping home in a tricky photo-finish which had many thinking he had gone under, and two races later the judge this time was unable to separate favourite BUDHWAR, from the Damien Lane stable, and second favourite GENERAL DUBAI in another enthralling battle to the post.

While not one trainer or jockey dominated the program, Sam Clipperton did best by winning the second race on Stonesthrow for Wyong’s Tracey Bartley and then dead-heated on GENERAL DUBAI for Peter Robl. 

RACE 1 – AINSWORTH GAMING TECHNOLOGY (AGT) MAIDEN HCP (1600m)

THE betting ring action was mirrored on the track though at the end it really wasn’t a two-horse race at all.  James Cummings’ TANGIER ($2fav) and Mark Newnham’s ANGEL SISTINA ($2.60) clearly dominated discussions pre-post, and it was the former who proved too good for her main rival. TANGIER enjoyed a perfect run cruising along on the inside under Rachel King and the breaks went her way at exactly the right time when she got into the clear and eased around the heels of the two leaders, MANDALONG FLAG ($61) and ANGEL SISTINA, on the home turn. Once she gained her momentum, TANGIER had no trouble overhauling ANGEL SISTINA and was strong through the line without being pressured. The Medaglia D’Oro filly was having only her third start and looks capable of stretching out over more ground. A daughter of Exceed and Excel mare ESSAOUIRA (who raced only twice and won at Moonee Valley as a two-year-old), TANGIER is a sister to the Group 1 winner ASTERN, who now stands at stud for Darley. ANGEL SISTINA was game after doing work from her outside barrier in the field of seven, and MANDALONG FLAG battled on well. RIVER TYCOON ($8) ran last after being slow out and stewards are waiting to hear an update on the gelding’s progress from trainer Mark Cross before deciding any further action.

RACE 2 – CONSULATE FINANCE 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1100m)

IF the first was for the “out of towners”, this was definitely one for the locals. Wyong trainers Tracey Bartley and Damien Lane saddled the two favourites – and they fought out the finish. Bartley’s heavily-backed favourite STONESTHROW ($2) was cleverly ridden by Sam Clipperton, bouncing well from her outside draw and then being restrained to sit off Lane’s BUCKIN RIPPA ($3.10) and MISTER RIPLEY ($5). When the pace surprisingly eased mid-race, Clipperton took the bit between his teeth and raced his mount to the front. STONESTHROW responded by comfortably holding out BUCKIN RIPPA, who notched his 10^th placing from 22 starts – and connections must be wondering when a breakthrough will come? MISTER RIPLEY hung on for third for another local Rod Bailey, making it an all-Wyong result. STONESTHROW, a four-year-old daughter of 2013 Royal Randwick Listed Dulcify Quality, 1600m winner Rock Hero (by Fastnet Rock), was having only her third start, as with the opening winner, and her trainer was confident she would be hard to beat first-up on the back of two recent good trials and believes she will probably manage further later. “I expect she is in for a really good preparation,” Bartley said. BUCKIN RIPPA’S rider Aaron Bullock, when queried afterwards by stewards, agreed he should have allowed his mount to set a more genuine tempo in the early stages.

RACE 3 – THE ARY TOUKLEY 3YO MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m)

THE Bartley stable played up its winnings with an attempted long-priced coup on first-upper EMPOWERMENT ($19 to $5.50), but fourth was the best the filly could do. Gosford trainer Adam Duggan took the honours, producing debutant SYZYGY STARS ($8.50) to kick off her career in the best possible manner. Rider Josh Parr had the three-year-old daughter of 2015 Golden Slipper winner VANCOUVER (beaten only once in five career starts) in touch with the leading group throughout and brought her to the centre of the track on straightening. She finished with real determination to overhaul SARANDOS ($7.50) right on the post. The runner-up almost gave his dam, Doomben Cup winner Streama, two Provincial wins within a week as his older half-sister PENSERA scored at Newcastle last Saturday. SYZYGY STARS was a $65,000 buy at the 2019 Australian Easter yearling sale; a fair bit cheaper than $400,000 2019 Magic Millions buy SARANDOS. Duggan, a smart man with a horse, was concerned beforehand the 1100m on the tight track might be a bit short for his filly, so she should be worth following. Another first starter DA NANG STAR went to the post a $2.50 favourite and had his chance, weakening in the run home to finish fifth. His rider Rachel King suggested the addition of blinkers and a step up in distance may lead to a better showing next time.

RACE 4 – SEVEN STAR VENDING MAIDEN PLATE (1350m)

TRAINER Gary Moore devised front-running tactics to upset odds-on favourite VOLTERRA – and who better to carry them out than Tim Clark, who has no peer when it comes to dictating pace up front. Clark had no trouble assuming the front on Moore’s LUCKY TO WIN ($5.50), who broke through at his 10^th start. He was never really in any danger, holding out LEKVARTE ($8) and CONTAMINATION ($5.50). Moore, recovering from a recent knee operation, was convinced his horse couldn’t stay and told Clark to lead and “go for home at the 400m”. “I have made some adjustments with his feeding, and his work indicated he was in great order and ready to go,” Moore explained. LUCKY TO WIN when third had finished a decent way behind VOLTERRA (2^nd) in a recent 1400m race at Warwick Farm, but Clark’s tactics enabled him to turn the tables – and how! The winner was pinhooked for $33,000 as a weanling and later fetched $210,000 when offered at a 2yo’s in training sale at the Gold Coast in 2019. Punters won’t easily forgive VOLTERRA ($1.80), who went back to last from his outside draw in the small line-up of six and never looked likely to raise his backers’ hopes, finishing fourth. A $1.3m yearling buy, he has a long way to go to recoup such an outlay. Stewards questioned rider Brenton Avdulla, who said he had been instructed to ride the gelding conservatively and anticipated settling last. He added VOLTERRA raced keenly and, in his opinion, was not suited by the moderate tempo and as a result didn’t finish the race off as expected.

RACE 5 – SYNERGY FM 4YO&UP CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE (2100m)

PHEW! Thrill seekers who dived in to take the prohibitive odds about hotpot OAKFIELD CHEROKEE ($1.35) must have been shaking in their boots, especially when race caller Mitch Manners intimated $12 chance ZAK might have kicked back and won the day. Thankfully, there was a narrow margin for the favourite, a younger brother to now retired multiple Group 1 winner LUCIA VALENTINA, in a finish which virtually fooled everyone. Trainer Kristen Buchanan said it took an astute ride to win at Wyong and stressed upon rider Aaron Bullock “not to miss the boat”. A $155,000 yearling buy, the lightly-raced four-year-old is starting to hit his straps after overcoming heart arrythmia issues earlier. A trip to the Grafton July carnival for a 2200m Rural Plate is now on the cards for the gelding.

RACE 6 – THE ENTRANCE LEAGUES CLUB CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1100m)

IN his first season, Newcastle apprentice Dylan Gibbons keeps kicking goals. This was his first ride for trainer Annabel Neasham and he took full advantage of $2.60 favourite OSAMU’S inside draw to boot through and lead. OSAMU had garnered a “loser” tag with eight minor placings before breaking through at Newcastle on May 1 for senior jockey Rory Hutchings, and Gibbons made sure another placing didn’t arise by booting the gelding clear on straightening and then holding off BEAUCHAMP ($7). Gibbons’ 3kg claim proved invaluable lessening the gelding’s 62.5kg, and the youngster chalked up his 67^th winner; an outstanding effort in any circumstances given his relative inexperience. Second only to Scone’s Reece Jones (86.5 wins) in the State’s junior riding premiership, he is obviously a star of the future. It wasn’t the best of days for another rising star, Neasham, who was fined $7000 by stewards in Sydney and had Cox Plate favourite ZAAKI disqualified from his second placing in the Group 3 JRA Plate at Royal Randwick in April, having presented him to race with a prohibited substance analysed in his pre-race blood sample. OKAY OKAY was a late withdrawal at the barrier when found to be lame in the off-hind leg. 

RACE 7 – THE RACE TO SHELLY BEACH GOLF CLUB BENCHMARK 64  (1350m)

The judge couldn’t separate favourite BUDHWAR ($1.75) and PRINCE OF DUBAI ($6), who had stalked him throughout and switched around his heels on straightening to issue a challenge. Jason Collett tried hard to squeak home on heavily-backed BUDHWAR for local trainer Damien Lane, but it wasn’t to be. GENERAL DUBAI’s rider Sam Clipperton had won earlier on STONESTHROW for Tracey Bartley and this time got Peter Robl a share of the major spoils. In a bustling finish, evergreen local sprinter ISORICH ($7.50) was a close third at his 134^th start. The rising 11-year-old continues to beat time and has earned his connections more than three quarters of a million dollars in prizemoney.

RACE 8 – GOSFORD RSL CLUB BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m)

BRENTON Avdulla could not have produced a better ride to send favourite backers’ home on a happy note. DUNDEE LEE ($3.10 after $4 was offered earlier in the day) became the fifth favourite to score, and of course another, BUDHWAR, dead-heated. On a day where it was important to be up on the pace (the rail was 3m out), Avdulla put the Newcastle mare in a winning position from the outset, then got a split on straightening. Vigorously ridden, DUNDEE LEE held on to defeat ACHI BABA ($12 to $7.50) and SALSA MAN ($8.50), who invariably races well at Wyong. The five-year-old daughter of DUNDEEL has now won six races for her connections, and added to a couple of good days for Newcastle’s KRIS LEES, who also won races at Doomben and on the Kensington track yesterday.

Kristen Buchanan carried the flag for the locals on a day of competitive racing at the Wyong Roos Foundation Race Day. 

Buchanan has her eye on a Provincial Championships campaign for her progressive filly Oakfield Arrow, who brought up her second career win from start six in the 1350m Fillies & Mares BM64.

The track held up well under consistent drizzle and there were several impressive winners with Gary Moore’s Light Up My World scoring a dominant five length victory over 1600m.

John O’Shea’s New Zealand import Comme Bella Fille also looks like a progressive stayer in the making taking out the 2100m race.

Race 1 – WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION MAIDEN PLATE (1000 METRES)

Gary Portelli’s long and successful association with Elite Thoroughbreds continued with Walkin’Talkin’ breaking through for his debut win. 

Portelli trained the gelding’s sire, I’m All The Talk, a winner of the Group 3 Skyline in 2013 and has four of his progeny currently in his stable. 

Elite Thoroughbreds purchased Walkin’Talkin’ for $45,000 at the Perth Magic Millions sales and look to have made a good investment.

Portelli said I’m All The Talk, who stands in Western Australia, is one of the leading second season sires in Australia.

“I really liked him when I trained him, and he seems to be doing very well as a sire,” he said. 

“I was pretty confident coming here today. He was coming out of a very strong race last start.”

Walkin’Talkin’ debuted at Scone on May 14, finishing fourth over 1000m.

“He got the wobbles when he got to the front that day. He was three deep most of the way and wasn’t quite there on the day. 

“I was impressed with the turn of foot he showed today. I was little concerned with the slow tempo but when Rachel (King) asked him to quicken she had some horse there. 

“I liked the way he went through the line and think he will be better when he gets up to 1100m to 1200m. He’s got a motor and he’s got ability and it’s great to get another winner for Elite.”

King settled Walkin’Talkin,’ the $1.95 favourite, just behind the leader hugging the rails, taking the lead on straightening, and drawing away to win by almost two lengths. 

Tracey Bartley’s Compassionate ($3.50), who had a wide run throughout, was second, with the fast finishing Buckin’ Rippa ($11), from the Damien Lane stable, third.

Race 2 – BELLBIRDS PROV & CTRY MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100 METRES)

Comonic continued a winning week for Scott Singleton and Jay Ford, the Nicconi gelding bringing up win three for the combination.

Singleton and Ford scored a double at Scone on Monday and continued the run 

three days later at Wyong with Comonic, a three-year-old having his third race start. 

Ford took luck out the equation, leading on Comonic throughout. He looked to be 

cruising coming to the turn and drew away to win by a length. 

Ford was full of praise for Comonic, believing he will go on to win better races. 

“His future is pretty bright long term and it’s good to knock the maiden out of the way today,” he said.  

 “This fellow is only lightly raced but going really well. He ran a good second the other day at Gosford and today was his day to break through.

 “He’s very natural in what he’s doing but at the same time he’s pretty green.”

Comonic was the second favourite of the day to win, having started at $2.40. 

He beat Nick Mitchell’s Miss Checkoni ($31) who was eye-catching on debut, with 

Minniti ($4.20) from the Sam Kavanagh stable, third. 

Race 3 – CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600 METRES)

Gary Moore had Queensland Oaks aspirations for his filly Light Up My World who was a dominant five length winner over the 1600m.

The Toronado filly, a $42,500 yearling, was having her third start for the stable and her fourth career run. 

Moore had intended on targeting the Queensland Oaks but ran out of time and decided to keep the three-year-old racing in NSW. 

She was second at her last start at Hawkesbury over 1500m on May 20 and really hit her straps at Wyong, blitzing her opposition in the final stages. 

Tim Clark had positioned Light Up My World just behind the leader, hitting the front on the point of the turn and drawing away to the line.

James Moore, representing the stable, said it was good to see the filly put it all together. 

“We were initially aiming her towards the Oaks at Queensland but probably got her a little late to rush her into that target.

“She put it all together today. She’s a lovely filly, great to do anything with, very relaxed and bred to get 2000m to 2400m so there will be bigger plans for her.” 

Light Up My World earned strong late support and was sent out $2.35 favourite. She beat Mark Newnham’s Angela Sistina ($2.40), with $101 longshot Minneapolis, trained by Colin Besters, putting in a much-improved run to finish third. 

 Race 4 – WE CARE CONNECT CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100 METRES)

John O’Shea looks to have a promising stayer on his hands with Comme Bella Fille ($1.90) who continued a good day for favourites. 

The daughter of Complacent made short work of her opposition, courtesy of a confident ride by Tommy Berry.

He settled the three-year-old mid-field, taking off just before the turn and hitting the lead on straightening. 

He was able to ease up in the final stages and still record a convincing win.

Comme Bella Fille did her early racing in New Zealand where she recorded a win at Matamata, before being purchased by OTI Racing and transferred to O’Shea. 

She has had two starts for the new stable, with a sixth at Wyong over 1350m on April 29 and was runner-up over 1600m at Newcastle on May 18.

Stable foreman Tom Charlton said they had a good opinion of the filly. 

“She’s going for a break now and will come back in the spring. I think she will have a lot to offer in the future,” he said.

“She could be a promising stayer. She will take a lot out of today’s win and the confidence will do her good.”

Berry agreed the filly had potential. 

“She’s a nice filly going through her preparation. I still think she’s a preparation away and is still a bit raw and a bit new.”

Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Cherokee ($6.50) finished strongly into second, with Upscale ($7) trained by John Sargent, third.

Race 5 – CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1350 METRES)

It was a welcome return to the winner’s circle for Scone based Sam Kavanagh after Dulcero’s tough breakthrough victory over 1350m. 

The Dawn Approach mare, a $180,000 yearling previously raced by Godolphin, had been racing consistenly leading up to the win and was coming off a second at Muswellbrook over 1500m on May 23. 

Kavanagh said it had looked like another “horror story” after Andrew Gibbons was caught three wide from the outside draw.

“I was a little concerned, but Gibbo knows her well and produced her at the right time. 

“These owners have been brilliant, and we’ve been waiting a whole year to get a win with them. 

“She was one of the first horses we brought but had a lot of feet issues and problems so it’s rewarding to finally win for them. 

“Our horses are running terrific but just haven’t been getting to the line first, so I’m tickled pink for them.”

Dulcero ($4.80) was produced late in the straight but managed to run down the locally trained River Tycoon ($4.60) from the Mark Cross stable. 

The $2.30 favourite Exterminate, from the Tim McIntosh yard, looked to have every chance and finished third, a length behind the winner. 

Race 6 – WYONG LEAGUES CLUB GROUP F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350 METRES)

A win for the locals with Kristen Buchanan’s promising filly Oakfield Arrow bringing up her second win from six starts.

It was heart on the sleeve stuff for Buchanan with the three-year-old having to sustain a long run in the straight before scoring a narrow win. 

She now plans to spell the Press Statement filly and will bring her back for a tilt at the Provincial Championship Series in 2022. 

“I’m really happy but I didn’t think she was going to get there,” a relieved Buchanan said. 

“She had a bit of a hard time behind the slow tempo but got there in the end. 

“It was a really good ride by Aaron (Bullock) and he got job done. 

“I think she’s got a really bright future, so I’ll spell her now and bring her back for the spring. 

“She’s tenacious enough and genuine enough to run in the Provincials and I’d like to have a go at it.” 

Bullock described it as a “good win.”

“When I got cover, she relaxed good and when I got clear air and running, she got the job done. 

“It was a good win. You get a good feel for horses going to the barriers and she gave me a great feel and all credit to Kristen.” 

Runner-up, Matthew Smith’s Latina Beauty ($7.50) was the hard luck story of the race, having been caught wide throughout. 

Oakfield Arrow, a $170,000 Magic Millions yearling, eased in the betting late, still starting $2.20 favourite. 

Hard Faith ($10) from the Nathan Doyle stable, was third.

Race 7 – WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350 METRES)

The Jeremy Gask trained Tim’s Principal got the nod in an exciting finish, bringing up back-to-back wins for the seven-year-old.

It was a patient ride by in-form apprentice Reece Jones, who had to weave a passage in the final stages bursting through on the line to win by a neck.

Gask said it was great to see the gelding return to winning form. 

“It was three years between wins and then he goes back-to-back. It terrific he’s in good form,” he said.

“He had a few hiccups during the drought and fires and had real trouble respiratory wise, so he had a long time off.

“He came back, and things didn’t go right but he’s in really good form now. 

“It was a great ride by Reece. He gets on really well with the horse – he’s a good lad.“

In the closest finish of the day, seven horses finished within a length of the post, with Tim’s Principal ($4.60) getting the nod over Damien Lane’s $2.80 favourite Budhwar. 

Lake Tai ($12) from the Bjorn Baker stable, was third. 

Race 8 – WYONG BOWLING CLUB CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1100 METRES)

A downgraded track didn’t affect the chances of the Stephen Jones trained Toro Toro despite the concerns of the stable. 

The Time For War four-year-old proved he has no problem with rain affected tracks, relishing in the conditions to overhaul his rivals on the line for a strong win. 

Tracy Rodger, representing the stable, said the horse’s only other experience in the wet was on a heavy track at a Muswellbrook trial. 

“He did win the trial that day but was too good for them so we didn’t think that gave us a good guide as to whether he would handle it,” she said.

“He’s always been handy and has done super in the last two weeks and we thought we had a good chance until we saw the rain.

“He got through it well and it was a good win. It’s great to have Matty (Palmer) at Scone and riding our horses.”

Palmer said he also been surprised how well Toro Toro handled the track.

“It took me by surprise. He’s a huge horse and is pretty heavy so I thought he might just sink but he kicked away and was too good.” 

Toro Toro ($7.50) beat Matthew Smith’s undeniable ($15), with Tamworth galloper Cassy’s Sister ($11) from the Troy O’Neile stable, third.

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