raceday review

By Grahame Timbrell, Photos Steve Hart

Tom Sherry, the former Irish apprentice who only started riding in Australia last October, has hit the lead in the NSW apprentices’ premiership after riding a winning double at Wyong on Thursday.

Sherry won the Doylo Maiden (1350m) in a boil over on the Paul Perry trained La Jolie Fille ($10) when they beat the heavily backed long odds on favourite Pitchfork.

Later in the day he scored on the heavily backed Ladies’ Gem with a gem of a ride in the Bishop Collins Chartered Accountants Benchmark 64 (1600m).

That takes him to 90 winners for the season, one ahead of Samantha Clenton who is sidelined with an injury.

It also comes at Sherry prepares to soon start riding in the metropolitan area.

Sherry let Ladies’ Gem ($3 fav) settle on the outside of the leader Apicius until the 600 metres when he made his move.

Sherry had Ladies’ Gem on the fence by the time they turned the corner and she careered away to win by two and a half lengths from Delicately ($9.50) which came from well back early.

That was the fifth win for Ladies’ Gem with three of them coming on soft or heavy going.

His other winner, La Jolie Fille ($10) was the only two-year-old in the race she won but gave her older rivals a galloping lesson.

Pitchfork looked to head the winner momentarily in the straight but the two-year-old fought back along the rail to win by a neck.

***

Kathy O’Hara combined with trainer Gary Portelli to also landed a double with the pair winning the Great Northern Maiden (1000m) with Absolutely Foxy and the Wyong Rugby League Club Class Two (1100m) with Spaceboy. 

Absolutely Foxy ($6) was another two- year-old to beat older horses, showing blistering speed to lead all the way.

She just lasted to score by half a neck from the James Cummings trained $19 chance Let Me Think (Jean van Overmeire) which came from mid-field and made up many lengths in an impressive debut.

Portelli said that his filly was a precocious speedster which only knew one way to race.

“She showed blistering speed in the (Inglis) Millenium and led for most of the trip when she ran fourth,” Portelli said.

“We decided to try and teach her to settle by riding her back in a trial but she resented it so we decided to her do her own thing out in front.

“She is only a little thing.

“Kathy rode her at Randwick one day for us and said to keep her racing her as a two-year-old because I don’t think she is going to grow.”

Spaceboy was out in a world of his own when he raced right away in the straight to win the Wyong Rugby League Club Class Two (1100m) by almost five lengths.

O’Hara took advantage of her inside draw to let Spaceboy ($2.40 fav) go straight to the lead and dictate terms before exploding away in the straight to beat the Paul Perry trained Titus ($18) by four and three quarter lengths.

That was Spaceboy’s second win in 13 starts despite showing so much promise.

That included a second in the Golden Gift at Rosehill, a third in the Wyong Magic Millions and a fourth in the Magic Millions Maiden at the Golden Coast.

“I know a lot of punters have been dirty on him but it is a relief to see him getting his confidence and winning like that,” Portelli said.

“I put a tongue tie on him for this race and that might have made a difference.

“It was good to see him open up like that late so we will just let him go through his grades.

“He works like a Group horse at home and my challenge is to eventually get him up to that level.”
***
Brenton Avdulla celebrated his return to riding at Wyong with a gun ride on the Chris Waller trained Rules Don’t Apply to win the Royal Hotel Maiden (1600m).

It was his first ride back at the track after restrictions were lifted following the virus lockdown.

Avdulla let Rules Don’t Apply ($1.70) settle in third with a lovely trail with Adrian Layt rating Misty Brook perfectly in the lead.

Avdulla moved up three wide approaching the turn but the filly took the turn awkwardly which allowed Misty Brook to maintain her lead.

It was not until close to the line that Rules Don’t Apply was able to grab the lead and score by half a neck at her second run back from a spell.

“That will do her confidence the world of good,” stable representative, Clare Heuston, said.

“She comes out of our Warwick Farm stable and the team there has done a great job with her.”

That was the seventh start for Rules Don’t Apply and followed placings at Kembla Grange, Warwick Farm and Canterbury.

***

Another odds-on favourite was beaten when the imported German bred stayer Arabolini (Jeff Penza) led all the way to win the De Bortoli Wines Class One and Maiden (2100m) beating the $1.55 favourite Alakahan (Keagan Latham).

Penza did a great job in rating Arabolini ($7) in the lead while the Irish bred Alakahan raced in second last place until nearing the 600 metres when Latham started his move.

However, he was spotting the leader too big a start and despite making up a lot of ground in the straight he ended up being beaten a length.

Arabolini is one of only three horses trained at Gosford by John Cooper.

The horse was originally trained by Kris Lees but never raced for him.

After two trials, the second in January last year, the horse was bought by Cooper and after a spell had his first start when eighth in a Taree maiden.

Since then he has had another 10 starts for two wins.

“The horse has been improving all the time,” Cooper said.

“Paul King helped me find the horse and I would like to thank him for that.”

***

Travis Wolfgram went to Wyong for one ride and ended up a winner when the Craig Carmody trained Buzz ($9) came across from the outside gate to lead all the way and win the Wyong’s Next Raceday Saturday July 11 Benchmark 64 (1350m).

Carmody, a former top jockey, praised the ride.

“Travis rated him really well in front and used his momentum to cruise across from the outside gate to take the lead,” Carmody said.

The was the third win from 13 starts for Buzz which is raced by a syndicate headed by Kim Harding with the horse carrying her colours.

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Veteran local trainer Stan Thomas was in the winner’s circle with his tough mare Ondo Pasa in a race honouring a fellow Wyong trainer Johnnie Roberts.

The six-year-old brought up her eighth career win and the third on her home track.

She was disappointing at her last start at Wyong on May 14 after being caught three wide but atoned for that with a convincing one and a half-length victory.

Mikayla Weir continued a great association with Ondo Pasa, having combined with her in her last three wins.

Kindly given to Thomas by a couple of valued friends, Ondo Pasa has now amassed more than $215,000 in prizemoney.

It was a popular win for the 83-year-old trainer, who has three horses in work.

“She’s been a great horse for me. She tries hard every time she goes around and that’s all you can ask,” Thomas said.

Weir had Ondo Pasa ($9) toward the rear of the field in the early stages, circling the field on the turn and fighting on in the straight to claim victory.

She beat the Widdup trained Louder ($31), with Nishka ($8.50) from the Ron Quinton stable, third.

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

Tom Sherry extended his lead in the provincial jockey’s premiership and took out the riding honours at Wyong with a winning double.

Currently the State’s leading apprentice, Sherry now has 46 wins in the premiership, five ahead of his nearest rival.

The first leg of his double came on De Grawin in the 1000m DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN PLATE.

He piloted the Joe Pride trained filly to a length win, in her first run for the new stable.

The Snitzel filly was placed twice in two starts for Matt Vella, before being transferred to Pride.

She had trialled well leading into the Wyong race, and was heavily supported by punters starting at $2.20.

Sherry drove the filly to the lead from the barriers and she travelled well throughout, holding out her rivals, to score by a length.

De Grawin beat Giselle Anne ($7) trained by Lee Curtis, with Godolphin trained Segosha ($9), third.

Sherry, who had been favourite in the jockey’s challenge, had to wait until the final race to bring up his double.

He combined with his master Mark Newnham, to win the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY JUNE 18 CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP over 1350m.

Newnham had the Shamus Award gelding primed for a strong first up performance, following an eye-catching trial win at Warwick Farm on May 22.
He was sent out $4.20 equal favourite and didn’t disappoint, beating fellow Darby Racing runner Amoretti by a long neck.

Sherry had the four-year-old three-wide with cover in the early stages, looming up on the turn, before hitting the front around the 200m.

He was able to hold out the Portelli trained Amortetti ($26), with Cubix ($4.20 eqfav) from the Matthew Dunn stable, two lengths behind in third.

A $150,000 yearling, Academy has now had three wins from eight starts.

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

All Things put on a dominant staying performance to take out the 2100m SKY RACING CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE in his first trip over the distance.

The So You Think gelding, trained by John Sargent, is compiling an impressive record with two wins and three placings from seven starts.

Foreman Campbell Ashby believes the four-year-old will continue to improve.

“That’s his trip and I think he will get further than that,” he said.

“Andrew (Gibbons) was able to get him into a good spot and into his rhythm.

“He’s a momentum horse and he got that today. He out-toughed them all.

“He is still very immature, and he’ll improve from that win.”

Gibbons settled All Things just behind the leaders, before moving up around the 500m and hitting the lead on straightening.

He got into a battle with Seporto in the final stages but kicked on the line to win by a half neck.

All Things ($6) was coming off a fourth at Newcastle over the 1800m, having broken through for his debut win the previous start.

He beat Seporto ($4.80) trained by Clarry Connors, with Mick ‘N Nicks ($16) from the Peter Robl stable, third.

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

A strong ride by Lee Magorrian secured victory for the Waller trained April Thunder in the GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN HANDICAP over 1600m.

Magorrian had to work hard on the Sebring filly after she looked to have dropped the bit mid-race.

She responded to his hard riding, hitting the front in the straight to score a three quarter of a length win.

April Thunder, a $120,000 yearling, had been strong on debut at Randwick in December finishing third but then failed at her subsequent four starts.

She was coming off a seventh at Hawkesbury last start and seemed to appreciate the step up to 1600m.

She was sent out $3.80 second favourite and didn’t disappoint, with the $3.40 favourite and early leader, California Spell, finishing back in the field.

April Thunder is raced by Hermitage, who also owned multiple Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun.

Jazirat ($8) from the Godolphin stable put in a much-improved performance to finish second, with Our Cheeky Monkey ($5), trained by Gary Portelli, three and a half lengths behind in third.

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

An exciting three-way finish in the 1100m TAB.COM.AU CLASS 2 HANDICAP with the Terry Drayton trained Belladeel ($15) snatching victory on the line.

The Dundeel gelding upset some of the more favoured runners to bring up his second career win.

There was late support in the betting for the four-year-old, who was coming off an unplaced run at Scone on May 15.

Chris O’Brien settled Belladeel just off the pace and chasing the two leaders in the straight looked certain to finish third.

O’Brien drove him to the line, and he was declared a half head winner in a photo finish.

Previously trained by Chris Waller, Belladeel was having his sixth start for the new stable. He beat Shadow Bridge ($4.80) from the Mark Newnham stable, with the Snowden trained Crimlet ($5.50) third.

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Kim Waugh is excited about the prospects of Great News after the filly’s breakthrough maiden win at her third start.

The Uncle Mo three-year-old put more than a length on her opposition on the line to take out the TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN over 1100m, courtesy of a patient ride by Andrew Gibbons.

He was behind the leaders on straightening, but found a gap round the 200m mark, driving the filly through for victory.

“She’s a lovely filly,” Waugh said.

“She’s been slow maturing but she’s getting there, and I like her a lot.

“She was very impressive in her trial last week and her work has been great.

“She just keeps improving all the time and she’s exciting.”

Waugh said it was great to see the owners get a winner, particularly Jim Lee, a long-time client who she described as “very loyal.”

Great News ($2.70) was resuming after two provincial placings in her first preparation and had finished second in a trial at Gosford to Miss Fabulass.

She brought up her first win beating the Bryce Heys trained Key Largo ($21), with the $1.75 favourite Ballistic Missile, from the Joe Pride stable, third.

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

Anders is on the way to justifying his expensive price tag after his dominant seven length win in the 2YO maiden.

The Not A Single Doubt colt, a $670,00 Magic Millions purchase, had the 1100m COCA-COLA 2YO MAIDEN won at the turn, drawing away from his opposition as he went to the line.

The Maher Eustace stable has always had a strong opinion of the colt, who debuted in the spring with a fourth at Randwick, followed by a Queensland campaign where he finished third at Eagle Farm and sixth in the Gold Nugget on the Gold Coast.

He resumed with a second at Kembla on April 28 and looks set to return to metropolitan class, following his breakthrough Wyong win.

Anders jumped well with jockey Ash Morgan settling him just behind the leader, before hitting the front around the 600m mark and pulling away for a commanding win.

Anders, sent out $3 favourite, beat the Snowden duo Sharpshooter ($26) and Falcon ($5.50).

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

A change of riding tactics proved to be a winning move for the Keegan-Attard trained Reiby’s Regent in the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY JUNE 4 BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

The four-year-old by Uncle Mo, left his rivals in his wake with Keagan Latham leading from barrier to post to score a three-length win.

Jason Attard said he had left the riding instructions to Latham after a downgrade in the track had him concerned.

“He had failed before on heavy tracks, but they were quite wet, and I was just concerned if this was a soft 7 or a heavy 8.

“We came here pretty confident but then we had that downpour of rain, so I did have a query.

“I left it up to Keagan, but I was thinking we may have been a little closer than we were at Newcastle last start.”

Reiby’s Regent was narrowly beaten at Newcastle on May 2 with no luck in the race.

The Wyong win was his second in 10 starts, both on the same track.

“There has been some good form around him, and he’s got plenty of ability,” Attard said.

Salsa Man ($7) from the Perry stable was second, with Mo The Great ($11) trained by Kim Waugh, third.

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

Mitch Newman has a good opinion of his filly Diva Bella who brought up back to back wins taking out the DE BORTOLI WINES CLASS 1 over 1200m in impressive style.

Newman seems to have found the key to the Reward For Effort filly, who has had two wins and two placings since switching from the Tim Martin stable.

“She’s a filly with nice ability and hopefully she can go on with it,” Newman said following the win.

“It was a good effort today. She had a good draw and nice pull in the weights on the favourite.

“She seemed to plough through the going. There is a bit of wet form in her breeding and she ticked that box today.

“She’s a filly in good form.”

Cejay Graham had Diva Bella ($5) in a good position, just behind the leader, taking her to the front on straightening and drawing away on the line to win by two lengths.

She beat the Widdup trained Louder ($26), with Ranges ($4.20) from the Snowden stable, third.

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

Only five days back from a fall Grant Buckley continued his winning run lifting the Godolphin trained Delicately ($7) to victory.

Buckley was sidelined with a broken collarbone and torn chest muscle for almost six weeks and has now booted home four winners since his return on May 9.

He produced a strong ride to steer Medaglia D’Oro filly Delicately to a half-length victory in the WYONGRACECLUB.COM.AU 3YO MAIDEN over 1350m.

Buckley settled the three-year-old, just behind the leaders, drawing level with Timon Stinger in the straight.

He lifted the filly to the line, bringing up her debut win at her fourth start.

She was coming off a third at Canberra over 1400m on April 24.

Timon Stinger ($7.50) trained by Lindsey Kennedy was second, over the $2.70 race favourite Shuwaamekh from the Waterhouse/Bott stable.

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

Crown Affair ($5.50) confirmed his status as a stayer putting almost eight lengths on his opposition to win the 2100m CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN.

Trainer David Payne has always had a good opinion of the Snitzel gelding who raced in the Group 3 Canonbury as a two-year-old.

He was passed in by owner/breeder John Cordina as a yearling for just shy of $1million.

“I like to get them in and having a run early because it is good to have that experience,” Payne said. “I knew he was going to get better with time and more ground.”

The now three-year-old proved Payne right with placings over the 1900m and 1800m in his last two starts at Gosford and Hawkesbury.

The 2100m at Wyong looked ideal and he didn’t disappoint breaking through for his debut win at his 13^th career start.

Crown Affair jumped well, and Rory Hutchings took him to the lead, maintaining the front throughout and kicking away in the final stages.

He beat the Perry trained The Borough ($19), with Spring Secret ($17) trained by Paul Niceforo, third.

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

It was a race to race double for Rory Hutchings who pounced on the leaders to claim victory on the Joe Pride trained Stockman.

The three-year-old had been looking for more ground and relished a downgrade in the track to take out the SKY RACING CLASS 1 over 1600m.

Hutchings brought the Tavistock gelding down the outside in the straight, after it had looked like a race in two with Benfica Maid and Significance fighting out the finish.

Stockman swooped on the line to score a half-length win.

It was his second victory from six starts, having tasted success over the 1300m at Goulburn when resuming.

“I think he’s a really nice horse,” Pride said.

“He’s got fantastic pedigree to stay with quite a few Derby winners having the same breeding.

“It was an excellent win at Goulburn and there were excuses last start.

“He’s got stamina and that’s a big plus.

“It’s good to see him out over the mile and even beyond. That’s when we are going to see the best of him.”

Stockman ($5) beat the $2.70 favourite Benfica Maid, trained by Jason Coyle, with Significance, ($3.90), from the O’Shea stable, two lengths behind in third.

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Reinvest is headed to the Queensland winter carnival after making it back to back wins with an impressive victory at Wyong.

The Newhaven Park bred three-year-old was a Newcastle winner on debut and handled the step up in distance and grade to score a tough win in the HMA GROUP METRO & PROV MAIDEN HANDICAP over 1600m.

A $450,000 yearling purchase, Reinvest started $1.45 favourite and despite being headed in the straight by Fill Of Fun, got his head in front on the line to win by a half neck.

Lee Magorrian had settled the gelding just behind the leader in a slowly run race, moving up on the corner and battling it out the final stages of the straight to score a tough win.

Neil Paine, representing the stable, confirmed Reinvest would head to Queensland.

“I’ve had Gai on the phone and she’s very excited,” he said.

“They picked out this race and he got the job done. This horse has got potential.

“It was only his second run in a race and to win a tough class 1 is impressive.

“Gai is looking at taking him to Queensland for a longer race up there over the carnival.

“This horse will get over 2000m to 2400m and that’s when you’ll see the best of him. “He will stay all day. He’s a nice horse with a good stride on him.”

Reinvest beat the Anthony Cummings trained Fill Of Fun ($17), with Cottenham ($14) from the O’Shea stable, third.

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

A strong ride by apprentice Tom Sherry secured victory for the John Thompson trained Lando Bay in the WYONGRACECLUB.COM.AU MAIDEN over 1350m.

The short-priced favourite went head to head in the straight with runner-up Daksha, getting the bob on the line to score by a long neck.

Stable representative Danielle Podelwski described it as a “good win.”

“He had to dig deep to get over the line. It was great to get his maiden win,” she said.

“It was a good ride by Tom. When he asked him to give that extra length near the line he responded. It was nice.”

Lando Bay ($1.60), a $100,000 Inglis yearling, was having his eighth career start, having previously been placed twice at provincial level.

The three-year-old Sebring gelding was coming off a third at Kembla last start.

The Widdup trained Daksha ($5) was second, with Oakfield Lane ($14) from the Damien Lane stable, third.

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

A race to race double for in-form apprentice Tom Sherry after Miss Maisel’s win in the CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN over 1100m.

The Mark Newnham trained filly was sent out $3.10 favourite after her narrow last start defeat to Marboosha in the Miss Finland at Muswellbrook on April 13.

Marboosha, trained by the Snowden’s was an impressive winner at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, franking the form of Miss Maisel.

Sherry settled the Hinchinbrook filly just behind the leaders, hitting the front on straightening before drawing away in the final stages to win by more than two lengths.

Newnham has always had an opinion of the two-year-old, who was having her fourth race start.

She was sent out favourite on debut at Kembla in November but missed the start, storming home to finish second.

Miss Maisel finished fifth at a subsequent Rosehill start before spelling and resuming at Muswellbrook.

Sherry, who rode the filly at Muswellbrook, was confident coming into the Wyong race.

“We thought we would just go to Muswellbrook and win but it didn’t pan out that way,” he said.

“I was very confident she’d race well today.”

Miss Maisel beat Kiss And Tell ($5.50) from the Gerald Ryan stable, with Spanish Fighter ($21) trained by Peter Green, third.

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

A great training performance by Jason Coyle with Maui Girl ($3.40) returning to the winner’s circle first up after 18 months on the sideline.

The four-year-old mare scored a tough win in the SKY RACING CLASS 2 over 1350m after being caught wide in the early stages.

Andrew Gibbons was forced to go forward and sat just off the leader, hitting the front on straightening and holding off rivals to win by a long head.

“It was a good tough effort,” Coyle said after the race.

“Both her trials had been good, and I thought she was forward enough to run a nice race, but I was a little concerned with her getting onto a track that was a touch testing.

“It was good to see her knuckle down over the last 100m and get the win.

“Things didn’t quite pan out like we thought early, she was caught wide and Gibbo had to roll forward mid-race. She relaxed then but not having raced for so long, I was always worried about the last little bit.

“I think she’s a mare with some ability and she can only improve off the back of that.”

Maui Girl, having her first start for the Coyle stable, beat the Matthew Dunn trained Cubix ($3.80), with Jim and Greg Lee’s Ladies Gem ($12) third.

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

Gerald Ryan believes there is plenty of improvement in his filly Sally’s Day who broke through for her second win in the COCA-COLA BENCHMARK 64 over 1100m.

The More Than Ready filly, a $220,000 yearling, bred and raced by John Singleton, was resuming following an impressive trial win at Rosehill on April 6.

She was sent out $2.50 favourite and didn’t disappoint, with Christian Reith sitting just off the leader, hitting the front on straightening and drawing away for an impressive two length victory.

“It was a good win,” Ryan said.

“She’s only a light little filly and can’t cop a lot of work, but a three-year-old filly up against the older horses today, she did a good job.

“She had to carry weight and cover ground, she was good.”

Ryan believes Sally’s Day will only get better with time.

“When you can get her to settle like Christian did today, she can race well but she can also over race.

“We’ve been working on getting her to settle and when she learns to switch off completely, she’ll have a good turn of foot.”

Ondo Pasa ($14), trained by Stan Thomas was second, with the locally trained Dual Escape ($15), from the Denim Wynen stable, third. 

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

A change of gear and a welcome change of luck were key to the Lees trained Darleb ($5) taking out the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY MAY 14 BENCHMARK 64 over 1300m.

The Uncle Mo colt, a $16,000 yearling purchase, had no luck at his last start at Wyong and Lees added blinkers.

The move proved successful and courtesy of a strong ride by Sam Clenton, he posted a narrow victory over Kim Waugh’s race favourite Holy Reign ($3.20).

The pair fought it out in the final stages with Darleb gaining ascendency on the line.

“He was too good today,” stable representative Danny Greer said.

“Everything worked out a lot better today. It was a lovely ride by Sammy.

“They looked to be a jammed up on the home turn, she just popped out of that trouble, found clear running and was strong late.

“He was really good third up today with the blinkers on. Sammy got him out of trouble and really lifted him over the line late. “

The Paul Perry trained Salsa Man ($8) was third.

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

Peter Green seems to have found the key to former Victorian galloper Auvergne, with the filly bringing up her debut win in the HMA GROUP METRO & PROV MAIDEN.

The three-year-old was having her second start for the Green stable, with three previous unplaced starts in Victoria.

Hawkesbury based Green picked her up for the bargain price of $3000 in December and is now reaping the rewards.

The Dawn Approach filly finished fifth at Wyong over 1350m on April 16 and appreciated the step up to 1600m.

She had no trouble handling the going, with a heavy downpour hitting the track shortly before the race.

Green had been confident Auvergne ($7.50) could run a good race, with the only question mark the distance.

“I thought if she gets the mile and settles, after not settling last start at Wyong, she would run well because she’s been working very well,” he said.

“We got a nice run in behind them and that suited her.”

Mikayla Weir settled Auvergne toward the rear of the field, bringing her along the rail on straightening to snatch a narrow win on the line.

She beat Clever Man ($8) trained by Anthony Cummings, with Gloraya ($9.50) from the Perry stable, a length behind in third.

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

By Frances O’Shea

A Tamworth Cup start could be on the agenda for the Tas Morton trained Acoustix after his tough win in the WWW.TAB.COM.AU CONDITIONAL PROVINCIAL CUP – CLASS 4.

The well-bred Snitzel gelding, ridden by Jenny Duggan, led throughout to win the feature race by almost two lengths.

“It was a very gutsy win,” Morton said.

“When he was taken on mid-race, I thought this will be a real test for him.

“He certainly proved his ability by going on with it.”

Morton said he had always expected to see the best of Acoustix when he got over the mile.

“It was the right distance for him at Gosford last start and he was only beaten a lip,” he said.

“It was a step up in class for him today, but he was good and got the job done.”

Morton, who races the four-year-old with close friends, said he would now consider the Tamworth and South Grafton Cups for Acoustix, or a mid-week metropolitan meeting.

“He’s continuing to improve so that’s promising. He’ll be weighted out of most country races now, but we’ll look at the Cups and a mid-weeker in town.

“I’m very happy with the win today.”

Acoustix ($5), who has now had five wins from 19 starts, beat the $3.80 favourite Surjin from the Perry stable, with First Lady ($7) trained by Gary Portelli, third.

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

Million-dollar colt Signficance showed his class to break through for a dominant debut win in the H & H CATERING MAIDEN over 1600 metres.

Trained by John O’Shea, the Frankel gelding had been disappointing in his last two starts on rain affected tracks but appreciated the good four Wyong surface, putting more than seven lengths on his opposition.

Apprentice Tom Sherry had the UK bred colt in the perfect position, just behind the leader before hitting the front around the 600m mark and pulling away in the straight.

He cruised to the line, never overextended by Sherry, to record an impressive seven and a half length win at his sixth start.

Signficance, who justified his $1.55 favouritism, was purchased as a yearling at the Inglis Sales by Domeland for $1.1million.

He beat the Gerald Ryan trained Highbury ($3.90), with the locally trained Dunlee ($7) from the Damien Lane stable, third.

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

Speedy gelding Kyo ($5.50) upset some of the more favoured runners to win the 1000m RAPID CLEAN CENTRAL COAST 3YO MAIDEN in a tight finish.

The three-year-old, by Poet’s Voice, had shown plenty of speed at her previous two starts at Gosford over the 1000m and although finishing out of the placings had only been beaten just over a length on both occasions.

Apprentice Cejay Graham was confident the gelding would appreciate the Wyong track.

“It’s my first ride on him but his pattern had been to jump and run and that is an asset on a track like Wyong,” Graham said.

“I think the two kilos off definitely helped, particularly in the closing stages.”

Graham followed the race plan and was able to dictate terms with Kyo jumping to the lead.

She pulled away in the straight and held out the fast finishing Glock ($12) to win by a nose.

Short priced favourite More Prophets ($1.90) was third, two and a half lengths behind the winner.

The winner is trained by Craig Carmody and raced by Kim Harding.

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

Gerald Ryan expects Secretly Awesome ($1.55) to be a much better horse as a four-year-old after his impressive win in theGO ELECTRICAL TUGGERAH MAIDEN.

The Snitzel gelding put paid to his opposition over the 1350m in just his second race start, having finished second on debut at Newcastle over 1200m on March 31.

Ryan said Secretly Awesome, owned by Cressfield, had been a ‘very, very difficult horse’ to get to the races.

“It’s taken a long time to get to this stage,” Ryan said. “He been a very difficult horse to get going, not just around the stables but at the farm, at the breakers, everywhere.

“He trialled well and raced well at Newcastle last start. I think we will get a better idea of how far he will go next preparations. I’ll give him a couple more runs for education and then turn him out.”

Keagan Latham, settled the three-year-old just behind the leader, peeling three-wide on the turn to hit the front and dash away in the straight.

He posted a three-length win over the Waller trained Savaspur ($5.50), with Mikhail ($10) from the Portelli stable, third.

Latham said he had thought Secretly Awesome would take a ‘power of beating.’

“He’s a lovely horse and Gerald said he had come on a ton since his first run, so I thought he’d be hard to beat.”

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

A nice ride by Louise Day secured victory for the Anthony Cummings trained Loves To Rock in the 2100m CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BENCHMARK 64.

It was the second win in five days for the tough Loves To Rock mare, who was successful at Newcastle over 1850m on Saturday.

The mare continued the trend of favourites winning, scoring a dominant three and a half length victory.

The four-year-old, who is raced in partnership by Cummings, is putting together an impressive record with four wins from 15 starts, three this preparation.

Day settled Loves To Rock just behind the early leader, maintaining the position until around the 500m mark, when she hit the front, pinching a break on straightening.

The Freedman trained Unamerican ($5) was second, with Also Cool ($13) trained by Garry White, third.

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

Shamus Award gelding Corcra made it back to back wins taking out the 1000m COCA-COLA CLASS 2 in impressive style.

The Bjorn Baker trained three-year-old earned plenty of support from punters on the strength of his last start Nowra win and was sent out $3.30 favourite.

He didn’t disappoint, with jockey Mitchell Bell giving him a lovely run just behind the leaders, before taking him to the front on straightening and drawing away to win by more than a length.

Baker said Corcra had handled the step up to provincial class.

“It was another test for him today. He came into the race in good order,” he said.

“I thought his last win was very good and he showed good speed.

“I wanted him to be positive today because he’s a very fast horse.

“Coming back to the 1000m was also a good thing for him.”

Corcra, an $80,000 Inglis Classic yearling, brought up his third win from seven starts.

He beat King’s Champ ($3.70) from the Gerald Ryan yard, with Gulgong visitor Deviate ($51) trained by Brett Thompson, third.

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

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

CONNORS CAUSES ANOTHER UPSET

Veteran trainer Clarry Connors pulled off his second upset in as many days with Segrill’s win in the COCA-COLA CLASS 1.

The Sebring gelding greeted the judge at the juicy odds of $19, following on from Connors Warwick Farm win the previous day with Bolero King at $31.

Segrill, a three-year-old by Sebring, made it back to back wins after scoring at Kembla over the same distance on March 13.

Jockey Digger McLellan gave the filly a lovely run throughout, sitting just off the leader before hitting the front on straightening.

Segrill was full of running and drew away in the final stages to win by more than a length.

Marc Connors, representing his father, said they had gone into the race with confidence.

“She put the writing on the wall with a fantastic win last start,” he said.

“We were positive today that if he put her into the race she’d go well again, and she got the job done.

“I was surprised she was $20 but good luck to everyone who was on.

“It’s been a good couple of days.”

John O’Shea’s $2.80 race favourite Kirwan’s Lane finished second, a length behind the winner, with the Jason Coyle trained Benfica Maid ($5.50), third.

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

A super ride by apprentice Tom Sherry secured a well-deserved victory for Red Hot Chillypins ($2.05) in the RFS VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN over 2100m.

In a small field, Sherry settled the Joe Pride trained favourite, toward the rear switching to the inside on the turn before coming around the heels of the leaders to score a narrow win.

The Rock’N’Pop four-year-old has been runner up at her past three starts.

Hayley Blythe-Devlin, representing the Pride stable, said while the mare didn’t make it easy watching, it was good to final see her win.

“It felt like I was watching her over 2300m,” Blythe-Devlin laughed.

“She’s just so green still. She needs racing and exposure to that, and I’m really pleased for the ownership group that she won today.

“She’s a very genuine, lovely sound filly and I think she’ll give them a lot of fun.

“Joe’s been waiting to get her up in distance and it did look like a good race for her today.”

Whiskey Jack ($4.80) finished a long head behind the winner, with Scorching Zorro ($7) third.

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

The Greg Hickman trained Enigma ($4.40) defied a late betting drift to bring up her debut win in the 1000m SES VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN.

The Time For War filly had her first start at Randwick on March 18, finishing midfield.

Hickman said she had now earned another metropolitan start.

“She’s a nice filly and I’ll probably look to start her in town again now,” he said.

“She jumped well today, was travelling throughout and hit the line very strong.

“It’s good to get her confidence up with a win.”

The filly jumped well and Andrew Gibbons maintained the lead throughout, kicking away on straightening to win by more than a length.

He beat the fast finishing Shepherd Of Fire ($8.50), trained by Bruce Heys, with Schengen ($14) from the Jeff Englebrecht stable, third.

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

A return to the provincials proved to be the key to the Waterhouse/Bott trained Smart Success ($8), who upset some of the more fancied runners to take out the VRA VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MAIDEN over 1350m.

The Smart Missile filly, ridden by Lee Magorrian, was expected to lead but settled midfield, before peeling wide on straightening and running down the leaders on the line to win by a neck.

Lauren De Arias Huep, representing the stable, said they were confident leading into the race.

“She was really good first up at Gosford and only narrowly beaten. Then she stepped up in class, but it wasn’t the right race for her.

“We had expected her to put in a performance today similar to when she was first up.

“She had quite a bit of work to do today coming into the straight but flew home.

“She will only improve coming off this. We will take her through her grades and hopefully see her progress.”

The Craig Carmody trained Bob’s Your Uncle ($5.50) was second, nearly two lengths ahead of Bjorn Baker’s Qinghai Lake ($9).

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

Written Tycoon colt Axe ($6) lived up to his big price tag with a strong win in GOOD LUCK WYONG @ THE POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL CLASS 1 over 1000m.

The three-year-old, a $350,000 Magic Millions Yearling purchase, scored his second career win from just three starts, both victories on the Wyong track.

Samantha Clenton took Axe to an early lead garnering early speed from a wider barrier.

She was able to gain a breather in the middle stages before kicking clear in the straight to win by a length and a half in the fastest 600m of the day.

Axe was resuming from a spell, having finished second in a trial at Hawkesbury on March 23.

There was plenty of drama before the start with the Brett Partelle trained Rifles ($4.60) having to be re-plated in the stalls.

The gelding finished third, despite a wide run, behind the Godolphin trained favourite Bollywood ($3.60).

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

A change of gear could have been a winning move for the Brad Widdup stable, with Carte Blanche ($8.50) taking out the 1300m CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES CLASS 1 in impressive style.

The daughter of Casino Prince, ridden by Christian Reith, brought up her second win from eight starts.

Widdup removed the blinkers from the filly and she responded with a strong win.

The four-year-old is owned by Julie Ritchie, the vice-chairwoman of the ATC.

“Julia gave Carte Blanche to me to train as an unraced three-year-old, and I’ve taken my time with her,” Widdup said.

“Our apprentice Qin Yong rode her at her first start at Kembla Grange last September and she was narrowly beaten at big odds ($81).

“Carte Blanche ran fourth at her next two starts and was given a break, and I was always confident we could win at least a maiden with her.

“Now she’s brought up two wins and should keep improving.”

Reith came from last on the turn, circling the field and drawing away in the straight to win by three quarters of a length.
She beat the Peter Robl trained Power Of Attorney ($3.80), with Rocquette ($41) from the Clare Cunningham stable, third.

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

Bargain buy Butch’n’bugs put in an improved performance to secure victory in the WWW.TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN over 1350m.

The Sidestep filly, a $3000 yearling purchase, was coming off a fourth at Wyong last start.

Cejay Graham took advantage of an inside run in the straight, overhauling the leaders to win by more than a length.

The filly is trained at Hawkesbury by Peter Green, who races her with family members.

She was having her third race start, having finished third on debut at Tuncurry in February.

Butch’n’bugs appreciated the extra distance, beating the Stephen Schofield trained $2.80 favourite Queen Snip, with Buckin’ Rippa ($4.20) from the Damien Lane stable, third.

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

Dream Circle ($10) regained his winning form with a narrow victory in the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY APRIL 16 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 over 1350m.

The Dream Ahead gelding, a $130,000 yearling, was an impressive winner on the Beaumont track on February 27 before failing at Kembla over 1400m last start.

Jockey Serg Lisnyy, who has combined with the three-year-old in his past two starts, gave him the ideal ride just off the pace.

He showed a good turn of foot in the straight to run down the leader, The Cartoonist ($21), in the final stages.

Bringing up his third win at his 13^th start, Payne said he had an opinion of him.

“He’s a nice little horse,” he said.

Salsa Man ($14) from the Perry stable, was third.

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

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Disappointment for trainers with the Wyong Polytrack Provincial Championship Qualifier called off due to heavy rain late in the day.

The $150,000 heat was to be the last race on the program but a deluge resulted in the race being postponed due to visibility concerns.

Racing officials will likely add the race to the Newcastle program on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day Chris Waller and Lee Magorrian combined to take out two races, the first with promising prospect Kinane.

The stable looks to have another smart stayer on their books after Kinane’s impressive win in the TWIN LAKES AIR AND SOLAR MAIDEN over 1600m.

The Reliable Man gelding was having his second start for the stable, after a luckless second on debut over 1400m at Warwick Farm on March 11.

The three-year-old was previously been trained by Mick Kent and had been nominated for feature staying races by that stable.

Punters installed him as the $1.45 favourite and he didn’t disappoint, drawing away in the straight to score by more than two lengths.

Jockey Lee Magorrian settled the three-year-old off the speed, and despite hitting a flat spot on the turn, he drew away for a convincing win.

Damien Fitton, representing the Waller stable, praised the ride.

“It was a very good ride by Lee. They put the pace on early and he was run off his feet, but Lee was patient and let him work through his gears before he put them away.

“It’s good to get the maiden out of the way. I think we’ve got a pretty promising horse on our hands.”

The Anthony Cummings trained Dame Margot ($5) was second from Urbino ($3.90) from the Lees stable.

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

An exciting finish in the 1350m PANASONIC AUSTRALIA CLASS 1 with Earth Song ($8) bringing up a double for the Waller/Magorrian combination.

The Nicconi filly, a $105,000 yearling purchase, came from the rear of the field, with Magorrian weaving a passage mid-race before hitting the lead close to the line.

The three-year-old, resuming from a spell, brought up her second win from seven starts.

She beat the fast finishing Lady Tavista ($11) from the Widdup stable by a head, with the Pride trained Big Bad Bruce ($5) third.

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

A beautifully rated ride by Andrew Gibbons brought out the best in Elisa Carolina ($5) who scored her first win for the Lees stable with a strong staying performance.

Raced by the same connections as champion mare Lucia Valentina, the Makfi filly proved too strong for her opponents in the MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AIR CONDITIONING AUSTRALIA CLASS 1 & MAIDEN, posting a three-quarter length win.

Gibbons was able to lead throughout, dictating terms in the small field.

He managed to stave off his opposition in an exciting four-way battle in the straight, to bring up the filly’s second career win from seven starts.

Stable representative Danny Greer said Elisa Carolina was an improving type.

“Gibbo showed his hand in the early stages and dictated the pace. It was a nice ride,” Greer said.

“She’s only been in the stable for a short time but is a nice horse to have in the stable. She’ll stay all day too which is good.”

The Godolphin trained Tahuna ($4.40) was second, from the $1.85 favourite Sciconic, from the Freedman stable.

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

A dominant win by speedy Godolphin galloper Emanate ($1.90) to take out the LAKE MACQUARIE SHEET METAL MAIDEN over 1000m.

The impeccably bred Lonhro filly showed her class leading from the outset and letting down in the final stages to win by almost two lengths.

The three-year-old was runner-up on debut at Hawkesbury on March 7 and started $1.90 favourite.

She beat the well-supported Mark Newnham filly Zanzidance ($3.30), with Princess Ariana ($9.50), from the Kristen Buchanan yard, third.

Kent Wade, representing James Cummings, said they were confident coming into the race.

“She had to work hard from a bad alley at her first start,” he said. “She’s had a good week leading into this and we thought she’d be hard to beat.

“It was a great, controlled ride by Jeff and her breeding came through.

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

Irish apprentice Louise Day posted a victory for her former boss Ciaron Maher, with Major Murphy ($11) causing an upset in the VIETNAM VETERANS HOSTEL 2YO MAIDEN over 1200m.

In an action-packed race, Day came from the rear of the field in the straight to upset some of the more favoured runners and post a half-length win.

Princess Betty ($7.50), from the Waugh stable, looked to have the race won before Day swooped in the final stages.

O’Tartan Lass ($7) trained by Bjorn Baker was third.

Day worked for Maher in Melbourne for almost two years before being apprenticed to Kris Lees.

The Maher/Eustace trained Major Murphy, a $130,000 yearling, had been unplaced in two Randwick barrier trials leading into the race.

The Waterhouse/Bott $3 favourite Only Mine tapered off from the start and failed to finish, while Spin That Wheel was scratched at the barriers.

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

Estroverto broke through for a well-deserved win in the 1200m VIETNAM VETERANS HOSTEL 2YO MAIDEN.

The Pierro gelding, trained by Kylie Gavenlock and ridden by Digger McLellan, had eight placings from 17 starts leading into the race.

He was installed as $5.00 second favourite on the strength of his last start third at Hawkesbury.

McLellan settled the four-year-old midfield, circling the field around the 600m mark and hitting the front on straightening.

He was able to hold off his rivals to score a length and a half win.

Estroverto is raced by the well-known Kolivos family.

He beat the Stephen Schofield trained Quick Snip ($21), with the $3.30 favourite Derbari, from the Pride stable third.

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

The Brad Widdup trained Night Flyer ($3.60) stormed home in the straight to snatch a narrow win the 1100m NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY CLUB CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70.

Ridden by Christian Reith, the All Too Hard filly, relished the heavy conditions to bring up her second win from eight starts.

The three-year-old scored her first career win on a heavy track and with rain falling punters were keen to support her, with the filly starting $3.40 favourite.

She ran down the race leader Iconic Star ($7.50) in the closing stages, showing a great turn of foot to beat the Portelli trained Moccasin Miss ($10) on the line.

“It was great to get the rain late, that really helped her,” Widdup said.

“She’s a very honest little filly but she doesn’t win out of turn.

“I was expecting her to run well in this type of grade.”

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Brett Partelle took out the training honours at Wyong’s Turf Care Australia Race Day, bringing a welcome change of luck to the stable.

For the past four months he has been plagued with adversity, suffering from the effects of fire and flood at his South Tacoma property.

At one stage the horses were sidelined for 10 days and Partelle was unsure if they were short of a run heading into the Wyong meeting.

That proved to be the opposite with Rifles and Aytobe both greeting the judge.

“It’s great to see things finally turning around,” Partelle said, “and I think both horses have a future.”

He intends to target the Brisbane Winter Carnival with Rifles after his dominant first up win.

The four-year-old, who was previously placed twice from three starts, was sent out $1.75 favourite in the ICL SIERRAFORM GT MAIDEN over 1000m.

Rifles was gelded following his first preparation and Partelle believes it has improved him significantly.

“His manners were a lot better and that’s what we were looking for,” he said.

“He wasn’t screwed right down today with no official trial. Keegan (Latham) rode him a treat and he really settled down.

“We knew he would run well but to win like that is very encouraging.

“If he’d have trialled, I think he could have put another four lengths on them.

“At this stage I would say we will head to Brisbane and the trip away will do him good. He’s a nice horse and I’ve always had an opinion of him.

“I think he will develop into a really nice racehorse capable of winning a good race throughout his career. “

Rifles jumped well in the ICL SIERRAFORM GT MAIDEN over 1000 metres with Latham settling him just off the speed.

He took him to the front on straightening, dashing away from his rivals to win by more than four lengths.

Latham was also full of praise for the victory.

“He’s got a bright future,” he said.

Partelle’s partner Lani Pritchard has a share in the Smart Missile gelding, who was a $30,000 yearling purchase.

He beat the Damien Lane trained Buckin’ Rippa ($9.50), with Honey Elyees ($14) from the Jeremy Sylvester stable.

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

Aytobe made it a stable double, also putting upward of four lengths on his opposition to take out the 1200m FLORATINE FOLIARS PROV & CTRY MAIDEN.

The win, in class record time, brought up a double for Keagan Latham.

“He’s been promising to do that for a while,” he said.

“He was a tragedy beaten at Scone and he’s a very good rider this boy. I left it up to him as to where he would be.

“He’s broken the class record and has enough ability to be a nice horse in town on a Saturday.

“It’s good to see him get the monkey off his back because he’s had a few excuses and it’s been a bit disappointing for his owners so far in a couple of his races, but he made amends today.”

Aytobe ($5), a four-year-old Bullet Train gelding, beat Uprise ($3) from the Widdup stable, with Just Like Jessie ($41) from the Attard/Keegan stable, third.

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

Kristen Buchanan will consider a shot at the Wyong Provincial Championship Qualifier with Maggie Bee after the mares’ strong win in the 1200m SPORTS TURF SOLUTIONS CLASS 2.

The four-year-old was given a soft, front running ride by Jenny Duggan and was able to sustain the lead to the line, winning by a length and a quarter.

“I’ll have a good talk to Jenny, but we may head to the Wyong Qualifier. I think she deserves a shot,” Buchanan said.

“Her last run at Newcastle was good but she burned a bit of petrol, so we just decided to change a bit of gear and be a little more gentle, and not try and drive her to be anywhere.

“The alley made it possible because if you draw an outside alley or an inside alley you’ve got your hands full. We drew a nice gate today and she got the job done.

“She always tries really hard and it was perfect today.”

A large crowd of excited connections were on hand to celebrate the win.

The Tim McIntosh trained Absolute Trust ($3.40) was second, with Titus ($12) from the Perry stable, a length behind in third.

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

The Hawkes trained Pink Beau ($3.30) overcame a slow start to bring up her debut win in the SYNGENTA POSTERITY 2YO MAIDEN over 1200m.

The Brazen Beau filly was sent out $3.30 favourite on the strength of her first start on February 19, when she finished fifth behind Black Opal winner Barbaric.

Andrew Atkins didn’t panic when the filly reared at the start, missing the kick by a length.

He settled her just off the pace and then ran down the opposition in the straight to record a three quarter of a length win.

Trainer Michael Hawkes said he would access the next run for the filly over coming days.

“She jumped a bit awkward but to Andrew’s credit he didn’t panic and just let it all sort of unfold. He wanted to push her out on the corner, but the gap disappeared, so he had to wait and when he let her go, she knuckled down to the task and got the job done.

“She did everything right in her first start, the gap just probably closed that day as well, so with her two runs she hasn’t had much like.

“In saying that I do like her, she knuckles down and really wants to get the job done.”

The Kim Waugh trained Princess Betty ($4) was impressive on debut finishing second, over Princess Glamour ($19) from the Gary Portelli stable.

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

Mensa Missile is headed for a midweek metropolitan race after his dominant win in the TURFCULTURE THUMPER MITICIDE MAIDEN over 1350m.

It was another good result for favourite backers, with the Smart Missile gelding sent out at the skinny odds of $1.45 following his fourth on debut at Kensington on February 19.

He put paid to his opposition in impressive style, winning by almost five lengths.

Stable foreman Ronnie Nunn said the three-year-old was good at his first start and had improved after a subsequent trial.

“We were pretty confident today and he won as the price would suggest,” he said.

“Everything went to plan. He relaxed nice and easy in front and was impressive.

“He travelled well throughout the run. There was a bit of merit in the win. He got left in front a long way out, and for a lightly raced horse, he’s heading in the right direction.

“He will most likely go to a midweek race next start.”

Adam Hyeronimus said Mensa Missile relaxed well and once asked to pick up and find the line he did so.

“It was the perfect race for him today. He’s a real seven-furlong horse so it’s good to get him up to the distance.”

Unloch The Rock ($13) trained by Gary Portelli was second, with Craig Carmody’s galloper Red Hot ($5.50), third.OHot Hot

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

A well rated ride by Louise Day saw the speedy Vinci Lady ($8.50) upset some of the more favoured runners to take out the BAYER INDEMNIFY CLASS 1.

The I Am Invincible mare hit the ground running and let throughout the 1000m dash.

Trainer Gary Portelli was complimentary of the ride and Vinci Lady.

“Louise has been down to ride her work a few times and I think that makes a difference she knows what’s she’s capable of doing.” he said.

“It was a great ride. She just controlled her, let her go through her gears and the fastest horse won.

“We were pretty keen on her chances. If she turned up, I thought she’d win.

“I heard a few people say there was a lot of speed in the race, but I don’t think there would be too many lead this girl when she’s on song.

“She travels better in front now. Last preparation she was going to the front and over racing. At Newcastle in a 900m she went helter skelter but just blew out late and I think she was favourite that day. I hope the punters got something back today.”

Cameron Crockett’s $2.40 favourite Fox Spirit was a length behind in second, over Crimson Ticket ($20) from the Jim and Greg Lee yard.

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

A last-minute decision proved to be a winning one for Clare Cunningham after Ready’s Girl ($8.50) put paid to her opposition to take out the TURFCARE AUSTRALIA CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 over 1600m.

The Better Than Ready filly was coming off a good run at Canterbury over the 1900m and Cunningham had intended to step her up to the 2000m.

“To be honest there wasn’t much around for her over that distance, so we decided to bring her here,” she said.

“I was as confident as you can be going back in distance. She drew nicely and it looked like a suitable race.

“We will take her out to the 2000m now.

“She’s a ripping little filly and it was a wonderful ride by Rachel (King).

“This filly has come such a long way. She really had to knuckle down and tough it out.

“She’s very fit and tough and looks like she’s got a good wind capacity so I wouldn’t be too worried about the 10 furlongs.”

Ready’s Girl beat the Paul Perry trained Opinions ($7.50) by half a length, with the Deamer trained Time Raid ($8) third.

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

A long-time friendship paid dividends for Luke Thomas and Aaron Bullock when the pair combined to win the ECO BUNKER AUSTRALIA BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m with Asudem.

The Duporth gelding brought up his fifth win from 18 starts and is now likely to target the Country Championship Wild Card at Muswellbrook on March 22.

“I want to really thank Aaron,” Thomas said after the race. “He and I have been friends for a long time. He has been struggling with his weight but gave me his word he’d ride for me today.

“This horse is really tough. To win like that with the 60kg was a really big effort, particularly when the winners have been leading here today.

“He has been super consistent, and I think he deserves a chance in the Wild Card.”

Bullock said it was great to win for Thomas.

“We went to school together so have been mates for a long time. I really wanted to ride for him today and it was good to see him get another win.

“He’s a tough, consistent horse.”

In a nail-biting finish, Asudem, the $2.80 race favourite, beat Mohican ($61) from the Robert and Luke Price stable by a short half head, with Salsa Man ($8.50) from the Perry stable, a close third.

By Katrina Patridge, Photos Steve Hart

Local trainer Kristen Buchanan has a potential Provincial Championships qualifier in her stable after Jeff Penza delivered a textbook ride on Designated – a 3yo son of Rubick in Race 7 101.3’s Top Koala-T Aussie Race Day Benchmark 64 Handicap 1600m.

The win was a second under the class record time set back on 12 December 2018 by Classic Princess (1:37.32).

Heavily backed, Designated took a clear lead at the 100m mark and had three lengths on the field at the winning post. 

A delighted Buchanan and an equally happy owner Alex Illes couldn’t contain their excitement as their horse returned to scale. 

“This is fantastic, just fantastic!” Mr Illes said.  

Buchanan said the horsehad been screamingout for the 1600m.

“He went very well for Serg [Lisny] when fresh over 1000m. Since then he has been a little bit tardy away and building into his races and today was an experiment, but I was very confident that he would get it and I like being right,” she said. 

Buchanan said Designated had come to be in her care after running amiss in Queensland. 

“Alex is his breeder and he and his wife Deidre send us a few horses and they are lovely people to train for.”

Second in the race was Nordic Lover (Glyn Schofield), third was Frenzied (Tommy Berry) and fourth was Parry Sound (Billy Owen). Race time was 1:36.29 (last 600m in 34.18). Official margins were 2& 3/4 lengths x 1/2 head. 

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

Jason Coyle and Mikayla Weir combined to take out the 1100m You’ll Love It! By The Halekulani Bowling Club 4YO & Up Maiden Plate with Freefica. 

The four-year-old daughter of Benfica broke from the barriers with early speed and maintained the pressure for t 1100m, the remainder of the field simply running out of room to catch her. 

Coyle said the mare had done it at both ends and had done ‘a good job of it.

“She will now work her way through her classes. She has a similar racing pattern to her sister who is stakes placed but whether she has what is required to get to that level is yet to be seen,” Coyle said.

Weir said of her mount: “when she got to the front she had a good look around. She travelled well but was a bit raw.”

Patrina (Chris O’Brien) tried desperately to close the gap in the final stages without success. Race favourite Shadow Colour finished third (Tom Marquand) and Pure Faith (Tommy Berry) was fourth.

Race time was 1:02.98 (last 600m in 34.24). Official margins were 3/4 length x 3.5 lengths. Track rating is a Good 4. Rail position is true. 

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

Travis Wolfgram piloted the well-bred Lady Legend to her first win in class record time in The Jett’s Fitness @San Remo Aussie Day Hoseplay Maiden Plate over 1600m. 

The $300,000 daughter of Redoute’s Choice, trained by Les Bridge, had been winless in her previous six starts but made amends over the 1600m with winning jockey Travis Wolfgram saying the victory gave him every indication she could appreciate even further ground. 

Stable representative Carmel Size said the filly was the first she had bought for owner Mr Ho and had always been a horse that needed strengthening. 

“I gave her another four months off at the end of last preparation and I think we are going to reap the rewards of that this preparation,” Size said.

“She is a very special filly to me and is by Redoute’s Choice so that is going to hold her in good stead.

“I certainly think she will go on to city class.”

Wolgram said that Lady Legend jumped well and showed good early speed and was on the back of the right horses coming to the turn.  

“It was a good tough win,” he said. 

Space is Deep (Tommy Berry) made up good ground to take 2nd, Sebourg (Robbie Dolan) hung on for 3rd and Startalk (Tom Sherry) was 4th.

Lady Legend won in a time of 1.37.22 (last 600m 34.22). Official margins were 3/4 length x a head. 

A protest 2nd (Space Is Deep) against 1st (Lady Legend) was dismissed.

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

Darkening skies and a threatening storm put the races back by one come by the third race, the Capital One Real Estates Aussie, Aussie, Aussie … Run … Run … Run Maiden Handicap over 1350m.  

Race favourite Atherton (Jay Ford) led from the start and Capri of Tuffy (Cejay Graham) took a sit behind. 

Just after the turn, following a slight wobble, the three-year-old filly found her balance and let down, easily sprinting past the opposition to secure the win. 

“We elected to come here and claim 2kg off her back and put Cejay on her and ride her on the speed,” trainer Peter Robl said.

“Those tactics proved correct. Every so often you get it right. I may have asked too much of her last preparation.

“She’s a very genuine filly and she can certainly win a metropolitan race – a mid-week at Canterbury or similar. 

“The owner Richard Tuffy also owns the mare and bred this filly so he’ll be over the moon. 

“It’s great for everyone involved.”  

Another class record fell in this race, the previous record of 1:18.72 set by Absolute on January 28, 2018. 

Amica (Travis Wolfgram) finished second and Charles Seven (Tommy Berry) was third with Atherton (Jay Ford) fourth after making up some late ground. Race time was 1:18.68 (final 600m in 35.37). Official margins were 3/4 length x 1.25 length.

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

The Alloom Beauty Aussie Day Dash Class 1 Handicap over 1100m  was pitched as a galloping lesson and it panned out as exactly that … or did it? 

The Godolphin owned and trained Acumen, whose pedigree page sports Group 1 winners and sires such as Helmet and Epaulette, jumped from the starting gates at odds of $1.30.

The royal blue Godolphin silks gave every indicator of leading from pillar to post and Jason Collet made it look like a morning at track work. 

Keagan Latham had other ideas and as the horses powered into the final 100m, the Jason Attard & Lucy Keegan-Attard trained Reiby’s Regent (at odds of $26) suddenly loomed as a major threat, reducing Acumen’s lead with every stride.  

In horse racing though you just have to win, even if just by a neck but punters who took the $1.30 would of been having heart palpitations.

“He didn’t overdo it early,” Godolphin’s assistant trainer Darren Beadman said post-race.

“It’s always nice to see them back up and go from a maiden to a Class 1, particularly to win a fast race like this one. 

“He was still in control of things and strong on the line. They broke 11 seconds for nearly every furlong that they ran today and that’s not an easy task so he’s a horse with a good future.

“He’s now had two Provincial wins so James [Cummings] will try and find a nice mid-week city race for him now, just go through the grades and see what he has to offer. 

“He is only a lightly framed horse, so I think there is quite a lot of upside to him.”

Reiby’s Regent looks a horse to follow after today’s effort. Hyannis Point (Jay Ford) was third and Circus (Robbie Dolan) was fourth. Race time was 1:03.06 (last 600m 33.39). Official margins were a neck x 1.75 lengths. 

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

Horses that put money in your bank account every time they step foot out are always an owner’s best friend and Merlinite gave her owners more reasons to love her today taking out the Event Cinemas Gold Class Gallop Benchmark 64 Handicap over 2100m. 

The John O’Shea trained four-year-old mare, ridden by Tom Sherry, didn’t have the easiest of runs for the first half of the race given the muddling pace and her position against the fence. 

Making her move at the 500m mark, Merlinite came wide and took the lead from Sea Spirit (Keagan Latham) at the 150m mark and was strong late to post back to back wins. 

“She really hit the line strong,” Sherry said.

“It was a massive run. She travelled well throughout and I just wanted to get her to the outside so she could get the run.”

“She will be off to town now,” stable representative Tom Charlton said. 

“She is now at a rating of about 64. She is also at the bracket of about 2400m and needs a wider track. The barrier seems to be a bit of an issue for her.

“She is jumping a bit slow. Whether she is just very relaxed it’s hard to say. She needs more room to best show her assets.”

Highjacker (Travis Wolfram) was second, Sea Spirt (Keagan Latham) was third and Elleofadeel (Rory Hutchings) was fourth. Race time was 2:10.32 (last 600m 34.04). Official margins were 1.5 lengths x a nose.

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

By the same sire as Everest winner Yes Yes Yes, Turnstyle showed she has plenty of potential when she showed the opposition a clean set of heels in the Freddy’s Fishing.com.au Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1000m.

The three-year-old filly has now won her last two starts and placed second in her only other race. Her latest win was in class record time; the previous record being set by Tough Larry on 27 November 2019 (a time of 57.10).

Turnstyle is raced by a well-known group of owners who include three brothers, the Hendersons, who owned and raced Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente, Champion two-year-old colt/Gr 1 Golden Slipper winner Sebring, Magic Millions two-year-old winner and Gr 1 Galaxy H winner Sweet Idea and Caulfield Cup winner Descarado. Turnstyle.

They may well be their next star in the making.

“She’s always shown us promise but we have had setback after setback, and it has always held back the preparation. Nothing major but enough to hold things back,” David Henderson said after the race. 

“She has never done too much wrong.

“We have always thought she was going to be Saturday city class if not better so we thought we would come here today and hopefully she would win. 

“It was a tough race, but she was comfortable, and she won it well, so we’re really pleased.

“She has a bit of that X factor about her and that keeps coming out as we go along with the preparation.” 

Jason Collett was the successful jockey, the win bringing up a winning double for him. 

Second was Tikkitala (Louise Day), third was Moccasin Miss (Tom Sherry) and fourth was My Fire Phoenix (Tommy Berry). Race time was 57.07 (last 600m in 33.17). Official margins were 1.5 lengths x 1.25 lengths.

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Grant Buckley continued a winning run with a treble at Wyong, his second in just eight days.

The in-form rider rode a double for Godolphin with Canzonet and Rebukes, and booted home Opinions for Paul Perry.

Buckley had a standout season in 2018/2019 with 104 winners but looks set to surpass that figure with 57 to date.

His Wyong treble giving him nine winners in the past eight days.

Buckley’s first win came on well-bred Godolphin gelding Canzonet, who may have earned a reprieve from the sales ring after his impressive win in the WWW.TAB.COM.AU 4YO & UP MAIDEN over 1200m.

The Exceed And Excel gelding was the first leg of a winning double for jockey Grant Buckley.

Darren Beadman, representing Godolphin, said he felt they might now reconsider the sale.

“The way he won there I’d think they could have second thoughts,” he said.

“He really put them away. It’s only his sixth start and he’s been placed three times.

“Bucko had a few options coming into the turn, but he opted to go wide and got the job done.”

Buckley, gave Canzonet a nice trail just off the pace, hooking to the outside on straightening, and drawing away on the line to win by more than three lengths.

Monstrosity ($6) from the Joe Pride stable was second, from the Pat Webster trained Lake Marion ($18).

The winner was sent out $1.24 short priced favourite on the strength of his last run, when he was narrowly defeated over 1100m at Hawkesbury.

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

A great front running saw Buckley secured his second victory on the Paul Perry trained Opinions ($6.50) in the CANADIAN CLUB CLASS 2 over 1600m.

A $220,000 So You Can Think gelding, Opinions ($6.50) brought up his second career win at start 17.

He was able to hold off the fast finishing Doctor Manhattan ($2.80fav) on the line to score a narrow victory.

Buckley considers there is further improvement to come in the four-year-old.

“It was a nice win today. I was able to dictate terms and quicken when I wanted to quicken and that won me the race,” he said.

“From the 500m I was able to get going on my bike and with no weight on his back, he did a great job.

“He’s got improvement in him. He will be a better horse on a bigger track and probably over a little bit further.”

Judicator ($3.30) from the Gerald Ryan stable was third.

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

The Godolphin trained Rebukes ($4.80) was the third leg of Buckley’s treble, taking out the 1350m MERCURE KOOINDAH WATERS GOLF & SPA RESORT F&M BENCHMARK 64.

The Sepoy mare proved too strong for her opposition on the line, scoring a one and a quarter length win over $4.80 equal favourites Nines Enough, trained by Gabrielle Englebrecht, with Money Heist ($5.50) from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, third.

Darren Beadman was full of praise for the ride by Buckley.

“He rode her really well. He had options again on the turn and took the right one,” he said.

“Obviously she’s stepping up in distance a little bit but being by Sepoy, they tend to get better as they get older.

“She will go through her grades and I’m sure James will find a nice race for her somewhere.

“She’s 480kg, a big girl, and she could make a nice horse.”

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

Irish jockey Oison Orr added to his tally of Wyong winners with a double for the Waller stable.

Orr, who arrived in Sydney in late November, has had four rides at Wyong for three wins.

His latest double came on Sayl, who broke through for his debut win in the 1600m maiden, and Duneagle, who took out the 1350m maiden.

Orr is a two-time champion Irish apprentice, spending three months with the Waller stable.

He has more than 120 winners to his name, five of those since arriving in Sydney.

“It’s been lucky enough here for me and I like the track,” Orr said. “I’m really enjoying my stint in Sydney.”

Relocating from Victoria proved the key for Sayl who broke through for his first win in the 1600m CENTRAL COAST BUILDING MAIDEN.

The four-year-old Great Britain import was having his 13^th career start, and first in NSW, having been placed on three prior occasions in France and once at Moonee Valley.

“Chris likes to move them around if he thinks they have improvement in them, if they are getting bored or need more confidence and it worked a treat for this bloke today,” stable foreman Craig Ritchie said.

“He is still learning and is a horse that doesn’t have a lot of confidence, and does a lot wrong, so it was great to see him get a win today.

“He will continue to improve and should take plenty away from the win today.

“Oison (Orr) gave him the run of the race and that certainly helped. He is riding really well.”

Orr settled the gelding midfield, hitting the lead on straightening and drawing away to win by almost two lengths.

It was the second Wyong win for Orr, who claimed several Irish apprenticeships before coming to Australia in December.

Sayl ($7) beat Keen On Gold ($4) trained by Jason Coyle, with the race favourite Flying Mojo ($3.20) from the Anthony Cummings stable, third.

Ritchie considers Duneagle has a bright future following his victory in the 1350m RYAN’S METAL AND ROOFING MAIDEN.

The Dissident three-year-old, a $215,000 yearling, was gelded following his debut run at Canterbury on August 7.

“He did a fair bit wrong in his first start but seems to have come back a much better horse this time in,” Ritchie said.

“The owners have a smart horse on their hands.”

Orr said Duneagle still had plenty to learn.

“Once I got in behind the horse he switched off and was perfect, but early on he was a bit keen.

“He finished off well.”

Duneagle ($15) beat the Les Bridge trained Lady Legend ($13), with another Waller runner, Space Is Deep ($12) third.

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

Stable favourite Carluca ($5.50) put a smile on the face of trainer Jarrod Austin, defying a previous ordinary first up record to win the JIM BEAM CG&E BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

The eight-year-old gelding proved too strong for his opposition, holding out the fast finishing runners-up, to win by a short half head,

“He’s a stable favourite and it’s great to see him win today, particularly first up,” Austin said.

“He’s been working well, and his trial was good. He’s never showed us much first up, but he did today.

“He’s a horse that looks after himself in track work but he’s tough. His class showed through today.”

Austin said he would likely find a metropolitan race for Carluca.

“He’ll go back to town now, where he belongs. It’s a great way to start the new year.”

Ridden by apprentice Tom Sherry, Carluca brought up his eighth career win from 54 starts.

He beat the Craig Carmody trained Buzz ($31), with Salsa Man ($4.80) from the Perry stable, third.

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

Mitchell Bell believes Bushido could be headed for a higher grade after making it back to back wins with his victory in 1100m HIT 101.3 FAMILY RACE DAY JANUARY 26 CLASS 1.

The three-year-old gelding, trained by Bjorn Baker, was having his third race start, after tasting success at Nowra on December 8 over the same distance.

Bell settled him just off the pace throughout, before taking him wide on straightening and finishing strongly to run down the leaders on the line.

He was happy with the performance of The Factor gelding.

“He’s come from a maiden at Nowra back to provincial grade, so it’s a good result,” Bell said.

“He felt good going through the line and is improving. He feels like a potential 1400m horse, so they have a few options.”

Bushido ($6), beat the Gwenda Markwell trained Philanthropist ($21), with Mandirigma ($5) from the Lees stable, third. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++