LOCALS PRIMED FOR MILLIONS

LOCALS PRIMED FOR MILLIONS 1

When it comes to feature races Damien Lane would like nothing more than to see his colt Bare To Witness win Wednesday’s 2YO Magic Millions Classic on his home track. 

Lane came close to taking out the $200,000 feature last year with Wealthy Investor, who rocketed home in the final stages to finish third, beaten by a long neck. 

He has taken a similar path with Bare To Witness, giving him a trial, then a Metropolitan start in the lead up to the Wyong Magic Millions. 

The 20th running of the 2Y0 Classic has attracted a strong field of 12, with many of the top Sydney stables represented.

Lane is confident his $50k yearling by Star Witness has the ability to match it with some of the more fancied runners, provided he gets the right run in the race. 

“I would have preferred to have drawn a little closer, but he has definitely come on since his Sydney run, he’ll just have to be a bit sharper early,” Lane said. 

Bare To Witness couldn’t muster early speed in his only start at Rosehill over the 1100m on November 22 but made up plenty of ground in the final stages to finish fifth. 

“He can’t afford to do that at Wyong, but he’s definitely improved since that run. Kerrin McEvoy will ride him, and he got a sit on him in an exhibition gallop at Wyong last week. It was a nice piece of work.

“I think he has similar ability to Wealthy Investor but might be a bit new, that could be his only downfall.”

Bare To Witness has some classy opposition to overcome, with $1.2m Exceed And Excel yearling Mach Ten resuming in the race.

Michael Freedman’s colt looked impressive winning a trial at Canterbury on November 29, after finishing third in the Group 3 Breeders Plate at Randwick in October. 

Gai Waterhouse has dominated the race with five victories and the Waterhouse/Bott stable look to have another strong contender with Summer Loving, who will get every favour from barrier 1. 

They have a big opinion of the $425,000 Exceed And Excel filly, who finished third in Golden Gift at Rosehill in November after being sent out favourite, and looked smart in her recent Canterbury trial. 

Another local Tracey Bartley believes his mare Compassionate is primed to go one better than her second in last year’s $100,000 3YO & 4YO Stakes. 

The Into Mischief mare was narrowly beaten by Annabel Neasham’s Wisdom Of Water, having been caught wide throughout from an outside barrier.

She has had better luck this year starting from three and will be ridden by Kathy O’Hara. 

“She’s right at the top of her game and there’s nothing stopping her winning,” Bartley said. “I’ve set her for this race. She had a track gallop last week and I’m really happy with her.”

Mark Newnham’s Sneaky Paige will be one of the hardest to beat, the Deep Field mare has four wins to her name, including a Wyong victory, and was placed third at Listed level at Flemington on October 29. 

The club hosts a seven-race card on Wednesday, the first getting underway at 1.45pm. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.45pm: MAINSTREAM FINANCE SERVICES PTY LT BM64 (2100m): 1 JACK DUGGAN, 2 Daysan, 3 Youthfull, 4 Kypreos.

Race 2 – 2.20pm: WYONG LEAGUES GROUP CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 MASTER COPY, 2 Oakfield Redgum, 3 Portnoy, 4 Isla.

Race 3 – 2.55pm: GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 10-16 MAIDEN (1350m): 1 MR WALLACE, 2 Nullify, 3 Galactic Angel, 4 Amor Victorious.

Race 4 – 3.30pm: MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 3YO & 4YO STAKES (1200m): 1 SNEAKY PAIGE, 2 Hell I Am, 3 Shalailed, 4 Resonator.

Race 5 – 4.05pm: EBH BUILDING GROUP MIDWAY BM64 (1100m): 1 I’LL ELL YOU NOW, 2 Deep Opinions, 3 Geewiz Johnny, 4 The Bullring.

Race 6 – 4.40pm: MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 2YO CLASSIC (1100m): 1 MACH TEN, 2 2 Summer Loving, 3 Infatuation, 4 Fire Lane. 

Race 7 – 5.15pm: PBL LAW GROUP PROVINCIAL BM68 (1300m): 1 MR ROCK IT, 2 Irish Kisses, 3 Mobstar, 4 Ottilie. 

AVDULLA DOMINATES WITH Treble

AVDULLA DOMINATES WITH Treble 2

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

BARTLEY BANKING ON A DOUBLE

BARTLEY BANKING ON A DOUBLE 3

With stable star Kiss Sum in the paddock Tracey Bartley is relying on some of his other up and comers to get the job done on his home track this Thursday.

Bartley saddles up promising three-year-old Frosbie and consistent mare Lady Superspy at the club’s Go Electrical Race Day, and believes they are both primed to win.

“It was a frustrating preparation with Kiss Sum, so we’ve put him out for a spell. The preparation went a bit pear shaped with him being balloted out of a few races and because of that having too many trials,” Bartley said.

“We’ll bring him back for the Autumn. I haven’t got anything specific in mind but there are plenty of races and he’s good enough to measure up.”

So, with Kiss Sum taking a well-earned rest, Bartley’s focus is now on the rest of his team and he’s confident both his runners at Wyong can get the job done. Frosbie, a three-year-old by Scissor Kick was a bargain buy at just $8000 and has surprised Bartley with his ability.

He debuted at Port Macquarie on November 10 over 1200m and although finishing fourth, was only half a length off the winner.

He followed that run up with a third over 1350m at Wyong on November 24 and again wasn’t far off the winner.

He has drawn favourably in barrier five for the Midway Maiden and will be ridden by Serg Lisnyy.

“His run was terrific the other day and he’s ready to win. He’s going really well,” Bartley said.

“He’s drawn better this time and Serg has been on him both starts so knows him well. He probably needs a bit further, 1400m on a bigger track, but I couldn’t find a suitable race.

“He wasn’t an expensive horse and he’s got potential. I think his two runs have been really good and he’s quite surprised us actually.”

Bartley is equally impressed with his stable mate Lady Superspy and considers the mare a strong winning chance.

He will be hoping to book end the meeting, with the five-year-old lining up in the last race, the Provincial BM64 over 1600m.

With two wins and six placings from just 14 starts, Lady Superspy continues to impress her trainer.

“She’s on a bit of a backup from Gosford the other day and I’ve gone back to a senior rider with Kerrin (McEvoy). I’m just going to get him to put her more up on the speed rather than getting back on her.

“She got back too far last start and she’s got the speed to be up there somewhere. She’s a nice mare and I think she will win in town.”

The first of seven races gets underway at 1.50pm. 

SELECTIONS:
RACE 1 – 1.50pm: LEDVANCE – HPM – LEGRAND – PRYSMIAN – MAGER MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m): 1 SIR GODRIC, 2 Frosbie, 3 Semper Invictus, 4 Ahead Of The GameRACE 2 – 2.25pm: SHARKRACK CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1VINCENZO, 2 Who’s In Winny, 3 Mum’s The Boss, 4 Tina’s Rock
RACE 3 – 3.05pm: THORN – OMEGA POWER – PSA – SCHNEIDER MAIDEN (1600m): 1 JAMROCK, 2 Tekapo, 3 Apache Jewel, 4 Kaisa
RACE 4 – 3.40pm: RED SMOKE ALARMS – OMNI – LEVY AGENCIES – IPD MAIDEN (1000m): 1 ANAVINCI, 2 Cardone, 3 Ishani, 4 Fangoria
RACE 5 – 4.20pm: MATCHMASTER – EVOLT – TRADER – APP CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 SHINES, 2 California Press, 3 Captain George, 4 Ponca
RACE 6 – 4.55pm: HANECO BM64 HANDICAP (1000m): 1 MEOD, 2 Tsarina Sophia, 3 Midnight Oasis, 4 Boomsong
RACE 7 – 5.30pm: GENERAL TRADE SUPPLIERS PROVINCIAL BM64 (1600m): 1DA NANG STAR, 2 Lady Superspy, 3 Oakfield Warpaint, 4 Mussenphere

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 4

RETIREMENT? No way!

Wyong trainer Wayne Seelin had the last laugh when his ageless warrior Isorich was back in the winning list on his home track, his 16th victory at his 145th start.

And he is confident the 12-year-old gelding’s winning ways aren’t over if he can keep him on firm tracks and get him fitter.

“He’s still too fat,” Seelin said after Isorich ($61), ridden by apprentice Ellen Hennessy, had upstaged his younger rivals in the Report. Report Often Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1200m).

“I weighed him yesterday and he was 563kg. His best weight is 550kg. If I can get some more weight off him, I’m sure he can win again.

“He has pulled up super. He is a happy horse and loves what he is doing. He is still enjoying his work and his racing.”

His latest victory was the gelding’s first since a previous home track win in March last year in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1350m), but his trainer never doubted he could return to the winner’s circle provided he got the right conditions.

“He had a long break and isn’t comfortable on wet tracks,” Seelin said. “I’m sure getting back up to 1200m and on his home track helped him today. That was his eighth win at home.”

As is a regular occurrence nowadays, Isorich passed a vet examination before being declared “suitable to race”.

“He is so sound,” Seelin said. “I’ll know when he has had enough, but it’s not yet.”

Racing NSW stewards queried ISORICH’S “apparent form improvement”, and accepted Seelin’s explanation that the gelding was back on his home track and stepped up from 900m at his previous start at Newcastle to 1200m.

Seelin paid $7500 for ISORICH as a 2012 Inglis Scone yearling, and he has returned connections nearly $800,000.

He didn’t race as a two-year-old and made his debut nine years ago when third in a 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m) at Quirindi on November 12, 2013.

That Isorich continues to show a remarkable zest for racing and remains so sound as a 12-year-old when others have called it a day is a great credit to his trainer.

RACE 1: STOP ABUSE AT THE START 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1600m):

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 5

Hawkesbury husband and wife trainers Jason and Lucy Attard are unabashed fans of jockey Rachel King – and it’s easy to understand why. Isla’s $16 upset victory over odds-on favourite Diamond Drummer was the couple’s fifth of the season, and King has been aboard four of them. 

“Rachel is a very good person, and an excellent jockey,” Jason Attard said. “She was happy with Isla’s last start sixth over 1550m at Canterbury, saying she didn’t sprint like the others in front of her, but kept going right to the line.

 “Rachel felt it was best to get rolling on her earlier in today’s race, so we left it to her, and she did the job.”

Isla trailed the leader Miss Shalaa and, after taking over in the straight, was too good for Diamond Drummer (who was subsequently found to have bled from both nostrils) and lightly-raced Zimtopia, who is worth following. Isla’s win was timely as her breeder-owner Kate Nivison (Etak Thoroughbreds) recently lost her dam, the Choisir mare Lohan, who died in early October.

RACE 2: #NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1100m):

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 6

Winner Captain George was the subject of a concerted plunge and, having his first start since being gelded, lived up to the support. Rider Kerrin McEvoy gave Captain George the run of the race, trailing leader Exsensible and was a bit too strong for that horse in the closing stages. The pair had the finish to themselves with third placegetter Ma’s Dream finishing gamely to edge out favourite Oakfield Blue Bell, whose rider Aaron Bullock was given stewards’ permission to ride the mare 1kg overweight at 58kg. Stable spokesman Jonathan Crowley said recent trials had settled Captain GEORGE down and that the gelding operation had clearly been of benefit to his racing manners. 

RACE 3: RAISE RESPECT MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m):

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 7

Mancconi had to race wide and still won, so left his rivals with no excuses other than fifth placegetter Galactic Angel, who found plenty of trouble. The winner drew awkwardly but finally “came of age” at his 21st start. Trainer Brett Lazzarini revealed one of the gelding’s owners despaired of him winning a race and sold his share last week. “I tried to talk him out of it, as I thought Mancconi was close to breaking through,” he said. “I’ll have to buy him a lemonade now. This horse always tries his best, and that’s why I have kept him in the stable.” Runner-up Edge Of Reward is becoming costly. This was his fourth second placing this preparation. Galactic Angel figured prominently in the stewards’ report and was disappointed for a run at a crucial stage in the straight. Most definitely she should have figured in the finish. Debutant Beauty Crusade ran home nicely from well back to finish fourth and is worth following. 

RACE 4: ELIMINATION AGAINST VIOLENCE MAIDEN (1000m):

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 8

Another first starter Meod was solidly supported late in betting and justified that backing. Jockey Tom Sherry had her quickly on the move, controlled the race up front and the result was never really in doubt. A $500,000 Inglis Australian Easter yearling purchase last year, the Exceed And Excel three-year-old will almost certainly derive further benefit from this outing as she had trialled only once beforehand when second over 878m on the Kensington track on November 8. The placegetters Dolly Bird and Surrenders tried hard, but the winner always appeared to have their measure. The disappointment was $3.20 favourite Biographer, who was never in the hunt and beat only one home. Rider Andrew Adkins told stewards his mount began awkwardly and was bumped by another runner and as a result settled further back than anticipated. Nonetheless, he added Biographer failed to quicken when asked to improve and felt he was unsuited by the tempo in the early and middle stages.

RACE 5: REPORT. REPORT OFTEN CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 (1200m):

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 9

When a 12-year-old Isorich leaves younger rivals in his wake, it’s hard to make genuine excuses for the beaten brigade. However, Ranuncula (6th) was slow to begin and had difficulty securing clear running between the 250m and 150m and couldn’t be fully tested racing in restricted room over the closing stages. Country-trained Cassy’s Sister was game in finishing second, and a plunge on locally trained Dimaggio ($2.15 favourite) came unstuck when he finished third. His apprentice rider Anna Roper told stewards that although he wasn’t the best away and was held up for clear running rounding the home turn, he wasn’t going good enough to improve in between runners approaching the 200m and was one-paced to the line. Moralist (7th) also didn’t have the best of fortune. He was keen in the early stages, raced wide and without cover from the 600m and can be forgiven. Still, all honours must go to the old marvel Isorich and his trainer.

RACE 6: JOHN ELLIOT CLASS 1 (1350m):

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 10

Aptly named Bat Out Of Hell (by Hellbent) is putting together a tidy record. This was his second win from only three starts – and he did it in the style of a young horse bound for better things. Rider Kerrin McEvoy, who scored earlier on Captain George, gave him a cosy run, got him into the clear at the right time and the horse did the rest when called on. He had won first-up at Kembla Grange last month and then ran second at Scone earlier this month (conceding the winner a fair slice of weight, although well beaten). Assiduity tried hard when second, giving Darby Racing an enjoyable quinella outcome. Favourite Oakfield Waratah didn’t cover any extra ground from an inside draw and had every chance.

RACE 7: ETTALONG BOWLING CLUB PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 64 (1100m):

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 11

Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle missed out with Edge Of Reward earlier, but didn’t this time with Xpresso, who made a brilliant return to racing. It was the lightly raced five-year-old’s second win from seven starts, and Doyle said the gelding’s owners have had to be patient as he held him back waiting for firmer tracks. Xpresso had not appeared since finishing second to The Himalayas at Hawkesbury on June 30 and produced a brilliant burst on resumption when rider Koby Jennings asked him to go. He had trialled only once when successful over 1000m at Wyong on November 7 and can certainly win again. Though the winner earned deserved plaudits, runner-up Mabel ran her heart out under 59kg, and trainer Tracey Bartley has her firing. She too can soon return to the winning list, having scored first-up at Hawkesbury earlier in the month. Replacement rider Andrew Adkins told stewards favourite Hard To Say ($3.10) may not have handled his 60.5kg impost. Hard To Say led but was under pressure on straightening and weakened to finish fifth. 

RACE 8: THE MOUNTIES GROUP 4YO&UP BENCHMARK 64 (1600m):

THE ’Iron HORSE’ STRIKES AGAIN 12

Much-travelled jockey Jay Ford celebrated his 39th birthday in style by winning the closer on the program. And he didn’t mess about either, making a move on Duke Of Buckingham on the home turn and taking him to an authoritative victory from Da Nang Star and Sian, both of whom were gallant but no match for the impressive winner. Trainer David Pfieffer opted to take blinkers off Duke Of Buckingham, and substitute visors. The move clearly worked, and the five-year-old appears capable of measuring up in better company, having returned to racing with real zest. Dream Eclipse, narrowly beaten here in a recent heat of the Summer Provincial Series on November 5, was strongly supported to return to the winning list, but had every chance in finishing fourth.

DEAMER CHASING BACK TO BACK WINS

DEAMER CHASING BACK TO BACK WINS 13

ONE trainer has had a solitary Wyong starter for a win so far this season, and the other is yet to have a runner at the track in the opening months of the racing year.

But both are keen to make their mark at tomorrow’s second last meeting before the $200,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic grabs the national spotlight on Wednesday, December 14.

Newcastle’s Jason Deamer scored with Hard To Say at Wyong on November 5 and is back there with him and lightly-raced Miss Shalaa, while Royal Randwick’s multiple Group 1 winning trainer Ron Quinton makes his debut at the track this season with newcomers Beauty Crusade and Biographer.

Tim Clark will ride both Hard To Say in the 1100m Ettalong Bowling Club Benchmark 64, and Miss Shalaa in the 1600m Stop Abuse At The Start 4YO & Up Maiden, while Andrew Adkins partners the Quinton pair Beauty Crusade in the 1350m Raise Respect Midway Maiden, and Biographer in the 1000m Elimination Against Violence Maiden.

Hard To Say and Miss Shalaa are raced by Deamer’s major client Dynamic Syndications, and the former is bypassing a Warwick Farm engagement today to focus on Wyong.

“We discussed both races and decided to go to Wyong as it is only his second run back,” Deamer said.

“Hard To Say resumed as a gelding when he won a 1000m Midway Maiden here earlier in the month at his first start since being placed at Eagle Farm in August.

“Although it was a narrow margin, he did a good job as he drew the outside barrier and went flat out all the way.

“The first two had a decent margin on the third placegetter. Hard To Say had only one trial going into that race, so fitness wise he will be improved and I’ve been very happy with him since.”

An Exceed And Excel three-year-old, Hard To Say was a $160,000 MM Gold Coast yearling purchase last year for Dynamic, and has returned just over $76,000 so far from only six starts.

Dynamic also purchased Miss Shalaa for half that amount at the Gold Coast, but at the previous year’s MM sale, and she has raced only four times in the country for three seconds.

“She came to me from a Sydney stable without trialling,” Deamer said. “She has settled in well and is pretty honest.

“Shalaa Miss ran fourth and second at Gunnedah and Port Macquarie earlier in the year, and her two recent runs this preparation at Taree and Scone this month have been good.

“It looks the right race to try her at the provincials, and I’m confident she will handle the 1600m at her first attempt.”

Hard To Say was a $4 second favourite with TAB.com.au in early markets behind local trainer Tracey Bartley’s first-up winner Mabel ($3.30), and another local, Kristen Buchanan’s $6 third favourite Oakfield Triumph.

 Miss Shalaa was also second favorite, but at $4.40, behind Diamond Drummer ($2.30), who has blinkers back on.

Ron Quinton’s three-year-olds Beauty Crusade and Biographer last year were $375,000 Inglis Classic yearling sale and $500,000 Magic Millions yearling sale buys respectively.

But the latter, a I Am Invincible colt and the first foal of dual WA winner Precious Memories, was subsequently resold online to his breeder Ray Gall for $95,000 in April, after three starts, two in South Australia and the other in country Victoria, for seconds at Morphettville Parks and Terang.

“Ray bought Biographer back when he wasn’t considered a likely stallion prospect and put on the market,” Quinton said. “The Gall family has been a wonderful supporter of mine, and it’s my job now to try to get the best out of the colt.

“Obviously he has ability, and the Wyong race is a good starting point and it’s the same with Beauty Crusade, who is raced in Hong Kong interests.

“He was a bit of a handful earlier, but has been gelded and has had the benefit of two recent trials at home. I’m not going there expecting to win, but looking forward to hopefully seeing him run well all the same.”

Quinton has made important gear changes on the stablemates. He has taken blinkers and a tongue tie off Biographer, and will substitute a cross-over nose band.

Beauty Crusade has been gelded, and also will race in a cross-over nose band and wear ear muffs, which will be removed at the barrier.

Biographer was installed as $5 fourth favourite when markets opened, in an open race behind $4 top elect Surrenders, and Beauty Crusade was $4.80 second favourite, with topweight Edge Of Reward holding clear sway at $2.30.

The rail is in the true position, and a Good 4 rating has been posted for the eight race program getting away at 1.15pm.

SELECTIONS:

RACE 1 – 1.15pm: STOP ABUSE AT THE START 4YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE, 1600m: 1 DIAMOND DRUMMER, 2 Miss Shalaa, 3 Rangitikei, 4 Zimtopia.

RACE 2 – 1.50pm: #NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE 4YO & UP MAIDEN HCP, 1100m: 1 EXPENSIBLE, 2 Oakfield Blue Bell, 3 Oakfield Paperbark, 4 Ma’s Dream.

RACE 3 – 2.25pm: RAISE RESPECT MIDWAY MAIDEN HCP, 1350m: 1 EDGE OF REWARD, 2 Beauty Crusade, 3 Mancconi, 4 Emphatic Bel.

RACE 4 – 3.05pm: ELIMINATION AGAINST VIOLENCE MAIDEN PLATE, 1000m: 1 SURRENDERS, 2 Meod, 3 Selfless Act, 4 Biographer.

RACE 5 – 3.40pm: REPORT. REPORT OFTEN CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP, 1200m: 1 MORALIST, 2 Dimaggio, 3 Ranuncula, 4 Crimson Rock.

RACE 6 – 4.20pm: JOHN ELLIOT CLASS 1 HCP, 1350m: 1 WEST OF AFRICA, 2 Oakfield Waratah, 3 Assiduity, 4 Bat Out Of Hell.

RACE 7 – 4.55pm: ETTALONG BOWLING CLUB PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1100m: 1 MABEL, 2 Hard To Say, 3 Oakfield Triumph, 4 Xpresso.

RACE 8 – 5.30pm: THE MOUNTIES GROUP 4YO & UP BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1600m: 1 KICKATORP, 2 Duke Of Buckingham, 3 Dream Eclipse, 4 Da Nang Star.

IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE

IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE 14

Showtime Star is headed for the $150,000 final of the SKY RACING Summer Provincial Series after taking out the first heat at Wyong on Saturday.

The Brad Widdup trained mare led throughout the 1350m feature race and was able to hold out her challengers to win by almost a length. 

The victory was one of several strong performances on the program, with highlights including riding doubles to Andrew Atkins and Lee Magorrian. 

A large crowd enjoyed the sunshine and great Provincial racing, while raising funds for the Central Coast Kids In Need. 

Andrew Atkins rated Showtime Star perfectly in the Class 5 feature, leading throughout off the back of a great start. 

She was sent out $2 favourite following two previous Metropolitan placings at Warwick Farm and will now progress to the series final at Hawkesbury on December 15, along with placegetters Dream Eclipse ($26) trained by Brooke Somers and La Jolie Fillie ($9) from the Perry stable.

A daughter of Showcasing, Showtime Lady was a $50,000 Magic Millions purchase for James Harron. 

Widdup has always had a good opinion of the five-year-old who has had five wins and five placings from her 18 starts. 

“She’s done a good job for us,” he said. “We had a throw at the stumps with her at the Flemington last year and she didn’t disgrace. She is really racing well this preparation.”

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IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE 15
KOVALICA

The Waller stable was confident about the chances of Kovalica in the 1600m GOSFORD MASONIC CENTRE MAIDEN and the son of Ocean Park didn’t disappoint. 

The four-year-old caught the eye of punters in his only start where he finished fourth over the 1300m at Newcastle on October 15. 

He was sent out $2.05 favourite and the win was never in doubt after Lee Magorrian settled him midfield in the early stages, patiently waiting until the 400m when began circling the field, hitting the front in the straight before drawing away to win by more than three lengths. 

Robert Quinn’s Thoughtful Woman ($6.50) was second over the Craig Carmody trained Fireman ($21), who put in a much-improved performance for third. 

“He was doing his best work late in the Newcastle race and we thought he would appreciate the step up in distance to the mile today,” stable representative Adam Stewart said. “We thought he’d go pretty close, and he did.”

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IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE 16
OAKFIELD WARATAH

Another impressive winner in the GARY TURNER MEMORIAL – ABBEY TIMBER CG&E MAIDEN with Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Waratah ($3.80) blitzing his rivals over the 1350m.

Having his fourth career start, the Dissendent four-year-old showed good gate speed to enable Koby Jennings to place him in a gun spot, just behind the leader. 

He hit the front on straightening and was able to put more than three lengths on his opposition on the line, despite Jennings losing his whip near the 100m when the result was beyond doubt.

Buchanan had been keen on the chances of Oakfield Waratah.

“He finally drew a good barrier and that was the difference today,” she said. 

“I really like this horse. He’s raced well at Wyong in the past and it was great to see him win today.”

The Newnham trained Just An Upstart ($4.40) was second, head of Shihab ($2.70) from the Waller yard.

Oakfield Waratah is raced by Bruce McKenzie, who gave Buchanan one of her biggest wins the previous Saturday, with Oakfield Arrow taking out the $500,000 Four Pillars at Rosehill.

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IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE 17
KOBENHAVN

It was a closer finish in the 1350m THE ROOS FOUNDATION F&M MAIDEN with the Snowden trained Kobenhavn diving on the line to snatch a narrow victory. 

The I Am Invincible filly, a $400,000 Magic Millions yearling, was having her fourth career start, resuming this preparation with a 12th at Hawkesbury on October 20.

After an awkward start, she was ridden off the pace by Mitchell Bell, before a sustained run on the turn saw her pounce on the leaders in final stages, beating the $2.80 favourite Concordia, trained by Les Bridge by a neck. 

Miss Faberge ($3.40) from the Sargent stable was third.

It was the fourth start for Kobenhavn, who had to overcome the widest barrier to bring up her first win. 

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IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE 18
KINGDOM OF GOLD

Nathan Doyle’s Kingdom Of Gold put on a superior staying display to take out the 2100m PETER MAC AUTOMOTIVE CLASS 1 & MAIDEN.

Despite being caught wide mid-race, the Animal Kingdom four-year-old was able to put in a sustained run in the straight before drawing away to win by almost two lengths. 

Kingdom Of Gold, an Animal Kingdom four-year-old, was having his 10th career start, his latest outing a second at Newcastle on October 15 over the 2350m. 

The victory brought up a double for Lee Magorrian, who settled the gelding just off the speed in the early stages. He found himself three deep around the 800m and began a run, which he sustained into the straight, drawing away to win by almost two lengths.

The James Ponsonby trained Raffish ($11) was second, over Brad Widdup’s $3.20 favourite Brave Boy.

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IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE 19
FIELD MARSHAL

Promising prospect Field Marshal kept his unbeaten record intact winning the FREEMASONS ON THE CENTRAL COAST CLASS 1 over 1350m.

The three-year-old colt, by prominent Great Britain sire Kingman, debuted with a strong win over 1200m at Canberra on October 21. 

Trainer John Thompson stepped him up in distance at Wyong and courtesy of a great ride by Blake Spriggs, he posted his second successive win. 

Spriggs didn’t have it all his own way, having to contend with the horse over racing in the early and middle stages and was then being held up for a run in the straight. 

When he found clear running, he showed a good turn of foot to run down the leaders and win by a length.

Spriggs, who teamed with Field Marshal’s owner Paul Fudge to take out a Group 1 on Sir John Hawkwood, has a very good opinion of the colt going forward and believes he will improve further over more ground. 

Despite a tough run, Superargo ($21) put in a much-improved performance to finish second for Stephen O’Halloran, with the $2.90 favourite Principessa trained by Joe Pride, third.

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IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE 20
HARD TO SAY

There were a few nervous moments for the connections of Hard To Say who looked to have the 1000m CENTRAL COAST UNITY BANK MIDWAY MAIDEN won before a late challenge by Terra Mater. 

The Exceed And Excel gelding, trained by Jason Deamer, was sent out as $1.60 favourite on the strength of two previous Eagle Farm placings. 

Andrew Atkins pinged the gates and looked like the winner a long way from home before Jarrod Austin’s Terra Mater emerged from the pack. 

The filly dived on the line but just missed, the race going too Hard To Say by the smallest possible margin.

The winner, a $160,000 Magic Millions yearling, is raced by Dynamic Syndications. 

Oakfield Blue Bell ($3.70) trained by Damien Lane finished third, but will take plenty of improvement from the run, having missed the start. 

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IT’S SHOWTIME FOR WIDDUP MARE 21
SUPRINA

Jarrod Austin didn’t go home empty handed, with his Super One mare Suprina outsprinting her opposition in the WIDELINE WINDOWS AND DOORS BM64 over 1000m. 

The five-year-old was taken to an early lead by Jess Taylor after jumping well and maintained it throughout, posting a two-length victory. 

Suprina ($12) has proved to be a bargain buy for Austin and connections, who purchased her in January last year for $25,000. 

She has since gone on to win four races and run multiple placings, taking her overall prizemoney to $118,200.

Three of the four wins came with Jess Taylor in the saddle.

In her latest win she beat O’Tycoon ($4.80) trained by Bjorn Baker, with Stephen Jones’ Ranuncula ($9) third.

WALLER CUP domination

WALLER CUP domination 22

Yet another Carlton Wyong Gold Cup victory for Chris Waller, who took his recent success in the Listed race to a new level, training the first four. 

The win by English import Durston, gave Waller his eighth Wyong Cup since 2010. 

The victory was also James McDonald’s third in the prestigious race, the champion hoop almost claiming the feature double after a narrow defeat in the Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa. 

Aboard the Godolphin trained favourite Katlin, McDonald looked to have the race won, before Matt Dale’s Meg flew down the outside to win by a nose. 

McDonald went home with a double, winning on the O’Shea trained Kokoro, giving him enough points to secure the coveted Nathan Berry Shield, for the best rider over the two days. 

The locals weren’t left out with both Damien Lane and Kristen Buchanan training winners. 

WALLER CUP domination 23
Durston & connections

McDonald gave Durston a peach of a ride in the $200,000 Listed Carlton Wyong Gold Cup, placing him conservatively in the early stages, before taking off around the 650m mark.

He weaved a passage to the outside on the seven-year-old, hitting the front in the straight and drawing away to win by almost two lengths.

It was the biggest career win for Durston from his 13 starts, having switched to the Waller stable for his previous two runs.

He was disappointing finishing last in the Group 3 Premiers Cup on August 20 but atoned for the loss with a dominant Cup win.

Stable foreman Damien Fitton gave plenty of praise to McDonald. 

“It was a great ride by James. He went back to rear of the field and let him switch off. He dropped his head for the first time since we’ve had him and that told the tale in the finish. He was able to conserve some energy,” Fitton said.

“It was a winning move when he made the run when he did. It’s just onward and upwards for this horse now.”

Fitton said he believed the addition of a Norton bit to Durston had made a huge difference to his racing style. 

“He’s a good horse but has been racing a bit fiercely in first two starts for us. A Norton bit on today was the ultimate gear change and made big difference.

“He did a lot wrong last start but got the miles in his legs and that enabled him to run a strong 2100m today.” 

Yi Yi ($6) was runner-up, from stablemate Our Intrigue ($16). 

WALLER CUP domination 24
Meg & Hugh Bowman

McDonald didn’t have the same luck on $2.70 favourite Katalin in the $160,000 Listed WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MONA LISA STAKES and after being caught wide, was run down on the line by Meg ($31).

McDonald and Hugh Bowman fought it out in the final stages, with last start Randwick winner Meg, overcoming a wide barrier to snatch victory.

An ecstatic Matt Dale was thrilled with the efforts of his Sebring filly and Bowman.

 “It was a perfect ride,” Dale said. “Momentum out wide seemed to be the key as the day went on and I thought the wide barrier was an advantage, not a disadvantage.

“Hughie was confident. He was really happy with her win at Randwick the other day, after watching the replay, and he went out there with confidence. I thought she could run second or third, but she ran out of her skin to win on the line. 

“It’s very rewarding – a great ride and a great team effort by the team at home. She still hasn’t cleaned right up in the coat yet so there is still a little bit more to come.

“She looks to be a Group style mare over 1600m, so there are plenty of those options to come. It’s great to get the black type and my wife owns half so that’s even better.”

WALLER CUP domination 25
Wealthy Investor & Tim Clark

Damien Lane’s Wealthy Investor was able to hold out the late challengers to take out the 1200m PBL LAW GROUP MAIDEN, the first of winning double for locals.

The Capitalist colt was resuming from a spell, having been unplaced in Group company in his three starts last preparation. 

Lane had been confident he would race well, and he didn’t disappoint, bringing up his first win at start seven.

“He’s a lovely horse with a good future,” Lane said. “It’s good to get a win on board. We tested him out in some quality races last preparation, and I still think he is up to that grade. We will see the best of him as he stretches out in trip.” 

Wealthy Investor earned strong support to start $4.20 second favourite. He beat the fast-finishing Poetic Drama ($20) from the Hawkes stable, with Gary Nickson’s One Destiny ($7) third. A win won’t be far off for both minor placegetters.

WALLER CUP domination 26
Oakfield Duke & connections

Kristen Buchanan was in the winner’s circle in the last race of the day, the DOYLO SPRINGTIME BM68, after her talented four-year-old Oakfield Duke ($2.80fav) brought up his fourth successive win.

Buchanan had given the Into Mischief gelding a freshen up leading into the race and it worked a charm, with Aaron Bullock bringing him to the centre of the track on straightening and drawing away to win.

“He loves winning,” Buchanan said after the race. “That’s a massive attribute and he’s very, very genuine. He’s obviously got the ability as well, but he loves getting to the line.”

Buchanan said she would consider the Four Pillars as an option for Oakfield Duke. 

“I think he’s a really exciting prospect going forward.”

WALLER CUP domination 27
Kokoro

It was James McDonald at his best in the BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTS BM64 with the gun jockey giving Kokoro ($4.80) a super ride to secure his third career win. 

John O’Shea’s Real Impact gelding came from the rear of the field before the turn in the 1600m race, catching his rivals napping. 

He hit the front on straightening and from then the win was never in doubt, the four-year-old drawing away in the final stages to post a three and a half-length length victory.

“He got it really soft in the first half of the race, “McDonald said. “I was impressed, he sustained the speed and appreciated the firm ground. The better track conditions have been a big improvement for him and he’s ready to go back to town now.”

WALLER CUP domination 28
Cholante with Clarry Connors & connections

A one act affair in the 1100m HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 saw Clarry Connors’ promising Choisir filly Cholante blitz her rivals. 

The three-year-old showed a great turn of foot to speed away in the straight and score by almost two lengths. 

Jockey Willie Pike was full of praise for the winner. 

“She has a great turn of foot. She’s taken the next step today, she was too good for them,” Pike said. 

Connors agreed the filly had gone to another level.

“She just keeps surprising me. When we realised we had to ride her back off the pace she was a different filly. When she sees daylight, she’s a bullet, she just flies.”

A $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, Cholante ($2.35fav) beat Tocomah ($9.50), from the Frazer stable, with Transformation ($10) trained by Melanie O’Gorman, third. 

WALLER CUP domination 29
Notabadsuspect

Former jockey Jim Cassidy was “over the moon” after his gelding Notabadsuspect took out the 1350m STONE REAL ESTATE WYONG 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

The four-year-old, an American import trained by Greg and Jim Lee, brought up his first win with Glyn Schofield in the saddle. 

“It’s a great thrill. I’ve won a Wyong Cup, a number of races here but to be an owner, it’s fantastic,” an excited Cassidy said. “It’s a team effort, I’m delighted.”

Notabadsuspect ($9), beat the Joe Pride trained Diva Diva ($8) with Lidia ($11) from the Coyle stable third. 

WALLER CUP domination 30
Cinque Torri & Dylan Gibbons

Bjorn Baker’s Cinque Torri was too strong in the CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCE – 3YO & 4YO BM64(1300m), courtesy of a patient ride by Dylan Gibbons. 

The son of I Am Invincible was coming off a sixth at Hawkesbury on August 18, after winning at Muswellbrook over 1280m the previous start. 

Glen Lobb, representing the Baker stable, said Cinque Torri had always shown a bit of ability. 

“He’s a bit funny with different things. He doesn’t like getting crowded and had everything go his way today. The winkers made a difference and I’d say they’ll stay one. 

The winner a $170,000 Magic Millions yearling, beat the Waller trained I Am Geronimo ($3.20fav), with Marc Conners’ Starstruck Barbie ($9) third.  

KEHOE DARES TO DREAM

KEHOE DARES TO DREAM 31

Allan Kehoe has no qualms about taking on the ‘big boys’ in this Friday’s Carlton Wyong Gold Cup. 

Kehoe saddles up Dragon Dream, the only local runner in the $200,000 Listed feature and despite the five-year-old being eligible for much weaker races, he believes he deserves a chance in his hometown cup. 

“They may be too good for him on Friday, but he ticks a lot of boxes and I give him a rough chance,” Kehoe said. 

“The weather is the key. He has really strong form on heavy tracks so if the predicted rain comes, his chances will improve. 

“This is the best preparation he’s had. He’s a good sound horse, the distance certainly won’t worry him, and he gets around Wyong well.”

Dragon Dream is coming off a last start second at Gosford over the 2100m, the run impressing jockey Willie Pike. 

“He thought he was a nice horse and was ready to win for us, but obviously that was in a lower grade. 

“He’s a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Dark Dream and is bred to stay. I think he’ll get up over 2400m or further and is an exciting prospect for us. 

“We’ve all got to dream, and it would certainly be a fantastic dream if we won the Cup.”

Dragon Dream is up against a strong contingent of Waller runners, with seven lining up for the stable in the field of 12. 

Waller has dominated the Wyong Cup in recent years and is chasing his eighth Cup victory since 2010. His last win coming with Wu Gok in 2019. 

The in-form Lord Ardmore looks to have the goods on his rivals, having put together two wins and two placings from his four starts this preparation, his latest victory in the Premiers Cup Prelude at Randwick on August 6. 

The Waterhouse/Bott stable will also be out to upset the Waller party with Grove Ferry, who is coming off strong runs in both the Premiers Cup and Premier’s Prelude, where he was runner up. 

Wyong trainers are well represented in the Listed $160,000 Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa with Kristen Buchanan saddling up Pandora Blue and Flandersrain, Tracey Bartley Miss Redoble and Damien Lane Sonnet Star. 

The race has attracted a strong field of 16, with Waller chasing a feature double with talented Niconi mare Sur La Mer, who has put together five wins and seven placings from her 17 starts. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.45pm. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.45pm: STONE REAL ESTATE WYONG 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): 1 NANO STAR, 2 Notabadsuspect, 3 Developed, 4 Tyquendo.

Race 2 – 1.20pm: CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCE – 3YO & 4YO BM64 (1300m): 1 I AM GERONIMO, 2 Sumatra, 3 Verzenay, 4 Starstruck Barbie.

Race 3 – 1.55pm: PBL LAW GROUP MAIDEN (1200m): 1 ORZALA, 2 Time To Boogie, 3 Miss Artfire, 4 London.

Race 4 – 2.35pm: HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 (1100m): BAYEZID, 2 Transformation, 3 Acappella Sun, 4 Acceber.

Race 5 – 3.10pm: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTS BM64 (1600m): 1 COPPLESON, 2 Kokoro, 3 Martini Crusader, 4 Prefect Match.

Race 6 – 3.50pm: WYONG LEAGUES CLUB MONA LISA STAKES (1350m): 1 EXPAT, 2 Sur La Mer, 3 Dalchini, 4 Boomnova.

Race 7 – 4.25pm: 2022 CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP (2100m): 1 LA CHEVALEE, 2 Lord Ardmore, 3 Our Intrigue, 4 Grove Ferry. 

Race 8 – 5.05pm: THE DOYLE SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM68 (1100m): 1 OAKFIELD DUKE, 2 Bullinachinashop, 3 Tinka’s Lad, 4 Land Of Valens.

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 32

Classy Dundeel mare Mirror Queen could push on to Friday’s $200,000 Listed Carlton Wyong Gold Cup after taking out yesterday’s prelude. 

The race was the feature of an eight-race program on Ladies Day, the first day of the 2022 Cup Carnival. 

The large crowd was rewarded with a super day of racing which saw Mark Newnham train a double and young guns Tom Sherry and Reece Jones share the riding honours.

The victories to Jones and Sherry saw them take the lead in the Nathan Berry Shield with six points each, followed by Josh Parr and Jean Van Overmeire on five. 

The track received plenty of praise, with an upgrade to a good four half-way through the program.

Michael Freedman could have a future champ on his hands after Hawaii Five Oh’s impressive debut, while Tracey Bartley had a win for the locals with Lady Superspy. 

But it was Paul Messara’s progressive four-year-old Mirror Queen who continued her winning run in the feature, the 2100m ROBSON CIVIL PROJECTS WYONG CUP PRELUDE – BENCHMARK 68.

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 33
Josh Parr & Mirror Queen

The Dundeel four-year-old is amassing a super record, with four wins and a placing from just seven starts, and he believes she has earned a shot at the Wyong’s Cup feature, with the Prelude win giving her automatic entry. 

“We will make that assessment in the next couple of days when we see how she comes through the run,” he said. 

“She’s not an overly robust mare, so I’ll see how she pulls up. I haven’t had a runner in the Wyong Cup before and she would certainly have no trouble with the distance going on this win.”

It was Mirror Queen’s first trip over the 2100m and despite some concerns from the stable she had no problem stepping up over extra ground.

Winning jockey Josh Parr said there is plenty of improvement to come for Mirror Queen. 

“She was strong to the line. She’s still a raw filly with a lot of improvement to come. She’ll develop into a nice style of racehorse when she develops a bit more of a killer instinct.”

In an open race, Mirror Queen was sent out $3.50 favourite, coming off a third in the Highway at Randwick over 1800m on August 6.

The runner-up, Les Bridges’ Legend Has It ($6) flashed home for second after missing the start by two lengths, with Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Pinto ($9.50), running a nice race in third. 

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 34
SANSTOC & TOM SHERRY

Mark Newnham and Tom Sherry brought up the first leg of a race to race double in the MAGIC MILLIONS RACING WOMEN WYONG LA GIOCONDA – F&M BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP over 1600m.

The $4 equal favourite Sanstoc got the better of his rivals on the line in his first trip over the mile to bring up his second win at start five.

Newnham said he believed the addition of blinkers made a difference. 

“She travelled a lot sweeter during the run. She travelled in a good spot, Tom gave her a good ride and she finished off strongly.”

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 35
DIAMOND FLARE & TOM SHERRY

Stablemate Diamond Flare ($2.25fav) and Sherry completed the winning double with an impressive three length win in the 1100m GURNEY FINANCIAL SERVICES 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

Newnham described the $400,000 Magic Millions yearling, as a work in progress. 

“It hasn’t been an easy task to get him here, but I was certainly relieved to see him go in the barriers. He’s certainly got the talent.” 

“You only have to look at his trials to know he’s not short on talent, but he’s been very stubborn around the barriers. Hopefully we are through the worst of that now and the horse can realise his potential.”

A Deep Field four-year-old, Diamond Flare broke through at his third career start. 

Rachel King escaped injury after the second favourite Bringonthebubbles ($3.60) bucked at the start. 

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 36
HAWAII FIVE OH & CONNECTIONS

It was a relieved Michael Freedman after his well-bred colt Hawaii Five Oh scored through a debut wing in the 1200m THE AGENCY 3YO MAIDEN.

There was plenty of hype around Hawaii Five Oh, a full brother to Libertini, who had been impressive in his two barrier trials this preparation and was sent out $1.50 favourite. 

Despite wobbling around the turn the win looked never in doubt, and Freedman believes he will take plenty of improvement from the run. 

“He’s a pretty raw horse. He wobbled around the corner, and I think he’ll appreciate a bigger track,” he said. 

“He’ll derive plenty of benefit out of the win. It’s hard to take on the more experienced horses and I’ve always felt he will eventually get up over a mile.”

Winning rider Nash Rawiller said he felt Hawaii Five Oh, raced by 

Gerry Harvey and John Singleton, could be “something pretty good.”

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 37
LADY SUPERSPY & REECE JONES

Tracey Bartley’s Lady Superspy ($11) upset some of the more favoured runners to win the 1600m DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL CLASS 1. 

“She’s been consistent all the way through,” Bartley said. “Reece had a ride on her the other day and got to know her and really rev up on her. He got the split and won her the race. 

“We’ve been waiting to step her up to the mile. It was a good win and I’m very proud of her. “

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 38
REECE JONES & CALIFORNIA TOUCH

Peter Snowden was equally impressed with his colt California Touch ($5.50), who took out the 1000m DEBBIE GAUNT FOUNDATION BENCHMARK 64.

Bringing up a double for Reece Jones, the three-year-old led from start to finish, after being a last start winner at Hawkesbury on August 22.

“He’s a nice handy horse going forward, and he will get over a bit further too,” Snowden said.

Apprentice Zac Lloyd was impressed by the tough win by Speed Song ($3.30eq fav) in a race honouring former Wyong trainer Johnnie Roberts.

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 39
SPEEDY SONG & ZAC LLOYD

The consistent Your Song gelding Speedy Song broke through at start 10 in the JOHNNIE ROBERTS MEMORIAL PROV & CTRY MAIDEN.

“It was a good effort today,” he said. “It was quite a tough run last start and he stuck on well for second that day. I was quite confident today.”

MESSARA MARE EARNS CUP BERTH 40
MAYHEM & JEAN VAN OVERMEIRE

The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou trained Mayhem ($3.50fav) was the other winner on the program, the Russian Revolution gelding too strong in the CARE 2 THE MAX BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

The three-year-old, ridden by Jean Van Overmeire, defied a late betting drift to win by almost a length. 

The victory came after his win on at Goulburn over the same distance on August 8. 

Apprentice Jackson Searle was cautioned by stewards regarded his ride on the Kim Waugh trained White Boots, who found he had erred not shifting his mount to the outside of Zaidin near the 400m and didn’t riding his mount out to the line. 

No action was taken, with stewards mindful of his ‘inexperience as an apprentice.’

PONSONBY SETS SIGHT ON CUP

PONSONBY SETS SIGHT ON CUP 41

James Ponsonby has the Carlton Wyong Gold Cup in his sights if his stayer Alloway can taste success in Sunday’s Cup Prelude. 

The Wandjina five-year-old has been racing in good form since joining the Ponsonby stable earlier this year, with a win and two placings from his five runs. 

He starts from barrier 10 in the 2100m BM68 Cup Prelude, the feature race on day one of the Cup Carnival, with the winner earning automatic entry to Friday’s $200,000 Listed Carlton Wyong Gold Cup.

And the trainer believes if he can race up to the form which saw him placed second in the 2200m Listed Tasmanian Guineas, he will be right in the finish come Sunday. 

“I was pleased to see him race well at Wyong in his first win for me on June 16 over the 2000m,” he said. “His subsequent start at Hawkesbury was good and he went really well in the Highway last start.

“He’s drawn a bit wider than I would prefer but he seems to be a horse that puts himself handy to the pace. 

“Winona (Costin) knows him well and she can hopefully roll forward from the barrier and have him up there. It’s a nice even field, not unlike a Highway race, and I give him a good opportunity.”

Ponsonby said he wouldn’t have any qualms pushing onto the Wyong Cup if Alloway were to win. 

“I’d have no hesitation at all. Obviously, it’s a much stronger race and he’d have to keep improving but he gets over the 2000m and is racing well.”

Ponsonby saddles up two other runners at the meeting, Walk Up Start in the 1600m Prov & Ctry Maiden and Dark Satin in the 1600m Class 1 and believes all three are definite chances. 

Kristen Buchanan represents the locals in the Cup Prelude with Oakfield Pinto and while acknowledging he is up in grade, also gives him a good chance. 

The Dundeel five-year-old, coming off a last start win at Newcastle over 1600m, will start from barrier one with Rachel King aboard. 

“He was quite impressive last start but in saying that he sort of got left alone and may not get those favours on Sunday. He’s placed at this trip and is weighted pretty well with 55kg.

“He’s very cool, calm and collected and we thought this was worth a throw at the stumps. It would be very exciting to get him through to the Cup.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.20pm.

SELECTIONS:

RACE 1 – 12.20PM: THE AGENCY 3YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 HAWAIII FIVE OH, 2 Dear Jewel, 3 Villa Tinto, 4 Eagle Nest

RACE 2 – 1.00PM: JOHNNIE ROBERTS MEMORIAL PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1600m): 1 SOLAROSA, 2 Speedy Song, 3 Wheni Sayucan, 4 Gingembre

RACE 3 – 1.40PM: MAGIC MILLIONS RACING WOMEN LA GIOCONDA – F&M BM68 (1600m): 1 SANSTOC, 2 Sebring’s Rose, 3 Eve ‘N’ Ruby, 4 Clear Blonde

RACE 4 – 2.20PM: GURNEY FINANCIAL SERVICES 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1100m): 1 DIAMOND FLARE, 2 Sir Crackle, 3 Bringonthebubbles, 4 Mad Darcey

RACE 5 – 3.00PM: ROBSON CIVIL PROJECTS WYONG CUP PRELUDE BM68 (2100m): 1 DENILIQUIN, 2 Legend Has It, 3 Mirror Queen, 4 Oakfield Pinto

RACE 6 – 3.40pm: DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 PRIZE DRAW, 2 Stonecoat, 3 Dark Satin, 4 Lady Superspy

RACE 7 – 4.15pm: CARE 2 THE MAX BM64 (1350m): 1 MAYHEM, 2 Jacquine Reward, 3 Budhwar, 4 Uncaged

RACE 8 – 4.50pm: DEBBIE GAUNT FOUNDATION BM64 (1000m): 1 PER IVY, 2 Forms Of Fear, 3 Don’t Doubt Katie, 4 Reach For Gold