Fran

There was plenty of expectation about Joe Pride’s Think About It and Waller’s debutant Narito leading into the meeting, and they didn’t disappoint, both winning in impressive style. 

Mark Newnham and Chris Waller shared the trainer’s honours with doubles, while Brenton Avdulla was the leading rider, also with a double.

There was plenty of praise for the track, with an upgrade midway through the afternoon. 

A few nervous moments for favourite backers in the 2100m WYONG TRAINERS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNER KIM WAUGH MAIDEN, with $1.80fav Piempurr holding on to win by a narrow margin. 

The Mark Newnham trained daughter of Pierro, earned strong support on the back of her consistent provincial form, her latest outing a fourth at Kembla over 2000m in stronger company. 

Tim Clark was happy to settle the four-year-old just off the lead in the early stages before taking her to the front around the 1100m mark. 

She fought on in the straight under vigorous riding by Clark and was able to hold out the late challengers to win by a neck. 

Clark said he didn’t believe Piempurr was at her best, given a ‘quickish” back up from Kembla but it was a great job for her to still get the win. 

Local galloper Dragon Storm ($26) trained by Allan Kehoe finished strongly in 2^nd after not much luck in the straight, while Selvam ($26) from the Jeremy Sylvester yard was doing his best work on the line.

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It was a case of third time lucky for the Waller trained I Am Geronimo who broke through for his first win at his third attempt on the Wyong track. 

The I Am Invincible gelding started $1.45 favourite and didn’t disappoint beating his stablemate Nano Star ($6) by a length. 

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Brenton Avdulla after I Am Geronimo missed the start in 1350m 2022 TRAINERS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNERS GAI WATERHOUSE & ADRIAN BOTT MAIDEN.

“That wasn’t the plan,” Avdulla said. “He hasn’t done that the two previous times I’ve ridden him, but luckily it was a race that lacked pressure and I was able to keep him wide and keep him going. There is some upside to him and if he can learn to relax it will help.”

Nano Star fought on well in the straight and it was a much-improved run by Rodney Bailey’s Single Babe ($41) to finish third. 

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Joe Pride is excited about the prospects of his four-year-old Think About It who brought up his second win from start two in the 1350m 2022 WYONG JOCKEYS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNER JASON COLLETT CLASS 1.

The $70k yearling looks to have a bright future, with both Pride and winning rider Rory Hutchings believing there is plenty of improvement to come. 

Think About It looked good scoring on debut at Kembla on July 30, with both placegetters’ subsequent winners. 

“He’s a pretty smart horse and he’s shown that in his two starts now,” Pride said. “He’s nowhere near the finished article. When he has a spell and puts on some weight he’ll further improve. Rory is a fantastic jockey, but he won’t get an easier ride than that.”

In an effortless win, Think About It ($1.40) beat the Neasham trained Flying Witness ($4.40) by a length and a half, with Warren Ganderton’s Poetic Miss ($16) third.

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An exciting finish to the 1600m 2022 LEADING APPRENTICE JOCKEY REECE JONES AND TOM SHERRYCLASS 1 with Brynner ($4.80) getting the bob on the line. 

The son of Contributor wound up in the final stages of the straight to run down the Joe Burges trained Mr Eighty Eight ($9.50) on the line. 

Trained by Jason Coyle and ridden by Kathy O’Hara, Brynner brought up his second win at start 12. 

O’Hara said the four-year-old would improve off the run. 

“He’s a progressive sort of a horse who is going through his grades nicely. He still doesn’t know how to put them away but hopefully next preparation.”

The Replicant ($2.80) from the Pride stable, finished third, and isn’t far off another win, while the $2.50 race favourite Believe So, trained by Anthony Cummings, had difficulty getting clear running in the straight and could be the one to follow. 

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Another exciting prospect unveiled in the 1100m LAURAINE BUCHANAN BEST MUM EVER CG&E MAIDEN PLATE with the Waller trained Narito. 

There was plenty of hype surrounding the Maurice four-year-old, who was having his first race start, coming off a Rosehill barrier trial in late July. 

He was sent out $2.35 favourite and the win never looked in doubt courtesy of a great James McDonald ride. 

He settled the four-year-old just off the speed, bringing him to the lead in the straight where he was able to run down the front-runner to score by two lengths. 

“He’s a really nice horse,” McDonald said. “He’s very progressive and would have learned plenty from today. He’s got plenty of untapped ability and they’ve taken their time with him. He’s got a lot of pace and I’d love to see him over more ground.”

Mark Minnervini’s Soobooco ($11), put in another honest run to finish second, while the Pride trained Sacred Field ($3.60) was third, after being slow to begin. 

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A tough win by Crystalene ($4.40) in the 1100m FAREWELL WRC RACING & OPERATIONS MANAGER DEAN GROGAN F&M MAIDEN brought up a double for the Mark Newnham stable. 

The Snitzel filly was on debut and impressed with a strong win, toughing it out in the straight to get the bob on her rivals in an exciting three-way finish. 

She impressed jockey Tom Sherry, who believes there are more wins to come. 

“She’s got a brilliant attitude and great temperament. There is plenty of improvement left in her and this win will stand her in good stead going forward,” he said. 

Raced by relative newcomers Iron, Crystalene was a $475,000 yearling. 

She beat the Cummings trained Perpignan ($4.60), who isn’t far off a win, with Edna ($9.50) trained by Craig Carmody, third after pulling in the early stages. 

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Nathan Doyle’s honest mare Bullinachinashop made the step up to provincial grade in great style, taking out the CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 over 1100m. 

The victory was the second consecutive win for the daughter of Bull Point, and her fourth career victory from just 10 starts. 

There was some late support for Bullinachinashop, who started at $10. 

Dylan Gibbons gave the four-year-old the perfect ride, sitting just off the leader, before hitting the front midway down the straight and pulling away to win by almost a length. 

Runner-up, Brad Widdup’s Unyielding Spirit ($11) fought on well, with Moralist ($4.20) trained by Matthew Smith, third. 

“She’s a little ripper,” Gibbons said after the race. “She’s as tough as they come, and she really dug deep today. She’s got that killer desire and they keep raising the bar and she responds.”

The $2.80 favourite Belladeel missed the start and failed to run on. 

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Dijon appreciated the drop back in distance to bring up a dominant win in the 1000m WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY SUNDAY AUGUST 28 CLASS 1.

The Headwater gelding had too much speed on his rivals, the win bringing up a double for Brenton Avdulla. 

He took luck out the of the equation leading throughout, pulling away in the final stages to win by a length. 

Co trainer Gerald Ryan said the four-year-old was more genuine since he was gelded. 

“He’s very sharp, not top class but very fast and if we keep placing him right, we’ll win more races. I think he’s up to a midweek in town,” he said.

Dijon ($4.40) beat Michael Freedman’s $3.50 favourite Insurrection, who appeared to have every chance, with Fire And Ice ($3.70) from the Minervini stable, third. 

DEAD-HEATS abounded today – but not in races!

Jason Collett and Tim Clark fought out the Jockeys’ Premiership at the final meeting of the season, with Collett claiming the title by one, with 12 wins.

Collett fired the first salvo by winning the opening race for Chris Waller to gain a three-win lead, but Clark pegged him back winning both the fourth and seventh races for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

Tom Sherry (now a senior rider) and Reece Jones could not be split either in the apprentices’ premiership, and were also declared joint winners.

The Waterhouse/Bott stable secured another Wyong Trainer’s Premiership with their double.

On the racing front, the meeting produced several promising horses which can be followed with confidence.

Frankel three-year-old Phosphene made a winning debut in the opening race, and Savabeel two-year-old Major Beel was also impressive in taking the fourth at only his second appearance.

Hawkesbury mare Yes You Think hasn’t had a lot of racing either and her victory from an awkward draw and coming from well back in the fifth was a definite sign of better things ahead.

RACE 1: THE BELLBIRDS & CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION 3YO MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m

SYDNEY supremo Chris Waller struck early – but it wasn’t with the horse most punters wanted. I Am Geronimo ($3 favorite) was well backed and took over near the 700m after beginning well, but was a sitting shot in the straight and stablemate PHOSPHENE ($7.50) swept down the outside to snatch victory from Nullify ($3.80) and Tracey Bartley’s Dresden ($14). I Am Geronimo battled on to finish fourth. Frankel three-year-old PHOSPHENE was making his debut after finishing last of nine runners in a 740m trial on the Warwick Farm synthetic track on July 6. He is the first foal of the American-bred mare Posing, and looks to have a bright future, especially as he was slow to begin today and was still able to win. Stewards fined apprentice Pat Scorse $300 for failing to claim down to his minimum weight, and replaced him with fellow apprentice Reece Jones.

RACE 2: WE CARE CONNECT & CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED 4YO&UP MAIDEN HCP, 1350m

DUAL licence holder Blake Fitzpatrick ended the season on a winning note when DANZETTE ($5.50) came of age. The well-known harness racing trainer-driver produced the former Sydney mare first-up at start no. 21 with only a recent 785m trial at Hawkesbury to ready her. Not unlike the first race performance of the winner, apprentice Jackson Searle circled the field from near last at the 600m and brought her with a well-timed run to overhaul Loniesha ($3.30), who was slowly away and had eased dramatically from an opening quote but still started favorite. Limpida ($6) gave plenty of cheek and battled on gamely to be beaten less than a length and suffered interference near the line. An $80,000 Melbourne yearling purchase, DANZETTE had been placed on seven occasions, so a breakthrough was indeed overdue. Searle’s win was soured when stewards charged him with careless riding near the winning post, taking the runner-up in onto the third horse, which had to be checked. Searle’s suspension begins on August 7, and he can return a week later.

RACE 3: ACCOLADE WINES & NESTLE PROFESSIONAL MAIDEN HCP, 1600m

FAVORITE punters finally got on the board when PACIFIC WARRIOR (backed from odds against into $1.95) got home, but there wasn’t much in it. Josh Parr always had the American Pharoah three-year-old in touch after beginning awkwardly, and he gamely beat Riccos ($6) and Walk Up Start ($16). A $175,000 buy at Inglis’ 2020 Australian Easter yearling sale, PACIFIC WARRIOR was having his fifth start for trainer Anthony Cummings and appreciated getting up over a longer distance. Nosey Parker ($4) gave away too much start and finished on gamely into fourth placing.  Only a two-year-old, he is open to further improvement.

RACE 4: BISHOP COLLINS & AUSTBROKERS 2YO MAIDEN HCP, 1300m

AS with the opening winner, this youngster looks headed for better wins. MAJOR BEEL ($7) was the outsider of the Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott pair as stablemate Sightseer ran a $2.10 favorite and had to be content with third placing. MAJOR BEEL, a rising three-year-old by Savabeel, was strong through the line and is going to be even harder to toss as his distances are increased. He raced keenly in the early and middle stages and was still too good for his rivals. A $260,000 Magic Millions yearling purchase, he can win again – and runner-up Manzoice ($21) also hit the line with purpose and is another to be followed. He was slow to begin on debut.

RACE 5: DAILY PRESS & CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES CLASS 1 HCP, 1200m

HAWKESBURY trainer Blake Ryan has a good opinion of YES YOU THINK ($15), who was having only her second start for him after previously being prepared at Gosford by Angela Davies, who won a Taree Maiden with her in February. This daughter of international star So You Think drew awkwardly, but rider Regan Bayliss allowed her time to settle and get cover, then circled the field from the 600m to nab $3 favorite Siyata in the shadows of the post. “She has plenty of upside and I really like her,” Ryan said. “I won’t be surprised if she wins a midweek race in town or even a Saturday Midway Handicap. “Her coat is still a bit patchy, so there is definitely further improvement in her.” YES YOU THINK was examined by the club vet behind the barrier when blood was noticed in her near side nostril, and cleared to start.

ACE 6: REGNIS REFRIGERATION & SONS & HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL DIVISION BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m

WYONG trainer Kristen Buchanan kicked up for the local side when she scored with $8 chance BULLET WING. The gelded son of Bull Point fronted up for only his fourth start, and was game in edging out $2.45 favorite Navajo Peak, who would have clinched the jockeys’ premiership for Tim Clark had he been successful. Fourth placegetter Real Key set up a decent tempo, but the winner sat third and cruised up with intent on the home turn. He didn’t shirk his task in the straight as the favorite made a late challenge. Tick Tock Boom was a late withdrawal on veterinary advice, and trainer Annabel Neasham will have to produce a vet clearance before he can trial or race again.

RACE 7: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP, 1600m

CLARK brought up a double, falling just one short in the Jockey’s Premiership, when STAR SPARKS ($4.60) humped 61kg to defeat locals Buba ($2.90 favorite) and $21 outsider Sian. The Medaglia D’Oro four-year-old is building a neat record; this being his fourth win at his seventh start. He made the running and bounced back from a Sandown failure on heavy ground on June 15. Buba tried hard in the last 200m but couldn’t quite peg back the winner, whilst Sian did an excellent job to hang on as he did after doing plenty of work racing outside the leader and eventual winner.

RACE 8: COCA COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS & ARCADE TRADER BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1100m

Another case of déjà vu where the longer-priced of the stable pair won. Emergency EUPHRATES DREAM ($17) nudged Belladeel ($10) in a tense finish, whereas stablemate Lake Kistoria ($6.50) beat only two home. Ironically, Willie Pike had partnered the winner at her previous start when runner-up at Hawkesbury on June 30, but this time rode Lake Kistoria. Pike told stewards his mount travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages, but didn’t respond when placed under pressure passing the 300m. However, he also considered she would benefit from today’s outing, which was her first in 12 months. Stewards will follow up with trainer Matthew Smith on the mare’s condition in the coming days. Dijon was solidly supported to start $3.20 favorite and ran another honest race to finish third after getting a break on straightening. He has now been placed at all three runs this preparation.

EXPERIENCED Sydney trainer Ron Leemon is banking on a recent gear change bringing him a change of luck at Wyong tomorrow.

A Group 1 winner with Manawanui in the $1m Golden Rose at Rosehill Gardens in 2011, Leemon has dominant favoriteLoniesha lining up in the We Care Connect & Central Coast Kids In Need 4YO&Up Maiden Handicap (1350m) as he bids to end the season on a winning note.

“I’ve only ever had a small team, but nothing has gone right of late,” Leemon said this morning.

“I have been dogged with injuries such as sesamoid and tendon problems to a number of horses who had ability.

“It’s been very frustrating and even with this mare Loniesha, it’s been difficult to find the right race for her.

“She resented a tongue tie and I found an old tongue control bit in my gear which is very fine, and it seems to suit her.

“Loniesha ran a nice race (third at Hawkesbury in a 1300m Maiden against her own sex on July 17 at $51) when she raced in it for the first time, and hopefully it will work well again tomorrow.”

Apprentice Zac Lloyd partnered Loniesha at Hawkesbury and his 1.5kg claim brings the mare in with 57.5kg – 1kg below the limit.

A rising five-year-old daughter of former champion Lonhro, Loniesha fetched $150,000 when offered at the 2019 Inglis Premier yearling sale in Melbourne.

But after three country placings without a win from nine starts, she was put on the market and Leemon and long-standing client Phil Gibb purchased her for $9500 online last December.

“Phil wanted to buy a Lonhro mare, and we were able to buy Loniesha through the Inglis digital sale,” Leemon explained.

“I was thinking about taking her to the Forbes Cup Showcase meeting on Sunday until I noticed this 1350m Maiden at Wyong.

“It would be nice to get a win with her, and sell her on in the near future as she will make a lovely broodmare. Loniesha is well bred and has a magnificent nature.”

Leemon also starts first emergency, $26 chance Miss Anticipation (Lloyd), if she secures a run in the Daily Press & Carlton & United Breweries Class 1 Handicap (1200m), and has opted to put blinkers on her.

The Dream Ahead mare was his last winner, at Nowra on January 10 last year, when she bolted in with an 1100m Maiden Plate against her own sex.

Jason Collett and Tommy Berry lock horns at tomorrow’s final meeting of the 2021-22 racing year to decide the jockeys’ premiership winner.

Collett’s victory on Prefect Match at the last Wyong meeting on July 19 lifted him to 11 wins for the season; one ahead of Berry and Tim Clark.

Collett has six mounts tomorrow; three for Sydney supremo Chris Waller (Phosphene, Adorable Miss and Ring Ahoy), two for fellow Sydney trainer Jason Coyle (Dream Maiden and Reach For Gold) and the other for the Sydney stable of leading Melbourne trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace (Flower Moon).

Adorable Miss (a firming $2.20 favorite with TAB.com.au for the Accolade Wines & Nestle Professional Maiden Handicap, 1600m) is the best fancied.

The Pierro mare has been placed at two (both at Newcastle) of her last four starts.

Berry has four mounts; Sightseer for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Zeminnika for Peter and Paul Snowden, Tick Tock Boom for Annabel Neasham, and Ready’s Girl for local trainer Kristen Buchanan.

Sightseer ($3.70) is the most favoured of the foursome.

Newcastle’s talented apprentice Dylan Gibbons is on verge of completing an outstanding achievement by winning the provincial jockeys’ title.

He has ridden 47 winners on provincial tracks in 2021-22, six more than Collett.

Gibbons has five Wyong rides; Highland Cathedral ($6.50) and Diamond Hands ($9) for Bjorn Baker, Highly Ambitious ($6) for his boss Kris Lees, Freedom Square ($7.50) for Paul Messara, and Concocted ($6.50) for Nathan Doyle.

. The rail is out 4m from the 1350m to 1000m, and 1m for the remainder of the circuit. An improving “Heavy 8” rating was posted this morning for the 1350m to 1000m chute, but it is important to note the rest of the track is a “Soft 6”. Racing begins at 12.20pm.

SELECTIONS

Race 1 – 12.20pm: THE BELLBIRDS & CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION 3YO MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m: 1 I AM GERONIMO, 2 Jumeirah Beach, 3 Phosphene, 4 Nullify.

Race 2 – 12.55pm: WE CARE CONNECT & CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED 4YO&UP MAIDEN HCP, 1350m: 1 LONIESHA, 2 Company Line, 3 Danzette, 4 Limpida.

Race 3 – 1.30pm: ACCOLADE WINES & NESTLE PROFESSIONAL MAIDEN HCP, 1600m: 1 ADORABLE MISS, 2 Pacific Warrior, 3 Nosey Parker, 4 Riccos.

Race 4 – 2.15pm: BISHOP COLLINS & AUSTBROKERS 2YO MAIDEN HCP, 1300m: 1 SIGHTSEER, 2 Ring Ahoy, 3 Gotta Fly, 4 Highland Cathedral..

Race 5 – 2.50pm: DAILY PRESS & CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES CLASS 1 HCP, 1200m: 1 SIYATA, 2 Golden Gate, 3 Zeminnika, 4 Highly Ambitious.

Race 6 – 3.25pm: REGNIS REFRIGERATION & SONS & HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL DIVISION BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m: 1 TICK TOCK BOOM, 2 Air Of Alsace, 3 Enjolras, 4 Real Key.

Race 7 – 4.05pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP, 1600m: 1 I WANT ONE, 2 Freedom Square, 3 Flower Moon, 4 Star Sparks.

Race 8 – 4.45pm: COCA COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS & ARCADE TRADER BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1100m: 1 LAKE KISTORIA, 2 Dijon, 3 Concocted, 4 Prince Invincible.

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In a day of many highlights local trainer Sara Ryan had an afternoon she will never forget, saddling up her first winner, Prefect Match, just her 17^th runner. 

Mark Newnham took out the training honours in a competitive day of racing, with Sneaky Paige and Roma Avenue taking out their respective races.

Mark Minervini’s Fire And Ice broke through in the 2YO Maiden and looks to have a bright future, while Annabel Neisham’s Regal Pom claimed his maiden in impressive style, winning by more than eight lengths. 

Check out all the highlights below.  

A good training effort by Richard LItt saw Snitzel gelding Roccaforte victorious at his first attempt over the 2000m.

It was a month between runs for the three-year-old, but he fought on strongly in the straight to take out the HAPPY RETIREMENT JEFF ENGELBRECHT CLASS 1 & MAIDEN.

Brenton Avdulla was keen to be on pace from the outset and was able to cross and settle Roccaforte behind the leader from the outside gate. 

He sat just off the leaders throughout and was able to hold out the $2.20 favourite Queenmaker in the final stages to win by a half-length. 

It was the second victory for the winner from 12 starts, his latest outing a second over the 1800m at Hawkesbury, seeing him sent out as $2.50 second favourite at Wyong. 

There were excuses for Edward Cumming’s Queenmaker, who failed to settle in the early stages, with Willie Pike forced three wide in the back straight. 

The Wayne Wilkes trained King Kidau ($7) was third. 

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A frustrating run of placings came to an impressive end for Annabel Neasham and connections of Regal Pom after the gelding blitzed his opposition in the ALLAN DENHAM RACING 3YO MAIDEN over 1600m.

The stable had always had a good opinion of Regal Pom, a $60,000 Magic Millions yearling by Press Statement.

But he had been unable to break through in his previous 11 starts, where he was placed on seven occasions. 

All that became a distant memory after stable apprentice Ellen Hennessey pinged the gates and dominated throughout to win by more than eight lengths. 

“He has had plenty of chances, but we were confident today was his day,” Hennessey said. 

“We thought the conditions would suit with the soft track, him being up to the mile and in peak condition. He’s a bit of a grinder and we thought being at Wyong we would get going early and it worked out.”

Edward Cumming’s $2.45 favourite Flyaway was runner-up and seemed to have every opportunity, while Stephen Farley’s Party Stop ($8) put in another honest performance to finish third. 

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Mark Newnham’s Roma Avenue justifies his $1.80 favouritism taking out the 1350m COOMBS FAMILY MAIDEN.

The Star Witness three-year-old earned strong support, after two third placings at Canterbury in his past two starts. 

Newnham had been confident leading into the race. 

“I think he’s at his right distance today. He handles the wet ground and has drawn inside. I’d be disappointed if he didn’t win.”

Tom Sherry positioned the winner just off the leader and eventual runner-up Waller’s I Am Geronimo ($19) in the early stages, before hitting the front in the straight. 

It was a race in two from the 600m, with Roma Avenue’s class showing out in the final stages, posted a length and a half win.

Inuwashi ($9), also from the Waller stable, was third, with the both the placegetters not far off a win. 

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A confident ride by Jean Van Overmeire helped secure victory for Verzenay in the 1200m TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN.

Trainer Brad Widdup had been confident the All Too Hard filly, a $75,000 Magic Millions purchase, would put her best foot forward after a second at Newcastle last start. 

“She’s a very honest filly and has drawn well today. It looks like a nice race for her, and I think she gets her chance,” he said.

Van Overmeire angled the three-year-old off the fence from the 600m, taking her to the outside on straightening. 

Verzenay ($3) showed a great turn of foot to hit the front in the final stages and win by half a length, at her seventh career start. 

Martini Crusader ($26) trained by Stephen O’Halloran rattled home for second and will be one to follow, while there were no excuses for Blake Ryan’s $2.50 favourite Separatist, who finished third.

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Mark Minervini looks to have a talented colt on his hands after Fire And Ice ($2.40fav) out classed his rivals to breakthrough for his first win. 

Hugh Bowman partnered the son of Hellbent in the 1000m CANADIAN CLUB 2YO MAIDEN, after riding him in two recent metropolitan trials. 

The win was never in doubt after Bowman settled him in front on the rails, pulling away in the final stages to put almost five lengths on his rivals. 

Fire And Ice had three starts in strong Sydney grade in his first preparation before spelling. 

Minervini has always had a good opinion of the colt and now plans to target the $1m Golden Rose at Rosehill in September.

“He’s an exciting prospect for the stable and we’ve paid up for the Golden Rose,” he said. “I haven’t raced a colt with this sort of ability and temperament for a long time.”

The Gary Portelli stable filled with the minor placings with Nonshalaant ($5) and Millybella ($6.50).

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Deep Field filly Sneaky Paige ($3.70) bounced back to form to bring up a double for Mark Newnham and Tyler Schiller.

The three-year-old filly had been disappointing at her last start, finishing ninth on the Kensington track over 1150m, but put that form behind her to bring up win number two in the WYONG RACE CLUB FUNCITON CENTRE CLASS 1 over 1100m.

Sherry took Sneaky Paige to lead from the start and was able to dictate terms in front, staving off the challenges in the final stages to win by a long neck. 

Newnham said there had been no apparent reason for the filly’s last start failure and her work since had been good. 

“We thought she would be able to put herself right up on the pace and being a Canterbury winner on wet ground wouldn’t hurt her chances,” he said. 

Runner-up Critical Time ($26) looks the one to follow, with the Freedman trained race favourite Allusionist ($2.90) third. 

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Jason Attard was full of praise for Sovereign Express after he made it back-to-back wins in the GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 1 over 1600m.

The Bullet Train four-year-old was coming off a Newcastle win over the 1400m on June 25 and Attard had been concerned he might be a bit fresh.

“I was worried, but he settled nicely coming to the turn,” he said. “He was off the bridle in the straight and is still learning to race but loomed up on the outside and was too good. 

“We weren’t sure he’d handle the track and it’s good that he’s tractable. It was a beaut win.”

Rory Hutchings had Sovereign Express on the rails and just off the pace, pulling to the outside in the straight and running down the leader in the final stages.

He was sent out $3.20 second favourite and beat the Anthony Cummings trained favourite Believe So ($2.40), with Beenvane ($4.40) from the Jason Coyle stable, third. 

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A super finish to the program with local trainer Sara Ryan saddling up her first winner after Prefect Match took out the 1300m WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY THURSDAY JULY 28 BM64.

Ryan has only been licenced for the past year and has had 17 starters after recently taking over as trainer for Domeland. 

Prefect Match was having his first start for the stable and was resuming after two trials. 

Wet track specialist Jason Collett came from near the rear of the field, storming down the outside to win by a length. 

It was the second win from seven starts for the progressive Brazen Beau gelding, a $400,000 Magic Millions yearling.

Prefect Match ($9.50) beat the Lees trained $2.60 favourite Terrameades, with Real Key ($7.50) from the Bateup stable, third. 

The Prostate Cancer Foundation Of Australia silks were prominent on Clubs NSW Men’s Health Charity Race Day greeting the judge twice.

It was two local runners that carried the flag for the charity, with Kristen Buchanan’s impressive debutant Bullet Wing and Damien Lane’s Fielding (pictured above) winning their respective races. 

Jan Bowen’s progressive mare Running Bear was an eye-catching winner, along with the Waterhouse/Bott The Milkybar Kid.

Check out the full review below.

The James Ponsonby trained Alloway opened the program with a dominant win in the THE ENTRANCE LEAGUES CLUB 4YO&UP CLASS 1 & MAIDEN, out staying his rivals over the 2000m. 

The $120,000 Magic Millions yearling, was having only his third start for the stable, having previously been trained in Victoria where he was placed second in the Listed Tasmanian Derby over 2200m.

He was coming off a third at Cowra and Ponsonby wasn’t surprised to see him improve over more ground. 

Winona Costin settled the Wandjina four-year-old just off the speed, before hitting the front in the straight and drawing away for a three-length victory. 

Ponsonby had expected a nice performance by Alloway and wasn’t disappointed. 

“I thought today’s run might have been a fraction short of his best, but knew he was going to get a good chance from the nice draw,” he said. 

“He’s a lovely horse to train.”

Alloway ($6.50) beat Karen Outrim’s Mr Luke ($10) who fought on in the straight, with Dunlee trained by Nikki Pollock ($41) third. 

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An impressive win by Kristen Buchanan’s Bullet Wing, taking out the 1350m MINGARA RECREATION CLUB MAIDEN on debut, giving the stable a winning start for new owners Trilogy. 

Buchanan made the right decision choosing the home track option, after scratching the three-year-old from a 1300m race at Scone on Tuesday. 

Koby Jennings was able to cross the field and lead from barrier nine, and despite the early effort Bullet Wing was able to hold out his rivals on the line to win by almost a length. 

“He’s a really lovely horse and it’s great to get the win today,” Buchanan said. 

“We’ve been patient with him and had to scratch him a couple of times due to wide barriers. He drew wide again today but we decided to send him around. Koby just let him roll to the front and dictate terms and he had plenty in the tank to finish it off.

“It’s exciting to have my first winner for Trilogy. I have numerous yearlings coming to me from them and this was our first runner today. It was also their first runner that wasn’t a tried horse, so it’s exciting all-round.”

Bullet Wing was coming off two nice trials at Randwick and Scone.

The Joe Pride trained $2.25 favourite The Replicant ran on fairly to finish second and could be looking for more ground, over Feirme Prince ($8) from the Matthew Dunn yard. 

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Pokerjack was sent out $1.80 favourite in the AINSWORTH LEISURE GROUP 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1100m) and didn’t disappoint with the win never in doubt. 

Apprentice Amy McLucas put in a well-rated ride to help secure victory for the four-year-old, who had been runner-up in three of his previous six starts.

Pokerjack, a four-year-old Casino Prince gelding, was coming off a second at Hawkesbury on May 22 over the 1000m.

The rise in distance and firm track were in his favour and McLucas sat just outside the leader before drawing away close to the line to win by half a length.

Gary Moore’s Harapan ($5.50) hit the line well in second, with the Buchanan trained Oakfield Blossom ($6.50) holding on for third.

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Damien Lane stamped his three-year-old Fielding as a horse with a future after his breakthrough win in the 1100m GOSFORD RSL CLUB 3YO MAIDEN.

It had been a frustrating run for Lane with the son of Deep Field, who had been placed in all his five previous starts. 

“It was a relief today for sure,” Lane said. “It’s been frustrating to say the least. “We’ve had all sorts of problems with him early and drawn some bad barriers, but he has raced in good company.

“His whole attitude has changed, and he’s grown into a lovely horse with plenty of ability.

“He pricked his ears late today and it was quite soft in the end. He’s definitely going in the right direction.”

Fielding, raced by a syndicate including Lane and his wife Kate, was sent out $2.40 favourite and given a well rated ride by apprentice Jackson Searle.

He beat the Ron Quinton trained Miss Mya ($8) who isn’t far off a win, with the Waterhouse/Bott All Too Scottish ($14), third. 

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The addition of blinkers made the difference to the Waterhouse/Bott trained The Milkybar Kid ($2fav), who atoned from his last start defeat to win the STAR FM 104.5 MAIDEN over 1600m.

The Reliable Man gelding looked to have the race won at Gosford on May 26 before running off the track in the final stages. 

He was trialled in blinkers and the stable was confident he could break though. 

Tim Clark settled the three-year-old midfield, gaining ground from the 600m and hitting the front on straightening. 

He was able to find the fence in the straight and sped away to score by more than four lengths. 

“He trialled well with the blinkers on, and this looked like the right race for him today,” stable representative Neil Paine said.

“It’s a good steppingstone for him. Gai and Adrian have started a lot of horse’s careers around here and this could be another.”

The winner is co-owned by former AJC Chairman Bob Charley.

The O’Shea trained Count On Me ($3.40) was second, over Dash Dash Dash prepared by Ian Finn ($14).

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A super ride by Sam Clipperton secured victory for the well supported Dom Tycoon in the 1600m THE ROOS FOUNDATION BM64.

Clipperton took an early lead on the four-year-old and was able to get some cheap sectionals in the middle stages. 

He fought on strong to the line, able to hold out the fast-finishing Oakfield Storm ($4.40) from the Buchanan yard, with the O’Shea trained favourite Denarau ($2.70fav) third.

Robl said Dom Tycoon had come off his last start fourth at Hawkesbury in good form.

“He’s normally genuine when he finds form. Sam has won on him here previously and I had expected him to be near the lead. 

“He prefers the firmer tracks and everything going well I expected him to be hard to beat today.”

The four-year-old by Written Tycoon, brought up his fifth win at start 23. 

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Progressive Muswellbrook mare Running Bear brought up win number three in impressive style beating a strong field in the THE BELLA GROUP BM64.

Trained by Jan Bowen and ridden by Ashley Morgan, the daughter of Your Song, is amassing a good record with three wins and five placings from just 13 starts. 

She was coming off a second in the Highway at Randwick on May 28 and kept firm in the betting starting at $6.50.

Morgan placed her just behind the speed in the early stages, before circling the leaders on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by almost two lengths. 

“We threw her in the deep end last start at Randwick and she handled herself brilliantly,” Justin Bowen, representing the stable said. 

“We thought if she could repeat that performance she’d be in the finish and that’s what happened. 

“We don’t come this way often, unless we think we’ve got a chance, and it worked out today.”

Gary Moore’s Stay Wealthy ($26) finished strongly in second, with The Chosen One ($10), trained by Damien Lane, making up ground in the straight for third. 

Stewards adjourned an inquiry into Rachel King’s riding out of Adios Steve in the final stages. 

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The favourite salutes in the last with the Bjorn Baker trained Divine Okay ($2.50) too strong for his opposition in a competitive Class 1. 

The Capitalist gelding brought up his second win at start four in the 1100m DOYALSON RSL CLASS 1, courtesy of a great ride by Josh Parr.

He pinched what proved to be a winning break on the turn and sped away in the straight, able to hold out the fast-finishing import Siyata from the O’Shea stable, with the luckless Tocomah ($4.60), trained by Gary Frazer, third.

“We were pretty keen on him today. It looked an ideal race,” Glen Lobb said. 

“He was a bit unlucky last start and didn’t get beat that far. I thought if he landed in the first four or five, he’d be hard to hold out.”

A super start to the day saw the Brett Partelle trained Nomoretawq breakthrough for a well-deserved win. 

He was the first of two locals to greet the judge, with Kristen Buchanan’s Ready’s Girl winning later in the day. 

Partelle’s Onemorenowmore gelding was having his 19^th start in the WYONG RACE CLUB FUNCTION CENTRE 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m) and his third for the stable. Long-time friend Peter Eggleston, who recently retired from the training ranks, gave the six-year-old to Partelle and he has run a fourth and third this preparation. 

Nomoretawq was sent out $3.60 favourite on the strength of those runs and the win was never in doubt after Hugh Bowman took him to an early lead. 

He rated him well in front, drawing away in the final stages to win by almost two lengths over Cataratas ($4.80) trained by Peter Robl, with Jaxon’s Day ($5.50) from the Michael Rinkin stable third. 

Partelle, who was ill and unable to attend, had expected a nice home track run from Nomoretawq and paid tribute to Eggleston. 

“Peter sent him down in good order. He’s settled in well and enjoys the environment. We have him in the water a lot which is therapeutic. He seems to appreciate that and is responding to it. 

“He’s improved since his last run, and I expected him to race well.”

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A luckless run for the Damien Lane trained Fielding paved the way for Kris Lee’s debutant Razeta to storm down the outside and claim victory in the 1100m THE ZING ON PROV & CTRY MAIDEN. 

Lane’s three-year-old had been placed in all four starts leading into the race and was the $3 favourite despite a wide draw.

When jockey Darryl McLellan was unable to gain cover in the early stages, it was always going to be a hard task for Fielding. 

Kerrin McKevoy had the sit on the leaders and was able to run down Fielding in the final stages to win by a long neck.

Razeta ($10.60), a daughter of Deep Field, was coming off three trials and is raced by long time Lees clients Bob and Sue Hannon.

“She was impressive and it’s nice to have another youngster coming through. Hopefully she’ll keep going now,” stable representative Danny Greer said.

Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Duke ($4) ran on strongly to finish third, while the The Halo from the Widdup stable wasn’t far off the placegetters. 

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A race to race double for Kerrin McEvoy after the Godolphin trained favourite Shirshov ($2) proved too strong in the FINGER LICKIN GOOD MAIDEN over 1000m.

The Exosphere gelding was having his seventh career start and coming off a second at Hawkesbury over 1100m on May 19. 

Despite racing fiercely in the middle stages, the three-year-old was able to hold off the fast-finishing Nickelback to win by a long neck. 

Stable representative Darren Beadman said hopefully the penny has dropped for Shirshov, who had run three previous placings. 

“Sometimes a maiden is the hardest race to win and once they get the monkey of their back they can go on and be good. Hopefully that’s the case here,” he said.

“He sprung the gates today and Kerrin was able to dictate, and the horse fought on strongly.”

The Hawkes trained Nickelback ($3.20) looks close to a win, while Secret Hunter ($19), trained by Michael Freedman, put in a much-improved run finishing third. 

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A big plunge paid off in the KYLE OLIVER MAIDEN with the John O’Shea trained Denarua blitzing his opposition over the 1600m to win by more than two lengths. 

A $140,000 So You Think yearling, Denarau was having his third career start, finishing a close second at Hawkesbury over 1500m on May 19.

He caught the eye of punters who backed him in from $5 to $2.60 in the final stages and they weren’t disappointed. 

It was a patient ride by Tommy Berry, who settled off the pace, making his run around the 400m and coming down the outside to win by two lengths. 

“It was a good win today,” Berry said. “She’s got a bit of ability and I don’t think she’ll have any trouble making it to mid-week Metropolitan grade.”

Avian Crescent ($13) trained by Jarrod Austin was second, over the $4.60 second favourite Calm Down, from the Quinton stable, who appeared to have every chance.

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An upset in the 2000m THE STACK BURGER CLASS 1 & MAIDEN with Goulburn visitor Sorokin outstaying his opposition. 

Trained by Jean Dubois, the Star Witness gelding was having just his third career start and could have a bright future as a stayer.

He had been unplaced in his two previous runs at Kembla and Canberra but put on a great staying performance at Wyong to beat the more favoured runners. 

Dylan Gibbons took on the short priced favourite Vyner ($1.55) in the straight, the pair going head-to-head in the final stages with Sorokin getting the better on the line. 

“It was only his third start, and he was up to 2000. He copped pressure and won his first race, so it’s onwards and upwards for him,” Gibbons said.

The winner had been $41 in early betting but earned some support to start $14.

The Karen Outrim trained Mr Luke ($31) put in an improved performance to finish third.

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Speedy Scone mare Tucson Valley was one of the more impressive winners on the day, bringing up her fifth win from just 10 starts in the 1100m COLONEL SANDERS CONDITIONAL BM68.

The daughter of Swiss Ace, trained by Stephen Jones, was able to lead throughout, fending off an early challenge from Trust Me, to fight on for a strong win.

Tucson Valley owned and raced by Gerry Harvey, is by his NZ sire Swiss Ace, out of his classy Flemington 1400m winner Sabino Canyon.

She had been impressive winning in the country beating her opponents at Wellington by more than seven lengths and handled the step up to Provincial grade in style. 

Starting at $3.50 favourite, Tuscon Valley beat the Partelle trained Trust Me ($14) by a length, with Jenny Graham’s The Drake ($6) third. 

There was drama at the start with Kim Waugh’s second favourite Black Jacamar rearing in the barriers and jumping some 10 lengths behind the other runners. 

After deliberating stewards declared Black Jacamar a runner. 

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Kristen Buchanan’s new stable acquisition Ready’s Girl ($19) wasted no time making it to the winner’s circle, taking out the THE RAYMOND FAMILY F&M BM64 over 1350m.

The Better Than Ready mare was given a perfect front-running ride by Rachel King to bring up her fifth career win.

Previously trained by Chris Anderson in Queensland, Ready’s Girl was having her 29^th start. 

It was a super effort by Buchanan to have her ready first up, with her last start on the Sunshine Coast in early December. 

Ready’s Girl was given a Randwick trial leading into the race and was able to win by almost a length over the Kim Waugh trained favourite Buba ($2.10). 

My Snow Queen ($3.80) from the John Sargent yard, was third. 

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Kris Lees and Dylan Gibbons brought up a double in the final race of the day, after Mobstar showed an impressive turn of foot to take out the 1350m WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING THURSDAY JUNE 16 BM64.

The Shalaa three-year-old pulled away in the final stages to bring up his second win from start five, giving the stable plenty of confidence going forward. 

“It was a really good run at Scone last start, and he has continued to please at home,” stable representative Danny Greer said. 

“It was good to see him dominate like that today. Dylan had him in a nice stalking position and when he asked him to improve, he certainly did that. 

“Australian Bloodstock have found another nice one. It will be interesting to see how far he goes.”

Starting $3.80 favourite, Mobstar beat the Ryan/Alexiou trained Mihocek ($6), with the Perry trained Harlem Groove ($5.50) third.