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Another super provincial meeting at Wyong for our BJ Howes Race Day, showcasing some progressive horses.

Joe Pride is plotting an Oaks path with Lekvarte, while Stephen Jones’ Una Grew Roses was impressive on debut. 

It wasn’t the ideal start to William Pike’s NSW stint, the legendary WA hoop unsuccessful in a protest in the 1100m 3YO Maiden. 

Pike attempted a rails run in the straight and was bumped by Fielding, ridden by Digger McLellan, the pair finishing second and third. 

They fought it out in the steward’s room with the appeal eventually dismissed.

Allan Kehoe struck a blow for locals with his tough gelding Lord Heron continuing a great first up record. 

There was plenty of praise for the track from both trainers and jockeys, the hard work of Phil Robinson and his team paying off. 

Race 1 – STRAMIT 2YO MAIDEN (1300m): 

Annabel Neasham pulled the right rein with Bessmati, the Fastnet Rock filly breaking through for her first win in impressive style. 
Neasham had originally nominated two fillies for the race, Bessmati and Mumbai Jewel. 

She opted to run the latter at Randwick on Saturday and got the job done, leaving the stablemate to claim the honours at Wyong. 

Chad Schofield gave Bessmati a great ride just behind the leader, hitting the front on straightening and holding out the race favourite Victorine on the line. 

Bessmati ($3.70) was having her third career start, coming off an unplaced run in the 1000m Listed Lohnro Stakes at Randwick on February 5. 

Schofield, who partnered her that day, she said appreciated the extra distance at Wyong. 

“She drew a little awkward but jumped really well today. There was very little tempo, so I was able to cruise across. She relaxed well and was strong to the line.

“She hit the front early in the straight and when she felt the other horse challenging her, she had something to give.”

The well supported Godolphin $1.90 favourite Victorine finished a length behind the winner, with Really Motivated ($41) trained by Warren Gavenlock, was more than four lengths behind in third. 

 Race 2 – INSURANCE HOUSE 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1100m): 

Speedy Scone mare Una Grew Roses put paid to her opposition in an impressive debut win. 

Trainer Stephen Jones had been very confident leading into the race, after the four-year-old by Swiss Ace was dominant in her two trials. 

“I thought she’d be hard to beat and that’s how it went,” Jones said. “She’s big and fresh and will improve off that, she goes good.”

Jones said Una Grew Roses would be an ideal Highway candidate. 

“She’s a big strong filly and I think she’s a Highway type horse and might go on from there.”

Raced by Gerry Harvey, Una Grew Roses was a lucky pick-up ride for Alysha Collett, replacing Rachel King. 

“She’s got a beautiful action and it was a lovely win,” Collett said. 

The winner was sent out at $6 and beat the Craig Carmody trained Latin Lyric ($2.05fav), who grew wings in the final stages to come from the rear of the field and won’t be far off a win.

Eezee Boomer ($41) trained by Jeremy Sylvester, was third.

Race 3 – KLINGSPOR 3YO MAIDEN (1100m): 

A great training performance by James Cummings with Camino Real a dominant winner after a year off the scene. 

The Shamardal filly has been a work in progress for the trainer, after first stepping out at Randwick in October 2020.

She resumed from a spell in February last year and was placed fourth at Provincial and Metro starts, before issues forced her back to the paddock.

Darren Beadman representing the stable, paid tribute to the vets. 

“The vets at Osborne Park have done a great job bringing this filly back to form and racing style,” he said. “She’s had a lot of issues with temperatures and a foot abscess, and they were able to get on top of all that. 

“She’s always shown good natural ability but structurally and mentally she wasn’t there. She was very impressive today and has blossomed into a nice filly.”

The $2.40 favourite Camino Real, was coming off two strong trials at Rosehill and Hawkesbury. 

It was an interesting Wyong debut for William Pike, the former WA hoop lodging a protest against the second placed Fielding ($3.40), after he finished third on the Snowden trained Choix De La Mer ($6.50).

Damien Lane’s gelding and Pike’s mount bumped as he was attempting a split along the rails in the straight. The protest was dismissed. 

Race 4 – PRO ALI MAIDEN (1350m): 

Gary Moore’s Sing A Love Song could be headed for a stakes race over the Sydney carnival after breaking through at start 10. 

The Your Song colt had the best form going into the race and Keagan Latham gave him a gun ride that helped secure his first win. 

The $220,000 Magic Millions yearling had been placed on four occasions in his previous nine starts including a second in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes, the latest a second on the Kensington track on February 2. 

He had finished not far behind the winner in the $250,000 Magic Millions Maiden on the Gold Coast in January, strong form that saw him sent out $2.60 favourite. 

Moore was ecstatic with the win. 

“Hopefully he can go on to something a bit better after this and we can look for a stakes race at the back end of the carnival. He was too good for his opposition today and a deserved winner. “

Latham had settled the colt midfield early, one off the fence, before sprinting around the field on the turn and pulling away in the straight. 

He beat the Waller trained Ultimate Pride ($6) who isn’t far off a win, with Wolfburn ($8) from the Baker stable third. 

Race 5 –KINCROME F&M BM64 (1350m): 

Lekvarte is giving her trainer every confidence to head towards the ATC Oaks after an eye-catching Wyong win. 

The NZ bred daughter of Reliable Man put paid to her opposition in impressive style, with Jay Ford coming from last on the turn to hit the front on straightening and drawing away in the final stages. 

She put more than three lengths on Travelling Kate ($8) from the Widdup yard, with Snowden’s Miskha Magic ($12) third. 

“That’s the way they’ve got to win if you’re heading toward a race like the Oaks,” Pride said. “I’ve always had a good opinion of her. The win over the mile at Newcastle before the spell gave her confidence and it’s exciting to see her do that today. 

“She’s a beautiful filly and I’m looking forward to setting her on the Oaks path. She’s very exciting.”

A $210,000 Karaka purchase, Lekvarte was sent out $3.20 second favourite. 

Race 6 –INFRABUILD CLASS 1 (1000m): 

The Snowden trained Native Rock defied a significant betting drift to bring up his second win at start 10. 

The four-year-old by Wandjina was sent out at $8.50 after the Godolphin trained Translation firmed into $3.70 favourite.

A $55,000 Inglis yearling, Native Rock appreciated both the track conditions and distance at Wyong, with a good ride by Tommy Berry another contributing factor. 

“We learned something new the other day that he doesn’t like any give in the ground and the track suited him perfectly today,” stable representative Colm McCulloch said. “He had a good draw and Tommy gave him a good cart into the race. He relaxed well behind the speed and when Tommy popped off their backs, he put them to bed well. 

“He’s filled out into a lovely animal and Peter and Paul have done a great job with him.”

Berry said there was still improvement in Native Rock, who would be ideally suited to 1000m races around the Provincials.

Allan Kehoe’s Barney Rabble ($9) put in another good performance finishing second, while Translation appeared to have every chance and could be looking for further. 

Race 7 –COREGAS CG&E BM64 (1350m): 

Local galloper Lord Heron maintained his terrific first up record upsetting some of the more favourite runners to bring up his sixth career win. 

The Allan Kehoe trained seven-year-old was coming off a strong Newcastle trial win on January 24 over Kristen Buchanan’s Delexo but was friendless with punters.

He was given a super ride by Jason Collett who positioned him just outside the leader.

Lord Heron ($15) hit the front on straightening and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Rumpshaker ($7.50), with the rank outsider Spin Bowles ($41) third. 

“He’s got terrific first up form and makes my job easy when he puts himself up on the speed and has a decent fight,” Collett said.

“He did a bit of work early and put a bit of pressure on the leader. I used this to his benefit, and it paid off. Nice win.”

Raced by Kehoe and his partner Kim, Lord Heron was having his 24^th career start. He has had three wins and a placing from six first up starts. 

Race 8 – BJ HOWES METALAND CLASS 1 HANDICAP – RISING STAR (1200m): 

Tom Sherry claims top points in the Rising Star Series riding Amortal to victory in the Wyong heat of the apprentice’s series.

Mark Newnham’s Written Tycoon four-year-old looks to have a bright future, the Wyong win his second from just three starts. 

Sherry rated Amortal well, settling him behind the early leader First Peoples. The pair battled in the early part of the straight before Amortal kicked away to score by two lengths. 

“It was a very good win and he’s on the way to better races,” Aaron Day, representing the stable said. “He put them away easy today and had a bit in hand.”

Amortal ($2.70fav) beat Sam Kavanagh’s First People ($5), with the Messara trained Silver City ($4.60) making up plenty of lengths in the straight to finish third. 

Tommy Berry and Jason Collett shared the riding honours bagging a double each on another great day of racing at Wyong.

Berry combined with the in-form Annabel Neasham winning on Rejoiced and took out the last on Flucuate for the Freedmans.

Collett’s wins came on Sirius Girl for Hawkes Racing and Confessed for Kris Lees. 

There were some impressive winners, including Gary Moore’s $600,000 yearling buy Chief Conductor who is headed to the Autumn carnival and Rejoiced, who made it three wins from four starts. 

There was plenty of praise for the track, courtesy of track manager Phil Robinson and his staff, from senior jockeys and trainers.

Race 1 – ALLAN KEHOE RACING F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 

Gun sire Deep Field looks to have produced another nice filly in Sirius Girl. 

The three-year-old brought up her debut win in impressive fashion, leading from start to finish over the 1100m.

Jason Collett pinged the gates on the Hawkes trained filly and had a soft lead throughout, drawing away in the final stages to win by a length.

“She was nicely educated,” Collett said. “She had good speed from the gate and made use of it. 

“She was still a touch awkward in the middle stages, but the small track helped her skip away from them.”

Sirius Girl was resuming after two starts in her first preparation. She put in with an eye-catching trial at Rosehill on January 4 when she finished second. 

Punters sent the Darby Racing filly out $3.70 favourite and weren’t disappointed. She beat Godolphin’s equal favourite Arbitration, who made up plenty of ground in straight, with Icing On The Cake ($4.80) from the Snowden yard, finishing third. 

Race 2 – TRACEY BARTLEY RACING CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 

Impeccably bred colt Chief Conductor is heading towards stakes racing following his strong maiden win. 

Trainer Gary Moore has a big opinion of the I Am Invincible three-year-old, out of Snitzerland, who was a $600,000 Inglis yearling. 

Chief Conductor ($5.50) was having his first start for the stable, after being previously trained in Melbourne for his debut run, where he was unplaced at Geelong over 1140m in November. 

He was transferred to the Moore stable and looked the goods when he took out a trial at Rosehill on January 4 by more than two lengths. 

Moore said he had been very confident heading into the Wyong race.

“He’s a classy colt and I think there are better things to come for him,” he said. 

“He was a little playful today and lacks race experience, but he will come on leaps and bounds from that. The stable is on a high, I’ll give him one more run in a Class 1 or BM64 and then look for something better. 

“Tim rode him brilliantly. We’ll be looking for a stakes race over the carnival.”

Clark gave Chief Conductor a gun ride, sitting just off the leader before drawing away around the 100m mark. Joe Pride’s Just A Tiff ($6) stormed home to finish second, with a win not far away, while the Snowden trained favourite Hamaki looked to have every chance finishing third. 

Race 3 – DAMIEN LANE 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1600m): 

A great training performance by Warwick Farm based Robert Quinn, with Handsome King winning over 1600m in his first start for the stable. 

The Hinchinbrook four-year-old had been with another trainer for his only previous outing in July last year, before owner Bill Tsang opted to transfer him to Quinn following a spell. 

He trialled twice leading into the Wyong race, his latest a third at Warwick Farm over 1207m on December 30. 

Quinn, a former jumps jockey, opted to have him resume over the 1600m and called on fellow Irishman Tom Sherry for the riding duties. 

Sherry came from a rear position before the turn, circling the field and coming with a sustained run to snatch victory on the line. 

He denied the locally trained Finnman ($6.50) from the Wayne Seelin stable his first win, after he looked the winner in the final stages. 

Quinn said Handsome King ($9.50) had kept improving since joining his stable. 

“He’s a gorgeous horse and he keeps getting better in his work. He trialled super coming into this and I thought he would go well.”

Sherry congratulated Quinn on the  good job with the horse.

“It’s not easy to get a four-year-old fit and up to the mile first up. The horse is still green and has plenty of upside. He went to the line well.”

Vegas Law ($18) from the Sara Ryan yard, was third. 

Race 4 – 3.40pm: HAPPY RETIRMENT LES TILLEY AND EVAN HOLLAND (REV) CG&E BM64 (1350m): 

Annabel Neasham’s Rejoiced looked to be the best horse in the race and proved to be just that, with another victory to his name. 

The Redoute’s Choice colt is racking up an impressive record, with three wins from just four starts and continues a super run for Neasham.

His only failure came at Gosford over 1600m on December 29, with the stable convinced the three-year-old didn’t handle the rise in distance. 

Neasham dropped him back to the 1350m and under the cool hands of Tommy Berry, he had no trouble putting away his opposition. 

“I thought he was the best horse in the race and gave him a nice easy time mid-race,” Berry said. 

“I put the pressure on the corner, and he responded. He’s still learning his craft and will be a much better horse next preparation. It was a great training performance by Annabel to drop him back to the 1350m.

“I rode him knowing he was the fittest horse in the race, and he prevailed.”

Raced by Kia Ora Stud and Encompass Bloodstock, Rejoiced was sent out $2.60 favourite. 

There seemed to be no excuses for the beaten brigade, Kim Waugh’s Fenech ($3.40) who was second, over Acoustix ($4.20) from the Tas Morton yard. 

Race 5 – KRISTEN BUCHANAN RACING F&M BM64 (1350m): 

A well-timed ride by Jason Collett secured win number three for Kris Lees consistent mare Confessed. 

Collett conceded there was luck involved in bringing up his second winner of the day. 

“I needed luck and I got it,” Collett said. “I was banking on it and once the favourite rolled off the fence, she had enough turn of foot to get through.”

Collett was able to angle Confessed through a narrow gap after being briefly held up for a run, the mare driving through to win by half a length. 

Danny Greer, from the Lees stable, said Confessed had been a dual acceptor, the decision to run at Wyong proving to be a winning won. 

“Kris opted to come here today, and it worked out. She appeared to be in a tricky spot in the straight but when the spilt came she was travelling well and was able to dash through and get the job done,” he said.

“She’s very versatile and continues to please. She’ll go through her grades.”

Confessed, a Press Statement mare, brought up win three at start 10, with four minor placings.

Runner-up Tanzimat ($8) from the Godolphin stable was doing her best work on the line, with Damien Lane’s A Fortunate Lass ($9.50) putting in an improved performance to finish third. 

Race 6 – KIM WAUGH RACING F&M BM64 (1100m): 

Con Karakatsanis made it three wins from three starts with his progressive filly Riva Del Sol. 

The Press Statement three-year-old took the step up to provincial grade, racing in an unaccustomed position just off the speed. 

“It didn’t really go to plan because I wanted her to lead and set the tempo, but it still worked out,” Karakatsanis said. 

“It’s the first time she’s had to sit behind and push out and she did that well. She’s tough and it’s good to see her stepping up and getting the job done. She’s been a work in progress and I’m very proud of her.”

Winning rider Koby Jennings was also full of praise for the filly. 

“Her heart is her biggest asset,” he said. “She’s not a very big horse and is still green. She had to improve a little to put this field away and that’s what she did.”

Jennings partnered Riva Del Sol to her previous win over 1000m at Nowra on December 31. She had debuted with a victory at Taree, on August 17 while under the care of Matthew Smith. 

Riva Del Sol, starting at $5.50, got the better of the Mark Newnham trained $4.40 favourite Stormborn, with another great run by Stephen Schofield’s Mosht Up ($9.50) to finish a close third. 

Race 7 – WYONG’S NEXT MEETING JANUARY 23 CLASS 1 (1200m):

A slow start didn’t spoil the chances of short priced favourite Flucuate who made it back-to-back wins from just two starts. 

Trained by the Freedman brothers, the Not A Single Doubt gelding, gave Tommy Berry a winning double and the jockey’s challenge, but it wasn’t clear sailing.

“He knuckled at the start and that fired him up,” Berry said. “He wanted to charge a little bit, so I was surprised he gave me as much as he did at the end. 

“He’s got plenty of ability but just has to iron out those kinks. He’s in the right stable to do that.”

It was a good ride by Berry who pinched runs along the rails after the slow start. He chased down the earlier leader Apex, pulling away on the line to win by more than two lengths.

Flucuate was coming off a debut win over 1000m at Gosford on December 31. 

John Cooper’s locally trained gelding Apex ($31) was brave in defeat, with Nathan Doyle’s Starboreta ($4.20) third.

IT was a case of “crash and burn” for punters who pinned their faith in three Annabel Neasham fancies – two favourites and a close second favourite.

Tick Tock Boom ($2.90), Regal Pom ($1.75) and Forever You ($2.80) all were beaten, leaving the trio’s supporters with holes in their pockets.

Tick Tock Boom finished third in the opener, Regal Pom fourth in the second, and Forever You was third in the fifth race.

Whilst the latter pair didn’t justify their favourite tags this time, it might be a different story once they get on to a bigger circuit.

Both got too far out of their ground and did well to finish as close as they did.

At least the last two favourites got home; Leave Me Some ($3.40) in the second last and hotpot Air Of Alsace ($1.75) in the closer.

The seven races were shared by individual trainers, and jockey Grant Buckley took the riding honours with a double, scoring on Barellan Bandit ($4.40) and Leave Me Some.

Both have the ability to make their mark in midweek company in town in the coming weeks.

Course manager Phil Robinson and his staff earned deserved plaudits for the manner in which the track was presented. From a “Heavy 9” starting point, the track was upgraded to a “Heavy 8” and then “Soft 6”.

RACE 1 – TAB.COM.AU CG&E CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m):

THE meeting began on a “Heavy 9” surface following overnight rain, and one of Sydney’s leading stables, Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, continued its momentum of late by scoring with MIHOCEK ($5). 

Cleverly ridden by Matthew Palmer, who renewed an earlier association with the former during a previous NSW stint. Palmer ensured he was right up on the speed when the pace wasn’t strong, and the three-year-old son of Sooboog and$80,000 2020 yearling sale purchase, took the lead on straightening and held out Bon Vivant ($4.80) and Tick Tock Boom ($2.90). Just behind the placegetters at his previous two runs since resuming at Rosehill Gardens and Newcastle when he settled back in the field in both, MIHOCEK had an important gear change with the addition of a lugging bit. The $2.70 favourite Bob was never a hope and beat only the $31 outsider Apex home in the small field of six. Stewards reported no abnormality was found with BOB afterwards, but will check on his condition in the coming days.

RACE 2 – CANADIAN CLUB MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):

RACING NSW stewards upgraded the track to a “Heavy 8” retrospectively to include the opener, and leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller and jockey Lee Magorrian struck with topweight TUHINGA ($5). 

Having only his fifth start, the three-year-old son of Epaulette broke through after racing up on the speed.  Stable spokesperson Clare Heuston, last season’s Strapper Of The Year, paid credit to Magorrian for his ride. 

“Tuhinga expended too much energy last start at Newcastle when he started to pull,” she said. “The heavier track today may have helped, but Lee got him to settle and he was able to finish the race off.” 

Whilst TUHINGA ticked the heavy track box, his rider still considered he is better suited on top of the ground. 

“He is progressive and can extend to 1600-1800m,” Magorrian said. 

TUHGINA beat $41 roughie Nullify and $1.75 favourite Regal Pom, who got well out of his ground. His apprentice rider Ellen Hennessy was questioned by stewards, and told them she had intended to lead or settle just behind the leaders. When Regal Pom bounded on jumping and lost ground, she immediately placed him under pressure, but he did not quicken sufficiently and was crossed, and as a result settled near the tail of the field. In the circumstances, he did a superb job to snatch a minor placing on the post.

RACE 3 – GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):

A further upgrade to include this race resulted in the track being lifted to a “Soft 6”. Hawkesbury trainer Edward Cummings claimed his eighth winner this season and 26^th overall when ITALIAN INFORMANT ($6-50), ridden by Dylan Gibbons, upset local Damien Lane stablemates, the well-backed $2.90 favourite Fielding and $31 roughie Stays On Tour.  

ITALIAN INFORMANT, a three-year-old son of Spill The Beans, who died prematurely after beginning his stud career, has been a work in progress, according to his trainer. ITALIAN INFORMANT reared as the start at Hawkesbury on December 16, dislodged rider Brodie Loy and took no part in the race. 

“He lost only a bit of bark from a back leg, and had to trial five days later at Canterbury by order of stewards,” Cummings said. “It was good to see him break through today, and hopefully that will give him the confidence to go on with things now.”

Runner-up Fielding was excellent on debut. He raced wide from an awkward draw before taking over on straightening, and not surprisingly wasn’t able to withstand the winner’s burst at the end. He has had his quirks as well and will take improvement from his raced ay debut. Stewards will follow up on stable plans for two-year-old Mr Putin ($3.80), who was never in contention and tailed the field home.

RACE 4 – JARRAD THE MODEL BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (2100m):

ALL’S well that ends well! Scone trainer John Ramsey had planned to run BARELLAN BANDIT at Warwick Farm last Wednesday, but the gelding was second emergency and missed out on a start in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (2200m). 

Wyong became the next best option, and it was worth the few days’ wait. Grant Buckley, booked to ride the progressive five-year-old in Sydney, stayed with him and gave him a perfect ride to score easily. BARELLAN BANDIT ($4.40) was strong to the line to defeat Miss Delia ($4.20) and $3.10 favourite Reposition, who ran another honest race. It was obvious on the home turn that the first two were beginning sweeping runs and would fight out the finish, though BARELLAN BANDIT won with a good bit in hand. The winner has won three of his last four races and hasn’t missed a place at his last six starts.  Ramsey is keen to give the gelding his chance in town in a midweek race when he can secure a start. Buckley rode him in his previous 1600m Tamworth victory and was again impressed today. 

“I wanted to ride him patiently going to 2100m as he showed a good turn of foot at Tamworth,” he said. “I knew he would do that again today if I rode him quietly, and he was impressive again. I had a good young jockey to follow in Dylan Gibbons, who carted me into the race on the runner-up.” 

Miss Delia wasn’t disgraced, and fourth placegetter Lava perhaps is worth another chance. He drew the outside barrier and was forced to race deep before getting into second place outside the leader Alastor in the back straight. Stewards fined Lava’s rider Lee Magorrian $400 for using the whip 10 times (five more than permitted) before the 100m.

RACE 5 – MAGIC MILLIONS MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):

IN a desperately tight finish, PREFECT MATCH ($11) broke through at his fourth start – and trainer Gary Moore was quick to heap praise on winning rider Keagan Latham. “I have to congratulate Keagan; he gave him a great ride,” Moore said. “This horse has taken a while to hit his straps and is still slightly immature, but I feel he has a bright future. 

“I will chat with Keagan and get his opinion, but probably step him up now over a little bit further.” 

The now three-year-old son of Brazen Beau was a $400,000 yearling buy at the Gold Coast in 2020. PREFECT MATCH trialled twice last winter for another stable, but did not race before finding his way to Moore’s Rosehill yard. In hanging on grimly, PREFECT MATCH robbed fellow Rosehill trainers Ryan and Alexiou of a double, as they were represented by runner-up Circling ($5.50). 

Punters again burnt their fingers for the third time on an Annabel Neasham runner. Her representative Forever You ($2.80fav) was third and, though beaten, can atone on a bigger track. She got too far back and was the widest runner in the straight, making up many lengths in the closing stages. A staying-bred mare, Forever You is likely to atone shortly.

RACE 6 – RYAN’S METAL ROOFING CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1200m):

The two Grant’s – trainer Marshall and jockey Buckley – combined to get LEAVE ME SOME back in the winning list. Buckley astutely recalled he had ridden the mare only once previously in one of the early Midway Handicaps in Sydney last July when she came from well back to finish fourth to Lord Zoulander over 1200m. 

“I remembered she had to be ridden quietly because she really hit the line that day,” Buckley said. “She did a good job to win today.” B

Buckley also praised the track staff at Wyong, saying he was worried when he arrived at the course, and it was a Heavy 9 rating. 

“Full credit to them, the track has kept improving all day,” he said. 

Winning trainer Marshall was understandably delighted to secure Buckley’s services. “Grant has been on her twice now and given her 10 out of 10 rides both times,” he said. “LEAVE ME SOME has been great for our stable; she was a cheap mare and has won six races.” 

LEAVE ME SOME ($3.40fav) finished strongly in the centre of the track to lead home a Newcastle quinella, overpowering David Atkins’ Two Up ($7.50) in the closing stages. Marshall opted to take visors off his mare for today’s assignment and instead put winkers on her. Third placegetter Rumpshaker ($21) began awkwardly and bumped the winner, then raced wide and without cover throughout. Da Nang Star ($6) finished sixth, and afterwards was found to be suffering from heat stress. Stewards adjourned the matter until they can interview trainer Bjorn Baker. 

RACE 7 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING JANUARY 18 F&M CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m):

PUNTERS had to wait until the last two races to recoup earlier losses and at least went home with something in their pockets when well-backed odds-on pop AIR OF ALSACE ($1.75), trained by Jason Coyle, proved up to the task.

Jockey Mitchell Bell picked up a late booking when Jess Taylor was unavailable to take the mount and didn’t let the opportunity slip. He had the lightly raced Contributer mare in second place soon after the start, and she responded gamely in the straight to defeat Hit The High Note ($6) and Tornado Light ($7). This was her second success from her last three starts, with a Newcastle placing on the Beaumont track sandwiched between. 

There were excuses for Lucilight (fourth as $5 second favourite). She began awkwardly and lost two lengths, then over the concluding stages could not be fully tested when awkwardly positioned on the heels of the winner, who shifted in slightly. Lucilight was beaten less than one and a half lengths.

It was heart in mouth stuff for Annabel Neasham who completed a Wyong feature double with Soaring Ambition overcoming a bump on the corner to take out the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic in impressive style. 

It capped off a super day for Neasham, who earlier took out the 3YO & 4YO Stakes with Wisdom Of Water. 

Soaring Ambition was coming with a sustained run on the turn when she was bumped and forced wide. 

Tommy Berry was able to rebalance the filly who lengthened over the last 100m, gathering in the leaders on the line to win by a neck. 

“I was having heart palpitations on the turn,” a relieved Neasham said after the race. “It looked like she’d clipped heels and was scary for a minute. 

“She’s such a gutsy filly and I’ve always had a lot of time for her. This has been an obvious race for her, and I was pretty confident. 

“To win this race is very special, especially given the circumstances, so she’s obviously pretty talented. Bring on the Gold Coast.”

Berry was also full of praise for the Not A Single Doubt filly, a $270,000 Magic Millions yearling raced by Zhongli Thoroughbreds.

“It was a great effort. It’s the last track you want to get a bump on the corner, but she was able to pick herself up quickly and win with authority, which was good to see. 

“I want to stick with her. She is one of the most professional two-year-old’s I’ve sat on and you saw that today. 

“She’s definitely a Magic Millions horse but you won’t know if she’s a Golden Slipper horse until she gets the job done up there but she’s with a great stable.”

Coming off just one trial, Soaring Ambition earned some support and was sent out at $11 and with the win has now been installed as an $11 chance for the Gold Coast 2YO Classic on January 15,

Miss Hellfire ($5.50) from the Snowden yard was runner-up at Wyong, with Damien Lane’s Wealthy Investor ($18), impressive third. The $3.90 favourite Command Approved from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, hung on the turn well, finishing fourth. 

Race 4: MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 3YO & 4YO STAKES (1200m): 

A super ride by Rachel King saw Wisdom Of Water return to the winner’s circle in the best possible way, taking out the $100,000 Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Stakes. 

Raced by the Fung Family, the Headwater four-year-old was a $70,000 Magic Millions yearling, having his 19^thcareer start.

He began his racing career on the Gold Coast and is now set to return, with Annabel Neasham saying she would find a suitable Magic Millions race for him. 

“He’s a very talented colt and his owners have been great supporters of mine,” Neasham said. “I’ll take him to the Gold Coast now. He’s won races there before and races well up there. 

“He’s been knocking on the door for a while and it’s great to get him back in the winners enclosure. It looked like the perfect race and conditions for him today and fortunately that’s how it turned out. 

“It was a lovely ride by Rachel, she was parked behind them, and I thought he’d gone the wrong way at one stage, but it was great to see him knuckle down and fight to the line.”

King said she had needed a bit of luck and was happy when it came. 

“He proved he’s the class horse today. He’s not an easy horse and needed a bit of luck. 

“It was a benefit me having ridden him in his last couple of starts because I’ve learnt his tricks. Annabel thought he might appreciate a girl rider and it’s definitely working. He’s racing really nicely for me and it’s great to get the win.”

Wisdom Of Water was sent out ($3.30) second favourite, beating Tracey Bartley’s Compassionate ($61) who was brave in defeat, with a dead heat for third between the Waterhouse/Bott trained favourite Snitzonfire ($2.90), with Tanker ($8) from the Maher/Eustace stable, third.

Race 1: MAINSTREAM FINANCE SERVICES PTY LTD CONDITIONAL BM 68 (1600m): 

A thrilling finish to open the program, with Kylie Gavenlock’s Highjacker returning to form with a strong win. 

The High Chaparral gelding, ridden by Andrew Gibbons came from last before the turn to run down the leader and race favourite Dodecanese ($2.30) on the line. 

Gavenlock had been at a loss to explain the seven-year-old’s poor performance when resuming at Wyong on November 6.

She made some gear changes, which proved to winning moves, with Highjacker ($6) bringing up his third career victory. 

“He was terrible first up and I couldn’t fathom why he went so bad,” she said. “I changed some things around, added a tongue tie and blinkers, and thank God he did something for me today.

“He’s going to make a pretty nice stayer. He’s a cranky old thing but it’s good to see him return to form.”

Gibbons said it was a “masterstroke” by Gavenlock to apply the blinkers. 

“I was worried about the blinkers, but they got him back to his old self today,” 

Gavenlock’s Dundee ($31) was third. 

Race 2: MAINSTREAM TAXATION & ACCOUNTACY SERVICES BM64 (2100m):

Lee Magorrian’s confidence about Dalgarno was justified when he snatched a last stride victory on the Nathan Doyle trained gelding.

Magorrian had partnered the Dalghar four-year-old at his last start at Newcastle on December 4 and after finishing third told Doyle if he gave him another ride on him, he would win.

And that he did in another exciting finish, with Dalgarno running down the locally trained Apache Belle on the line to bring up his third win. 

Dalgarno was positioned perfectly by Magorrian behind the two favourites, and when the race looked won, he kept coming, lunging on the line to claim victory. 

“It was a brilliant ride by Lee, and he backed up his words,” Doyle said. “I think he’s still a preparation away mentally because he needs to relax down, especially if he’s going to get over a trip. But he got the job done today so I’ll tip him out and I’m sure there will be plenty more wins in him.”

Dalgarno, after earning strong late support, started at $5.50, beating Wayne Seelin’s Apache Belle ($4.40), with Reposition ($6.50) trained by Greg Preston, third.

The $2.90 favourite Viren raced without luck, finishing fourth.

Race 3: MAGIC MILLIONS 2022 GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 11-17 JANUARY 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m): 

Mum-to-be Diorissima goes out a winner after showing a terrific turn of foot to bring up her first victory. 
The four-year-old mare, by USA sire Tapit, came from behind on the turn speeding down the outside to win by almost two lengths. 

Trained at Goulburn by Jean Dubois, Diorissima was a $160,000 Magic Millions yearling having her 14^thcareer start. 

Coming off a Randwick trial win on December 7, Diorissima earned strong support backed in from $7 to $4.40.

“It wasn’t our intention to get that far back but you’ve almost got to ride her ugly to ride her good,” Innes said. 

“Her best run previously was in a highway when she circled the field and finished fourth. We put the blinkers on her today to try and get her to relax and thought it she gets back and has to come around it them that’s what we’ll have to do. 

“They skipped away on the corner, and I was a bit worried, but it was a huge effort by her, and she picked them up well.”

Auzstar ($4) from the Waller stable was second after handling the corner awkwardly, while Gary Moore’s Harapan ($5) put in a much-improved performance to finish third. 

Race 5: EXALTED CONSTRUCTIONS CLASS 1 (1600m): 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained El Parmy made it back-to-back wins proving too strong for his opposition over the final stages of the 1600m race.

The Snitzel colt sent out at $4.60 on the strength of a Canterbury victory on November 26.

He was given a great ride by Nash Rawiller, who circled the field on the turn and overhauled the leaders to win by more than a length. 

“He’s on an upward rise now,” Rawiller said after the win. “He took a bit of confidence out of his last win and took it to another level today. 

“I think the key to his last win was letting him come into the race of his own accord. A few of them wanted to be there early today and there was a bit of pressure, but he was pretty fresh on the scene when he joined them in the straight and was able to put the sword to them. It was great.”

El Parmy was a $200,000 Magic Millions yearling, his victory continuing a super run for the stable with 15 winners from their past 35 starters.

He beat the Freedman trained Rock The Bells ($3.90), with Typanist ($14) from the David Payne stable, third. 

The $2.90 favourite King Of Spades appeared to have every chance, finishing toward the rear.

Race 7: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SATURDAY JANUARY 8 BM64 (1100m): 

An emotional win in the last with the Todd Howlett trained Toto coming with a sustained run to bring up his fourth career win. 

The Manhattan Rain gelding suffered a broken jaw in a truck accident last year and was scratched at the barriers at his last two starts. 

There were no such problems today, with the five-year-old on his best behaviour. 

Tom Sherry settled him at the rear of the field, coming from last and running down his rivals to score by a head. 

“It’s been a tough time for him and he’s lucky to be alive,” Howlett said. 

“He had some long overdue luck on his side today. I was a bit worried when he was back in the field, but he got home well which is great to see.

‘He’s a nice horse and deserved the win. He will go on to better races.” 

Sherry said he was also concerned when Toto was slow to begin. 

“I was a touch concerned but he did his best work on the line,” he said. 

“He was the class horse in the race and it’s good to get some confidence on his side.”
Greg Hickman’s $3.80 favourite Tudor Music was second, over Lashoni ($12) from the Troy O’Neile stable.