Stephen Jones is banking on the performance of his gun sprinter Toro Toro to catch the remaining Kosciusko slot holders.
He believes the five-year-old will “do the talking” when he resumes in the 1100m BM64 at Wyong on Thursday.
Jones considers the race to be the ideal leadup to the Kosciusko on October 16.
The Time For War gelding, who has five wins and two placings from his 18 starts, looked impressive winning a trial at Scone on September 16 and his trainer is expecting a bold showing first up.
“He trialled really good,” Jones said. “He’s a good fresh horse so we’ll see what happens.
“There was a bit of interest in him last year but in the end, we didn’t get a slot.
“I sort of went the wrong way with him last time and tried to get him to run 1400m which was a mistake.
“He’s a dead set sprinter and that’s the way it is.”
This year Jones has mapped out a plan for Toro Toro which will see him resume on Thursday and hopefully go into the Kosciusko second up.
“The plan was to get him in the face of the remaining slot holders and if he wins on Thursday, he will do that.
“He’s won at Wyong and his front running style suits the track, he should be right there.
“If he can get a slot, I’ll just freshen him up and he’ll go in second up.”
Regan Bayliss partners Toro Toro who has drawn well in three but has to carry 63kg.
“I’m not worried about the weight. It doesn’t matter as much over a short distance.
“He’s obviously better than the rest and that’s why he’s carrying the weight.”
Jones is confident if Toro Toro were to obtain one of the three remaining slots he wouldn’t disappoint.
“He won’t let them down that’s for sure. He’s a lot better than a lot of the horses who are in there already. He’d be right in the thick of things, don’t worry about that.”
Jones has already qualified Nadaraja for the Kosciusko and would love to have another runner in the $1.3m race.
“To have two good chances would be great, so we’ll see what happens.”
Leading jockey Tommy Berry resumes riding at the meeting, his first day back after a month’s suspension.
The first of eight races on Police Remembrance Day gets underway at 1.10pm.
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 1.10pm: GREAT NORTHERN CG&E MAIDEN (1200m): 1 THE POACHER, 2 Legend I Am, 3 Hold On Honey, 4 Ka Bling.
Race 2 – 1.45pm: CANADIAN CLUB F&M MAIDEN (1200m): 1 POIGNANT, 2 Mystic Mermaid, 3 Riduna, 4 Bella Rouge.
Race 3 – 2.20pm: CHOOSE TO DRINK WISE MAIDEN (1350m): 1 DANZETTE, 2 Myeyesadoryou, 3 Our Lancette, 4 Garmish.
Race 4 – 2.55pm: IN MEMORY OF S/C CHRISTOPHER JOHN THORNTON 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1600m): 1 THE DENZEL, 2 Coreei Lass, 3 Blackall, 4 Kamea.
Race 5 – 3.35pm: IN MEMORY OF S/C DAVID JOHN MANSFIELD CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 ZUDIN, 2 Coogee Bay, 3 Believe So, 4 Calaveras.
A Super Tuesday meeting unveiled several potential Spring Carnival candidates and two exciting Four Pillars prospects for Tracey Bartley and Kim Waugh.
Favourites dominated the program, taking out five of the eight races, while Tim Clark and Jason Collett shared the riding honours, both claiming a double.
Race 1 – SAL – LEGRAND – ELECTRA MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):
A berth in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes could be on the cards for Raging Bull following his dominant staying performance.
The Bull Point gelding was sent out $1.24 favourite and didn’t disappoint winning by more than three lengths.
Tim Clark opted to take the sit just off the leader before hitting the front on straightening and drawing away in the final stages.
Trainer David Payne had expected the three-year-old to perform well, having already targeted the Spring Stakes over 2000m at Randwick on October 9.
“He’ll go from strength to strength now,” stable foreman Stuart Rankin said.
“He was way too good this afternoon. When he came past the post the first time, I had the feeling it was race over.”
Clark agreed it was a strong win.
“He looked well suited in this race and David spoke highly of him as a staying prospect,” Clark said.
“It was his first time over the trip. He was well suited and showed his dominance.”
Raging Bull was placed twice at Metropolitan level as a two-year-old, before given a freshen up prior to the Wyong start.
So Incisive ($8) trained by Clarry Connors was runner-up, ahead of the Nathan Doyle trained Kintos ($41).
Race 2 – BOVARA MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):
The Anthony Cummings trained Lease hit back from a disappointing last start Hawkesbury run to bring up his debut win at start six.
The Choisir colt was beaten more than 20 lengths when first up over 1100m at Hawkesbury on September 9.
He was able to atone for that performance with a good win, aided by a great Josh Parr ride.
Leased met with late support in the betting starting at $8.50.
Parr said he had been confident the three-year-old would win from a long way out.
“He floated his way to the start but appreciated a squeeze out of the gates and got up and travelling,” he said.
“I was quite confident a long way from home.”
A $75,000 Magic Millions yearling, Leased beat the fast finishing How Do You Sleep ($6) from the Joe Pride stable, with the Waller trained Hollywood North ($6.50), third.
The short priced favourite Island Legend, from the Ryan/Alexiou yard, appeared to have every opportunity, finishing third.
Promising four-year-old Ma And Pa brought up back to wins courtesy of a well rated Nash Rawiller ride. The Redoute’s Choice gelding out of Oaks winning mare Dear Demi, was sent out $1.60 favourite on the strength of his last start Hawkesbury win.
Rawiller took Ma and Pa to an early lead and dictated terms in front.
He led into the straight and looked to have the race won but had to dig deep in the final stages after a late challenge by the second favourite The Denzel ($2.90).
“He gave me a nice feel,” Rawiller said. “He just tended to track a bit funny around the corner.
“He felt vulnerable about 100m out but dug in to win.
“He is still quite raw and green but did a good job and will get over further for sure.”
Clare Hewson, representing the Waller stable, said she expected they would now target a metropolitan race with Ma And Pa.
“He’s heading in the right direction, and I’d say we will go to town next. It was a good win today and a lovely ride.”
Ma And Pa is bred and is raced by John Singleton.
It was the third successive second for Les Bridges’ The Denzel, with The Mediator ($17) trained by Mark Newnham, third.
Capitalist filly Shihonka was a class above her rivals scoring an impressive six length win as she heads to town for black type races.
Tim Clark brought up a winning double on the three-year-old, who was resuming from a spell.
She finished third in the Listed Woodlands in May and looked to have returned in great style winning a trial at Gosford on August 30.
She was sent out $1.12 favourite and the win never looked in doubt after Clark was able to cross from the wide barrier and lead throughout.
She hit her straps in the straight pulling away from her rivals and easing down on the line.
Neil Paine, representing the Waterhouse/Bott stable, said it is likely they will target black type races.
“It was terrific and great to get that first win off her back,” he said.
“I think she will progress from here and Gai and Adrian will have a look and see what is for her over the carnival.
“She’s already stakes placed and if she can win a stakes race along the way it will be good for her.”
Clark said Shihonka, a $220,000 Magic Millions yearling, had come back from her spell more switched on.
“She knows what her job is now. She’s come back in good enough order to get to stakes level and can hopefully take out one of those races over the carnival.”
Yumi ($13) from the Snowden stable was runner-up, from Drummin ($21) from the Curtis stable.
Race 6 – CLIPSAL BY SCHNEIDER CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m):
Kiss Sum looks to have a big future on the back of his super home track win.
Tracey Bartley will now target a midweek metro race for the three-year-old Shamus Award gelding, he believes would be an ideal candidate for the $700,000 Four Pillars.
“We’ve got a very nice horse on our hands,” Bartley said.
“I think he’s definitely a Provincial Championships horse and if he can win in town, he’d be putting his hand up for the Four Pillars.
“I’m very excited about him.”
Jason Collett, who brought up a winning double on the $1.85 favourite, was also impressed with the win.
“He’s pretty electric at the moment, with a really good turn of foot and is definitely a mid-weeker.
“He began fine today but didn’t have a hell of a lot of speed. Once I got him in his rhythm, I was able to manoeuvre a way out and make sure he got clear air.”
In a super ride, Collett came from a long last, making ground from the 500m before sweeping wide on the turn and drawing away to win by almost two lengths.
He beat Sky Castle ($8) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, with Gregory McFarlane’s Rahni Factor ($14), third.
A race in two in the final stages of the 1100m BM68, with the Matthew Smith trained Undeniable getting the bob on the line.
The Not A Single Doubt mare brought up her fifth career win, coming off a successful Brisbane campaign.
It was a patient ride by apprentice Ellen Hennessey, who had to wait for a gap in the straight and then run down the leader Cassy’s Sister at the post.
The runner-up was brave in defeat and likely to have caught the eye of remaining Kosciusko slot holders.
Hennessey was full of praise for Undeniable.
“She chased really strongly and ended off the race well, “she said.
“I was sitting just behind the speed, and she was comfortable there. We waited for the gap to appear and when it did, she extended really well. “
Undeniable ($5.50) beat Cassy’s Sister by a head, with Lady Of Luxury ($3.10) from the Bjorn Baker stable, more than two lengths behind in third.
Different Strokes stamped his credentials as a Four Pillars candidate with a dominant win for Kim Waugh and Hugh Bowman.
The Hinchinbrook gelding was a on the quick back up from Kembla last Saturday where he finished second, in an unsuitably run race.
Back on his home track and with Bowman in the saddle he didn’t disappoint, coming from behind on the turn and drawing away in the final stages to win by two lengths.
“I was pretty confident from a long way out,” Bowman said.
“He seemed to thrive on the quick back up. I’ve had a few horses mentioned to me regarding the Four Pillars and this is the most interesting one.”
Waugh agreed Different Strokes should appeal to slot holders for the $700,000 race.
“He’s the perfect Four Pillars horse and will love the 1500m,” Waugh said.
“He’s a lovely horse and is still learning but he’s catching on quick which is fantastic.
“As he gets more experience he will get even better.”
Different Strokes ($2.10fav) beat the Portelli trained Long Weekend ($15), with the Lees trained False Step ($16) third
Kristen Buchanan is confident her flying mare Eyewitness can make it back-to-back home track wins at Wyong on Tuesday and continue a super run for the season.
Buchanan is enjoying her best start to a season, with seven winners to date and an impressive win ratio of 27% already seeing her reassess her goals for the year.
“It’s such a good feeling to start so well,” she said. “We had a goal of 40 winners and the foreman has already crossed that out and written 50.
“We have a lot of nice young horses coming through and the older ones are racing really well.
“We’ve increased our numbers slightly but it’s more to do with our horses racing so well and that gets everyone associated with a stable excited.
” I’m just hoping it can continue.”
Buchanan believes she has found another nice race for Eyewitness, who was impressive winning at Wyong on September 3 over the 1100m.
The Star Witness mare, who has three wins from six starts, will line-up in another BM68 over the same distance with trainer expecting another strong performance.
“She’s done really well since her last win. She came through the run well and we put her out for a few days in the nice weather.
“For her it’s a matter of getting away cleanly and when she does it takes a good horse to catch her, especially around Wyong.
“Jason (Collett) rode her so well the other day and he has stuck with her.”
Buchanan believes Eyewitness could get over more distance in time.
“She’s a bit loose at the moment so we will keep her over these shorter distances, but I think down the track when she matures, she could get over further.”
The stable’s other runner Street Candi lines up for her second career start in the 1350m Maiden.
Buchanan was impressed with the Pride of Dubai filly in her debut run at Port Macquarie and believes she will appreciate the extra distance.
“I was really happy with the Port run, she finished off the race really strongly.
“I gave Mikayla (Weir) an open book on how to ride her and she came hard to the post.
“She’s shown me a little bit at home, and I know she will improve as she gets over more ground.
“My only concern is the short straight at Wyong, but Jason is riding her as well and I know he’ll have her in the right place.”
The club host’s an eight-race Go Electrical meeting, with the first getting underway at 1.10pm.
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 1.10pm: SAL – LEGRAND – ELECTRA MAIDEN (2100m): 1 RAGING BULL, 2 So Incisive, 3 Kistos, 4 John Of Lancaster.
Race 2 – 1.45pm: BOVARA MAIDEN (1350m): 1 ISLAND LEGEND, 2 How Do You Sleep, 3 Street Candi, 4 Cochet.
The 2021 Carlton Wyong Gold Cup Day may have been devoid of crowds for the first time in history but there was no shortage of action of the track with John O’Shea claiming his first Wyong Cup and James McDonald bagging four winners.
Imposing grey Berdibek put in a supreme staying display to sprint away in the final stages and claim victory in the Cup, courtesy of a super Hugh Bowman ride.
The unstoppable James McDonald brought up winner number four on John Thompson’s More Prophets in the Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa.
Kristen Buchanan carried the flag for the locals with Fumiko and Eyewitness both greeting the judge, while Kim Waugh was also in the winner’s circle with Different Strokes.
New dad Jason Collett bagged a double, rounding off a fantastic day!
Race 1 – PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m):
A super start to the day for the Kim Waugh stable, with Different Strokes an impressive winner.
Waugh believes the Hinchinbrook gelding is headed for bigger things after bringing up his debut win at start three.
“He’s a lovely horse and is still learning,” she said.
“He’s a very casual, laid-back horse, who hasn’t had a lot of luck in his last two races.
“I’ve got a good opinion of him. He’s had a lot of issues, eye operations all sorts of things that have held him back.
“We’ve waited a long time to get to this stage and will keep him going now.”
James McDonald, who partnered the $40,000 yearling, agreed with Waugh.
“He’s very progressive. He’s still a raw talent but once the penny drops, he will develop into a really nice horse.”
Different Strokes looked to be a class ahead of his rivals and was sent out $1.40 favourite. He beat the Gary Moore trained Stay Wealthy ($10) who boxed on in the straight, by more than a length, with Coppersonic ($11) from the Attard yard, third.
Race 2 – WINNING COMMERCIAL MAIDEN (1200m):
A great training effort by the Waterhouse/Bott stable with five-year-old Invincible Vision winning on debut.
The I Am Invincible gelding, a $1.05m Inglis yearling, was having his first start after an original trial three years ago.
Ongoing issues prevented him from racing in the subsequent two years and he went into the race with two Randwick trial wins indicating he would race well.
Tim Clark gave Invincible Vision the perfect Wyong ride, leading from start to finish and considers the gelding has plenty of improvement to come.
Neil Paine, representing the stable, said the horse had been “a work in progress.”
“It was great to get the win today and a credit to the staff who put a lot of work into this horse over the years.
“We were fairly confident coming here today. We knew the horse had ability and he handled everything really well. He’s a really nice horse going forward.”
Invincible Vision was sent out $3.20 in a strong maiden field, beating the Freedman Brothers trained Amathuba ($7.50) by more than a length, with John O’Shea’s $3 favourite Ruinart, storming down the outside to finish third.
Race 3 – CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCI – 3YO & 4YO BM64 (1300m):
Gary Portelli was full of praise for James McDonald, who brought up a double on his Maurice colt Akihiro.
McDonald had to revert to plan B after the three-year-old was slow to begin. He came from the rear before the turn, circling the field and drawing away to win by half a length.
“This bloke’s a top rider for a reason and he showed it out there,” Portelli said.
“He was going to go forward but the horse wasn’t there for him, so he switched tactics.
“When he realised he had to get going he put the foot down and I don’t know if there are too many jockeys who would have had the courage to do that.
“He’s a nice, neat little horse and we might be able to sneak him into a nice race over the carnival.”
Akihiro ($6.50), an $80,000 Magic Millions yearling, brought up his second win at start seven.
He beat Peregrination ($8) from the Richard Litt yard, with country galloper Previso ($12), trained at Guyra by Ian Cook, running a nice race to finish third.
Race 4 – BISHOP COLLINS BM64 (1600m):
Jason Collett wasted no time getting back into the winner’s circle following the birth of his first child, booting home Ita for Bjorn Baker.
The new dad has been sidelined for a week after his partner Clare Cunningham gave birth to a daughter Scarlett.
Collett gave the All Too Hard mare a great ride, settling her back toward the rear of the field.
He took off before the turn, circling the field and hitting the front on straightening, before drawing away in the final stages to win by two lengths.
“There’s a bit of class about her,” Collett said. “She’s progressive and doing really well and I think she can make the step up to city grade after today.”
Baker agreed with Collett, describing the four-year-old as “really professional.”
“She is a good, honest mare and has come back much better. It’s amazing what time can do. I think she’s city grade for sure.”
It was the third win from nine starts for Ita ($4.80), who was coming off a Bathurst victory on August 23.
She beat the O’Shea trained Socrates ($5), with Jason Coyle’s Chateaux Park ($4.40), third.
Race 5 – HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 (1100m):
The in-form Kristen Buchanan stable struck again with her Flying Artie filly Fumiko an impressive winner.
Resuming from a spell, the three-year-old was given a super ride by James McDonald, who brought up a winning treble.
“I’m really pleased with her,” Buchanan said.
“She’s a lovely filly, lightly framed with a bit of physical growing to do, but mentally she’s a beautiful horse to take to the races who puts her best foot forward.
“She’s in for a good preparation and will get to a decent trip as we get along.
“I gave James an open book today as to where he had her in the run and it was perfect.”
McDonald also spoke highly of the filly.
“She’s a lovely filly, very speedy with great enthusiasm. She’s very well handled and educated here to win today and did a great job.”
Fumiko was sent out $3.70 favourite and beat Deepour ($7) from the Freedman Brothers stable, with Matthew Smith’s Agrum ($7.50) third.
Race 6 – WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MONA LISA STAKES (1350m):
Another perfect James McDonald ride secured victory for the John Thompson trained More Prophets, earning the mare her first black type race.
McDonald again bucked the trend of the day by coming from the rear, making significant ground around the turn and running down the leaders to win by a long neck.
The Smart Missile mare, sent out at $5.50 second favourite, let down beautifully on the line, to bring up back-to-back wins.
She is now likely to contest the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle on September 17.
Danielle Podlowski, representing Thompson, described it as a “terrific win.”
“She went super today and needed every inch of that track to get there.
“It was a great ride by James. He put her in a good spot. There is always plenty of confidence when he’s on board.
“She’s been a bit frustrating, but John’s always had faith in her and it’s lovely to see her get the wins.”
McDonald was full of praise for More Prophets.
“I love how she chimed in and hit the line well,” he said.
“I thought the only thing that could of beat her today was the Wyong circuit because of her racing style.
“She felt much more relaxed today and the way she executed the 1350m was much, much better.
“She’ll head to the Tibbie now and be a good ride for someone.”
Bring The Ransom ($18) ran a nice race to finish second, with the Kim Waugh’s luckless Great News ($2fav), boxing on for third after being caught wide throughout.
Race 7 – 2021 CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP (2100m):
A hot tempo played into the hands of the John O’Shea trained Berdibek, paving the way for the trainer to claim his first Wyong Gold Cup.
Hugh Bowman partnered the eight-year-old gelding to victory, his fourth Cup win.
With a strong early tempo, Bowman was content to sit back off the pace before looping the field on the turn.
The eight-year-old Dark Angel gelding raced away in the final stages of the straight to win by almost two lengths.
“I knew we had him in great form but obviously he needed a bit of luck,” O’Shea said.
“Hugh put him to sleep down the side and when he relaxes, he’s got a wonderful ton of speed.
“It was probably one of his best efforts today.
“Wyong winners have got a good record in the Newcastle Cup so we will likely head up there.”
O’Shea paid tribute to injured jockey Brenton Avdulla, a regular rider of Berdibek.
Bowman said it was a nostalgic win for him, having claimed his first black type race on Pecan Pie in the 2000 Wyong Cup.
“It was great to win for John O’Shea and the team. The horse had great credentials coming into this race,” he said.
“He always carries a lot of weight and I thought he was well in it today with the 56.5.
“He was well prepared, and everything fell into place. I was able to get a trouble-free run and once I decided to inject myself into the race he delivered in spades and gobbled them up in a twinkling of the eye.”
Berdibek ($5.50) beat the Waller pair Criminal Code ($5.50), and Mubariz ($5.50).
Race 8 – THE DOYLO SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM68 (1100m):
Kristen Buchan completed a super Wyong Cup Day, with speedy mare Eyewitness bringing up her third win.
Jason Collett partnered the Star Witness four-year-old, bringing up a double.
“She’s a little flying machine,” Buchanan said.
“I had other options in mind because this race was quite strong, but I really wanted to keep Jason on.
“He’s got a handle on her, and he rode her a treat. It’s a very pleasing result and the owners will be over the moon.
“I think there is plenty of ability there, but I’ll take her along steady through the grades and let her learn the ropes.”
Eyewitness ($6) has now had three wins from six starts.
Neretva ($15) from the Grant Allard stable was second, with Jenny Graham’s The Drake ($4.20) third.
Rachel King rode herself into the history books last year when she became the first female to win the Carlton Wyong Gold Cup.
The victory on Paths Of Glory completed a super day for King, who had claimed the feature double, with Asiago in the Mona Lisa.
The English import is determined to emulate last year’s clean sweep and believes she is on the horses to do it.
King is coming off a career best season in 20/21, finishing third in the Metropolitan Jockey’s Premiership with 113 winners.
“Winning the Cup and Mona Lisa at Wyong was the start of what ended up being a great season for me and I’d love to do it again,” she said.
“It is always good to be riding in these feature races and to win them both last year was fantastic.
“Naturally it would be great to have that same success this year and I think I’ve got two good chances.”
King partners Spencer, from the in-form Bjorn Baker stable, in the Cup and La Lude for John Thompson in the Mona Lisa.
She has ridden Spencer previously and is confident the seven-year-old is coming into the Cup in top condition.
The Pierro gelding is coming off a fourth over 2400m at Randwick on August 7 and was a winner at Rosehill over the same distance on July 3.
He was sixth in last year’s Wyong Cup, finishing less than three lengths behind the winner.
“He’s been racing pretty consistently this preparation and wasn’t too far off the winner in the same race last year,” King said.
“His last start finishing fourth behind Harpo Marx was over the 2400m, so he will be really fit going into this.
“All Bjorn’s horses are in good form so he should be right in it.”
King has a similar opinion of La Lude in the Mona Lisa, the six-year-old mare resumed in the Group 3 Show County on August 21.
“I’ve ridden her quite a lot and I really like her.
“She’s second up on Friday. First up she wasn’t quite ready for a high-pressure Group race.
“I had to ride her a little bit forward because we drew awkwardly, which isn’t really her go and she just got tired late. Hopefully she will take a lot of improvement out of it.
“She’s the type of mare who was knocking on the door for a black type race all last prep. She was running really good races in Group 3, so hopefully she can make that next step into Group company.”
The $200,000 Listed Wyong Gold Cup has attracted a full field of 16 with two locals Onemore Sapphire from the Bartley stable and Brett Partelle’s Commander Bell the emergencies.
The Damien Lane trained Oakfield Missile is in the field but unlikely to start after drawing wide in 17.
Chris Waller, chasing his eighth Cup victory since 2010, has a strong line up of four runners Dashing Willoughby, Mohican Heights, Criminal Code and Mubariz.
The $140,000 Listed Mona Lisa sees a classy lot of 15 fillies and mares. Kim Waugh’s Great News, one of the favoured runners, will have to overcome a wide barrier to claim a hometown feature.
The first of eight races gets underway at 12.50pm:
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 12.50pm: PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): 1DIFFERENT STROKES, 2 Stay Wealthy, 3 Beholder, 4 Silver Scissors.
The Waterhouse/Bott stable plan to start Perfect Radiance in Friday’s $200,000 Carlton Wyong Gold Cup following her dominant victory in the Cup Prelude.
The four-year-old Snitzel mare earned automatic entry to the Cup by claiming the Prelude and the stable will have no hesitation backing her up if she comes through the run well.
“She’ll be back up here Friday provided she pulls up well,” racing manager Neil Paine said.
It was a big day for the stable, who took out back-to-back races with Perfect Radiance and Anotherthinkcomin’.
Sam Clipperton dominated the riding ranks with a treble, while James Cummings bookended the meeting, with winners in the first and last.
Race 1 – COAST SHELTER CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m):
A perfect Wyong ride by Sam Clipperton secured victory for the Godolphin trained Iolanthe.
The impeccably bred daughter of Vancouver, out of a Domesday mare, was a $950,000 Inglis yearling.
She was coming off a second over 1500m at Goulburn on August 14 and well fancied in the betting, sent out $2.35 favourite.
Clipperton took a stalking role in the small field, settling Iolanthe toward the rear, before taking off before the turn and hitting the lead on straightening.
She drew away to win by a length over Speedzone ($3.40) from the John Thompson stable, with the roughie of the field, Dale Riley’s Muwarad ($61) third.
Darren Beadman, representing the stable, praised efforts of Clipperton.
“It was a good ride by Sammy, he judges the pace well. It was a nicely run race for her and she was able to sit back and get the last shot at them.
“She’s always shown nice promise and James has given her time and let her build into her frame.”
Race 2 – THANK YOU BARRIER STAFF PROV & CTRY MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):
Hugh Bowman had to work hard in the final stages to claim victory for the short priced favourite Amore.
The well-bred Savabeel mare, from the Brad Widdup stable, was held up for a run in the straight before Bowman found a passage on the rails.
She sped to the line and looked to have the race won before a late challenge by the fast-finishing Grecian Lass ($5.50), from the Lees stable.
The judge was called to separate the pair with Amore ($1.55) getting the nod.
The Adam Duggan trained Gold Invest ($21) was a length and a half behind in third.
The winner, a $270,000 Magic Million yearling, was bred by Gerry Harvey and is raced by George Altomonte from Corumbene Stud.
She was having her fifth career start, having been unplaced in her previous four.
Race 3 – BUSINESS WYONG 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1100m):
Lady Of Luxury continued a great weekend for the Bjorn Baker stable, breaking through for her first win at start 11.
It was a well-deserved win for the Criterion mare, who had been runner-up on four occasions last preparation.
She resumed with a narrow win after coming from behind in the straight to run down Snowden’s $2.80 favourite Warmth in the final stages.
Andrew Atkins had settled the Criterion mare midfield, before taking off just before the turn with a sustained run and claiming victory on the line.
Lady Of Luxury, a $180,000 Magic Millions Yearling sale graduate, drifted in the betting late to start $4 second favourite.
She was coming off an impressive trial win at Warwick Farm on August 17 and looks to be in for a strong preparation.
Torinda ($11) from the Joe Pride stable, was third.
The in-form Baker stable claimed the Group 3 Premiers Cup at Kembla on Saturday with Harpo Marx.
Race 4 – THANK YOU TO ALL ESSENTIAL STAFF IN NSW 3YO MAIDEN (1200m):
John O’Shea’s Arthur Francis resumed a winner, proving too strong in the final stages of a strong 3YO Maiden, with Regan Bayliss in the saddle.
The Foxwedge gelding, a $60,000 yearling, is raced by the O’Shea family.
While unplaced at his two Metropolitan starts last preparation, he finished fifth in the $2million Inglis Millennium before spelling.
Both his trials since resuming were impressive, his latest an eye-catching win over 1045m at Randwick on August 20.
He looked well placed in the Wyong maiden and was sent out $4 favourite.
Bayliss was happy to sit off the speed, before circling the field on straightening and drawing away to win by a length.
He beat Deep Snow ($8) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, with Dalchini ($5.50) trained by Lee and Cherie Curtis, third.
The hard luck story was the Godolphin trained Testimonial, who was finishing strongly along the rails before clipping the heels of tiring Sterny Bear, and almost falling. Definitely one to follow.
Race 5 – DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL BM 64 HANDICAP (1350m):
Gai Waterhouse considers Anotherthinkcomin’ to have a bright future after he brought up his second win in impressive style.
The Vancouver gelding got the upper hand in the final stages of the race and was able to record a half head win.
It was a race in two in the straight with Anotherthinkcomin’ ($6.50) and the Portelli trained Mystic Vein ($6.50), fighting it out to the line.
The win brought up a race to race double for Regan Bayliss.
Neil Paine said Gai had been “over the moon” with the win.
“She believes the horse has got a bright future. She was really impressed how he attacked the line,” Paine said.
“He didn’t give up and that’s just how we like our horses to be. We are rapt.
“He didn’t handle the heavy 8 at Goulburn last start but it’s a much better surface at Wyong, the track is racing beautifully.”
Both Anotherthinkcomin’s wins have been at Wyong and Paine said they would be looking for another 1350m race at the track.
American Salute ($4.80) from the Matthew Smith yard, finished strongly in third, with Tracey Bartley’s $4.60 favourite Defeat finishing fifth.
Perfect Radiance could back up in next Friday’s Carlton Wyong Gold Cup following her dominant win in the Prelude.
Jean Van Overmire led from start to finish on the Snitzel mare, who was able to hold out the Matt Dunn trained favourite Deadly Impact ($4), to record a half-length win.
It was the four-year-old’s first hit out over the 2100m and she had no problem with the distance and was strong to the line.
Neil Paine said he expected the stable would now push on to the Cup, with Perfect Radiance earning automatic entry.
“Gai’s over the moon,” he said. “This horse has gone from strength to strength, and she really showed some fortitude today.
“Providing she pulls up well she will be back up here next Friday over the 2100m.
“Gai and Adrian have improved this horse out of sight. They seem to have the knack with Goree horses. They love her training.
“Jean rode her a treat. He rated her so well in front, kept her in her rhythm and was quite strong over the last furlong.”
Overmire said the stable had done a fantastic job with Perfect Radiance.
“She just keeps thriving,” he said. “She was travelling beautifully from the 800m when I started to increase the tempo, and again from the 400m.
“She showed a great turn of foot and is going really well.”
Perfect Radiance, coming off a win over 1850m at Newcastle on August 11, was sent out the $6 second favourite.
Wayne Seelin’s consistent mare Apache Belle ($10) put in another strong run to finish third.
The win brought up a race to race double for the Waterhouse/Bott stable.
Race 7 – WYONG RACE CLUB LA GIOCONDA – F&M BM 68 (1600m):
Matt Dunn’s consistent mare Crazy Train put in another convincing performance to bring up her third career win.
The Bull Point four-year-old, has been in great form since transferring to the Dunn stable, with two wins and a placing from just four starts.
Another great ride by Sam Clipperton, helped secure victory for Crazy Train who was sent out $4.80 favourite.
After settling midfield, Clipperton took off on the turn and was able to draw away in the final stages to win by two lengths.
Dunn said it was great to see the mare perform so well.
“It was really nice to see her turn up and do what she did today – full credit to her,” he said.
“She’s got really good ability to quicken if she’s given a soft time and that’s what happened today.
“Sam rode her perfectly and gave her every opportunity to get to her top speed late.
“I’d like to have a few more like her.”
Buba ($6) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable was second, with John Sargent’s fast finishing Land Ahoy ($7.50), the one to follow.
Race 8 – CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 BM 64 (1000m):
Virgo continued the trend of the day for close finishes, snatching victory on the line to bookend the meeting for Godolphin.
The Zoustar mare brought up a treble for Sam Clipperton, who came from behind in the straight to secure victory by the shortest margin.
Virgo was coming off a fourth at Goulburn last start, and well supported starting at $5.50.
Darren Beadman said they had been pretty confident coming into the race.
“She’s been in good form and was a city class winner last preparation.
“On that past form I thought she’d be pretty hard to beat and that’s the way it panned out.”
Longbottom ($4) from the Lees stable was second, with Brett Partelle’s Perfect Style, putting in a strong home track performance to finish third.
German import Arabolini could provide John Cooper with the biggest thrill of his brief training career if he is successful in Sunday’s Carlton Draught Wyong Cup Prelude.
The six-year-old has been racing in career best form with back-to-back Gosford wins over the 2100m this preparation and has previously tasted success over the same distance on his home track.
The Prelude winner gains automatic entry to Friday’s $200,000 Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup and Cooper would have no hesitation pushing on to the Listed race.
“He’s having his best preparation to date, and I really expect a strong performance on Sunday, “he said.
“He’s had a couple of Provincial wins this time in and was placed at Rosehill two starts back. He’s going really well.
“He’s a German horse and was born in the May, so it has taken him longer to mature.
“He didn’t show much early but has continued to improve. think he will be an even better horse next year.”
Cooper, who comes from a strong equestrian background, has been training for three years and owns the half dozen horses he has in work.
He rides all his horses, floating them the 25 minutes to Wyong from his property at Central Mangrove.
He considers Arabolini, who has had 29 starts for five wins and seven placings, the best horse he has trained to date.
“Coolaminyah Kid has won more races but not of the same quality. Arabolini is the best horse we’ve had,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how he will go in the Prelude and all being well we will try him in the Wyong Cup.
“The track suits him, the bit of rain suits him, the short straight, he’s got plenty on his side.
“It would be very exciting to have a runner in the Cup, our biggest race to date, especially being on our home track.”
Cooper has engaged apprentice Ellen Hennessy to ride Arabolini.
“She has ridden him in his last three starts and he seems to go well for her. He enjoys her 3kg claims as well, which is helpful.”
Cooper is also confident of the chances of Hay John in the 1000m BM64.
The Magic Albert four-year-old has had two wins and a placing from nine starts.
“He’s had a bit of bad luck in his last couple of races. In his last start he got bumped at the barriers and then ran on well but ran up the back of a couple of other horses.
“He finished strongly, so I was pretty happy with him.
“Ellen will ride him for the first time, and I expect him to go well.”
The Cup Prelude has attracted a field of 11, with last start winners Deadly Impact trained by Matthew Dunn and Perfect Radiance from the Waterhouse/Bott stable among the runners.
The first of eight races gets underway at 12.20pm.
Tracey Bartley had a memorable day on his home track, with a winning double at the last Wyong meeting of the season.
The wins took Bartley’s 2020/21 total to 27, his best season to date.
Sebrenco and Defeat greeted the judge for the stable in their respective races, both well supported in the betting.
It was also a memorable day for popular jockey Grant Buckley who brought up 100 wins for the season on Sombre Prize, for Hawkesbury trainer Henry Reeves.
Reeves was also celebrating with the win his first since 2016.
Race 1 – TAB.COM.AU 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1100m):
A great first up effort saw the Grant Allard trained Rubielie ($3.30) out sprint her rivals over the 1100m.
The Rubick mare, having her 13th career start, had been luckless in several of her previous runs but returned fresh from a spell to bring up her debut win.
The speed was slow in the early stages, forcing Josh Parr to take off early in the straight.
Despite not trialling, Rubielie responded well and was able to finish strongly to win by a half-length.
“She’d done plenty of work at home and in the past, she’d raced well fresh,” stable representative Jake Hull said.
“I’m not sure how strong of a form race it is today, but she had too much on them.
“Things didn’t really go her way. They walked early and Josh made the right call to take off.
“She’s a bit of a slow mature, but the penny has really dropped with her now.”
Em Cee Gee ($3.50) from the Marc Connors stable was second, with Aleacia Bennett’s $3 favourite Rockamo, third.
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Race 2 – SKY RACING 4YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):
Sombre Prize gave popular jockey Grant Buckley his 100th win for the season, the Dream Ahead gelding bringing up his first win at start 20.
Buckley had to work hard to claim his century, with the Henry Reeves trained Sombre Prize ($7.50) laying in in the final stages, before recording a narrow victory.
He then had to survive a protest from the runner-up, which was quickly dismissed by stewards.
“He took some riding but I’m glad to get the 100 up,” Buckley said. “It takes a bit of pressure off now.
“He’s not an easy horse to ride. He wanted to lay all over the other horse, so it was a slog down the running.
“Henry only has a small team at Hawkesbury and does a good job. I rode him when he was placed second last start and we talked about where to start him next.
“This race looked cherry ripe for him, and it turned out well.”
The Dream Ahead four-year-old is Reeves’ only horse in work and has now had a win and three placings from his 20 starts.
He paid $7000 for Sombre Prize, who has given him his first winner since Stormy Benz in 2016.
Rod Bailey’s $2.80 race favourite Mister Ripley looked like ending a run of placings, only to be nailed on the line.
Gloraya ($15) from the Alexandre Lemarie stable, was third.
A decision by Mitchell and Desiree Kearney to back up Carlisle Bay paid off with the Smart Missile gelding breaking through for his first win.
The three-year-old was coming off a second over 1300m at Kembla on July 22, with the stable confident he would appreciate the quick back up and rise in distance.
Carlisle Bay did just that and courtesy of a well rated ride by Jean Van Overmeire, brought up his debut win at start ten.
Co-trainer Desiree Kearney said they had been confident the gelding would run well and expect more improvement next preparation.
“He has trained on really well since last run, is very fit and we couldn’t be happier,” she said.
“He tries very hard and is one of the unluckiest horses going around. We wanted to give him one more chance with the BOBS.
“He’s a smart little horse and I think we will have a bit more fun with him next preparation when he gets up over 1800m to 2000m.
“There is a race for him at home in two weeks, if he’s not giving us any reason not to, we will keep him going.”
It was the second win in three days for the Hawkesbury based Kearney stable, with a third at Kensington in between.
They paid $2000 for the then unraced two-year-old at an online sale in May last year.
Carlisle Bay ($4.40) beat the fast finishing $2.90 favourite Kouklara from the Pride stable, with Dr Evil ($17) trained by John Steinmetz, third.
An upset in the three-year-old maiden, with Brad Widdup’s Eminencia beating the two fancied Waller runners.
The I Am Invincible filly, having her fifth career start, was coming off a narrow defeat over 1300m at Hawkesbury last start.
Tom Sherry settled Eminencia ($12) just behind the early leader, hitting the front on straightening and holding out the Waller pair of Barrichello ($2.90) and Cat D’Oro ($2.60fav).
Stable representative Andre Rabett said the filly had finally brought her trackwork form to a race.
“It was great to see her win today,” he said.
“She’s always trialled well but has shown a few tricks in her races.
“It’s really good for her to come out and do everything right today and get the result.
“She’s finally shown what we see in trackwork and trials. Hopefully she will move forward to better races.”
Waller’s Cat D’Oro was the hard luck story of the race, denied a run in the final stages.
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Race 5 – GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m):
Tracey Bartley’s Sebrenco could head to the city for her next start, after bringing up her second career win.
The Sebring two-year-old, proved too strong for her older opposition, leading from barrier to post to record a one length victory.
Bartley will assess the filly over the next few days but could give her one final race in town to round off her preparation.
He had been confident coming into the race, after Sebrenco was runner-up at her two previous starts at Muswellbrook and Dubbo.
“She’s a young two-year-old and this is only her second race preparation,” he said.
“She shows good potential at home, and I thought she’d be hard to beat today.
“She’s a nice filly and being on her home track, from the soft draw and on top of the ground, I knew there would be improvement.
“She got a good kick coming to the corner and put them away.
“I’d like to see her in a race where she can take a sit and relax, that would be ideal.
“I’ll assess her over the next few days but might give her one more run in town.”
Sebrenco, the $2.90 favourite, beat the Kim Waugh trained Underboss ($13), who stormed home in an impressive first up run, with Bec Dunn’s On Her Word ($5.50) third.
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Race 6 – CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m):
Gary Moore’s consistent Prince Invincible could be headed for a Midway Handicap on the strength of his strong three and a half length win.
The heavily backed son of I Am Invincible brought up his second win with Tim Clark in the saddle.
In typical Clark style, Prince Invincible was given a great front-running ride, drawing away in the final stages.
Clark was full of compliments for Prince Invincible, a $580,000 yearling purchase, who now has two wins and five placings from 10 starts.
“He’s going really well and is in a really good zone at the moment,” Clark said.
“He’s a really happy horse and that translates to a really good performance, probably a personal best for him and hopefully he can continue in that way.
“He was caught wide at his last start but still ran a solid race. They freshened him up, then he had a good tick over trial win and came here in really good order.
“Gary has done a great job with him. A think a tilt at the Midway could be well and truly on the cards.”
Prince Invincible($3.60fav) beat Allan Denham’s Gidgee Guy ($7.50), with Into The Fire ($7.50) from the Bjorn Baker stable, third.
Matt Vella’s Sniper Legend, well supported in the betting, failed to load at the barriers.
A perfect ride and quick tempo set the scene for Go Gazza to bring up back-to-back wins and plot a course to a Midway Handicap.
The Foxwedge three-year-old was coming off a last start Wyong win over the same distance and earned strong support starting at $5.
Tommy Berry, who rode Go Gazza to his dominant maiden win, settled him midfield off the strong tempo, before bringing him to the front on straightening.
He was able to hold out the fast-finishing favourite, Bjorn Baker’s Lake Tai ($3.50), to win by a long neck.
Trainer Mark Minervini said Go Gazza, a $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, had always shown ability.
“He took confidence out of the maiden win and Tommy was impressed, so we said we will do what worked and bring him back.
“As it turned out it was the right race, over the right distance, with the right jockey. Everything aligned and he got the job done.
“He’s related to a couple of Oaks winners, and we did a DNA test on him that told us he will run up to 2400m.
“We aren’t in a hurry to get him there. I think he will be well suited for a midweek or a Midway, so we will see what’s around.
Another of the Baker runners, Deel With Me ($10) was third.
Tracey Bartley was expecting a much-improved performance by Defeat and that’s exactly what he got with the five-year-old winning by almost three lengths.
The I Am Invincible gelding capped off a great day for the stable, with Sebrenco scoring earlier in the program.
Bartley said Defeat had been the victim of bad track conditions and barrier draws in his recent runs.
Despite drawing wide at Wyong, the good track rating suited and the win resulted.
Brock Ryan was given instructions to rev the five-year-old up midrace, and he followed them to a tee, taking off at the 600m.
Defeat circled the field and kicked in the straight, drawing away for a dominant win.
“I told him to rip into him and build momentum and that’s exactly what he did,” Bartley said.
“They weren’t going to beat him with that momentum. He rode him a treat.
“It’s been a great year and credit to the staff.”
Defeat ($7), who earned plenty of late support, beat fellow Wyong gallopers Big Surprise ($15) from the Buchanan stable, and Damien Lane’s Oakfield Target ($4.80).
Wyong trainer Mark Cross regrets he took blinkers off Victorian purchase River Tycoon at his last start when he failed on his home track on June 17 after an encouraging second there a fortnight earlier.
But he won’t make the same mistake on Thursday when the lightly-raced four-year-old lines up in the Sky Racing 4YO & Up Maiden Handicap (1350m) – and with a new rider.
Cross has booked Rachel King to partner the Written Tycoon gelding, and is confident he can break through at his eighth start, and fourth for him.
“We bought him earlier in the year (he had been placed over 1400m at Bendigo in February), and I took a fair bit of gear off him but put blinkers on when he led and ran fourth at Newcastle in May at his first start for us,” Cross said today.
“I made an error and took the blinkers off him after he ran second over 1350m at Wyong on June 3, and it backfired when he ran last of seven over 1600m there a fortnight later.
“The blinkers go back on this time, and his recent work in them has been better than ever.
“He has topweight (58.5kg) to carry, but I’m confident he will be hard to beat.”
River Tycoon was an early $3 second favourite with TAB.com.au behind fellow Wyong trainer Rod Bailey’s Mister Ripley ($2.80).
Cross also runs another recent purchase Sian (Louise Day) in the Wyong’s Next Race Meeting Sunday August 29 Benchmark 64 Handicap (1350m).
Previously prepared by Kris Lees at Newcastle, Cross secured the Pride Of Dubai three-year-old online after he had won over 1600m on his former home track on May 18.
At his first start for his new trainer, he finished seventh to dead-heaters Budhwar and General Dubai in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1350m) at Wyong on June 17.
“I have put blinkers back on him and also ear muffs,” Cross said.
“The ear muffs help keep him calm, and I have been happy with his work since he has been galloping in them.
“I feel he can run a nice race, but it won’t be easy to win with 60kg topweight.
“River Tycoon is definitely the pick of our pair.”
Cross is one of Australia’s “unique” trainers as, apart from preparing racehorses, he also trains detector dogs under he and his wife Alison’s aptly-named Unique K9 Protective Services business, acknowledged as Australia’s leading bomb detection dog outfit.
He has been involved in security for more than four decades, and his reputation saw him called on by the USA not long after the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks which killed nearly 3000 people and injured more than 6000 others.
Cross took a number of detector dogs to New York, and stayed there for a couple of months, helping them settle in to the work required.
Understandably, the trip left a lasting impression. “It was just horrific,” he said. “Words can’t describe the scene and how I felt.”
Thursday’s meeting winds up the season at Wyong, but Jockeys’ Premiership pacesetters Jason Collett (13 wins) and Brenton Avdulla (12 wins) are absentees from the eight-race card.
Nonetheless, Rachel King, Tommy Berry and Tim Clark – each currently on 10 wins – will be hard pressed to tie with Collett, let alone overhaul him.
King and Clark have six rides apiece, and Berry has five mounts.
Aside from River Tycoon, King rides Contamination ($6), On Her Word ($4.40), Gidgee Guy ($8), Ocean Go ($11), and Thailand ($15).
Clark partners Who Fancies You ($6), Spicy Restaurant ($12), Day Performer ($8), Prince Invincible ($9.50), Silent Agenda ($5.50), and Anotherthinkcomin ($12), whilst Berry’s rides are Amber One $7.50), Barrichello ($2.70), Moralist ($19), Go Gazza ($6.50), and Vanilla Sky ($10).
Godolphin’s James Cummings enters the season closer on 10 wins, and with a two-win lead over Chris Waller and Bjorn Baker.
Cummings has only one runner, Contamination, which King rides in the Ryan’s Metal Roofing Maiden Handicap (1600m).
Sydney’s premier trainer Waller has three representatives – Berry’s mount Barrichello, Apollate (Lee Magorrian) and Cat D’Oro (Josh Parr) – all contesting the De Bortoli Wines 3YO Maiden Plate (1350m).
Baker runs Into The Fire (Parr) in the Carlton Wyong Gold Cup Friday September 3 Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m), along with Deel With Me (Jay Ford) and Lake Tai (Parr) in the Happy Birthday Grant Pidgeon Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1600m).
SELECTIONS:
RACE 1 – 12.25PM: TAB.COM.AU 4YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): RUBIELLE 1, Rockamo 2, Em Cee Gee 3.
RACE 2 – 1.00PM: SKY RACING 4YO & UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m): RIVER TYCOON 1, Mister Ripley 2, Sombre Prize 3.
RACE 3 – 1.35PM: RYAN’S METAL ROOFING MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m): KOUKLARA 1, Carlisle Bay 2, Contamination 3.
RACE 4 – 2.10PM: DE BORTOLI WINES 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): CAT D’ORO 1, Barrichello 2, Whatever I Say 3.
RACE 5 – 2.45PM: GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m): ON HER WORD 1, Sepoy Star 2, Day Performer 3.
RACE 6 – 3.25PM: CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m): AGRUM 1, Sniper Legend 2, Gidgee Guy 3.
Kim Waugh’s debutant Pretty Enuff was one of the standouts on a strong day of racing at Wyong.
The Rich Enuff filly was impressive in winning the 1200m Prov & Ctry Maiden and looks to have a bright future.
Mr Bond emerged as a good staying prospect for Brad Widdup after blitzing his opposition in the 2100m Class 1 & Maiden.
There could be some promising newcomers’ surface from the two-year-old race including the winner Sealion from the Waterhouse/Bott stable and Tracey Bartley’s Mabel, who stormed home to be narrowly beaten.
Jay Ford took out the riding honours with a double, partnering Mr Bond to victory and Roderick’s Secret for Matthew Smith in the 1600m Class 1.
Race 1 – Great Northern Maiden (1350m):
Crazy Wolf took out the opening event, despite the Hawkes trained three-year-old looking beaten on the turn.
The All Too Hard gelding started $2.70 favourite and was settled toward the rear of the small field by Regan Bayliss.
When he asked for an effort on the corner, Crazy Wolf dropped the bridle and looked beaten.
But Bayliss was able to get the best out him in the final stages, with Crazy Wolf rallying to win by three quarters of a length.
Kim Waugh’s Don’t Recall was the hard luck story of the race, finishing second after hanging badly in the straight.
Bullet Hero ($2.80) from the Mark Newnham stable, was a long head behind in third.
The winner, a $210,000 Magic Millions yearling, was having his fourth start, his previous three runs in Victoria.
Brad Widdup is excited about the prospects of his stayer Mr Bond, who made short work of his opposition to score a dominant five and half-length win over the 2100m.
Jay Ford settled the Darci Brahma four-year-old at the rear of the field for much of the race, before making his move on the turn and outsprinting his rivals in the final stages.
Widdup said the gelding, who had two starts in New Zealand before joining his stable, had plenty of potential.
“He’s a nice type of horse and I think he could have some better staying races ahead of him,” he said.
“He came over to me in great order from New Zealand and has been pretty straight forward to train.
“He got cast in the box after his Nowra win, so we had to take a bit of time with him.
“The run at Kembla last start just topped him off for today.
“He’s going to be a lovely horse next time and is going from strength to strength.”
Mr Bond ($2.40fav) beat Kermajack ($4.40) from the Waller stable, with the Waterhouse/Bott trained Mantinello ($2.45) third.
A top Tommy Berry ride secured victory for the Mark Minervini trained Go Gazza.
The Foxwedge gelding, a $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, is raced by Newcastle based Minervini and a group of his friends.
He was a runner up at Kembla over the same distance last start and looked well suited to the Wyong race. Berry settled him toward the rear, before circling the field on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by almost two lengths.
Go Gazza started at $5 after the Waller trained runner-up Mouvement earned strong late support and was sent out $2.45 favourite.
Law Party ($3.20) from the Newnham stable was third, with Kylie Gavenlock’s Trojan Hero the one to follow, making up plenty of ground in the straight.
The consistent Go Gazza has now had a win and three placings from his seven starts.
An exciting four-way finish saw the locally trained Apex narrowly beaten on the line by Roderick’s Secret from the Matthew Smith yard.
John Cooper’s Apex ($15) looked the winner after leading throughout but was swamped on the line by the backmarkers.
A Rubick’s gelding, Roderick’s Secret ($9) brought up his second win at start 18.
It was another great ride by Jay Ford, to bring up a winning double, taking off at the 400m mark, making up ground on the turn and storming down the outside to win by a half head.
The $50,000 yearling was coming off a sixth at Hawkesbury last start over the same distance, beaten just over two lengths.
The John Thompson trained Speedzone ($3.60) was third, with the $2.60 favourite UK import Sidereal, struggling under the 62kg.
John Thompson’s consistent mare Eye See Things continued her strong preparation bringing up another win.
The Star Witness four-year-old has had seven runs this time in for two wins and five placings.
She added to her win tally with a great ride by Rachel King, who went head-to-head with the favourite Born To Play around the turn, before drawing away to win by a length and a half.
The $150,000 Magic Millions yearling now has career stats of two wins and eight placings from 12 starts.
Eye See Things ($3.30) beat the Damien Lane trained Oakfield Captain ($19), who put in a much-improved run, with Matthew Smith’s American Salute ($5.50) third.
The $3.20 favourite Born To Play struggled in the final stages, finishing more than three lengths behind in sixth.
A clever ride by James Innes Jnr secured victory for Star Cherie, a daughter of Star Witness, who brought up her second win from five starts.
The Ryan/Alexiou trained three-year-old relished the improving track conditions to win by a long neck over the $3.10 favourite Head On Up.
Innes looked like being posted wide from the barriers but elected to stride up and settle the filly just behind the leader.
She hit the front on straightening and dug deep in the final stages to record her second win.
Gerald Ryan described the winner as “a little fighter.”
“That’s one of her best qualities, she’s a real fighter. She’s no star but she digs deep and has a go.
“For her first racing prep she’s done a terrific job. She might be looking for a rest now, but we’ll see how she pulls up, she could have one more run.”
