Fran

A dominant win by Margie Bee secured the Magic Millions Wyong Provincial Trainers title for Kristen Buchanan.

The Dreamscape mare brought up her fifth career win in the FULTONS FLYING FETLOCKS BENCHMARK 64 over1600 metres, with Mikayla Weir in the saddle.

The race carried double points in the Magic Millions Series, and with Buchanan already on two points from an earlier meeting, she scooped the pool taking out both the round and overall title. 

She received flights, transfers and accommodation to the MM Sale of choice for being the leading Provincial trainer on the day and took home at $5000 MM Sales credit for winning the series. 

“It’s just fabulous. I’m excited about the prize and I’m excited for Margie Bee. This win over the 1600m adds a whole new dimension to her going forward,” Buchanan said.

“It is so good for Magic Millions and the Wyong club to put on this series for Provincial trainers. 

“It’s a fantastic prize and I got in at the last minute.”

Margie Bee qualified for the Sky Racing Summer Provincial Series with a second in the Wyong heat over 1350m on November 26. 

Buchanan was unsure if the five-year-old would run out the 1600m, the distance of the final, to be run at Wyong on January 2.

“She’s very tough and she’s very smart and she knows her home track and where the finishing track is. I thought if the race was run that way, she was good chance.

“In previous preparations I would never have dreamt she would get to the mile. I have the Provincial Series to thank for pushing my hand.

“I thought we’d test her out over the 1600m, and it happened to be the MM double points race, so it all worked out. 

“It was a beautiful, well-judged ride by Mikayla, she just gave her a cuddle in the run and that’s the key to her.” 

Coming off the second at Wyong last start, Margie Bee earned good late support and was sent out at $3.40.

The five-year-old led throughout drawing away on the line to win by almost two lengths.

She beat the $3.30 favourite Shamani, from the Freedman stable, with Austreet ($31) trained by Jarrod Austin, third. 

Buchanan said she would likely trial Margie Bee prior to the January 2 final.

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

Stoltz looks to be a horse with a future after bringing up back to back Wyong wins.

The More Than Ready gelding broke his maiden at Wyong on November 26 and followed that up with a strong win in the 1200m FIRE & GENERAL CLASS 1.

The victory brought up a double for Tommy Berry, who has partnered the three-year-old in both his wins. 

Berry led throughout on Stoltz ($5) and was dominant to the line, recording a length win.

Up and coming trainer Annabel Neasham has a good opinion of Stoltz, a $200,000 Magic Millions yearling.

“I was really impressed with the win today,” she said.

“Prior to the race I thought it mapped like there was going to be too much speed for him to get in a forward spot, but he rocketed out of the gates.

“Tommy just used his initiative and got to the rails, he got a few cheap sectionals mid-race and then kicked away and was too good. 

“That’s why you put people like Tommy on because when things don’t map like you think, they can still put them in the right spot.”

Neasham said Stoltz will now head to a midweek Metropolitan race. 

“I’ll see how he comes through. I’d like to find a race for him at the Magic Millions, but he’ll go to a mid-week from here.”

Stoltz beat the $2.80 race favourite Yangarra Rose from the Snowden stable, with Bravio ($15) trained by Mark Minnervini successfully protesting for third. 

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

Speedy mare Miss Dior ($3.40) put together her third consecutive win taking out the 1000m SYSCON BENCHMARK 64.

Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden and ridden by Adrian Layt, the mare has greeted the judge at all three starts since a freshen up in September. 

She posted a Wyong victory on November 7, followed up with a Kembla win on November 28, completing the treble with her second Wyong win. 

Layt, who has partnered Miss Dior in all three wins, settled her just behind the leader before hitting the front in the straight and drawing away to win by a long neck.

She beat the $2.90 race favourite Able Hill, trained by Bjorn Baker, with Star Harada ($21) from the Wendy Roache stable, more than two lengths behind in third.

Snowden’s racing manager Colum McCullagh said Miss Dior had been a work in progress. 

“Peter and Paul always knew she had ability, but it’s taken her a while to put things together. 

“She has really turned the corner now and hopefully she can go on with it.”

A four-year-old by Brazen Beau, Miss Dior has now put together three wins from just six starts. 

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

Irish bred Harpo Marx brought up his first Australian win with a dominant staying performance in the 2100m INTERNATIONAL POLES CLASS 1 & MAIDEN.

The five-year-old was given a patient ride by Rachel King, before drawing away in the straight.

It was his first victory for trainer Bjorn Baker, his other win recorded at Tipperary, Ireland in June 2019.

He went on to be placed sixth in a Group 2 at Ascot and was subsequently seventh in a Group 1 before coming to Australia.

He has been in consistent form since joining the Baker stable and was coming off a second at Canterbury on November 27. 

He was sent out $1.16 favourite and beat Bulwark ($20) trained by Robert and Luke Price by three and a half lengths, with Zoomerango ($31) from the Perry stable third.

The son of Galileo looks set to win more races on the back of his impressive victory. 

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

A thrilling finish to the SICAME AUSTRALIA MAIDEN between the two favourites before Resilient Star grabbed victory on the line. 

The More Than Ready gelding, was having his fourth start, with a previous second at Gosford and a fourth at Warwick Farm. 

The Freedman trained three-year-old was ridden by Tommy Berry, who continued a great run at Wyong, after posting four winners at the previous meeting.

Berry settled Resilient Star ($2.90) toward the rear of the small field in the 1350m race, winding him up on the turn. 

He drew level with Saint Of Katowice ($2.80fav) halfway down the straight but ran out twice before Berry was able to straighten him just before the line. 

“I thought he’d got beat,” a relieved Richard Freedman said after the race. 

“It’s a tricky angle but he got in by the skin of his teeth.

“He is just about at the end of his preparation. I’ll speak to Michael (Freedman) and I’d say he will most probably spell. 

“He’s running about and has got a few things to learn but he’s knocked off his maiden now.” 

Freedman said the Vinery bred Resilient Star has a lot of growing to do and will be a better horse as he gets older.

Just A Jedi ($12) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, was almost two lengths behind in third. 

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

Teronito ($3.70) scored his debut win in THE ENERGY NETWORKS METRO & PROV MAIDEN over 1600m impressing trainer Nathan Doyle.

The Excelebration gelding, having only his second start for the Doyle stable, was ridden by Koby Jennings.

He settled the four-year-old toward the rear in the early stages, bringing him to the rails on straightening. 

He was able to hold out Mark Newnham’s fast finishing Prince Six ($11) and Desert Flame ($7) from the Payne stable, to win by half a length. 

“I think he’s a progressive horse and it’s good to see him win today,” Doyle said.

“He will improve over the staying trips and was second up over the mile today.

“I always thought he was a blinkers horse and he pulled up at the line today.  

“He definitely needs them. He should have won a bit more comfortably but just wanted to stop when he got in front. 

“I think he will run at least 2000m, perhaps a bit further if he relaxes well. 

“He’s shown us at home that he seems to want a trip, but we’ll step him up slowly and let him tell us.”

Doyle said Teronito was their first winner for owner Superhorse. 

“We’ve had about four runners for them, and he is our first win,” Doyle said.

Teronito had previously been trained by Gwenda Markwell, where he was placed twice at Kembla Grange. 

He was second at Muswellbrook in his first start for the Doyle stable, over 1280m on November 27, and went one better at Wyong. 

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

Mark Newnham’s consistent four-year-old That’s Better broke through for a well- deserved win in the 1000m LAWRENCE & HANSON MAIDEN.

Despite running wide on the turn, Josh Parr was able to take hold of the Exceed and Excel gelding, who went to the line more than two lengths ahead of his rivals. 

That’s Better ($3.40) led from barrier to post and beat the John Thompson trained Pacific Ocean ($7.50), with French Bonnet ($3.50) from the Waugh stable, storming home to finish third. 

French Bonnet had a hard luck tale after losing considerable ground mid-race when she brushed the rial and put in an eye-catching finish.

The winner, a $300,000 Inglis yearling, was having his fifth race start, having been narrowly beaten at Wyong over the same distance on November 18. 

He had previously posted two seconds and a third from four starts, the three placings all on provincial tracks. 

Bred and raced by Domeland, That’s Better could be headed for bigger things, on the strength of the win in strong maiden company. 

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

A great end to the second day of the Magic Millions Wyong Provincial Trainers Series with Stephen Schofield and Kristen Buchanan both winners. 

Magic Millions generously donated a second prize pack of airfares, transfers and accommodation to the MM sale of choice, when the trainers finished on equal points after the meeting.

The final leg of the series will be on MM Day, December 16, with the overall winner receiving a $5000 credit to spend at the sales. 

It was a super day of racing, with some impressive maiden winners including Can Do It and Beiber, who look likely to take the next step.

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

Well-bred Godolphin filly Reverse opened her winning account taking out the 1000m BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT WYONG RACE CLUB MAIDEN.

The Exceed and Excel three-year-old was resuming from a spell, having debuted at Kembla in May. 

Two good trials heading into the race had her primed for a strong first up performance and she didn’t disappoint.

Jason Collett settled Reverse just behind the leaders, bringing her to the outside in the straight.

She was able to run down her rivals in the final stages, finishing strongly to record a half-length win. 

Stable representative Josh Whittaker said the filly had matured a bit courtesy of the trials. 

“She got some nice easy trials under her belt coming into this and that has helped her mature and get the job done today,” he said. 

“She jumped well, not like her first start, and that was a big help. She’s a lovely bred filly and should go on with it.”

Reverse started $4.40 favourite after Kristen Buchanan’s first starter, Eyewitness was scratched at the barrier. 

She beat the Mark Newnham trained That’s Better ($4.60), with Gallant Run ($5) from the Gary and John Moore stable, third. 

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

Goulburn visitor Can Do It made short work of his opposition to take out the DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN over 1600metres in impressive style.

The three-year-old, a $100,000 Magic Millions yearling, had superior form heading into the race, having been placed twice this preparation. 

He was coming off a fourth at Randwick on November 4 over the 1400m.

Can Do It, a colt by American sire No Nay Never, appreciated the rise in distance and dominated the field, posting a four and a half length win.

Chad Lever had him in the gun position throughout outside the leader, before speeding past the tiring Aunty on the turn.

He sped away on straightening and was never in danger in the final stages. 

Can Do It looks certain to make a return to mid-week Metropolitan grade on the back of the win. 

Trained by Jean Dubois, Can Do It was sent out $1.75 favourite, and beat Aunty ($15) trained by Anthony Cummings, with Lincoln Park ($7) from the Perry yard, a half-length behind in third. 

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

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Belieber ($1.30fav) lived up to his trial form with a dominant maiden win over the 1100m. 

Raced by the Tait family and sporting the colours made famous by champion Tie The Knot, Belieber cruised to the line three lengths ahead of his opposition in the TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN. 

Tim Clark led throughout and had the rest of field off the bit and chasing a long way from home. 

Neil Paine, representing the stable, said Gai and Adrian would be “rapt” with the win. 

“It was a terrific win. Gai and Adrian think he is up to Sydney Saturday class and he showed he’s on track for that today,” he said.

“Let’s hope he can prove them right and go on with it.

“They like to send these horses up this way to learn their trade and get a win on the board. It gives them so much confidence.

“He hasn’t beat the greatest field, but it was the way he did it and the confidence he will take out of it. 

“Once Tim released the brakes, he went away with it.”

Beiber, a Zoustar gelding, was having his third career start, having previously finished fourth at two Randwick starts. 

He beat the Richard and Michael Freedman trained Screebe ($6.50), with Soldier’s Desire ($21) from the Widdup stable, third.

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

A super ride by Robbie Dolan secured victory for the Snowden trained Miss Sure Shot in the BOOK NOW WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS DECEMBER 16 F&M BENCHMARK 64 over 1200 metres.

The Shooting To Win mare, a $150,000 MM yearling, was given a ten out of ten ride by Dolan, and was able to run over her opposition in the final stages to win by more than a length.

Raced by Triple Crown Syndications, Miss Sure Shot is becoming a Wyong specialist with both her wins recorded on the track. 

The four-year-old mare brought up her maiden win in December 2019 and was coming off two Randwick trials prior to her latest outing. 

She was well supported starting at $3.80 and beat the locally trained Mosht Up ($13) from the Schofield stable, with Designer Maid ($16) trained by Blake Fitzpatrick, third. 

Miss Sure Shot has now had two wins and two placings from nine starts.

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

An exciting three-way finish in the GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP with the Matthew Smith trained Majella getting the bob on the line.

The six-year-old mare was given a great ride by Glyn Schofield and snatched victory by a long head, over the Jason Coyle trained Benfica Maid.

Schofield gave the Testa Rossa mare a nice rails run in the straight to bring up her third win at start 10.

Paul Rowe, representing the stable, said the mare had been luckless in a few of her recent runs. 

“She’s always had her fair share of ability but has been unlucky with barriers and in the running in her past few starts,” he said.

“Today she got good midfield cover and Glyn got her to switch off. She finished the race off well.

“It was a good ride with Glyn pinching runs through the inside. He got a nice split in the straight and she hit the line well.”

Magella ($4.40) beat Benfica Maid ($10), with One Pound ($9.50) from the Kody Nestor stable, a long head behind in third. 

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

Speedy Muswellbrook mare Eminette put paid to her opposition in fine style, taking out the 1000m MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE BENCHMARK 68 by two lengths. 

The four-year-old led from barriers to post, defying plenty of mid-race pressure to score her fourth win from 12 starts, with Jeff Penza in the saddle.

Trainer Jan Bowen bred the Epaulette mare and races her, making the win even more special. 

“Jeff rode her perfect today,” she said. 

“There was plenty of pressure around the turn, but Jeff knows her and that paid off. 

“She always shows plenty of speed and went really good today.”

It was Penza’s second winning ride on the mare, the pair having tasted success at Muswellbrook on August 4.

Eminette was coming off a last start fourth at Muswellbrook over the 900m on November 3. 

She earned late support in the betting at Wyong and was sent out $5. 

Eminette beat the Ron Quinton trained Hibiscus Lady ($3.80), with the locally trained Upper East Side ($19) from the Buchanan stable, a length behind in third. 

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

Big Bad Bruce broke through for his third career win, taking out the 

SKY RACING PROVINCIAL SUMMER SERIES WYONG NOVEMBER 26 BOOK NOW CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP in impressive style. 

The Not A Single Doubt gelding, trained by Joe Pride, is headed for metropolitan grade on the back of the win. 

Sam Clipperton gave the five-year-old a super ride, weaving a passage in the straight before bursting clear in the final stages to win by more than two lengths over the 1200m. 

“It was soft in the end and that’s the way they need to be if they are going to progress to the next stage,” Pride said. 

“We wanted to take him back to metro grade this time around and will be heading that way now. 

“It was a nice ride by Sam, giving him a cosy run just behind the speed and that won him the race.”

It was the second win for Triple Crown Syndications on the day, with Miss Sure Shot having taken out an earlier race. 

Big Bad Bruce ($3.10) beat the $2.70 race favourite Wild Chap, with Thiswilldous ($12) trained by Damien Lane, third.  

Matthew Smith and James Cummings shared the training honours at our Carlton Draught Spring Race meeting, training half the program.

Both stables bagged doubles, while Jeff Penza rode two winners. 

A quinella for Godolphin in the BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT WYONG RACE CLUB MAIDEN kicked off their winning double with Winston Blue narrowly beating stablemate and race favourite Dhakuri.

Jeff Penza settled the Sebring gelding near the rear of the field in the 1600m race, before gaining momentum on the turn and storming home to claim a narrow victory. 

The Godophin pair overhauled She’s Justified ($8.50), denying Matthew Smith of a race to race double. 

Lee Cundy, representing James Cummings, said Winston Blue had taken plenty of fitness into the race. 

“He had a bit more fitness going into the race, with a few extra runs than Dhakuri,” he said. 

“He gets to the line well and we thought the extra distance would suit. 

“He has been a work in progress but has had a good couple of weeks going this and we were hoping to see an improved effort so he could get the job done.” 

Three-year-old Winston Blue ($4.20) was having his fourth career start, coming off a fifth at Newcastle over 1400m on October 17. 

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

A gun ride by Christian Reith gave Godolphin their second winner for the day with Mollycoddle taking out the 1350m 2 FLIES CHAMPION RYAN MARTIN F&M MAIDEN.

Reith followed his riding instructions to a tee, settling the Lonhro filly closer to the lead. 

He hit the front mid-way down the straight and Mollycoddle, the $2.40 favourite, was able to sprint away to win by almost two lengths. 

“We wanted to ride her a bit more forward today if the circumstances permitted and Christian was able to do that,” foreman Lee Cundy said. 

“There wasn’t a lot of pace and she wasn’t far off them at any stage. 

“That gave her the best chance at the finish and that’s how it worked out.”

Mollycoddle was second up after resuming with a second at Gosford over 1200m on October 8. 

Having her seventh career start, she beat Dizzy Dawn ($21) trained by Craig Carmody, with the luckless Moremi ($3.20) from the Richard Litt stable, third. 

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

A patient ride by Blake Spriggs brought up the first win for the Smith stable, with Rebel Bro ($9) taking out the RYAN’S METAL ROOFING CG&E MAIDEN over 1350m. 

The Matthew Smith trained gelding broke through for his debut win at his seventh career start.

The four-year-old was coming off a disappointing ninth at Canberra over 1200m on October 23 but had caught the eye with two placings at Nowra and Kembla at the end of his previous preparation.

Spriggs settled Rebel Bro at the rear of the field and was last at the turn. He rounded the field and put in a sustained run to snatch victory on the line. 

He beat the John O’Shea trained Prince Invincible ($3.60), with Peter Robl’s $2.80 favourite Finally Realise, third.

It was a case of one ride, one win for Spriggs, with Rebel Bro his only mount for the meeting.

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

A last stride victory by Latina Beauty in the 2 FLIES LIFE MEMBERS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 secured a winning double for the Smith stable. 

The Deep Field mare, a $160,000 Magic Million yearling, followed the pattern of the day and came from the rear of the field in the 1350m race to grab a narrow win.

Ridden by Tyler Schiller, the four-year-old was having her 14^th career start, having previously posted victories at Canberra and Goulburn. 

Latina Beauty resumed from a spell with a third at Canberra on October 9 and was sent out at $18. 

Race favourite Foxborough ($3.40), trained by John Sargent, looked to have the race won but Schiller was able to get the best out of the mare in the final stages to score a narrow win. 

Acoustix ($4.40) trained by Tas Morton, was a length behind in third. 

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

An emotional win for the connections of Miss Dior with the mare overcoming significant health issues just to make it to the track.

By Brazen Beau, the Snowden trained Miss Dior, was primed for a first up win and didn’t disappoint taking out the 1000m 2 FLIES RUNNER-UP GABE RIVETT MAIDEN in impressive style. 

The four-year-old hadn’t raced since early January but had been given three trials leading into the race. 

Her latest trial at Hawkesbury on October 19 caught the eye and she was sent out $3.70 second favourite. 

Adrian Layt opted to take a sit just off the leader Jaytees, before hitting the front around the 150m mark and drawing away in the final stages to win by a length and a half. 

Miss Dior was bred by Ali Foye and her family near Scone and considering her injury plagued early years, it was doubtful she would ever make it to the track. 

As a foal, she lost her mother when she was just three months old and went on to have eye surgery and a paddock injury before she was six months. 

“It didn’t end there,” Foye said. 

“In total she has had chips removed from both stifles and hocks, her front right knee and left fetlock, a micro fracture in the left fetlock, severe arthritis in both front fetlocks. 

“She was passed in at the Easter Sales because of her poor x rays despite her sister selling for $550,000 the previous year, so we decided to race her ourselves.

“I run a specialist equine injury rehab facility at Scone, Gundy Park Equine, so I’ve been able to care for her myself and help get her up and racing.

“It was very emotional seeing her win and I don’t mind admitting I shed a few tears.”

Stable representative Colm McCullough said they had been expecting a nice, first up performance from Miss Dior.

“She has always shown us that she has good toe,” he said. “She’s very much a sprinter, much like her sire and we thought the tight track and soft barrier would suit her today.”

The Tracey Bartley trained favourite Jaytees ($3.30) was runner-up, his 10^th placing from 12 starts, with Impulsive Tycoon ($4.80) from the Hawkes stable, third. 

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

Scone galloper Reveal The Magic proved too strong for his opposition in the final stages of the 1000m 2 FLIES QUEENSLAND CREW BENCHMARK 64. 

Locally trained Invincible Kiss looked to have the race won, before Reveal The Magic came from the rear of the field to grab victory on the line. 

The win brought up a double for Jeff Penza. 

The Magic Albert gelding, trained by Peter Bloomfield, was narrowly beaten at his last start on his home track over 1100m on October 23. 

He is a recent addition to the Bloomfield stable and was having his fourth start for them, having previously been trained by David Atkins. 

Reveal The Magic ($9.50) brought up his second win at his 15^th start, and has been placed nine times. 

He beat the Wayne Seelin trained Invincible Kiss ($4.60), with Pearl Roan ($9) from the Steve Hodge stable, third. 

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

The Anthony Cummings trained Shadow Girl made it back to back wins taking out the 2 FLIES PUNTERS CLUB NSW CLASS 1 & MAIDEN over 2100m. 

The consistent Uncle Mo mare broke through for her maiden win at Kembla over 2000m on October 24 and backed it up with a strong Wyong victory courtesy of a great ride by the in-form Alysha Collett.

Collett took advantage of the slow pace in a muddling run race and was able to settle the four-year-old toward the rear of the small field.

She took Shadow Girl ($4.60) wide on the turn, sweeping home in the straight to run down the Godolphin trained favourite La Sagra ($3.40) and Gunaluva ($14), from the John Sargent stable. 

Shadow Girl is amassing a strong record with two wins and six placings from just nine starts.

Collett has been in great form in recent weeks, with Shadow Girl bringing up her sixth win in less than two weeks. 

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

A tough win by Brook Hill to take out the last, the LJ HOOKER BUDGEWOI CLASS 1 for Bjorn Baker and Mitchell Bell. 

Schiller circled the field on the turn and was able to fight on in the straight to win by a long neck. 

He beat the $4.20 favourite General Dubai, from the Robl stable, with the fast finishing Pink Beau ($11), trained by Kim Waugh, third. 

The lightly raced Hinchinbrook gelding, a $110,000 yearling, was second up from a spell, having finished sixth over 1250m at Newcastle on October 17. 

Brook Hill ($12) was having his fifth career start, having posted a win at Newcastle in May and placing on the same track. 

Kim Waugh admitted to a few nervous moments before her classy galloper Bethencourt strode to victory on his home track to bring up his second career win. 

The flashy grey was green in the final stages, shifting in sharply when James McDonald pulled the stick in the straight before knuckling down to score a dominant win. 

Bethencourt had to overcome a wide barrier and settled back further than expected, but still managed to greet the judge in the MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO’S IN TRAINING SALE – 10TH NOV – GOLD COAST BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

“You don’t want to know what I was thinking,” Waugh laughed after the win. 

“We drew very wide and didn’t have the greatest option there. 

“He is still so new. He was a bit lost and back further than we expected. 

“The pace was on and down the straight he was all over the place but he’s a nice horse. I’m really excited to see what he can do when the penny drops.”

Waugh said McDonald had been keen to stick with the Puissance De Lune gelding. 

“James was excited about coming here to ride him today. He loves him.”

She said she expected Bethencourt will get over more ground. 

“I’m definitely looking forward to him getting up to a mile and even 2000m.

“He’s always shown a lot of promise and has very good ability but he’s immature still.

“When you’ve got a good opinion of a horse you’ve got to nurse them through.”

Bethencourt was sent out $1.90 favourite on the strength of his last start second at Kembla over 1200m. 

He beat the Brooke Somers trained Budwar ($26) by a length, with Godolphin’s Chanting ($4.80), third.

The win brought up a double for McDonald, having tasted success with Nyami earlier on the program.

It also secured Waugh the first round of our Magic Millions Provincial Trainers Series with Bethencourt scoring double points, six, with the win.   

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

A typical front running ride by Tim Clark set up the ELECTRA CABLES 4YO&UP MAIDEN for the Waterhouse/Bott trained Alumna.

Clark took the $2 race favourite to an early lead in the 1600m race, dictating terms in the small field. 

He kicked away on the turn and was able to cling on in the final stages to win by a long neck.

Neil Paine, representing the stable, said it was a typical performance by one of their runners. 

“It was never in doubt,” he said. “I love these Tulloch Lodge horses once they get up over a mile. Once our horses get up over a distance, they are so strong, and they put themselves in a race.

“That’s the way Gai and Adrian love to train them, put them right on the speed if not lead, it was just terrific today.”

Paine said Clark had given the Shooting to Win mare an easy run in front.   

“From the 600m Tim picked up the pace, put a couple on them on the turn and that was enough to hold on.

“You get paid whether you win by a head or three lengths. It is great for the Bott’s they’ll be very happy.”

Alumna, who was having her third race start, is raced by Evergreen Stud, headed by Adrian Bott’s father Tony.

She beat Microna ($8.50) trained by John Steinmetz, with Oconee ($6) from the Waller stable third.

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

James McDonald piloted the race favourite Nyami to victory in the HANECO LIGHTING MAIDEN over 1350m.

The Charm Spirit gelding, a $120,000 New Zealand bred yearling, was having his third career start.

He finished second over 1400m on the Kensington track on January 1, before being spelled, having debuted with a third at Canterbury over 1200m.

The four-year-old looked good in a subsequent trial at Warwick Farm on September 3 giving punters the confidence to send him out favourite.

From the wide barrier, McDonald crossed and settled just outside the second favourite Write On.

He took a slender lead on straightening before kicking clear in the final stages to win by a length and a half.

Nyami ($2) beat the Bjorn Baker trained Fields Of Honour ($6), with Lanu Moana ($6.50), from the Pride stable, an eye-catching third. 

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

A tough win by Godolphin filly The Graces who repaid punters for their confidence taking out the SUNNY LIGHTING F&M MAIDEN over 1200m.

The well-bred Exceed and Excel filly, a full sister to stablemate Aquitane, was coming off a last start third at Kembla over 1000m.

Having her fourth career start she enjoyed plenty of late support and was sent out $3.60 favourite. 

Jason Collett was caught four-wide in the early stages from the wide draw, with the filly having to work hard throughout.

Her class showed through in the final stages with the three-year-old scoring by a half-length. 

Darren Beadman, representing the stable, said it was a very strong win by the filly.

“She certainly toughed it out,” he said. “She definitely burnt the candle at both ends and mid race as well. It was a very strong win.

“She had a good foundation for this race today. She has been a real work in progress through her early racing career, so its credit to the staff who got her in the right groove. 

“She was able to get into a nice rhythm today unlike first up when she over-raced. “Jason has lovely hands, balance and good timing. He really suits a horse like this and full credit to him.”

The Graces beat the fast finishing Artic ($6.50) from the Hawkes stable, with Mark Newnham’s Solar Flash ($5), third. 

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

A double to the Waller stable after El Buena put in a sustained run in the straight to nab victory in the final stages of the 1200m BRILLIANT LIGHTING CG&E MAIDEN.

The Chris Waller trained gelding continued a winning run for favourites coming from behind to score a narrow half neck win. 

The in-form Tommy Berry had settled the Rubick gelding toward the rear of the field, peeling wide on straightening. 

He made up many lengths in the straight to overhaul the Brad Widdup trained Mix ($5), with Prince Invincible ($6), from the O’Shea stable, a head behind in third.

A $250,000 Inglis yearling, El Buena was having his fifth race start. 

After finishing second at Kensington in his first preparation, he resumed at Wyong on August 30 but was unplaced over the 1200m.

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

A cool ride by apprentice Louise Day secured victory for the Jason Coyle trained Lunar Rain in the 2100m GO ELECTRICAL LONG JETTY CLASS 1 & MAIDEN.

The Manhattan Rain mare was having her first start over the longer distance and Coyle is confident there are more wins to come. 

“It was a really good win today,” he said. “She finished off her last preparation with a strong win over 1850m and the plan was always to test over the 2100m.

“It was a nice quite ride by Louise and she was strong late. 

“She’s a horse now that we can step over these distances and I think she’s got a few more wins in her.”

Coyle said there were excuses for the five-year-old in her last run at Newcastle when she finished toward the rear of the field. 

“I’m sure Jason Collett won’t shy away from saying it wasn’t one of his best rides. The way the race was run she generally had no chance and obviously performed well today.” 

Day settled Lunar Rain at the rear, before circling the field on straightening and running strongly to the line. 

She beat the Kylie Gavenlock trained Dundee ($10), with Avalene ($7), from the Justin Bowen stable, third. 

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

Central Coast duo Adam Duggan and Josh Parr combined to take out the GO ELECTRICAL THORNLEIGH BENCHMARK 64 with New Tycoon ($8.50) snatching victory in a thrilling three-way photo. 

The Foxwedge gelding is putting together a good record, with three wins and two placings from seven starts. 

Parr settled the five-year-old just off the pace in the 1600m race and hit the front on straightening. 

He drew away in the straight and managed to hold out the fast finishing Mo’s Glory ($9) trained by Rod Northam and the Perry trained Nothing Too Hard ($5) to win by a half head. 

Duggan said it was good to see New Tycoon delivering consistent results. 

“He’s only been in the right race about four times and won three of them,” he said.

“He’s genuine and I think the way the race was run today he had to cart them up to them and tough it out late.

“There were definitely excuses at Tuncurry last start,” he said.

“His starts have been horrible, first up when he won at Scone and again at Tuncurry. “He’s got a bad habit of putting his foot up on the gates but obviously Josh was aware of it and rendered it today and it worked out really well.”

New Tycoon, a $85,000 Inglis yearling, is raced by Glenvallen Investments.

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

Progressive Written Tycoon gelding Ocean Emperor proved too strong in the final stages of the 1100m GO ELECTRICAL CHARMHAVEN BENCHMARK 64.

The Bjorn Baker trained gelding was resuming from a spell and looked well placed coming off two impressive trials. 

Jason Collett settled the three-year-old just behind the leader and hit the front on straightening. 

He fought on strongly in the straight to score a length win over the Portelli trained favourite Long Weekend ($3), with Skyray ($7) from the Clarry Connors stable, third. 

 A $220,000 yearling, Ocean Emperor ($3.50) has now had two wins from three starts, having tasted success on the Kensington track last preparation. 

Ocean Emperor is raced by Darby Syndications.