Fran, Author At Wyong Race Club & Function Centre

WYONG DUO TAKE OUT MAGIC MILLIONS PRIZE

November 19, 2020 by Fran

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.

BUCHANAN AN EYEWITNESS Fan

November 18, 2020November 16, 2020 by Fran

Kristen Buchanan is excited about the prospects of her three-year-old Eyewitness who debuts at this Wednesday’s Wyong meeting.

The Star Witness filly has been impressive in her three trials and Buchanan is keen to see how she can perform under race conditions.

“She’s a very nice filly and it’s great to finally be going to the races with her,” she said.

“She is still very immature but in my eyes she has a lot of ability.

“If she wins, I’ll probably tip her out. I think she has plenty of upside and I want to be patient with her.

“She is lightly framed and all legs, so she’s got plenty of growing still to come.”

Eyewitness had two nice trials in the winter before being spelled and resumed with a winning trial at Gosford on November 4.

“Her trials have been good but it’s different on race day in a more pressured situation,” Buchanan said.

“Her owners, who are new clients to the stable bred her, and are very excited to be going to the races for the first time.

“I’m confident she will race well for them.”

Eyewitness has drawn favourably in barrier two in the 1000m Maiden and will be ridden by Koby Jennings.

He also partners Buchanan’s other runners on the day, Upper East Side and Margie Bee.

Upper East Side resumes in the 1000m BM68 following a nice trial win at Gosford on November 4.

The Manhattan Rain four-year-old has clocked up five wins from his 18 starts, and Buchanan is hoping to add to that tally come Wednesday.

“This is a nice starting point for him,” she said.

“He’s been a tricky horse. He’s won five races, but he should have won a lot more.

“He’s matured a lot and this time around he will get the 1200m a bit more comfortably.

“Hopefully there will be enough speed in this race and that should stop him doing anything wrong.”

Buchanan is confident the addition of a Norton bit will help Margie Bee, who starts in the 1200m BM64.

“She won first up at Wyong but sometimes that’s not such a good thing.

“I think she is a genuine Benchmark 65 horse, so she has a win goes up in grade, carries weight, then we keep racing her in town to drop her benchmark back down and she wins again.

“That’s reality for her, she’s not a superstar but she will continue to win races on her terms.

“She’s been a little bit fierce in her racing, so the Norton has gone on in this race.

“I’m a bit tired of her going as hard as she can for as long as she can and then tiring.

“I’m hoping it will make a difference to her racing pattern. She will still be up there but just that notch off.”

The first of seven races, on day two of the Magic Millions Wyong Provincial Trainers Series, gets underway at 2pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 2pm: BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT WYONG RACE CLUB MAIDEN (1000m): 1 THAT’S BETTER, 2 Screebe, 3 Eyewitness, 4 Urban Warrioir.

Race 2 – 2.35pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1600m): 1 DUNLEE, 2 Can Do It, 3 Lincoln Park, 4 Somova.

Race 3 – 3.10pm: 1 BELIEBER, 2 Screebe, 3 Escape Artist, 4 Natanya.

Race 4 – 3.45pm; 1 CATHAY, 2 She’s Independent, 3 Margie Bee, 4 Running Four Bub.

Race 5 – 4.20pm: 1 ASPECT RATIO, 2 One Pound, 3 Broadside Armour, 4 Mo The Great.

Race 6 – 4.55pm: 1 MISS CANADA, 2 Trust Me, 3 Emilette, 4 Invincible Lad.

Race 7 – 5.30pm: 1 BIG BAD BRUCE, 2 Sanctioned, 3 Sedona, 4 Thiswilldous

18 November Race Book – with scratchings.

SMITH AND CUMMINGS DOMINATE WYONG

November 8, 2020 by Fran

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.

strong hand for lane stable at wyong

November 7, 2020November 5, 2020 by Fran

Click here to download the racebook for 7th November meeting

Damien Lane is hoping for a change of luck when he saddles up four runners at Saturday’s Wyong’s Carlton Draught Spring Race Day.

The stable is going through a run of placings, but Lane is confident things will turn around.

“We seem to have a period every year when our horses are consistently running placings,” he said.

“All we can do is ride it out, but it does get frustrating.

“We’ve also been going through a bit of a transition, moving quite a few horses on and bringing through some young ones.

“It’s a work in progress but we are getting towards where we want to be.”

Lane finds it hard to split his runners on Saturday, considering all four could figure in the finish.

“They’ll all be in the market and I’d like to think they are all good each way chances.”

Stables mates Obscene and Oakfield Target line up in the 1350m Benchmark 68.

Lane is keen to see Not A Single Doubt mare, Obscene return to form after a disappointing run over 1400m at Newcastle on October 13.

“She’s been a bit plain to be honest. She was caught wide in her first up run and didn’t have a lot of luck but was terrible second up at Newcastle.

“We had her vetted, checked right over but there was nothing wrong with her.

“Her work has been good since so I’m putting it down to a bad day and I think she will run an improved race.

“The 1350m might be a bit sharp and I do want to get her to the mile, but with a few things going wrong I’ve had to back off. “

Lane said there wasn’t a lot between the mare and Oakfield Target.

“He won really well at Tuncurry three starts back and in both his subsequent runs, when he finished fourth at both Newcastle and Scone, he hasn’t been beaten far.

“I think he is better on a tighter track and he’s won at Wyong, so this race should really suit him.”

Lane believes the addition of earmuffs will help settle three-year-old, Girls Kick On, in the 1000m Benchmark 64.

The Scissor Kick filly over raced in her last start at Kensington on October 28, but Lane thinks the step back in class, and distance combined with the gear change will see a much-improved run.

“She missed the kick slightly in town, got fired up when she had to cross them and just went too hard.

“Taking that run out, her form has been good, so I expect her to go well.”

Lane is hoping a change of environment will see Oakfield Romance breakthrough for her first win in the 1350m Fillies and Mares Maiden.

The six-year-old has been placed 13 times from 20 starts and is coming off a second at Scone over 1300m on October 23.

“Her three runs since joining our stable have been good. Kristen (Buchanan) had her but she’s a cranky mare and didn’t do well in the stables, so she suggested I take her so she can be on the farm.

“She has her own paddock and does seem happier. It was a good run at Scone, and she can improve on that.

“The 1350m is as far as she wants to go, but it’s a soft 1350m at Wyong and should suit her.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.29pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.29pm: RYAN’S METAL ROOFING CG&E MAIDEN (1350m): 1 PRINCE INVINCIBLE, 2 Finally Realise, 3 Ralph’s Folly, 4 Grazie.

Race 2 – 1.04pm: BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT WYONG RACE CLUB MAIDEN (1600m): 1MISTER RIPLEY, 2 Winston Blues, 3 Poetry In Motion, 4 Dhakuri.

Race 3 – 1.39pm: 2 FLIES PUNTERS CLUB NSW CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 PROSPERO, 2 Kikikapow, 3 Gunaluva, 4 La Sagra.

Race 4 – 2.19pm: 2 FLIES CHAMPION RYAN MARTIN F&M MAIDEN (1350m): 1 MOLLYCODDLE, 2 Don’t Recall, 3 Divine Intavention, 4 Oakfield Romance.

Race 5 – 2.59pm: 2 FLIES RUNNER-UP GABE RIVETT MAIDEN (1000m): 1 JAYTEES, 2 Black Jacamar, 3 Stoical, 4 Invincible Ninja.

Race 6 – 2 FLIES QUEENSLAND CREW BENCHMARK 64 (1000m): 1 BAT PAD, 2 Girls Kick On, 3 Invincible Kiss, 4 Pearl Roan.

Race 7 – 2 FLIES LIFE MEMBERS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 (1350m): 1 ATHERTON, 2 Foxborough, 3 My Blue Jeans, 4 Oakfield Target.

Race 8 – LJ HOOKER BUDGEWOI CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 FAETHM, 2 General Dubai, 3 Pink Beau, 4 Rose Sauvage.

BETHENCOURT EXCITING PROSPECT FOR WAUGH

October 1, 2020 by Fran

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.

KING CHASING MORE SUCCESS

September 29, 2020 by Fran

Rachel King is enjoying one of her best starts to a season and is hopeful of continuing a winning run at Wyong’s Go Electrical Race Day on Thursday.

King currently ranks fourth in the State Jockey’s Premiership with 21 winners, 11 of those on Provincial tracks.

She took out the feature double on Wyong Gold Cup day and was a winner again at the club’s latest meeting on September 22.

“I better say it’s my favourite track,” King joked. “I have had some success there of late and it would be nice for that to continue.

“Things have been going well for me and it helps riding nice horses and getting good support from the trainers.”

She partners two runners for the John O’Shea stable on Thursday, Class Act and Prince Invincible.

Not A Single Doubt mare, Class Act, was fourth when resuming at Hawkesbury over 1100m on September 10 with King in the saddle.

The four-year-old starts in the Fillies and Mares Maiden over 1200m and King expects improvement.

“She’s a filly that’s taken a little bit of time to get her right mentally. She had a couple of barrier issues earlier in her career,” King said.

“Everything went well for her at Hawkesbury and that was the main aim, to make sure she had a good experience.

“I thought she ran a good race. The track was quite soft that day and she will appreciate a better track. I think she will take quite a bit of improvement off that first up run.”

King teams with Prince Invincible, in the 1200m Colts, Geldings and Entires Maiden, his second career start.

The three-year-old by I Am Invincible is coming off a sixth at Wyong over the 1200m on September 4.

“He’s one that I’ve had quite a bit to do with and I’ve ridden him in a lot of his trackwork,” she said.

“He’s a really nice little horse. Things didn’t go quite right for him last start, and he was a bit unlucky. His trackwork has been good and I think he is suited to Wyong.”

King links with Richard and Michael Freedman in the 1600m Benchmark 64, riding Unamerican.

She partnered the Americain gelding in his first up effort at Kembla on September 17, where he finished fourth.

“It was a really good run first up over the 1500m,” King said.

“It was a good effort and he ran really well. He will take a fitness edge from that first up run and the extra distance will really help him.”

King believes the Gary Portelli trained Long Weekend is capable of defying the odds and putting together back to back wins, when he starts in the 1100m Benchmark 64.

She rode the Pride Of Dubai colt to his debut win at Kembla over 1000m on September 17.

“He’s a lovely horse and Gary’s done the right thing by him and taken him along quite slowly,” she said.

“He was impressive that first run. We expected him to do that, but it’s still nice when they can perform well at their first start.

“He didn’t have everything go right for him and got a bump at the start and was up on the speed the whole way.

“It was quite a tough win with a bit of merit to it. By all accounts he’s done well since.

“Only six percent of horses get a win next start after their maiden but he could be one who could definitely give it a good shot. He’s going the right way.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.10pm: ELECTRA CABLES 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1600m): 1 ZARZOU, 2 Alumna, 3 Kutayha, 4 Oconee.

Race 2 – 1.45pm: HANECO LIGHTING MAIDEN (1350m): 1 WRITE ON, 2 Fields Of Honour, 3 Nyami, 4 Lanu Moana.

Race 3 – 2.20pm: SUNNY LIGHTING F&M MAIDEN (1200m): 1 ONLY MINE, 2 Alloro, 3 Class Act, 4 Calgary Queen.

Race 4 – 2.55pm: BRILLIANT LIGHTING CG&E MAIDEN (1200m): 1 Maccomo, 2 Colonel, 3 Mix, 4 Faethm.

Race 5 – 3.35pm: GO ELECTRICAL LONG JETTY CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 LUNAR RAIN, 2 Avalene, 3 Black Star Bowie, 4 Under The Pump.

Race 6 – 4.10pm: GO ELECTRICAL THORNLEIGH BENCHMARK 64 (1600m): 1 UNAMERICAN, 2 New Tycoon, 3 Discombe, 4 Dance Away.

Race 7 – 4.45pm: MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO’S IN TRAINING SALE – NOV 10 – GOLD COAST BENCHMARK 64 (1350m): 1 BLAZING MAC, 2 Commanding Missile, 3 Chanting, 4 Bethencourt.

Race 8 – 5.25pm: GO ELECTRICAL CHARMHAVEN BENCHMARK 64 (1100m): 1 OCEAN EMPEROR, 2 Long Weekend, 3 Knight, 4 Zeftabrook.

WYONG PROVINCIAL RACE SERIES

September 24, 2020September 23, 2020 by Fran

Wyong Race Club will launch an exciting three-race Magic Millions Provincial Series on October 1.

The series will carry some super incentives for Provincial trainers, including flights and accommodation to the future Magic Millions Sale of their choice.

The Provincial trainer with the overall best score from the three meetings will be given a $5000 credit to spend at a Magic Millions sale.

Wyong General Manager Robin Taylor said the series furthers the club’s great association with Magic Millions and supports Provincial trainers.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Magic Millions, through the 2YO Classic and 3YO & 4YO Stakes which we run annually,” he said.

“To further this, we have introduced the Magic Millions Provincial Series.

“We see it as a great way of enticing Provincial trainers to start more horses at Wyong, with some fantastic prizes on offer.”

Magic Millions NSW Bloodstock Consultant Dane Robinson said the series reinforced their commitment to Provincial trainers.

“Magic Millions is excited to be able to work closely with Robin Taylor and
the team at Wyong Race Club to support provincial trainers in sourcing and
racing quality bloodstock for their owners,” he said.

“We are committed to supporting NSW industry participants at all levels through our long term partnership with Wyong, and we welcome NSW provincial trainers to participate in our suite of sales conducted nationally,” Robinson added.

The series will run over three meetings, October 1, November 18 and December 16, which is Wyong Magic Millions Day.

Points will be awarded on a 3, 2, 1 basis for Provincial trainers whose runners win or place in any race on the day.

Additionally, there will be a double point race at each meeting, giving everyone a chance to win.

The Provincial trainer with the most points at the end of each meeting, will receive flights and accommodation to the Magic Millions Sale of their choice.

BAKER DUO TOO STRONG

September 23, 2020September 22, 2020 by Fran

Bjorn Baker bagged the training honours in an action-packed day at Wyong with speedy colt Malkovich and progressive mare Exotic Ruby tasting success.

Locals Kim Waugh and Kristen Buchanan also featured, with Destacado and Margie Bee recording nice wins.

Brenton Avdulla also bagged a double aboard Ballistic Lover for Joe Pride and Verbal Assault for Matthew Dunn.

It was off the track that created the most drama, with a police operation causing delays before the second and fifth race.

The first of the Baker double came in the 1100m WYONG RACE CLUB CG&E MAIDEN.

Rachel King continued her winning Wyong run, partnering Malkovich to a dominate victory.

The promising son of Choisir, syndicated by Darby Racing, was having his third race start, and coming off a first up third at Kensington on August 26.

The three-year-old was narrowly beaten that day and the drop back in grade gave punters plenty of confidence, sending him out the $1.45 race favourite.

King took the $85,000 yearling to an early lead, pulling away on the turn to blitz the opposition by four and a half lengths.

Steve McLean, representing the Baker stable, said they had a good opinion of Malkovich.

“I know Bjorn thinks he’s up to stakes company. He’s definitely got the speed to compete in that company.

“It’s going to be up to him. He’s got to take that next step now and show us what he’s got.”

Malkovich beat Finally Realised ($19) trained by Peter Robl, with Born A Warrior ($2.50) from the Hawkes stable, a close third.

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

Baker’s second win came with the heavily backed Exotic Ruby, who didn’t disappoint favourite backers taking out the POLICE MEMORIAL WEEK – REMEMBERING FALLEN OFFICERS CLASS 1 over 1350m.

The Snitzel mare was coming off a second at Hawkesbury over 1300m on September 5 and the stable were confident she would run well.

She was sent out $2.50 favourite on the back of her consistent metropolitan and provincial form.

Josh Parr settled the five-year-old midfield, rounding the field on the turn.

She managed to overhaul her rivals in the final stages, in a close three-way finish, to win by a long neck.

Steve McLean said the stable had a good opinion of the mare and believed there was plenty of improvement to come.

“She was a touch further back than we anticipated today but nevertheless she had a great run in transit and got the job done,” he said.

“The Hawkesbury race really tuned her up and she was dappled up lovely today.

“I know Bjorn is leaving the blinkers up his sleeve too. He has been spoken about them since her first run for the stable so there is plenty more to come.”

Exotic Ruby, a $260,000 yearling, beat the O’Shea trained Crosscheck ($8.50), with Atherton ($5.50), from the Waugh stable, third.

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

A super ride by Brenton Avdulla secured victory for the Joe Pride trained Ballistic Lover, who broke through for her maiden win over 1100m.

Pride had been hopeful the Smart Missile filly could taste success in the COCA-COLA F&M MAIDEN, after performing well in two recent trials.

He expected Ballistic Lover to settle just behind the speed, but things didn’t go as planned.

Avdulla had to change tactics after the three-year-old blew the start, landing her toward the rear of the field.

He pinched ground along the rails but had to wait until a run presented in the straight.

When the split came around the 200m mark, he angled through and drew away to record a dominant three and a half length win.

“It was the moment of truth for her,” Pride said, “and she didn’t let us down.

“We’ve been putting a bit of work into getting her to settle since the Canterbury run and obviously that’s the best way to ride her.

“All her best runs have been on the short course, on the fresh side, so we will just try and repeat that before putting her over more ground.

“She ended up well back today and more often than not it’s not the spot to be.

“But it was like Brenton was driving a Ferrari around some VW’s, it was a little bit easy for him picking off the runs.

“I’m very happy with that filly’s win today, it shows she’s on her way.”

Alura ($10) from the O’Shea stable was runner-up, with Godolphin’s Attribution ($7.50) a half-length behind in third.

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

Kim Waugh kicked off the home track meeting with a winner, after Destacado ($6) upset the heavily fancied favourite in the DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN over 1350m.

It was the second successive Wyong meeting, where Waugh has opened the program with a win.

Destacado, a Reset gelding, drifted late in the betting as heavy support came for the Mark Newnham trained Write On, who was sent out $1.60 favourite.

Nash Rawiller settled Destacado just behind the speed, taking him to the outside on straightening before running down the leaders to score a length win.

Waugh had been confident the lightly raced five-year-old, a $160,000 yearling, would perform well.

“I was really happy going into today’s race,” she said.

“He’s had a tendon injury and we were hoping that he could win today, but I thought maybe he was looking for a little bit further.

“That wasn’t the case and he was very strong to the line.”

Destacado was having his third start for the Waugh stable, having been sidelined for more than 18 months with a tendon injury.

Waugh said his last start had been on the heavy at Hawkesbury, which he hadn’t handled.

“It was too wet, and he really struggled the whole race. He was dipping and diving and Nash came back and said forget the run.

“I was a little worried about his leg after Hawkesbury, but he pulled up great.

“We just keep stepping him up now while he’s coping well and then we will give him a little freshen up and go again.”

Destacado beat the Ron Quinton trained Deep Creek ($7.50), with the short-priced favourite Write On, third.

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

A dramatic finish to the TEAM THOROUGHBRED NSW MAIDEN with Jean Van Overmeire battling to stay on the wayward winner Overthink in the final stages of the 2100m race.

The So You Think gelding and $1.90 favourite hung in badly twice in the last 200m with Van Overmeire struggling to maintain his balance on the gelding.

Showing great horsemanship, he was able to regain his seat and steer the four-year-old to a two-length win.

Trainer Steve Englebrecht said he wasn’t surprised by Overthink’s antics.

“He’s a tough horse but he’s still a bit dumb and does some things wrong, but when the penny drops, I think he’ll be a handy horse,” he said.

“It was quite dramatic toward the finish. He’s well named because he does over think.

“He’s very green and has still got a lot to learn but I think he can be quite a reasonable horse when he puts it all together.”

Englebrecht said he expects the four-year-old to get over more ground.

“I think he will run a mile and half easy if he doesn’t go too hard. He’s pretty versatile too and can get over any sort of ground.

“’I’ll see how he pulls up, but I might give him a little holiday now and let him think about things.”

The Justin Bowen trained Avalene ($11) was second, with Anakin Skywalker ($4.40) from the Sargent stable, third.

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

Classy mare Aspect Ratio brought her Group 1 form to Wyong to score an impressive win in the 1600m TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1.

The Declaration Of War mare, was far from disgraced when racing in Group 1 company last preparation.

She has had two trials following a spell and resumed at Wyong on August 30 with a third behind Wild Chap over 1350m.

She appreciated the rise in distance to the mile and scored an impressive three- and three-quarter length win, with Sam Clipperton in the saddle.

Aspect Ratio ($9) jumped well and Clipperton was able to cross the field from the wide barrier and dictate terms throughout.

He drew away in the final stages to beat the $2.50 favourite Coco Baci with Let Me Think ($4.60) trained by Anthony Cummings, third.

Campbell Ashby, representing the Sargent stable, said they were confident leading into the race.

“We knew she would need a bit of luck from the tricky gate, but she had trained on good since her last start,” he said.

“For a filly getting over an Oaks trip last preparation we knew she would appreciate the extra ground.

“The plan wasn’t to be in front, but she jumped so well, and Sam got the sectionals just right.”

“The Sargent family own a good chunk of this horse and I’m sure they’d be happy.”

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

A great front running ride by apprentice Stacey Metcalfe secured victory for the locally trained Margie Bee.

The Kristen Buchanan trained mare was resuming from a spell in the GREAT NORTHERN ON ,TAP CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 over 1100m.

Metcalfe was able to cross the field from the outside barrier and take an early lead which she maintained throughout to win by more than a length.

Buchanan sent the Dreamscape mare to the races without a trial, which proved to be a winning move.

“She’s good fresh and I didn’t trial her. She’s been working well at home and I thought why not bring her to the races,” Buchanan said.

“I thought traditionally her best runs are second and third up and she takes a run or two to get her fitness solid because she’s quite fierce in her racing pattern.

“But she was further ahead than I had thought today, and it was a beautiful ride by Stacey.

“The key to this horse is letting her be wherever she wants to be, just be comfortable and Stacey did that perfectly today.

“We’ll find another nice race for her and hopefully she’s even better third up.”

Margie Bee ($16) beat Destiny’s Son ($26), trained by Mark Newham, with Empress Bea ($9.50) from the Quinton stable, third.

. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

An upset in the WYONGS NEXT RACEDAY THURSDAY OCTOBER 1 CLASS 1 with the Matthew Dunn trained Verbal Assault ($5.50) proving too strong for the short-priced race favourite.

The Deep Field gelding got the bob on the line to beat Bjorn Baker’s $1.30 favourite Belluci Babe and deprive the stable of a winning treble.

Brenton Avdulla, who brought up a double with the win, sat just behind the favourite for most of the race, peeling out in the final stages to win by a neck.

Keira Dunn said it was great to see the horse finally put it all together.

“He was great today and it’s so nice to see him race well,” she said.

“He’s been a long time in the making and does a few things wrong. It’s a big credit to everyone at home who ride him because they do a great job with him.

“The gelding procedure and taking our time with him this preparation and getting him to relax that’s the main thing.

“Matt doesn’t have any grand plans for him. We will just let him go through his grades and get him to relax.

“He’s doing everything right at this stage and it’s great to see.”

Already Blessed ($9) from the Portelli stable, was third.

Atherton shooting for 2nd win

September 18, 2020September 18, 2020 by Fran

Kim Waugh has always had a good opinion of Atherton and hopes he can start living up to her expectations by putting together back to back Wyong wins.

The Written Tycoon gelding scored a dominant two length victory over the 1350m on September 4 to break his maiden status.

He lines up in the Class 1 over the same distance on Tuesday and Waugh is hopeful he can taste success again.

“He’s done well since his win and it looks like a nice race for him,” she said.

“We’ve always liked him and early on we thought he was a Group horse.

“He has always shown so much promise but failed to put it together on race day.”

The well-bred four-year-old is a full brother to Waugh’s Provincial Championship heat winner Hetty Heights and raced by the same connections, the mare winning five of her 28 starts for $250,000 in prizemoney.

“He’s really well bred, and the owners have been so patient,” she said.

“Hopefully his win the other day will give him some really nice confidence.

“It’s just taken a while to get him right. He’s a big horse and has taken a lot of time but hopefully he can put it all together now.

“I think he will get further and hopefully he can produce what we always thought he could.”

Brenton Avdulla, who partnered Atherton to victory, retains the ride.

He will have to take on another promising last start winner, Sammy from the Lees stable.

The colt, out of Lee’s multiple group winning mare Samantha Miss, was dominant winning his maiden over the 1200m on September 4.

He hit the line strongly to record a length win and will likely appreciate the extra distance, with Nash Rawiller in the saddle.

Waugh is confident her other runner, Reset gelding Destacado, should race well in the 1350m Maiden.

The lightly raced five-year-old, who has run two fourths at Provincial level since joining the stable, will be ridden by Rawiller.

At his last outing he struggled in the heavy going at Hawkesbury over 1300m.

“He’s going well,” Waugh said.

“He didn’t handle the heavy track at all the other day so hopefully the track should be nice for him on Tuesday.

“He’s very lightly raced but a nice little horse.”

A strong eight-race meeting gets underway at 1.05pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.05pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1350m): 1 DESTACADO, 2 Write On, 3 Deep Creek, 4 The Fat White

Race 2 – 1.40pm: WYONG RACE CLUB CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 1 COLONEL, 2 Born A Warrior, 3 Malkovich, 4 Feeling Mighty.

Race 3 – 2.20pm: COCA-COLA F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 1 BALLISTIC LOVER, 2 Pia Sophia, 3 Parineeti, 4 Belfast Lass.

Race 4 – 2.55pm: TEAM THOROUGHBRED NSW MAIDEN (2100m): 1 OVERTHINK, 2 No Complaints, 3 Anakin Skywalker, 4 Rainbow Man.

Race 5 – 3.35pm: TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 JEANNE D’ARC, 2 Let Me Think, 3 Aspect Ratio, 4 Kikikapow.

Race 6 – 4.10pm: POLICE MEMORIAL WEEK – REMEMBERING FALLEN OFFICERS CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 SAMMY, 2 Atherton, 3 Exotic Ruby, 4 Morethannumberone.

Race 7 – 4.45pm: GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 (1100m): 1 SIESTA KEY, 2 Bollywood, 3 Empress Bea, 4 Destiny’s Son.

Race 8 – 5.25pm: WYONGS NEXT RACEDAY THURSDAY OCTOBER 1 CLASS 1 (1000m): 1 BELLUCI BABE, 2 Rocketing By, 3 Midsummer Rain, 4 Jackson Storm.

KING SCOOPS THE CUP DAY POOL

September 11, 2020September 5, 2020 by Fran

Rachel King was the toast of Wyong yesterday, the talented rider making a clean sweep of both feature races on the Cup Day program.

King took out the main prize, the $160,000 Listed Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup on the Richard and Michael Freedman trained Paths Of Glory.

In doing so she became the first woman to claim a Wyong Cup in the 122^nd running of the prestigious race.

She had earlier taken out the $140,000 Listed Bishop Collins Accountants Mona Lisa Stakes, on Asiago for Godolphin.

It was her ride on Great Britain import Paths Of Glory that caught the eye, after being posted toward the rear, she weaved her way through the field bursting through late to win by a long neck.

The patient ride earned the praise of co-trainer Richard Freedman.

“It was a brilliant ride by Rachel,” he said.

“I said to her ‘you’ll have to give this horse a rest somewhere because he’s first up over the 2100m.’

“She might have taken that a bit literally. He was resting away at the back there where he’s never raced,” he laughed.

“It was exciting, and we will most likely head to the Newcastle Cup now.”

King said she had considered Asiago a good chance in the Mona Lisa but had been surprised to take out the Cup.

“I thought he would be a bit under done coming into the 2100m first up,” she said.

“I had planned to be midfield, but I looked like being caught three wide early and didn’t think he’d have the fitness to sit out there.

“Then I was shuffled back to nearly last and probably gave Richard a heart attack.

“He dropped the bit at the 800m, and I thought he’d just keep whacking away but once he started to improve, he really switched on and started to travel.

“He enjoyed being amongst them and near the end I got a good tow into it and he hit the line strong.

“He’s a dynamic type of horse and I feel like he could gallop all day.”

Paths Of Glory ($13), beat the Lord Mayor ($6) from the Waller stable, with the luckless Hush Writer ($5), trained by Waterhouse/Bott third.

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

Darren Beadman was also complimentary of King’s ride on the Mona Lisa winner Asiago.

The Godolphin racing manager said King had work to do from a wide barrier but managed to get the Medaglia D’Oro mare into a good position.

“She was able to get into a nice position, with cover three deep and roll into it,” Beadman said.

“There was a little bit of traffic with the horses on the inside, and she had an uninterrupted run and was strong to the line.

” The tempo didn’t really suit but Rachel didn’t panic, had hold of her and let her finish strongly.”

He said they were extremely happy with the four-year-old’s first up win.

“She won the Kembla Grange Classic last preparation and went down to Melbourne, so she had a lot of residual fitness.

“She was first up today and only had one and a half trials really, because one of them was on a synthetic track.

“It’s nice to get some more black type for her. She’s come back in good order and I think she’s in for a nice spring.”

King said it was a good win and believes the mare will improve further on a bigger track.

“I think she is a class above a lot of those horses who went around today.

“She certainly proved too good despite an awkward draw.

“This race kicks off her preparation and there are bigger things in store for her. “It was a bonus for her to win it.”

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

Damien Lane had another memorable Wyong Cup day, training a double.

It was the second year in a row the popular local has bagged two winners on Cup day.

Both winners, Just Field and Bombasay, were having their first starts for the stable.

Lane is excited about the prospects of the pair, considering they could both go on to winner better races.

“It’s been a huge day. It’s a great result with a couple of new horses into the barn,” he said.

“I’ve got to thank the owners. The two of them are both quality horses and I think they’ve both got a bit of a future.”

Just Field ($31) upset her rivals to bring up her first victory for Lane in the CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS CLASS 1 over 1100m.

The $650,000 yearling brought up her second career win ridden by Darryl McLellan.

He settled her toward the rear from a wide barrier, circling the field on the turn and running down her rivals in the final stages, to win by a long neck.

Lane said he will head toward the Provincial Championship Series with the mare.

“She’s a really nice filly and we were lucky to get her to train,” Lane said.

“Lustre Lodge brought her as a broodmare off the China Horse Club, but they decided to give her another 12 months racing.

“She trialled really nice leading into this race and I was confident she would race well.

“I can see her progressing to a Provincial Championships horse, so it’s pretty exciting.”

Just Field beat the Mark Newnham trained Shadow Crush ($19), with Godolphin’s $2.60 race favourite Badia, third.

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

Lane’s second win came in the last, with Bombasay taking out the THE DOYLO SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 over 1100m.

Jason Collett gave the Rothesay gelding a great ride, settling one pair back from the leaders in the fastly run race.

He peeled to the outside on the turn and stormed down the outside to run down Partners in the final stages.

Lane is also considering a Provincial Championships campaign for the gelding.

“He’s a nice horse. He went around in a couple of Provinical heats this year and was probably just a bit immature.

“He still does a few things wrong so we will probably give him a short preparation and bring him back for the heats next year.

“He’s a pretty promising horse.”

Bomasay ($6) beat the Scott Singleton trained The Kosciuszko aspirant Partners ($6), with The Drake ($14) from the Jenny Graham stable, third.

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

It was a race to race double for the powerful Lees stable with the impeccably bred Sammy winning the 1200m AUSTRALIAN BLOODSTOCK MAIDEN and stablemate Regimental Band greeting the judge in the HOOLIHAN PARTNERS DA VINCI – 3&4YO BENCHMARK 64 over 1300m.

Sammy, the son of Lee’s multiple Group 1 winning mare Samantha Miss, took out the AUSTRALIAN BLOODSTOCK MAIDEN over 1200m.

The three-year-old, ridden by Nash Rawiller, was resuming from a spell after being placed twice at Provincial level in his first preparation.

Lees was full of praise for the win.

“He’s a nice progressive colt,” he said.

“He sat wide and still hit the line well, so he’s probably capable of going on to better things.”

Sammy ($6.50), beat Godolphin’s $1.55 race favourite Mashrabiya by a length, with the Portelli trained Princess Glamour ($17), third.

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

The Lees trained Regimental Band, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy proved too strong for her opposition to kick off her latest preparation.

The I Am Invincible mare stormed home strongly in the straight to score a narrow win.

Lees believes there is plenty of improvement to come for the four-year-old.

“It was a really good win considering.

“She didn’t parade great and still has a bit to go in her coat.

“We will give her an opportunity at Stakes level in the Tibbie at home on Cup day,” he said.

Snippy Fox ($.7.50) from the Pride stable was second, over Godolphin’s $2.70 favourite Chanting.

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

Kim Waugh got the day off to a great start with Atherton taking out the first.

The Written Tycoon gelding was given a gun, on-pace ride by Brenton Avdulla, who drew away from his opposition to record a two-length victory in the PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS 4YO&UP MAIDEN over 1350m.

The four-year-old was resuming from a spell, having trialled twice leading into the race.

Waugh said she had always had a good opinion of Atherton.

“He’s promised so much this horse. He’s really well bred, and the owners have been so patient,” she said.

“Early on we thought he was a Group horse, we’ve just always liked him.

“Hopefully today gives him some really nice confidence.

“I think he will get further and hopefully he can produce what we always thought he could. “

Atherton beat the $1.75 race favourite Kiss And Tell, from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, with the Damien Lane trained Dunlee, third.

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

The Waller stable didn’t go home emptyhanded, with Rules Don’t Apply winning the 1600m WINNING COMMERCIAL BENCHMARK 64.

The $5 equal favourite came with a sustained run down the straight, pegging High Court ($6), trained locally by Jeff Englebrecht, on the line.

The victory brought up a race to race double for Brenton Avdulla.

A four-year-old Dissident mare Rules Don’t Apply was having her ninth career start and coming off a six week freshen up.

She was a previous Wyong winner over the same distance in June.

The consistent mare is putting together a good record, with two wins and four placings from her ninth start.

Ladies’ Gem ($5EF) from the Jim and Greg Lee stable was third.

Next Race Day: December 11 Tickets on sale

WYONG DUO TAKE OUT MAGIC MILLIONS PRIZE

BUCHANAN AN EYEWITNESS Fan

SMITH AND CUMMINGS DOMINATE WYONG

strong hand for lane stable at wyong

BETHENCOURT EXCITING PROSPECT FOR WAUGH

KING CHASING MORE SUCCESS

WYONG PROVINCIAL RACE SERIES

BAKER DUO TOO STRONG

Atherton shooting for 2nd win

KING SCOOPS THE CUP DAY POOL

OUR VALUED SPONSORS

Join our Mailing List

RACE DAY

ENTERTAINING

ABOUT