BARTLEY’S CONFIDENCE REPAID WITH DOUBLE 

BARTLEY’S CONFIDENCE REPAID WITH DOUBLE  1

A super home track meeting for Tracey Bartley scoring a winning double with Titanium Miss and Villa Tino.

Bartley had been confident of the chances of both runners and that confidence was rewarded in spades, with both impressive winners. 

It was a day of doubles with Peter and Paul Snowden also training two winners, while gun apprentices Zac Lloyd and Dylan Gibbons both bagged doubles. 

Villa Tino was the first of Bartley’s runners to taste success, in a great training effort winning first up after almost a year on the sidelines.  

The son of Supido put more than two lengths on his rivals in the HOODOO GUROOS @TEG 16TH November Maiden over 1100m. 

It was a rewarding win for the stable, with Bartley putting plenty of work into the four-year-old who was returning from a bleeding attack. 

He last raced in July 2023 but looked strong in two recent trials. 

Partnered by Reece Jones, Villa Tino snuck up the rails in the straight, drawing away to win by more than two lengths much to the delight of his trainer. 

“I told Reece to be kind to him early and let him explode late and that’s exactly what happened,” Bartley said. 

“He didn’t have to do much on him once he went through the gap. He’s a nice horse and the main thing is that he pulls up well.”

Villa Tino was having his 10th career in the 1200m INDUSTREE GROUP MAIDEN, having been placed in four of his previous runs. 

Titanium Miss was also given a positive ride by Ashley Morgan and despite being headed in the straight fought back to win by two lengths. 

Bartley had been happy with the All Too Hard filly’s Hawkesbury debut and expected her to improve at Wyong and that she did. 

“It was a good tough win today. I thought she’d run well, and she didn’t disappoint. It’s very rewarding to have a home track double.”

The double bringing up 14 wins for season.

 Lygon Street may have some heavy hitters in his ownership but that wasn’t enough to secure victory for the import in his debut Australian run. 

The Kris Lees trained four-year-old is raced by prolific owner Lloyd Williams and media mogul James Packer and was sent out $2.30 favourite on the back of his Great Britain form. 

But that didn’t deter Stephen O’Halloran’s Rico Suave, who stormed home in the straight to win the DE BORTOLI WINES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2000m) by a length, with Mitchell Bell in the saddle. 

O’Halloran purchased the Fastnet Rock gelding in 2022 for just $15,000 and since joining his stable he has brought up two wins and seven minor placings for almost $85,000 in prizemoney.

Lygon Street will definitely improve over more ground, while Kirsten Buchanan’s Opus could be another one to follow.

Snowden Racing’s Evenflow was also sent out favourite in the EVE ELECTRICAL SUPER MAIDEN over 1600m but didn’t disappoint bringing up his first win at start five. 

A two-year-old Super Seth colt, Evenflow ($1.55) was a $260,000 Magic Millions yearling. 

He was narrowly beaten at his last start at Kembla over 1400m and appreciated the extra distance at Wyong courtesy of a great front-running ride by Zac Lloyd. 

Dylan Gibbons followed Lloyd’s lead piloting Verbek to victory in the TASTE OF THE COAST @ TEG 15THSEPTEMBER BM64.

Gibbons took the Robert and Luke Price trained five-year-old to the front from the barriers in the 1600m race, maintaining lead throughout to score a two and a half length win.

The Turn Me Loose gelding was having his 42nd start, with three wins and 12 placings to his name. 

It’s rarely a Wyong meeting without a Godolphin galloper greeting the judge and today was no exception. 

Epaulette filly Diamond Firetail was resuming from a spell in the SNEDDON BROS. MAINTENANCE 2&3YO MAIDEN over 1100m.

Zac Lloyd, who brought up a winning double on the two-year-old, came from midfield on the turn and was able to run down the The Grey on the line to win by a length. 

Diamond Firetail was sent out $2.40 favourite one the back of his impressive trial at Hawkesbury on June 3. 

A Snowden double after Mafia proved too strong in the 1100m PLUIM GROUP CLASS 1.

The well-bred son of Written Tycoon was resuming from a spell after two winning trials.

He brought up his maiden win at Wyong in June last year and just over 12 months later scored his second victory at start eighth on the same track with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

Dylan Gibbons rode his second winner of the last, booting home the Waller trained Unstopabull to success in the 1200m EVE SECURITY SERVICES BM64.

The Russian Revolution three-year-old is building an impressive resume with two wins and four placings from his nine starts. 

The meeting was marred by an incident in the enclosure in which popular jockey Grant Buckley was thrown from his mount. He suffered a fractured pelvis and will be off the scene for up to six months. 

BARTLEY CHASING HOME TRACK VICTORY

BARTLEY CHASING HOME TRACK VICTORY 2

Tracey Bartley saddles up three runners at Thursday’s home track meeting and is confident at least two can figure in the finish. 

After a slow start to the season the stable is gaining momentum and Bartley is hoping the resuming Villa Tino and Titanium Miss can add to his season’s tally. 

He is also keen to see his home bred two-year-old Fenrir debut in the 1200m Maiden Plate. 

Raced by Bartley’s partner Tracey Quinn, Fenrir is by Prized Icon out of their consistent mare Meghalaya. 

“He’s a really big horse and it’s taken him a long time to come to hand,” Bartley said. 

“The 1200m is a good starting point but I think he will probably want a bigger track and 1400m. I’m excited to see him finally make it to the races and he should run well.”

Fenrir has had four trials, two this preparation, the latest a fourth at Gosford on May 27. 

Bartley is confident about the chances of Villa Tino in the 1100m Midway Maiden Plate.

The four-year-old is returning from a bleeding attack, with his two recent Gosford trials giving Bartley confidence he will run well. 

“I’ve got him ready to go and am really confident with him. He’s been off the scene for nearly 12 months but I’m expecting a good preparation.”

Titanium Miss rounds out Bartley’s trio, the All Too Hard filly second up in the 1100m 2&3YO Maiden.

She was good on debut in the 1100m Provincial Maiden at Hawkesbury on May 30, finishing off strongly after a slow start to finish fifth.

“She went well first up and this race looks ideal for her. She’s trained on really well and should be right in the finish.”

Bartley currently has 12 wins for the season, chasing last year’s tally of 23. 

“Things are starting to come together, “he said. “The horses are racing well, and the wins have been coming. We’ve had a few more horses come back so hopefully more wins will come.”

With just four meetings remaining in the 2023/24 season Kim Waugh has 10 winners at Wyong, one ahead of Brad Widdup. 

Tyler Schiller leads the Jockey’s Premiership with 10 and has a strong book of six rides on Thursday, while Dylan Gibbons, Zac Lloyd, Anna Roper and Zac Waddick share the lead in the Apprentices Premiership with seven wins. 

Waugh also leads the Wyong Trainers Premiership with 38 wins, 10 ahead of Kristen Buchanan. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.15pm with the track currently rated a soft 7 and the rail out four metres.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.15pm: DE BORTOLI WINES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2000m): 1 NOIR VITESSE, 2 Rico Suave, 3 Lygon Street, 4 Opus.

Race 2 – 12.50pm: EVE ELECTRICAL SUPER MAIDEN (1600m): 1 EVENFLOW, 2 Samphire Green, 3 Tenniel, 4 Creditor. 

Race 3 – 1.25pm: TASTE THE COAST @ TEG 15TH SEPTEMBER BM64 (1600m): 1 SILVAKIA, 2 Pepper’s Ghost, 3 Whisker To Whisker, 4 Verbek. 

Race 4 – 2.05pm: HOODOO GURO’S @ TEG 16th NOVEMBER MIDWAY MAIDEN (1100m): 1 DU CAP, 2 Exorealm, 3 Invade And Conquer, 4 Ranhita.

Race 5 – 2.40PM: SNEDDON BROS. MAINTENANCE 2&3YO MAIDEN (1100m): 1 WATERSKI, 2 Long Time Lovers, 3 Dark Gleam, 4 Titanium Miss. 

Race 6 – 3.15pm: PLUIM GROUP CLASS 1 (1100m): 1 MAFIA, 2 Art Volant, 3 Zambezi River, 4 Fourth Spargo.

Race 7 – 3.50pm: INDUSTREEE GROUP MAIDEN (1200m): 1 PRESIDES, 2 Erotas, 5 Flying Thinker, 4 Viaconi. 

Race 8 – 4.25pm: EVE SECURITY SERVICES BM64 (1200m): 1 WORLD ALLIANCE, 2 Nicci’s Gem, 3 Upstopabull, 4 Oakfield Badger. 

BAILEY’S WIN NO FLUKE

BAILEY'S WIN NO FLUKE 3

LOCAL trainer Rod Bailey produced a $26 upset on his home track at Wyong today – but unlike the majority of punters wasn’t surprised at all. 

Bailey’s lightly-raced Dissident four-year-old Let’s Go Johnny, a $3500 weanling purchase, overcame a slow beginning and came from second last on the turn to overpower his rivals in the BENDIGO BANK – CENTRAL COAST FOOTBALL SUPER 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1200m).

“He really hasn’t been out of form except for his last run when he pulled up ordinary,” Bailey said.

“His first three runs all were good and I put blinkers on him today.

“Coming back to his home track, I thought he was over the odds.

“He’s no superstar, but I think he will win a couple more.”’

Jockey Jenny Duggan switched Let’s Go Johnny wider on the track on straightening and, once into the clear, he sustained a strong burst to swamp joint second placegetters Euromaster ($2.60 favorite) and Red Duster ($5.50).

Winning rider Duggan was adamant about the blinkers contributing to her mount’s performance.

Fellow Wyong trainer Kim Waugh followed Bailey’s victory by scoring with Linguee ($9) in the BROWN FORMAN – CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m).

In posting her sixth win, the six-year-old mare led home a local “girls’ quinella, gamely holding out Steve Schofield’s eight-year-old mare Mosht Up ($12) in the drive to the line.

Nothing could be taken away from Linguee, who did a terrific job to sustain a long run wide on the track and without cover.

She tackled and overhauled the leader She’s Independent on straightening, and then had to pull out all stops to deny the runner-up’s late finish.

Waugh and husband Mark are enjoying a holiday, and winning rider Jay Ford said Linguee had been threatening to win another race, though she had disappointed at her last start when she got too far out of her ground in a similar race at Newcastle when she drew the outside barrier.

Kristen Buchanan had hoped to make it a Wyong TAB quadrella by winning the last two races (after Let’s Go Johnny and Linguee) – but it wasn’t to be.

She had to be content with both Taking The Mikki ($3.60 favorite) and Winning Proposal ($3.20 second favorite) finishing second in respective races.

In defeat however, the Buchanan pair was responsible for excellent performances.

Taking The Mikki raced wide and without cover throughout, whereas the winner Life Coach ($9) enjoyed a rails-hugging ride from Jean Van Overmeire in the WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m).

Buchanan’s five-year-old continues to race consistently and another win is most likely just around the corner.

It’s been a good week for Life Coach’s Kembla Grange trainer Brett Lazzarini, who also won with Bonus Tempus (a winner at Wyong’s Cup carnival last September) on his home track two days ago.

Lazzarini felt Life Coach was well placed back in Benchmark 64 Handicap grade and also was surprised by the generous odds offered about the gelding.

Winning Proposal is a two-year-old who was having only her third start and first after a break, and tackled older horses in the ACCOLADE WINES – REGNIS & SONS REFRIGERATION MIDWAY CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m).

Whilst she couldn’t overhaul the pacy Newcastle three-year-old The Escape, who was strongly supported to start $2.25 favorite, she kept coming to the line and will take further improvement from the outing.

Whereas Newcastle finished the day with a good result, that was also the case at the start of the eight-race card on the Wyong Roos Foundation raceday.

Leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees began the day with the quinella in the ANGKASA – SENTOSA MAIDEN PLATE (1600m) – and with the progeny of two mares he trained, both of whom were city winners. 

Tigon Princess ($3.50) favorite broke through after seconds at Tamworth at her last two starts, defeating her stablemate So Newchee Thinks ($5.50), whose strong finish suggests she won’t be long hitting a winning note either.

The dams of the quinella pair between them won 11 races – and six were in town.

Tigon Princess is the first foal of Serene Miss, who won six out of her 10 starts, including the 2018 Provincial Championships Final at Royal Randwick.

So Newchee Thinks’ dam Wahng Wah was a five times winner, and three were in the city.

A post-race veterinary examination revealed a small laceration to the filly’s inner left nostril.

He has an unusual name, but there was plenty to like about debutante Kwyjibo’s victory in the ARCADE TRADER – BISHOP COLLINS MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m).

Trained by husband and wife Lee and Cherie Curtis, the Showtime three-year-old was stylish in comfortably defeating Du Cap ($5) and $2.60 favorite Lily Bobtail.

Kwyjibo had won all four trials (the first at Hawkesbury and then three at his home track at Rosehill Gardens, the latest on May 23), and ran right up to that form.

“We thought earlier on that he might be sold to Hong Kong as he kept trialling so well,” Lee Curtis said.

“But nothing eventuated, and so we decided to kick him off at Wyong in what looked a suitable race.

“He’s a big boy, and a nice horse. I think we’ll have some fun with him.”

Trainer father and jockey son Richard and Jason Collett combined to take the AUBREY BROWN – AUSTBROKERS Benchmark 64 Handicap (2000m) with Whetu ($3.10 favorite).

But the jockey wasn’t supposed to be in the saddle. He deputised for sister Alysha, who sustained an eye injury at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday before the last five races were called off.

“Even though he had 60.5kg topweight, he appreciated the ground and looks set for a good winter with the rain about,” Jason Collet said.

Richard Collett added: “Whetu had two nice lead-up runs over 1500m and 1600m with our apprentice Olivia Dalton to help prepare him for the 2000m.

“And there’s further improvement in him.”

Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup scored with Guzumped at his first start for him at Kembla Grange just over 12 months ago after the four-year-old’s original trainer Mark Newnham relocated to Hong Kong.

And whilst he hadn’t won another race until today, Widdup explained there had been a couple of issues with another son of Dundeel.

“Guzumped had a quarter crack in a foot, and we had to give him time off,” he said.

“He has been consistent in between the two wins (three seconds and a third), and will definitely take further improvement from today’s race as that was only his second start back.”

Jockey Tyler Schiller looked to be in trouble on $1.75 favorite at one stage when shuffled back and caught between other runners, but kept his cool in the HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL – DIAGEO CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m).

Once he got Guzumped to the outside in the straight and balanced, the gelding was too good for his rivals and his trainer believes he will handle further as he gets fitter.

GUZUMPED was runner-up twice over 2100m at Hawkesbury and Gosford last winter.

BUCHANAN & LANE VYING FOR 300 WINS

BUCHANAN & LANE VYING FOR 300 WINS 5

THEY’RE friendly rivals – and both on the cusp of career 300 winners.

What better way to achieve that milestone than at their home track meeting at Wyong on Thursday?

Damien Lane and Kristen Buchanan each has trained 298 winners; the former beginning at his native Coonamble in 2007 before subsequently relocating to Wyong, and the latter kicking off in Western Australia in 2005 before moving back home to the Central Coast.

The Wyong trainers have 13 acceptors between them as they strive for another two winners to hit the 300 mark.

Lane accepted with Really Motivated and Red Cobra (race 2), Finest Art (race 4), Maximum Ride (race 5), Zedari (race 7), and Dize and Sparkingly (race 8).

Buchanan’s acceptors are Gulf Of Tomini (race 3), Street Candi (race 6), Just Tozza and Taking The Mikki (race 7), and Smashing Rosie and Winning Proposal (race 8).

The latter pair are both promising two-year-old fillies, but Buchanan indicated she may split them.

She had hoped to give Smashing Rosie her chance in the $1m Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1050m) at Doomben on May 25, but the Brave Smash youngster was made fifth emergency and did not secure a start.

“I have also nominated Smashing Rosie for the Silver Goblet at Dubbo on Friday, and a 2YO Handicap (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday,” Buchanan said.

“She has done well since winning an open 2YO Handicap (1100m) at Gosford on May 16 at only her second start.

“Winning Proposal has had only the one trial (which she won over 800m at Gosford on May 20) since finishing an excellent fourth to Fully Lit in the $2m Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick on February 10.”

The Shalaa filly had beaten older horses in a Newcastle Midway Maiden Plate (900m) on January 27 when making her debut.

“Weather conditions will play a major part in where we go, but I may miss Dubbo with Smashing Rosie and go to Randwick, and rely on Winning Proposal at Wyong.”

Ash Morgan rode Winning Proposal in the Millennium but is on the suspended list, and Tyler Schiller takes the mount.

Schiller also rides Call Me Grouchy, whom Hawkesbury trainer Blake Ryan has opted for a tongue tie on the last start beaten favorite in the Bendigo Bank – Central Coast Football Super 4YO & Up Maiden Plate (1200m).

Call Me Grouchy, at only his second start, finished sixth to Big Shooter in a 1300m Maiden on his home track on May 14, and figured prominently in the stewards’ report.

RacingNSW stewards said the Churchill four-year-old could not be fully tested over the concluding stages when awkwardly placed, and his rider Keagan Latham also mentioned he was inclined to lay in for the majority of the race and, as a result, could not be placed under full vigour in the home straight.

The Wyong closer, the Arcade Wines – Regnis & Sons Refrigeration Midway Class 1 Handicap (1000m), shapes as a most interesting contest as Lane resumes Dize against either or both Buchanan’s pair Smashing Rosie and Winning Proposal.

The lightly-raced Shalaa filly, like Winning Proposal, was successful on debut – at Gosford on New Year’s Eve in a Midway 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m) when she led throughout.

She subsequently ran a close third in a Muswellbrook Class 1 Handicap (1000m) on January 15 before going for a break, and finished fourth to city winner Dehorned Unicorn in an Open 800m trial at Gosford on May 20 in readiness for her return.

Lane also runs the consistent Sparkingly, who has been placed at his last three starts on country tracks, in the same race.

Kembla Grange trainer Brett Lazzarini has withdrawn dual acceptor topweight Life Coach, and instead will start him in the Wyong Roos Foundation CG&E Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m).

. The first of eight races gets underway at 12.10pm, with the track at 8am on Tuesday morning rated a “Heavy 8”.  The rail is in the TRUE position.

SELECTIONS:

RACE 1 – 12.10pm: ANGKASA – SENTOSA PROVINCIAL MAIDEN PLATE, 1600m: 1 BERTIE, 2 Tigon Princess, 3 Highland Eightgee, 4 Royalify. 

RACE 2 – 12.45pm: HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL – DIAGEO CLASS 1 HCP, 1600m: 1 GUZUMPED, 2 Sweet Heaven, 3 Bianco Nero, 4 Red Cobra.

RACE 3 – 1.20pm: AUBREY BROWN – AUSTBROKERS BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 2100m: 1 DON STEFANO, 2 Ana Carolina, 3 Gulf Of Tomini, 4 Six Foot Song. 

RACE 4 –1.55pm: ARCADE TRADER – BISHOP COLLINS MAIDEN PLATE, 2100m: 1 LILY BOBTAIL 1, 2 Indiamo, 3 Tropea, 4 Du Cap. 

RACE 5 –2.35pm: BENDIGO BANK – CENTRAL COAST FOOTBALL SUPER 4YO & UP MAIDEN PLATE, 1200m: 1 EUROMASTER, 2 Maximum Ride, 3 Call Me Grouchy, 4 First Night. 

RACE 6 – 3.10pm: BROWN FORMAN – CARLTON UNITED BREWERIES F&M BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1200m: 1 ROCKIN’ MILLIE, 2 Fuld’s Doubt, 3 Gerety, 4 Street Candi. 

RACE 7 – 3.50pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1200m: 1 EYE OF THE FIRE, 2 Taking The Mikki, 3 Life Coach, 4 Bend The Knee.

RACE 8 – 4.24pm: ACCOLADE WINES- REGNIS & SONS REFRIGERATION MIDWAY CLASS 1 HCP, 1000m: 1 DIZE, 2 Smashing Rosie, 3 Winning Proposal, 4 Russian Snitzel.

ShihAB’s WYONG BREAKTHROUGH on hold

ShihAB's WYONG BREAKTHROUGH on hold 6

Taree trainer Glen Milligan has had to put his quest to break through for a win on the Wyong track on hold after the meeting was transferred to Newcastle. 

Stewards this morning deemed the track unsuitable for racing on the back of recent heavy rainfall and more predicted. 

Of his trio of runners, Milligan is banking on his bargain buy Shibab to get the job the done. 

He believes the gelding will be equally as comfortable on the Newcastle track. 

The four-year-old by Zoustar out of Rosewedge, was a $380,000 Magic Millions yearling originally trained by Chris Waller. 

He had six starts for the stable, breaking through for his maiden on a heavy track at Hawkesbury, before being offered for sale. 

Milligan picked him up at an online sale for just $10,000 in June last year and he has already more than paid for himself with close to $40,000 in prizemoney. 

“He owes us nothing and I definitely think he can go on and win more races,” he said. 

“He’s had two runs back this time in and his first was over unsuitable distance at Scone. We took him to Newcastle and thought he’d need another run, but he went really well and finished second.”

Shihab lines up in the 1350m CG&E Benchmark 64 and Milligan believes he will appreciate the step up. 

“He’s definitely looking for more ground and was placed over the mile last prep. I think he’s very under-rated and if he can jump cleanly, he’ll be in the finish.”

Grant Buckley sticks with Shihab and Milligan has no fears about him getting through a heavy track. 

Two-year-olds Punch One Out and Kaiyu represent the stable in the 1100m Maiden. 

Milligan is looking for a better performance by Super One filly Kaiyu, who was disappointing on debut at Taree. 

“She got into a bit of trouble and never really picked up after that. I’m hoping for an improved performance because she goes a lot better than that.

“It’s more of an educational run for Punch One Out. I’ve been very happy with him and thought we’d give him a run and then put him out. He was supposed to go around at Taree on Monday, but they were called off.

“He does have ability so it will be an interesting watch.”

The Hallowed Crown gelding trialled on a heavy track at Taree on April 20.

The first of eight races at Wyong gets underway at 12.20pm, with the track currently rated a heavy 10.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.20pm: PBL LAW GROUP F&M MAIDEN (1350m): 1BUBBLES AND CAVIAR, 2 Outcast Girl, 3 Kata Kapi, 4 Overwatch.

Race 2 – 12.55pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CG&E MAIDEN (1350m): 1BERTIE, 2 Royalify, 3 Fyodor, 4 Meerut. 

Race 3 – 1.35pm: SKY RACING SUPER MAIDEN (1100m): 1JELLICIOUS, 2 Duke Of Bronte, 3 Montigo Bay, 4 Glenbower.

Race 4 – 2.10pm: MAGIC MILLIONS PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m): 1 NOIR VITESSE, 2 Bellascent, 3 Himeros, 4 Highland Eightgee.

Race 5 – 2.50pm: TABCORP BM64 (2100m): 1 PIPISTRELLE, 2 Vadamos Queen, 3 Professor Pickles, 4 Icebreaker.

Race 6 – 3.25pm: DE BORTOLI WINES F&M BM64 (1350m): 1 PARISIAN ROSE, 2 There There, 3 Shuri, 4 Linguee.

Race 7 – 4.05pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES CG&E BM64 (1350m): 1PRIMO, 2 Tannenburg, 3 Shihab, 4 Missile Seeker. 

Race 8 – 4.40pm: WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MIDWAY BM64 (1000m): 1 ROCKIN’ MILLIE, 2 The Escape, 3 My Eloise, 4 One Kind. 

LOCALS SHINE AT WYONG

LOCALS SHINE AT WYONG 7

Wyong trainers Kim Waugh and Tracey Bartley got the job done for the locals at the Club’s NSW Central Coast Men’s Health Charity Race Day. 

Bartley pulled the right rein with his progressive three-year-old Magicon (pictured above), the gelding an impressive winner in the MOUNTIES CLASS over 1600m. 

The trainer had been toying between the home track race and the 3YO Wagga Guineas the following day but opted for the home rack meeting. 

“The owners are from Wagga and wanted to go that way, but I decided to keep him at home. It looked a good race from him, and I was confident he would race well. 

“He’s got the makings of a good horse and I think he’ll get over more ground next preparation.”

Lee Magorrian partnered the son of Prized Icon to his second win at start three, both coming on the Wyong track. 

LOCALS SHINE AT WYONG 8

Unlike Magicon, it had been 16 months between wins for Kim Waugh’s Dimaggio but the seven-year-old was too strong in the ETTALONG BOWLING CLUB MIDWAY BM68 over 1350m.

Waugh had expected the gelding to be in the first three, but the race didn’t pan out as expected and Adam Hyeronimus had to settle him toward the rear. 

He was able to weave a passage in the straight to bring up his sixth win at start 47. 

“I thought we’d missed the boat in the straight, but it was a good effort,” Waugh said. 

“He’s been going well but just hasn’t had much luck this prep. He’s a lovely horse and it’s great to see him come back and win again. He deserved that.”

A mid-race move paid off for Zac Lloyd with John Thompson’s promising stayer Montgomery scoring a six length win in the 2100m BELLA GROUP MAIDEN. 

The Prized Icon three-year-old was narrowly beaten over the 1890m at Newcastle on April 24 and was well placed by Thompson over the extra ground. 

Stable representative Annamarie Mulligan said the race had been the “perfect set-up” for the horse and they were excited to see what he could do in the future. 

Keegan Latham outrode his rivals in the 1300m WYONG LEAGES GROUP SUPER MAIDEN, piloting Street Magic to victory over the two favourites. 

The Per Incanto three-year-old relished the heavy conditions to score a length win, breaking through at his sixth start. 

Well-supported favourites Creek and Make A Call were disappointing, neither appreciating the slow tempo of the race. 

Nathan Doyle saddled up both favourites in the 1350m CLUB TERRIGAL PROVINCIAL MAIDEN, but it was Nick Mitchell’s Smart Serenade who got the job done, posting a three-length victory.

“It was a good confident ride by Robbie (Downey),” Mitchell said. “He over raced at Taree on debut but settled beautifully today. I’m really happy with that.”

The three-year-old son of Smart Missile had no issue with the heavy track and showed a great turn of foot to run down the two favourites in the straight. 

Kim Waugh’s Bertie was second and won’t be far off a win. 

Lizzie’s Gem broke through for her first win in the 1000m ETTALONG DIGGERS MAIDEN, but not without a fight. 

Du Cap went head-to-head with the $1.80 favourite in the final stages of the race, the Widdup trained Lizzie’s Gem getting the nod on the line. 

“It was a good job by the team and Zac (Wadick),” Rosie Gilla, representing the stable said. 

“She had to fight for the win and has shown she has got that toughness in her. She ticked off the heavy track. She needed that win. She’s been close numerous times. We’ll get her home and go from there.”

Paul Perry’s well supported favourite Bodgie was too strong in the TOUKLEY GOLF CLUB CG&E BM64. 

Zac Lloyd gave the son of Epaulette a well rated ride and was able to hold out the second favourite Pisanello on the line. 

The victory giving Lloyd a winning double. 

Epaulette had two previous heavy track wins, before bringing up his fifth career victory at start 34.

Smiling Prophet was last in the winner’s circle at Wyong in November and replicated that victory in the 1100m F&M BM64. 

Trainer Mark Minervini was full of praise for apprentice Braith Nock. 

“It was a brilliant ride,” Minervini said. “An 11 out of 10 ride. Braith rode him well at Muswellbrook last start and I told him he could ride him at Wyong. 

“The heavy 10 was a query here today but he was rock hard and fit and has won here before. I thought he was a good chance.”

A four-year-old Diving Prophet mare, Smiling Prophet has had four wins from 21 starts, with four minor placings.

BARTLEY BANKING ON A BIT OF MAGIC

BARTLEY BANKING ON A BIT OF MAGIC 9

It has been a lean trot for Tracey Bartley over the past few months but he’s hoping a couple of recent wins can see the stable turn the corner. 

He’s relying on last start Wyong winner Magicon to get the job done at the home track meeting on Thursday. 

The Prized Icon gelding was having only his second race start when he broke through in the 1350m Provincial Maiden on April 11. 

The three-year-old went head for head with Kim Waugh’s Jared in the final stages and despite looked beaten, rallied and got the job done. 

“He really toughened it out the other day and I was very happy with him,” Bartley said. 

“He’s got the makings of a good horse and I think stepping up to the mile will really suit him. Next preparation he should get out even further. 

“The owners are from Wagga, and he’s nominated in the 3YO Guineas there on Friday but I’m leaning towards Wyong. 

“Lee Magorrian will ride him again and if he runs, he’ll be very hard to beat.”

Bartley also thinks his three-year-old Jed should be competitive and a chance of breaking through in the 1350m Provincial Maiden. 

The Santos gelding has been placed in one of his eight starts, finishing third at Muswellbrook on April 21 over the 1280m. 

“He’s been good in his last two races, and I think the 1350m will suit him. 

“He wasn’t beaten far that day and deserves his chance in Provincial grade. He handled the heavy track that day, so if the predicted rain comes it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Bartley has trained 10 winners for the season, chasing 23 from the previous 12 months and is confident things are looking up.

“We are starting to get going now and hopefully the winners will follow. You go through these tough times, but things usually turn around.”

Kim Waugh, who saddles up two runners at the meeting, is currently Wyong’s leading trainer with 35 wins, while Snowden Racing head the Wyong Trainers Premiership with eight winners at the track for 2023/24.

Wyong host the annual Clubs NSW Central Coast Men’s Health Charity Race Day, with the first of eight races getting underway at 12.10pm.

The track is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail in the true position, 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.10pm: BELLA GROUP MAIDEN (2100m): 1 KHANT FAIL, 2 Hongkong Harmony, 3 Montgomery, 4 Pantsman.

Race 2 – 12.50pm: WYONG LEAGUES CLUB GROUP SUPER MAIDEN (1300m): 1 SUMMER SOIREE, 2 Creek, 3 Make A Call, 4 Wild Flash.

Race 3 – 1.25pm: CLUB TERRIGAL PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1350m):1 IRISH BLISS, 2 Fomorian, 3 Our Cosmic Belle, 4 Smart Serenade. 

Race 4 – 2.00pm: ETTALONG DIGGERS MAIDEN (1000m): 1 LIZZIE’S GEM, 2 Super Zippi, 3 Ningaloo Reef, 4 Dial Of Destiny.

Race 5 – 2.45pm: MOUNTIES CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 STAND ASIDE, 2 Magicon, 3 Zerkhan, 4 Sanbano.

Race 6 – 3.25pm: ETTALONG BOWLING CLUB MIDWAY BM68 (1350m): 1 REGGIE’S BOY, 2 Desert Voice, 3 Princess Amira, 4 Big Boy George. 

Race 7 – 4.05pm: TOUKLEY GOLF CLUB CG&E BM64 (1100m): 1 UNSTOPABULL, 2 Royal Bombadier, 3 Iron Hat, 4 Oryx.

Race 8 – 4.40pm: SHARPE DS KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS F&M BM64 (1100m): 1 IN FLIGHT, 2 Yankee One, 3 Single Benefactor, 4 Recap. 

TRIFECTA OF WINS FOR WYONG 

TRIFECTA OF WINS FOR WYONG  10

Wyong trainers enjoyed a successful day on the home track with Kristen Buchanan, Tracey Bartley and Kim Waugh all posting wins.

In a super start to the nine-race program, locals claimed three of the first four races. 

Kristen Buchanan was the first to taste success with her Spieth colt Chevron.

She was full of confidence heading into the race and that confidence was rewarded with the three-year-old winning the 1350m HMA INSTRUMENTATION MIDWAY BM68. 

The win brought up back-to-back victories for Chevron, who broke through for his maiden on the Kensingon track over 1300m on March 27.

Koby Jennings gave him a squeeze out of the gates and led from pillar to post. 

“I’m really happy,” Buchanan said. “Everyone has been patient with him, so it’s nice to see him string a couple together in softer company.”

Buchanan has always had big opinion of Chevron, who was placed fourth on debut at Group 3 level and was a close up eighth in the Group 2 Sires Produce at Eagle Farm last May, just two lengths behind the winner. 

“He’s run in some very strong races and acquitted himself well. He’s such a beautiful horse and we’ll keep him going through the grades now.”

It was a welcome return to the winner’s circle for Tracey Bartley with 

Magicon breaking through in the 1350m HMA POWER GENERATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN. 

The Prized Icon three-year-old was having his second start, and despite being well beaten at Newcastle on debut, Bartley went into the race with a degree of confidence. 

“He was left in front at Newcastle and that made it tough,” he said. “I was happy to follow Kim’s horse today (Jared). As it turned out they were both rated in front, and we got the edge on the line.”

Magicon ($44) ridden by Lee Magorrian, had to survive a protest to claim his win.

Kim Waugh also has a big opinion of her winner Bellenth who was way too dominant for his rivals in the 1350m HMA MATERIALS HANDLING SUPER MAIDEN. 

“I love him,” Waugh said. “He’s a beautiful horse with a nice future. We had a lot of trouble with him early and it took quite a while get him to the barriers. 

“He’s got the trick now and his last two runs have been fantastic. He has a beautiful turn of foot and he’s going places.” 

Jay Ford partnered the son of Hellbent to his first win at start two. 

Icebreaker made it an easy watch for favourite backers in the HMA GROUP MAIDEN, with the $1.60 pop bringing up his first win over 2100m by more than two lengths.

Dylan Gibbons gave the Pariah three-year-old a well-timed ride, sitting toward the rear throughout before hitting the front on straightening and drawing away over the final stages. 

Describing trainer David Payne as the “master of stayers,” Gibbons said Icebreaker had been very well placed and would take plenty of confidence from the win.

Michael Freedman’s Parisian Rose brought up her second win from just five outings, in the HMA FLOW & INDUSTRIAL CLASS 1 (1350m).

The filly looks to have a bright future with jockey Keagan Latham impressed by the victory. 

“She’s a nice filly and Michael had here prepared perfectly for the race. She’ll get out a bit further as well, to the mile and I think there’s more wins ahead for her.”

Keysborough continued the winning trend for favourites, the I Am Invincible gelding breaking through at start seven in the 1000m HMA GEOTECHNICAL MAIDEN. 

The Hawkes trained four-year-old was sent out $2.50 fav and justified the market confidence with a strong performance..

Winning rider Tyler Schiller said Keysborough had relaxed lovely in the early stages and showed his strength late. 

An exciting three-way finish to the 1100m HMA GTCH CYCLONGES BM64 saw

Bjorn Baker’s progressive filly Time Bandit get the bob on the line, claiming victory by the narrowest margin. 

The Star Turn filly was given a great ride by Josh Parr and brought up her fourth win at start eight, with three minor placings. 

Glen Lobb, representing the stable, said Parr had timed the ride to perfection. 

“She’s got better and better this time in, “he said. “Josh got a nice camp in behind and got there on the line.”

Jake Hull’s consistent four-year Olivia’s Spirit is building an impressive resume, following his latest win in the HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BM64 ,his fourth in just 11 starts. 

The son of Rubick was resuming from a spell and Gosford based Hull had him primed for a first up victory after a winning trial on the Beaumont track on March 27. 

Keagan Latham, bringing up a winning double, weaved a passage in the straight, storming home to claim victory. 

The Waterhouse/Bott teamed weren’t to be denied rounding out the program with a win in the 1600m HMA CLASS 1. 

Professor Pickles, a Tavistock gelding, appreciated a rise in distance, to bring up his second successive win, with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

The three-year-old son of So You Think has had just three career starts, and Bayliss expects him to improve over more ground. 

“He’ll definitely get the mile and a half and should gain even more confidence after this win,” he said. 

WAUGH ON TRACK FOR WINS

WAUGH ON TRACK FOR WINS 11

Kim Waugh could have one of the biggest days of her career if Shadows Of Love can take out Saturday’s $1m Provincial-Midway Championship Final. 

She will be hoping 2024 is her year after having qualified runners in all nine previous finals and being placed five times. 

But the major prize has eluded her, and she’ll be relying on her talented mare to get the job done. 

A long-term plan by Waugh to start the mare in the Gosford Qualifer on March 16 paid off when she outsprinted her rivals in the straight to claim success. 

“She’s been going very good and I’m really happy with her. She’s a tough mare who has gone from strength to strength,” Waugh said. 

Shadows Of Love was Waugh’s last winner and she’ll be hoping a home track victory with stablemate Bellenth (pictured) could set the tone for things to come. 

The well-bred Helbent gelding put in a strong performance on debut at Hawkesbury on March 28 over the 1100m.

He had trialed well leading into his first start, winning both outings including an eye-catching two length victory over the 1000m at Hawkesbury on February 27.

Waugh has opted to step the three-year-old up in distance at Wyong on Thursday in the 1350m Super Maiden.

“The extra distance should suit him really well,” she said. “He missed the start at Hawkesbury and got behind them. He’s done really well since and this looks like a nice race for him.”

Jay Ford will partner the gelding who has drawn well in five. 

Ford also partners Churchill four-year-old Bertie who has his first start for the Waugh stable in the 1350m Provincial Maiden. 

The gelding has trialed twice and steps up to provincial grade, having had all four previous runs in the country.

“He’s been doing really good and working well. I’ve been happy with his trials, and we will see how he measures up in this grade.”

Rounding out the Waugh trio on the nine-race program is Shemran, who resumes in the 1350m Class 1. 

“It’s a good starting point for him and he should be in for a good preparation.”

The So You Think gelding who broke through for his maiden win over 1890m at Muswellbrook last preparation and was runner-up at Wyong over 2100m in his next start on November 23.

The first of nine races gets underway at 12.15pm, with the track currently rated a Soft 7.

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 12.15pm: HMA GROUP MAIDEN (2100m): 1 HONGKONG HARMONY, 2 Pine Valley, 3 Icebreaker, 4 Éclair Dancer.

Race 2 – 12.50pm: HMA INSTRUMENTATION MIDWAY BM68 (1350m): 1 CHEVRON, 2 Pennart, 3 Putt For Dough, 4 Tip Top Timing. 

Race 3 – 1.25pm: HMA POWER GENERATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1350m): 1JUMP IN THE LINE, 2 Black Tiara, 3 More Voltage, 4 Oakfield Hawk.

Race 4 – 2.05pm: HMA MATERIALS HANDLING SUPER MAIDEN (1350m): 1 BELLENTH, 2 One Command, 3 Make A Call, 4 Waverley.

Race 5 – 2.40pm: HMA FLOW & INDUSTRIAL CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 EYE OF THE FIRE, 2 Wembanyama, 3 Bold Julius, 4 Bestower.

Race 6 – 3.20pm: HMA GEOTECHNICAL MAIDEN (1000m): 1 RUM DIARY, 2 Keysborough, 3 Super Zippi, 4 Candy Women.

Race 7 – 3.55pm: HMA GTECH CYCLONES BM64 (1100m): 1 SLINKY, 2 Single Benefactor, 3 Cassiel, 4 Time Bandit.

Race 8 – 4.35pm: HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BM64 (1100m): 1 CROSS YOUR HEART, 2 Drums Of War, 3 Keep Your Cool, 4 Suprina.

Race 9 – 5.10pm: HMA CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 PROFESSOR PICKLES, 2 Draco’s Fire, 3 Dunedin, 4 Highborn Harry. 

HAWKESBURY PAIR RANDWICK BOUND

HAWKESBURY PAIR RANDWICK BOUND 12

Hawkesbury duo Brad Widdup and Edward Cummings dominated the $150k Provincial-Midway Championships Qualifer, with Widdup’s favourite Ausbred Flirt too strong for her opposition & Strait Acer, from the Cummings stable storming home to finish second. 

Both now progress to the $1m April 13 final at Randwick, Ausbred Flirt joining stablemates Short Shorts and Ruby Flyer in the field. 

Widdup’s plan had been to run Ausbred Flirt in the Kembla Qualifier on March 23 but he opted to scratch due to the heavy track. 

The move proved to be a winner, with the Maurice mare primed for a great second up run, four weeks after resuming from a spell in the Group 2 Guy Walter at Randwick on March 2. 

She missed the start in her first-up run but it was a different story at Wyong where everything fell into place courtesy of a great ride by Alysha Collett. 

“It was a bit unfortunate that she missed the kick at Randwick but she still ran super in that first-up run,” stable representative Rosie Jilla said. “It’s been a waiting game to get her back to the races and she’s obviously performed well today.”

Cummings was equally impressed with runner-up Strait Acer.

“I wanted to go back to basics today we were lucky enough to get into the final.  He really savaged the line and it’s great to have him back in form.

“I’m looking forward to two weeks’ time. He’ll be better suited to a big track.” 

HAWKESBURY PAIR RANDWICK BOUND 14

In earlier races Damien Lane’s Jameka Money scored a home track win in the 3YO Maiden Plate over 1000m. 

Raced by Lane’s wife Kate, the Press Statement filly was having just her third career start and was second up from a spell. 

She showed a great turn of foot when Grant Buckley took her to the outside in the straight, steaming home to claim a narrow victory. 

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott took out the training honours with a double, apprentice Amy McLucas combining with the partnership to win on Killcare Beachgirl and Star Blazer. 

Another apprentice kicked off the program with a win, the in-form Zac Wadick taking out the 1600m Midway Maiden for Hawkesbury trainer Edward Cummings with Hippy Dreams. 

The $1.90 favourite dominating the field in only his third race start. 

It was another provincial trainer, Newcastle based Nathan Doyle who took out the 1350m Provincial Class 1, with Gago. The Australian Bloodstock four-year-old was having just his second start for the stable and came from the rear of the field to snatch victory on the line, with Ashley Morgan in the saddle. 

The Zoustar gelding, a $65k purchase, was coming off a last start fourth at Newcastle and sent out $4.40 second favourite. 

Randwick trainers John Sargent and Michael Freedman weren’t to be denied, both training winners. 

Sargent’s Coto De Caza outstayed his rivals in the Class 1 & Maiden, to bring up his debut win at start seven, with Keagan Latham at the reins. 

While Michael Freedman’s consistent Snitzel mare Resistible took out the 1200m Conditional BM68, ridden by Rory Hutchings. 

The four-year-old has had three wins and five minor placings from her 15 starts.