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FIVE favourites and two second favourites greeted the judge on the eight-race Wyong card. Little wonder punters couldn’t hide their smiles and were quickly searching for the date of the next Wyong meeting (Thursday, May 11) as they left the track. Even the day’s longest priced winner Cappelletti at $7 had his admirers, so it was a blackout for bookmakers. Senior jockey Sam Clipperton and star apprentice Zac Lloyd rode doubles. Clipperton scored on favourites Silent Raindrops and Queenmaker (pictured), whilst Lloyd also did the right thing by favourite backers, getting home on Ruby Flyer and Shipshape.  Jockeys Jason Collett and Keagan Latham were both charged with careless riding by Racing NSW stewards in the sixth race, but escaped with reprimands.

RACE 1 – HMA GROUP MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1200m:

PUNTERS were on the ball when well-backed favorite SILENT RAINDROPS ($2.30) was successful – but weren’t on good terms with themselves when she conceded her five rivals a decent start before rounding them up. Trainer Joe Pride said he thought the Sebring three-year-old, a $280,000 yearling purchase in Melbourne two years ago, would have won before now, and was understandably glad to see her break through at her fifth start and third this campaign. “She has been a work in progress, but is a nice style of filly and that win should give her plenty of confidence to go on with it,” he added. SILENT RAINDROPS was the best backed runner, ousting Gustisisimo (who eased from a shade of odds-on to $2.90), and left the two-year-old with no excuses. Gustisisimo trailed the two leaders and took over on straightening, but was no match for the winner. Parmenio ($4.80) raced up on the speed, but weakened and finished a distant third. Winning rider Sam Clipperton said SILENT RAINDROPS broke cleanly but took a while to get into her rhythm, hence why she settled a clear last in the small field.

RACE 2 – HMA INSTRUMENTATION PROVINCIAL 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m:

THE market suggested a two-horse race was in the offing, but it turned out to be a one-act affair for odds-on favorite RUBY FLYER ($1.85). The Hawkesbury four-year-old settled in an awkward spot on the inside back past midfield, but star apprentice Zac Lloyd produced a pearler of a ride, securing a decent split on straightening – and it was all over. RUBY FLYER bolted away to score by a widening five and a half lengths from his main rival Twentyeightdragons ($3.40). The victory had special significance for husband and wife training partners Jason Attard and Lucy Keegan-Attard, as the former prepared the gelding’s dam Kellyville Flyer, and also her brother Sons Of John (2015 Hawkesbury Gold Cup winner) when training in his own right. Locally-trained Skybeam($18) was third and should appreciate further ground.

RACE 3 – HMA POWER GENERATION MAIDEN PLATE, 2100m:

IN a tricky finish, another favourite was successful, but it was oh so close. Tyler Schiller picked up a late ride from Chad Schofield, who was ill, on AUNT ROBERTA ($3.20), who nabbed Four O’Clock Rock ($4.80) in virtually the last bound. The Pierro filly was having her seventh start and followed up recent placings at Hawkesbury and Wyong by breaking through after beginning awkwardly. Connections thought enough of AUNT ROBERTA to start her in a Group 3 over 2000m at Caulfield last spring, and she should be able to measure up in better company now that she has broken through. The runner-up didn’t jump brilliantly either, but the winner came from behind him. Bonaventure ($5.50) had his supporters and finished third after having every chance.Octahedron (sixth at $7) pulled up 1/5 lame in the off hindleg, and stewards told trainer David Payne a veterinary clearance will be required before the gelding can either trial or race again. 

RACE 4 – HMA MATERIALS HANDLING MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m:

TRAINER Bjorn Baker and jockey Brandon Lerena were pipped in the previous race, but not here. Lerena took any bad luck out of the equation on the well-named BOY LOVES TO RUN ($3.30), and he ran right up to his name. Lerena made the running on the three-year-old, and he never looked like losing at his 10^th start, scoring comfortably from Doutelle($31) and Vegas on Fire ($6). The South African expat afterwards said his mount travelled comfortably throughout, and felt he had further upside. “The owners have been very patient, so they deserved to finally get a result,” said stable spokesman Glenn Lobb. While beaten easily, there was plenty of merit in the performance of runner-up Doutelle, who came from last at the 400m. This was only his second start, so connections should have plenty to look forward to with him. BOY LOVES TO RUN was the second favorite, but favorite Theoneandonly ($2.80) was never a possibility in finishing fourth.

RACE 5 – HMA FLOW & INDUSTRIAL MIDWAY CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1600m:

HAWKESBURY trainer Edward Cummings warmed up for a tilt at Saturday’s Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide with Arts by winning here with QUEENMAKER ($3 fav) – but he might not be the most popular with his trainer father Anthony. QUEENMAKER, a daughter of Tavistock, beat Cummings’ Snr’s horse Reginald ($4.40), and beat that horse decisively. Rider Sam Clipperton had QUEENMAKER away smartly and trailed front-runner Mayapple ($20) before taking over approaching the home turn. Her dominance was such that she had more than four lengths to spare at the post.  “She has been a bridesmaid a few more times than I would have liked,” Ed Cummings said, referring to his mare’s six second placings in her career. “The form around her has been good for a race like this. “Hopefully we can do the same in Adelaide on Saturday, but Arts won’t be ridden the same way as QUEENMAKER.” Clipperton felt his mount was going well enough to be competitive in a suitable Sydney race in the near future. Both Reginald and third placegetter Acceber ($4.80) found the line well enough even though they were never a chance of overhauling the winner.

RACE 6 – HMA GEOTECHNICAL CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1200m:

CAPPELLETTI was the longest priced winner of the day at $7, and continued his consistent form this preparation. He has now won twice and been placed twice since resuming as a gelding, and there’s no reason he can’t win again soon. “He has always shown good ability, and is starting to put it all together,” co-trainer Sterling Alexiou said. “They paid big money for him ($725,000 as an Easter yearling two years ago), and it’s good to see they are now getting some returns.” Runner-up Principessa ($4 fav) looks capable of scoring at her next start. She has been placed at 10 of her 13 starts (one solitary win) and was having her first start since November. Principessa hit the line with purpose and looks like she will handle further ground, and third placegetter Grand Crusader ($) also ran home strongly. Jockey Regan Bayliss said Surf On Turf ($4.60) started to weaken passing the 400m, and was disappointing in the manner it finished the race. A subsequent vet examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 7 – HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1350m:

ZAC Lloyd was an odds-on favourite for the Jockeys’ Challenge before racing began, and everything was shipshape here. The young rider made it a double when the Godolphin colours saluted. Lloyd had SHIPSHAPE ($2.10) away smartly, dictated out in front and got a break on the point of home turn to leave his rivals chasing thin air. He scored easily from Nitride ($31), who finished gamely and the remarkable 12-year-old Isorich ($26) was third after being forced to race wide and running his heart out in the straight at his 155^th start. Along with his 16 wins, he has also been placed on 37 occasions. “SHIPSHAPE is a very casual customer, hence the blinkers on him,” said stable spokesman Darren Beadman. Nitride was having his fourth start this campaign and is getting close to another win, whilst Kozluca ($26) finished determinedly and could pay to follow as he was resuming and can handle longer trips.

RACE 8 – HMA GTECH CYCLONES BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1000m:

GARRY Frazer made it a treble for Hawkesbury trainers when the well-backed TOCOMAH ($3.90) saluted. As much as $10 was bet about him, and he did a good job to score under his 61kg at his first start in six months. “He bolted in with a Gosford Maiden at his second start, but we had plenty of issues with him after that,” Frazer said. “Thankfully, he is now the soundest he has ever been. I was a little concerned beforehand that the 1000m might be a trifle short, and that’s why you put the top jockeys on (Kerrin McEvoy had the mount).” Frazer gave credit to TOCOMAH, who carried a big weight and found plenty in the closing stages. Laroupe ($3.80 favorite) was one of the biggest tips of the day on the strength of a couple of good recent trials, but didn’t help her chances by beginning awkwardly and making contact with the offside barrier partition. In the circumstances, her performance was excellent, but nothing can be taken away from the winner, who conceded her a tidy 4.5kg. Fire And Ice ($8) hit the line nicely at his first start since November, and trainer Mark Minervini should be able to place him to advantage this campaign.

SENIOR jockey Chad Schofield and star apprentice Zac Lloyd claimed doubles – but the track certainly earned plaudits as well. From a “Soft 5” morning rating, Racing NSW stewards downgraded it to a “Heavy 10” retrospective to the fourth race as consistent and at times heavy rain fell, but the eight-race card was able to be completed.

The fields weren’t big, but full marks to course manager Phill Robinson and his team.

Schofield scored on favourites Youthfull and Allasandra, and Lloyd, who goes from strength to strength, won on well-supported Diamond Blush and the day’s outsider Commander Bell. While she had only three rivals to beat, there was much to like about the debut of the Tracey Bartley-trained Chilada, who quickly took up the front in her race and won with seemingly plenty in hand. Bartley described her as a “city class filly”, so it will be interesting to gauge her future progress.

RACE 1 – PAVILION EVENTS CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m: 

FOLLOWING rain throughout the morning, the track was downgraded to a “Heavy 8” before the meeting began. The renowned Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott ball of muscle was again to the fore with $3 favourite VENETIAN BLUE, who broke through at her fifth start after being runner-up on three occasions. Jockey Regan Bayliss took the filly to the front and she had a comfortable run during transit before being strongly challenged on straightening by Ocean Honour ($7), who cruised up and looked certain to overhaul her. However, VENETIAN BLUE, a $320,000 Magic Millions yearling buy in 2021, would not surrender and toughed it out to the line to stall the runner-up’s challenge. The first two horses were sired by multiple Group 1 winner Merchant Navy, and Ocean Honour should not be long breaking through either. This was also his fifth start and his third this preparation. The $31 outsider Tina’s Rock made nice ground along the inside in the straight to finish third. 

RACE 2 – CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 2100m: 

PUNTERS were on good terms with themselves during the race with jockey Chad Schofield giving the $2.70 favourite YOUTHFULL a perfect run, one out and one back in harness racing parlance. But it proved to be a real struggle before they were able to collect. Schofield wisely made his move from the 800m to ensure locally-trained Dreamdeel ($2.90) did not get it all his own way up front – and just as well he did. YOUTHFULL took the entire length of the straight before just edging past Dreamdeel in the closing stages to give the daughter of So You Think the third win of her career. Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup edged toward a half century of winners for the season, and opted to back up YOUTHFULL after she had run fourth at Newcastle yesterday week in a similar race over 1850m. She met Dreamdeel (second in the Newcastle race) 1kg better, and it was a telling factor in such a hard slog to the line. Into The Oblivion ($13) made a dash after straightening but was unable to pick up the first two and had to be content with third placing. As with the opening winner, YOUTHFULL also was purchased at the Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast, this time in 2020 for $375,000. She is a younger sister to 2018 Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento. Sian (fourth) stood flatfooted and missed the start, and will have to trial to stewards’ satisfaction before being allowed to race again. 

RACE 3 – DE BORTOLI F&M MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1200m:

THIS result was never in doubt. Star apprentice Zac Lloyd took DIAMOND BLUSH ($4.20) to the front and the four-year-old daughter of Deep Field, whose stock are generally accomplished wet trackers, never gave her rivals a chance. She travelled strongly throughout, moved clear approaching the home turn and trounced her rivals. DIAMOND BLUSH was having her 13^th start, and her young rider took any possible bad luck out of the equation to ensure she had the best opportunity to break through. She had been unplaced at her previous two starts, but revelled in the heavy ground. 

Kristen Buchanan’s Foxford Babe ($51) was making her debut and, although convincingly beaten, did a good job to finish second, belying her generous odds. Undoubtedly she can be placed to advantage to shed her maiden status in the near future. Turbo Charged ($5) finished third, whilst the $2.10 favourite Choice Legend was up on the pace, but was under pressure on the home turn and dropped out to finish last of the eight runners. Apprentice Jett Stanley told stewards his mount failed to handle the conditions.

RACE 4 – MAGIC MILLIONS MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m:

A further downgrade to a “Heavy 10” certainly didn’t affect the chances of Pride of Dubai three-year-old ALLASANDRA ($2.60 joint fav), who broke through at her ninth start. Jockey Chad Schofield, as he had done earlier on second race winner Youthfull, didn’t wait and began his run well before the home turn. ALLASANDRA looked a certain winner as she circled the field, but had to work hard to get the better of runner-up Willaidow ($5), who has continued to show improvement this preparation and didn’t give in without a fight. The other co-favorite Yamba’s Award appeared to travel well enough in the early and middle stages, but struggled down the running and finished a distant third.

ALLASANDRA had been placed on heavy ground as a two-year-old at Goulburn in May last year, and this race could hardly be described as the strongest of Maidens. In stark contrast to the first two winners and the third ($180,000 as a yearling), she was a “cheapie”, fetching a mere $4250 online in 2020 as a weanling.

RACE 5 – TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1100m:

The downgrade to a “Heavy 10” precipitated a number of late withdrawals, and only four horses faced the starter here. It may not have mattered anyway how many faced the starter as well-supported first starter CHILADA ($2.35) made a mess of her three rivals. Local trainer Tracey Bartley was on track, recovering well from serious injuries sustained when kicked by a horse a few weeks back, and described the Pride OfDubai filly, who races in the iconic colours of the White family, as city class. “You wouldn’t normally run her on a such a heavy track, but she had a good grounding,” he said. “She is a really good filly who prepped up beautifully with two good trials (winning both at Gosford and on the Beaumont track). “It is an honour to train this filly for the White family.” Rider Jason Collett took CHILADA straight to the front, and she was never threatened. Surrenders ($1.75 favorite) tried hard but was no match for the impressive debutante, and Amadi ($8) was third.

RACE 6 – EARLY BIRD MEMBERSHIP $55 PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP, 1200m:

IN front again was definitely the place to be. Alysha Collett made the running on JACQUINE REWARD ($6), who has a liking for a heavy track at Wyong. He had previously won a Class 1 Handicap (1200m) here in July, 2020 on a ‘Heavy 8’. JACQUINE REWARD was having his fifth start this preparation and clinched his second success and his fifth overall. It was hard going in the straight but he toughed it out to defeat the rising 13-year-old ISORICH ($14), who finished best of all and would have made matters interesting had the race been much further. The old warrior was having his 154^thstart and is a credit to his Wyong trainer Wayne Seelin, who continues to keep him in such fine fettle. Oxford Tycoon ($3.50) had his chance before finishing third. Odds-on favorite Miss Fox ($1.85) was never in contention and was beaten a long way out. She tailed the field home in the six-horse field. Jockey Josh Parr told stewards the mare never travelled at any stage and failed to finish the race off.

RACE 7 – WYONG’S NEXT COCKTAIL PARTY – SAT JULY 15 – BOOK NOW F&M BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m:

FAVOURITE backers were on the mark with BEIRUT MISS ($3.50) – but it was no gimme!  She was trapped wide early without cover and rider Sam Clipperton had to ease back to get a decent position before making a swooping run around the field. As with Allesandra earlier, BEIRUT MISS looked likely to win comfortably, but had to battle hard in the straight to overcome runner-up She’s Independent ($10). Taking into account she had 60kg and was conceding 5kg, it was a pretty tidy effort. A lightly-raced four-year-old mare, she has raced only eight times for two wins and three placings, so there appears no reason why she cannot show further improvement. The pair had the finish to themselves with third placegetter Impressive Lass ($4.60) more than two length astern. Hyacinth finished a distant last and her rider could not offer a plausible explanation for her failure.

RACE 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING – THURSDAY APRIL 27 – CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m:

FOUR favourites and two second favorites had won leading up to the last and the longest-priced winner was $6. The seven-year-old gelding COMMANDER BELL gave bookmakers some relief when he finished best to score at $14 for local trainer Brett Partelle. Yet another good day for his young rider Zac Lloyd, who had five rides at the meeting for two wins and two placings. COMMANDER BELL had finished last at his previous start at Wyong a fortnight ago, but obviously relished the heavy ground. He had not won in nearly two years – and that was also on a heavy surface at Gosford in June, 2021. Just as $2.50 favourite Surfers Royale was being hailed the winner, COMMANDER BELL got him down. Jason Collett dropped his off-side rein on Surfers Royale 150m out, and regathered it a short time later. Josh Parr told stewards second favorite Skylight Song (5^th at $2.60) struggled to run out a strong 1350m in such heavy conditions, and also felt he might be better suited with the addition of blinkers. Jutland bled from both nostrils.

A race to race double to Damien Lane was fitting on a day paying tribute to our talented Wyong trainers. 

Lane ended a run of outs with Oakfield Twilight taking out the 1350m BM68 & Princess Amira winning the 1100m BM64.

Doubles were the flavour of the afternoon with Mark Newnham training two winners Skylight Song and Street Gossip, while both Josh Parr and Tom Sherry bagged doubles. 

There were some impressive winners with the Snowden trained Gilmore breaking her maiden by more than five lengths and Gary Portelli’s Itsagooddeel revelling in his first attempt over the 2100m to win by three lengths. 

Race 1 – WYONG TRAINERS – CONTRIBUTING MORE THAN JUST WINNERS MAIDEN(1000m): The Snowden trained Gilmore put her rivals to bed with a dominant win in her fourth career start.

A $200k Magic Millions filly by Flying Artie, Gilmore had two starts in her first preparation, and was spelled following a fourth at Canterbury. 

She was runner up when resuming at Hawkesbury after racing greenly in the straight but showed none of those characteristics in her Wyong win. 

Josh Parr led from barrier to post, drawing away in the finals stages to post a five-length victory. 

“Josh took her to the front and took all the bad luck out of the equation,” stable representative Colin McCullagh said. “It was good to see her finish off the way she did. I think it’s been a maturity thing with her. She was in a rush to do things last preparation, but Peter & Paul gave her time to get her to mature physically and mentally and it’s paid off in spades. 

“We’ll get her back to town know where she belongs.”

Gilmore earned plenty of supper and was sent out $1.60 favourite She beat the Damien Lane trained Alegna ($16), with Sumo Star ($7.50) from the Portelli stable third.

Race 2 – SARA RYAN RACING MAIDEN (1350m):

An early double to Josh Parr and another favourite greets the judge, with the Mark Newnham trained Skylight Song too strong for his opposition. 

The son of Your Song was resuming from a spell, having run three seconds in his previous six starts. 

Parr engaged similar tactics to the first race, sitting just outside the early leader Twilight Rock. He hit the lead on straightening and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Star Legacy, to win by almost a length. 

Newnham has always had a good opinion of Skylight Song, but said he needed time to mature. 

“He needed to grow up mentally. He’s always been a terrific style of a horse who has shown above average ability, but he didn’t have a killer punch. He did today and was able to put them away.

“It was good to see him get the job done and hopefully there are many more wins to come.”

Newnham has had a long association with owner Frank Mittiga, having ridden his first horse for him as an owner.

Skylight Song started $1.90 fav, with the runner up Star Legacy from the Portelli stable ($8.50) & Bjorn Baker’s Twilight Rock ($7), third.

Race 3 – ALLAN KEHOE RACING PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1350m):

Tom Sherry was full of praise for the Paul Perry trained Angara following the Frankel gelding’s debut win. 

There was plenty of late support for the three-year-old who was backed in from $6 to $4 favourite. 

Punters weren’t disappointed, with Sherry sweeping down the outside on Angara to nab a narrow victory on the line. 

Sherry had settled the gelding toward the rear of the field early, taking him to the outside on straightening. 
It was a race in two in the final stages, with Yamba’s Award ($4.80) fighting on strongly, but Angara gained ascendency on the line to win by a short half head. 

“He’s a lovely horse,” Sherry said after the race. “He didn’t show a lot of gate speed and I had to get up him to keep him in touch with them. It was a nice race for him today and he will improve immensely from that. I think he’ll be a lovely miler.”

A $130k Magic Millions yearling, Angara is raced in partnership by Perry, with Frank and Christine Cook.

Allan Kehoe’s Gold Something ($18) was third, after leading for much of the race.

Race 4 – TRACEY BARTELY RACING MAIDEN (2100m):

A patient ride by gun apprentice Tyler Schiller helped secure victory for the Gary Portelli trained Itsagooddeel ($7).

Schiller, who had a wall of horses in front of him on the turn, waited until they fanned and was able to get a dream run along the rails. He sped away over the last 50m to win by more than three lengths. 

The son of Dundeel was having his first attempt at the 2100m and relished the extra ground. 

“We’ve been really keen to get him up in trip but had to be patient,” stable representative James Fartherssaid. “We were thrilled to get the reward today and great for the connections Elite Thoroughbreds.

“It was a fantastic ride by Tyler. He gave him every opportunity to put his best foot forward.”

There was no such luck for the O’Shea trained favourite Aunt Roberta ($2.10), who was slow to start, raced ungenerously and knocked up to finish third following a sustained run. 

The Kearney trained Hardazhell ($26) was an eye-catcher, coming from last on the turn to finish second. 

Race 5 – DAMIEN LANE RACING CLASS 1 (1600m):

Mark Newnham has a good opinion of his filly Street Gossip ($2.70), who proved too strong in her first run over the mile. 

The three-yar-old by So You Think, a $140k Magic Millions yearling, had previously won over the 1200m at Warwick Farm and was coming off a fifth on the Kensington track over 1400m. 

Newnham removed the earmuffs for the Wyong race with the desired result, the filly pinging the gates and enabling Sherry to take a sit just off the speed. 

Despite being wayward on the turn, she managed to pull away from her rivals in the straight and win by more than a length. 

“She’s always been a nice filly but has taken a while to come together. I think she’s got a bright future. She’s always had above average talent and I thought she’d get to a fairly good grade.”

Queenmaker ($3.60) trained by Edward Cummings was second, over the Portelli trained Regal Inheritance ($6.50) who was doing her best work on the line. 

Race 6 – KRISTEN BUCHANAN OWNERS LOUNGE CLASS 1 (1350m):

An upset by the Mark Connors trained Vandelay Style ($13), who ran down the favourite on the line to bring up her second career win. 

The $15,000 Magic Millions yearling is proving to be somewhat of a bargain buy, with more than $45,000 in prizemoney to date and the trainer expecting more wins to come for the four-year-old.

She was well ridden by Reece Jones who settled her to the rear of the field, coming from behind on the turn to overhaul the favourite on the line by a narrow margin. 

It was a pickup ride for Jones after Brock Ryan was indisposed. 

Connors said it had been a stop/start career for the Vandelay Style. 

“She has given us a lot of trouble back home but has come back bigger and better than ever,” he said. “Credit to the staff, especially Mikayla Young who rides her in all her work and got her to where she is today. She’s a lovely big strong mare and I think they further they go the better she will get.”

Michael Freedman’s $2.70 favourite looked to have the race one before Vandelay Style appeared from the pack. Lehndorff ($3.80) trained by Mark Newnham was third.

Race 7 – KIM WAUGH RACING MIDWAY BM68 (1350m):

Damien Lane’s eight-year-old Oakfield Twilight returned to form to bring up his eighth career win ending a frustrating run of outs for the stable. 

The Zoffany gelding was having his 56^th career start and given a peach of a ride by Brad Rawiller. 

Despite drawing the outside barrier, Rawiller was able to cross and eventually get a soft lead in front. He drew away on the turn and kicked to score by two and a half lengths. 

Lane said it was good to get back on the board with a win. 

“We’ve had a frustrating run without much luck and its good to finally get a win. Brad rode him a treat. He likes to get in front dictating and that’s what he did. He’s been a super horse for Bruce (McKenzie) and me. He might be past his best, but he’s still got a few wins in him.”

Oakfield Twilight ($5.50) beat Clarry Connors $3.40 favourite Peace Officer, with Impressive Lass ($7) trained by Clare Collett, third. 

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT MEETING – APRIL 20, 2023 BM64 (1100m):

It was a race to race double for Damien Lane with his five-year-old Princess Amira ($13) edging out another local on the line, Rodney Bailey’s Mr Bingo. 

The win came as a bit of a surprise for Lane who had expected she would need more time. 

“She trialled super the other day, but I was surprised who forward she was today,” Lane said. 

“Her first preparation for us was really good but she didn’t com e up last prep. She seems to have come back really well this time. It’s funny you can’t get a winner and then get two in a row,” Lane said. “It’s always good to get a win on the home track and hopefully the luck has changed and we’re on for a good period.”

Princess Amira, ridden by Jenny Duggan, brought up her third win at start 15, with five minor placings. 

She beat Mr Bingo ($16) by a nose, with Cappelllettii ($6) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable third. 

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FOUR times winner Kris Lees has been a slow starter in this year’s Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championship, failing to qualify a runner in the first four heats for the $500,000 Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 8 on Day 2 of The Championships. Now he has two representatives – and a great chance to make it three Final victories in a row after import Acquitted trounced his rivals in today’s 1350m Qualifier to join stablemate Cloudland, who ran second at Kembla Grange a week ago. A dashing ride by Koby Jennings, who was permitted by RacingNSW stewards to declare 0.5kg overweight and landed his third winner of the day, saw Acquitted circle the field and beat Hawkesbury pair Cross TheRubicon and Soloist. Whilst Lees has two finalists (with the 1400m Wildcard at Newcastle on Thursday being the last chance for trainers to qualify their horses), leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup has three, courtesy of Cross The Rubicon, who joined stablemates Phearson (Hawkesbury Qualifier winner) and last week’s Kembla Grange 1400m record breaker Short Shorts in another Qualifier. Acquitted’scomprehensive victory didn’t go unnoticed by market framers at TAB.com.au, who reacted by shortening his quote for The Final to $6 third favorite, not far behind other heat winners Kayobi ($4) and Short Shorts ($4.50).  Jockey Aaron Bullock was replaced on four rides as he was overweight, and RacingNSW stewards intend to interview him on a date to be fixed.Overnight rain resulted in a substantial downgrade to a “Heavy 10” for the beginning of the meeting, but was upgraded to a “Heavy 9” immediately after that race was run, and remained there for the rest of the program.

Race 1 – LAKES PODIATRY 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):HARDLY the best start for punters when heavily-backed favourite Russian Rose ($2.40 to $1.90) couldn’t even manage a placing in a field of six. She settled outside the leader and eventual winner DE POET ($3.90), but didn’t appear comfortable handling the home turn and was unable to finish the race off, being edged out on the line by third placegetter Bantarki ($12). Warwick Farm trainer Jason Coyle had set his lightly-raced gelding DE POET for a first-up tilt, having won both his trials (804m and 974m) on his home track earlier this month. A $50,000 Inglis Classic yearling sale buy in 2021, he was having only his third start and first since November. Jockey Koby Jennings had him away smartly to lead, and he never really looked in danger in the straight, although Beauty Bound ($6) on debut was doing good work at the end and got close after beginning awkwardly. A Sebring filly, she had trialled three times in preparation for her first appearance in a race, and is definitely going to be better suited as she gets over more ground.

Race 2 – REWARD HOMES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 HCP (1350m):LEADING Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup claimed his 46^thwinner of the season – but not with the horse most punters had hoped. Widdup put winkers on both his representatives, and jockey Koby Jennings made it victories in the opening two races when FUN SUNDAY ($4) overpowered stablemate Justina ($2.15 favorite) in the closing stages to post her second career success (along with six placings) at her 13^thstart. Even though she finished ahead of her stablemate in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) at Newcastle on March 9, Justina was clearly the best backed of the pair. Locally-trained Uncaged ($3.20) was also well in commission at his first start for Kristen Buchanan, and got his own way in front with a comfortable lead. Stewards advised Buchanan that a warning would be placed on Uncaged re his racing manners after he blundered on jumping and hung out rounding the home turn and in the straight and proved difficult to test. Justina’s rider Alysha Collett, concerned Uncaged was getting it too easy, began to improve her position from the 600m, and looked the winner when she took over in the straight. However, FUN SUNDAY had the drop on her and was strongest to the line.  

Race 3 – LIFEFUL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):The well-named DOMINGO (out of a mare called Falsetto) made short work of his rivals here and looks to have a future as a stayer. Bookmakers took risks and bet as much as $1.90 before he firmed to start a dominant $1.50 hotpot – and his backers never had a moment’s worry. Jockey Alysha Collett gave him the run of the race in third place behind Balinor and Strobing before making her move at the 600m, and he was dominant over the last 200m. A $115,000 Ready To Run purchase in New Zealand in 2021, DOMINGO has been taken along steadily by trainer John O’Shea, who ran him only once as a two-year-old, and he is really hitting his straps now, with a trip to Melbourne firmly on the cards. DOMINGO broke through in a 2000m Class 1/Maiden Plate at Canberra on March 12, and handled the heavy ground here without any problems. Rank outsider Flatout Elle ($51) and Australian Citizen ($19) filled the minor placings, but were never likely to catch the winner, who scored by a widening four plus lengths. Whilst the form might look questionable considering the runner-up has won only one race – and that was at $151 in a 1600m Maiden at Gosford in June, 2020 as a three-year-old – from 19 starts, DOMINGO continues to improve and does look capable of going on to better things.

Race 4 – PETER MAC’S SERVICE CENTRE MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):FULL marks to jockey Keagan Latham, who ran third in the second race at Rosehill Gardens at 12.45pm on Waverley ($8.50), then changed and headed straight to Wyong for the 3.05pm event. The drive to the Central Coast was worth it as he was successful on favorite VEGAS OUTLAW ($3.50) for trainer Sara Ryan, who struck a blow for the locals in scoring with the six-year-old gelding for Domeland Pty Ltd. The Casino Prince six-year-old was a $20,000 yearling buy for his original trainer Jarrod Austin, but did not race for him after trialling on four occasions. He has been with Ryan for all nine starts, and doesn’t lack heart. He looked in trouble when headed by third placegetter Meerut ($8.50) after straightening, but fought back strongly to regain the lead and then held off Kim Waugh’s Riley Park ($4.40), making it a quinella for local trainers. VEGAS OUTLAW was having his fifth start this campaign and followed up on a previous second placing, though beaten easily, in a 1400m Maiden Plate at Kembla Grange on March 10 when he raced as though the extra 200m would suit.

Race 5 – THE ARY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE (1200m):WITH dual Group 1 winning parents Dundeel and Secret Admirer, it was no surprise blueblood TOWNSEND ($5) made a successful debut for co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Ridden by Winona Costin, who continued her formidable association with the stable at the provincials, the colt was always handy and, after having to alter course to gain clear running, burst through on the inside of favorite Snippety Star ($2.80) to grab the lead not far from the post. He beat the Godolphin stablemates Vividness ($5), who was also having her first start, and Abstruse ($7). TOWNSEND fetched $360,000 at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale, and being by Dundeel, looks certain to continue to improve as his distances are increased. He had been given two recent trials; the latest when runner-up to The King, who also made his debut last Wednesday on the Kensington track and was a strong finishing second. Snippety Star made the running and appeared to travel comfortably enough before being collared in the closing stages and was beaten less than a length in finishing fourth.

Race 6 – NATIONAL AIR PARTS MAIDEN HCP (1350m):THE outsider winning a four-horse race! How often does it happen? Newcastle trainer Mark Minervini’s decision to book apprentice Georgina McDonnell proved telling as her 3kg claim meant DUBAI FLYER ($7) carried 2.5kg to 4kg less than his three rivals. A $50,000 yearling buy for Minervini Racing, DUBAI FLYER is out of an unraced mare by renowned wet track sire Snitzel. He raced outside the leader and favorite Just An Upstart ($1.90), and looked gone when he became unbalanced on the home turn and looked likely to run last of the quartet. However, he balanced up in the straight and, courtesy of his weight advantage, gathered in his opposition to defeat Theoneandonly ($4.60) and Just An Upstart. DUBAI FLYER was having only his second start and, though beaten clearly on debut in a 1280m Maiden at Muswellbrook on March 10, did make some ground when last of 14 runners at the 800m. 

Race 7 – POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL-MIDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER (1350m):KOBY Jennings not only clinched a treble, but deservedly earned ride of the day plaudits. He didn’t wait for someone else to make a move and, when trapped wide on ACQUITTED ($3.10) in the second half of the field, took off nearing the 600m and circled the field. Kris Lees’ import again showed his liking for heavy ground, having won his first Australian race last May on a “Heavy 8”, and went right on with the job, pulling away in the last 200m to score by two and a half lengths from Hawkesbury pair, Brad Widdup’s Cross The Rubicon ($21), who just nudged out Claire Lever’s Soloist ($61). Lees was adamant beforehand that Acquittedhad taken improvement from his first-up fourth to True Crime in the Newcastle Qualifier (1400m) on March 9, and the overnight rain put the icing on the cake. Cross The Rubicon’s performance in defeat was full of merit. She began awkwardly and contacted the off side barrier partition, then shifted in abruptly and lost a couple of lengths as a result. She came from last and tried hard to match the winner, whilst Soloist ran his best race this campaign. Kim Waugh’s solidly backed favorite Conrad ($2.90) raced up on the speed, but faded to finish eighth. His jockey Keagan Latham afterwards told stewards he felt Conrad didn’t handle the heavy ground even though he had some prior wet track form. The gelding displayed a poor post-race recovery. Fielding (ninth at $10) pulled up 1/5 lame in the near foreleg.

Race 8 – TWIN LAKES AIR & SOLAR CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP (1200m):NEWCASTLE trainer Nathan Doyle celebrated a quick two-State double when PAD THAI ($8.50) finished best for his second win from his last three starts. Doyle less than a quarter of an hour earlier had seen his promising four-year-old Kipsbay extend his picket fence to four when he bolted in at Eagle Farm. PAD THAI settled in last place in the field of seven, but rider Lee Magorrian got a split on him between runners when it mattered and came from nowhere to defeat Mr Polar ($19), who looked like causing an upset when he took the lead on straightening and was run down only in the closing stages. Akaka Falls ($10) was the widest runner in the straight and kept up a strong gallop to finish a close third. Favorite Ningaloo Star ($2.90) harmed her chances by being slowly away after being fractious in the barrier. In the circumstances she wasn’t disgraced in finishing fourth and may be worth another chance. Second favorite Our Lady Stardust ($3.10) also was slowly away and finished last of seven runners. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.