BERRY PILOTS TRAJECTION TO SERIES FINAL

BERRY PILOTS TRAJECTION TO SERIES FINAL 1

Tommy Berry put in a masterful riding display to claim four winners across the seven races including the SKY RACING SUMMER PROVINCIAL SERIES heat with Trajection. 

The Kim Waugh trained mare grabbed victory on the line over fellow Wyong galloper Margie Bee, from the Kristen Buchanan stable. 

Edward Cummings’ Tri Nations will join them in the January 2 series final at Wyong, after finishing third. 

Berry had to weave a passage in the straight after coming from the rear of the field, but, timed his run to perfection.

“Tommy got the timing perfect, he’s been doing that all day,” Waugh said after the race. 

“This mare is amassing a good record. She’s really handy and is tough and never wants to give up.

“She likes to be where she’s comfortable and if that’s the case she hits the line very strong.” 

It was the sixth career win for Trajection, from 18 starts, and the first on her home track.

The camera was required to separate Trajection ($3.80) and Margie Bee ($17), with only a short half head between them. 

The other Wyong runner, The Crimson Idol trained by Jeff Englebrecht, was just out of the placings in fourth.

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Berry showed why he is currently leading the NSW jockey premiership, with an impressive display in the saddle.

He also partnered Shamani for the Freedman brothers, Yukon for Hawkes and Stoltz for Annabel Neasham.

More Than Ready gelding Stoltz showed his class winning the WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING THURSDAY DECEMBER 10 MAIDEN over 1000m.

A $200,000 yearling, Stoltz was given the perfect ride by Berry, who brought him from a midfield position to the lead in the straight. 

He showed a good turn of foot and sped away from his rivals to win by a length. 

The three-year-old was impressive when narrowly beaten at Canberra on November 3 and earned plenty of support, sent out $1.95 favourite. 

Trainer Annabel Neasham was full of praise for the ride by Berry. 

“Tommy is a great judge of pace and he got it right. It was a tricky gate, but I knew we had the right jockey on board,” Neasham said.

“He looked like he was travelling nicely in behind them and I thought they might have been overdoing it a bit upfront.

 “It looked like he was going to let down in the straight, but it took a bit of time.

“He will get better from that win. He’s a horse that likes to feel really confident, that’s the key to him and he will take a lot of benefit from that. 

“It’s great for Kia Ora, who kept a share in him and the Seldon’s, who pledged $500 to Tommy and his father John’s Movember Campaign.” 

Stoltz beat the John Thompson trained Pacific Ocean ($6), with Zouly ($4.40) from the Joe Pride yard, third. 

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Berry piloted classy mare Shamani to victory in the 1600m WYONG EQUINE CLINIC 4YO & UP MAIDEN.

The win brought up a double for Berry and Shamani’s first win in her second race start. 

The Freedman stable had expected the Shamexpress mare to be more forward, but Berry was unable to cross from the wide barrier and settled her toward the rear. 

He rolled into the race on the turn and was forced wide but the four-year-old had too much on her rivals, racing away in the final stages to win by three lengths.

“Tommy knew he had the class underneath him and didn’t panic,” Libby Hopwood, representing Richard and Michael Freedman, said.

“She is tracking beautifully, and I like the way she acquitted herself today. 

“It was a very good run at Kembla in her first start, but she picked up cough between runs,

“She had a nice trial between and looked like a nice race for her.

“We like her and think she will continue to improve as she gets over more ground.”

Shamani was sent out $2.90 favourite and beat The Fringe ($3.50) trained by Clare Cunningham, with Superb Time ($26) from the Grant Allard stable, third.

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The Hawkes/Berry combination struck again with Yukon winning on debut over the 1350m. 

The $360,000 yearling was coming off a soft trial at Rosehill on November 12 and eased in the betting, starting at $10.

Berry settled Yukon in third, behind the tearaway leader Black Sage. 

He came back to his rivals in the straight, and Berry pounced with the Vancouver three-year-old scoring a narrow win in the VALE JOHN MCDERMOTT CHAMPION CALLER AND CHAMPION BLOKE MAIDEN.

In an exciting three-way finish, Yukon beat the Godolphin trained Jana ($8.50) by a short half head, with Clare Cunningham’s Big Lion ($4.80), a long neck behind in third. 

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Waterhouse/Bott debutant Nelspruit was impressive taking out the WYONG EQUINE CLINIC 4YO & UP MAIDEN. 

The Zoustar gelding was too strong for his opposition in the final stages of the 1100m race winning by a length and a half. 

Brenton Avdulla settled the four-year-old just off the leader in the early stages, gaining a narrow lead on straightening before pulling away in the final stages. 

Nelspruit, a $140,000 Inglis yearling, was sent out $2.50 favourite on the back of an impressive trial win at Wyong on November 11.

Stable representative Neil Paine, said it was an “exciting win.”

“It was great. Brenton rode him very good, sitting just outside the leader as Gai and Adrian had wanted,” he said.

“They thought there would be a little bit of pace in the race and didn’t want him to press on and lead and the horse just kept giving.

“He was against horses that had raced previously, more experienced horses.

“He’s taken a bit of time but has really improved and he won terrific.

“We’ve got some owners here and it’s very exciting for them.”

Nelspruit beat Stays On Tour ($61), who put in a much improved performance, from the Price Racing stable, with Miss Anticipation ($14) trained by Ron Leemon, third.

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The Godolphin trained Mollycoddle proved too strong for her rivals in the 

NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE – DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS WEEK CLASS 1 over 1350m.

The three-year-old made it back to back Wyong wins, coming off a maiden victory over the same distance on November 7. 

The Lonhro filly was given a cool ride by Jason Collett, who came from the rear of the field, charging home in the straight to win by a length and a half. 

Stable representative Darren Beadman said Mollycoddle was in a “rich vein of form.”

“It was encouraging to see the way she won today,” he said. The speed of the race helped her, and Jason was cool as a cucumber. 

“James has spaced her races and she seems to have thrived on that. 

“This will be a good confidence builder.

“She’s a very lightly framed filly, there’s not a lot of her but she’s got the will to win and that’s what matters at the end of the day.”

Mollycoddle ($3.60eqfav) beat the Pride trained Titanium Power ($3.60) by a length and a half, with the locally trained Aytobe ($17) from the Partelle stable, third. 

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Segrill ($5) continued a winning run for veteran trainer Clarry Connors taking out the 1600m WYONG EQUINE CLINIC 4YO&UP BENCHMARK 64. 

Tom Sherry put in a great ride to claim victory on the Sebring mare, holding out his rivals in the final stages to win by a short half head. 

He deprived Jean Van Overmire, who finished second on the Anthony Cummings trained Fill Of Fun ($12), of a winning ride on his comeback from injury.

Buba ($5ef), the hard luck story of the race, from the Ryan Alexiou stable, was a close third. 

Sherry had kicked away in the straight, after leading throughout and looked like scoring an easy win before Fill Of Fun and Buba stormed home.

The win was the tenth for the Connors stable in less than six weeks.

Segrill was having her 19th race start and has now had three wins and four placings.

BAKER DUO TOO STRONG

BAKER DUO TOO STRONG 2

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.” 

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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. 

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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

Atherton shooting for 2nd win 3

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

KING SCOOPS THE CUP DAY POOL 4

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 122nd 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.

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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.”

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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 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. 

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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. 

O’HALLORAN BANKING ON FIRST TIME LUCKY

O’HALLORAN BANKING ON FIRST TIME LUCKY 5

Stephen O’Halloran has made the trip to Wyong countless times as racing manager for the Waterhouse/Bott stable, but on Sunday he will saddle up runners for the first time in his own name.

O’Halloran spent 17 years as a vital cog for the leading Sydney stable, but earlier this year stepped out on his own to become a trainer for Moss Vale based Waratah Thoroughbreds. 

He will start the consistent Prince Arragon in the 2100m Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup Prelude and the lightly raced Miss Japan in the 1600m Provincial and Country Maiden.

“Gai was a big supporter of sending horses to Wyong, especially with the ones heading towards Magic Millions, so I had plenty of trips up there over the years,” O’Halloran said.

“Sunday will be my first runners at the track in my own right.

“It’s been a big change for me but I’m enjoying it.

“It’s obviously a lot different from just being based at Randwick and running the stable for Gai.

“I’m making my own decisions now, but we have a beautiful property down here in the Southern Highlands which is great for the horses. 

“Riot Act has won two for me over the last couple of weeks so it 

was good to get the monkey off my back, so to speak. 

“I have 29 horses in work and will try and get them all out running in the next few weeks.”

O’Halloran believes Prince Arragon has a good chance in the Wyong Cup Prelude.

The More Than Ready four-year-old, who has a win and four placings from 10 starts, will have his first attempt at the 2100m. 

“He’s been going really well and came out of his last start good,” he said. 

“The extra ground is going to suit him, and he’s been crying out for a dry track. 

“It looks like he will get the ideal conditions and I expect him to run out the distance.

“Last start he was over the 1875m at Newcastle and he was just beaten. 

“Keagan (Latham) was really happy with him and believes he will have no problems with the 2100m.

“I think on his racing style, he relaxes really easy, goes to sleep underneath you and has that turn of foot that you need over a staying trip.

“Keagan is pretty comfortable he will run the distance, especially on a good track.”

O’Halloran also expects a much better showing from his mare Miss Japan, who is coming off a last at Goulburn over 1500m on August 14. 

She lines up in the 1600m Provincial and Country Maiden and will also be ridden by Latham. 

“She was very disappointing last start, but we are putting it down to the heavy track at Goulburn.

“We are looking forward to a big improvement from her being on top of the ground. 

“Her work has been good since the run and I expect her to race well.”

The Cup Prelude has attracted a field of nine, with Frenzied from the Waterhouse/Bott stable and Malfy, trained by Mark Newnham among the top chances. 

The 1200m 3YO Maiden has attracted a capacity field, with plenty of classy debutants including Van Gogh, a $170,000 yearling from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, who was impressive in two recent trials.

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.50pm. 

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 12.50pm: COCA-COLA CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 EMTHREE, 2 Rockness Angel, 3 Now Or Never, 4 Lunar Rain.

Race 2 – 1.25pm: TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1600m): 1 STARK, 2 Omaka, 3 Alanton’s Treaty, 4 Miss Japan.

Race 3 – 2pm: TRACSIDE AUTOMOTIVE 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1100m): 1 KISS AND TELL, 2 Oslo, 3 Maccomo, 4 Sublime Lady.

Race 4 – 2.36pm: TEAM THOROUGHBRED NSW 3YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 VAN GOGH, 2 Loveland, 3 Wuddacuddashudda, 4 Hypnosis.

Race 5 – 3.11pm: WYONG RACE CLUB LA GIOCONDA – F&M BM68 (1600m): 1 HARD LADY, 2 Happy Candy, 3 Time To Dazzle, 4 Our Winnie.

Race 6 – 3.46pm: CARLTON DRAUGHT WYONG CUP PRELUDE – BM68 (2100m): 1 FRENZIED, 2 Malfy, 3 Continuation, 4 Prince of Arragon.

Race 7 – 4.21pm: DE BORTOLI WINES BM64 (1000m): 1 MISS FOX, 2 Archery Butts, 3 Galaxial, 4 Gidgee Guy.

Race 8 – 4.56pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4 IS CUP DAY BM64 (1350m): CULTURAL AMNESIA, 2 Mo The Great, 3 Patagonian, 4 Invincible Dash.

GREAT SEASON FINALE FOR NEWNHAM AND TEAM

GREAT SEASON FINALE FOR NEWNHAM AND TEAM 6

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Mark Newnham was hoping to end the 2019/2020 season on a high and did just that with a winning double.

Newnham has had his best season in his four years of training, with the Wyong double bringing his tally to 68.

He had been confident of the chances of his two runners, Malfy and Sweeping Brook, leading into the meeting and that confidence paid off.

Both horses looked well-placed and Newnham’s apprentices Tom Sherry and Tyler Schiller did the rest, posting victories for their boss.

It was Sherry’s 14th win on the Wyong track for the season, securing him the Apprentices Premiership Title.

“It was great to finish off the season with a couple of winners and it all starts again tomorrow,” Newham said. 

Malfy was the first of stable’s winners taking out the DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN over 1600m.

There were some anxious moments in the straight as the Dundeel filly attempted to run down the leaders, but she responded to hard riding by Tom Sherry and grabbed victory on the line.

Sherry had positioned the short-priced favourite midfield, getting onto the back of the leaders at the turn.

The Perry trained Rainbow Man looked likely to cause an upset, but despite laying in the in the straight, Sherry was able to get Malfy home by a half-length.

It was the second start for Malfy, coming off a fourth at Hawkesbury over 1300m on debut and Newnham had been confident she would race well.

“She came through her first run really well and with the step up to a mile I thought she was well placed,” he said.

“I was pleased with the way she paraded today,” he said. “In her first start she got upset and it was hard to get Robbie (Dolan) on her.

“Today with early muffs on and with the pony, she was nice and relaxed. “Since her last start she appreciated having her work lengthened out a bit and I thought the mile would suit her.”

Malfy ($1.40), beat Rainbow Man ($8), with Haven Road ($8), trained by Dwayne Schmidt, third.

The second of Newnham’s runners, Sweeping Brook, was sent out a short-priced $1.70 favourite in the NSW JOCKEYS ASSOCIATION 3YO MAIDEN over 1350m and didn’t disappoint.

Despite being posted three-wide for much of the race, Schiller didn’t panic, bringing the three-year-old to the front on straightening and drawing away for a three and a half length win.

Newnham had tinkered with the gear on the gelding, taking off the blinkers.

“He’d finished second in both his previous starts and seemed to be getting to the front and waiting for them.

“I thought he was well placed, with 1350m the right trip and three kilos off for Tyler.

GREAT SEASON FINALE FOR NEWNHAM AND TEAM 7
Tyler Schiller

“He’s always shown a bit of ability and was nice to knock off a maiden win.” with him now and give him a bit more time.”

Sweeping Brook beat Happy Babe ($6) trained by Richard Litt, with Dizzy Dawn ($4.50) from the Craig Carmody stable, third.

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David Pfeiffer and Mitchell Bell had a good day out, combining for a winning double with Jacquine Reward and Coco Cuber.

The well-supported Jacquine Reward ($4.40) proved too strong for his opposition to take out the HAPPY 50TH MICHELLE CLASS 1over 1200m.

The Reward For Effort three-year-old was coming off a fourth at Nowra over 1100m on July 3.

Bell settled the gelding just behind the leaders and despite being caught wide, had him travelling strong on the home turn.

He dashed away in the straight to win by a length over the $2.60 favourite Belitsa, from the Snowden yard.

A $25,000 Inglis gelding, Jacquine Reward has had 10 starts for two wins.

Heza Gentleman ($18), trained by Mitchell and Desiree Kearney, was third.

Stablemate Coco Cuber ($15) caused an upset in the 1100m JOCKEYS CELEBRATION DAY BENCHMARK 64 with an impressive length and a half win.  

The Rubick gelding was coming off a last race start at Wyong over the same distance on July 21, when he finished almost four lengths behind the winner in seventh.

Bell settled the three-year-old midfield, before moving up just before the turn.

He hit the front on straightening and held off the fast finishing Can I Rock

An $85,000 yearling, Coco Cuber has now had eight starts for two wins and a placing.

He beat the Mick Dwyer trained Can I Rock ($10), with Stephen Schofield’s Mosht Up ($7.50), third.

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

It looked like a race in two and proved to be exactly that with Garrison and Eye See Things fighting out the finish of the 1100m COCA-COLA 3YO&UP MAIDEN.

The Snowden trained Garrison ($2.30), ridden by Brenton Avdulla, got the edge in the final stages, to win by almost a length.

Both look like progressive three-year-olds and seem likely to be headed for metropolitan racing.

Avdulla, box seated on Garrison, before drawing level with the $2 favourite Eye See Things, from the John Thompson stable, on the turn.

The pair battled it out down the straight before Garrison got the upper hand.

Lindy Ings, representing the Snowdens, said it was very satisfying to finally get a win.

“It’s a great result for the team, Peter and Paul, and everyone who has been involved with him,” she said.

“He’s a big, robust horse and has had niggling injuries right through his career.

“There’s been a fair bit of work to get him here, but it was great to get the win.

“He wasn’t beaten far last start at Newcastle, but he was much better today.

“The win today will be good for his confidence.”

Enamour ($11) trained by Tracey Bartley, was seven lengths behind, in third.

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

Craig Carmody paid tribute to the ride by Kathy O’Hara after Buzz made it back to back wins in the TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

The Denman gelding was coming off a win at Wyong over the same distance on June 18.

In his two previous victories Buzz had been ridden on the pace, but when favourite Al Snip opened up an early six length lead, O’Hara made the decision to restrain him.

It proved to be a winning move, with Buzz circling the field on the turn and running down the leaders in the straight to win by almost three lengths.

“That was quite a run of emotions,” Carmody said after the win.

“I didn’t expect him to be so far back but then we didn’t expect that frantic speed.

“Usually his best runs are when he is up front, but Kathy summed up the situation and the win is probably dedicated to her wise move.

“She summed it up really well.

“It’s nice to see him race with consistency this time in. He’s been honest and deserves the win.

“He’s been up for nine months but is thriving on routine and training. Initially he was quite a fragile customer but has thrived this time in, so we’ll keep him going.”

Buzz ($3.80) beat the John Sargent trained Easy Campese ($6.50), with Weekend Affair ($5) from the Coyle stable, third.

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Cameron Crockett saddled up his first winner at Wyong, with consistent mare Now Or Never getting a well-deserved victory in the GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP 4YO&UP MAIDEN over 1350m.

Now based at Scone, Crockett has only had a handful of runners at the track and was happy to break through for a win.

Jason Collett gave the All American four-year-old a gun ride, positioning her midfield in running before hitting the front on straightening and drawing away in the final stages to win by more than two lengths.

Now Or Never, raced by Darby Syndications, was well supported on the back of two good runs at Muswellbrook and Dubbo this time in, and sent out $2.60 favourite.

Previously trained in Sydney by Gary Portelli, she had showed early potential finishing fourth in the Gimcrack and sixth in the Inglis Classic, beaten only two lengths.

She has raced well since joining the Crockett stable, with three placings from eight runs.

In her breakthrough Wyong win she beat the Lauri Parker trained Haunting Spirit ($3), with Badge Of Honour ($231) from the Cheers stable, a close third.

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

Back to back Wyong wins for the Waterhouse/Bott trained Vienna Rain, who took out the 1600m WYONGS NEXT RACEDAY SUNDAY AUGUST 30 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70.

The Manhattan Rain gelding was sent out $3.00 favourite and didn’t disappoint, with Adam Hyeronimus giving the three-year-old a well-rated ride on the pace.

Vienna Rain jumped well and Hyeronimus settled him just off the leader.

He hit the front on straightening and was able to hold out his rivals to score a two-length win.

The $50,000 yearling made the step up in grade to BM70, after his July 21 Wyong win in a BM64 over the same distance.

He beat the Lees trained Blazing Sunrise ($3.60), with Call Me Mo ($8.50) from the Perry stable third.

NEWNHAM PLANNING FOR WINNING END TO SEASON

NEWNHAM PLANNING FOR WINNING END TO SEASON 8

Mark Newnham is hoping his two runners at Wyong on Friday will help him end the 2019/2020 season on a high.

Newnham has trained a personal best 65 winners for the season and has two more meetings, Hawkesbury and Wyong to add to the tally.

“It’s my fourth season and we’ve produced more winners each year,” Newnham said.

“I still have the same number of horses as I did last year, but we’ve got better quality horses and they are winning better races.

“The biggest difference has been the prizemoney. Last season it was around $3.6m and this season it is almost $5.4m.

“It’s very rewarding and would be a good way to finish it off with a couple more winners at Wyong.”

Sweeping Brook looks to be the best of Newnham’s duo, the Hinchinbrook gelding having been beaten in photo finishes in both of his starts.

An $80,000 yearling, Sweeping Brook lines up in the 3YO 1350m Maiden, with apprentice Tyler Schiller in the saddle.

He has been runner-up at Kembla over the 1200m and 1400m, with Newnham believing the Wyong distance should suit.

“He’s been very unlucky in both starts and photo finished twice,” he said.

“I’ve taken the blinkers off him this time because he’s seems to be getting to the front and just waiting for them.

“So, I thought he’s probably better to see them.

“The1350m is the right trip and he gets three kilos off for Tyler, so I think he is well placed.

“It’s has taken a long time to get him up and running, so I’ll only give him a short preparation. This could even be his last run this time in.

“He’s always shown a bit of ability and it would be nice to knock off a maiden win with him now and give him a bit more time.”

Newnham also considers his Dundeel filly Malfy, is well placed in the 1600m Maiden.

The three-year-old, who will be ridden by Robbie Dolan, is having only her second start, coming off a fourth at Hawkesbury over 1300m on July 12, where she was beaten just over a length.

 “She ran quite well at Hawkesbury,” he said.

“She steps up to a mile and I think she is well placed. She is no world-beater but is well placed in this race.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.20pm.  

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12:20pm:  DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1600m): 1 CONTEST, 2 Rainbow Man, 3 Halevi, 4 Alanton’s Treaty.

Race 2 – 12:55pm:  GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): 1 NOW OR NEVER, 2 Anamagic, 3 Haunting Spirit, 4 Superbank.

Race 3 – 1:35pm: NSW JOCKEYS ASSOCIATION 3YO MAIDEN (1350m): 1SWEEPING BROOK, 2 First Fleet, 3 Alkaamel, 4 Dizzy Dawn.

Race 4 – 2:10pm: COCA-COLA 3YO&UP MAIDEN (1100m): 1 EYE SEE THINGS, 2 Enamour, 3 Garrison, 4 All A Lady.

Race 5 – 2:50pm: HAPPY 50TH MICHELLE CLASS 1 (1200m):1 MY ROSE MY KINGDOM, 2 Belistsa, 3 A Fortunate Lass, 4 Moetta.

Race 6 – 3:25pm: TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 (1350m): 1BOLSON, 2 Easy Campese, 3 Dark Euro, 4 Luga Lad.

Race 7 – 4:05pm: JOCKEYS CELEBRATION DAY BENCHMARK 64 (1100m): 1 PINK BEAU, 2 Tallis, 3 Mr Polar, 4 Superbella.

Race 8 – 4:40pm: WYONGS NEXT RACEDAY SUNDAY AUGUST 30 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 (1600m): 1 JUST SOCIETY, 2 Blazing Sunrise, 3 Vienna Rain, 4 All But Gone.

MY ROSE MY KINGDOM THE RIGHT TONIC FOR RANDALL

MY ROSE MY KINGDOM THE RIGHT TONIC FOR RANDALL 9

By Frances O’Shea, Photos Steve Hart

Trainer Tanya Randall is renowned for cheering home her winner’s but had to be content with watching from her hospital bed when My Rose My Kingdom greeted the judge.

The bargain-buy filly went from villain to heroine when she took out the 1200m CARLTON DRY PROV & CTRY MAIDEN in impressive style.

The previous morning Randall was leading My Rose My Kingdom off a float when the horse was spooked and jammed her into the side of the trailer.

She suffered two broken ribs and a broken collarbone and is recovering in John Hunter Hospital.

It was left to her partner Mal Ollerton to saddle up the three-year-old, with Tanya watching on from her hospital bed.

Apprentice Tom Sherry took My Rose My Kingdom ($9.50) to an early lead, which she maintained throughout, kicking away in the straight to win by more than three lengths.

“I’d say Tanya would be pretty happy now and feeling now pain,” Ollerton said.

“The filly won really well, and she still has a bit to learn.

“We put her in a couple of shorter races, and I thought the run at Newcastle was better than her second at Muswellbrook a couple of weeks earlier.

“I said to Tom (Sherry) today not to fight her, because I don’t think she’s as affective held up. She’s a bit of a free striding filly and can quicken off that.”

Ollerton said My Rose My Kingdom, a $4000 purchase, was bred to get over further ground.

“I thought there must have been something wrong with her when we got her at that price, but they were just selling everything off. She’s always been a nice filly and is still growing, so we haven’t rushed her.”

Ollerton said they would look for a similar race around the provincials in coming weeks.

My Rose My Kingdom beat Brad Widdup’s $4.80 favourite Stark, a $1.45m yearling, with the Perry trained Mon Amore ($8.50) third.

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Moccasin Miss may have delayed her retirement plans with a strong win the OFF THE TRACK NSW BENCHMARK 64 over 1100m.

The Gary Portelli trained mare maintained her impressive first up record with three wins and three placings from seven starts.

Perfectly ridden by Shaun Guymer, Moccasin Miss ($8) settled just behind the leaders, with Guymer patiently waiting for a split at the top of the straight and pulling away along the rails to win by a length over the fast finishing Ragged Rascal ($11). The Godolphin trained favourite Badia ($4.20) was a half-length behind in third.

Gary Portelli described Moccasin Miss, who claimed her fourth win from 41 starts, as a “great little mare.”

“I’ll be sad when she’s retired because she just turns up week after week,” he said.

“She’s been with us since she was two. I bought her in Western Australia for $60,000, out of good mare Moccasin Bend, who won a West Australian Guineas.

“She will probably get retired to stud after this campaign, but we’ll see how she goes.

“It was good ride by Shaun. I couldn’t believe the rails run, he was sweating on it, got it and pounced.

“She’s always there about and when she draws well fresh and especially around these sorts of tracks, she’s pretty hard to beat first up. I thought her form would line up against these.”

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An exciting finish in the DE BORTOLI WINES 3YO MAIDEN over 1600m with the Gerald Ryan trained Swahili Mai ($6) getting the bob on the line.

The three-year-old, by Japanese sire Kinshasa No Kiseki, brought up her first win at her sixth race start.

Apprentice Tyler Schiller had settled the filly just off the speed, bringing her to the outside in the straight.

Swahili Mai looked to have the measure of the Anthony Cummings trained favourite Mooy ($2.60) but she fought back to make It a close finish, beaten only a short head.

Ryan said he hoped there were more wins in store for Swahili Mai, an $80,000 yearling purchase.

“I had a big question mark on her running 1600m and thought if she can’t run it today with 52kg on her back she never will,” he said.

“She probably felt the pinch late but got the job done.”

He said the filly had been unlucky in her last two starts.

“Two starts ago at Canberra she should have nearly won, and the other day at Newcastle she was unlucky again. She’s an honest little thing.

“Her sire won 6 Group1’s in Japan and has thrown a couple G1 winners this season. I hope she can go on and win another one.”

Zounate ($3.10), from the Portelli stable, who led up the field finished third, two lengths behind the winner.

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

A dominant win by Emthree ($4.80) to take out the COCA-COLA MAIDEN over 1350m.

The Deep Field gelding easily rounded up his rivals in the straight, courtesy of a well-timed ride by Andrew Gibbons.

He settled the three-year-old just behind the leaders, putting pressure on race favourite Lake Marion ($1.75) on the turn, before drawing away in the final stages to win by more than two lengths.

“He’s needed a bit of time,” trainer Bryce Heys said after the win.

“There were issues with his mannerisms due to tractability in the run, but today was the first day the race set up in a manner he was able to take advantage of, and he was able to do that.”

Heys was full of praise for the ride by Gibbons.

“Draw a gate, have a horse going well and Gibbo’s the man to put on,” he said.

Emthree, a $100,000 yearling, was having his seventh career start and coming off a ninth at Newcastle on June 27.

I Am Flying ($26) trained by Peter Cheers was second, from Lake Marion.

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

Yangarra Rose went one better than her debut at Newcastle, to take out the 1000m JIM BEAM 2YO MAIDEN in a close finish.

The well-bred Zoustar filly, a $460,000 yearling, was narrowly beaten over 900m on July 7 and appreciated the step up in distance to claim her first victory.

She was given a great ride by apprentice Andrew Adkins and finished strongly to run down the leaders in the final stages of the straight.

Colum McCullogh, representing the Snowden stable, said the filly had definitely appreciated the extra distance.

“She was good up in trip. Andrew got her into a good spot, she found her rhythm and relaxed well,” he said.

 “Coming up the straight another horse started to veer out a bit, and she was a little bit wary about going past it, but when she knew what she was doing Andrew got stuck into her and she let down really good.

“She’s by Zoustar and we are of the opinion she will probably be a better Autumn three-year-old. She still has to fill out quite a bit, she’s got a good mentality, now we just need the physical side to fill out. She’s done a great job in her first preparation.”

Runner-up, the Tracey Bartley trained Barossa Rosa ($2.30fav), looked promising, with We Had Too Many ($21), trained by John Thompson, third.

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An upset in the 1350m TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 with the Hawkes trained Snowfire ($12) proving too strong for his more favoured opponents.

The Star Witness gelding brought up his second career wins from six starts, courtesy of a good ride by the in-form Koby Jennings.

He took an early lead and picked up some easy sectionals in front, before drawing away in the straight and holding off the fast finishing, short-priced favourite Al Snip ($1.70).

The winning margin was a long neck, with the Jason Coyle trained Undoubted ($13), a length behind in third.

Snowfire, a $120,000 yearling, had been racing in Victoria prior to spelling. He resumed with a fifth at Hawkesbury over 1300m on July 2.

The win continues a great run for Jennings, who has booted home eight winners in the past three weeks.

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

Veteran trainer Pat Farrell showed his younger counterparts how it’s done, taking out the 1000m GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP CLASS 2 with One To Remember.

The Office Bearing gelding was having his fourth career start, having won his maiden at Muswellbrook on May 1.

Farrell gave the gelding a 10 week freshen up, starting him at Wyong without a trial.

It proved to be a winning move, with One To Remember blitzing his opposition to win by almost three lengths.

Leading jockey Jeff Penza took advantage of the one barrier, jumping the two-year-old to the front.

He led throughout and drew away from the field in the final stages, beating the Stephen Schofield trained, Mosht Up ($41), with Can I Rock ($6.50), trained by Mick Dwyer, a further three lengths behind in third.

Farrell saddled up three runners in the race, with his other two Euroaire and When You Wish, finishing toward the rear of the field.

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

The well supported Vienna Rain finished the day well for favourite backers, taking out the WYONGS NEXT RACEDAY FRIDAY JULY 31 BENCHMARK 64 over 1600m.

The Manhattan Rain gelding caught the eye of punters with a good performance over the 1500m at Newcastle on July 4.

He was well ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, who box seated behind the leaders, before taking a rails run on straightening and drawing away to win by more than a length.

Runner-up Brutality ($8) from the Joe Pride stable, finished strongly, ahead of High Court ($41), trained locally by Jeff Englebrecht.

A $50,000 yearling, Vienna Rain raced by Blueblood Thoroughbreds, has now had 10 starts for two wins and four placings.

STILL REIGNING HOPING TO LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS

STILL REIGNING HOPING TO LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS 10

Still Reigning has a long way to go to live up to her famous sister but the Portelli stable hope she can get off on the right foot at Wyong on Tuesday.

The $800,000 filly, a half-sister to Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign (Photo – Source: The Chronicle), is sure to attract plenty of interest when she resumes in the 1000m 2YO Maiden.

Still Reigning failed at her first start over 1100m at Warwick Farm on April 29, finishing second last in a field of 10.

She was spelled and then held together in a nice trial at Randwick on July 10.

Racing Manager James Fathers said they were keen to get the filly back to the races.

“She is obviously well-bred, and we believe she has above average ability but she’s yet to show it at the track,” he said.

“She sort of lost the plot a little bit at her first start and go all hot and sweaty in the yard.

“We gave her a nice spell and have taken her to Hawkesbury and Wyong, just for a day out to get her used to the experience.

“She seems a lot better away from home.

“She has the benefit of a barrier trial at Randwick. She trialled with a brow band on and she went good really.

“It’s mainly about getting her to the racecourse and giving her a good experience.

“If the race pans out, we think she will be competitive. She’s got plenty of speed, it’s just a case of getting her to behave in the barriers and settle down and have a nice experience. That’s the most important thing for Tuesday.”

Fathers said while She Will Reign peaked pretty early, she wasn’t quite as immature as her little sister.

“I think mentally she will take a bit more time. It has taken a bit of patience to get her thinking the right way.

“We are looking forward to getting her on to the track and see what she can do,” he said.

Apprentice Tom Sherry takes a two kilo claim on Still Reigning, who will start from barrier six in what looks like a strong 2YO event.

The stable is also confident about the chances of Zounate, in the 1600m 3YO Maiden.

The Zoustar gelding has been in consistent form this preparation, placed in all but one of his five starts.

He is coming off a third at Hawkesbury last start over 1800m.

“He’s been super consistent and knocking on the door,” Fathers said.

“We gave him a go over 1800m last start, and he ended up pulling a little bit and things just didn’t really work out.

“I think back over the mile he will probably just lead. Even though he doesn’t have a great turn of foot, he’s got a good cruising speed and can keep rolling and hopefully have the rest of the field in trouble behind him.

“You want to be on your bike at Wyong and that should suit him.”

Moccasin Miss, the third of the Portelli runners, is also given a good chance in the 1100m Benchmark 64.

The Stratum mare has good form both on the Wyong track and first up.

“This will probably be her last preparation and she’ll be heading for the breeding barn,” Mathers said.

“She trialled really nicely, and we think she should run well.

“It would be great to be able to get another win for her form the owners.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.20pm: DE BORTOLI WINES 3YO MAIDEN (1600m): 1 MOOY, 2 Zounate, 3 Swahili Mai, 4 Bianchi Cup.

Race 2 – 12.55pm: COCA-COLA MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 LAKE MARION, 2 No Complaints, 3 Private Missile, 4 Emthree.

Race 3 – 1.35pm: CARLTON DRY PROV & CTRY MAIDEN HANDICAP (1200m): 1 LA GIRL, 2 Strike Missile, 3 My Rose My Kingdon, 4 Montana Thunder.

Race 4 – 2.10pm: JIM BEAM 2YO MAIDEN HANDICAP (1000m): 1 BASTAKI, 2 Yangarra Rose, 3 Jet Population, 4 I Am Bolt.

Race 5 – 2.45pm: TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 AL SNIP, 2 You Too, 3 Duchess Marizza, 4 Patrina.

Race 6 – 3.25pm: GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1000m): 1 ROSINA KOJONUP, 2 Bring Glory, 3 Xiaoli’s Ying, 4 Special Date.

Race 7 – 4.05pm: OFF THE TRACK NSW BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 WANDER, 2 Mr Polar, 3 Badia, 4 Upper East Side.

Race 8 – WYONGS NEXT RACEDAY FRIDAY JULY 31 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 HOLY REIGN, 2 Brutality, 3 Vienna Rain, 4 Live The Moment.

BARTLEY CHASING HOME TRACK WINS

BARTLEY CHASING HOME TRACK WINS 11

Tracey Bartley is heading towards his best season in more than a decade and hopes to add to his tally with four home track runners on Saturday.

Bartley has 23 winners to date in 2019/2020, along with a host of frustrating placings but has also enjoyed black type success with In Good Time claiming a Listed race at Eagle Farm last month.

“It’s been a good season and would be great to finish it off with a couple more wins,” Bartley said.

“I’m very pleased with how things are going along, and we’ve recently taken over a barn at Wyong and that increases our numbers from 16 to 20.

“It’s the perfect number for us and now we’ve got to keep the results coming.”

In Good Time’s half-sister Rose Sauvage races on her home track for the first time on Saturday and Bartley expects her to run well.

The Outreach filly, a $90,000 yearling purchase, lines up in the 1000m Class 1.

“She had a good preparation last time in and won a two-year-old race.

“She trialled nice the other day and while I normally would run them that quick after a trial, this race was there and just walking across the road, she’s got to run.

“I’m hoping the track firms up because that will suit her.

“She is owned by a group of us, including Gerard Maher who races In Good Time.

“We paid good money for her, so she’s got to live up to that. We will kick off here and hopefully get her to town.”

Stablemates Rockness Angel and Rise’N’Shine, start in the 1100m Maiden. 

Bartley expects Rockness Angel to perform well first-up.

“She’s a very well-bred filly who we brought off Hayes and Dabernig,” he said.

“She’s owned by a group of guys, including Brett Jones the vet, and we are looking forward to her resuming.”

“I expect her to run really well. She trialled nice and I’m very happy with her.”

“We found she was out in the back last time in, so we’ve been training her differently.”

Bartley also believes his Shooting To Win gelding, Rise’N’Shine, will run well.

“I think the 1100m and the short course here will suit him much better. He missed the start at Grafton, and it was a bit of a nothing run. I’m expecting a much-improved performance.”

Rounding out Bartley’s runners is Equilibrium, resuming in the 1350m Benchmark 64.

The six-year-old, another Victorian import has had 40 starts for five wins and four placings,

“He probably needs the run. He was competitive last preparation, but he just needs to get our in distance and get a bit fit.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 11.54am: WELCOME BACK WYONG RACE CLUB MEMBERS MAIDEN (2100m):  1 LIBRARIAN, 2 Past Tense, 3 Ausbred L’Or, 4 Final Showdown.

Race 2 – 12.29pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1100m): 1 PRIVATE EYE, 2 Honey Go Lightly, 3 War Weapon, 4 Rockness Angel.

Race 3 – 1.04pm: COCA-COLA MAIDEN (1350m): 1 KISS AND TELL, 2 Aeecee Beau, 3 Ultimate Thinker, 4 Heads Will Roll.

Race 4 – 1.39pm: CARLTON DRY CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 ELDER PRICE, 2 Mission Dream, 3 Sarah Elizabeth, 4 Dummy Run.

Race 5 – 2.19pm: DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL 2YO MAIDEN (1350m): 1 CASTLECOMER, 2 Urban Warrior, 3 Honored Vow, 4 Bolson.

Race 6 – 2.59pm: JIM BEAM BENCHMARK 64 (1350m): 1 WESTLINK, 2 Buzz, 3 Fantasy Eagle, 4 Ellie’s Encore.

Race 7 – 3.39pm: OFF THE TRACK NSW CLASS 1 (1000m): 1 ESCAPED, 2 Star Girl, 3 Rose Sauvage, 4 Superbellaa.

Race 8 – 4.18pm: WYONGS NEXT RACEDAY TUESDAY JULY 21 CLASS 2 (1200m): 1 CRIMLET, 2 Zell, 3 Temple Run, 4 Snippy Fox.