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Tommy Berry and Jason Collett shared the riding honours bagging a double each on another great day of racing at Wyong.

Berry combined with the in-form Annabel Neasham winning on Rejoiced and took out the last on Flucuate for the Freedmans.

Collett’s wins came on Sirius Girl for Hawkes Racing and Confessed for Kris Lees. 

There were some impressive winners, including Gary Moore’s $600,000 yearling buy Chief Conductor who is headed to the Autumn carnival and Rejoiced, who made it three wins from four starts. 

There was plenty of praise for the track, courtesy of track manager Phil Robinson and his staff, from senior jockeys and trainers.

Race 1 – ALLAN KEHOE RACING F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 

Gun sire Deep Field looks to have produced another nice filly in Sirius Girl. 

The three-year-old brought up her debut win in impressive fashion, leading from start to finish over the 1100m.

Jason Collett pinged the gates on the Hawkes trained filly and had a soft lead throughout, drawing away in the final stages to win by a length.

“She was nicely educated,” Collett said. “She had good speed from the gate and made use of it. 

“She was still a touch awkward in the middle stages, but the small track helped her skip away from them.”

Sirius Girl was resuming after two starts in her first preparation. She put in with an eye-catching trial at Rosehill on January 4 when she finished second. 

Punters sent the Darby Racing filly out $3.70 favourite and weren’t disappointed. She beat Godolphin’s equal favourite Arbitration, who made up plenty of ground in straight, with Icing On The Cake ($4.80) from the Snowden yard, finishing third. 

Race 2 – TRACEY BARTLEY RACING CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 

Impeccably bred colt Chief Conductor is heading towards stakes racing following his strong maiden win. 

Trainer Gary Moore has a big opinion of the I Am Invincible three-year-old, out of Snitzerland, who was a $600,000 Inglis yearling. 

Chief Conductor ($5.50) was having his first start for the stable, after being previously trained in Melbourne for his debut run, where he was unplaced at Geelong over 1140m in November. 

He was transferred to the Moore stable and looked the goods when he took out a trial at Rosehill on January 4 by more than two lengths. 

Moore said he had been very confident heading into the Wyong race.

“He’s a classy colt and I think there are better things to come for him,” he said. 

“He was a little playful today and lacks race experience, but he will come on leaps and bounds from that. The stable is on a high, I’ll give him one more run in a Class 1 or BM64 and then look for something better. 

“Tim rode him brilliantly. We’ll be looking for a stakes race over the carnival.”

Clark gave Chief Conductor a gun ride, sitting just off the leader before drawing away around the 100m mark. Joe Pride’s Just A Tiff ($6) stormed home to finish second, with a win not far away, while the Snowden trained favourite Hamaki looked to have every chance finishing third. 

Race 3 – DAMIEN LANE 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1600m): 

A great training performance by Warwick Farm based Robert Quinn, with Handsome King winning over 1600m in his first start for the stable. 

The Hinchinbrook four-year-old had been with another trainer for his only previous outing in July last year, before owner Bill Tsang opted to transfer him to Quinn following a spell. 

He trialled twice leading into the Wyong race, his latest a third at Warwick Farm over 1207m on December 30. 

Quinn, a former jumps jockey, opted to have him resume over the 1600m and called on fellow Irishman Tom Sherry for the riding duties. 

Sherry came from a rear position before the turn, circling the field and coming with a sustained run to snatch victory on the line. 

He denied the locally trained Finnman ($6.50) from the Wayne Seelin stable his first win, after he looked the winner in the final stages. 

Quinn said Handsome King ($9.50) had kept improving since joining his stable. 

“He’s a gorgeous horse and he keeps getting better in his work. He trialled super coming into this and I thought he would go well.”

Sherry congratulated Quinn on the  good job with the horse.

“It’s not easy to get a four-year-old fit and up to the mile first up. The horse is still green and has plenty of upside. He went to the line well.”

Vegas Law ($18) from the Sara Ryan yard, was third. 

Race 4 – 3.40pm: HAPPY RETIRMENT LES TILLEY AND EVAN HOLLAND (REV) CG&E BM64 (1350m): 

Annabel Neasham’s Rejoiced looked to be the best horse in the race and proved to be just that, with another victory to his name. 

The Redoute’s Choice colt is racking up an impressive record, with three wins from just four starts and continues a super run for Neasham.

His only failure came at Gosford over 1600m on December 29, with the stable convinced the three-year-old didn’t handle the rise in distance. 

Neasham dropped him back to the 1350m and under the cool hands of Tommy Berry, he had no trouble putting away his opposition. 

“I thought he was the best horse in the race and gave him a nice easy time mid-race,” Berry said. 

“I put the pressure on the corner, and he responded. He’s still learning his craft and will be a much better horse next preparation. It was a great training performance by Annabel to drop him back to the 1350m.

“I rode him knowing he was the fittest horse in the race, and he prevailed.”

Raced by Kia Ora Stud and Encompass Bloodstock, Rejoiced was sent out $2.60 favourite. 

There seemed to be no excuses for the beaten brigade, Kim Waugh’s Fenech ($3.40) who was second, over Acoustix ($4.20) from the Tas Morton yard. 

Race 5 – KRISTEN BUCHANAN RACING F&M BM64 (1350m): 

A well-timed ride by Jason Collett secured win number three for Kris Lees consistent mare Confessed. 

Collett conceded there was luck involved in bringing up his second winner of the day. 

“I needed luck and I got it,” Collett said. “I was banking on it and once the favourite rolled off the fence, she had enough turn of foot to get through.”

Collett was able to angle Confessed through a narrow gap after being briefly held up for a run, the mare driving through to win by half a length. 

Danny Greer, from the Lees stable, said Confessed had been a dual acceptor, the decision to run at Wyong proving to be a winning won. 

“Kris opted to come here today, and it worked out. She appeared to be in a tricky spot in the straight but when the spilt came she was travelling well and was able to dash through and get the job done,” he said.

“She’s very versatile and continues to please. She’ll go through her grades.”

Confessed, a Press Statement mare, brought up win three at start 10, with four minor placings.

Runner-up Tanzimat ($8) from the Godolphin stable was doing her best work on the line, with Damien Lane’s A Fortunate Lass ($9.50) putting in an improved performance to finish third. 

Race 6 – KIM WAUGH RACING F&M BM64 (1100m): 

Con Karakatsanis made it three wins from three starts with his progressive filly Riva Del Sol. 

The Press Statement three-year-old took the step up to provincial grade, racing in an unaccustomed position just off the speed. 

“It didn’t really go to plan because I wanted her to lead and set the tempo, but it still worked out,” Karakatsanis said. 

“It’s the first time she’s had to sit behind and push out and she did that well. She’s tough and it’s good to see her stepping up and getting the job done. She’s been a work in progress and I’m very proud of her.”

Winning rider Koby Jennings was also full of praise for the filly. 

“Her heart is her biggest asset,” he said. “She’s not a very big horse and is still green. She had to improve a little to put this field away and that’s what she did.”

Jennings partnered Riva Del Sol to her previous win over 1000m at Nowra on December 31. She had debuted with a victory at Taree, on August 17 while under the care of Matthew Smith. 

Riva Del Sol, starting at $5.50, got the better of the Mark Newnham trained $4.40 favourite Stormborn, with another great run by Stephen Schofield’s Mosht Up ($9.50) to finish a close third. 

Race 7 – WYONG’S NEXT MEETING JANUARY 23 CLASS 1 (1200m):

A slow start didn’t spoil the chances of short priced favourite Flucuate who made it back-to-back wins from just two starts. 

Trained by the Freedman brothers, the Not A Single Doubt gelding, gave Tommy Berry a winning double and the jockey’s challenge, but it wasn’t clear sailing.

“He knuckled at the start and that fired him up,” Berry said. “He wanted to charge a little bit, so I was surprised he gave me as much as he did at the end. 

“He’s got plenty of ability but just has to iron out those kinks. He’s in the right stable to do that.”

It was a good ride by Berry who pinched runs along the rails after the slow start. He chased down the earlier leader Apex, pulling away on the line to win by more than two lengths.

Flucuate was coming off a debut win over 1000m at Gosford on December 31. 

John Cooper’s locally trained gelding Apex ($31) was brave in defeat, with Nathan Doyle’s Starboreta ($4.20) third.

IT was a case of “crash and burn” for punters who pinned their faith in three Annabel Neasham fancies – two favourites and a close second favourite.

Tick Tock Boom ($2.90), Regal Pom ($1.75) and Forever You ($2.80) all were beaten, leaving the trio’s supporters with holes in their pockets.

Tick Tock Boom finished third in the opener, Regal Pom fourth in the second, and Forever You was third in the fifth race.

Whilst the latter pair didn’t justify their favourite tags this time, it might be a different story once they get on to a bigger circuit.

Both got too far out of their ground and did well to finish as close as they did.

At least the last two favourites got home; Leave Me Some ($3.40) in the second last and hotpot Air Of Alsace ($1.75) in the closer.

The seven races were shared by individual trainers, and jockey Grant Buckley took the riding honours with a double, scoring on Barellan Bandit ($4.40) and Leave Me Some.

Both have the ability to make their mark in midweek company in town in the coming weeks.

Course manager Phil Robinson and his staff earned deserved plaudits for the manner in which the track was presented. From a “Heavy 9” starting point, the track was upgraded to a “Heavy 8” and then “Soft 6”.

RACE 1 – TAB.COM.AU CG&E CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m):

THE meeting began on a “Heavy 9” surface following overnight rain, and one of Sydney’s leading stables, Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, continued its momentum of late by scoring with MIHOCEK ($5). 

Cleverly ridden by Matthew Palmer, who renewed an earlier association with the former during a previous NSW stint. Palmer ensured he was right up on the speed when the pace wasn’t strong, and the three-year-old son of Sooboog and$80,000 2020 yearling sale purchase, took the lead on straightening and held out Bon Vivant ($4.80) and Tick Tock Boom ($2.90). Just behind the placegetters at his previous two runs since resuming at Rosehill Gardens and Newcastle when he settled back in the field in both, MIHOCEK had an important gear change with the addition of a lugging bit. The $2.70 favourite Bob was never a hope and beat only the $31 outsider Apex home in the small field of six. Stewards reported no abnormality was found with BOB afterwards, but will check on his condition in the coming days.

RACE 2 – CANADIAN CLUB MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):

RACING NSW stewards upgraded the track to a “Heavy 8” retrospectively to include the opener, and leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller and jockey Lee Magorrian struck with topweight TUHINGA ($5). 

Having only his fifth start, the three-year-old son of Epaulette broke through after racing up on the speed.  Stable spokesperson Clare Heuston, last season’s Strapper Of The Year, paid credit to Magorrian for his ride. 

“Tuhinga expended too much energy last start at Newcastle when he started to pull,” she said. “The heavier track today may have helped, but Lee got him to settle and he was able to finish the race off.” 

Whilst TUHINGA ticked the heavy track box, his rider still considered he is better suited on top of the ground. 

“He is progressive and can extend to 1600-1800m,” Magorrian said. 

TUHGINA beat $41 roughie Nullify and $1.75 favourite Regal Pom, who got well out of his ground. His apprentice rider Ellen Hennessy was questioned by stewards, and told them she had intended to lead or settle just behind the leaders. When Regal Pom bounded on jumping and lost ground, she immediately placed him under pressure, but he did not quicken sufficiently and was crossed, and as a result settled near the tail of the field. In the circumstances, he did a superb job to snatch a minor placing on the post.

RACE 3 – GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):

A further upgrade to include this race resulted in the track being lifted to a “Soft 6”. Hawkesbury trainer Edward Cummings claimed his eighth winner this season and 26^th overall when ITALIAN INFORMANT ($6-50), ridden by Dylan Gibbons, upset local Damien Lane stablemates, the well-backed $2.90 favourite Fielding and $31 roughie Stays On Tour.  

ITALIAN INFORMANT, a three-year-old son of Spill The Beans, who died prematurely after beginning his stud career, has been a work in progress, according to his trainer. ITALIAN INFORMANT reared as the start at Hawkesbury on December 16, dislodged rider Brodie Loy and took no part in the race. 

“He lost only a bit of bark from a back leg, and had to trial five days later at Canterbury by order of stewards,” Cummings said. “It was good to see him break through today, and hopefully that will give him the confidence to go on with things now.”

Runner-up Fielding was excellent on debut. He raced wide from an awkward draw before taking over on straightening, and not surprisingly wasn’t able to withstand the winner’s burst at the end. He has had his quirks as well and will take improvement from his raced ay debut. Stewards will follow up on stable plans for two-year-old Mr Putin ($3.80), who was never in contention and tailed the field home.

RACE 4 – JARRAD THE MODEL BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (2100m):

ALL’S well that ends well! Scone trainer John Ramsey had planned to run BARELLAN BANDIT at Warwick Farm last Wednesday, but the gelding was second emergency and missed out on a start in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (2200m). 

Wyong became the next best option, and it was worth the few days’ wait. Grant Buckley, booked to ride the progressive five-year-old in Sydney, stayed with him and gave him a perfect ride to score easily. BARELLAN BANDIT ($4.40) was strong to the line to defeat Miss Delia ($4.20) and $3.10 favourite Reposition, who ran another honest race. It was obvious on the home turn that the first two were beginning sweeping runs and would fight out the finish, though BARELLAN BANDIT won with a good bit in hand. The winner has won three of his last four races and hasn’t missed a place at his last six starts.  Ramsey is keen to give the gelding his chance in town in a midweek race when he can secure a start. Buckley rode him in his previous 1600m Tamworth victory and was again impressed today. 

“I wanted to ride him patiently going to 2100m as he showed a good turn of foot at Tamworth,” he said. “I knew he would do that again today if I rode him quietly, and he was impressive again. I had a good young jockey to follow in Dylan Gibbons, who carted me into the race on the runner-up.” 

Miss Delia wasn’t disgraced, and fourth placegetter Lava perhaps is worth another chance. He drew the outside barrier and was forced to race deep before getting into second place outside the leader Alastor in the back straight. Stewards fined Lava’s rider Lee Magorrian $400 for using the whip 10 times (five more than permitted) before the 100m.

RACE 5 – MAGIC MILLIONS MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):

IN a desperately tight finish, PREFECT MATCH ($11) broke through at his fourth start – and trainer Gary Moore was quick to heap praise on winning rider Keagan Latham. “I have to congratulate Keagan; he gave him a great ride,” Moore said. “This horse has taken a while to hit his straps and is still slightly immature, but I feel he has a bright future. 

“I will chat with Keagan and get his opinion, but probably step him up now over a little bit further.” 

The now three-year-old son of Brazen Beau was a $400,000 yearling buy at the Gold Coast in 2020. PREFECT MATCH trialled twice last winter for another stable, but did not race before finding his way to Moore’s Rosehill yard. In hanging on grimly, PREFECT MATCH robbed fellow Rosehill trainers Ryan and Alexiou of a double, as they were represented by runner-up Circling ($5.50). 

Punters again burnt their fingers for the third time on an Annabel Neasham runner. Her representative Forever You ($2.80fav) was third and, though beaten, can atone on a bigger track. She got too far back and was the widest runner in the straight, making up many lengths in the closing stages. A staying-bred mare, Forever You is likely to atone shortly.

RACE 6 – RYAN’S METAL ROOFING CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1200m):

The two Grant’s – trainer Marshall and jockey Buckley – combined to get LEAVE ME SOME back in the winning list. Buckley astutely recalled he had ridden the mare only once previously in one of the early Midway Handicaps in Sydney last July when she came from well back to finish fourth to Lord Zoulander over 1200m. 

“I remembered she had to be ridden quietly because she really hit the line that day,” Buckley said. “She did a good job to win today.” B

Buckley also praised the track staff at Wyong, saying he was worried when he arrived at the course, and it was a Heavy 9 rating. 

“Full credit to them, the track has kept improving all day,” he said. 

Winning trainer Marshall was understandably delighted to secure Buckley’s services. “Grant has been on her twice now and given her 10 out of 10 rides both times,” he said. “LEAVE ME SOME has been great for our stable; she was a cheap mare and has won six races.” 

LEAVE ME SOME ($3.40fav) finished strongly in the centre of the track to lead home a Newcastle quinella, overpowering David Atkins’ Two Up ($7.50) in the closing stages. Marshall opted to take visors off his mare for today’s assignment and instead put winkers on her. Third placegetter Rumpshaker ($21) began awkwardly and bumped the winner, then raced wide and without cover throughout. Da Nang Star ($6) finished sixth, and afterwards was found to be suffering from heat stress. Stewards adjourned the matter until they can interview trainer Bjorn Baker. 

RACE 7 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING JANUARY 18 F&M CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m):

PUNTERS had to wait until the last two races to recoup earlier losses and at least went home with something in their pockets when well-backed odds-on pop AIR OF ALSACE ($1.75), trained by Jason Coyle, proved up to the task.

Jockey Mitchell Bell picked up a late booking when Jess Taylor was unavailable to take the mount and didn’t let the opportunity slip. He had the lightly raced Contributer mare in second place soon after the start, and she responded gamely in the straight to defeat Hit The High Note ($6) and Tornado Light ($7). This was her second success from her last three starts, with a Newcastle placing on the Beaumont track sandwiched between. 

There were excuses for Lucilight (fourth as $5 second favourite). She began awkwardly and lost two lengths, then over the concluding stages could not be fully tested when awkwardly positioned on the heels of the winner, who shifted in slightly. Lucilight was beaten less than one and a half lengths.

It was heart in mouth stuff for Annabel Neasham who completed a Wyong feature double with Soaring Ambition overcoming a bump on the corner to take out the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic in impressive style. 

It capped off a super day for Neasham, who earlier took out the 3YO & 4YO Stakes with Wisdom Of Water. 

Soaring Ambition was coming with a sustained run on the turn when she was bumped and forced wide. 

Tommy Berry was able to rebalance the filly who lengthened over the last 100m, gathering in the leaders on the line to win by a neck. 

“I was having heart palpitations on the turn,” a relieved Neasham said after the race. “It looked like she’d clipped heels and was scary for a minute. 

“She’s such a gutsy filly and I’ve always had a lot of time for her. This has been an obvious race for her, and I was pretty confident. 

“To win this race is very special, especially given the circumstances, so she’s obviously pretty talented. Bring on the Gold Coast.”

Berry was also full of praise for the Not A Single Doubt filly, a $270,000 Magic Millions yearling raced by Zhongli Thoroughbreds.

“It was a great effort. It’s the last track you want to get a bump on the corner, but she was able to pick herself up quickly and win with authority, which was good to see. 

“I want to stick with her. She is one of the most professional two-year-old’s I’ve sat on and you saw that today. 

“She’s definitely a Magic Millions horse but you won’t know if she’s a Golden Slipper horse until she gets the job done up there but she’s with a great stable.”

Coming off just one trial, Soaring Ambition earned some support and was sent out at $11 and with the win has now been installed as an $11 chance for the Gold Coast 2YO Classic on January 15,

Miss Hellfire ($5.50) from the Snowden yard was runner-up at Wyong, with Damien Lane’s Wealthy Investor ($18), impressive third. The $3.90 favourite Command Approved from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, hung on the turn well, finishing fourth. 

Race 4: MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 3YO & 4YO STAKES (1200m): 

A super ride by Rachel King saw Wisdom Of Water return to the winner’s circle in the best possible way, taking out the $100,000 Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Stakes. 

Raced by the Fung Family, the Headwater four-year-old was a $70,000 Magic Millions yearling, having his 19^thcareer start.

He began his racing career on the Gold Coast and is now set to return, with Annabel Neasham saying she would find a suitable Magic Millions race for him. 

“He’s a very talented colt and his owners have been great supporters of mine,” Neasham said. “I’ll take him to the Gold Coast now. He’s won races there before and races well up there. 

“He’s been knocking on the door for a while and it’s great to get him back in the winners enclosure. It looked like the perfect race and conditions for him today and fortunately that’s how it turned out. 

“It was a lovely ride by Rachel, she was parked behind them, and I thought he’d gone the wrong way at one stage, but it was great to see him knuckle down and fight to the line.”

King said she had needed a bit of luck and was happy when it came. 

“He proved he’s the class horse today. He’s not an easy horse and needed a bit of luck. 

“It was a benefit me having ridden him in his last couple of starts because I’ve learnt his tricks. Annabel thought he might appreciate a girl rider and it’s definitely working. He’s racing really nicely for me and it’s great to get the win.”

Wisdom Of Water was sent out ($3.30) second favourite, beating Tracey Bartley’s Compassionate ($61) who was brave in defeat, with a dead heat for third between the Waterhouse/Bott trained favourite Snitzonfire ($2.90), with Tanker ($8) from the Maher/Eustace stable, third.

Race 1: MAINSTREAM FINANCE SERVICES PTY LTD CONDITIONAL BM 68 (1600m): 

A thrilling finish to open the program, with Kylie Gavenlock’s Highjacker returning to form with a strong win. 

The High Chaparral gelding, ridden by Andrew Gibbons came from last before the turn to run down the leader and race favourite Dodecanese ($2.30) on the line. 

Gavenlock had been at a loss to explain the seven-year-old’s poor performance when resuming at Wyong on November 6.

She made some gear changes, which proved to winning moves, with Highjacker ($6) bringing up his third career victory. 

“He was terrible first up and I couldn’t fathom why he went so bad,” she said. “I changed some things around, added a tongue tie and blinkers, and thank God he did something for me today.

“He’s going to make a pretty nice stayer. He’s a cranky old thing but it’s good to see him return to form.”

Gibbons said it was a “masterstroke” by Gavenlock to apply the blinkers. 

“I was worried about the blinkers, but they got him back to his old self today,” 

Gavenlock’s Dundee ($31) was third. 

Race 2: MAINSTREAM TAXATION & ACCOUNTACY SERVICES BM64 (2100m):

Lee Magorrian’s confidence about Dalgarno was justified when he snatched a last stride victory on the Nathan Doyle trained gelding.

Magorrian had partnered the Dalghar four-year-old at his last start at Newcastle on December 4 and after finishing third told Doyle if he gave him another ride on him, he would win.

And that he did in another exciting finish, with Dalgarno running down the locally trained Apache Belle on the line to bring up his third win. 

Dalgarno was positioned perfectly by Magorrian behind the two favourites, and when the race looked won, he kept coming, lunging on the line to claim victory. 

“It was a brilliant ride by Lee, and he backed up his words,” Doyle said. “I think he’s still a preparation away mentally because he needs to relax down, especially if he’s going to get over a trip. But he got the job done today so I’ll tip him out and I’m sure there will be plenty more wins in him.”

Dalgarno, after earning strong late support, started at $5.50, beating Wayne Seelin’s Apache Belle ($4.40), with Reposition ($6.50) trained by Greg Preston, third.

The $2.90 favourite Viren raced without luck, finishing fourth.

Race 3: MAGIC MILLIONS 2022 GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 11-17 JANUARY 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m): 

Mum-to-be Diorissima goes out a winner after showing a terrific turn of foot to bring up her first victory. 
The four-year-old mare, by USA sire Tapit, came from behind on the turn speeding down the outside to win by almost two lengths. 

Trained at Goulburn by Jean Dubois, Diorissima was a $160,000 Magic Millions yearling having her 14^thcareer start. 

Coming off a Randwick trial win on December 7, Diorissima earned strong support backed in from $7 to $4.40.

“It wasn’t our intention to get that far back but you’ve almost got to ride her ugly to ride her good,” Innes said. 

“Her best run previously was in a highway when she circled the field and finished fourth. We put the blinkers on her today to try and get her to relax and thought it she gets back and has to come around it them that’s what we’ll have to do. 

“They skipped away on the corner, and I was a bit worried, but it was a huge effort by her, and she picked them up well.”

Auzstar ($4) from the Waller stable was second after handling the corner awkwardly, while Gary Moore’s Harapan ($5) put in a much-improved performance to finish third. 

Race 5: EXALTED CONSTRUCTIONS CLASS 1 (1600m): 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained El Parmy made it back-to-back wins proving too strong for his opposition over the final stages of the 1600m race.

The Snitzel colt sent out at $4.60 on the strength of a Canterbury victory on November 26.

He was given a great ride by Nash Rawiller, who circled the field on the turn and overhauled the leaders to win by more than a length. 

“He’s on an upward rise now,” Rawiller said after the win. “He took a bit of confidence out of his last win and took it to another level today. 

“I think the key to his last win was letting him come into the race of his own accord. A few of them wanted to be there early today and there was a bit of pressure, but he was pretty fresh on the scene when he joined them in the straight and was able to put the sword to them. It was great.”

El Parmy was a $200,000 Magic Millions yearling, his victory continuing a super run for the stable with 15 winners from their past 35 starters.

He beat the Freedman trained Rock The Bells ($3.90), with Typanist ($14) from the David Payne stable, third. 

The $2.90 favourite King Of Spades appeared to have every chance, finishing toward the rear.

Race 7: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SATURDAY JANUARY 8 BM64 (1100m): 

An emotional win in the last with the Todd Howlett trained Toto coming with a sustained run to bring up his fourth career win. 

The Manhattan Rain gelding suffered a broken jaw in a truck accident last year and was scratched at the barriers at his last two starts. 

There were no such problems today, with the five-year-old on his best behaviour. 

Tom Sherry settled him at the rear of the field, coming from last and running down his rivals to score by a head. 

“It’s been a tough time for him and he’s lucky to be alive,” Howlett said. 

“He had some long overdue luck on his side today. I was a bit worried when he was back in the field, but he got home well which is great to see.

‘He’s a nice horse and deserved the win. He will go on to better races.” 

Sherry said he was also concerned when Toto was slow to begin. 

“I was a touch concerned but he did his best work on the line,” he said. 

“He was the class horse in the race and it’s good to get some confidence on his side.”
Greg Hickman’s $3.80 favourite Tudor Music was second, over Lashoni ($12) from the Troy O’Neile stable. 

A double to jockey Tommy Berry and a local winner were among the highlights of the Business Wyong Race Day. 

Berry, who was favourite in the jockey’s challenge, partnered On Bail for the Snowden’s and promising filly Petulant for the Hawkes stable. 

Allan Kehoe’s Schoona The Better (pictured) continued a good run for the stable, bringing up his fourth career win. 

Race 1: COMMUNITY BANK WYONG – BENDIGO BANK MAIDEN (1350m): 

Gary Moore’s consistent Stay Wealthy opened the program with a well-deserved win. 

The Redoute’s Choice gelding, a $1,075,000 Magic Millions yearling, had been placed in all four previous starts, three of those at Wyong. 

Moore had urged Tim Clark to be positive from the start and that’s how it panned out with the four-year-old pinging the gates and leading. 

Clark was able to dictate terms throughout and despite a couple of nervous moments before the turn, when he was pressured by runner-up Military Star, the result was never in doubt. 

Stay Wealthy pulled away in the final stages to win by three and a half lengths. 

“He’s been a pleasure to train,” Moore, who races the gelding in partnership with Newhaven Park, said.

“He’s got a big heart and had been beaten by a couple of handy horses in his previous starts but he’s very consistent and came here today with his best chance to win a race.”

Stay Wealthy was sent out $1.45 favourite in the field of four, beating Karen Outrim’s Military Star ($7), with local galloper Sonic Hollow ($61) from the Stephen Schofield stable, third.

Race 2: PAUL HILLS – THE AGENCY CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 

A gun ride by Tommy Berry secured a debut win for On Bail who outstayed his rivals in a grinding victory. 

Berry wasn’t content with the mid-race tempo, taking On Bail from last at the 1200m mark to just off the leader Conference. 

He hit the front on straightening, holding out the fast-finishing Ironic Miss to post a one length victory. 

“The ride won the race,” Snowden’s racing manager Colm McCullough said. “Tommy elected to get up on the speed and take any bad luck out of it. He was always going to be good when he got over a trip and it was great to see him strong to the line. 

“It will be interesting to see how he goes as we step him up further.”

On Bail ($5.50), a Turn Me Loose gelding, was having his seventh career start, having finished fourth at Gosford over 1900m on November 20.

Ironic Miss ($6) trained by Rodney Ollerton was second, with Conference ($6.50) from the Gary Nickson stable, third. The $1.90 favourite Lady Redwood appeared to have every chance, finishing fourth. 

Race 3: BATTERY WORLD WYONG METRO & PROV MAIDEN (1600m): 

The well supported Caboteur went one better than his last start second at Canterbury to claim his first victory and looks set for better races. 

The David Payne stable has always had an opinion of the son of, So You Think, who had two Metropolitan placings from his four starts.

“He’s got it all ahead of him, we are in no hurry, and that’s why we have been a bit patient with him,” Payne said.

Caboteur was backed in late, starting $2.25 favourite, with punters confident he would handle both the track and heavy conditions. 

He didn’t disappoint and looked the winner a long way from home despite a challenge from runner-up Ba Ai Gei Ni.

It was a pickup ride for Josh Parr after Keagan Latham was unavailable and Payne couldn’t have found a better substitute with Parr a pro around Wyong. 

He got an easy run in front with Parr able to dictate terms and pull away in the final stages to win by a length.

The victory denied Snowden’s and Tommy Berry of a race to race double, with Ba Ai Gei Ni ($4) second, over Perfect Match ($31) from the Gary Moore stable.

Race 4: CENTRAL COAST UNITY BANK BM64 (1600m): 

A home track win for the Allan Kehoe trained Schoona The Better who brought up his fourth career victory courtesy of a tactical ride by Jason Collett. 

There were a few nervous moments for Kehoe, who hadn’t expected the gelding to lead. 

But Collett was able to dictate terms throughout, after taking the five-year-old to an easy lead, backing off the tempo in the middle stages. 

The tactic proved a winner with Schoona The Better able to kick in the straight. 

Tommy Berry had to press forward on the $2 favourite Lord Winston in the early stages after being caught three wide, with the Lees trained gelding tiring late to finish fourth. 

All honours were with the winner, who despite coming off a Tamworth victory and third at Goulburn this preparation, was sent out $10.

The five-year-old, by Pellizotti, has really hit his straps in the middle-distance races, all four wins from his 14 starts coming from 1400m at beyond. 

“He’s never led before, so I was a bit worried, but they went slow, and it suited him today and showed his versatility,” Kehoe said. 

“I’ve always liked this horse, but he’s been a work in progress. He gives me the feeling he’s going to go on and win quite a few races but he’s still learning to be a racehorse. I’ll probably put him over 1800m next start.”

Bak Da Man ($3.10) from the Nathan Doyle stable, was runner up after going astray on the turn, and could be the one to follow. Departing Bullet ($10) trained by Paul Niceforo was third. 

Race 5: WYONG RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB GROUP MAIDEN (1000m): 

The Hawkes trained Petulant was able to justify her short price with a dominant win in just her second career start. 

A Starspangledbanner filly out of a Denman mare, Petulant was coming off a second at Hawkesbury on debut when she was just run down on the line.

Tommy Berry took a sit behind Kristen Buchanan’s speedster One Way Street and was able to overhaul the leader in the final stages to win by a length. 

The promising three-year-old could be headed for better races on the strength of her win. 

Petulant was the recipient of strong support, starting $1.90, the win bringing up a double for Berry.

Wyong horses featured heavily in the first four with One Way Street, who looks close to a win the runner-up, over Kim Waugh’s Foolish, with the Allan Denham first starter Alucia ($10) fourth. 

Race 6: SIGNARAMA TUGGERAH BM64 (1000m): 

Veteran Muswellbrook trainer Pat Farrell was in the winner’s circle with his speedy gelding Bengalla Bay proving too quick for his opposition over the 1000m.

The Wandjina five-year-old had been placed fourth in stronger company at Taree on November 21 but wasn’t to be denied at Wyong leading all the way. 

Alysha Collett gave the flying Bengalla Bay plenty of rein and he scooted away to lead throughout, tiring in the final stages but holding on to win. 

South Coast visitor River Mac ($6) dived on the line but was beaten a neck, with a much-improved performance by the Brett Partelle trained Trust Me ($12) to finish third. 

Stephen Schofield’s $3.30 favourite Mosht Up was caught wide and raced keenly, finishing fifth.

The winner has been in good form this preparation, figuring in the finish in most of his seven starts. 

Bengalla Bay landed some good bets after starting $3.40 second favourite and has now had five wins and 11 placings from his 40 starts.

Race 7: McDONALD’S FAMILY CHIPS CLASS 1 (1200m): 

In a busy four-way finish the Jason Coyle trained Hasty Duchess was able to snatch victory on the line. 

The mare, by Hallowed Crown, was resuming after three trials. She looks to have regained the form of her first preparation, where she had a win and second from three starts. 

She resumed from a spell with a fourth at Canberra in March this year but was then spelled again, before returning with the three trials. 

Coyle had her primed for a strong first up performance and the four-year-old didn’t disappoint, coming from behind to hit the front on the line. Starting at $5.50, Hasty Duchess was ridden by Jess Taylor. 

The Chosen One ($4.80), having his first start for Damien Lane, was slow to jump and looked to have the race won before being swamped on the line, with a win not far off. 

The Kearney trained Carlisle Bay ($5.50), who was also doing his best work on the line, was third. 

The Matthew Smith stable had plenty of reason to celebrate saddling up the first two winners on the program. 

Debutant Per Ivy and Bedford Square didn’t disappoint, both sent out favourites on the strength of their recent from. 

Per Ivy had great trial form, while Bedford Square was rewarded for her consistency after running six placings in nine starts. 

The well-bred Niffler from the Waller stable looks a handy type and likely to progress to better races 

Jason Collett bagged a double with Per Ivy and Glittery.

The predicted rain didn’t eventuate until late in the day, with a storm resulting in the last race to be abandoned. 

Race 1: 1800RESPECT MAIDEN (1000m): 

Matthew Smith looks to have unveiled a promising filly in Per Ivy who backed up her impressive trial form with a debut win. 

The Per Incanto three-year-old looked was under heavy riding and looked to be in trouble on the turn after Kristen Buchanan’s One Way Street kicked away. 

But she put her head down in the final stages and overhauled the leaders on the line to win by a long neck.

“She’s a nice progressive filly,” Jason Collett said. 

“The speed really suited her, but she did a few things wrong in the middle stages. 

“The racing experience is going to help her, but it was a good start to her career.”

Per Ivy was coming off an eye-catching trial win at Rosehill on November 8. 

She earned good support in a strong betting race, sent out $2.70 favourite. 

She beat the $2.90 second favourite One Way Street, from the Kristen Buchanan yard, who also looked strong in his first start. 

The three favourites finished in market order, with the Ryan/Alexiou’s Miss Maz ($3.50), third. 

Race 2: MOUNTIES GROUP 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1600m): 

A running double to the Matthew Smith stable after Bedford Square brought up a well-deserved win. 

The Tavistock mare had been placed in six of her nine starts and was coming off a fourth at Canterbury on November 12. 

The stable had considered both the Wyong track and track conditions would be ideal and the plan worked to perfection, with the four-year-old gathering in the leader late to bring up her first win. 

Joe Curran, representing the Smith stable, said it was a great start to the day. 

“It’s very pleasing to get the first two home and great to see this mare finally break through.

“It was a very good ride by Jay (Ford) because they were walking early and our plan had been to be a bit further back,” he said. “He used his initiative placing her second for most of the trip and she finished strongly.

“The Canterbury run really put the writing on the wall and being by Tavistock she could be even better over more ground.”

Bedford Square ($2fav), a $45,000 Karaka yearling, beat the Anthony Cummings trained Tailoring ($4).

Les Bridge’s second favourite Miss Delia ($2.70) finished strongly in third and will appreciate more ground.

Race 3: #NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE MAIDEN (1350m): 

Well bred filly mare Too Much Lippy continued a super run for the Ryan/Alexiou stable bringing up their seventh winner for the month. 

Bred and raced by John Singleton, the four-year-old was having only her second start but looks set to progress through the grades. 

She debuted in March with a second at Goulburn and was given a trial heading into the Wyong race. 

Nash Rawiller gave Too Much Lippy ($3.10) the perfect ride, holding her together into the straight before letting her down in the final stages. 

The win was never in doubt, despite a mid-race move by Tommy Berry who circled the field on John Sargent’s Gin Martini ($3fav), but couldn’t sustain the run, finishing second. Gary Moore’s Stay Wealthy ($3.10), appeared to have every chance finishing third. 

Rawiller said the winner, a son of More Than Ready, could progress off the victory. 

“She’s been lightly treated for a four-year-old mare but had a few little issues and took a long time to mature. I wanted to hold onto her as long as I could and let her show her dash and she certainly did that.

“She’s got a bit of rating in hand now.”

Race 4: STAND UP AGAINST DOMESTIC AND FAMILY ABUSE CLASS 1(1350m): 

An eye-catching win by the Waller trained Niffler coming from behind in a slowly run race to overhaul her rivals. 

The Chris Waller trained mare, another winner on the program by Tavistock, looks headed for better races after bringing up her second win from as many starts. 

Niffler came from near last on the turn and chased the three leaders down the straight, rounding them up in the final stages to win by more than a length. 

Bred in New Zealand by iconic breeders Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, the four-year-old was sold at Karaka for $200,000.

She debuted with a win at Kembla on April 3 and was then spelled, resuming with two trials. 

Winning rider Lee Magorrian said he believes Niffler will progress to better races.

“She gave me the impression she’ll take the next step,” he said. “Chris and his team did a great job to get her ready to win over 1350m, when ideally she’ll be better suited over the mile plus.

“I always go into the races confident when I’m riding one with the Waller bridle and Debbie Kepitis as the owner.”

Niffler ($3.80fav) beat Cushy ($5.50) from the Pride stable, with Field Wiri ($4.40) trained by the Freedman brothers, third. 

Race 5: WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1100m): 

Penopera gave Jason Coyle plenty of reason to celebrate, the mare breaking through for her first win. 

Coyle bred the four-year-old having trained her mother Ashlee’s Jewel, and now races her. 

She had been racing without luck in several of her recent races and was placed fourth at Gosford over 1100m at her last start. 

Penopera ($12) was given a great ride by Jess Taylor, who was toward the rear of the field on straightening. 

She had plenty of momentum in the straight and found a gap through a wall of horses to post a half length victory. 

Taylor returned to scale cheered on by her two young daughters. 

“It was exciting to have a win in front of the girls,” she said. 

“This mare has been getting better with each run. She is so consistent and there’s not a lot of her. 

“I was three wide with cover but I think it helped having a bit of room today. 

“I was confident from the top of the straight and had a lovely run through.”

Hypnosis ($6) from the Baker stable, showed plenty of heart fighting on for second, over the local trained and ultra-consistent Mister Ripley ($9) from the Rod Bailey yard. 

Race 6: DOMESTIC & FAMILY ABUSE AWARENESS BM64 (1100m): 

It was a race in two in the straight with Never Second and Glittery neck and neck before the Godolphin runner got the upper hand on the line. 

A half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Bivouac, Glittery ($3.50) was having her sixth career start, having brought up her maiden win at Gosford in June. 

She was given a well-timed run by Jason Collett, who fought out the finish with fellow leading rider Tommy Berry, on the Neasham trained $2.50 favourite Never Second. 

Joe Pride’s Macomo ($6) was two and a half lengths behind in third. 

Darren Beadman, representing the stable, said Glittery had come back better from her spell. 

“Her coat was glistening today, and she came into the race today with the right sort of lead up,” he said. “She’s a very well-bred filly and that breeding will hold her in good stead into the future. 

“She went well in a very strong trial at Warwick Farm and had a good bit of time between the trial and today’s run. It worked out perfect.”

The win brought up a double for Collett.