race day preview

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.

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.

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.

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.

Clare Cunningham is enjoying one of the best seasons in her short training career and is hoping to further her success at Wyong on Thursday.

The Warwick Farm based trainer, who saddles up two runners at the meeting, is only a couple of wins short of her best season with six weeks to go.

The consistent trainer has had 23 winners in 2019/2020 and 42 placings from her 145 runners.

She hopes she can further her success with Kimmylee at Wyong, given the right track conditions.

The Star Witness filly, coming off a fourth at Hawkesbury last start, lines up in the 1600m Benchmark 64.

“As long as the track isn’t too soft, I think she will run a good race,” Cunningham said.

“She’s been a tricky horse for us, but I think we have her worked out now.

“I was quite excited about her last preparation, but she came back a bit more dour and didn’t have the same sprint.

“We were scratching our heads but now realise she just needed more ground.

“She seems to appreciate the middle distances and this race looks ideal for her.”

Kimmylee, a $15,000 yearling, has had six starts for the stable for a win and two placings, her only victory over the 1000m.

Cunningham said she is hoping for a drying track to bring out the best in the filly.

“Hawkesbury the other day was rated a soft 5 but Jason (Collett) said it was more like a seven.

“She was letting down well but didn’t get much traction so a better track should make a big difference.”

Cunningham continues a good association with successful breeders Graham and Linda Huddy when she saddles up first starter Lethal Lucas in the 1600m Maiden.

The Huddy’s have supported her since she began training four years ago, their latest success with promising stayer Lady Highly at Canterbury last week.

She believes Lethal Lucas will require more time.

“He’s a nice enough horse but pretty raw,” she said.

“He will probably have this run and then go out. He’s bred to stay, and it is always good training for the Huddy’s because they are patient.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.54pm: ROYAL HOTEL WYONG MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m): 1 RULES DON’T APPLY, 2 Our Cheeky Monkey, 3 Past Tense, 4 Misty Brook.

Race 2 – 1.20pm: THE DOYLO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 PITCHFORK, 2 Timon Stinger, 3 Delector, 4 La Jolie Fille.

Race 3 – 1.55pm: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN PLATE (1000m): 1 COAT OF ARMS, 2 Pure Rubick, 3 Glock, 4 Essoess.

Race 4 – 2.35pm: DE BORTOLI WINES 4YO & UP CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 ALAKAHAN, 2 Mick An’ Nicks, 3 Mr Costigan, 4 Dr Mayhem.

Race 5 – 3.10pm: WYONG RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB GROUP CLASS 2 HANDICAP: 1 SHADOW BRIDGE, 2 Archery Butts, 3 Spaceboy, 4 Belladeel.

Race 6 – 3.50pm: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT BENCHMARK 64 (1600m): 1 APRIL THUNDER, 2 Delicately, 3 Kimmylee, 4 Red Hot Chillypins.

Race 7 – 4.25pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY SATURDAY JULY 11 BENCHMARK64: 1 MANTELLI, 2 Ondo Pasa, 3 Rabbit Clause, 4 Emergent.

Andrew Gibbons heads to Wyong on Thursday hoping to continue a winning run.

Gibbons is finishing the season strongly with 10 winners over the past two weeks, bringing up his 100^th winner at Newcastle on May 26.

“I know I won’t reach last year’s record of 137 but I’m hoping to get as close as I can,” he said.

“I had a slower start to the season. I went overseas and didn’t hit the ground running when I got back.

“Things have built and built, and the winners are coming. The Corona restrictions have also played into my hands and I’ve picked up some handy rides at the Provincials.”

That trend continues at Wyong with Gibbons four rides all looking to be winning chances.

He partners the Adam Duggan trained Devan in the Class 2 over 1100m.

He has ridden the gelding to back to back wins at Quirindi and Taree and believes he’s earned the chance at Provincial grade.

“He’s been a really nice horse for Adam.

“He only recently got him off Peter Snowden and he was a frustrating horse for them, who kept running places. But Adam’s done a terrific job placing him very well, obviously in lower grades, but he couldn’t be more impressive with both his wins.

“He carried a big weight the other day and got the job done. He’s earned his crack at Provincial grade, so we’ll see if he’s up to it.”

Gibbons believes Hard Lady, from the Lees stable, is another deserving of a chance at the Provincials.

The All Too Hard filly lines up in the 1350m F&M Benchmark 64, coming off a 1200m Tamworth win last start.

“She was a nice horse last time in, but she looks to have come back a bit better this time. She’s bigger, stronger and she did a good job first up.

“They expect her to improve off it. She’s coming from the bush to the Provincials, but I think she’s good enough.”

Gibbons also considers the Kim Waugh trained Mo The Great will show considerable improvement from his first up third at Wyong on May 14.

He starts in the 1350m C&G Benchmark 64.

“I rode him last start and he was a little bit big in condition and needed the run.

“It was on a soft track and I thought he did a really good job to hang around and finish as close as he did. It was testing conditions for him, so hopefully we get a better surface to suit. I think he will improve a lot.”

Completing Gibbons commitments is the John Sargent trained All Things, who he rode to victory at Newcastle on May 9.

The So You Think gelding is shooting for his second victory in the 2100m Class 1 and Maiden.

“He was a bit disappointing when John stepped him up to 1850m, but it was a small field and a tricky run race.

“He was really, really dominant in his first start over the mile and is the sort of horse the further he gets the better he’s going to get.

“The 2100m plays right into his hands, he runs up on the speed and makes his own luck. I’m happy to forgive him the other day.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.10pm: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m): 1 COSTA ZOU, 2 April Thunder, 3 Jazirat, 4 Our Cheeky Monkey.

Race 2 – 1.50pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN PLATE (1000m): 1 DE GRAWIN, 2 Absolutely Foxy, 3 Segosha, 4 Fenech.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: SKY RACING CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m): 1 ALL THINGS, 2 Lord Tropicana, 3 Celebrator, 4 Qinghai Lake.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: TAB.COM.AU CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 DEVAN, 2 Belladeel, 3 Rabbit Clause, 4 Estrado.

Race 5 – 3.40pm: 1 VALE JOHNNIE ROBERTS F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 MAISAA, 2 Nishka, 3 Red Hot Chillypins, 4 Ondo Pasa.

Race 6 – 4.20pm: 1 SNITZIFY, 2 Cubix, 3 Academy, Tapiconic.

Brad Widdup is keen to end a frustrating run of seconds when he saddles up four runners at Thursday’s Wyong meeting.

Widdup has had 12 seconds in the past seven weeks and jokingly believes he’s on track for some sort of record.

“I’d be breaking a second’s record for sure,” he laughed.

“It’s been incredibly frustrating. You go to the races doing everything the same and they are just getting beat.

“At least they aren’t running last so that’s obviously good but it’s hard running second all the time. It’s just been that type of season.

“Even over the carnival I was running places in stakes races.

“I suppose you’ve got to wait your turn and hopefully it’s my turn on Thursday.

“Wyong is one track where I do have a bit of luck, but I’ve probably jinxed it now saying that.”

Widdup sees well bred colt Tycoonist as the best of his chances.

The $750,000 yearling purchase, by Written Tycoon, resumes in the 1100m 2YO Maiden, having finished fourth on debut at Rosehill in December.

“I think he’s a nice little horse. The 1100m is possibly a little bit short for him but he’s had two trials and we will ride him from the good draw as close as we can and go from there,” he said.

“His run last time in was probably better than it looked. He’s going well enough and while he’s still very immature, I’ve been quite happy with him this time around.

“With two-year-old racing you’re not sure what you’re going to be finding. “There are fair few first starters and it looks like a competitive race.”

Widdup is hoping Daksha can break through in the 1350m 3YO Maiden after finishing runner-up in his last two starts.

The Deep Field colt was narrowly defeated over the same distance at Wyong on April 30.

“I’m very happy with him. He seems to be slowly improving and I think he should be more than competitive.

“His two runs have been good. He’s a tough little horse, who’s had a few issues just maturing. He seems to be going really well at the moment and this looks an ideal race.”

Widdup considers Louder a chance in the 1200m Class 1 but said the inside barrier draw is a hindrance.

The three-year-old filly was a last start winner at Goulburn, her first victory from five runs.

“Normally you want barrier one, but I would have preferred five or six where she could be off the fence,” he said.

“Both her runs this time in have been good. Her run at Newcastle she would have finished a bit closer if she could have got to the outside. The other day at Goulburn was similar. It took a long time for her to get out to the middle of the track and when she did, she hit the line really good. 

“This is a suitable race for her, she’s trained on good but will need a bit of luck from the barrier.”

Widdup isn’t as keen on Pepikhani, in the 2100m, with the filly on her last chance.

“She’s been very plain, so we are just trying to get her out to this sort of distance to see what she does.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.50pm: WYONGRACECLUB.COM.AU 3YO MAIDEN (1350m): 1 DAKSHA, 2 Shuwaamekh, 3 Delicately, 4 Who Loves Zou.

Race 2 – 1.25pm: TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN (1100m): 1 GREAT NEWS, 2 Giselle Anne, 3 Glock, 4 Ballistic Lover.

Race 3 – 2.05pm: COCA-COLA 2YO MAIDEN (1100m): 1 FALCON, 2 Anders, 3 Black Jacamar, 4 Tycoonist.

Race 4 – 2.40pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (2100m): 1 GUNALUVA, 2 Tamarin Falls, 3 Les Amoureux, 4 Crown Affair.

Race 5 – 3.20pm: SKY RACING CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 SIGNIFICANCE, 2 Benfica Maid, 3 Stockman, 4 Lando Bay.

Race 6 – 3.55pm: DE BORTOLI WINES CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 ROCKETING TO WIN, 2 Fiery Red, 3 Shepherd Of Fire, 4 Sarah Elizabeth.

Race 7 – 4.35pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY JUNE 4 BM64 (1350m): 1 EIGHTH IMMORTAL, 2 Reiby’s Regent, 3 Mo The Great, 4 Ondo Pasa.

Gerald Ryan isn’t big on statistics but knows that Wyong has always been a happy hunting ground for his stable.

The stats show Ryan has produced more winners at Wyong than any other provincial track and he’s hoping to add to that tally on Thursday.

He saddles up four runners across the seven-race meeting and is confident they will all race well.

He expects I Am Invincible gelding Highbury to have improved following his first up second at Wyong over 1600m on April 16.

He lines up over the same distance in the Metro & Prov Maiden with Mitchell Bell in the saddle.

“He got beaten by a smart horse at Wyong last start. He got to the line well and his work has been good since,” Ryan said.

“The mile again and hopefully a firm track should really suit him.

“He was first up the other day and he’s come on from that and looks well. He’s had a couple of placings at Wyong now and seems to race well there.”

Ryan is also expecting a strong showing from well-bred three-year-old filly Sally’s Day.

The John Singleton owned filly, a $220,000 yearling, resumes in the 1100m Benchmark 64 and Ryan believes he has found the key to her.

“I was only feeling my way with her last preparation. I’d only just got her when she won at Hawkesbury and I’ve learned how to train her better.

“She trialled well, and the distance is ideal.”

“I think she’ll suit Wyong although the wide barrier is a concern. She tends to over race a bit so it could be tricky to get cover so she can relax.”

Christian Reith will partner Sally’s Day, the More Than Ready filly having her seventh start for a win and two placings.

Ryan is hoping Zoustar mare Kiss And Tell can go one better than her last start second at Orange.

The four-year-old, who has been placed twice in her four previous runs, starts in the 1100m Maiden with Lee Magorrian in the saddle.

“She ran a nice race at Orange last start. She drew wide and just got collared on the line.”

“She has definitely improved off that. It’s a step up in grade from Orange but she’s been placed in provincial class.”

“I think she’ll be well suited by both the track and distance.”

Swahili Mai completes Ryan’s runners, the Japanese bred filly, resuming in the 1350m Maiden Plate.

The $80,000 yearling was unplaced in her only two starts at Newcastle and Hawkesbury last preparation.

“She was disappointing last time in, but we gave her a long spell and she’s come back better,” Ryan said.

“She’s trialled good both times leading into this and I expect her to race well.”

“I think eventually she’ll get up around the mile, but we will definitely see improvement on what she showed last time in.”

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.55pm: HMA GROUP METRO & PROV MAIDEN (1600m): 1 HIGHBURY, 2 The First King, 3 Carlin Trend, 4 Cuff And Collar.

Race 2 – 1.35pm: WYONGRACECLUB.COM.AU MAIDEN (1350m): 1 LANDO BAY, 2 Great Tye, 3 Daksha, 4 Who Loves The Zou.

Race 3 – 2.10pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (1100m): 1 KISS AND TELL, 2 Segosha, 3 Giselle Anne, 4 Gallant Run.

Race 4 – 2.45pm: TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 STOCKMAN, 2 Reinvest, 3 Mubariz, 4 Butch’N’Bugs.

Race 5 – 3.25pm: SKY RACING CLASS 2 (1350m): 1 SKY DIAMONDS, 2 Hildalgo, 3 Serbelloni, 4 Camp Rifle.

Race 6 – 4.05pm: COCA-COLA BENCHMARK 64 (1100m): 1 KEY TO GLORY, 2 Sally’s Day, 3 Ballistica, 4 Catapult.

Race 7 – 4.40pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY THURSDAY MAY 14 (1300m); 1 ANUBIS, 2 Darleb, 3 Salsa Man, 4 Sky Diamonds.

The Portelli stable is hoping First Lady can replicate her last start win when she lines up in the Provincial Cup at Wyong on Thursday.

There is no doubting the toughness of the Not A Single Doubt mare, who is coming off a last start win at Canberra on April 3.

She will be having her 11^th start this preparation, having claimed victories at Nowra, Mudgee and Canberra all over the 1600m.

“She’s tough and she’s got plenty of heart,” Racing Manager James Fathers said.

“She’s pretty consistent when she gets the right conditions and that should be the case at Wyong.

“She likes the sting out of the ground, but it was good to see her win at Mudgee with the track a good three.

“It shows her versatility, that she can get the job done even if it’s not wet.”

The mare will start from barrier six and looks well weighted with Tom Sherry claiming two kilos.

First Lady is one of three last start winners in the Class 4 Provincial Cup field of 11, with Larynx from the Brett Thompson stable coming off a win at Muswellbrook and the locally trained Our Tax Return, trained by Les Tilley, having tasted success at Tamworth.

Vinci Lady, looks to be another strong chance for Portelli, starting in the 1000m Class 2.

The I Am Invincible mare was an impressive winner over the same distance at Wyong on March 2, before having excuses when finishing toward the rear of the field at Goulburn on March 23.

“Hopefully things will go her way and she’ll jump in front and see if they can catch her,” Fathers said.

“That’s her normal racing pattern and she’s won at Wyong so there won’t be any problems there.

“She’s had a little freshen up since Goulburn. She’s quite an enthusiastic work horse at home and keeps herself pretty fit.”

Louise Day, who rode her to her Wyong win, partners the four-year-old, who is shooting for her third victory from nine starts.

Tom Sherry also partners Redoute’s Choice gelding, Mikhail, who is second up in the 1350m Maiden.

The four-year-old has had three starts for a second at Wyong over 1100m last preparation.

Fathers said his first up effort at Gosford was credible, having been off the scene for 35 weeks.   

“He’s improved a heap off that and had a good blow after the race.

“He was probably better than the result shows there. He knows Wyong and should be pretty competitive.

“He’s a big solid Redoute’s Choice gelding who was always going to need a run back anyway and the extra distance will suit.”

The first of six races gets underway at 1.15pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.15pm: H & H CATERING MAIDEN (1600m): 1 SIGNIFICANCE, 2 Dunlee, 3 Highbury, 4 Gunzel.

Race 2 – 1.50pm: RAPID CLEAN CENTRAL COAST 3YO MAIDEN (1000m): 1 GLOCK, 2 More Prophets, 3 Giselle Anne, 4 Kyo.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: GO ELECTRICAL TUGGERAH MAIDEN (1350m): 1 SECRETLY AWESOME, 2 Mikhail, 3 Savaspur, 4 Capital Venture.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BM64 (2100m): 1 MOON PANTHER, 2 Also Cool, 3 Loves To Rock, 4 Zellmay.

Race 5 – 3.40pm: COCA-COLA CLASS 2 (1000m): 1 VOX POP, 2 Invincible Kiss, 3 Invincible Lad, 4 King’s Champ.

Race 6 – 4.15pm: WWW.TAB.COM.AU CONDITIONAL PROVINCIAL CUP – CLASS 4 (1600m): 1 ACOUSTIX, 2 First Lady, 3 Controlthewitness, 4 Balmaceda.