race day preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELECTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELECTIONS: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The lure of substantial prizemoney combined with a home track advantage, has Wyong trainers Kim Waugh, Allan Kehoe and Kristen Buchanan accept with runners for this Saturday’s $150k Provincial-Midway Championship Qualifier. 

The Waugh trained Shadows Of Love is already through to the $1m final at Randwick on April 13, the Dissident mare a strong winner of the Gosford Qualifier over 1200m on March 16.

She has accepted with True Crime, who finished sixth in the series Final in 2023 and her consistent mare Sweet Ruby. 

In a super training effort, Waugh has saddled up runners in the nine previous finals and has had five placings.

With Shadows Of Love the current third favourite, she will be hoping to add to her finals arsenal on Saturday. 

Darby Racing’s True Crime was second at his last start over the same track and distance on March 20 and Waugh will be hoping he can replicate this form on Saturday. 

A $25,000 bargain buy, the son of Sooboog has won four of his 15 starts with four minor placings, for more than $322,000 in prizemoney. 

Keagan Latham will partner True Crime from barrier six, while the well credentialed Sweet Ruby has drawn barrier 11 and will be ridden by Ashley Morgan. 

A $70,000 Magic Millions buy, Sweet Ruby resumes from a spell in the qualifier, and looks primed for a strong first up effort on the back of two recent trials.

She has had four wins and six placings from her 20 starts, one victory on the Wyong track and another in city grade. 

The local track and distance will hold no qualms for Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Waratah, the five-year-old having won two of her four races at Wyong over the 1350m and being placed in the two others. 

The Dissident gelding resumes from a spell, having won a 1000m trial on the track on March 19. 

Buchanan has only had one runner make it through to the Provincial-Midway Championships Final, Designated in 2020, and will be relying on Lee Magorrian to get the job done. 

Allan Kehoe is vying for his first final runner and hoping his four-year-old mare Moonlight Grace, raced by his family, can be the one. 

The daughter of Scissor Kick has brought up two wins and five placings from her 12 starts and has posted a victory over the 1350m.  She will be ridden by Grant Buckley. 

The feature race gets underway at 5pm, with the track rated a good 4. The first of eight races is scheduled for 1.25pm. 

SELELCTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.25pm: TWIN LAKES AIR & SOLAR MIDWAY MAIDEN (1600m): 1 FRENCH DELIVERY, 2 Scorpion Jack, 3 Hellbetta, 4 Hippy Dreams. 

Race 2 – 2.00pm: REWARD HOMES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 GAGO, 2 Braven, 3 Red Cobra, 4 Tender Steak.

Race 3 – 2.35pm: THE ARY SUPER 3YO MAIDEN (1000m): 1 JAMAKIN MONEY, 2 Sturty, 3 Bambi Belle, 4 Du Cap. 

Race 4 – 3.10pm: LIFEFUL NDIS CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 HIGH DANDY, 2 Elemental, 3 Tom Cruising, 4 Super Defense. 

Race 5 – 3.45pm: ASH & SONS 2YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 MARAIS, 2 Interjection, 3 Desirous, 4 Froebel Star. 

Race 6 – 4.20pm: OLIVIERI’S FLORIST MAIDEN (1350m): 1 STAR BLAZER, 2 Good Once, 3 Parade Ground, 4 O’So Demanding.

Race 7 – 5.00pm: $150,000 POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL-MIDWAY CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFIER (1350m): 1 AUSBRED FLIRT, 2 Willinga Freefall, 3 Karedada, 4 True Crime. 

Race 8 – 5.40pm: LAKES PODIATRY CONDITIONAL BM68 (1200m): 1 REIGNING KING, 2 Queen Bess, 3 Resistible, 4 Reggie’s Boy.  

Kristen Buchanan has ended a frustrating run of placings with four winners in the past eight days. 

She hopes to build on that success when her consistent filly Kervette lines up in the 1600m 3YO & Up Maiden on her home track on Wednesday. 

Wyong host the mid-week metro meeting and the lure of increased prizemoney has attracted top class fields across the eight races. 

Buchanan considers the daughter of Kermedec a strong chance of finally breaking through after close finishes in her past two starts. 

She was third over the mile at her last start in metropolitan grade at Warwick Farm on March 6, her first attempt at the distance, and was narrowly beaten at Wyong over 1300m the previous start. 

She has been runner-up in both her outings on the home track and Buchanan would love nothing more than to see her win on Wednesday. 

“I love racing at Wyong and it’s great to have a metropolitan meeting here,” she said. 

“Kervette has been pretty unlucky in her races. I think she should have won two or three races by now. She’s been knocking on the door. 

“The step up to the mile last start was experimental but she’s seasoned at that distance now and it looks like an ideal race.”

Anna Roper will ride the three-year-old, the apprentice having partnered two of the stable’s recent winners. 

“I have no qualms about putting Anna on, regardless of whether she can claim or not. The three kilos off is definitely an advantage but I regard her as a very talented, levelheaded rider.”

Buchanan is hoping the wins will continue this week with runners at Hawkesbury, Scone, Kembla and Rosehill.

“We’ve turned the corner and hopefully the wins will continue to come. We definitely hit a flat spot, it happens every year, but it’s tough when you’re going through it and makes you question yourself. 

“It was great to get the four winners last week and I’m hoping we can finish the season strongly.”

Buchanan has 18 wins for 2023/24, with Kim Waugh leading the local premiership with 32. 

She saddle up three runners at the Wyong meeting, Selfless Act in the 1350m 3YO & Up BM72, True Crime in the 1350m 3YO & Up BM78 and the ultra-consistent Doraskaya in the 2100m 3YO & Up BM78. 

The Russian Revolution mare has had two wins and four placings from her eight starts this preparation and was third at the same track and distance in February.

The first of eight races gets underway at 1.45pm, with the track currently rated a soft 5. 

SELELCTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.45pm: ENVU HANDICAP (1350m): 1 JUST PARTY, 2 Media World, 3 Irregularity, 4 Bengal. 

Race 2 – 2.20pm: ADAMA QUALI-PRO PLATE (1100m): 1 EMPRESS OF WONDER, 2 Ravenclaw, 3 Khaznah, 4 Reemyya.

Race 3 – 2.55pm; DLF TURF – FRONT RUNNERS CUP (2100m): 1 PIRAEUS, 2 Sky Out, 3 Double Cherry, 4 Doraskaya. 

Race 4 – 3.30pm: TURF CULTURE TRIBECA FUNGICIDE HANDICAP (1600m): 1 AUTUMNMATION, 2 Eclipsion, 3 Kervette, 4 December Sky. 

Race 5 – 4.05pm: SYNGENTA POSTERITY HANDICAP (1350m): 1 TYCOON JENNY, 2 Selfless Act, 3 Pajanti, 4 Vadamos Queen. 

Race 6 – 4.40pm; FLORATINE TURF PRODUCTS HANDICAP (1350m): 1 STARMAN, 2 Windshadow, 3 Ebony King, 4 Sir Artie.

Race 7 – 5.15pm: TURFCARE AUSTRALIA HANDICAP (1000m): 1 ZOUKERINO, 2 Stanislaus, 3 Once Again My Girl, 4 Sir Ravanelli. 

Race 8 – 5.50pm: BRANDT FERTILISERS HANDICAP (1200m): 1 SILVANITO, 2 Rhythm Of Love, 3 Lovero, 4 Yiska. 

Damien Lane has called on the State’s leading rider Aaron Bullock to get the job done on three of his five runners lining up at the home track meeting on Thursday. 

Bullock has a dominant lead in the NSW Jockey’s Premiership with 94 winners and along with Lane’s trio, has three further rides on the eight race Wyong program. 

He will partner Lane’s debutant Oakfield Peewee, Wealthy Investor and Oakfield Redgum, while stable apprentice Anna Roper rides Red Cobra and Jenny Duggan partners Impact Star. 

“Aaron is owner Bruce McKenzie’s go to jockey for his Oakfield team. He’s a strong rider and it’s always good to have him on. He certainly gives you confidence,” Lane said. 

Press Statement three-year-old Oakfield Peewee kicks off his career in the 1300m Maiden, after placing third in two recent trials. 

“He’s trialed up really nicely and this is a good starting point for him. The draw is a bit sticky, but he’s shown good natural speed in his trials and should be able to roll across and find a spot. 

“He’s well educated, and while I think the mile will be his best go, I do think he will race well.”

Lane has reinstated the blinkers on Wealthy Investor and changed his training regime in an effort to help him settle in the 1200m CG&E Benchmark 64. 

“His first two runs this time in were good but he didn’t relax when we got him up to the mile. 

“I’ve put the blinkers back on and we’ve been training him from the farm. He trialed up really good and with Bullock on, from the soft draw and back to the 1200m, I expect him to go well.”

He believes Impact Star, in the same race, will likely need the run. 

“She’s a big gross horse who also trialed well but I think she will be better second up over more ground.”

Sebring four-year-old Red Cobra resumes in the 1350m Provincial BM64 and Lane expects him to be doing his best work late. 

“He was good last prep but got well back and out of his ground in his last start and couldn’t sprint with them. He has had a good break and has drawn a soft gate. 

“With Anna’s claim he should run a nice race and be strong late.”

Lane believes his Dundeel mare Oakfield Redgum can figure in the finish of the 1600m BM68 if the race is run to suit. 

“She’s drawn a little tricky but that will hopefully be negated by her good early speed. She likes to roll along but there looks to be a lot of speed in the race, so he may have to slot in behind the leaders. 

“She has great form on the Wyong track (six runs for two wins and two placings) and this is the right trip for her.”

Kim Waugh’s Star Turn gelding is shooting for his fourth successive win in the same race, with stable apprentice Millie Thompson again partnering the four-year-old, having ridden her to all three wins. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 1.15pm, the the track currently a good 4. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.15pm: SKY CHANNEL MIDWAY MAIDEN (1300m): 1 HELLBENT ON YOU, 2 King Carlos, 3 Oakfield Peewee, 4 Scorpion Jack.

Race 2 – 1.50pm: KIM WILLIAMS APPRECIATION CG&E BM64 (1200m): 1 PANIC, 2 Reggie’s Boy, 3 Weatlhy Investor, 4 Densetsu. 

Race 3 – 2.25pm: TREVOR WARD APPRECIATION F&M BM64 (1200m):  CROSS YOUR HEART, 2 Parisian Rose, 3 Queen Bess, 4 Allapercanto.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: 1 NAVIOS, 2 Prince Aurelius, 3 Elleves, 4 Israelite Bay. 

Race 5 – 3.40pm: 1 CASSIEL, 2 Keysborough, 3 Ragga Ragga, 4 Bethsheba.

Race 6 – 4.20pm: 1 HIGH DANDY, 2 Spanish Fox, 3 Cheerful Cat, 4 Cranberries. 

Race 7 – 4.55pm: 1 SIDE SHOW, 2 Kiptanui, 3 Gardenzio, 4 Oakfield Redgum. 

Race 8 – 5.35pm: 1 DAGON, 2 Dreaming Of Vegas, 3 Opal Fields, 4 Upstopabull. 

Bargain buy Obelius has turned a $1000 online purchase into a $140,000 return for Newcastle based hobby trainer Dale Wagstaff and he believes there are more wins to come.

He brought the son of Nicconi in October 2022 and the now six-year-old has put together five wins and multiple placings since being under Wagstaff’s care.

He shoots for win number six in the 1350m BM68 at Wyong on Tuesday and Wagstaff is confident he will run well. 

“We have been targeting the tried horses for a while, sometimes you get lucky and other times it doesn’t work out,” he said. 

“With Obelius I think the change in environment was a big factor in turning his form around. Mal and Rodney Ollerton, both helped me riding him in the early days at Newcastle. When I first got on him, he bucked but they were able to settle him down. 

“I own a riding school on the outskirts of Sydney with my partner Rachelle Bolton and while I still train from Newcastle, I don’t take them to the track much. We have a treadmill, track and outdoor arena so they do most of their work here. 

“Obelius has really responded to not having to be floated to the track every day. He’s a different horse.”
Jenny Duggan rides Obelius at Wyong and it was her suggestion to bring him back in distance to the 1350m. 

“She rode him for a third at Canterbury over 1550m on February 9 but said he pulls harder over more distance, so we’ve dropped him back. She knows how to ride him now with plenty of room in the straight. 

“He’s a horse who responds to the quick back up. He eats up a lot better after a race than a track gallop, so we keep racing him and he’s a happy horse.

“He thrives on racing and the distance should be ideal. I think he’ll be right in the finish.”

Wagstaff said it’s more a learning experience for him with his latest online buy Patrika Gold, who lines up in the 1100m BM64 in her first start for the stable.

He paid $4500 for the lightly raced six-year-old Puissance De Lune mare who has had four wins from just 12 starts. 

“I’ve put Aaron Bullock on because he’s such a great judge and can tell me what he thinks going forward. 

“She’s settled in really well with us, is fit and has every possible chance of winning. If not I’ll appreciate Aaron’s feedback. “

The first of eight races gets underway at 1.15pm with the track currently a soft 7.

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 1.15pm: INSURANCE HOUSE F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 1 SUMMER SOIREE, 2 Tautou, 3 Cross Your Heart, 4 Miss Bayles.

Race 2 – 1.05PM: COMMSYS CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 1 DETENDU, 2 Luna Field, 3 The New Sinatra, 4 Never Joking.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: INFRABUILD PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m): 1 HIMEROS, 2 Bling’s Empire, 3 Piplup, 4 Mars Rover.

Race 4 – 3.05pm: LINCOLN ELECTRIC CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 STANCZYK, 2 Noble Tess, 3 Gardenzio, 4 Twelfth Knight. 

Race 5 – 3.40pm: LEVELMASTER MAIDEN (1300m): 1 KHAZNAH, 2 BO KATAN, 3 Kervette, 4 Paruna.

Race 6 – 4.15pm: BJ HOWES METALAND CONDITIONAL BM68 (1350m): 1 MICKEY’S MEDAL, 2 Scalextrics, 3 Innervoice, 4 Obvious Step.

Race 7 – 4.50pm: COREGAS MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 Rush Hour, 2 River Pat, 3 Fludway, 4 Oakfield Triumph.

Race 8 – 5.30pm: MECHPRO SOLUTIONS AU BM64 (1100m): 1 TRISKELION, 2 Lohnraki, 3 Patrika Gold, 4 Azayaka.

A frustrating time for Mark Minervini both on and off the track has the Newcastle based trainer desperate for a change of luck. 

Minervini’s team hasn’t tasted success since Smiling Prophet’s win at Wyong on November 29 and he is hoping a return to the track on Thursday could be the start of a winning run. 

“We are more than due for a winner. We’ve had a frustrating run of placings so it would be good to break through,” he said. 

“Racing is so competitive at the moment. I enjoy the challenge and it has made me a better trainer.”

Minervini’s hopes lie with stable newcomber Mysweetmoses in the 1100m BM64 and veteran Super in the 1350m BM64.

Mysweetmoses, a Vancouver four-year-old, joined the stable following a stint in Victoria under Nick Ryan.

Minervini had previously trained his dam, Splash Of Moet and with Mysweetmoses owners keen to relocate him to New South Wales for better opportunites, the ex-South Australian was the natural choice. 

“They were struggling to place him down there so offered him to me. He ran at Muswellbrook the other day first up but was a bit green and had to carry a big weight. 

“He will be more suited over the 1100m at Wyong and Jean Van Overmiere will ride him. He has worked well since his last start, and I think he should run a really nice race.”

Minervini is also expecting improvement from his eight-year-old Super, a seven-time winner from his 54 starts.

“I had stepped him up to the 1500m and mile, but I’m not convinced he wants that now as he gets older.

“I think the 1350m will suit him at Wyong. He ran a second there in January, so the tighter track won’t present any difficulties. 

“He is still doing well but needs galloping room in his races, so hopefully Zac Wadick can get him to the outside and his three-kilo claim will definitely help.”

And while Minervini is confident both his runners should be “around the mark” he is unlikely to be trackside to cheer them home.

“I’ve had some health issues in recent weeks. I haven’t been well at all but I am under good hands with my cardiologist and he’s is confident he can get me right.”

The first of eight races at Wyong on Thursday gets underway at 1.15pm. 

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 1.15pm: DE BORTOLI WINES CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 1 GOOD ONCE, 2 Gogmagog, 3 Bo Katan, 4 Bottler. 

Race 2 – 1.50pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m): 1 IRISH ANTHEM, 2 All Above, 3 Oakfield Zena, 4 Platinum Asset.

Race 3 – 2.25pm: WYONG LEAGUES GROUP BM64 (2100m): 1 DORASKAYA, 2 Wilshire Boulevard, 3 Counter, 4 Caring Lass. 

Race 4 – 3.05pm: SKY CHANNEL CLASS 1 (1000m): 1 SHAKO, 2 Pearls Treasure, 3 Impulsivity, 4 Lara’s Laulet. 

Race 5 – 3.40pm: PBL LAW GROUP SUPER MAIDEN (1350m): 1 STARMAE, 2 Jack Of Aces, 3 Wellerman, 4 Hartman. 

Race 6 – 4.20pm: MAGIC MILLIONS ADELAIDE YEARLING SALE 18-19 MARCH F&M MAIDEN (1100m): ART VOLANT, 2 Cross Your Heart, 3 Weeping Woman, 4 Russian Snitzel.

Race 7 – 4.55pm: CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS MIDWAY BM64 (1350m): 1 NAVY BLOOD, 2 Battlefield, 3 Selfless Act, 4 Super. 

Race 8 – 5.35pm:  TAB.COM.AU B64 (1100m): 1 O’TYCOON, 2 The Swooper, 4 Triskelion, 4 Oakfield Triumph.