race day preview

Denim Wynen is confident she can saddle up a home track winner at Saturday’s final Wyong meeting of the season. 

Obvious Step lines up in the 1350m F&M BM64 and Wynen believes the consistent mare is primed to bring up win number six. 

The five-year-old daughter of Sidestep was narrowly beaten at her last start at Gosford over 1200m on July 6, finishing less than a length behind the winner.

Wynen has opted to back her up ten days later knowing she is race fit and ready to win. 

“I really think she’ll be hard to beat. I thought she should have won last start at Gosford, but she didn’t get any clear running in the straight. 

“Her first two runs this time in were in a lot tougher company and then she had no luck at her past two starts at Gosford and Newcastle. 

“She meets the top two horses on Saturday with some weight relief and plenty of race fitness.”

It will be the first time Obvious Step has raced on her home track and Wynen is hoping it won’t be an issue. 

“She’s a bit of a hot head but really quiet when she gets to the races. I’m not sure how she will cope with just walking down the road to the race day stalls but if she handles that okay I think she can win.”

Wynen has opted for a rider change in Heavelon Van Der Hoven, on the recommendation of one of her owners. 

“He comes from the same place as one of the owners, naturally he’s a bit of a fan, so we decided to go with him. He rides well and I was happy to get him on.”

Wynen is shooting for her fifth winner for the season and happy with how things are ticking along for her small stable. 

“I’ve got two young children and do everything myself, so having just six in work is a good number. We’ve had a pretty good season and I’m excited about the prospects of several of the horses in the stable.”

It could by a big day for the Wyong trainers, who saddle up 16 runners across the eight races. 

The meeting will be last for General Manager Robin Taylor, who leaves at the end of July to take up a position as General Manager at the Forster Tuncurry Golf Club. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.05pm, with the track currently rated a soft 5, with the rail in the true position. 

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 12.05pm: BEST WISHES ON YOUR RETIREMENT KEVIN MILLER MAIDEN (1100m): 1 PUDACIOUS, 2 Condordia, 3 Gardenzio, 4 Desert Safari.

Race 2 – 12.40PM: GERMANY – WWC 2023 – WELCOME TO WYONG MAIDEN (1350m): 1 PRINCESS RAYAA, 2 Encroachment, 3 Gago, 4 Lod Bob.

Race 3 – 1.15pm: WYONG CUP CARNIVAL AUGUST 27 & SEPTEMBER 1 2YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 HIGH KING, 2 Broadway Bouncer, 3 Global Pivot, 4 Bucareli Bay.

Race 4 – 1.5opm: THE KIMBERLEY BURK CELEBRATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m): 1 COMMUNITY, 2 Ideel Hero, 3 Killer Kerr, 4 Penfold Park. 

Race 5 – 2.25pm: DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL BM64 (1600m): 1KOKOSHNIK,2 Scat’s Surfer Girl, 3 Nyika, 4 Badda Boom Baby.

Race 6 – 3.05pm: GO MATILDAS 2023 – FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 C’MON MATE, 2 Lady Harlem, 3 Chipper, 4 Vindication.

Race 7 – 3.45pm: HAPPY 50^TH DARIN F&M BM64 (1350m): 1 SHIFFRIN, 2 Hinchinjive, 3 Hallavadancer, 4 Obvious Step. 

Race 8 – 4.20pm: GET WELL SOON GARY HARLEY CG&E BM64 (1350m): 1 SKYLIGHT SON, 2 Smooth Flight, 3 Royal Charge, 4 Hollywood Hero. 

A drop in grade should see John O’Shea’s Group 1 placed Benaud return to the winner’s circle at Wyong on Tuesday. 

O’Shea has opted to return Benaud to Provincial grade in an effort to build up his confidence. 

The Reliable Man gelding was touted as a champion stayer in the making following his narrow defeat in the G1 ATC Derby (2400m) at Randwick in April last year and subsequent second in the G3 Kings Town (2000m) on the same track in September. 

He was spelled after an unsuccessful Caulfield Cup appearance in the spring and was unplaced in all five starts in black type races last preparation before resuming in the 2000m Listed McKell Cup on June 17 where he finished well back in the field. 

O’Shea has now opted for the 2100m Class 1 and Maiden at Wyong in an attempt to return the four-year-old to winning form. 

“I was disappointed with him in the autumn, “O’Shea said. “I thought we should drop him back in grade and try to build up his confidence. 

“Winning is a habit and we can get the horse back winning then we can revisit what we can do with him later in the year.”

Tyler Schiller will partner Benaud along with O’Shea’s second runner Infinite Rose.

The Astern filly debuts in the 1000m 2YO Fillies Maiden, coming off two recent metropolitan trials. 

She impressed with her latest outing, narrowly beaten at Canterbury over 900m on June 26, coming off a third at a 740m Randwick trial two week earlier.  

Success by O’Shea on Tuesday could help him secure his second Wyong Trainers Premiership.

With only two meetings remaining he currently leads the way with nine winners on the track, two head of two ahead of father and son combo Peter and Paul Snowden, with Mark Newnham, who recently relocated to Hong Kong, and Brad Widdup on six.

O’Shea last claimed the Wyong title in the 2015/2016 season when he was at the helm of the Godolphin stable. 

Kristen Buchanan leads the way for the locals with five winners on her home track, one ahead of Kim Waugh, both saddling up runners at the meeting.

Things are equally as tight in the jockeys ranks with Josh Parr and Jay Ford both riding seven winners to date, one ahead of trio Tim Clark, Koby Jennings and Tom Sherry. 

Ford has a good opportunity to break clear with five rides, while Tyler Schiller, who has a narrow grasp on the Apprentices title with six wins, has a full book.

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.10pm. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.10pm: DE BORTOLI 3YO MAIDEN (1600m): 1 KINGSTON CHARM, 2 Rabairneach, 3 Dancemania, 4 Discover.

Race 2 – 12.45PM: BECOME A WYONG RACE CLUB MEMBER FOR JUST $55 MAIDEN (1350m): 1 DOUBLE SCOOP, 2 Frank Express, 3 Burns To Embrace, 4 Lord Bob.

Race 3 – 1.20pm: MAGIC MILLIONS – CLUB SPONSOR 2002-2027 2YO FILLIES MAIDEN (1000m): 1 SHAKEN, 2 Lover And Light, 3 Infinite Rose, 4 Wezza.

Race 4 – 1.55pm: LADIES DAY AUGUST 27 IN SUPPORT OF THE IRIS FOUNDATION MIDWAY MAIDEN (1100m): 1 EXSENSIBLE, 2 Amberina, 3 Soobooco, 4 Parmenio.

Race 5 – 2.35pm: HAPPY RETIREMENT ISORICH CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 BENAUD, 2 Got An Inspiration, 3 Fleet Commander, 4 Sky Out.

Race 6 – 3.10pm: CONSIDER RACE SPONSORSHIP AT WYONG PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 ALWAYS IN, 2 Queen Astrid, 3 Monte Outlander, 4 Oakfield Redgum.

Race 7 – 3.45pm: CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1 BM64 (1100m): 1 ORLABENT, 2 Captain Bond, 3 Silvanito, 4 Meod.

Race 8 – 4.25pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SATURDAY JULY 15 CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 SKYLIGHT SON, 2 Modern Millie, 3 Lease, 4 Lysander. 

GROUP 1 winning trainer Nick Olive was based at Canberra the last time he had a runner at Wyong.

And whilst he has since shifted camp to Queanbeyan, he is hoping for a similar result tomorrow with his first starter at the Provincial track in nearly two and a half years.

The pacy Proud Mia (now retired) was Olive’s last Wyong representative when she led throughout, with apprentice Tyler Schiller on board, in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m) on January 24, 2021.

He won’t be relying on speed this time when Invincible Dash lines up in a similar Benchmark 64, but over 1600m, in the Clubs NSW Central Coast Region sponsored event.

Olive began training at Canberra with a few horses in 2000 before setting up his own stabling operation in 2005, and was there until last spring when, tired of the ACT Government’s apparent lack of interest in the industry along with burgeoning workers’ compensation costs, upped stumps and moved to Queanbeyan.

“We have settled in well; I’m glad I made the move,” Olive said last night.

“I’m looking forward to having another runner at Wyong.

“Whilst I haven’t had many starters there over the years, I did have a few who ran in the Magic Millions races there leading up to the big meeting at the Gold Coast.”

One of those was Single Gaze, who ran a close third to Zoutenant in the 2014 Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) at only her second start, before finishing third in the Gold Coast MM Classic (1200m) the following month.

Single Gaze on debut had beaten six rivals to land a 2YO Plate (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 1, 2014 when an $81 rank outsider.

The bonny mare at the same track the following season presented her trainer with a Group 1 breakthrough in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), and was runner-up no less than six times in Group 1 and 2 features, including the 2017 Caulfield Cup.

Connections parted company with the mare to Japanese breeding interests in 2018 when they were made an offer too good to refuse.

Olive celebrated his transfer to Queanbeyan by landing the Cup (2000m) there last November with Invincible Dash, and got a pleasant surprise when he scored first-up with 60.5kg in a 1200m Handicap at Parkes on May 14.

“He had been working well, but had never won first-up before and obviously the distance was short of his best,” Olive said.

“I’m really happy with how he has progressed since, and the 1600m at Wyong is more to his liking.

“We’re going from country to provincial company, but if he gets the race run to suit, he can definitely be competitive.”

Invincible Dash was a $170,000 yearling purchase in 2018 and was a member of a leading Sydney stable before joining Olive’s team in late 2020.

He is planning to chase further country Cups with the gelding this preparation, but feels the $3m The Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick in November might be beyond his limit.

The I Am Invincible six-year-old ran 11^th in last year’s $500,000 The Little Dance (1600m) on the same program before winning the Queanbeyan Cup two starts later.

Though his Wyong rider Jeff Penza hasn’t won on Invincible Dash, he has partnered him in two 1600m events, finishing third at Dubbo in September 2021 and fourth at Canberra last November; a week before the gelding backed up and won the Queanbeyan Cup, ridden by Brendan Ward.

Trainer Richard Litt has opted for blinkers again on MrKennedy (Josh Parr) in the Club Terrigal Midway 4YO&Up Maiden Plate (1100m) in a bid to hoist him into the winning list.

The Fastnet Rock six-year-old was a $1.8m yearling purchasein 2018, and has raced only seven times for five placings.

He has been runner-up at his last three appearances since joining Litt’s Warwick Farm team; the latest when a $1.35 hotpot in a similar race at Gosford a week ago.

Hawkesbury trainer Claire Lever has withdrawn dual venue acceptor Luai from the Kensington meeting today in favour of a Wyong engagement in the Ettalong Diggers 3YO Maiden Handicap (1100m), and Kathy O’Hara will ride him.

Luai is going back to where he began his career a fortnight ago, when third to Orlabent in an 1100m Provincial Maiden.

With both Spicy Hotpot (Sara Ryan) and Bubba’s Bay (Kris Lees) starting on the Kensington track today, the field for tomorrow’s Munmorah United Bowling Club Class 1 Handicap (1100m) will be reduced to six.

One of the more interesting runners at the meeting will be Hawkesbury three-year-old Highway Patrol, who has won both his home track trials on May 8 and 22 and is favorite for the Wyong Leagues Club Group Maiden Plate (1350m).

Trainer Ed O’Rourke has decided to use a lugging bit on the gelding, who was withdrawn from engagements at Dubbo last Friday and again on his home track two days later.

. The eight-race program begins at 12.05pm. The rail is in the TRUE position, and a “Soft 7” rating was posted this morning, with a “Heavy 8” in the chute between the 1350m and 1000m.

SELECTIONS:

RACE 1 – 12.05pm: ETTALONG DIGGERS 3YO MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1100m: 1 MAGNATEAR, 2 Amberina, 3 Emphatic Bel, 4 Luai.

RACE 2 – 12.40pm: WYONG LEAGUES CLUB GROUP MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m: 1 HIGHWAY PATROL, 2 Huracanevo, 3 Skyhawk, 4 Dapper Dancer.

RACE 3 – 1.20pm: CLUB TERRIGAL MIDWAY 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE, 1100m: 1 COUNTER MOVE, 2 MrKennedy, 3 Lord Bob, 4 Prize Tulip.

RACE 4 – 1.55pm: MINGARA RECREATION CLUB PROVINCIAL CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE, 2100m: 1 ACCEBER, 2 Special Day, 3 El Bravo, 4 Semper Fortis.

RACE 5 – 2.35pm: COASTLINE CLEANING & MAINTENANCE MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m: 1 OCCHIATA, 2 The Professor, 3 Jamrock, 4 Our Kinsmen.

RACE 6 – 3.10pm: MUNMORAH UNITED BOWLING CLUB CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1100m: 1 ANGEL FUND, 2 Mount Warning, 3 Ringdembells, 4 Sir Kerm. 

RACE 7 – 3.50pm: BELLA GROUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1350m: 1 EDGE OF REWARD, 2 Bokuden, 3 Victory Salute, 4 Lord Heron.

RACE 8 – 4.25pm: CLUBS NSW CENTRAL COAST REGION BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1600m: 1 INVINCIBLE DASH, 2 Trust The Process, 3 Roccaforte, 4 Mr Severino.

An impressive debut win by Haysiri has given Scone based trainer Lou Mary the confidence to step the three-year-old up to Provincial grade at Wyong on Thursday.

The Dawn Approach gelding had his first start in a 1300m Maiden on May 12, Scone Cup Day, bringing up an eye-catching win after storming home over the final 200m. 

He steps up to the 1350m CG&E BM 64 at Wyong, but Mary is confident he can handle the task. 

“He pulled up very well from the Scone win. It was a beautiful first up run and always good to win on the home track. 

“He is still a bit immature and raw, and I don’t even think he knew what happened when he won,” Mary laughed. 

“I’m very mindful that it was only a country maiden, but it was the way he won that we were taken by. Wyong is a very different track, but he has a good cruising speed, showed a good turn of foot at Scone and has done everything right since.

“You have to bring you’re A game to these Provincial meetings and I think he’s the horse to do it.”

French-born Mary, who has only been licensed for two and a half years, trains Haysiri for local breeder Greg White, the two having formed a connection after Mary purchased Nitride from White in an online auction.

The now seven-year-old went on to become one of the best horses in Mary’s stable and he was grateful when White approached him to train the well-bred Haysiri.

“He had one preparation for me as a two-year-old but just wasn’t there mentally, so we turned him out. He developed foot abscess problems in the paddock so needed a decent amount of time to get over that. I was very happy when Greg rang and asked if I’d take him back. 

“I’ve always had a good opinion of him and think he will be even better next preparation and could even get out to the mile.”

Chad Schofield, who partnered Haysiri to victory at Scone, will ride him again at Wyong. The form from the Scone maiden has been strong, with two subsequent winners and a number of placings from the beaten brigade. 

Haysiri will have to contend with Kristen Buchanan’s last start Wyong winner Oakfield Waratah who lines up in the field of 10 and Mark Minervini’s Media Man chasing it’s third successive win. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.10pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.10pm: THE IRIS FOUNDATION – WRC CHARITY PARTNER MAIDEN (1000m): 1 SATIN AND SILK, 2 Mafia, 3 World Alliance, 4 Orlabent.

Race 2 – 12.45pm: TICKETS ON SALE – WYONG’S NEXT COCKTAIL PARTY – SATURDAY JULY 15 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): NOTABADONE, 2 Sir SMity, 3 Skyhawk, 4 Oakfield Opal.

Race 3 – 1.20pm: THE WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION – WRC CHARITY PARTNER MAIDEN (1600m): 1 DISHIN ‘N’ DANCIN, 2 Royal Promise, 3 Beach Party, 4 She Sends Kisses.

Race 4 – 1.55pm: NORTHLAKES TOUKLEY ROTARY – WRC CHARITY PARTNER CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1CALIFORNIA GRASS, 2 Four O’Clock Knock, 3 Viadelamore, 4 Perfection Man.

Race 5 – 2.35pm: WRC IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF POLICE LEGACY F&M BM64 (1350m): 1 LEANDRA, 2 Golden Gate, 3 Star Impact, 4 Beirut Miss.

Race 6 – 3.10pm: WRC PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1100m): 1 MISTY DREAMS, 2 Highway Patrol, 3 Orlabent, 4 Emphatic Bell.

Race 7 – 3.50pm: WYONG CUP CARNIVAL – SUNDAY AUGUST 27 & FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1 CG&E BM64 (1350m): 1 HAYSIRI, 2 Oakfield Waratah, 3 Trust The Process, 4 Windshadow.

Race 8 – 4.25pm: CLUBS NSW CENTRAL COAST MEN’S HEALTH CHARITY RACE DAY – THURSDAY JUNE 15 MIDWAY BM68 (1100m): 1 TOCOMAH, 2 Eyewitness, 3 Fire And Ice, 4 Mr Bingo.

It’s been almost seven years since Mark Newnham trained his first career winner, taking out a maiden at Wyong with four-year-old gelding Boaz.

In the ensuing time Randwick based Newnham has gone on to taste considerable success and become one of the most respected trainers in the game, with more than 400 victories to his name including four Group 1 wins. 

On Thursday he will saddle up his final runners at Wyong as he prepares to relocate to Hong Kong, and it would be fitting if he could go out a winner. 

“I trained my first winner there at Wyong, so it would be nice we could have a winner with the last. I think they are winning chances,” he said. 

The track has been somewhat of a happy hunting ground for Newnham who has trained 33 winners from 158 runners, his 20.9% winning Wyong strike rate his best of all the Provincial tracks. 

Stayer Sonic The Hedgehog provides the stable with a winning hope in the 2100m Class 1 and Maiden.

The four-year-old by American Pharaoh, is getting back to his ideal distance, having previously won over the 2000m at Wyong in April last year. 

Sonic The Hedgehog, finished fourth at Gosford over 1900m on April 25 beaten just over a length, and will appreciate the 2100m. 

“It looks like a suitable race for him,” Newnham said. “Sonic is fully fit now after a couple of runs back and he won his maiden over this track and distance,” Newnham said.

Newnham also has a good opinion of Mindspace, who represents the stable in the 1600m BM64.

His last two runs have been over 2000m, but Newnham said he hasn’t run out the distance. 

“He’ll be better suited over the 1600m and on the better ground. His last couple of runs have been on rain affected tracks and I think he’s better on top of the ground. 

“From the nice inside gate he should sit mid-field and be strong late.”

Mindspace, who was a $310,000 yearling, is raced in partnership by Newnham.He has had a win and a third from his previous six starts and Newnham is confident he can make it two wins on Thursday. 

The first of eight races at the club’s The Wyong Roos Foundation Race Day, gets underway at 12.20pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.20pm: ACCOLADE WINES PROVINCIAL 3YO MAIDEN (1350m): 1 EPICUS, 2 Jo Jo Sun, 3 Burrowa, 4 Always In.

Race 2 – 12.55pm: AUSTBROKERS AND BISHOP COLLINS MAIDEN (1350m): 1 LITTLE COINTREAU, 2 Dishin ‘N’ Dancin, 3 Slipstreaming, 4 Commando Jack. 

Race 3 – 1.35pm: COCA COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS AND HOSPITALITY SUPPLIES EPXRESS 2YO MAIDEN (1100m): SNATCHREAILLY, 2 Absolute Power, 3 Frenemy, 4 Kovanos.

Race 4 – 2.10pm: NESTLE PROFESSIONAL AND WE CARE CONNECT MAIDEN (1100m): 1 KAPUNDA, 2 Woodlander, 3 Consenza, 4 Silent Russian.

Race 5 – 2.50pm: HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL AND CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 ITSAGOODDEEL, 2 The Englishman, 3 Thornycroft, 4 Sonic The Hedgehog.

Race 6 – 3.25pm: ARCADE TRADER AND CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED BM64 (1350m): 1 MATRONYMIC, 2 Rockstar Boy, 3 Isorich, 4 Oakfield Waratah.

Race 7 – 4.05pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION MIDWAY BM64 (1100m): 1 RESTRICTIONS, 2 Wondereach, 3 Chief Conductor, 4 Tinka’s Lad.

Race 8 – 4.40pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES AND REGNIS REFRIGERATION BM64 (1600m): 1  MINDSPACE, 2 Reginald, 3 Flexing, 4 Tip Top Timing.

The Big Biig has certainly tested the patience of Warwick Farm trainer Lauri Parker.
The aptly named Adelaide gelding has always impressed Parker but it’s taken some time for his confidence to grow.
Parker has been waiting to stretch the four-year-old out over the 2100m and he gets his chance at Wyong on Thursday.
“I can’t wait to see how he goes over this distance,” she said. “I really think he wants this trip and hopefully I’m right.
“I’ve always had an opinion of him from day one, but he’s just needed time to mature. He’s such a big horse physically but mentally he’s very insecure. “It has certainly taken a while for the penny to drop but I think he is starting to work it all out now.”
The Big Biig finished fifth at his last start at Newcastle on April 23 over the 1850m and was doing his best work late.
“Jess (Taylor) rode him that day and agrees he wants more ground. She’ll be on him again at Wyong. It’s good to have a jockey who knows the horse. “I’ve had to be patient with him and am hoping that will pay off.”
It was Parker’s association with another Adelaide gelding, Torrens that resulted in her training The Big Biig.
Torrens had great success while under Parker winning four of his 11 starts including the Listed Tatts Cup, her biggest win to date.
“I was winning races with Torrens so the owners of The Big Biig decided to send him to me. It would be good if he can go on and win a few races.” Parker is also looking for improvement from her other runner Crowie’s Shout, in the 1200m Maiden.
The three-year-old son of Xtravagant lines up for his fifth career start, having finished well back when resuming over the 1000m at Nowra on April 9. “He’s been a frustrating horse as well,” Parker said. “He does have some ability, but he doesn’t handle race day pressure too well.
“He’s a lovely big strong horse and trialled well. If we can get him to put it all together race day, he’ll improve and the 1200m should suit.”
Parker, 42, juggles her small stable with raising her two-year-old daughter Indie.
The former jockey maintains a team of between eight and 12 horses and rides all her own work.
“It’s a struggle at times combining motherhood with the horses but Indie loves them as well. I like to be hands on and ride them work because you get a good feel for them.”
SELECTIONS:
Race 1 – 12.30pm: HMA GROUP MAIDEN (1200m): 1 SILENT RAINDROPS, 2 Gustosisimo, 3 Parmenio, 4 Castlerosse.
Race 2 – 1.05pm: HMA INSTRUMENTATION PROVINCIAL 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): 1 TWENYEIGHTDRAGONS, 2 Prize Tulip, 3 Ruby Flyer, 4 Cataratas.

Race 3 – 1.40pm: HMA POWER GENERATION MAIDEN (2100m): 1 AUNT ROBERTA, 2 Hardazhell, 3 Four O’clock Knock, 4 The Big Biig.
Race 4 – 2.20pm: HMA MATERIALS HANDLING MAIDEN (1600m): 1 BOY LOVES TO RUN, 2 Theoneandonly, 3 We Don’t Roam, 4 Walk Up Start.
Race 5 – 2.55pm: 1 QUEENMAKER, 2 Shooting Pasture, 3 Critical Time, 4 Acceber.
Race 6 – 3.35pm: HMA GEOTECHNICAL CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 GRAND CRUSADER, 2 Cappelletti, 3 Surf On Turf, 4 Free Enterprise.
Race 7 – 4.10pm: HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BM64 (1350m): 1 SHIPSHAPE, 2 The Halo, 3 Takara Star, 4 Malabar.
Race 8 – 4.45pm: HMA GTECH CYCLONES BM64 (1000m): 1 TOCOMAH, 2 Wanaroo, 3 Deep Opinions, 4 Bayezid.

In a decade long career racing’s ‘iron horse’ Isorich has always had a preference for his home track. 

In fact, the rising 13-year-old has won eight times at Wyong, half of his 16 career victories at the track and been placed on six occasions.

So, it’s no surprise trainer Wayne Seelin expects he can find his best in Thursday’s BM68 over the 1200m, his 154^th start.

With his career now coming to an end another victory would mean the world to Seelin and owner Paul Watson. 

“He’s probably only got another couple of runs in him so a win would be great,” Seelin said. “It’s been a long preparation for him but there was no point spelling him at this stage, so I’ve been spacing his runs & freshening him up here and there.

“I’m not one of those people who need him to go out on a high, so if he won, he’d probably race again but it depends how he pulls up. We’re racing him because we enjoy it, so a couple more starts would be good but we’re taking it day by day.

Seelin said there are excuses for several of Isorich’s recent runs. 

He had to contend with an unsuitable heavy track at Taree in his latest outing on April 1 and was galloped on at Rosehill in a Midway on January 28. 

“There’s plenty of things in his favour on Thursday, he’s happy and I really think he will run well. 

“He likes the track and distance, so it looks a good race for him. He’s been working well so providing we don’t get any rain and he gets a bit of luck in running he’s a good chance.” 

A win would have a real Wyong flavour with Seelin engaging locally based apprentice Maddi Derrick.

“She can claim a couple of kilos and he generally races well for the apprentices.”

Isorich, who has amassed $815,000 in prizemoney, had his last win at Wyong on November 24 last year and was narrowly beaten on his home track a month later. 

Seelin also saddles up Flying Artie filly Kobold in the 1200m Fillies & Mares Maiden. 

“She’s still a fine little thing and needs to strengthen up, so I’ll probably spell her after this. In saying that she’s been working good and with the blinkers on I expect improvement but whether she’s up to some of these Sydney horses time will tell.”

The stable also has another veteran, nine-year-old Ondo Pasa who is fourth emergency in the 1350m F&M BM64. 

Seelin trains the mare for the late Stan Thomas, who’s partner Evelyn remains in the ownership.

“She’s been struggling a bit lately, so I’m not sure how long they’ll keep her racing, but in saying that if she gets a run and the rain comes it will help.”

The first of eight races on the club Members Day, gets underway at 12.30pm.

SELECTIONS: 

Race 1 – 12.30pm: PAVILION EVENTS CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN (1600m): 1 UNITED FRONT, 2 Yamba’s Award, 3 Star Legacy, 4 Venetian Blue.

Race 2 – 1.05pm: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BM64 (2100m): 1ITSAGOODDEEL, 2 Mirror Queen, 3 Dreamdeel, 4 Youthfull.

Race 3 – 1.40pm: DE BORTOLI F&M MAIDEN (1200m): 1 CHOICE LEGEND, 2 Agnodice, 3 Foxford Babe, 4 Turbo Charged.

Race 4 – 2.20pm: MAGIC MILLIONS MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m): 1 SUPREME WIND, 2 Gold Something, 3 Yamba’s Award, 4 Doraskaya.

Race 5 – 2.55pm: TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN (1100m): 1 SURRENDERS, 2 Chilada, 3 Salaasel, 4 Alegna.

Race 6 – 3.35pm: EARLY BIRD MEMBERSHIP $55 PROVINCIAL BM68 (1200m): 1 FIVE CROWNS, 2 Princess Amira, 3 Oxford Tycoon, 4 Jacquine Reward.

Race 7 – 4.10pm: WYONG’S NEXT COCKTAIL PARTY – SATURDAY JULY 15 – BO0K NOW F&M BM64 (1350m):1 RESISTIBLE, 2 Takara Star, 3 Seany’s Girl, 4 Starstruck Barbie.

Race 8 – 4.50pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING – THURSDAY APRIL 27 CG&E BM64 (1350m): 1 SKYLIGHT SONG, 2 Buillt, 3 Surfers Royale, 4 Strombus.

On a race day paying tribute to Wyong’s talented training pool, it would be fitting if the longest serving local Rodney Bailey could taste success. 

Bailey saddles up two runners at Thursday’s Wyong Trainers Race Day, last start winner Aussie Lindberg and progressive four-year-old Mr Bingo and expects both to race well. 

With only a small team in work, Bailey is enjoying one of his better seasons and is confident both his runners on Thursday will go on to win more races. 

Aussie Lindberg (pictured) broke through for his Maiden victory over the 1600m at Gosford on March 16 in his 17^th start for the stable, with three previous placings. 

Bailey said he had been “a work in progress” and had needed time to improve his racing style. 

“I always knew he had ability, but he was over-racing badly in his runs. We had to be patient and take him back in races to teach him not to pull too hard,” he said. 

“He’s in his second prep for me now and is finally getting it together. 

“We brought him online in 2021 and he’s owned by family and friends. Fortunately, they’ve allowed me to take my time with him and that paid off when he won last start. They were very excited, and all won on the day.”

The Proisir five-year-old, originally with the Bjorn Baker stable, has had 22 starts for a win and his three placings. 

Bailey paid $6000 for the gelding & is hoping to add to the $40,000 plus prizemoney he has pocketed for connections when he starts in Thursday’s 16000m Class 1. 

“He certainly hasn’t gone backwards since his Gosford win. A wet track won’t worry him if the rain keeps coming and Grant Buckley will ride him again.”

Bailey is also keen on the chances of Mr Bingo, who has had two wins and two placings since joining the stable in September last year. 

The Hong Kong based-owner George Ma, who has been a client of Bailey’s since 2004, bred the Deep Field four-year-old. 

“He won first up for me and has been racing really well ever since. His last run at Hawkesbury was good finishing second over the 1100m.

“He’s in the same grade and over the same distance at Wyong which will suit, and I don’t think a rain affected train will worry him either. 

“Maddi Derrick has ridden him well in his last two starts and she’s on him again.”

Bailey, who recently turned 60, has around six horses in his name and works side by side with his son Callum, who has a pre-training and breaking-in business, from the family property just five minutes from the Wyong track. 

“He does a great job and I’m proud of him. He helps me out and a lot of the Wyong trainers. I’m the third generation of my family involved in racing so it’s no surprise Callum went down the same path.”

Fellow Wyong trainers Amanda Davis, Damien Lane, Brett Partelle, Allan Kehoe, Kristen Buchananm Kim Waugh, Tracey Bartley and John Cooper all saddle up runners at the meeting. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.50pm, with the track currently rated a Heavy 8.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.50pm: WYONG TRAINERS – CONTRIBUTING MORE THAN JUST WINNERS MAIDEN (1000M): 1 GILMORE, 2 Sumo Star, 3 Provencal, 4 Alegna.

Race 2 – 1.25pm: SARA RYAN RACING MAIDEN (1350m): 1 TWILIGHT ROCK, 2 Fiancetto, 3 Gulf Of Panama, 4 Star Legacy.

Race 3 – 2.05pm: ALLAN KEHOE RACING PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1350m): 1 BEETSON, 2 Single Shot, 3 Yamba’s Award, 4 United Front.

Race 4 – 2.40pm: TRACEY BARTLEY RACING MAIDEN (2100m): 1 AUNT ROBERTA, 2 Rapid Impact, 3 Iberian Ruler, 4 The Golden Rule.

Race 5 – 3.20pm: DAMIEN LANE RACING CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 QUEENMAKER, 2 XTRAREVZ, 3 BY NINE, 4 AUSSIE LINDBERGH.

Race 6 – 3.55pm: KRISTEN BUCHANAN OWNERS LOUNGE CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 FLYING DESTINY, 2 Warby, 3 Jovita, 4 King Adviso.

Race 7 – 4.35pm: KIM WAUGH RACING MIDWAY BM68 (1350m): 1 WRATHFUL, 2 Surfers Royale, 3 The Empire, 4 Starstruck Barbie.

Race 8 – 5.10pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING – THURSDAY APRIL 20 BM64 (1100m): 1 ONCE AGAIN MY GIRL, 2 Cappelletti, 3 Passistas, 4 Time For Victory.

Tracey Bartley is the first to admit he’s a very lucky man. 

The Wyong-based trainer is recovering at home after spending the past two weeks in hospital being treated for serious injuries he sustained after being kicked by a horse. 

Bartley received life threatening internal injuries and underwent five procedures during his time at Royal North Shore Hospital to control bleeding to his spleen, liver and kidneys. 

He was in intensive care for the majority of his stay in hospital and while he expects to make a full recovery, he knows it’s a long road ahead. 

“I’m just very weak and I have to take it slow and steady,” he said. “I’m lucky because they were able to save all my organs and in time I will be back to normal. 

“For now, I’m watching from the sidelines which is very frustrating when you’re used to being on the go all the time. I walked down the back to feed one yesterday and I was exhausted, so I know I’ve got to take my time.”

Bartley was rugging horses in a paddock behind his home on March 19 when he was kicked by his mare Compassionate. 

“She didn’t mean to kick me. There was a horse in between us and it moved so she got me,” he said. 

“I saw a bright light and went down. I must have fainted and when I came too I was able to get myself from the yard to the lawn.

“The pain was incredible and then I had to crawl towards the house to try and call out.

Bartley’s wife Tracy heard moaning and found him badly injured on the lawn, his effort to get to the house likely to have saved his life. 

“I crawled around 100 metres, but I knew I had to get help. If there had been no-one home, I don’t know what would havehappened.

“It was mayhem when I got to hospital. I was bleeding internally but they got the job done down there. It’s amazing what they can do and what the body can do.

“I’m not in too much pain now and it’s just a matter of resting and getting my energy back.”

Bartley is hoping a win by his mare Sebrenco in Saturday’s Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championship Final will be a great tonic. 

“She loves the wet and is a true miler. It will be like a 1600m race if the track is heavy and that will really suit her.”

Bartley won’t be trackside at Randwick, leaving the training duties to Tracy, but has booked a hotel in Sydney for hopefully a quite celebration. 

The family will then have a holiday in Fiji.

“I think in a fortnight or so I should be back at the track. Not doing anything physical but just sitting watching the horseswork. Our staff have been really good but there’s nothing like having your eyes on them. 

“People have been very supportive since the accident. Racing is a great industry and I’ve been around a long time. You really realise how good it is when something like this happens.”

Kristen Buchanan’s talented mare Oakfield Arrow handed her one of her biggest career wins when she took out last year’s $500,000 Four Pillars at Rosehill. 

On Saturday she makes her long anticipated return in the Polytrack Provincial-Midway Qualifier on her home track in her quest to add another lucrative race to her resume. 

And Buchanan only has one chance to get it right, with Oakfield Arrow ineligible for the Wildcard at Newcastle the following Thursday.

“We’ve had to have her spot on for Saturday and I think she is. This race was our plan all along and she likes Wyong,” she said. 

The five-year-old went straight to the paddock following her impressive Four Pillars victory on October 29 and has trialled twice leading into the race. 

Buchanan has her primed for a first up win and believes she is the type of horse who can take out the series. 

“You need a very flexible horse to be successful in this series and she is definitely that,” Buchanan said. “There is intensity in these races that goes beyond group racing because everyone is just so desperate to get into the final it changes how the races are run. 

“You have to have a horse who ideally can go on any surface and cope with different patterns of racing. This mare is beautifully mannered and that’s what won her the Four Pillars. She drew a terrible gate, but you can ask her to go forward and settle and then go again. She’s manoeuvrable, can lead, sit back, run on, it just depends on what unfolds.”

With 20 previous starts, Buchanan has had to go first up into the Wyong Qualifier with Oakfield Arrow the meet eligibility but has no qualms about her fitness. 

“She’s ticked all the boxes with a couple of good trials and has done plenty of work. The race has worked in really well with her programming and we’d be silly not to give it a shot with the prizemoney on offer. She’ll have to win or finish second to progress because she will have had too many runs to get a second chance in the Wild Card. 

“She certainly hasn’t gone backwards since her Four Pillars win and I will be targeting some black type fillies and mares races for her this campaign.”

Oakfield Arrow was a $170,000 Magic Millions yearling purchased by prolific owner/breeder Bruce McKenzie. She has had five wins and five placings from her 20 starts to date, for almost $500,000 in prizemoney. 

A previous 1350m winner at Wyong, the mare will be ridden by Aaron Bullock on Saturday, who will have to overcome barrier 12. 

Fellow Wyong trainers Kim Waugh, Damien Lane and Tracey Bartley all saddle up runners in the race, with all three having already qualified runners for the final. 

The feature race will be run at 5.05pm, with the first of eight at 1.05pm. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 1.05pm: LAKES PODIATRY 3YO MAIDEN (1000m): 1 RUSSIAN ROSE, 2 Really Motivated, 3 Beauty Bound, 4 Bantarki.

Race 2 – 1.45pm: REWARD HOMES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 YANKEE HUSSEL, 2 Takara Star, 3 Headstock, 4 My Artie. 

Race 3 – 2.25pm: LIFEFUL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 1 DOMINGO, 2 Piccadilly Lass, 3 Owari, 4 Balinor. 

Race 4 – 3.05pm: PETER MAC’S SERVICE CENTRE MIDWAY MAIDEN (1600m): 1 MEET ME IN BONDI, 2 Vegas Outlaw, 3 Riley Park, 4 Meerut.

Race 5 – 3.45pm: THE ARY 2YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 SECRET KEEPER, 2 Thunderlips, 3 Belyaev, 4 Simplicity. 

Race 6 – 4.25pm: NATIONAL AIR PARTS MAIDEN (1350m): 1 VICTORY SALUTE, 2 Just AnUpstart, 3 Theoneandonly, 4 Personal Best.

Race 7 – 5.05pm: POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL-MIDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER (1350m): 1 MOBSTAR, 2 Oakfield Arrow, 3 Fielding, 4 Conrad.

Race 8 – 5.45pm: TWIN LAKES AIR & SOLAR CONDITIONAL BM68 (1200m): 1 CEASEFIRE, 2 Ningaloo Star, 3 Akaka Falls, 4 Jacquine Reward.