race day preview

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: The 2022 Annual General Meeting of Wyong Race Club Limited will be held on Tuesday 8 November 2022 in the Magic Millions Lounge (middle floor), Wyong Racecourse, Howarth St, Wyong, commencing at 6.00pm

AGENDA

The business of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be as follows: –

1. Confirm the Minutes of the 2021 Annual General Meeting.
2. Receive & consider Annual Financial Report for year ended 30 June 2022 including –
   • Directors’ Report
   • Statement of Comprehensive Income
   • Statement of Financial Position
   • Statement of Cash Flows
   • Statement of Changes in Equity
   • Notes to the Financial Statements
   • Auditor’s Reports
3. Election of ONE (1) Board member.
   One Member to be elected to fill the casual vacancy resulting from the resignation of Darren Hooper in September, 2022.
4. Further Notices of Motion:
   A. “That Members approve and agree to expenditure by the Club until the next Annual General Meeting of the Club of reasonable expenses incurred by directors in relation to such other duties including entertainment of special guests to the Club and other promotional activities performed by directors including attending functions at other clubs to represent the Club, such activities and expenses as may be approved.”
   B. “That Members approve and agree to the availability until the next Annual General Meeting of the Club a reserved car space at Club race meetings for directors.”
   C. “That Members approve and agree to reasonable expenditure by the Club until the next Annual General Meeting of the Club for the provision of refreshments before or after Board Meetings.”
5. Election of Patron.
6. Transact, in accordance with the Constitution, any other ordinary business that may be lawfully brought forward.

Robin Taylor
General Manager
It would be appreciated if Members who wish to raise queries or seek information about any matters appearing in the Annual Report, give at least (10) days written notice to the General Manager. This will allow sufficient time for proper research and preparation of the replies for the benefit of all Members.

Please note:
Members wishing to nominate for the ONE (1) available elected position on the Board of Directors are required to lodge their nomination on the prescribed form with the Company’s General Manager at the General Office, Howarth Street, Wyong NOT LATER THAN 12 noon on Friday 21 October 2022. Nomination forms are available from the Club’s Office during normal business hours.

Election of the Board – shall take place in the following manner:
a) Any two Ordinary / Life Members of the Club may nominate any other Ordinary / Life Member to serve as a Member elected Director
on the Board of Directors as long as the nominee has been a Financial Member of the Club for the 12 months prior to their nomination.
b) The nomination must be in writing and signed by the Member and his proposer and seconder shall be lodged with the secretary by 12 noon on Friday 21 October, 2022.
c) A list of such nominations, with proposer’s and seconder’s names, shall be posted at the Club’s registered offices at least seven days
immediately preceding the meeting at which the elections take place and will be made available on the Wyong Race Club website www.wyongraceclub.com. au, not later than Thursday 27 October 2022.

The 2022 Annual Report will be posted to all financial Members on or before 17 October 2022 in accordance with the Rules.
Members and Proxies attending the AGM will be required to prove their identity with photo ID such as a driver’s licence, a passport, or similar. A Member’s card by itself will be insufficient proof of identity.
Appointing a Proxy: if you are a Member entitled to attend and vote at this AGM, you may appoint a person as your proxy to attend and vote for you at the meeting. A proxy need not be a member of the company. For the appointment of a proxy to be effective the required form (available from the Racing Club office) will need to be completed and returned by 4pm Thursday 3 November 2022. The Constitution of the Wyong Race Club does not provide for postal voting.

Yet another Carlton Wyong Gold Cup victory for Chris Waller, who took his recent success in the Listed race to a new level, training the first four. 

The win by English import Durston, gave Waller his eighth Wyong Cup since 2010. 

The victory was also James McDonald’s third in the prestigious race, the champion hoop almost claiming the feature double after a narrow defeat in the Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa. 

Aboard the Godolphin trained favourite Katlin, McDonald looked to have the race won, before Matt Dale’s Meg flew down the outside to win by a nose. 

McDonald went home with a double, winning on the O’Shea trained Kokoro, giving him enough points to secure the coveted Nathan Berry Shield, for the best rider over the two days. 

The locals weren’t left out with both Damien Lane and Kristen Buchanan training winners. 

McDonald gave Durston a peach of a ride in the $200,000 Listed Carlton Wyong Gold Cup, placing him conservatively in the early stages, before taking off around the 650m mark.

He weaved a passage to the outside on the seven-year-old, hitting the front in the straight and drawing away to win by almost two lengths.

It was the biggest career win for Durston from his 13 starts, having switched to the Waller stable for his previous two runs.

He was disappointing finishing last in the Group 3 Premiers Cup on August 20 but atoned for the loss with a dominant Cup win.

Stable foreman Damien Fitton gave plenty of praise to McDonald. 

“It was a great ride by James. He went back to rear of the field and let him switch off. He dropped his head for the first time since we’ve had him and that told the tale in the finish. He was able to conserve some energy,” Fitton said.

“It was a winning move when he made the run when he did. It’s just onward and upwards for this horse now.”

Fitton said he believed the addition of a Norton bit to Durston had made a huge difference to his racing style. 

“He’s a good horse but has been racing a bit fiercely in first two starts for us. A Norton bit on today was the ultimate gear change and made big difference.

“He did a lot wrong last start but got the miles in his legs and that enabled him to run a strong 2100m today.” 

Yi Yi ($6) was runner-up, from stablemate Our Intrigue ($16). 

McDonald didn’t have the same luck on $2.70 favourite Katalin in the $160,000 Listed WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MONA LISA STAKES and after being caught wide, was run down on the line by Meg ($31).

McDonald and Hugh Bowman fought it out in the final stages, with last start Randwick winner Meg, overcoming a wide barrier to snatch victory.

An ecstatic Matt Dale was thrilled with the efforts of his Sebring filly and Bowman.

 “It was a perfect ride,” Dale said. “Momentum out wide seemed to be the key as the day went on and I thought the wide barrier was an advantage, not a disadvantage.

“Hughie was confident. He was really happy with her win at Randwick the other day, after watching the replay, and he went out there with confidence. I thought she could run second or third, but she ran out of her skin to win on the line. 

“It’s very rewarding – a great ride and a great team effort by the team at home. She still hasn’t cleaned right up in the coat yet so there is still a little bit more to come.

“She looks to be a Group style mare over 1600m, so there are plenty of those options to come. It’s great to get the black type and my wife owns half so that’s even better.”

Damien Lane’s Wealthy Investor was able to hold out the late challengers to take out the 1200m PBL LAW GROUP MAIDEN, the first of winning double for locals.

The Capitalist colt was resuming from a spell, having been unplaced in Group company in his three starts last preparation. 

Lane had been confident he would race well, and he didn’t disappoint, bringing up his first win at start seven.

“He’s a lovely horse with a good future,” Lane said. “It’s good to get a win on board. We tested him out in some quality races last preparation, and I still think he is up to that grade. We will see the best of him as he stretches out in trip.” 

Wealthy Investor earned strong support to start $4.20 second favourite. He beat the fast-finishing Poetic Drama ($20) from the Hawkes stable, with Gary Nickson’s One Destiny ($7) third. A win won’t be far off for both minor placegetters.

Kristen Buchanan was in the winner’s circle in the last race of the day, the DOYLO SPRINGTIME BM68, after her talented four-year-old Oakfield Duke ($2.80fav) brought up his fourth successive win.

Buchanan had given the Into Mischief gelding a freshen up leading into the race and it worked a charm, with Aaron Bullock bringing him to the centre of the track on straightening and drawing away to win.

“He loves winning,” Buchanan said after the race. “That’s a massive attribute and he’s very, very genuine. He’s obviously got the ability as well, but he loves getting to the line.”

Buchanan said she would consider the Four Pillars as an option for Oakfield Duke. 

“I think he’s a really exciting prospect going forward.”

It was James McDonald at his best in the BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTS BM64 with the gun jockey giving Kokoro ($4.80) a super ride to secure his third career win. 

John O’Shea’s Real Impact gelding came from the rear of the field before the turn in the 1600m race, catching his rivals napping. 

He hit the front on straightening and from then the win was never in doubt, the four-year-old drawing away in the final stages to post a three and a half-length length victory.

“He got it really soft in the first half of the race, “McDonald said. “I was impressed, he sustained the speed and appreciated the firm ground. The better track conditions have been a big improvement for him and he’s ready to go back to town now.”

A one act affair in the 1100m HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 saw Clarry Connors’ promising Choisir filly Cholante blitz her rivals. 

The three-year-old showed a great turn of foot to speed away in the straight and score by almost two lengths. 

Jockey Willie Pike was full of praise for the winner. 

“She has a great turn of foot. She’s taken the next step today, she was too good for them,” Pike said. 

Connors agreed the filly had gone to another level.

“She just keeps surprising me. When we realised we had to ride her back off the pace she was a different filly. When she sees daylight, she’s a bullet, she just flies.”

A $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, Cholante ($2.35fav) beat Tocomah ($9.50), from the Frazer stable, with Transformation ($10) trained by Melanie O’Gorman, third. 

Former jockey Jim Cassidy was “over the moon” after his gelding Notabadsuspect took out the 1350m STONE REAL ESTATE WYONG 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

The four-year-old, an American import trained by Greg and Jim Lee, brought up his first win with Glyn Schofield in the saddle. 

“It’s a great thrill. I’ve won a Wyong Cup, a number of races here but to be an owner, it’s fantastic,” an excited Cassidy said. “It’s a team effort, I’m delighted.”

Notabadsuspect ($9), beat the Joe Pride trained Diva Diva ($8) with Lidia ($11) from the Coyle stable third. 

Bjorn Baker’s Cinque Torri was too strong in the CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCE – 3YO & 4YO BM64(1300m), courtesy of a patient ride by Dylan Gibbons. 

The son of I Am Invincible was coming off a sixth at Hawkesbury on August 18, after winning at Muswellbrook over 1280m the previous start. 

Glen Lobb, representing the Baker stable, said Cinque Torri had always shown a bit of ability. 

“He’s a bit funny with different things. He doesn’t like getting crowded and had everything go his way today. The winkers made a difference and I’d say they’ll stay one. 

The winner a $170,000 Magic Millions yearling, beat the Waller trained I Am Geronimo ($3.20fav), with Marc Conners’ Starstruck Barbie ($9) third.  

Allan Kehoe has no qualms about taking on the ‘big boys’ in this Friday’s Carlton Wyong Gold Cup. 

Kehoe saddles up Dragon Dream, the only local runner in the $200,000 Listed feature and despite the five-year-old being eligible for much weaker races, he believes he deserves a chance in his hometown cup. 

“They may be too good for him on Friday, but he ticks a lot of boxes and I give him a rough chance,” Kehoe said. 

“The weather is the key. He has really strong form on heavy tracks so if the predicted rain comes, his chances will improve. 

“This is the best preparation he’s had. He’s a good sound horse, the distance certainly won’t worry him, and he gets around Wyong well.”

Dragon Dream is coming off a last start second at Gosford over the 2100m, the run impressing jockey Willie Pike. 

“He thought he was a nice horse and was ready to win for us, but obviously that was in a lower grade. 

“He’s a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Dark Dream and is bred to stay. I think he’ll get up over 2400m or further and is an exciting prospect for us. 

“We’ve all got to dream, and it would certainly be a fantastic dream if we won the Cup.”

Dragon Dream is up against a strong contingent of Waller runners, with seven lining up for the stable in the field of 12. 

Waller has dominated the Wyong Cup in recent years and is chasing his eighth Cup victory since 2010. His last win coming with Wu Gok in 2019. 

The in-form Lord Ardmore looks to have the goods on his rivals, having put together two wins and two placings from his four starts this preparation, his latest victory in the Premiers Cup Prelude at Randwick on August 6. 

The Waterhouse/Bott stable will also be out to upset the Waller party with Grove Ferry, who is coming off strong runs in both the Premiers Cup and Premier’s Prelude, where he was runner up. 

Wyong trainers are well represented in the Listed $160,000 Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa with Kristen Buchanan saddling up Pandora Blue and Flandersrain, Tracey Bartley Miss Redoble and Damien Lane Sonnet Star. 

The race has attracted a strong field of 16, with Waller chasing a feature double with talented Niconi mare Sur La Mer, who has put together five wins and seven placings from her 17 starts. 

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.45pm. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.45pm: STONE REAL ESTATE WYONG 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1350m): 1 NANO STAR, 2 Notabadsuspect, 3 Developed, 4 Tyquendo.

Race 2 – 1.20pm: CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCE – 3YO & 4YO BM64 (1300m): 1 I AM GERONIMO, 2 Sumatra, 3 Verzenay, 4 Starstruck Barbie.

Race 3 – 1.55pm: PBL LAW GROUP MAIDEN (1200m): 1 ORZALA, 2 Time To Boogie, 3 Miss Artfire, 4 London.

Race 4 – 2.35pm: HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 (1100m): BAYEZID, 2 Transformation, 3 Acappella Sun, 4 Acceber.

Race 5 – 3.10pm: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTS BM64 (1600m): 1 COPPLESON, 2 Kokoro, 3 Martini Crusader, 4 Prefect Match.

Race 6 – 3.50pm: WYONG LEAGUES CLUB MONA LISA STAKES (1350m): 1 EXPAT, 2 Sur La Mer, 3 Dalchini, 4 Boomnova.

Race 7 – 4.25pm: 2022 CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP (2100m): 1 LA CHEVALEE, 2 Lord Ardmore, 3 Our Intrigue, 4 Grove Ferry. 

Race 8 – 5.05pm: THE DOYLE SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM68 (1100m): 1 OAKFIELD DUKE, 2 Bullinachinashop, 3 Tinka’s Lad, 4 Land Of Valens.

James Ponsonby has the Carlton Wyong Gold Cup in his sights if his stayer Alloway can taste success in Sunday’s Cup Prelude. 

The Wandjina five-year-old has been racing in good form since joining the Ponsonby stable earlier this year, with a win and two placings from his five runs. 

He starts from barrier 10 in the 2100m BM68 Cup Prelude, the feature race on day one of the Cup Carnival, with the winner earning automatic entry to Friday’s $200,000 Listed Carlton Wyong Gold Cup.

And the trainer believes if he can race up to the form which saw him placed second in the 2200m Listed Tasmanian Guineas, he will be right in the finish come Sunday. 

“I was pleased to see him race well at Wyong in his first win for me on June 16 over the 2000m,” he said. “His subsequent start at Hawkesbury was good and he went really well in the Highway last start.

“He’s drawn a bit wider than I would prefer but he seems to be a horse that puts himself handy to the pace. 

“Winona (Costin) knows him well and she can hopefully roll forward from the barrier and have him up there. It’s a nice even field, not unlike a Highway race, and I give him a good opportunity.”

Ponsonby said he wouldn’t have any qualms pushing onto the Wyong Cup if Alloway were to win. 

“I’d have no hesitation at all. Obviously, it’s a much stronger race and he’d have to keep improving but he gets over the 2000m and is racing well.”

Ponsonby saddles up two other runners at the meeting, Walk Up Start in the 1600m Prov & Ctry Maiden and Dark Satin in the 1600m Class 1 and believes all three are definite chances. 

Kristen Buchanan represents the locals in the Cup Prelude with Oakfield Pinto and while acknowledging he is up in grade, also gives him a good chance. 

The Dundeel five-year-old, coming off a last start win at Newcastle over 1600m, will start from barrier one with Rachel King aboard. 

“He was quite impressive last start but in saying that he sort of got left alone and may not get those favours on Sunday. He’s placed at this trip and is weighted pretty well with 55kg.

“He’s very cool, calm and collected and we thought this was worth a throw at the stumps. It would be very exciting to get him through to the Cup.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.20pm.

SELECTIONS:

RACE 1 – 12.20PM: THE AGENCY 3YO MAIDEN (1200m): 1 HAWAIII FIVE OH, 2 Dear Jewel, 3 Villa Tinto, 4 Eagle Nest

RACE 2 – 1.00PM: JOHNNIE ROBERTS MEMORIAL PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1600m): 1 SOLAROSA, 2 Speedy Song, 3 Wheni Sayucan, 4 Gingembre

RACE 3 – 1.40PM: MAGIC MILLIONS RACING WOMEN LA GIOCONDA – F&M BM68 (1600m): 1 SANSTOC, 2 Sebring’s Rose, 3 Eve ‘N’ Ruby, 4 Clear Blonde

RACE 4 – 2.20PM: GURNEY FINANCIAL SERVICES 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1100m): 1 DIAMOND FLARE, 2 Sir Crackle, 3 Bringonthebubbles, 4 Mad Darcey

RACE 5 – 3.00PM: ROBSON CIVIL PROJECTS WYONG CUP PRELUDE BM68 (2100m): 1 DENILIQUIN, 2 Legend Has It, 3 Mirror Queen, 4 Oakfield Pinto

RACE 6 – 3.40pm: DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 PRIZE DRAW, 2 Stonecoat, 3 Dark Satin, 4 Lady Superspy

RACE 7 – 4.15pm: CARE 2 THE MAX BM64 (1350m): 1 MAYHEM, 2 Jacquine Reward, 3 Budhwar, 4 Uncaged

RACE 8 – 4.50pm: DEBBIE GAUNT FOUNDATION BM64 (1000m): 1 PER IVY, 2 Forms Of Fear, 3 Don’t Doubt Katie, 4 Reach For Gold

FRESH from a TAB Highway success at Rosehill Gardens at the weekend, Joe Burges will be back on the road again tomorrow.

But this time the young Taree trainer’s trip to Wyong with last-start winner Mr Eighty Eight will be a snack compared to the recent 15-hour round trek he undertook to the Forbes Cup Showcase meeting to shed the gelding’s maiden status.

Having his 14^th start (but only his third for Burges), the Tavistock six-year-old easily won a 1600m Maiden Plate at Forbes on July 31 to put behind a frustrating run of 10 minor placings.

Having made the running but given little peace, Mr Eighty Eight comfortably held out his rivals and was strong to the line.

Thirty-six-year-old Burges took two horses to Forbes for the feature Sunday program and also scored with Barry’s Lane later in the program.

He and his wife Emma returned to their Bulahdelah base the next day, completing a hectic three days of travel as Zaru (who gave the trainer the second highway victory of his brief career last Saturday) had raced at Rosehill on the Saturday before the long trip to Forbes got underway later that afternoon.

Whilst Burges admitted he felt “a bit flat for a few days” afterwards, he feels the decision to go bush has worked in more ways than one for Mr Eighty Eight, who is raced by a syndicate headed by former Wyong racecourse and now Taree racecourse curator Scott Olson.

“Mr Eighty Eight has been a finicky eater, but there has been a real change in him since the trip to Forbes,” Burges said.

“Not only did we manage to get his maiden out of the way, but he is eating so much better.

“I’m really happy with the horse, and this time the trip will take only about one and a half hours down the highway.

“We’ll find out tomorrow whether he can beat some of the city horses at Wyong, but he has a nice drop in weight and I’m sure he will acquit himself well again.”

Burges has booked leading apprentice Dylan Gibbons for the Wyong Leading Apprentice Jockey Reece Jones and Tom Sherry Class 1 Handicap (1600m).

Gibbons’ 1.5kg provincial claim ensures Mr Eighty Eight will relish carrying 4.5kg less than the 59kg he successfully humped at Forbes in a set weights Maiden.

It’s not the first time Burges has called on the talented young Newcastle jockey.

“Dylan rode Barry’s Lane (whom Burges owns) to break his maiden over 1450m at Kempsey in June last year,” he said.

Dual acceptor Edge Of Darkness has been withdrawn from Mr Eighty Eight’s Wyong race, reducing the field to seven.

Instead, Newcastle trainer Grant Marshall’s Edge Of Darkness will line up one race earlier in the Wyong Jockeys’ Premiership Winner Jason Collett Class 1 Handicap (1350m), and Kacie Adams has the ride.

Fellow Newcastle trainer Mark Minervini has given a strong lead to lightly-raced Fire And Ice’s prospects in the Wyong’s Next Race Day Sunday August 28 Class 1 Handicap (1000m).

Minervini pulled the Hellbent three-year-old out of the Listed Rosebud (1100m) against his own age at Rosehill last Saturday to focus on the Wyong race, and booked Hugh Bowman.

Fire And Ice, with Bowman up, outclassed his rivals over the Wyong 1000m to easily win a 2YO Maiden there on July 19 toward the end of the last season.

Minervini also has found Bowman for another lightly-raced three-year-old Soobooco in the Lauraine Buchanan Best Mum Ever CG&E Maiden Plate (1000m).

James McDonald rode the Sooboog colt on resumption – and at his first start since tackling the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) on debut on a very heavy Royal Randwick surface in March – when runner-up to the promising Hawkesbury mare Aureus Angel in a Provincial & Country Maiden Handicap (1000m) at Kembla Grange on August 4.

Soobooco had won trials at Wyong (June 29) and Muswellbrook (July 22) before going to Kembla Grange, and is bound to have taken improvement from that run.

Interestingly, McDonald has taken the mount in Soobooco’s race on Chris Waller’s unraced Maurice four-year-old Narito, who heads the early pre-post market. 

. The rail is 4m out for the entire circumference, and the track this morning was rated a “Soft 5”. The 1350m to 1000m chute, however, is a “Soft 7”. There has been 7mm of rain recorded in the past seven days, but none in the last 24 hours. Racing begins at 12.35pm.

SELECTIONS:

RACE 1 – 12.35pm: WYONG TRAINERS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNER KIM WAUGH MAIDEN: 1 PIEMPURR, 2 Mr Luke, 3 Lady Goodfellow, 4 Bandolero.

RACE 2 – 1.10pm: 2022 TRAINERS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNERS GAI WATERHOUSE & ADRIAN BOTT MAIDEN – 1350m: 1 I AM GERONIMO, 2 Dresden, 3 Nano Star, 4 Makanui.

RACE 3 – 1.50pm: 2022 WYONG JOCKEYS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNER JASON COLLETT CLASS 1 – 1350m: 1 THINK ABOUT IT, 2 Ilzoomya, 3 Flying Witness, 4 Poetic Miss.  

RACE 4 – 2.25pm: 2022 LEADING APPRENTICE JOCKEY REECE JONES AND TOM SHERRY CLASS 1 – 1600m: 1 MR EIGHTY EIGHT, 2 The Replicant, 3 Believe So, 4 Brynner.

RACE 5 – 3.05pm: LAURAINE BUCHANAN BEST MUM EVER CG&E MAIDEN PLATE – 1100m: 1 NARITO, 2 Soobooco, 3 Nolan, 4 Sacred Field.

RACE 6 – 3.40pm: FAREWELL WRC RACING & OPERATIONS MANAGER DEAN GROGAN F&M MAIDEN – 1100m: 1 PANTONARO, 2 Miss Faberge, 3 Crystalane, 4 Perpignan.

RACE 7 – 4.20pm: CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 – 1100m: 1 COOL LAD, 2 Belladeel, 3 Da Nang Star, 4 Bullinachinashop.

RACE 8 – 4.55pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY SUNDAY AUGUST 28 CLASS 1 – 1000m: 1 FIRE AND ICE, 2 Dijon, 3 Custo, 4 Have Mercy. 

The racing community at Wyong and beyond is saddened by news that one of the industry’s true gentlemen, Stan Thomas passed away on Monday.

Stan had a life-long association with racing and was still training winners at the age of 83.

In his latter training career Stan enjoyed great success with his mare Ondo Pasa, who had eight wins and 16 placings from 65 starts. It was quite fitting the mare celebrated her last win at Wyong in June 2020.

Stan also enjoyed great success with gelding Swift Express, who won 13 races and was placed 15 times in the late 70’s early 80’s, and Lord Neptune a winner of eight races around the same period.

Despite reluctantly having to give up his passion due to ill-health, Stan remained connected with the Club and the industry, regularly dropping into the Club to share news and racing insights. 

Wyong Race Club extends its condolences to Stan’s wife Evelyn and his many friends.  He will be sorely missed. Stan was 85.

There are no plans for a public funeral at this time.

Mark Minervini is hoping it’s a case of deja vu for his Hellbent colt Fire And Ice. 

The two-year-old is the grandson of Vormista, a Group 2 winning mare Minervini believes is one of the best horses he has trained. 

Hell And Ice, an $80,000 yearling who resumes at Wyong on Tuesday, has reunited the syndicate that raced Vormista more than 12 years ago. 

“Brian Cannon, Paul Inlander and Jeff Halsall, owned Vormista and when I saw her grandson was the in the Inglis sale, I contacted Brian to see if he was interested,” Minervini said.

“He agreed and Paul and Jeff were keen. He’s the first horse they’ve had together since Vormista and hopefully they’ve got a handy one on their hands.”

Certainly, leading jockey Hugh Bowman is impressed by Fire And Ice, having partnered him in two recent Sydney trials, his latest at Randwick on July 8 when he won by almost three lengths. 

He will ride him at Wyong where he has drawn barrier 1 in the 1000m Canadian Club 2YO Maiden.

“Hugh has given us some great feedback and we were keen to have him ride him in the race. 

“He showed us good form in quality Metropolitan races in his first preparation and there is no reason to believe he hasn’t improved. 

“We are hoping he can go to Wyong and win his maiden. He’s an exciting prospect for the stable. 

“We’ve paid up for the Golden Rose, so that’s the short-term plan. He’s still a colt and I haven’t raced a colt with this sort of ability and temperament for a long time. “

Minervini is also keen on the chances of Exo Angel, an Exosphere filly, who lines up for her third race start in the 1350m Coombs Family Maiden. 

“She’s a lovely filly and is going really well. She drew the outside barrier in her first start at Gosford and it was too short for her.

“At her next start at Scone she also drew wide and had to go back. She peeled out and ran home strong for fourth. 

“I think this is the right trip for her and she comes into the race in good order.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.15pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.15pm: HAPPY RETIREMENT JEFF ENGELBRECHT CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2000m): 1ROCCAFORTE, 2 King Kikau, 3 Sneaky Island, 4 Gracious Gracie.

Race 2 – 12.50pm: ALLAN DENHAM RACING 3YO MAIDEN (1600m): 1 REGAL POM, 2 Flyway, 3 Coudreau, 4 Party Stop.

Race 3 – 1.25pm: COOMBS FAMILY MAIDEN (1350m): 1 ROMA AVENUE, 2 Cairdeas, 3 Exo Angel, 4 Rovers Pepper.

Race 4 – 2.05pm: TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1200m): 1 DIAMOND TIPPED, 2 Verzenay, 3 Meerut, 4 My Naughty Boy.

Race 5 – 2.40pm: CANADIAN CLUB 2YO MAIDEN (1000m): 1 FIRE AND ICE, 2 Cruizingdafield, 3 Perpignan, 4 Amberina.

Race 6 – 3.20pm: WYONG RACE CLUB FUNCITON CENTRE CLASS 1 (1100m): SNEAKY PAIGE, 2 Keikoku, 3 Allusionist, 4 Notifies.

Race 7 – 3.55pm: GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 1 (1600m): 1 SOVERIGN EXPRESS, 2 Brynner, 3 Styke ‘Em Onesie, 4 Equivada.

Race 8 – 4.35pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY THURSDAY JULY 28 BM64 (1300m): 1 TERRAMEADES, 2 Perfect Match, 3 Budhwar, 4 Hollywood Gossip.

Kim Waugh is on her way to claiming another Wyong Trainers Premiership and could add to her winning tally on her home track on Thursday. 

Waugh has enjoyed a great run over the past month, posting five winners, including a Rosehill double, to take her to 35 to date for the 2021/2022 season. 

She saddles up two runners at Thursday’s Clubs NSW Central Coast Men’s Health Charity Race Day and believes the track will be perfect for both Rose Of Mahtoum and The Bullring. 

“We should get a very favourable track and that will suit both of mine,” Waugh said. “It’s been frustrating with these heavy tracks, but everyone’s been in the same boat. 

“When you have horses that don’t handle it your better off tipping them out because it doesn’t do their confidence any good going around. Hopefully the tracks are finally drying out.

“We’ve been going well this season, particularly over the past month and the Rosehill double was great. Hopefully it will continue.”

Waugh believes her Rubick gelding The Bullring has been a victim of the tracks and should put his best foot forward in the 1100m Class 1 on Thursday.

The three-year-old, a $120,000 yearling, has had nine starts for a win and three placings.

He resumed with a third at Hawkesbury in early May on a soft track over the 1100m, but then had to contend with two heavy tracks and was placed 10^th at Newcastle on June 4 over 1200m, and seventh at Hawkesbury on May 22 over 1300.

“We’ve just been trying to find the right track and distance for him and hopefully we have that on Thursday. He should be up on the pace from the good draw. 

“He’s won at Wyong previously, so that’s also in his favour.”

Waugh’s other runner, Rose Of Mahtoum is having her second career start in the 1350m Maiden. 

The Capitalist filly debuted at Newcastle on June 4 over 1200m. 

“We are taking her along slowly because she’s bred to get over more ground,” Waugh said. 

“She drew wide at her first start on a very heavy track and Serg (Lisnyy) had to take her back.

“With the advantage of a much better track and good draw, we will get a better idea of how she’s going.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.10pm.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.20pm: THE ENTRANCE LEAGUES CLUB 4YO&UP CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2000m): 1 BATTENBURG, 2 Launch Attack, 3 Dobbin, 4 Lover Girl.

Race 2 – 12.45pm: MINGARA RECREATION CLUB MAIDEN (1350m): 1 TWELVE HOURS, 2 Bullet Wing, 3 Feirme Prince, 4 Starboard Light.

Race 3 – 1.20pm: AINSWORTH LEISURE GROUP 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1100m): 1 POKERJACK, 2 Ma’s Dream, 3 Oakfield Blossom, 4 Harapan.

Race 4 – 1.55pm: GOSFORD RSL CLUB 3YO MAIDEN (1100m): 1 VALORIA, 2 Fielding, 3 Misty Dreams, 4 The Halo.

Race 5 – 2.35pm: STAR FM 104.5 MAIDEN (1600m): 1 COUNT ON ME, 2 The Milkybar Kid, 3 Metaphysics, 4 Sulmaher.

Race 6 – 3.10pm: THE ROOS FOUNDATION BM64 (1600m): 1 DENARAU, 2 Oakfield Storm, 3 The Maxinator, 4 Cupid’s Kiss.

Race 7 – 3.45pm: THE BELLA GROUP BM64 (1350m): 1 HARLEM GROOVE, 2 One Way Street, 3 Adios Steve, 4 Lady Patricia.

Race 8 – 4.20pm: DOYALSON RSL CLASS 1 (1100m): 1 HIGHLY AMBITIOUS, 2 Military Parade, 3 Divine Okay, 4 The Bullring.

Mark Stewart has mixed feelings about Wyong, with three of his previous four runners at the track all finishing second. 

The Taree based trainer returns for Thursday’s KFC meeting, hoping to breakthrough for a win. 

“I haven’t had a lot of Provincial runners and certainly Wyong has been good for me with three of them running second,” he said. “I’ve had good and back luck I suppose because it would have been nice to win, but hopefully we can go one better on Thursday. I know all three race well at the track and can handle heavy conditions, so that’s a bonus.”

Stewart’s trio Gracious Gracie, All Beans and Preferred Choice all finished second at Wyong in their current preparations, giving him plenty of confidence heading into the meeting. Alysha Collett will partner all three.

All Beans, a three-year-old son of Spill The Beans, starts in the 1100m Provincial & Country Maiden over 1100m. He has been runner-up in three of his eight starts, including a second at Wyong over 1200m on April 28.

“He was second at Moree last start but really should have won. He over raced badly that day and got on the back of heels. We’ve taken the blinkers off for this race, just to see if we can get him to settle a bit more, and hopefully he’ll finish off even stronger.

“I’ve had him since he was a weanling, and I think he could turn out to be a pretty handy horse.”

Choisir mare Preferred Choice lines up in 2000m Class 1 and Maiden, with Stewart confident she’s ready for the step up in distance. 

The four-year-old has had a win and two placings from five starts since joining Stewart’s stable and should relish the track conditions. 

“I think she’s a dead set wet track horse. We took her to Moree the other day, it was a soft track, and she didn’t like it. She’d won in the heavy at Taree the start before and was second at Wyong. 

“I don’t think she liked travelling to Moree. It took her a few days to get over it and Wyong is just down the road. If she comes to the races like she did when she won, she’ll be there at the end.”

Stewart’s Dream Ahead mare Gracious Gracie is a dual acceptor in the 1350m 4YO & Up Maiden and 1600m Maiden.

“I’ll try and work out the best race for her. She’s been a bit frustrating running plenty of seconds and I think she’s looking for a mile now. 

“The 1350m looks an easier race but she’s drawn wider in it. I’ve had her for four starts now. She came to me with a few feet issues but she’s about 90% sound now. Once she’s fully sound I think she’ll be a pretty handy horse.”

The first of eight races gets underway at 12.15pm. 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.15pm: WYONG RACE CLUB FUNCTION CENTRE 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m): 1 NOMORETAWQ, 2 Cataratas, 3 Gracious Gracie, 4 Jaxon’s Day.

Race 2 – 12.50pm: THE ZING ON PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1100m): 1OAKFIELD DUKE, 2 The Halo, 3 Razeta, 4 Elusive Bride.

Race 3 – 1.25pm: FINGER LICKIN GOOD MAIDEN (1000m): 1ROCK CHANT, 2 Shirshov, 3 Nickelback, 4 Oakfield Blossom.

Race 4 – 2.15pm: KYLE OLIVER MAIDEN (1600m): 1 CALM DOWN, 2 Tiva Bay, 3 Denarau, 4 The Wanderer.

Race 5 – 2.40pm: THE STACK BURGER CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2000m): 1 LOVE RULES, 2 Vyner, 3 Launch Attack, 4 Miss Laquetta.

Race 6 – 3.15pm: COLONEL SANDERS CONDITIONAL BM68 (1100m): 1 TUCSON VALLEY, 2 Black Jacamar, 3 Sausalito, 4 Monemademefamous.

Race 7 – 3.50pm: THE RAYMOND FAMILY F&M BM64 (1350m): NARUMI, 2 Sebring’s Rose, 3 Buba, 3 Darci Diva.

Race 8 – 4.25pm: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING THURSDAY JUNE 16 BM64 (1350m): 1 THINK HIGH, 2 Mobstar, 3 Do Well Legend, 4 Harlem Grove.

Moneymadefamous ground out a tough win at Gosford last start and Brett Partelle is confident the gelding is capable of back-to-back wins. 

The five-year-old is one of three runners Partelle takes to his home track meeting this Thursday and he believes at least two could figure in the finish. 

Moneymademefamous and Skye Banner start in the 1200m Class 1, while Nomoretawq lines up in the 1100m CG&E Maiden. 

Partelle said Moneymademefamous had improved since his maiden win on a heavy track.

“He hasn’t gone backwards since then. He goes up in class but I’m sure he’s ready to run a nice race and put his best food forward again,” he said.

The Fast ‘N’ Famous gelding came to Partelle via a stint with Gordon Yorke in Albury.

“He’s been a bit of a work in progress, but he keeps improving. He came up here pretty new and pretty raw. 

“Yorkey and I had a discussion and we thought he’d improve with better training facilities here, which he has.

“First up for me at Gosford he got too far back and in his next run at Wyong he was wide and ran fifth. Then he came out the other day and won, so he’s getting better with each run. 

“He’s maturing and his confidence is quite high, so I’m expecting another good performance.”

Partelle also expects a good showing from another recent stable addition Nomoretawq, who is coming off a third at Gosford over 1100m on April 22. 

The six-year-old, by Onemorenomore, was previously in the care of recently retired trainer Peter Eggleston.

“Peter sent him down in good order. He’s settled in well and enjoys the environment. We have him in the water a lot which is pretty therapeutic. He seems to appreciate that and is responding to it. 

“His last couple of runs have been really good and he will handle the track. 

“In saying that I’d like to see him on top of the ground but that’s not an option at the moment. 

“He’s improved since his last run, and I expect him to race well.”

Wet tracks have been an issue for Sky Banner, who also starts in the 1200m Class 1.

“I’ve been hanging around try to find the right race and right track for him, but it hasn’t happened so I’m starting him under sufferance. 

“He needs firm footing but we’ll send him around. He needs to race otherwise you are just going backwards.” 

The first of nine races gets underway at 11.40am.

SELECTIONS

Race 1 – 11.40am: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING THURSDAY JUNE 2 3YO MAIDEN (1350m): 1 CITRIC, 2 Willinga Rufio, 3 Ms Nefertiti, 4 Dubai Showgirl.

Race 2 – 12.15pm: THE BELLBIRDS & CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION 2YO MAIDEN (1100m): 1 CAPTAIN BOND, 2 Secret Revolution, 3 Economics, 4 Ahoy.

Race 3 – 12.50pm: WE CARE CONNECTION & CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED 2YO MAIDEN (1100m): 1 SILENTSAR, 2 Bernasconi, 3 Controlocracy, 4 Sylvia Belle.

Race 4 – 1.25pm: ACCOLADE WINES F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 1GLACIER QUEEN, 2 Not That Easy, 3 Kimura, 4 Arale.

Race 5 – 2.05pm: NESTLE PROFESSIONAL CG&E MAIDEN (1100m): 1 CONSPIRACIST, 2 Easily Offended, 3 Fielding, 4 Laos Fortune.

Race 6 – 2.40pm: COCO-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS & ARCADE TRADER CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2000m): 1AWESOME WONDER, 2 Vandelay Style, 3 Thailand, 4 Overthink.

Race 7 – 3.20pm: DAILY PRESS & CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BM64 (1600m): 1 DUKE OF GORDON, 2 Star Sparks, 3 O’Not A Doubt, 4 Alastor.

Race 8 – 3.55pm: REGNIS REFRIGERATION & SONS BM64 (1350m): 1 PODIUM, 2 O’Not A Doubt, 3 Royale Return, 4 River Snitty.

Race 9 – 4.35pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 HURIWAI, 2 One Way Street, 3 Xpresso, 4 Moneymademefamous.