raceday review

Locals were devoid of success at Saturday’s Central Coast Kids In Need Charity Race Day with metropolitan trainers dominating the meeting. 

Sydney based trainers took out five of the eight races, with several progressive horses tasting success. 

Allan Kehoe and Damien Lane were the best of the locals with Kehoe’s Prince Of Sorts narrowly beaten in the 1200m Midway Class 1 and Lane’s Oakfield Pee Wee runner-up in the 1600m Provincial Maiden.

 Comeback apprentice Anna Roper is getting closer to booting home her first winner back, riding two third placegetters on the program. 

Cryptonic brought up his debut win in the 1000m 4YO & Up Maiden, courtesy of a great ride by Lee Magorrian.

The four-year-old was resuming from a spell and the Attard/Keegan-Attard stable went into the race with plenty of confidence.

Hawkesbury based Attard said Cryptonic, who was sent out a $2.50 favourite, had showed plenty of potential last preparation.

“He’s come back in good order, and we expected him to race well today.”

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Manuscript was another well supported favourite and didn’t disappoint taking out the 1000m 3YO Maiden in impressive style.

Jean Van Overmeire partnered the son of Written By, a $85,000 Magic Millions yearling, to his first career win at his third start.

Agave from the Godolphin stable stormed home for second and could be one to follow.

Candlewick, a half-sister to Classique Legend, continued the trend of winning favourites, the Pierro filly looking very smart on debut in the 1200m Super Maiden. 

Ridden by Andrew Adkins, Candlewick had been impressive in two recent trials and looks to have a bright future following her two and a half length win. 

Another Sydney-based winner in the 1350m Class 1, with Joe Pride’s debutant Investment too strong for her rivals. 

The stable expects the well-bred mare to improve over more ground, but she did enough when resuming in the 1350m Class 1 putting paid to her opposition to bring up her second win at star seven.

“She’s obviously looking for further and we were looking for her to get some more ground in her legs today,” stable representative Orla Pearl said. 

“We were hoping to see her come through and hit the line hard and she did.”

Brad Widdup’s Hardpoint looked to be one of the main chances in the 1600m Provincial Maiden and didn’t disappoint, breaking through at start two ridden by Jaden Lloyd. 

The Raise The Flag three-year-old was coming off a third at Kembla over 1600m on debut, and looks to have plenty of improvement to come over more ground. 

Prominent owner/breeder Bruce McKenzie had three of his Oakfield runners on the program and it was the Kris Lees trained Oakfield Prince who got the job done. 

Jean Van Overmeire brought up a winning double on the seven-year-old, who posted his fifth career win from 33 starts in the 1600m BM64.

Alysha Collett claimed the final two races on the program, winning on American Starlet for John Thompson and Don’t Doubt Merlin for David Pfeiffer.

American Starlet is building an impressive resume, her win in the 1200m Midway Class 1, her second from just five starts with two minor placings. 

Press Statement gelding Don’t Doubt Merlin is another progressive horse, with three wins from his four starts. 

A $22,000 yearling purchase, the four-year-old’s win in the 1100m BM64 taking his prizemoney to more than $55,000.

Tracey Bartley carried the flag for the locals at Thursday’s (October 31) Go Electrical Race Day and has big plans for his winner Hydrometer. 

The Headwater four-year-old has built an impressive resume with two wins and four placings from his six career starts. 

His latest victory in the 1200m Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 1 coming as no surprise to Bartley. 

“I declared him today. I didn’t think they could get near him if he got out and rolling,” he said. 

“He’s a nice horse but he’s so big and lean and the owners have had to wait, but now they are reaping the rewards.”

Bartley is eyeing off a spot in next year’s Provincial-Midway Championships for Hydrometer, the final run at Randwick on April 12, 2025, worth $1m.

“I think he’s a Provincial Championship horse,” Bartley said. “He will get out over 1400m and make his own luck and that’s the sort of horse you need in those races. 

“We’ll pop him out for a spell now and he’ll be set for the Provincial Championships.”

Prominent businessman and breeder Gerry Harvey was a winning owner after Straand Beauty’s victory in the 1000m Midway Maiden. 

It was a comfortable two length win for the three-year-old colt trained by Anthony Cummings, who was back in grade following two metropolitan placings this preparation. 

He was sent out $1.65 favourite and didn’t disappoint with Wyong specialist Josh Parr giving him a great front running ride. 

Harvey, the founder of Harvey Norman, is one of Australia’s most prolific racehorse owner’s and breeders.

He has had a long association with Gai Waterhouse and racing’s leading lady took out the next race with Zoustar filly Phenom. 

The three-year-old made it back-to-back wins and the step up to provincial grade after her victory in the 1200m Fillies & Mares Class 1. 

She was a last start winner at Port Macquarie and the Waterhouse/Bott stable were confident about the chances of Phenom coming into the Wyong race. 

Warwick Farm trainer David Pfeiffer combined with Jason Collett to take out the 1100m Super Maiden with Fiorenza, who relished the good track to break through at start three. 

The progressive Kingman mare had raced on heavy tracks in her previous two starts and was resuming from a spell. 

Irish import Maxiumum Dividend lived up to his name returning a great result for his owners when resuming in the 1630m 3YO & Up Maiden. 

The John O’Shea/Tom Charlton trained four-year-old was resuming from a spell and could be in for a good preparation after posting a three length win with Tyler Schiller in the saddle. 

Newcastle based Nathan Doyle had been confident about the chances of his short priced favourite Reigning King and he didn’t disappoint, dominating the 1000m BM68.

It was his fourth career win from just 14 starts, with in-form apprentice Ben Osmond in the saddle.

The son of Snitzel, a $400,000 yearling buy, could now be headed for a sprint race at Moonee Valley. 

Australia’s leading trainer Chris Waller didn’t go home empty handed with She’s Got Veuve taking out the last, the 1630m BM64 ridden by Zac Lloyd. 

A four-year-old Merchant Navy mare, She’s Got Veuve brought up her second win for her owners, an all-ladies syndicate. 

Jason Collett claimed the jockey’s honours with a winning double. He partnered Fiorenza to victory in race two and then rode Oakfield Hawk to a convincing win in the 2130m BM64 for Kris Lees.

The Dundeel four-year-old is a four-time winner from 11 starts. 

John O’Shea is making the WYONG LEAGUES GROUP WYONG CUP his own, claiming his third feature in just four years. 

Lion’s Roar was the latest of O’Shea’s protégé to claim the prestigious Listed race and the first since linking with training partner Tom Charlton. 

Jason Collett gave the seven-year-old a super ride, getting the gelding into the perfect rhythm in the early stages of the 2100m race, before hitting the front in the straight and holding out his rivals on the line. 

Lion’s Roar showing his supreme staying prowess to take out the $250,000 race, taking his prizemoney to more than $2.3million. 

He has now won six of his 36 starts with 10 minor placings for owners Champion Thoroughbreds, including the G1 Randwick Guineas in 2021.

“It was a really rewarding win for the team,” O’Shea said. “We had a plan to go into the Rowley Mile and come here and got the job done. 

“He was really strong and gallant. He has been a tremendous horse for Champion Thoroughbreds and our stable. 

“He won his first race as a two-year-old and is seven now and it’s not over yet. Where do we find more of them?”

O’Shea was also complimentary of the ride by Collett, who brought up a race to race double with Lion’s Roar.

“He is riding in sensational form. He’s grown a leg, and we are lucky to be associated with him.”

O’Shea’s winning Wyong Cup run began in 2021 with Berdibek, followed by Benaud last year. Chris Waller still holds the record with eight cup wins but the O’Shea/Charlton stable has dominated in the past few years. 

The Cup win brought up a winning double for the O’Shea/Carlton combo, Aunty Rene taking out an earlier race.

Birthday girl Kristen Buchanan got the job done for the locals in the CARLTON DRAUGHT PROVINCIAL BM64 (1600m) with her consistent mare Kervette. 

A daughter of Kermadec, the four-year-old has now had two wins and eight placings from her 14 race starts. 

It was a perfectly timed ride by Jason Collet, coming from the rear of the field to claim victory. Kim Waugh’s Doraskaya finished third. 

Short priced favourite Yoshinobu got the job done in the opening race, READY’S @ THE DOYLO SUPER MAIDEN (1200m) justifying his favouritism.

The Neasham/Archibald colt, a $550,000 Magic Millions yearling, had been impressive in his two trials before resuming. He was ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. 

Carrying the name of former champion Show County, the modern-day namesake claimed his first win in the 1350m WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MIDWAY 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

A son of Showtime, the four-year-old was having his fourth start, with trainer Alexandre Lemarie confident he could win. 

And that he did, beating the short priced favourite Classic Poetry, with Mark Cross’s locally trained Hoo Haa third. Brazilian born Louis Beuzelin the winning rider.

As is often the case the outsider in a small field wins and that’s exactly how it panned out in the CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCE – 3&4YO BM64 over 1300m.

Gary Portelli’s Debello was given a great front running ride by apprentice Mollie Bourke and was able to hold out his fast-finishing rivals to win. 

It was the third win from 18 starts for the son of Deep Field.

Dual acceptor Edited By looked well placed by trainer Michael Freedman in the 1200m BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS’ SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM64 (1200m).

The Written By gelding had impressed last preparation with back-to-back Newcastle wins and raced well when finishing fourth on resuming at Warwick Farm on August 21. 

He stormed home down the outside with Rory Hutchings in the saddle to bring up his third career win at start nine with two minor placings. 

Aunty Rene held on to win the HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS F&M BM66 over 1600m in a tough victory. 

The So You Think mare making it back-to-back wins following her last start first at Kembla. She brought up win number three for Andrew Adkins and trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton. 

Wyong trainers filling the minor placings, with Tracey Bartley’s Lady Superspy second over Allan Kehoe’s Moonlight Grace. 

Race favourite Hezdarnhottoo claimed the last, the SENPOS POINT OF SALE CLASS 1 (1100m) for Bjorn Baker and Tommy Berry. 

The Too Darn Hot three-year-old now has two wins and a placing his name from just four starts. 

Josh Parr was the winner of the prestigious Nathan Berry Medal for the most successful jockey over the three-day carnival. Parr finishing on 14 points. 

Jarrod Austin hatched a plan to win the Domeland Mona Lisa several months ago and that plan came to fruition with talented mare Terra Mater getting the job done in impressive style. 

The Wandjini five-year-old gave Austin one of his biggest career wins, a cool ride by champion Nash Rawiller securing victory in the Listed $200,000 race. 

Rawiller was met by a wall of horses when he turned into the straight, pushing through when a gap opened around the 100m mark to win by a head. 

“It was a little hairy at one stage,” an excited Austin said. “I thought Nash would come through but was a bit worried with 150m to go. 

“I knew back on a dry track today her turn of foot would be even better and he showed that. 

“Not often do our plans come off but it did and that’s really satisfying. I wanted to get black type into her and I’m really happy today. 

“We’ll look toward the Tibbie now in a couple of weeks.”

Rawiller said her knew the mare would be there for him when he needed her to be. 

“I knew she’d be there when we finally saw daylight and banked on her turn of foot. 

“There has never been a more deserving black type winner than her and all credit to Jarrod.”

Rawiller was full of praise for Terra Mater.

“You get an association with horses and she has been one of them over the last three years that you know what they can do and what they are made of,” he said.

“When it starts getting a bit tough there, she was there for you.

“I banked on her turn of foot because there was no speed early and they weren’t going to stop.”

John Sargent’s Ningaloo Star was the runner-up over the Neasham/Archibald trained Hell Hath No Furty.

Earlier on the program there was plenty of excitement with Hawkesbury based Jackie Greentree’s Zoum Raider training her first winner in four years in the 1100m #Teamwyong Equimillion Provincial Maiden.

Fellow Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup saddled up short-priced favourite The Act, but when they went hard in front Chad Scofield was able to storm home on Zoum Raider to snatch victory over Sara Ryan’s Koios, with The Act third. 

Zoum Raider was a $2000 online purchase and after being unplaced in his only start last preparation, has resumed a winner. He is one of only two horses in Greentree’s stable. 

It was an effortless win in the opener for the Neasham/Archibald trained Minnehaha Falls, the Sacred Falls mare sent out short, priced favourite and not disappointing. Alysha Collett partnering the four-year-old to her debut win in the Tabcorp Maiden over 1625m. 

Line of Fire led from barrier to post in the Wyong Leagues Group Class 1 (1625m), Josh Parr riding the Dundeel gelding to victory. 

Bjorn Baker’s four-year-old is building a strong resume with two wins and three placings from his seven starts. He was a $200,000 Magic Millions yearling, raced by Darby Syndications. 

It’s rarely a Wyong meeting without Chris Waller tasting success, and this was no exception, $420,000 Magic Millions yearling Useapin taking out the 1000m De Bortoli Wines Maiden. 

The daughter of Yes Yes Yes, having her fourth start, was given a super ride by Tyler Schiller to secure her first win. 

Another favourite went under in the 1200m Sky Channel Maiden with the Maher trained Deconstruction overpowering the short priced Excelindeed on the line. 

The Snitzel colt, a $350,000 yearling trained by Ciaron Maher was resuming off a Rosehill barrier trial win. 

Jason Collett gave the three-year-old a peach of a ride sitting off the favourite before hitting the front in the final stages of the straight to bring up his first win at start two. 

It was a tight finish in the Johnnie Roberts Memorial BM64 (1000m) with Nathan Doyle’s Reigning King holding out the favourite Fire Star.  The victory bringing up a double for Josh Parr.

A four-year-old Snitzel gelding, Reigning King was a $400,000 yearling having his 11^th career start for two wins and five placings.

Etched In Time eased in the betting in the 1350m CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MDIWAY BM64 (1350m) but still got the job done, with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

Richard & Will Freedman’s Written Tycoon four-year-old brought up his third win at start 10, with a minor placing.

The winner, a $160k yearling, is raced by NSW Tycoons.  

WYONG trainer Rodney Bailey spoiled the Domeland “party” at his home track today.

The affable Bailey was confident beforehand that a firmer surface would help lightly-raced Norton Road recapture winning form – and he did exactly that in the inaugural Domeland-sponsored Kulnura Cup (a Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1300m) at $17.

Unfortunately for Domeland, Norton Road’s victory was at the expense of their only runner at the meeting, trainer Sara Ryan’s $2.60 favorite Spicy Hotpot.

Norton Road, a $7500 online buy in 2021 and raced by the trainer’s daughter Bridget, needed time before getting to the races and won his first two starts at Wyong and Newcastle in January and February.

Bailey sent him for a spell, but the Stratum Star gelding had failed to recapture that form in four starts since resuming.

However, his trainer was adamant wet tracks had played a role in that and also rued his decision to put winkers on him, which he quickly changed.

Rider Jenny Duggan had Norton Road smoothly into the box seat outside Global Empire and, after hitting the front in the straight, the now five-year-old kicked strongly to hold out the challenge of Spicy Hotpot, who began awkwardly but nonetheless had every chance.

Third placegetter Killer Kerr ($17) isn’t far off another win after being slow to begin. 

Norton Road’s return to winning form lift his earnings to nearly $67,000 – a tidy return indeed on his purchase price.

Fellow Wyong trainers Kim Waugh and Kristen Buchanan joined Bailey in the winning list, both making an excellent start to the new season.

Waugh followed her Hawkesbury victory last Thursday with stable newcomer Northern Eyes by landing the Limitless Lodge Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) with Doraskaya (Jay Ford).

A $6.50 chance, Doraskaya really surged in the closing stages to overhaul another local, Allan Kehoe’s Dreamdeel ($2.70 favorite), who had made the running and looked home when nicely clear in the straight.

A five-year-old daughter of Russian Revolution, Doraskaya won her third race and is part-owned by the trainer’s husband, Australian cricket legend Mark.

Buchanan followed her Newcastle victory yesterday with favorite Fioprospero ($2.15) by scoring with another punters’ elect – and a heavily backed one at that.

Four-year-old Kermadec mare Kervette had been placed on six occasions from 10 starts, and was backed from $2 to start $1.70 favorite in the Agrana Fruit Australia Provincial Maiden Handicap (1350m).

Gun apprentice Zac Lloyd took bad luck out of the equation, taking off on her approaching the home turn, and she quickly rounded up her rivals.

Kervette won stylishly from Noises ($10) and fellow local, Damien Lane’s Oakfield Blue Bell ($11).

“I expected her to beat hard to beat,” Buchanan said. “She drew well, had Zac (Lloyd) riding her and getting up to 1350m suited.

“We’ve got a lot of nice young horses coming through, so hopefully we’re set for another good season.”

Torie’s Rose ($5.50), racing in blinkers for the first time, was slowly away and did her best work at the end to finish fourth. 

Lloyd, last season’s Wyong apprentice premiership winner, made it a double in consecutive races when successful on his master James Cummings’ Rip Off ($2.70 favorite) in the Milangall Park Maiden Handicap (1100m).

The four-year-old daughter of Ribchester took eight starts to break through after three minor placings.

She finished a shade strongly for a gallant Conchierro ($19), who fought valiantly to hold on in the straight.

Talk about an excellent start to the season! Definitely none better than leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup, who scored with debutante Canny Queen ($8.50) in the Economy Waste Group 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m).

This was his eighth starter in the first four days of the new season – and he has won five races and finished second with the other three.

Owner John Cordina’s Summertime Thoroughbreds, for whom Widdup won with Party Doll at Hawkesbury last Thursday, purchased the three-year-old daughter of Victoria Derby winner Ace High for $20,000 as a yearling in New Zealand last year.

It looks to be a pretty astute decision, given Canny Queen’s dam Quella Finale is a daughter of the great staying influence Zabeel, and here she is winning first-up at 1200m.

Winning rider Tom Sherry had Canny Queen racing smoothly in third last place on the fence, and got a split between runners in time for the filly to pip Forrest Gum ($5.50) in the last few strides.

Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride got punters off to a good start when hotpot Elle Hudson ($1.35) took the Stone Real Estate Wyong Maiden Plate (1600m).

But not before they took a few deep breaths.

Elle Hudson (Regan Bayliss) needed the entire straight to run down Casterly Rock ($8.50) and break through for his first win.

“We bought him in New Zealand and he’s still learning his race craft,” Pride said.

“I’m sure he can win more races.”

Newcastle trainer David Atkins won the Sublime Aluminium & Glass Somersby Bracelet Midway Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m) with Leave Me Some ($4.60).

Jockey Ash Morgan produced a brilliant ride, navigating a path between runners in the straight to deny $2.45 favorite Oceans One victory.

Age certainly isn’t worrying the nine-year-old mare.

This was her 59^th start and her ninth win, and she has also been placed 19 times.

Oceans One was gallant under his 61kg (after apprentice Zac Wadick’s 2kg claim), especially as he conceded the winner 5kg.

Rosehill Gardens trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou didn’t hesitate to take Incarcerated back to Wyong for the Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club Town Plate Class 1 Handicap (1100m) – and he made it two in a row at the track.

Having only his fourth start, four-year-old Incarcerated ($2.80 co-favorite) was clearly too nippy for his rivals and scored by nearly five lengths.

The other joint favorite She’s All It was second after trying to put pressure on the winner on the winner on the home turn.

Incarcerated had won a Super Maiden (1200m) at Wyong on July 20 by two lengths, and he was even more impressive this time.

Kim Waugh was pipped at the post for the Wyong Trainers Premiership with Snowden Racing grabbing the title at the last local meeting of the season. 

The trainers went into the day with 10 winners apiece and three runners each, but while Waugh failed to taste success, the well named Zousain Bolt was a winner for the Snowden’s. 

Waugh doesn’t end the 2023/24 season empty handed, and will take out the her seventh Wyong Premiership, for the most overall winners, next week. 

Tyler Schiller secured the senior Jockey’s title with a winner on the day giving him 11 for the season, while Zac Lloyd claimed the Apprentices Premiership with 11.

Matthew Smith took out the training honours with a double, including Scalextrics who brought up his fourth successive win in the 1600m BM64.

Jaden Lloyd has partnered the So You Think four-year-old to all four wins. 

Smith said a change up in training tactics had seen the gelding turn the corner. 

“He’s a bit of a lazy horse so we changed things up and he’s found very good form.”

Smith’s other win came with Lone Force in the 1300m Super Maiden.

A top Jay Ford ride helped secure victory for Sooboog gelding, 

Ford was able to get on the back of the favourite Spanish Fox throughout, before pulling away in the final stages to hold out his rivals. 

“He’s come back in good shape,” Smith said. “He should get out to seven furlongs and a mile and that will give him more opportunities.”

Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou continued their recent winning run at Wyong with well-bred two-year-old Lone Force taking out the 1300m 3Y0 Maiden.

The stable trained a double last Saturday, Lone Force giving them their third win in five days.

The $180,000 Magic Millions yearling was on debut, having performed well in the latest of his three trials at Rosehill on July 12. 

Tom Sherry partnered the Trapeze Artist colt to victory, with the stable having good expectations of him going forward. 

“It was a nice win,” representative Jason Thompson said. “He did a few things wrong, but that will come with race experience. There was plenty of positives to take out of the win today.”

Snowden Racing’s Zousain Bolt appreciated the drop back to two-year-old grade and was too strong in the second 1300m 2YO Maiden. 

Andrew Adkins, coming off a Wyong treble last Saturday, rode the Zousain colt to victory. 

“He’s starting to switch on that he’s a racehorse,” foreman Matt McCudden said. “It’s good to get the win out of the way and he will continue to improve when he gets over more ground.”

It was a tight three-way finish, with placegetters Cristal Clear and Komodo Dragon not far off a win.

Lonhro filly Waamil is another who looks to have a bright future, the three-year-old winning the 1600m Maiden with Tim Clark in the saddle. 

Waamil joined the Waterhouse Bott stable this preparation and was coming off a fourth at Scone on a heavy 10 track.

“The dry track made the difference today” Neil Paine said. “It was bottomless at Scone, so to come here on a good track over the mile was perfect. She’ll step up to 1900m, 2000m and will improve again.”

The favourite Rampazetto raced greenly in stages and will improve from the run. 

Stephen O’Halloran’s Albe Red is putting together an impressive resume, his latest win in the 1350m Provincial Class 1, his second in just five starts. 
The well-bred son of Autumn Sun was having only his second run for the stable and coming off a second at Goulburn on July 5.

Winning rider Shaun Guymer  is confident there are more wins to come. 

“It was a tough win today. He was wide for the majority of the race and performed exceptionally well. Once he puts it all together he should be able to get a string of wins,” he said.

Godolphin rarely go home from a Wyong meeting without a win and today was no exception, with Equipage too strong in the 1350m Conditional BM68.

Tommy Berry partnered the progressive Lonhro filly to her second career victory from 11 starts, with seven minor placings.

Despite a wide run throughout, Berry was able to get a kick in the straight and run down his rivals to win by a half-length. 

The Pride stable was confident about the chances of Global Empire in the 1200m BM64 and the four-year-old didn’t disappoint with a strong win. 

The son of I Am Invincible hit the front in the straight and was able to hold out fast finishing duo Trapeze Pleasure and Drama Dodger. 

Brave Pride said they were hopeful the win would give the gelding the confidence to win a few more races. 

There was plenty of late support for Global Empire, who started $3 favourite with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

The surname Ryan was prominent in the winners list at today’s Wyong meeting, master trainer Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou training a double and Blake Ryan unveiling a smart two-year-old in He’s In Like Flynn.

Blake Ryan has a big opinion of the well-bred Showtime gelding, a $350k Ready To Race purchase by Barlaine Racing.

He considers He’s In Like Flynn to be the best horse he’s had in his stable and plans to run him in a Stakes race if he successful in next start at Wyong on August 4.

Ryan had him primed for a strong debut performance in the 1000m Provincial Maiden after he won a Hawkesbury barrier trial on July 8 by more than five lengths. 

He was sent out $1.50 favourite and the win was never in doubt, Andrew Adkins drawing away in the final stages to post a four-length victory. 

Ryan had been excited to see if He’s In Like Flynn could transfer his trial form to a race and he didn’t disappoint. 

“His trials had been good last time in, and the other day was really good, but you never know what they can do under race pressure,” Ryan said. 

“Once he began well enough today, I knew they wouldn’t get past him. He was an expensive ready to run purchase and I was lucky enough to get him to train.” 

Ryan’s father Gerald and racing partner Alexiou had two Maiden horses break through, Press Statement gelding Incarcerated in the 1200m Super Maiden and Flying Artie three-year-old Contrived in the 1000m 3YO Maiden. 

Contrived, a $150k yearling, broke through at his third start, while stablemate Incarcerated was also having his third career start. 

Brandon Lerena partnered both the stable winners but it as Andrew Adkins who took out the riding honours with a treble. 

Along with He’s In Like Flynn, Adkins scored on Misty Legend, another impressive Maiden winner from the Hawkes racing stable, and Jason Coyle’s Bluff ‘N Bluster in the last. 

It’s been a fruitful month for Adkins with six winners to date including last Wednesday’s Listed Ramornie at Grafton with Ka Bling for the Snowdens.

Rodney Bailey snared a win for the locals, with Dreams Of Thunder taking out the 1200m Class 1 in impressive style. 

Ridden by Jenny Duggan, the Overshare three-year-old brought up his second win in the 1200m Class 1 at just his eighth career start. 

Lee Curtis was the other winner on the day, claiming the first race, the 1600m 2YO & 3YO Maiden with Laspirit Deeler. 

Race by a syndicate including prominent owner breeders Frank and Christine Cook, the three-year-old filly breaking through at just her second career start. 

ON A Domeland-sponsored day, what better than their sole representative getting the money!

Wyong trainer Sara Ryan could have run Aix En Provence at Hawkesbury on Tuesday, but understandably waited a couple of days for the DOMELAND – GAZILLION BUBBLES CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m) – and it paid off.

With regular rider Grant Buckley sidelined, Kerrin McEvoy gave Aix En Provence (3.60) a faultless ride, getting him away first from an inside draw, then taking a trail on the fence and having only to go around fellow Wyong representative, Damien Lane’s Externus ($10).

The Shalaa three-year-old, a $160,000 buy at the 2022 Inglis Premier yearling sale in Melbourne, edged away from Externus in the closing stages, with French import Barazin ($12) a luckless third, unable to be fully tested for the majority of the straight.

“He is a very honest boy, who has never been out of a place (seven starts for two wins and five placings),” Ryan said of Aix En Provence.

“The winkers seemed to make him fight that bit harder today.

“This is only his second preparation. I’ll see how he pulls up, but he might go for a spell.”

Ryan is enjoying clearly her best season in only her second full year of training. Aix En Provence was her 24^th winner, double last year’s tally.

Unfortunately for connections and punters who backed $1.75 favorite It’s A Wonder, who was never really a winning prospect and finished fifth, she bled from both nostrils and incurred the mandatory three months’ ban.

GODOLPHIN two-year-old Last Druid’s breakthrough victory in the DOMELAND THANKS STABLEHANDS MAIDEN PLATE (1000m) revived memories of the recently deceased champion Lonhro.

The Brazen Beau colt is the sixth foal of Lonhro’s sister Shannara (by Octagonal), a four-times winner, including the Dark Jewel Classic at Scone in 2011.

Giving gun stable apprentice Zac Lloyd a double (he had scored earlier on hotpot Euromaster), Last Druid ($2.20 favorite) gave away a year’s age but was still good enough to defeat three-year-olds, debutante Patience Is Virtue ($3.60), and well-backed Brokerage ($3).

The trio had the race to themselves in the straight, and it was Last Druid who had the drop on the placegetters and was strongest to the line.

“He’s got a classic look about him,” said Godolphin spokesman, former champion jockey Darren Beadman.

“Last Druid is still learning his craft, but changed stride when he got out into the clear on straightening and charged to the line with purpose.

“We put a tongue tie on him because he was a bit thick in the wind after his last trial at Warwick Farm 10 days ago.

“That was only his third start and first since February.”

ZAC Lloyd’s earlier success on $1.35 favorite Euromaster in the DOMELAND SUPPORTS EQUIMILLIONS MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (1350m) ended the lightly-raced four-year-old’s frustrating run of four previous seconds.

And he made no mistake, giving him a perfect ride, getting away from the fence at the right time to enjoy the run of the race and thus allowing him to build momentum.

Euromaster was too strong at the end for Can Expect Greater ($9), who began awkwardly and lost several lengths, and Steve Schofield’s Elusive Mission ($41), who was having her 25^th start and indicated perhaps a win isn’t far away with a stout finish, though beaten clearly.

Warwick Farm trainer Ron Leemon, who won the 2011 Group 1 Golden Rose with Manawanui, secured Euromaster for $20,000 at the 2021 Inglis HTBA sale in Sydney.

Lloyd afterwards had a “tip” for connections. “I think he will benefit from some headgear to switch him on a touch,” he said.

WHEN you’re hot, you’re hot!

Sydney apprentice Molly Bourke came off a Warwick Farm double a day earlier to repeat the feat.

She scored on La Belle Claire ($3 favorite) in the DOMELAND CONGRATULATES LES STARKEY FOR 30 YEARS SUPER MAIDEN PLATE (1600m), and four races later picked up a replacement mount from fellow apprentice Angus Villiers on OSMAN ($4), who landed the DOMELAND RACING BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m).

Bourke took La Belle Claire to the front, and was never headed.

The Highland Reel three-year-old filly was strong through the line and easily defeated Dalio ($9.50) and Ample Time ($18) in an all-Warwick Farm result.

“We were a bit concerned La Belle Claire might find the 1600m a shade too far, but Molly took bad luck out of the equation,” co-trainer Martha Cave said.

“That win hopefully will give the filly plenty of confidence.”

Osman, a five-year-old by American Pharoah, has won eight races – and this was his first at the provincials.

“He is a very honest horse, and looked well placed,” said Mudgee trainer Mack Griffith.

“Osman had a few issues last time and trained off, but we sorted them out and he’s really good this time in work.

“With his pedigree, he should be a Sydney Saturday horse, but we’re happy to poke along and take each race as they come.”

Osman, last year’s Parkes Cup winner, defeated recent Wyong winner Bonus Tempus ($8), who would have made matters interesting had he got clear earlier.

Steve Schofield’s nine-times winner Mosht Up was a late withdrawal from this race with a near fetlock injury, and her trainer advised RacingNSW stewards she would be retired.

NEWCASTLE’S star apprentice Dylan Gibbons is becoming something of a front-running specialist.

He has won two races recently at Wyong and Hawkesbury on the Kembla Grange-trained Verbek by leading throughout, and turned in another beauty on Tenniel ($6) in the DOMELAND SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL JOCKEYS TRUST CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE (2000m).

The Annabel Neasham-trained three-year-old daughter of Tarzino might have a bright future as a stayer.

She ran second last preparation over 2000m at Queanbeyan, and was never going to lose this race.

Tenniel was having only her fifth start, and followed an excellent first-up fourth over a shorter 1600m at Wyong on June 13.

She had a clear margin to spare at the finish over $3 favorite Lygon Street, who chased hard and didn’t stop trying.

PUNTERS were on the mark early when they backed Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Mostro ($3) to defeat $2.60 favorite Pink Shalala in the SKY RACING 3YO MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m).

Jockey Regan Bayliss ensured there was no chance for excuses by taking the three-year-old to the front, and he was never seriously threatened.

Try as Pink Shalala did in the straight, she could not overhaul Mostro, who broke through at his fourth start.

“Mostro has always shown some ability, and ran second to a smart filly (Arctic Glamour) at Rosehill Gardens last September at only his second start,” stable spokesman Neil Paine said.

“I think he’ll get further; his dam (Allaboutus) won up to 1800m at Randwick.”

ICONIC Newcastle trainer Paul Perry and Hawkesbury apprentice Zac Wadick combined to win with favorite Curcl Curl at Newcastle on June 15, and did it again, this time with Cosy Corner in the DOMELAND WISHES PARRY SOUND AN ENJOYABLE RETIREMENT BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1000m).

Whilst Cosy Corner ($4) was crowded for room soon after the start and did a good job to score, Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan’s runner-up Drama Dodger ($13) caught the eye.

Drama Dodger was slow to begin and came from last on the turn with a determined burst on the inside to go under narrowly.

The heavily-backed $2.50 favorite Morpheus Bragi (Jason Collett), with 62kg topweight, struck trouble on a couple of occasions before finishing seventh.

Stewards reported a veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities other than a small speedy cut to the off-fore cannon.

WYONG has been a happy hunting ground for Kris Lees.  

Aside from his beloved home track at Broadmeadow, Wyong is the leading Newcastle trainer’s second most successful provincial track with 155 winners, including the 2016 Gold Cup (2100m) with import Slow Pace, ridden by Robert Thompson.

Now he is banking on another couple of imports adding to his record there on Thursday at the Domeland sponsored meeting.

Lees will start Lygon Street in the Class 1/Maiden Plate (2100m) and Barazin in the Class 1 Handicap (1600m).

Kerrin McEvoy will ride Lygon Street, and stable apprentice Ben Osmond partners Barazin to lessen his 61.5kg topweight to 58.5kg.

Both horses recently made their debuts for their new stable; Lygon Street when runner-up at Wyong on June 13 in a Provincial Class 1/Maiden Plate (2000m), and Barazin ran fourth in a 1400m Class 1 Handicap at Newcastle on June 1.

Lygon Street, a four-year-old son of 2014 Epsom Derby winner Australia, had his first five starts in Ireland for one placing at Gowran Park over 1911m in June last year.

He hadn’t raced since August when he lined up at Wyong, and stable spokesman Danny Greer says he has taken good improvement from his first run for the stable.

“Kerrin (McEvoy) rode him then, and was happy to stay with him,” Greer said.

“Lygon Street ran well first-up, but found one better (Rico Suave) on the day.

“He gives the impression he will stay all day, and going an extra 100m will suit him, and he is getting fitter.”

Barazin, who raced in the Australian Bloodstock colours, is fronting up for his fourth start after having his first three starts in France.

The four-year-old son of Siyouni won a 3YO Maiden over 1800m on debut in April last year before being placed at Lyon-Parilly (1600m) and Saint-Cloud (2000m).

“Barazin’s first-up run for us was sound enough at 1400m, and Kris has given him three and a half weeks before starting him again,” Greer said.

“On his French form and the fact he has also taken improvement from the June 1 race suggests stepping up to 1600m is definitely more suitable.

“That plus the fact he drops 3kg on the weight he carried at Newcastle are in his favour.”

Locally-trained Aix En Provence will be a tough rival for Barazin to crack.

With Domeland sponsoring, their Wyong trainer Sara Ryan chose to bypass a Hawkesbury engagement on Tuesday with Aix En Provence to oppose Barazin in the Class 1 Handicap.

And whereas Kerrin McEvoy was in the Lees’ camp earlier with Lygon Street, he is in the Domeland corner this time, partnering Aix En Provence.

The three-year-old is a model of consistency, having not missed a placing in his six career starts, including a breakthrough victory in a Kembla Grange Super Maiden Plate (1400m) on May 18.

He subsequently was narrowly beaten by Bonus Tempus in a Midway Class 1 Handicap (1500m) there on June 4.

Whilst Aix En Provence wears ear muffs pre-race, Ryan has decided to add winkers for this assignment.

Star apprentices Dylan Gibbons and Zac Lloyd, with nine wins each, are locked in a tight battle for junior riding honours this season.

Both have already tasted Group 1 success; Gibbons twice on Explosive Jack in last year’s Sydney Cup and Kalapour in the Tancred Stakes at Rosehill Gardens earlier this year, whilst Lloyd won the recent Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on Stefi Magnetica.

The jockeys and trainers premierships also are evenly poised, with only meetings on July 16 and 25 remaining after Thursday.

Jockey Tyler Schiller (10 wins) lead Keagan Latham and Ash Morgan by two, whilst Wyong’s Kim Waugh and Sydney’s Peter and Paul Snowden currently top the trainers’ table with 10 winners a piece.

A super home track meeting for Tracey Bartley scoring a winning double with Titanium Miss and Villa Tino.

Bartley had been confident of the chances of both runners and that confidence was rewarded in spades, with both impressive winners. 

It was a day of doubles with Peter and Paul Snowden also training two winners, while gun apprentices Zac Lloyd and Dylan Gibbons both bagged doubles. 

Villa Tino was the first of Bartley’s runners to taste success, in a great training effort winning first up after almost a year on the sidelines.  

The son of Supido put more than two lengths on his rivals in the HOODOO GUROOS @TEG 16^TH November Maiden over 1100m. 

It was a rewarding win for the stable, with Bartley putting plenty of work into the four-year-old who was returning from a bleeding attack. 

He last raced in July 2023 but looked strong in two recent trials. 

Partnered by Reece Jones, Villa Tino snuck up the rails in the straight, drawing away to win by more than two lengths much to the delight of his trainer. 

“I told Reece to be kind to him early and let him explode late and that’s exactly what happened,” Bartley said. 

“He didn’t have to do much on him once he went through the gap. He’s a nice horse and the main thing is that he pulls up well.”

Villa Tino was having his 10^th career in the 1200m INDUSTREE GROUP MAIDEN, having been placed in four of his previous runs. 

Titanium Miss was also given a positive ride by Ashley Morgan and despite being headed in the straight fought back to win by two lengths. 

Bartley had been happy with the All Too Hard filly’s Hawkesbury debut and expected her to improve at Wyong and that she did. 

“It was a good tough win today. I thought she’d run well, and she didn’t disappoint. It’s very rewarding to have a home track double.”

The double bringing up 14 wins for season.

 Lygon Street may have some heavy hitters in his ownership but that wasn’t enough to secure victory for the import in his debut Australian run. 

The Kris Lees trained four-year-old is raced by prolific owner Lloyd Williams and media mogul James Packer and was sent out $2.30 favourite on the back of his Great Britain form. 

But that didn’t deter Stephen O’Halloran’s Rico Suave, who stormed home in the straight to win the DE BORTOLI WINES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2000m) by a length, with Mitchell Bell in the saddle. 

O’Halloran purchased the Fastnet Rock gelding in 2022 for just $15,000 and since joining his stable he has brought up two wins and seven minor placings for almost $85,000 in prizemoney.

Lygon Street will definitely improve over more ground, while Kirsten Buchanan’s Opus could be another one to follow.

Snowden Racing’s Evenflow was also sent out favourite in the EVE ELECTRICAL SUPER MAIDEN over 1600m but didn’t disappoint bringing up his first win at start five. 

A two-year-old Super Seth colt, Evenflow ($1.55) was a $260,000 Magic Millions yearling. 

He was narrowly beaten at his last start at Kembla over 1400m and appreciated the extra distance at Wyong courtesy of a great front-running ride by Zac Lloyd. 

Dylan Gibbons followed Lloyd’s lead piloting Verbek to victory in the TASTE OF THE COAST @ TEG 15^THSEPTEMBER BM64.

Gibbons took the Robert and Luke Price trained five-year-old to the front from the barriers in the 1600m race, maintaining lead throughout to score a two and a half length win.

The Turn Me Loose gelding was having his 42^nd start, with three wins and 12 placings to his name. 

It’s rarely a Wyong meeting without a Godolphin galloper greeting the judge and today was no exception. 

Epaulette filly Diamond Firetail was resuming from a spell in the SNEDDON BROS. MAINTENANCE 2&3YO MAIDEN over 1100m.

Zac Lloyd, who brought up a winning double on the two-year-old, came from midfield on the turn and was able to run down the The Grey on the line to win by a length. 

Diamond Firetail was sent out $2.40 favourite one the back of his impressive trial at Hawkesbury on June 3. 

A Snowden double after Mafia proved too strong in the 1100m PLUIM GROUP CLASS 1.

The well-bred son of Written Tycoon was resuming from a spell after two winning trials.

He brought up his maiden win at Wyong in June last year and just over 12 months later scored his second victory at start eighth on the same track with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

Dylan Gibbons rode his second winner of the last, booting home the Waller trained Unstopabull to success in the 1200m EVE SECURITY SERVICES BM64.

The Russian Revolution three-year-old is building an impressive resume with two wins and four placings from his nine starts. 

The meeting was marred by an incident in the enclosure in which popular jockey Grant Buckley was thrown from his mount. He suffered a fractured pelvis and will be off the scene for up to six months.