raceday review

ON a dreary and wet day, a couple of lightly-raced horses were indeed shining lights.

Whilst it wasn’t a feature meeting, both Shaken and Soobooco won their respective races impressively enough to suggest they can reach greater heights.

Having only her second start and first since February, the beautifully-bred Shaken ($3.80) trounced her rivals in the Magic Millions – Club Sponsor 2002-2027 2YO Fillies Maiden Handicap (1000m).

Three-year-old Soobooco was all the rage at $1.50 for the Ladies’ Day August 27 In Support of The Iris Foundation Midway Maiden Plate (1100m), and gave connections and punters alike no cause for concern.

Shaken was quickly into stride, and had no trouble shaking off $2.15 favorite Love and Light’s short-lived challenge on straightening to romp home by nearly three lengths.

She had run last on debut on the Kensington track on February 3, but there were excuses.

Shaken overraced and was reluctant to settle, and her rider Jason Collett eased her out of the race near the 300m when she continued to hang out.

Trainer James Cummings had to barrier trial Shaken to RacingNSW stewards’ satisfaction – which he did 18 days later at Hawkesbury, and then gave her a break.

Since returning to work, the filly had given a taste of her ability with easy barrier trial victories at Rosehill Gardens (900m on June 6) and Hawkesbury (800m 13 days later).

A daughter of the brilliant sire I Am Invincible, Shaken is the fifth foal of the 2014 Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner and Golden Slipper Stakes runner-up Earthquake.

“She is the most athletic horse Earthquake has produced,” stable spokesman Darren Beadman said afterwards.

“James (Cummings) has been patient with her, and she has strengthened up nicely.

“Zac Lloyd knows how to ride a fast horse fast, and she won with a lot of authority.

“Shaken is a really good type, and wouldn’t look out of place on the catwalk.”

Newcastle trainer Mark Minervini was delighted to get Soobooco into the winning list at his first start since late January after being placed at four (all seconds) of his previous five outings.

A $100,000 purchase at the 2021 Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast, breeder Max Whitby took a share in the young horse when Minervini bought him.

“Soobooco ran against some good horses earlier in his career, and I recommended to his owners that we pull up stumps in January and wait for winter as he had shown me soft tracks would suit him,” Minervini explained.

“The rain arrived on time, and it was an easy watch.

“I’m sure we can win a few more with him in the next couple of months.”

Soobooco’s victory continued a very successful season for Minervini, the former Adelaide trainer who relocated to Newcastle in 2019.

The gelding was his 24^th winner – five of them have been at Wyong – since August, and he said he has built good clients, and has been gradually getting a better quality of horse.

Soobooco sat behind the speed, loomed up on straightening and looked to have plenty in reserve as he stretched clear of fellow Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle’s Amberina ($8) in the closing stages.

Winning rider Jason Collett said Soobooco was “quite progressive”, and appreciated the wet ground.

Who would have expected an ATC Derby runner-up to be lining up at the provincials in a restricted race – but there he was in the Happy Retirement Isorich Class 1/Maiden Plate (2100m)!

Not surprisingly, Benaud was a $1.26 favorite and outclassed his four rivals by more than six lengths.

A 1400m Nowra Maiden winner on debut in September 2021, Benaud was narrowly beaten by Hitotsu in the 2400m ATC Derby the following autumn.

However, he had failed to get the winning feeling again in 11 subsequent starts – all in good company – and trainer John O’Shea sent him to Wyong to gain a confidence boosting breakthrough.

“He needed to do that, and it was good to see him do so,” said O’Shea’s foreman Tom Charlton.

“We’ve been so happy with the horse over the last 12 months even though he wasn’t winning, and went all over him and couldn’t find anything wrong.

“All going well, he will go to the Grafton Cup now.”

The $200,000 Listed Cup (2350m) will be run on Thursday week (July 13) as the highlight of the carnival.

Benaud’s victory – only the second of his 20-start career – put up a double for one of Sydney’s leading apprentices, Tyler Schiller.

He had earlier won the Become A Wyong Race Club Member for Just $55 Maiden Plate (1350m) on $1.90 favorite Double Scoop, who broke through at her ninth start.

The Press Statement three-year-old was dropping back to provincial grade after two recent Sydney appearances; the latest when runner-up at Canterbury on June 21.

Schiller always had her in a prominent position, and she was too good for Burns To Embrace ($5.50) and Lord Bob ($21).

Double Scoop’s Royal Randwick trainer John Thompson got punters off to a flyer by winning the first two races with odds-on favorites.

Regally-bred Kingston Charm ($1.90), with another leading apprentice Reece Jones aboard, took the De Bortoli 3YO Maiden Handicap (1600m).

The filly fetched only $19,000 as an online buy in May 2020, and like her stablemate Double Scoop, also was racing for the ninth occasion.

Though not brilliantly away, Jones took full advantage of Kingston Charm’s soft draw to settle her in a prominent position before securing a split between third placegetter Rabairneach ($3.50) and runner-up Sonny Fella ($20) to outgame that pair in the last 50 metres.

It took six races before the locals joined the winning list – and Damien Lane did it in style, courtesy of a classy Rachel King front-running ride on Dundeel four-year-old Oakfield Redgum ($5).

Lane made it 30 wins for the season; four of them in the last four days.

He scored with Oakfield Mahogany at Kembla Grange last Saturday, and then clinched a double with Deep Opinions and Propel Motion at the opening of Grafton’s July carnival a day later.

Oakfield Redgum maintained a good gallop right to the line to defeat recent Hawkesbury winner Queen Astrid ($3.70) and fellow Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan’s Blue Guitar ($21), in the Consider Race Sponsorship at Wyong Provincial Class 1 Handicap (1600m).

“She has been looking for the 1600m, and the sting out of the ground,” Lane said.

“I probably made a mistake by keeping her at 1400m last time when she was a bit dour.  

“Oakfield Redgum won her maiden at Port Macquarie by a big margin on a soft track last August, and it was heavy today and she handled it well.

“I think she can manage up to 2000m, and she excels on these wet tracks.”

Newcastle’s gun apprentice Dylan Gibbons tagged Orlabent as a “quality horse” after the three-year-old completed a hat-trick in the Carlton Wyong Gold Cup Friday September 1 Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m).

“He probably wasn’t all that comfortable on the heavy ground, and I feel he will be an even better horse next preparation,” Gibbons said.

Orlabent ($3 second favorite) took the length of the straight to get there in the nick of time, but responded gamely to nab Shezanalister ($7) in the last couple of bounds.

The lightly-raced Hellbent three-year-old has had four starts since joining leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees’ stable.

After Orlabent ran a promising second first-up over 1000m at the Scone carnival on May 12, Lees took blinkers off him – and he has rattled off subsequent wins at Wyong (twice) and Port Macquarie in between.

Whereas racing began on a “Soft 6” rating, rain during the meeting resulted in a gradual downgrade to a “Heavy 9” for the final three events.

Jockey Tom Sherry ended the day on a winning note, but not before he said “everything that could go wrong did go wrong” with Invictus Lad ($4.40) in the Wyong’s Next Race Meeting Saturday July 15 Class 1 Handicap (1350m).

“He was playing up in the stalls and didn’t jump well, but got into a nice rhythm once he settled,” Sherry said.

“Peter and Paul Snowden have been looking for a wet track for him, and he toughed it out well at the end.”

 Invictus Lad moved up menacingly wide on the home turn and he, runner-up Skylight Song ($3.80 favorite) and third placegetter Lease ($4.20), slogged it out over the last 200m.

Denim Wynen kicked off the Central Coast Clubs NSW Race Day in the best possible way with a win for the locals. 

Wynen’s consistent filly Emphatic Bel broke through for a well-deserved victory in the 1100m 3YO Maiden, having finished second over the same distance and track at her previous start on June 1. 

The filly drifted in the betting to start at $8, with plenty of support for the minor placegetters Amberina & Magnatear ($2.20fav).

Serg Lisnyy gave Emphatic Bel the perfect ride going head-to-head with Amberina down the straight. He was able to lift her on the line earning plenty of praise from Wynen. 

“That’s the way to ride her and Serg did it really well,” she said. “I was very confident coming into today and felt she would race well.”

John Cooper was the second of the local brigade to taste success, with Anansi causing an upset in the 21000m Class 1 & Maiden returning upwards of $100.

Cooper purchased the son of American Pharoah for just $22,000 in July last year and he had only been placed once for his new owner in his 10 previous starts. 

But all was forgiven when the four-year-old put his best foot forward on his home track, collecting prizemoney of $21,000 for his efforts. 

Cooper said he had been confident when Jay Ford was able to get him to the outside in the final stages. 

“He’s pretty dour and if he gets held up, he loses his rhythm, and it all goes out the window. He got clear running today and got the job done.”

Anansi got the bob on the line over Kerry Parker’s short priced favourite Acceber, with Cooper admitting he had also backed the winner. 

It was finally pay day for Mr Kennedy, the Fastnet Rock gelding breaking through in the 1100m 4YO & Up Maiden. 

It had been a real journey for Richard Litt’s lightly raced six-year-old, who had an early preparation in Hong Kong before returning to Sydney. 

He had been placed on five occasions leading into the Wyong race where he was able to put them away courtesy of a well rated, front running ride by Josh Parr. 

Litt expects the $1.8m yearling will go on to win more races after taking confidence from the victory. 

A plan by David Pfieffer and Jay Ford came to fruition when well-bred Pierro gelding Lysander broke through in the 1350m Maiden. The pair wanted to roll forward to overcome a wide barrier and Ford was able to do just that and gain a soft lead which he maintained throughout. 

Pfieffer expects Lysander, a $180,000 Magic Millions yearling raced by Waratah Thoroughbreds, to get over more ground. 

He was equally excited about the prospects of his smart Capitalist filly Angel Fund who brought up her second win from just three starts in the 1100m Class 1 with Jason Collett in the saddle. 

The Capitalist filly was coming off a last start victory at Gosford when resuming over 1000m on March 25. 

Pfieffer plans to keep Angel Fund over the shorter distances this time in and see where she takes then in following preparations. 

Bokuden didn’t waste any time creating an impression for his new stable, the Deep Impact colt taking out the 1350m BM64 for Peter and Paul Snowden ridden by Sam Clipperton. 

A Deep Impact colt, Bokuden joined the Snowden stable after spending his first preparation in Queensland where he was placed once on the Sunshine Coast from his three starts.

He has trialled twice for the Snowden’s before taking out a 1200m Maiden at Kembla over 1200m on May 23, making it back-to-back wins at Wyong.

Stable representative Colm McCullough said they had always had a good opinion of the colt, who they expected to get out in distance.  Kristen Buchanan’s Big Happiness was the runner-up and looks primed for a win.

It was an excited Molly Bourke returned to scale in the 1600m BM64 after bringing up her first win for new boss John O’Shea. 

Bourke, who still claims 3kg on the Provincial circuit, rode Irish import Awesome Wonder to her third career win from 14 starts. 

Bourke was able to avoid the significant interference in the final stages by taking the four-year-old to the outside to win by almost a length. 

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities the stable has given me,” Bourke said, “and so good to get a winner.”

Another apprentice Jett Stanley partnered Annabel Neasham’s Jamrock to victory in the 1600m Maiden. 

The Pierro gelding posted the most impressive win of the day, blitzing his opposition by nearly five lengths. 

Stewards adjourned an inquiry into the circumstances of a fall in the third race which saw Jeff Penza fall from Prize Tulip, suffering a broken collar bone.

Deanne Payna was suspended from June 26 to June 29 after pleading guilty to careless riding on Eve ‘N’ Ruby in the last, while fellow rider Keagan Latham pleaded guilty to the same charge in the same race on his mount Duke Of Gordon and suspended from June 25 to June 30.

*Pics Steve Hart Photography*

The State’s leading jockey Aaron Bullock put on a master class at Wyong’s Winter Race Day combining with Mark Minervini to take out the 1350m BM64 on Star Impact and Fire And Ice in the 1100m BM68. 

The pair have become a formidable combination in recent months, with Bullock riding five winners and four placings for the Minervini stable from just 10 starters. 

His Wyong double took his tally for the season to 148, with James McDonald second on 110.

Minervini is also enjoying his best season in recent years with 21 winners to date, five of those in the past four days. 

He was thrilled with the Wyong double and full of praise for Bullock. 

“You always go to these meetings with plenty of hope, but it doesn’t often happen, so to train a double was great. We are still pinching ourselves to be honest,” he said. 

“It’s great to have Aaron on board. He’s riding with so much confidence at the moment and is very focused. He rode my first winner for me when we came over from Adelaide.

“I’ve given him a few rides recently and we’ve just gelled together, so I hope it keeps going.

“It’s taken us a while to get established since moving to Newcastle. It’s a big job and if I’d realised how long I would have taken I probably wouldn’t have done it. We’re over the moon now and hopefully the future is only going to get better.”

Young guns Tyler Schiller, Dylan Gibbons and Jett Stanley weren’t to be denied, assisting their respective mounts to victory. 

Comeback jockey Adam Hyeronimus couldn’t hide his delight, returning to scale after booting home Notabadone for Jim and Greg Lee. 

Hyeronimus was sidelined for two years and four months by stewards for betting offences, returned to the saddle on May 26 and has already ridden a winner. He was having his first ride back at Wyong and his only ride for the day. 

Hyeronimus, was keen to partner Notabadone, the $2.10 favourite narrowly beaten at his last start at Nowra on May 21. 

The Group 1 winning jockey, who spent much of his time while suspended working as a tree lopper, said he had expected the slower tempo in the 1350m 4YO & Up Maiden would suit Notabadone.

Gibbons combined with his boss Kris Lees to take out the 1100m Provincial Maiden with three-year-old Orlabent. The short-priced favourite didn’t disappoint winning by more than two lengths and looks headed for bigger things. The victory took Gibbons to 90.5 in the Apprentice’s Premiership, giving him a narrow 1.5 lead over Tyler Schiller.

A patient ride by Schiller in the 1600m Maiden resulted in a significant form reversal by Doutelle. Matthew Smith’s Olympic Glory three-year-old was beaten more than 10 lengths at his last start at Kembla but was able to turn that around, courtesy of Schiller, in the 1600m Maiden. 

Stanley continued a great run since moving north riding the Maher Eustace trained Windshadow home in the 1350m CG&E BM64. After being purchased as a $900,00 Magic Millions yearling, the four-year-old was on sold to the current owner Maree Anderson for just $22,500, his Wyong win taking his prizemoney to date to almost $70,000. 

John Thompson had planned to send his well-bred filly California Grass north for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks but she came up as fourth emergency he opted for the Wyong race. 

And she didn’t disappoint, putting more than four lengths on her rivals in the 2100m Class 1 and Maiden, with Keagan Latham in the saddle. The Al Maher three-year-old was coming off a last start Newcastle win over 2300m and looks destined to go on to bigger things. 

Well-bred Written Tycoon colt Mafia will likely head back to Metropolitan grade on the strength of his debut win in the 1000m Maiden. Snowden’s $850,000 colt was resuming from a spell and the win never looked in doubt. Stable representative Colm McCullagh said Mafia had always shown plenty of ability but had taken plenty of time to mature. Chad Schofield was the winning rider. 

*Pics Steve Hart Photographics*

THE “girls” had it all to themselves!

Four Wyong trainers – all of them women – had a blowout at their Wyong Roos Foundation race day at home, winning five of the eight races.

And Kim Waugh, who prepared two of them, forecast a big future for one of her winners, the two-year-old debutant Super News.

At $15, the Your Song youngster (pictured) was super indeed, landing the Coca Cola Europacific Partners and Hospitality Supplies Express 2YO Maiden Plate (1100m).

Despite never seeing the inside rail, Super News stormed to the line to overpower another first starter, the $4.20 favorite Absolute Power.

“I tossed up whether to run him because he drew the carpark,” Waugh said.

“I’ve got a very big opinion of him, but he’s so green and mentally immature.

“I think he is going to be a very good horse.

“He was four deep the whole way, and it was such a good effort.

“Once he got balanced, that’s when he put his foot down and said: ‘See you’.”

Jay Ford rode Super News and also Waugh’s earlier winner Always In ($3.70), who was a shade too strong for runner-up Jo Jo Sun ($6) in the opening event, the Accolade Wines Provincial 3YO Maiden Handicap (1300m).

A three-year-old by Olympic Glory, she was having only her third start, and first since December.

“She is a lovely filly, who was chasing all the way at her first preparation,” Waugh said.

“Now she is learning how to race,” Waugh said.

“I thought she was a bit too far back, so she did a good job.”’

Waugh also was pleased with stablemate Doraskaya, who like Always In, got out of her ground and finished solidly along the inside to just miss third placing.

Along with the Waugh double, fellow Wyong trainers Nikki Hodgson, Kristen Buchanan and Sara Ryan also were successful.

Hodgson scored with Skybeam ($31), Buchanan with Oakfield Waratah ($14), and Ryan with heavily-backed odds-on favorite Chief Conductor ($1.85).

Skybeam, a four-year-old son of Reliable Man, began his career in Victoria and then had three unplaced starts in country NSW before joining Hodgson’s stable.

He ran third first-up over 1350m on his home track a fortnight ago, and stayed at that distance in the Austbrokers and Bishop Collins Maiden Plate on the recommendation of his rider Grant Buckley.

“He still does a bit wrong, so rather than step him up in distance, we decided to keep him at 1350m and he relaxed lovely today,” Hodgson said.

Hodgson could not have wished for a better start to her training career. She has had only 10 starters and won four races; the first being Boho Chick at Port Macquarie on New Year’s Day.

Favorite Little Cointreau ($2.20) was momentarily held up on straightening before getting his chance, but Skybeam surged near the post when he saw the other horse on his inside.

Buchanan produced Oakfield Waratah to post his second win when first-up in the Arcade Trader & Central Coast Kids In Need Benchmark 64 Handicap (1350m), upsetting $2.35 favorite Rocstar Boy.

The lightly-raced Dissident four-year-old, raced by long-time client Bruce Mackenzie, shared the lead with fellow Wyong representative Budhwar, then gained a break in the straight and held out the favorite.

Oakfield Waratah at his fourth start had won his maiden back in November, also at the same track and over the same distance.

Winning rider Koby Jennings said it was good to see the gelding’s progression, and that he still wasn’t sure how to use his legs properly to gallop.

Sara Ryan has done a terrific job with the beautifully-bred Chief Conductor (I Am Invincible from the eight times winner Snitzerland, who took the 2014 Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington).

The four-year-old gelding, a $600,000 Easter yearling purchase in 2020, has had several trainers and is really hitting his straps in her care. 

He has raced four times for Ryan, never been out of a placing and has now won two on end.

Ryan has 22 horses in racing trim, and rides Chief Conductor in his work.

She said before the race that he had not gone backwards since scoring at Hawkesbury on April 13, and that was confirmed when he carried 59.5kg after Jett Stanley’s 2kg claim to land the Wyong Roos Foundation Midway Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m).

Chief Conductor had to work early after an awkward beginning, then fellow Wyong representative, Rod Bailey’s Mr Bingo ($18), gave him no peace in front.

All credit to the winner, but Mr Bingo was excellent also in trying so hard to finish second.

The remaining three races were won by Team Hawkes with first starter Consenza ($3.60 joint favorite), John O’Shea with Aunt Roberta ($9.50), and Anthony Cummings took the closer with $3 favorite Reginald.

Racing NSW stewards have adjourned an inquiry into Salaasel ($3.60 co-favorite) being severely checked near the 200m in Consenza’s race.

She had to be eased out of the race and finished 10^th, 12 lengths from the winner.

Pierro filly Aunt Roberta made it two in a row at Wyong, producing another tough staying performance to wear down $2.90 co-favorite The Englishman in the Harvey Norman Commercial & Central Coast Volunteer Rescue Association Class 1/Maiden Plate (2100m).

Stewards also reported that both Gold Witness and Restrictions bled from both nostrils in their respective races, incurring a mandatory three months’ ban from racing.

FIVE favourites and two second favourites greeted the judge on the eight-race Wyong card. Little wonder punters couldn’t hide their smiles and were quickly searching for the date of the next Wyong meeting (Thursday, May 11) as they left the track. Even the day’s longest priced winner Cappelletti at $7 had his admirers, so it was a blackout for bookmakers. Senior jockey Sam Clipperton and star apprentice Zac Lloyd rode doubles. Clipperton scored on favourites Silent Raindrops and Queenmaker (pictured), whilst Lloyd also did the right thing by favourite backers, getting home on Ruby Flyer and Shipshape.  Jockeys Jason Collett and Keagan Latham were both charged with careless riding by Racing NSW stewards in the sixth race, but escaped with reprimands.

RACE 1 – HMA GROUP MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1200m:

PUNTERS were on the ball when well-backed favorite SILENT RAINDROPS ($2.30) was successful – but weren’t on good terms with themselves when she conceded her five rivals a decent start before rounding them up. Trainer Joe Pride said he thought the Sebring three-year-old, a $280,000 yearling purchase in Melbourne two years ago, would have won before now, and was understandably glad to see her break through at her fifth start and third this campaign. “She has been a work in progress, but is a nice style of filly and that win should give her plenty of confidence to go on with it,” he added. SILENT RAINDROPS was the best backed runner, ousting Gustisisimo (who eased from a shade of odds-on to $2.90), and left the two-year-old with no excuses. Gustisisimo trailed the two leaders and took over on straightening, but was no match for the winner. Parmenio ($4.80) raced up on the speed, but weakened and finished a distant third. Winning rider Sam Clipperton said SILENT RAINDROPS broke cleanly but took a while to get into her rhythm, hence why she settled a clear last in the small field.

RACE 2 – HMA INSTRUMENTATION PROVINCIAL 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m:

THE market suggested a two-horse race was in the offing, but it turned out to be a one-act affair for odds-on favorite RUBY FLYER ($1.85). The Hawkesbury four-year-old settled in an awkward spot on the inside back past midfield, but star apprentice Zac Lloyd produced a pearler of a ride, securing a decent split on straightening – and it was all over. RUBY FLYER bolted away to score by a widening five and a half lengths from his main rival Twentyeightdragons ($3.40). The victory had special significance for husband and wife training partners Jason Attard and Lucy Keegan-Attard, as the former prepared the gelding’s dam Kellyville Flyer, and also her brother Sons Of John (2015 Hawkesbury Gold Cup winner) when training in his own right. Locally-trained Skybeam($18) was third and should appreciate further ground.

RACE 3 – HMA POWER GENERATION MAIDEN PLATE, 2100m:

IN a tricky finish, another favourite was successful, but it was oh so close. Tyler Schiller picked up a late ride from Chad Schofield, who was ill, on AUNT ROBERTA ($3.20), who nabbed Four O’Clock Rock ($4.80) in virtually the last bound. The Pierro filly was having her seventh start and followed up recent placings at Hawkesbury and Wyong by breaking through after beginning awkwardly. Connections thought enough of AUNT ROBERTA to start her in a Group 3 over 2000m at Caulfield last spring, and she should be able to measure up in better company now that she has broken through. The runner-up didn’t jump brilliantly either, but the winner came from behind him. Bonaventure ($5.50) had his supporters and finished third after having every chance.Octahedron (sixth at $7) pulled up 1/5 lame in the off hindleg, and stewards told trainer David Payne a veterinary clearance will be required before the gelding can either trial or race again. 

RACE 4 – HMA MATERIALS HANDLING MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m:

TRAINER Bjorn Baker and jockey Brandon Lerena were pipped in the previous race, but not here. Lerena took any bad luck out of the equation on the well-named BOY LOVES TO RUN ($3.30), and he ran right up to his name. Lerena made the running on the three-year-old, and he never looked like losing at his 10^th start, scoring comfortably from Doutelle($31) and Vegas on Fire ($6). The South African expat afterwards said his mount travelled comfortably throughout, and felt he had further upside. “The owners have been very patient, so they deserved to finally get a result,” said stable spokesman Glenn Lobb. While beaten easily, there was plenty of merit in the performance of runner-up Doutelle, who came from last at the 400m. This was only his second start, so connections should have plenty to look forward to with him. BOY LOVES TO RUN was the second favorite, but favorite Theoneandonly ($2.80) was never a possibility in finishing fourth.

RACE 5 – HMA FLOW & INDUSTRIAL MIDWAY CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1600m:

HAWKESBURY trainer Edward Cummings warmed up for a tilt at Saturday’s Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide with Arts by winning here with QUEENMAKER ($3 fav) – but he might not be the most popular with his trainer father Anthony. QUEENMAKER, a daughter of Tavistock, beat Cummings’ Snr’s horse Reginald ($4.40), and beat that horse decisively. Rider Sam Clipperton had QUEENMAKER away smartly and trailed front-runner Mayapple ($20) before taking over approaching the home turn. Her dominance was such that she had more than four lengths to spare at the post.  “She has been a bridesmaid a few more times than I would have liked,” Ed Cummings said, referring to his mare’s six second placings in her career. “The form around her has been good for a race like this. “Hopefully we can do the same in Adelaide on Saturday, but Arts won’t be ridden the same way as QUEENMAKER.” Clipperton felt his mount was going well enough to be competitive in a suitable Sydney race in the near future. Both Reginald and third placegetter Acceber ($4.80) found the line well enough even though they were never a chance of overhauling the winner.

RACE 6 – HMA GEOTECHNICAL CLASS 1 HANDICAP, 1200m:

CAPPELLETTI was the longest priced winner of the day at $7, and continued his consistent form this preparation. He has now won twice and been placed twice since resuming as a gelding, and there’s no reason he can’t win again soon. “He has always shown good ability, and is starting to put it all together,” co-trainer Sterling Alexiou said. “They paid big money for him ($725,000 as an Easter yearling two years ago), and it’s good to see they are now getting some returns.” Runner-up Principessa ($4 fav) looks capable of scoring at her next start. She has been placed at 10 of her 13 starts (one solitary win) and was having her first start since November. Principessa hit the line with purpose and looks like she will handle further ground, and third placegetter Grand Crusader ($) also ran home strongly. Jockey Regan Bayliss said Surf On Turf ($4.60) started to weaken passing the 400m, and was disappointing in the manner it finished the race. A subsequent vet examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

RACE 7 – HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1350m:

ZAC Lloyd was an odds-on favourite for the Jockeys’ Challenge before racing began, and everything was shipshape here. The young rider made it a double when the Godolphin colours saluted. Lloyd had SHIPSHAPE ($2.10) away smartly, dictated out in front and got a break on the point of home turn to leave his rivals chasing thin air. He scored easily from Nitride ($31), who finished gamely and the remarkable 12-year-old Isorich ($26) was third after being forced to race wide and running his heart out in the straight at his 155^th start. Along with his 16 wins, he has also been placed on 37 occasions. “SHIPSHAPE is a very casual customer, hence the blinkers on him,” said stable spokesman Darren Beadman. Nitride was having his fourth start this campaign and is getting close to another win, whilst Kozluca ($26) finished determinedly and could pay to follow as he was resuming and can handle longer trips.

RACE 8 – HMA GTECH CYCLONES BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 1000m:

GARRY Frazer made it a treble for Hawkesbury trainers when the well-backed TOCOMAH ($3.90) saluted. As much as $10 was bet about him, and he did a good job to score under his 61kg at his first start in six months. “He bolted in with a Gosford Maiden at his second start, but we had plenty of issues with him after that,” Frazer said. “Thankfully, he is now the soundest he has ever been. I was a little concerned beforehand that the 1000m might be a trifle short, and that’s why you put the top jockeys on (Kerrin McEvoy had the mount).” Frazer gave credit to TOCOMAH, who carried a big weight and found plenty in the closing stages. Laroupe ($3.80 favorite) was one of the biggest tips of the day on the strength of a couple of good recent trials, but didn’t help her chances by beginning awkwardly and making contact with the offside barrier partition. In the circumstances, her performance was excellent, but nothing can be taken away from the winner, who conceded her a tidy 4.5kg. Fire And Ice ($8) hit the line nicely at his first start since November, and trainer Mark Minervini should be able to place him to advantage this campaign.

SENIOR jockey Chad Schofield and star apprentice Zac Lloyd claimed doubles – but the track certainly earned plaudits as well. From a “Soft 5” morning rating, Racing NSW stewards downgraded it to a “Heavy 10” retrospective to the fourth race as consistent and at times heavy rain fell, but the eight-race card was able to be completed.

The fields weren’t big, but full marks to course manager Phill Robinson and his team.

Schofield scored on favourites Youthfull and Allasandra, and Lloyd, who goes from strength to strength, won on well-supported Diamond Blush and the day’s outsider Commander Bell. While she had only three rivals to beat, there was much to like about the debut of the Tracey Bartley-trained Chilada, who quickly took up the front in her race and won with seemingly plenty in hand. Bartley described her as a “city class filly”, so it will be interesting to gauge her future progress.

RACE 1 – PAVILION EVENTS CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1600m: 

FOLLOWING rain throughout the morning, the track was downgraded to a “Heavy 8” before the meeting began. The renowned Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott ball of muscle was again to the fore with $3 favourite VENETIAN BLUE, who broke through at her fifth start after being runner-up on three occasions. Jockey Regan Bayliss took the filly to the front and she had a comfortable run during transit before being strongly challenged on straightening by Ocean Honour ($7), who cruised up and looked certain to overhaul her. However, VENETIAN BLUE, a $320,000 Magic Millions yearling buy in 2021, would not surrender and toughed it out to the line to stall the runner-up’s challenge. The first two horses were sired by multiple Group 1 winner Merchant Navy, and Ocean Honour should not be long breaking through either. This was also his fifth start and his third this preparation. The $31 outsider Tina’s Rock made nice ground along the inside in the straight to finish third. 

RACE 2 – CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP, 2100m: 

PUNTERS were on good terms with themselves during the race with jockey Chad Schofield giving the $2.70 favourite YOUTHFULL a perfect run, one out and one back in harness racing parlance. But it proved to be a real struggle before they were able to collect. Schofield wisely made his move from the 800m to ensure locally-trained Dreamdeel ($2.90) did not get it all his own way up front – and just as well he did. YOUTHFULL took the entire length of the straight before just edging past Dreamdeel in the closing stages to give the daughter of So You Think the third win of her career. Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup edged toward a half century of winners for the season, and opted to back up YOUTHFULL after she had run fourth at Newcastle yesterday week in a similar race over 1850m. She met Dreamdeel (second in the Newcastle race) 1kg better, and it was a telling factor in such a hard slog to the line. Into The Oblivion ($13) made a dash after straightening but was unable to pick up the first two and had to be content with third placing. As with the opening winner, YOUTHFULL also was purchased at the Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast, this time in 2020 for $375,000. She is a younger sister to 2018 Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento. Sian (fourth) stood flatfooted and missed the start, and will have to trial to stewards’ satisfaction before being allowed to race again. 

RACE 3 – DE BORTOLI F&M MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1200m:

THIS result was never in doubt. Star apprentice Zac Lloyd took DIAMOND BLUSH ($4.20) to the front and the four-year-old daughter of Deep Field, whose stock are generally accomplished wet trackers, never gave her rivals a chance. She travelled strongly throughout, moved clear approaching the home turn and trounced her rivals. DIAMOND BLUSH was having her 13^th start, and her young rider took any possible bad luck out of the equation to ensure she had the best opportunity to break through. She had been unplaced at her previous two starts, but revelled in the heavy ground. 

Kristen Buchanan’s Foxford Babe ($51) was making her debut and, although convincingly beaten, did a good job to finish second, belying her generous odds. Undoubtedly she can be placed to advantage to shed her maiden status in the near future. Turbo Charged ($5) finished third, whilst the $2.10 favourite Choice Legend was up on the pace, but was under pressure on the home turn and dropped out to finish last of the eight runners. Apprentice Jett Stanley told stewards his mount failed to handle the conditions.

RACE 4 – MAGIC MILLIONS MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m:

A further downgrade to a “Heavy 10” certainly didn’t affect the chances of Pride of Dubai three-year-old ALLASANDRA ($2.60 joint fav), who broke through at her ninth start. Jockey Chad Schofield, as he had done earlier on second race winner Youthfull, didn’t wait and began his run well before the home turn. ALLASANDRA looked a certain winner as she circled the field, but had to work hard to get the better of runner-up Willaidow ($5), who has continued to show improvement this preparation and didn’t give in without a fight. The other co-favorite Yamba’s Award appeared to travel well enough in the early and middle stages, but struggled down the running and finished a distant third.

ALLASANDRA had been placed on heavy ground as a two-year-old at Goulburn in May last year, and this race could hardly be described as the strongest of Maidens. In stark contrast to the first two winners and the third ($180,000 as a yearling), she was a “cheapie”, fetching a mere $4250 online in 2020 as a weanling.

RACE 5 – TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN HANDICAP, 1100m:

The downgrade to a “Heavy 10” precipitated a number of late withdrawals, and only four horses faced the starter here. It may not have mattered anyway how many faced the starter as well-supported first starter CHILADA ($2.35) made a mess of her three rivals. Local trainer Tracey Bartley was on track, recovering well from serious injuries sustained when kicked by a horse a few weeks back, and described the Pride OfDubai filly, who races in the iconic colours of the White family, as city class. “You wouldn’t normally run her on a such a heavy track, but she had a good grounding,” he said. “She is a really good filly who prepped up beautifully with two good trials (winning both at Gosford and on the Beaumont track). “It is an honour to train this filly for the White family.” Rider Jason Collett took CHILADA straight to the front, and she was never threatened. Surrenders ($1.75 favorite) tried hard but was no match for the impressive debutante, and Amadi ($8) was third.

RACE 6 – EARLY BIRD MEMBERSHIP $55 PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP, 1200m:

IN front again was definitely the place to be. Alysha Collett made the running on JACQUINE REWARD ($6), who has a liking for a heavy track at Wyong. He had previously won a Class 1 Handicap (1200m) here in July, 2020 on a ‘Heavy 8’. JACQUINE REWARD was having his fifth start this preparation and clinched his second success and his fifth overall. It was hard going in the straight but he toughed it out to defeat the rising 13-year-old ISORICH ($14), who finished best of all and would have made matters interesting had the race been much further. The old warrior was having his 154^thstart and is a credit to his Wyong trainer Wayne Seelin, who continues to keep him in such fine fettle. Oxford Tycoon ($3.50) had his chance before finishing third. Odds-on favorite Miss Fox ($1.85) was never in contention and was beaten a long way out. She tailed the field home in the six-horse field. Jockey Josh Parr told stewards the mare never travelled at any stage and failed to finish the race off.

RACE 7 – WYONG’S NEXT COCKTAIL PARTY – SAT JULY 15 – BOOK NOW F&M BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m:

FAVOURITE backers were on the mark with BEIRUT MISS ($3.50) – but it was no gimme!  She was trapped wide early without cover and rider Sam Clipperton had to ease back to get a decent position before making a swooping run around the field. As with Allesandra earlier, BEIRUT MISS looked likely to win comfortably, but had to battle hard in the straight to overcome runner-up She’s Independent ($10). Taking into account she had 60kg and was conceding 5kg, it was a pretty tidy effort. A lightly-raced four-year-old mare, she has raced only eight times for two wins and three placings, so there appears no reason why she cannot show further improvement. The pair had the finish to themselves with third placegetter Impressive Lass ($4.60) more than two length astern. Hyacinth finished a distant last and her rider could not offer a plausible explanation for her failure.

RACE 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING – THURSDAY APRIL 27 – CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m:

FOUR favourites and two second favorites had won leading up to the last and the longest-priced winner was $6. The seven-year-old gelding COMMANDER BELL gave bookmakers some relief when he finished best to score at $14 for local trainer Brett Partelle. Yet another good day for his young rider Zac Lloyd, who had five rides at the meeting for two wins and two placings. COMMANDER BELL had finished last at his previous start at Wyong a fortnight ago, but obviously relished the heavy ground. He had not won in nearly two years – and that was also on a heavy surface at Gosford in June, 2021. Just as $2.50 favourite Surfers Royale was being hailed the winner, COMMANDER BELL got him down. Jason Collett dropped his off-side rein on Surfers Royale 150m out, and regathered it a short time later. Josh Parr told stewards second favorite Skylight Song (5^th at $2.60) struggled to run out a strong 1350m in such heavy conditions, and also felt he might be better suited with the addition of blinkers. Jutland bled from both nostrils.

A race to race double to Damien Lane was fitting on a day paying tribute to our talented Wyong trainers. 

Lane ended a run of outs with Oakfield Twilight taking out the 1350m BM68 & Princess Amira winning the 1100m BM64.

Doubles were the flavour of the afternoon with Mark Newnham training two winners Skylight Song and Street Gossip, while both Josh Parr and Tom Sherry bagged doubles. 

There were some impressive winners with the Snowden trained Gilmore breaking her maiden by more than five lengths and Gary Portelli’s Itsagooddeel revelling in his first attempt over the 2100m to win by three lengths. 

Race 1 – WYONG TRAINERS – CONTRIBUTING MORE THAN JUST WINNERS MAIDEN(1000m): The Snowden trained Gilmore put her rivals to bed with a dominant win in her fourth career start.

A $200k Magic Millions filly by Flying Artie, Gilmore had two starts in her first preparation, and was spelled following a fourth at Canterbury. 

She was runner up when resuming at Hawkesbury after racing greenly in the straight but showed none of those characteristics in her Wyong win. 

Josh Parr led from barrier to post, drawing away in the finals stages to post a five-length victory. 

“Josh took her to the front and took all the bad luck out of the equation,” stable representative Colin McCullagh said. “It was good to see her finish off the way she did. I think it’s been a maturity thing with her. She was in a rush to do things last preparation, but Peter & Paul gave her time to get her to mature physically and mentally and it’s paid off in spades. 

“We’ll get her back to town know where she belongs.”

Gilmore earned plenty of supper and was sent out $1.60 favourite She beat the Damien Lane trained Alegna ($16), with Sumo Star ($7.50) from the Portelli stable third.

Race 2 – SARA RYAN RACING MAIDEN (1350m):

An early double to Josh Parr and another favourite greets the judge, with the Mark Newnham trained Skylight Song too strong for his opposition. 

The son of Your Song was resuming from a spell, having run three seconds in his previous six starts. 

Parr engaged similar tactics to the first race, sitting just outside the early leader Twilight Rock. He hit the lead on straightening and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Star Legacy, to win by almost a length. 

Newnham has always had a good opinion of Skylight Song, but said he needed time to mature. 

“He needed to grow up mentally. He’s always been a terrific style of a horse who has shown above average ability, but he didn’t have a killer punch. He did today and was able to put them away.

“It was good to see him get the job done and hopefully there are many more wins to come.”

Newnham has had a long association with owner Frank Mittiga, having ridden his first horse for him as an owner.

Skylight Song started $1.90 fav, with the runner up Star Legacy from the Portelli stable ($8.50) & Bjorn Baker’s Twilight Rock ($7), third.

Race 3 – ALLAN KEHOE RACING PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1350m):

Tom Sherry was full of praise for the Paul Perry trained Angara following the Frankel gelding’s debut win. 

There was plenty of late support for the three-year-old who was backed in from $6 to $4 favourite. 

Punters weren’t disappointed, with Sherry sweeping down the outside on Angara to nab a narrow victory on the line. 

Sherry had settled the gelding toward the rear of the field early, taking him to the outside on straightening. 
It was a race in two in the final stages, with Yamba’s Award ($4.80) fighting on strongly, but Angara gained ascendency on the line to win by a short half head. 

“He’s a lovely horse,” Sherry said after the race. “He didn’t show a lot of gate speed and I had to get up him to keep him in touch with them. It was a nice race for him today and he will improve immensely from that. I think he’ll be a lovely miler.”

A $130k Magic Millions yearling, Angara is raced in partnership by Perry, with Frank and Christine Cook.

Allan Kehoe’s Gold Something ($18) was third, after leading for much of the race.

Race 4 – TRACEY BARTELY RACING MAIDEN (2100m):

A patient ride by gun apprentice Tyler Schiller helped secure victory for the Gary Portelli trained Itsagooddeel ($7).

Schiller, who had a wall of horses in front of him on the turn, waited until they fanned and was able to get a dream run along the rails. He sped away over the last 50m to win by more than three lengths. 

The son of Dundeel was having his first attempt at the 2100m and relished the extra ground. 

“We’ve been really keen to get him up in trip but had to be patient,” stable representative James Fartherssaid. “We were thrilled to get the reward today and great for the connections Elite Thoroughbreds.

“It was a fantastic ride by Tyler. He gave him every opportunity to put his best foot forward.”

There was no such luck for the O’Shea trained favourite Aunt Roberta ($2.10), who was slow to start, raced ungenerously and knocked up to finish third following a sustained run. 

The Kearney trained Hardazhell ($26) was an eye-catcher, coming from last on the turn to finish second. 

Race 5 – DAMIEN LANE RACING CLASS 1 (1600m):

Mark Newnham has a good opinion of his filly Street Gossip ($2.70), who proved too strong in her first run over the mile. 

The three-yar-old by So You Think, a $140k Magic Millions yearling, had previously won over the 1200m at Warwick Farm and was coming off a fifth on the Kensington track over 1400m. 

Newnham removed the earmuffs for the Wyong race with the desired result, the filly pinging the gates and enabling Sherry to take a sit just off the speed. 

Despite being wayward on the turn, she managed to pull away from her rivals in the straight and win by more than a length. 

“She’s always been a nice filly but has taken a while to come together. I think she’s got a bright future. She’s always had above average talent and I thought she’d get to a fairly good grade.”

Queenmaker ($3.60) trained by Edward Cummings was second, over the Portelli trained Regal Inheritance ($6.50) who was doing her best work on the line. 

Race 6 – KRISTEN BUCHANAN OWNERS LOUNGE CLASS 1 (1350m):

An upset by the Mark Connors trained Vandelay Style ($13), who ran down the favourite on the line to bring up her second career win. 

The $15,000 Magic Millions yearling is proving to be somewhat of a bargain buy, with more than $45,000 in prizemoney to date and the trainer expecting more wins to come for the four-year-old.

She was well ridden by Reece Jones who settled her to the rear of the field, coming from behind on the turn to overhaul the favourite on the line by a narrow margin. 

It was a pickup ride for Jones after Brock Ryan was indisposed. 

Connors said it had been a stop/start career for the Vandelay Style. 

“She has given us a lot of trouble back home but has come back bigger and better than ever,” he said. “Credit to the staff, especially Mikayla Young who rides her in all her work and got her to where she is today. She’s a lovely big strong mare and I think they further they go the better she will get.”

Michael Freedman’s $2.70 favourite looked to have the race one before Vandelay Style appeared from the pack. Lehndorff ($3.80) trained by Mark Newnham was third.

Race 7 – KIM WAUGH RACING MIDWAY BM68 (1350m):

Damien Lane’s eight-year-old Oakfield Twilight returned to form to bring up his eighth career win ending a frustrating run of outs for the stable. 

The Zoffany gelding was having his 56^th career start and given a peach of a ride by Brad Rawiller. 

Despite drawing the outside barrier, Rawiller was able to cross and eventually get a soft lead in front. He drew away on the turn and kicked to score by two and a half lengths. 

Lane said it was good to get back on the board with a win. 

“We’ve had a frustrating run without much luck and its good to finally get a win. Brad rode him a treat. He likes to get in front dictating and that’s what he did. He’s been a super horse for Bruce (McKenzie) and me. He might be past his best, but he’s still got a few wins in him.”

Oakfield Twilight ($5.50) beat Clarry Connors $3.40 favourite Peace Officer, with Impressive Lass ($7) trained by Clare Collett, third. 

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT MEETING – APRIL 20, 2023 BM64 (1100m):

It was a race to race double for Damien Lane with his five-year-old Princess Amira ($13) edging out another local on the line, Rodney Bailey’s Mr Bingo. 

The win came as a bit of a surprise for Lane who had expected she would need more time. 

“She trialled super the other day, but I was surprised who forward she was today,” Lane said. 

“Her first preparation for us was really good but she didn’t com e up last prep. She seems to have come back really well this time. It’s funny you can’t get a winner and then get two in a row,” Lane said. “It’s always good to get a win on the home track and hopefully the luck has changed and we’re on for a good period.”

Princess Amira, ridden by Jenny Duggan, brought up her third win at start 15, with five minor placings. 

She beat Mr Bingo ($16) by a nose, with Cappelllettii ($6) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable third. 

`

FOUR times winner Kris Lees has been a slow starter in this year’s Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championship, failing to qualify a runner in the first four heats for the $500,000 Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 8 on Day 2 of The Championships. Now he has two representatives – and a great chance to make it three Final victories in a row after import Acquitted trounced his rivals in today’s 1350m Qualifier to join stablemate Cloudland, who ran second at Kembla Grange a week ago. A dashing ride by Koby Jennings, who was permitted by RacingNSW stewards to declare 0.5kg overweight and landed his third winner of the day, saw Acquitted circle the field and beat Hawkesbury pair Cross TheRubicon and Soloist. Whilst Lees has two finalists (with the 1400m Wildcard at Newcastle on Thursday being the last chance for trainers to qualify their horses), leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup has three, courtesy of Cross The Rubicon, who joined stablemates Phearson (Hawkesbury Qualifier winner) and last week’s Kembla Grange 1400m record breaker Short Shorts in another Qualifier. Acquitted’scomprehensive victory didn’t go unnoticed by market framers at TAB.com.au, who reacted by shortening his quote for The Final to $6 third favorite, not far behind other heat winners Kayobi ($4) and Short Shorts ($4.50).  Jockey Aaron Bullock was replaced on four rides as he was overweight, and RacingNSW stewards intend to interview him on a date to be fixed.Overnight rain resulted in a substantial downgrade to a “Heavy 10” for the beginning of the meeting, but was upgraded to a “Heavy 9” immediately after that race was run, and remained there for the rest of the program.

Race 1 – LAKES PODIATRY 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):HARDLY the best start for punters when heavily-backed favourite Russian Rose ($2.40 to $1.90) couldn’t even manage a placing in a field of six. She settled outside the leader and eventual winner DE POET ($3.90), but didn’t appear comfortable handling the home turn and was unable to finish the race off, being edged out on the line by third placegetter Bantarki ($12). Warwick Farm trainer Jason Coyle had set his lightly-raced gelding DE POET for a first-up tilt, having won both his trials (804m and 974m) on his home track earlier this month. A $50,000 Inglis Classic yearling sale buy in 2021, he was having only his third start and first since November. Jockey Koby Jennings had him away smartly to lead, and he never really looked in danger in the straight, although Beauty Bound ($6) on debut was doing good work at the end and got close after beginning awkwardly. A Sebring filly, she had trialled three times in preparation for her first appearance in a race, and is definitely going to be better suited as she gets over more ground.

Race 2 – REWARD HOMES PROVINCIAL CLASS 1 HCP (1350m):LEADING Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup claimed his 46^thwinner of the season – but not with the horse most punters had hoped. Widdup put winkers on both his representatives, and jockey Koby Jennings made it victories in the opening two races when FUN SUNDAY ($4) overpowered stablemate Justina ($2.15 favorite) in the closing stages to post her second career success (along with six placings) at her 13^thstart. Even though she finished ahead of her stablemate in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) at Newcastle on March 9, Justina was clearly the best backed of the pair. Locally-trained Uncaged ($3.20) was also well in commission at his first start for Kristen Buchanan, and got his own way in front with a comfortable lead. Stewards advised Buchanan that a warning would be placed on Uncaged re his racing manners after he blundered on jumping and hung out rounding the home turn and in the straight and proved difficult to test. Justina’s rider Alysha Collett, concerned Uncaged was getting it too easy, began to improve her position from the 600m, and looked the winner when she took over in the straight. However, FUN SUNDAY had the drop on her and was strongest to the line.  

Race 3 – LIFEFUL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):The well-named DOMINGO (out of a mare called Falsetto) made short work of his rivals here and looks to have a future as a stayer. Bookmakers took risks and bet as much as $1.90 before he firmed to start a dominant $1.50 hotpot – and his backers never had a moment’s worry. Jockey Alysha Collett gave him the run of the race in third place behind Balinor and Strobing before making her move at the 600m, and he was dominant over the last 200m. A $115,000 Ready To Run purchase in New Zealand in 2021, DOMINGO has been taken along steadily by trainer John O’Shea, who ran him only once as a two-year-old, and he is really hitting his straps now, with a trip to Melbourne firmly on the cards. DOMINGO broke through in a 2000m Class 1/Maiden Plate at Canberra on March 12, and handled the heavy ground here without any problems. Rank outsider Flatout Elle ($51) and Australian Citizen ($19) filled the minor placings, but were never likely to catch the winner, who scored by a widening four plus lengths. Whilst the form might look questionable considering the runner-up has won only one race – and that was at $151 in a 1600m Maiden at Gosford in June, 2020 as a three-year-old – from 19 starts, DOMINGO continues to improve and does look capable of going on to better things.

Race 4 – PETER MAC’S SERVICE CENTRE MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):FULL marks to jockey Keagan Latham, who ran third in the second race at Rosehill Gardens at 12.45pm on Waverley ($8.50), then changed and headed straight to Wyong for the 3.05pm event. The drive to the Central Coast was worth it as he was successful on favorite VEGAS OUTLAW ($3.50) for trainer Sara Ryan, who struck a blow for the locals in scoring with the six-year-old gelding for Domeland Pty Ltd. The Casino Prince six-year-old was a $20,000 yearling buy for his original trainer Jarrod Austin, but did not race for him after trialling on four occasions. He has been with Ryan for all nine starts, and doesn’t lack heart. He looked in trouble when headed by third placegetter Meerut ($8.50) after straightening, but fought back strongly to regain the lead and then held off Kim Waugh’s Riley Park ($4.40), making it a quinella for local trainers. VEGAS OUTLAW was having his fifth start this campaign and followed up on a previous second placing, though beaten easily, in a 1400m Maiden Plate at Kembla Grange on March 10 when he raced as though the extra 200m would suit.

Race 5 – THE ARY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE (1200m):WITH dual Group 1 winning parents Dundeel and Secret Admirer, it was no surprise blueblood TOWNSEND ($5) made a successful debut for co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Ridden by Winona Costin, who continued her formidable association with the stable at the provincials, the colt was always handy and, after having to alter course to gain clear running, burst through on the inside of favorite Snippety Star ($2.80) to grab the lead not far from the post. He beat the Godolphin stablemates Vividness ($5), who was also having her first start, and Abstruse ($7). TOWNSEND fetched $360,000 at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale, and being by Dundeel, looks certain to continue to improve as his distances are increased. He had been given two recent trials; the latest when runner-up to The King, who also made his debut last Wednesday on the Kensington track and was a strong finishing second. Snippety Star made the running and appeared to travel comfortably enough before being collared in the closing stages and was beaten less than a length in finishing fourth.

Race 6 – NATIONAL AIR PARTS MAIDEN HCP (1350m):THE outsider winning a four-horse race! How often does it happen? Newcastle trainer Mark Minervini’s decision to book apprentice Georgina McDonnell proved telling as her 3kg claim meant DUBAI FLYER ($7) carried 2.5kg to 4kg less than his three rivals. A $50,000 yearling buy for Minervini Racing, DUBAI FLYER is out of an unraced mare by renowned wet track sire Snitzel. He raced outside the leader and favorite Just An Upstart ($1.90), and looked gone when he became unbalanced on the home turn and looked likely to run last of the quartet. However, he balanced up in the straight and, courtesy of his weight advantage, gathered in his opposition to defeat Theoneandonly ($4.60) and Just An Upstart. DUBAI FLYER was having only his second start and, though beaten clearly on debut in a 1280m Maiden at Muswellbrook on March 10, did make some ground when last of 14 runners at the 800m. 

Race 7 – POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL-MIDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER (1350m):KOBY Jennings not only clinched a treble, but deservedly earned ride of the day plaudits. He didn’t wait for someone else to make a move and, when trapped wide on ACQUITTED ($3.10) in the second half of the field, took off nearing the 600m and circled the field. Kris Lees’ import again showed his liking for heavy ground, having won his first Australian race last May on a “Heavy 8”, and went right on with the job, pulling away in the last 200m to score by two and a half lengths from Hawkesbury pair, Brad Widdup’s Cross The Rubicon ($21), who just nudged out Claire Lever’s Soloist ($61). Lees was adamant beforehand that Acquittedhad taken improvement from his first-up fourth to True Crime in the Newcastle Qualifier (1400m) on March 9, and the overnight rain put the icing on the cake. Cross The Rubicon’s performance in defeat was full of merit. She began awkwardly and contacted the off side barrier partition, then shifted in abruptly and lost a couple of lengths as a result. She came from last and tried hard to match the winner, whilst Soloist ran his best race this campaign. Kim Waugh’s solidly backed favorite Conrad ($2.90) raced up on the speed, but faded to finish eighth. His jockey Keagan Latham afterwards told stewards he felt Conrad didn’t handle the heavy ground even though he had some prior wet track form. The gelding displayed a poor post-race recovery. Fielding (ninth at $10) pulled up 1/5 lame in the near foreleg.

Race 8 – TWIN LAKES AIR & SOLAR CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP (1200m):NEWCASTLE trainer Nathan Doyle celebrated a quick two-State double when PAD THAI ($8.50) finished best for his second win from his last three starts. Doyle less than a quarter of an hour earlier had seen his promising four-year-old Kipsbay extend his picket fence to four when he bolted in at Eagle Farm. PAD THAI settled in last place in the field of seven, but rider Lee Magorrian got a split on him between runners when it mattered and came from nowhere to defeat Mr Polar ($19), who looked like causing an upset when he took the lead on straightening and was run down only in the closing stages. Akaka Falls ($10) was the widest runner in the straight and kept up a strong gallop to finish a close third. Favorite Ningaloo Star ($2.90) harmed her chances by being slowly away after being fractious in the barrier. In the circumstances she wasn’t disgraced in finishing fourth and may be worth another chance. Second favorite Our Lady Stardust ($3.10) also was slowly away and finished last of seven runners. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any abnormalities.

Ashley Morgan took out the riding honours with a double, but it was Brenton Avdulla who stole the show with a memorable ride on Speak Up in the 1300m Maiden. 

In a busy day for stewards, there were two protests, both dismissed, while the judge couldn’t split Pharoah’s Reign and Capital Asset in the 1350m BM68, declaring a dead heat. 

Kristen Buchanan trained a winner for the locals, with Street Candi continuing her great home track form with another win. Catch up on all the highlights here. 

Race 1 – INSURANCE HOUSE CLASS 1 (1600m):

A popular home track win in the first, with the Kristen Buchanan trained Street Candi ($6.50) upsetting the more favoured runners to post an impressive victory. 
The Pride Of Dubai mare has now won both her two starts on the Wyong track, having posted a string of placings before her maiden win over the 1600m on January 23. 

She was coming off a fifth at Newcastle on February 4 where she was beaten just over a length.

Buchanan described the four-year-old as “super genuine.”

“She tries very, very hard but can work against you if try to restrain her too much. It was an outstanding ride by Ash (Morgan) today,” she said. 

“He rode her a treat last start and has figured her out. I thought she might be way too hot today, but she’s matured and grown up a lot.”

There were few excuses for the beaten brigade, with the $2.10 favourite, John O’Shea’s Condrieulaying out on the turn and dropping out in the straight to finish fifth. Jockey Reece Jones telling stewards she was disappointing in her failure to finish off the race. 

Runner up, Silvakia ($6.50) from the Newnham yard, fought on well, while Maralago ($4.20) trained by Anthony Cummings was third. 

Race 2 – AMTOTE CG&E MAIDEN (1100m):

Adam Duggan was full of praise for his Written Tycoon gelding Restrictions after the five-year-old made short work of his opponents in his first Australian start. 

The former Hong Kong galloper caught the eye of Duggan when he first spotted him in the paddock, and he is confident he will live up to his expectations. 

“It’s a relief to get the win,” Duggan said. “I put my cash forward to get him. He showed a lot of promise and got the job done today.”

Dylan Gibbons rated Restrictions perfectly in front and was able to hold out the late challengers to win by a length.

Duggan believes he can improve more ridden quieter.

“He shows a lot of speed, but I still don’t think that’s the way to ride him. I think he’ll be even better with a sit. I thought the second horse had him cold at the furlong, but he had good upside and was strong late. I really think he’s got a good future.”

Restrictions earned strong support to start $4.60. It had been 12 months between his last Hong Kong run, with a trial at Gosford on January 24.

The Neasham trained Chartwell ($4) was second, with Grand Crusader ($2.10fav) third and appearing to have every chance.

Race 3 – MECHPRO SOLUTIONS AU F&M MAIDEN (1100m): 

John Thompson’s filly Zarinya ($11) broke through for her first win, but it could have been a different story if the short priced favourite Eagle Nest had got a run in the straight. 

Chad Schofield, aboard the $2 favourite, found himself behind a wall of horses on straightening and when he did find clear running, the Ryan/Alexiou filly looked flat footed for a stride or two before speeding home to finish a close second. 

All credit to the winner Zarinya who was angled off the rails in the straight and ridden hard to the line by Brock Ryan. 

Anne-Maree Mulligan, representing the Thompson stable, said they had changed the filly’s gear leading into the race, which seemed to make the difference. 

“We put blinkers on today and they really helped. Brock put in a good ride too. We’ve tinkered with her gear a little bit and, it’s worked. She will get plenty of confidence out of that.”

A $50,000 yearling, Zarinya was having her fifth career start. Peter Robl’s Sky Artist ($7.50) was third, with Eagle Nest the one to follow.

Race 4 – LINCOLN ELECTRIC MAIDEN (1300m):

The superlatives were flowing freely for Brenton Avdulla who lived up to his nickname with a gun ride on the O’Shea trained filly Speak Up.

Avdulla was able to cross to the fence from barrier eight and pinch ground along the rails, trailing Tim Clark on the Cummings trained Moonflower ($6.50).

He waited patiently when held up in the straight before weaving a passage through to snatch victory on the line. 

Tom Charlton from the O’Shea stable was complimentary of the ride. 

“He’s seeing them well at the moment Brenton. He’s a good man and he’s always ridden well for John, all class.”

Charlton said Speak Up, a $220,000 Magic Millions yearling raced in partnership by Frank and Christine Cook, had been a work in progress but would take plenty of confidence from the win. 

Moonflower was the runner-up and not far off a win, with the Nathan Doyle trained Ambassadors ($9) finishing off strongly in third. 

Race 5 – SITE INNOVATION PROVINCIAL MAIDEN (1600m):

It was an easy watch for favourite backers with the result never in doubt for the well supported Owari($1.45) trained by Brad Widdup.

Brett Prebble partnered the Astern three-year-old, in his only ride for the day, and was able to dictate terms up front. 

He had pressure from Ashley Morgan on the Doyle trained Higher Hand ($7.50) mid-race but was able to find another gear and speed away in the straight to win by more than two lengths. 

“He won as his price suggested and was too good for them,” stable representative Andre Rabbett said. “Brett rode him with confidence knowing he was likely the best horse in the race. The horse is still really learning and there is plenty of improvement to come.”

Prebble agreed saying Owari would keep ‘getting bigger and stronger and would run for days.’ 

Kim Waugh’s Piccadilly Lass ($15) isn’t far off breaking through finishing second, with High Hand third. 

Race 6 – KINCROME BM64 HANDICAP (1000m):

Speedy Flying Artie mare Miss Violet ($3.90fav) made the step up to Provincial class in a sentimental victory for her owners. 

The four-year-old, who made it three wins from eight starts, is part-owned by Gary Johnson. 

Trainer Mark Minervini said Johnson named the mare after his granddaughter Violet. 

“It’s her birthday today so it was meant to be,” he said. “I wasn’t totally convinced she was up to Provincial class just yet but when we saw the field and the barrier, I thought she’d be right in it. 

“They took her on early, it was pretty willing, but she was tough to the line. Ashley (Morgan) suggested we put the blinkers on her, and I think she found another length or two. I’m proud of her today.”

The win brought up a double for Morgan, who had to ride hard to the line to hold out the fast-finishing Amazing Nicci ($17) from the Portelli yard. 

Mark Newnham’s Crystalane ($4.60) was a close third, with less than half a length separating the three. 

Winning connections had a few anxious moments after Alysha Collett fired in a protest against the winner alleging interference approaching the 100m, which was dismissed with the both riders told to exercise more care when shifting ground.

Race 7 – 4.50pm: MACK CONDITIONAL BM68 (1350m):

The judge couldn’t split Pharoah’s Reign ($10) or Capital Asset ($5.50) who hit the line together in a dead heat, with the Freedman and Snowden father and son partnerships sharing the spoils. 

Richard and Will Freedman’s American Pharoah mare Pharoah’s Reign brought up her fourth career win, ridden by Rachel King, while Snowden’s three-year-old gelding Capital Asset scored his second win at start eight, with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. 

In the second protest of the afternoon, Bayliss claimed interference in the last 50m by King but following a lengthy deliberation stewards dismissed the protest.

Soloist ($26) trained by Clare Lever was third, beaten less than a long neck. 

Race 8 – INFRABUILD MIDWAY CLASS 1 (1200m):

Another Wyong specialist greeted the judge with Galactic Angel ($11) bringing up her second win on the track. 

The Zoustar mare, a $360,000 Inglis yearling trained by Anthony Cummings, was given a great front running ride by in-form apprentice Tyler Schiller. 

She brought up her first career win at Wyong in December last year and was then placed third there prior to her latest victory.

“She does seem to like it here,” Brock Walker, representing the stable said. 

“She’s been going good this preparation. Tyler rated her very well today, got her to switch off and she got home very nicely.”

The locally trained Skye Banner ($10) from the Partelle yard put in a strong performance to finish second after jumping awkwardly, while Peter Robl had to settle for another third with his $2.90 favourite Hasten Delight. 

Brock Walker GA – won here 3 starts back. Sagy outside lead and put away nicely, Same tactics today, jumpu and do the same today. 

Wet weather may have impacted the crowd but certainly didn’t affect the racing, with several impressive performances across the seven races and a clean sweep for Chad Schofield, winning on both his mounts.

Kris Lees looks to have a handy prospect in Russian Revolution three-year-old Brudenell, who brought up his third win from just five starts in the 1000m BM64. 

Earl Of Devon could live up to his $230,000 price tag, the New Zealand bred three-year-old staying prospect breaking through at just his second start for trainer John Thompson. 

The Mark Newnham trained Lim’s Sydney could be one to follow with a dominant win in the 1100 Maiden, while training duo Tara and Phillipe Vigouroux were celebrating in the last with Izfallihngdown greeting the judge at $26.

The track held up well after being downgraded to a heavy 8 before the first race.  

Race 1 – BOOK YOUR NET FUNCTION AT WYONG RACE CLUB CLASS 1 (1100m)

An upset in the first with the Joe Pride trained Pole Position ($8) too strong in the final stages over the 1100m. 

The Astern gelding was in a battle down the straight with the Kim Waugh’s Oxford Vision ($11) and got the bob on the line to score by a head. 

The first and second placegetters kicked clear in the straight and Brad Widdup’s short priced favourite Justina looked like being well beaten. 

She hit a flat spot-on straightening before storming home late to finish third and looks like the one to follow. The Snitzel filly was sent out $2.05 favourite after late support, with the Lees trained second favourite Zanzibar Gem ($2.60) appearing to have no excuses. Aaron Bullock later relayed to stewards, the mare failed to handle the heavy track.

There were plenty of excited owners on course to cheer home the winner, a $50k Magic Millions buy, raced by Triple Crown and ridden by Chad Schofield

“It was a good debut run for him,” Pride said. “It looked a suitable assignment first up, it’s a good start to his preparation and there is good improvement to come.”

Race 2 – PRESILIENT – MANAGED IT SERVICES PROVINCIAL BM64 (1000m)

The Lees trained Brudenell showed his class to overcome a wide run and bring up his third win from just five starts. 

The son of Russian Revolution was sent out $2.70 favourite on the strength of his dominant win over the same distance at Tamworth last start. 

Stable representative Danny Greer said the three-year-old was showing plenty of promise. 

“We expect him to progress nicely through his grades,” he said. “He had no favours today, posted wide without cover, but Aaron (Bullock) got him moving at the right time and it was a solid win in the end.”

The Ben Smith trained Belieber ($3.60), who was the recipient of late support, battled on gamely to finish second, with the Perry trained Aspen Chase ($7) third. 

Race 3 – ABCOE CENTRAL COAST MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m)

John Thompson looks to have a handy stayer on his hands, with Earl Of Devon ($8) scoring a nice first up win over the 1350m. 

The New Zealand bred three-year-old by Tavistock, a $230,000 Karaka yearling, was resuming from a spell having been unplaced at his only start. 

Coming off just one trial, he earnt support with the punters, opening at $13 and starting at $8. 

Despite being caught wide, Keagan Latham gave the gelding a good ride just off the speed and just when the $2.20 favourite Shigeru looked like he was going to break through for a win, Earl Of Devon was able to run him down on the line to win by a long neck.

Rod Craig, representing the stable, said they had expected a good run first up. 

“We wanted him to be more on the pace today and he was ridden beautifully,” he said. “I was a bit worried coming to the turn that he was pushing him along, but he levelled out nice. He’s a nice horse and it was a good win today.”

Lord Bob, ($5.60) trained locally by Allan Kehoe, was third. 

Race 4 – BIDFOOD MAIDEN (1100m)

Lim’s Energy ($1.50) won like a short-priced favourite should, putting more than three lengths on his opposition. 

The Smart Missile three-year-old was having just his second career start, after finishing second on debut at Nowra on January 8. 

Trainer Mark Newnham, had him over the same distance at Wyong and he was again partnered by apprentice Tyler Schiller, who gave the gelding a gun ride, despite copping interference at the 600m. 

He settled him one out, one back in the small field, before taking him to the front on straightening where he sped away for a dominant win. 

Schiller had been confident Lim’s Energy could break his maiden. 

“He was very good at his first start but was a bit wayward when he hit the front. I thought he would show a good turn of foot late and he did.”

The Matthew Smith trained Fiancetto ($7) was second and will be improved by the run, while Choix De La Mer ($4.20) from the Snowden stable, was third. 

Race 5 – GIBBOS PIES MAIDEN (1600m)

John O’Shea’s New Zealand bred More Saintly ($5.50) showed a super turn of foot to present Chad Schofield with a winning double.

The Reliable Man three-year-old was stepping out for the third time, his second start over the 1600m. 

He looks certain to excel over more ground after showing a great turn of foot to overhaul the leader and race favourite Bridget Wenlock ($4.20) in the final stages. 

The Neasham runner looked to have the race won after shooting away in the straight, before More Saintly emerged from the pack and gave chase, overhauling the favourite on the line to win by half a length. 

The Waller trained Stella Simone ($5.50) could be one to follow, finishing strongly in third. 

Race 6 – COAST & COUNTRY MEATS WYONG BM64(1600m)

The addition of blinkers and a trouble-free run set the tone for Real Peace to bring up his fifth career win after being sent out $3.30 favourite. 

The Clarry Connors trained five-year-old, a $30,000 Magic Millions yearling, has returned nearly $300,000 for his owners, many who were trackside to celebrate his latest victory. 

Tom Sherry was able to put the gelding in a good position despite the wide barrier, and when he gave him his head in the straight, he pulled away to win by three lengths. 

“He’s a horse that tends to find trouble and Tom took all the bad luck out of the equation today and sat outside the leader,” Marc Connors said. “He didn’t get in trouble and got the job done. He relaxed really well and when Tom asked, he gave plenty. The blinkers helped today as well.”

Mark Cross’s Sian’s ($5) put in another honest performance to finish second, with the Widdup trained Ausbred Bluebird ($8) third and looking for more ground.  

Race 7 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING BJ HOWES METALAND RACE DAY FEBRUARY 21 BM64 (2100m)

A rough result in the staying race with an outsider Izfallingdown upsetting her more fancied rivals to return $26.

Trained at Hawkesbury by Tara and Philippe Vigouroux, the six-year-old mare was having her first start over the 2100m and appreciated the extra ground, with a tough win. 

The Vigouroux’s have taken their time with Izfallingdown, a daughter of American sire London Bridge, who they race with Tara’s father former Hawkesbury Race Club chairman Ken Quigley. 

She was coming off a third at Canberra over 1600m on January 11. 

Taylor settled Izfallingdown midfield before circling the field on the turn and hitting the front on straightening. She toughed it out in the straight and was able to stave off the placegetters, the Doyle trained Brave Angel ($5.50) and Endorphins ($3.90) from the Lees stable, with both having every chance. It was Brave Angel’s last race, with the mare in foal. 

Tom Sherry reported to stewards Allan Kehoe’s $3.90 favourite Dragon Dream, had faield to back up after racing a Canterbury on Friday night.