raceday review

IT’S all in 24 hours’ work.
Jockey Winona Costin was in Tasmania on Friday to land a feature race for co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, then returned home to ride the last two winners at Wyong yesterday.
The much-travelled Costin, who chalked up 84 winners last season and is approaching a career tally of 550, was successful in the Listed Tasmanian Guineas (1600m) on three-year-old Russian Roni, who clinched a hat-trick.
She was at Wyong principally to partner stablemate Bucks Party in a successful debut and then finished off a busy 24 hours by also winning the closer on Miss Checkoni for Gosford trainer Nick Mitchell.
Punters who went to the meeting expecting to clean up on three short-priced favourites were left bitterly disappointed when none were successful.
Asva ($1.55) managed third and Overriding ($1.26) was narrowly beaten before bookmakers took a set against locally trained True Crime, who was withdrawn from a Rosehill Gardens engagement to resume on his home track when trainer Kim Waugh opted not to run him on a heavy surface in Sydney.
After opening at odds-on, he got out to start at $2.20 and couldn’t pick up Costin’s mount Miss Checkoni, although he ran on well.
The seven-race program was conducted on a soft 7 track and there were no suspensions, although Blake Spriggs was reprimanded by Stewards after his ride in the sixth race and told to exercise more care when shifting ground in future.

RACE 1: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN (1600m):
The ride won the race. Jockey Jeff Penza took off from second last on Gleefilly nearing the 600m when the pace was muddling, and hotpot Asva was behind the leading pair and being steadied off heels. Gleefilly ($4.80) continued on with her run, took the lead on the home turn and kept going to comfortably defeat Pioneer Lass ($10) and the $1.55 favourite. A lightly raced Kermadec three-year-old who cost only $35,000 as a yearling, Gleefilly was having only her fourth start and continues to show improvement. On this performance, she looks capable of stretching out further in distance. Jockey Mitchell Bell told stewards Asva started to race keenly when the speed slackened near the 700m. He added that when able to secure clear running at the top of the straight, his mount finished the race off only fairly. Kaisa, who finished last of the seven runners, pulled up 1/5 lame in the off foreleg and a vet clearance is required before she can either trial or race again.
RACE 2: BISHOP COLLINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS BENCHMARK 64 (2100m):
FORMER French gelding Flambeur ($3.80 favourite) finally cracked it for his first Australian win. Trainer Matthew Smith was confident beforehand the seven-year-old could break his Aussie “duck” and jockey Ashley Morgan duly delivered. Nonetheless, it looked a bit dicey in the early stages when the seven-year-old was trapped wide until Morgan was able to secure cover in the back straight. He found the drop back to Provincial grade to his liking, having been runner-up to Made By Khan (who raced at Sandown Saturday) in a 2000m Midway Handicap at Royal Randwick on Christmas Eve. Under his 60kg today, he outstayed Nathan Doyle’s stablemates Celestial Fury ($12) and Brave Angel ($7). That pair are capable of getting into the winning list soon, both finishing solidly although never likely to overhaul the winner.

RACE 3: PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS MIDWAY MAIDEN (1000m):
Well supported first starter First Class Molley was a late withdrawal when she became fractious in the barriers, reared up and lunged forward and momentarily got her head cast over the front gate. Stewards ruled she would have to barrier trial to their satisfaction being before permitted to start in a race. At his 16th start and after seven placings, Newcastle trained Super Freds ($4.60) shed his maiden status. Ridden by Andrew Adkins, the four-year-old settled near the tail but got a magnificent run through on straightening to run down Mr Kennedy ($7.50), who had kicked clear and looked a likely winner. Trainer Jay Hopkins said Super Freds was consistent, but usually found a way to strike trouble in his races and should have won a couple of starts back when runner-up at Taree. Separatist ($3.20 fav) was resuming and lost all chance when he didn’t make the home turn well and battled on to finish third. He will no doubt take improvement from this outing.

RACE 4: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION F&M CLASS 1 (1350m):

Another “shortie” bit the dust here. Newcastle filly Overriding had made a winning debut at home in a 1200m Maiden on Boxing Day and was sent out at $1.26 against only four rivals. However, she never travelled like the good thing she was expected to be. She jumped awkwardly, then had to be steadied to avoid the heels of another runner near the 400m and shifted in under pressure from the 100m to 50m before being straightened. Just as she looked some chance of getting past Galactic Angel (third at $6.50), Definitely Maybe ($9) swooped and nabbed her in the closing stages. A $370,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling, the So You Think four-year-old gave her trainer Matt Smith a double. While Overriding was beaten, she is definitely worth another chance.

RACE 5: GO ELECTRICAL CG&E CLASS 1 (1350m):
Wild Irish Rover ($6) won his Maiden on protest at Wyong on December 14 and jockey Andrew Adkins considered attempting a similar feat. His mount was narrowly beaten by Smooth Flight ($3.60 fav) and he asked to view Stewards’ footage to establish whether there were grounds to lodge an objection against the winner. Both Adkins and Stewards were satisfied there were insufficient grounds for a protest and correct weight was declared. Smooth Flight, a four-year-old by Air Force Blue, was having his seventh start and notched his second success. Watch The Clock ($7.50) followed up his recent Hawkesbury win with a solid third, running on gamely. Apprentice Georgina McDonnell was reminded of her obligations to fully ride her mounts out to the finish wherever possible after just holding fourth on Mancconi from By Nine, who was resuming and ran home stoutly and is looking for further ground.

RACE 6: CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES MAIDEN (1350m):
The Waterhouse-Bott stable is happy to send inexperienced young horses to the Provincials to begin their careers – and such was the case with New Zealand-bred three-year-old BUCKS PARTY ($3.60 fav). He made his debut after overcoming a stress fracture and contesting four barrier trials and gave Winona Costin the first leg of her double. He did a good job too, beginning well and sitting behind Sir Tom before challenging that horse and taking over on straightening. Though hotly pursued in the closing stages, Bucks Party wouldn’t surrender and toughed it out to hold off Diaco ($21) and Mister Hemsworth ($7.50). The runner-up had done nothing in five previous starts, so this was an indication that he is turning the corner. Nice run also from fourth placed Competition, who drew awkwardly and hit the line with purpose.

RACE 7:  WYONG’S NEXT RACES JANUARY 18TH & 22ND PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 (1200m):
Bookmakers gambled and won when the third supposed “special” Kim Waugh’s True Crime couldn’t send most punters home with at least something in their pockets. Easing from odds-on to start at $2.20, True Crime was under pressure from the 600m and still found the line, but was no match for Miss Checkoni ($7), who enjoyed a comfortable run in transit and eased around the leader’s heels at the 200m to score decisively. Jockey Andrew Gibbons told Stewards in his opinion True Crime will derive a fitness benefit from the outing and be better suited over a longer distance. Miss Checkoni was considered good enough to tackle a heat of the Provincial Championships at Newcastle last March, so her win at her third run this preparation was certainly no surprise. She was dropping back from a last start fifth in city grade at Canterbury, and recorded her fourth victory. Local mare Mosht Up ($8.50) loomed up menacingly and finished third, whilst iron horse ISORICH ($13) faltered near the 100m before finishing fifth. Another local Oakfield Mahogany ($3.40) was strongly supported and appeared to have every chance when fourth.

His father took out the Wyong Magic Millions and later had success on the Gold Coast and Sovereign Fund could well follow in his footsteps after his debut win in the MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 2YO CLASSIC.

The Snowden’s trained star colt Capitalist, who took out the Wyong race in 2015, went on to claim success in both the Gold Coast feature and the Golden Slipper the following year.

Sovereign Fund has impressed both the stable and champion jockey James McDonald, who believe he’s got what it takes to take out the $2m Gold Coast 2Y0 Classic in January. 

“It was a tradesman like performance today,” McDonald said, after bringing up a treble with the win. “He’s a ready-made two-year-old, big and strong, and he’ll cope with a preparation that’s involved with getting him to the Gold Coast. 

“If he improves off the win today, and he should, he’s got the tactical speed and is tough enough to be a good chance. He’s a nice horse.”

Paul Snowden agreed Sovereign Fund had the ability to win the Gold Coast feature. He’s come a long way in a short space of time.

“This has always been the main form race going north and he’s a pretty strong and tough. He will improve off today’s win and has the constitution to get up there in good order. 

“He was a very unassuming horse early, very shy and didn’t like to be cluttered up around other runners, which was very evident in his first trial. We’ve done a lot of work with him on the track and tinkering with a bit of gear. He keeps ticking boxes and putting his hand up.”

Snowden said they had been confident leading into the race. 

“What gave us confidence today was the initial fast tempo and the fact we drew so well. If everything jumped clean and decided to put tempo into the race, when knew we’d get a lovely cart into the race. 

“James summed it up particularly well and he was the strongest late, which is what we wanted him to be.”

Sovereign Fund, a $550,000 Magic Millions yearling, earned late support starting at $6 on the back of his recent trial at Canterbury, where he finished second behind The Novelist, a subsequent Kembla winner. 

He is now listed as an $11 chance at the Gold Coast and will join stable mates Empire Of Japan, the current $5 favourite and Godfather $11.

Dubbo galloper Quasimoto ($51) flashed down the outside to finish second, giving trainer Clint Lundholm a “great thrill.”

Summer Loving ($4), trained by Waterhouse/Bott was third, while the Widdup trained $3.70 favourite, Fire Lane, finished fourth.

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John O’Shea is Gold Coast bound with not one but two three-year-olds after a quinella by stablemates Hell I Am and Shalailed in the MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 3YO & 4YO STAKES over 1200m. 

Hell I Am, a $150,000 Magic Millions yearling, was sent out $2.70 favourite and the win was never in doubt, courtesy of another great ride by James McDonald. 

He had intended to go back from the outside barrier, but a muddling start landed him just behind the front runners. 

It turned out to be the perfect spot, with Hell I Am hitting the front on straightening and speeding away in the final stages to win by almost two lengths. 

The Hellbent gelding came into the race with impressive form, putting together three wins in his previous preparation, all on rain affected tracks. 

Punters were confident a good track wouldn’t affect him, and they weren’t disappointed. 

Shalailed was impressive in defeat, with the stable sharing a good opinion of the Shalaa colt. 

Racing Manager Alex Maher was full of praise for McDonald. 

“What a ride. We didn’t expect him to be up there, but it all panned out pretty well. He’s a lovely horse going forward. He’s a lot more mature than he was and has grown up a bit,” Maher said.

“I wouldn’t write off the second horse, he’s also a lovely horse. It’s good to see them both performing on top of the ground. They’ll both have one more run now and then head to the Gold Coast.”

Hell I Am now shares equal favouritism at $8 for the race and McDonald is a fan.

“He only had one soft trial coming into this but has come on immensely from that. He felt terrific on top of the ground and is a lovely horse.”

Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Triumph ($81) ran on strongly to finish third and also looks to have a bright future.

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It was a fight to the line for the two greys Jack Duggan and Youthfull in the MAINSTREAM FINANCE SERVICES PTY LTD BM64 (2100m) with the $2.50 favourite Jack Duggan getting the bob on the line. 

Jason Deamer’s American import brought up his third win at start 14, with Tim Clark in the saddle. 

The five-year-old outstayed Youthfull ($3.90) in the final stages, the Brad Widdup trained mare, wayward in the straight. 

Deamer was pleased with the efforts of his five-year-old gelding, raced by Dynamic Syndications, having his first outing at the 2100m.

“It was a real staying test, and he was strong at the finish,” he said. “Tim rode him very well. He put him to sleep, and he relaxed nicely and was able to sit and smoke his pipe until he pushed the go button. He had a fight on his hands but got the job done. It was great to see him back to the winner’s stall today.”

Chappelli ($7.50) trained by David Payne was third. 

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The O’Shea stable has big wraps on Irish import Master Copy who brought up his third Australian win in the WYONG LEAGUES GROUP CLASS 1 over 1600m.

The four-year-old broke through for his maiden at Kembla on November 22 over the 1400m and made short work of his opponents at Wyong, looking the winner a long way from home. 

He was sent out at $1.65 favourite and given a super ride by James McDonald, just behind the leaders. He took him to the front on straightening, riding hands and heels to the line to win by a length and a half. 

“We are looking forward to bigger and better things,” Racing Manger Alex Maher said. “He’s one of the better imports we’ve had, and John has a good opinion of him.”

McDonald agreed in his first ride back from Hong Kong after being named the Worlds’ Best Jockey. 

“He’s a lovely horse. Still a bit new but he’s got plenty of pace and a good mind and that will take him a long way.”

Wayne Seelin’s Every Effort ($61) put in an improved performance to finish second on his home track, over another local Damien Lane’s Oakfield Redgum ($8). 

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It looked like a Godolphin victory in the 1350m GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 10-16 JAN MAIDEN, but the stewards had other ideas upholding a protest by the ridder of the runner-up Josh Parr.

Aboard the Mark Newnham trained Wild Irish Rover ($3.40), Parr claimed interference in the final 50m after he was bumped by Mr Wallace ($2.20fav), ridden by his brother-in-law Tim Clark. 

With only a nose separating them on the line, it was always going to be a touch and go decision, with stewards awarding the win to Parr after a lengthy protest.

The winner, having his sixth career start, was coming off a third on the Beaumont track on November 22, when he was beaten less than a length over the same distance. 

The Snowden trained Nullify ($4.80) finished third. 

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Alibi Dot Com brought off some big bets to take out the 1100m EBH BUILDING GROUP MIDWAY BM64. 

Trained by Greg McFarlane, the Your Song mare, gave Tim Clark a winning double. 

The five-year-old caught the eye with a second at her previous start over the 1100m at Gosford on November 30. 

She was backed in from $9 to $3.70 favourite returning some big bets.

McFarlane believes Your Song is up to Metropolitan grade.

“It was a brilliant win today. She looked to have left plenty in the tank and I think she’s a city horse,” he said. “We’ve taken our time with her, and she’s come along leaps and bounds. She just needed time to find her feet and hopefully its onwards and upwards now.”

Damien Lane’s Oakfield Mahogany ($4) was second, with O’Not A Doubt ($31) trained by Joseph Khalifeh, third.  

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The powerful Lees stable wasn’t to be denied on the day, taking out the last with Australian Bloodstock four-year-old Mobstar ($9.50).

The Shalaa gelding was too strong for his rivals when resuming in the 1300m PBL LAW GROUP PROVINCIAL BM68.

Dylan Gibbons came from the rear of the field on the turn, storming down the to win win by more than two lengths, eased down on the line. 

Stable representative Cameron Swan said Mobstar had returned a much better horse. 

“I was watching the racing and thinking Dylan had plenty of horse and just needed the luck to get out and when he did, he put them to bed very quickly,” Swan said. 

“He showed a really good turn of foot and has come back a much better horse. 

Claire Lever’s Grace Bay ($3.80) finished second, ahead of another Lees runner Terrameades ($10) third. 

A treble for Brenton Avdulla, an impressive debutant and a long shots surprise win were among the highlights of our GO Electrical Race Day.
The Ryan Alexiou trained Tsarina Sophie could be the one to follow from the meeting, bringing up her second win in as many starts.  
And the locals weren’t to be denied with Kim Waugh and Damien Lane book ending the meeting with Sir Godric and Oakfield Warpaint.
 
Race 1: LEDVANCE – HPM LEGRAND – PRYSMIAN – HAGER MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (1350m):
A Wyong winner was never in doubt in the final stages of the 1350m Maiden and it was Kim Waugh’s $2.10 favourite Sir Godric who got the bob on the line.
The Dundeel gelding fought out the finish with Tracey Bartley’s Frosbie ($3.90), the latter proving too strong in the final stages to win by a long neck. The pair put almost three lengths on the third placegetter Rabainreach ($9).
Sporting the distinctive colours of two of Australia’s biggest owners Frank and Christine Cook, Sir Godric was having his third race start and second this preparation.
Jockey Jay Ford signalled his intent early, settling him on pace beside the leader Frosbie, patiently holding his position until the final 50m.
Waugh was full of praise for Sir Godric, believing the three-year-old is a future stayer in the making.
“It was a super confident ride by Jay and great performance by what I consider to be a very progressive horse.”
 
Race 2: SHARKRACK CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):
The judge wasn’t required by Mum’s The Boss ($2.30fav) who put more than two lengths on her rivals to bring up her second career win.
The Foxwedge mare had to wait almost eight months to break through for her second victory, but trainer Brad Widdup found the perfect race at Wyong.
Her victory was assisted by a well-rated, front-running ride from Brenton Avdulla, who brought up the first of a treble of wins.
The five-year-old led from barrier to post, with Avdulla drawing away in the final stages.
Stable representative Andrew Rabbett said they had expected the mare to race well.
“It’s taken a while for her to win again but she has run in a few races that were beyond her at the time. She does have ability but has been slow maturing mentally.
“She’s starting to figure things out and we knew the step up in distance would help.”
Second favourite Vincenzo ($3.80), from the Ryan Alexiou yard, fought on well to the line, with the Gavenlock trained Tina’s Rock ($31) putting in a much-improved run to finish third.
 
Race 3: THORN – OMEGA POWER – PSA – SCHNEIDER MAIDEN PLATE (1600m):
The step up to a mile suited Lonely Rock to a tee, the Fastnet Rock four-year-old bringing up his first win at start eight.
And it was a huge upset with Ian Finn’s horse, the rank outsider of the field, returning $101.
Warwick Farm-based Finn has always had an opinion of Lonely Rock, a $350,000 Magic Millions yearling, having nominated him for last year’s Cox Plate.
Reece Jones pulled off a super ride, settling just behind the leaders, and despite being forced wide on the turn, was able to emerge from the pack in the final stages and snatch victory.
Lonely Rock was having his eighth career start and had been unplaced in all his previous runs.
He will certainly be worth following as he continues to step up over ground, as will Gary Portelli’s $2.15 favourite, Spitfire, who hung out badly in the straight, finishing fourth.
The runner-up Kaisa ($16) trained by Lou Mary, also had excuses after being held up on the tun, while the Neasham trained Jamrock ($7.50), who finished third, isn’t far off a win.
 
Race 4: RED SMOKE ALARMS – OMNI – LEVY AGENCIES – IPD MAIDEN PLATE (1000m):
Annabel Neasham’s impeccably bred debutant Anavinci ($4) kicked off her career in super fashion with a dominant win.
And it was another great ride by the in-form Avdulla, who took luck out of the equation, by leading all the way to win by almost two lengths.
The I Am Invincible filly had impressed at both her barrier trials, catching the eye with a win over the 794m at Warwick Farm on November 18.
She was sent out $3.30 second favourite and with the impressive debut win, looks to have a bright future.
Joe Pride’s $1.80 favourite Ramones was disappointing, with apprentice Tyler Schiller telling stewards he had been forced wide and without cover throughout.
Godolphin galloper Coriolis ($18) finished strongly in second after a slow start, while the Snowden trained Fanagoria ($9.50) was third.
 
Race 5: MATCHMASTER – EVOLT – TRADER – APP CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m):
Ponca ($4.20) made it back-to-back wins with a convincing victory, eased down on the line to win by a length.
The win continued a great run for Hawkesbury-based Michael Freedman, who has trained eight winners in less than a month.
By gun sire American Pharoah, Ponca was a $400,000 yearling and is raced by China Horse Club. She was coming off a last start victory at Gosford over 1200m.
Tom Sherry gave the three-year-old a great, rails hugging ride, with the filly showing an impressive turn of foot in the final stages.
Sophie Johnson, representing the stable, said it was a huge improvement by the filly.
“She was super. It was a massive improvement from her last start. She just needed a bit of winding up last time but today she just glided along like it was nothing. She’s definitely improved.”
The Hawkes trained Shines ($4.40), fought on well to finish second but the hard luck story belonged to Snowden’s $3.30 favourite California Press, who flashed down the outside to finish third, after missing the start by more than two lengths.
 
Race 6: HANECO BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1000m):
Finally, it was a win for the favourite, with speedy filly Tsarina Sophia ($2.60) keeping her unbeaten record intact with her second win in as many starts.
The Russian Revolution three-year-old was resuming from a spell, having won on debut at Kembla in May and looks to have a bright future.
She was spelled after the win by the Ryan Alexiou stable and looked smart finishing second in a trial at Rosehill on November 24.
Punters were keen to support her, and she didn’t disappoint, with Avdulla placing her midfield after a slow start, before peeling to the outside in the straight and running down the leaders on the line.
Mike Van Gestel’s consistent gelding No Statement ($6.50) put in another honest performance to finish second, with local galloper Bedtime Stories ($41) putting in a much-improved run to finish third.
There were excuses for equal favourite Boomsong, who was untested in the straight.
 
Race 7: GENERAL TRADE SUPPLIERS PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m):
The locals were cheering in the last after Damien Lane’s Oakfield Warpaint ($8.50) brought up his fourth career win.
The Exceed And Excel gelding was coming off a second at Gosford on November 30, where he was narrowly beaten over the 1600m.
Lane kept him in the same grade and distance at Wyong and the five-year-old didn’t disappoint, winning by a length and a half.
Tyler Schiller had the five-year-old just off the speed throughout before peeling wide on the straight and racing away on the line.
The stable had been confident of a good run, with the gelding having great third up form.
The Lees trained Handsome ($16) was slow the start but hit the line strongly to finish second in only his second Australian start, while another local galloper Mark Cross’s Sian ($3.40fav) finished third.

RETIREMENT? No way!

Wyong trainer Wayne Seelin had the last laugh when his ageless warrior Isorich was back in the winning list on his home track, his 16^th victory at his 145^th start.

And he is confident the 12-year-old gelding’s winning ways aren’t over if he can keep him on firm tracks and get him fitter.

“He’s still too fat,” Seelin said after Isorich ($61), ridden by apprentice Ellen Hennessy, had upstaged his younger rivals in the Report. Report Often Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1200m).

“I weighed him yesterday and he was 563kg. His best weight is 550kg. If I can get some more weight off him, I’m sure he can win again.

“He has pulled up super. He is a happy horse and loves what he is doing. He is still enjoying his work and his racing.”

His latest victory was the gelding’s first since a previous home track win in March last year in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1350m), but his trainer never doubted he could return to the winner’s circle provided he got the right conditions.

“He had a long break and isn’t comfortable on wet tracks,” Seelin said. “I’m sure getting back up to 1200m and on his home track helped him today. That was his eighth win at home.”

As is a regular occurrence nowadays, Isorich passed a vet examination before being declared “suitable to race”.

“He is so sound,” Seelin said. “I’ll know when he has had enough, but it’s not yet.”

Racing NSW stewards queried ISORICH’S “apparent form improvement”, and accepted Seelin’s explanation that the gelding was back on his home track and stepped up from 900m at his previous start at Newcastle to 1200m.

Seelin paid $7500 for ISORICH as a 2012 Inglis Scone yearling, and he has returned connections nearly $800,000.

He didn’t race as a two-year-old and made his debut nine years ago when third in a 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m) at Quirindi on November 12, 2013.

That Isorich continues to show a remarkable zest for racing and remains so sound as a 12-year-old when others have called it a day is a great credit to his trainer.

RACE 1: STOP ABUSE AT THE START 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1600m):

Hawkesbury husband and wife trainers Jason and Lucy Attard are unabashed fans of jockey Rachel King – and it’s easy to understand why. Isla’s $16 upset victory over odds-on favourite Diamond Drummer was the couple’s fifth of the season, and King has been aboard four of them. 

“Rachel is a very good person, and an excellent jockey,” Jason Attard said. “She was happy with Isla’s last start sixth over 1550m at Canterbury, saying she didn’t sprint like the others in front of her, but kept going right to the line.

 “Rachel felt it was best to get rolling on her earlier in today’s race, so we left it to her, and she did the job.”

Isla trailed the leader Miss Shalaa and, after taking over in the straight, was too good for Diamond Drummer (who was subsequently found to have bled from both nostrils) and lightly-raced Zimtopia, who is worth following. Isla’s win was timely as her breeder-owner Kate Nivison (Etak Thoroughbreds) recently lost her dam, the Choisir mare Lohan, who died in early October.

RACE 2: #NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1100m):

Winner Captain George was the subject of a concerted plunge and, having his first start since being gelded, lived up to the support. Rider Kerrin McEvoy gave Captain George the run of the race, trailing leader Exsensible and was a bit too strong for that horse in the closing stages. The pair had the finish to themselves with third placegetter Ma’s Dream finishing gamely to edge out favourite Oakfield Blue Bell, whose rider Aaron Bullock was given stewards’ permission to ride the mare 1kg overweight at 58kg. Stable spokesman Jonathan Crowley said recent trials had settled Captain GEORGE down and that the gelding operation had clearly been of benefit to his racing manners. 

RACE 3: RAISE RESPECT MIDWAY MAIDEN (1350m):

Mancconi had to race wide and still won, so left his rivals with no excuses other than fifth placegetter Galactic Angel, who found plenty of trouble. The winner drew awkwardly but finally “came of age” at his 21^st start. Trainer Brett Lazzarini revealed one of the gelding’s owners despaired of him winning a race and sold his share last week. “I tried to talk him out of it, as I thought Mancconi was close to breaking through,” he said. “I’ll have to buy him a lemonade now. This horse always tries his best, and that’s why I have kept him in the stable.” Runner-up Edge Of Reward is becoming costly. This was his fourth second placing this preparation. Galactic Angel figured prominently in the stewards’ report and was disappointed for a run at a crucial stage in the straight. Most definitely she should have figured in the finish. Debutant Beauty Crusade ran home nicely from well back to finish fourth and is worth following. 

RACE 4: ELIMINATION AGAINST VIOLENCE MAIDEN (1000m):

Another first starter Meod was solidly supported late in betting and justified that backing. Jockey Tom Sherry had her quickly on the move, controlled the race up front and the result was never really in doubt. A $500,000 Inglis Australian Easter yearling purchase last year, the Exceed And Excel three-year-old will almost certainly derive further benefit from this outing as she had trialled only once beforehand when second over 878m on the Kensington track on November 8. The placegetters Dolly Bird and Surrenders tried hard, but the winner always appeared to have their measure. The disappointment was $3.20 favourite Biographer, who was never in the hunt and beat only one home. Rider Andrew Adkins told stewards his mount began awkwardly and was bumped by another runner and as a result settled further back than anticipated. Nonetheless, he added Biographer failed to quicken when asked to improve and felt he was unsuited by the tempo in the early and middle stages.

RACE 5: REPORT. REPORT OFTEN CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 (1200m):

When a 12-year-old Isorich leaves younger rivals in his wake, it’s hard to make genuine excuses for the beaten brigade. However, Ranuncula (6^th) was slow to begin and had difficulty securing clear running between the 250m and 150m and couldn’t be fully tested racing in restricted room over the closing stages. Country-trained Cassy’s Sister was game in finishing second, and a plunge on locally trained Dimaggio ($2.15 favourite) came unstuck when he finished third. His apprentice rider Anna Roper told stewards that although he wasn’t the best away and was held up for clear running rounding the home turn, he wasn’t going good enough to improve in between runners approaching the 200m and was one-paced to the line. Moralist (7th) also didn’t have the best of fortune. He was keen in the early stages, raced wide and without cover from the 600m and can be forgiven. Still, all honours must go to the old marvel Isorich and his trainer.

RACE 6: JOHN ELLIOT CLASS 1 (1350m):

Aptly named Bat Out Of Hell (by Hellbent) is putting together a tidy record. This was his second win from only three starts – and he did it in the style of a young horse bound for better things. Rider Kerrin McEvoy, who scored earlier on Captain George, gave him a cosy run, got him into the clear at the right time and the horse did the rest when called on. He had won first-up at Kembla Grange last month and then ran second at Scone earlier this month (conceding the winner a fair slice of weight, although well beaten). Assiduity tried hard when second, giving Darby Racing an enjoyable quinella outcome. Favourite Oakfield Waratah didn’t cover any extra ground from an inside draw and had every chance.

RACE 7: ETTALONG BOWLING CLUB PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 64 (1100m):

Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle missed out with Edge Of Reward earlier, but didn’t this time with Xpresso, who made a brilliant return to racing. It was the lightly raced five-year-old’s second win from seven starts, and Doyle said the gelding’s owners have had to be patient as he held him back waiting for firmer tracks. Xpresso had not appeared since finishing second to The Himalayas at Hawkesbury on June 30 and produced a brilliant burst on resumption when rider Koby Jennings asked him to go. He had trialled only once when successful over 1000m at Wyong on November 7 and can certainly win again. Though the winner earned deserved plaudits, runner-up Mabel ran her heart out under 59kg, and trainer Tracey Bartley has her firing. She too can soon return to the winning list, having scored first-up at Hawkesbury earlier in the month. Replacement rider Andrew Adkins told stewards favourite Hard To Say ($3.10) may not have handled his 60.5kg impost. Hard To Say led but was under pressure on straightening and weakened to finish fifth. 

RACE 8: THE MOUNTIES GROUP 4YO&UP BENCHMARK 64 (1600m):

Much-travelled jockey Jay Ford celebrated his 39^th birthday in style by winning the closer on the program. And he didn’t mess about either, making a move on Duke Of Buckingham on the home turn and taking him to an authoritative victory from Da Nang Star and Sian, both of whom were gallant but no match for the impressive winner. Trainer David Pfieffer opted to take blinkers off Duke Of Buckingham, and substitute visors. The move clearly worked, and the five-year-old appears capable of measuring up in better company, having returned to racing with real zest. Dream Eclipse, narrowly beaten here in a recent heat of the Summer Provincial Series on November 5, was strongly supported to return to the winning list, but had every chance in finishing fourth.

Classy Dundeel mare Mirror Queen could push on to Friday’s $200,000 Listed Carlton Wyong Gold Cup after taking out yesterday’s prelude. 

The race was the feature of an eight-race program on Ladies Day, the first day of the 2022 Cup Carnival. 

The large crowd was rewarded with a super day of racing which saw Mark Newnham train a double and young guns Tom Sherry and Reece Jones share the riding honours.

The victories to Jones and Sherry saw them take the lead in the Nathan Berry Shield with six points each, followed by Josh Parr and Jean Van Overmeire on five. 

The track received plenty of praise, with an upgrade to a good four half-way through the program.

Michael Freedman could have a future champ on his hands after Hawaii Five Oh’s impressive debut, while Tracey Bartley had a win for the locals with Lady Superspy. 

But it was Paul Messara’s progressive four-year-old Mirror Queen who continued her winning run in the feature, the 2100m ROBSON CIVIL PROJECTS WYONG CUP PRELUDE – BENCHMARK 68.

The Dundeel four-year-old is amassing a super record, with four wins and a placing from just seven starts, and he believes she has earned a shot at the Wyong’s Cup feature, with the Prelude win giving her automatic entry. 

“We will make that assessment in the next couple of days when we see how she comes through the run,” he said. 

“She’s not an overly robust mare, so I’ll see how she pulls up. I haven’t had a runner in the Wyong Cup before and she would certainly have no trouble with the distance going on this win.”

It was Mirror Queen’s first trip over the 2100m and despite some concerns from the stable she had no problem stepping up over extra ground.

Winning jockey Josh Parr said there is plenty of improvement to come for Mirror Queen. 

“She was strong to the line. She’s still a raw filly with a lot of improvement to come. She’ll develop into a nice style of racehorse when she develops a bit more of a killer instinct.”

In an open race, Mirror Queen was sent out $3.50 favourite, coming off a third in the Highway at Randwick over 1800m on August 6.

The runner-up, Les Bridges’ Legend Has It ($6) flashed home for second after missing the start by two lengths, with Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Pinto ($9.50), running a nice race in third. 

Mark Newnham and Tom Sherry brought up the first leg of a race to race double in the MAGIC MILLIONS RACING WOMEN WYONG LA GIOCONDA – F&M BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP over 1600m.

The $4 equal favourite Sanstoc got the better of his rivals on the line in his first trip over the mile to bring up his second win at start five.

Newnham said he believed the addition of blinkers made a difference. 

“She travelled a lot sweeter during the run. She travelled in a good spot, Tom gave her a good ride and she finished off strongly.”

Stablemate Diamond Flare ($2.25fav) and Sherry completed the winning double with an impressive three length win in the 1100m GURNEY FINANCIAL SERVICES 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

Newnham described the $400,000 Magic Millions yearling, as a work in progress. 

“It hasn’t been an easy task to get him here, but I was certainly relieved to see him go in the barriers. He’s certainly got the talent.” 

“You only have to look at his trials to know he’s not short on talent, but he’s been very stubborn around the barriers. Hopefully we are through the worst of that now and the horse can realise his potential.”

A Deep Field four-year-old, Diamond Flare broke through at his third career start. 

Rachel King escaped injury after the second favourite Bringonthebubbles ($3.60) bucked at the start. 

It was a relieved Michael Freedman after his well-bred colt Hawaii Five Oh scored through a debut wing in the 1200m THE AGENCY 3YO MAIDEN.

There was plenty of hype around Hawaii Five Oh, a full brother to Libertini, who had been impressive in his two barrier trials this preparation and was sent out $1.50 favourite. 

Despite wobbling around the turn the win looked never in doubt, and Freedman believes he will take plenty of improvement from the run. 

“He’s a pretty raw horse. He wobbled around the corner, and I think he’ll appreciate a bigger track,” he said. 

“He’ll derive plenty of benefit out of the win. It’s hard to take on the more experienced horses and I’ve always felt he will eventually get up over a mile.”

Winning rider Nash Rawiller said he felt Hawaii Five Oh, raced by 

Gerry Harvey and John Singleton, could be “something pretty good.”

Tracey Bartley’s Lady Superspy ($11) upset some of the more favoured runners to win the 1600m DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL CLASS 1. 

“She’s been consistent all the way through,” Bartley said. “Reece had a ride on her the other day and got to know her and really rev up on her. He got the split and won her the race. 

“We’ve been waiting to step her up to the mile. It was a good win and I’m very proud of her. “

Peter Snowden was equally impressed with his colt California Touch ($5.50), who took out the 1000m DEBBIE GAUNT FOUNDATION BENCHMARK 64.

Bringing up a double for Reece Jones, the three-year-old led from start to finish, after being a last start winner at Hawkesbury on August 22.

“He’s a nice handy horse going forward, and he will get over a bit further too,” Snowden said.

Apprentice Zac Lloyd was impressed by the tough win by Speed Song ($3.30eq fav) in a race honouring former Wyong trainer Johnnie Roberts.

The consistent Your Song gelding Speedy Song broke through at start 10 in the JOHNNIE ROBERTS MEMORIAL PROV & CTRY MAIDEN.

“It was a good effort today,” he said. “It was quite a tough run last start and he stuck on well for second that day. I was quite confident today.”

The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou trained Mayhem ($3.50fav) was the other winner on the program, the Russian Revolution gelding too strong in the CARE 2 THE MAX BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

The three-year-old, ridden by Jean Van Overmeire, defied a late betting drift to win by almost a length. 

The victory came after his win on at Goulburn over the same distance on August 8. 

Apprentice Jackson Searle was cautioned by stewards regarded his ride on the Kim Waugh trained White Boots, who found he had erred not shifting his mount to the outside of Zaidin near the 400m and didn’t riding his mount out to the line. 

No action was taken, with stewards mindful of his ‘inexperience as an apprentice.’

There was plenty of expectation about Joe Pride’s Think About It and Waller’s debutant Narito leading into the meeting, and they didn’t disappoint, both winning in impressive style. 

Mark Newnham and Chris Waller shared the trainer’s honours with doubles, while Brenton Avdulla was the leading rider, also with a double.

There was plenty of praise for the track, with an upgrade midway through the afternoon. 

A few nervous moments for favourite backers in the 2100m WYONG TRAINERS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNER KIM WAUGH MAIDEN, with $1.80fav Piempurr holding on to win by a narrow margin. 

The Mark Newnham trained daughter of Pierro, earned strong support on the back of her consistent provincial form, her latest outing a fourth at Kembla over 2000m in stronger company. 

Tim Clark was happy to settle the four-year-old just off the lead in the early stages before taking her to the front around the 1100m mark. 

She fought on in the straight under vigorous riding by Clark and was able to hold out the late challengers to win by a neck. 

Clark said he didn’t believe Piempurr was at her best, given a ‘quickish” back up from Kembla but it was a great job for her to still get the win. 

Local galloper Dragon Storm ($26) trained by Allan Kehoe finished strongly in 2^nd after not much luck in the straight, while Selvam ($26) from the Jeremy Sylvester yard was doing his best work on the line.

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It was a case of third time lucky for the Waller trained I Am Geronimo who broke through for his first win at his third attempt on the Wyong track. 

The I Am Invincible gelding started $1.45 favourite and didn’t disappoint beating his stablemate Nano Star ($6) by a length. 

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Brenton Avdulla after I Am Geronimo missed the start in 1350m 2022 TRAINERS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNERS GAI WATERHOUSE & ADRIAN BOTT MAIDEN.

“That wasn’t the plan,” Avdulla said. “He hasn’t done that the two previous times I’ve ridden him, but luckily it was a race that lacked pressure and I was able to keep him wide and keep him going. There is some upside to him and if he can learn to relax it will help.”

Nano Star fought on well in the straight and it was a much-improved run by Rodney Bailey’s Single Babe ($41) to finish third. 

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Joe Pride is excited about the prospects of his four-year-old Think About It who brought up his second win from start two in the 1350m 2022 WYONG JOCKEYS’ PREMIERSHIP WINNER JASON COLLETT CLASS 1.

The $70k yearling looks to have a bright future, with both Pride and winning rider Rory Hutchings believing there is plenty of improvement to come. 

Think About It looked good scoring on debut at Kembla on July 30, with both placegetters’ subsequent winners. 

“He’s a pretty smart horse and he’s shown that in his two starts now,” Pride said. “He’s nowhere near the finished article. When he has a spell and puts on some weight he’ll further improve. Rory is a fantastic jockey, but he won’t get an easier ride than that.”

In an effortless win, Think About It ($1.40) beat the Neasham trained Flying Witness ($4.40) by a length and a half, with Warren Ganderton’s Poetic Miss ($16) third.

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An exciting finish to the 1600m 2022 LEADING APPRENTICE JOCKEY REECE JONES AND TOM SHERRYCLASS 1 with Brynner ($4.80) getting the bob on the line. 

The son of Contributor wound up in the final stages of the straight to run down the Joe Burges trained Mr Eighty Eight ($9.50) on the line. 

Trained by Jason Coyle and ridden by Kathy O’Hara, Brynner brought up his second win at start 12. 

O’Hara said the four-year-old would improve off the run. 

“He’s a progressive sort of a horse who is going through his grades nicely. He still doesn’t know how to put them away but hopefully next preparation.”

The Replicant ($2.80) from the Pride stable, finished third, and isn’t far off another win, while the $2.50 race favourite Believe So, trained by Anthony Cummings, had difficulty getting clear running in the straight and could be the one to follow. 

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Another exciting prospect unveiled in the 1100m LAURAINE BUCHANAN BEST MUM EVER CG&E MAIDEN PLATE with the Waller trained Narito. 

There was plenty of hype surrounding the Maurice four-year-old, who was having his first race start, coming off a Rosehill barrier trial in late July. 

He was sent out $2.35 favourite and the win never looked in doubt courtesy of a great James McDonald ride. 

He settled the four-year-old just off the speed, bringing him to the lead in the straight where he was able to run down the front-runner to score by two lengths. 

“He’s a really nice horse,” McDonald said. “He’s very progressive and would have learned plenty from today. He’s got plenty of untapped ability and they’ve taken their time with him. He’s got a lot of pace and I’d love to see him over more ground.”

Mark Minnervini’s Soobooco ($11), put in another honest run to finish second, while the Pride trained Sacred Field ($3.60) was third, after being slow to begin. 

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A tough win by Crystalene ($4.40) in the 1100m FAREWELL WRC RACING & OPERATIONS MANAGER DEAN GROGAN F&M MAIDEN brought up a double for the Mark Newnham stable. 

The Snitzel filly was on debut and impressed with a strong win, toughing it out in the straight to get the bob on her rivals in an exciting three-way finish. 

She impressed jockey Tom Sherry, who believes there are more wins to come. 

“She’s got a brilliant attitude and great temperament. There is plenty of improvement left in her and this win will stand her in good stead going forward,” he said. 

Raced by relative newcomers Iron, Crystalene was a $475,000 yearling. 

She beat the Cummings trained Perpignan ($4.60), who isn’t far off a win, with Edna ($9.50) trained by Craig Carmody, third after pulling in the early stages. 

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Nathan Doyle’s honest mare Bullinachinashop made the step up to provincial grade in great style, taking out the CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 over 1100m. 

The victory was the second consecutive win for the daughter of Bull Point, and her fourth career victory from just 10 starts. 

There was some late support for Bullinachinashop, who started at $10. 

Dylan Gibbons gave the four-year-old the perfect ride, sitting just off the leader, before hitting the front midway down the straight and pulling away to win by almost a length. 

Runner-up, Brad Widdup’s Unyielding Spirit ($11) fought on well, with Moralist ($4.20) trained by Matthew Smith, third. 

“She’s a little ripper,” Gibbons said after the race. “She’s as tough as they come, and she really dug deep today. She’s got that killer desire and they keep raising the bar and she responds.”

The $2.80 favourite Belladeel missed the start and failed to run on. 

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Dijon appreciated the drop back in distance to bring up a dominant win in the 1000m WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY SUNDAY AUGUST 28 CLASS 1.

The Headwater gelding had too much speed on his rivals, the win bringing up a double for Brenton Avdulla. 

He took luck out the of the equation leading throughout, pulling away in the final stages to win by a length. 

Co trainer Gerald Ryan said the four-year-old was more genuine since he was gelded. 

“He’s very sharp, not top class but very fast and if we keep placing him right, we’ll win more races. I think he’s up to a midweek in town,” he said.

Dijon ($4.40) beat Michael Freedman’s $3.50 favourite Insurrection, who appeared to have every chance, with Fire And Ice ($3.70) from the Minervini stable, third. 

DEAD-HEATS abounded today – but not in races!

Jason Collett and Tim Clark fought out the Jockeys’ Premiership at the final meeting of the season, with Collett claiming the title by one, with 12 wins.

Collett fired the first salvo by winning the opening race for Chris Waller to gain a three-win lead, but Clark pegged him back winning both the fourth and seventh races for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

Tom Sherry (now a senior rider) and Reece Jones could not be split either in the apprentices’ premiership, and were also declared joint winners.

The Waterhouse/Bott stable secured another Wyong Trainer’s Premiership with their double.

On the racing front, the meeting produced several promising horses which can be followed with confidence.

Frankel three-year-old Phosphene made a winning debut in the opening race, and Savabeel two-year-old Major Beel was also impressive in taking the fourth at only his second appearance.

Hawkesbury mare Yes You Think hasn’t had a lot of racing either and her victory from an awkward draw and coming from well back in the fifth was a definite sign of better things ahead.

RACE 1: THE BELLBIRDS & CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION 3YO MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m

SYDNEY supremo Chris Waller struck early – but it wasn’t with the horse most punters wanted. I Am Geronimo ($3 favorite) was well backed and took over near the 700m after beginning well, but was a sitting shot in the straight and stablemate PHOSPHENE ($7.50) swept down the outside to snatch victory from Nullify ($3.80) and Tracey Bartley’s Dresden ($14). I Am Geronimo battled on to finish fourth. Frankel three-year-old PHOSPHENE was making his debut after finishing last of nine runners in a 740m trial on the Warwick Farm synthetic track on July 6. He is the first foal of the American-bred mare Posing, and looks to have a bright future, especially as he was slow to begin today and was still able to win. Stewards fined apprentice Pat Scorse $300 for failing to claim down to his minimum weight, and replaced him with fellow apprentice Reece Jones.

RACE 2: WE CARE CONNECT & CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED 4YO&UP MAIDEN HCP, 1350m

DUAL licence holder Blake Fitzpatrick ended the season on a winning note when DANZETTE ($5.50) came of age. The well-known harness racing trainer-driver produced the former Sydney mare first-up at start no. 21 with only a recent 785m trial at Hawkesbury to ready her. Not unlike the first race performance of the winner, apprentice Jackson Searle circled the field from near last at the 600m and brought her with a well-timed run to overhaul Loniesha ($3.30), who was slowly away and had eased dramatically from an opening quote but still started favorite. Limpida ($6) gave plenty of cheek and battled on gamely to be beaten less than a length and suffered interference near the line. An $80,000 Melbourne yearling purchase, DANZETTE had been placed on seven occasions, so a breakthrough was indeed overdue. Searle’s win was soured when stewards charged him with careless riding near the winning post, taking the runner-up in onto the third horse, which had to be checked. Searle’s suspension begins on August 7, and he can return a week later.

RACE 3: ACCOLADE WINES & NESTLE PROFESSIONAL MAIDEN HCP, 1600m

FAVORITE punters finally got on the board when PACIFIC WARRIOR (backed from odds against into $1.95) got home, but there wasn’t much in it. Josh Parr always had the American Pharoah three-year-old in touch after beginning awkwardly, and he gamely beat Riccos ($6) and Walk Up Start ($16). A $175,000 buy at Inglis’ 2020 Australian Easter yearling sale, PACIFIC WARRIOR was having his fifth start for trainer Anthony Cummings and appreciated getting up over a longer distance. Nosey Parker ($4) gave away too much start and finished on gamely into fourth placing.  Only a two-year-old, he is open to further improvement.

RACE 4: BISHOP COLLINS & AUSTBROKERS 2YO MAIDEN HCP, 1300m

AS with the opening winner, this youngster looks headed for better wins. MAJOR BEEL ($7) was the outsider of the Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott pair as stablemate Sightseer ran a $2.10 favorite and had to be content with third placing. MAJOR BEEL, a rising three-year-old by Savabeel, was strong through the line and is going to be even harder to toss as his distances are increased. He raced keenly in the early and middle stages and was still too good for his rivals. A $260,000 Magic Millions yearling purchase, he can win again – and runner-up Manzoice ($21) also hit the line with purpose and is another to be followed. He was slow to begin on debut.

RACE 5: DAILY PRESS & CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES CLASS 1 HCP, 1200m

HAWKESBURY trainer Blake Ryan has a good opinion of YES YOU THINK ($15), who was having only her second start for him after previously being prepared at Gosford by Angela Davies, who won a Taree Maiden with her in February. This daughter of international star So You Think drew awkwardly, but rider Regan Bayliss allowed her time to settle and get cover, then circled the field from the 600m to nab $3 favorite Siyata in the shadows of the post. “She has plenty of upside and I really like her,” Ryan said. “I won’t be surprised if she wins a midweek race in town or even a Saturday Midway Handicap. “Her coat is still a bit patchy, so there is definitely further improvement in her.” YES YOU THINK was examined by the club vet behind the barrier when blood was noticed in her near side nostril, and cleared to start.

ACE 6: REGNIS REFRIGERATION & SONS & HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL DIVISION BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m

WYONG trainer Kristen Buchanan kicked up for the local side when she scored with $8 chance BULLET WING. The gelded son of Bull Point fronted up for only his fourth start, and was game in edging out $2.45 favorite Navajo Peak, who would have clinched the jockeys’ premiership for Tim Clark had he been successful. Fourth placegetter Real Key set up a decent tempo, but the winner sat third and cruised up with intent on the home turn. He didn’t shirk his task in the straight as the favorite made a late challenge. Tick Tock Boom was a late withdrawal on veterinary advice, and trainer Annabel Neasham will have to produce a vet clearance before he can trial or race again.

RACE 7: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP, 1600m

CLARK brought up a double, falling just one short in the Jockey’s Premiership, when STAR SPARKS ($4.60) humped 61kg to defeat locals Buba ($2.90 favorite) and $21 outsider Sian. The Medaglia D’Oro four-year-old is building a neat record; this being his fourth win at his seventh start. He made the running and bounced back from a Sandown failure on heavy ground on June 15. Buba tried hard in the last 200m but couldn’t quite peg back the winner, whilst Sian did an excellent job to hang on as he did after doing plenty of work racing outside the leader and eventual winner.

RACE 8: COCA COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS & ARCADE TRADER BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1100m

Another case of déjà vu where the longer-priced of the stable pair won. Emergency EUPHRATES DREAM ($17) nudged Belladeel ($10) in a tense finish, whereas stablemate Lake Kistoria ($6.50) beat only two home. Ironically, Willie Pike had partnered the winner at her previous start when runner-up at Hawkesbury on June 30, but this time rode Lake Kistoria. Pike told stewards his mount travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages, but didn’t respond when placed under pressure passing the 300m. However, he also considered she would benefit from today’s outing, which was her first in 12 months. Stewards will follow up with trainer Matthew Smith on the mare’s condition in the coming days. Dijon was solidly supported to start $3.20 favorite and ran another honest race to finish third after getting a break on straightening. He has now been placed at all three runs this preparation.

EXPERIENCED Sydney trainer Ron Leemon is banking on a recent gear change bringing him a change of luck at Wyong tomorrow.

A Group 1 winner with Manawanui in the $1m Golden Rose at Rosehill Gardens in 2011, Leemon has dominant favoriteLoniesha lining up in the We Care Connect & Central Coast Kids In Need 4YO&Up Maiden Handicap (1350m) as he bids to end the season on a winning note.

“I’ve only ever had a small team, but nothing has gone right of late,” Leemon said this morning.

“I have been dogged with injuries such as sesamoid and tendon problems to a number of horses who had ability.

“It’s been very frustrating and even with this mare Loniesha, it’s been difficult to find the right race for her.

“She resented a tongue tie and I found an old tongue control bit in my gear which is very fine, and it seems to suit her.

“Loniesha ran a nice race (third at Hawkesbury in a 1300m Maiden against her own sex on July 17 at $51) when she raced in it for the first time, and hopefully it will work well again tomorrow.”

Apprentice Zac Lloyd partnered Loniesha at Hawkesbury and his 1.5kg claim brings the mare in with 57.5kg – 1kg below the limit.

A rising five-year-old daughter of former champion Lonhro, Loniesha fetched $150,000 when offered at the 2019 Inglis Premier yearling sale in Melbourne.

But after three country placings without a win from nine starts, she was put on the market and Leemon and long-standing client Phil Gibb purchased her for $9500 online last December.

“Phil wanted to buy a Lonhro mare, and we were able to buy Loniesha through the Inglis digital sale,” Leemon explained.

“I was thinking about taking her to the Forbes Cup Showcase meeting on Sunday until I noticed this 1350m Maiden at Wyong.

“It would be nice to get a win with her, and sell her on in the near future as she will make a lovely broodmare. Loniesha is well bred and has a magnificent nature.”

Leemon also starts first emergency, $26 chance Miss Anticipation (Lloyd), if she secures a run in the Daily Press & Carlton & United Breweries Class 1 Handicap (1200m), and has opted to put blinkers on her.

The Dream Ahead mare was his last winner, at Nowra on January 10 last year, when she bolted in with an 1100m Maiden Plate against her own sex.

Jason Collett and Tommy Berry lock horns at tomorrow’s final meeting of the 2021-22 racing year to decide the jockeys’ premiership winner.

Collett’s victory on Prefect Match at the last Wyong meeting on July 19 lifted him to 11 wins for the season; one ahead of Berry and Tim Clark.

Collett has six mounts tomorrow; three for Sydney supremo Chris Waller (Phosphene, Adorable Miss and Ring Ahoy), two for fellow Sydney trainer Jason Coyle (Dream Maiden and Reach For Gold) and the other for the Sydney stable of leading Melbourne trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace (Flower Moon).

Adorable Miss (a firming $2.20 favorite with TAB.com.au for the Accolade Wines & Nestle Professional Maiden Handicap, 1600m) is the best fancied.

The Pierro mare has been placed at two (both at Newcastle) of her last four starts.

Berry has four mounts; Sightseer for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Zeminnika for Peter and Paul Snowden, Tick Tock Boom for Annabel Neasham, and Ready’s Girl for local trainer Kristen Buchanan.

Sightseer ($3.70) is the most favoured of the foursome.

Newcastle’s talented apprentice Dylan Gibbons is on verge of completing an outstanding achievement by winning the provincial jockeys’ title.

He has ridden 47 winners on provincial tracks in 2021-22, six more than Collett.

Gibbons has five Wyong rides; Highland Cathedral ($6.50) and Diamond Hands ($9) for Bjorn Baker, Highly Ambitious ($6) for his boss Kris Lees, Freedom Square ($7.50) for Paul Messara, and Concocted ($6.50) for Nathan Doyle.

. The rail is out 4m from the 1350m to 1000m, and 1m for the remainder of the circuit. An improving “Heavy 8” rating was posted this morning for the 1350m to 1000m chute, but it is important to note the rest of the track is a “Soft 6”. Racing begins at 12.20pm.

SELECTIONS

Race 1 – 12.20pm: THE BELLBIRDS & CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION 3YO MAIDEN PLATE, 1350m: 1 I AM GERONIMO, 2 Jumeirah Beach, 3 Phosphene, 4 Nullify.

Race 2 – 12.55pm: WE CARE CONNECT & CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED 4YO&UP MAIDEN HCP, 1350m: 1 LONIESHA, 2 Company Line, 3 Danzette, 4 Limpida.

Race 3 – 1.30pm: ACCOLADE WINES & NESTLE PROFESSIONAL MAIDEN HCP, 1600m: 1 ADORABLE MISS, 2 Pacific Warrior, 3 Nosey Parker, 4 Riccos.

Race 4 – 2.15pm: BISHOP COLLINS & AUSTBROKERS 2YO MAIDEN HCP, 1300m: 1 SIGHTSEER, 2 Ring Ahoy, 3 Gotta Fly, 4 Highland Cathedral..

Race 5 – 2.50pm: DAILY PRESS & CARLTON & UNITED BREWERIES CLASS 1 HCP, 1200m: 1 SIYATA, 2 Golden Gate, 3 Zeminnika, 4 Highly Ambitious.

Race 6 – 3.25pm: REGNIS REFRIGERATION & SONS & HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIAL DIVISION BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m: 1 TICK TOCK BOOM, 2 Air Of Alsace, 3 Enjolras, 4 Real Key.

Race 7 – 4.05pm: WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HCP, 1600m: 1 I WANT ONE, 2 Freedom Square, 3 Flower Moon, 4 Star Sparks.

Race 8 – 4.45pm: COCA COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS & ARCADE TRADER BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1100m: 1 LAKE KISTORIA, 2 Dijon, 3 Concocted, 4 Prince Invincible.

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In a day of many highlights local trainer Sara Ryan had an afternoon she will never forget, saddling up her first winner, Prefect Match, just her 17^th runner. 

Mark Newnham took out the training honours in a competitive day of racing, with Sneaky Paige and Roma Avenue taking out their respective races.

Mark Minervini’s Fire And Ice broke through in the 2YO Maiden and looks to have a bright future, while Annabel Neisham’s Regal Pom claimed his maiden in impressive style, winning by more than eight lengths. 

Check out all the highlights below.  

A good training effort by Richard LItt saw Snitzel gelding Roccaforte victorious at his first attempt over the 2000m.

It was a month between runs for the three-year-old, but he fought on strongly in the straight to take out the HAPPY RETIREMENT JEFF ENGELBRECHT CLASS 1 & MAIDEN.

Brenton Avdulla was keen to be on pace from the outset and was able to cross and settle Roccaforte behind the leader from the outside gate. 

He sat just off the leaders throughout and was able to hold out the $2.20 favourite Queenmaker in the final stages to win by a half-length. 

It was the second victory for the winner from 12 starts, his latest outing a second over the 1800m at Hawkesbury, seeing him sent out as $2.50 second favourite at Wyong. 

There were excuses for Edward Cumming’s Queenmaker, who failed to settle in the early stages, with Willie Pike forced three wide in the back straight. 

The Wayne Wilkes trained King Kidau ($7) was third. 

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A frustrating run of placings came to an impressive end for Annabel Neasham and connections of Regal Pom after the gelding blitzed his opposition in the ALLAN DENHAM RACING 3YO MAIDEN over 1600m.

The stable had always had a good opinion of Regal Pom, a $60,000 Magic Millions yearling by Press Statement.

But he had been unable to break through in his previous 11 starts, where he was placed on seven occasions. 

All that became a distant memory after stable apprentice Ellen Hennessey pinged the gates and dominated throughout to win by more than eight lengths. 

“He has had plenty of chances, but we were confident today was his day,” Hennessey said. 

“We thought the conditions would suit with the soft track, him being up to the mile and in peak condition. He’s a bit of a grinder and we thought being at Wyong we would get going early and it worked out.”

Edward Cumming’s $2.45 favourite Flyaway was runner-up and seemed to have every opportunity, while Stephen Farley’s Party Stop ($8) put in another honest performance to finish third. 

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Mark Newnham’s Roma Avenue justifies his $1.80 favouritism taking out the 1350m COOMBS FAMILY MAIDEN.

The Star Witness three-year-old earned strong support, after two third placings at Canterbury in his past two starts. 

Newnham had been confident leading into the race. 

“I think he’s at his right distance today. He handles the wet ground and has drawn inside. I’d be disappointed if he didn’t win.”

Tom Sherry positioned the winner just off the leader and eventual runner-up Waller’s I Am Geronimo ($19) in the early stages, before hitting the front in the straight. 

It was a race in two from the 600m, with Roma Avenue’s class showing out in the final stages, posted a length and a half win.

Inuwashi ($9), also from the Waller stable, was third, with the both the placegetters not far off a win. 

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A confident ride by Jean Van Overmeire helped secure victory for Verzenay in the 1200m TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN.

Trainer Brad Widdup had been confident the All Too Hard filly, a $75,000 Magic Millions purchase, would put her best foot forward after a second at Newcastle last start. 

“She’s a very honest filly and has drawn well today. It looks like a nice race for her, and I think she gets her chance,” he said.

Van Overmeire angled the three-year-old off the fence from the 600m, taking her to the outside on straightening. 

Verzenay ($3) showed a great turn of foot to hit the front in the final stages and win by half a length, at her seventh career start. 

Martini Crusader ($26) trained by Stephen O’Halloran rattled home for second and will be one to follow, while there were no excuses for Blake Ryan’s $2.50 favourite Separatist, who finished third.

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Mark Minervini looks to have a talented colt on his hands after Fire And Ice ($2.40fav) out classed his rivals to breakthrough for his first win. 

Hugh Bowman partnered the son of Hellbent in the 1000m CANADIAN CLUB 2YO MAIDEN, after riding him in two recent metropolitan trials. 

The win was never in doubt after Bowman settled him in front on the rails, pulling away in the final stages to put almost five lengths on his rivals. 

Fire And Ice had three starts in strong Sydney grade in his first preparation before spelling. 

Minervini has always had a good opinion of the colt and now plans to target the $1m Golden Rose at Rosehill in September.

“He’s an exciting prospect for the stable and we’ve paid up for the Golden Rose,” he said. “I haven’t raced a colt with this sort of ability and temperament for a long time.”

The Gary Portelli stable filled with the minor placings with Nonshalaant ($5) and Millybella ($6.50).

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Deep Field filly Sneaky Paige ($3.70) bounced back to form to bring up a double for Mark Newnham and Tyler Schiller.

The three-year-old filly had been disappointing at her last start, finishing ninth on the Kensington track over 1150m, but put that form behind her to bring up win number two in the WYONG RACE CLUB FUNCITON CENTRE CLASS 1 over 1100m.

Sherry took Sneaky Paige to lead from the start and was able to dictate terms in front, staving off the challenges in the final stages to win by a long neck. 

Newnham said there had been no apparent reason for the filly’s last start failure and her work since had been good. 

“We thought she would be able to put herself right up on the pace and being a Canterbury winner on wet ground wouldn’t hurt her chances,” he said. 

Runner-up Critical Time ($26) looks the one to follow, with the Freedman trained race favourite Allusionist ($2.90) third. 

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Jason Attard was full of praise for Sovereign Express after he made it back-to-back wins in the GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 1 over 1600m.

The Bullet Train four-year-old was coming off a Newcastle win over the 1400m on June 25 and Attard had been concerned he might be a bit fresh.

“I was worried, but he settled nicely coming to the turn,” he said. “He was off the bridle in the straight and is still learning to race but loomed up on the outside and was too good. 

“We weren’t sure he’d handle the track and it’s good that he’s tractable. It was a beaut win.”

Rory Hutchings had Sovereign Express on the rails and just off the pace, pulling to the outside in the straight and running down the leader in the final stages.

He was sent out $3.20 second favourite and beat the Anthony Cummings trained favourite Believe So ($2.40), with Beenvane ($4.40) from the Jason Coyle stable, third. 

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A super finish to the program with local trainer Sara Ryan saddling up her first winner after Prefect Match took out the 1300m WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY THURSDAY JULY 28 BM64.

Ryan has only been licenced for the past year and has had 17 starters after recently taking over as trainer for Domeland. 

Prefect Match was having his first start for the stable and was resuming after two trials. 

Wet track specialist Jason Collett came from near the rear of the field, storming down the outside to win by a length. 

It was the second win from seven starts for the progressive Brazen Beau gelding, a $400,000 Magic Millions yearling.

Prefect Match ($9.50) beat the Lees trained $2.60 favourite Terrameades, with Real Key ($7.50) from the Bateup stable, third.