raceday review

It was heart in mouth stuff for Annabel Neasham who completed a Wyong feature double with Soaring Ambition overcoming a bump on the corner to take out the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic in impressive style. 

It capped off a super day for Neasham, who earlier took out the 3YO & 4YO Stakes with Wisdom Of Water. 

Soaring Ambition was coming with a sustained run on the turn when she was bumped and forced wide. 

Tommy Berry was able to rebalance the filly who lengthened over the last 100m, gathering in the leaders on the line to win by a neck. 

“I was having heart palpitations on the turn,” a relieved Neasham said after the race. “It looked like she’d clipped heels and was scary for a minute. 

“She’s such a gutsy filly and I’ve always had a lot of time for her. This has been an obvious race for her, and I was pretty confident. 

“To win this race is very special, especially given the circumstances, so she’s obviously pretty talented. Bring on the Gold Coast.”

Berry was also full of praise for the Not A Single Doubt filly, a $270,000 Magic Millions yearling raced by Zhongli Thoroughbreds.

“It was a great effort. It’s the last track you want to get a bump on the corner, but she was able to pick herself up quickly and win with authority, which was good to see. 

“I want to stick with her. She is one of the most professional two-year-old’s I’ve sat on and you saw that today. 

“She’s definitely a Magic Millions horse but you won’t know if she’s a Golden Slipper horse until she gets the job done up there but she’s with a great stable.”

Coming off just one trial, Soaring Ambition earned some support and was sent out at $11 and with the win has now been installed as an $11 chance for the Gold Coast 2YO Classic on January 15,

Miss Hellfire ($5.50) from the Snowden yard was runner-up at Wyong, with Damien Lane’s Wealthy Investor ($18), impressive third. The $3.90 favourite Command Approved from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, hung on the turn well, finishing fourth. 

Race 4: MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 3YO & 4YO STAKES (1200m): 

A super ride by Rachel King saw Wisdom Of Water return to the winner’s circle in the best possible way, taking out the $100,000 Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Stakes. 

Raced by the Fung Family, the Headwater four-year-old was a $70,000 Magic Millions yearling, having his 19^thcareer start.

He began his racing career on the Gold Coast and is now set to return, with Annabel Neasham saying she would find a suitable Magic Millions race for him. 

“He’s a very talented colt and his owners have been great supporters of mine,” Neasham said. “I’ll take him to the Gold Coast now. He’s won races there before and races well up there. 

“He’s been knocking on the door for a while and it’s great to get him back in the winners enclosure. It looked like the perfect race and conditions for him today and fortunately that’s how it turned out. 

“It was a lovely ride by Rachel, she was parked behind them, and I thought he’d gone the wrong way at one stage, but it was great to see him knuckle down and fight to the line.”

King said she had needed a bit of luck and was happy when it came. 

“He proved he’s the class horse today. He’s not an easy horse and needed a bit of luck. 

“It was a benefit me having ridden him in his last couple of starts because I’ve learnt his tricks. Annabel thought he might appreciate a girl rider and it’s definitely working. He’s racing really nicely for me and it’s great to get the win.”

Wisdom Of Water was sent out ($3.30) second favourite, beating Tracey Bartley’s Compassionate ($61) who was brave in defeat, with a dead heat for third between the Waterhouse/Bott trained favourite Snitzonfire ($2.90), with Tanker ($8) from the Maher/Eustace stable, third.

Race 1: MAINSTREAM FINANCE SERVICES PTY LTD CONDITIONAL BM 68 (1600m): 

A thrilling finish to open the program, with Kylie Gavenlock’s Highjacker returning to form with a strong win. 

The High Chaparral gelding, ridden by Andrew Gibbons came from last before the turn to run down the leader and race favourite Dodecanese ($2.30) on the line. 

Gavenlock had been at a loss to explain the seven-year-old’s poor performance when resuming at Wyong on November 6.

She made some gear changes, which proved to winning moves, with Highjacker ($6) bringing up his third career victory. 

“He was terrible first up and I couldn’t fathom why he went so bad,” she said. “I changed some things around, added a tongue tie and blinkers, and thank God he did something for me today.

“He’s going to make a pretty nice stayer. He’s a cranky old thing but it’s good to see him return to form.”

Gibbons said it was a “masterstroke” by Gavenlock to apply the blinkers. 

“I was worried about the blinkers, but they got him back to his old self today,” 

Gavenlock’s Dundee ($31) was third. 

Race 2: MAINSTREAM TAXATION & ACCOUNTACY SERVICES BM64 (2100m):

Lee Magorrian’s confidence about Dalgarno was justified when he snatched a last stride victory on the Nathan Doyle trained gelding.

Magorrian had partnered the Dalghar four-year-old at his last start at Newcastle on December 4 and after finishing third told Doyle if he gave him another ride on him, he would win.

And that he did in another exciting finish, with Dalgarno running down the locally trained Apache Belle on the line to bring up his third win. 

Dalgarno was positioned perfectly by Magorrian behind the two favourites, and when the race looked won, he kept coming, lunging on the line to claim victory. 

“It was a brilliant ride by Lee, and he backed up his words,” Doyle said. “I think he’s still a preparation away mentally because he needs to relax down, especially if he’s going to get over a trip. But he got the job done today so I’ll tip him out and I’m sure there will be plenty more wins in him.”

Dalgarno, after earning strong late support, started at $5.50, beating Wayne Seelin’s Apache Belle ($4.40), with Reposition ($6.50) trained by Greg Preston, third.

The $2.90 favourite Viren raced without luck, finishing fourth.

Race 3: MAGIC MILLIONS 2022 GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 11-17 JANUARY 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m): 

Mum-to-be Diorissima goes out a winner after showing a terrific turn of foot to bring up her first victory. 
The four-year-old mare, by USA sire Tapit, came from behind on the turn speeding down the outside to win by almost two lengths. 

Trained at Goulburn by Jean Dubois, Diorissima was a $160,000 Magic Millions yearling having her 14^thcareer start. 

Coming off a Randwick trial win on December 7, Diorissima earned strong support backed in from $7 to $4.40.

“It wasn’t our intention to get that far back but you’ve almost got to ride her ugly to ride her good,” Innes said. 

“Her best run previously was in a highway when she circled the field and finished fourth. We put the blinkers on her today to try and get her to relax and thought it she gets back and has to come around it them that’s what we’ll have to do. 

“They skipped away on the corner, and I was a bit worried, but it was a huge effort by her, and she picked them up well.”

Auzstar ($4) from the Waller stable was second after handling the corner awkwardly, while Gary Moore’s Harapan ($5) put in a much-improved performance to finish third. 

Race 5: EXALTED CONSTRUCTIONS CLASS 1 (1600m): 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained El Parmy made it back-to-back wins proving too strong for his opposition over the final stages of the 1600m race.

The Snitzel colt sent out at $4.60 on the strength of a Canterbury victory on November 26.

He was given a great ride by Nash Rawiller, who circled the field on the turn and overhauled the leaders to win by more than a length. 

“He’s on an upward rise now,” Rawiller said after the win. “He took a bit of confidence out of his last win and took it to another level today. 

“I think the key to his last win was letting him come into the race of his own accord. A few of them wanted to be there early today and there was a bit of pressure, but he was pretty fresh on the scene when he joined them in the straight and was able to put the sword to them. It was great.”

El Parmy was a $200,000 Magic Millions yearling, his victory continuing a super run for the stable with 15 winners from their past 35 starters.

He beat the Freedman trained Rock The Bells ($3.90), with Typanist ($14) from the David Payne stable, third. 

The $2.90 favourite King Of Spades appeared to have every chance, finishing toward the rear.

Race 7: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SATURDAY JANUARY 8 BM64 (1100m): 

An emotional win in the last with the Todd Howlett trained Toto coming with a sustained run to bring up his fourth career win. 

The Manhattan Rain gelding suffered a broken jaw in a truck accident last year and was scratched at the barriers at his last two starts. 

There were no such problems today, with the five-year-old on his best behaviour. 

Tom Sherry settled him at the rear of the field, coming from last and running down his rivals to score by a head. 

“It’s been a tough time for him and he’s lucky to be alive,” Howlett said. 

“He had some long overdue luck on his side today. I was a bit worried when he was back in the field, but he got home well which is great to see.

‘He’s a nice horse and deserved the win. He will go on to better races.” 

Sherry said he was also concerned when Toto was slow to begin. 

“I was a touch concerned but he did his best work on the line,” he said. 

“He was the class horse in the race and it’s good to get some confidence on his side.”
Greg Hickman’s $3.80 favourite Tudor Music was second, over Lashoni ($12) from the Troy O’Neile stable. 

A double to jockey Tommy Berry and a local winner were among the highlights of the Business Wyong Race Day. 

Berry, who was favourite in the jockey’s challenge, partnered On Bail for the Snowden’s and promising filly Petulant for the Hawkes stable. 

Allan Kehoe’s Schoona The Better (pictured) continued a good run for the stable, bringing up his fourth career win. 

Race 1: COMMUNITY BANK WYONG – BENDIGO BANK MAIDEN (1350m): 

Gary Moore’s consistent Stay Wealthy opened the program with a well-deserved win. 

The Redoute’s Choice gelding, a $1,075,000 Magic Millions yearling, had been placed in all four previous starts, three of those at Wyong. 

Moore had urged Tim Clark to be positive from the start and that’s how it panned out with the four-year-old pinging the gates and leading. 

Clark was able to dictate terms throughout and despite a couple of nervous moments before the turn, when he was pressured by runner-up Military Star, the result was never in doubt. 

Stay Wealthy pulled away in the final stages to win by three and a half lengths. 

“He’s been a pleasure to train,” Moore, who races the gelding in partnership with Newhaven Park, said.

“He’s got a big heart and had been beaten by a couple of handy horses in his previous starts but he’s very consistent and came here today with his best chance to win a race.”

Stay Wealthy was sent out $1.45 favourite in the field of four, beating Karen Outrim’s Military Star ($7), with local galloper Sonic Hollow ($61) from the Stephen Schofield stable, third.

Race 2: PAUL HILLS – THE AGENCY CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m): 

A gun ride by Tommy Berry secured a debut win for On Bail who outstayed his rivals in a grinding victory. 

Berry wasn’t content with the mid-race tempo, taking On Bail from last at the 1200m mark to just off the leader Conference. 

He hit the front on straightening, holding out the fast-finishing Ironic Miss to post a one length victory. 

“The ride won the race,” Snowden’s racing manager Colm McCullough said. “Tommy elected to get up on the speed and take any bad luck out of it. He was always going to be good when he got over a trip and it was great to see him strong to the line. 

“It will be interesting to see how he goes as we step him up further.”

On Bail ($5.50), a Turn Me Loose gelding, was having his seventh career start, having finished fourth at Gosford over 1900m on November 20.

Ironic Miss ($6) trained by Rodney Ollerton was second, with Conference ($6.50) from the Gary Nickson stable, third. The $1.90 favourite Lady Redwood appeared to have every chance, finishing fourth. 

Race 3: BATTERY WORLD WYONG METRO & PROV MAIDEN (1600m): 

The well supported Caboteur went one better than his last start second at Canterbury to claim his first victory and looks set for better races. 

The David Payne stable has always had an opinion of the son of, So You Think, who had two Metropolitan placings from his four starts.

“He’s got it all ahead of him, we are in no hurry, and that’s why we have been a bit patient with him,” Payne said.

Caboteur was backed in late, starting $2.25 favourite, with punters confident he would handle both the track and heavy conditions. 

He didn’t disappoint and looked the winner a long way from home despite a challenge from runner-up Ba Ai Gei Ni.

It was a pickup ride for Josh Parr after Keagan Latham was unavailable and Payne couldn’t have found a better substitute with Parr a pro around Wyong. 

He got an easy run in front with Parr able to dictate terms and pull away in the final stages to win by a length.

The victory denied Snowden’s and Tommy Berry of a race to race double, with Ba Ai Gei Ni ($4) second, over Perfect Match ($31) from the Gary Moore stable.

Race 4: CENTRAL COAST UNITY BANK BM64 (1600m): 

A home track win for the Allan Kehoe trained Schoona The Better who brought up his fourth career victory courtesy of a tactical ride by Jason Collett. 

There were a few nervous moments for Kehoe, who hadn’t expected the gelding to lead. 

But Collett was able to dictate terms throughout, after taking the five-year-old to an easy lead, backing off the tempo in the middle stages. 

The tactic proved a winner with Schoona The Better able to kick in the straight. 

Tommy Berry had to press forward on the $2 favourite Lord Winston in the early stages after being caught three wide, with the Lees trained gelding tiring late to finish fourth. 

All honours were with the winner, who despite coming off a Tamworth victory and third at Goulburn this preparation, was sent out $10.

The five-year-old, by Pellizotti, has really hit his straps in the middle-distance races, all four wins from his 14 starts coming from 1400m at beyond. 

“He’s never led before, so I was a bit worried, but they went slow, and it suited him today and showed his versatility,” Kehoe said. 

“I’ve always liked this horse, but he’s been a work in progress. He gives me the feeling he’s going to go on and win quite a few races but he’s still learning to be a racehorse. I’ll probably put him over 1800m next start.”

Bak Da Man ($3.10) from the Nathan Doyle stable, was runner up after going astray on the turn, and could be the one to follow. Departing Bullet ($10) trained by Paul Niceforo was third. 

Race 5: WYONG RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB GROUP MAIDEN (1000m): 

The Hawkes trained Petulant was able to justify her short price with a dominant win in just her second career start. 

A Starspangledbanner filly out of a Denman mare, Petulant was coming off a second at Hawkesbury on debut when she was just run down on the line.

Tommy Berry took a sit behind Kristen Buchanan’s speedster One Way Street and was able to overhaul the leader in the final stages to win by a length. 

The promising three-year-old could be headed for better races on the strength of her win. 

Petulant was the recipient of strong support, starting $1.90, the win bringing up a double for Berry.

Wyong horses featured heavily in the first four with One Way Street, who looks close to a win the runner-up, over Kim Waugh’s Foolish, with the Allan Denham first starter Alucia ($10) fourth. 

Race 6: SIGNARAMA TUGGERAH BM64 (1000m): 

Veteran Muswellbrook trainer Pat Farrell was in the winner’s circle with his speedy gelding Bengalla Bay proving too quick for his opposition over the 1000m.

The Wandjina five-year-old had been placed fourth in stronger company at Taree on November 21 but wasn’t to be denied at Wyong leading all the way. 

Alysha Collett gave the flying Bengalla Bay plenty of rein and he scooted away to lead throughout, tiring in the final stages but holding on to win. 

South Coast visitor River Mac ($6) dived on the line but was beaten a neck, with a much-improved performance by the Brett Partelle trained Trust Me ($12) to finish third. 

Stephen Schofield’s $3.30 favourite Mosht Up was caught wide and raced keenly, finishing fifth.

The winner has been in good form this preparation, figuring in the finish in most of his seven starts. 

Bengalla Bay landed some good bets after starting $3.40 second favourite and has now had five wins and 11 placings from his 40 starts.

Race 7: McDONALD’S FAMILY CHIPS CLASS 1 (1200m): 

In a busy four-way finish the Jason Coyle trained Hasty Duchess was able to snatch victory on the line. 

The mare, by Hallowed Crown, was resuming after three trials. She looks to have regained the form of her first preparation, where she had a win and second from three starts. 

She resumed from a spell with a fourth at Canberra in March this year but was then spelled again, before returning with the three trials. 

Coyle had her primed for a strong first up performance and the four-year-old didn’t disappoint, coming from behind to hit the front on the line. Starting at $5.50, Hasty Duchess was ridden by Jess Taylor. 

The Chosen One ($4.80), having his first start for Damien Lane, was slow to jump and looked to have the race won before being swamped on the line, with a win not far off. 

The Kearney trained Carlisle Bay ($5.50), who was also doing his best work on the line, was third. 

The Matthew Smith stable had plenty of reason to celebrate saddling up the first two winners on the program. 

Debutant Per Ivy and Bedford Square didn’t disappoint, both sent out favourites on the strength of their recent from. 

Per Ivy had great trial form, while Bedford Square was rewarded for her consistency after running six placings in nine starts. 

The well-bred Niffler from the Waller stable looks a handy type and likely to progress to better races 

Jason Collett bagged a double with Per Ivy and Glittery.

The predicted rain didn’t eventuate until late in the day, with a storm resulting in the last race to be abandoned. 

Race 1: 1800RESPECT MAIDEN (1000m): 

Matthew Smith looks to have unveiled a promising filly in Per Ivy who backed up her impressive trial form with a debut win. 

The Per Incanto three-year-old looked was under heavy riding and looked to be in trouble on the turn after Kristen Buchanan’s One Way Street kicked away. 

But she put her head down in the final stages and overhauled the leaders on the line to win by a long neck.

“She’s a nice progressive filly,” Jason Collett said. 

“The speed really suited her, but she did a few things wrong in the middle stages. 

“The racing experience is going to help her, but it was a good start to her career.”

Per Ivy was coming off an eye-catching trial win at Rosehill on November 8. 

She earned good support in a strong betting race, sent out $2.70 favourite. 

She beat the $2.90 second favourite One Way Street, from the Kristen Buchanan yard, who also looked strong in his first start. 

The three favourites finished in market order, with the Ryan/Alexiou’s Miss Maz ($3.50), third. 

Race 2: MOUNTIES GROUP 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1600m): 

A running double to the Matthew Smith stable after Bedford Square brought up a well-deserved win. 

The Tavistock mare had been placed in six of her nine starts and was coming off a fourth at Canterbury on November 12. 

The stable had considered both the Wyong track and track conditions would be ideal and the plan worked to perfection, with the four-year-old gathering in the leader late to bring up her first win. 

Joe Curran, representing the Smith stable, said it was a great start to the day. 

“It’s very pleasing to get the first two home and great to see this mare finally break through.

“It was a very good ride by Jay (Ford) because they were walking early and our plan had been to be a bit further back,” he said. “He used his initiative placing her second for most of the trip and she finished strongly.

“The Canterbury run really put the writing on the wall and being by Tavistock she could be even better over more ground.”

Bedford Square ($2fav), a $45,000 Karaka yearling, beat the Anthony Cummings trained Tailoring ($4).

Les Bridge’s second favourite Miss Delia ($2.70) finished strongly in third and will appreciate more ground.

Race 3: #NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE MAIDEN (1350m): 

Well bred filly mare Too Much Lippy continued a super run for the Ryan/Alexiou stable bringing up their seventh winner for the month. 

Bred and raced by John Singleton, the four-year-old was having only her second start but looks set to progress through the grades. 

She debuted in March with a second at Goulburn and was given a trial heading into the Wyong race. 

Nash Rawiller gave Too Much Lippy ($3.10) the perfect ride, holding her together into the straight before letting her down in the final stages. 

The win was never in doubt, despite a mid-race move by Tommy Berry who circled the field on John Sargent’s Gin Martini ($3fav), but couldn’t sustain the run, finishing second. Gary Moore’s Stay Wealthy ($3.10), appeared to have every chance finishing third. 

Rawiller said the winner, a son of More Than Ready, could progress off the victory. 

“She’s been lightly treated for a four-year-old mare but had a few little issues and took a long time to mature. I wanted to hold onto her as long as I could and let her show her dash and she certainly did that.

“She’s got a bit of rating in hand now.”

Race 4: STAND UP AGAINST DOMESTIC AND FAMILY ABUSE CLASS 1(1350m): 

An eye-catching win by the Waller trained Niffler coming from behind in a slowly run race to overhaul her rivals. 

The Chris Waller trained mare, another winner on the program by Tavistock, looks headed for better races after bringing up her second win from as many starts. 

Niffler came from near last on the turn and chased the three leaders down the straight, rounding them up in the final stages to win by more than a length. 

Bred in New Zealand by iconic breeders Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, the four-year-old was sold at Karaka for $200,000.

She debuted with a win at Kembla on April 3 and was then spelled, resuming with two trials. 

Winning rider Lee Magorrian said he believes Niffler will progress to better races.

“She gave me the impression she’ll take the next step,” he said. “Chris and his team did a great job to get her ready to win over 1350m, when ideally she’ll be better suited over the mile plus.

“I always go into the races confident when I’m riding one with the Waller bridle and Debbie Kepitis as the owner.”

Niffler ($3.80fav) beat Cushy ($5.50) from the Pride stable, with Field Wiri ($4.40) trained by the Freedman brothers, third. 

Race 5: WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1100m): 

Penopera gave Jason Coyle plenty of reason to celebrate, the mare breaking through for her first win. 

Coyle bred the four-year-old having trained her mother Ashlee’s Jewel, and now races her. 

She had been racing without luck in several of her recent races and was placed fourth at Gosford over 1100m at her last start. 

Penopera ($12) was given a great ride by Jess Taylor, who was toward the rear of the field on straightening. 

She had plenty of momentum in the straight and found a gap through a wall of horses to post a half length victory. 

Taylor returned to scale cheered on by her two young daughters. 

“It was exciting to have a win in front of the girls,” she said. 

“This mare has been getting better with each run. She is so consistent and there’s not a lot of her. 

“I was three wide with cover but I think it helped having a bit of room today. 

“I was confident from the top of the straight and had a lovely run through.”

Hypnosis ($6) from the Baker stable, showed plenty of heart fighting on for second, over the local trained and ultra-consistent Mister Ripley ($9) from the Rod Bailey yard. 

Race 6: DOMESTIC & FAMILY ABUSE AWARENESS BM64 (1100m): 

It was a race in two in the straight with Never Second and Glittery neck and neck before the Godolphin runner got the upper hand on the line. 

A half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Bivouac, Glittery ($3.50) was having her sixth career start, having brought up her maiden win at Gosford in June. 

She was given a well-timed run by Jason Collett, who fought out the finish with fellow leading rider Tommy Berry, on the Neasham trained $2.50 favourite Never Second. 

Joe Pride’s Macomo ($6) was two and a half lengths behind in third. 

Darren Beadman, representing the stable, said Glittery had come back better from her spell. 

“Her coat was glistening today, and she came into the race today with the right sort of lead up,” he said. “She’s a very well-bred filly and that breeding will hold her in good stead into the future. 

“She went well in a very strong trial at Warwick Farm and had a good bit of time between the trial and today’s run. It worked out perfect.”

The win brought up a double for Collett.

A successful day for punters, doubles for three jockeys along with two horses who won and look destined for better things.

They were the notable highlights from today’s midweek meeting.

Punters definitely came out on top with favorites winning five of the eight races.

The successful major elects were For Valour ($1.45), Bon Vivant ($1.90), Glamour and Glory ($2.20), Sweet Ruby ($2.50) and Ka Bling ($2.10).

Close second favorite Oceanic Flash ($2.50) also scored, pipping favorite Tea Leaves ($1.95) in the opening event.

Jockeys Mitchell Bell (Oceanic Flash and Proverbial), Hugh Bowman (Bon Vivant and Sweet Ruby), and Tommy Berry (Glamour and Glory and Ka Bling) shared riding honours.

Bon Vivant and Ka Bling, both young horses, are worth following.

Whilst their margins weren’t great, their performances indeed were and they look capable of winning better races.

RACE 1 – WYONG RACE CLUB FUNCTION CENTRE CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):

CO-TRAINER Gerald Ryan was concerned beforehand that last-start runaway Newcastle winner Oceanic Flash would be as well suited on the tighter circuit – but need not have worried.

The lightly-raced four-year-old made it two wins in a row, but it was nowhere near as comprehensive as his 1850m victory on the spacious Newcastle track on October 30. 

Oceanic Flash ($2.50) nosed out the $1.95 favorite Tea Leaves, and the pair had the finish to themselves, leaving third placegetter Seporto ($12) more than five lengths astern. 

“He got the job done,” Ryan said afterwards. “I was concerned because he is a big-striding horse and pricked his ears in the straight when he looked to be putting the second horse away easily. He had a bit of a think about it for sure, but he is a big immature horse who is still learning.” 

A gear change on Tea Leaves almost brought about a reversal in form, having been beaten 19 lengths at Kembla Grange at his previous start after doing plenty of work in the run. Blinkers replaced winkers and Tim Clark gave him a perfect run. A two-year-old winner at Newcastle in March, the now three-year-old is ready to return to the winning list.

RACE 2: BUSINESS WYONG RACE DAY DECEMBER 9 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m):

TIM Clark and the Waterhouse-Bott team just missed in the opener, but they quickly struck back with hotpot For Valour ($1.45). 

Clark took bad luck out of the equation by making the running and the Zoustar four-year-old made it two wins on end,  holding off a game Miss Scalini ($5.50), who tried hard to overhaul him. 

Mo’s Crown ($14) was third without ever threatening the first pair and can win if he returns to a suitable country event. 

For Valour had scored over 1500m on heavy ground at Hawkesbury on November 9, and is taking the next step with every start this campaign. 

Stable representative Neil Paine said it was never easy to progress straight from a Maiden to winning a Benchmark race. 

“He is the whole package and can certainly get up to city class,” Paine said. “I thought he won with a bit of confidence today and has now won on heavy and good ground.

“We won the race in the first 150m because For Valour has so much gate speed, and then got into a nice rhythm and had more to offer at the finish.” 

RACE 3: TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m):

HUGH Bowman’s class shone through on the $1.90 favorite Bon Vivant, who overcame a wide draw and slow beginning to overhaul Pelennium ($5.50) and Gerardjoseph ($7.50).

“He’s very raw and things didn’t work out in the early stages, and he wasn’t all that comfortable making the home turn,” Bowman said. “But I was confident once he balanced up on straightening, and he didn’t let me down.” 

Stable representative Darren Beadman agreed that Bon Vivant was a “big, raw horse” and it was a matter of Bowman keeping him balanced. He also pointed to the run of stablemate Abenaki ($26), who hit the line stylishly to finish fifth and said she could be worth following. Abenaki had done little in four previous runs but looks as though she is going to appreciate a middle distance. 

Stewards questioned jockey Glyn Schofield about his riding of Abenaki from the 800m. Schofield agreed with stewards that, in hindsight, the better option would have been to shift outside Gerardjoseph passing the 700m, which would have avoided his mount losing ground at that point.

RACE 4: WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1000m):

FAVORITE punters struck again when Star Turn filly Glamour and Glory ($2.20) broke through at her fourth start.

 Jockey Tommy Berry gave her the run of the race, then pulled her around the heels of the two leaders, London Ruler and The Leopard’s Tale (both $41 chances) on the home turn. She stretched out nicely to beat the latter and former horses into the placings. 

Berry had a broad smile returning to scale – and with good reason as his wife Sharnee is a part-owner of the filly, a $200,000 Magic Millions purchase. 

“She is raced by a ladies’ syndicate and they have been very patient,” Berry said. “Glamour and Glory has always been a bit temperamental, and is now starting to work it out.

 “This is probably the tightest track she has raced on, and didn’t get around it all that well, so it adds merit to her win. She will be better on a bigger track.”

RACE 5: GREAT NORTHERN MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): 

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SCONE trainer Lou Mary clinched his second Provincial success much to the delight of bookmakers, as favorites had won three of the first four races. His $18 chance Proverbial provided Mitchell Bell with his second winner of the day, and Mary’s second in two days. Bell picked up an unexpected booking when illness forced Christian Reith to forego the mount. Mary was excited to win for new clients and said he had been waiting to put blinkers on Proverbial, who had kept improving this preparation. Proverbial led and just held out the late-finishing $61 roughie Miss Lenorr, who showed rapid improvement on her debut failure at Gosford in June. It looked a two-horse race on paper, but Sacred Field ($1.85) and Bartoselli ($2.70) finished fourth and third respectively. Hugh Bowman reported Bartoselli hung in and never travelled comfortably, whilst Tommy Berry said Sacred Field was obliged to race wide and without cover and hung out during the race.

RACE 6: WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS DECEMBER 15 F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m): 

HUGH Bowman claimed a double when another favorite Sweet Ruby ($2.50) scored – but runner-up My Snow Queen ($3.90) cost herself the race. She made the running but didn’t make the home turn well and veered to the centre of the track. Her waywardness enabled the winner to enjoy a trouble-free run in the straight and she responded gamely to edge out My Snow Queen. Locally-trained Mosht Up ($21) finished third and nearly upset the fancied pair. Winning trainer Kim Waugh described Sweet Ruby as a “nice filly who keeps on improving”. “She looks as though she is looking for 1600m already,” she said. Bowman added: “Sweet Ruby wasn’t comfortable amongst horses, and I’m sure she will be better placed on a bigger track getting over more ground.”

RACE 7: DE BORTOLI WINES CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1200m):

UNDOUBTEDLY one of the wins of the day! No other way to describe $2.10 favorite Ka Bling’s victory. Not the best away, he continued to make ground to race up near the lead, then found plenty in the straight to defeat Mystic Vein ($11) and Buzz ‘N’ Joe ($20). The Capitalist three-year-old was having only his fourth start and has now won twice. Co-trainer Paul Snowden was full of praise for Ka Bling, explaining he was a late scratching at Gosford recently when also favorite, after pulling a shoe and pricking himself after arriving at the track. 

“We’ll be looking to get to town with him soon, but he’s still a preparation away,” Snowden said. Winning rider Tommy Berry echoed Snowden’s comments. “I’m really looking forward to his next preparation as he still has plenty of improvement,” he said. “After he began awkwardly, I went forward on him when the speed slackened as it is hard to win today from back in the field.” Apprentice Tyler Schiller, who rode Land Of Valens (ninth at $6), told stewards his mount received heavy contact from another runner passing the 700m and became under pressure from that point and failed to respond to his riding.

RACE 8: WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25 CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1000m):

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No excuses for the beaten brigade here. Winner Toro Toro ($7.50) gave them a start and a beating. The Scone-trained five-year-old, having his fourth start this preparation, began awkwardly and shortly afterwards was bumped by eventual runner-up Flora ($11). He came from last, made the home turn the widest and still rounded up his seven rivals. Stewards, however, cautioned winning rider Matt Palmer to exercise more care as Flora’s rider Josh Parr had to take hold to avoid the heels of the winner when it shifted in under pressure over the closing stages. Favorite Emilette ($3.50), just nudged out of a minor placing, made contact with the inside running rail near the finish when racing tight inside third placegetter Young Heart ($6.50).

A local win in the $40,000 SKY RACING Summing Provincial Series opening heat was the highlight of the eight-race ‘Back To The Races’ meeting.

Kim Waugh’s Oxford Tycoon was too strong for his rivals in the feature race and now heads to the $150,000 final at Newcastle on December 18.

The six-year-old Written Tycoon gelding will step up to 1600m for the final, having previously placed over 1500m at Rosehill. 

Darleb will represent Kris Lees after finishing second, the Lees stable already claiming two of the three series Summer Provincial Series finals run to date. 

The Angela Davies trained Momack, who fought on gamely for third, also earned a finals berth, and will also appreciate more ground. 

Reece Jones, who took out the Wyong Apprentice Premiership last season, made an impressive return to the track after injury, riding a race to race double.

He shared the riding honours with Louise Day also bagging two winners. 

Speedy Scone filly I’m Not Slew looks to have an impressive future, easily making the step up from Country to Provincial grade in the 1000m BM64.

Race 1 – MAGIC MILLIONS – GOLD COAST IN JANUARY MAIDEN (1600m):

Impeccably bred Snitzel colt Vyner broke through for his first win for trainer Mark Newnham and prominent part-owner Alan Jones.

The three-year-old was coming off a second at Kembla over the same distance on October 23 and earned strong late support, starting $2.30 favourite. 

Koby Jennings gave Vyner a confident ride, settling just behind the leaders before taking off on the turn. 

He kicked three lengths clear on straightening and was never in doubt in the final stages, beating his rivals by half a length. 

Newnham has always had an opinion of Vyner, whose mother Vadomoro was runner-up In the VRC Oakes and Vinery Stud Stakes.

“Vyner is a nice horse,” Newnham said. “He was a late foal, so he has taken a while to mature but he has always shown me above average ability.

“We thought he would be effective at the mile to 2000m, and he’s shown that today.”

John Sargent’s Al Sahara, the $2.80 second favourite, was runner-up, over Vitae ($7), from the Matthew Dunn yard. 

Race 2 – WWW.TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m):

Back-to-back wins for Louise Day on the Waller trained Black Queen, who justified her short price to record another dominant Wyong win. 

The Mongolian Khan mare was ridden to victory by Day at Kembla on October 23, catching the eye of punters who were confident she could replicate her last start win and sent her out $1.30 favourite. 

The victory was never in doubt with Day settling the four-year-old just behind the leader in a slowly run race, before taking him to the lead at the 600m mark and drawing away in the straight to win by almost two lengths.

Black Queen was having her eighth start, after beginning her racing career with a second in New Zealand. 

She made the switch to Waller’s Sydney stables and has since won two races, with four placings.

Paul Murray’s Kembla-trained Lady Redwood ($6.50) was again runner-up to Black Queen, with Deel Street ($7) from the Waugh stable, third. 

Race 3 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY JADE CG&E MAIDEN (1350m):

Joe Pride made the trip to Wyong to see his gelding Cushy win before heading back to Sydney to saddle up his Golden Gift favourite Shalatin.

And while Shalatin was narrowly beaten he also tasted success at Rosehill with Zoushack.

Pride has a share in the ownership of Cushy, a Super Easy gelding having his fourth career start. 
He was in a battle for favouritism with Gary Moore’s Stay Wealthy and the pair were in a race of their own in the final stages, with Andrew Gibbons getting the most out of Cushy on the line. 

The three-year-old appreciated the step up in distance and firmer track, after a last start third over 1200m at Kembla in the heavy on October 23.

Cushy ($3.20), out of New Zealand mare Our Solaris, beat Stay Wealthy ($2.90fav) by a nose, with the tiring Marvelous ($7.50), from the Lee and Cherie Curtis yard, third.

Race 4 – WELCOME BACK TO RACING WRC MEMBERS F&M MAIDEN (1350m):

Louise Day brought up a double in an upset win on the Maher Eustace first starter Pono Kitoro. 

The Reliable Man filly was the outsider in the field, with Day giving him a soft run toward the rear of in the early stages. 

She made a sweeping run from last to first just before the turn, and from then on, the win was never in doubt. 

Pono Kitoro drew away in the final stages to win by almost three lengths. 

The three-year-old was coming off two moderate Metropolitan trials, the latest on October 19 when he was beaten more than six lengths over the 1045m.

He relished the race day conditions, giving Day a double and win for her former boss Maher. 

The $2.45 favourite Estonia was second for Richard and Michael Freedman, with Drummin ($5.50) trained by Lee and Cherie Curtis, third.

Race 5 – GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP MAIDEN (1000m): 

Leading apprentice Reece Jones didn’t take long to return to the winner’s circle in his second meeting back after being sidelined with injury. 

Jones spent almost two months recovering from a wrist injury, resuming at Muswellbrook on Melbourne Cup Day without tasting success.

At only his second meeting back he piloted speedy Goulburn sprinter Girl Mania to a four-length win. 

The Jean Dubois trained filly was sent out $3.40 second favourite on the back of her fourth at Hawkesbury when resuming on October 26. 

It was another race in two in the final stages, with Girl Mania running down Brad Widdup’s $2.45 favourite Mareeba early in the straight, and then drawing away for a dominant win. 

Matthew Smith’s Rubigal ($7) was a length behind in third. 

A Capitalist filly, Girl Mania has now had a win and two placings from her seven starts. 

Race 6 – WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS RACE DAY 15 DEC CLASS 1 (1350m): 

A race to race double for the returning Reece Jones, coming from last on the turn to steer Artero to victory. 

The Flying Artie colt, trained by Matthew Dunn, was back in grade after finishing last in the Listed Brian Crowley at Randwick on October 23. 

He was unfancied by punters drifting in the betting to $6.80 but seems to have returned to the form that saw him take out the Inglis Challenge at Scone in May.

Jones settled Artero at the rear of the field, coming from behind on the turn with a sustained run to win by a length and a half. 

The $10,000 Inglis yearling, has now amassed more than $155,000 in prizemoney with more wins in store. 

He beat Dale Riley’s The Defiant One ($21) who fought on strongly in the straight, with Irish Kisses ($2.25fav) from the Tracey Bartley yard, third. 

Race 7 – SKY RACING SUMMER PROVINCIAL SERIES HEAT 1 – CLASS 5 (1350m):

A home track win in the opening heat of the Sky Racing Summer Provincial Series with Kim Waugh’s Oxford Tycoon too strong for his rivals. 

The six-year-old earned a spot in the $150,000 final with a half-length win over the Kris Lees race favourite Darleb. 

Oxford Tycoon was coming off a second in the Midway over 1300m on August 28 and was the recipient of strong late support.

He started $3 second favourite and didn’t disappoint, courtesy of a confident ride by Jeff Penza. 

He stalked the leaders prior to the turn before hitting the front on straightening.

Oxford Tycoon put two lengths on his rivals in the straight and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Darleb. 

They put a gap between the rest of the field, with the Angela Davies trained Momack fighting on strongly in the final stages to finish more than three lengths behind in third. 

Waugh had been confident of the chances of Oxford Tycoon leading into the $40,000 heat. 

“I’ve been really happy with him leading into this,” Waugh said. 

“He galloped the other morning and worked really well.

“It’s the perfect distance for him and he’s won here before so there was plenty in his favour today.”

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT MEETING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16 BM64 (1000m):

The Scott Singleton trained I’m Not Slew looks set for bigger things on the strength of her dominant win in stronger grade.

The speedy Sooboog filly was stepping up from a Scone win over the 1100m on October 22 but had no problem with the rise to Provincial grade.

Christian Reith drove the three-year-old to the lead from the barriers and maintained the front throughout, drawing away in the straight to win by more than a length. 

Punters were confident I’m Not Slew could put together successive wins, sending her out $.190 favourite on the strength of his Scone win.

The victory was never in doubt, with the filly showing an abundance of speed throughout. 

She beat Denim Wynen’s Dual Escape ($12), who always saves her best runs for the Wyong track, with Allan Denham’s Adios Steve ($19) third. 

Another super Provincial meeting saw plenty of progressive winners across the eight races, as the club recognised Police Remembrance Day.

Three-year-old trio Ka Bling, Garmish and Riduna all look set for bigger things, while Les Bridge’s The Denzel will also head to town on the strength of his dominant six length victory.

Grace Bay and Dom Tycoon stamped themselves as Four Pillars candidates with strong wins, while Tim Clark and Regan Bayliss shared the riding honours with doubles.

Damien Lane showcased two of his aspiring Four Pillars runners, Zorocat and Too Good To Be True, who looked impressive in a gallop between races. 

Race 1 – GREAT NORTHERN CG&E MAIDEN (1200m):

It didn’t take long for leading jockey Tommy Berry to return to the winner’s circle steering Ka Bling to a nice victory in the first.

Berry, who has been sidelined from suspension for a month, came from behind in the straight to win by a length. 

It had looked a race in two when the favourites The Poacher ($2.40) and Hold On Honey ($2.60) headed into the straight, but the back markers had other ideas, running down the leaders on the line. 

“It’s always the start you want to come back on with a win,” Berry said. 

“I was glad to get on this bloke today because I’d done a bit of work on him at home and ridden him in a couple of trials. 

“I always thought he could progress well off his first run, and he was really good today.

“He got a bit lost in front but he’s a beautiful big horse and will take plenty of 

Improvement out of that.”

The well-bred Ka Bling ($6), a son of Capitalist, was a $200,000 yearling raced in partnership by trainers Peter and Paul Snowden. 

He beat Greg Hickman’s Unwritten ($14), with Podium ($17) from the Waller stable, an eye-catching run in third. 

Race 2 – CANADIAN CLUB F&M MAIDEN (1200m):

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Riduna lived up to stable expectations with a tough maiden win.

Regan Bayliss rode the Fastnet Rock filly to victory, crossing from the wide barrier and giving her a mid-race breather.

She hit the lead on straightening and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Mystic Mermaid ($4.60) to win by a half-length. 

“She looked so good in the coat and was bouncing around before the race. Just on that she looked the winner,” stable representative Neil Paine said.

“Regan rode her exactly to Gai and Adrian’s instruction, bouncing her out and crossing over. When they attacked her, she showed a lot of heart to win the race.

“She’s not overly big but she’s got a big heart. As long as they’ve got a heart it doesn’t matter how big or small, they are.”

Riduna, a $120,000 Magic Millions yearling, was sent out $2.90 second favourite on the strength of her last start third at Hawkesbury.

The Snowden trained Mirra View ($26) was third. 

RACE 3 – CHOOSE TO DRINK WISE MAIDEN (1350m):

Garmish made a promising return to racing, proving too strong for his opposition first up.

The Snitzel colt had been impressive in his first preparation, having placed fourth at Metropolitan grade and second at Newcastle.

Tim Clark settled the three-year-old just behind the leader and hit the front on straightening.

He held out Dubai Showgirl ($16) and the fast-finishing Danzette ($7), both from the Snowden yard, to win by a half-length. 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained Garmish was a $450,000 Magic Millions yearling. 

Clark said the colt had the right form leading into the race.

“It looked like his race, but he had to get out there and execute and that’s what he did,” Clark said.

“He travelled well throughout but was waiting for something to come at him.

“He hit the front and waited a bit but when challenged he had plenty to give.” 

Race 4 – IN MEMORY OF S/C CHRISTOPHER JOHN THORNTON 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1600m):

The Denzel was in a class of his own bringing up his first win by almost six lengths. 

The Adelaide gelding, trained by Les Bridge, shook off his bridesmaid tag in fine fashion, blitzing the field.

Kerrin McEvoy took the four-year-old to the lead, dictating terms in front, before pinching three lengths on the turn and drawing away in the straight.

“That’s how we thought he’d win, “McEvoy said.

“He’s been bumping into a few handy horses of late but has done well since his last run.

“He backed up lovely today and is heading in the right direction. Les will find a race for him in the coming weeks. I think he can go a bit further in trip as well.”

The Denzel, who started $1.10 favourite, had been placed in five of his last six starts. 

He beat the Gwenda Markwell trained Blackall ($13), with Anthony Cummings’ Guard ($31), third.

Race 5 – IN MEMORY OF S/C DAVID JOHN MANSFIELD CLASS 1 & MAIDEN (2100m):

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A great staying performance saw Godolphin’s Silhouette bring up her second career win assisted by of a super Tim Clark ride.

The Teofilo mare had been placed second at her past two starts on the Kensington and Newcastle tracks. 

She was sent out $2.25 favourite on the strength of those placings and didn’t disappoint despite missing the start. 

Clark, who brought up a winning double, was able to settle Silhouette toward the rear, before circling the field on the turn and running down her rivals on the line. 

“She put the writing on the wall last start,” Clark said. 

“Things didn’t go to plan today but she showed she had a bit of class. She stood a bit flat footed, but I rode her quiet and was able to pick through the field and she was soft to the line.”

Zudin ($4) from the Waller stable was runner-up, with Anthony Cumming’s Believe So ($9.50), third. 

Race 6 – TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 (1350m):

A great first up victory by Writing Unexpected who earned strong late support to start $5.50 second favourite. 

Backed in from $12 earlier in the day, John Steinmetz’s Choistar gelding had good first up-form and didn’t disappoint with a strong win. 

Regan Bayliss, who brought up a winning double, positioned the six-year-old toward the rear, circling the field on straightening and running down the leaders on the line to win by a long neck. 

“It was a good performance from him,” Bayliss said. “He’s a horse that gets up over a bit further.

“He tracked wide today but felt comfortable and got into a good rhythm. “The key to him is we were able to get going when we wanted to get going. “He’s not a stop start horse and built good momentum and was able to fend them off and win first up. He’s in for a good prep.”

Writing Unexpected, who is raced by the Steinmetz family, brought up his sixth career win beating Tony Newing’s Camp Rifle ($3.40), with the Perry trained She’s Independent ($21) third. 

Race 7 – POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY BENCHMARK 64 (1350m):

A super training performance by Claire Lever saw Grace Bay catch the eye of Four Pillars slot holders, bringing up her fifth win when resuming.

The five-year-old last started in the Provincial Championship Final at Randwick on April 17 where she finished 2.9 lengths behind the winner. 

She was subsequently spelled and looks to have returned in great form. 

Starting at $5, Grace Bay earned good support and didn’t let punters down, with a sustained run in the straight giving her a three quarters of a length victory. 

“I rode her when she first came back in and thought she’d come back stronger and bigger and improved further on last preparation,” Lever said. 

“She had three jump outs coming into today and we knew she was going well. 

“She races well fresh and is easy to read. You know when she’s ready. 

“She is honest and just tries. It turned out perfect today.”

Collett described it as a “pretty professional performance.”

“He was the class runner coming into this and was fantastic first up. I think they will be aiming for something higher now.”

Andrew MacDonald’s Major Murphy ($21) put in an improved performance to finish second, ahead of the Stephen Jones trained Toro Toro ($9), who was strong under the big weight. 

Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6 BENCHMARK 64 (1600m):

An upset in the last with the Peter Robl’s consistent galloper Dom Tycoon bringing up his third win this preparation. 

The Written Tycoon gelding, beat the Annabel Neasham’s short-priced favourite Jesse James, who seemed to baulk in the final stages. 

Robl said the four-year-old would be an ideal Four Pillars runner. 

“He has won three out of his last four starts and won over the journey, so they could do a lot worse,” Robl said. 

“His benchmark will be ideal, and I think he would go really well in a race like that. 

“He’s been a good little money spinner for the owners. They brought him cheap and he’s getting better with age. They are great customers of mine and it’s good to be able to reward them with this type of consistency.”

Clipperton agreed Dom Tycoon was in good form. 

“He’s racing with a lot of confidence and going through his grades nicely,” he said. 

“I needed an out at the top of the straight and had a lot of horse. Once I got into the clear he dug deep and knuckled down.”

In the closest finishes of the day, Dom Tycoon beat Jesse James ($1.60) by a head, with Damien Lane’s Oakfield Captain ($17) third.

A Super Tuesday meeting unveiled several potential Spring Carnival candidates and two exciting Four Pillars prospects for Tracey Bartley and Kim Waugh.

Favourites dominated the program, taking out five of the eight races, while Tim Clark and Jason Collett shared the riding honours, both claiming a double. 

Race 1 – SAL – LEGRAND – ELECTRA MAIDEN PLATE (2100m):

A berth in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes could be on the cards for Raging Bull following his dominant staying performance. 

The Bull Point gelding was sent out $1.24 favourite and didn’t disappoint winning by more than three lengths. 

Tim Clark opted to take the sit just off the leader before hitting the front on straightening and drawing away in the final stages. 

Trainer David Payne had expected the three-year-old to perform well, having already targeted the Spring Stakes over 2000m at Randwick on October 9.

“He’ll go from strength to strength now,” stable foreman Stuart Rankin said. 

“He was way too good this afternoon. When he came past the post the first time, I had the feeling it was race over.”

Clark agreed it was a strong win. 

“He looked well suited in this race and David spoke highly of him as a staying prospect,” Clark said.

“It was his first time over the trip. He was well suited and showed his dominance.”

Raging Bull was placed twice at Metropolitan level as a two-year-old, before given a freshen up prior to the Wyong start. 

So Incisive ($8) trained by Clarry Connors was runner-up, ahead of the Nathan Doyle trained Kintos ($41). 

Race 2 – BOVARA MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):

The Anthony Cummings trained Lease hit back from a disappointing last start Hawkesbury run to bring up his debut win at start six. 

The Choisir colt was beaten more than 20 lengths when first up over 1100m at Hawkesbury on September 9.

He was able to atone for that performance with a good win, aided by a great Josh Parr ride.

Leased met with late support in the betting starting at $8.50.

Parr said he had been confident the three-year-old would win from a long way out.  

“He floated his way to the start but appreciated a squeeze out of the gates and got up and travelling,” he said.

“I was quite confident a long way from home.”

A $75,000 Magic Millions yearling, Leased beat the fast finishing How Do You Sleep ($6) from the Joe Pride stable, with the Waller trained Hollywood North ($6.50), third. 

The short priced favourite Island Legend, from the Ryan/Alexiou yard, appeared to have every opportunity, finishing third. 

Race 3 – EVOLT – TRADER – HAGER – ILD CG&E MAIDEN PLATE (1100m):

Bjorn Baker’s debutant Battleton ($2.60) looks to have a bright future on the strength of his come from behind win over the 1100m.

The Zoustar colt, a $300,000 Magic Millions yearling, was coming off two impressive Warwick Farm trials. 

The race plan had been to sit just off the pace, but a slow start saw the three-year-old settle at the rear of the field. 

Jason Collett didn’t panic, getting Battleton into a rhythm before circling the field on the turn and running down the leaders to win by a long neck. 

“It was a good start to his career,” Collett said. 

“He did a lot wrong. I was hoping to be close to the lead, but he was slow away and over raced early.

“He’s obviously got ability to be able to rail out three and come around them like that. 

“He’s got a bit of growing up to do upstairs but to do what he did today and win like that is promising.”

Paul Messara’s $2.20 race favourite Adios raced greenly to finish second but still looks to have plenty of talent.

Legend I Am ($7) trained by Les Bridge, was a length behind in third.

Race 4 – HANECO CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m):

Promising four-year-old Ma And Pa brought up back to wins courtesy of a well rated Nash Rawiller ride.
The Redoute’s Choice gelding out of Oaks winning mare Dear Demi, was sent out $1.60 favourite on the strength of his last start Hawkesbury win. 

Rawiller took Ma and Pa to an early lead and dictated terms in front. 

He led into the straight and looked to have the race won but had to dig deep in the final stages after a late challenge by the second favourite The Denzel ($2.90).

“He gave me a nice feel,” Rawiller said. “He just tended to track a bit funny around the corner. 

“He felt vulnerable about 100m out but dug in to win. 

“He is still quite raw and green but did a good job and will get over further for sure.”

Clare Hewson, representing the Waller stable, said she expected they would now target a metropolitan race with Ma And Pa. 

“He’s heading in the right direction, and I’d say we will go to town next. It was a good win today and a lovely ride.”

Ma And Pa is bred and is raced by John Singleton.

It was the third successive second for Les Bridges’ The Denzel, with The Mediator ($17) trained by Mark Newnham, third.

Race 5 – APP – IPD – OMNI F&M MAIDEN PLATE (1100m):

Capitalist filly Shihonka was a class above her rivals scoring an impressive six length win as she heads to town for black type races. 

Tim Clark brought up a winning double on the three-year-old, who was resuming from a spell. 

She finished third in the Listed Woodlands in May and looked to have returned in great style winning a trial at Gosford on August 30. 

She was sent out $1.12 favourite and the win never looked in doubt after Clark was able to cross from the wide barrier and lead throughout. 

She hit her straps in the straight pulling away from her rivals and easing down on the line. 

Neil Paine, representing the Waterhouse/Bott stable, said it is likely they will target black type races. 

“It was terrific and great to get that first win off her back,” he said. 

“I think she will progress from here and Gai and Adrian will have a look and see what is for her over the carnival. 

“She’s already stakes placed and if she can win a stakes race along the way it will be good for her.”

Clark said Shihonka, a $220,000 Magic Millions yearling, had come back from her spell more switched on. 

“She knows what her job is now. She’s come back in good enough order to get to stakes level and can hopefully take out one of those races over the carnival.”

Yumi ($13) from the Snowden stable was runner-up, from Drummin ($21) from the Curtis stable.

Race 6 – CLIPSAL BY SCHNEIDER CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m):

Kiss Sum looks to have a big future on the back of his super home track win. 

Tracey Bartley will now target a midweek metro race for the three-year-old Shamus Award gelding, he believes would be an ideal candidate for the $700,000 Four Pillars.

“We’ve got a very nice horse on our hands,” Bartley said. 

“I think he’s definitely a Provincial Championships horse and if he can win in town, he’d be putting his hand up for the Four Pillars. 

“I’m very excited about him.”

Jason Collett, who brought up a winning double on the $1.85 favourite, was also impressed with the win. 

“He’s pretty electric at the moment, with a really good turn of foot and is definitely a mid-weeker.

“He began fine today but didn’t have a hell of a lot of speed. Once I got him in his rhythm, I was able to manoeuvre a way out and make sure he got clear air.”

In a super ride, Collett came from a long last, making ground from the 500m before sweeping wide on the turn and drawing away to win by almost two lengths. 

He beat Sky Castle ($8) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, with Gregory McFarlane’s Rahni Factor ($14), third. 

Race 7 – BRILLIANT – CABAC – PSA CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1100m):

A race in two in the final stages of the 1100m BM68, with the Matthew Smith trained Undeniable getting the bob on the line. 

The Not A Single Doubt mare brought up her fifth career win, coming off a successful Brisbane campaign.

It was a patient ride by apprentice Ellen Hennessey, who had to wait for a gap in the straight and then run down the leader Cassy’s Sister at the post. 

The runner-up was brave in defeat and likely to have caught the eye of remaining Kosciusko slot holders. 

Hennessey was full of praise for Undeniable. 

“She chased really strongly and ended off the race well, “she said. 

“I was sitting just behind the speed, and she was comfortable there. We waited for the gap to appear and when it did, she extended really well. “

Undeniable ($5.50) beat Cassy’s Sister by a head, with Lady Of Luxury ($3.10) from the Bjorn Baker stable, more than two lengths behind in third. 

Race 8 – PRYSMAIN – MATCHMASTER – LEVEY AGENCIES CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1350m):

Different Strokes stamped his credentials as a Four Pillars candidate with a dominant win for Kim Waugh and Hugh Bowman. 

The Hinchinbrook gelding was a on the quick back up from Kembla last Saturday where he finished second, in an unsuitably run race. 

Back on his home track and with Bowman in the saddle he didn’t disappoint, coming from behind on the turn and drawing away in the final stages to win by two lengths. 

“I was pretty confident from a long way out,” Bowman said. 

“He seemed to thrive on the quick back up. I’ve had a few horses mentioned to me regarding the Four Pillars and this is the most interesting one.”

Waugh agreed Different Strokes should appeal to slot holders for the $700,000 race. 

“He’s the perfect Four Pillars horse and will love the 1500m,” Waugh said. 

“He’s a lovely horse and is still learning but he’s catching on quick which is fantastic. 

“As he gets more experience he will get even better.”

Different Strokes ($2.10fav) beat the Portelli trained Long Weekend ($15), with the Lees trained False Step ($16) third 

The 2021 Carlton Wyong Gold Cup Day may have been devoid of crowds for the first time in history but there was no shortage of action of the track with John O’Shea claiming his first Wyong Cup and James McDonald bagging four winners.

Imposing grey Berdibek put in a supreme staying display to sprint away in the final stages and claim victory in the Cup, courtesy of a super Hugh Bowman ride. 

The unstoppable James McDonald brought up winner number four on John Thompson’s More Prophets in the Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa. 

Kristen Buchanan carried the flag for the locals with Fumiko and Eyewitness both greeting the judge, while Kim Waugh was also in the winner’s circle with Different Strokes. 

New dad Jason Collett bagged a double, rounding off a fantastic day! 

Race 1 – PRIORITY BUSINESS LAWYERS 4YO & UP MAIDEN (1350m):

A super start to the day for the Kim Waugh stable, with Different Strokes an impressive winner. 

Waugh believes the Hinchinbrook gelding is headed for bigger things after bringing up his debut win at start three.

“He’s a lovely horse and is still learning,” she said.

“He’s a very casual, laid-back horse, who hasn’t had a lot of luck in his last two races.

“I’ve got a good opinion of him. He’s had a lot of issues, eye operations all sorts of things that have held him back. 

“We’ve waited a long time to get to this stage and will keep him going now.”

James McDonald, who partnered the $40,000 yearling, agreed with Waugh.

“He’s very progressive. He’s still a raw talent but once the penny drops, he will develop into a really nice horse.”

Different Strokes looked to be a class ahead of his rivals and was sent out $1.40 favourite. He beat the Gary Moore trained Stay Wealthy ($10) who boxed on in the straight, by more than a length, with Coppersonic ($11) from the Attard yard, third. 

Race 2 – WINNING COMMERCIAL MAIDEN (1200m): 

A great training effort by the Waterhouse/Bott stable with five-year-old Invincible Vision winning on debut. 

The I Am Invincible gelding, a $1.05m Inglis yearling, was having his first start after an original trial three years ago. 

Ongoing issues prevented him from racing in the subsequent two years and he went into the race with two Randwick trial wins indicating he would race well.

Tim Clark gave Invincible Vision the perfect Wyong ride, leading from start to finish and considers the gelding has plenty of improvement to come. 

Neil Paine, representing the stable, said the horse had been “a work in progress.”

“It was great to get the win today and a credit to the staff who put a lot of work into this horse over the years.

“We were fairly confident coming here today. We knew the horse had ability and he handled everything really well. He’s a really nice horse going forward.”

Invincible Vision was sent out $3.20 in a strong maiden field, beating the Freedman Brothers trained Amathuba ($7.50) by more than a length, with John O’Shea’s $3 favourite Ruinart, storming down the outside to finish third.

Race 3 – CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS DA VINCI – 3YO & 4YO BM64 (1300m):

Gary Portelli was full of praise for James McDonald, who brought up a double on his Maurice colt Akihiro.

McDonald had to revert to plan B after the three-year-old was slow to begin. He came from the rear before the turn, circling the field and drawing away to win by half a length. 

“This bloke’s a top rider for a reason and he showed it out there,” Portelli said.

“He was going to go forward but the horse wasn’t there for him, so he switched tactics. 

“When he realised he had to get going he put the foot down and I don’t know if there are too many jockeys who would have had the courage to do that.

“He’s a nice, neat little horse and we might be able to sneak him into a nice race over the carnival.”

Akihiro ($6.50), an $80,000 Magic Millions yearling, brought up his second win at start seven. 

He beat Peregrination ($8) from the Richard Litt yard, with country galloper Previso ($12), trained at Guyra by Ian Cook, running a nice race to finish third. 

Race 4 – BISHOP COLLINS BM64 (1600m):

Jason Collett wasted no time getting back into the winner’s circle following the birth of his first child, booting home Ita for Bjorn Baker. 

The new dad has been sidelined for a week after his partner Clare Cunningham gave birth to a daughter Scarlett. 

Collett gave the All Too Hard mare a great ride, settling her back toward the rear of the field. 

He took off before the turn, circling the field and hitting the front on straightening, before drawing away in the final stages to win by two lengths. 

“There’s a bit of class about her,” Collett said. “She’s progressive and doing really well and I think she can make the step up to city grade after today.”

Baker agreed with Collett, describing the four-year-old as “really professional.”

“She is a good, honest mare and has come back much better. It’s amazing what time can do. I think she’s city grade for sure.”

It was the third win from nine starts for Ita ($4.80), who was coming off a Bathurst victory on August 23. 

She beat the O’Shea trained Socrates ($5), with Jason Coyle’s Chateaux Park ($4.40), third.

Race 5 – HUNTER PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLASS 1 (1100m):

The in-form Kristen Buchanan stable struck again with her Flying Artie filly Fumiko an impressive winner. 

Resuming from a spell, the three-year-old was given a super ride by James McDonald, who brought up a winning treble. 

“I’m really pleased with her,” Buchanan said. 

“She’s a lovely filly, lightly framed with a bit of physical growing to do, but mentally she’s a beautiful horse to take to the races who puts her best foot forward. 

“She’s in for a good preparation and will get to a decent trip as we get along. 

“I gave James an open book today as to where he had her in the run and it was perfect.”

McDonald also spoke highly of the filly. 

“She’s a lovely filly, very speedy with great enthusiasm. She’s very well handled and educated here to win today and did a great job.”

Fumiko was sent out $3.70 favourite and beat Deepour ($7) from the Freedman Brothers stable, with Matthew Smith’s Agrum ($7.50) third.

Race 6 – WYONG LEAGUES GROUP MONA LISA STAKES (1350m):

Another perfect James McDonald ride secured victory for the John Thompson trained More Prophets, earning the mare her first black type race. 

McDonald again bucked the trend of the day by coming from the rear, making significant ground around the turn and running down the leaders to win by a long neck.

The Smart Missile mare, sent out at $5.50 second favourite, let down beautifully on the line, to bring up back-to-back wins.  

She is now likely to contest the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle on September 17.

Danielle Podlowski, representing Thompson, described it as a “terrific win.”

“She went super today and needed every inch of that track to get there.

“It was a great ride by James. He put her in a good spot. There is always plenty of confidence when he’s on board.

“She’s been a bit frustrating, but John’s always had faith in her and it’s lovely to see her get the wins.” 

McDonald was full of praise for More Prophets. 

“I love how she chimed in and hit the line well,” he said.

“I thought the only thing that could of beat her today was the Wyong circuit because of her racing style. 

“She felt much more relaxed today and the way she executed the 1350m was much, much better. 

“She’ll head to the Tibbie now and be a good ride for someone.”

Bring The Ransom ($18) ran a nice race to finish second, with the Kim Waugh’s luckless Great News ($2fav), boxing on for third after being caught wide throughout. 

Race 7 – 2021 CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP (2100m):

A hot tempo played into the hands of the John O’Shea trained Berdibek, paving the way for the trainer to claim his first Wyong Gold Cup.

Hugh Bowman partnered the eight-year-old gelding to victory, his fourth Cup win. 

With a strong early tempo, Bowman was content to sit back off the pace before looping the field on the turn. 

The eight-year-old Dark Angel gelding raced away in the final stages of the straight to win by almost two lengths. 

“I knew we had him in great form but obviously he needed a bit of luck,” O’Shea said.

“Hugh put him to sleep down the side and when he relaxes, he’s got a wonderful ton of speed.

“It was probably one of his best efforts today. 

“Wyong winners have got a good record in the Newcastle Cup so we will likely head up there.”

O’Shea paid tribute to injured jockey Brenton Avdulla, a regular rider of Berdibek.

Bowman said it was a nostalgic win for him, having claimed his first black type race on Pecan Pie in the 2000 Wyong Cup.

“It was great to win for John O’Shea and the team. The horse had great credentials coming into this race,” he said. 

“He always carries a lot of weight and I thought he was well in it today with the 56.5.

“He was well prepared, and everything fell into place. I was able to get a trouble-free run and once I decided to inject myself into the race he delivered in spades and gobbled them up in a twinkling of the eye.”

Berdibek ($5.50) beat the Waller pair Criminal Code ($5.50), and Mubariz ($5.50).

Race 8 – THE DOYLO SPRINGTIME CONDITIONAL BM68 (1100m): 

Kristen Buchan completed a super Wyong Cup Day, with speedy mare Eyewitness bringing up her third win. 

Jason Collett partnered the Star Witness four-year-old, bringing up a double. 

“She’s a little flying machine,” Buchanan said. 

“I had other options in mind because this race was quite strong, but I really wanted to keep Jason on. 

“He’s got a handle on her, and he rode her a treat. It’s a very pleasing result and the owners will be over the moon. 

“I think there is plenty of ability there, but I’ll take her along steady through the grades and let her learn the ropes.”

Eyewitness ($6) has now had three wins from six starts. 

Neretva ($15) from the Grant Allard stable was second, with Jenny Graham’s The Drake ($4.20) third.  

Tracey Bartley had a memorable day on his home track, with a winning double at the last Wyong meeting of the season. 

The wins took Bartley’s 2020/21 total to 27, his best season to date.

Sebrenco and Defeat greeted the judge for the stable in their respective races, both well supported in the betting. 

It was also a memorable day for popular jockey Grant Buckley who brought up 100 wins for the season on Sombre Prize, for Hawkesbury trainer Henry Reeves.

Reeves was also celebrating with the win his first since 2016.  

Race 1 – TAB.COM.AU 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): 

A great first up effort saw the Grant Allard trained Rubielie ($3.30) out sprint her rivals over the 1100m. 

The Rubick mare, having her 13^th career start, had been luckless in several of her previous runs but returned fresh from a spell to bring up her debut win. 

The speed was slow in the early stages, forcing Josh Parr to take off early in the straight. 

Despite not trialling, Rubielie responded well and was able to finish strongly to win by a half-length. 

“She’d done plenty of work at home and in the past, she’d raced well fresh,” stable representative Jake Hull said. 

“I’m not sure how strong of a form race it is today, but she had too much on them.

“Things didn’t really go her way. They walked early and Josh made the right call to take off.

“She’s a bit of a slow mature, but the penny has really dropped with her now.”

Em Cee Gee ($3.50) from the Marc Connors stable was second, with Aleacia Bennett’s $3 favourite Rockamo, third.  

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Race 2 – SKY RACING 4YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m):

Sombre Prize gave popular jockey Grant Buckley his 100^th win for the season, the Dream Ahead gelding bringing up his first win at start 20.

Buckley had to work hard to claim his century, with the Henry Reeves trained Sombre Prize ($7.50) laying in in the final stages, before recording a narrow victory. 

He then had to survive a protest from the runner-up, which was quickly dismissed by stewards.

“He took some riding but I’m glad to get the 100 up,” Buckley said. “It takes a bit of pressure off now.

“He’s not an easy horse to ride. He wanted to lay all over the other horse, so it was a slog down the running. 

“Henry only has a small team at Hawkesbury and does a good job. I rode him when he was placed second last start and we talked about where to start him next. 

“This race looked cherry ripe for him, and it turned out well.”

The Dream Ahead four-year-old is Reeves’ only horse in work and has now had a win and three placings from his 20 starts. 

He paid $7000 for Sombre Prize, who has given him his first winner since Stormy Benz in 2016.

Rod Bailey’s $2.80 race favourite Mister Ripley looked like ending a run of placings, only to be nailed on the line. 

Gloraya ($15) from the Alexandre Lemarie stable, was third. 

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Race 3 – RYAN’S METAL ROOFING MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m):

A decision by Mitchell and Desiree Kearney to back up Carlisle Bay paid off with the Smart Missile gelding breaking through for his first win. 

The three-year-old was coming off a second over 1300m at Kembla on July 22, with the stable confident he would appreciate the quick back up and rise in distance. 

Carlisle Bay did just that and courtesy of a well rated ride by Jean Van Overmeire, brought up his debut win at start ten. 

Co-trainer Desiree Kearney said they had been confident the gelding would run well and expect more improvement next preparation. 

“He has trained on really well since last run, is very fit and we couldn’t be happier,” she said.

“He tries very hard and is one of the unluckiest horses going around. We wanted to give him one more chance with the BOBS.

“He’s a smart little horse and I think we will have a bit more fun with him next preparation when he gets up over 1800m to 2000m.

“There is a race for him at home in two weeks, if he’s not giving us any reason not to, we will keep him going.”

It was the second win in three days for the Hawkesbury based Kearney stable, with a third at Kensington in between.

They paid $2000 for the then unraced two-year-old at an online sale in May last year.

Carlisle Bay ($4.40) beat the fast finishing $2.90 favourite Kouklara from the Pride stable, with Dr Evil ($17) trained by John Steinmetz, third.

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Race 4 – DE BORTOLI WINES 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m):

An upset in the three-year-old maiden, with Brad Widdup’s Eminencia beating the two fancied Waller runners. 

The I Am Invincible filly, having her fifth career start, was coming off a narrow defeat over 1300m at Hawkesbury last start. 

Tom Sherry settled Eminencia ($12) just behind the early leader, hitting the front on straightening and holding out the Waller pair of Barrichello ($2.90) and Cat D’Oro ($2.60fav).

Stable representative Andre Rabett said the filly had finally brought her trackwork form to a race. 

“It was great to see her win today,” he said.  

“She’s always trialled well but has shown a few tricks in her races. 

“It’s really good for her to come out and do everything right today and get the result. 

“She’s finally shown what we see in trackwork and trials. Hopefully she will move forward to better races.”

Waller’s Cat D’Oro was the hard luck story of the race, denied a run in the final stages.  

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Race 5 – GREAT NORTHERN CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m):

Tracey Bartley’s Sebrenco could head to the city for her next start, after bringing up her second career win.  

The Sebring two-year-old, proved too strong for her older opposition, leading from barrier to post to record a one length victory. 

Bartley will assess the filly over the next few days but could give her one final race in town to round off her preparation. 

He had been confident coming into the race, after Sebrenco was runner-up at her two previous starts at Muswellbrook and Dubbo. 

“She’s a young two-year-old and this is only her second race preparation,” he said.

“She shows good potential at home, and I thought she’d be hard to beat today.

“She’s a nice filly and being on her home track, from the soft draw and on top of the ground, I knew there would be improvement.

“She got a good kick coming to the corner and put them away. 

“I’d like to see her in a race where she can take a sit and relax, that would be ideal. 

“I’ll assess her over the next few days but might give her one more run in town.”

Sebrenco, the $2.90 favourite, beat the Kim Waugh trained Underboss ($13), who stormed home in an impressive first up run, with Bec Dunn’s On Her Word ($5.50) third.

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Race 6 – CARLTON WYONG GOLD CUP FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m):

Gary Moore’s consistent Prince Invincible could be headed for a Midway Handicap on the strength of his strong three and a half length win. 

The heavily backed son of I Am Invincible brought up his second win with Tim Clark in the saddle. 

In typical Clark style, Prince Invincible was given a great front-running ride, drawing away in the final stages. 

Clark was full of compliments for Prince Invincible, a $580,000 yearling purchase, who now has two wins and five placings from 10 starts.

“He’s going really well and is in a really good zone at the moment,” Clark said.

“He’s a really happy horse and that translates to a really good performance, probably a personal best for him and hopefully he can continue in that way.

“He was caught wide at his last start but still ran a solid race. They freshened him up, then he had a good tick over trial win and came here in really good order. 

“Gary has done a great job with him. A think a tilt at the Midway could be well and truly on the cards.”

Prince Invincible($3.60fav) beat Allan Denham’s Gidgee Guy ($7.50), with Into The Fire ($7.50) from the Bjorn Baker stable, third. 

Matt Vella’s Sniper Legend, well supported in the betting, failed to load at the barriers.

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Race 7 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANT PIDGEON CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1600m):

A perfect ride and quick tempo set the scene for Go Gazza to bring up back-to-back wins and plot a course to a Midway Handicap.

The Foxwedge three-year-old was coming off a last start Wyong win over the same distance and earned strong support starting at $5. 

Tommy Berry, who rode Go Gazza to his dominant maiden win, settled him midfield off the strong tempo, before bringing him to the front on straightening.

He was able to hold out the fast-finishing favourite, Bjorn Baker’s Lake Tai ($3.50), to win by a long neck.

Trainer Mark Minervini said Go Gazza, a $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, had always shown ability. 

“He took confidence out of the maiden win and Tommy was impressed, so we said we will do what worked and bring him back. 

“As it turned out it was the right race, over the right distance, with the right jockey. Everything aligned and he got the job done. 

“He’s related to a couple of Oaks winners, and we did a DNA test on him that told us he will run up to 2400m. 

“We aren’t in a hurry to get him there. I think he will be well suited for a midweek or a Midway, so we will see what’s around.

Another of the Baker runners, Deel With Me ($10) was third. 

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Race 8 – WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING SUNDAY AUGUST 29 BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m):

Tracey Bartley was expecting a much-improved performance by Defeat and that’s exactly what he got with the five-year-old winning by almost three lengths. 

The I Am Invincible gelding capped off a great day for the stable, with Sebrenco scoring earlier in the program. 

Bartley said Defeat had been the victim of bad track conditions and barrier draws in his recent runs.

Despite drawing wide at Wyong, the good track rating suited and the win resulted. 

Brock Ryan was given instructions to rev the five-year-old up midrace, and he followed them to a tee, taking off at the 600m. 

Defeat circled the field and kicked in the straight, drawing away for a dominant win. 

“I told him to rip into him and build momentum and that’s exactly what he did,” Bartley said. 

“They weren’t going to beat him with that momentum. He rode him a treat.

“It’s been a great year and credit to the staff.”

Defeat ($7), who earned plenty of late support, beat fellow Wyong gallopers Big Surprise ($15) from the Buchanan stable, and Damien Lane’s Oakfield Target ($4.80). 

Kim Waugh’s debutant Pretty Enuff was one of the standouts on a strong day of racing at Wyong. 

The Rich Enuff filly was impressive in winning the 1200m Prov & Ctry Maiden and looks to have a bright future. 

Mr Bond emerged as a good staying prospect for Brad Widdup after blitzing his opposition in the 2100m Class 1 & Maiden. 

There could be some promising newcomers’ surface from the two-year-old race including the winner Sealion from the Waterhouse/Bott stable and Tracey Bartley’s Mabel, who stormed home to be narrowly beaten.

Jay Ford took out the riding honours with a double, partnering Mr Bond to victory and Roderick’s Secret for Matthew Smith in the 1600m Class 1. 

Race 1 – Great Northern Maiden (1350m): 

Crazy Wolf took out the opening event, despite the Hawkes trained three-year-old looking beaten on the turn. 

The All Too Hard gelding started $2.70 favourite and was settled toward the rear of the small field by Regan Bayliss. 

When he asked for an effort on the corner, Crazy Wolf dropped the bridle and looked beaten. 

But Bayliss was able to get the best out him in the final stages, with Crazy Wolf rallying to win by three quarters of a length. 

Kim Waugh’s Don’t Recall was the hard luck story of the race, finishing second after hanging badly in the straight. 

Bullet Hero ($2.80) from the Mark Newnham stable, was a long head behind in third. 

The winner, a $210,000 Magic Millions yearling, was having his fourth start, his previous three runs in Victoria.

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Race 2 – SKY Racing Class 1 & Maiden (2100m):

Brad Widdup is excited about the prospects of his stayer Mr Bond, who made short work of his opposition to score a dominant five and half-length win over the 2100m. 

Jay Ford settled the Darci Brahma four-year-old at the rear of the field for much of the race, before making his move on the turn and outsprinting his rivals in the final stages. 

Widdup said the gelding, who had two starts in New Zealand before joining his stable, had plenty of potential. 

“He’s a nice type of horse and I think he could have some better staying races ahead of him,” he said. 

“He came over to me in great order from New Zealand and has been pretty straight forward to train. 

“He got cast in the box after his Nowra win, so we had to take a bit of time with him. 

“The run at Kembla last start just topped him off for today.

“He’s going to be a lovely horse next time and is going from strength to strength.”

Mr Bond ($2.40fav) beat Kermajack ($4.40) from the Waller stable, with the Waterhouse/Bott trained Mantinello ($2.45) third.

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Race 3 – Canadian Club 3YO Maiden (1600m):

A top Tommy Berry ride secured victory for the Mark Minervini trained Go Gazza. 

The Foxwedge gelding, a $45,000 Magic Millions yearling, is raced by Newcastle based Minervini and a group of his friends.

He was a runner up at Kembla over the same distance last start and looked well suited to the Wyong race. 
Berry settled him toward the rear, before circling the field on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by almost two lengths.

Go Gazza started at $5 after the Waller trained runner-up Mouvement earned strong late support and was sent out $2.45 favourite.

Law Party ($3.20) from the Newnham stable was third, with Kylie Gavenlock’s Trojan Hero the one to follow, making up plenty of ground in the straight.

The consistent Go Gazza has now had a win and three placings from his seven starts. 

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Race 4 – Carlton Dry Prov & Ctry Maiden (1200m):

It was an impressive debut by the Kim Waugh trained Pretty Enuff, who looks to have a promising future. 

The Rich Enuff three-year-old was coming off two trials, her latest at Wyong on June 25, an eye catching third over 1000m.

She earned strong support in the betting on the strength of the trial, starting $2.40 favourite. 

Tim Clark opted to ride Pretty Enuff back in the field, before taking off on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by more than a length.

Waugh said she has a good opinion of the filly, a $50,000 Inglis yearling.

“She’s a lovely filly with good ability but she’s taken a lot of time to get her act together. 

“I like her, and her last trial was really good. 

“She is built like a colt, and we had a lot of trouble early with her knees jarring up. 

“She just needed time and it’s good to get the win today.”

Pretty Enuff is raced by a syndicate which includes Waugh’s husband Mark. 

It was a Wyong quinella with Nayziair ($11) from the Lane stable second, over 

Nick Mitchell’s Miss Checkoni ($3.50). 

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Race 5 – TAB.COM.AU 2YO Maiden (1000m):

The Waterhouse/Bott trained Sealion caused an upset in a classy field of two-year-old’s, beating the more favoured runners at the juicy odds of $41.

Jean Van Overmire piloted the Astern gelding, who was coming off a trial on July 5, when he finished second over the 800m.

Sealion pinged the gates and was wide throughout but still managed to hold out his opposition in the final stages and win by a half-length.

Tracey Bartley’s Mabel, the $3.50 favourite, came from near last on the turn to finish second, ahead of Godolphin runner The Globe ($8.50). 

Neil Paine, from the Waterhouse/Bott stable said they had expected Sealion would need more ground. 

“He was wound up to do his best today, but it was just a steppingstone to get him up to the 1350m and mile,” Paine said. 

“He’s a real big duffer of a horse and we thought he’d be looking for further but it’s great to get a win along the way.”

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Race 6 – De Bortoli Wines Class 1 (1600m):

An exciting four-way finish saw the locally trained Apex narrowly beaten on the line by Roderick’s Secret from the Matthew Smith yard. 

John Cooper’s Apex ($15) looked the winner after leading throughout but was swamped on the line by the backmarkers.

A Rubick’s gelding, Roderick’s Secret ($9) brought up his second win at start 18. 

It was another great ride by Jay Ford, to bring up a winning double, taking off at the 400m mark, making up ground on the turn and storming down the outside to win by a half head.

The $50,000 yearling was coming off a sixth at Hawkesbury last start over the same distance, beaten just over two lengths. 

The John Thompson trained Speedzone ($3.60) was third, with the $2.60 favourite UK import Sidereal, struggling under the 62kg. 

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Race 7 – COCA-COLA Benchmark 64 (1300m):

John Thompson’s consistent mare Eye See Things continued her strong preparation bringing up another win. 

The Star Witness four-year-old has had seven runs this time in for two wins and five placings. 

She added to her win tally with a great ride by Rachel King, who went head-to-head with the favourite Born To Play around the turn, before drawing away to win by a length and a half. 

The $150,000 Magic Millions yearling now has career stats of two wins and eight placings from 12 starts. 

Eye See Things ($3.30) beat the Damien Lane trained Oakfield Captain ($19), who put in a much-improved run, with Matthew Smith’s American Salute ($5.50) third.

The $3.20 favourite Born To Play struggled in the final stages, finishing more than three lengths behind in sixth. 

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Race 8 – Wyong’s Next Race Meeting Thursday July 29 Class 1 (1000m):

A clever ride by James Innes Jnr secured victory for Star Cherie, a daughter of Star Witness, who brought up her second win from five starts. 

The Ryan/Alexiou trained three-year-old relished the improving track conditions to win by a long neck over the $3.10 favourite Head On Up. 

Innes looked like being posted wide from the barriers but elected to stride up and settle the filly just behind the leader. 

She hit the front on straightening and dug deep in the final stages to record her second win. 

Gerald Ryan described the winner as “a little fighter.”

“That’s one of her best qualities, she’s a real fighter. She’s no star but she digs deep and has a go.

“For her first racing prep she’s done a terrific job. She might be looking for a rest now, but we’ll see how she pulls up, she could have one more run.”

The Matthew Dunn trained Amungee ($9) was third.