raceday review

IT wasn’t a feature meeting by any means – but it is one RACHEL KING won’t easily forget.

The expatriate English woman, who has made an outstanding success of her Australian riding career, reached a milestone when she hit a century of winners for the first time in a season.

And she produced a typically brilliant performance to post her 100^th winner when she scored on favourite TANGIER in the opening event.

King began riding in her adopted country only in March, 2015 when she rode her first winner Run Cannon Run at Tamworth, and her previous best season performance had been 88 winners in 2016-17.

Now a Group 1 winner, she is firmly entrenched in Sydney’s riding ranks. 

This was CLUBSNSW Central Coast Itty Bitty Charity Race Day, held to raise important funds to brighten the lives of sick and disadvantaged children on the Central Coast.

There was no shortage of excitement with the day’s shortest-priced favourite, Kristen Buchanan’s OAKFIELD CHEROKEE scraping home in a tricky photo-finish which had many thinking he had gone under, and two races later the judge this time was unable to separate favourite BUDHWAR, from the Damien Lane stable, and second favourite GENERAL DUBAI in another enthralling battle to the post.

While not one trainer or jockey dominated the program, Sam Clipperton did best by winning the second race on Stonesthrow for Wyong’s Tracey Bartley and then dead-heated on GENERAL DUBAI for Peter Robl. 

RACE 1 – AINSWORTH GAMING TECHNOLOGY (AGT) MAIDEN HCP (1600m)

THE betting ring action was mirrored on the track though at the end it really wasn’t a two-horse race at all.  James Cummings’ TANGIER ($2fav) and Mark Newnham’s ANGEL SISTINA ($2.60) clearly dominated discussions pre-post, and it was the former who proved too good for her main rival. TANGIER enjoyed a perfect run cruising along on the inside under Rachel King and the breaks went her way at exactly the right time when she got into the clear and eased around the heels of the two leaders, MANDALONG FLAG ($61) and ANGEL SISTINA, on the home turn. Once she gained her momentum, TANGIER had no trouble overhauling ANGEL SISTINA and was strong through the line without being pressured. The Medaglia D’Oro filly was having only her third start and looks capable of stretching out over more ground. A daughter of Exceed and Excel mare ESSAOUIRA (who raced only twice and won at Moonee Valley as a two-year-old), TANGIER is a sister to the Group 1 winner ASTERN, who now stands at stud for Darley. ANGEL SISTINA was game after doing work from her outside barrier in the field of seven, and MANDALONG FLAG battled on well. RIVER TYCOON ($8) ran last after being slow out and stewards are waiting to hear an update on the gelding’s progress from trainer Mark Cross before deciding any further action.

RACE 2 – CONSULATE FINANCE 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1100m)

IF the first was for the “out of towners”, this was definitely one for the locals. Wyong trainers Tracey Bartley and Damien Lane saddled the two favourites – and they fought out the finish. Bartley’s heavily-backed favourite STONESTHROW ($2) was cleverly ridden by Sam Clipperton, bouncing well from her outside draw and then being restrained to sit off Lane’s BUCKIN RIPPA ($3.10) and MISTER RIPLEY ($5). When the pace surprisingly eased mid-race, Clipperton took the bit between his teeth and raced his mount to the front. STONESTHROW responded by comfortably holding out BUCKIN RIPPA, who notched his 10^th placing from 22 starts – and connections must be wondering when a breakthrough will come? MISTER RIPLEY hung on for third for another local Rod Bailey, making it an all-Wyong result. STONESTHROW, a four-year-old daughter of 2013 Royal Randwick Listed Dulcify Quality, 1600m winner Rock Hero (by Fastnet Rock), was having only her third start, as with the opening winner, and her trainer was confident she would be hard to beat first-up on the back of two recent good trials and believes she will probably manage further later. “I expect she is in for a really good preparation,” Bartley said. BUCKIN RIPPA’S rider Aaron Bullock, when queried afterwards by stewards, agreed he should have allowed his mount to set a more genuine tempo in the early stages.

RACE 3 – THE ARY TOUKLEY 3YO MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m)

THE Bartley stable played up its winnings with an attempted long-priced coup on first-upper EMPOWERMENT ($19 to $5.50), but fourth was the best the filly could do. Gosford trainer Adam Duggan took the honours, producing debutant SYZYGY STARS ($8.50) to kick off her career in the best possible manner. Rider Josh Parr had the three-year-old daughter of 2015 Golden Slipper winner VANCOUVER (beaten only once in five career starts) in touch with the leading group throughout and brought her to the centre of the track on straightening. She finished with real determination to overhaul SARANDOS ($7.50) right on the post. The runner-up almost gave his dam, Doomben Cup winner Streama, two Provincial wins within a week as his older half-sister PENSERA scored at Newcastle last Saturday. SYZYGY STARS was a $65,000 buy at the 2019 Australian Easter yearling sale; a fair bit cheaper than $400,000 2019 Magic Millions buy SARANDOS. Duggan, a smart man with a horse, was concerned beforehand the 1100m on the tight track might be a bit short for his filly, so she should be worth following. Another first starter DA NANG STAR went to the post a $2.50 favourite and had his chance, weakening in the run home to finish fifth. His rider Rachel King suggested the addition of blinkers and a step up in distance may lead to a better showing next time.

RACE 4 – SEVEN STAR VENDING MAIDEN PLATE (1350m)

TRAINER Gary Moore devised front-running tactics to upset odds-on favourite VOLTERRA – and who better to carry them out than Tim Clark, who has no peer when it comes to dictating pace up front. Clark had no trouble assuming the front on Moore’s LUCKY TO WIN ($5.50), who broke through at his 10^th start. He was never really in any danger, holding out LEKVARTE ($8) and CONTAMINATION ($5.50). Moore, recovering from a recent knee operation, was convinced his horse couldn’t stay and told Clark to lead and “go for home at the 400m”. “I have made some adjustments with his feeding, and his work indicated he was in great order and ready to go,” Moore explained. LUCKY TO WIN when third had finished a decent way behind VOLTERRA (2^nd) in a recent 1400m race at Warwick Farm, but Clark’s tactics enabled him to turn the tables – and how! The winner was pinhooked for $33,000 as a weanling and later fetched $210,000 when offered at a 2yo’s in training sale at the Gold Coast in 2019. Punters won’t easily forgive VOLTERRA ($1.80), who went back to last from his outside draw in the small line-up of six and never looked likely to raise his backers’ hopes, finishing fourth. A $1.3m yearling buy, he has a long way to go to recoup such an outlay. Stewards questioned rider Brenton Avdulla, who said he had been instructed to ride the gelding conservatively and anticipated settling last. He added VOLTERRA raced keenly and, in his opinion, was not suited by the moderate tempo and as a result didn’t finish the race off as expected.

RACE 5 – SYNERGY FM 4YO&UP CLASS 1/MAIDEN PLATE (2100m)

PHEW! Thrill seekers who dived in to take the prohibitive odds about hotpot OAKFIELD CHEROKEE ($1.35) must have been shaking in their boots, especially when race caller Mitch Manners intimated $12 chance ZAK might have kicked back and won the day. Thankfully, there was a narrow margin for the favourite, a younger brother to now retired multiple Group 1 winner LUCIA VALENTINA, in a finish which virtually fooled everyone. Trainer Kristen Buchanan said it took an astute ride to win at Wyong and stressed upon rider Aaron Bullock “not to miss the boat”. A $155,000 yearling buy, the lightly-raced four-year-old is starting to hit his straps after overcoming heart arrythmia issues earlier. A trip to the Grafton July carnival for a 2200m Rural Plate is now on the cards for the gelding.

RACE 6 – THE ENTRANCE LEAGUES CLUB CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1100m)

IN his first season, Newcastle apprentice Dylan Gibbons keeps kicking goals. This was his first ride for trainer Annabel Neasham and he took full advantage of $2.60 favourite OSAMU’S inside draw to boot through and lead. OSAMU had garnered a “loser” tag with eight minor placings before breaking through at Newcastle on May 1 for senior jockey Rory Hutchings, and Gibbons made sure another placing didn’t arise by booting the gelding clear on straightening and then holding off BEAUCHAMP ($7). Gibbons’ 3kg claim proved invaluable lessening the gelding’s 62.5kg, and the youngster chalked up his 67^th winner; an outstanding effort in any circumstances given his relative inexperience. Second only to Scone’s Reece Jones (86.5 wins) in the State’s junior riding premiership, he is obviously a star of the future. It wasn’t the best of days for another rising star, Neasham, who was fined $7000 by stewards in Sydney and had Cox Plate favourite ZAAKI disqualified from his second placing in the Group 3 JRA Plate at Royal Randwick in April, having presented him to race with a prohibited substance analysed in his pre-race blood sample. OKAY OKAY was a late withdrawal at the barrier when found to be lame in the off-hind leg. 

RACE 7 – THE RACE TO SHELLY BEACH GOLF CLUB BENCHMARK 64  (1350m)

The judge couldn’t separate favourite BUDHWAR ($1.75) and PRINCE OF DUBAI ($6), who had stalked him throughout and switched around his heels on straightening to issue a challenge. Jason Collett tried hard to squeak home on heavily-backed BUDHWAR for local trainer Damien Lane, but it wasn’t to be. GENERAL DUBAI’s rider Sam Clipperton had won earlier on STONESTHROW for Tracey Bartley and this time got Peter Robl a share of the major spoils. In a bustling finish, evergreen local sprinter ISORICH ($7.50) was a close third at his 134^th start. The rising 11-year-old continues to beat time and has earned his connections more than three quarters of a million dollars in prizemoney.

RACE 8 – GOSFORD RSL CLUB BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m)

BRENTON Avdulla could not have produced a better ride to send favourite backers’ home on a happy note. DUNDEE LEE ($3.10 after $4 was offered earlier in the day) became the fifth favourite to score, and of course another, BUDHWAR, dead-heated. On a day where it was important to be up on the pace (the rail was 3m out), Avdulla put the Newcastle mare in a winning position from the outset, then got a split on straightening. Vigorously ridden, DUNDEE LEE held on to defeat ACHI BABA ($12 to $7.50) and SALSA MAN ($8.50), who invariably races well at Wyong. The five-year-old daughter of DUNDEEL has now won six races for her connections, and added to a couple of good days for Newcastle’s KRIS LEES, who also won races at Doomben and on the Kensington track yesterday.

Kristen Buchanan carried the flag for the locals on a day of competitive racing at the Wyong Roos Foundation Race Day. 

Buchanan has her eye on a Provincial Championships campaign for her progressive filly Oakfield Arrow, who brought up her second career win from start six in the 1350m Fillies & Mares BM64.

The track held up well under consistent drizzle and there were several impressive winners with Gary Moore’s Light Up My World scoring a dominant five length victory over 1600m.

John O’Shea’s New Zealand import Comme Bella Fille also looks like a progressive stayer in the making taking out the 2100m race.

Race 1 – WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION MAIDEN PLATE (1000 METRES)

Gary Portelli’s long and successful association with Elite Thoroughbreds continued with Walkin’Talkin’ breaking through for his debut win. 

Portelli trained the gelding’s sire, I’m All The Talk, a winner of the Group 3 Skyline in 2013 and has four of his progeny currently in his stable. 

Elite Thoroughbreds purchased Walkin’Talkin’ for $45,000 at the Perth Magic Millions sales and look to have made a good investment.

Portelli said I’m All The Talk, who stands in Western Australia, is one of the leading second season sires in Australia.

“I really liked him when I trained him, and he seems to be doing very well as a sire,” he said. 

“I was pretty confident coming here today. He was coming out of a very strong race last start.”

Walkin’Talkin’ debuted at Scone on May 14, finishing fourth over 1000m.

“He got the wobbles when he got to the front that day. He was three deep most of the way and wasn’t quite there on the day. 

“I was impressed with the turn of foot he showed today. I was little concerned with the slow tempo but when Rachel (King) asked him to quicken she had some horse there. 

“I liked the way he went through the line and think he will be better when he gets up to 1100m to 1200m. He’s got a motor and he’s got ability and it’s great to get another winner for Elite.”

King settled Walkin’Talkin,’ the $1.95 favourite, just behind the leader hugging the rails, taking the lead on straightening, and drawing away to win by almost two lengths. 

Tracey Bartley’s Compassionate ($3.50), who had a wide run throughout, was second, with the fast finishing Buckin’ Rippa ($11), from the Damien Lane stable, third.

Race 2 – BELLBIRDS PROV & CTRY MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100 METRES)

Comonic continued a winning week for Scott Singleton and Jay Ford, the Nicconi gelding bringing up win three for the combination.

Singleton and Ford scored a double at Scone on Monday and continued the run 

three days later at Wyong with Comonic, a three-year-old having his third race start. 

Ford took luck out the equation, leading on Comonic throughout. He looked to be 

cruising coming to the turn and drew away to win by a length. 

Ford was full of praise for Comonic, believing he will go on to win better races. 

“His future is pretty bright long term and it’s good to knock the maiden out of the way today,” he said.  

 “This fellow is only lightly raced but going really well. He ran a good second the other day at Gosford and today was his day to break through.

 “He’s very natural in what he’s doing but at the same time he’s pretty green.”

Comonic was the second favourite of the day to win, having started at $2.40. 

He beat Nick Mitchell’s Miss Checkoni ($31) who was eye-catching on debut, with 

Minniti ($4.20) from the Sam Kavanagh stable, third. 

Race 3 – CENTRAL COAST VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600 METRES)

Gary Moore had Queensland Oaks aspirations for his filly Light Up My World who was a dominant five length winner over the 1600m.

The Toronado filly, a $42,500 yearling, was having her third start for the stable and her fourth career run. 

Moore had intended on targeting the Queensland Oaks but ran out of time and decided to keep the three-year-old racing in NSW. 

She was second at her last start at Hawkesbury over 1500m on May 20 and really hit her straps at Wyong, blitzing her opposition in the final stages. 

Tim Clark had positioned Light Up My World just behind the leader, hitting the front on the point of the turn and drawing away to the line.

James Moore, representing the stable, said it was good to see the filly put it all together. 

“We were initially aiming her towards the Oaks at Queensland but probably got her a little late to rush her into that target.

“She put it all together today. She’s a lovely filly, great to do anything with, very relaxed and bred to get 2000m to 2400m so there will be bigger plans for her.” 

Light Up My World earned strong late support and was sent out $2.35 favourite. She beat Mark Newnham’s Angela Sistina ($2.40), with $101 longshot Minneapolis, trained by Colin Besters, putting in a much-improved run to finish third. 

 Race 4 – WE CARE CONNECT CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100 METRES)

John O’Shea looks to have a promising stayer on his hands with Comme Bella Fille ($1.90) who continued a good day for favourites. 

The daughter of Complacent made short work of her opposition, courtesy of a confident ride by Tommy Berry.

He settled the three-year-old mid-field, taking off just before the turn and hitting the lead on straightening. 

He was able to ease up in the final stages and still record a convincing win.

Comme Bella Fille did her early racing in New Zealand where she recorded a win at Matamata, before being purchased by OTI Racing and transferred to O’Shea. 

She has had two starts for the new stable, with a sixth at Wyong over 1350m on April 29 and was runner-up over 1600m at Newcastle on May 18.

Stable foreman Tom Charlton said they had a good opinion of the filly. 

“She’s going for a break now and will come back in the spring. I think she will have a lot to offer in the future,” he said.

“She could be a promising stayer. She will take a lot out of today’s win and the confidence will do her good.”

Berry agreed the filly had potential. 

“She’s a nice filly going through her preparation. I still think she’s a preparation away and is still a bit raw and a bit new.”

Kristen Buchanan’s Oakfield Cherokee ($6.50) finished strongly into second, with Upscale ($7) trained by John Sargent, third.

Race 5 – CENTRAL COAST KIDS IN NEED 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1350 METRES)

It was a welcome return to the winner’s circle for Scone based Sam Kavanagh after Dulcero’s tough breakthrough victory over 1350m. 

The Dawn Approach mare, a $180,000 yearling previously raced by Godolphin, had been racing consistenly leading up to the win and was coming off a second at Muswellbrook over 1500m on May 23. 

Kavanagh said it had looked like another “horror story” after Andrew Gibbons was caught three wide from the outside draw.

“I was a little concerned, but Gibbo knows her well and produced her at the right time. 

“These owners have been brilliant, and we’ve been waiting a whole year to get a win with them. 

“She was one of the first horses we brought but had a lot of feet issues and problems so it’s rewarding to finally win for them. 

“Our horses are running terrific but just haven’t been getting to the line first, so I’m tickled pink for them.”

Dulcero ($4.80) was produced late in the straight but managed to run down the locally trained River Tycoon ($4.60) from the Mark Cross stable. 

The $2.30 favourite Exterminate, from the Tim McIntosh yard, looked to have every chance and finished third, a length behind the winner. 

Race 6 – WYONG LEAGUES CLUB GROUP F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350 METRES)

A win for the locals with Kristen Buchanan’s promising filly Oakfield Arrow bringing up her second win from six starts.

It was heart on the sleeve stuff for Buchanan with the three-year-old having to sustain a long run in the straight before scoring a narrow win. 

She now plans to spell the Press Statement filly and will bring her back for a tilt at the Provincial Championship Series in 2022. 

“I’m really happy but I didn’t think she was going to get there,” a relieved Buchanan said. 

“She had a bit of a hard time behind the slow tempo but got there in the end. 

“It was a really good ride by Aaron (Bullock) and he got job done. 

“I think she’s got a really bright future, so I’ll spell her now and bring her back for the spring. 

“She’s tenacious enough and genuine enough to run in the Provincials and I’d like to have a go at it.” 

Bullock described it as a “good win.”

“When I got cover, she relaxed good and when I got clear air and running, she got the job done. 

“It was a good win. You get a good feel for horses going to the barriers and she gave me a great feel and all credit to Kristen.” 

Runner-up, Matthew Smith’s Latina Beauty ($7.50) was the hard luck story of the race, having been caught wide throughout. 

Oakfield Arrow, a $170,000 Magic Millions yearling, eased in the betting late, still starting $2.20 favourite. 

Hard Faith ($10) from the Nathan Doyle stable, was third.

Race 7 – WYONG ROOS FOUNDATION CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350 METRES)

The Jeremy Gask trained Tim’s Principal got the nod in an exciting finish, bringing up back-to-back wins for the seven-year-old.

It was a patient ride by in-form apprentice Reece Jones, who had to weave a passage in the final stages bursting through on the line to win by a neck.

Gask said it was great to see the gelding return to winning form. 

“It was three years between wins and then he goes back-to-back. It terrific he’s in good form,” he said.

“He had a few hiccups during the drought and fires and had real trouble respiratory wise, so he had a long time off.

“He came back, and things didn’t go right but he’s in really good form now. 

“It was a great ride by Reece. He gets on really well with the horse – he’s a good lad.“

In the closest finish of the day, seven horses finished within a length of the post, with Tim’s Principal ($4.60) getting the nod over Damien Lane’s $2.80 favourite Budhwar. 

Lake Tai ($12) from the Bjorn Baker stable, was third. 

Race 8 – WYONG BOWLING CLUB CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1100 METRES)

A downgraded track didn’t affect the chances of the Stephen Jones trained Toro Toro despite the concerns of the stable. 

The Time For War four-year-old proved he has no problem with rain affected tracks, relishing in the conditions to overhaul his rivals on the line for a strong win. 

Tracy Rodger, representing the stable, said the horse’s only other experience in the wet was on a heavy track at a Muswellbrook trial. 

“He did win the trial that day but was too good for them so we didn’t think that gave us a good guide as to whether he would handle it,” she said.

“He’s always been handy and has done super in the last two weeks and we thought we had a good chance until we saw the rain.

“He got through it well and it was a good win. It’s great to have Matty (Palmer) at Scone and riding our horses.”

Palmer said he also been surprised how well Toro Toro handled the track.

“It took me by surprise. He’s a huge horse and is pretty heavy so I thought he might just sink but he kicked away and was too good.” 

Toro Toro ($7.50) beat Matthew Smith’s undeniable ($15), with Tamworth galloper Cassy’s Sister ($11) from the Troy O’Neile stable, third.

. 

TALK about keeping it in the family!

They didn’t have to oppose one another, and emerged as the starring act at Wyong today.

Leading Newcastle jockey Andrew Gibbons and his talented apprentice son Dylan had only one ride each on the seven-race program, and came away celebrating a special double.

Gibbons led throughout on locally-trained VIBRANT ($2.80) in the opening event, the Former Members of NSW Parliament F&M Maiden Handicap (1100m).

The younger Gibbons had to wait another six races, then turned in a repeat performance, also making the running and getting the cash on topweight MOMACK ($4.20) in the closer, the Central Coast Coolrooms Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m).

Popular Sydney trainer Bob Pearse was back in the winning list for the first time since November, 2019 when CURTIS ISLAND ($4.80) shed his maiden status in the Real + CG&E Maiden Handicap (1100m).

Pearse has trained at Randwick since 1985, and has wound back his team in the last few years and now has only two horses in work.

“The most I ever had was 17 horses and generally averaged around 12 in work,” Pearse said.

CURTIS ISLAND, raced by New Zealander John Thompson, who splits his time between Queenstown and Sydney, is a son of 2015 Doncaster Mile winner KERMADEC; hence his name.

Curtis Island is a volcanic island in the South-West Pacific, and belongs to the Kermadec Islands, an outlying island group located halfway between New Zealand and Tonga.

Course curator Phil Roberts earned plenty of plaudits for the manner in which the track played, starting out as a “Soft 7” after rain fell yesterday and being upgraded to a “Soft 6” midway through the meeting.

RACE 1 (FORMER MEMBERS OF NSW PARLIAMENT F&M MAIDEN HCP, 1100m): 

PUNTERS weren’t roaring with delight after heavily backed odds-on favourite PRESSITA ($1.85) couldn’t run down trainer Allan Denham’s filly VIBRANT, who eased to start at $2.80 as a result of the support for the former. This was her first win at her sixth start, and she keeps improving. PRESSITA was diagnosed as a “roarer” and underwent tie back surgery to correct the problem. She had been placed at four of her previous five runs and began awkwardly at her resumption. She will take improvement from today’s run. The winner is owned by George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud, and is a daughter of twice Sydney winner, the Galileo mare Brightest, who was prepared by the late Guy Walter.

RACE 2 (MY LOCAL BROKER 3YO MAIDEN HCP, 1350m): 

PUNTERS again were on the wrong end of the stick when the Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott debutant CROSSCUBE ($9.50) upset his more fancied stablemate JIMMY’S DREAM ($2.25 favourite). A $320,000 yearling purchase at the Gold Coast in 2019, the winner was always in control under apprentice Campbell Rawiller and was never in danger once he shot clear on straightening. Ironically, JIMMY’S DREAM was bumped by his stablemate on jumping away and was inclined to lay in under pressure in the home straight. A post-race vet examination of $4.40 chance HIGH TRIBUTE, who finished last of the eight runners, revealed she was coughing, and Racing NSW stewards will follow up on her post-race condition.

RACE 3 (REAL + CG&E MAIDEN HCP, 1100m):

RANDWICK trainer Bob Pearse had an interesting tale to relate after CURTIS ISLAND broke through at his seventh start. Pearse took his 1998 Newcastle Gold Cup winner JOSS STICKS to Brisbane for the Group 1 Doomben Cup the following year when he ran third to INTERGAZE and LAHAR (later a dead-heat third in that year’s Melbourne Cup). 

“John Thompson raced LAZAR and rang me out of the blue after the Doomben Cup, and offered me a horse,” Pearce said. “He has had a horse with me pretty well every year since, so it was nice to win another race for him today. CURTIS ISLAND is still raw and improving with every run.” The winner’s dam POLYGAMIST is a daughter of Thompson’s 2000 Caulfield Cup winner DIATRIBE. Rachel King had CURTIS ISLAND up on the pace and he was too good for $2 favourite SELHURST PARK and SLEIPNER ($5).

RACE 4 (SWANSEA SMASH REPAIRS 2YO MAIDEN PLATE, 1100m):

PATRICK Scorse’s return to Wyong – where he won at his first ride at the track three years ago and is now apprenticed to local trainer Tracey Bartley – didn’t end well. He rode second favourite KISS SUM ($3.80), who began awkwardly and lost ground, and settled further back than anticipated. Scorse later pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for allowing his mount to shift in near the 150m when not sufficiently clear of ROYALZEL (8^th at $5.50), which had to be steadied and lost its rightful running. KISS SUM finished fifth and can be given another chance. PARK AVENUE ($11) made a successful debut, diving through near the inside in the straight and narrowly holding out another first starter DEFICIT ($3.50 favourite). DECISIVE MOVE ($6.50) was always in contention and battled on well for a close third. The winner fetched $220,000 as a yearling at the Gold Coast last year and would have been unlucky not to win as he was held up momentarily at a crucial stage near the 100m.

RACE 5 (WYONG RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB GROUP CLASS 1 HCP, 1200m):

GOSFORD trainer Kylie Gavenlock has a smart horse on her hands in CREAM RISES ($2.90 favourite), who made it two wins from as many starts. The John Singleton-owned beautifully-bred three-year-old (Fastnet Rock – More Strawberries) won on debut over 1100m on his home track on Anzac Day and turned in another excellent performance to overpower DUCHESS ($4.40) and BEAUCHAMP ($18). Gavenlock described him as “not the sharpest tool in the shed”, but said the three-year-old was continuing to learn and getting better all the time. A hat-trick is definitely not beyond him, and he gives the impression of being even better suited on bigger tracks.

RACE 6 (THE BOBBI JO DILLON BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1350m): 

A confident long-priced plunge on runner-up WILD CHAP ($26 to $6) almost came off. The Kembla Grange-trained four-year-old had won at Wyong last August and finished second at the same track in November. He had no luck at his previous run when unplaced on his home track on April 17 and gave his backers a great sight when he made the running, but couldn’t quite hold off Chris Waller’s three-year-old filly CENTIMENTAL ($9), who began awkwardly but was still good enough to overcome that. Rider Josh Parr could offer no tangible explanation for the disappointing performance of favourite VANDERLAND (8^th at $4.40). Stewards will follow up the gelding’s post-race condition in coming days. 

RACE 7 (CENTRAL COAST COOLROOMS BENCHMARK 64 HCP, 1600m): 

DYLAN Gibbons took bad luck out of the equation by taking MOMACK ($4.20) straight to the from his outside draw and dictated terms. Despite his 59kg after the lad’s 3kg claim, he found plenty when challenged approaching the home turn by runner-up LADIES’ GEM ($10). 

“I didn’t think he had much left when the second horse poured the pressure, but he found a bit,” Gibbons said. “I thought we were in a bit of strife, but he changed legs and found again.” Gosford trainer Angela Davies missed MOMACK’S victory as she woke up this morning with severe toothache and wasn’t well enough to attend the races.

Damien Lane’s filly Zorocat was rewarded for her consistency scoring a tough win over 1200m on her home track. 

The three-year-old had been narrowly beaten at her past two starts at Newcastle over the same distance. 

The win is the stable’s fourth in two weeks, taking Lane to 28 for the season to date.

Lane had always believed the Zorocat would be better suited at Wyong and was proved right when she brought up her second win at start eight in the HMA FLOW & INDUSTRIAL CLASS 1.

The only concern had been the wide barrier, but Jason Collett was able to ease the Toronado filly over from barrier 10 to take the lead. 

He maintained the front throughout and was able to hold out the fast-finishing Mix, from the Widdup stable, to win by almost a length.  

“I think she’s a filly with better races in store for her,” Lane said.

“She’s been a work in progress. She’s a bit hot headed but has shown us ability from day one. 

“When she can harness that energy and we get up to 1400m she’ll be quite a nice filly.”

Lane said Zorocat had been primed for the win. 

“She’s been a bit stiff in both runs at Newcastle and was nabbed late by a couple of smart horses.

“Wyong was always going to suit her better if she got the right run.

“She was probably spot on today and Jason did a great job. 

“Lustre Lodge paid around $150,000 for her and it’s good to get a filly of that quality in our stable.” 

The win brought up a double for Collett, who said the filly gave him a “good feel.”

Zorocat ($3.30), beat the $2.90 favourite Mix, with Pia Sofia ($31) from the Quinton stable, a close third. 

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Paul Perry’s consistent three-year-old Saquon could be headed for better things on the strength of his win in the 1350m HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BENCHMARK 64.

The No Nay Never gelding, a $150,000 yearling, brought up his second win at start six, with three seconds to his name. 

Saquon didn’t have it all his own way, with The Crimson Idol, from the Jeff Englebrecht stable, going head-to-head in the final stages of the race. 

Jockey Tim Clark described it as a “tough win.” 

“Full credit to the horse. He had to dig in with a big weight. For a young horse that bodes well for the future,” he said.

“He was there to be beaten at the furlong, but he really dug in and got the job done. 

“He’s quite a nice three-year-old and is going to progress to some better races than Wyong on a Thursday.

“He’s got a racing style about him as well and that’s going to take him a long way.”

Saquon, the $1.70 race favourite, beat The Crimson Idol by a short half head, with Waller’s Canadian Spice ($11), third.

Wayne Seelin’s ten-year-old Isorich ($21) was fourth in his 131^st start.  

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Wyong specialist Stoltz continued his winning association with the track bringing up his third victory from three starts in them 1000m HMA GEOTECHNICAL BENCHMARK 64.

Annabel Neasham’s speedy More Than Ready gelding proved way too strong for his opposition, drawing away to win by almost two lengths. 

It was a well rated ride by apprentice Louise Day, who sat just off the speed, bringing the three-year-old to the outside on straightening and drawing away in the final stages. 

Day described it as Stotz’s most convincing win. 

“He obviously loves it around this track, its three from three now and Annabel has done a great job with him.

“To make him fire first up for probably his most convincing win is a great effort.

“When I asked him to go when we came around the bend he just picked up and it was a really class win.

“I would say he will be quite competitive come the winter.”

A $200,000 Magic Millions yearling, Stoltz was having his seventh career start, with three wins and two placings to his name. 

He was sent out $4.60 second favourite and beat Brett Partelle’s Perfect Style ($4.60), with Rahini Factor, trained by Greg McFarlane ($11) third. 

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Leave Me Be impressed jockey Lee Magorrian with her strong win in the HMA GROUP MAIDEN over 1200m.

The NIcconi filly, having her third career start, drew away from her opposition in the final stages to win by half a length. 

Magorrian believes the Chris Waller trained three-year-old has better wins in store. 

“I think she should get a city win this preparation,” he said. 

“She raced well the whole way today and knuckled down well over the last bit.

“I got on the back of the favourite from the 500m onwards and I knew she was going to be hard to beat.”

Magorrian said Leave Me Be would get over more ground, possibly up to 1600m. 

The winner defied a late betting drift, with Dehorned Unicorn earning strong support to start $2.80 favourite. 

The Joe Pride trained colt looked the winner in the straight, before being run down.

Leave Me Be was bred by former trainer Bob Haire, who retains a share in the ownership.

Dehorned Unicorn was runner-up, with the Bjorn Baker trained Cinque Torri ($3.10) third.

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Jarrod Austin’s confidence in Fattore Stella paid off with the mare breaking through for her debut win in the 1350m HMA INSTRUMENTATION 4YO & UP MAIDEN.

Jess Taylor gave the four-year-old a great rails run in the straight, drawing away on the line to win by more than a length. 

Austin had been confident Fattore Stella would be at her best. 

“It’s the first time in a long time that I’ve come to the races with her ticking every box,” he said. 

“She’s been working good and travelling better with the blinkers on.

“It certainly looked like an attractive race for her on paper and panned out that way.

“It wasn’t the strongest race, but you’ve got to be there and be in good order to win and she did just that.”

Austin praised the ride by Taylor.

“You rarely see Jess make a mistake. She rides a bit of work for us and it good to see her get a winner for us.”

Fattore Stella ($6.50) beat Company Line ($14) from the Nick Mitchell stable, with Above Reserve ($5) trained by Jim and Greg Lee, third.

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Do This All Day put in a superior staying performance to beat some of his more fancied rivals in the 2100m HMA POWER GENERATION MAIDEN.

The Clare Cunningham trained three-year-old was having his fourth career start and coming off a 2200m at Nowra on April 20 where he finished just two lengths behind the winner. 

Jason Collett gave the gelding a great ride, patiently sitting midfield before taking a rails run on straightening, bursting through in the final stages to win by a length. 

“I’ve always liked this horse from the first time I saw him in the paddock,” Cunningham said. 

“I had the pick of a couple of horses at Domeland and chose him. 

“He’s a really tough character and showed that today. He was on a ten day back up but showed us no reason not to run him. 

“He continues to relish his training and it was only his fourth start today.

“It is so good to get the job done and I think he has a bit more under his belt.”

A $540,000 Inglis yearling, Do This All Day beat Matthew Smith’s Bedford Square ($2.45), with Red Hot Zone ($12) almost four lengths behind in third. 

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The well supported Squanto kept punters happy with a convincing win in the HMA MATERIALS HANDLING CLASS 1 over 1600m. 

The Sebring gelding was given a gun ride by Brenton Avdulla, who waited patiently for a gap to open in the straight, before steering the three-year-old to a two and a half length win. 

The Gary Portelli trained Squanto, raced by Max Whitby and Neil Wherrett, was having his 10^th career start, resuming at Newcastle on April 10 for a third over 1200m.

Avdulla said Squanto should be able to progress through his grades. 

“It was a good training effort by Gaz. It’s never easy stepping up from 1200m to a mile and he went well. 

“With the quick tempo I had to back off and take my medicine and sit there behind them and be patient. 

“He quickened well when the gap came. It was a soft win in the end and there’s no reason why he can’t go through his grades.”

Squanto earned significant late support and was sent out $3.30 second favourite, beating Upscale ($10) from the John Sargent stable, with Peter Green’s Spanish Fighter ($3.70) a close third. 

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Brenton Avdulla and Tim Clark dominated the riding ranks both booting home doubles at the April 8 Autumn Racing meeting.

The wins brought up four in four days for Avdulla, who heads into the first day of the Championships at Randwick on Saturday, with a number of key rides.

Clark brought up his fourth winner for the week and could also be in for a huge day at Randwick with eight rides across the program.

Avdulla’s winners came on the Maher/Eustace filly Sassysav in the 2100m Maiden and Gary Portelli’s two-year-old Akihiro, who was impressive breaking her maiden over 1350m.

The wins took him to second in the Wyong Jockey’s Premiership just one behind Jason Collett on ten. 

Clark who has six Wyong wins to date, partnered Paul Perry’s promising three-year-old Saquon in the 1350m Class 1 and made it a race to race double on the Portelli trained Arctic Thunder in the 1350m Maiden.

Portelli had a winning double with Akihiro breaking through in the 1350m Maiden.

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Well-bred Savabeel filly Sassysav revelled in the heavy 10 conditions and outstayed her opposition to take out the DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN over 2100m, bringing up the first of Avdulla’s wins.

The filly was having her fourth career start and only her second in NSW. 

The Maher/ Eustace training partnership, who purchased Sassysav as a $370,000 yearling at the Karaka sales, started her twice over shorter distances at Pakenham before relocating her to their Sydney stable. 

She was luckless at her most recent start at Newcastle on March 30 when she finished fourth over the 1850m.

Avdulla had no such problems in the small field at Wyong, settling Sassysav just off the leaders until the final stages when she was able to run down Bedford Square on the line. 

The $1.80 favourite Oceanic Flash, from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, was under pressure on the turn and struggled on the heavy track, to finish third. 

Sassysav ($4.60) put more than a length on Matthew Smith’s Bedord Square ($3.20), with Oceanic Flash a further five lengths behind in third. 

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An impressive step up to Provincial grade by the Rodney Ollerton trained Circus Bound to take out the 1350m GO ELECTRICAL PROV & CTRY MAIDEN.

Ollerton is the fifth trainer of the Uncle Mo gelding, who joined his stable late last year.

He seems to have found the key to the four-year-old who posted a convincing three length win under strong riding by the in-form Christian Reith. 

He settled Circus Bound just behind the speed, circling the leaders on the turn before hitting his straps midway down the straight and pulling away for an easy win. 

Circus Bound was bought by Jake Alder, who works with Ollerton at his Broadmeadow stable, from an online auction site. 

He was having his fourth start for the stable, having been placed third at Scone and Quirindi before a last start fourth at Taree over 1600m.

“It’s great to get a winner for Jake, he does a good job for me.” Ollerton said. “The horse has been going along okay and it was a good win today. 

“I’ve only given him four starts and he earned a go at the Provincials. 

“I was a bit unsure if he’d handle the heavy going but he did and a great ride by Christian made the difference.”

Circus Bound was sent out at $5.50 after earning strong late support and beat the Stephen Jones trained Discompose ($16), with All At Sea ($9) from the James Harding stable, was third. 

Grant Allard’s $2.20 favourite Bright Eyed Girl didn’t handle the conditions and finished toward the rear of the field. 

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The Gary Portelli trained Akihiro appreciated a step back in grade to break through for a dominant win in the 1350m CARLTON DRAUGHT MAIDEN. 

The victory bringing up Avdulla’s winning double.

The two-year-old had been racing in much stronger company and was runner up in the Victory Vein at Randwick in October.

At his latest outing in the Group 3 Black Opal at Canberra in March he finished seventh. 

He looked sharp winning a trial at Warwick Farm on March 23 and carried that form into the Wyong race, easily putting away the small field. 

Akihiro, who was sent out $1.45 favourite, was an $80,000 Magic Millions yearling. 

He beat Klopp ($3.10) from the David Pfieffer stable, with Mick Attard’s Borsalina ($17), third. 

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It was a walk in the park for the Ryan/Alexiou trained Tectonicus who put more than five lengths on his rivals to win the TAB.COM.AU CLASS 1 over 1600m.

The consistent Not A Single Doubt gelding was given a great front running ride by apprentice Tyler Schiller.

He had him under a tight hold along the back and led by two on straightening, kicking away in the straight and before being eased to the line.

Tectonicus was sent out $1.12 short-priced favourite on the strength of his recent form, coming off a third at Kembla on March 12 over the 1400m and a second when resuming at Wyong over 1350m on February 25. 

His class prevailed with his second career win coming at start eight. 

The locally trained Finney ($20) from the Rodney Bailey stable was second, with Greg McFarlane’s Landstrasse ($6.50) third. 

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Shadow Colour broke a run of placings for a long overdue win for the Mark Newnham stable. 

The Hinchbrook gelding finally broke his duck after being placed in ten of his previous 11 starts, taking out the MARKETS 2259 AT WYONG RACE CLUB SUNDAY APRIL 11 MAIDEN over the 1100m.

A $65,000 Magic Millions yearling, Shadow Colour had been runner up on eight previous occasions, all on the Provincial circuit. 

“He’s finally done it today,” a relieved Robyn Fowler, representing the Newnham stable, said. 

“It was his day, and I was pretty confident when he was full of running on the corner. 

“He jumped really well, and I think the trial last week really brought him on. 

“Hopefully it’s a confidence builder and the start of a picket fence this time.”

Shadow Colour jumped well and was taken to the lead by Josh Parr, who maintained the front, pinching a break on the turn and holding out his rivals in the final stages. 

He beat the fast-finishing Godolphin runner Quatenus ($4.60) by a length, with Radiance ($6.50) also from the Godolphin yard, third. 

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Saquon continued the trend for the day of dominant wins, producing a convincing four and a half length victory in the JIM BEAM CLASS 1 over 1350m.

The Paul Perry trained three-year-old was sent out $1.60 favourite and didn’t disappoint with the win never in doubt. 

Tim Clark led from barrier to post in a perfectly rated front running ride, the first leg of a race to race double.

He gapped his rivals on the turn, relishing the heavy conditions, to post his most convincing win to date. 

Bringing up his second victory from six starts, the promising No Nay Never gelding beat Portelli’s Zachariah ($7) who put in an improved performance, with Sammy ($4.60) from the Lees stable, two lengths behind in third. 

Saquon, a $150,000 yearling, is raced by Perry and long-time clients Steve and Louise Gillard.

The same trio race Sky Lab, the second favourite in Saturday’s $2m Group 1 Australian Derby at Randwick. 

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The Portelli stable brought up a double with Artic Thunder, who clocked up her fourth career win in a thrilling finish. 

Tim Clark made it race to race wins, driving the Headwater filly to the line in the GREAT NORTHERN CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 over 1350, to score by a narrow margin.

Artic Thunder, raced by Darby Syndications, was having her eighth career start and coming off a fourth at Goulburn on March 20. 

Clark settled the filly midfield, weaving a path in the straight before taking her wide to run down the leader Rumpshaker on the line.

Artic Thunder ($4.40) brought up her fourth win beating Nick Mitchell’s Rumpshaker ($11), with Damien Lane’s Thiswilldous ($7) putting in a good run for third. 

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Wyong specialist Dual Escape blitzed her opposition to bring up her fourth win on the track in the WYONG’S NEXT RACE MEETING THURSDAY APRIL 29 BENCHMARK 64 over 1100m.

The Denim Wynen trained and owned seven-year-old has had four wins since transferring from Kristen Buchanan in mid 2019, three of those at Wyong. 

The seven-year-old is also a strong performer on a heavy track, with three wins from seven starts. 

She was coming off a fourth at Gosford on March 27 over the 1100m and with conditions to suit, was sent out $4.80 in the small field.

Dual Escape showed her normal great speed from the gates and led throughout, posting a one and a half length win. 

With 10 wins and six placings from her 49 starts, she has now won more than $200,000 in prizemoney.

She brought up her latest win beating the Mark Newnham trained race favourite Time For Victory ($4.20), with Flash Fibian ($7.50), from the Paul Murray stable, third. 

Tyrone Coyle took on some racing heavy weights and came out on top when Prince Aurelius proved too strong in the Polytrack Provincial Championships Wyong Qualifier.

The Kembla based trainer has only one horse in work and will now head to Randwick with the lightly raced four-year-old for the $500,000 Provincial Final on April 17. 

The son of Love Conquers All brought up his fourth consecutive win in the $150,000 Qualifier, which was transferred to Gosford.

Prince Aurelius began well for jockey Robbie Brewer, who took him to the front, maintaining the lead throughout to score a convincing length and a half win.

“I came here full of confidence today,” an excited Coyle said. “It’s unbelievable, I’m over the moon.

“We were watching the market before the race and he was blowing out and out. I think it’s because he’s only just becoming the horse, we want him to be. He’s been a really nervous, sort of sweating up horse. 

“That’s what he did in his first and second up starts but today he travelled up here really well. He wouldn’t have blown a candle out and there wasn’t an ounce of sweat on him and that’s the result we get.”

Coyle bred Prince Aurelius with a friend Steve Ennis, and the gelding has now won five of his 10 starts. 

He was given a two-month freshen up in preparation for The Championships after clocking up three successive wins at Moruya, Wagga and Kembla. 

Hoping to overcome the horse’s anxious travelling habits, Coyle trialled him at Randwick on March 11 and had planned to start at the now rescheduled Kembla Qualifier, which was due to run on March 20. 

He made the decision to run at Gosford, which proved to be a winning move. 

“His regular track work rider Nick Hyde, who does all the work on him, got off him on Thursday morning and said, ‘they won’t know which way this bloke is going, he’s going that well.’

“He was right.”

Coyle gave credit to Hyde, apprentice Maddy Waters, Brewer and fellow trainer Brett Lazzarini. 

Kris Lees duo Zeftabrook and Loch Lomond will also head to the Final after filling the minor placings. 

The final Provincial Qualifier will be run at Kembla on April 3.

Another small-time trainer tasted success at the meeting, with Wyong based John Cooper taking out the 1000m HALEKULANI BOWLING CLUB Maiden with Hay John. 

The three-year-old Magic Albert gelding brought up his first win at start four, resuming from a spell and ridden by apprentice Reece Jones.

Cooper had decided to run Hay John in the race after three other meetings he was nominated for were washed out. 

“I didn’t know whether to trial him or not, but he worked so well that I decided not to, and he went great today.”

Cooper, who has five horses in work at Wyong, bred and races Hay John. 

Apprentice Brandon Griffiths took out the riding honours with a double, tasting success for the Snowden’s on California Cible in the 1200m LAKE MACQUARIE SHEET METAL Class 1 and Taumalolo in the 1200m MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AIR CONDITIONING AUSTRALIA Maiden for Anthony Mountney.

Matthew Smith trained a double with Belle Espoir winning the 1600m PANASONIC NANOEX Maiden and All Girls a dominant victor in the 1200m VIETNAM VETERANS KEITH PAYNE V.C HOSTEL LIMITED 2Y0 Maiden Plate. 

LEAD and win. That was the order of the day; pure and simple. Seven of the eight winners dictated terms on the fence and most were never seriously threatened. Lightly-raced youngster CONRAD showed the way by winning the opening race at only his second start, and is clearly headed for better things. 

Wyong trainer Kim Waugh hopes to parlay today’s success into qualifying Great News at Gosford on Saturday in the third heat of the Provincial Championships for the $500,000 Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 10. 

As well as CONRAD, three horses to follow are MISS KONO, MOKULUA and TWITCH. MISS KONO was the sole winner not to lead and her performance suggested she can win again. MOKULUA, a beautifully-bred youngster, was making her debut and impressed with her solid second though no match for CONRAD. 

TWITCH also was making her debut and after beginning slowly and then being bumped heavily by another runner just after the start, raced keenly as she made ground and was game in finishing second to odds-on favorite RUSSBUSS. Brenton Avdulla took the riding honours with a double.

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AUSTRALIAN RACING CHRISTIAN CHAPLAINCY 2YO MAIDEN PLATE 1200m

IF there was any doubt about CONRAD’S luckless debut second at Canterbury recently, the promising youngster quickly dispelled that with an authoritative breakthrough as a $1.45 hotpot, leaving his rivals with no excuses. 

A son of Maurice, he was pressured early by several runners but showed his ability by bounding clear to win easily from MOKULUA ($17) and another son of the winner’s sire, MAURICE’S MEDAD ($16). Wyong trainer Kim Waugh and jockey James McDonald not surprisingly have a good opinion of CONRAD. 

“We bred him, and he is a nice horse to train; very sensible,” Waugh said. “James likes him and that’s very exciting.” McDonald afterwards said CONRAD was “sure to go on to better things”. 

Provided he does well after today’s outing, CONRAD will be given another start before a break.

Though beaten easily, beautifully bred runner-up MOKULUA ran really well and should not be long shedding her maiden status. A daughter of the renowned sire Redoute’s Choice, she is the third foal of the 2012 Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner and 2013 Caulfield Cup (2400m) placegetter Dear Demi.

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CARLTON DRAUGHT PROVINCIAL & COUNTRY MAIDEN PLATE (1200m)

SCONE’S Reece Jones is leading the NSW apprentices’ premiership – and it’s easy to see why. 

He won his first metropolitan race at Warwick Farm last Wednesday, landed a Country Championships Qualifier for his master Rod Northam on Spiranac at Tamworth last Sunday and gave a polished display to lead throughout in this race on the pacy MADDISON’S MISSILE ($4.20). 

Giving leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup his 20^th winner of the season, the lightly-raced three-year-old daughter of The Factor put the outcome beyond when she burnt through after beginning awkwardly and led easily after only 100m. The addition of blinkers certainly did the trick and, having only her third start, she was always in control and won by nearly four lengths from $101 outsider THE PETTI EXPRESS. 

“She had no luck at all first-up at Goulburn and should have gone close to winning,” Widdup said. “I was confident she would be hard to beat.” The $2 favorite ACCELERANT had to race wide throughout and it was obvious on the home turn he would be struggling to overhaul the leader, but battled on gamely to finish third. Jockey Sam Clipperton escaped injury when the runner-up’s stablemate GRAND PALAZZO ($7.50) reared and dislodged him on jumping away. ELUSIVE BIRDIE ($10) pulled up 2/5 lame in the off foreleg, and a vet clearance will be required before trialling or racing again.

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HMA MAIDEN PLATE (1350m)

LAST Saturday’s victorious Group 1 Randwick Guineas jockey Brenton Avdulla noted the first two winners led throughout and adopted similar tactics on SPIRITUALITY ($3.20) – and the race was over a long way out. 

“She was coming back from two good city runs and this was a pretty weak provincial Maiden,” Avdulla said. “I knew it would be advantageous to go to the front.” 

Winning co-trainer Gerald Ryan was surprised his Spirit Of Boom filly had taken seven starts to break through, and was understandably pleased to see her finally get the job done.

 “I thought she might sit outside the leader, but Brenton grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck after she began a bit awkwardly,” he said. “She worked with Bottega (Group 3 Newcastle Newmarket runner-up) the other morning and he couldn’t get past her. I’m not saying she is in that class, but that should give her confidence and she should be able to win another one.” SPIRITUALITY fetched $80,000 at the 2019 Inglis Premier yearling sale in Melbourne.

Runner-up EARL OF SANDWICH ($3.60) was resuming and tried hard to match the winner in the straight. He is going to improve as local trainer Kristen Buchanan lifts him in distance. The first pair had the race to themselves with third placegetter AUNT BELLE ($71) belying her odds, though beaten easily. CANTRELL ($6) was 3/5 lame in the off foreleg when examined after the race and a vet clearance will be required before he is permitted to trial or race again.

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GO ELECTRICAL MAIDEN HANDICAP (1000m)

FOUR races. Four leaders. Four winners. A “sit and steer” job was how jockey Josh Parr aptly summed up his ride on odds-on favorite RUSSBUSS ($1.65) for Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker. 

 “She is still very raw, and threw away the race here the other day, but hugged the rail today,” Parr added. “She is a nice filly who is progressing.”

A three-year-old daughter of Dream Ahead, RUSSBUSS drew the rails and drove through to quickly assume the lead, this time giving no indication of being wayward. 

Well-backed first starter TWITCH ($3.70) wasn’t so flash at the start but then showed pace to sit behind the winner and got out in plenty of time on straightening, but couldn’t pick up RUSSBUSS, who was racing for only the fifth time. 

“This filly reminds Bjorn a lot of her mother Miss Tenpins,” said Baker’s Racing & Bloodstock manager Stephen McLean. Baker won six races (including three in town) with Miss Tenpins, and RUSSBUSS is her first foal. 

PHASES ($10) was 2/5 lame in the off foreleg after pulling up and trainer Tracey Bartley told stewards the colt would be gelded and spelled.

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BOOK NOW POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WYONG MARCH 27 CLASS 1 HCP (1000m) 

THIS race ended the trend of winners leading throughout. Nonetheless, there was enough pace on to enable the improving MISS KONO to overpower her rivals. 

The Newcastle filly didn’t step brilliantly, but it didn’t matter as the solidly supported PICK THE SCORE ($4.60), GENKIDES ($3.10 favorite) and DOZER BAY ($7.50) all went lickety split trying to get to the front. 

PICK THE SCORE eventually led before DOZER BAY took over. Despite making the home turn awkwardly, MISS KONO (Christian Reith) showed a nice turn of foot once she balanced up and burst down the outside to beat PICK THE SCORE and GENKIDES. 

Who says you have to spend a lot of money to pick up a nice horse? MISS KONO, a daughter of Star Witness, cost only $5000 as a yearling at Scone in 2019. By contrast, the now Coffs Harbour-trained WILD WIND ($11), who ran fifth of six, was a $600,000 purchase the same year at the Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale. 

Winning trainer Rod Ollerton saw only positives in his filly’s victory. “She has natural pace which won her first race, but she is now showing she can sit behind and be strong to the line.”

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HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1600m)

MISS KONO in the previous race might have bucked the trend of winners leading, but “normal service” resumed here. 

Cessnock trainer Jeremy Sylvester has done a terrific job with IF YOU THINK SO (Kathy O’Hara), the four-year-old daughter of dual Cox Plate winner So You Think. 

Since she was switched last year from Warwick Farm trainer Gary Portelli, Sylvester has given her 11 starts for three wins and four placings. 

“IF YOU THINK SO wasn’t up to city standard, and Gary sent her to me in good order to try to win some races in the country and hopefully a TAB Highway (which she did on January 30 at Rosehill Gardens),” Sylvester said. “Kathy has formed a good association with her and leading on her seems to be the key. IF YOU THINK SO is better in the wet, but can handle any type of ground.” Sylvester says his mare has a nice environment at home and often works through the bush. 

IF YOU THINK SO ($4.20) was never seriously threatened in leading throughout to defeat RENALOT ($11) and CASINO MONDIAL ($6). THE MEDIATOR started a $2.70 favorite but covered ground and was never a serious winning prospect. Stewards queried rider Robbie Dolan, who said the colt raced flat and finished off only fairly. 

O’Hara praised Sylvester for his work with IF YOU THINK SO. 

“She is not without her quirks,” she said. “You have to go with her and keep her as happy as you can. When she’s happy, we’re all happy.” 

A post-race vet examination revealed SKY DIAMONDS ($5) to be 2/5 lame in the off foreleg, and stewards require a vet clearance before trialling or racing again.

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TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m)

Same story here, though even better as the remarkable 10-year-old ISORICH won his 15^th race – and seven of them have been on his home track – at his 128^th start for local trainer Wayne Seelin, who deserves great credit for the manner in which he has managed the veteran’s career. 

Jockey Sam Clipperton bounced back from a mishap earlier in the day when dislodged from his mount just after the start of the second race, and took full advantage of the gelding’s inside draw to dictate terms. 

“He is a course specialist and had the conditions to suit today,” he said. “I held the front because leaders have been winning most of the day. The 1350m is probably as far as he wants to go, but he travelled strongly and was tough.” 

ISORICH ($6.50) battled for the lead early with eventual third placegetter SAFARIS ($5.50), but once he assumed control was never really threatened. BUZZ ($17), who also races well at Wyong, ran home strongly to grab second placing and looks to be nearing another win.

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WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY SATURDAY MARCH 27 CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m)

Yet another front-runner demolished his rivals. Returning as a gelding, Newcastle three-year-old MIDLAND ($2.60 favorite) had no trouble returning to the winning list; his cause enhanced when a number of strong chances dropped out before the 7.30am scratching deadline. 

Wearing the colours of the famed New Zealand breeding farm Waikato Stud, rider Brenton Avdulla clinched a double, having won earlier on SPIRITUALITY. “I put the foot to the floor to lead, and he gave a good kick on the bend,” Avdulla said afterwards. MIDLAND indeed gave a good kick, racing clear to score by more than three lengths from AUSTEJA ($6) and TIMPERLEY ($8). ENAMOUR ($12) was 2/5 lame in the off hind leg after the race, and cannot trial or race again until a vet cleara

Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou took out the training honours while Jason Collett rode a double, in a great day of racing at Wyong. 

Kim Waugh’s The Bullring raised the flag for the locals while Godolphin filly Siege impressed with a tough win. 

Check out the race-to-race highlights below.

A confident ride by James Innes Jn secured victory for Just A Jedi ($3.50) in the JIM BEAM CLASS 1 & MAIDEN. 

The three-year-old looks to have the makings of a promising stayer, impressing at his first attempt over the 2100m.

Trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou had concerns about the extra distance but the Free Eagle gelding put paid to that, posting a length win. 

“Jimmy (Innes Jnr) gave him a confident ride and that was the difference,” Alexiou said after the race. 

“He sat and waited patiently and knew the horse was going to be there when he asked.

“He’s always shown us good ability at home, but I think in time he can be a more than handy stayer.”

What A Girl ($2.80), from the Waller stable, finished second, with Singapura ($5.50), trained by Glen Thompson, third. 

A $60,000 yearling, Just A Jedi (pictured), brought up back-to-back wins with the victory, having greeted the judge at Gosford over 1600m on February 4.

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A race to race double for the Ryan/Alexiou stable with Le Vizir ($7.50) winning the SKY RACING METRO & PROV MAIDEN over 1350m.

The three-year-old, resuming from an eight-month spell, dictated terms throughout and was able to hold out the fast-finishing favourite, Lady Of Luxury ($1.30), on the line.

Winning rider, Robbie Dolan, was impressed with the colt’s victory, in only his third race start. 

“He’s learning and the best is definitely ahead of him,” he said. 

Alexiou agreed believing Le Vizir will get over more ground in time.  

“He’s always shown a good amount of ability at home but taken a long time to come to hand. 

“A bit of cut in the track today and a good ride by Robbie has certainly helped him. 

“I think he will get out over a trip and time is going to be his best friend. He obviously wobbled around the turn and was on the wrong leg today but was good enough to hold them off late.”

 Our Flaming Moes ($21) from the Matt Dunn stable was third.

Le Vizir, by French sire Siyouni, was a $260,000 Magic Millions yearling purchase.

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A thrilling three-way finish in the DE BORTOLI WINES 2YO MAIDEN with local galloper The Bullring ($2.80) holding on for a narrow win.

The Kim Waugh trained gelding led throughout the 1300m trip and looked to be on track for an easy victory before late challenges by Tea Leaves and Geisel.

The judge was called to separate the trio with The Bullring getting the nod by a short half head much to the relief of the stable and connections. 

“It was close but he’s a lovely horse and it’s great to get the win,” Waugh said. 

“It was disaster at Scone at his first run. He missed the start badly and flew home. 

“I was worried about him getting the 1300m today, so I don’t think I’ll do that again in a hurry, but he hung on and did very well.

“He had to tough out it but fought hard and is still very new and very green. 

“Jason Collett rode him beautifully. He’s going to be a nice horse and is still six months away.”

A $120,000 Rubick yearling, The Bullring was sent out $2.80 favourite on the back of his Scone third on February 16. 

He beat the Waterhouse/Bott trained Tea Leaves ($9), with Geisel ($81), from the Perry stable, third.

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Plenty of wraps for Godolphin filly Siege following her win on debut in the 1100m GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP 3YO MAIDEN. 

The well-bred Street Boss three-year-old was caught wide throughout after drawing the outside barrier and still managed to score a convincing win.

Christian Reith couldn’t get cover from the wide draw, but Siege still had plenty in the tank on the line, winning by half a length. 

“She wasn’t entitled to win with the run she had but I had no chance to get her in,” Reith said.

“I just had to have confidence that she would go on with it and she won with plenty in hand.

“She will take a lot of improvement from that. She was very good today and has a lot of upside to her.”

Darren Beadman, representing the stable, agreed with Reith.

“She’s a nice filly and was quite impressive today.

“She’s extremely well bred and has the Merchant Navy bloodlines.

“She had a few little issues in her early days, but the stable has looked after her and given her plenty of time to strengthen up and build her confidence.”

Siege ($5.50) beat Russbuss ($7) from the Bjorn Baker stable by a half-length, with the $2.30 favourite Zain’s Girl, a length behind in third. 

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Bargain returned to the winner’s circle in impressive style with a soft victory in the BOOK NOW POLYTRACK PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WYONG MARCH 27 F&M CLASS 1.

The Ocean Park filly was given a great ride by Rachel King, who went from the rear of the small field on the turn, weaving a passage down the straight before drawing away to score a length and a quarter win over the 1350m.

King described the Mark Newnham trained Bargain as “pretty promising.”

“She did everything right today. Mark took the blinkers off and she was a lot more relaxed and very professional in the run. 

“She was able to get on the back of a couple of horses going forward and was quite brave and put them away comfortably in the end.”

Stable representative Robyn Fowler said they always knew the filly had ability. 

“We knew she had some talent and in her last run at Warwick Farm she was over racing, so it was good to see her settle today. 

“She will go places.”

Bargain ($3) beat another Newnham runner Rosie Riveter ($2.20fav), with Jeanne D’Arc ($5) from the Ryan Alexiou stable, third. 

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Class prevailed in the 1200m CANADIAN CLUB MAIDEN with the Clare Cunningham trained Impressive Lass ($2) putting paid to her opposition with a two-length win. 

The Real Impact three-year-old had been racing in better company, coming off a fourth at Warwick Farm on February 10. 

She appreciated the drop in grade and showed a good turn of foot in the straight to draw away from her opposition. 

“We’ve always had time for this filly,” Cunningham said.

“She’s always shown nice ability and I hope the confidence she gets from this win propels her forward.

“I’m happy with her, she showed a nice dash and it’s very good to see her put it together.

“I always thought she might get over bit further and we’ll head her through the grades now.”

Jason Collett, who brought up a winning double, was caught wide from the barrier. 

“I was really confident despite being wide.

“It was the spot I wanted to be and worked out perfectly. I had plenty of horse coming into the straight.” 

The Godolphin trained Jadida ($4.40) was runner-up, with an eye-catching run by Oh Golly Gosh ($61) from the Attard stable, for third. 

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A great front running ride by Serg Lisnyy secured victory for the Denim Wynen trained Dual Escape in the TAB.COM.AU BENCHMARK 64 over 1100m.

The Dubleo mare brought up her fourth win for the young trainer, who relocated from Wyong to Port Macquarie last year. 

Dual Escape, the $31 outsider of the field, pinged the gates and was taken to the lead by Lisnyy, who defied the racing pattern of the day and hugged the rails. 

The seven-year-old mare gave a kick on straightening and was able to hold out her opposition to win by half a length. 

Wynen said Dual Escape still had trouble getting to the gates. 

“She still carries on like a two-year-old. 

“She never changes but when she’s like that is when she runs her best races. 

“I worked for Kristen (Buchanan) when she had her so have known this mare from the word go. 

“When she offered her to me, I was keen to take her and it’s great to get her fourth win up, especially another provincial win.”

Dual Escape beat the fast-finishing Barossa Rosa ($5.50) from the Tracey Bartley stable, with Tony Ball’s Standing Bear ($7) a close third.

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Well bred gelding Nordicus ($5) brought up his second career win taking out the WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY TUESDAY MARCH 9 CG&E CLASS 1 over 1350m.

The Dundeel five-year-old out of Miss Finland, hadn’t tasted success since a Randwick victory in November 2018. 

Tommy Berry sat just behind the leader and short priced favourite Bojack ($1.50) before bringing him to the front on straightening and drawing away to win by half a length. 

“Hopefully that win gives him a lot of confidence,” Berry said. 

“He’s always had that sort of ability and has been racing in much tougher grades.

“Coming back to the provincials suited him and hopefully he can go on with it now. 

“He gave me a really good feel and can hopefully go on with in in the city.” 

Trained by Anthony Cummings, Nordicus beat Tectonicus ($6) from the Ryan/ Alexiou stable, with Peter Green’s Spanish Fighter ($15) third.

The Tracey Bartley trained Enamour started the day well for locals breaking through for a well-deserved win in the DE BORTOLI WINES 4YO & UP MAIDEN over 1100m.

The Charm Spirit mare had been placed in her past four starts and was coming off a third when resuming at Muswellbrook on January 7. 

Her win continued a great month for the Bartley stable with four winners to date. 

Enamour’s win came courtesy of in-form apprentice Reece Jones, who took the four-year-old to the lead and rated her well in front, holding out the fast-finishing Giselle Anne to win by half a length.

“She’s a winning mare now and we are all very happy,” Bartley said.

“It’s great for the owners to win a race with her. She’s run second to some good horses so the form around her is good. She will definitely pay her way.”

Bartley said he would consider dropping Enamour back to 1000m next start. 

“I’d like to drop her back to 1000m and ride her quieter even though she won like that today.

“We tried to hold her up in her trial and she went really good but the other day at Muswellbrook she got her toe on again.

“It would be good to get her to settle behind them.”

Bartley said it was a good ride by Jones, with his instructions to “rate her and save her for the kick home,” carried out to a tee.

Enamour ($2.40) beat the race favourite Giselle Anne ($2.30fav) trained by Lee and Cherie Curtis, with Ron Lemon’s Redconi ($9), third.

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Reece Jones brought up a race to race double after Taree visitor Standing Bear upset the favoured runners to take out the 1100m GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP CLASS 1. 

The four-year-old by Smart Missile, a $150,000 yearling, brought up his second win at start nine. 

Jones rated the gelding well in front, drawing away in the final stages to win by almost four lengths.

Ball said he had expected Standing Bear to race well. 

“He didn’t handle the heavy 10 at Coffs last start and before that he got beaten only two lengths in a Highway,” he said. 

“It was an absolute bog at Coffs but here on a soft 5 he was well suited. 

“He’s got plenty of ability and can go for a spell now. 

“He will come back a better horse.”

Standing Bear ($13) beat Ron Leemon’s Miss Anticipation ($8), with Hurt Money ($3.80) from the Snowden yard, a close third.

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Well-bred Chris Waller debutant Lucilight proved too smart for her opposition in the JIM BEAM MAIDEN over 1350m, overhauling the short-priced favourite on the line. 

Rachel King piloted the $140,000 yearling to a strong three-quarter length victory.

By All Too Hard, Lucilight carries the Inglis colours of Group 1 winning mare Youngstar.  

King settled the three-year-old toward the rear of the small field throughout, before finding a gap on straightening and drawing away for an impressive win.

Damien Fitton, representing the Waller stable, described the winner as a ‘very nice filly.’

“We’ve given her a bit of time to get to the races, strengthen up and mature,” he said.

“She won quite easily today but it was just a matter of would she be able to do it first up. 

“Rachel gave a glowing report and said she’s very professional and will go on with the job.

“She should be a nice metropolitan horse and maybe even go a bit further.” 

Lucilight, who returned $8.50, beat the $1.55 favourite Nearly Fine, from the Mark Newnham stable, with another Waller runner, Big Angle ($6), third. 

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A few anxious moments for the connections of Desert Flame in the final stages of the RYAN’S METAL ROOFING MAIDEN over 1600m.

The three-year-old daughter of Pride of Dubai looked all out of steam heading for the line but managed to hold out the fast-finishing opposition to win by half a length. 

A $200,000 yearling, Desert Flame had four placings leading into the race, the latest a third a Warwick Farm on January 13.

She was sent out $1.40 favourite on the back of her strong Metropolitan and Provincial form.

Trainer David Payne had planned to let the filly roll along in front and Keagan Latham was able to carry out his instructions, with Desert Flame taking an early lead. 

Latham dictated the pace in front before kicking away on the turn, only to be threatened late by the Sombre Prize ($51) from the Henry Reeves stable and Red Hot Zone ($17), trained by Clarry Connors. 

Payne said he has always had a decent opinion of the filly.

“She’s been knocking on the door for a while,” he said.

“We wanted to get that win out of the way today.”  

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Consistent stayer Duchess Of Windsor put her best foot forward outstaying her opposition to take out the 2100m ROYAL HOTEL WYONG BENCHMARK 64.

The Matthew Smith trained mare brought up her fourth career win at start 29.

Alysha Collett settled the five-year-old outside the leader and short priced favourite So United but had the superior fitness in the straight drawing away to win by more than a length. 

Matthew Smith said the Rip Van Winkle mare could always perform with the right conditions. 

“She is just one of those horses who needs things to go right for her in the run,” he said.

“She’s won over the 2100m before and it was good to see her sitting handy and keeping out of trouble.

Duchess Of Windsor ($13), beat the $2.30 favourite So United from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, with Itasca, trained by Scott Singleton, third.

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A strong ride by Mikayla Weir secured victory for the John Steinmetz trained Writing Unexpected in the TEAM THOROUGHBRED NSW REHOMING HORSES BENCHMARK 64 over 1600m. 

The son of Choistar, raced by the Steinmetz family, brought up his fifth career win in a thrilling three-way finish.

Weir had the mare well-placed midfield for much of the race, before taking her to the lead on straightening. 

She had to dig deep in the final stages to secure a narrow short half head win for the five-year-old over the Freedman trained Dinado ($7), with the $2.60 race favourite Lexi’s Choice, from the Widdup stable, a half-length behind in third.

Writing Unexpected appreciated the drop in class having last run in the Moruya Cup over 1435m.

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Promising filly Proud Mia franked her winning form with an impressive victory in the WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25 BENCHMARK 64.

The Pride Of Dubai three-year-old brought up her fourth win from just nine starts in a smart time over the 1000m.

Apprentice Tyler Schiller drove the filly to the lead from the barriers, rating her well in the running before pulling away in the final stages to win by more than a length. 

Trainer Nick Olive has always had a good opinion of Proud Mia, who was sent out $3 favourite. 

“She is very fast but also seems very professional in what she does,” he said.

“She’s got a lot of natural speed and that’s probably her biggest asset.”

A $60,000 yearling, Proud Mia beat the Stephen Bartley trained Engadine ($7) by more than a length, with Upper East Side ($17) from the Buchanan stable, third.

Kristen Buchanan looks to have unveiled a promising galloper with Delexo blitzing his opposition on debut.

The three-year-old was sent out $2.35 favourite and didn’t disappoint, taking out the MARK CROSS RACING 2&3YO PROV & CTRY MAIDEN by almost three lengths. 

Ridden by Ashley Morgan, Delexo raced fiercely at times but still had the ability to finish off the 1000m race in convincing fashion.

“I do like this bloke,” Buchanan said following the win.

“I was nervous about today but he’s a really, lovely animal.

“He was fierce in the early stages and has to learn to cool his jets a little but over the 1000m he’s got some good jets.

“He has a very competitive mind set on game day and you can’t complain about that in a racehorse.”

Buchanan said she had purchased Delexo at the breeze up sales on the Gold Coast. 

“He was a standout in terms of heart rate and recovery and that really drew my attention plus he was a cracking sort as well. 

“He had a few little issues and because of that we got him at a reasonable price. 

“I was prepared to be patient, but he got here a little earlier than I expected and it’s great to see him win like that.

“He’s a beautiful strong horse and a favourite in the stables.”

Coming off three trial wins, Delexo beat Sniper Legend ($4.60) trained by Matthew Vella, with Belleofthehunter ($26) from the Ken Lantry stable, third.

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Snitzify denied local warrior Isorich victory in the HAPPY RETIREMENT WYONG TRAINER STAN THOMAS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68, getting the bob of the head on the line. 

Apprentice Reece Jones took the 10-year-old veteran to the lead and kicked away in the straight, only to be run down in the final stages by Snitzify.

The winner, a $105,000 yearling, is trained by Peter and Paul Snowden for Triple Crown syndications. 

Racing manager Colum McCullagh was full of praise for the ride by Keagan Latham.

“Keagan slid across and got him in a nice spot just outside the lead.

“It was nice to see him knuckle down and try really hard in the straight,” he said.

“We were counting steps in the end for Isorich to stop but luckily for us and a great bunch of Triple Crown owners, Snitzify was able to stretch out and get his nose on the right side of the post.”

Snitzify ($3.40) beat the Wayne Seelin trained Isorich ($21), with the $3 favourite Debari, from the Pride stable, third.

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Patience paid off for the connections of Blue Sky Moon, with the first starter taking out the 1200m KIM WAUGH RACING 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

The four-year-old, by Irish Sire Puissance De Lune, had been trialled twice in the lead up by trainer Paul Cave.

He looked sharp winning his latest trial over 740m at Warwick Farm on December 30 and carried that form into the race.

The gelding pinged the gates, enabling Kathy O’Hara to dictate terms in front. 

Courtesy of a well-rated ride, she was able to hold out the short priced favourite Doppelpunkt in the final stages, to win by half a neck.

“He’s a lovely horse and is still pretty raw,” O’Hara said after the win.

“He’s a big, scopey horse who will improve with time and racing.

“The owners have taken their time with him and hopefully they will be rewarded.

“It’s all before him at the moment and he will take a lot of benefit out of today.”

Blue Sky Moon ($3.30) beat John O’Shea’s $1.75 favourite Doppelpunkt, with Chloebella Rose ($41) from the Kearney stable, third. 

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The formidable combination of Tim Clark and Waterhouse/Bott struck again in the KRISTEN BUCHANAN RACING CG&E MAIDEN with Anotherthinkcomin’ a dominant winner.

The three-year-old, a $210,000 Vancouver yearling, was coming off a ninth on debut at Bathurst on December 21, but made the step up to Provincial grade impressively, recording a four-length win.

Clark took the gelding to the lead in the 1350m race, and maintained the front, kicking away in the final stages. 

Stable foreman Ron Nunn said they had expected an improved performance. 

“The win wasn’t totally unexpected,” he said.

“He didn’t have a whole lot of luck at Bathurst last start. It was a bit short and he got caught out in the middle of no man’s land and just had a tough run. “He trained on from that and cleaned up in the coat and was looking a lot better.”

Anotherthinkcomin’ beat the short priced favourite Kaptive ($1.40) from the Hawkes stable, who was held up on the turn, with Apex ($31) trained by John Cooper, third. 

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The well-supported Correlate overcame a wide barrier to score a tough win in the 1350m TRACEY BARTLEY RACING F&M MAIDEN.

Josh Parr was able to take the Not A Single Doubt filly to a soft lead from barrier nine after a positive ride from the gates.

He dictated terms in front, giving the filly a breather in the back straight, before drawing away in the final stages to win by more than a length.

Aaron Lau, representing the Newnham stable, said Correlate had gone into the race with plenty of fitness.

“She was third up today and was fit enough to win like that,” he said.

“The original plan was to sit outside the leader, but she got into a lovely rhythm and was way too strong.

“She got a stitch over in the last 100m at Newcastle last start but was very good today.”

Correlate, who had been placed once from five starts, earned plenty of late support to start $2.40 favourite.

She beat the Snowden trained Danzette ($7.50), with Princess Amira ($8.50) from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, third.

The winner was a $180,000 Magic Millions yearling.

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It was back-to-back Wyong wins for the Kylie Gavenlock trained Go For Gold taking out the 1100m ALLAN DENHAM CLASS 1.

The five-year-old by Medaglia D’Oro had to survive a protest by runner-up Cinderella after being wayward in the final stages of the straight.

He kept his winning record intact in his second start since joining the Gavenlock stable, recording a half length win.

Andrew Gibbons had Go For Gold just behind the leaders, before circling the field on the turn and hitting the front in the straight.

Gavenlock described the winner as a work in progress. 

“He’s a really quiet, beautiful animal but it’s a psychological thing for him,” she said.

“He had bad barrier manners when he came to us. He collapsed at Gosford after his second start and since then his manners got worse.

“We had to go right back and get it all out of his head and take him to the races and give him nice experiences. 

“It seems to be paying off but it’s still pretty nerve wracking waiting for him to get into the gates. 

“He’s very versatile and a fair dinkum racehorse but we still have to keep working on his manners.”

Go For Gold ($14) beat Cinderella ($17), trained by Richard and Michael Freedman, with Colonel ($5) from the Snowden stable, third.

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The heavily backed Never Never River proved too strong in the JEFF ENGLEBRECTH RACING BM64 over 1350m.

The Written Tycoon three-year-old, a $130,000 yearling, was a Canterbury winner two starts back and struggled in the heavy at his last outing on the Kensington track.

Apprentice Tyler Schiller claimed a heat of the Rising Star Series with the victory along with the praise of trainer Gerald Ryan.

“He is a nice horse and Tyler rode him terrific,” Ryan said.

“He can be a difficult horse to ride, over racing and pulling.

“Tim Clark spoke to Tyler and said to just flow with him, and he would do what he did today, come back off the bit and travel. 

“I’ve always had an opinion of him, but he’s been his own worst enemy but he’s starting to learn his craft.”

Never Never River ($1.55fav) beat the Lees trained Elegant Grace ($6.50) by a length and a half, with Bizou ($19) from the O’Shea stable, third.