raceday review

It was a Kris Lees trifecta in the $150,000 final of the Sky Racing Summer Provincial Series with Itz Lily a dominant winner over stable mates Spanish Point and Game Of Thorns.

The win gave Lees his second successive final win in the popular series. 

Itz Lily, the $3.30 race favourite, relished the heavy conditions and despite being caught three wide throughout, Alysha Collett kept her cool hitting the lead on the turn and drawing away to score by almost two lengths. 

Successful syndicators Australian Bloodstock race both the winner and third placegetter. 

Danny Greer, representing the Lees stable, said it was a terrific effort by Itz Lily, a $80,000 yearling, after a tough run.

“She didn’t have a lot of luck in the run but was very dominant working into the race nicely and putting them away a long way out,” he said.

“It’s good to see her come back in really good order. 

“Australian Bloodstock provided us with a couple really nice horses in this race. 

“We were also happy with the effort of Spanish Point, who is improving with racing.”

Greer was full of praise for the ride by Collett. 

“She didn’t panic at all and improved into the race at the right time. It was good to see her sustain that sprint and she put them away a long way out from the finish.”

The win brought up back-to-back victories for Itz Lily, who took out the Newcastle heat on December 19. 

The consistent Snitzel mare has now had six wins and seven placings from 21 starts. 

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A terrific training effort by Kylie Gavenlock to taste success with Go For Gold after more than 15 months off the scene.

The five-year-old was having only his third career run but was sent out at $3.50 on the strength of a strong barrier trial at Wyong on December 18.

Jockey Andrew Gibbons had him in the box seat throughout the 1200m LAKES OFFICE CHOICE 4YO & UP MAIDEN and was able to get the edge over his opposition in the final stages. 

Gavenlock said it was great to get a win for the connections, who include prominent owner and breeder Kim Harding.

“They have been very patient,” she said. 

“He had some real issues with the barriers and that’s why he has been off the scene for so long. 

“We think he’s got it now and he trialled nicely here which is why we brought him back. 

“I think he’s a very nice horse, but I was a bit worried he may have been a little underdone today. 

“He had missed a bit of work leading into it and he’s a gross horse and a good doer.

“I thought if anything would of beat him today it was his condition, but he got the job done.”

A $360,000 yearling Go For Gold was resuming from a lengthy spell, having previously been trained by Les Bridge. 

He beat Good Deed ($5), from the Hickman stable, with Tracey Bartley’s Stonesthrow ($6.50) third.

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A very dominant win by the Snowden trained Exoboom who justified his short price posting a seven-length victory in the LAKES PRINTERS MAIDEN over 1350 metres. 

The Exosphere gelding was first past the post on the Kensington track on December 17 but lost the race on protest. 

At his previous two starts he was runner-up at both Kensington and Newcastle. 

He wasn’t to be denied at Wyong breaking through for his debut win in the best possible way.

Apprentice Brandon Griffiths had the $1.26 favourite just behind the leader in the early stages, before hitting the front around the 600m mark and drawing away in the straight for an effortless win. 
Ben Bloore, representing the Snowden’s, was full of praise for the victory. 

“It was a good win. Brandon put him outside the leader, let him settle and balance up, and then coming to the corner he let him go and said goodbye,” Bloore said. 

“It was a good ride. Brandon has nice, strong good hands and can get them to relax in the run.” 

He said Exoboom, a $70,000 yearling, had taken time to come to hand. 

“He’s still very immature. He’s a big lanky horse with plenty of scope about him. The more he races the more mature he gets.” 

Exoboom beat the Perry trained Mon Amore ($20), with Mandalorian ($41) from the Coyle stable, third.

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It was a double for the Snowden stable and their apprentice Brandon Griffiths, when Sahra ($2.15fav) greeted the judge in the CAVARNI DESIGN BENCHMARK 64 over 1200m.

Griffiths put in another strong ride to claim victory on the Hinchinbrook filly, her second win in six starts.

Ben Bloore described it as a “very good win.”

“She will take a lot of confidence out of that. Brandon rode her well and didn’t panic.

“He took off at the right time and didn’t panic, just cruised up around them, hit the button and away she went.

“She’s had a few little setbacks here and there. The drop in grade today has helped her a lot and she will take a lot out the win. 

“Two winners from two runners should keep Pete happy for another week.”

Cathay ($8) from the Portelli stable was second, two lengths behind the winner, with Godolphin’s Raison D’Etre ($3) third.  

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Godolphin filly Geist made it back-to-back wins in the 1100m CANADIAN CLUB CLASS 1 courtesy of a great ride by Christian Reith, the first of a winning double for stable and rider.

The in-form jockey had to weave a passage in the straight after coming from behind the pack on the turn.

He drew away in the final stages to win by three quarters of a length. 

The double brought up 14 wins for Reith in just over a month, the jockey having posted 36 victories to date for the season for a 20 percent win ratio.

Geist was having her 10^th career start, having raced in Victoria for the early part of her career. 

She was unable to break her maiden in the southern State despite finishing third in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield in February.

She broke her maiden at Hawkesbury on December 13 over 1100m and again found the distance ideal at Wyong to bring up successive wins. 

She beat Kim Waugh’s Tinka’s Lad ($7), with Harmonium ($6), from the Richard and Michael Freedman stable, third. 

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It was a double for stable and rider after Mollycoddle’s victory in the WYONG’S NEXT RACEDAY SUNDAY JANUARY 24 F&M BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

Another super ride by Reith, who came from last on the turn, secured victory for the $2.10 race favourite. 

It was the third win for the Lonhro filly from 10 starts, all three coming on the Wyong track. 

Stable representative Lee Kunde said Mollycoddle would likely head to a mid-week Metropolitan race.

“She is very consistent this time in, has strengthened up and is a mare in form,” he said.

“Last start she finished second behind Private Eye who came out and won in town today, so the form is franked there.

“I’d say she’ll head to town, but the team will take her back and tick her over and see where we got next.”

Kunde said he wasn’t concerned when Mollycoddle was well back in the field.

“She was always travelling. He cut the corner and it worked out good and she powered through the line. 

“She’s been in a purple patch of form and it was a great ride today.”

Mollycoddle scored a length and a half win over the Waterhouse/Bott trained Tastebud ($12), with Duchess Marizza ($6.50) from the Maher/Eustace stable, third.

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Short-priced favourite Solar Apex didn’t disappoint in the JIM BEAM MAIDEN over 1600m, bringing up his debut win in impressive style. 

The well-bred Deep Impact colt was having his fourth start, having been placed twice on Metropolitan tracks and once on the Provincial circuit.

Jockey Lee Magorrian came from behind on the turn and was able to get a split on straightening, with the three-year-old speeding away to win by almost a length. 

Clare Hewson, representing trainer Chris Waller, said it was a good win. 

“It looked a bit precarious once they jumped because he got shuffled back and looked like he was going to land in an awkward spot,” Hewson said.

“But the horse responded to Lee’s riding and pushed forward to be in a good position.

“He was able to whip around the two leaders on the turn to be in the clear. That’s a good thing about Wyong, they can fan across and get out in the straight. 

“He was lucky the split came, and it was good riding by Lee to drive the horse through.”

A $300,000 yearling, Solar Apex ($2.60) was having his fifth career start.

He beat the John Thompson trained Speedzone ($7), with Jauhera ($5.50) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, third.

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A convincing win by the Paul Perry trained Skylab ($8.50) to take out the COMMAND BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD CG&E BENCHMARK 64.

The Real Impact gelding was resuming from a spell, after breaking his maiden and being placed twice in four runs in his first preparation.

Shaun Guymer settled the three-year-old toward the rear in the early stages, before rounding the field at the 600m mark and hitting the front on straightening. 

He drew away in the final stages to win by two lengths, handling the heavy nine conditions.  

Skylab, a $48,000 yearling, looks to be developing into a promising stayer, having recorded a Newcastle win over 1875m at the end of his last preparation. 

He beat Jason Coyle’s race favourite Chateaux Park ($3.50) at his latest outing, with American Salute ($12) trained by Matthew Smith, third. 

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She’s All Class left no-one in doubt about her ability taking out the $200,000 MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 2YO CLASSIC and giving trainer Chris Waller his first win in the feature race. 

The I’m Invincible filly, a $200,000 Magic Millions graduate, put almost five lengths on her opposition in the straight in a dominant performance. 

James McDonald stalked the leaders coming to the turn before hitting the lead on straightening and drawing away for an effortless win. 

The victory was also McDonald’s first in the Wyong feature.

The winner carried the colours of last year’s Everest winner, Yes Yes Yes.

Her emphatic victory saw her tumble from $51 into $4.80 equal favouritism for the $2million Gold Coast Magic Millions Classic.

And she looks a real chance of emulating the success of previous Wyong 2YO Classic winners on the Gold Coast.

Dan Cobby, representing the Waller stable, described it as a pretty impressive win. 

“We were pretty confident coming into today and she’s shown up,” Cobby said.

“Credit to Chris and the team, they have done a really good job with her. “She had other options to run over the last couple of weeks, but the team and owners have been really patient with her and proved they made the right decision with her today. “

Cobby said She’s All Class had raced well on debut in the Victory Vein at Randwick in October.

“She showed really good speed that day and finished third. 

“Today she was in a perfect position and they went very hard in front. 

“She’ll join Shaquero and a couple of others heading north. We are looking forward to the Gold Coast.”

James McDonald said Waller and his team had done a marvellous job with She’s All Class.

“She’s a hypo little filly. Chris tinkered with a few things and she really impressed me in her trial.

“We always knew she had ability. She works like a pretty good horse at home and we brought her here today to see what she could do.

“She wasn’t all that comfortable around the track, but she got the job done.

” The six furlongs on the Gold Coast will be right up her alley.”

She’s All Class ($7) beat Victorian visitor Gleneagles ($4.80fav) from the Busuttin/Young stable, with the Waterhouse/Bott’s Swift Witness ($5), a long head behind in third.

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Eleven Eleven overcame a wide draw to take out the $100,000 MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 3YO & 4YO STAKES for Greg Hickman and Keagan Latham.

The son of Fastnet Rock proved too strong for his opposition scoring an impressive victory and securing another trip to the Gold Coast in January. 

It was another feature for Eleven Eleven’s already impressive resume, including the rich Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in January. 

The $230,000 yearling, who has now amassed more than $1.4m in prizemoney, will head for the $1m MM Cup over 1400m.

The Wyong victory came courtesy of a cool ride by Latham, who was caught three-wide on the four-year-old for much of the 1200m trip, but he was able to quicken in the straight and run down the leaders to win by almost a length. 

Hickman had intended to run Eleven Eleven at Randwick on Saturday but opted for the Wyong race, which proved to be a winning move. 

“He’s been a bit up and down this preparation, but we pulled the right rein here and it worked out really well,” he said. 

“Keagan gets on really well with this horse and he knows what he can do.

“He might have been a bit wide, but he gave him plenty of space to hit the line. 

“He’s the type of horse that wants an uninterrupted run. Keagan knows this track and did a super job.”

Hickman said he will likely give Eleven Eleven one more run before heading to the Gold Coast. 

“I’ll give him a start and see how he pulls up after that and then on to the Gold Coast.”

Latham said Eleven Eleven was right on target for another crack at one of the Magic Millions features in January. 

“It was a good win today and nice to see him put his ability forward,” he said. 

“He quickened really well today, and we are on the right course to go back to the Gold Coast. 

“He’s a nice big animal and has a good bunch of guys who support him, so hopefully he can do the magic again up there.”

Latham has partnered Eleven Eleven in each of his five career starts. 

Eleven Eleven ($6.50) beat Yao Dash ($3.90) from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, with Gary Portelli’s $3 favourite Spaceboy, third.

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Tracey Bartley got the edge over fellow Wyong trainer Brett Partelle with Onemore Sapphire taking out the 1600m EXALTED CONSTRUCTIONS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68.

The Onemorenomore gelding fought out the finish with Partelle’s Commander Belle, a nose separating the pair on the line. 

Jason Collett had to be patient in the straight waiting for a gap to appear and Onemore Sapphire was able to take the split and drive to the line. 

“It was a beautiful ride,” Bartley said.

“He just needed luck there and the spilt was enough for him to get through.

“I knew Jason had a lap full of horse in the straight and the luck came. It was really nice. “

The win brought up a double for Collett.  

“I did get a bit of luck in the straight which was good,” he said.

“It was a tricky sort of gate for a horse that races back, and I needed the luck and I got it, so it was really good.”

Onemore Sapphire was sent out $2.80 favourite on the strength of his last start win at Tuncurry. 

Commander Bell, started at $16, with Foxborough ($3.80) trained by John Sargent, a close third.

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In-form apprentice Reece Jones continued a super run, winning the 1100m MAGIC MILLIONS 2021 GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 12-18 JANUARY BENCHMARK 64.

Jones partnered the Richard Litt trained Wander ($4.40) to victory, the sixth win for the well-bred six-year-old.

Litt was full of praise for the ride by Jones.

“Credit to Reece he rode him really well and it paid off,” he said. 

“The horse has a big finish in him but the last few runs he’s just had no luck.

“The other day at Warwick Farm he was caught on the fence. He was happy to be wide today and make the swooping run.”

Litt said Wander had been a great addition since joining his stable two years ago. 

“He cost a bit of money early and has been very consistent, a great old campaigner. 

“There’s nothing wrong with those Godolphin horses. They’ve been holding up my stable for years.” 

Jones, who is leading the NSW Apprentices Premiership, said the step back in class had helped Wander.

“He hasn’t been too far way in his previous runs and made it look easy today. “There was good pace in the race, and I was able to flop him out and have him where he was comfortable.”

Wander ($4.40), beat the Denim Wynen trained Dual Escape ($26) by more than a length, with the locally trained Mosht Up ($8.5) from the Stephen Schofield stable, third.

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A dominant victory to the Gary Portelli trained Amoretti, who appreciated the step up in distance and sting out of the ground, to take out the 1600m MAINSTREAM TAXATION & ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES CLASS 1.

Louise Day gave the four-year-old a great ride just behind the leaders, circling the field on the turn and drawing away to win by almost four lengths. 

The Verrazano gelding, a $90,000 yearling, was fourth at Wyong at his last start on November 26, having broken his maiden at Newcastle over 1200m in May.

Portelli said it was great to see Amoretti finish off the race so strongly. 

“It was good to watch. His first time over the mile and with blinkers on and Louise got him into a really good spot,” he said.

“He looked good going through the line.

“He has a pedigree that suggests he’s more of a speedster but the way he went through the line he might get further. 

“This horse has been quite promising for a long time. He had a lot of shin soreness early, but he kept improving.

“I know today wasn’t the strongest race in the world, but I like the way he did it. If he can get further, it opens up a lot of doors.”

Amoretti ($2.70) beat Butch’N’Bugs ($11) from the Peter Green stable, with Dance Too Hard ($8), trained by Marc Connors, third.

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It was a race in two in the final stages of the MAINSTREAM FINANCE SERVICES PTY LTD 4YO & UP MAIDEN with Chateaux Park getting the edge over race favourite Jesse James. 

The Jason Coyle trained four-year-old has been racing consistently but was unable to break through for a win until start nine.

He was coming off a third at Canberra when resuming and Coyle expected the 1350m Wyong trip would suit. 

Jason Collett had to cross from the widest barrier and was able to settle the four-year-old midfield, before drawing level with the favourite on the turn. 

The pair battled it out in the straight, with Chateaux Park ($6.50) going to the line a length ahead of Jesse James ($1.80fav). 

“I’m really happy with the horse. I’ve had a bit of time for him for a while now and he will take plenty out of that win,” Coyle said.

“Jason had to overcome a wide barrier and it was a good, strong win.

“I would think he will get further on the back of that sustained run today. The form around the favourite has been okay, so hopefully he goes on with it. 

“I probably raced him a few extra times than I should of as a young horse, but hopefully that racing holds him in good stead moving forward.”

The Godolphin trained Jana ($3.80) was third, four lengths behind the winner.

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A dominant win by Margie Bee secured the Magic Millions Wyong Provincial Trainers title for Kristen Buchanan.

The Dreamscape mare brought up her fifth career win in the FULTONS FLYING FETLOCKS BENCHMARK 64 over1600 metres, with Mikayla Weir in the saddle.

The race carried double points in the Magic Millions Series, and with Buchanan already on two points from an earlier meeting, she scooped the pool taking out both the round and overall title. 

She received flights, transfers and accommodation to the MM Sale of choice for being the leading Provincial trainer on the day and took home at $5000 MM Sales credit for winning the series. 

“It’s just fabulous. I’m excited about the prize and I’m excited for Margie Bee. This win over the 1600m adds a whole new dimension to her going forward,” Buchanan said.

“It is so good for Magic Millions and the Wyong club to put on this series for Provincial trainers. 

“It’s a fantastic prize and I got in at the last minute.”

Margie Bee qualified for the Sky Racing Summer Provincial Series with a second in the Wyong heat over 1350m on November 26. 

Buchanan was unsure if the five-year-old would run out the 1600m, the distance of the final, to be run at Wyong on January 2.

“She’s very tough and she’s very smart and she knows her home track and where the finishing track is. I thought if the race was run that way, she was good chance.

“In previous preparations I would never have dreamt she would get to the mile. I have the Provincial Series to thank for pushing my hand.

“I thought we’d test her out over the 1600m, and it happened to be the MM double points race, so it all worked out. 

“It was a beautiful, well-judged ride by Mikayla, she just gave her a cuddle in the run and that’s the key to her.” 

Coming off the second at Wyong last start, Margie Bee earned good late support and was sent out at $3.40.

The five-year-old led throughout drawing away on the line to win by almost two lengths.

She beat the $3.30 favourite Shamani, from the Freedman stable, with Austreet ($31) trained by Jarrod Austin, third. 

Buchanan said she would likely trial Margie Bee prior to the January 2 final.

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Stoltz looks to be a horse with a future after bringing up back to back Wyong wins.

The More Than Ready gelding broke his maiden at Wyong on November 26 and followed that up with a strong win in the 1200m FIRE & GENERAL CLASS 1.

The victory brought up a double for Tommy Berry, who has partnered the three-year-old in both his wins. 

Berry led throughout on Stoltz ($5) and was dominant to the line, recording a length win.

Up and coming trainer Annabel Neasham has a good opinion of Stoltz, a $200,000 Magic Millions yearling.

“I was really impressed with the win today,” she said.

“Prior to the race I thought it mapped like there was going to be too much speed for him to get in a forward spot, but he rocketed out of the gates.

“Tommy just used his initiative and got to the rails, he got a few cheap sectionals mid-race and then kicked away and was too good. 

“That’s why you put people like Tommy on because when things don’t map like you think, they can still put them in the right spot.”

Neasham said Stoltz will now head to a midweek Metropolitan race. 

“I’ll see how he comes through. I’d like to find a race for him at the Magic Millions, but he’ll go to a mid-week from here.”

Stoltz beat the $2.80 race favourite Yangarra Rose from the Snowden stable, with Bravio ($15) trained by Mark Minnervini successfully protesting for third. 

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Speedy mare Miss Dior ($3.40) put together her third consecutive win taking out the 1000m SYSCON BENCHMARK 64.

Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden and ridden by Adrian Layt, the mare has greeted the judge at all three starts since a freshen up in September. 

She posted a Wyong victory on November 7, followed up with a Kembla win on November 28, completing the treble with her second Wyong win. 

Layt, who has partnered Miss Dior in all three wins, settled her just behind the leader before hitting the front in the straight and drawing away to win by a long neck.

She beat the $2.90 race favourite Able Hill, trained by Bjorn Baker, with Star Harada ($21) from the Wendy Roache stable, more than two lengths behind in third.

Snowden’s racing manager Colum McCullagh said Miss Dior had been a work in progress. 

“Peter and Paul always knew she had ability, but it’s taken her a while to put things together. 

“She has really turned the corner now and hopefully she can go on with it.”

A four-year-old by Brazen Beau, Miss Dior has now put together three wins from just six starts. 

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Irish bred Harpo Marx brought up his first Australian win with a dominant staying performance in the 2100m INTERNATIONAL POLES CLASS 1 & MAIDEN.

The five-year-old was given a patient ride by Rachel King, before drawing away in the straight.

It was his first victory for trainer Bjorn Baker, his other win recorded at Tipperary, Ireland in June 2019.

He went on to be placed sixth in a Group 2 at Ascot and was subsequently seventh in a Group 1 before coming to Australia.

He has been in consistent form since joining the Baker stable and was coming off a second at Canterbury on November 27. 

He was sent out $1.16 favourite and beat Bulwark ($20) trained by Robert and Luke Price by three and a half lengths, with Zoomerango ($31) from the Perry stable third.

The son of Galileo looks set to win more races on the back of his impressive victory. 

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A thrilling finish to the SICAME AUSTRALIA MAIDEN between the two favourites before Resilient Star grabbed victory on the line. 

The More Than Ready gelding, was having his fourth start, with a previous second at Gosford and a fourth at Warwick Farm. 

The Freedman trained three-year-old was ridden by Tommy Berry, who continued a great run at Wyong, after posting four winners at the previous meeting.

Berry settled Resilient Star ($2.90) toward the rear of the small field in the 1350m race, winding him up on the turn. 

He drew level with Saint Of Katowice ($2.80fav) halfway down the straight but ran out twice before Berry was able to straighten him just before the line. 

“I thought he’d got beat,” a relieved Richard Freedman said after the race. 

“It’s a tricky angle but he got in by the skin of his teeth.

“He is just about at the end of his preparation. I’ll speak to Michael (Freedman) and I’d say he will most probably spell. 

“He’s running about and has got a few things to learn but he’s knocked off his maiden now.” 

Freedman said the Vinery bred Resilient Star has a lot of growing to do and will be a better horse as he gets older.

Just A Jedi ($12) from the Ryan/Alexiou stable, was almost two lengths behind in third. 

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Teronito ($3.70) scored his debut win in THE ENERGY NETWORKS METRO & PROV MAIDEN over 1600m impressing trainer Nathan Doyle.

The Excelebration gelding, having only his second start for the Doyle stable, was ridden by Koby Jennings.

He settled the four-year-old toward the rear in the early stages, bringing him to the rails on straightening. 

He was able to hold out Mark Newnham’s fast finishing Prince Six ($11) and Desert Flame ($7) from the Payne stable, to win by half a length. 

“I think he’s a progressive horse and it’s good to see him win today,” Doyle said.

“He will improve over the staying trips and was second up over the mile today.

“I always thought he was a blinkers horse and he pulled up at the line today.  

“He definitely needs them. He should have won a bit more comfortably but just wanted to stop when he got in front. 

“I think he will run at least 2000m, perhaps a bit further if he relaxes well. 

“He’s shown us at home that he seems to want a trip, but we’ll step him up slowly and let him tell us.”

Doyle said Teronito was their first winner for owner Superhorse. 

“We’ve had about four runners for them, and he is our first win,” Doyle said.

Teronito had previously been trained by Gwenda Markwell, where he was placed twice at Kembla Grange. 

He was second at Muswellbrook in his first start for the Doyle stable, over 1280m on November 27, and went one better at Wyong. 

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Mark Newnham’s consistent four-year-old That’s Better broke through for a well- deserved win in the 1000m LAWRENCE & HANSON MAIDEN.

Despite running wide on the turn, Josh Parr was able to take hold of the Exceed and Excel gelding, who went to the line more than two lengths ahead of his rivals. 

That’s Better ($3.40) led from barrier to post and beat the John Thompson trained Pacific Ocean ($7.50), with French Bonnet ($3.50) from the Waugh stable, storming home to finish third. 

French Bonnet had a hard luck tale after losing considerable ground mid-race when she brushed the rial and put in an eye-catching finish.

The winner, a $300,000 Inglis yearling, was having his fifth race start, having been narrowly beaten at Wyong over the same distance on November 18. 

He had previously posted two seconds and a third from four starts, the three placings all on provincial tracks. 

Bred and raced by Domeland, That’s Better could be headed for bigger things, on the strength of the win in strong maiden company. 

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A great end to the second day of the Magic Millions Wyong Provincial Trainers Series with Stephen Schofield and Kristen Buchanan both winners. 

Magic Millions generously donated a second prize pack of airfares, transfers and accommodation to the MM sale of choice, when the trainers finished on equal points after the meeting.

The final leg of the series will be on MM Day, December 16, with the overall winner receiving a $5000 credit to spend at the sales. 

It was a super day of racing, with some impressive maiden winners including Can Do It and Beiber, who look likely to take the next step.

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Well-bred Godolphin filly Reverse opened her winning account taking out the 1000m BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT WYONG RACE CLUB MAIDEN.

The Exceed and Excel three-year-old was resuming from a spell, having debuted at Kembla in May. 

Two good trials heading into the race had her primed for a strong first up performance and she didn’t disappoint.

Jason Collett settled Reverse just behind the leaders, bringing her to the outside in the straight.

She was able to run down her rivals in the final stages, finishing strongly to record a half-length win. 

Stable representative Josh Whittaker said the filly had matured a bit courtesy of the trials. 

“She got some nice easy trials under her belt coming into this and that has helped her mature and get the job done today,” he said. 

“She jumped well, not like her first start, and that was a big help. She’s a lovely bred filly and should go on with it.”

Reverse started $4.40 favourite after Kristen Buchanan’s first starter, Eyewitness was scratched at the barrier. 

She beat the Mark Newnham trained That’s Better ($4.60), with Gallant Run ($5) from the Gary and John Moore stable, third. 

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Goulburn visitor Can Do It made short work of his opposition to take out the DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN over 1600metres in impressive style.

The three-year-old, a $100,000 Magic Millions yearling, had superior form heading into the race, having been placed twice this preparation. 

He was coming off a fourth at Randwick on November 4 over the 1400m.

Can Do It, a colt by American sire No Nay Never, appreciated the rise in distance and dominated the field, posting a four and a half length win.

Chad Lever had him in the gun position throughout outside the leader, before speeding past the tiring Aunty on the turn.

He sped away on straightening and was never in danger in the final stages. 

Can Do It looks certain to make a return to mid-week Metropolitan grade on the back of the win. 

Trained by Jean Dubois, Can Do It was sent out $1.75 favourite, and beat Aunty ($15) trained by Anthony Cummings, with Lincoln Park ($7) from the Perry yard, a half-length behind in third. 

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The Waterhouse/Bott trained Belieber ($1.30fav) lived up to his trial form with a dominant maiden win over the 1100m. 

Raced by the Tait family and sporting the colours made famous by champion Tie The Knot, Belieber cruised to the line three lengths ahead of his opposition in the TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN. 

Tim Clark led throughout and had the rest of field off the bit and chasing a long way from home. 

Neil Paine, representing the stable, said Gai and Adrian would be “rapt” with the win. 

“It was a terrific win. Gai and Adrian think he is up to Sydney Saturday class and he showed he’s on track for that today,” he said.

“Let’s hope he can prove them right and go on with it.

“They like to send these horses up this way to learn their trade and get a win on the board. It gives them so much confidence.

“He hasn’t beat the greatest field, but it was the way he did it and the confidence he will take out of it. 

“Once Tim released the brakes, he went away with it.”

Beiber, a Zoustar gelding, was having his third career start, having previously finished fourth at two Randwick starts. 

He beat the Richard and Michael Freedman trained Screebe ($6.50), with Soldier’s Desire ($21) from the Widdup stable, third.

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A super ride by Robbie Dolan secured victory for the Snowden trained Miss Sure Shot in the BOOK NOW WYONG MAGIC MILLIONS DECEMBER 16 F&M BENCHMARK 64 over 1200 metres.

The Shooting To Win mare, a $150,000 MM yearling, was given a ten out of ten ride by Dolan, and was able to run over her opposition in the final stages to win by more than a length.

Raced by Triple Crown Syndications, Miss Sure Shot is becoming a Wyong specialist with both her wins recorded on the track. 

The four-year-old mare brought up her maiden win in December 2019 and was coming off two Randwick trials prior to her latest outing. 

She was well supported starting at $3.80 and beat the locally trained Mosht Up ($13) from the Schofield stable, with Designer Maid ($16) trained by Blake Fitzpatrick, third. 

Miss Sure Shot has now had two wins and two placings from nine starts.

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An exciting three-way finish in the GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP with the Matthew Smith trained Majella getting the bob on the line.

The six-year-old mare was given a great ride by Glyn Schofield and snatched victory by a long head, over the Jason Coyle trained Benfica Maid.

Schofield gave the Testa Rossa mare a nice rails run in the straight to bring up her third win at start 10.

Paul Rowe, representing the stable, said the mare had been luckless in a few of her recent runs. 

“She’s always had her fair share of ability but has been unlucky with barriers and in the running in her past few starts,” he said.

“Today she got good midfield cover and Glyn got her to switch off. She finished the race off well.

“It was a good ride with Glyn pinching runs through the inside. He got a nice split in the straight and she hit the line well.”

Magella ($4.40) beat Benfica Maid ($10), with One Pound ($9.50) from the Kody Nestor stable, a long head behind in third. 

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Speedy Muswellbrook mare Eminette put paid to her opposition in fine style, taking out the 1000m MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE BENCHMARK 68 by two lengths. 

The four-year-old led from barriers to post, defying plenty of mid-race pressure to score her fourth win from 12 starts, with Jeff Penza in the saddle.

Trainer Jan Bowen bred the Epaulette mare and races her, making the win even more special. 

“Jeff rode her perfect today,” she said. 

“There was plenty of pressure around the turn, but Jeff knows her and that paid off. 

“She always shows plenty of speed and went really good today.”

It was Penza’s second winning ride on the mare, the pair having tasted success at Muswellbrook on August 4.

Eminette was coming off a last start fourth at Muswellbrook over the 900m on November 3. 

She earned late support in the betting at Wyong and was sent out $5. 

Eminette beat the Ron Quinton trained Hibiscus Lady ($3.80), with the locally trained Upper East Side ($19) from the Buchanan stable, a length behind in third. 

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Big Bad Bruce broke through for his third career win, taking out the 

SKY RACING PROVINCIAL SUMMER SERIES WYONG NOVEMBER 26 BOOK NOW CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP in impressive style. 

The Not A Single Doubt gelding, trained by Joe Pride, is headed for metropolitan grade on the back of the win. 

Sam Clipperton gave the five-year-old a super ride, weaving a passage in the straight before bursting clear in the final stages to win by more than two lengths over the 1200m. 

“It was soft in the end and that’s the way they need to be if they are going to progress to the next stage,” Pride said. 

“We wanted to take him back to metro grade this time around and will be heading that way now. 

“It was a nice ride by Sam, giving him a cosy run just behind the speed and that won him the race.”

It was the second win for Triple Crown Syndications on the day, with Miss Sure Shot having taken out an earlier race. 

Big Bad Bruce ($3.10) beat the $2.70 race favourite Wild Chap, with Thiswilldous ($12) trained by Damien Lane, third.  

Matthew Smith and James Cummings shared the training honours at our Carlton Draught Spring Race meeting, training half the program.

Both stables bagged doubles, while Jeff Penza rode two winners. 

A quinella for Godolphin in the BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT WYONG RACE CLUB MAIDEN kicked off their winning double with Winston Blue narrowly beating stablemate and race favourite Dhakuri.

Jeff Penza settled the Sebring gelding near the rear of the field in the 1600m race, before gaining momentum on the turn and storming home to claim a narrow victory. 

The Godophin pair overhauled She’s Justified ($8.50), denying Matthew Smith of a race to race double. 

Lee Cundy, representing James Cummings, said Winston Blue had taken plenty of fitness into the race. 

“He had a bit more fitness going into the race, with a few extra runs than Dhakuri,” he said. 

“He gets to the line well and we thought the extra distance would suit. 

“He has been a work in progress but has had a good couple of weeks going this and we were hoping to see an improved effort so he could get the job done.” 

Three-year-old Winston Blue ($4.20) was having his fourth career start, coming off a fifth at Newcastle over 1400m on October 17. 

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A gun ride by Christian Reith gave Godolphin their second winner for the day with Mollycoddle taking out the 1350m 2 FLIES CHAMPION RYAN MARTIN F&M MAIDEN.

Reith followed his riding instructions to a tee, settling the Lonhro filly closer to the lead. 

He hit the front mid-way down the straight and Mollycoddle, the $2.40 favourite, was able to sprint away to win by almost two lengths. 

“We wanted to ride her a bit more forward today if the circumstances permitted and Christian was able to do that,” foreman Lee Cundy said. 

“There wasn’t a lot of pace and she wasn’t far off them at any stage. 

“That gave her the best chance at the finish and that’s how it worked out.”

Mollycoddle was second up after resuming with a second at Gosford over 1200m on October 8. 

Having her seventh career start, she beat Dizzy Dawn ($21) trained by Craig Carmody, with the luckless Moremi ($3.20) from the Richard Litt stable, third. 

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A patient ride by Blake Spriggs brought up the first win for the Smith stable, with Rebel Bro ($9) taking out the RYAN’S METAL ROOFING CG&E MAIDEN over 1350m. 

The Matthew Smith trained gelding broke through for his debut win at his seventh career start.

The four-year-old was coming off a disappointing ninth at Canberra over 1200m on October 23 but had caught the eye with two placings at Nowra and Kembla at the end of his previous preparation.

Spriggs settled Rebel Bro at the rear of the field and was last at the turn. He rounded the field and put in a sustained run to snatch victory on the line. 

He beat the John O’Shea trained Prince Invincible ($3.60), with Peter Robl’s $2.80 favourite Finally Realise, third.

It was a case of one ride, one win for Spriggs, with Rebel Bro his only mount for the meeting.

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A last stride victory by Latina Beauty in the 2 FLIES LIFE MEMBERS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 secured a winning double for the Smith stable. 

The Deep Field mare, a $160,000 Magic Million yearling, followed the pattern of the day and came from the rear of the field in the 1350m race to grab a narrow win.

Ridden by Tyler Schiller, the four-year-old was having her 14^th career start, having previously posted victories at Canberra and Goulburn. 

Latina Beauty resumed from a spell with a third at Canberra on October 9 and was sent out at $18. 

Race favourite Foxborough ($3.40), trained by John Sargent, looked to have the race won but Schiller was able to get the best out of the mare in the final stages to score a narrow win. 

Acoustix ($4.40) trained by Tas Morton, was a length behind in third. 

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An emotional win for the connections of Miss Dior with the mare overcoming significant health issues just to make it to the track.

By Brazen Beau, the Snowden trained Miss Dior, was primed for a first up win and didn’t disappoint taking out the 1000m 2 FLIES RUNNER-UP GABE RIVETT MAIDEN in impressive style. 

The four-year-old hadn’t raced since early January but had been given three trials leading into the race. 

Her latest trial at Hawkesbury on October 19 caught the eye and she was sent out $3.70 second favourite. 

Adrian Layt opted to take a sit just off the leader Jaytees, before hitting the front around the 150m mark and drawing away in the final stages to win by a length and a half. 

Miss Dior was bred by Ali Foye and her family near Scone and considering her injury plagued early years, it was doubtful she would ever make it to the track. 

As a foal, she lost her mother when she was just three months old and went on to have eye surgery and a paddock injury before she was six months. 

“It didn’t end there,” Foye said. 

“In total she has had chips removed from both stifles and hocks, her front right knee and left fetlock, a micro fracture in the left fetlock, severe arthritis in both front fetlocks. 

“She was passed in at the Easter Sales because of her poor x rays despite her sister selling for $550,000 the previous year, so we decided to race her ourselves.

“I run a specialist equine injury rehab facility at Scone, Gundy Park Equine, so I’ve been able to care for her myself and help get her up and racing.

“It was very emotional seeing her win and I don’t mind admitting I shed a few tears.”

Stable representative Colm McCullough said they had been expecting a nice, first up performance from Miss Dior.

“She has always shown us that she has good toe,” he said. “She’s very much a sprinter, much like her sire and we thought the tight track and soft barrier would suit her today.”

The Tracey Bartley trained favourite Jaytees ($3.30) was runner-up, his 10^th placing from 12 starts, with Impulsive Tycoon ($4.80) from the Hawkes stable, third. 

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Scone galloper Reveal The Magic proved too strong for his opposition in the final stages of the 1000m 2 FLIES QUEENSLAND CREW BENCHMARK 64. 

Locally trained Invincible Kiss looked to have the race won, before Reveal The Magic came from the rear of the field to grab victory on the line. 

The win brought up a double for Jeff Penza. 

The Magic Albert gelding, trained by Peter Bloomfield, was narrowly beaten at his last start on his home track over 1100m on October 23. 

He is a recent addition to the Bloomfield stable and was having his fourth start for them, having previously been trained by David Atkins. 

Reveal The Magic ($9.50) brought up his second win at his 15^th start, and has been placed nine times. 

He beat the Wayne Seelin trained Invincible Kiss ($4.60), with Pearl Roan ($9) from the Steve Hodge stable, third. 

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The Anthony Cummings trained Shadow Girl made it back to back wins taking out the 2 FLIES PUNTERS CLUB NSW CLASS 1 & MAIDEN over 2100m. 

The consistent Uncle Mo mare broke through for her maiden win at Kembla over 2000m on October 24 and backed it up with a strong Wyong victory courtesy of a great ride by the in-form Alysha Collett.

Collett took advantage of the slow pace in a muddling run race and was able to settle the four-year-old toward the rear of the small field.

She took Shadow Girl ($4.60) wide on the turn, sweeping home in the straight to run down the Godolphin trained favourite La Sagra ($3.40) and Gunaluva ($14), from the John Sargent stable. 

Shadow Girl is amassing a strong record with two wins and six placings from just nine starts.

Collett has been in great form in recent weeks, with Shadow Girl bringing up her sixth win in less than two weeks. 

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A tough win by Brook Hill to take out the last, the LJ HOOKER BUDGEWOI CLASS 1 for Bjorn Baker and Mitchell Bell. 

Schiller circled the field on the turn and was able to fight on in the straight to win by a long neck. 

He beat the $4.20 favourite General Dubai, from the Robl stable, with the fast finishing Pink Beau ($11), trained by Kim Waugh, third. 

The lightly raced Hinchinbrook gelding, a $110,000 yearling, was second up from a spell, having finished sixth over 1250m at Newcastle on October 17. 

Brook Hill ($12) was having his fifth career start, having posted a win at Newcastle in May and placing on the same track. 

Kim Waugh admitted to a few nervous moments before her classy galloper Bethencourt strode to victory on his home track to bring up his second career win. 

The flashy grey was green in the final stages, shifting in sharply when James McDonald pulled the stick in the straight before knuckling down to score a dominant win. 

Bethencourt had to overcome a wide barrier and settled back further than expected, but still managed to greet the judge in the MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO’S IN TRAINING SALE – 10TH NOV – GOLD COAST BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

“You don’t want to know what I was thinking,” Waugh laughed after the win. 

“We drew very wide and didn’t have the greatest option there. 

“He is still so new. He was a bit lost and back further than we expected. 

“The pace was on and down the straight he was all over the place but he’s a nice horse. I’m really excited to see what he can do when the penny drops.”

Waugh said McDonald had been keen to stick with the Puissance De Lune gelding. 

“James was excited about coming here to ride him today. He loves him.”

She said she expected Bethencourt will get over more ground. 

“I’m definitely looking forward to him getting up to a mile and even 2000m.

“He’s always shown a lot of promise and has very good ability but he’s immature still.

“When you’ve got a good opinion of a horse you’ve got to nurse them through.”

Bethencourt was sent out $1.90 favourite on the strength of his last start second at Kembla over 1200m. 

He beat the Brooke Somers trained Budwar ($26) by a length, with Godolphin’s Chanting ($4.80), third.

The win brought up a double for McDonald, having tasted success with Nyami earlier on the program.

It also secured Waugh the first round of our Magic Millions Provincial Trainers Series with Bethencourt scoring double points, six, with the win.   

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A typical front running ride by Tim Clark set up the ELECTRA CABLES 4YO&UP MAIDEN for the Waterhouse/Bott trained Alumna.

Clark took the $2 race favourite to an early lead in the 1600m race, dictating terms in the small field. 

He kicked away on the turn and was able to cling on in the final stages to win by a long neck.

Neil Paine, representing the stable, said it was a typical performance by one of their runners. 

“It was never in doubt,” he said. “I love these Tulloch Lodge horses once they get up over a mile. Once our horses get up over a distance, they are so strong, and they put themselves in a race.

“That’s the way Gai and Adrian love to train them, put them right on the speed if not lead, it was just terrific today.”

Paine said Clark had given the Shooting to Win mare an easy run in front.   

“From the 600m Tim picked up the pace, put a couple on them on the turn and that was enough to hold on.

“You get paid whether you win by a head or three lengths. It is great for the Bott’s they’ll be very happy.”

Alumna, who was having her third race start, is raced by Evergreen Stud, headed by Adrian Bott’s father Tony.

She beat Microna ($8.50) trained by John Steinmetz, with Oconee ($6) from the Waller stable third.

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James McDonald piloted the race favourite Nyami to victory in the HANECO LIGHTING MAIDEN over 1350m.

The Charm Spirit gelding, a $120,000 New Zealand bred yearling, was having his third career start.

He finished second over 1400m on the Kensington track on January 1, before being spelled, having debuted with a third at Canterbury over 1200m.

The four-year-old looked good in a subsequent trial at Warwick Farm on September 3 giving punters the confidence to send him out favourite.

From the wide barrier, McDonald crossed and settled just outside the second favourite Write On.

He took a slender lead on straightening before kicking clear in the final stages to win by a length and a half.

Nyami ($2) beat the Bjorn Baker trained Fields Of Honour ($6), with Lanu Moana ($6.50), from the Pride stable, an eye-catching third. 

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A tough win by Godolphin filly The Graces who repaid punters for their confidence taking out the SUNNY LIGHTING F&M MAIDEN over 1200m.

The well-bred Exceed and Excel filly, a full sister to stablemate Aquitane, was coming off a last start third at Kembla over 1000m.

Having her fourth career start she enjoyed plenty of late support and was sent out $3.60 favourite. 

Jason Collett was caught four-wide in the early stages from the wide draw, with the filly having to work hard throughout.

Her class showed through in the final stages with the three-year-old scoring by a half-length. 

Darren Beadman, representing the stable, said it was a very strong win by the filly.

“She certainly toughed it out,” he said. “She definitely burnt the candle at both ends and mid race as well. It was a very strong win.

“She had a good foundation for this race today. She has been a real work in progress through her early racing career, so its credit to the staff who got her in the right groove. 

“She was able to get into a nice rhythm today unlike first up when she over-raced. “Jason has lovely hands, balance and good timing. He really suits a horse like this and full credit to him.”

The Graces beat the fast finishing Artic ($6.50) from the Hawkes stable, with Mark Newnham’s Solar Flash ($5), third. 

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A double to the Waller stable after El Buena put in a sustained run in the straight to nab victory in the final stages of the 1200m BRILLIANT LIGHTING CG&E MAIDEN.

The Chris Waller trained gelding continued a winning run for favourites coming from behind to score a narrow half neck win. 

The in-form Tommy Berry had settled the Rubick gelding toward the rear of the field, peeling wide on straightening. 

He made up many lengths in the straight to overhaul the Brad Widdup trained Mix ($5), with Prince Invincible ($6), from the O’Shea stable, a head behind in third.

A $250,000 Inglis yearling, El Buena was having his fifth race start. 

After finishing second at Kensington in his first preparation, he resumed at Wyong on August 30 but was unplaced over the 1200m.

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A cool ride by apprentice Louise Day secured victory for the Jason Coyle trained Lunar Rain in the 2100m GO ELECTRICAL LONG JETTY CLASS 1 & MAIDEN.

The Manhattan Rain mare was having her first start over the longer distance and Coyle is confident there are more wins to come. 

“It was a really good win today,” he said. “She finished off her last preparation with a strong win over 1850m and the plan was always to test over the 2100m.

“It was a nice quite ride by Louise and she was strong late. 

“She’s a horse now that we can step over these distances and I think she’s got a few more wins in her.”

Coyle said there were excuses for the five-year-old in her last run at Newcastle when she finished toward the rear of the field. 

“I’m sure Jason Collett won’t shy away from saying it wasn’t one of his best rides. The way the race was run she generally had no chance and obviously performed well today.” 

Day settled Lunar Rain at the rear, before circling the field on straightening and running strongly to the line. 

She beat the Kylie Gavenlock trained Dundee ($10), with Avalene ($7), from the Justin Bowen stable, third. 

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Central Coast duo Adam Duggan and Josh Parr combined to take out the GO ELECTRICAL THORNLEIGH BENCHMARK 64 with New Tycoon ($8.50) snatching victory in a thrilling three-way photo. 

The Foxwedge gelding is putting together a good record, with three wins and two placings from seven starts. 

Parr settled the five-year-old just off the pace in the 1600m race and hit the front on straightening. 

He drew away in the straight and managed to hold out the fast finishing Mo’s Glory ($9) trained by Rod Northam and the Perry trained Nothing Too Hard ($5) to win by a half head. 

Duggan said it was good to see New Tycoon delivering consistent results. 

“He’s only been in the right race about four times and won three of them,” he said.

“He’s genuine and I think the way the race was run today he had to cart them up to them and tough it out late.

“There were definitely excuses at Tuncurry last start,” he said.

“His starts have been horrible, first up when he won at Scone and again at Tuncurry. “He’s got a bad habit of putting his foot up on the gates but obviously Josh was aware of it and rendered it today and it worked out really well.”

New Tycoon, a $85,000 Inglis yearling, is raced by Glenvallen Investments.

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Progressive Written Tycoon gelding Ocean Emperor proved too strong in the final stages of the 1100m GO ELECTRICAL CHARMHAVEN BENCHMARK 64.

The Bjorn Baker trained gelding was resuming from a spell and looked well placed coming off two impressive trials. 

Jason Collett settled the three-year-old just behind the leader and hit the front on straightening. 

He fought on strongly in the straight to score a length win over the Portelli trained favourite Long Weekend ($3), with Skyray ($7) from the Clarry Connors stable, third. 

 A $220,000 yearling, Ocean Emperor ($3.50) has now had two wins from three starts, having tasted success on the Kensington track last preparation. 

Ocean Emperor is raced by Darby Syndications. 

The formidable combination of Gai Waterhouse, Adrian Bott and Nash Rawiller, struck again at Wyong with the well supported Frenzied taking out the CARLTON DRAUGHT WYONG CUP PRELUDE – BENCHMARK 68. 

The Americain gelding outstayed his opposition over the 2100m, courtesy of a great ride by Rawiller and a well-planned preparation by the stable. 

The 2019 Bong Bong Cup winner, raced by Dynamic Syndications, broke his maiden at Wyong in May last year over 1600m and has continued to improve as he steps up in distance. 

“Gai and Adrian had him spot on today,” stable representative Neil Paine said. 

“It was perfectly planned to kick him off over 1500m, then to 1850m and on to this. 

“It turned out perfectly today. 

“The way Nash rode him today was an absolute treat.

“What a terrific treble they are.”

Paine said it was a tough performance by the five-year-old.

“He carried 59kg and everything else was around the 55kg or less. It really was a tough win. 

“This horse has just realised his potential. He is getting better and better with each campaign.”

Paine was unsure if the stable would push on to Friday’s Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup, with the victory earning Frenzied automatic entry. 

Gai Waterhouse combined with Nash Rawiller to win the Wyong Cup in 2012 and 2008 with Julienas and Bianca, respectively.

Frenzied, a $85,000 yearling, started $2 favourite in the Cup Prelude and led all the way, with a beautifully rated, front running ride by Rawiller. 

It was a race in two in the straight with Frenzied holding out Prince Of Arragon ($2.60) trained by Stephen O’Halloran, with Itsa Fait Accompli ($61) from the Daniel and Rocky Simonetta stable, third. 

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The in-form Robbie Dolan dominated the riding ranks with a treble, the WYONG RACE CLUB LA GIOCONDA – F&M BENCHMARK 68 bringing up his third win with Happy Candy. 

The Mark Newnham trained gelding defied a strong betting drift to score his third career win at start 11 over the 1600m. 

The Smart Missile mare pinged the gates, allowing Dolan to ease her to the front from the outside barrier. 

He settled her in the lead and was able to control the pace, drawing away to win by half a length, holding out the fast finishing local galloper Ondo Pasa. 

A $40,000 yearling, Happy Candy beat the Stan Thomas trained Ondo Pasa ($9.50) by half a length, with Sensacova ($8) from the Marc Connors stable, third. 

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Elon caused an upset in the COCA-COLA CLASS 1 over 1600m, giving a welcome boost to Warwick Farm based trainer Gary Nickson and his family.

Nickson’s wife, an owner in the Exceed and Excel gelding, is currently being treated for cancer. 

It was the first leg of the winning treble by Dolan.

Stable foreman Mark Galea said the win would mean a lot for the Nickson family.

“Gary’s wife is crook at the moment with cancer and this will give her a good boost,” Galea said. 

“The horse has been working good and we thought she’d win today.”

At $16, Elon was the second outsider in the small field, but defied his odds to score a narrow win, courtesy of a great ride by Dolan. 

He took the four-year-old to an early lead, dictating terms throughout. 

Despite looking under pressure on the turn, Elon fought on to hold off the fast finishing Grand Acheva ($9) to win by a long neck. 

The Jason Coyle trained Lunar Rain ($9) was third.

A $260,000 yearling, Elon brought up his second career win at start 12. 

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The John Sargent trained Elizabeel defied a better drift to take out the 1200m TEAM THOROUGHBRED NSW 3YO MAIDEN, securing a double for Robbie Dolan. 

The three-year-old filly, by Great Britain sire Power, had been racing in metropolitan grade in her past three starts, with two seconds and a third to her name.

She was coming off a second on a heavy track at Canterbury over the same distance on August 19 and looked like a major contender in the Wyong race. 

Dolan settled Elizabeel ($3.40) just behind the leader and $2.50 favourite Wuddacuddashudda, drawing level in the straight before pulling away in the final stages to win by more than a length.

Sargent has had a good opinion of the filly and believes she will get out over more distance.

He said she had been “knocking at the door” in her previous runs. 

“I think she’ll get out to a mile or more later in her career,” he said.

Matthew Dunn trained the runner-up Wuddacuddashudda, with Echo Point ($16) from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, third.

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Jockey Keagan Latham was able to get the best out of Miss Japan in the final stages of the TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN, with the mare claiming victory in a head bobbing finish. 

Trained by Stephen O’Halloran, for Waratah Thoroughbreds, the four-year-old was coming off a poor performance on her home track at Goulburn, where she finished a long last in a field of nine. 

Punters were forgiving and Miss Japan was sent out $4 second favourite and didn’t disappoint. 

Latham settled the mare midfield in the 1600m race, bringing her to the outside in the final stages of the straight where she was able to run down the Peter Cheers trained, I Am Flying ($13) to win by a short half head.

The $2.50 favourite Stark, from the Widdup stable, was a length behind in third. 

“I’m really happy with that performance from her, particularly coming off a bad run last start,” O’Halloran said. 

“I put that down to a very heavy track. I think she appreciated getting on the better ground and she put in right on the line.

“She’s obviously a good grown horse but there’s not much of her. I think she’ll get over more ground. She’s bred to do so. 

“I’m really happy with her win today.”

Miss Japan was O’Halloran’s first runner at Wyong. The long-time Waterhouse/Bott racing manager took on the job as head trainer for Waratah Thoroughbreds, earlier this year. 

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A strong ride by the in-form Jason Collett secured victory for Numbers Game, a debutante from the Bjorn Baker stable. 

The New Zealand bred four-year-old only arrived in Australia last month and has wasted no time in stamping himself as a gelding with a future. 

Collett gave the Per Incanto gelding a great rails run, after settling him just off the speed in the early stages. 

He stuck to the rails in the straight and responded to hard riding by Collett, to win the TRACSIDE AUTOMOTIVE 4YO&UP MAIDEN over 1100m by half a length. 

“It was definitely a good start to his career,” racing manager Stephen McLean said.

“Full credit to Mickey and Lauren Brennan in NZ. He arrived in great order six weeks ago. 

“We came here with a bit of confidence and he didn’t disappoint.”

McLean said it was a tough win by the $130,000 yearling. 

“I don’t think he had it easy in any part of the race. Jason had to use him early to hold his position. It was really good to see him get the job done today.”

Numbers Game ($3.10), coming off a trial win at Warwick Farm on August 21,

beat Maccomo ($12) trained by Joe Pride, with stablemate Oslo, the $1.85 race favourite, a length behind in third. 

McLean described Oslo as a “very promising horse.”

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Classy filly Miss Fox continued her winning run with a dominant victory in the 1100m DE BORTOLI WINES BENCHMARK 64. 

Trained by Adam Duggan, the Mossman mare was resuming from a spell. 

She was sent out the $2.25 favourite and didn’t disappoint with jockey Tim Clark settling her just behind the leaders. 

She came to the outside on straightening, going on to win by a length. 

It was the fourth career win for the promising four-year-old from just five starts. 

She was narrowly beaten on debut at Muswellbrook, before stringing together two successive wins at Taree and a home track victory at Gosford. 

She trialled impressively at Gosford on August 3 and looked primed for a good first up performance. 

She beat the Tony Ball trained Boom Queen ($13), with Crackneck ($17) from the Allan Kehoe stable, a close third. 

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Apprentice Cejay Graham continued a winning weekend, riding Wild Chap to victory in the WYONG’S NEXT RACE DAY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4 IS CUP DAY BENCHMARK 64 over 1350m.

Graham booted home a double at Kembla on Saturday, including Delileo for the Brett Lazzarini stable.

The pair combined again at Wyong with Wild Chap and were again in the winner’s circle. 

It was a great, front running ride by the apprentice, who dictated terms in front drawing two lengths clear of her opponents on straightening, maintaining the margin to the post. 

Wild Chap ($11), an $80,000 yearling, was having his third start for the Lazzarini stable. 

He was coming off a second at Kembla on August 6 over the 1200m and responded well to the freshen up. 

Lazzarini had been confident leading into the race.

“He’s a very handy galloper,” he said. 

“He is lightly-framed so you can’t get a lot of work into him but there is plenty of ability there.

“It is not a hard 1350m at Wyong so I thought he would run a big race.”

Wild Chap beat the Grant Marshall trained Achi Baba ($41), with Aspect Ratio ($4.40) third.