Esperance Review Saturday January 2nd

The Ray’s Contracting Handicap kicked things off at the Esperance Bay Turf Club on Saturday afternoon. It was the first 1600m event of the season and Brendan Corver’s talented mare Just Sue reigned supreme. She was ridden patiently by apprentice Andrew Castle but proved too powerful in the home straight. The win notched a hat-trick of triumphs and she has now won five of nine at the Esperance circuit. Topweight Key’s Ace under 58kg battled on well to be the runner up and pace-maker Masters Seal held on for third. Our Calendar Girl and Lady Berthe both failed to impress.



Race Two was the Express Yourself Printing Handicap (over 1600m) and newcomer The Gift was the winner at $18.50 on tote. Prepared locally by Sally Roworth the seven year old was a strong winner at his Esperance debut. Publicans Horse rattled home to be beaten half a length for Derek Jones and Nicole Hopwood while the punter’s elect Cut And Dried salvaged third position after drifting a long way back. The winner’s time was a slow 1.37.47.


The third was a 1300m Maiden sponsored by Powerplant Motorcycles. Hackett’s Heart, a four year old son of Helenus hadn’t raced since a tenth at Kalgoorlie in September but unleashed a mighty finish to break his Maiden status for Brendan Corver and Willie Arnold. He was backed late on tote and defeated stablemate Royal Wing by a neck. Favourite Outside Influence could only manage a third after looking the goods at the top of the straight.

Race Four was sponsored by the West River Thoroughbred Stud and it provided local trainer Sally Roworth with another triumph. Arcade Attraction was well ridden by three-kilo claiming apprentice Kevin Bohorun and held off a late challenge from grey mare Western Crown. Danger Man filled third ahead of the disappointing favourite Moss Street. Fizzy Kel caught the eye with a fast finishing fifth.


The feature was the Esperance Suzuki Sprint (1400m) and the Tracey Frizzell trained King Of The Stalls brought up his second win of the season. He’s Smokin’ set the speed but was conquered just a metre from the winning post after apprentice Talia Maor produced the winner with just 200m to travel. Grasa Express was entitled to drop out after looking to struggle on straightening but he battled on well to finish third.


A fast tempo was set in the Esperance Sheet Metal and Condingup Wreckers Handicap. It was so fast that three horses who were in rearward positions at the 500m mark filled the placings. Mr Magnificent, after 5 consecutive minor placings won by a nose over the fast finishing Twice The Speed. Cyclonic Force straightened in last position before sprouting wings to grab third spot. The mare was an outsider and added value to the dividends, ballooning the Trifecta dividend to over $4,600.


It was great to see six different riders taste success on the day. The next meeting scheduled will be in the ‘twilight’ timeslot on Friday January 15 with the first event set down for approximately 3pm. Horses to follow ; Key’s Ace, Publicans Horse, Hackett’s Heart, Fizzy Kel, Danish Currency and Cyclonic Force. Ryan Levitzke