Esperance Review Saturday February 20th

Ryan Levitzke reports


Saturday’s meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club was the second last of the season. The finale is this Saturday with the running of the Express Yourself Printing Esperance Cup (2000m). Willie Arnold looks set to win the McCreeds Classique Jewellers Jockey Of The Year Award while Brendan Corver is certain to claim the Fred Bow Memorial Trainer Of The Year Award. The Swanns Veterinary Horse Of The Year Award is up for grabs, with Just Sue, King Of The Stalls, Ron’s Gem, Donargy, and Arcade Attraction still mathematically in the hunt.


The South Coast Food Services Handicap kicked things off and the well backed favourite Royal Wing didn’t let punters down. She looked all over a winner at the 200m mark but gave supporters a fright when she tip-toed to the line to win by a head over the fast finishing Spice Trade. Hackett’s Heart also rocketed late to finish third.


Race Two was the KJ Norton Building Handicap and was fought out by odds-on favourite Put Option and Twice The Speed. Riders Damian Miller and Nicole Hopwood threw everything at their mounts over the concluding stages but it was the Rod Kirkup prepared Put Option who reigned supreme. The margin was a half head and two lengths away third was the fast finishing Don Whitfield trained Aerial Act.


The Kleenwest Distributors Handicap (1200m) was taken out by rank outsider Comes Round. The Larry Circosta trained mare proved too strong for Summer Crossing, who continues to race in fine style for local trainer Ross Daniels. Donargy finished three lengths away in third position.


Race Four was sponsored by OD Transport and a field of eleven competed. Fiona Scott dominated the event, training the Quinella. Kiryn Waldeck rode a perfect race on Platinum Lad, who surged to the lead at the 250m mark. Stablemate Sarabella gave chase but could not reel in Platinum Lad who held on by a head. The Kalgoorlie trained Cyclos flashed home to grab third ahead of tiring pace-maker Pure Fandango.


Elders Rural Supplies sponsored the fifth and also provided the crowd with a brush with fame, after flying Australian cricket legend Glen McGrath to Esperance. He enjoyed the country hospitality and an afternoon at the gallops. It was Brendan Corver and Willie Arnold who won the race with grey gelding Ears Loppy. Burnzy rushed home late to finish a clear second ahead of Aelstreet who improved.
 The last event was the South East Petroleum Handicap and the well supported Deed I Do flashed down the outside to defeat San Supremo by a neck. The time of 1.04.40 was impressive and the third placed runner Innocent Bystander can claim some responsibility for such a brisk time. The seven year old mare had a six length lead at the top of the straight and hung on well to be placed at juicy odds (20/1). As per usual, it will be interesting to see how many Albany/Perth raiders nominate for the cup, nominations will be released by the handicapper on Tuesday night and acceptances will be published on Tuesdat evening here.

Horses to follow ; Spice Trade, Aerial Act, Summer Crossing, Pure Fandango, Aelstreet and Deed I Do.