Albany Review Thursday March 25th

Timely Reign carrying the impost of 59.5kg showed he will be the best local heading towards Easter Sunday's Albany Cup over 2100m with a good win over another cup aspirant in Attadale on Thursday

Race One: Vojo well handled by Mark Forder began well from a wide draw to lead after 200m and shot clear before the turn and came on to win by a length over Comfortably who finished the race off well. Shovely had no luck and raced wide throughout and held on to run third ahead of Belles Fury who ran an improved race and Stormy Sunset who ran on fairly.

Race Two: Kirov Park set a solid pace in front and gave plenty of cheek but was run down late by King Before Dawn who finished off well and Successful Spin who made ground along the cutaway. Glowing Vain was well backed, but could only finish fourth. Villanity got well back and finished mid field after starting favourite.

Race Three: Lightly raced Galinba Blast scored a good win over pacemaker Dambig after sitting outside the leader and they both came away clear of Competitive Streeet who fell in for third adhead of Lizard Drinking and Smart Secret. Oriel got well back and only battled on fairly.

Race Four: In showery conditions Jolanta Star came away with a very easy win after been taken out wide in the straight by apprentice Rayce Nielson. Titcherman finished a distant second just ahead of Western Zed and a fading pacemaker Punk'd.

The View from the box Race Four

Race Five: Timely Reign with the top impost of 59.kg ran a great Cup trial with a solid win over Attadale who finished off well, and ran a good Cup trial also. Savage Wolf ran his best race for sometime taking third just ahead of Phormium who ran on fairly.

Race Six: In a thrilling finish Street Darling ran on strongly to just beat Lord Airlie who came from near last right down the outside fence, with Mega Blitz close up third after hitting the front 200m out. The margins were a nose, 1/2 head with Alsaah Warrior not far away fourth and Chaddie in fifth position.  At the 200m there was horse's spread right across the track with many winning chances.

Race Seven: Jockey Daniel Staeck gave On The Double the run of the race he held on narrowly to beat a fast finishing Eternal Advice who came from near last and I'm Called earl finished close up third, just getting beaten off in the late stages. Don't Tell Toby ran on from last but did not have a lot of galloping room late with riders working to the outside for better going. Le Freq ran on late to be not far away, as did Montclar Miss.

Race Eight: Midnight Touch scored a soft win and went the line full of running to beat Aint No Lady who ran on well just ahead of Tiga Romano who took the lead on the corner, with Jeneviv a better effort fourth. Royal Escapade finished fifth and looked a little unlucky with Vindane doing its best work at the finish.

Race Nine: Evil Force gave Jockey Daniel Staeck his second winner of the day with a fighting victory with Evil Force who was challenged but kept fighting to win narrowly over both Redford and All Spots who had their chances in the straight. Look Here Trousers ran on stoutly again to finish fourth.

Albany Preview Thursday 25th March

Thursday's meeting will see the final lead up race to this years Albany Cup to be run on Easter Sunday. Heading the weights on Thursday over 1800m, is Mt Barker Cup winner Timely Reign. All runners entered are likely Cup starters with the exception of Burnzy, and add the likes of Goldtown and Movie World , local representation for the Cup will be strong. Another highlight of the meeting will be the return of smart three year old filly Lady Lavenham

Race One: Misty Affair placed at Pinjarra and then good effort at Pingrup 1200m. Close to a win. From The Fire placed five runs back but form since only fair. Comfortably just a run at Mt Barker 1100m, then outclassed Bunbury. Better suited here. Stormy Sunset been close up last few and good third here 1500m last outing. Shovely resumed from let up with game third 1500m here and will be hard to beat. West River Warrior distant 5th here 1200m last start. Likely improver. Santavia resumed with solid third in moderate company 1100m Mt Barker. Can improve. Vojo not far away at last two starts in similar company and has claims. Hililly doing best work at finish at last few starts. Not without place prospects.

Race Two: Dantes Dream good effort first up Albany, then fair effort Bunbury 1200m. Ready to produce best. Sundance Boy makes debut after fair Bunbury trial form. Cheval Magic placed four runs back form since fair, bad draw again. Nothing Burger fair efforts at three race starts. Ready to show best. Kirov Park placed Narrogin last outing was second placing in eight starts. Glowing vain not started for two months when placed in Maiden 1200m. Courageously not started for two years when form fair. Villanity better effort at second race start when placed at Narrogin. Improver. Nothing Burger much better effort at third race start Narrogin. Ivory Lady placed at Pingrup at fourth race start.

Race Three: Take It Sash placed at Esperance twelve months back at fourth race start. Dambig placed at seventh race start 1100m Mt Barker. Improver. Galinba Blast at second race start distant third Albany 1200m. Lizard Drinking not far away at two runs back in similar company. Competitive Street been close many times this company with eight placings in fifteen starts. Oriel doing best work at finish when fourth Mt Barker 1100m . Capable of improving. Smart Secret makes debut after encouraging trial form.

Race Four: Tidal Storm struggling for best form and faded after leading Albany 1100m. He’s Smokin yet to win since returning but never far away this company. Titcherman battling to regain best form, unplaced at last two. Punk’d placed this company before winner 1000m Pingrup. Chance here. Racso fair effort at last outing in similar company. Jolanta Star won well for new trainer 1100m Mt Barker. Down in weight here and suited. Western Zed placed two runs back, but well back latest here 1100m.

Race Five: Timely Reign in great form last start Mt Barker Cup winner 2000m. Up 3kg here but racing well. Burnzy just beaten here 1800m Albany latest start. Consistent. Attadale followed two wins with placing Mt Barker 2000m . Found a renewed zest. Phormium had last shot, when narrow winner here 1800m. Handy but harder here. Radio Pleasure won 1200m Albany 1700m Pingrup at last two. Big rise here but in good form. Savage Wolf placed at Pingrup 1700m. On best form would have prospects.

Race Six: Alsaah Warrior been disappointing but a good effort 1600m three runs back. Cicinho yet to fire this time in, but has won this trip. Platinum Lad battled on fairly 1800m last start here and claims again. Chaddie form since winning moderate and need to do better. Paradisio improved when winner 1500m, but steps in class here. Jordi yet to win but fair efforts at last few. Megablitz has had many chances but not a winner for sometime. Racehard. Street Darling top effort last start 1800m followed fair form. Close to a win. Lord Airlie went hard in front last start 1800m. Race hard. Mctease placed three runs back form since only fair. Grand Circuit form fair then placed Pingrup 1700m.

Race Seven: # Height Of Heights - SCRATCHED. Don't Tell Toby consistent this company and distance. Will be running on again. Eternal Advice won two here 1800m and 1600m with authority and prove hard to toss again. Royalistic not far away at last few but finding a win hard. On The Double placed Pinjarra two starts back then last Bunbury. Better suited here. Le Freq won 1200m then good effort at 1500m. First start at trip but respect. I'm Called Earl unplaced at last two in stronger company. Placed this trip three starts back here. Show No Doubt went hard in front last start 1600m. Draw no help. Go Fury Go had run of race last start 1500m, need to do better. Jake The Musk unplaced at three starts since winning but never far away. Spicks and Specks made good ground last start 1200m Mt Barker. The Mighty Boosh not much last start but does not win often. Montclar Miss placed 1200m Mt Barker latest run, First try the trip.

Race Eight: Pasquale resumes from long time out when form moderate. Won Newcastle 2007. Vindane provincial form solid last time in and resumes here. Midnight Touch resumes here after winning last time in. Good trial Albany last week. Rambler placed at Narrogin last start 1100m. Mixing form. Albayorascot drops back in distance here after moderate efforts over ground. Likely improver. Divine Dancer won Maiden Northam last time in. Previous form good. Aint No Lady fair efforts at three starts since winning maiden. Tiga Romano two solids efforts since resuming. Should be ready to produce best. Jeneviv yet to fire since resuming. Has shown ability. Royal Escapade won Maiden two runs back, but drawn wide here. Son Of Thunder no luck at last few and capable of surprising.

Race Nine: Evil Force resumed with fair effort at Pingrup after getting back. Sure to improve. Pwakkers Back solid effort last start in higher grade. Consistent and suited here. Saramento run placings this season but yet to win. Each-way again. Redford won three starts back but not fired since. Can do better. The Keillor Kid has been honest but struggled last start. Briello resumed at Bunbury finishing well back. Better suited here but drawn wide. Lady Lavenham resumes after showing plenty of promise. Won two of three starts. All Spots never far away but finding winning difficult. Dante's Princess not fired at two runs back and need to do better. She'a A Saint slowly improving each run back , but further needed to win.

Albany Review Tuesday March 16th

Jockey Shaun McGruddy and trainer Steve Wolfe both had a stellar day out with winning trebles, whilst Jockey Dan Staeck and Trainer Paul Hunter had doubles. Esperance trainer Sally Roworth produced Wing Star to win his fourth consecutive race.

A winning team: Shaun Mcgruddy and Steve Wolfe

Race One : The winner and runner up were far too good for the remainder and finished well clear of the field. Rayo Veloz at his debut from a wide gate led and just faded near the line and was over hauled by My Equine Friend who got into top gear late. Both looked promising, with Galinba Blast a distant third at only his second race start.

Race Two: Paradisio surprised many with a narrow win, but with the aid of a good ride and a good effort last start just held out Vojo who finished well along the rails. Deadheaters for third Shovely (good first up effort) and Stormy Sunset ran honest races, with Good Girl Lucy and Hillily finishing close up and both are capable of winning soon. Sarabella was well supported but copped a buffeting on the corner and did not run on.

Race Three: Phormium stepping up to 1800m came with a solid late run to just catch Burnzy who had fought off favourite Movie World who held on to run third. No much could be saifd for the beaten division, other than Certain Gold who found the step to 1800m just beyond him.

Race Four: Watsons Bay again made it look easy with a soft win over a fast finishing Week Bix who really got going the last 100m and Pwakkers Back at battling third ahead of Racso. Tidal Storm and Western Zed both faded in the straight.

Race Five: One came through the field and one around the field and that was the difference with Wing Star clocking up his fourth successive win narrowly beating a gallant Commandeer. A solid pace was on and the backmarkers ran on accordingly with Trimconnection a good third ahead of Don't Tell Toby who came from near last, with Le Freq close up and maybe a little unlucky. Go Fury Go looked to have the run of the race and finished mid field.

Race Six: With a solid pace on favourite Lukaston was giving the leaders a big start at the 600m but handled it with aplomb and then held out a gallant Village Flirt to win by a long head with Street Darling battling on well for third. They beat off the other runners with Platinum Lad a distant fourth. Spice Trade broke down in running.

Race Seven: Well supported Majestic Ruby racing first up went fast in front, had a nice lead at the 100m but wilted the last bit and was nabbed by Our Ol' Fella who ran on powerfully, with Cherpara finishing third but never looking the winner. She's A Saint ran on fairly to finish fourth but has not hit her straps this time in.

Race Eight: The Upper Hands effort was almost a carbon copy to it's pevious start, when it drew wide, led, ran to the outside , but this start it in fact won easier, been eased down to win easily over Major Bligh who ran on well. Look Here Trouser was a distant third just nailing Tiga Romano on the line. It was basically a case of The Upper Hand running them off their feet.

Albany Preview Tuesday March 16th

A strong contingent heads over from Esperance to race this Tuesday at Albany. Trainer Sally Roworth has Arcade Attraction, winner of her past two and Wing Star, winner of her last three nominated. Former Jockey Rod Kirkup has Put Option over after winning his last two starts at Esperance.

Race One: Galinba Blast not disgraced at debut when did not finish that far away. Drawn wide here. My Equine Friend placed at Mt Barker three starts back form since was only fair. Resumes here from good gate. Playzar makes debut here, placed Bunbury 1000m trial. Rayo Veloz makes debut here after very encouraging trial efforts. West River Warrior good effort at debut Pinjarra, then well back at next outing. Missy Lara resumes here after two solid efforts at only two race starts. Time To Go makes debut here after Lark Hill trial placing. Lizard Drinking fair efforts at last two outings Mt Barker back in December.


Race Two: Dan Falbrav much improved effort when second 1500m here last start. Need to reproduce that effort. From The Fire placed four runs back but overall form disappointing. Black Gypsy doing best work at finish over 1100m last start Mt Barker. This trip will suit. Stormy Sunset not far away at all race starts without ever looking dangerous. Drawn wide. Shovely not raced for over 10 weeks when placed this trip. Drawn wide at first run back at 1500m. Sarabella placed last two and very good effort 1400m Esperance in stronger company. Awkward draw. Good Girl Lucy improving with every start and placed 1800m last start. Nicely drawn. Reflective Image just behind place getters at last three outings. Need to find more. Vojo led in slow pace when fair third 1500m. Sure to strip fitter here. Paradisio better run last start and can continue to improve. Hililly made ground late last start. May enjoy this trip.

Race Three: Burnzy form very honest but lumbered with top weight again. Certain Gold form in sprints has been solid, placed at only start this trip. Movie World gallant effort when second Mt Barker Cup. Good mare suited here. Phormium resumed and ran on late 1200m Sprint. This trip suits. Savage Wolf not disgraced in Mt Barker Cup and is race hard.


Race Four: Tidal Storm solid effort when second to Star Buck . Has 1.5kg claim again and suited here. Week Bix opts for the claim here after good form this company. Not sure an apprentices horse. Watson’s Bay his country form to his city form is as far apart as you can get. On his best form will be right in this. Western Zed much improved effort distant third 1200m last start. Arcdae Attraction won last two Esperance in restricted class. Big rise here. Pwakkers Back fair effort last start in milder grade.

Race Five: Armaston solid provincial form at Bunbury and ideally suited here. Don’t Tell Toby solid effort last start at 1600m. Form has been consistent. Wing Star won last three at Esperance 1400m (twice), 1600m. In form but shade harder here. Dark Humour hard to follow, won 1600m then poor effort and next outing. Commandeer very honest this company but finding a win hard. Le Freq good win second up 1200m when supported. Untried this trip. Put Option won last two Esperance in milder company, but in top form. Show No Doubt just beaten last start Mt Barker when had every chance. Harder here but trip will suit. Go Fury Go form has been fair but meets good field here. Trimconnection not disgraced last start Mt Barker 1300m. Wide draw here. Myth N Mystery failed Bunbury last start but previous form was good.

Race Six: Lukaston won Maiden then top effort 2000m. In great form and suited here. Alsaah Warrior disappointing last start but has good record this trip. Spice Trade fair effort in stronger race Esperance last start. Platinum Lad won 1600m two starts back. Harder here. Village Flirt won 1700m Maiden Narrogin was best effort in six starts. Majestic Range moderate efforts at last few but finding a win hard. Megablitz every mortal chance last start when placed 2000m. Each-way prospect again. Ruberian fair effort over 2000m last start, has not won for a long time. Street Darling form since 1600m placing only fair. Capable of better but distance a query.

Race Seven: Vindane won and placed at last three at Pinjarra/Bunbury. Goes up 3kg here but in form. Cherpara form has been good and placed Mt Barker last start. Our Ol’Fella resumes here, won Pinjarra two year old May 09. Classy Flirt comes back in distance after mid field 1600m last start. Won 1200m three starts back. Alabameramer good effort first up, but not likely next outing. Majestic Ruby won Northam Maiden three starts back and resumes here. Royal Escapade broke through for maiden 1100m win last start. Drawn wide and harder here. Dante’s Princess fair effort when resuming. May need another run. She’s A Saint had four runs back and yet to hit form. Could surprise. Russian To Win much better effort last start 1200m. Need to reproduce.

Race Eight: The Keillor Kid very honest this season and and ran on late 1200m Mt barker last start. The Upper Hand showed pace but raced greenly when Maiden 1200m winner. Harder here. Rambler better effort at Narrogin 1100m. Failed only run this track. Major Bligh won Mt Barker December then unplaced two city runs. Annapa won Maiden at long odds. Need to hold that form. Carry The Banner Won Mt Barker Maiden two starts back December. Resumes here. Look Here Trousers struggling for best form, not won for some time. Tiga Romano Resumed with third Narrogin 1100m. Previous form good. Competitive Street still a Maiden but has been knocking on the door.

Pingrup Review/Pictures Saturday March 13th

A very good crowd was on hand to witness a very good meeting for the annual Pingrup Race Club. Attendees were not only to enjoy close racing but there was plenty of activities for the crowd to participate in, with many great prizes on offer. On the track apprentice Rayce Nielson booted homes his first treble, Jockey Kelly Davidson and Trainer John Askevold teamed for a double, whilst Radio Pleasure trained by Allan McNamara Jnr made it back to back Pingrup Cups leading throughout to beat Savage Wolf and I'm A Rocker.

Punk'd (K.Davidson) beats Carminemadonna

Ariel Act (R.Nielson) wins by a nose from Warden Law and Grand Circuit

Radio Pleasure (R.Nielson) wins the Pingrup Cup

Sir Onan (K.Davidson) beats Pure Sparkla and Raunchy Business

Zedrion (P.Farrell) leads all the way over Misty Affair and Ivory Lady

Blazing Icon (R.Nielson) over Ghosh

Pingrup Annual Meeting Saturday March 13th

Pingrup Race Club hold their annual Race Meeting this Saturday with a six race card set down with the feature race been the $7,000 Murray Reid Memorial Pingrup Cup to be run over 1700m.  Top weight Radio Pleasure a last start Albany winner will be attempting to win back to back Cups. Racing starts at 2pm.

Mt Barker Review Sunday March 7th

Trainer Paul Hunter scored his first Mt Barker Cup win when Timely Reign capably ridden by Noel Rudland came away to score an easy 1 1/2 length win over mare Movie World and veteran Attadale third. Well backed favourite All Class was under pressure before the turn and finished last and now will be sent for a spell.

Race One: It was always going to be difficult to find the winner here if the favourite Bright Reason did not salute, and Annapa ridden well by longshot specialist Lisa Bivemark scored well at 50/1 over the favourite who got back and ran on fairly. Santavia was doing it's best work at the finish to just get third ahead of pacemaker Flying Compose.


Race Two: A good ride from Jason Whiting finally allowed Royal Escapade to break through at her fourteenth start beating another bridesmaid in Competitive Street who looked to have every chance and Dambig finished a fair third over Oriel who only got going in the last 100m.


Race Three: Again Jason Whiting provided a gem ride with Whittingham getting a split and grabbing Show No Doubt on the line. Montclar Miss battled on well after leading to get third with Spicks and Specks catching the eye running on for fourth. Audrey Rose was well thought of in betting but was beaten on the corner.


Race Four: Jolanta Star racing for trainer Max Hockey for the first time came out like a shot out of a gun and ran them off their feet in a fast time beating Donargy who ran on well but never looked the winner. Carminemadonna held on for third after chasing Jolanta Star and Pwakkers Back was a fair fourth. Saramento worked hard from a wide draw and finished mid field whilst Dante's Princess was doing her best work at the finish.


Race Five: Star Buck handled the rise to Open comapny with ease and scored a very easy win over Tidal Storm and Western Zed at long odds third. Certain Gold lost his position in running when Lovely Lucy compounded 600m out and did well to finish fourth. Phormium was an eye catching run at her first start for two months.


Race Six: Master Marlon stormed home out wide and fought off a challenge from evergreen veteran Whinnen to win by a neck, with The Keillor Kid, who was held up in the straight running on late to get a distant third. Trimconnection just missed the placings as did Jake The Musk who led again. Redford looked to have every chance and again looked disappointing.


Race Seven: Noel Rudland's rides on Timely Reign this season would average out at about 96% perfection and his Cup ride was 100% with the Paul Hunter trained gelding winning well, coming away to beat a plucky Movie World and Attadlae who finished on well. Telexden ran a cheeky race in front and just missed the placings. Fanced runners Impact Rating and All Class never looked winning chances, with the winner far too good on the day.


Race Eight: Rivitio came from well back with a well timed run to win over Lukaston who ran a very good race and Megablitz who was given every chance. Ruberian hang on well to finish fourth, but not much could be said for the beaten division here.

Mt Barker Cup Preview Sunday March 7th.

A good even field is set to do battle in Sunday's $35000 Mt Barker Cup to be run over 2000m. Top weight is Impact Rating who looks nicely weighted in with 57kg, ahead of last start deadheaters Timely Reign and All Class. Jockey Peter Hall will take only one mount at the meeting on All Class and will ride at 55kg, something which he does rarely.  Last Saturday Esperance Cup winner and runner up Danish Currency and Key's Ace make the trip over to contest the cup.

Attadale gets through on the inside to just beat Timely Reign at Albany recentley. Both are Mt Barker Cup starters on Sunday. Photo by Aysemart Race Photo's

Race One: Bright Reason provincial form fair, good effort fourth Bunbury last start. This race much weaker. Flying Compose good effort over 1200m two starts back in stronger company. Santavia placed  in city early in career but form since has been moderate. Polsayter resumes here yet to be placed in seven runs. Ivory Lady good effort at debut then very disappointing at next outing. Or My God failed at three race starts but did when Albany trial recentley. Resumes.

Race Two: Piccolos has been disappointing but resumes here and goes quick. Black Gypsy resumes here. Overall form moderate but best efforts at sprint trips. Highway Robbery latest form moderate but placed in city early on. Dambig just behind placegetters at last two starts. Competitive Street has had plenty of chances, made ground last start after been well back early. Drawn wide. Statuesque placed at debut but has not started for over twelve months. Royal Escapade struggling to win but never far away this company. Has some prospects here. Oriel yet to show up in three starts but good effort in recent Mt Barker trial.

Race Three: Show No Doubt good effort first up at Albany and no luck next start when not far away. Ready to produce best. Spicks and Specks should improve on first up effort at Albany. Audrey Rose led all way for good Mt Barker win. This is harder. Jeneviv fair effort at first run back from let up and capable of improving. Cat Magic failed at two runs since Narrogin maiden win. Montclar Miss battled on well last start and a winner at this track. Whittingham solid effort last start after failing previous run. Close to a win. Grand Circuit good effort at third run back here recentley. Worth some thought.

Race Four: ## Honour Of Denmark SCRATCHED ## Jolanta Star changed stables and resumes from a let up. Strong chance if can reclaim old form. The Tax Man resumes after break. May need a run to reach best form. Carminemadonna in top form before failing at Pinjarra. Expected to bounce back. Donargy good effort at Albany two runs back and has strong prospects. Pwakkers Back not started for five weeks when form fair and unplaced at Bunbury. Saramento has been consistent without winning but looked to have every chance last start. Versaint placed at Albany two starts back before failing at Esperance. Better suited here. Dante's Princess resumes here and won twice at the trip. Look Here Trousers placed here three runs back but form since only fair.

Race Five: Tidal Storm struggling for best form and just a fair effort at Albany last start. He's Smokin placed here two starts back and fair effort Esperance last Saturday. Expedition, Esperance form good and worth some though though up in weight. Lovely Lucy won Albany then poor effort here over 1300m. Capable of bouncing back. Racso big improvement last start when won here 1300m. Need to hold form. Titcherman struggling for nest form and need to improve to win here. Certain Gold good efforts at two runs back and close to winning form. Star Buck has won four straight in milder company but with big weights. Drops 6kg here and strong prospects.

Race Six: Master Marlon just beaten last start over 1200m Albany. Up in weight wide draw but has good prospects. Redford won two starts back and looked to have every chance latest outing Albany 1200m. Drawn to get a good run. The Golden Dynamo won last two starts at Mt Barker. In form but rises a class here. The Keillor Kid racing in career best form and likes this track. Has claims again. Trimconnection got back last start and made fair ground with big weight. Previous form good and drops 2.0kg. Jake The Musk fair efforts at two starts since winning here. Draw no help. San Supremo fair efforts at Esperance last two but drawn the bush. All Spots better effort last start but does not win many. Whinnen very good efforts at two runs back and similar prospects again. Zarisk won here three starts back. Looked to have every chance last start. Landmark Lady made ground latest outing Esperance. This is harder. Western Crown form at Esperance solid without winning.

Race Seven: Impact Rating improved with every run back and suited here with drop in weight. Timely Reign in great form and solid prospects though distance a query. All Class finished off well last start at 1800m. Untried at trip but well placed here, though failed at 2200m twelve months back. Attadale back in form with wins at last two over 1800m. failed only attempt this trip this race last year, but going better now. Viscount Cameron won this race last year but yet to hit straps this time in. Danish Currency won last two 1950m and 2000m Esperance. Race hard and has claims. Sir Clase runner up here last year but struggling for best form. Casual Life won Ascot mid week three starts back form since fair. Racehard for this. Key's Ace runner up past three at 1950m (twice) and 2000m. Rockhard and likely leader. Movie World has looked flat last two runs. Has ability but need big improvement. Savage Wolf former smart galloper sadly out of form. Big turn around in form required. Telexden solid effort 1850m first up, in much milder company.

Race Eight: ## Wild Ocean SCRATCHED ## Rivotio Won 1800m then every chance when second here at 1850m. Has claims again. Lukaston broke through 1500m Maiden win after good form. Up in class and distance. Carallen Steel placed 2000m two starts back then failed in city. Jarnac ran on well 1850m last start. Lightly raced but shows promise. Majestic Range not disgraced fair fourth 1800m Albany last start. Not So Secret Provincial form fair, has won to 1600m. Street Darling form good before moderate effort 1850m. Distance a worry. Megablitz never far away and has been placed at the trip.

Esperance Cup Day Review Saturday February 27th

Ryan Levitzke
The Esperance Thoroughbred season came to a close after Saturday’s Cup Meeting. On a beautiful day, a big crowd was in attendance to witness a local victory in the Cup when Danish Currency scored over another local in Key's Ace who attempted to lead all the way.


The first of seven races was sponsored by Horizon Power and a small field of five competed over 1100m. Race favourite Diamond Royale proved far too good for Mt. Barker mentor Justin Parsons, winning by over 2 lengths in a slick 1.04.64. Outside Influence capped off a consistent season with a fast finishing second and Gosh ran third.



The Stearnes Glass Sprint was a cake-walk for odds on favourite Henry De Horse. He was ridden like the best horse in the race and won in effortless fashion in a new track record of 1.03.16. Summer Crossing finished second despite a wide run and Expedition did well to salvage a third after missing the kick.


The Tru-Blu Hire sponsored third race provided four kilo claiming apprentice Rayce Nielsen with his first TAB winner. The South African had previously ridden a winner at the Non-TAB venues of Mt. Magnet and Meekatharra. He steered the Don Whitfield trained Pure Sparkla to a gutsy win over favourites Flanno and Tanganyika. Unbelievably, the first time Nielsen had sat on a horse was December 2008. He has a great attitude and is sure to continue to improve with more race riding experience.


The Esperance Combined Tyres Handicap was taken out by Arcade Attraction. Ned Colbeck claimed four kilograms and it told at the finish when Arcade Attraction pulled away from Landmark Lady and San Supremo. The victory carried Arcade Attraction to 16 points in the Horse of the Year Award. The easiest win of the day was in the Farm and General Handicap when Stormy Express thrashed a quality field by four lengths. Willie Arnold ‘let his horse rip’ at the 300m mark and he charged away to beat stablemate Ears Loppy. Silver Ambush battled on well for Debbie Warnes to finish third.


Race Six was supported by the Kalgoorlie Punters and Drinkers Club and winning connections were presented with a bottle of champagne with a sizeable gold nugget floating in it. Wing Star surged to a brilliant victory and notched a hat-trick for Sally Roworth. Western Crown ran second for the third time this season and Sarabella was close up in third. Outta The Blue was an eye-catching fourth and is a horse to follow.


The Express Yourself Printing Esperance Cup provided a grandstand finish. After another stellar season Brendan Corver trained Danish Currency to a terrific, gutsy Cup triumph. Colourful jockey Russel Hanson reigned supreme, winning by half a length and just after the post he gave an almighty salute. Key’s Ace led for a long way and after losing the lead regained it at the 250m mark, only to be overhauled with 50m to run. The Bunbury visitor Troubled Smile hit the lead at the 400m mark but folded over the late stages to finish third. Just Sue failed to run out a strong 2000m and failed to beat a runner home.


Congratulations to Season Award Winners ;


McCreeds Classique Jeweller Rider Of The Year : Willie Arnold


Fred Bow Trainer Of The Year : Brendan Corver


Swanns Veterinary Hospital Horse Of The Year : Arcade Attraction & Just Sue