24.6.10

                   ZETA BAY DOUBLES UP AT NORTHAM

Thursday's race meeting at Northam was sponsored by Gannon's, who were celebrating their long connection with WA racing.

Our one runner of the day, ZETA BAY, was favourite for the Gannon's 25 Years Supporting Racing Handicap, over 1600 metres. The large field set off at a frenetic pace, led by New Focus and Narva, and Clint Harvey had to bustle ZETA BAY along to hold his mid-field position. As the leaders began to feel the pinch in the home straight Clint manouevred the horse through the field to challenge the long-time leader, Narva. For a few strides ZETA BAY was unsure of what to do, but he soon stretched out and battled on well to withstand the late challenge of the lightly weighted Jazz n' Shiraz by a head.

This was ZETA BAY's second Northam victory but, although he is 4 years old, like a lot of stayers in the making he still has a lot to learn.

Matthew Giadresco accepted the trophy on behalf of the owners. 

16.6.10

                  CHANCE IN TIME GRABS BELMONT WIN


The stable only had one runner at Belmont's mid-week meeting, CHANCE IN TIME in the Just Jugah Handicap over 1200 metres.


The early pace was set by Super Confident and Lomondside Lass, so Kyra Yuill settled CHANCE IN TIME just off the speed in 6th place. There was little change in the order until the field reached the cutaway at the beginning of the straight. Here the runners fanned across the course and Kyra got a super run on the inside rail to grab the lead 100 metres out. CHANCE IN TIME, under a strong ride from Kyra, had enough in reserve to repel the late challenge of the favourite Kenile and win by half a length.


As joint owner with long-time friend Ken Kingston, Peter was delighted with this richly-deserved victory, CHANCE IN TIME having been a rather unlucky horse throughout his racing career. It was good to see everything fall his way today.







27.5.10

                                MAIDEN WIN FOR ZETA BAY

We took two horses to Northam's Trophy meeting on Thursday. ZETA BAY was the popular pick in the 1600 metre maiden, but plenty of horses were specked to beat him.

The early pace was surprisingly quick, with Capulet Street and Phoenix Fighter leading the way. Jason Brown positioned ZETA BAY in mid field, and steadily improved the gelding's position, so on straightening he was poised just behind the leaders. At the 200 metre mark ZETA BAY moved smoothly into the lead and quickly went clear, allowing Jason to let the horse coast in for an effortless 1 1/4 length win.




































Majority owner Frank Scullino was delighted to be on course to collect the Kevin Hammond Trophy, which was presented by popular RWWA starter Todd Plane.

ZETA BAY is a gross horse, and has taken time to mature, but being a full brother to metro miler Zadeisha he should continue to improve over extended distances.

Our second runner ALLS GOOD ran in the Kevin Christianson Handicap, also over 1600 metres. After a super run he was only beaten a nose by the favourite Regal Miss in a driving finish. He certainly has his foot firmly on the till.


29.4.10

                             MAIDEN WIN FOR DU PRINTEMPS

DU PRINTEMPS was a warm favourite for the Brett Smith Maiden over 1000 metres at Pinjarra's mid-week meeting. The small field was led in the early stages by Twisted Force, with DU PRINTEMPS settled in 3rd place by jockey Clint Harvey. As the leader dropped away near the 200 metre mark, the rest of the field bunched, but DU PRINTEMPS stayed on strongly to win by a comfortable 3/4 length. This was a well deserved win for the Oratorio gelding, who has performed consistently throughout his first prep. His owner John Molloy should be eagerly looking forward to his next campaign.


20.4.10

                                       BUNBURY QUINELLA

The postponed South West Times Race Day was held on Tuesday, to bring the 2009/10 Bunbury season to an end. It was an exciting day's racing, with all the season's championships up for grabs. Peter had been in a ding-dong battle with David Harrison for the trainer's premiership, which captured media and racegoers' interest right to the final race. Unfortunately, despite NOVEMBER RED's victory, see below, Peter was pipped by one win, bringing his fantastic run of 12 consecutive championships to an end - a record which will stand for some years! We would like to congratulate the Harrison team, and look forward to renewing the rivalry next season.

In the feature race of the day, the South West Times Handicap over 1675 metres, we had two runners, NOVEMBER RED and KEY DYNASTY. The favourite Light That Smile tried to repeat his recent feat of making all, but in the home straight NOVEMBER RED and KEY DYNASTY swept past the leader to fight out the finish. In a thrilling tussle NOVEMBER RED, strongly ridden by Jason Whiting, just held off the game efforts of KEY DYNASTY and Kyra Yuill. A great effort by both horses, who are testimony to Peter's great conditioning, as they have both raced throughout the season, and thoroughly deserve their winter rest.

















At the presentation ceremony NOVEMBER RED's owner Nino Buratovic was represented by another of our owners, Rocky Dagostino.

The stable also had three 3rds on the day, with REALARIO, GIVE ME MONEYHONEY and DU PRINTEMPS all running sound races.



3.4.10

                                  ASCOT GOLD FOR LEXICON

On Strickland Stakes day at Ascot LEXICON GOLD was one of the fancied runners in the Fruit 'n Veg Handicap over 1400 metres. The race was run at a good pace, with the old-timers Legend Express and Nullagine cutting out the early running. Kyra Yuill was able to settle LEXICON GOLD just behind the leaders in 5th place on the rails. 250 metres from home Late Night Flight stormed into the lead, but Kyra got a great rails run on TOBY and he quickly sprinted clear to win by a cosy 1 1/2 lengths. 

This was a terrific win by the Dr. Johnson gelding, who took his career winnings to over $200,000, which is a great return on his $8,000 purchase price! Peter was delighted with LEXICON GOLD's performance, and equally pleased with Kyra's ride. The young apprentice seems to have struck up a good relationship with TOBY, having ridden him three times for two wins and a 2nd.

21.3.10

                     GIVE ME MONEYHONEY GETS THE MONEY!



The stable got off to a flying start on Bunbury Mail Race Day, when GIVE ME MONEYHONEY justified favouritism to win the Frankie's Maiden over 1200 metres. This was the Bletchley Park filly's third start this prep, and after two good runs punters were keen to support her.


Jason Brown fired GIVE ME MONEYHONEY out of the barriers and the filly quickly went clear of the field. Despite the best efforts of her opponents, she ran out an easy winner by 1 1/2 lengths, from Simply Mak and Love It Zara.


This was a very popular local winner for the Daqui family, who are great supporters of Bunbury races. Mr Daqui senior was on hand to lead the family's horse in.


In the third race of the day, the Bunbury BBQ Maiden also over 1200 metres, Peter's home-bred MISS DAFFODIL ran another promising race to finish runner-up to the well-regarded Carooned. A win can't be too far away for this well-bred filly.



11.3.10

                    LEXICON GOLD GRABS APPRENTICE CUP

The Bunbury round was a busy time for the stable, with many owners liking to have runners at the popular South West racing carnival.

The first day, Tuesday, was a frustrating one for all concerned, with the horses running really well, but with no racing luck. The final score for the day was two 2nds, three 3rds and two 4ths!


Cup Day started off in the same manner, with GIVE ME MONEYHONEY finishing 2nd in the opening maiden of the day. After STATES SECRET had finished 3rd in his race we hoped OTTUMWA would break our duck in the Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre Handicap, but it was not to be, as the horse got held up in running, but flashed home to finish a close 2nd to Eternal Power.

Despite these reverses, LEXICON GOLD was made a warm favourite for the South West Apprentices' Cup over 1400 metres. Although only a small field went to post, it was sure to be a competitive race, with most of the young riders in the running to win the three-race series.

The race itself was run at a good clip with Blues Guitar setting the pace, and LEXICON GOLD settled mid-field by Kyra Yuill. At the 200 metre mark the field bunched, and Share Trader went for home, but Kyra got a good run out of LEXICON GOLD, and the Dr Johnson gelding quickly grabbed the initiative and won comfortably.

This was a richly deserved win for the 6 year old, who hadn't won for almost two years, despite a number of placings in Metro races. Jockey Kyra Yuill won the Apprentice Series with this victory, which should give her promising career a further boost.



24.2.10

                                   NICKEVED SCORES AGAIN

On WIN Television Race Day at Bunbury the stable had mixed fortunes, but we finished the day with a winner and a 2nd.

NICKEVED was made favourtie for the Harvey Norman Superstore Bunbury Handicap over 1420 metres. The mare had been knocking on the door recently and, with William Pike in the saddle, the punters thought she was a good thing. The race was run at a tremendous pace, because Hurricane Show flew from the barriers and tried to make all. On the home corner William was already niggling at NICKEVED, as the leader was 5 lengths in front and going well. Fortunately the race changed dramatically in the last 200 metres, with the rest of the field bunching up as the leader weakened. William rode NICKEVED as if his life depended on it, and the mare grabbed Circus Pony in the shadow of the winning post, to win by a neck.

After the race the jockey was full of praise for the mare's game effort, and said she should win again over a longer distance. The owners were away fishing in Broome, and will have a nice surprise when they return to shore!

The stable nearly scored a double with OTTUMWA in the 7th race of the day, the WIN News Handicap over 1705 metres, but the 5 year old gelding was just beaten by Last Curtain in a driving finish. His first WA win can't be too far away.

In the evening Peter was once again a finalist in the South West Times Buswell Sports Star of the Year Award. This prestigious event was hosted by Bunbury Mayor Dave Smith, and it was an honour that Peter was in the final 12, alongside international stars from various sports.

20.2.10

                              SUPER WIN FOR FRIAR'S TOUCH

In a very competitive field for the Carlton Draft Handicap over 1600 metres at Ascot, FRIAR'S TOUCH was one of the outsiders in the betting. However jockey Troy Turner was confident that the race would be run to suit, and as events turned out he was spot on with his evaluation of the race.

The strong early pace was set by Great Destiny and the favourite Late Night Flight. Turner positioned FRIAR'S TOUCH two lengths off the back of the field, and there he remained until the 200 metre mark, where the other runners bunched, allowing the 7 year old gelding to make his run down the outside. FRIAR'S TOUCH sprinted impressively to win going away by an easy 2 lengths.

This was a fantastic performance by the veteran horse, as this was his 51st start, and he has now won over $400,000. Peter was delighted with Troy Turner's superb ride, and hopes that this combination can do it again in the Pinjarra and Bunbury Cups.

Managing owner Serge Madrigali is seen here leading in his winner.

 

4.2.10

                                  TREBLE UP AT BUNBURY!



MGIB Race Day at Bunbury proved to be a stellar day for the stable, because after two early disappointments we had three winners, a 2nd, and 3rd and a 4th from its remaining six runners!


In the Pacific Premium Funding Maiden, over 1420 metres, NOVEMBER RED was sent out favourite, despite him not having won from his previous 16 starts. Jockey Clint Harvey decided to try something new, so he anchored the horse towards the back of the field and allowed his main rivals Crecy and Hussonace to battle it out for the lead. Clint didn't make a move until the 200 metre mark, when he asked NOVEMBER RED to go, and the Concrete Crusher gelding responded in terrific style, sweeping past the field to win by an easy 2 1/4 lengths.


This was a much deserved win for the horse, and his very patient owner-breeder Nino Buratovic, who was on course with his lovely wife Sue to welcome his winner home. Let's hope that now he has broken through, NOVEMBER RED can continue his winning ways.


A small but select field contested the CGU Insurance Handicap over 1705 metres, and our runner CORE ASSET was second favourite to the odds-on shot Sparta Dane. Her jockey Peter Hall also opted to ride a waiting race, running along at the back of the field until well into the home straight. As the leaders bunched, CORE ASSET pounced, and won in a thrilling finish by a head from Vergood. Another terrific win for the mare, but unfortunately she bled in the run, so will be on the sidelines for a while.


In the trophy race of the day, the MGIB Handicap over 1705 metres, we had two runners, the favourite NICKEVED and one of the outsiders KEY DYNASTY. This turned out to be a strange race, with Frog Legs setting a steady pace, closely attended by KEY DYNASTY, with the rest of the field several lengths adrift. This pattern did not change until well past the final bend, when the two leaders kicked clear, catching their rivals flat-footed. Under a good ride from, Link Robertson, KEY DYNASTY wore down Frog Legs near the post to win by a length, with the favourite NICKEVED finishing fast to take 4th place on the line. This was KEY DYNASTY's second only win, which no doubt delighted his high profile owners who include Dean Cox and Chris Judd. Peter accepted the trophy on their behalf, as they were unfortunately unable to be there.

























In the seventh race of the day, SPIRITED ROCKET ran another sound race to finish 2nd to Height Of Heights after being held up in running. Compensation should be not too far away.

In the final race, our runner SHARANN had to carry top weight from a wide barrier, and did really well to finish 3rd behind West Virginia. The Falbelon mare is performing well at present, and should win very soon.

A memorable day for the stable, with so many horses running so well, which is a credit to Peter and all his hard-working staff.



30.1.10

                                           MAGIC MILLIONS 2nd FOR FLEMING SON

It was Magic Millions Day at Ascot today, and the stable had four runners. All performed very well, without having the luck to win a race.

In one of the day's feature races, the $125,000 RM Williams Perth Magic Millions 3yo Trophy over 1400 metres, our representative was FLEMING SON, who was opposed by the odds-on favourite For Your Eyes Only. Jason Whiting gave FLEMING Son an enterprising ride, and tried to pinch the race by making a dash for home on the corner, but despite the gelding's best efforts he was run down in the closing stages by the very talented filly For Your Eyes Only. It was still a tremendous effort by FLEMING SON, who was conceding the filly 4 kilos, and this was only his seventh run in his first prep. His band of loyal owners can look forwards to lots more fun in the future.

In the Listed Detonator Stakes over 1800 metres, the veteran FRIAR'S TOUCH ran a fantastic race to finish a close up 4th behind the favourite Star Risca. Peter was delighted with the run, which should be a perfect preparation for the forthcoming Pinjarra and Bunbury Cups.

In other races, LEXICON GOLD and REAL HONOUR were involved in photo finishes for the placings. LEXICON GOLD took 4th on his come-back race, and REAL HONOUR was involved in a SEVEN horse photo for 2nd place, with less than a neck covering them all, finally being awarded 6th. A terrific run by both horses.




26.1.10 

BUNBURY QUINELLA

After a run of 2nds and 3rds, it was good to hit the bullseye on Australia Day at Bunbury.

The stable had two unfancied runners in the Goodchild Meats Handicap, over 1200 metres - JOMATESI and a newcomer, OTTUMWA. The race was run at a steady pace, with  Pwakkers Back making the running, JOMATESI a close 2nd,
and OTTUMWA anchored at the back of the field. At the corner Clint Harvey seized the initiative and drove JOMATESI intot he lead. The Dr Johnson gelding responded gamely and held off all his rivals to win by a short neck.

OTTUMWA, in the meantime, had made a good run down the outside under gun apprentice Kyra Yuill to snatch 2nd place on the line, giving the stable a quinella.

JOMATESI, or Shaggy as he is affectonately known at home, always gives of his best, and this was a very popular win for his enthusiastic owners. OTTUMWA has only recently joined the stable from over East, and put in a huge run, considering all his wins have been in distance races. He looks to have bright future.









14.1.10

REAL HONOUR IMPRESSES AT PINJARRA

The stable had two runners in the Drakesbrook Hotel @ Waroona Handicap at Pinjarra on Wednesday - REAL HONOUR who was favourite, and SPIRITED ROCKET.


The race was run at a furious pace, with Mr Emiseven, Black Douglas and Carrapateena all battling for the lead. SPIRITED ROCKET and REAL HONOUR were both positioned off the pace, toward the rear of the field. On straightening, both horses made their effort. SPIRITED ROCKET went for a rails run and was completely luckless, but Shaun O'Donnell took REAL HONOUR with a perfect run right round the outside. The grey mare gathered in the field effortlessly and won, going away, by an easy length.


The is the first time REAL HONOUR has been reunited with Shaun this prep, and they make a very good partnership, having notched up several wins together in the past.


Now that the mare is back on top form, a city run must be in the offing.

3.1.10

                               BUMPER DAY AT BUNBURY

Healthway sponsored the Go For 2&5 Race Day at Bunbury on Sunday, and the stable had seven runners, all of which performed creditably, resulting in two winners, two 2nds, two 3rds and a close up 5th.

After MAGIC GAIA had run another game race to finish 2nd in the first maiden over 1100 metres, it was STATES SECRET's turn in the 5 Veg Maiden, also over 1100 metres. The State City gelding was up against the odds-on favourite The Duxford Wing. The early pace was set by Cyclone Bella, but jockey John Claite kept STATES SECRET in touch in 4th place. In the home straight there were many chances but, under a vigorous ride from John Claite, STATES SECRET saw the race out strongly and won by a hard-fought 1/2 length from the favourite. A great result for the gelding's enthusiastic owners, and a rare stable winner for John Claite.

NOVEMBER RED finished 3rd in the Eat More Fruit 'n Veg Maiden over 1675 metres, after coming from well off the pace.

JOMATESI ran his usual honest race in the Go For 2&5 Handicap over 1200 metres and, after meeting interference in the straight, did well to finish 2nd to the hot favourite Master Castaway.

In the Be Healthy Handicap over 1400 metres, DANGEROUS DANE was a warm favourite to keep up his good record this prep. The early pace set by Rain Strike was suicidal, and apprentice Kyra Yuill showed good judgement in holding DANE until the home staight, before making up ground. The leader compounded quickly, and DANGEROUS DANE swept by to win by an impressive 4 lengths. Kyra has built up a good relationship with DANE, and continues to ride well for the stable.

We had two representatives in the final race, the Healthier WA Handicap over 1675 metres. Both horses ran well, with NICKEVED finishing strongly to take 3rd, just ahead of KEY DYNASTY who finished a close-up 5th.

All in all, a good day for the stable, and pleasing that all the horses gave of their best in some competitive races.



26.12.09

                         SATURDAY WIN FOR FLEMING SON



The up-and-coming 3 year old FLEMING SON was made a warm favourite for the West Australian Handicap over 1200 metres at Ascot.


The front runners Arcaxaar and Terada set up a fast early  pace under their young jockeys, so Jason Whiting bided his time on the favourite until they reached the home straight. FLEMING SON took a few strides to get going, but he soon gathered in the leaders and swept by Arcaxaar to win by a cosy 3/4 length. This was another promising performance under top weight by the Bletchley Park gelding, and his owners hope the horse will be able to run in the $125,000 Magic Millions race on 30th January. Managing owner Alan Anderson and an enthusiastic group of connections were on course to celebrate the victory of their home-bred star, and look forward to an exciting 2010!


Later in the afternoon. in thewest.com.au Handicap over 1400 metres MIGHTY RONNIE ran a super race on his return to the track, finishing a close up 3rd to the odds-on favourite Almighty Runner. If all goes well the Ron Bon 7 year old will be prepared for the Pinjarra and Bunbury Cups.

15.12.09

                            CORE ASSET WINS AGAIN


 

On Scott Park Homes Day at Bunbury, the stable had quite a successful day. In the Grand Harmony Double Maiden over 1420 metres NOVEMBER RED put in a sound performance to finish 3rd. The mare DEED I DO also finished 3rd in the Scott Park Homes Handicap over 1200 metres, after staying on gamely in the closing stages.


CORE ASSET was a warm favourite for the Grand Empire Handicap over 1704 metres. Despite there only being six runners, it was a competitive event. Corvallis set out at a fast pace to try and make all, with CORE ASSET, well rated by jockey Peter Hall, tracking the front runners until the straight, where she moved up to challenge Corvallis. There was a great ding-dong battle between the two horses, but CORE ASSET proved the stronger in a driving finish, to win by a hard-fought long head. The 5 year old mare is racing in career-best form, and has formed a good partnership with Peter Hall, who loves riding her in distance races. Let's hope more success awaits!

6.12.09

                        TROPHY WIN FOR CORE ASSET

On Rare Coin Company Day at Bunbury CORE ASSET was made favourite for the trophy race of the day over 1689 metres.

On a day that favoured front runners, jockey Peter Hall positioned CORE ASSET just behind the pacemakers Romulus and Pampanito Jack, and then waited until well into the home straight before making his move. The 5 year old mare quickened well, and won by 1/2 length, giving the owners well-deserved recompense for CORE ASSET's two recent unlucky 2nds at Ascot and Pinjarra.













Managing owner "Rusty" Molles was on course to receive the Rare Coin Company Trophy from Wayne Fernie, Perth Manager of the company, and Club Patron Helen Court.

Earlier in the programme MAGIC GAIA ran another game race to finish 3rd in the Rare Coin Company Collectors Maiden over 1200 metres, and DANGEROUS DANE put in another sound effort to finish a close-up 4th in the Country Challenge heat over 1410 metres.



2.12.09

                     FLEMING SON IMPRESSES AT ASCOT

After a few narrow misses at Albany on Tuesday, the stable was back to winning form today at Ascot.



Last-start maiden winner FLEMING SON was made favourite for the Westspeed 3 year old Handicap over 1200 metres. A very competitive field went to post and, not surprisingly, the race was run at a frenetic pace, set by Zester and Torada, so jockey Paul Harvey settled FLEMING SON towards the rear of the field. As they rounded the home turn Paul moved the horse up into a challenging position and, despite FLEMING SON running three wide, he swept past his rivals to win by an easy length. This was a most impressive performance by FLEMING SON, in only his third ever start, and many good judges predict a rosy future for this Bletchley Park gelding.

A large crowd of owners and their families were on course to cheer their home-bred horse to the line, which was a great thrill to them all.



18.11.09

                       THE DANE SALUTES AT PINJARRA

The stable had three runners at Pinjarra's midweek meeting, and they all performed well.

In the Waynes Windscreens Mandurah Handicap over 1400 metres, DANGEROUS DANE was saddled with top weight. This was reduced by young Kyra Yuill's claim, but he still had barrier 13 to contend with. The race was run at a muddling pace, and the DANE was posted wide for most of the way. On the home turn he was still 7th, on the outside of the field, and as the leaders weakened Solar Ice and Midnight Train went for home. DANGEROUS DANE looked destined for a minor place, but Kyra found a fast strip of ground down the grandstand rail, and she got such a great sprint out of the horse that they swept past the field to win by a comfortable length.

This was Kyra's first victory for the stable, and her clever ride gained her the Ride of the Day Award from Darren McAullay.

In the Greenacres Turf Farm Handicap over 1600 metres CORE ASSET was fancied to make up for her unlucky 2nd at Ascot on Melbourne Cup Day. Peter Hall seized the initiative from the off, and settled the mare brilliantly in front. He tried to make all, and looked to have succeeded, until the last 50 metres, when the bottom weight Talkalot, again ridden by Kyra Yuill, flew down the outside to win by a short head. CORE ASSET had run a super race, but the concession of 8 kilos just proved too much in the end. Surely a win can't be far away!

In the 7th race of the day KEY DYNASTY was up on the pace all the way, and was just run out of it in the last 100 metres to finish a game 4th. 

Another productive day for the stable, with all the horses producing top runs. 



15.11.09

                                      BUNBURY DOUBLE



The stable was well represented on United Crane Hire Day at Bunbury today.

In the second race FLEMING SON was fancied to run well in a strong field for an 1180 metre maiden. Comfortably and Gotham City set the early pace but Jason Whiting settled FLEMING SON nicely in 5th place. Gotham City went for home on the turn, and looked to have pinched the race, but FLEMING SON sprinted hard, and just got the verdict by a head.

Most of the owners, including manager Alan Anderson, were on course to enjoy the great victory by their home-bred Bletchley Park gelding.







                             Alan Anderson leads in FLEMING SON

We had two runners in the next race, over 1080 metres, with MAGIC GAIA second favourite and NICKEVED one of the outsiders. Spritzig was the front runner until the home turn, but was quickly passed by MAGIC GAIA, who made her bid for victory. However the field bunched up at the 200 metre mark, and a close finish looked on the cards. Suddenly everything changed, with Jason Whiting getting a terrific run down the outside with NICKEVED. The mare sprinted past her toiling rivals to win by an impressive 1 3/4 lengths, from MAGIC GAIA who fought on strongly to finish 2nd.

NICKEVED had been campaigning on the Broome circuit, but is obviously thriving in the Southwest, and her owners can look forward to a good prep. 
                   NICKEVED leads MAGIC GAIA in after the race

In the 8th race JOMATESI ran his usual game race to finish 2nd to the runaway winner Lomondside Lass.

Overall, a very satisfying day for the stable!





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