Great Southern Racing

ESPERANCE CUP Preview Saturday March 5th

2011-03-02T12:06:00.000+08:00

It’s Esperance Cup day this Saturday afternoon at the Esperance Bay Turf Club. A bumper eight race card kicks off at 12:58pm with the running of the Doutch Handicap. Trida Brando looks suited in the small field while Kaszanka looks suited over the short 1000m trip. Hearts Aflutter was well supported and is one to watch after finishing fifth last start when slowly away. McDonalds sponsor Race Two and newcomers Smart Seduction and Esteron are horses to keep an eye on. Jungle Jackie ran on well last week and both Tropical Time and Ace Pilot have been placed recently.

The third is the Horizon Power Handicap and Desert Oak looks very hard to hold out for Mark Nelson and Peter Hall. Local Gwen Ten won impressively last start and Lay Down Tommy will appreciate a drop in class. Race Four is the Tru-Blu Hire Handicap and it will be run over 1600m. Just Sue was disappointing last week but does have a great record at the track and distance. Perelmo, Time Star and Silver Ambush have been racing well and Masters Seal looks to be well weighted. Ears Loppy doesn’t look impossible on paper either.

Race Five starts the Quaddie and is supported by the Kalgoorlie Punters and Drinkers Club. Leidenwin has been a revelation at her last two starts, scoring easily after settling well back. Again she looks hard to hold out especially if a fast tempo is set by the leading division. Main dangers look to be Cyclos, Royal Wing, Hi Dollie and Go Fury Go. The Esperance Combined Tyre Service Handicap is the effectively the Open Sprint. All seven candidates look to be in with a winning chance on paper but for the sake of a tip He’s Smokin’ must be consisdered given his recent victory and strong work ethic.

This year’s Esperance Cup is sponsored by RSM Bird Cameron and a field of eleven will face the starter at 4:51pm. There are two raiders this year with Striking Viking (Mark Nelson) and Highly Prized (Alan McGuinniss) accepting for the $30,000 race. Of the locals Hackett’s Heart looks the best chance despite failing at his last run a fortnight ago. Stormy Express and Danacolada are last start winners and female jockeys Leanne Howlett and Misty Bazeley will take the respective rides. Neil Chapman and Rod Kirkup team up with seven year old Put Option and Swahili is another with good recent form for Tracey Frizzell. The Farm & General Eopp Handicap is over 1200m and Mr. Magnificent and Resuscitator are last start winners and My Girl Kate has enjoyed a terrific season. Donargy must be respected on his best form but he did fail to fire at his last effort on February 5.

Early selections ; Trida Brando, Ace Pilot, Gwen Ten, Silver Ambush, Hi Dollie, He’s Smokin’, Train Crusher and My Girl Kate.

Esperance Review Saturday February 26th

2011-03-02T12:03:00.002+08:00

Esperance Race Review

This Saturday will see the running of the $30,000 RSM Bird Cameron Esperance Cup (2000m). Last week’s meeting was the second last of the season and the conditions were perfect. The G. J. Gardiner Homes Maiden was the first and it provided local trainer Paul McLean with an impressive victory. His four year old gelding Resuscitator was sent to the lead by apprentice Yannick Valenti and went on to defeat Jungle Jackie and Ace Pilot. A small field of five contested the Lucky Roe Snack Bar Handicap and leading trainer Brendan Corver prepared the Trifecta. Stormy Express was ridden quietly by Russell Hanson until the top of the straight when he unleashed a mighty sprint to win by two and a half lengths. Outsider Ears Loppy set the pace and did a great job to be the runner up ahead of Just Sue.

Race Three was the Esperance Window Tinting Handicap. The Fiona Scott prepared Decryptor impressed with a strong triumph over Summer Crossing and Lay Down Tommy. Decryptor looked the winner at the 300m mark but had to be ridden out desperately by Shaun Meeres over the concluding stages to achieve the win. The South Coast Food Services Handicap provided a ‘grandstand finish’. City Of Subiaco was having her Esperance debut and Misty Bazely took all the shortcuts to win by a nose. The Key Cutter lost narrowly and Corolla finished a close up third after showing early speed.

Race Five was sponsored by OD Transport and South East Petroleum and Elljay breezed home an easy winner again. The four year old has started four times this season for three wins and a third. On Saturday he won by more than a length over Perelmo and Masters Seal. Star Transport supported the last event which was run at a frantic tempo. The Ross Daniels prepared Leidenwin relished the fast tempo and swept home powerfully to score by two lengths in a fast 1.36.39. Royal Wing was the runner up and Platinum Lad, despite suffering interference battled on to salvage third placing. Ross Daniels saddled up three horses on Saturday and finished with one win and two seconds.

Horses to follow ; Ace Pilot, Ears Loppy, Lay Down Tommy, City Of Subiaco, Elljay and Star Ruler.

Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Esperance/Albany Preview 26th/27th February

2011-02-24T14:34:00.001+08:00

This Saturday sees the penultimate meeting of the season at the Esperance Bay Turf Club. The six event card kicks off at 2:19pm with the running of the G. J. Gardiner Homes Maiden over 1200M. Hearts Aflutter is a first starter who will exit barrier two. Of the raced brigade Tropical Time and Time To Front are clearly the hardest to beat, both with recent minor placings to their credit. Ace Pilot is another who wasn’t far from the action last start. A small field of five will clash in the Lucky Roe Snack Bar Handicap which will be run over 1600m and only two stables will be represented. Just Sue is a track specialist and she is proven over the mile distance. Stable-mate Stormy Express has been racing well while the other stable-mate Ears Loppy needs to improve. The pick of the Fiona Scott pair is probably Observation given that Shaun Meeres has opted to ride him ahead of Mufasa.

Race Three kicks off the Quaddie and is sponsored by Esperance Window Tinting. Expedition has been alotted a hefty 62kg witha a claiming apprentice given the ride. Summer Crossing, Ready Freddy and Landmark Lady are recent winners and Decryptor perfomed well first up. The fourth is the South Coast Food Services Handicap and Boyne River will take a power of beating. The five year old mare has been thereabouts without winning and she deserves a break through. Speedsters Tashi Delek and Corolla will go forward and give bold sights and Kaszanka ran on strongly over 1000m last start.

Race Five is sponsored by OD Transport and South East Petroleum. Numbers 1, 2 and 3 are clearly the best credentialed and look to be a solid Trifecta bet. Time Star won well two starts back and Perelmo was victorious three starts ago. Elljay on the other hand has two wins and a third from his three Esperance starts. Alevanta is a roughie with a place hope. The last is over 1600m and is sponsored by Star Transport. Leidenwin only won a Maiden last start but she was very impressive and must be considered despite rising in class and distance. Go Fury Go and Royal Wing boast solid form and the likes of Star Ruler, Flying Duel and Platinum Lad deserve consideration for exotic calculations.

Early selections ; Ace Pilot, Just Sue, Summer Crossing, Corolla, Elljay and Leidenwin.

Ryan Levitzke (race commentator)

ALBANY - Sunday - Wolfe could have a monster day.

Trainer Steve Wolfe looks set to open the program with The Pupster resuming after one start earlier in the season. With the scratching of Stripped Bear The Pupster looks the one to beat over Sudden City who was a nice run at Mt Barker and Dominator. Wolfe has a strong hand in the second which is a very open race, with Lunar Park knocking on the door, and Jobeth and deutant Raucous Laughter with claims. The Bing ran a nice race at Pinjarra first up and has prospects along with Kirov park and Missy Lara.

The Developer is an interesting runner in third after racing against the likes of Ranger and Playing God last preparation, and expect him to improve on his first up run. Other chances include Wolfe"s Solid Dan, Golden Glory and Jordi. Belles Fury at her best would be a prospect but has disappointed at her last few. Homest galloper Timely Reign looks suited at the 1600m and will be hard to beat in the fourth, with stablemate Regal Miss, Movie World and Savage Wolf the main dangers.

Wolfe will have the two main fancies in the fifth in track and distance specialist Watson's Bay and Our Ol Fella who has been racing in the city. Hard to see the winner coming from the remainder of the field. The sixth is very open with many winning chances including One Talk, Redford, Stormystory, Alabamaramer, Lily La Bell, Nutopia and Russian Rouge. It should be ach-way the field and you should get value if you find the winner.

Carry The Nation a winner at Bunbury on debut and Ancient Spell will head betting in the seventh and after competing against each other in a recent trial will be hard to split. Starline Porche, Jeneviv St Pierre and Legal Agent also have prospects. The final event has many chances with the winner likely to come from Cho Son, Head To Hell, Call Me Ned. I'm Called earl and King's Tribute. Cho Son has mixed his form but Kyra Yuill is back aboard, Call Me Ned is racing in great form as is King's Trubute. Dark Humour may get out togood each-way odds in the last and should not be overlooked

Mt Barker Thursday Feb 17th/Esperance Feb 18th Review

2011-02-21T12:14:00.001+08:00

MT BARKER

In cooler conditions a good program was held at Mt Barker on Thursday, with the exception of Race Seven which had to be declared a no race after the false start mechanism was set off by accident. Barring that the remainder of the racing was well contested all day.

Handy mare Collayshell kept up her great form on local tracks, with a win at her first run in open class when she held out Certain Magic and stablemate Timely Reign. Last start winner Star Buck struggled under his big weight and finished unplaced.

Veteran trainer Alan McGuiness has handy mare Highly Prized aimed at the Esperance and Mt Barker Cups after who good win over Eternal Advice at 1850m, when racing second up. The mare was well ridden by promising apprentice Damien Lane. The other staying race the 1850m maiden saw favourite Sir Rosey win for city trainer Trevor Andrews.

Trainer Angela Smith has Jake The Musk in form and was a narrow winner of the 53-62 Hcp over 1300m, over first up runner Port Regis and a game Alabamaramer. Lightly raced Secret Witch was a surprise winner for trainer Sherylanne Kinnear after doing work early and fighting off challenges to win the Maiden 1100m.

Other winners were Red Jacamar (W.Pike) and Rain Strike (D.Lane)

Esperance Race Review

Friday’s twilight meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club, as expected was a success ‘turnover-wise’. The 3pm to 6pm slot has proven to be a winner with punting interest, especially for interstate investors who have arrived home from work or are heading to the local pub. Race One was the Esperance Farm Trees Maiden and bookmakers were off to a flying start with outsider Leidenwin scoring easily. The daughter of Right Wing flashed down the outside to land a terrific triumph for young apprentice Aaron Rogers, who was having his first ride at the Esperance track. Magical Note and Tropical Time filled the minor placings. Punters had revenge in the Loffs Feed and Saddlery Handicap with race favourite City Plan winning over the fast finishing Kaszanka. Three lengths away in third was the speedy Corolla.

Expedition was a late scratching from the PH Kerr & Co. Handicap. Local mare Ron’s Gem brought up her fifth Esperance win, surging from the tail to defeat Sword Master and Decryptor. Comfort Inn Bay Of Isles sponsored the fourth and the well backed Gwen Ten came from last to win by a short neck. Outsider Tashi Delek battled on gamely to be beaten narrowly and two lengths away third was Boyne River. Race Five was the Landmark Handicap and Brendan Corver and Russell Hanson combined to win with Elljay. Cyclos finished second ahead of race favourite Time Star.

The Glencore Grain Steaks Handicap was run over 1600m and after 200m it was apparent that no jockey wanted, or had instructions to try and lead. So after a slowly run first couple of furlongs jockey Peter Black seized the initiative and sent his mount Go Fury Go to the front. At the 600m mark the pair broke away from the field and with 100m to go had a four length lead. However Maiden galloper Hi Dollie sprouted wings down the outside and pipped Go Fury Go on the post. Two lengths away in third was the Steve Wolfe trained Commandeer. The RSM Bird Cameron Handicap was run over 1950m and the rank outsider Danacolada led a merry dance throughout for Misty Bazeley. The eight year old returned $43.70 for a win and $12.00 for a place and also ballooned the Quaddie dividend out to over $12,000. Put Option was second throughout and the winner’s stable-mate Silver Ambush filled third.

Horses to follow ; Leidenwin, Kaszanka, Ron’s Gem, Gwen Ten, Master’s Seal, Commandeer and Jeux D’Esprit.

- Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Albany Review Sunday 6th February.

2011-02-07T21:07:00.002+08:00

Apprentice Alex Lawrence took a big step to a succesful career as a Jockey when from four rides at Albany on Sunday, he rode a treble including the feature event on I'm Here To Win in the Albany Weekender Sprint over 1200m.

Apprentice Alex Lawrence returns to scale

Lawrence who is indentured to leading local trainer Steve Wolfe opened the program with an all the way win on Lily La Bell, a very narrow second on Lunar Park, an easy win on longshot Jeneviv, and then scored a brilliant win with I'm Here To Win in a quality sprint field.

I'm Here To Win has raced very consistently in the Great Southern and her past two wins have been very good, to suggest she is good enough to win in the city. The four year old mare raced away to win from fast finishing Trimmconnection, with local hope Wine Horse a good third after racing wide throughout after drawing a wide gate.

Wolfe had a day out with a treble with I'm Here To Win, Lily La Bell and Stormy Sunset who broke through after consistent form. Apprentice Damien Lane and trainer Peter Western teamed for a double with Megablitz and Head To Hell.

Smart galloper Star Buck returned to his best form with a good win over veteran Titcherman over 1200m, with last years sprint star Jolanta Star again struggling after racing wide.

ESPERANCE, Review Saturday February 5th

2011-02-06T13:38:00.002+08:00

An excellent day of racing was conducted by the Esperance Bay Turf Club on Saturday with Jockey Shaun Meeres taking riding honours with a treble and a narrow second in the final event.

Meeres rode a double fror trainer Fiona Scott on City Plan and Time Star, and had a nose victory with My Girl Kate for trainer Sally Roworth.

City Plan at her second race start score an impressive win in The XXX Gold maiden over 100om beating Hell Of A Devil and Lunar Ice. Favourite Deramarama was always well back and was unplaced. Snooza won the Hahn Premium Maiden narrowly from favourite Lucky Bay with Magical Note just getting third ahead of Hi Dollie.

The first staying event of the season saw favourite Hacketts Heart too good for Jeux D'espirit and Put Option in the Bear Cove Radler Hcp over 1950m. The Brendan Corver trained galloper is been set for the Esperance Cup.

Wily veteran He's Smokin won his 16th race when a good winner of the Emu Export Hcp over 1200m, after a good ride by apprentice Michael Grantham, over outside Jay Dee Rocks and Ron's Gem. Outsider Time Star stormed home from 9th on the turn to win the Hahn Super Dry Hcp beating Comes Round and Elljay.

My Girl Kate overcame been held up on the turn to win by a nose over Boyne River and Corolla in The Tooheys Extra Dry Hcp over 1200m. Only a Long neck seperated the first four horses in a great finish.
Veteran Jockey Dan Miller got Swahili home in the Summer Bright Hcp over 1600 after been held up for a clear run at the 250m. The Tracey Frizzell trained galloper won by a nose over Stormy Express and Impact Rating.

Outsider Silver Ambush had to survive a protest to win the Hahn Superdry Hcp over 1600, when he narrowly beat Wing Star and Albany galloper Commandeer.

Horses to follow: City Plan, Hacketts Heart, Elljay, My Girl Kate, The Menace.

ALBANY Preview Sunday February 6th SKY 1

2011-02-04T19:07:00.001+08:00

The Albany race Club appear to have made the right move in reducing the distance of the Albany Weekender Fillies & Mares Hcp with an excellent field entered for Sundays event over 1200m.

Heading the weights is the Steve Wolfe trained I'm Here To Win, a very good winner at her last two starts. The four year old mare has been allocated 61.0kg but gets a 3kg respite for apprentice Alex Lawrence who takes over frrom Peter Hall. After apprentices allowances Height Of Heights will head the weights at 58.5kg.

Collayshell who was runner up to I'm Here To Win last start will carry 57.0, and apprentice Yannick Valenti will take the mount to get his 2.0kg concession. Another consistent local Winehorse did not draw well at the barrier but has been racing in fine form with wins at Albany and Bunbury and unlucky last start in towm.

Travelling horses look also to play a part with Resurgent in fine form at Bunbury but comes back in distance here. Wanna Be A Rockstar has been in good form at the Provincials and was a last start placegetter at Ascot Mid week over 1200m.

ESPERANCE Preview Saturday February 5th - SKY 2

2011-02-02T15:52:00.003+08:00

Esperance Racing gets underway this Saturday at 1:25pm with the running of the XXXX Gold Maiden over 1000m. Deramarama showed ability on debut and should take beating. Four first starters have accepted for the race, namely Baggervain, Lunar Ice, City Plan and Tropical Time. Race Two is the Hahn Premium Light Maiden and a capacity field of fourteen will face the starter. Snooza caught the eye last start and Resuscitator, Magical Note, Time To Front, Hi Dollie and El Serenata are all recent placegetters.

Race Three is the Bear Cove Radler Handicap and will be the first staying event of the season over 1950m. Put Option was an impressive last start winner over 1600m and looks ready for the rise in distance. Hackett’s Heart will be running on and Cyclos should be prominent for a long way. Royal Wing looks to have a great chance and gets in well at the weights. The Emu Export Handicap is for the open sprinters and Donargy looks ready to win. He gets in well with 54kg on his back and Russell Hanson. Summer Crossing beat him last start and must be considered while Ron’s Gem looks better suited over 1200m.

The Hahn Super Dry Handicap kicks off the Quaddie. Perelmo and Elljay won last start and Comes Round is a likely improver for apprentice Yannick Valenti. Topweights Arcade Attraction and All The Gold have been good in the past and should both start under 10/1. Race Six is the Tooheys Extra Dry Handicap and it looks to be between My Girl Kate, Boyne River, Trida Brando, Gwen Ten and Kaszanka.

The Summer Bright Lager Handicap is over 1600m and Lyoveldio and Just Sue look very hard to beat after their recent victories. Cyclonic Force is on the improve and Stormy Express is racing in fine style. Impact Rating, a former Cup winner has been alotted 58kg but apprentice Alex Lawrence will claim. The last is over a mile and looks to be a very open betting affair. Lord Airlie was well supported last start and the likes of Simply A Star, Masters Seal and The Comforter are all recent winners. Converted also looks to be on the improve and has drawn favourably in barrier four.
Ryan Levitzke

Ryan's Early selections ; Deramarama, Snooza, Put Option, Donargy (best), Arcade Attraction, Boyne River, Just Sue and Converted.

Albany Review Thursday January 27th

2011-02-01T09:20:00.002+08:00

Timely Reign, stayer or sprinter, a question many were asking after the Paul Hunter trained gelding after not starting for 47 days after racing over 2200m, scored a good win over 1100m. The prolific Great Southern winner had an average city campaign when stepped in ground quickly, but back on home soil and ridden well by apprentice Yannick Valenti overpowered favourite Watson's Bay to win nicely. The question to be asked is Timely Reign a stayer (not in the real sense in my opinion) or a good 1400m to 1800m horse (for mine yes), so does Paul Hunter aim towards another Albany Cup, or a Fitzpatrick Plate over the shorter 1300m. Timely Reign's next few starts may determine which way he heads.

Trainer Steve Wolfe had the quinella in the opening race when debutant Dare To Doubt ran on strongly to beat stable mate Girlcan, with Little Evie a good third at her WA debut. Wolfe made it a double later in the day when Troy Can resumed with a stylish win over 1100m.

Since entering Ken Nightingales stables One talk has hit his form and followed up with a good Maiden win over 1200m, and former Jockey Raquel Mills travelled over from Bunbury with Haddon Hall who scored easily in the 1500m Maiden.

Xaarphonic has hit his straps of late and made it three in a row with a narrow win over a cheeky Highly Prized who was racing over 1800m first up. Jockey Peter Black was pumped to get the win as 100m out it did not look likely , but Xaarphonic hit top gear late.

Trainer Dixie Solly has Certain Magic back near his best form and he narrowly beat Jomatesi by the barest margin, when the judges had to use all the modern technology to split them on the line. The final event over 1600m saw King"s Tribute salute for a rare win when running on strongly for trainer Dennis McAuliffe and Jockey Dan Miller

Esperance Review Saturday 22nd

2011-01-24T18:40:00.001+08:00

Hot conditions greeted patrons at the Esperance Bay Turf Club on Saturday with the temperature reaching 42 degrees at 2pm. Many horses sweated up and whether it be coincidence or not mares and fillies struggled to get results. All gate takings were donated to the Carnarvon Race Club, who had it’s track decimated by flooding a couple of months ago.

Race One was the Healthway Eat More Fruit Maiden and leading trainer Brendan Corver and leading ride Russell Hanson kicked off the day with a winner. Four year old gelding Elljay had been unplaced at all six starts before debuting at the Esperance track with a solid victory. He shared the lead before taking over at the 300m mark and going on to score by over a length in a fast 1.09.72. First starter Deramarama took an inside run to finish second and Magical Note came from midfield on the fence to be third.

The second was the Healthway Eat More Veg Handicap and the improved Perelmo brought up his fourth win at start number 42. He settled outside the leader before proving too strong for Landmark Lady and Western Crown. Stearnes Glass sponsored the third race. Lyoveldio flashed down the outside to defeat Go Fury Go and Converted. Drama followed the event with Stewards deeming that race favourite Honor’s Secret and stable-mate Boyne River were denied fair starts when their respective barriers failed to open with the others. All bets were refunded on these gallopers and large deductions followed on winning bets.

The Express Yourself Printing Handicap was over 1000m and Donnyonetime brought up a hat-trick of victories for trainer Helen Harding and rider Misty Bazeley. After leading throughout over 1200m and 1100m he made light work of the hot conditions and the widest barrier. The official margin was 1.75 lengths, Trida Brando battled on well to run second and Kazsanka caught the eye with a fast finishing third. Race Five was supported by Condingup Machinery Wreckers and ESM Manufacturing and Summer Crossing, ridden by 4kg claiming apprentice Jayce Buckley held on to win by a head. Donargy loomed large but could only manage a second while ten year old He’s Smokin’ battled on gallantly to be third.

The Healthway Go For 2 & 5 Handicap provided trainer Rod Kirkup and jockey Neil Chapman with a treble. Put Option was ultra impressive, defeating Stormy Express and Just Sue ran on from well back to finish third. The Kalgoorlie Boulder Race Club sponsored the last and for the fourth time saddlecloth number eight was carried to victory. Outsider Cyclos was too good, winning by almost a length over Hackett’s Heart and Royal Wing. The Kalgoorlie Boulder Race Club racing season begins on Saturday March 19 and concludes in early September.

The draw for the naming rights to this year’s Esperance Cup was held and the sponsor for this year will be RSM Bird Cameron. There are four meetings left in the season ; Saturday February 5, Friday (twilight) February 18, Saturday February 26 and Cup Day is Saturday March 5. Horses to follow ; Deramarama, Time Star, Boyne River, Kazsanka, Ready Freddy, Put Option and Hackett’s Heart.

Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Esperance Preview Saturday 22nd January SKY 2

2011-01-21T11:13:00.000+08:00

Saturday racing at the Esperance Bay Turf Club hots up this weekend with a seven event card. The first race is scheduled for 1:19pm and a capacity field of fourteen will face the starter. All seven races will be televised throughout Australasia via the Sky Channel network with the Quaddie legs being races 4 - 7. The Club has decided to donate all ‘gate takings’ to the Carnarvon Race Club who have had their racing surface affected by flood damage. A whopping seventeen horses accepted for the Healthway Eat More Fruit Maiden (1200m) with three of them listed as emergencies. Time To Front has been a minor placegetter at all three Esperance starts and is sure to be making ground at the finish again. Magical Note, Hi Dollie, Snooza and Terra Cat demand attention while Resuscitator is capable of improving after disappointing last start.

Race Two is the Healthway Eat More Veg Handicap over 1300m and there look to be many winning chances. Landmark Lady already has two victories under her belt this season and All The Gold and Western Crown also love the track. Arcade Attraction looks to be working up to a win and Perelmo ran on stylishly last start when third. The third is sponsored by Stearnes Glass and once again the race looms as a very open contest. Lyoveldio should be in the finish while Hoolicity and Boyne River both improved sharply at their last efforts. Wing Star, Algorism and Honor’s Secret will all have their fair share of admirers too.

The fourth kicks off the Quaddie and is supported by Express Yourself Printing. This race brings together three promising types, namely Donnyonetime, My Girl Kate and Gwen Ten. Donnyonetime has led throughout at his last couple while My Girl Kate and Gwen Ten both won their last starts in effortless fashion. Trida Brando and Kaszanka are both capable of sneaking a place at longer odds. Race Five is the Open Sprint co-sponsored by Condingup Machinery Wreckers and ESM Manufacturing and as per usual a field of handy sprinters has been assembled. He’s Smokin’ always runs a good race but again he faces a tough task as top-weight, although claiming apprentice Michael Grantham has been booked for the ride. Ready Freddy was impressive a fortnight ago and will take holding out. Summer Crossing, Donargy and Mufasa haven’t been far away and the likes of Jay Dee Rocks, Observation and Sword Master could sprint well fresh.

Race Six is the Healthway Gor For 2 & 5 Handicap and Just Sue looks very hard to beat. The Brendan Corver trained mare has an impeccable track record and looks cherry ripe for another win over the mile journey. Stormy Express is a last start winner rising in class while Put Option and Ron’s Gem loom as obvious threats. The last is sponsored by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Club and is also over 1600m. The ultra consistent Royal Wing gets her chance to break through but the vast majority of entrants look to have a genuine chance of winning. Hackett’s Heart looks suited over the distance along with a few others, so playing wide in the last leg of the Quaddie is a great idea.

Early selections for Saturday ; Snooza, Perelmo, Lyoveldio, Donnyonetime, Mufasa, Just Sue and Royal Wing.

- Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Review Mungrup Sprint Day, Mt Barker Sunday January 16th

2011-01-19T17:34:00.003+08:00

A great day of racing was held by The Mt Barker Turf Club last Sunday, with the George Daly trained Xaaravid narrowly winning the $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint over 1300. The club should be congratulated for running such a brilliant day with a track in great order and amenties for the big crowd who attended.

Race One: Trainer Dennis McAuliffe and Jockey Stephen Sheehy broke a long run of outs when Russian Rouge finiashed powefully to win from debutant Dolken Start who finished powerfully after a slow start. One talk finished third just ahead of leader Honour Chrismax. Favourite Kunnara raced wide througout and finished mid field.

Race Two: Stompin showed above average ability. at only his second start with an effortless
win after been slow away and is capable of winning in higher grade, if a few chinks in his armour can be eradicated. Stripped Bear battled on for a distant second with Star Enigma finishing on for third and Black N Green fourth and looking for more ground.

Race Three: Fiery Fox handled the rise in class and made it two wins on the trot and a double for Jockey Peter Hall when beating All Spots who ran on strrongly and Dambig just ahead of leader Speedy Bohemian.

Race Four: Consistent Galinba Blast narrowly got home with the top weight of 59kg, beating a game Flying Duel who went forward after been caught wide early. I'm Called Earl battled on for third ahead of Plantinum Lad and Stormy Sunset.

Race Five: Striking Viking followed up on good form to grind out a win over Eternal Advice and favourite November Red in the 2000m Hcp after sitting just off the pace. Goldtown finished on well for fourth.

Race Six: The perfect ride by Peter Hall paved the way for an impressive victory by I'm Here To win over the 1200m. Sitting just off a fast pace I'm Here To Win ran on powerfully to beat Collayshell and Pwakkers Back. The Tax Man was not far behind fourth wiyj regal Miss running on.

Race Seven: The Mungrup Sprint produced a great race with Xarravid who accerlated quickly on straightening holding out the bolter Crosswise by a half head, who came from last along the rails. Favourite Proart had every chance and wound up third ahead of local Noble Steed who gave plenty of cheek. Fancied runners Ma Ma Machine and Kid Choisir faded after racing on the pace.

Race Eight: Veteran Jockey Peter Black gave Trimconnection the ideal run and held out a late challenge from Call Me Ned to win the last of theday, with Certain Magic running an honest third. A wall of horses crossed the line next with the unlucky runner looking tobe The Keillor Kid

Mungrup Sprint Day Preview - Mt Barker January 16th

2011-01-14T21:27:00.003+08:00

Trainer Adam Durrant, Jockey Peter Hall and smart galloper Proart have the chance for redemption twelve months to the day when they tackle the $90,000 Mungrup Sprint at Mt Barker on Sunday. Sent out a red hot favourite last year, Proart was basically out of contention shortly after the start due to interference and finished well back. Drawn ideally at gate three, Proart will be racing third up after a good effort over 1400m and mid field over 1000m. The Sprint has drawn together a solid field, with city horses looking to dominate.

Race One: Hussonace should improve on first up effort here. One Talk much improved last start and can go on with it. Kununarra very good at debut here and meets similar field. Honour Chriusmax followed good trial form with fair debut here. Can improve. Santavia not far away when resuning here. Had plenty of chances. Royal Eagle fair form then good effort at Narrogin. Versace Queen improved at effort Narrogin.

Race Two: Towering placed seven in twenty starts in similar company. Emblet disappointing last few need to do better. Mcintyre good effort last start, untried this trip. Smokley Bandit back in distance after fair effoirts last few. Stompin very good debut here and well drawn. Black N Green placed at 1500m last start at third start. Stripped Bear had three starts and ready to produce best.

Race Three: All Spots back in class here. Previous form fair. Dark N Stormy won Narrogin but disasppointing last outing. Dambig mixes form but drawn well and can improve. Corolla improving each run at Esperance. Fiery Fox good winner here first up and claims again. Nutopia look for improvement on average first up run here. Tiga Romano placed two runs back but need to be at best here.

Race Four: Galinba Blast form very consistent down in class but up in weight here. I'm Called Earl form solid and first try at the trip. Flying Duel ran on well to win 1600m Albany last start. Jarnac won three starts back 1500m and been placed this journey. Platinum Lad rarely runs a bad race and has prospects. Exit Plan better effort last start but this harder.

Race 5: Attadale all the way win 1850m here last start. Goldtown finding it hard to regain the best form. Savage Wolf distance will suit but not fired at two runs back. Striking Viking always about the place and a win would not surprise. Eternal Advice race not run to suit last start. Worth another chance. November Red form solid but does not win many. Cheque Mate form has been fair and a win would not surprise. Top Gallant disappointing at last few but capable.

Race 6: Pwakkers Back been in solid form all season and respect again. Regal Miss placed here at 1850m, back here in distance. The Tax Man form solid but struggled last start with big weight. I'm Here To Win followed two placings with good all the way win in similar company. Collayshell unbeaten in Great South and stong prospects again. Saramento fair effort when resuming, this much harder.

Race Seven: Ma Ma Machine classy galloper with big impost and untried the trip, but drawn to get good run. Escadaire resumes here but would need to be at its best to have any hope. Kid Choisir six wins in fourteen starts and in good company. First start at trip. Proart fair efforts at two runs back and ready to produce best form. Xaaravid form in good company fair, has won this trip. Alchemic local form very good but this much harder. Impatient Times in good form in handy company and one at the weights here. Noble Steed not won for sometime but well drawn to lead.

Race Eight:: Certain Magic placed two of last five but not well drawn here. Spirited Rocket solid efforts last few and claims here. The Dark Side tough fighting win here last start. In form and drawn well. The Keillor KId won three starts back and form is solid. Dawinner good effort first up and chance though drawn wide. Call Me Ned broke through last start and can go on with it. Trimconnection form good befoire winner in milder company. Disco Reveller good efforts last two but this harder.

Esperance Review Friday January 7th

2011-01-10T15:34:00.000+08:00

Saturday’s race meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club broke new ground, with three of the eight events televised live into Singapore. The first event was the Newtown / Condingup Football Club Maiden (1600m) and the market reflected a wide betting race. English apprentice Ryan Hill wasted no time in assuming control on 12/1 pop The Comforter. It was the Brit’s first mount at the track and after being headed in the home straight he battled back strongly to win by a nose over El Serenata and Hoolicity. The Staines Esperance Maiden provided the most impressive performance of the afternoon. Four year old mare Gwen Ten flashed down the outside to record a solid triumph in 1.04.71. The margin was a couple of lengths over Time To Front and Magical Note. With the first three favourites making the podium the Trifecta only returned $40.

Race Three was the Lila Ruby Rose Doutch Handicap and race favourite Donnyonetime made every post a winner from gate four. Former Apprentice’s Cup winner Misty Bazley (formerly Parsons) set the speed and booted clear at the top of the straight and although tired near home held on to defeat Summer Crossing and Comes Round. Margins were a neck by a nose by a nose. The fourth was sponsored by Cranes Esperance and Stock Transport and it’s a race bookmakers will be happy to put behind them. The Debbie Warnes trained Ready Freddy unleashed a strong finishing burst to claim victory in a photo finish. Jockey Kiryn Waldeck knew she’d arrived in time and her exuberance overflowed shortly after the winning post as she celebrated wildly, punching the air a few times, knowing fair well that she’d pulled off a plunge. The well backed Ready Freddy’s winning margin was a head over Arcade Attraction and Perelmo finished third.

The Eljay’s Bar and Restaurant Handicap kicked off the Quaddie which held a record pool of over $36,000. Senior hoop Shaun Meeres rode a perfect race on My Girl Kate who dually saluted. Boyne River caught the eye with a fast finishing second and Corolla after showing pace held on for third. Race Six was sponsored by the Maritime Union of Australia. Goonee was debuting at the Esperance track for leading trainer Brendan Corver and was ably ridden by Ned Coldbeck to a narrow victory. After Saturday Coldbeck only has one win up his sleeve before his claim drops to two kilograms. Lord Airlie (runner up) was pipped on the post and Lyoveldio wasn’t far away in third position.

Race Seven was the Reed Resources Handicap and leading rider Russel Hanson rode his first winner of the day aboard track specialist Just Sue. The chairman of Reed Resources David Reed was on course to witness the event first hand. The mare charged home to win her seventh race at the track after just thirteen appearances. Put Option saved ground throughout and finished second while Ron’s Gem had no luck, was three wide throughout before salvaging third. Ron’s Gem was a solid performance given the extra metreage she had to cover. The last was the Regional West Group Handicap and Stormy Express notched a hat-trick of wins for Brendan Corver. Russel Hanson went for home at the 300m mark and was able to maintain a margin in the run to the line over Royal Wing and Platinum Lad. She’ll Be Right caught the eye with a fast finishing fourth while Cyclos failed to finish after his saddle slipped mid race. The next meeting will be held on Saturday January 22 and given the high amount of horses in town, an eight race program will be on the cards again.

Horses to follow ; Cut And Dried, Gwen Ten, Time To Front, Donargy, Super Bullant, Alevanta, Well Adjusted, Swahili, Ron’s Gem and Royal Wing.

Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Albany/Esperance Previews January 6th/7th

2011-01-05T17:47:00.000+08:00

ALBANY THURSDAY

Albany is back on this Thursday with a seven event card with yet again only small fields. Smart mare Lady Lavenham resturns after two mid week city placings and steps up to 160-0m for her first attempt.

The day opens a 1200m 53-62 class over 1200m and Trimconnection never gets a better chance to break through. Main dangers are Le Freq racing first up, Alabamaramer, Briello and Disco Reveller. The maiden over 1200m sees Paul Hunter with strong claims in Toss N Spin, Marenzo and Ana's Honour Other cfhances include Emblet, Tsovies Joy, Solid Dan and Mr Cluedo in an open race.

The 1600m Maiden has Lunar Park dropping in class up against Stormy Sunset, Belles Fury, Smokey Bandit and Flying Duel all knocking on the door. As much of half the field have claims here in an open race. The Class 1 1100m also has many chances including Dark N Stormy, Classy Flirt, Halo Park, Honors Secret, Tiga Romano and Jake The Musk. Former Victorian Letdegoodtimesroll races first up.

The 62+ Hcp has the in form Pwakkers Back up against The Tax Man, I'm Here To Win, last start winner Bella Sempre and former city galloper Hermosa Corona. The 1500m 53-62 Hcp does not provide a lot of winners but Desert Oak the last start Maiden winner steps up against seasoned gallopers in Kings Tribute, Bombard, Chuck The Bird and Simply A Star.

Lady Lavenham will start short in the last, but she meets some seasoned gallopers in Savage Wolf, Jazzy Saint, Monsieur Blanc, Hacketts Heart, Cho Son, Midnight Touch and Dark Humour, so this will be no walk in the park for the four year old mare.

ESPERANCE FRIDAY

This Friday is race day at the Esperance Bay Turf Club. Due to the large amount of nominations the program has been expanded to an eight race card. The first race is scheduled for 1:31pm with racing continuing right through until the last at 5:57pm.

Race One is the Newtown / Condingup Football Club Maiden (1600m) and a field of thirteen will face the starter. Bradbury’s Chance ran a great race last start but has been allocated barrier eleven. The likes of El Serenata and Cut And Dried will appreciate the rise in distance and Lucky Bay looks well placed in gate three. Other chances look to be Snooza, That’s Why and Leidenwin, who made up many lengths at her last start.

Race Two is the Staines Esperance Maiden and there look to be three leading candidates. Gwen Ten debuted with a promising second and both Time To Front and Hi Dollie have been finishing their races off strongly. Ace Pilot showed speed at his Esperance debut and is worth considering for exotics from the pole position. The third is the Lila Ruby Rose Doutch Handicap and if Donnyonetime can repeat his last start performance he should be winning. Despite rising in class the four year old should set the pace and be very hard to catch. Summer Crossing and Donargy are both dropping in class while Comes Round, Kaszanka and Tashi Delek all have place claims.

Race Four is sponsored by Cranes Esperance Stock Transport and local mare Landmark Lady is shooting for a hat-trick of triumphs. Arcade Attraction looks suited and Super Bullant hasn’t been far away at recent runs. The Menace is an interesting runner resuming for leading trainer Brendan Corver. The fifth kicks off the Quaddie and is sponsored by Eljay’s Bar. My Girl Kate is likely to start favourite after a consistent start to the Esperance season. Parkside is proven at the track and resumes from barrier one while Corolla, Boyne River, Shameless Hussy and Algorism are all worth looking at for Quaddie calculations.

Race Six is the Maritime Union of Australia Handicap and Lyoveldio is sure to have plenty of support. The five year old has been in busy finishes at his last couple when 1st and 2nd. Jeux D’Esprit looks ready to fire and with the right run Western Crown will take holding off. The Reed Resources Handicap is for the open sprinters and He’s Smokin’ will be very hard to catch. The ten year old led throughout last week and once again will have his weight of 59.5kg significantly reduced with claiming apprentice Michael Grantham booked for the ride. Masters Seal rises in class but only has an impost of 54kg. Ron’s Gem and Just Sue are both going to be flooding home and Cyclonic Force is sure to be improved by her first up hitout too.

A field of ten have accepted for the Regional West Group Handicap and Stormy Express will take beating. He hasn’t had much luck at his three runs this season and with Russel Hanson on board he should be thereabouts again. Wing Star and Royal Wing both boast fine track records while Miss Alonso, Platinum Lad and Cyclos are also in with rough hopes.

Early tips ; Lucky Bay, Hi Dollie, Donnyonetime, Landmark Lady, My Girl Kate, Western Crown, Ron’s Gem and Royal Wing. BEST BET : Donnyonetime.

- Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Mt Barker New Years Eve Preview

2010-12-30T11:38:00.000+08:00

Mt Barker Turf Club finally get to hold their opening meeting of the season on December 31st with a solid seven race card. The final race of the year see's a good field entered with Noble Steed, Jolanta Star, Star Buck, Week Bix, Pwakkers Back and Mufasa the leading chances in a very open race.

The meeting commences with an open Maiden with plenty of chances including Fiery Fox, Stripped Bear, debutant Honour Chrismax, Pearly Girl and Smart Secret. Hussonace resumes and has a solid record at the track.

The 68+ 1850m is a very open affair, with a case almost been made for all six runners, and this should be a great betting event. The first true staying test for the season over 2000m, see's smart King Point have his first attempt at the journey against seasoned stayers On The Double, Amplifier and Carellen Steel. Up and coming Galinba Blast steps up from 1500m to 2000m here for the first time.

Collayshell unplaced in Perth last start drops back in class here and looks hard to beat over 1300m, with I'm Called Earl and The Keillor Kid the main dangers. The second Maiden over 1300m looks a good open betting race with Call Me Ned, Stopin, Kirov park, Lily La Bell and Classical Minx all winning possibilities.

Finding the winner of the 53-52 class over 1200m is not easy, an the omen tip maybe Dawinner, but on form Dambig, The Dark Side, Nutopia, Super Baullant, Trimconnection look to have best prospects

Esperance Review December 26th

2010-12-30T11:24:00.000+08:00

The Boxing Day crowd at the Esperance Bay Turf Club was a big one that enjoyed an exciting day’s racing. The afternoon kicked off with the Dr. Graham Jacobs Maiden. Outsider Simply A Star flashed down the outside to win by a length over Bradbury’s Chance and Lucky Bay. Despite being trained by leading trainer Brendan Corver Simply A Star returned $36 on tote and the runner up returned over $10 for a place. Consequently the Trifecta was in excess of $5,800. Race Two was dominated by four year old Donnyonetime who led throughout in effortless fashion. Following a fast getaway the Helen Harding trained galloper dashed away just prior to straightening and saluted by three lengths. First starter Gwen Ten caught the eye and ran second with Time To Front filling third position.

The third race was the Bay Automotive Group Maiden (1200m) and former leading rider Rod Kirkup trained the winner Algorism. The four year old survived a late lunge from Magical Note to win by half a head. Hi Dollie hit the lead in the straight but could only manage a third. Race Four was the K.J. Norton Building Company Handicap and Mr Magnificent was victorious. The Mt. Barker trained grey burst down the outside and was able to hold off a late challenge from Lyoveldio. He also survived a protest from the runner up whose rider alleged interference at the top of the straight. Race favourite Comes Round was a length away in third. The Bay Automotive Group Handicap commenced the Quaddie and Landmark Lady was able to make in two wins on the trot. Apprentice Andrew Castle timed his run to perfection and defeated Just Sue who ran a ‘cracker’ first up. Arcade Attraction poked through the pack late to claim third spot.

The Open Class race of the day was the Esperance Freight Line Handicap and the evergreen ten year old from Mt. Barker He’s Smokin’ was first out and first home. Apprentice Michael Grantham shot him to an early lead and at the top of the straight let him go, the official margin was just over a length but it was a comfortable win. Ron’s Gem rocketed home from last at the home turn to run second and consistent top-weight Expedition finished third. A plunge came off in the seventh event, the West River Legends Stud Handicap. Hackett’s Heart settled midfield but finished like a bullet train to win by 2.50 lengths over Put Option and Miss Alonso. This fellow is one to follow in the lead up to this season’s Esperance Cup. Race Eight was named in honour of a great contributor to Esperance racing, Churchie White. “The Churchie” Handicap was taken out by the fleet-footed Masters Seal. Trained at Manypeaks by Jo-Anne Leeson he was ridden aggressively to find the front and at the top of the straight booted clear to win by over two lengths. Royal Wing and Wing Star were the minor placegetters while the well backed favourite Stormy Express finished close up in fourth position.

The next meeting held at the E.B.T.C. will be a seven-race card on Friday January 7 with a late start and a late finish. Horses to follow ; Cut And Dried, Donnyonetime, Hi Dollie, My Girl Kate, Just Sue, Ron’s Gem, Hackett’s Heart and Platinum Lad.

Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Albany/ Esperance Boxing Day Previews December 26th

2010-12-23T20:22:00.001+08:00

Albany Preview

Seven races are set down for the ARC's second biggest meeting of the year. It does not look a strong meeting on paper with some small fields, but the Boxing Day meeting is usually more about socialising for the racegoers ahead of the actual racing.

Only five runners will face the starter over the 1500m to open the meeting Monsieur Blanc abd The Keillor Kid the main chances. Pwakkers Back and I'm Here To Win look set to fight out race two over 1100m. Finding the winner of the 1100m Maiden Race three won't be easy, with Toss N Spin the best performed horse in the race but very disappointing last start. Desert Oak gets another chance in the 1500m Maiden after been run down last start after possibly going to early. Cho Son looks a chance to go back to back in the 1600m Race Five,meeting a similar field that he beat last start. Race Six is an open affair with Bella Sempre, Soldiers Salute, Chuck The Bird and Bombard all with claims. Not a lot of exposed form in the last but any of All Spots, Briello, Soviet Prince and Classy Flirt all have claims if the can reproduce their best

Esperance Preview

Sunday’s meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club will be a TAB covered meeting with Racing Radio Coverage. Unfortunately the fixture won’t be co-mingled with SuperTAB and won’t be shown on Sky Channel with both Pinjarra and Albany also racing. Large fields and eight races are the order of the day and the first event is set down for 1:28pm. It’s the Dr. Graham Jacobs Maiden over 1400m and Lucky Bay looks hard to beat. Beaten narrowly at her only start the four year old will take holding out. Resuscitator is a speedy type while The Comforter also looks to have strong each way claims. Expect Snooza, Cut And Dried and Miss Mohican to start under 10/1.

Race Two is the Rob Dutton Spreading Maiden and Donnyonetime looks very hard to catch. He has been beaten narrowly at his two Esperance starts and looks set to break his Maiden status. Main dangers look to be Time To Front and Lara’s Business although there are five first starters. The Bay Automotive Maiden is over 1200m and lining up the form isn’t easy. Hi Dollie was placed at massive odds a fortnight ago and with the pace on again she should be in the thick of things. The fourth is sponsored by the K.J. Norton Building Company and last start winner Lyoveldio will be one of the favourites. My Girl Kate won her Maiden last start but has drawn wide in gate twelve. Comes Round, Trida Brando, Outside Influence and Mr Magnificent have been thereabouts and look to be fringe candidates.

Race Five commences the Quadrella and is sponsored by the Bay Automotive Group. Summer Crossing is a class-dropper and recent winners Western Crown, Tashi Delek and Landmark Lady will have support. Just Sue resumes and boasts an impeccable record at the venue. The Esperance Freight Line Handicap is over 1300m and the Brendan Corver trained Expedition will be aiming to notch a hat-trick of victories. Ron’s Gem rises to Open Sprint class but only has to carry 54.5kg. He’s Smokin’ has been in good form and Cyclonic Force is a ‘run on’ type who can challenge late. The West River Legends Stud Handicap (1600m) sees the clash of last start winner Cyclos, bold front runner Key’s Ace and powerful finisher Hackett’s Heart. Put Option, Ears Loppy and Miss Alonso all look suited by the rise in distance. The last is scheduled for 5:57pm and is named “The Churchie’ Handicap, named in honour of EBTC stalwart Churchie White. Stormy Express is sure to start a warm favourite after a couple of eye-catching efforts. Royal Wing, Platinum Lad and She’ll Be Right will also have strong support. The atmosphere on Boxing Day is always terrific so make sure you get to the track this Sunday !

Early Tips ; Lucky Bay, Donnyonetime, Hi Dollie, Lyoveldio, Tashi Delek, Ron’s Gem, Hackett’s Heart and Stormy Express.

Albany Review Thursday December 16th

2010-12-17T09:48:00.000+08:00

Apprentice Alex Lawrence continued his affinity with seven year old mare Alchenic, when she won her fourth race at Albany on Thursday in good company. Lawrence did not have his own way early and was taken on for the lead before assuming control after 250m. Alchemic dashed clear on straightening and came on to win in good style.

Apprentice Alex Lawrence
Race One: Soldiers Salute at his third race start fought on boldy to win by a half head over Call Me Ned who looked the winner when he loomed up ath 100m. Liliy La Bell battled on fairly for a distant third ahead of Beyond The Legend who ran on again at her second race start.

Race Two: The Dark Side finished too strongly for Kirov Park who had led but just failed to hold on. Ragtrader ran on well to get third ahead of Stripped Bear and Just Like Jimmy who ran even races. Toss N Spin and Hold That Girl were disappointing

Race Three: Lightly raced Head To Hell ran down hot favourite Desert Oak who had cleared out on the home turn with a 5 length lead, but was found wanting in the last 100m. Classical Minx and Jordi both ran on fairly to fill third and fourth, with Stormy Sunset a shade down on his best effort.

Race Four: Rank outsider Jazzy's Saint sprinted best in a race that turned into a sit and sprint and narrowly scored over Movie World and favourite Striking Viking who lost his position on the corner. Goldtown plugged away to get fourth.

Race Five: Shawaim remained unbeaten in three starts with an all the way win over other fancy I'm Here To Win who looked to have every chance. Outsider Spartan Idol finished off well to get third just ahead of Storm On By.

Race Six: Eternal Advice sat on the pace and quickly accounted for leader Portica on straightening and came away to win easily over On The Double and favourite Jarnac who only battled on fairly. The race was delayed with two late scratchings

Race Seven: Alchemic did not have things all her own way and came away for a solid win to remain unbeaten at Albany. Apprentice Alex Lawrence had to use some early petrol to lead but after been challenged on the corner by The Tax Man, came away to win over Week Bix and Crosswide who ran on well.

Race Eight: The old ghostly grey The Keillor Kid produced his trademark finish to get over the favourite Bella Sempre with Trimconnection coming from last for third. Soviet Prince battled on fairly for fourth with Dambig a little unlucky back fifth..

Race Nine: Cho Son well supported to be favourite, handled the rise in grade to fight on strongly to beat Galinba Blast in the last with both horses coming together over the 100m, with Gotanygoss who had a good run in transit just beaten off late and held down third. Dark Humour led and faded in the last 100m to fourth, and Monsieur Blanc close up but just finding the 1500m too far.

Albany Preview Thursday December 16th

2010-12-14T12:58:00.001+08:00

Thursday see's a big nine event card after losing Mt Barker last week to weather, and the delayed return of Jolanta Star in the Sprint over 1200m. The Max Hockey trained gelding will carry the big impost of 60.5kg after the 2kg allowance for Hayley Diener, who opted for the smart grey ahead of last start winner The Tax Man.

Race One: Call Me Ned good effort when second behind Winehorse, who has since won at Bunbury. Soldiers Salute shown ability at two race starts and well placed here. De Troy Roy fair effort Bunbury and again behind Winehorse this track. Panaster Boy not disgraced at debut but this is not any easier. Jolanta Sky solid efforts at two runs back, need to reproduce. Miss Mohican placed at Collie two starts back has pace. Hallowell Star ran on well after missing start at latest effort. Beyond the Legend fai effort at debut, but drawn wide here. Lily La Bell fair effort at only start Kalgoorlie. Likely improver.

Race Two: The Dark Side four placings in ten starts, fair effoprt last start here. Ragtrader not faraway at latest runs in similar company. Mcintyre will improve on first up run when received interference. Toss N Spin placed at debut Pinjarra in three starts. Respect here. Stripped Bear not disgraced at debut Bunbury, drawn wide here. Kirov ParK pay to forget second up run on go on close second first up. Belles Fury showed form over more ground last time in. Hold That Gal failed badly first up but has been placed at Bunbury.

Race Three: Jordi fair effort first up in stronger company, but has had plenty of chances. Sir Chewzalot good effort first up and this trip will suit. Stormy Sunset better effort second up and well placed here. Head To Hell lot better effort last outing, but further improvement required. North Of Pemby not placed in six starts but drops in class here. Desert Oak good efforts at three race starts and close to a win.

Race Four: Goldtown not suited last start when race turned into a sprint home, chance here. Attadale good efforts at two runs back and ready to win. Movie World better suited second up when race run to suit. Chance again. Striking Viking followed win here with good efforts Bunbury and Ascot. Up in class but in form. Certain Magic just beaten here and not disgraced at Ascot last Saturday. Melrose Prince has run some fair races in stronger company

Race Five: I'm Here To Win won Ascot five starts back and drop in class here. Storm On By drops in grade here. Resumes after twelve months. All Spots solid effort first up and expect similar here. Shawaim winner at only two starts very impressive latest win.

Race Six: Eternal Advice got well back second up when midfield. Suited this distance won twice at trip. On The Double better effort second up and suited here. Dark Money got home well last start at 1500m and this trip looks ideal. Jarnac easy maiden winner last start and placed this trip. Shovely won Maiden two starts back this is much harder. Portica mid field two runs here this distance will be more to her liking.

Race Seven: Jolanta Star in great form last season won recent trial well. Has big weight of 60.5kg, up 10.5kg on last win. Crosswise placed two starts back never likely last outing. Alchemic won well here and just caught at Ascot last outing. Take some catching. Week Bix yet to strike form in two runs back. The Tax Man narrow winner last start and goes up in class here. Pwakkers Back just beaten last outing in milder company.

Race Eight: Dambig won three starts back and placed lastest outing similar company. The Keillor KId average efforts at three runs back, ready to produce best. Bella Sempre ran on strongly when just beaten last start. Well drawn here. Bombard good effort first up but badly drawn here. Chaddie resumes here may be looking for more ground. January Boys won at second start when led. Up in grade here. Soviet Prince not disgraced last start when showed pace. Trimconnection solid effort second up when had no luck. Capable. Sukey Tawdrey disappointing last couple and need to do better. Why So Blue not that far away last start but has not won for awhile. Ridgewood Manna good effort two starts back then .... impossible to follow. Tiga Roamno well back at two runs back. Is capable of better.

Race Nine: Don't Tell Toby never a chance last start after good effort previous start. Worth another chance. Megablitz not fired at two runs since good first up effort. Capable of better. Monsieur Blanc improved at third run back and can reproduce here. Collayshell impressive at wo wins here and hard to beat again. Midnight Touch sure to improve on fair first up effort. Galinba Blast much better effort second up. Untried this trip. Cho Son good run first up and this trip will suit. Dark Humour mixed form last season here and moderate at at latest two. Succesful Spin not really fied this time in and meets solid field here. Bungarra won Maiden here 1400m. Steps in class in this. Gotanygoss very disappointing of late. Jeneviv fair effort fisrt up and capable of improving but hard here.

Early Selections:
R1: Call Me Ned, Soldiers Salute, Lily La BelL, De Troy Roy
R2: Kirov Park, Toss N Spin, Stripped Bear, The Dark Side
R3: Desert Oak, StoRmy Sunset, Sir Chewzalot, North Of Pemby
R4: Attadale, Movie World< Striking Viking, Goldtown
R5: Shawaim, I'm Here To Win, All Spots, Storm On By
R6: On The Double, Jarnac, Eternal Advice, Dark Money
R7: Jolanta Star, Alchemic, Pwakkers Back, Week Bix
R8: Bella Sempre, Trimconnection, Bombard, Dambig
R9: Collayshell, Monsieur Blanc< Cho Son, Midnight Touch

Esperance Review - Saturday December 11th

2010-12-13T11:21:00.000+08:00

Saturday’s meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club was the second to be televised throughout Australasia on the Sky Channel network. Big fields, some top jockeys and TV coverage led to a large amount of off-course turnover which is very encouraging for the race club.

Favourite backers were off to a great start when Shaun Meeres steered My Girl Kate to an effortless triumph in the first event, the McCreeds Classique Jewellers Maiden. The four year old mare enjoyed an easy run before scoring by 2.25 lengths over Donnyonetime and Time To Front.

The second was sponsored by Jetset Esperance and Debany Poll Dorsets and local speedster Tashi Delek led all the way. She found the outright lead easily from a wide gate and went on to provide a thrill for her young, 3kg claiming apprentice Alex Lawrence. Newcomer Kaszanka finished second with Trida Brando running on strongly to claim third. The Concrete World Handicap was taken out by Landmark Lady who zoomed down the outside to win by one length in a fast 1.10.32. Seven horses crossed the line together in a raffle for the minor placings with roughies She’ll Be Right and Hello Dollie claiming second and third respectively.

The fourth race was the Sharpe Brothers Handicap and top-weight Expedition showed class, winning by over a length in a new track record of 1.09.44. That time was just 0.11 inside of the great William’s Steal’s time that was set back in 2004. He’s Smokin’ battled on gamely to be the runner up and after a wide run Mufasa finished third. The Quick’N’Clean Carwash Maiden (1300m) provided a close finish. The Kalgoorlie trained Cyclos scored narrowly over Lucky Bay and Snooza wasn’t far away in third position. Cyclos was ridden confidently by apprentice Hayley Diener while Lucky Bay took the shortcuts before challenging unsuccessfully in the late stages.

The Home Hardware Handicap belonged to Lyoveldio who held off a late challenge from race favourite Stormy Express. Platinum Lad and Grand Storm shared the lead for a long way before finishing third and fourth respectively. The final race was the Duncan Stewart Liquor Store Country Challenge Heat and it provided a ‘blanket’ finish. The Justin Parsons trained All The Gold zoomed down the outside to hand young hoop Hayley Diener a double. Local talent Ron’s Gem ran second with Hackett’s Heart and Jeux D’Esprit in third and fourth spots. The margins were a (neck x neck x head). The SuperTAB Quadrella returned a giant dividend of $8,396 and amazingly, turnover on the last race exceeded $98,000. The next meeting held at the E.B.T.C. will be on Boxing Day with the usual 2pm start. The following fixture will be a Friday twilight meeting on January 7, with the first of seven races scheduled for approximately 3pm.

Horses to follow ; Time To Front, Super Bullant, Corolla, Mufasa, Leidenwin, Platinum Lad and Hackett’s Heart.

Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Esperance Preview Saturday 11th December - SKY 2

2010-12-09T14:51:00.000+08:00

The second meeting of the 2010/2011 season at the Esperance Bay Turf Club gets underway this Saturday afternoon and the first race is scheduled for 2:04pm. Big fields are the order of the day and all seven races will be televised throughout Australasia via the Sky Channel network. Trainer Brendan Corver looks set for another solid day at the office after preparing a treble at the opening fixture.

The first event is the McCreed’s Classique Jewellers Patrons Maiden (1100m) and My Girl Kate looks hard to stop. The four year old mare ran a close second to the promising Honor’s Secret two weeks ago and has drawn nicely in gate three for Shaun Meeres. Donnyonetime showed pace at his Esperance debut and should be thereabouts while Toledo Express, Magical Note, Time To Front and Simply A Star all look to have claims. Betting will be the best guide to the fitness of first starters Tudor Square, Zedalinko, Lara’s Business and Love Is Fleeting. Race Two is the Jetset Esperance & Debandy Poll Dorsets Handicap (1000m) and Western Crown is likely to start a warm favourite after winning impressively first up. The seven year old mare clocked a fast time and with a touch of luck in transit is certain to be in the finish. Masters Seal has raced with success at Esperance in the past while speedsters Outside Influence and Tashi Delek will take running down.

The third is sponsored by Concrete World and track specialist Royal Wing is sure to benefit from her first up hitout and is sure to be very hard to beat. Corolla showed promise last start and expect improvement from Landmark Lady, El Serenata and Twice The Speed. Honor’s Secret was a debut winner a fortnight back and is sure to be powering home. The fourth kicks off the Quadrella and is the Sharpe Brothers Handicap. Expedition looms as the one to beat after his first up win two weeks ago. The eight year old came from behind to defeat Mufasa and despite being alotted 60.5kg is likely to start a warm favourite. Burnzy and Swahili resume from breaks while Mufasa is sure to strip fitter. Mt. Barker trained ten year old He’s Smokin’ was posted wide last start and if able to lead can take catching at each way odds.

Race Five is the Quick’N’Clean Carwash Maiden and the major chances look to be Cut And Dried, Cyclos, Resuscitator, The Comforter and Snooza. A capacity field of fourteen is set to face the starter and finding the winner won’t be easy. The Home Hardware Handicap (1300m) is another event that looks wide open on paper. Stormy Express caught the eye last start while Miss Alonso, Mr Magnificent and Shameless Hussy are sure to provide stiff opposition. The Duncan Stewart Liquor Store Handicap (1300m) is the last race and is scheduled for 5:49pm. All The Gold and Ron’s Gem are last start winners and Jeux D’Esprit ran a gallant second at his Esperance debut. Wing Star is a likely improver and Put Option and Hackett’s Heart are going to be finishing fast. It’s fair to stay that conquering the Quaddie will be no easy feat.

Don’t forget the traditional Boxing Day meeting on December 26. Early selections for Saturday ; My Girl Kate, Western Crown, Royal Wing, Expedition, Cut And Dried, Stormy Express and Ron’s Gem.

- Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

## MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER ##Mt Barker Tuesday December 7th

2010-12-04T14:18:00.001+08:00

The Mt Barker Turf Club opene their delayed season this Tuesday with an eight event card. The first staying test of the season will see race hard Chevic travel down to take on On The Double who has won two of three starts at Mt Barker, and Shovely who will be having his first start at the distance. Another highlight will be the return of Jolanta Star who was in devastating form last season when in the care of trainer Max Hockey

Jolanta Star winning Fitzpatrick Plate on Albany Cup day 2010

Race One: Mcintyre lighly raced and pay to overlook first up run. Goes quick early. Tsovies Joy had only one start and fair effort recent Albany trial. Night Rocks fair efforts at only two starts drops in class here.Lily La BelL moderate effort at only start Kalgoorlie. This easier. Charlotte Rose failed at debut but can improve. Rose Of Troy not disgraced at debut and looks suited here.

Race Two: Cheval Magic form average but last run not that bad in stronger company. One Talk yet to be placed but placed recent Lark Hill trial. De Troy Roy battling effort when third at Albany meets similar field here. Unlikley Suspect unplaced in two runs but this looks easier. Kirov Park good run first up then disappointing next start. Can do better from draw. Jolanta Sky solid efforts at two runs back and should be at peak. Powerhouse Miss fair effort debut Bunbury, and likely improver but drawn wide.

Race Three: Stratazoza recent form moderate but much stronger company. Claims 3kg here. Jolanta Sky in fantastic form last time in. Won recent trial and hard to beat. Week Bix yet to fire in two runs back. Capable of better. He's Smokin had no luck first up at Esperance when raced wide. Pwakkers Back won two then narrowly beaten Albany last start. Up in class but down 3.5kg.

Race Four: Comfortably failed first up Bunbury but capable of better. Bungarra good winner racing second up. Drawn wide but has claims. Chuck The Bird very disappointing last start need to better. Winehorse followed placing with easy Maiden win. Up 100m but strong claims. Sukey Tawdrey disappointing at last two starts, but meets milder field here. Tiga Romano faded badly last start and not fired at two runs back. Our Ivy changed stables since moderate run Bunbury.

Race Five: Call Me Ned solid effort when racing first up Albany and strong prospects here. Sugar Stroller placed last two at Pinjarra suggest hard to beat here. Soldiers Salute good efforts at two race starts, meets good field here but respect. Head to Hell better effort at third race start. North Of Pemby yet to be placed at six starts, need to be at best here.Stormy Ale had plenty of chances of late placed at last three and a win is close. Belles Fury showed a bit last time in but may need more ground.

Race Six: Chevic race hard and placed 1800m Geraldton last start. Suited here. On The Double had two runs back and not far away last start. Won here last season. Shovely won Maiden then fair effort 1400m Albany. First try at trip. Sir Don well back at two runs back won 1600m Albany last season. Carrellen Steel finished at rear second up .Hard to follow. Portica shade disappointing second up. Steps up 450m here. Key Dynasty fair effort Albany 1400m last outing. Placed this trip.

Race Seven: Ibrahimovic been racing in stronger company and suited here. Storm On By first up here after 12 months. Experienced camapigner. All Spots good effort first up and sure to improve. In The Move good winner last start and looks well placed here. Tick Tock goes quick but disappointing last two starts. Briello not far away last start but improvement required. Masters Seal old timer who is capable. Soviet Prince led and faded last start over 12oom. This distance better.

Race Eight: All The Gold two good runs back including Esperance win. Midnight Touch fair effort first up and likely to improve. Galinba Blast better effort second up and capable but drawn wide. Left For Dead resuming placed last outing 1600m. Luv Playing To Win close up Pinjarra 1200m and find this easier. The Keillor Kid yet to hit best form in three runs back but suited here. Bella Sempre just beaten at Albany last start and solid prospects. Trimconnection fair efforts at two runs back and has good record this track.

Early thoughts:
Race 1: Lilly La Bell, Mcintyre , Night Rocks, Tsovie's Joy
Race 2: Kirov Park, De Troy Roy, Jolanta Sky, POwehouse Miss
Race 3: Jolanta Star#, Pwakkers Back, Stratazoa, Week BIx
Race 4: Winehorse ##, Bungarra, Comfortably, Chuck The Bird
Race 5: Stormy Ale, Call Me Ned, Sugar Stroller, Soldiers Salute
Race 6: On The Double, Chevic, Key Dynasty, Sir Don
Race 7: All Spots, Ibrahimovic, In The Move, Briello
Race 8: Belle Sempre, Midnight Touch, Trimconnection, Galinba Blast

Albany Review Tuesday November 30th

2010-12-01T11:53:00.003+08:00

Jockey Jess Valas resumed her career on a bright note, when riding a double for the Gerry Hughes stable at yesterdays meeting. Valas who had taken six rides over the past month after a year off had five rides at the meeting.

Collayshell narrowly wins the last Photo courtesy of Kelly Fox
Race One: Jarnac came from last at the 500m to win impressivley albeit a moderate field. The five year old grey should be better suited over further ground. Desert Oak battled on gamely to be placed with Stormy Sunset running on for third. Regimental Song was an improved effort, but not a lot could be said for the beaten division.
Race Two: Second starter January Boys led and held out a late charge from favourite The Dark Side, with Sir Chewzalot a good first up third. Hallowell Star was a better run after missing the start and Beyond The Legend got home well at his debut.
Race Three: Movie World sat just off the pace and finished too strong for Noble Steed who led at a moderate pace, which did not suit the back markers. Attadale ran on fairly for third ahead of Goldtown and both are looking for more ground.
Race Four: The Tax Man racing third up took the lead after straightening and just held off Pwakkers Back who finished hard along the fence. Monsieur Blanc did not finish far away in third with Soviet Prince fading to fourth.
Race Five: In The Move with a 3kg drop in weight followed up on a good last start effort to win in a close finish over favourite I'm Called Earl and Cho Son who was racing first up. Mr Magnificent finished off fairly for fourth, with Succesful Spin disappointing again.
Race Six: Shawaim at his second race start could not have been more impressive and raced away to win by 3 3/4 lengths easily over Bombard and Dambig. Shawaim had them beaten 250m out and was only shaken up in the last 150m.
Race Seven: Collyashell made it two from two with a good but narrow win over outsider Certain Magic with Aliento close up third. Dark Money and Kaiser Crown both ran on well to be just behind the placegetters. Fancied Eternal Advice, Megablitz and Don't Tell Toby failed to really run on. Their could be excuses for Megablitz who may have knocked in the head by a fractious horse in the barriers.

Esperance Review Saturday 27th November

2010-12-01T11:52:00.003+08:00

Saturday’s meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club was the first to be televised throughout Australasia on the Sky Channel network. It went off without a hitch and the Instant Video Maiden kicked things off just after 2pm. Russell Hanson didn’t let down favourite backers, guiding three year old debutant Honor’s Secret to a narrow victory. She settled worse than midfield before charging to victory, defeating My Girl Kate by a short neck. A head away third was Donnyonetime who battled away well after setting the speed. The time of 57.76 was just outside of the track record.

Race Two was the MCM Protection Maiden and a field of eleven faced the starter. Shameless Hussy was ridden aggressively by Richard Rhodes and scored easily over Resuscitator and first starter The Comforter. Mt. Barker galloper All The Gold saluted in the J. Tieri Roofing Handicap for trainer Justin Parsons and apprentice Hayley Diener. Corolla battled on well after leading to run second and Royal Wing was close up in third position.

A track record was broken in the fourth event when Western Crown flashed home to win over 1000m. Young hoop Ned Coldbeck pulled her out with 200m to run and she surged to victory and clocked 56.64 (over 1000m). That time was over a second faster than Shellpak’s previous mark of 57.70 that was set back in 1992. Local speedster Tashi Delek finished second and Outside Influence wasn’t far away in third position. Another track record was broken in the Ray’s Contracting Handicap. Nine year old Expedition was ridden a treat by Russell Hanson, and arrived in time to defeat pacemaker Mufasa and outsider Suummer Crossing. The time of 1.02.73 was well inside the record Henry De Horse set last season for the 1100m distance. The Horizon Power Country Challenge Heat was taken out by promising local Ron’s Gem. The four year old mare now has four wins from six starts at Esperance and is part owned and trained by Jeff Eeles. Jeff also prepared the mother Ron’s Wish who won plenty of races herself, including a victory on Esperance Cup Day. Jeux D’Esprit performed well first up, running second and Hackett’s Heart ran on stylishly to be third.

Track staff are to be congratulated on the condition of the racing surface. Two track records and nothing but compliments from stewards and riders is all the club could ask for and with regular Sky coverage from now on, the only way is up for the E.B.T.C. Congratulations to Mr Don Piercey and Mr Kevin Scott who were awarded life memberships of the club. Both men have contributed greatly to Esperance racing for many years and are well deserving of their recognition. The next meeting will be on the afternoon of Saturday December 11 with the first event scheduled for just after 2pm.

Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Albany Preview Tuesday November 30th - SKY 1

2010-11-28T18:25:00.006+08:00

The third meeting of the season will be held this Tuesday afternoon with a later start commencing at 2pm. The final race of the day looks a good betting medium with impressive first up winner Collayshell stepping up in distance and tackling seasoned horses in Don'Tell Toby, Megablitz and Eternal Advice

Goldtown has been close up at two runs back from a spell

Race One: Jarnac good effort 1400m first up and ideally suited here. Stormy Sunset moderate effort 1400m first up. Sure to improve. Ladson very average effort at Bunbury first up. Capable of better. Vain Crusher not far away 1100m first up. Previous form suggest a strong chance. Desert Oak good efforts at only two starts and claims here.

Race Two: Sir Chwezalot resuming here. Showed a bit late in season last time in. Rasadasc resumes after Bunbury trial placing. Previous form fair in stronger company. Daneclicked makes decut here after city trial. January Boys midfield at debut and likely improver. Panaster Boy makes debut after two fair trial efforts. Stripped Bear making debut after trialling fairly at Albany. The Dark Side has three placings in nine starts. Drop in class here.

Race Three: Noble Steed good first up then disappointing next run. Can do better. Crosswise big improver second up when just beaten. Goldtown two runs back from spell good and suited here. Attadale doing best work at finish first up. This trip suits. Movie World found 1100m too short first up, go better here.

Race Four: Pwakkers Back in form with two wins back from a spell. Races best when fresh. The Tax Man close up at two runs back from spell. Monsieur Blanc not too far away at second run back. Jazzy Saint capable of better than effort at Collie. The Mighty Boosh fair effort first up and similar company here. Why So Blue moderate first up, has not won for sometime.

Race Five: I'm Called Earl two good efforts when running on from the rear on front runners tracks. Succesful Spin two solid efforts back from a spell. Ready to produce best. The Keillor Kid better effort when racing second up. Can surprise. Blazing Icon not far away at two runs back. Rarely wins. Cho Son won at 1600m last season. Placed recent 1000m trial. In The Move fair effort here last start. Need to reproduce. Trimconnection will improve on first up run at Narrogin. Kings Tribute good efforts at two runs back but finds winning hard. Mr Magnificent races best when fresh resumes here after trial placing. Alabaramer resumes. Placed first up last season.

Race Six: Dambig won Maiden then moderate effort this company. Chuck The Bird not too far away at last two starts. Shawaim fighting winner at debut. Up in class but looks to have ability. Ridgewood Manna just beaten when racing second up. Mixes form. Tiga Romano failed first up but capable of better. Jeneviv resumes here showed ability last season.

Race Seven: Eternal Advice good first up effort and suited here on past form. Don't Tell Toby strong effort at latest start. Always handy. Megablitz good first up effort and should noe be at peak. Aliento beaten favourite first up but escuses. Has trialled since. Kaiser Crown not far away second up at Pinjarra. Form has been fair. Collayshell good winner when racing first up. Steps up 300m first try at trip. Dark Money placed second up at Narrogin after failing here. Disco Reveller battling effort last start this is harder. Gotanygoss not fired in two runs back needs to do better. Xaarphonic dropping in class on latest runs and won Northam five runs back

Early thoughts:
Race One: Jarnac, Desert Oak, Vain Crusher Stormy Sunset
Race Two: The Dark Side, Stripped Bear, Rascadasc, Sir Chewzalot
Race Three: Goldtown, Noble Steed, Movie World, Attadale
Race Four: Pwakkers Back, The Tax Man, Monseuir Blanc, The Mighty Boosh
Race Five: I'm Called Earl, Succesful Spin, Cho Son, Kings Tribute
Race Six: Shawaim, Jeneviv, Chuck The Bird, Ridgwood Manna,
Race Seven: Eternal Advice, Collayshell, Megablitz, Don't Tell Toby

ESPERANCE Preview with Ryan Levitzke - SKY 2

2010-11-26T10:06:00.000+08:00

The first meeting of the 2010/2011 season at the Esperance Bay Turf Club gets underway this Saturday afternoon and the first race is scheduled for 2:01pm. It’s history for the E.B.T.C. with the first ever meeting to have SuperTAB coverage and Sky Channel coverage throughout Australasia. While it’s magnificent news for the club it’s also terrific news for serious punters. However on Saturday the vast majority of gallopers are resuming and/or debuting at the track so finding winners won’t be easy. Senior riders Russell Hanson, Peter Farrel, Shaun Meeres, Neil Chapman and Misty Bazely will be accompanied by a host of promising apprentices.

The Instant Video Maiden (1000m) is the first of six races. Resume Play, Miss Heckyll, Honor’s Secret, My Girl Kate and Donnyonetime have all been produced at the barrier trials but betting activity is sure to be the best guide to their chances. Three of the eight gallopers are having their first race start.

Race Two is the MCM Protection Maiden (1200m) and we saw a few of these runners last year. Cut And Dried will wear saddle-cloth numero uno and on November 14 won an 800m trial by more than a length. Last season he caught the eye on many occasions but his lack of early speed is a concern and ultimately cost him breaking his maiden status. Expect him to be running on powerfully at the finish. Cyclos, Shameless Hussy, Rarina and The Comforter are also recent trial winners and the Ross Daniels trained Leidenwin is a last start placegetter at Kalgoorlie.

Race Three starts the Quaddie and is called the J. Tieri Roofing Handicap over 1100m. Royal Wing raced with a lot of success last season and won her last two starts in February over 1400m and 1300m. She won a trial earlier this month and has drawn nicely in barrier three. Expect stiff competition from All The Gold who ran second at Albany last start. Landmark Lady and Grand Storm also look to have genuine claims.

Race Four is the EBTC Memorial Handicap and speedsters Outside Influence and Tashi Delek are sure to be prominent for a long way. Top-weight Spartan Idol won over 1100m at Northam in August, Comes Around scored over 1100m at Kalgoorlie in May and Stormy Express and Western Crown both showed talent at Esperance last season.

The Ray’s Contracting Handicap (1100m) sees the return of track specialist He’s Smokin’. He boasts a fantastic strike rate but so does opponents Expedition and Ears Loppy. Mufasa and Dan The Fox will debut at the venue while Summer Crossing will only carry 54kg.

The last event is scheduled for 5:13pm and while Key’s Ace has poor numerical form next to his name he is sure to have admirers. The nine year old was placed in this year’s Esperance Cup and he is capable of sprinting well fresh. Silver Ambush won his last start at Norseman and the likes of Danacolada, Put Option, Ron’s Gem, Twice The Speed and Hackett’s Heart will all have support.

It’s fair to say that tipping with confidence for the rest of the season will be a lot easier after Saturday. Early selections ; Honor’s Secret, Cyclos, Royal Wing, Well Adjusted, He’s Smokin’ and Danacolada.

- Ryan Levitzke (race caller)

Albany Review Sunday November 21st

2010-11-21T17:34:00.003+08:00

The second meeting of the season The Albany track produced a front runners paradise with six leaders winning and on pace runners winning the other two races. Leading trainers Steve Wolfe, Paul Hunter and Mark Nelson have dominated thus far and all trained winning doubles. Jockeys Shaun Mcgruddy and Noel Rudland also had winning doubles.

Race One: Last seasons leading Jockey Shaun McGruddy kicked off his 2010/11 campaign with an all the way win with Bungarra after been rated perfectly in front, over debutant Street Magician who battled on well Jarnac coming late for third, just ahead of Desert Oak. Favouriye Kirov Park pulled in the and was struggling 150m out and finished a well beaten fifth.

Race Two: First starter Shawaim showed fighting qualities to fight back and win by a nose over favourite Eliza Lea in a tight finish. Shawaim began quickly and led at fast rate and followed up on his good trial form. Soldiers Salute finished third after racing wide and Jolanta Sky ran on well but wanted to hang in costing her any chance of winning.

Race Three: Speedy mare Winehorse made it three leaders to win when she scorched a path in front and won easily by 4 lengths over Call Me Ned and De Troy Roy. Rag Trader ran on from well back to get fourth just ahead of Dark N Stormy.

Race Four: Smart mare Lady Lavenham at her first attempt at 1400m was rated well in front by apprentice Damien Lane, and shaken up on straightening came away to win easily over Don't Tell Toby and Disco Reveller.

Race Five: Wolfe Dreams was rated well in front and ran the 1200m in a smart 1.10.44 and scored by a neck over outsider Crosswise and Height Of Heights, with Attadale a good run first up to be fourth. Other fancy Noble Steed was disappointing and never came on in the straight, whilst Week Bix dropped out in the last 150m.

Race Six: The frontrunner bubble burst when King Point rallied hard to get over pacemaker Redford to win. It was a good ride by apprentice Yannick Valenti who rode King Point, as he made Redford work to lead. Key Dynasty and Chuck The Bird ran on fairly to fill third and fourth but a margin back from the winner.

Race Seven: Favourit Rayo Veloz had to do some early and sat outside the leader before dashing clear on straightening, and then had to fight out late challenges to just beat Bella Sempre who ran on well and outsider Ridgewood Manna the margins a half head a nose. All Spots ran a fair race first up.

Race Eight: Collayshell overcame a wide draw to lead and win well over I'm Called Earl who ran on well and Viking Lad, ahead of Galinba Blast who was much improved. Lost Oscar left the barriers without a rider, but had no baring on the race the winner was too good.

Albany Sunday 21st November, 2010 Sky 1 Sky Racing World

2010-11-19T10:40:00.003+08:00

The second meeting of the season in the Great Southern will be held this Sunday at ~~Mt Barker~~ Albany, with an eight race programme. Highlights will be the smart Lady Lavenham up against stablemate Striking Viking and experienced campaigner Troubled Smile over 1400m and the clash between Noble Steed and Wolfe Dreams.

Striking Viking narrowly beats Wolfe Dreams. Photo courtesy Aysemart

Race One: Jarnac has shown a little in previous campaigns over ground but yet to win. Stormy Sunset resumes here. Showed a bit last time in and should break Maiden status soon. Bungarra mediocre run first up but sure to improve with senior rider on. Desert Oak impressed at debut when placed this distance and raced greenly. Courageously first run for near on three years was sound but drawn wide. Kirov Park got to front and just beaten 1400m first up. Sure to strip fitter. Metal Spider doing best work at finish over 1400m here.

Race Two: Buckenstyle distant 5th straight 1000m Pinjarra second start. Likely improver. Mcintyre lightly raced but done plenty of trialling. Goes quick. Soldiers Salute fair effort at debut but not fared well at barrier here. Vain Crusher fair form when last in work, nice trial here a fortnight ago. Shawaim makes debut here after 600m & 1000m trial wins. Jolanta Sky likely improver on nice effort first up over 1100m. Eliza Lee very good effort at Bunbury when resuming at second race start.

Race Three: Dark N Stormy placed twice this district last season and nicely drawn here first up. Ragtrader not faraway when resuming at Bunbury and has claims. Street Player well back when resuming after missing start and capable of far better. Hallowell Star resumes here, was placed this track last season in mild Maiden. Winehorse good effort from wide draw when placed here fortnight ago. Close to a win. De Troy Roy distant 4th at Bunbury recentley. Hold That Gal placed at Bunbury in two starts and resumes here. Call Me Ned placed at Bunbury in twelve starts. Won recent 1000m trial in good style. Charlotte Rose makes debut here. Slow away in recent trial but finished off well.

Race Four: Striking Viking resumed with narrow but good win 1400m. Goes up 3kg here. Troubled Smile not far away at latest runs and well suited here. Megablitz got home late first up 1400m, and will be doing similar here. Don't Tell Toby finished off well first up, but may be looking for more ground. Lady Lavenham blitzed field first up when easy winner. Smart, first try this trip.

Race Five: Noble Steed very good effort first up and meets similar company here. Wolfe Dreams just caught last start when led. Back 200m here and down 3kg. Week Bix looked in need of run first up and likely improver. Height Of Heights solid effort first up and will meet similar field here.

Race Six: King Point solid effort first up and the extra 200m should suit here. Key Dynasty well back first up Bunbury, best form over more ground. Shovely good fighting win first up, but does go up a class here. Got Any Goss disappointed first up, but this trip will suit better. Redford very good run at Ascot last Saturday when led. Honest but does not win many. Chuck The Bird better effort at Bunbury last start, but overall form just fair. Portica fair effort first up and will improve. King's Tribute good effort first up and extra 200m will suit, but does not win many

Race Seven: The Tax Man fair effort first up and capable of similar here. Rayo Veloz lightly raced and impressive winner first up this trip. All Spots resumes here, honest last season and won twice. Briello disappointed first up capable of better. Blazing Icon fair effort first up, this is not any easier. Bella Sempre won York two starts back then fair effort Bunbury. Ridgwood Manna fair run first up, and likely to strip fitter.

Race Eight: Sexy Saxon a win and placings at only three starts, but drawn wide. Dambig broke Maiden staus first up and goes up a class here. Galinba Blast is better than first up run suggests. Can improve. Succesful Spin should be an improver on good first up effort. I'm Called Earl caught the eye first up when ran on strongly. Collayshell looked good in recent trial and form last campaign was good in city. Viking Lad disappointing last couple and capable of better. Song For Stellar not a lot of luck last start when got home well. Sukey Tawdrey form good in milder company before failing at Bunbury 1400m. Aint No Lady showed a little last season.

Early Thoughts
Race 1: Kirov Park, Deset Oak, Jarnac, Stormy Sunset
Race 2: Eliza Lee, Jolanta Sky, Mcintyre, Bucken Style
Race 3: Winehorse, Ragtrader, Hold That Gal, Street Player
Race 4: Lady Lavenham, Striking Viking, Troubled Smile, Megablitz
Race 5: Noble Steed, Wolfe Dreams, Height Of Heights, Week Bix
Race 6: King Point, Redford, Portica, Key Dynasty
Race 7: Rayo Veloz, The Tax Man, All Spots, Briello
Race 8: Collayshell, Succesful Spin, I'm Called Earl, Song For Stellar

Bunbury Tuesday November 2nd- Photo's

2010-11-15T20:52:00.001+08:00

Had the opportunity to call at Bunbury on Melbourne Cup day, the third biggest meeting crowd wise at Bunbury behind Cup and Stakes day. The club were brilliant as usual, we were well looked after and though it was a 15 hour day all up with travel, look forward to next year.

Albany November 7th, 2010 Review

2010-11-07T16:30:00.003+08:00

First meeting of the season was held in good weather, but the crowd looked down on opening meetings of previous seasons. The track was in excellent shape, but the big blight on the meeting was no Sky Racing vision, which affected punters Australia wide. Regardless of who's fault this was, it should never have been allowed to happen, and must not be allowed to happen again.

Race One: Shovely lead after 300m then was headed by Kirov Park at the 250m, but under strong riding regained the lead to win by a half length. Kirov Park peaked on her run 50m out and will improve further next start. Desert Oak was good at her debut to finish third after getting onto heels at the 300m when attempting to change direction to get a clear run. Metal Spider finished off well to run fourth, with favourite The Pupster looking in need of the run first up with a battling fifth.

Race Two: Apprentice Yannick Valenti rode the perfect race on Dambig, taking the sit on the leaders, gaining the split at the right time, to win by 3/4 length from favourite Holy Sandgroper and leader Winehorse in a good finish. Jolanta Sky had a good run in transit and battled on fairly to finish fourth. Holy sandgroper was not disgraced and is looking for more ground

Race Three: Heavily supported Aliento misssed the start, and then faced an uphill task, missing the money and running fifth. Pwakkers Back had the run of the race and sat off the pace before finishing strongly and held out Dan The Fox late who ran on well. The Tax Man was doing his best work at the finish and ran third.

Race Four: Alchemic remained unbeaten in three starts at Albany with a slashing all the way win. She opened the field up on the corner and was eased down to win by 2 1/4 lengths from Noble Steed who ran on well from near last and Height Of Heights who was third in front of favourite Dante's Oak who never looked a winning chance.

Race Five: Favourite backers finally found a winner when smart mare lady Lavenham blitzed the field to win eased down by 5 1/4 lengths with her head on her chest in a smart 1.10.62, over All The Gold and King's Tribute who ran a nice race first up. With the mare setting a solid clip the backmarkers such as Midnight Touch had no chance.

Race Six: In a tight finish Striking Viking with a 6kg pull in the weights narrowly got over the top of a gallant Wolfe Dreams (62.5kg) with Megablitz running on well to just get third ahead of Eternal Advice who finished on strongly as well. There was some good runs just behind the plagetters from horses reuming such as Goldtown and Don't Tell Toby.

Race Seven: Well backed Rayo Veloz got to the lead easily and sprinted away in the straight to win nicely over King Point who battled away and I'm Called Earl who came from last at the 700m. Succesful Spin ran a nice race first up and Song For Stellar finished on well after been shuffled back before the corner.

To follow: Winehorse, Holy Sandgroper, Deset Oak, Noble Steed, Lady Lavenham, Megablitz, Rayo Veloz

Albany Sunday November 7th, 2010 - Sky 1, Sky Racing World

2010-11-05T11:50:00.073+08:00

The opening meeting of the Great Southern racing season for 2010/11 is to be held this Sunday at Albany. The track looked in supberb condition a fortnight ago at trials and with the late rain since Thursday should be in super condition Sunday. Good fields are entered for all seven races with the first to set off at 1.40pm.

Race One: Opening meeting Maidens are always difficult and the winner here is going to hard find with many racing at 1400m first up.The Pupster has been placed in the city as a two year old, whilst Kirov Park, Villanity, have been placed over shorter trips. Shovely has been placed four of eight starts and this trip will suit him first up. Regimental Song was not disgraced at debut at Collie and can continue to improve. Desert Oak makes debut here but has had a solid trial workout with three runs over 1000m.

Race Two: Holy Sandgroper has been placed at City mid week in four starts and is well drawn. Winehorse followed up on two Provincial placings with solid trial win here but does not fare well at the barrier. Dambig was placed here last season and was a 1000m trial winner. Street Player showed a little last season and should go on with it after a 100m trial win. Classic Image placed at Pinjarra back in April, whilst Jolanta Sky showed ability last season and should further improve.

Dambig wins his trial easily. Photo courtesy Grassrootsracingwa

Race Three: Aliento has shown above average ability in five starts and looks well placed here first up. The Tax Man returns after long enforced lay off and may need some time. Pwakkers Back trialled well and races best when fresh. Blazing Icon and Speedy Bohemian race best when resuming though don't win many this trip is ideal. Soviet Prince had mediocre form over the winter on Provincials but was placed at Northam.

Race Four: Noble Steed is the class runner and will carry 61.0kg here when resuming. Anywhere near his top will take some beating. Week Bix has very ggod first up record and always a chance this company. Dante's Oak has had three starts back after a three year lay off including a Belmont placing. Won first four starts including two in city. Solid at three runs back. Alchemic faded at first up run city will strip fitter. Movie World won 100m trial but may fins this a bit slick. Height Of Heights nice trial effort and rarely runs a bad race.

Consistent galloper Weekbix (Kelly Davidson) wins his trial easily at Albany. Photo courtesy GrassrootsracingWA
Race Five: Lady Lavenham ultra talented mare who blitzed in recent Albany trial. Won both starts at the trip. Briello showed promise last season and resumes here. Midnight Touch best form over more ground but has won at the distance. The Keillor Kid always thereabouts this company but drawn wide. Gotanygoss showed some ability last season and this trip first up looks ideal.

Race Six: Wolfe Dreams talented two year old but has struggled of late in stronger company. Sure to be a big improver on first up city run though up 8kg. Megablitz ran nice trial at Albany and capable of surprising first up. Monsieur Blanc won three up North in four starts but meets much stronger company here. Striking Viking ran nice trial here and will resume after moderate city form. Dark Money form has ben solid since resuming. Sir Don resumes after encouraging middle distance city form. Goldtown resumes and drops in class here.

Race Seven: King Point showed promise last campaign good trial effort here behind Week Bix. Galinba Blast showed plenty at first campaign and resumes here. Rayo Veloz has pace and won here last season. Succesful Spin showed promise last season and won here before spell. Saintiramplaced Bunbury Pinjarra last campaign, failed first up though at Bunbury. Portica former Victorian with solid form. Song For Stellar won Narrogin last campaign not shown up in two runs back in stronger company.

Early thoughts
R1: The Pupster, Kirov Park, Villanity, Bungarra
R2: Winehorse, Holy Sandgroper, Jolanta Sky, Street Player
R3: Aliento, Pwakkers Back, Soviet Prince, Speedy Bohemian
R4: Week Bix, Noble Steed, Dante's Oak, Height Of Heights
R5: Lady Lavenham, Briello, The Keillor Kid, Midnight Touch
R6: Wolfe Dreams, Megablitz, Striking Viking, Sir Don
R7: King Point, Saintiram, Galinba Blast Rayo Veloz.

Albany Trials - Sunday October 24th

2010-10-21T20:46:00.001+08:00

Twelve trials will be held this Sunday at Albany, leading towards the opening meeting on Sunday November 7th.

An interesting participant will be Jockey Grant Lemos who has resided on the Eastern Seaboard based in Townsville after completing his indentures in WA. Lemos last rode in WA back in 2005 with his last state winner been Nostoc in February that year.

Trials commence approx 10.45am with heats contested over 600m & 1000m

Collie Saturday October 23rd, 2010

2010-09-21T10:51:00.003+08:00

The annual Collie Race Club meeting will be held on Saturday October 23rd with the club looking to run a seven event card .

The feature event of the meeting will be the $ 9,000 Collie Crane Hire Cup (62+) to be run over 2000m. The support races are Maidens over 1100m & 1400m, Class 53+ over 1100m and 1400m and Class 56+ over 1200m.

The Club is hopeful of TAB coverage and on course, the normal amenties will be available with Betting on racing Australia wide and Sky coverage.

Club Secretary Roseanne Pimm has reported that the Club has continued on with improvements on course, and again will host a Champagne Luncheon to set punters on their way for the day.

For further deatils contact can be made at roseanne.pimm@gmail.com

Albany Review April 25th

2010-04-26T16:27:00.000+08:00

The final meeting of the Great Southern season was held at Albany on Anzac Day and Jockey Shaun McGruddy got the double he required to edge out Shaun Meeres for the Leading Rider award. With the other awards already decided it was in the second last race of the day on outsider Dante's Princess that McGruddy edged to the lead. Meeres who did not ride at the meeting, missed three meetings in the twenty set down, whilst McGruddy did not ride at the the opening few meetings in the season.

Shaun McGruddy returns on Dante's Princess

Race One: Outsider Gran Corozon scored at long odds with a grinding win over Street Player and Hallowell Star. All three placegetters were having their second race starts, with Street Player and Hallowell Star three years old, whilst Gran Corozon is now a five year old and a day to day proposition for trainer Garry Delane. Gram Corozon was ridden by apprentice Rayce Nielson who really made a name for himself late in the season.

Race Two: Tennessee Waltz appreciated the milder company and finished off well to beat Toledo Express who sat back and ran on powerfully to get second ahead of promising King Point who was caught wide throughout and lost his position on the corner, but ran on well to finish third.

Race Three: Watsons Bay continued his dominance of local racing with another comfortable win over honest Titcherman and veteran He's Smokin

Race Four: It's taken Megablitz a longtime to chalk up his third career win recentley, but he has now made it two from three with a solid win over Le Freq who ran on well, but again was a beaten favourite. Chaddie showed plenty of fight to run third.

Race Five: Honest All Spots ridden well by Takahide Ikenushi proved too strong for favourit Aliento, who was gallant in defeat at only his third race start. Tiga Romano battled on well to run third just ahead of Dash Of brains who came from last at the 600m.

Race Six: Dante's Princess who had yet to strike form since resuming stormed down the outside to win over Classy Flirt who raced wide with Cat Magic narrowly getting third adhead of an improved Danger Money.

Race Seven: This race was delayed after apprentice Rayce Nielso had a tumble in the preliminary and unfortunatley sustained a suspected broken ankle. Furthermore two runners had to be withdrawn at the barrier, Favourite and third favourite Succesful Spin and Divine Dancer. This left Vindane a red hot short priced favourite and he won accordingly over Hililly who ran on from last and an improving Sir Chewzalot.

Albany Sunday April 25th Preview

2010-04-23T13:00:00.003+08:00

Albany Race Club will conduct their last meeting of the season on Anzac Day (with coverage on SKY 2), and Horse Of The Year elect, Watson's Bay can put further icing on the cake when he looks very hard to beat in the Motel Le Grande Sprint for trainer Steve Wolfe who has the Trainers award all parcelled up. Shaun McGruddy again will ride Watson's Bay, and McGruddy will be making a late charge at current Leading Jockey Shaun Meeres who is away riding in Victoria over the next week.

Watson's Bay winning at Mt Barker

Race One: Mankini at second race start much improved when second at Narrogin 920m. Up in distance but worth thought. Back Already makes debut here after recent 600m Albany trial placing. Scrubby yet to be placed in six starts but meets milder company here. Street Player good effort at debut here over 1200m and sure to improve. Hallowell Star fair effort at debut Narrogin 920m. Need to further improve. Alexander The Great placed at Pinjarra five runs back and this field not strong.

Race Two: Dambig solid efforts at latest runs in similar company and close to a win. Dantes Dream has disappointed since a good first up run here, though much better effort last start. Sugar Stroller resumes here after only two starts. Has shown a bit and capable. King Point resumed and caught the eye when running on well here 1200m. Big chance. McIntyre good effort at debut 920m Narrogin January. Recent trial winner who has claims. Tennessee Waltz not disgraced at last three Bunbury and will find this easier. Nothing Burger struggling for form but milder field here. Toledo Express has shown abilty and recent trials very good.

Race Three: Watsons Bay prolific country winner who looks hard to beat here at same weight as last win. Group Memory city form since resuming fair and will appreciate the drop here. He's Smokin solid form without winning and similar case again here. Titcherman yet to win this season and placed last two in similar company. Western Zed placed here two starts back but well back last outing.

Commandeer (Alex Lawrence)

Race Four: Commandeer in solid form and better suited this trip. Won 1500m two runs back. Cho Son scored solid 1600m win here last start and can figure again here. Le Freq again got back had had excuses but proving costly to punters. Chance if not ridden so far off pace. Megablitz overdue win at Narrogin then placed City mid week. In great form rarely runs a bad race. Trimmconnection about the place last few but finding a win hard. Alsaah Warrior two good efforts at 1800m then fair run at the 1600m . Prefer over more ground. Chaddie good effort second 1800m here latest run. Won 1600m six starts back. Whinnen form solid but off the mark last three runs, and capable of better.

Race Five: Dash Of Brains moderate effort first up here than ran on well third 1200m. Up 3kg here. Aliento impressed at only two race starts and resumes here fom short let up after winning Maiden. Redford, good run two starts back but prone to mixing form. The Keillor Kid had had long preparation and better effort last start here 1200m. All Spots always about the place but does not win many. Bawcinthepark resumes here for new stable after two wins in eight starts in solid company.City Of Subiaco not sighted when resuming and can go better. Tiga Romano failed last start over 1500m previous form shorter trips was solid. Look Here Trousers not sighted last start after two good efforts at previous runs.

Race Six: Pwakkers Back disappoiting at last three but drops back a class here and will have claim. Blazing Icon won Pingrup at last start over a month ago. Previous form moderate. Cherpara placed last two at Albany and Narrogin. Suited here. Diamond Royale looked good in winning two and pay to forget first up run at Narrogin. Canny Besain resumes here and has a solid first up record. Cat Magic better effort last start when placed at Narrogin. She's A Saint yet to strike form this time in but meets a mild field here.

Cherpara (Peter Hall)

Race Seven: Successful Spin followed good form with good 1200m Maiden win. Untried this trip Vindane three fair efforts back from a spell. Should be ready to produce best. Sir Chewzalot improving every start and good effort last outing. Divine Dancer good effort two starts back at this trip and suited here. Tanganyika solid effort last start Kalgoorlie 1400m. West River Warrior better effort last start in milder company. Mctease well down on form but capable of better. Missy Lara nice effort last start over 1500m in Maiden company. I'm Called Earl placed here 1600m but well back City mid week. Big drop in class here.

Albany Review Thursday April 15th

2010-04-15T21:28:00.000+08:00

Watsons Bay took a narrow lead in the Horse Of The Year award with a good all the way win over another Horse Of The Year aspirant in Star Buck. Trainer Steve Wolfe produced amother double, an has the Trainers award all tied up, whilst the Jockey award could go down to the wire. Shaun Meeres has a lead of 1.5 wins over Shaun McGruddy, but is unlikely to ride at the final meeting, with engagements in Victoria.

Race One:Though racing first up Sir Don proved too strong and scored a neck victory over outsider Sir Chewzalot who ran on well along the fence with Belles Fury a fair effort to run third. Favourite Shovely looked to held up momentarily after straightening but did not really run on. West River Warrior faded to fourth after leading and Missy Lara was a nice effort to finish fifth.

Race Two:Successful Spin after two placings produced the goods and came away for an easy win over Dambig who had the run of the race and took the lead on straightening. King Point resuming after one start caught the eye when finishing hard to just get third ahead of Dantes Dream and Street Player who was a good run at his debut.

Race Three:Watsons Bay continued his affinity with the Albany track with an all the way victory when well rated in front by Shaun McGruddy. It was the Steve Wofe trained gelding's fifth win in seven starts at the track. Favourite Star Buck chased home the winner but could not get any closer than the margin on the line, and Titcherman finished a distant third.

Race Four: Savage Wolf returned to the winners circle after a long run of outs when getting the upper hand of leader Radio Pleasure in the last 50m to win by a long neck with Commandeer running on late to just get third ahead of favourite My Equine Friend.

Race Five: Trainer John Askevold kept his longtime association with owner Tom Percy in tact when Cho Son won at odds when he ran on to get the better of a game Put Option who raced three wide throughout with Vojo holding third after leading into the straight. Trimconnection ran on fairly for fourth adhead of Vindane who got shuffled back at the turn. Le Freq again proved costly to punters.

Race Six: Young apprentice Alex Lawrence booted home his second winner with back to back victories with Alchemic who was far too good and won nicely over a fast finishing The Keillor Kid and Dash Of Brains who came from near last to cut Majestic Ruby out of the placings. All Spots finished close up, whilst Master Marlon got too far back.

Albany Preview Thursday 15th April

2010-04-12T20:43:00.000+08:00

Race One: Misty Affair placed Bunbury and Pingrup last two outings and has claims though drawn wide. Shovely knocking on the door and solid effort here 1600m last start. Sir Don form solid at only three race starts and races first up here. Stormy Sunset always about the place but finding a win hard. Lizard Drinking good effort last start from wide draw over 1200m. Capable of surprising. West River Warrior last two runs only fair and need to lift. Belles Fury continues to improve and chance here on good effort 1600m last start. Missy Lara had no luck when resuming over 1200m. Big step in distance.

Race Two: Haddon Hall five placings in thirteen starts but need to do better than last effort Pinjarra 1300m. Succesful Spin placed at last two here and is close to a win. Dambig form encouraging before having a hard run last start when unplaced here 1200m. Drawn wide again but respect. Dante Dream good effort first up but disappointing at last start here. King Point resumes after failing at debut after nice trial efforts. Kirov Park good efforts at three runs back and drawn to be right in this again. Glowing Vain not suited at 1600m last start and better placed here at the 1200m. Oriel fair effort first up but not sighted at next start here 1100m.

Race Three: Watsons Bay country form good before looked to have every chance here 1200m last start in stronger company. Star Buck followed excellent form with solid fourth 1200m here in good field. Hard to beat. Titcherman better effort last start here 1200m in similar company. Western Zed mixing form but has claims on best form.

Race Four: Radio Pleasure won two in a row before battling fifth 1800m in strong company. Better suited here. Savage Wolf placed 1800m two starts back then fair effort in Albany Cup. Commandeer broke through 1500m for overdue win. Very consistent but harder here. My Equine Friend stylish 1500m winner last start when running on. Up in class but can measure up. Whiitingham doing best work at finish 1500m here last start. This is harder.

Race Five: Put Option disappointed at last two after good Esperance form. Le Freq proven costly but not much luck at latest runs. Worth another chance. Vinadane should be at peak after two solid runs back from a spell. Alsaah Warrior better efforts at last two runs over 1800m. Trimconnection placed 1500m two runs back but only mid field last start same trip. Albanyorascot made ground late after slow start 1200m latest start. Senior rider aboard capable of improving. Divine Dancer much improved at second run back 1500m when just beaten. Need to reproduce that run again. Street Darling just won 1800m then up in class disappointing over 1800m. Better suited this trip. About Class better effort last start 1500m, but further improvement required. Classy Flirt not disgraced last start 1500m and capable of surprising. Vojo won Maiden 1500m then faded last outing after leading. Jeneviv better effort last outing over 1200m. First try at this distance.

Race Six: Weekly Express form not good but freshened and drops in class here. Alchemic good first up winner 1100m when race run to suit. Meets similar field here. Amelia Storm resumes here after good Kalgoorlie form last season. Master Marlon followed good restricted form with struggling effort in stronger company. Dash Of Brains very disappointing first up and capable of better. Furocitee resumes from spell here after good city form. Placed at this trip. The Keillor Kid has done plenty of racing and has struggled latest efforts. All Spots better effort last start here 1200m and always an each-way chance this company. Majestic Ruby went very fast in front and faded 1100m here last start. Capable if can settle.

Albany Cup Review - Sunday April 4th

2010-04-05T21:23:00.002+08:00

Trainer Adam Durrant made it back to back Albany Cups with Great Destiny when he overpowered the leader Telexden to win by 3/4 of a length, with local hope Attadale running on to finish third. Great Destiny ridden by Jason Whiting led early, before Telexden took over at the 1500m and set a genuine pace. Telexden rated well by Danny Miller in front, attempted to dash away on straightening, but Whiting had the top weight ready to pounce and proved too strong in the run to the line.

Jolanta Star (Rayce Nielson) wins the Fitzpatrick Plate

Race One: Rayo Veloz overcame a wide draw to race outside the leade and hold on for a narrow win from Succesful Spin who ran on well with Kirov Park third and Sacred Script a good effort at his debut fourth. All these horses drew wide as did leader Dambig who faded out in the last 200m. Dominator ran on late to finish a handy fifth.

Rayo Veloz just holds on to win over Succesful Spin.

Race Two: Comfortably was ridden to perfection by Daniel Staeck and came with a well timed run to overpower an improving Belles Fury and Shovely who was another even run. Stormy Sunset again ran an honest race with Dan Falbrav looking to have every chance.

Race Three: Consistent performer Commandeer broke through for an overdue win narrowly defeating favourite Evil Force who battled on strongly. Go Fury Go ran a much improved race to finish third, ahead of About Class who ran a better race.

Race Four: Eternal Advice proved too good running on strongly to get the upper hand over a gallant Chaddie in the last 100m, with Alsaah Warrior a distant third. On The Double travelled well but could only manage fourth. Lukaston loomed on the corner but did not go on.

Eternal Advice (W.Pike) gets the better of Chaddie.

Race Five: The outside barrier was no problem for My Equine Friend as he powered home to beat outsiders Divine Dancer and The Mighty Boosh who took the lead on straightening. Whittingham battled away to run fourth, whilst Le Freq could only run onto finish fifth. Vojo faded after racing on the pace.

Race Six: Rejuvanted galloper Jolanta Star made it three wins in succession for trainer Max Hockey with an easy win over Noble Steed who set a solid pace in front with Week Bix running on to finish third ahead of Star Buck and Watsons Bay who never looked winning chances.

Race Seven: Great Destiny had a great run in transit behind leader Telexden and class prevailed with Great Destiny wearing down Telexden with Attadale running on strongly for third. Timely Reign had a good run but just failed to run the trip out and finished fourth just ahead of Timberlands, Impact Rating and Savage Wolf.

Great Destiny wins the Albany Cup over Telexden.

Race Eight: With a lighting pace set by Majestic Ruby, Alchemic came with a strong run to give apprentice Alex Lawrence his first winner, beating The Upper Hand who again ran a solid race, with Son Of Thunder third ahead of Galinba Blast making ground to finish fourth.

Albany Cup Preview - Sunday April 4th

2010-04-01T20:55:00.002+08:00

The $70,000 Albany Cup to be run this Sunday over 2100m will be an interesting betting race with local in form galloper Timely Reign the obvious favourite, but will meet some handy opponents in last years winner Great Destiny and Goldtown. Along with accomplished gallopers Movie World, Savage Wolf and Attadale the Cup is set to be a keenly contested race. Timely Reign will be meet all the runners he beat over 1800m last start at far better weight terms and the main contenders will come from the new blood in Great Destiny and Goldtown

Timely Reign beats Movie World, Attadale and Telexden in the Mt Barker Cup

Race One: Dambig improving type placed at last two at Mt Barker and Albany 1100m. Awkward draw here. Dominator resumes here placed Northam 1300m three starts back. Cheval Magic has struggled since placing five starts back and again drawn wide. Dante’s dream resumed from injury enforced time out with placing Albany then fair effort 1200m Bunbury. Ready to show best. Rayo Veloz good debut from wide draw when just run down 1200m Maiden here. Drawn wide again bust strong chance. Successful Spin good effort at second start placed 1100m here. Harder here and drawn wide. Lizard Drinking placed fourth at all three runs this time in and draw here no help. Sacred Spirit makes debut placed in two city trials. Stable in form. Competitive Street has had every chance last few runs and proving costly. Honest placegetter. Kirov Park placed Narrogin and Albany at two runs back and has place prospects again. Villanity place at Narrogin then moderate effort Albany 1100m. Harder here. Missy Lara resumed with fair effort here 1200m. Further improvement required. Oriel shade disappointing at two runs back and need to do better.

Race Two: Comfortably knocking on the door and go close on good second here 1500m behind Vojo. Dan Falbrav placed two runs back 1500m and not far away latest 1500m again. Capable of surprising. Lunar Ice good efforts at latest runs in stronger company but steps up 300m here. Shovely placed last three at this trip and sure to be in the mix again here. Stormy Sunset not far away at latest runs but never looking a serious winning threat. Chance again. West River Warrior fair effort last start over 1500m but need to further improve to win here. Santavia placed Mt Barker 1100m two starts back but the failed this trip latest outing. Glowing Vain fair effort when resuming 1100m steps up 400m here. Belles Fury much better last start 1500m here, Need to reproduce that effort again. Hillily not far away at latest efforts 1300m and 1500m. Can surprise here if does not get too far back.

Race Three: Racso well beaten last start 1200m Open. Looks better placed here. Evil Force gutsy win 1200m here when racing second up. Untried this trip but in money nine of eleven starts. Commandeer very honest this grade with placings three of last five. Chance again. I’m Called Earl close up last start 1600m and has been racing well. The Keillor Kid has struggled latest runs and faces a hard task here. Spicks and Speck good effort two starts back but disappointing last outing. Senior rider back on.

Race Four: On The Double had run of race when narrow winner 1600m here last start. Up in weight but claims again. Don’t Tell Toby has finished on well last few in similar company. Eternal advice in good form and top effort last start when close second 1600m. Strong prospects. Lukaston in top form and good winner 1800m here last start when ran on well. Strong chance again. Royalistic not far away last few but meet tough field here. Alsaah Warrior better run last start 1800m, but tougher task here. Street Darling finished off well narrow 1800m win last start. Chance again but up a grade. Chaddie struggled last few but better effort 1800m Albany latest.

Race Five: Le Freq won 1200m three runs back form since fair at 1500m, 1600m. Chance here. My Equine Friend won Maiden 1200m when resuming. Up in class here and drawn wide. Trimconnection not faraway Mt Barker 1300m then good effort 1500m Albany. Strong claims here. Show No Doubt has not had a lot of luck lately and has a good draw here and could bob up. Whinnen old timer racing with great zest with placings at all four runs this time in. Drawn wide place claims again. Vojo followed good Maiden form with a 1500m win here. Up in class but has claims. Whittingham won 1200m Mt Barker and fair effort 1410m Bunbury. Place prospects. Montclar Miss form fair but disappointing last start in similar company. Tiga Romano fair efforts at three runs back and first try this trip here. Carry The Banner not suited in two runs back but the extra300m will suit.

Race Six: Noble Steed racing in stronger company in city, but yet to place since returning. Easier here. Group Memory Form has been fair efforts in reasonable company in the City. Jolanta Star has returned in great form with two excellent wins 1100m Mt Barker, 1200m Albany. Strong claims. Master Marlon won Mt Barker 1300m then placed Bunbury 1410m. Each-way prospect. Share Trader placed Bunbury two starts back, need to run up to that form here. Star Buck won last four at Mt Barker and impressive last outing. Faces hardest test to date here. Tidal Storm struggling this season and looks well held here. Watsons Bay won well this grade last start here 1100m. Comes in well on weights. Week Bix very honest this grade and won two of last four. Outside chance.

Race Seven: ALBANY CUP 2100m
Great Destiny: Won this race last year and up 2kg in weight on second Geraldton Cup 2100m last Sunday. Done plenty of travelling but the class runner here.
Timely Reign: In great form and classy win here 1800m with 59.5kg. Won Mt Barker Cup 2000m with 56.5kg and drops back to 54.5kg. On form sure to give a great site.
Attadale: Rejuvenated galloper who has been in good form followed placing Mt Barker Cup, then chased Timely Reign home 1800m last start. Meets Timely Reign 3kg worse here. Place claims look best.
Eternal Power: Won 1675m Restricted class Bunbury two starts back then unplaced similar company same track. Much harder here.
Goldtown: Placed this race last year. At third run back made ground when fourth Ascot 2200m beaten 3 ¼ lengths by Great Destiny. Will strip fitter meets Great Destiny 1.5kg better here.
Impact Rating: Cup winner two years back. Not really fired this time in and hard to suggest on struggling run 2200m Ascot behind Great Destiny.
Jordi: Maiden performer yet to win thirty three starts.
Movie World: Placed in Mt Barker 2000m then plodding effort 1800m behind Phormium here. Drops 2.5kg here and place claims look best.
November Red: Won one in twenty starts and struggling in far milder company.
Phormium: Got home late to win 1800m Albany second up then did not butter up when fourth to Timely Reign 1800m nine days later. Back again on ten day turn around but has good record this trip.
Savage Wolf: Starting to regain form and better effort last start when battling third to Timely Reign 1800m here. Has won up to 2400m and capable of having each-way outside prospects.
Telexden: Will be racing third up here. Not started since game effort and fourth to Timely Reign Mt Barker Cup 2000m. Expect similar effort here.
Timberlands: Placed four of last five starts over ground and is race hard. Close up 2000m Pinjarra last start in restricted company.

Race Eight: Alchemic resumes here for new stable. Won Ascot 1200m twelve months back. Pwakkers Back looked to have every chance last start 1200m Albany. Drawn wide here. The Upper Hand impressive winner at last two starts here 1200m and 1100m. Again drawn wide but has pace. Dash Of Brains resumes here. Raced in good company in city last time in. Redford disappointed after winning then much better effort second Albany 1200m. Saramento has struggled for best form of late and need to do better. Vindane not a bad effort racing first up when not far away 1200m. Will improve. Blazing Icon won 1200m Pingrup, but faces a harder task here from wide draw. Galinba Blast at third start good 1100m Maiden winner. Up in class but good effort last start. Son Of Thunder not a lot of luck at last two runs and does not fare well here at the barrier. Majestic Ruby showed great pace to lead and just run down 1100m here when racing first up. Chance here. Look Here Trousers good efforts at latest runs and outside claims again.

Albany Review Thursday March 25th

2010-03-25T17:49:00.000+08:00

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

2010-03-24T14:00:00.000+08:00

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

2010-03-18T11:45:00.000+08:00

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

2010-03-14T22:02:00.000+08:00

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

2010-03-14T11:26:00.000+08:00

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

2010-03-10T21:19:00.002+08:00

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

2010-03-08T18:35:00.020+08:00

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.

2010-03-05T15:03:00.001+08:00

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

2010-03-02T18:26:00.000+08:00

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

Albany Review Thursday February 25th

2010-02-26T21:27:00.000+08:00

Apprentice Damien Lane dominated the day with a winning treble, with two of his winners Le Freq Wait In Vain been well supported, and Radio Pleasure winning at good odds.

Race One: Lukaston broke through for a good win after racing wide, with Dan Falbrav an improved effort finishing second and Vojo after leading holding on for third. Stormy Sunset was afair effort for fourth but no excuse for any other runners.

Race Two: The Upper Hand showed good pace from the wide draw, and though running out in the straight held out a fast finishing Dante's Dream to win by a Long Neck with Dark N Stormy third. Favourite Competitive Street got back and finished on fairly for fourth.

Race Three: Week Bix was too good here, though had to grind out the win by long neck over Certain Gold who gave plenty of cheek. Punk'd led and finished back third ahead of Tidal Storm who had every chance. Capadan was a good effort at his first start for nearly three years.

Race Four: Radio Pleasure showed plenty of fight to hold out all challengers to win narrowly over Master Marlon who looked the winner 100m out and a fast finishing Whinnen. Son Of Thunder struck trouble again and Redford did not come on in the last 100m.

Race Five: Timely Reign kept his great form going with a dead heat win with All Class who never looked as though he was going to get there until almost the last bound. Impact Rating ran on fairly to finish 3 1/4 lengths away third with Viscount Cameron looking a shade disappoiting back fifth.

Race Six: Wait In Vain was well fancied and came strongly along the inside to win first up over Cho Son and Orient Star who both ran on well. Favourite Trimconnection was well back early and finished off fairly to run fourth under her big weight. Montclar Miss finished the race off well in fifth.

Race Seven: The reports are the money was good for Le Freq statewide and a top ride by apprentice Damien Lane secured the win using the cutaway over The Keillor Kid who ran onwell along the inside. Russian To Win run a much improved race to hold on for third with All Spots, Aint No Ladsy and Zarisk only beaten just over a length. Show No Doubt was caught wide all the way and ran a nice race.

Race Eight: Eternal Advice impressed coming from well back to power home and win over a game veteran in Royalistic and Don't Tell Toby who filled the placings.Commandeer ran another honest race and Gotanygoss never looked a winning chance though running on. Dark Humour faded out badly in the straight after been prominent on the turn.

Esperance Cup Meeting Preview Saturday February 27th

2010-02-25T09:46:00.000+08:00

Ryan Levitzke

This Saturday is Esperance Cup day, the first race is scheduled for 1:33pm with the last (Cup)at 5:23pm. As always the locals and holiday makers will make the crowd numbers upto around 2,000 attending with plenty of action on and off the track.

Race One is sponsored by Horizon Power and on paper it looks to be a two horse race. Diamond Royale is a last start winner and Outside Influence looks suited over the short trip. It’s hard to see Gosh, He’s A Toughie or Sundays Session threatening in a serious manner.

Race Two is the Stearnes Glass Sprint and quality youngster Henry De Horse is set to make his Esperance debut. He has won 3 of 6 and oozes class, an easy win is more than likely. Expedition was ultra impressive at his last Esperance run and He’s Smokin’ and Summer Crossing have both been racing well. Outsiders Jay Dee Rocks and Innocent Bystander look outclassed but they both possess plenty of early zip and are capable of giving cheek.

The Tru-Blu Hire Maiden is over 1200m and main chances look to be Flanno, Cyclos, Give It Time and Tanganyika but in all honesty looks very open. Pure Fandango might improve over the more suitable distance while Macmatey will have support too. The Esperance Combined Tyres Service Handicap is over 1200m and will be the first leg of the Quadrella. Deed I Do, Comes Round and Arcade Attraction are last start winners and Dancing Granada should find the race easier than recent assignments. Landmark Lady also gets in well and offers each way value.

The Farm and General sponsored race is over 1600m and there look to be many chances. Ears Loppy will be one of the favourite after a slashing win at his last start. Stormy Express rarely runs a bad race and Silver Ambush and Platinum Lad are both recent winners. Spice Trade should be improved after his last start second when he powered home.

The Kalgoorlie Punters and Drinkers Club Handicap is another event with a host of winning hopes. Wing Star is shooting for a hat-trick and Miss Alonso, Western Crown and Twice The Speed have all been consistent at recent starts. Bravo Fabio is an interesting runner and Sarabella is sure to be running on with the light weight.

The Express Yourself Printing Esperance Cup is over 2000m and Telexden, Troubled Smile, I’m A Rocker and Our Calendar are the visitors this year. Burnzy has solid lead up form along with the Brendan Corver trained Danish Currency, Just Sue and Hackett’s Heart. The Gift recently won over 1950m and Our Calendar Girl is a recent Narrogin winner. Key’s Ace has been consistent without winning, drops in weight and offers value for Trifecta/Quartet combinations. I’m tipping Just Sue on the strength of Willie Arnold opting to ride her and the fact that her Esperance strike rate is outstanding.

Horses to follow ; Diamond Royale, Henry De Horse, Flanno, Deed I Do, Stormy Express, Wing Star and Just Sue.

Albany Preview Thursday February 25th

2010-02-23T12:55:00.001+08:00

This Thursday see's the final lead up race towards the Mt Barker Cup over 2000m to be held on Sunday March 7th. Leading the charge towards the Cup in the Handicap over 1800m are the in form Timely Reign, last years winner Viscount Cameron and Impact Rating who will be racing third up on Thursday.

Race One: Lukaston knocking on the door and very good effort last start after racing wide over 1300m. From The Fire placed 1300m three starts back form since only fair. Stormy Sunset continues to improve with every run and fair third Mt Barker 1300m at third race start. Good Girl Lucy solid effort when placed at 1800m last start. Close to a win. Reflective Image fair effort at 1800m two starts back, but next run was well back.

Race Two: Dark N Stormy resumed with an honest second 1100m Mt Barker. Placed two of four and suited here. Dantes Dream back from a long injury enforced out. Won recent 600m trial. Cheval Magic no luck with barrier draws last two starts. Before that good second 1200m Albany. Dambnig fair effort 1100m Mt barker last start. Expect improvement. King Before Dawn fair effort at debut here then outclassed Ascot and next outing. Competitive Street never far away and narrowly beaten at last two starts. Well overdue to break through. Royal Escapade very consistent but finding it hard to break maiden stataus.

Race Three: Capadan veteran who resumes after nearly three years off the scene. Ran in a Railway and Kingston Town Classic many many many years ago. Tidal Storm struggled for best form all year and hard to suggest on last effort. Week Bix won 1200m two starts back, then beaten well and truly on merits same trip. Always a chance this company. Wester Zed likely to improve on fading effort 1200m here at last start. Certain Gold good effort first up 1300m Mt Barker, and expect to be in this for a long way. Billyaintsilly placed Esperance at last start 1200m and place prospects look best here. Punk'd fair effort this company 1200m last outing. Expect similar here.

Race Four: Radio Pleasure has not started since December 26th when disappointing after previous form good. Redford followed first up second with good win here 1200m. Up a class but racing well. Saramento, Miss Consistent with another second 1200m Mt Barker lastest start. Well drawn and gets chance again. Jackass faded badly when resuming here 1100m. Will strip fitter. Master Marlon followed good run Mungrup Sprint with disappoiting effort Ascot 1200m. Can do better. Stormyglow back in distance and after moderate effort Albany 1600m. Previous form good. Whinnen good effort first up Mt Barker 1200m in similar company. Son Of Thunder good effort here two starts back 1200m, pay to forget last run Mt Barker. Up in class here.

Race Five: Impact Rating caught the eye second up running on over 1300m. This trip will suit. Timely Reign in great form , and had easy run when just beaten 1800m here last start. Viscount cameron racing fourt up here and likely improver on close up 5th 1800m here last outing. All Class only beaten Long Head Ascot 1600m latest outing. Has won at 1800m at two tries. Sir Clase well below best form and well back 1800m here last start. Mctease up in class here but not the worst on third 1600m Albany last start.

Race Six: Spitfighter doing best work at finish Albany 1100m last start. Hard to catch on the right day. Trimconnection better suited here than fading sixth 1600m Albany last start. Previous form excellent. Rambler won Narrogin Maiden two starts back, last outing disappointing. Blazing Icon struggled last few, but looks better suited here. Alabameramer excellent effort when just beaten 1100m Albany first up. Need to reproduce that effort. Why So Blue, has been well below best form and need to take adavantage of good draw here. Montclar Miss easy Maiden winner, then sent back to trials after latest effort. Capable of bouncing back. Orient Star good efforts at two runs back in stronger company. Worth plenty of thought.

Race Seven: The Keillor Kid racing in splendid form and again ran on last start Mt Barker 1200m. Show No Doubt good effort at WA debut when third Albany 1200m. Up in class here and drawn wide. All Spots struggling for best form and unplaced at last two. Zarisk won Mt Barker 1300m then handy effort 1300m Pinjarra. Nicely placed here, Aint No Lady followed Maiden win with good fourth Albany 1200m. Look Here Trousers hard to follow but did not have much luck last outing Mt Barker. She's A saint had three runs back and should be ready to produce best form. Tangram well below best form, but capable of surprising back at this track.

Race Eight: Don't Tell Toby back in own class after two fair efforts open company. Won this trip three starts back. Dark Humour returned to form with good 1600m win here. Big rise in weight here. Royalistic pay to forget last run when wide all the way. Won this trip three starts back. Alsaah Warrior good effort racing second up when close fifth 1600m Albany. Commandeer has been consistent without winning. Get's a chance again here. Eternal Advice followed good form with easy 1800m Maiden win. Will handle rise in class. Gotanygoss got home well to win 1600m Albany at latest start. Strong prospects again. Chaddie well bak last start after narrow 1600m win in milder company. Classy Flirt steps in distance after fair fifth 1300m Mt Barker last outing. Megablitz continued consistent form with placing 1850m Mt Barker. Has not won for awhile. Pretty Often got home well 1300m Mt Barker suggesting this trip will suit.

Esperance Review Saturday February 20th

2010-02-22T08:55:00.000+08:00

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.

Esperance Preview Saturday 20th February

2010-02-18T18:07:00.000+08:00

Six races will be held this Saturday afternoon at the Esperance Bay Turf Club with the first scheduled for 2:07pm. Next weekend on Saturday February 27th will be Esperance Cup day.

The South Coast Food Services Handicap over 1300m and Royal Wing and Hackett’s Heart are the major chances. Both are trained by Brendan Corver and both boast terrific local form. Spice Trade is open to improvement second up while Tanganyika performed well in a recent trial for Fiona Scott.

Race Two is the KJ Norton Building Company Handicap and Put Option is the likely favourite after winning so impressively at his most recent start. Twice The Speed is a recent winner but looked disappointing last time. This looks easier though and she should play a part in the finish. Fringe candidates look to be the Corver trained Lady Berthe and Damon’s Halo and it’s hard to envisage any other galloper filling a place.

The Quaddie commences on Race Three, the Kleenwest Distributors Handicap over 1200m. Donargy boasts impeccable form and last start was narrowly defeated by the in-form Carminemadonna at Albany. His Esperance strike rate is solid and he will take a power of beating. Summer Crossing won well last start and Dane Crusher caught the eye first up when second. Billyaintsilly and Moss Street are the other two horses that should atleast be considered for Quaddie calculations.

The OD Transport Maiden will be run over the 1600m journey. Pure Fandango showed abundant speed last start before wilting late to just miss out on a placing. End Of Fashion and Sarabella haven’t been far away while Cyclos is sure to appreciate the longer distance. The Don Whitfield trained Flanno looked the winner last start but ran out of puff over the concluding stages. He will strip fitter and looms as a legitimate winning hope.

Race Five is sponsored by Elders Rural Supplies and Burnzy is sure to have plenty of support. He has won twice already this season and the services of top rider Brett Mathews. Our Calendar Girl won over 1700m at Narrogin on Australia Day and she was placed at Esperance last start. Saltwater Cowboy wasn’t too far away and might improve while Silver Ambush could not have been more impressive last start when an effortless winner. The Debbie Warnes trained eight year old gets in well with just 54kg and will be running on powerfully.

The South East Petroleum Handicap wraps things up at 5:18pm and Outside Influence is going to be in the firing line for a long way. The four year old mare has enjoyed a consistent season and possesses plenty of early speed. Landmark Lady, San Supremo and Tashi Delek will provide some resistance but Outside Influence should get the job done. Don’t forget Saturday week is Express Yourself Printing Esperance Cup Day !

Early selections ; Hackett’s Heart, Put Option, Donargy, Pure Fandango, Silver Ambush and Outside Influence.

Mt Barker Review / Pictures February 16th

2010-02-17T17:50:00.002+08:00

Apprentices Damien Lane and Kyra Yuill led all riders at Mt Barker last Tuesday on an Overcast day with misty rain. Lane won with On The Double and Golden Dynamo from seven rides, whilst Yuill had a consistent day with a winning ride on Diamond Royale in the first and then followed up with four seconds from six rides. Smart galloper Star Buck made it three wins in succession with a very good effort over 1200m.

Star Buck (Shaun Meeres)

Race One:Diamond Royale who has battling to get a start, began well and raced away to win easily from Dark N Stormy who ran an honest race. Sonny Biscay at his second race start was doing his best work at the finish to just get third ahead of favorite comfortably and Royal Escapade.

Race Two: Jockey Damien Miller’s only ride for the day Audrey Rose began well from a wide draw and ran them off their legs coming away to win from Lukaston who was a good effort after racing wide, and Sunset who continues to improve. Favorite Hussonace was under pressure from the corner and struggled into fourth place.

Race Three: Rejuvenated Attadale made it two wins in a row with a fighting victory over Telexden who was an excellent run, racing first up at 1850m after been off the scene since September. Favorite Movie World looked flat and finished a distant third ahead of Don’t Tell Toby.

Race Four: Racso who had not won for sometime took off from near the rear at the 500m and kept going to win at odds from a gallant He’s Smokin by a Short Neck. Impact Rating racing second up caught the eye finishing on for third, and looking to have come back well with the Mt Barker Cup his likely mission. Favorite Lovely Lucy led but was under pressure on the corner and faded away, with Titcherman never looking a winning chance.

Race Five: Kooyong Road after been three wide early took over the running at the 100m and the led all the way to win well over Rivotio who finished on for a fair second and Megablitz again in the placings. Majestic Range was a fair effort to finish fourth.

Race Six: On The Double looked the standout here but it took to the the last 30m to get the upper hand and win by ½ length over the fast finishing Maiden grey Jarnac, who is close to a win. St Peregrine battled away just tiring the last bit to run third ahead of Disrupt who continues to
improve.

Race Seven: From gate twelve with 60kg, Star Buck made it three wins on the trot at the track with a fighting victory over Saramento who clocked up her tenth runners up cheque. Whinnen was a good third racing first up, with The Keillor Kid coming from last to run fourth. Jake The Musk led on the turn and finished fifth with fancied Gangway finishing mid field.

Race Eight: The Golden Dynamo made it two starts at the track for two wins with a solid victory coming away to win over an improved Whittingham, with Pretty Often finishing on well for third. Grand Circuit battled away to finish fourth from Classy Flirt. Favorite Son Of Thunder got in a traffic jam on the corner and did not see daylight until the last 80m when the race was all over.

Mt Barker Preview Tuesday 16th February

2010-02-14T21:37:00.000+08:00

Race One: Dark N Stormy fair but distant third at third race start back in December. Improver Comfortably placed first up Bunbury form since fair in stronger company. Cheval Magic good effort when second two starts back, then drawn wide last start and had no luck again here with barrier. Dambig fair efffort Pinjarra two starts back yet to be placed in four starts. Sonny Biscay not disgraced at debut Northam. Resumes here. Montana's Secret placed Narrogin at WA debut over 920m. Diamond Royale Form since placed ar debut only moderate. Ivory Lady not disgraced at debut here 1100m. Likely improver. Royal Escapade has had plenty of chances and never far away.

Race Two: Hussonace knocking on the door with good efforts at all WA starts. Drawn wide but gets chance here. Lukaston not far away at last few but still never looked the winner. Drawn wide need luck. Sir Chewzalot improving with every run but still need to lift to win. Stormy Sunset got home well at second race start. Likely improver. Audrey Rose Placed last time in Northam but never likely first up at Bunbury.

Race Three: Attadale never spent a penny when narrow 1800m winner Albany. Goes up 5kg but has found old form. Belarus not won for sometime, but this field not strong. Movie World not disgraced when second 1600m Albany. Drops 2.,5kg and hard to beat. Telexden has won this trip but racing first up here. Don't Tell Toby good effort last start 1800m and racing well.

Race Four: Impact Rating doing best work at finish when racing first up. Expect similar here. He's Smokin arouns the place but finding a win hard. Lovely Lucy returned to best form with 1200m win Albany. Extra 100m will suit. Titcherman got back to best form with good second 1200m Albany. Close to a win. Western Zed fair effort first up 1100m over a month ago. Certain Gold resumes here and will improve on this first up run. Pwajkkers Back up in class, form fair in restricted company. Racso better effort last start but not won for awhile.

Race Five: Rivotio good 1800m Albany winner last start. Will handle rise in class here. Cheval Rose won 2000m here buy unplaced since in stronger company. Majestic Range won Picnics 1800m and not disgraced last start. Street Darling continues to improve and excellent effort 1600m Albany last outing. Megablitz not fa away at all runs this time in but has not won for sometime. Kooyong Road is race hard and fair effort 2000m Bunbury last outing. Ruberian capable of giving cheek if gets a start.

Race Six: On The Double good efforts at last two starts and close to winning form. Albanyorascot better effort 1600m Albany last start. First try at 1800m. Jazzy Saint form fair before disappointing effort 1600m Albany after racing in box seat. Jordi placed at 1800m Maiden last start. This is harder. I'm A Rocker placed Picnics 1800m but will find this tougher. Jarnac just plodded 1800m Maiden last start. Find this tougher. Disco Reveller followed good second with fair effort when had to chase tearaway leader. Can do better. St Peregrine battling for form but can go better here.

Race Seven: Star Buck racing in top form and hard to beat though drawn wide and carrying 60kg. Radio Pleasure form good before failing Albany Dec 26. Has not started since. Saramento followed good form with moderate effort 1100m Albany when played up in barrier. Can improve. The Keillor Kid racing in good form and not far away last start 1100m. Loves this track. Jake The Musk won well here and then went hard in front 1200m Albany and faded. Can figure here. All Spots well back Albany 1600m last start after fair form. Need to do better. Look Here Trousers improved last start when second here 1200m. Marshall Jensan form poor since win here three starts back. Stockmans Dream had a hard run and faded Albany 1100m. Down in weight here but hard to follow. Gangway form fair at Provincials in stronger company. She's A Saint not sighted in two runs back but can go better. Tangram failed to regain form this time in and yet to be placed this track.

Race Eight: Classy Flirt at third race start narrow winner 1200m Maiden Albany. Nice draw and has claims.Rambler followed placing here with Narrogin Maiden win. Racing well. The Golden Dynamo won 1300m Maiden here then well back Pinjarra. Better suited here. Son Of Thunder followed Narrogin placing with good second Albany 1200m. Close to a win. Jeneviv resumes after let up when form was encouraging. Pretty Often doing best work at finish at second run back. Likely improver. Cat Magic won Maiden Nartrogin at third race start. This is harder. Whittingham fair efforts at three runs back before poor effort 1600m Albany. Capable of better

Esperance Review Friday February 12th

2010-02-13T09:03:00.000+08:00

Overcast conditions prevailed at the Esperance Bay Turf Club on Friday for the twilight meeting . It was a sombre mood following the news that two wonderful contributors and great men had passed away within the last week, Roger Goss and Bruce Kelman. EBTC President Kevin Scott urged patrons to remember whilst having a beer on the club. Only three weeks ago racing stalwart Churchie White also sadly passed.

The Farm Trees Handicap was the first and only a field of five competed. Despite the small lineup betting activity was interesting with all five candidates starting less than $5 with the WA TAB. Expedition was ridden forward and proved too strong for Dane Crusher and the Mt. Barker trained Billyaintsilly.

Apprentice Andrew Castle and trainer Brendan Corver repeated the dose in the second event, winning the Bay Of Isles Comfort Inn Handicap (1950m)with Danish Currency. With the claim the six year old dropped 3.5 kg in weight and at the 250m mark shot clear to win convincingly by 3 ½ lengths. Key’s Ace continued his consistent form when a runner up and Our Calendar Girl battled into third. Danish Currency is going to take a power of beating in the Cup.

The third event was sponsored by P. H. Kerr & Co and Brendan Corver notched up his third winner when Royal Wing saluted for Willie Arnold. It was a deserved break through victory for the mare who had been a minor placegetter at her previous four Esperance starts. Flanno performed well for Don Whitfield, finishing second ahead of the fast finishing Cyclos and pacemaker Pure Fandango.

RSM Bird Cameron supported the fourth race. The Rod Kirkup prepared Put Option reigned supreme for in-form rider Shaun Meeres. He held off a late challenge from Stormy Express who flashed down the outside. Ron’s Gem maintained her consistent form by finishing third ahead of leader Miss Alonso.

The Loff’s Feed and Saddlery Handicap was run over 1600m and Wing Star provided Sally Roworth with her first winner of the day. Shaun Meeres brought up a riding double and Hackett’s Heart caught the eye with a solid second. Three year old End Of Fashion was close up in third spot and will be winning a Maiden soon.

The Landmark Handicap is a race young jockey Ned Colbeck will never forget. Having just his second race ride the four kilo claimer sent Arcade Attraction to the lead and made every post a winner, scoring from the well tried Western Crown. Go Fury Go rocketed home to grab third placing ahead of the weakening Outside Influence. The two meetings remaining this season will be held on Saturdays, February 20 and 27.

Horses to follow ; Dane Crusher, Danish Currency, Sarabella, Stormy Express, Cyclonic Force and Go Fury Go.

Esperance Twilight Preview Friday 12th Febrauary

2010-02-11T09:09:00.000+08:00

This Friday’s meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club is a twilight meeting. The first race is scheduled for 3:01pm and the sixth and last is set down for 6:15pm. The EBTC is expecting a large jovial crowd by the time the Quaddie begins at 4:22pm and it’s great to see Don Whitfield in town with his team for the ‘back end’ of the season. Colourful hoop Russel Hanson also returns to race riding and will be hoping to find form in the lead up to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder season.

The Farm Trees Sprint kicks things off with just five horses to face the starter. Ears Loppy and Moss Street are both recent winners but topweight Expedition is most likely to start favourite with in-form apprentice Andrew Castle booked to ride/claim. Billyaintsilly shouldn’t be taken lightly either given his recent second at Mt. Barker. Seven gallopers have accepted over 1950m and are no doubt headed towards the Express Yourself Printing Esperance Cup that will be run on the last Saturday of this month. Key’s Ace and The Gift fought out the finish two weeks ago over this distance and they loom as the two favourites on Friday. Our Calendar Girl bolted in at Narrogin on Australia Day and on the strength of that performance looms as a threat. Danish Currency is open to improvement with the apprentice’s claim too. The P. H. Kerr & Co Maiden is over 1400m and sixteen horses have accepted with a capacity field of fourteen to compete. Macmatey, Royal Wing and Sarabella boast the best credentials while Aint No Angel, Flanno, Pure Fandango and Majestaad are ‘fringe’ candidates. The RSM Bird Cameron Handicap is over 1400m and this event looks wide open. Pinpointing a favourite isn’t easy although Miss Alonso looks well placed for Rod Kirkup and Damian Lane. Marubos will benefit from the hitout but is a horse that needs a longer trip to produce his best. Ron’s Gem has won 3 of her 4 starts this season and Stormy Express, Twice The Speed and Put Option have all been performing well. Alabama is another worth considering on an each way basis. The Loff’s Feed & Saddlery Handicap is over 1600m and one thing is for sure, Hackett’s Heart will be flying home. The four year old has started twice for a win and a second and is prepared by leading trainer Brendan Corver. Wing Star is a last start winner while Lord Airlie and Cyclonic Force have been competitive without winning. End Of Fashion looks to have a rough hope too despite being unplaced at his last few efforts. The final race is the Landmark Handicap and once again a capacity field of fourteen will take part. Good luck finding the winner here. Arcade Attraction has drawn off the track but has been racing in ultra consistent fashion. The same can be said for speedy galloper Outside Influence who is likely to set the pace for Peter Farrell. San Supremo, Outta The Blue, Go Fury Go and Western Crown are the others that should be included in Flexi Quaddie calculations. Following Friday’s meeting only two will remain, both of which will be Saturday fixtures on the 20th and 27th of February. Early Friday selections ; Expedition, Aelstreet, Cyclos, Alabama, Lord Airlie and Arcade Attraction.

Albany Review Sunday February 7th

2010-02-09T21:21:00.001+08:00

The $22,000 Weekender Bracelet saw Dark Humour cause a minor boilover holding out favourite Movie World to win for trainer paul Hunter and Jockey Takahide Ikenushi. Some of the gloss was lost with the scratching of Dark Humour’s stablemate Phormium.

Race One: Favorite backers would have been worried when Aliento was slow away, but the three year old quickly recovered and then fought off challenges to win in a tight finish and looks to have a bright future. Competitive Street again ran a solid race and is well overdue to break through, and Spiritual Leader was only went down on the line. Storm Sunset improved at his second start and Lukaston though briefly held up was never a real winning chance.

Race Two: Jockey Shaun Meeres gave favorite Eternal Advice plenty of time to settle and worked his way into the race from the 800m and came away to win well. Jordi battled on solidly and Good Girl Lucy continues to improve. Plantinum Lad ran on well and just missed the placings. Jarnac finished just behind the placings but didn’t run on as expected.

Race Three: With a slow pace on the favorite Week Bix pulled hard and it only needed Lovely Lucy to dash clear on straightening to set up a winning break with Week Bix only running on fairly. Punk’d set a moderate pace and held on to finish third.

Race Four: Attadale who had a big pull in the weights and aided by an inside run just got the verdict over favorite Timely Reign by a nose with Esperance galloper Burnzy close up in third position. Don’t Tell Toby finished on well for fourth with Viscount Cameron and Sir Clase never really in it.

Race Five: Jockey Peter Hall dictated the terms of the race from the front leading all the way to win on the well backed Hurricane Show. Though getting weary (and entitled too) in the last 100m, the Bob Maumill trained galloper still won easily over On The Double and Mctease who improved greatly. Albany or Ascot again missed the start and King’s Tribute was just behind them.

Race Six: Lightly race Gotanygoss showed ability when running on powerfully to win at her first start at 1600m. I’m called earl finished hard to get second ahead of Commandeer who did not get the best of luck in running. Megablitz gain was not far away and Alsaah Warrior showed he is close to winning form. The first five finished well ahead of the remainder of the field.

Race Seven: Dark Humour who had failed to flatter in two Great South starts, upstaged her more favourable rivals with a fighting win over favourite Movie World who looked dour in the run to the line. Lightly raced Street Darling gave plenty of cheek and finished close up in third place. Esperance galloper Just Sue who had won her past four, never looked comfortable and struggled.

Race Eight: Redford ran right up to his first up second with an impressive win beating Son Of Thunder who finished off well out wide just ahead Show No Doubt who was impressive at his WA debut and Aintnolady close up fourth. Pretty Often ran on well to finish fifth after Jake The Musk set a solid pace in front and wilted the last 50m to run sixth.

Race Nine: In form Carminemadonna made in four wins in a row when she jumped quickly from a wide draw and sat outside the leader before coming away to win from Donargy who was given every chance but just could not catch the winner. Versaint battled on well to finish third and Speedy Bohemian held on well after leading. The Keillor Kid again ran on well whilst favorite Saramento was in a winning position on the corner but did not finish the race off.

Time for a gripe: It’s Wednesday and no Photo Finish pictures are up on the RWWA CRIS website for the meeting held Sunday. This meeting was telecast Australia wide and for Punters to bet on these meetings all information should be available including these pictures as soon as possible.

Albany Preview Sunday February 7th

2010-02-04T14:44:00.000+08:00

Sunday see's the running of the $22,000 Albany Weekender Golden Bracelet over 1600m for Fillies and Mares with local trained Movie World set to tackle in form Esperance mare Just Sue who has won her last four starts over in the Bay Of Isles. Movie World was placed in last years Bracelet, whilst Just Sue ran fourth, both mares have been in great form this season.

Just Sue winning at Esperance. Photo courtesy Grassrootsracingwa

Race One: Magic Master racing below best and need to improve. Go Red Dot improves with racing and placed at last two outings. Connacht Ranger resumes. Placed at Pinjarra three starts back and overall form fair. Lukaston placed last two without ever looking the winner. Good draw and chance again. Oscar Doctor placed Bunbury at third race start when racing first up .Drawn wide but has claims. Cheval Magic good effort at second race start but has to overcome a wide draw here. Aliento very good effort at debut when slow away and made good ground. Well drawn. Competitive Street just beaten last start and overdue to break through. Six placings in eleven starts. Halo Park placed Mt Barker three runs back form since only moderate. Octane Molly placed at Narrogin last outing. Will need to further improve. Vojo drawn wide at WA debut after Albany trial win. Salvado Street not far away at debut here.

Race Two: Pulashaky faded last start after leading. Worth one more chance at each-way odds. Cut & Dried six placings in fourteen starts and proven costly. Not without prospects here. Eternal Advice very good effort last start this trip when second. Close to breaking through. Jarnac doing best work at finish this trip last start. Lightly raced and has prospects. From The Fire not disgraced last start 1600m. Still need to do better. Reflective Image fair effort this trip last start. Drawn to get run of the race. Good Girl Lucy nice effort last start after working hard early. Capable of surprising.

Race Three: Impact rating resumes may find this too short. Week Bix easy winner this trip and company last start. Hard to toss again. Lovely Lucy battling third here last start. Need to further lift to win. Weekly Express down on form this trip will suit better. Billyaintsilly placed last start, big drop in weight but up in class. Punk’d won two of last three. Harder here but field does not have a lot of depth.

Race Four: Viscount Cameron solid effort 2nd up this distance. Up 4kg on last run but will strip much fitter. Burnzy won two of three at Esperance this season. Looks well placed here. Timely Reign in great form won this trip last start, but up in weight and meets runners with an extra run under their belt. Sir Clase disappointing of late but good record this trip and track. Attadale ran on well just fading late this distance last start. Will strip fitter. Don’t Tell Toby big effort to win 1600m last start from near last. Up in class has won the trip. Royalistic good 1600m winner two starts back in milder company.

Race Five: All Spots ultra consistent and close to a win, Drawn to get run of the race. Albanyorascot won Maiden two starts back then moderate effort over 1600m. Worth another chance. Hurricane Show yet to be placed in three WA starts but solid effort Pinjarra last start. On The Double good effort when third last start over 1600m. Capable of winning. The Mighty Boosh won two starts back but need to reproduce that run here. King’s Tribute not faraway at latest few efforts but finding a win hard.
Disco Reveller fighting effort last outing was best run in WA, this is harder. Ruberian placed 2000m two runs back. Has not won for sometime.

Race Six: Alsaah Warrior well back first up 1600m. Will strip fitter here. Commandeer just caught on line last start 1600m. In good form and overdue to break through. Chaddie just won 1600m last start in milder company. Up 2kg but has prospects. I’m Called Earl form since Maiden win fair and has claims. Jazzy Saint solid effort last start 1600m. This not any easier. Publicans Horse Esperance form good and worth some thought. Gotanygoss won Maiden two runs back and good effort last start. First start this distance. Megablitz not far away at three runs back and close to a win. St Peregrine back in class with form fair this trip more to his liking. Whittingham doing best work at finish last few. Is capable of surprising.

Race Seven: Phormium city form solid over more ground. Will carry 57kg and has two wins at the trip. Just Sue in great form Esperance with four straight wins. Won three times the distance will carry 56.5kg. Movie World in good form and top effort 1800m last start. Placed this race last year will carry 58.5kg. Our Calendar Girl broke long run of outs Narrogin 1700m. Harder here but well weighted. Trimconnection on the way up with two wins at latest outings. Untried this distance. Dark Humour has not fired in two runs back. Can do better. Street Darling up in class but very good effort last start this trip.

Race Eight: Jake The Musk easy all the way winner 1300m Mt Barker. Looks hard to beat again. Redford very good run second Mt Barker first up. Solid claims. Aintnolady broke through at third race start. Harder here but shows promise. Son Of Thunder placed first up at Narrogin 1100m. Overall form has been moderate. Montclar Miss bounced back with easy Maiden win Mt Barker. Can go on with it. Ridgewood Manna mixing form with bad barrier manners. Chance on best behaviour. Russian To Win racing well below best, but drawn to get a good run.

Race Nine: Donargy has been racing in top form Esperance and solid prospects here. Versaint has big weight here and need to improve on two runs back. Carminemadonna races in great form with three wins. Harder here and drawn wide. Jackass resumes here previous form fair and good record this trip. Saramento ultra consistent with placings last four starts. Well overdue to win. The Keillor Kid racing in solid form and not far away last outing. Each-way chance again. Blazing Icon disappointed last two runs and barrier here won’t help. Speedy Bohemian just missed placings at three runs back and will need to work here from wide barrier. Stockmans Dream surprised with narrow win 110m last start. Mixes form and hard to follow. Why So Blue disappointing since resuming and need to improve.

Strike Rates Ladders and Tables as at January 24th

2010-02-03T17:52:00.001+08:00

Esperance Review - Saturday January 30th

2010-02-02T09:15:00.000+08:00

Saturday’s meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club commenced with the running of the Esperance Smash Repairs Handicap over 1400m. Six year old Twice The Speed set the pace and led throughout for the in form Nicole Hopwood. It was Twice The Speed’s second victory after 27 starts but she was running away from the opposition at the finish. Sarabella finished second and The Menace battled on for third.

Nine gallopers contested the Esperance Window Tinting Maiden over 1300m. Perignon Don was given a perfect ride by Shaun Meeres and pulled away to score by two lengths over Royal Wing. It was Royal Wing’s fourth consecutive minor placing at Esperance and a win surely won’t be far away. Early pacemaker Pure Fandango held third in a photo over Give It Time who looked a shade disappointing.

Photo courtesy of grassrootsracingwa

The third event was sponsored by MCM Protection over 1300m. Apprentice Talia Maor didn’t muck around, she restrained the favourite King Of The Stalls to settle just behind the speed and in the straight ‘let him rip’. He flashed down the outside to claim victory and as expected Ears Loppy and He’s Smokin’ filled the other minor placings. He’s Smokin’ earned a cheque of $850 for finishing third and with that cheque eclipsed the $200,000 stake money mark.

Eljays Restaurant sponsored Race Four, the first true staying race (1950m) of the season. Only a couple looked truly comfortable over the concluding stages, The Gift and Key’s Ace. The Gift looked the winner a long way out but with Key’s Ace lifting strongly The Gift scored in a tight finish. Cut And Dried worked home fairly from the tail of the field to pass the ‘stragglers’ and Danish Currency failed to flatter under the 59kg.

Race Five was the Star Transport Handicap over 1200m and an outsider prevailed over favourite Donargy. Locally trained six year old Summer Crossing for Ross Dixon ‘outplugged’ topweight Donargy in a titanic tussle to the line and scored by a head. Donargy, clearly held back by the 59kg was gallant in defeat and is a horse that is definitely capable of winning a few races at Kalgoorlie this coming season. Moss Street flashed down the outside to finish third for 3kg claiming apprentice Amy Sandiford.

Sharpe Brothers sponsored the final race which possibly provided the most impressive victory of the afternoon. Silver Ambush is an eight year old who had failed to finish in a Quinella after twelve previous Esperance starts. On Saturday he finished like a train for local trainer Debbie Warnes and won by two lengths. He won effortlessly over Publicans Horse and Stormy Express ran on well to grab third spot. The next meeting held at the Esperance Bay Turf Club will be a twilight fixture on Friday week. The first race will be after 3pm.

Horses to follow ; Sarabella, Royal Wing, King Of The Stalls, Key’s Ace, Donargy and Silver Ambush.

Esperance Preview Saturday January 24th

2010-01-29T08:23:00.000+08:00

Six races will be held this Saturday afternoon at the Esperance Bay Turf Club with the first scheduled for 2:04pm. It’s the Esperance Smash Repairs Handicap over 1400m and a small field of six will start. Sarabella was narrowly beaten for third last week and is a likely improver second up while The Menace, Cyclonic Force and Twice The Speed all possess strong finishing bursts.

Race Two is the Esperance Window Tinting Maiden over 1300m and Give It Time looks awfully hard to beat after running a solid second last Saturday. Royal Wing has been placed at her last three starts and looms as the obvious threat. On exposed form it’s hard to see any other horse challenging and the Quinella approach may well be the best option.

The MCM Protection Handicap is over 1300m and sprinters He’s Smokin’, King Of The Stalls and Ears Loppy are the main hopes. Aelstreet and Armagold will be outsiders while Fizzy Kel gets in well at the weights. The fourth event is over 1950m and no doubt many of the acceptors are hoping to have a tilt at the Esperance Cup later next month. Key’s Ace has been thereabouts this season without winning while Danish Currency is sure to have plenty of support. The Gift has impressed with a first and a second at his two Esperance starts and Interrogator is proven over the long journey.

Race Five is sponsored by Star Transport and Donargy returns from a freshen up for leading trainer Brendan Corver. Moss Street is a recent winner and Landmark Lady put it all together at her last run when triumphant over subsequent winner Outside Influence. Alabama is a recent trial winner and the likes of Chesta Piniton, Summer Crossing and Western Crown all demand respect.

The Sharpe Brothers Handicap wraps things up at 5:18pm and Stormy Express is the likely favourite after winning first up. Lord Airlie looks to be working up to a win and both Publicans Horse and Mr Magnificent have already tasted success this season. Silver Ambush is another that could be over the odds despite some poor numerical form.

Early selections ; Cyclonic Force, Give It Time, Ears Loppy, Danish Currency, Moss Street and Lord Airlie.

Kojonup Picnic Races in Pictures

2010-01-27T21:53:00.000+08:00

The annual "Wandecla" Kojonup Picnup races were again a great success on Australia Day, with a big crowd in attendance to see outsider Majestic Range ridden by former Jockey Kristian Hawkins the victor in the Kojonup Cup for trainer Kevin Allen. In one of the best Cup finishes only a length seperated the first four runners

Other winners were Two Fruits (Alison Wyer), Punk'd (Ron Elvy) Fulglas (Jodie Hill) and Flinders Way (Ben Pearce) twice. Seen enjoying the day out was regular supporter of Kojonup, Tom Percy QC, leading trainer Adam Durrant, local identity Peter Sheridan and Northam trainer Kevin Anderson to name a few.

As usual the Club left no stone unturned, to ensure racegoers had a great day at one of the very very few unique picnic race meetings left in Western Australia.

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Esperance Review Saturday January 23rd

2010-01-27T10:46:00.000+08:00

Saturday’s meeting at the Esperance Bay Turf Club commenced with the running of the Healthway Eat More Fruit Handicap. Publicans Horse was dropped out to last in the early stages by rider Nicole Hopwood and flashed home to win by a head over race favourite Miss Alonso. The three kilogram pull in the weights certainly assisted the Derek Jones galloper over the concluding stages. Local stayer Interrogator battled on well for third.

Only a pint-sized field of four contested the Eat More Veg Handicap over 1600m. Burnzy had the best form but carried top weight of 58kg. He took the outright lead mid race before holding off Danish Currency to score by a neck. Burnzy has now won two out of three at Esperance. Grasa Express filled third ahead of Key’s Ace who was fourth.

The third event was sponsored by Roger Goss Livestock Transport and ten horses competed in the 1200m Maiden. Outside Influence was well supported after four consecutive minor placings and was a deserved winner. She was ridden confidently by Peter Farrell and reigned supreme by a length. Helen Harding trained the Quinella with Give It Time battling on well to be the runner up. Aint No Angel finished three lengths away in third spot and newcomer Sarabella was a nose away in fourth.

The Kalgoorlie – Boulder Racing Club sponsored Race Four, their opening meeting is set down for Saturday March 20. Local three year old filly Ron’s Gem was well backed and didn’t let punters down, winning by a head over Put Option who battled on strongly. Outsider Summer Crossing loomed as a winning chance at the 300m mark but peaked on the run to finish third.

The Healthway Go For 2 and 5 Handicap was over 1400m and the first four in betting filled the first four placings. Wing Star parted company with rider Shaun Meeres on the way to the gates and following a veterinary examination the mare was passed fit to be a starter. Just as well too, she was beautifully ridden and proved too strong for Hackett’s Heart, Lord Airlie and Twice The Speed. Well done to local jockey Nicole Hopwood who rode a double. Racing returns to the EBTC this Saturday (January30) with the first race scheduled for approximately 2pm. The following meeting will be another Friday twilight fixture on February 30 with a late start and a late finish.

Horses to follow ; Miss Alonso, Danish Currency, Majestaad, Put Option and Wing Star.

Albany Review Sunday January 24th

2010-01-25T21:24:00.006+08:00

Consistent galloper Timely Reign broke through for a deserved win in the Albany Advertiser Hcp over 1800m beating handy mare Movie World who lost no admirers heading towards the Weekender Classic over 1600m when she comes up against Esperance mare Just Sue who has won at her last four starts. Sunday was Legends Day with a large contingent of former Jockeys and Trainers in attendance.

Race One: Rivotio appreciated the step up in distance and scored a solid win over Eternal Advice who is very close to a win. Jarnac finished on well for a distant third with Reflective Image and Good Girl Lucy running nice races. Well backed favourite Laurie's Dream raced eratically and was sent back to trials.

Race Two: Lightly raced Classy Flirt showed plenty of fight to win narrowly over Competitve Street who challenged hard all the way down the straight, Aliento was impressive at his race debut running third, with Key To Target given the run of the race and finishing fourth.

Race Three: Five year old mare Aint No Lady scored a solid win to give Trainer John Askevold and Jockey Kelly Davidson the first leg of a winning double. Cheval Magic was an improved effort to fight on well for second with Lukaston coming from well back for third. King Before Dawn was a fair effort to finish fourt at his debut from a wide draw.

Race Four: Week Bix always had the race in his control and came away to beat stablemate Titcherman and Lovely Lucy a battling third ahead of Brunelleschi who finished well.

Race Five: Flighty mare Stockman's Dream put her best foot forward to just beat Alabameramer who was a big effort first up by a nose. The Keillor Kid ran on solidly to get third from leader Speedy Bohemian.

Race Six: Timely Reign patiently ridden by Noel Rudland rallied late to wear down Movie World and Attadale who both looked the winner at certain stages in the straight. Movie World at her first run in over a month was caught wide early and fought on well. Viscount Cameron racing second up finished on well for fourth. Sir Clase was disappointing again.

Race Seven: Apprentice Kyra Yuill booted home the second leg of a double when Don't Tell Toby finished powerfully to get over the top of a game Commandeer with On The Double finishing well for third. Favourite King's Tribute looked to have every chance and finished fourth just ahead of Canny Beseain and Megablitz.

Race SEight: The on pace runners fought out the finish here with Chaddie just getting the verdict over Disco Reveller who led and never gave in. Jazzy Saint raced in the box seat and held on to run third with Street Darling a very good run to finish fourth. Whittingham was not far away whilst Albanyorascot never looked a winning chance along with Dark Humor with both near last on the corner.

Kojonup Picnic Races Tuesday January 26th

2010-01-25T12:48:00.001+08:00

The annual "Wandecla" Kojonup Picnic Races are on this Autralia Day with a six race card for Amateur Riders. Always a great day out with plenty of entertainment on and off the track. Racing starts at 1.20pm with the feature race the $5,400 Kojonup Cup over 1800m.

Albany Preview Sunday January 24th

2010-01-22T15:55:00.000+08:00

Racing this Sunday returns to Albany with the Annual Legends Day. In attendance to witness the feature race of the day the $15,000 Albany Advertiser Cup will be former Jockeys Bernie Ryan and John Duggan along with many more blasts from the past.

Race One: Lauries Dream has had plenty of chances, and never far away.Distance may suit. Pulashaky eight placings in thirty one starts and very honest. Gets a strong chance here. Eternal Advice around the place this company and this trip should suit. Jordi placed 1600m two starts back but overall form moderate. Rivotio placed last two but looking for ground and this will suit. Jarnac pay to forget last run and go on good effort 1700m at Narrogin. Disrupt not far away over 1675m Bunbury last start. Likely improver. Reflective Image placed Albany 1500m four starts back but form since disappointing.

Race Two: Hard race to line up form. Magic Master placed at Narrogin three runs back, subsequent form disappointing. Key To Target very disappointing since placed six runs back. Classy Flirt very good effort at second race start when placed here at 1200m. Aliento makes debut after 1000m trial win Monday. Stormy Sunset placed in recent 1000m trial, makes debut. Competitive Street exxpect improvement on last start run over 1500m. Better suited this trip.

Race Three: Lukaston two good efforts back from a spell and ready to win. King Before Dawn placed in recent trial and makes debut here. Ain't No Lady resumed with solid 1200m at Albany and well placed here. Salvado Street placed in recent trial and makes debut here.

Race Four: Tidal Storm overall is battling for best form but did win three runs back. He's Smokin not faraway at last few runs Esperance and suited here. Titcherman yet to strike form this time in, well back at Ascot last week. Lovely Lucy yet to show up in two runs back but should be ready to show best here. Western Zed fair effort first up and will strip fitter. Week Bix form solid and not disgraced Ascot last Saturday. Win overdue. Brunelleschi looked in need of the run first up.

Race Five: Mr Magnificent followed Esperance win with unplaced effort after racing wide. The Keillor Kid has struck form with two wins from last three. In form but not as prolific this track. Speedy Bohemian two good efforts at two runs back and ready to show best. Why So Blue is capable of better than last two efforts. Gotanygoss finished off strongly to win here 1200m. Up in class but shows ability. She's A Saint raced well here last season and resumes after good trial. Stockman's Dream very disappoiting last two but down in weight at a better suited trip. Cummings mixes form but on best form has prospects.

Race Six: Viscount Cameron fair effort first up but may need another start to reach peak. Sir Clase yet to hit form this time in but this trip suits and better suited. Timely Reign chased home Rock My Pago last Sunday and ideally suited here at this distance. Phorium placed Ascot three runs back and race hard for this. Cheval Rose big step in class on 2000m win last week, but was impressive. Movie World pay to forget run in city and go on previous form. Not raced for thirty four days a query, but has the ability. Trochee very diappointing last outing when beaten along way out.

Race Seven: Port Regis has had two runs back and should be ready to produce best form. Sir Onan found trip too far last start better suited here. Stormyglow distant third last Sunday over 1300m, this trip will suit. Alsaah Warrior resuming here and may need the outiong, but has won at the trip. Don't Tell Toby back from a let up and ran on well last Sunday. This distance more to his liking. Blazing Icon first try at the trip after racing in Sprints. Commandeer not far away at last two runs and won three times at the distance. Racso mixing form but ran on well last start 1300m. Good record at the trip. The Mighty Boosh broke through to win here 1500m after solid form. On The Double not fired at two runs after good Mt Barker win. King's Tribute good efforts at three runs back and now steps to a more suitable distance. Canny Besain struggling for best form but race hard. Megablitz two good efforts at two runs back and overdue for a win.

Race Eight: Albanyorascot good runs at last two when slow away. has ability but up in class and needs to jump on turns in this case from a very wide draw. Jazzy Saint won 1500m Maiden here before unplaced at Bunbury. From The Fire better effort last start when placed at Mt Barker. Up in class and first try at the trip. Chaddie pay to forget last run over 1300m. Suited here at the distance and in milder company. Dark Humour beaten favourite last week when slow away. capable of bouncing back. Street Darling this tougher than last start win at Esperance. Disco Reveller struggling for best form but this distance will help. Mctease forget last run over 1300m, far better suited here. Whittingham did not show up second up in solid company.

Esperance Preview Saturday January 23rd

2010-01-21T12:27:00.000+08:00

This Saturday afternoon a five event programme at the Esperance Bay Turf Club with the first scheduled for 2:53pm.

Race One is the Healthway Eat More Fruit Handicap over 1600m and a small field of five will start. Miss Alonso was ultra impressive last Friday at the twilight meeting and the rise to a mile shouldn’t pose any problems. Both Damon’s Halo and Publicans Horse were runners up at their last runs and loom as the obvious dangers

Race Two is the Eat More Veg Handicap and again a field of five will compete over 1600m. Burnzy will start a warm favourite for local trainer Helen Harding. The six year old stallion was an impressive winner on Boxing Day and although unplaced last start he was beaten just over a length. Key’s Ace will be fit and he will appreciate the drop to 54.5kg. Grasa Express disappointed last start but did perform well at his previous run when a close up third.

The Roger Goss Livestock Transport Maiden looks tailor made for four year old mare Outside Influence. She has been a minor placegetter at all four starts this season and Saturday’s race looks easier. She is noted for her early speed and should take serious running down. Give It Time, Snow Minx and Aint No Angel are the horses that look to have the most viable Quinella claims.

Race Four is sponsored by the Kalgoorlie Boulder Racing Club and will be run over 1300m. Summer Crossing is an interesting runner along with Alabama who impressed in a Trial last Friday. San Supremo and Ron’s Gem are both recent winners and Put Option wasn’t far away last week. Kimberleys is another with a chance but she has disappointed at her last couple.

The Healthway Go For 2 and 5 Handicap wraps things up at 5:26pm and Hackett’s Heart looks awfully hard to hold out. He flashed home to win his last start in spectacular fashion and Willie Arnold has been booked for the ride. However Twice The Speed and Wing Star are sure to provide strong resistance after strong seconds at their last runs. Cut And Dried is capable of challenging too, especially if the tempo is slick.

Early selections ; Miss Alonso, Burnzy, Outside Influence, San Supremo and Hackett’s Heart.

Mt Barker Mungrup Sprint Day Review

2010-01-20T14:00:00.002+08:00

On a hot sunny day, a big crowd was on hand to see former local Trainer Darren McAuliffe take out the $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint with Spitfire Ace, who held out a fast finishing Raw Metal and local galloper Carbineer. On a day when the track was upgraded to a Good2, two track records were broken for the 1100m and 1300m distances.

Race One: Jake The Musk confirmed the support into favourtism was justified with an easy all the way win at his sixth race start, beating From The Fire who ran an improved race and Rivotio who ran on fairly but never looked a winning chance. Laurie's Dream finished next, but is struggling to break Maiden company.

Race Two: Rock My Pago was far too good and came away to win easily over Timely Reign who finished off the 2000m well. Sir Clase is struggling to get back to his best form, but the should be better suited next run.

Race Three: Montclar Miss improved on its last run, with a solid effort to beat a very green Go Red Dot and Ibrahimovic who ran on strongly. Royal Escapade sat back and and finished on fairly, whilst Ivory Lady was a very good effort at her debut from a wide draw.

Race Four: The Golden Dynamo finally broke through after seven placings with a solid win over Hussonace who battled on fairly, but looked dour and maybe looking for more ground. Favourite Puerto Galera was given every chance and was a shade disappointing. Pulashaky ran another honest race and is sure to win one soon.

Race Five: Favourite Jean had the run of the race and easily won breaking the track 1100m record. Saramento raced outside the leader and fought on well, and a win is close. Pwakkers Back ran on fairly, with Versaint going hard in front and just missing the placings. Punk'd raced back in the field and was never in it.

Race Six: There was plenty of chances at the 100m here, but Cheval Rose racing third up at only her fifth race start stayed the trip best and got up narrowly over Ruberian who looked the winner with Carallen Steel close up third. St Peregrine looked a chance at the 100m but just failed to stay the trip. Trochee never looked to travel well and finished well back. The win of Cheval Rose was a change of luck for the stable.

Race Seven: Trimconnection appreciated the extra 100m and made it back to back wins with a solid victory over Redford who was a very good effort first up. All Spots again ran a consistent race to finish third, whilst Cherpara looked flat and struggled.

Race Eight: Spitfire Ace fired straight out onto the pace and took the lead after straightening and held out Raw Metal who ran on solidly from the rear to finish second with Carbineer also running on well for third. Electrical General who raced three wide finished on well for fourth with Noble Steed a solid effort. Favourite Proart had no luck in running, with a check shortly after the start and then held up, when Northwater Boy was beaten before the turn.

Race Nine: Star Buck continued his good form with an easy victory over Troubled Smile who hit the front at the 250m and battled on fairly. Stormglow finished a distant third, and I'm Called Earl ran on strongly. Height Of Heights set a solid pace in front and faded racing first up.

Race Ten: Jockey Shaun Meeres went within a head of riding four winners when Look Here Trousers just missed out when beaten by The Keillor Kid who ran on well for apprentice Amy Sandiford, who should look forward to getting more opportunities soon. King's Tribute ran on well to just get third ahead of pacemaker Speedy Bohemian. Favourite Dark Humour was slow into stride and never looked likely.