The season opener took place on Sunday with a six event card at the KBRC.
The first of the day was the Onsite Mining Equipment Maiden where first starter Dark Royalty saluted at its first start. Tash Faithfull guided the 3yo to victory holding off Mustalk in the seven horse field. Trainer Paddy Bermingham Jnr started off the season in good fashion with the Blackfriars gelding.
The Kalgoorlie Refrigeration Maiden was taken out by Daradale ridden by Tash Faithfull. The Elvstroem four year old was the first starter for former jockey Brett Mathews. The former eastern states galloper held off a late charge by Yuzz A Ma Tuzz who looks one to follow over a longer distance.
The feature of the day was the Onsite Hire Leaders Sprint taken out by the well supported Private Business. The Gary Bowen trained galloper returned to his best after a disappointing preparation last season. The Key Business six year old was well supported shortening in from $7 into $3.90 with fixed odds betting.
The fourth race on the day was the Onsite JCB Combined Handicap where classy mare Anywhere Express brought up her seventh career victory. The five year old ran third in last year’s Provincial Championship where she was beaten narrowly. The Helen Harding trained galloper will further improve with a step up in distance.
The Radiowest’s Wake Up With Glenney Handicap was an open affair over the 1200m. Peter Fernie got his first victory of the season with four year old Yaloginda. Ben Kennedy piloted the chestnut who dropped out at the start and produced an impressive sectional to hit the line first defeating Gracious Mak by half a length.
The last of the day was the Onsite Rental Group Handicap where Ashanti Lass had a form reversal taking out the event. In contrast to her previous performances the five year old was ridden on pace by Emma Stent. The Dave Smith trained galloper went on to score by one and a quarter lengths.
Tash Faithfull took out the Smartline Rider of the Day Award with three winners. The trainers shared the spoils with six different stables taking out the card.
BLACKBOOK:
Yuzz A Ma Tuzz – Hit the line strongly and as the horse steps up in distance expect her to be hard to beat.
Anywhere Express – The short journey was the query and she still managed to gobble them up. This performance suggests she is in for a great preparation.
Pro Volk – If it finds a similar class race as Sunday’s field and he draws a gate he will prove hard to beat. Did not deserve to start at $74 Sunday.
RUNS TO QUESTION:
Sass’N’Ping: The horse had a stable injury which caused the end of his preparation last year. The horse ran last yesterday when well specked in the market. Hopefully the horse can bounce back as he has an abundance of talent.
Saxapak: Slightly disappointing after a good trial. Will need to show improvement to gain punter’s trust back.
