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Articles by Julio Santarelli
What makes Pikey tick?
At Crown Perth on Saturday night, William Pike added another chapter to his storied career, claiming his 15th Perth Jockeys' Premiership. It was a season marked by injury, comeback and ultimately class, hallmarks of a rider who is the symbol of the state's racing identity. Despite a season interrupted by a broken wrist and missed Ascot Carnival rides, Pike surged late to clinch the title with 106.5 wins.
No Comfort In Gold Rush Barrier Draw But Radford Holds Faith | Rsn
Despite Comfort Me copping a horror barrier draw for the $1.5 million Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday, trainer Rhys Radford remains upbeat and is not quite ready to hoist the white flag just yet. Comfort Me's hopes were dealt a savage blow after drawing barrier 18, but Rhys Radford was keeping a positive frame of mind and has faith that his marvelous eight-year-old can maintain his high level of consistency in big races.
They Couldn't Get Past Playhouse Patron In Towton Cup | Rsn
As hard as they tried, they couldn’t get past Playhouse Patron in the Listed G.A.Towton Cup (2200m) at Ascot on Saturday, the Bob McPherson-trained gelding’s tough effort boosting his Perth Cup (2400m) credentials on New Year’s Day. Playhouse Patron was there for the taking and looked vulnerable when headed by Diamond Scene in the straight, but the five-year-old refused to give in and fought back on the inside for jockey Joe Azzopardi, scoring in a tight tussle.
Light Infantry Man Salutes In Northerly | Rsn
They came, they saw and they conquered. The eastern states raiders made it a clean sweep of Perth's Group 1 races when Light Infantry Man rebounded to win the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot on Saturday. Giving powerhouse trainer Ciaron Maher and jockey, Ethan Brown the final Group 1 of the Australian year, Light Infantry Man got one back after a luckless Railway.
Eastern States Raiders Look To Make It A G1 Sweep In Northerly Stakes | Rsn
The final Group 1 of the year will feature a capacity line up after acceptances for Saturday's $1.5 million Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot were released. A field of 16 plus two emergencies has accepted for the Northerly Stakes, featuring five interstate raiders who will look to continue their dominance of the Ascot Pinnacles carnival.
Rinse And Repeat For Overpass In The West | Rsn
Overpass wins the Winterbottom Stakes and conquers Ascot again. Sometimes in life, somethings never change. In racing, that one hundred percent applies to Overpass. Another trip west for the star sprinter and it will be another trip home lumping rich prizemoney on his back yet again. Four times he's been to Ascot; four times he's been a winner.
Parnham Confident Bravo Centurion Can Answer Winterbottom Challenge
3 minute read Leading Perth jockey Chris Parnham is confident Bravo Centurion has the Perth locals covered in Saturday’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot, the only query is will that be good enough against quality interstate opposition, headed by Overpass.
Luke Fernie: Built For Success
3 minute read There is a certain symmetry between Luke Fernie and one of his three Winterbottom entrants. Bravo Centurion is the new kid on the block, raw, exciting and a gelding with x-factor that has shot to prominence with a string of wins since the middle of the year. Luke Fernie's trajectory in the training ranks has been just as impressive, emerging as one of the hottest young prospects in the state in a short space of time.
No Winterbottom Blues For Crippalenko Says Beauglehole
3 minute read As a Carlton tragic, Greg Beauglehole’s memory of the clubs epic 1970 Grand Final comeback will last forever. Considered one of the great VFL Grand Finals in history, the Blues overcame a half-time deficit of 44 points to score a remarkable come from behind victory over arch rivals, Collingwood. Such is Greg Beauglehole's love and affection for Carlton, he named his Maschino gelding, Crippalenko after two club heroes, Alex Jesaulenko and Western Australian-born, Patrick Cripps.
Pateman Prays For Almighty Winterbottom Performance
3 minute read Mitchell Pateman aimed high last campaign but fell short of the mark with classy sprinter Almighty Class. Mitchell Pateman talked the good talk but at just his sixth start against quality opposition, Almighty Class found the going tough when 12th of 14 to Overpass in The Quokka (1200m). Seven months on from the Quokka let down, Almighty Class is having another crack at top shelf company and this time Pateman believes the gelding is in better shape to handle the class jump.
Overpass Out To Maintain Perth Dominance
3 minute read Fresh from Port Lockroy taking out the Railway Stakes (1600m) on Saturday, the Annabel Neasham-Rob Archibald training operation are quietly confident of securing a second Group 1 victory in the space of seven days in Perth this weekend. Neasham and Archibald will saddle up Lady Laguna in the Winterbottom Stakes, optimistic she can bounce back after her disappointing 10th behind stable mate Sunshine In Paris in the Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington last start.
Perth Cup Looms For Fernie And Fiore's Hero
3 minute read Peter Fernie and Lucy Fiore, who proved an irresistible combination in the recently completed Kalgoorlie season, carried that force into black-type company at Ascot on Saturday following the front-running win of Sentimental Hero in the Listed A.J.Scahill Cup (2100m), opening the possibility to an even bigger prize on New Year’s Day.
Timing Right For Port Lockroy In Railway Bid
3 minute read He’s one of five interstate raiders and the outsider of the quintet, but co-trainer, Rob Archibald believes there is a sense of timing about Port Lockroy in Saturday’s Group 1 Swan Draught-Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot. Rob Archibald, who shares training duties with Annabel Neasham, says Port Lockroy put himself into Railway Stakes conversation after his last start performance in the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.
Morton Keeps Faith With Railway Stakes Mare | Rsn
Trainer Dan Morton has shrugged aside Super Smink’s horror barrier draw and still thinks she can win the Group 1 Swan Draught-Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday. A layer of complexity was added to Super Smink's Railway Stakes bid after she was handed barrier 18, but Dan Morton is keeping the faith with his gun mare. After a frustrating patch since winning the Belgravia Stakes (1200m) last October, Super Smink has found her groove this campaign, boldly evidenced last start.
Parnham Looks To Strike Double Again
3 minute read It was as good as it gets for trainer Neville Parnham this time a year ago when he was sitting on top of the WA racing world after claiming two sought after feature races. Cometh the big races, cometh the big stables and Neville Parnham's team didn't disappoint, on a golden day of racing they carved out a prestigious feature race double.
Bates Ventures West For Railway With Confidence
3 minute read The Tabtouch Railway Stakes market suggests Socks Nation will play second fiddle to stable mate Light Infantry Man in Saturday’s edition of the Group 1 feature, but popular rider Declan Bates has other thoughts and ideas. Declan Bates believes a fifth Group 1 trophy is within his reach and plans on making his first visit to the West a memorable one when he reunites with Socks Nation, one of five interstate raiders looking to buck the trend against the local brigade.
Jokers Grin Shows Star Power In Statement Run
3 minute read Race broadcaster Darren McAullay eloquently summed it up best after rising turf star Jokers Grin continued his winning ways at Ascot last Saturday. "He has now announced himself," McAullay said. "That was a star performance and he is certainly going to have tongues wagging after that." It wasn't hyperbole from McAullay, he's had a close-up view from the beginning and joins a growing list of admirers who are forming a big opinion of the Bernie Miller-trained four-year-old.
Pateman Gets Mojo Back In Peters
3 minute read Mojo Rhythm gave trainer Mitchell Pateman something to cheer about and has leapt into Railway Stakes (1600m) contention after winning the Group 3 R.J.Peters Stakes (1500m) in upset fashion at Ascot on Saturday. Mojo Rhythm ended the day on a positive note for Mitchell Pateman after his stable pin up Almighty Class toughed it out to run a spirited fourth after racing wide for the majority of the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) earlier in the day.
Morton Camp In Buoyant Mood For Champion Fillies Stakes
3 minute read “If Brad Parnham can have her close enough on Saturday, she’s going to be real hard to hold out.” Trainer Dan Morton's stable representative BJ Ryan conveyed an air of confidence on Tabradio when discussing the fortunes of Ron's Finalflutter who will have an army of supporters ahead of the Group 3 TABtouch-WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).
Fernie Devoted To Railway Stakes Challenge
3 minute read Luke Fernie believes he has the right winning formula for Devoted and hopes he can test that theory when the six-year-old tackles elite opposition at Ascot Saturday week. Devoted is back in the west and on home soil and familiar territory once again after Luke Fernie purchased the Xtravagant gelding for $105,000 in an online sale earlier in June.
Repossession Boost After Favourable Placid Ark Barrier Draw
3 minute read Co-trainers Chris and Michael Gangemi’s prospects of winning the Listed Tabtouch Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday improved significantly after talented three-year-old Repossession drew perfectly in barrier one. The Gangemi brothers breathed a huge sigh of relief when news came through that Repossession would start from the exact same starting position as last fortnight's Placid Ark Prelude (1000m) when he won leading.
Classy September Born Continues Fairetha Stakes Record For Parnham's | Rsn
Trainer Neville Parnham and his jockey-son Brad have made the Fairetha Stakes (1400m) a race of their own in recent years, the latest addition to their fine record in the Listed feature for three-year-olds is classy colt September Born who stamped his WA Guineas (1600m) credentials with a stylish victory.
Glamour Mare Back On Track
3 minute read A strong closing effort by Own The Queen to take out her 1200m heat at Belmont trials this morning (Monday) has lifted the spirits of the glamour mare's trainer, Justine Erkelens. In her first official hit out since her autumn blitz earlier this year, Erkelens believes Own The Queen is back on track after a minor setback delayed her comeback to the races.
Former Jockey Relishes Training Triumph | Rsn
Ryan Hill took a punt and he was handsomely rewarded when London’s Image won the Listed Tabtouch-Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Wednesday. In a nail-biting finish, London's Image led from barrier to post and withstood the surging finishes of runner-up Ron's Finalflutter and third placegetter, Flower Of Gold.
Casey's Gelding Gives Trial Rivals Windburn
3 minute read Last out, first home. Wind And The Lion looked ultra impressive in a trial win at Belmont today (Monday). On a morning when a host of Ascot carnival potentials were stepping out for their first official hit outs, Wind And The Lion stood out strongly with a speedy display. Trained by father and son combination, Sean and Jake Casey, Wind And The Lion took part in a 400 heat and was in a league of his own as he blitzed rivals by 2 ¼ lengths.
Vahala Out To Claim Goldfield's Feature With International Stayer.
3 minute read It’s been two years since Camorra was in the winner’s stall and his Australian form has been underwhelming, but trainer Stefan Vahala believes the former international galloper can give the Listed Boulder Cup (2100m) a big shake on Sunday. Soon after taking out his biggest win in the Group 2 Currah Cup (2816m) in 2022, Camorra flew out to Melbourne where he joined the Lindsey Park stable of Ben and J.D.Hayes with a view of winning Australia's iconic race, the Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Taylor Happy With Ginnivan In Jolly Beggar Stakes
3 minute read There’s nothing in trainer Jim Taylor’s thinking that says Ginnivan can’t continue his excellent winning form at Belmont on Saturday. The son of Universal Ruler has relished the wet going at Belmont this preparation and is at short odds to make it a winning hat trick in the Jolly Beggar Stakes (1000m). The speedy gelding faces a steep test, but has drawn well, drops weight and can draw confidence from his strong win last start.
Sprinter's Resumption Leaves Miller With Broad Grin | Rsn
Promising sprinter, Jokers Grin, is back in work with trainer Bernie Miller ahead of his highly anticipated Ascot carnival campaign. Jokers Grin was one of the finds of the winter season after he reeled off three explosive 1000m victories at Northam and Belmont. Underling huge potential and a portent of things to come, the exciting son of Maschino wasn't beaten after running fourth on debut.
Hearn makes long-awaited return to riding
WA jockey Alex Hearn thought he was done with racing but says ‘unfinished business’ is the motivating factor driving his comeback to the sport after a long absence. Busselton-born Hearn, who commenced his apprenticeship in 2011 and retired from the saddle nearly a decade ago, returns to the riding ranks at Pinjarra on Wednesday. Hearn hung up his riding boots after partnering Shutthegate at a Gold Coast meeting in 2015 and rode his last winner aboard Moonlight Dancer at Ipswich a day prior.
No Kaos for Giadresco after trial
Trainer Peter Giadresco wore a far more contented smile following an improved trial performance from Kaptain Kaos at Lark Hill on Monday. Up against some handy rivals in his 950m heat, including Railway Stakes runner-up, Alsephina, Kaptain Kaos closed strongly for a second behind Influencing. Kaptain Kaos settled fourth in the six-horse trial and responded under hard riding from comeback jockey, Alex Hearn, when turning the corner.
Morton Raises The Bar In Belmont Newmarket
3 minute read Top trainer Dan Morton will use a two-pronged attack in an attempt to win his first Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday. Dan Morton saddles up Saloon Bar and Weaponson and has a good feeling about adding his name to honour roll of Belmont Newmarket winning trainers. Saloon Bar is second up after finishing third behind Boots Like Bruce in the Bolton Sprint (1200m) and Weaponson resumes after four months.
Fernie Thrilled With Devoted Pick Up | Rsn
Luke Fernie was rapt with the run of Devoted in Melbourne on Saturday, driving ambitious Ascot carnival plans later this year. The Perth-owned six-year-old turned up for his Flemington challenge with a second placing behind Gentleman Roy in a 1410m handicap. Currently under the care of the Hayes brothers, Ben, JD and Will, Luke Fernie purchased Devoted for $105,000 in an online sale in June.
Valour Road’S Short-Term Future Looks Assured After A Zestful Trial Win At Belmont On Monday.
3 minute read After a winless winter campaign, the veteran gelding’s career isn’t finished yet and he’ll return to defend his Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) crown on August 24. Trainer Simon Miller said Valour Road is on song for his first-up run, albeit he's mindful the nine-year-old is reaching the latter stages of a wonderful career. "He trialed good and is on a race-by-race scenario," Miller said to Racing WA.
Peters Has His Queen In Belmont Classic
3 minute read Leading owner-breeder Bob Peters is warming to the prospect Of Antique Queen causing an upset in Saturday’s $125,000 Listed Belmont Classic (2200m). Antique Queen goes up against raging $1.75 favourite and dominant Belmont Oaks champion, Petrouchka and Bob Peters hopes that she can at least make the Grant and Alana Williams-trained filly earn her win.
It’S All Love For Grantham’S Oaks Bid
3 minute read Luvnwar’s strong workout yesterday (Thursday) has added to Michael Grantham’s confidence leading into Saturday’s Belmont Oaks (2000m). One of two horses in the Listed race prepared by Grantham, Luvnwar emerged as a leading contender following her victory in the Belmont Guineas (1600m). She's attracted significant backing and currently holds the position as hot favourite, her TABtouch odds firming from an initial $2.20 to $1.90.
Stylish Win On The Cards Says Stewart
3 minute read There is talented opposition against him, but Russell Stewart gives Stylish Lord a big chance of winning the Listed Aquanita Stakes (2000m) at Belmont on Saturday. Stewart's confidence in Stylish Lord outpointing his nine Aquanita rivals is founded on his strong win with 60kg against older horses at Belmont a week ago. The Playing God gelding enjoyed a good run on the fence to the turn and once clear for jockey, Alan Kennedy, he finished best and scored by a neck over 1650m.
Regan Expects Oaks Rebound From His Angel
3 minute read It wasn’t exactly a pleasant watch for trainer Kieran Regan, but he’s hoping his talented filly Lyrical Angel can get up and going again in Saturday’s Listed Belmont Oaks (2000m). Full of hope pre-race, Kieran Regan was left lamenting after Lyrical Angel endured a torrid run out wide in the Belmont Guineas and tailed off to finish 35 lengths last behind Luvnwar.
Parnham excited to unveil new talent
WA Hall Of Fame trainer Neville Parnham is poised to produce his latest juvenile talent at Belmont on Saturday and if the Playing God colt follows in the footsteps of his sister, he is certain to have a bright future in front of him. September Born, a full-brother to Group 1 champion and $1.7 million earner Kay Cee, makes his debut in the WA Racehorse Owners' Association Plate (1000m) and Parnham thinks he has a genuine talent on his hand.
Brave McGruddy declares Belmont Guineas confidence
Jockey Shaun McGruddy is quietly confident his successful partnership with Brave Spirit can continue and extend to a feature event double at Belmont this weekend. McGruddy is unbeaten on Brave Spirit and reached an impressive third win on the Steve Wolfe-trained three-year-old in last fortnight's Listed Raconteur Stakes (1400m). Chasing breakaway leader Cool Memory, Brave Spirit charged home from eight position at the turn to hold out the fast-finishing The Boss Lady who came from last.
Parnham rates winning pair highly
Jockey Brad Parnham, who continued his good form in the saddle with a Belmont double on Saturday, predicts bright futures for his two winners. Parnham took his season tally to 53 city winners and sits fourth in the Perth jockey premiership after booting home Elite Missile and Objectify. Elite Missile, resuming since the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) in February, notched his first win at his fourth start with a strong finish over 1400m.
Body blow for Alsephina
Alsephina, one of Grant and Alana Williams’ top mares, had her winter campaign cut short before it even commenced at Belmont on Saturday. The quality mare was the only low point for the Grant and Alana Williams camp after Western Empire (NZ) continued his winning surge in the Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m)-albeit narrowly. The raging favourite gave punters some heart flutters chasing down Searchin' Roc's from the back of the field, but got the job done on the line to score by a half-length.
With Top Pick Up Ride, Turner Optimistic Of Belmont Sprint Upset
3 minute read Jordan Turner considers handy pick-up ride The Velvet Queen a genuine chance of scoring a knockout win in Saturday’s Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m) at Belmont. If the Tab touch market is to be believed the $200,000 Belmont Sprint is a race in one with Western Empire installed the $1.90 hot favourite in the quality 16-horse field.
Webster Hopeful In Cracker Jack Belmont Sprint
3 minute read Trainer Colin Webster is an unashamed admirer of Baby Paris, but is treading with caution ahead of her engagement in Saturday’s Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m) at Belmont. Webster has no doubt Baby Paris can regain her winning mojo after the Sheila Gwynne Classic (1400m), but his biggest fear is the quality of opposition she'll meet in the Belmont Sprint.
Star Perth Juvenile Melbourne Bound
Bustling, Perth's precocious talent, will continue his Australian career under Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr and Melbourne's leading co-trainers are confident he will live up to his $2 million price tag. After his two-year-old heroics in Perth, Bustling will step into Price and Kent's Caulfield base stacked with confidence and growing hype after underlining star power in Perth this season.
Cox Plate on the radar for Western Empire
Fresh from one of the most satisfying days he’s experienced on a racetrack, trainer Grant Williams has outlined ambitious plans for outstanding Northam Stakes winner Western Empire (NZ). The short-term has been locked away with the Belmont Sprint (1400m), Hyperion Stakes (1600m) and Strickland Stakes (2000m) — a trio of Group 3 races on the radar.
Pateman adopts gear chance for Northam stakes edge
Mitchell Pateman is trusting the addition of blinkers can turn Mojo Rhythm into a formidable winning force in Sunday’s Group 3 Northam Stakes (1300m). Pateman hopes a gear change can help Mojo Rhythm secure his second Group 3 success after winning the Peters Stakes (1500m) last December. Mojo Rhythm finished second in the Old Comrade Stakes (1600m) two weeks ago, cut down by the fast-finishing Tin Chooks after finding the front 50m from home.
Exciting Bustling poised to give Morton juvenile double
Superb Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) champion Bustling, recently the subject of intense interest from international buyers, is expected to give trainer Dan Morton a second consecutive Perth juvenile feature at Ascot on Saturday. After his astonishing 4 ½ length romp in last fortnight's Karrakatta Plate, Perth's richest two-year-old event, Bustling is raging favourite to end his stunning maiden campaign on a winning high in the Group 3 WA Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m).
Almighty Class out to reclaim lost pride
Trainer Mitchell Pateman was expecting Almighty Class to deliver a whole lot more than what he dished up in last month’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot. Forever the optimist, Pateman was confident Almighty Class could match it against a crack group of sprinters in Perth's richest race, but was left lamenting after he ran an inglorious 12th. Almighty Class held bragging rights over Wilde Belle and Super Smink only with the pair finishing 13th and 14th respectively.
Superb Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) champion, Bustling, recently the subject of intense interest from international buyers, is expected to give trainer Dan Morton a second consecutive Perth juvenile feature at Ascot on Saturday. After his astonishing 4 ½ length romp in last fortnight's Karrakatta Plate, Perth's richest two-year-old event, Bustling is raging favourite to end his stunning maiden campaign on a winning high in the Group 3 WA Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m).
An influx of Western Australian raiders for Adelaide’s racing carnival has grown with Luke Fernie set to target black-type races with two of his stable stand outs. Quality mare Laced Up Heels confirmed a second interstate trip following another top run Ascot on Saturday and Be Optimistic is poised to return after a breakout campaign. Laced Up Heels continued her sharp improvement after coming back winless from a Melbourne campaign and taking time to recover from a couple of minor issues.
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