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Articles by Races WA
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.
Change As Good As A Holiday For Terasita
3 minute read Terasita has had five trainers in her short 20 start career, but it was the move to Tracy Reay’s care that has seen her blossom, with the three-year-old breaking through for her maiden win on Saturday night, at just her fourth start for the stable. The Tracy Reay/Jelf camp took on the three-year-old filly after her last start at Pinjarra for Hayden Reeves back on the 24th of June, a decision made on a whim, but one they definitely haven't regretted.
The Last Word – The 2024 Narrogin Pacing Cup
3 minute read As the country cups continue to ramp up, the listed $35,000 TAB touch Narrogin Pacing Cup is just one day away on Saturday May 11, with the race shaping up to be one hell of a contest. Pinny Tiger will be looking to hold up in the feature, drawing barrier one for Michael Brennan and Chris Voak and looks the certain leader in the race. The stable is confident he can go all the way.
Western Empire Set To Launch In The Joey
3 minute read Trainer Grant Williams has flagged the possible return of Western Empire in next week’s $200,000 Joey (1200m) at Ascot. Grant Williams, along with wife Alana, trained Western Empire to win multiple blacktype races, including the 2021 WATC Derby (2400m) and Railway Stakes (1600m). He was then transferred to trainer John Leek Jnr in Victoria before Williams purchased him for $150,000 in an Inglis online sale late last year.
Prentice Hopes Ronaldo Can Bounce Back In Attempt To Secure Nullarbor Slot
3 minute read Trainer Justin Prentice admits he can’t put his finger on why Mighty Ronaldo produced an underwhelming run in Saturday’s Bunbury Cup (2569m) and is hoping for an improved performance this week. The reigning Fremantle Cup champion is set to line up in Friday night's Governors Cup (2130m), where a golden ticket to this year's edition of the Fremantle Cup is up for grabs. Justin Prentice said he hoped Mighty Ronaldo, who finished sixth in the $50,000 event, had an off night.
Wa Star Never Ending Confirmed For $1.25Mil Nullarbor
3 minute read CONFIRMATION boom WA pacer Never Ending will tackle the $1.25mil Group 1 Nullarbor has added another dimension to the April 19 feature at Gloucester Park. Slot owner Entain, through its Ladbrokes brand, moved swiftly to find a replacement slot runner when superstar Magnificent Storm was ruled-out of the race with a nasty knee infection.
Navy Team Armed For Racing Triumph
3 minute read Friends who met in the armed forces have won a stunning victory in the Own the Dream competition and are set to conquer the racing world. With a small team of four, The Salty Punters managed to beat the odds and win the major $20,000 prize package for a share in a racehorse. Team captain Anthony Maclennan said the group, who met in the Royal Australian Navy, were bonded by both their ocean and land-based interests. "We were in it for the enjoyment of going to the races.
Sinful Living To Pay Off For Pearce Stable
3 minute read Ben Pearce was an admirer of Sinful Living’s return fourth to Golden Vale and predicts the filly will be even better for her next clash at Pinjarra on Saturday. Costing a modest $10,000 as a yearling for an all-girl syndicate, Sinful Living can pinch her biggest payday in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m). "She was going five weeks between runs and was given 10 days in the paddock," Pearce said to The Races WA.
Star Hoop Aims For Quokka Return
3 minute read William Pike has Saturday, April 20, clearly marked in his diary. For William Pike, it's not just another day at the races, it's Quokka Day. It's Perth's richest race and now worth an extra million after the $4 million inaugural edition last year. With the race profile and prizemoney on offer there is no shortage of incentive and motive for Pike to be involved, but what role he plays hit a big snag last month.
Howlett Delighted With Fillies First Up Win
3 minute read Barry Howlett was impressed by his filly Sugar Delight who claimed her maiden win on debut in a dominating display in the first at Albany, a night dedicated in memory of passed members. Race one, the George Hodgson Memorial saw Aldo Cortopassi drive the three-year-old daughter of champion stallion Bettors Delight USA to victory, with the short-priced $1.28 favourite spacing the field by 32.4m on the line, with the win further confirming that she has a future ahead of her.
Stewart’S Karrakatta Plate Stocks Soar
3 minute read If Karrakatta Plate conversations are starting to be had, it would come as no surprise if a lot of the talk is centered around trainer Russell Stewart’s top two-year-olds. The Karrakatta Plate is just two months away, but in the space of seven days, Russell Stewart has flexed his muscle with three highly-promising prospects stamping their claims.
Parnham Keen To Grasp Cyril Flower Opportunity
3 minute read Top jockey Brad Parnham is hoping to make the most of the opportunity that has opened up for him in a Listed event at Bunbury on Saturday. Brad Parnham's picked up the ride on My Bella Mae and with several key omissions he believes the classy mare is in the hunt to secure her second straight Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) victory.
Bustler up for Melbourne test
A winner of the Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot last November, Bustler prepares for another Group 1 test in the C.F.Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Bustler and stable mate, WA Guineas champion, Zipaway, in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m), are testing interstate waters for the first time in their careers. Bustler, a son of boom sire Playing God, meets a small but select group in the Orr Stakes after a field of nine accepted for the first Victorian Group 1 of 2024.
Vahala Believes Aztec Ruler Is Set To Shine
3 minute read Stefan Vahala has played the long game with Aztec Ruler; most of it planned, some of it not. Stefan Vahala hopes adopting a patient strategy can begin to pay off both now and later in the year. The now arrives as soon as Saturday, (weather permitting) in the Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) at Ascot, Aztec Ruler's first crack at Listed company.
Peters lavishes praise on retired Regal Power
Following his 10th placing in the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on January 1, Regal Power has been retired. Regal Power ends his career as an eight-year-old and off the back of 41 starts since his debut at Belmont Park in 2018. The son of Pierro won 10 races, placed eight times and reached $4.7 million in prizemoney. Regal Power won his first race at his second start and claimed maiden feature success in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes over 1600m.
Golden Vale Stars Magic Millions Path
3 minute read Impressive two-year-old Golden Vale took an important early step to next month’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) in trial at Lark Hill this morning. Impressive two-year-old Golden Vale took an important early step to next month's Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) in trial at Lark Hill this morning. Golden Vale, who made a winning debut at Ascot in October, was narrowly beaten by Glasgow Lass in the 950m trial.
Fernie Optimistic After Carnival Of Close Calls
3 minute read Trainer Luke Fernie has quickly turned his attention to upcoming feature races with his stable stars, after several near misses during the recent Pinnacles carnival. Luke Fernie won the Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) with Ripcord on the opening day of the Pinnacles, before he recorded placings in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m) with the same galloper.
Pike Says A Lot Of Things In Casino Seventeen’S Favour In Perth Cup
3 minute read Champion jockey William Pike agrees with a fair chunk of pundits that key factors are in play for Casino Seventeen to win Monday’s Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot. A perfect barrier draw, light weight, nearing peak form and prepared by master conditioners, has Pike brimming with excitement that he can win a fourth Perth Cup. Punters share Pike's assessment with Casino Seventeen the rock-solid $3 favourite, ahead of interstate raiders, Numerian at $4.80 and Zoumon $8.
Wheeler Dominates With 500th Career Win At Albany
3 minute read Trent Wheeler on board Simply Shaz NZ after the Gr1 Mares Classic win. Photo Credit – Pacepix Just like a fine wine, Trent Wheeler continues to get better with age, with the 39-year-old celebrating his 500th career win in the cart on Friday night at Albany. On board The Righteous for trainer Peter Anderson, the pair had already combined for a win earlier in the night when three-year-old Ellucifer took out race two, a win for favourite punters at $1.45 odds.
Quiet Patch Before, Bell Gets, Back In The Swing Of Things
3 minute read Trainer Ryan Bell had been hoping to play a big part in feature races at Gloucester Park over the concluding stages of 2023. Trainer Ryan Bell had been hoping to play a big part in feature races at Gloucester Park over the concluding stages of 2023. Trainer Ryan Bell had been hoping to play a big part in feature races at Gloucester Park over the concluding stages of 2023. He hoped Shockwave would stay fit to tackle the WA Pacing Cup.
The Beach Master Overcomes Hurdle To Claim First Win At Albany
3 minute read The Beach Master may have had 2-and-a-half years away from the racetrack, but that didn’t stop the rising five-year-old from dominating the last on the card at Albany, leading all the way for Mount Barker based trainer/driver Wes Andrews. Suffering a tendon injury at just two-years-old and with Max and Jan Liddelow, making the decision that they were retiring from racing, Wes Andrews was presented with an offer he couldn't refuse.
Time Is Now For Lavra Joe: Jones
3 minute read Now is the time for Lavra Joe to stand up and become one of the leading Free-For-All players, according to his trainer Ray Jones. Now is the time for Lavra Joe to stand up and become one of the leading Free-For-All players, according to his trainer Ray Jones. The five-year-old makes his much-anticipated return to racing in tomorrow night's Vale Tony Stampalia Pace (1730m) at Gloucester Park.
Kim Doak Having A Ripping Time As Owner
3 minute read From modest aspirations a couple of years ago Kim Doak has hit pay dirt as an owner, led by star three-year-old Ripcord who has captured national and international interest after his Placid Ark triumph. From modest aspirations a couple of years ago Kim Doak has hit pay dirt as an owner, led by star three-year-old Ripcord who has captured national and international interest after his Placid Ark triumph.
Amy Kennedy And Goandcullect Shine Bright At Eitp
3 minute read Amy Kennedy and Goandcullect experienced thrill like no other, when the pair made their way from Albany to compete at this year’s Equestrian In The Park at Crown on Saturday, November 25th at the glamorous grounds of Crown Perth. Amy Kennedy and Goandcullect experienced thrill like no other, when the pair made their way from Albany to compete at this year's Equestrian In The Park at Crown on Saturday, November 25th at the glamorous grounds of Crown Perth.
Pony Races Put Youngsters On Track For Future Careers
3 minute read The youngsters lining up for pony races at Ascot today showed the focus and commitment of professional jockeys in a Group 1. All the riders in the first National Pony Racing Series understood the honour of racing on the famous track just hours before the Northerly Stakes and among them were top jockey William Pike's son Jett and daughter Aspen. Also trainers Grant and Alana Williams' daughter Tahni, celebrating her 14th birthday and first race ride on the same day.
Darby Racing Set To Leave Bigger Footprint In Perth
3 minute read Fresh from taking out Saturday’s Group 1 Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) with Overpass, Darby Racing director Scott Darby wants the syndicator to increase its presence in Perth. Having already won the inaugural Quokka (1200m) earlier this year, Overpass completed the Ascot feature sprint double in Saturday's $1.5 million event and won his first Group 1 in the process.
Expect Northerly Stakes Improvement From Forgot You Says Young
3 minute read Natalie Young understands if punters have dropped off Forgot You, but she’s confident they’ll see an improved version of the five-year-old in Saturday’s G1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot. Finishing 14th of 16 in the G1 Railway Stakes wasn't the ideal way to kick off your interstate campaign and not what Natalie Young, who trains in partnership with Trent Busuttin, had planned for.
Owner-breeder Gary Bowen was certain Baby Paris could not run out 1400m. Trainer Colin Webster and jockey Peter Knuckey had no reservations. Baby Paris had the final say and she responded emphatically. The daughter of boom sire Playing God proved too strong in the Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m), leading all the way. Rusty Dreams tried valiantly to reel her in over the late stages, but Baby Paris had the edge and scored by a short-neck.
Smith Takes Aim At Second Winterbottom
3 minute read Trainer Lindsey Smith is optimistic a decision to send Triple Missile to Perth will be richly rewarded in the $1.5 million Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday. Lindsey Smith knows what it takes to win the Winterbottom Stakes, Perth's major and most prestigious sprint, he did it 15 years ago when Glory Hunter won the race under Group 2 status. If Smith's plan goes to script, victory will hold a distinctly Western Australian flavour.
Favourable Winterbottom Draw Doesn’T Hurt My Bella Mae Says Carbery
3 minute read Jockey Pat Carbery says a favourable barrier draw enhances My Bella Mae’s chances to win the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday. My Bella Mae came up with barrier five and with speed all around the Deep Field mare, Pat Carbery plans to utilise her best asset in Perth's rich $1.5 million sprint. Carbery said barrier one and racing on top of the speed didn't suit My Bella Mae last start when she started favourite and finished fifth in the Colonel Reeves (1100m).
Happy Ayrton Key To Gold Rush Success
3 minute read Exciting galloper Ayrton has quickly adapted to his new surroundings in Perth, according to Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr’s stable representative Ben Elam. Ayrton arrived in Perth with fellow Pinnacles contenders last week and will line up in next month's Damien Oliver Gold Rush By TABtouch (1400m) at Ascot. By taking his place in the Gold Rush, the well-travelled Ayrton will have raced in each of the Australian mainland states.
Brad Rawiller Answers Sos Winterbottom Call
3 minute read Victorian jockey Brad Rawiller will attempt to win the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) for a second time when he partners Resortman in the $1.5 million feature at Ascot on Saturday. Brad Rawiller answered the SOS call from Bunbury trainer Michael Lane and will make a flying visit to Perth before returning to Warrnambool for a book of rides on Sunday.
Pike Seeking Fortune Change In Winterbottom
3 minute read In William Pike’s mind it’s the race that got away and he’s determined to claw back favour in Saturday’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot. William Pike is as competitive a rider that is going around who doesn't take losses too lightly and Oscar's Fortune's last-start defeat is one that still rankles with him. Pike felt justified in thinking he had the Placid Ark Stakes well within his grasp when Oscar's Fortune set up a lead in the straight, but then came Ripcord.
Savatoxl Has Zest For Winterbottom
3 minute read Trainer Will Savage maintains Savatoxl is showing enthusiasm and a zest for racing as he prepares for a first up tilt at the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday. Alice Springs-based Will Savage is looking for further interstate success with Savatoxl, the well-travelled Kuroshio gelding a multiple black-type winner in Adelaide and Melbourne.
New Slotholders Introduced In The Next Chapter Of The Western Trilogy
3 minute read Sky Racing is joining the world’s only tri-code slot race series in 2024, securing the only available slot in The Quokka. The major racing broadcaster has joined wagering operators and big names in racing by signing up for three years to the $5 million Thoroughbred race. Racing and Wagering Western Australia Chief Executive Officer Ian Edwards said the new chapter of the TABtouch Western Trilogy had proven to be a best seller.
A Red Letter Day For Parnham Family
3 minute read In a week when Australia’s first lady of racing was justly feted and elevated to Legend status in the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame in Perth last Thursday, it was WA’s first family of racing, the Parnham’s, who took centre stage at Ascot on Saturday. It was a red-letter day for the Parnham's at WA racing headquarters. Could it have been scripted any better? A unique double shared between father and son.
Top Honours For Gai Waterhouse And Anamoe At Perth Ceremony
3 minute read 2022 Cox Plate champion Anamoe was crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year at a glamorous celebration at Optus Stadium yesterday. Now in retirement, Anamoe stands as Godolphin's most triumphant horse at Group 1 level, solidifying his status as one of the most distinguished Australian stallions in history. At the same event, the first lady of Australian racing, Gai Waterhouse AO, was elevated to Legend status as part of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductions.
Deja Vu For Comfort Me In Railway
3 minute read There was a sense of déjà vu for trainer Rhys Radford at Tuesday’s Railway Stakes barrier draw. Comfort Me drew barrier 18, leaving Rhys Radford feeling deflated, but it's a position the young trainer knows only too well. On face value it's a body blow, but if the emergencies come out Comfort Me jumps from gate 15 and jockey Peter Knuckey gets to work. Comfort Me, one of the most consistent and honest horses going around in Perth, had barrier 15 in two cracking Railway attempts.
Dan Morton’s priority is to win Saturday’s WA Guineas with Super Smink. Group 2 status, half-a-million dollars in prize money and bragging rights are solid enough incentives. But if Dan Morton takes off his training cap and looks at the contest purely as a fan, he's salivating at the prospect. Saturday's WA Guineas is the undercard to the Railway Stakes (1600m), but holds intrigue on its own with a bunch of WA's top three-year-olds competing.
Morton A Fan Of Wa Guineas Contest
3 minute read Dan Morton’s priority is to win Saturday’s WA Guineas with Super Smink. Group 2 status, half-a-million dollars in prize money and bragging rights are solid enough incentives. But if Dan Morton takes off his training cap and looks at the contest purely as a fan, he's salivating at the prospect. Saturday's WA Guineas is the undercard to the Railway Stakes (1600m), but holds intrigue on its own with a bunch of WA's top three-year-olds competing.
A new Railway Stakes champion will be crowned at Ascot on Saturday and jockey, Michael Poy hopes he can reach the same heights as his father. Michael Poy is the son of former champion jockey, Michael Clarke and is going all out to complete a rare family treble in Perth's famous mile race. A four-time winner of Melbourne's Jockey Premiership, Clarke was a household name in racing and considered one of the best riders of his generation.
Roots: Right Horse In Right Race Says Waller
3 minute read Chris Waller is positive Roots fits the right profile and has the credentials to win Saturday’s $1.5 million Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot and claim an elusive Group 1 victory. Sydney's champion trainer understands what's required to win Perth's famous mile race, having prepared Good Project to take out Railway Stakes honours in 2015.
Options open for star filly Keshi Boom
To back up against the boys or chase Group 1 honours and $1.5 million in prizemoney? That's the enviable decision facing the all powerful Grant and Alana Williams stable. Go again next week in the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) or take on a race that's been kind to three-year-old's in recent years in the Northerly Stakes (1800m).
Pateman gets his Rhythm back in Peters
The changing fortunes of racing. One day up. One day down. Unfortunately for trainer Mitchell Pateman Wednesday was a down day when his talented three-year-old Almighty Class had to be withdrawn from the Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) because of a virus. The Playing God gelding will live to fight another day, but a crushing blow nevertheless for Pateman who had grand ideas his stable pin up could be a major player in big races at Ascot's Pinnacles Carnival.
Miller’S Special Placid Ark Affinity
3 minute read Trainer Simon Miller could have a commanding hand to play in the Listed Tabtouch Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday with a triple assault. Simon Miller has special affinity with the half-a-million dollar race, the love affair going back to a decade ago when Miss Bux won in 2013. The trend continued when Liberty's Gem (2015), Caipirinha (2017), Ocean Jewel (2018) and Dance Music carried the mantle for Miller.
Keshi Boom Goes From Hunter To Hunted In Champion Fillies
3 minute read Co-trainer Grant Williams says he’s looking forward to seeing how his gun filly Keshi Boom goes from the hunter to the hunted as she looks to extend her undefeated status at Ascot on Saturday. Keshi Boom lowered the colours of reigning Two-Year-Old Horse of the Year, Super Smink in the Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) 10 days ago, a surprising victory that's seen her elevate to hot favouritism in the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).
Overpass To Revive Perth Memories In Winterbottom Stakes
3 minute read Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker is optimistic a return to Perth can help erase disappointing Everest memories and deliver a comeback victory for Overpass in next month’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot. Ascot holds special attachment for Bjorn Baker and Overpass and was the scene of the gelding's biggest triumph earlier in April when he held out star local mare Amelia's Jewel to win the inaugural $4 million The Quokka by a thrilling short-head margin.
The Bluff Knoll Heralds New Era
3 minute read Mark Bayliss believes next year’s inaugural The Bluff Knoll in Albany will signal a new and exciting era for country racing in Western Australia. Mark Bayliss, Albany Racing Club's general manager, today (Wednesday) announced 13 slot holders for WA racing's latest innovative race. The Bluff Knoll follows the hugely successful slot race concept of the $20 million Everest in Sydney and the $4 million Quokka in Perth.
Top Jockey Tom Berry Back In Perth For Railway
3 minute read Sydney galloper Roots is set to run in next Saturday’s Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot and top jockey Tommy Berry has been booked to ride the last start winner. Tommy Berry continues his successful association with the Chris Waller-trained five-year-old after riding her to a dominant victory in last week's Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill.
Andrews Banks On A Lot Of Good Men In Fairetha
3 minute read It’s been near two decades since trainer Trevor Andrews took out the Fairetha Stakes (1400m), but he believes A Lot Of Good Men presents a golden opportunity of returning to the races honour roll on Saturday. Trevor Andrews is backing A Lot Of Good Men to pass his biggest test in the $125,000 Listed Fairetha Stakes and add valuable black-type status after missing feature juvenile races last season.
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