News Items.
| I'MLOVIN'YA BRILLIANT IN THE REDLEVA.
Exciting 3YO filly I'mlovin'ya returned to the track in brilliant fashion Saturday 22nd April in Adelaide to record her second Stakes victory by winning the LISTED Redelva Stakes in dominant fashion. The Daughter of Capitalist was most unlucky in the Spring where things simply didn’t work out for her, however she did record placings in both the GROUP 3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield and LISTED Atlantic Jewel Stakes at Moonee Valley. Spelled and let mature after her unplaced Red Roses Stakes run on Oaks Day, I’mlovin’ya came back into work a different horse and had grown and thickened during her time out and ticked every box continually through to her planned first up run in the Redelva. Jockey Zac Spain took luck out of the equation when I’mlovin’ya jumped beautifully from a middle gate and although it was a bit messy early on in the race where Zac had to contend with runners three and four wide who were all looking to be on speed, he elected to hold his spot on the fence and was happy to share the lead. On straightening it was evident that Zac had a lapful of horse under him and when he asked I’mlovin’ya for an effort, she put up 4 lengths on the field in the blink of an eye and on the line was throttling down to win by just on 2 lengths in a very impressive performance. Much credit goes to Mick Price and Michael Kent on the way that they have trained this filly and had her in magnificent order nice and fresh for the Redelva. Due credit also goes to Zac Spain who has done a mountain of work for the stable over many years and personally it was satisfying that Zac could record this Stakes win on one of our horses. I’mlovin’ya is a Stakes winner as a two-year-old and now a three-year-old and has the race record of 7 starts for 2 wins and 2 thirds (all in Stakes Class) for prize money of $197,220. Saturday’s win was a great boost for the Loveyamadly family and her owners who have a King’s Legacy Weanling filly earmarked for sale in 2024, a So You Think Yearling filly who has just been broken in with John Ledger at Wangaratta to excellent reports and Loveyamadly is currently in foal to Champion Yarraman Park stallion I Am Invincible due in October!
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| STAKES SUCCESS FOR I'MLOVIN'YA
Brilliant 2YO filly I'mlovin'ya ran right up to her excellent first up run in the Blue Diamond Preview for Fillies Jan 26 despite having no luck, to improve markedly off that run and record a brilliant win in the LISTED Talindert Stakes at Flemington on Saturday Feb 19. Missing the start and always well back at Caulfield on debut, the filly recorded excellent closing sections to run a very brave 6th beaten 3 lengths and really put the writing on the wall for her next run. That next run was the Talindert, and a 10 out of 10 ride by Damian Lane who had I'mlovin'ya perfectly positioned after 400 meters tracking the race favourite Waltz On By all of the way was the key to success. It was clear at the 600 meter mark that Damian Lane had a lapful of horse under him and all that he had to do was to extricate off the back of Waltz On By to figure prominently in the finish and that he did. I'mlovin'ya let down with a terrific sprint over the final 200 meters to overhaul Waltz On By on the line by three quarters of a length who to be fair gave a good kick when challenged with the Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes galloper Lambda finishing third. It was an important win for I'mlovin'ya who is now herself a Stakes winner and joins Immortal Love as another Stakes winner from one of our foundation Broodmares in Loveyamadly who from only 4 foals to race has produced 2 Stakes winners, a City winner (Bella Amore) and a multiple winner (Classic Gaming) from only 4 foals to have raced. Loveyamadly is clearly doing the job at stud and has a gorgeous So You Think filly on the ground and is in foal to exciting first crop Coolmore Stallion King's Legacy. I'mlovin'ya will avoid the temptation of chasing Blue Diamond glory and will have a lovely nice spell now where there are a plethora of quality GROUP and LISTED Fillies races that await her in the Spring, commencing with the GROUP 3 Quezette in mid-August! For the record I'mlovin'ya has had just the 2 starts for a Listed win and $101,240 already banked with a career that will likely see the best of her in her upcoming 3YO career!
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| SCORPIUS RESUMES WITH IMPRESSIVE YARRA VALLEY WIN.
Five year old Deep Field gelding Scorpius returned to racing with an impressive win at Yarra Valley on Friday 17th December in the United Petroleum BM58 over 1200 meters and now appears to be back on track. It was certainly a welcome pay day for the owners who had experienced great frustration with Scorpius, and his Yarra Valley win was his first since December 2019. Scorpius commenced his career impressively winning two of his first four starts including an impressive Metropolitan win at Sandown, however seemingly lost his way from that point and proved very frustrating for all concerned. A nice long slow pre training prep this time around by John, Chris and Brad Ledger who did a fantastic job with him was instrumental in turning this guy around and on top of three good barrier trials, Scorpius was primed to perform and perform he did. Ridden nice and quiet by Zac Spain who settled Scorpius towards the rear of the field off a good speed, Zac allowed Scorpius to travel on the bridle most of the way before being asked to set him alight just prior to the turn. Although carrying 63.5KG, Scorpius has an excellent turn of foot when the race is run to suit and being the widest runner in the straight, Scorpius let down with a terrific turn of foot to round in the leaders and won pulling up on the line by three quarters of a length defeating Gojazz with the race favourite Drone Strike filling third. Scorpius will derive a great deal of confidence out of that win and there does look to be a suitable BM64 at Caulfield on Wednesday January 12 which bears serious thought and the hope is that we may have found the trick to him and that he can now race consistently for the owners who have displayed great faith in sticking by him. Scorpius has now the race record of 20 starts for 3 wins, 4 seconds and a third for $131,025 in stakes and being nice and sound is well suited to Summer racing!
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| THE FLOWERS BLOOM IN SPRING.
Spring is a time when horses need to stand up and announce themselves to the world and that was never truer at Sale on Wednesday 6th October when Bring Me Flowers recorded an impressive win at start number four in the 24th October Ladbroke Sale Cup Maiden over 1400 meters. Jumping from an outside gate and beginning well, jockey Patrick Moloney showed great initiative to click up on Bring Me Flowers in what is a short run to the first turn from the 1400 meter barriers and landed in the absolute plum one out one spot shortly after. From there Patrick was able to have a smooth run in transit behind the leader Foxeto who went quick and at the 600 meter mark was stalking the race favourite From Pantherland who settled second. It was clear at the turn that Foxeto was waving the white flag and From Pantherland took over, however Patrick cruised up behind that horse and on straightening was clearly going the better. Bring Me Flowers hit the front half way down the straight and really floated over the ensuing 200 meters not really knowing what to do but proved too strong to win by three quarters of a length in a very impressive effort from both horse and jockey. Bring Me Flowers has had little luck in her first three race starts with inexperience and a touch of waywardness being a major contributing factor, however after some impressive track work at Caulfield is now starting to put it all together on race day and does look a promising filly in the making with further natural improvement to come. Bring Me Flowers was a $120,000 purchase at the 2020 Gold Coast Magic Millions out of Royston and Catriona Murphy’s Sledmere Stud draft and has an extremely commercial family behind her coming from the highly successful Procrastinate/Laisserfaire family which is all important when she heads to stud in the years ahead!
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| BELLA AMORE RETURNS A WINNER.
Gorgeous Mare Bella Amore returned to the winners stall narrowly but impressively on Sunday 18th April by taking out the 0-58 O'Connor Premium Beef Handicap on the Pakenham Synthetic in what was an excellent first up performance. Drawing an awkward gate but jumping well, Bella Amore was expected to settle mid field, however with the speed on, instead found herself last at the 600 meter mark with a lot of work to do. Credit goes to her rider Patrick Moloney who didn’t panic and instead, allowed the Mare to fully settle and get into a rhythm rather than kicking up and trying to hold a spot which would have placed her out of her comfort zone. Just prior to the turn Patrick extricated Bella Amore to the extreme outside and she let down with a very good long sustained run to hold off the Shane Nicholls trained That Song by a long neck with Amusing Magnus filling third. It was an excellent return to racing for Bella Amore who simply lost her way last prep with wet tracks ,wide draws and a failed trip to Adelaide which did not allow any real consistency to her racing. A nice break and a re start has brought immediate rewards and should give this Mare the confidence that she needs to now go right on with it. A stunning Snitzel home bred, out of our Stakes winning Mare Loveyamadly, Bella Amore is destined for a successful career at stud herself later in the year being a full Sister to the GROUP 3 Mc Neil Stakes winner Immortal Love and is from the highly successful Beauty World dam line, who apart from Loveyamadly, has produced a further 6 individual Stakes horses including Lite’n In My Veins, Hi World, Ducimus, American Crew, Where's Wally and more recently Written Beauty. Bella Amore and has now had the 14 starts for 2 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds for $80,265 in stakes.
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| FIGHTING HARADA DOES IT AGAIN.
Highly talented 5YO Sprinting gelding Fighting Harada continued on his merry way at Bendigo Saturday 27th March by unleashing his normal customary devastating finishing sprint to win the No Fuss Event Hire BM 78 on Bendigo Guineas day by just on 2 lengths in yet another impressive performance. It has been well documented the length of time (866 days) that this gelding had been off the scene for a variety of issues that curtailed his racing career in his three and four year old seasons, however this big hulking son of Fighting Sun is now putting it all together and making up for lost time for his wonderfully patient owners. Jockey Dean Yendall, who has developed a real affinity with this horse had Fighting Harada box seating from an inside draw and was always travelling well throughout and when the gap appeared on straightening, Dean drove Fighting Harada straight through and he went on to score by just on two lengths, easing down on the line from the Gai Waterhouse trained Faretti with Don’t Tell Dory running well to finish third. For once, everything has gone right with Fighting Harada this time around and this prep has also gone 100% to plan with the programming where the races just lined up in order for Fighting Harada to progress through his grades and Saturday’s win was his third in succession. Kudos again must be given to Matthew Williams, who is such an important part of Mick Price Racing, in particular at Mick and Michael Kent’s Warrnambool base for an outstanding job in rehabbing and assisting in preparing Fighting Harada in between his races. Fighting Harada is continuing to build an impressive race record which now stands at 11 starts for 5 wins, 2 seconds and a third for $202,840 in stakes and is certainly a horse to be followed with confidence as he continues to progress through this prep!
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| FIGHTING HARADA MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW.
Brilliant Fighting Sun gelding Fighting Harada made in two in a row when saluting in fine style at Sandown Wednesday 3rd March in the BM 78 MRC Members Hcp over 1400 meters. The now 5YO showed that he is well and truly back to make a name for himself and proved that Pakenham was no fluke when winning first up. Fighting Harada’s well documented past issues hopefully appear to be now behind him, being superbly managed by the Warrnambool team and it is hoped that he can now have clear running for an uninterrupted prep as if he can, he will continue to build on what is quickly becoming an impressive race record. Ridden an absolute treat by jockey Dean Yendall who is starting to develop a real affinity with this horse, Dean had Fighting Harada one out one back after 400 meters and always travelled well in running. It was clear 600 meters out that with the soft ride that Dean gave the big boy in transit that Fighting Harada was always going to offer big time in the straight and just prior to the turn Dean was out in clear galloping room. On straightening, Fighting Harada cruised up to the race leader Imperial Lad and while that horse gave a really good kick in the final 200 meters, Fighting Harada was up for the challenge to win on the line from that horse by a half a length with Platini running well for third. Fighting Harada now extends his race record to 10 starts for 4 wins, 2 seconds and a third for $161,590 in stakes and will have a lovely three and a half week gap into his next anticipated run at Bendigo in a $75,000 1300 BM78 on Saturday 27th March. Wednesday’s win was again due reward for a wonderfully patient ownership group who have stuck strong with Fighting Harada throughout and judging by his first two wins this prep, the fun may not yet be over!
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| FIGHTING HARADA BRILLIANT AFTER 866 DAYS.
Patience has never been rewarded more for just a wonderful and trusting ownership group when Fighting Harada brilliantly won the Battery Zone BM64 under lights over 1200 meters at Pakenham Thursday Feb 11. Coming off such a long break of 866 days, you just never know how the pressure of race day will unfold, however three impressive trial wins leading into Pakenham gave every indication that Fighting Harada would perform when the pressure was applied. The ownership group never deviated off Fighting Harada’s rehabilitation program and a couple of additional hiccups along the way made circumstance even more trying, however Fighting Harada continued to tick every box along the way and the group allowed the team at Warrnambool under Matthew Williams expert care to do their job which was rewarded with Pakenham’s win. Dean Yendall gave Fighting Harada an absolute peach of a ride, allowing the 5YO to settle three back on the outside and on straightening extricated Fighting Harada to the centre of the track giving him good galloping room, and this Son of Fighting Sun did the rest and let down in devastating style to win as he pleased. Kudos to Mick Price, Michael Kent, Matthew Williams and his veterinary team and Dean Yendall for all combining for such a magnificent achievement after 866 days off the scene. Fighting Harada had just had the 9 starts for now 3 wins, 2 seconds and a third and $134,090 in stakes. Fighting Harada has pulled up super from his victory and will most likely head to Sandown on Wednesday March 3 for a most suitable 1400 meter BM78 race. Fingers crossed that this guy can remain nice and sound as if so, plenty of fun is in store for this wonderful ownership group!
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| MISS DAMITA SEES THE YEAR OUT WITH A BANG.
Gorgeous Ocean Park Mare Miss Damita finished off 2020 with a bang when she recorded a very impressive Woodford Cup win on her Warrnambool home track Dec 31. Coming off a desperately unlucky first up run at Moonee Valley when held up at a crucial stage and flashed home late when running second, Miss Damita certainly put the writing on the board that a win was imminent. Miss Damita had put consecutive wins together in Oct/Nov 2019 where her last win was the Mortlake Cup Nov 19 so with such a long time between wins, the Woodford Cup win was a relief and a much needed boost for her confidence. Although trapped three wide for the trip, jockey Dean Yendall was able to have the Mare in a nice rhythm and was able to have her poised to strike at any stage he wanted, and to see the way she cruised up to the logical race danger in Black Sail prior to the turn and put that horse away shortly on straightening and winning by a lengthening two and a half lengths was very impressive. Miss Damita continues her consistent race record which now stands at 24 runs for 5 wins, 4 seconds and 5 thirds for $131,480 in stakes. A NZ$58,000 purchase at the 2015 Karaka Weanling Sales this Mare has been a terrific money spinner for connections and whilst she will no doubt have to step up in grade now, she is a horse to be followed particularly as she will step out to her favourite 2000 meter trip next start!
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| IMMORTAL LOVE WINS GROUP 3 McNEIL STAKES
Super talented 3YO Immortal Love remained unbeaten after a sterling performance Saturday August 29 by winning the time honored GROUP 3 H.D.F. McNeil Stakes at Caulfield after seemingly coming from a hopeless position at the 600 meter mark. As is his customary habit of slightly missing the start, Immortal Love stayed true to form and was again slow to begin which would normally be fatal in such a strong race, however Craig Newitt who rode a fantastic race on the three year old, allowed the gelded son of Snitzel to find his feet and settle towards the rear of the field slowly picking his way through. On straightening but still some way off the leaders, Craig extricated himself to the outside and Immortal Love came with a beautifully timed run to get up on the line by the barest possible margin to defeat Flying Award who was very game in defeat with this year’s Blue Diamond winner Tagaloa close up third. Interestingly, the winning time of 1.10.89 was slightly quicker than last year’s winner Super Seth (1.10.95) who then went on to win the Caulfield Guineas so time and past form indicates that Immortal Love is on the right path. It was an outstanding achievement by Immortal Love, who is just a real racehorse and keeps finding the line which is in distinct contrast to his trackwork where he is very lazy and more often than not gallops like a BM 58 rated horse. Saturday’s result was a great reward for his Syndicate who raced the Stakes winning Mare Loveyamadly who has now produced three winners from her only three foals to race including a GROUP 3 winner, a City winner with Bella Amore and a Metropolitan placed galloper in Classic Gaming, who himself is a winner of 3 races from only 10 career starts. Loveyamadly is due to foal to Rubick next month and booked to So You Think this year so there is plenty of optimism that this family will continue to produce plenty of winners in the years ahead!
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| FROME THE STARS DELIVERS FIRST UP AT BALLARAT
Frome The Stars commenced her 4YO campaign with a terrific win at Ballarat Tuesday 25th August by winning the Fillies/Mare BM 58 and congratulations to a terrific ownership group who have been patient and to jockey Mikaela Lawrence for a 10 out of 10 ride. Commencing a bit sticky from a low draw, Mikaela found herself last in the early stages, but finding herself at that point, she then allowed the Daughter of Zoustar to find her feet and let her build momentum into the race slowly. At the 600 meter mark she tracked into the race three deep with cover and on straightening pulled Frome The Stars to the extreme outside and the Mare came with a beautifully timed run to win narrowly. Credit must be given to the ride, where Mikaela never panicked at any stage after being back further than probably anticipated, but showed great maturity to just sit down and ride her horse to the line with great vigor and show in the process great maturity as a rider. Mikaela has been apprenticed to Mick Price and Michael Kent for a good while but her career has been hampered by injury over a prolonged period of time. It is terrific to see the result of all of her hard work getting back into the saddle reward her with a win and terrific for the owners who have been patient with a slow maturing horse. Frome The Stars has now matured into that lovely Mare we had been waiting for and only upside is ahead. Frome The Stars has had just the 10 starts for now 2 wins, 2 seconds and a third for $45,320 in stakes and once in form, has proven to be a consistent reliable conveyance as she builds into her preps and is certainly a horse to follow for the future!
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| ZENDE PLOUGHS THROUGH THE MUD AT WARRNAMBOOL.
Progressive 4YO Zende ploughed through the Heavy 10 at Warrnambool on Thursday August 20 to record an impressive BM 64 victory and appears headed to towards bigger and better things in the weeks ahead, as his win was very dominant, and really, was the only horse that you wanted to be on throughout the run. Given a 10 out of 10 ride by jockey Zac Spain, who had been successful on Zende in his Maiden win at Geelong earlier in the year, Zac had Zende placed perfectly in about 5th spot and was advised pre-race to start to head to the outside rail in the straight where the going was considered the best place to be. Zac followed those instructions to the letter and with Zende revelling in the Heavy going, the 4YO was never going to lose and won comfortably, easing down on the line to defeat Megamea who ran on well for second with Zeze Ulater finishing third. Having only his 5th career start, Zende had been troubled by early maturity issues and the Syndicate were extremely patient and understanding with him and are now reaping the rewards for that patience with further riches no doubt ahead. Zende is currently a sound consistent galloper and whilst there are no grand plans with the gelded son of Brazen Beau, we will look to pick our way through the classes and let Zende develop naturally rather than the temptation of throwing him into unknown territory. With the beauty of being SUPER VOBIS/VOBIS GOLD eligible Zende picked up a VOBIS GOLD bonus with the win and is building up a lovely record of 5 starts for 2 wins,1 second and a third for $77,985 in stakes and is certainly a horse to follow for the future!
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| 2020 WIN A SHARE PROMOTION WINNER.
It is with great pleasure that I announce Kerryn Galea from Craigieburn VIC as the Winner of this year's (2020) WIN A SHARE PROMOTION. Kerryn is the lucky winner of a 5% share in the (Above) outstanding Filly by proven Stallion SEBRING who was purchased for $120,000 at this year’s Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sales and is to be trained at Caulfield by our Syndicate trainer of the last 20 years in MICK PRICE now joined in partnership by MICHAEL KENT (Jnr). The Filly has completed her initial breaking in, and is now back in work with John Ledger at Wangaratta and we have high hopes for her! Congratulations Kerryn and I wish you every success with this outstanding Filly!
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| IMMORTAL LOVE REMAINS UNBEATEN AFTER STUNNING FLEMINGTON WIN.
Immortal Love showed that his first up Echuca win was no fluke by simply blowing some highly credentialed runners away in the Tom Melbourne Trophy for 2YO’S over 1400 meters at Flemington Saturday 23rd May in a stunning victory. The smashing son of Snitzel, who is out of our previous Stakes winning Mare in Loveyamadly, simply blew his rivals away by three and a half lengths on the line AND was being eased down on the line in a most impressive performance. Jockey Craig Newitt had Immortal Love travelling very well outside the initial leader Heeza Commander throughout the race, however when that leader compounded on straightening, it left Immortal Love in front a long way out and a sitting duck. Credit must be given where credit is due, and Craig never panicked and slipped Immortal Love a touch of rein and Immortal Love skipped away in the straight showing a great turn of foot in the heavy conditions that prevailed and won easing up on the line from the race favorite Khoekhoe with the Ken Keys Indictment filling third. The race time of 1.25.12 was half a length quicker than the following BM 78 race winner La Chevalee and Immortal Love ran the quickest last 400 (24.65) and importantly the quickest last 200 sectional (12.76) of the race, indicating that he was certainly not slowing down in the concluding stages showing excellent strength and stamina in the process. Immortal Love looks to have an exciting future for his Syndicate of owners who decided to retain and race the gelding and keeps his unbeaten record of two from two and $66,388 in stakes intact. Immortal Love will now have a short spell before Spring riches await with his main target being the GROUP 1 Caulfield Guineas, where just judging by Saturday’s performance, 1600 meters would not be an issue. His Dam Loveyamadly now has the impressive record of having 3 foals to race for 3 winners including 2 now at Metropolitan level and is doing the job nicely for a wonderful ownership group!
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| IMMORTAL LOVE IMPRESSES ON DEBUT.
Beautifully bred Snitzel 2YO Immortal Love, gave his Syndicate of owners a great thrill on debut when he saluted in fine style at Echuca on May 4 in the Emp and D 2YO Maiden over 1100 meters. Jumping a touch slow, jockey Craig Newitt stood over Immortal Love in the early stages and had him eventually travelling beautifully in the box seat throughout. Only needing a touch of luck to get out at the turn, the run presented and with Newitt riding vigorously, Immortal Love found the necessary turn of foot required to pick up the leader Suprina and hit the line strongly to score running away by 2 lengths. This gives her Syndicate and the Mare Loveyamadly three winners from her only three foals to race and she is doing the job beautifully so far to date. Her first foal Classic Gaming was sold by the Syndicate at the 2017 Sydney Easter sales for $200,000 and has won two and placed on four further occasions, the second foal was Bella Amore who is currently being successfully raced by the Syndicate having won at Metropolitan level in Dec at Sandown and was desperately unlucky not to have secured a second Metropolitan win at Flemington 10 days later when run over late after travelling wide throughout by the very smart Kuramae. She is currently back in work and looks set to improve on the $65,000 that she has currently earned to date for connections whilst Immortal Love, who is the third foal, looks an exciting 2YO to follow for the future as he has been very lazy at Caulfield yet has always shown good ability on the track. That ability up until today had been over shadowed somewhat by some indifferent trial form leading into Echuca, however co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent had been aggressive with him in his work and with the addition of blinkers, it has no doubt been instrumental in a faultless Echuca win and a great result for his Syndicate!
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| FROME THE STARS BREAKS THROUGH AT WERRIBEE.
Having just her 5th race start, Frome The Stars broke through in impressive fashion at Werribee on Sunday 16th Feb to record an impressive win in the Tobin Brothers Maiden Plate and just judging on her win, more fun is in store for a wonderful ownership group. A Daughter of Zoustar and purchased at the 2018 Sydney Easter Sales for $100,000, Frome The Stars is far from the finished product and has suffered very much from immaturity from Day 1. It is fair to say that it has taken a good while for the penny to drop with this girl and even yesterday she had a good look at the Winning Post and pulled up abruptly just after the line indicating that there is still plenty of upside to come. Given a peach of a ride by Michael Walker, Frome The Stars began very well and rather than him pushing forward to lead, Michael allowed Frome The Stars to do that of her own accord and rated her exceptionally well throughout the race. New Choice, who had been her partner up front most of the way challenged on straightening, however Michael new that his filly had plenty to offer and Frome The Stars gave a good kick in the straight to score impressively by three quarters of a length from New Choice, with the race favorite Cliffsinger filling third. That victory will give Frome The Stars some real confidence and she is a filly who is consistently improving her race day manners and will continue to improve as she races and trains on which is currently the plan. Frome The Stars is a gorgeous filly physically, who will extend out to 1600 meters in time and handles both good and soft conditions and is a filly who appears to be nice and versatile. Once she works it all out, and gets on top of what she needs to do, Frome The Stars will just continue to improve and hopefully graduate to Metropolitan level in time!
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| ZENDE WINS IMPRESSIVELY AT GEELONG.
Brazen Beau 3YO Zende returned to racing in fine style by winning the BET365 Protest Promise 3YO Maiden first up at Geelong Jan 29 in impressive fashion and indicating in the process, that there may be better wins in store. The win was very impressive as after jumping well, jockey Zac Spain (who rode the 3YO exceptionally well) had Zende sitting comfortably outside the leader Whittington Stone and that’s where the pair stayed until the turn. On straightening it was clear that Zac had a lap full of horse under him and Zende surged to the front half way down the straight to win pulling up on the line by a clear two and quarter lengths, a margin that could have been extended had Zac felt the need. Zende has been impressive all through his time with Mick and Michael Kent and through his initial breaking and education with the Ledgers at Wangaratta who did a fantastic job with him in his initial education. He has been a very relaxed horse from Day 1 and possesses a faultless attitude to his racing and life in general around the stable. Zende was very impressive winning a Cranbourne barrier trial prior to his initial failure at Wodonga when expected to run well, however was found to be not 100% post-race, suffering from a mild virus when finishing 4th behind the winner Toffee Doll, who then ran very well herself at her next run in town at Flemington. Put away and given time to get right again, Zende has come back in super order this time around and his connections look set to enjoy some lovely Summer racing with this sound gelded Son of Brazen Beau!
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| METROPOLITAN SUCCESS FOR BELLA AMORE.
Gorgeous homebred filly Bella Amore rewarded her ever loyal Syndicate of owners with a narrow but important victory at Sandown on December 11 when she fought hard to win the 1400 meter Ladbrokes Maiden Plate for 3YO's. Drawing an inside gate and ridden a perfect race by top hoop Michael Walker, Bella Amore who began well, found herself 3rd in the early stages of the race with Michael very keen to get off the fence at the earliest opportunity. Once that was achieved, he gave her a sweet run in transit parked nicely behind the early leaders Huckleberry and Hackeress. On straightening M. Walker allowed the filly to stride up and challenged strongly on straightening before kicking clear at the 300 meter mark and whilst Bella Amore had had enough on the line, she was very game to hold on and score having been exposed for the best part of the last 600 meters of the race and was there to be beaten. Bella Amore has been work in progress and basically learning on the job as she races, doing things wrong in all 5 starts but has shown good ability throughout and when the penny does eventually drop she will make a lovely Metropolitan Class filly/Mare in time. It was also an important win for the Syndicate giving her dam, the Stakes Winning Mare Loveyamadly (who the Syndicate raced) her first City win as a Mum. The first foal Classic Gaming (x Medaglia D’Oro) is a Metropolitan placed 4yo in Sydney having had 4 starts for 4 thirds and is now in the hands of Ciaron Maher & David Eustice and gets every chance to improve and the Syndicate have a lovely Capitalist filly on the ground with Loveyamadly currently in foal to boom stallion Rubick, so she is being given every chance to succeed at stud. The Syndicate are well placed for further success, and Bella Amore is just one of the progeny that may deliver in spades in the years ahead both on the track and at stud being just a lovely Daughter of Champion stallion Snitzel!
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| SCORPIUS SHOWS THAT HE HAS A TOUCH OF CLASS.
Our lovely Deep Field Colt Scorpius, certainly showed that a Metropolitan win was not far away after a luckless run at Sandown at his previous run being defeated by the very smart Mare in Neighbourhood by doing exactly just that, defying all challengers in the straight and winning in impressive fashion at Sandown on Dec 11. Scorpius really savaged the line at his first run this time in putting the writing on the wall for his next run and taking luck completely out of the equation saw him win basically as he liked by just on 2 lengths on the line defeating the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig trained Matador with Montaser finishing third. Whilst not intending to lead, jockey Michael Dee was instructed to be positive and to ride Scorpius as the best horse in the race, particularly being a short price favorite and with jockeys looking at each other in the first few hundred meters of the race Michael decided to take the initiative and worked Scorpius over to lead. From that point the 3YO Colt travelled well and gave a really nice kick in the straight to win impressively on the line. A $140,000 purchase from Manx Park at the 2018 Sydney Classic sales, Scorpius has now earned $60,050 for connections after 2 wins from just 4 career starts to date and is well placed to be repaying that price with interest if he continues to progress. He is just a lovely sound Colt who we hope will stack up to some better racing in the Autumn, but to continue his transition and learning process such that Mick Price and Michael Kent take these horse through, is now anticipated to run in a lovely $135,000 SUPER VOBIS BM 70 over 1400 meters for 3YO’s at his home track Caulfield on Boxing Day. He is certainly a horse to follow, and we sincerely hope in the future that he can emulate his Dam Scorpio Queen, who herself was a dual Stakes Winner AND GROUP placed mare!
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| UNDOUBTEDLY SO MAKES UP FOR LOST TIME.
Diminutive homebred filly Undoubtedly So showed that determination over size was the all important factor in her impressive 3YO Maiden win at Warrnambool Friday 8th November. Having a late start to life being a November 29 foal, Undoubtedly So was behind the eight ball physically from the start, but her courage and determination to succeed has seen her make up for her lack of size tenfold, and this lovely Daughter of Not A Single Doubt looks to have a bright future ahead. A filly that wasn’t sold on life at Caulfield, she was moved down to Mick Price and Michael Kent’s Warrnambool beach facilities under Matthew Williams expert care and this move has seen this filly thrive and improve accordingly. Her first up run at Hamilton 12th October when finishing third was very good, being ridden back from a wide gate but powered to the line late and did put the writing on the wall that a win was imminent. Given time after her first run to her second, Undoubtedly So continued to thrive and improved considerably from Hamilton’s experience and looked every inch a race horse when jockey Jack Hill extricated Undoubtedly So to the center of the track and the Not A Single Doubt filly stormed home and hit the line strong to score well, from ironically the two Matthew Williams trained horses in I Dream Of Jenna and Intellective. It never ceases to amaze me that how a bit of thought, care and horse sense can improve horses, particularly when the horse in question has only ever wanted to please. Undoubtedly So has been a classic example of this and has always been a delight to handle and educate but just needed that extra help that Mick and Michael have been able to provide via their Warrnambool facilities. A great reward for ever loyal and long term owners, I am sure that this will not be the last time that this filly finds her way to the winners stall!
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| A TASTE OF CUP SUCCESS FOR MISS DAMITA.
Much improved 5YO Ocean Park Mare Miss Damita showed that her narrow but impressive Kyneton win on the 15th October was certainly no fluke, by dominating the Mortlake Cup on Derby Day Saturday 2nd November, running away in the concluding stages to win by a widening three and a quarter lengths on the line. Given a gun run by in form apprentice Teo Nugent, who had the Mare perfectly positioned at the mid-way mark, settling third behind the two leaders Jumbo Prince and Finn McCool, Teo popped off the fence at the 800 meter mark after getting a dream run and then extricated three wide and quickly gathered in the leaders just prior to the turn. From that point Teo released the breaks and the race was all over in a flash with the race favorite Miss Damita storming away to defeat Tysonic with Barade finishing 3rd running a time of 2.03.98 which was just a tick over 2 lengths off Better Chloe’s track record which has stood since 1984 so well is she racing. This Mare is going exceptionally well this prep, thriving down the beach at Warrnambool under Matthew Williams expert care and is giving her owners a great ride. A NZ$58,000 weanling purchase, Miss Damita has proven to be a most consistent Mare for connections and has now earned $69,060 from her 16 career runs which includes 4 wins, 1 second and 4 thirds, and may well be stepped up to a restricted Mares race in town in the coming weeks!
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| NARROW BUT IMPRESSIVE WIN FOR MISS DAMITA.
Lovely Ocean Park 5yo Mare Miss Damita ran right up to her excellent first up run at Geelong recently to record a narrow but impressive win at Kyneton on October 15. Given a peach ride by in form jockey Zac Spain, Miss Damita was given a gun run in the one out one back trail and came with a sustained run in the straight to get over the top of the Nick Ryan trained Spensierato with Saint Katarina filling third. Her run at Geelong first up one can argue was a career best for the Mare, who came from last at the 800 meter mark to flash home late to run third and put the writing on the wall that a win was not far away and Kyneton at her next run proved to be that win. It is a great reward for her owners who have been patient with Miss Damita, a Daughter of Ocean Park whose progeny seem to relish a bit of time and this Mare appears to be improving as she matures. There will be no grandiose plans but steady as she goes for Miss Damita who is anticipated to next run in the Mortlake Cup on Derby Day. For the record Miss Damita has now had just the 15 runs for 3 wins,1 second and 4 thirds for $55,310 in stakes and is starting to build a nice consistent race record with what we anticipate, her best yet to play out!
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| SCORPIUS WINS IMPRESSIVELY AT MOE DEBUT.
Promising 2YO Colt Scorpius made an impressive race day debut, coming from second last early before unleashing a barnstorming finish to win the Moe Optical Maiden over 1100 meters at Moe Monday 3rd June. Virtually last out after missing the start, jockey Zac Spain had to revert to plan B when the initial plans went out the door and due credit must go to Zac, who never panicked at any stage throughout and rode beyond his years to ride a very mature race on Scorpius who was having his first start. Zac made nice ground sneaking along the rails throughout, before extricating Scorpius to the middle of the track where the better going was, and the 2YO let down with a most impressive sprint in the straight to win drawing away on the line by half a length from Em Em D’ar with Equaletta finishing 3rd. It was pleasing to see Scorpius take his excellent track work and trial form to the races and to win with such authority. He is a highly thought of Colt within the Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr) stable, and today’s win should see significant natural improvement after just one run and looks to have a very bright future ahead. Scorpius was a $140,000 purchase from the Manx Park Draft at the 2018 William Inglis Sydney Classic Sale and will either race on OR have a short spell with Spring racing in mind. Whichever way eventuates, Scorpius is an exciting horse for the future and we congratulate and thank all of the owners for the support and I personally, wish everyone the very best of luck with him!
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| 2019 WIN A SHARE PROMOTION WINNER.
It is with great pleasure that I announce Robert Cowen from Doreen VIC as the Winner of this year's (2019) WIN A SHARE PROMOTION. Robert is the lucky winner of a 5% share in the (Above) outstanding Filly by proven Stallion WRITTEN TYCOON who was purchased for $135,000 at this year's Melbourne Premier Yearling Sales and is to be trained by our Syndicate trainer of the last 19 years in MICK PRICE. The Filly is currently breaking in with John Ledger at Wangaratta and we have high hopes for her! Congratulations Robert and I wish you every success with this outstanding Filly!
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| WELL DESERVED WIN FOR MISS DAMITA.
It was a well-deserved win for consistent Mare Miss Damita when she saluted in the BM 58 over 2000 meters at Donald on March 21 after a most encouraging campaign to date. This Daughter of Ocean Park has really enjoyed the move down to Mick’s Warrnambool base from Caulfield under the watchful eye of Matthew Williams who has done an absolutely superb job with her and her consistency throughout this campaign is testament to just how important this Warrnambool base is. For a lightly framed Mare who had her troubles in maintaining her weight at Caulfield, where everything seemed to worry her and she would lighten off very early in her previous preparations, Warrnambool has been responsible for her now winning at what was her 9th run this time in, something unheard of from her previously. She commenced this prep way back in September at Wangaratta and has raced consistently all throughout with 1 win,1 second,2 thirds and a 4th. Miss Damita was given an absolute peach of a ride by promising apprentice Zac Spain who could have not ridden her any better and settling mid field throughout, Zac got Miss Damita to the outside at around the 800 meter mark and gave her clear running throughout when he made his move and was challenging strongly just prior to the turn. On straightening, Miss Damita came with a well-timed run and sprinted clear to win being eased up on the line by three quarters of a length from San Gregorio with Harbour Express filling third. A NZ $58,000 weanling purchase, Miss Damita is well on the way to recouping that having earned now $37,600 in stakes and the thought is that she will continue to improve particularly going into next prep, as she is a lovely sound Mare and very easy to train!
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| BRAVE WIN NO 4 FOR EXFLYTATIONS.
Exflytations certainly showed that recent form counted for plenty, when, on top of a terrific M. Walker steer where he dictated tactics to perfection in the run, the 5YO Exceed And Excel Mare dashed away on straightening to record an impressive win in the BM 64 over 2200 meters at Geelong Friday 17th August. It was a great reward for this most consistent Mare, as she had put the writing on the wall at both of her last couple of runs, when suffering defeats by two pretty handy gallopers in Tristano and Valac running second to both those horses at each of her past two starts. Her last start, when running second in the BM78 Winter Challenge Synthetic Stayers Final at Pakenham was full of merit on July 29 and Mick did an enormous job with her since that run keeping Exflytations very fresh, and on Friday, won like a horse that looked to be early on in a prep, not a horse that was at run number eight. Exflytations showed her normal customary speed to lead, and given a 10 out of 10 front running ride by Michael Walker, who stacked the field up from the 600-400 meter mark and then asked Exflytations to extend in the straight, the brave Mare quickly put 2 lengths on the field on straightening and that was the margin held to the line to secure victory. The win was even more satisfying given that she had to carry her full 60kg, however Exflytations can be a tricky horse to ride and is best suited to senior riders. Exflytations is certainly building up a nice record on the Synthetic having now had 9 runs for 2 wins,2 seconds and 2 thirds and an overall record of 21 starts for 4 wins, 3 seconds and 4 thirds for $100,650 in stakes. A tough sound Mare that tries exceptionally hard in her races, Exflytations will continue to be placed to advantage and looks like building into a lovely staying Mare of the future for her Syndicate!
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| METROPOLITAN SUCCESS FOR FIGHTING HARADA.
Encouraged by an excellent Maiden win at Sale last month, Fighting Harada certainly went on from that win and delivered in style at Sandown on Wednesday June 6 delivering his customary devastating sprint in the straight to win softly on the line from a good group of Winter two year olds and looks certain to improve further off that win. Ridden an absolute treat by Group 1 winning jockey Michael Walker, who had the son of Fighting Sun perfectly positioned throughout, Michael pushed through a gap that opened just on straightening and whilst hitting the front too soon he kept Fighting Harada’s mind on the job over the concluding 300 meters and was never challenged in the straight going on to score handsomely by just on 2 lengths. Still green and learning his craft, it is fair to say that the gap is now starting to narrow between his immature mind and his stunning good looks but winning whilst learning is a terrific position to be in knowing that there is plenty of upside ahead. Fighting Harada is Fighting Suns 6th individual winner to date and with just on $100,000 already banked for connections the future is promising and you just never know what may present in the Spring!
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| 2018 WIN A SHARE PROMOTION WINNER.
It is with great pleasure that I announce Brad Culpitt from Rowville VIC as the Winner of this year's (2018) WIN A SHARE PROMOTION. Brad is the lucky winner of a 5% share in the (Above) outstanding Filly by exciting Stallion ZOUSTAR who was purchased for $100,000 at this year’s Sydney Easter Yearling Sales and is to be trained by our Syndicate trainer of the last 18 years in MICK PRICE. The Filly is currently breaking in with John Ledger at Wangaratta and we have high hopes for her! Congratulations Brad and I wish you every success with this outstanding Filly!
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| EXFLYTATIONS BRAVE WIN AT PAKENHAM.
Exflytations had no doubt her best career win to date with a very brave and tough effort at Pakenham Thursday 31st May when coming off speed to score in a most impressive performance. The outside draw was always going to be an issue, made even more difficult with a slow start, actually jumping last and jockey Michael Walker had to use her up a bit early in order to gain a position mid field. From that point Michael never panicked and was able to get Exflytations to travel well off a strong tempo and started urging the Daughter of Exceed An Excel on from about the 600 meter mark to make ground which she did and came with a nicely timed run in the straight (after being used up at both ends) to score bravely, by nearly half a length from Elegantly Wasted with Swiss Moments filling third. Pakenham’s win by Exflytations when given no favours, was her 3rd victory from 15 career runs to date and with 1 second and 4 thirds has now banked just over $67,000 for connections. Whilst there are no grand plans for Exflytations, who does look to have come back a much stronger mare this time around after her latest spell, placed correctly she will be expected to remain a consistent galloper who is particularly well suited to dry ground.
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| FIGHTING HARADA SHOWS HIS CLASS AT SALE.
It has taken a while, but exciting Fighting Sun 2YO Fighting Harada finally put it all together for a dominant win at Sale on the 15th May leading all of the way for top hoop Michael Walker. If form meant anything, Fighting Harada had to be hard to beat, dropping back from a LISTED 4th at Caulfield last start to an inferior Maiden and prior to that running close up behind GROUP horses Native Soldier and Cristal Eyes in what were very good runs. Whilst the plan was not to go to the front, Fighting Harada jumped well and with nothing wanting the lead, Michael took up that option and rode him like the best horse in the race and that he was dictating throughout to win softly on the line by 2 lengths. It is a great reward for all of the loyal owners who have had their share of disappointments along quite a long journey, but it is hoped that this stunning Colt can now go on with it and with a win under his belt should give not only the owners but also Fighting Harada a much needed shot of confidence! A lovely sound tough 2YO, Fighting Harada has copped everything plus more that Mick has thrown at him on the training track and there has not been a better worker than Fighting Harada at Caulfield particularly over the past couple of weeks. The Sale victory has pushed Fighting Harada’s stakes purse to now over $50,000 and is a horse most suited to VOBIS type races where he can maximize those excellent SUPER VOBIS bonuses. The wins and excitement are far from over for this guy and I, along with all of the owners look forward to watching Fighting Harada's progress over the coming months!
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| MISS DAMITA DELIVERS IN STYLE.
Promising 3YO Miss Damita made her race track debut at Echuca on Sunday 11th March and delivered in style, easily winning the Border Inn Fillies/Mares Maiden over 1400 meters and giving a clear indication that better races may lay ahead for her. A beautiful Daughter of Ocean Park, where the progeny seem to appreciate time to develop, this filly has been no different and has also been typical of the breed and not rushed by Mick Price throughout her time with him but rather allowed to develop at her own leisure, Sunday’s debut and winning result was a glowing testament to that approach. A beautiful 10 out of 10 ride by GROUP 1 winning jockey Michael Walker, who allowed Miss Damita to jump well and seeing that there was speed coming across from the wider draws elected to box seat with her and had the filly always travelling well. Coming to the turn, Michael elected to come off the fence to chase down the Robbie Griffiths trained and leader No Alibi, and that she did, running away in the concluding stages to win by a widening two and a quarter lengths on the line and put a smile on not only owners faces but also the punters faces given that she started joint race favorite. Miss Damita was an absolute stand out filly at the 2015 NZ Karaka Weanling sales and was purchased by United Syndications for NZ $58,000. She presented as an extremely athletic filly with a faultless attitude (which remains with her today) which is vital, given that she is out of a full sister to VRC Derby winner Kibbutz and is expected to journey out in trip over the coming runs and as she matures as a latter 3YO and into her 4YO year!
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| SEBEAT BREAKS THROUGH IN SOLID FASHION AT PAKENHAM.
Lightly raced 3YO Sebeat broke through in strong fashion at Pakenham on Sunday 3rd December in what was only his 4th career start and in time will be a nice progressive stayer for all of his owners. I say “in time” because Sebeat, whilst he is a sound clean winded type has been an immature individual obviously due to him being a stayer and patience is still required. He is still very much learning his craft and will be well suited to the distance racing and most likely the wet tracks that hopefully prevail in the Winter of next year. Ridden a treat by experienced rider Jason Benbow, who had the 3YO positioned beautifully throughout in the one out one back position, Jason took off just prior to the turn in an effort to make ground and whilst it took Sebeat some distance to wind up (such is his dour nature) and get to the Shea Eden trained and favourite The Auditor, he did so and ran away to win by just on 2 lengths on the line. Whilst there are no grand plans for Sebeat, Mick will be able to train on with him and most likely extend out in trip next start given that he is a very good advertisement for the sound Sebring breed. A lovely pedigree (being related to GROUP 1 Winner Aloha and descending from the brilliant Tennessee Family) and an improving individual, there is genuine optimism given time that Sebeat will be bringing a lot more fun to the table for his terrific group of Syndicate owners!
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| EXFLYTATIONS SCORES IN A DRIVING FINISH.
4YO Exceed And Excel Mare Exflyations certainly gave her army of supporters many anxious moments at Moe on Friday 10th November when the Mare, who looked in real trouble many times in the straight after leading throughout somehow managed to hold on to score in a driving finish with horses all around and coming fast. Ridden an absolute treat by leading rider Michael Walker and having her first try at the 2000 meters, Exflytations began smartly from the gates and had no trouble to lead at the post the first time. From there, Michael was able to dictate the tempo and get away with a couple of cheap sectionals, however was starting to get challenged hard from the 600 meter mark. Giving a kick at the turn and holding that kick all the way down the straight, Exflytations managed to hold on at the finish showing great determination to win by a half head from the Peter Gelagotis trained Zooba Man with Startierra filling third. It was an overdue change of luck for Exflytations who had been racing well and most consistently during this prep without a whole lot of luck. Purchased from the 2015 Sydney Easter Sales for $100,000 Exflytations has now earned connections $49,490.00 and whilst there are no grand plans in store, Exflytations will be continued to be managed responsibility and placed correctly in the knowledge that being such a sound, clean winded Mare the best may still be yet to come!
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| REMEMBERING A MUCH LOVED WARRIOR IN LE BONSIR.
The curtain came down at Moonee Valley on Saturday 3rd June for a much loved warrior when Le Bonsir was officially retired ending a fairy tale for a group of owners that most believed would never be realized. Friendships developed and grew for just a wonderful Syndicate of owners, who I am also personally proud to call my friends, who enjoyed a terrific ride and GROUP success early on with La Bella Dame, who won the GROUP 3 Jumeirah International Stakes AND the GROUP 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes also running Second in the GROUP 1 Thousand Guineas,Dameslfly, a Winner of the GROUP 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes, Bella’s Bro, a tough hardy galloper of 10 wins and $200,000 and culminated with a truly tough courageous galloper who would give his best week in week out in Le Bonsir.
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| 2017 WIN A SHARE PROMOTION WINNER.
It is with great pleasure that I announce Shaun Eldridge from the Gold Coast QLD as the Winner of this year's WIN A SHARE PROMOTION. Shaun is the lucky winner of a 5% share in the (Above) outstanding Filly by Champion Staying Stallion TAVISTOCK who was purchased for $100,000 at this year’s NZ Karaka Premier Yearling Sales and is to be trained by our Syndicate trainer of the last 17 years in MICK PRICE. This Filly broke in super with Jim Cherry at Matamata and we have high hopes for her! Congratulations Shaun and I wish you every success with this outstanding Filly!
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| METROPOLITAN WIN NUMBER 8 FOR ONPICALO.
Evergreen galloper Onpicalo shows that he looks set yet again for another profitable Winter campaign by scoring at Caulfield in the $100,000 Ladbrokes Hcp on Saturday May 13 . Ridden by boom apprentice Beau Mertens Onpicalo defied all challengers showing his courageous qualities in the straight to hold on to score by a long neck from the fast finishing Zebrinz with Petrology filling third. It was an excellent ride by Beau, who had Onpicalo travelling kind outside the leader In Fairness. At the 600 meter mark he started to stalk In Fairness and had Onpicalo challenging and at full throttle at the point of the turn with most behind him off the bit. Onpicalo’s distinct liking for Caulfield and the 1600 meters where he has had 5 starts for 3 wins and a second was again on display and he lengthened and gave a great kick in the straight to hold on in a driving finish. Onpicalo is currently defying his 7 years of age and racing with as good a zest as ever as he came into Caulfield’s race with two nice hit outs under his belt and was ready to start to become extremely competitive. He has been a great example of a horse who knows nothing else but to give his best and that best has delivered an amazing 8 Metropolitan wins and $452,575 in Stakes to a Syndicate of owners who just love him dearly! Onpicalo looks set to continue on with a Winter Championship program in mind where it is anticipated that he will run in Heat 2 of that series at Sandown on May 27 and is a horse that usually holds his form so must be followed, particularly on rain affected going where he excels!
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| NO DOUBT WITH FUTURE IN DOUBT.
A win beckoned for our Not A Single Doubt homebred Future In Doubt many times before however, it was Friday 28th April at Cranbourne where that long overdue win was realized, when Future In Doubt won the 1200 meter Ivan's Pies Maiden in impressive fashion. Aided by a super little ride by Apprentice Jordan Grob, Future In Doubt excelled on the Heavy 10 ground to win comfortably by 1 length on the line from Lady De Bathe with the Darren Weir trained Lara’s Web filling third. Special thanks and appreciation must be given to all of the Syndicate owners for their patience with Future In Doubt who was aptly named due to a severe infection to her pedal bone early days which almost cost her her life. Nursed back to health by John Ledger at Wangaratta who did an absolutely outstanding job in doing so and in his perseverance of meticulously ensuring that her feet were comfortably shoed at all times her Maiden win would not have eventuated. Future In Doubt subsequently missed all of her 2YO career and wasn’t presented at the races until well into her 3yo season. Always showing ability Future In Doubt has won 8 barrier trials and finally has discovered the mental and physical maturity to now succeed in a Race after 2 seconds and a third last prep. Enjoying soft going Future In Doubt looks an ideal horse suited to Winter racing and set to improve now on her race record which currently stands at 10 starts for 1 win,2 seconds and a third and stakes of $29,650.00. There is always a good story that comes out of a win and her victory was a result of outstanding horsemanship from John ledger and his team and the patience demonstrated by a fine group of individuals that make up her Syndicate!
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| NORTHERN CHARM DOES IT AGAIN.
Ultra-consistent mare Northern Charm continues to rise up the grades by making it 3 wins from her only 4 runs this time in by scoring at Pakenham on Thursday 13th April in narrow but impressive fashion in the F & M BM 64. The scene of her last victory 3 weeks ago, Northern Charm went up in both class and weight but did it again by bursting clear half way down the straight hanging on to score in a driving finish by a neck from the fast finishing Penny To Sell with the Darren Weir trained New Graduate filling third. It was extremely gratifying to also give young apprentice Jordan Grob who was having his first ride for the Price stable a quick win and some confidence after a copy book ride. Jordan had Northern Charm perfectly positioned in the box seat throughout and shouldered his way out at the top of the straight quickly having the Gai Waterhouse trained Let’s Celebrate covered who subsequently folded quickly. New Graduate looked the big threat at the 200 meter mark quickly getting along side and actually heading Northern Charm, however “Charmy” was in for the fight as was young Jordan who was determined to not let New Graduate pass and both rider and horse came out in front on the line much to the delight of her connections and Grob who was very excited about his first win post-race. Northern Charm is building quite a consistent record (being a very lightly raced Daughter of Northern Meteor) which currently stands at 7 starts for 3 wins,1 second and a third for $52,160.00 in stakes. She will be continued to be placed in suitable races where her consistency and terrific will to win I am sure will no doubt lead to future consistent racing!
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| NORTHERN CHARM RISES A LEVEL.
4YO Mare Northern Charm has gone to another level this preparation and that was no more evident than at Pakenham on Thursday 23rd March when the daughter of Northern Meteor led from barrier to box to score a most emphatic win by a widening two and three quarter lengths on the line. Northern Charm certainly put the writing on the wall last start after a previous dominant Tatura Maiden win by just getting grabbed on the line at Ballarat by a very good and rock hard fit galloper in Mr Churchill and when that horse saluted prior to our race it franked the form for Northern Charm to run well. Jockey Jake Noonan seemed to get a pretty cozy run in front and started to stoke Northern Charm up on straightening who really responded and extended in the straight giving a good kick, actually running away on the line to defeat Red Right Hand who had a perfect run in behind us and the Darren Weir trained Chequered Flag. Northern Charm had been a frustrating horse for connections however it was evident that her physical stature needed time to develop and due credit goes to all of the Syndicate members for giving the mare the time she needed and Northern Charm is now starting to repay that patience. A lightly raced 4YO Northern Charm has now only had the 6 starts for 2 wins,1 second and a third and $38,410.00 in stakes however it is felt that the best lays ahead for this mare and she will be placed to advantage in order to maximize her returns to just a wonderful group of patient owners!
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| EXFLYTATIONS TOUGH DEBUT WIN.
Lovely 3YO Exceed And Excel filly Exflytations fought hard and courageously to win her Maiden at Ballarat on Wednesday 8th March but the thought is that there are plenty of wins ahead. Off two very good thirds recently where she flashed home first up at Moe and then fought on very gamely at Ballarat last start where she was trapped wide but still kept coming in the straight,Exflytations was given no favours again but showed all the determination in the straight and the qualities of a horse that looks to be going somewhere. Drawing wide jockey Damien took his time to work over and sit outside the leader with Exflytations which seemed the place to be just outside the race favourite in Crystal Kingdom, however when it was clear that Exflytations had his measure at the turn and that horse folded it left Exflytations out in front much sooner than hoped and was very exposed and vulnerable. The pack kept coming but so did Exflytations and she showed terrific grit in the straight to hold off all challengers when she was there to be beaten defeating the Darren Weir trained Yulong Xiong Hu. Purchased at the 2015 Sydney Easter Sales for $100,000 from the Amarina draft Exflytations has done nothing but show ability from day one and get better as she has progressed with her Syndicate trainer in Mick Price. She is a full sister to the very good galloper in Flying Light and appears destined to follow her brothers footsteps and get out to 2000 meters as she matures during her 3YO career and beyond!
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| NORTHERN CHARM IMPRESSIVE MAIDEN WIN.
Northern Charm broke her Maiden status at Tatura on Friday 17th Feb when the now 4yo mare led all of the way to win in impressive fashion by over 3 lengths. It has been a frustrating wait for her fantastic group of owners to see her greet the judge as this Daughter of Northern Meteor has been plagued with immaturity and injury issues which now touch wood are behind us. She has struggled in the past to hold weight when in full work and unfortunately it has been a waiting game for this mare to mature up physically, however Friday finally saw Northern Charm take the next step and win hitting the line hard. A typical excellent ride by jockey Jake Noonan saw him use the mares early speed to roll to the front and surprisingly was able to get a few cheap sectionals between the 1000 to the 400. Approaching the turn Jake decided to try and steal a break and that he did with Northern Charm giving a good kick in the straight to win running away by a widening 3.25 lengths and pulled up post-race in excellent fashion. The mare will be well placed for the future with no grand plans given her past history however the Mick Price stable have done an outstanding job in getting her to the track in such great condition and the impressive nature of Tatura’s win would indicate that there may well be more ahead!
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| SLEEPY CAT AWAKES WITH MAIDEN VICTORY.
It has taken a while and plenty of patience for her loyal band of owners however Sleepy Cat finally put it all together rewarding her Syndicate with a decisive 2 length win at Bairnsdale on Tuesday 13th December. Aided by a 10 out of 10 ride by Jake Noonan, Sleepy Cat was allowed to settle around midfield in the run and always travelled well. Jake started to sneak around the field and make his move at the 600 meter mark and Sleepy Cat showed a nice turn of foot at the top of the straight to have the leaders covered and came away at the finish to win by over 2 lengths on a widening margin. A daughter of World Champion Turf Miler of 2009 in Rip Van Winkle, Sleepy Cat was purchased as a weanling from Wayne and Vicky Pike’s Longlands Stud at Cambridge and always needed time with praise being given to her Syndicate of owners who have watched her develop although not without some frustration along the way. Now that she has tasted victory she has every opportunity to go on with it with a rise in distance to 2400 meters and quite possibly beyond holding no fear. Sleepy Cat is a lovely, now mature sound 4YO mare who can handle both wet and dry surfaces and will be well placed to improve on her race record as her future racing career develops!
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| SMARTSON GETS THE CHOCOLATES.
Smart Missile 3yo Smartson is starting to repay his army of Syndicate members with a strong performance at Echuca on Nov 10 Winning the Bourke Building Maiden Plate over 2100 meters in a strong determined fashion. Given a 10 out of 10 ride by Daniel Moor, Smartson again missed the start from the outside barrier which is a habit that he needs to get out of yet Daniel was able to still slot in midfield and give the horse a nice cosy run in transit. He popped off the rail at about the 800 meter mark and quickly gathered in the leaders on the turn and held on strong in the straight to win well by over a length from Ponbar Finale with the Darren Weir trained Red Sensation filling third. Purchased for $100,000 at the 2015 Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast and now having won $25,155 Smartson,surprisingly has shown that all he has ever wanted to do was stay and given time has now got to the distance that he has been crying out for all along. A young sound promising type Smartson will no doubt gain great confidence from the win and will be placed to advantage in the knowledge that he will improve greatly as he matures and develops his craft over the staying trips!
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| BALLISTIC MISSILE BREAKS THROUGH AT WANGARATTA.
Smart Missile 3YO Ballistic Missile broke through for his first win at Wangaratta on Melbourne Cup Day leading all of the way to win the Tyrepower Maiden over 1600 meters in nice style. He was beautifully rated in front by promising apprentice Beau Mertens after a delayed start where the barriers failed to open at the first attempt and the field had to be removed from the gates and reloaded which was a concern for all runners. Ballistic Missile showed good speed from the gate to lead comfortably when the race finally began and got a nice run in transit after being pressured early on by Rare Lilly who raced very keen. It was plain to see that Ballistic Missile was travelling like a winner at the 600 meter mark when Rare Lilly was put under pressure as was BringmeThe Butler who also settled close up and Ballistic Missile skipped away at the turn and whilst floating in front for a fair part of the straight won well by 2 lengths on the line from the Luke Oliver trained Kat Comes To Town. A $50,000 purchase from the 2015 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sales Ballistic Missile has been an immature type both mentally and physically and it is thought that he will improve as he progresses and matures. Our Syndicate trainer over many years in Mick Price will no doubt place Ballistic Missile to advantage in his upcoming runs whilst he is learning what the racing caper is all about and given his immaturity I am personally very pleased for his large group of owners to have been able to have secured a win with Ballistic Missile at what is his only his 4th start!
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| WIN NUMBER 3 FOR VIBRANCE.
Progressive mare Vibrance secured her 3rd win in her short career at Wodonga on Thursday 27th October with a last to first victory in the Wodonga Gold Cup BM 0-64 which was clearly her best to date. Ridden quiet from the barrier jockey Beau Mertens found himself last early in what was a messy tempo but refusing to panic allowed Vibrance to settle and travel well throughout in that position before stoking up the mare from the 600 meter mark. Vibrance was at full throttle at the turn and in clear going sprinted well and was strong to the line coming away at the finish to score by three quarters of a length from Phantom Eagle with Dakota filling 3rd. Vibrance had been a frustrating type of filly/mare and had been most immature to this point but allowed to mature and be given time by her patient group of owners they are now seeing the benefit of that patience and she has really blossomed this prep racing with terrific consistency that includes 2 wins,3 seconds and a 4th from her 6 runs so far. She is quite deep into her prep now so a well-earned spell is beckoning for this well-bred Daughter of Stratum who is well and truly expected to improve in the future on the $54,425.00 prize money that she has won to date!
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| VIBRANCE SALUTES IN A THRILLER.
Our 5yo mare Vibrance certainly gave her backers a thrill at Pakenham August 23 when she came with a strong well timed run wide out to grab victory with horses coming from everywhere late making for a busy finish in the 0-58 Officer Grain Store Hcp. Full marks to this mare as she has been a horse that has certainly taken her time to mature and full marks also to her owners for being patient and allowing her to fully bloom as a horse. It was a very good win coming from mid field to sustain a strong and long run to win and beautifully handled by a real rising star in Beau Mertens. Beau had Vibrance travelling well midfield after settling and whilst he took off a touch early prior to the turn to avoid being caught in a pocket with other runners wanting to come around him, he balanced up the 5yo before asking her for the supreme effort and once he did she showed a good turn of foot and fight to hold off all challengers. It was only Vibrance’s 13th start for now 2 wins,3 seconds and a third and that win took her to $34,570 in stakes. She appears to be a stronger tougher mare now who should be able to cope with the day to day rigors of racing and whilst there are no ambitious plans with this mare she should be able to race consistently for her terrific group of owners!
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| ONPICALO FLYING THE FLAG.
Our much loved 6yo Onpicalo showed that he was in for another great campaign and far from a spent force by defying the critics and showed just what a tough horse he is by winning the Travis Harrison Cup 1600 meters (Heat 5 of the Victorian Winter Championship) at Moonee Valley Saturday 18th June for his great contingent of owners. It was a terrific reward for the son of Hussonet who showed that a win was just around the corner after an excellent last start second at Sandown where he was just run down in the final 100 meters in that race by Kenjorwood but had a 2.5kg swing in the weights on that horse this time around. Ridden a 10 out of 10 ride for promising young apprentice Ben Thompson who was only having his 2nd ride for the Mick Price stable, Ben worked across from an outside alley where he dictated the speed, took off just prior to the turn and Onpicalo showed that magnificent determination in the straight to hold on and score decisively from Fast And Free quinellering the race for Mick. That Magnificent determination of Onpicalo has now seen him win a Metropolitan Race at each of his last 6 preparations-quite a rare feat and his overall record of 33 starts for 8 wins,3 seconds and 7 thirds has now taken his stakes to $375,275 which is a terrific return off a $40,000 Magic Million purchase in 2011!
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| 2016 WIN A SHARE PROMOTION WINNER.
It is with great pleasure that I announce Damien Farrell from Kew VIC as the Winner of this year’s WIN A SHARE PROMOTION. Damien is the lucky winner of a 5% share in the (Above) outstanding Colt by Champion Stallion SEBRING who was purchased for $125,000 at this year’s Sydney Classic Sale and is to be trained by our Syndicate trainer of the last 16 years in MICK PRICE. This Colt broke in super with John Ledger at Wangaratta and we have big hopes for him! Congratulations Damien and I wish you every success with this outstanding Colt!
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| SECOND STAKES WIN FOR LE BONSIR.
Our mighty warrior Le Bonsir showed that there is plenty of life of him just yet and showed that you CAN teach and old dog new tricks when racing at the 1000 meters for the very first time in 37 starts scored one of his major wins in the LISTED and time honored Norman Carlyon Stakes at Moonee Valley Saturday 22nd August. It is unbelievable really that being a sprinter Le Bonsir had never raced previously before at the 1000 meters, only racing at the 1100 meters where he had 8 starts for 2 wins,2 seconds (Including a GROUP 3 Second in the Sir John Monash Stakes in 2014) and a third. Nevertheless, given an absolutely 10 out of 10 ride by Damian Oliver who assessed that as there was plenty of speed in the race (particularly on his inside) electing to take a sit and ride for a bit of luck was the best option and knowing that he was on the class runner fortunately all unfolded as planned and Damian took the gap that opened just before straightening and Le Bonsir burst through to score very impressively by a length. His time of 58.34 was excellent as is his record at the track that he loves in Moonee Valley which is 11 starts for now 4 wins,1 second and 2 thirds and an overall record of 38 starts for 9 wins,9 seconds and 5 thirds for $563,290- a truly durable and classy horse he has been for his syndicate. Le Bonsir will be kept to similar races in the weeks ahead and warm and heartfelt congratulations go again to his mighty owners who have enjoyed an extraordinary ride with such a tough and honest horse-We love you Bonny!
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| VIBRANCE SCORES WITH AUTHORITY AT PAKENHAM.
Stratum mare Vibrance opened her opened account in very impressive fashion at Pakenham Synthetic on Thursday August 20 by Winning the Stabil-Lime Fillies/Mares Maiden over 1600 meters and just judging by the ease of the win there looks to be more wins in store for her Syndicate. Coming off a very impressive third at Seymour first up where she led everywhere bar the post Vibrance took good improvement out of that run and aided by a 10 out of 10 ride by jockey Dale Smith who had her one out one back in transit before easing out at the top of the straight Vibrance (appreciating being ridden that way) quickly reeled in the heavily backed race favourite Peppermint Grey and raced away to score impressively by 2 lengths.Vibrance was purchased at the 2013 Gold Coast Magic Millions Sales from the Widden Draft for $90,000 and whilst she has been an immature type who has taken her time to develop she is now starting to repay her patient owners who have seen her improve at each prep she has had with Mick. Her record now stands at 8 starts for 1 win,2 seconds and a third and $21,125. Congratulations go to ALL Syndicate members and we believe that the fun is not over just yet as she will continue to develop as she gains confidence and this win should be the tonic for her to now hopefully go on in her racing career!
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| ONPICALO DOES IT AGAIN.
15th August 2015. Tough and resilient galloper Onpicalo again graced the winners stall this time for the 7th time and 6th in Metropolitan Class when the bulldog scored a smart win at Caulfield 15th August to lead all of the way. The son of Hussonet was ridden to perfection by Class apprentice Michael Dee who took the 6yo to the front just after the start and rode a very sensible front running race using the light weight to his advantage. Dee started rolling from the 800 meter mark and hit full throttle at the top of the straight and Onpicalo was able to establish a winning break just on straightening and had enough to hold onto score well from the Stakes performed Iggimacool with the French import Kesampour some distance away third. It was a terrific effort by one of the stable favourites who has built up a very consistent record which now stands at 27 starts for 7 wins 2 thirds and 6 thirds for overall prizemoney of $297,975- a terrific result off a $40,000 purchase from the Emirates Park draft at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions. Onpicalo is deep into his prep however having a distinct liking for Caulfield where he has 3 wins and a second from only 6 runs at his home track his next run may well be at Caulfield in the $120,500 LISTED Heatherlie Hcp over 1700 meters on August 29 OR the $100,000 LISTED Balaklava Cup on Wednesday 2nd September. Either way it has been an exciting ride for everyone involved and we get the feeling that the party may not be quite over yet!
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| 2015 WIN A SHARE PROMOTION WINNER.
It is with great pleasure that I announce Chris Brown from Willetton WA as the winner of this year’s WIN A SHARE PROMOTION. Chris is the lucky winner of a 5% share in the (below) “Cracking” SUPER VOBIS Smart Missile/Agony Colt that was purchased for $50,000 at this year’s Melbourne Premier Sale and is to be trained by our Syndicate trainer of 15 years in Mick Price. Mick loved this athletic Colt and his nature at the sale and he is expected to be commencing his breaking in education shortly after Easter. Congratulations Chris and I wish you every success with him!
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| ROYAL SNITZEL BACK WITH A VENGEANCE AT MV.
Promising 3yo filly Royal Snitzel resumed with a brilliant win at Moonee Valley on Saturday Jan 24 for Mick’s new NZ apprentice Michael Dee giving him his first win from his very first ride in Australia which no doubt pleased not only Michael but more importantly his new master. Doing it at both ends of the race the daughter of Snitzel began well from wide out but had to be used in the early stages to get over and sit outside the early leader Bullpit.Once there she never looked in danger and apart from just get off the bit prior to turning which happens sometimes when horses have their first look at the Valley she soon knuckled down and won pulling up to score impressively on the line by a length and a half running good time. Royal Snitzel was given a light Spring culminating in a GROUP 3 second in the Quezette and was given a lovely 8 week spell at Cloverdale where she thrived and this has obviously paid off as she has come back a more mature filly both physically and mentally. Royal Snitzel has pulled up well from Saturday’s win and will now aim for Black type in the GROUP 3 Kevin Hayes for 3yo Fillies over 1200 meters at Caulfield on Feb 14 where she would be expected to be hard to beat. Royal Snitzel has just had the 4 starts for 3 wins and a GROUP 3 second and to date has earned connections $133,500!
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| 1 START 1 WIN FOR SHOT OF COURAGE.
Our regally bred Hussonet homebred Shot Of Courage was produced at Moe Friday 12th December and despite doing plenty of things wrong put his head down at the right time to win the Stirloch Maiden Plate officially by a nose in a driving finish from Asquillion with Just Nicked It close up third. In a family that has produced our dual GROUP winning filly LA BELLA DAME, a GROUP 3 winner in DAMSELFLY (the dam of Shot Of Courage),multiple Stakes performer LE BONSIR and multiple Metropolitan Winner Bella’s Bro, Shot Of Courage had a lot to live up to and whilst not appearing to have the natural precociousness of his illustrious relatives fortunately for his Syndicate he still managed to get the job done. The first and unfortunately the only foal of DAMSELFLY, Shot Of Courage has been immature both mentally and physically and has been taken along slowly and allowed to develop without being pushed. He looks to be a galloper who is going to get out over some nice ground during his career and has a real crack and as his jockey Dale Smith has said all along, he is aptly named as he definitely HAS inherited the family trait of courage that all of his relatives displayed over their respective racing journeys. There are no lofty plans for Shot Of Courage at this stage of his career but rather will be taken along nice slowly to continue on with his racing education in some nice ratings races over the Christmas/New Year period where traditionally there is plenty of racing and an abundance of races to pick and choose from!
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| ONPICALO-METROPOLITAN WIN NO 5!
Onpicalo scored arguably his best and most courageous win yet first up in the 0-84 over 1300 meters at Sandown on Saturday December 6 by refusing to lay down when challenged everywhere and by everyone in the straight holding on superbly to score a most deserved win from place getters The New Boy and Chile Express who closed late. Beaten narrowly at Caulfield when second to Pin Your Hopes in May and again when beaten a half head by Ali Vital again in May at Sandown no one could begrudge the 5yo son of Hussonet this victory.Onpicalo’s never say die approach to racing is one of the reasons his army of followers love him dearly and his tenaciousness was seen by all again when challenged looking beaten on several occasions in the straight, however his will to win kicked in and he hung on by a long neck to score a very exciting victory for his Syndicate. A modest $40,000 buy from the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions Onpicalo has really been a terrific purchase and his record is very impressive having had 18 starts now for 6 wins (5 of those being Metropolitan) 2 seconds and 4 thirds for $222,595 in stakes. There will be no lofty plans for Onpicalo who’s wins are never electric but always exciting and he will be continued to be placed in ratings based races to the best advantage for his Syndicate over the coming weeks where it is hoped that there may be some further excitement in store!
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| METROPOLITAN SUCCESS FOR ROYAL SNITZEL.
Classy 2yo filly Royal Snitzel lived right up to all of the expectations of her army of owners by coming to town and showing plenty of ability to score in the Open 2yo at Caulfield Saturday. Ridden perfectly to plan by jockey Dale Smith Royal Snitzel showed excellent gate speed to sit outside stable mate Berlutti in the run before kicking clear of that horse in the straight and holding off the Luke Oliver trained and race favourite Zeletto late in the drive to the line. Her time of 1.05.25 was four and half lengths quicker than the following Open 3yo fillies race won by Thiamandi and ran exactly the same time as Lord Of The Sky who won the GROUP 3 Monash ( although there was a subsequent track down grade between races 1 and 6). Nevertheless this filly has always shown an enormous amount of natural talent at home and has taken that talent to the races both times to win and has plenty of scope for further natural improvement as she hasn’t learnt to actually put away a field as yet and showed much greenness in the straight. To know that this filly has that natural improvement left is the exciting part of this journey and this daughter of Snitzel,bred out of our 4 time Metropolitan winning mare Royal Charades will now head to the paddock for a couple of week’s freshen in readiness to tackle Black Type in the $150,000 GROUP 3 Quezette Stakes at Caulfield for 3yo fillies on August 16.
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| ROYAL SNITZEL BOLTS IN ON DEBUT.
Royal Snitzel, bred out of our 4 time Metropolitan winning mare Royal Charades became United Syndications 7th homebred to get to the races and pleasingly became our 7th winner giving us to date a 100% record for breeding winners-a stat I am very pleased in achieving. Royal Snitzel’s win was even more rewarding as this filly was retained and raced by the Syndicate (instead of being sold) and judging by her win there looks to be many more in store for this daughter of Snitzel.Jumping brilliantly from a wide barrier jockey Dale Smith had no hesitation in getting over to the fence and once there dictated the race on his terms and on straightening Royal Snitzel used her natural ability and turn of foot to run away in the drive to the line to win effortlessly by just on 3 lengths. It was terrific to see Royal Snitzel take to the races what she had shown at home and looks to have a most promising future ahead as now does her dam Royal Charades who has a cracking Charge Forward Colt earmarked for the Magic Millions, is currently in foal to Coolmore stallion Excelebration and will be heading to Smart Missile late in the year so she has been given every chance to improve the winning ratio in the years ahead. Royal Snitzel will now progress to town and run in an Open 2yo at Caulfield in a couple of weeks’ time where she is expected to be most competitive!
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| ONPICALO WINS BY 5 IN A DEVASTATING CAULFIELD VICTORY.
4YO Hussonet gelding Onpicalo gave his much loved owners a great thrill with a devastating win at Caulfield Saturday May 3.Given a gem of a ride by Champion hoop Dwayne Dunn Onpicalo virtually led all of the way to win pulling up on the line by 5 lengths in a most impressive performance. Jumping well as he usually does Onpicalo just put himself on speed and from there D. Dunn was able to have him travelling sweetly in front under his own steam and he was allowed to dictate in front.Revelling in the slow conditions it was clear that Onpicalo had his rivals off the bit prior to the turn and heading for the inside part of the straight on straightening Dwayne had the fast lane well and truly identified and won full of running in a very strong performance. It was a great reward for the Syndicate who allowed Onpicalo to have a slightly longer spell than required after he was rehabbing from injury last year and this extra time has allowed Onpicalo to fully furnish, looks a completely different horse and this extra time as we can see has been greatly appreciated by the horse who now has rewarded the Syndicate with a Saturday Metropolitan victory. There are no big plans in store for Onpicalo but rather will be kept to the Winter months of Melbourne where he seems to grow an extra leg in the wet where conditions are clearly to his liking. Off a $40,000 purchase at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions sales Onpicalo has now returned over $134,000 for his fantastic group of loyal and enthusiastic owners!
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| DISTINCTIVE FLYER BREAKS THROUGH.
It may have only been a Gawler Maiden but it may well prove the catalyst for confidence that was just needed for Distinctive Flyer to now start blossoming and confirm the promise that she had previously shown very early in her career when with Mick Price. After an excellent first up 4th at Caulfield over 1 year ago behind Change Of Honour and Register beaten only 1 length she seemingly lost her way and was disappointing at her subsequent prep with her best effort being a second at Strathalbyn in September of last year and was moved to SA more for maturity reasons than anything else as we thought that she may tread water in VIC for a bit too long so given a nice spell and with Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas given the opportunity to start a fresh with her it was extremely pleasing to see her win the way she did yesterday. Given a peach of a ride by Jason “Stubby” Holder Distinctive Flyer was given the run of the race throughout with Jason pushing out from behind the leader on straightening to win very softly by a length and a half at the finish from Rain Attack. Jason was very pleased with her efforts and indicated to Leon that a rise in distance would not hurt the filly and accordingly it is our plan to next take that advice and head to Morphettville for her next assignment over 1300 meters in a couple of weeks’ time and see if we can’t now get some city form for this now valuable daughter of Flying Spur!
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| TURF PRINCE BOLTS IN TO RECORD SECOND VICTORY.
They say racing is a great tester of patience. That saying must have been aimed fair and square at Turf Prince as never has a horse tested the patience of owners as Turf Prince has. Congratulations for perseverance however, go to his great bunch of loyal owners and Turf Prince may just be starting to reward their patience when he absolutely bolted in at Wangaratta Friday 25th October. A modest 0-58 race it indeed was however the way Turf Prince won first up (after two impressive trial wins) which was totally dominant showed a glimpse that he may finally be maturing and switching on as a race horse. A NZ $110,000 purchase from the Waikato draft in 2010 Turf Prince eventually won his maiden last prep over 2400 meters but continually showed immaturity signs all through with his condition continually falling away. His race pattern was also that of an immature horse continually being asked to improve all throughout his races. This time in however he has looked a totally different proposition, keen to improve and race with only minimal jockey encouragement. Turf Prince settled second outside the leader Curlashot Friday before taking over on the point of the turn and winning running away by 5 lengths in impressive fashion. Turf Prince won’t be rushed along and will be looking for another easy kill in the Country over the Melbourne Cup carnival for confidence purposes before coming back down to Melbourne to tackle harder races and now that he looks to have matured should continue to improve as he gets deeper into this prep. Great credit goes to John and Chris Ledger who have prepared Turf Prince this time around and have done an outstanding job in training this horse “Country style” which has obviously agreed with the horse. Congratulations to all owners!
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| LE BONSIR RUNS 3RD IN A GROUP 1.
A large and proud group of owners travelled out to Moonee Valley with trepidation but returned home floating on air after our brave 6yo Le Bonsir ran out of his skin to run 3rd in the prestigious GROUP 1 Moir Stakes on Friday 27th September. A number of people (including myself who made the ultimate decision to run)queried as to whether running in this race was the right decision however, having personally watched every piece of work since day 1 I was convinced after watching his work Saturday and Tuesday and the positive comments made by his regular track work rider Nick Mehmet that this was his time to have a go right now and Le Bonsir didn’t let us down. To think where this horse has come from this prep in winning first up in town, then again at Listed level and now placing at a GROUP 1 it is fair to say that the fantastic group of owners involved in this horse have had their realistic expectations on performance this time in well and truly exceeded and tribute goes to our wonderful trainer Mick Price who we thank for his masterful training of the horse and indeed it was just reward for him for actually winning the Moir with his grand mare in Samaready.Le Bonsir ran the race of his life perfectly positioned in running by Michael Walker which ended up being a carbon copy of his successful ride in the Chandler Macleod but unfortunately found two better horses in Samaready and Buffering on the night however Le Bonsir never gave up in the straight and was brave to hold on for third. We are very proud of our boy who earned $40,500 for connections and overall prize money now stands at $333,850.Le Bonsir will be continually to be placed to the best of our ability and may now head to one of two races over the Caulfield Cup Carnival on either Thousand Guineas Day OR Caulfield Cup Day.
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| STAKES SUCCESS AT THE VALLEY FOR LE BONSIR.
Mature gelding Le Bonsir took his racing to whole new level at Moonee Valley on Saturday 14th September when he absolutely blew away a very good field of Sprinters to win the LISTED Chandler Macleod Stakes over 1200 meters. Given a gun run by jockey Michael Walker Le Bonsir settled second/third in the running after making race favorite Elite Elle work a touch to get over from a wide draw to lead. Michael then tacked onto her back settling in the box seat throughout and then everything (except for G. Boss on Lady Melksham knocking and unbalancing Le Bonsir twice before the turn) panned out exactly as hoped. The knocking if anything seemed to spur the 6yo on as he really gritted his teeth and ran down Elite Elle with an explosive turn of foot getting to the front almost too quickly in the straight but won most impressively to win pulling up on the line by a length and a half. His time of 1.10.8 was almost 6 lengths superior to that of when he won previously in 1.11.78 when defeating Sir Fernando. This horse is right in the zone at the moment and great credit goes to our Syndicate trainer in Mick Price who has had to deal with feet and growing issues all the way through but pulling up stumps every time when needed. Right now is the soundest that this horse has ever been and it is a good time now to hopefully test him at the top level.Le Bonsir has always been regarded as a talent and has an outstanding record which now stands at 20 starts for 8 wins,4 seconds, 2 thirds and overall prize money of $293,350.
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| LE BONSIR WINS FIRST UP AT MOONEE VALLEY.
A large and vocal group of loyal United Syndication owners experienced a thrill of a lifetime when their tough and brave 6yo Le Bonsir won first up at the Valley on Saturday 24th August. Ridden an absolute treat by one of the most promising apprentices in Australia in Patrick Moloney Le Bonsir showed all of the intestinal fortitude that he is now becoming famous for to win in a tight finish. Beginning well from a middle alley Patrick had Le Bonsir settling second in the early stages before Brett Prebble on Hollowlea made a surprise decision to push forward and went up and sat outside the leader Sir Fernando. Showing maturity beyond his years Patrick then made the race winning move by then taking the sit right behind the pair and from that point gave Le Bonsir a very kind run knowing that he was first up and lacking some race fitness. Pulling out at the top of the straight Le Bonsir chased hard to pick up Sir Fernando who gave a terrific kick and got up right on the line to win narrowly with Cavallo Nero filling third.Le Bonsir has improved at every prep since having some immaturity issue as a younger horse and has been expertly placed by our Syndicate trainer in Mick Price all through.Le Bonsir is now starting to build up an impressive record which now stands at 19 starts for 7 wins,4 seconds and 2 thirds with overall prize money of just over $220,000.Le Bonsir has pulled up well from the Valley and will now head to the $121,000 Listed Chandler Macleod Stakes over 1200 meters at Moonee Valley on September 14 for his next run.
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| ONPICALO IN BRAVE MORPHETTVILLE WIN.
Progressive 3yo gelding Onpicalo improved on an already impressive record by winning the $34,000 3yo 0-75 over 1400 meters at Morphettville on Saturday 13th July. Ridden exceptionally well by 3kg Apprentice Patrick Moloney Onpicalo led unchallenged and survived a threatening finish by the David Hayes trained Beyond Infinity who ranged up to challenge half way down the straight however Onpicalo’s fighting qualities were at the fore and he was in for the fight as normal and fought Beyond Infinity off to win coming away at the finish by a half length in an excellent victory.Onpicalo was a $40,000 Magic Millions purchase out of the Emirates Park draft of 2011 and was a lovely horse as a yearling being by the Champion Stallion in Hussonet.He had great appeal on pedigree being out of a mare by a son of Danehill with this cross being responsible for the likes of the GROUP winners Reaan,Eagle Falls and Gold trail – a proven nick and with Onpicalo bred on this exact same cross it was not entirely unexpected that Onpicalo too would have his fair share of ability.Onpicalo has a nice future ahead and may soon get out to the mile which his pedigree suggests being related to the likes of Elvstroem,Circles Of Gold and Starspangledbanner.Onpicalo has had just the 8 starts for now 4 wins (3 of which are Metropolitan successes)and 3 thirds for $83,220.00 in stakes.
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| GAME WIN FOR ONPICALO AT CAULFIELD.
3yo Hussonet Gelding Onpicalo returned to the winners circle at Caulfield-Wednesday 3rd July in a win that all owners declared afterwards was the best and bravest win yet.Onpicalo’s first up failure (which was the first time that he had been unplaced in 5 previous runs) at Sandown was to be completely ignored as he suffered interference in that race, got back further than anticipated and swallowed half of the track in the process-a line just had to be put through that run. His effort to finish 5.2 lengths away was probably a good effort in hindsight. His work subsequent had been excellent and ridden an absolute treat by mature age apprentice Ben Knobel Onpicalo showed all of his fighting qualities to land a long shot win much to the screams of joy and excitement from all of his owners who showed much exuberance in the mounting yard in after race scenes.Onpicalo bounced out of the gates but was taken on early and Ben sensibly handed up the lead and sat one out one back in the running. This was the decisive move as Onpicalo is not a sit sprint horse and likes to have plenty of room in his races. Peeling out on straightening Ben used all of his vigor to firstly hold in Ben Melham on Red Corner who was trying to push out and then re balance Onpicalo to drive to the finishing line to win by a short half head.Onpiaclo is a most progressive horse and I believe that the decision to abandon a summer campaign in favour of a Winter campaign has already and will continue to pay dividends.Onpicalo’s record now stands at 7 starts for 3 wins and 3 thirds for $61,920.00 in stakes.
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| TWO IN A ROW FOR ROCOCCO.
Smart Fastnet Rock filly Rococco made it two wins a row when she stormed home to win the $30,000 0-72 Country Showcase in a desperately tight finish at Bendigo on Thursday 16th May. Ridden extremely well by top hoop Glen Boss,Rococco was allowed to settle at the rear of the field before unleashing a powerful finishing burst late to arrive just on time winning by a short half head. The win was even more meritorious when you consider that the second horse Counted got away with cheap sectionals during the race so her effort to win was very good. No doubt the soft tracks have aided this filly as that was her third win from as many runs on slow tracks. She will be kept to similar conditions in the future which should not be too hard now given that we are coming into Winter and is a horse to follow particularly when she gets over a longer trip. She looks to have stayer written all over her, is very genuine and has a terrific will to win.Rococco is now starting to build up a terrific record which currently stands at 8 starts for 3 wins,1 second and a third for $63,020.00 in stakes as she now heads back to town for her next anticipated run.
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| ROCOCCO WINS ON DAY 2 OF WARRNAMBOOL CARNIVAL.
Promising 3yo filly Rococco gave United Syndications not only our first ever runner over the great Warrnambool May Carnival but our first winner on Day 2 when she led all of the way to record a very impressive win in the $50,000 3yo 0-72 benchmark over 1400 meters. Ridden an absolute treat by top hoop Glen Boss who was allowed to steal cheap sectionals throughout the mid stages of the race,Rococco was always going to give a kick in the straight and that she did reveling in the soft going and extending at the finish to win drawing away by about a length and a half. It was a great result for the Syndicate who race this promising daughter of Fastnet Rock as she has had her fair share of niggles and has been difficult to train. Considered a Metropolitan class filly it is hoped that Rococco will now be able to get her opportunity to tackle a city class race over the next few weeks over 1600 meters plus and having a clear affinity for soft tracks she looks to be well suited over the upcoming weeks as Winter rolls around.Rococco has now had 7 starts for 2 wins,1 second and a third for $45,000 in stakes.
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| TURF PRINCE SALUTES AT MORNINGTON.
Dour 4yo gelding Turf Prince finally got up to a distance that suited and recorded a narrow but impressive win at Mornington on Saturday 13th April in the 2400 meter Highweight Maiden. Ridden an absolute treat by Australia’s best jumps rider in Steven Pateman,Turf Prince jumped well and settled close up and always travelled well in the run. Pushed along from the 600 meter mark Turf Prince always looked to have control of the race but Wild Rivers was in for the fight and made Steve work hard to secure the victory going down in a tight finish by a short neck. It was just reward for the Syndicate who have been very patient with this son of O’Reilly who has been an immature staying type right from the start and has been crying out for distance all the way along. He is a sound robust galloper who maybe in the future could become United Syndications first ever jumper which is exciting and had been schooled in a lead up to this race. Turf Prince is a big sound tough galloper who tries very hard and is to be followed particularly if he takes a fancy to the jumps game as he is a horse that will stay all day and to date has run home in every race that he has run in indicating that distance is his forte-the further the better!
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| BLACK TYPE SUCCESS FOR LOVEYAMADLY AT MOONEE VALLEY.
Crack mare Loveyamadly finally got the reward of Black type in the $120,000 LISTED ADAPT Australia Abell Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday 15th March when she burst through late to win in a driving finish to narrowly score by a short half head from Go The Knuckle and It Is Written. Aided by a 10 out of 10 ride by Mick Price stable rider Dale Smith,Loveyamadly always traveled well in the running, however it was clear that Dale had to be patient to secure the much needed run at the top of the straight. That he did and with his efforts the gap finally opened and whilst hesitating for a split second the grand mare burst through late to win a driving finish. It was a just reward for Dale who has ridden so many winners for United Syndications over the years and for him to secure Black type success for us was personally very gratifying. Dale had ridden our crack filly La Bella Dame some 11 years previous as an apprentice and was replaced by a senior rider going into a GROUP race. Whilst that was tough to cop rather than sulking, Dale had the cheek to ask if he could strap La Bella Dame on the day that she won the GROUP 3 Jumeirah International (the race that he was replaced on) and I made the promise to him then that one day I would repay the gesture of the wonderful character shown whilst obviously disappointed at being replaced on a horse that he did so much work on in the lead up to that race.Loveyamadly has been an outstanding money spinner for her connections having now had 9 starts for 6 wins,2 seconds and a third for $293,388.00 in stakes. With a track record and a Black type success at her last two runs the fun is still not over for the Loveyamadly army of loyal owners as Loveyamadly will now have a short freshen before being prepared for more Black type races in South Australia next month!
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| LE BONSIR MAKES IT A TWO STATE DOUBLE.
Genuine 5yo gelding Le Bonsir made it a United Syndications two state double on the weekend when he took out the $50,000 Open Adelaide Galvanising Hcp over 1200 meters at Morphettville on March 2.With our grand mare Loveyamadly scoring in track record time at Flemington some 3 hours previous it was up to Le Bonsir to make it a double and that he did in emphatic fashion. Jumping from barrier 4 jockey Clare Lindop rode a superb race and had Le Bonsir on the fence in the early stages and from that point she was left alone in front to rate Le Bonsir and it was clear that he was travelling like the winner prior to the turn. On straightening Clare released the breaks and Le Bonsir bounded away to score effortlessly by just on 3 lengths in a time of 1.08.70 which was only half a second outside Navy Shakers track record of 1.08.21.This has been a fantastic prep for Le Bonsir and the best to date having had 8 starts this time in for now 3 wins (two Metropolitan and a Country Showcase),a second and a third for $122,200 in stakes with overall prize money now of $162,750.This is an outstanding result and great reward for this particular Syndicate as it is the last of their GROUP winning mare La Bella Dame’s progeny having lost Damselfly to a lightning strike a couple of months previous when in foal. It is now up to the final member of the family-a Sebring/Damselfly filly that will be raced by the Syndicate to carry on the strength of the family in the coming years!
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| LOVEYAMADLY BREAKS FLEMINGTON TRACK RECORD.
Outstanding mare Loveyamadly returned to Flemington where she got beat a head last July to Star Lani to reverse that loss by winning by an even smaller margin in TRACK RECORD time at Flemington on Saturday March 2.The clock stopped at 1.02.15 which broke Don’t Tell Tom’s long standing record of 1.02.20 (which was established over 8 years ago on the 18/12/2004) when Loveyamadly went over the line to win in a deceptive finish to score in a driving finish from the very game Avoid Lightning. Superbly ridden by jockey Dale Smith, Loveyamadly was rated perfectly all of the way and was instructed to start upping the ante from the 400 in an effort to make the top weighted runners carry their weight to the max.That he did and it was soon clear that Glows was struggling with the tempo however no one told Avoid Lightning and she was right in for the fight. It was a real slog between two class horses over the final 200 meters with neither horse giving an inch with Loveyamadly’s desperate will to win finally prevailing on the line. It was an outstanding result for this Syndicate who have experienced frustration but also elation along the journey with this horse.Loveyamadly has an outstanding record which currently stands at 8 starts for 5 wins,2 seconds and a third for $219,388.00 in stakes-a wonderful achievement. No doubt we will now be chasing more black type for this lovely daughter of Bel Esprit either now or in the Spring later in the year which ensures for plenty more excitement for her army of loyal followers!
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| LOVEYAMADLY STROLLS IN AT CAULFIELD.
Brilliant were the words used Saturday for the Syndicates’ special sprinting mare Loveyamadly who basically toyed with a smart group of mares at Caulfield on Sat Jan 26 to record a soft win. Starting from an outside gate, jockey Dale Smith again rode to script by having Loveyamadly jumping well and sitting right on the speed outside the leader Slewsay.Just prior to the turn Dale started to make his move cruising past Slewsay at the top of the straight and a couple of confident looks around gave everyone the confidence that Dale had everyone covered and Loveyamadly went on to score impressively on the line by just on a length and a half from Riviere who ran well with Vain Attraction filling third spot. Plenty of accolades need to be bestowed on our unheralded jockey Dale Smith who has been with Loveyamadly from the get go and has ridden her to perfection all throughout her career to date.Loveyamadly’s success is a just reward for a jockey who continues to exude an outstanding work ethic and personally it is a delight to see him reaping the rewards for all of his hard work as a track jockey each and every week at Caulfield. Black type now beckons this daughter of Bel Esprit and she will hopefully now have a crack for that honor in the GROUP 3 Bellmaine Stakes at Caulfield on Sat Feb 9.For the record Loveyamadly’s impressive records extends to 6 starts for 4 wins,1 second and a third for stakes of $132,388.
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| LOVEYAMADLY RESUMES WITH A WIN.
Smart sprinting mare Loveyamadly resumed at Ballarat Thursday 10th Jan and took no prisoners by absolutely trotting in a $30,000 0-72 Country Showcase. Starting from an inside draw Loveyamadly,although slightly missing the start quickly drove up to box seat. Travelling well in the run from that point jockey Dale Smith extricated out just prior to the turn to challenge on straightening and from there Loveyamadly went through her gears to win effortlessly by 2 lengths with Dale looking after her in the concluding stages cuddling her to the line winning softly. It was a great reward for a fantastic group of owners who have been extremely patient with the talented mare who has had her fair share of issues, but personally delighted that the expert placement of her throughout her career by Mick and his team has resulted in her earning a cheque at everyone of her runs to date. Her record now currently stands at an impressive 5 starts for 3 wins,1 second and a third and $84,388.00 in stakes. It is now hoped that this talented daughter of Bel Esprit can now return to the city in the next couple of weeks and hopefully again reward her owners with another city win!
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| LE BONSIR-BRAVE WIN AT MOONEE VALLEY.
Lightly raced 5yo Le Bonsir recorded his biggest and bravest win yet when he took out the Mitchelton Wines Hcp at Moonee Valley on Saturday 29th December. In an epic dual Le Bonsir and It Is Written cleared out from the rest of the field at the 800 meter mark and engaged in an epic Our Waverley Star/Bonecrusher type stoush over the ensuing 800 meters with Le Bonsir prevailing winning by a head from the very brave favorite who was heavily backed to win. It was an exciting battle by two very brave horses and a shame that there had to be a loser. The win was some compensation for the many terrific owners of Le Bonsir who had lost their very valuable GROUP winning mare Damselfly who was struck and killed by lightening at Kitchwin Hills Stud recently when in foal to the outstanding stallion in Snitzel.Le Bonsir is the last of 4 foals left by his dual GROUP winning mare in La Bella Dame who also died prematurely through illness so it would be a very cold individual who would not give credit to the syndicate for Saturdays well deserved victory.Le Bonsir ran right up to his very game run at his last start when just collared late by the Peter Moody trained Infinite Energy yet was coming back on the line strongly to just fail. Today’s win was braveness personified as Le Bonsir has been dogged with injuries all throughout his racing career and certainly lacks nothing in courage and the win exemplified the strength and will to win that has been a trait all through the La Bella Dame family.Le Bonsir has now taken his career stats to 13 starts for 5 wins and 4 seconds and now $122,300.00 in prize money.
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| LE BONSIR WINS SHOWCASE.
Genuine 5yo gelding Le Bonsir proved his first up run was an aberration by returning to the winners stall to record his most exciting and best win to date at the most recent Cranbourne night meeting on October 19. Aided by a terrific ride by Michael Walker the homebred, bred by his syndicate who raced his GROUP winning dam in La Bella Dame Le Bonsir showed great intestinal fortitude to win carrying his big weight of 60kg with authority to win in a game performance. Michael Walker was very dominant on jumping ensuring that Le Bonsir sprung the gates and showed great vigor to show his hand early and was determined to lead. He was able to get a couple of soft sectionals during the race before taking off at the point of the turn in daring catch me if you can tactics and the plan worked with Le Bonsir although getting a bit tired on the line (which he was entitled to) hanging on well to score nicely. It was a very clever ride and just reward for his Syndicate that have been patient all throughout his career to date which has been marred by little niggles that have restricted his career to only 10 runs but has resulted in 4 wins and 3 seconds for prize money of $59,900.Le Bonsir will have his races nice and spaced with his next run expected to be on Kyneton Cup day where he is likely to contest a $50,000 ratings based race which looks ideal and given that he has now struck form would be expected to be extremely competitive.
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| LAST 5 RUNNERS-ALL WINNERS.
Armed with the knowledge that all winning runs inevitably come to an end it is still pleasing and personally extremely gratifying to see so many happy United Syndication owners gracing the winners stall. The ball started rolling with Comic Composer at Morphettville on the 4th August when he scraped home in a desperate finish after a long layoff and was followed up the next day at Seymour by first starter Onpicalo who won impressively.Onpicalo showed that that win was no fluke and made it two out of two by scoring at Sandown on the 22nd of August. Not to be out done Comic Composer buttered up to make it two on end by winning most impressively again at Morphettville on the 25th August some 3 days later and Fastnet Rock filly Rococco completed the 5th winner from as many runners when she absolutely bolted in at Wangaratta on Sunday 2nd September. Ridden by inform rider Dale Smith,Rococco was positioned perfectly in the run box seating throughout before Dale extricated out just prior to the turn. From there it was a procession and Rococco let down beautifully to win running away easing up on the line to win pulling up by 3 lengths defeating the Luke Oliver trained Hamam with the first starter Irun battling on well to finish third. Great praise needs to given to all of the owners Rococco who have been extremely patient allowing myself and Mick to give her a lovely extended spell after a most promising debut at Caulfield in January where we identified her as a potential Spring staying filly. To date all the boxes have been ticked and no doubt Mick will up the ante for Rococco at her next start which may take us interstate with Black type in mind which would be extremely valuable for a Fastnet Rock filly. After that we will see if the boxes continue to be ticked!
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| COMIC COMPOSER’S SMART ADELAIDE WIN.
Comic Composer’s continued progression from a long term injury reached new heights on Saturday 25th August when the now 6yo won convincingly by 2 lengths on a slow (6) at Morphettville.Perfectly ridden by Adelaide’s leading rider in Clare Lindop, Comic Composer box seated throughout and had a lovely cart on the back of noted Leader Handsome As. On the turn it was clear that Comic Composer was travelling well and Clare extricated off Handsome As’s back on straightening, leveled up half way down the straight and then ran away in the final stages to win well by 2 lengths and was very strong on the line. Comic Composer has continued to improve in all 4 runs this time in and the thought is that there is still further improvement to come. The last two wins have been an excellent reward for the owners who have stuck loyal throughout some frustrating times however if Leon was able to nurture Comic Composer back to full racing condition he was always a horse that was always going to repay. He is an extremely consistent horse who is clearly over his issues and whose records now stands at 18 starts for 6 wins and 4 minor placings for $119,413.00.Comic Composer will now take on Listed company in the $80,000 Balaklava Cup over 1600 meters for his next start on Wednesday 5th September and being such a progressive horse and given the way he is going at the moment, a cheeky run would be expected!
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| TWO FROM TWO FOR ONPICALO.
Progressive Hussonet gelding Onpicalo proved his first up Seymour win was no fluke and in the process dented some aspirants for upcoming Spring glory by absolutely bolting in at Sandown on Wednesday 22nd August. Ridden to perfection by multiple GROUP 1 winning jockey Glen Boss Onpicalo jumped well and with no speed around was taken straight to the lead and from that point was rated absolutely perfectly by Bossy. On straightening it was clear that there was plenty left in the tank and revelling in the Heavy 9 going Onpicalo held his lead to win impressively by 2 lengths.Onpicalo is a genuine race horse that saves his best for race day and is an absolute pleasure to own as all he knows is how to try which takes you a long way in this game. His army of owners (some of which are first timers) are enjoying the ride of a life and he will be a horse that all owners will get immeasurable pleasure from going forward.Onpicalo has only had the two runs for two wins and his prize money currently stands at $31,500.00.Onpicalo will return to the city for his next assignment where “Black type” could be on the agenda.Onpicalo is a horse to be followed by all!
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| ONPICALO-ONE START ONE WIN.
3yo Hussonet gelding Onpicalo went to the races for the first time at Seymour Sunday 5th August and came away with the perfect score winning the Fraser Earthmoving 3yo Maiden in impressive fashion. Starting from an outside gate and stumbling on jumping jockey Glenn Boss had to pick up and re balance Onpicalo very early on. After that Glenn was able to get some cover for the next 400 meters but was then left 3 wide and had no real option but to take off and that he did at the 600 meter mark and giving credit to the horse Onpicalo probably took him into the race a touch soon. On straightening he was clearly going to be hard to beat and hit the front half way down the straight and won comfortably by a length with Bossy sitting up on him on the line. It was a very impressive victory and the win had no fluke about it as he was the horse that had issues at the start and was wide for most of the race.Onpicalo looks a horse that has a nice future ahead of him and being a very cheap purchase for United Syndications at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions sales where he cost only $40,000 he has the blood lines through Elvstroem,Haradasun and Starspangledbanner to train on and have the scope for further improvement. With that win now under his belt it may be the right time for him to now taste some city action!
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| COMIC COMPOSER SCORES AT MORPHETTVILLE.
In what can only be described as an absolute nail biter Comic Composer returned to the winners circle by taking out the last race at Morphettville on Saturday 4th August 2012 by the barest possible margin. At his third run back after 12 months off the scene through injury Comic Composer showed a great deal of intestinal fortitude to wear down and eventually defeat race favorite Handsome As in a driving finish. It was a great testament to the training abilities of Leon Macdonald to have Comic Composer back to the winners list so soon and great testament to the owners who have stuck strong and were richly rewarded with the win. Jockey Clare Lindop should also be complimented on an outstanding ride placing Comic Composer perfectly throughout and peeling out at the exact right moment. Her excellent ride continues to confirm her reputation as one of Adelaide's best jockeys and one of Australia's best female riders. Comic Composer has been an ever consistent galloper having had just the 17 runs now for 5 wins,3 seconds and 1 third for stakes of $98,113.00.Given he is such a lightly raced 6yo there is still improvement in this horse and Leon feels as though the fun is not over for his many loyal owners.
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| LOVEYAMADLY BRILLIANT AT MOONEE VALLEY.
Classy Bel Esprit 3yo Loveyamadly gave her army of owners plenty to cheer about on Friday 17th February at the Valley when she absolutely dominated a strong 0-72 ratings race to win with plenty in hand at the finish. Jumping from an inside draw Loveyamadly began with her usual dash to hold the lead. Given no peace in front by Oamaru Rose who constantly annoyed her in front and layed all over her during the course of the race, jockey Dale Smith slipped the filly a touch more reign from the 600 meter mark and she found another gear as good horses do and bounded away on the point of the turn to set up a race winning lead. From that point Loveyamadly was home and Dale did the sensible thing and eased her down towards the end winning by just on 3 lengths in good time from Lady Antebellum with Oamaru Rose filling third. It was a great reward for her big team of owners who have been patient with immaturity issues with Loveyamadly but given the time she has shown just what a talented filly that she is.Loveyamadly will now be given a nice break and will be ready to go just prior to the Spring where some nice races await.Loveyamadly has only had the 2 starts for the perfect score and to date has earned $38,488.00 for connections.
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| LOVEYAMADLY WINS ON DEBUT.
24th January 2012. Lovely Bel Esprit 3yo Filly Loveyamadly opened her race track career with a brilliant first up win at Mornington on Friday January 20.Ridden perfectly by jockey Dale Smith Loveyamadly bounced quickly from a middle draw and soon sat outside the leader Captain Kidd, before racing away in the straight to win easily by over 3 lengths. Her time was quick and she won with plenty in hand.Loveyamadly,who has been a late maturing filly and is still not quite there, will still be taken along nice and slowly and not rushed for her next run. She will be given plenty of time between runs to fully recover and to have her primed again for her next run, however the ability that she is showing both at home and at the track should see the wait well worth the while. She is a lovely filly and her Syndicate of owners should experience the Winning circle again in the not too distant future.
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| REMEMBERING BELLA’S BRO.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the retirement of our old war horse Bella’s Bro who was retired after a disappointing run at Morphettville recently. While “Old Bella’s” as he was affectionally known will not go down in folk law as one of the Champions of the turf he will go down as a special horse to the Syndicate who raced him. Purchased for $70,000 at the 2003 Easter Yearling sales, Bella’s Bro was a half brother to our Group Winning filly that most of the Syndicate previously raced in La Bella Dame. While obviously lacking the abilities of his half sister Bella’s lacked nothing in toughness,ressiliance and soundness and went on to have a career that spanned a good seven years and saw him race on until a 10 year old. In all, Bella’s Bro raced on 58 occasions (for 20 different jockeys) for 10 wins,12 seconds,4 thirds and 9 fourths for total prize money of $200,170.00-a remarkably consistent horse. He won 6 Metropolitan races in Adelaide and a Penola Cup under Leon Macdonald and 3 Country races with his previous trainer Mick Price. Bella’s Bro certainly came a long way from his very first race start at Cranbourne where he dumped jockey Vlad Duric on the way to the barriers and raced accordingly finishing 9th of 11 prompting Vlad to question the future of his racing career on his return to scale. Bella’s obviously didn’t share Vlad’s opinion and won at his very next start at Benalla if not to prove a point and was well ridden on that occasion by Matt Gatt.A couple of Metropolitan placings then followed confirming our suspicions that some ability was there and after a short spell Bella’s Bro went onto win 3 races in succession at Traralgon,Ararat and Morphettville.Having thought that we might have got the most out of him here in Victoria, on the recommendation of our Syndicate trainer in Mick Price we transferred the horse over to Leon Macdonald in an effort to place him to advantage and that we did. Arriving with Leon with approx $48,000 in the bank he was to then race on over many year’s accumulating a further $150,000 in stakes and many cherished moments. Bella’s was always one to give excitement (he never did it easy for us!) and his continued pattern of leading in his races always raised the blood pressure as more often than not he would be run down in the closing stages of a race or indeed hang on for a close win. Nothing was dull with Bella’s and we all as a Syndicate began to enjoy and get used to the thrills and excitement he gave us all. As everyone knows all good things eventually come to an end and Bella’s urge to be competitive on race day has now passed. It is now the Syndicates turn to look after “Old Bella” in retirement after all the years that he has looked after us! Well done Bella’s and enjoy the next stages of your life-you were no star but a wonderfully honest horse!
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| LE BONSIR WINS AGAIN.
Progressive 4yo Le Bonsir made it 3 wins from 4 runs this time in by strolling in at Geelong on the Synthetic Friday 26th August. Starting from an inside draw Le Bonsir jumped safely (unlike his previous win where he missed the start but was still too good to score) and held the fence to lead. Jockey Craig Newitt was swinging on the son of Choisir at the turn and on the point of the turn extended to get a margin of 3 lengths and held that down the straight to score a very easy win. The time of 1.17.83 was just over 1 second outside the track record.Le Bonsir has progressed well through his grades and looks a most promising horse for his syndicate. He will now tackle city class and now heads to Sandown on the 14th September to contest a ratings 0-82 over 1400 meters.Le Bonsir’s record currently stands at 5 starts for 3 wins and a second for prize money of $26,900.00.He is definitely a horse worth following in town and is well up to Metropolitan Class.
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| LE BONSIR FROM LAST TO FIRST.
Exciting Choisir 4yo LE BONSIR made it 2 wins from only 4 starts when he showed an explosive turn of foot to come from last at the 600 meter mark to win running away to score by 3 and a quarter lengths at Geelong on Friday 12th August. The way Le Bonsir won did not go to pre-race plans and certainly missing the start by a couple of lengths was not part of the script, however jockey Craig Newitt did not panic but rather allowed the horse to settle at the tail of the field before moving the gelding to the centre of the track in the straight and the 4yo unleashed a powerful sprinting burst to win running away to score with ease running a last 600 meter sectional in 33.52 with the overall time of 1.4.68 being just under a half a second outside the track record.Le Bonsir will initially not be rushed back to town but rather concentrate on quietly going through the classes in the Country learning to be a race horse picking up valuable experience in the process and is expected to have his next race again at Geelong in a fortnight over 1300 meters. He is certainly a horse to follow and a repeat of his most recent win at his next start would then no doubt see him return to the city to contest a suitable race.
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| LE BONSIR BOLTS IN.
Damselfly’s half brother Le Bonsir (x Choisir) finally delivered on his ability by bolting in, leading all of the way winning by 3 and a quarter lengths to record his first win at Geelong on Friday 8th July. Sent out a short price favourite at Wangaratta when narrowly defeated the 3yo was subsequently gelded and given further time to mature, and it now looks as though that move was a most successful one by the syndicate which will ultimately result in Le Bonsir realizing his full potential. A big strapping son of Choisir,Le Bonsir has always shown excellent ability however immaturity issues has limited his race track appearances to date however it does appear as though now is his time.Le Bonsir is the fourth foal to race (and win) of the dual GROUP winning mare La Bella Dame which was also raced by the syndicate. The previous winners out of La Bella Dame included the Sydney Metropolitan winner Bel Spur, the GROUP winning filly Damselfly (raced by the syndicate) and People’s Choice a winner in Perak Malaysia. The syndicate will also be looking forward to the pending foaling of Damselfly’s mating with Hussonet which is due next month and they all certainly hope that the legacy of winners continues as this family has certainly been a fruitful source of winners over the years. It is anticipated that Le Bonsir will have his next run at Flemington in an 1100 meter 3yo race on Saturday July 23.
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| SIR READY WINS IN A THRILLER.
Promising 2yo Sir Ready took on the older horses and won in a thrilling finish at Seymour on Monday June 6 at only his second race start. Starting from the extreme outside gate Sir Ready had to work across the field after showing good early speed finally settling outside the leader and that is where he stayed for the majority of the race. At the corner jockey James Winks seemed to have a lap full of horse under him and he kicked clear on straightening however his greenness and a lack of race fitness took its toll at the 100 meter mark and he was there to be beaten but showed a tremendous will to win to hold off the fast finishing challenge of the well backed Tenno to score an exciting win. This win was a fantastic result for the syndicate that raced Sir Ready’s mother in Ready Made Family who was a city class galloper in her own right only to have a short career (winning 1 from only three starts) and was retires prematurely due to injury. Ready Made Family was sent to Choisir and Sir Ready is the resultant first foal which the syndicate can claim to having had a winner from her first foal to race. A great result and reward for patience as this terrific group of people have stayed together for the journey. This particular syndicate are also well placed to reap some benefits in the future as they have a lovely Oratorio Colt on the ground earmarked for sale and Ready Made Family is in foal to highly credentialed Arrowfield Stallion All American. Sir Ready has pulled up well from his win and is looking to be stepped up into Metropolitan Class shortly.
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| COMIC COMPOSER BOUNCES BACK.
After a couple of indifferent runs our NZ 4yo Comic Composer bounced back into the winners stall at Traralgon on Sunday 12th December by winning the $22,500 Latrobe City Country Showcase 0-72 Hcp over 1430 meters. Beginning well from an inside gate jockey Brian Park always had Comic Composer travelling well in the lead and he kicked nicely on the point of the turn and held on to win by a neck from the well tried St Sambrose who made good late ground. It was refreshing to see this horse back in the winners stall and his efforts to lead all of the way with the steadier of 58kg was full of merit. Comic Composer has now had 11 starts for 4 wins,3 seconds and a third for just over $80,000 in stakes and is proving to be a most consistent galloper and a good money spinner for connections.
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| COMIC COMPOSER BOLTS IN.
Progressive Stravinsky 3yo Comic Composer scored a dominant win in the $50,000 Final of the 0-72 Winter Challenge held at Geelong on Friday 23rd July. Starting from a wide draw Comic Composer commenced well and worked across the field in the early stages to sit outside the leader Johadina.It was obvious to those watching that jockey Craig Newitt had a lap full of horse under him coming to the turn as he took a look behind before letting him go and Comic Composer quickly put pay to Johadina and went to the line an easy winner scoring officially by a length and a half from Doubt She’s Single with Johadina hanging on for third. Comic Composer has been a most consistent horse to date having had only the 7 starts for 3 wins,2 seconds and a third for total stakes of just over $60,000.This horse is most suited to the drier tracks and will be given a freshen should a suitable race not be found in the next week or two. He looks to have improved since his last prep and is definitely a horse to follow for the future.
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| OUR GOLD BULLION WINS IN TIGHT FINISH.
Our promising NZ stayer Our Gold Bullion returned to the winners stall at Echuca on July 12 albeit by a narrow margin but was impressive nevertheless. Carrying 57kg Our Gold Bullion, who was ridden an absolute treat by jockey Dale Smith led all of the way and with stood a mighty challenge all of the way down the straight to win narrowly conceding 6kg to the eventual runner up Clanger Count to record his 4th win. It was a welcome return to the winners stall for this son of Pentire who got bogged down with 58kg at Kyneton at his previous start but back onto firmer footing at Echuca is now back on track ready to tackle some harder events. Our Gold Bullion showed Bulldog like courage in the straight and looked gone a couple of times before simply out staying the opposition on the line to win in a courageous effort. It was a run that he will derive plenty of benefit from and really looks a horse likely to go through his grades as he is a tough sound stayer and usually holds his form once he finds it. Our Gold Bullion has now won 4 from only 13 starts and $38,125.00 in stakes
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| COMIC COMPOSER BOLTS IN AT GEELONG.
Stravinsky 3yo Comic Composer appreciated the firmer surface on offer at Geelong on Friday 3rd July to absolutely bolt in Heat 3 of the Winter Challenge Synthetic Series. Aided by a 10 out of 10 ride by Craig Newitt Comic Composer always travelled sweetly in third/fourth spot throughout before Craig decided to get moving at the 600 meter mark. At the turn Craig took control of the race and put pay to his opposition in the blink of an eye and Comic Composer strode away, still strong on the line to win by 2 lengths from the David Hayes trained Leoncavallo with Johadina filling the minor spot. Comic Composer ran well first up, completely unsuited to the heavy ground on offer at Tatura and made amends at Geelong much to the delight of his Syndicate of owners. Comic Composer will now be set for the $50,000 Final of the series which will be held at Geelong on Friday 23rd July.
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| ROYAL CHARADES 8 WINS FROM 16 STARTS.
Gutsy mare Royal Charades brought up her 8th overall victory and 4th Metropolitan success on Saturday 22nd May when she accounted for a talented field of sprinters in a driving finish in the second heat of the 2010 all Victorian Sprint series at Caulfield. Beautifully ridden by Glen Boss the mare was perfectly positioned in the run by Boss who gained a split on straightening and drove through to win copping a buffeting to the line in a very crowded finish. Full credit goes to the mare who has won in similar circumstances before and does not know how to lie down in a tight finish and obviously has a tremendous will to win. Full credit also goes to the syndicate on their patience as Royal Charades did not come up in the Spring on the hard tracks and the mare subsequently had a lovely long break which did her the world of good and the team have now been rewarded with Royal Charade’s city win on a track that she obviously relishes having now had 4 starts at Caulfield for 3 wins. Royal Charades will continue on in the series which culminates in a $151,500 final at Flemington on Sat July 10.Royal Charades record now stands at 16 starts for 8 wins and 2 thirds for stakes of $176,418.00.
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| 8yo-WIN NUMBER 10.
There was a little more breathing space on the line this time around than what there was last time when Bella’s Bro gave all owners a heart attack scoring in a close finish but his latest win at Morphettville on Saturday Feb 13 was never in doubt and the horse seems if anything to be actually improving as he is getting older. Jumping well from an outside stall jockey Clare Lindop soon had Bella’s Bro in his favourite roll out in front and although challenged in the straight by Naratel the “old fella” found plenty and won pulling away on the line to win convincingly by a length and three quarters. It was a 10 out of 10 ride again by Clare and the two seem to have forged a terrific relationship on the track where Bella’s Bro seems to enjoy Clare letting him do his own thing rolling along in front rather than being held up behind traffic. The addition of the blinkers has also renewed the racing spark in him and he is currently enjoying his most successful prep to date. His latest win brought up his 6th Adelaide Metropolitan success which has now taken his career earnings to just over $193,000.
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| BELLA’S BRO-WIN NO 9.
9th Febuary 2010. The photo tells the tale but grand old galloper Bella’s Bro did manage to notch up his fifth Adelaide Metropolitan success when he literally fell in at Morphettville Saturday 30th January. Ridden an absolute treat by leading jockey Clare Lindop the post couldn’t come quick enough for the now 8yo who led from barrier to box for a most exciting win. Softened up in the lead by He’s Here Clare never panicked at any stage of the race and kept the old boy rolling along before making the winning move just before the turn by kicking and setting up a commanding lead whilst the others were off the bit chasing. Merlot Now challenged hard in the concluding stages but Bella’s Bro hung on for a most deserved win. Bella’s Bro has been a grand galloper for his loyal syndicate and trainer Leon Macdonald is to be complimented on his handling of the horse over a long period of time. Bella’s Bro record currently stands at 49 starts for 9 wins,12 seconds and 4 thirds for total stakes of $173,820.
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| COMIC COMPOSER BOLTS IN.
3 YO Stravinsky gelding Comic Composer showed that his first two excellent runs were no fluke by bolting in at Kilmore on Tuesday 12th Jan. Starting from an inside gate jockey Craig Newitt had the horse always travelling well in the box seat throughout before gaining an important split on the turn. From there Comic Composer showed a good turn of foot to win running away and eventually being eased down on the line to win by just on 4 lenghts.It was a sweet victory for the syndicate who had endured many months of agony after the horse tried to jump out of the plane en route to Australia early on and arrived needing urgent medical attention. Comic Composer spent many months in a box recovering from operations to both hocks and much credit goes to Werribee Equine and to Eliza Park for the time and effort that went into the rehabilitation of this horse-both did an outstanding job and are to complimented on their professionalism throughout. This is also a great advertisement for the upcoming NZ yearling sales as Comic Composer is only the second horse that we have purchased from NZ (Our Gold Bullion being the first and is a winner of 3 races) making it 2 winners from as many purchases. We will be off shortly to hopefully purchase our third winner from New Zealand and would welcome any member to contact myself with a view of getting involved in our next NZ Syndicate. Comic Composer is now a totally sound galloper and the syndicate is expected to enjoy some fun and further success with this horse. He is definitely to be followed over the next month or so and his next race is planned for the city shortly.
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| OUR GOLD BULLION-WIN NO 3.
27th November 2009. Our Gold Bullion showed that his recent win at Sale was no fluke by saluting yet again at Mornington on Friday 27th November to notch his third career win. Perfectly ridden by Craig Newitt the 4yo settled and travelled well throughout and then challenged the well supported Kincaple on the turn before drawing away in the concluding stages to win convincingly. Our Gold Bullion has had 6 starts this time in for 3 wins and 2 seconds and is a most consistent and improving galloper. He has been deliberately taken along slowly through his classes by his owners who have been patient and are now rewarded with a tough sound galloper. Our Gold Bullion’s record currently stands at 9 starts for 3 wins and 2 seconds for overall prize money of $30,700 and is a stayer going somewhere and will relish the increase in distance which is being planned for his next couple of runs. This guy is to be followed and is thought of as a nice Country Cup type in the making.
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| OUR GOLD BULLION WINS CONVINCINGLY.
November 2009. Promising Pentire gelding Our Gold Bullion was most convincing at his latest win at Sale and looks set to have a promising staying career ahead. Most consistent this time in, Our Gold Bullion has improved at each of his 5 runs this prep and his recent win was most impressive. Aided by a superb ride by jockey Craig Newitt who had the 4yo perfectly positioned going out of the straight the first time it appeared that only bad luck was going to beat him however that was not to be the case as Craig secured a saloon passage through and Our Gold Bullion took the run and sprinted clear to win pulling up by a length and a half on the line. The win was a great advertisement for our upcoming NZ staying syndication that we are currently forming as this horse was purchased at the 2007 NZ Select sales for only $60,000 AND with prize money earned of $20,000 his owners are now on the way to recouping their outlay. Our Gold Bullion will be left to go through his classes this prep before a more ambitious program is likely to be set later next year!
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| OUR GOLD BULLION BREAKS THROUGH.
Staying horse Our Gold Bullion broke through for a well deserved win at Wangarratta Friday and showed his army of supporters that the faith everyone placed in him may pay dividends in the future. Purchased for $60,000 at the New Zealand Karaka sales this outstanding looking son of most underrated sire Pentire is just starting to find his way now after some typical staying immaturity problems early on. His effort Friday was very good in that he got involved in an early scrimmage just going out of the straight the first time before slotting to about 5th/6th in the run. From there jockey Dale Smith had the 4yo always travelling well and although he looked as though he would pick them up and spit them out in the straight his immaturity made it a battle for Dale who just got him there on the line. This horse will be taken along slowly this prep in an endeavor to allow him to learn his craft but appears a very nice horse particularly for next prep when these types of stayers seem to hit their straps!
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| ROYAL CHARADES WINS AGAIN.
Most improved mare Royal Charades gave her army of supporters another Metropolitan win on Saturday May 2 when the 4yo showed immense intestinal fortitude to overhaul the Lee Freedman trained Brazen Hussey on the line in a driving finish. Beautifully ridden by inform apprentice Nick Hall who brought up his first Metropolitan winning treble in the process the gun apprentice had Royal Charades beautifully placed coming to the turn and only needed luck in the straight to be right in the finish. That he got on straightening and Nicholas drove Royal Charades through a narrow gap and aided by the horses obvious will to win got up right on the line. Royal Charades has had an outstanding campaign winning 5 of 6 this time in including 3 Metropolitan successes and takes her overall record to 7 wins and 2 thirds from only 13 runs and has career prize money to date of $132,718.00.Royal Charades has now earned a nice rest and goes to the paddock with her brood mare career all parceled up. She will be given the chance to earn Black type in the Spring and on what she has showed over the last couple of months it is something that appears well within her grasp. The ride is not yet over the Royal Charades army of supporters!
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| BELLA’S BRO-WIN NO 8.
In fading light at Morphettville on Saturday April 18 evergreen galloper Bella’s Bro notched up win number 8 for his syndicate in a very brave effort. Carrying the steadier of 58kg Bella’s Bro led all of the way and was assisted no doubt by a superb front running ride by South Australian leading female hoop Clare Lindop.Not rushing to lead Clare worked over nicely in the first 600 meters of the race to lead and from there dictated terms in front before taking off just before the turn in “catch me if you can” tactics and those tactics proved the decisive factor in the race as Bella’s Bro was never going to get run down in the straight and scored by three quarters of a length from Al Mahara with Green Machine third. This was a very well deserved win for Bella’s Bro (the now 7yo) who has been a model of consistency this prep having run 4 seconds and a third from his previous 7 runs this campaign. Bella’s Bro’s record now stands at 43 starts for 8 wins, 11 seconds and 4 thirds for total prize money of just over $151,000 and is doing a fantastic job for his army of owners!
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| SECOND METRO WIN FOR ROYAL CHARADES.
Most improved mare Royal Charades chalked up her second metropolitan win from only three city starts when she won pulling up on the line at Caulfield March 28.Beautifully ridden by in form jockey G.Boss the mare jumped well before Bossy decided to take a sit and his decision to track Joyeuse into the race just before the turn proved to be the right move as on straightening he peeled off her back to make his run. The mare let down superbly and won with something in hand running the very good time of 1.09.81 in the process. Royal Charades has now built up an impressive record of 12 starts for 6 wins and 2 thirds for prize money of $90,000.She will now have a little freshen before tackling a similar mares race over 1200 meters at Caulfield at the beginning of May.
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| CITY SUCCESS FOR ROYAL CHARADES.
Lovely 4yo mare Royal Charades certainly earned a crack at city success after two most impressive country wins recently and in a hard fought effort didn’t let her army of supporters down at Sandown on Feb 25. Ridden perfectly to instructions by apprentice Nick Mehmet the mare was well placed up on the lead and was bumped at the turn and tackled hard in the straight by Choisism but fought long and hard to stick her big neck out to score in a driving finish. Royal Charades is starting to create an imposing record particularly over 1000 meters where she has had 6 starts over that distance for 5 wins and a third for overall prize money of just over $46,000 which is an excellent result. She will continue to race in similar type races over the ensuing weeks and is definitely a horse to follow as she is clearly a most consistent galloper.
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| DAMSELFLY- 4 FROM 4.
Brilliant Flying Spur filly Damselfly made it 4 wins from as many starts when she resumed at Caulfield on Feb 21 and treated her rivals with distain in the process by winning the Sony Foundation Hcp at Caulfield pulling up on the line by 3 lengths. Jockey Corey Brown rode a superb race on the filly having her in the box seat all of the way before releasing the brakes half way down the straight and Damselfly scooted away to win most impressively. This win was on top of the three from last prep which culminated in Damselfly winning the GROUP 3 Thoroughbred Club. She was immediately spelled after that run and thrived during her break coming back a bigger and stronger filly. Her time of 1.03.11 was excellent and she ran a quicker last 600 than that of the Oakleigh Plate winner Swiss Ace cementing her authoritative win.Damselfy will now go to either the GROUP 2 Yallambie Classic in Adelaide on Monday 9th March OR the LISTED MSS Security Stakes at Fleming ton on Saturday 7th March in an attempt to add to her already impressive record of 4 starts for 4 wins and $129,613.00 in stakes.
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| ROYAL CHARADES WINS AGAIN.
Smart 4yo Royal Charades gave her many owners another thrill at Pakenham on Tuesday 10th Feb by winning most impressively the 0-78 rated race over 1000 meters. Well ridden by apprentice jockey Nick Mehmet Royal Charades settled towards the rear of the field before slowly working into the race just prior to the turn. On straightening the 4yo wobbled to the centre of the track but unwound a sustained run in the straight to score running away by a length from Annie’s Courage with Spinning Lady a short distance away third in a most impressive time of 58.44 sec. This is an excellent result for her army of owners who have been patient and now rewarded by a horse that does possess a good deal of ability. Her prize money is now starting to edge up towards the $30,000 mark and has now earned a tilt at a city race in just over a fortnight’s time.
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| ROYAL CHARADES BOLTS IN.
Royal Academy 4yo Royal Charades put pay to her problems of the past by bolting in first up at Bairnsdale on Saturday Jan 17 by over 6 lengths in a time of 57.49 which was only .29 outside the track record. The mare has very good ability as indicated by her excellent run on Oaks day 2007 when beaten only 2.9 lengths behind the Lee Freedman trained Gamble Me but jarred up badly on that occasion and was spelled immediately. She reappeared in the Winter of 2008 but after two disappointing runs it was clear that the wet tracks were not her go and again she was spelled. Patience was the key and congratulations to all of the syndicate members for giving her that time and everyone's patience was rewarded Saturday with her devastating win. Royal Charades will be kept to similar company for her next start with a city run dependant on a good run wherever she next goes. She is a very lightly raced mare having only had the 8 starts but is starting to build up a nice record now of 3 wins and 2 thirds and is definitely a horse to follow for the future.
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| GROUP 3 WIN FOR DAMSELFLY.
Brilliant filly Damselfly showed her first two wins were no fluke by stepping out in GROUP Company (emulating her GROUP winning Mum La Bella Dame in the process) to capture the $100,000 GROUP 3 THOROUGHBRED CLUB STAKES at Caulfield on Saturday October 11.It was an extremely emotional win for the syndicate who had earlier lost La Bella Dame (in foal to HUSSONET) on Grand Final day to a fungal infection after the mare had battled so bravely. That bravery is something that has now been passed on to her daughter and is something that she has plenty of as she was given no favors being kept three wide for the entire trip yet withstood all challenges in the straight to score by a neck from Impressive Eagle with Okaylah third. The win was just the tonic that the syndicate needed and with a CHOISIR colt remaining the syndicate have already decided to race him in honour of La Bella Dame. It is an extremely emotional game the racing industry and so many things seem to happen without explanation. This is just one of those occasions and it is as if Damselfly knows that something has happened and that it relies on her now to wave the flag for the family-a responsibility that she is currently doing admirably. Damselfly is now unbeaten after 3 starts and has earned $86,913.00 in stakes. After a nice little break now a most promising Autumn awaits for this daughter of Flying Spur!
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| CITY SUCCESS FOR DAMSELFLY.
Smart filly Damselfly made it two from two when she saluted at the VRC meeting held at Bendigo on Wednesday 1 October. Beginning much better than first up the filly settled on the pace this time outside the leader Berryland who set a good speed in front. On straightening jockey Damien Oliver pushed on the accelerator button and Damselfly took over and then fought hard to defy a late challenge from the Kel Chapman trained Solchow.The time of 57.13 was indeed excellent particularly given that Damselfly had to carry 57kg.All going well Damselfly will next head to the $100,000 GROUP 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield over 1200 meters to be run on October 11 in an effort to gain valuable Black type. The win was some consolation for the syndicate who unfortunately lost Damselfly's mother La Bella Dame last Saturday to complications that arose from an operation to rid her of a serious infection.La Bella Dame was extremely brave battling everything for a week and just when it looked as though everything was starting to improve it was pneumonia that cruelly saw her eventually succumb. Let's hope Damselfly can continue on for the syndicate and gain that Black type success which if achieved would no doubt have made mum a very proud lady!
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| DAMSELFLY-OUTSTANDING DEBUT.
Beautifully bred filly Damselfly (Flying Spur x La Bella Dame) graced the track at Bendigo on Thursday September 18 and came away with a devastating win for her large army of owners. The first of La Bella Dame’s foals that was retained to race by the syndicate, the filly aided by a beautiful ride by Damien Oliver surprisingly settled back in the field but with Damien taking all the runs offered to him saw the filly show all of her mums customary finishing burst and will to win to come over the top to score by a length being eased up on the line with ears pricked. The time of 57.02 was half a second quicker than the next division of the Maiden and was under a second outside the track record which currently stands at 56.04.This filly does appear to have a big future and should be even better suited when she gets to 1400-1600 meters.
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| BELLA’S BRO WINS PENOLA CUP.
Ever consistent galloper Bella’s Bro won his first Country Cup Sunday by taking out the Penola Cup over 1700 meters and taking his overall stake money to over $107,000.Perfectly ridden by Chad Lever the 6yo jumped well from an inside gate before handing up the lead to Kid Dapper. Keeping off the rail Chad challenged at the top of the straight and Bella’s Bro found plenty to win by a half a length on the line from Maui who tried hard in the straight but at the end was no match for the winner. Leon Macdonald has done a terrific job with this horse since being transferred to him and Bella’s Bro seems to appreciate the Adelaide style of racing which seems to suit him. He is a horse worth following over the coming weeks where he remains very consistent when he strikes form and I am sure will add to his already impressive record over his next few runs. Congratulations to all involved!
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| TWO IN A ROW FOR ROYAL CHARADES.
Royal Academy three year old Royal Charades made it two in a row in a devastating win at Ballarat on the 26th October. Well ridden again by jockey Dale Smith the filly settled back from her wide draw before unleashing a powerful finishing burst to win running away by over three lengths defeating ACATABOVE who ran well for second and GAZELLA who hung on to run third. Her ability to settle back and run home showed that she is not one dimensional as she had been ridden for speed at her previous two runs and this versatility will obviously become very important as she gets stepped up into better company. She will now head to Flemington to race over the Spring Carnival on Oaks day where she will be given the opportunity to earn Black Type in the $150,000 Listed 1200 Schweppervesence Stakes for three year old Fillies.
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| ROYAL CHARADES BOLTS IN.
Royal Academy three year old Royal Charades showed that her previous run at Colac was not a true testament to her real ability by bolting in at Pakenham on October 8.Sent out a short price favorite at Colac she disappointed her syndicate of owners by running third on that occasion, however a subsequent vet examination revealed all was not quite right with the filly and with that issue dealt with prior to Pakenham the syndicate were all smiles again particularly with the $5.00 that was on offer. Royal Charades was well ridden by the United Syndication’s favorite son in Dale Smith who had the short price favorite Black Stockings covered at the turn before rolling to the front and winning by 4 lengths running away on the line. The time of 58.32 sec was also impressive as it was just under one second outside the track record. Royal Charades looks to have a promising future and most likely another suitable race will again be picked out for her in the Country over the coming weeks. With more maturity on her side a crack at some of the Autumn riches may not be beyond her next year.
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| BELLA'S BRO IN A THRILLER.
Bella's Bro maintained his remarkably consistent record by managing to just hold on to score a well deserved win at Cheltenham on Saturday May 19.Superbly ridden again by apprentice Damien Robinson the son of Danzero showed great courage to hold off all challengers and hang on to win in a driving finish. Beginning well, Bella's Bro led early with Robinson slowing the tempo, Paul Gatt on outsider Outpoint seeing the pace had slowed decided to take off and serve it up to Bella's Bro and took over with Robinson easing and taking the trail. From the 600 meter mark the pressure went on and Bella's Bro put it to Outpoint, quickly gaining that horse's measure and with Robinson going for home at the point of the turn dashing clear it proved to be the winning tactic. The second horse Merlot Now was eating up the ground but ran out of room failing by a nose. That was Bella's Bro's third Metropolitan success in Adelaide and his overall record now stands at 23 starts for-6 wins,6 seconds and 2 thirds for $91,350 in Stakes.
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| BELLA'S BRO WINS AT CHELTENHAM.
Ever consistent galloper Bella's Bro rewarded his syndicate of owners with an overdue win at Cheltenham on Saturday. Bella's Bro had run into some very smart gallopers in Maldivian and Lord Of The Dance at his past couple of runs and without those horses present a drop in class saw the now 5yo lead all of the way to score an impressive victory. That was only his 20th start and remarkably he has finished in the top five in 15 of those runs. His record now stands at 20 starts for 5 wins,5 seconds and 2 thirds for prize money of $66,850.00.While there are no ambitious plans at this stage for this son of Danzero it may be that a Country Cups campaign could be on the agenda later in the year!
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| THE BIG RED.
United Syndications congratulates trainer Mick Price on Pompeii Ruler’s stunning win in the 2007 Darley Australian Cup. It is Mick’s biggest achievement as a trainer and United Syndications is proud of his efforts at racing’s toughest level. Mick’s success in such a time honoured Group 1 race further vindicates our decision to select him as our exclusive trainer. We wish Mick well on his journey to Dubai with Pompeii Ruler in the coming weeks.
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| TWO IN A ROW FOR PRINCESS CAROLINA.
Princess Carolina's owners again rejoiced albeit in slightly damper conditions than those at Mornington when their filly scooted home to win by 3 lengths at Colac on Sunday Feb 11.The much improved filly made it two wins from only 3 starts this preparation and was again beautifully ridden by most underrated apprentice Andrew Mallyon.This filly has taken a little longer to mature up but is now starting to show the ability that her full sister Readyforcatherine has displayed and with more upside to her (particularly after her next spell)it is anticipated that she has a nice future with more wins in store for her big band of owners.
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| SUCCESS AT KARAKA.
After an extremely frustrating Magic Millions sale where averages leapt 30% it was extremely refreshing to know that by working hard, value was still possible in New Zealand. Gold Coast proved very difficult and value virtually non-existent with nice horses constantly making over the odds. Subsequently I along with a number of regular buyers left empty handed. Full credit however goes to Magic Millions on the promotion of their sale where overseas buying in particular strengthened thereby placing enormous pressure on the local buying market. Gold Coast had obviously set the scene for an upward surge in sale averages as New Zealand’s Premier Sale increased 24% and the Select Sale went up an incredible 44%.Value was however achievable and we were indeed fortunate to secure an outstanding PENTIRE Colt for $60,000.He represented outstanding value for our upcoming Staying Syndication as he is from a proven Sire of stayers.Pentire has achieved his results from a relatively small crops of foals. His 2001/02 foal crop numbered only 40 yet 4 individual Group winners have emerged.XCELLENT, PENTANE, ART SUCCESS-(all GROUP 1 Winners) and recent NZ Cup GROUP 2 winner PENTATHLON. This is a 10% ratio of Group winners to foals. A stunning strike rate! It seems obvious that by purchasing a PENTIRE yearling that you give yourself the opportunity of getting a sound, talented racehorse which can compete at the highest level. This Colt will be left in New Zealand to be broken in and pre-trained before being brought over to Mick Price later in the year. He is an extremely athletic Colt and comes from a sire that has sired 9 individual Stakes performers during the recently completed 2005/06 season including GROUP 1 performers PENTANE, XCELLENT, ART SUCCESS, PENITENTIARY and WAITOKI DREAM. Standing for $NZ 20,000 plus GST PENTIRE has sired 16 Stakes winners in total with the best probably yet to come as he has his biggest books coming through as now yearlings and two year olds. He himself was a tough and classy campaigner who won eight races including England’s WFA ‘Championship” the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes-(both GROUP 1) at Leopardstown.His durability as a racehorse is now shining through to his own progeny who have the reputation for being sound and genuine gallopers. Further details for this syndicate are available by contacting our office on 03-97959111.
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| SOFT WIN FOR PRINCESS CAROLINA.
Much to the delight of her many owners PRINCESS CAROLINA made up for her luckless last start second at Echuca by recording a very soft win at Mornington on January 24.The daughter of More Than Ready never looked liked losing,travelling beautifully throughout the run settling just behind the leader SHEEZA CONDOLEEZZA before young apprentice Andrew Mallyon peeled out down the side, took the lead on straightening and raced away to score impressively by three and a half lengths. It was a well deserved win for the filly and for the syndicate who have been patient in giving her plenty of time to mature up. Desperately unlucky at her previous run PRINCESS CAROLINA was squeezed out at the start, going back to last yet finished full of running to go under just over a length in an eye catching performance that had "Back me next start" written all over her.Rumour has it that judging by the smiles all round after the race that's exactly what PRINCESS CAROLINA'S owners did-Well done to all!
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