May 16, 2014
by Ross Stanley
There is no racing in the South-East Country Racing Association district this weekend, so several Burnett trainers are heading west for the Jandowae Cup card.
Barry Phillips will be hoping that his daughter Hannah can continue on her winning way when he lifts her aboard Court Ya for the Wambo Cup (BM 65, 1200m).
The rookie rider, fresh from her Burrandowan double, needs one more success to take her a step higher on the longish ladder towards Group One glory.
Once she leads them in for the fifth time, her allowance drops from four to three kilograms.
Statistics reflect her improvement with four wins, three seconds and a third collected by her last 16 mounts, while her first 14 winless engagements returned three seconds and a third placing.
Tony Williams will saddle up the recent Wondai placegetter Mr Axeman (not to be confused with My Axeman, the 1983 Doomben 10,000 winner) while James Curtain (Somerset Dawn and Oberina Lady), Barry Richardson (Crazy Ways and Silver Flute), Kaylene Hamilton (Mini Style) and Debbie Hardy (A Rare Old Time) will all be looking to make entries on the positive side of the ledger.
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In other news on the riding front, Lyall Appo continues his “royal tour” at Charleville tomorrow.
The Deception Bay journeyman booted home Jack ‘n’ Me at Quilpie last weekend, seven days after steering the full brother Brady ‘n’ Me to victory at Mitchell.
Both gallopers are named after trainer Mark Goodwin’s grandsons.
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Another face missing tomorrow is Jason Hoopert, the Caloundra based jockey who has been enjoying a southern trip with his camera gear.
The one time Wondai apprentice’s work is really worth checking out.
Understandably there is a fine equine component but his portfolio is very diverse. Samples can be accessed on Facebook at his nattily named Hoop Shots section.
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Connections with country class stayers looking for an opportunity to race over ground should check out the Beaudesert Hibernian Race Club’s program for 24 May.
The feature is the $8,000 Tom Dunne Cup (Benchmark 65, 2450m).
The day offers a taste of all three codes with three harness contests spread through the thoroughbred action, while the Greyhound Adoption Program will have retired racing dogs on hand for the public to get to know.
The other date to put a ring around on the calendar is Saturday 31 May when Nanango Race Club stages its final meeting for the season.
The Moffatdale Ridge fashion theme is Moody Blues and Moleskins.
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Next week: A flashback article will recall the deeds of a Burnett-based galloper that went down by less than three and a half lengths in a Doomben 10,000. Do you remember its name ?
Hoofnote: Omen punters got the money on Wednesday when Budget Bender made a mess of his maiden opposition at the Sunshine Coast. Alas, there was nothing liberal offered by the bookmakers. The Valixir (Ire) gelding, a $2.30 pop, romped in by nearly five panels.
