April 22, 2016
Beginning For Another Bayliss
Shaun Bayliss, a well known rider in the South East country ranks, will watch the first race at Esk this Saturday with more than carefree interest.
His son Corey, who turns 17 on June 6, is making his debut on last start Bundaberg winner Fynnstar.
The Bayliss duo will take each other on in the API Leisure and Lifestyle QTIS Maiden Plate and the Michael Graham’s Buck’s Day BM 55 Handicap.
Corey’s preparation has included riding school instruction at Beerwah, trackwork with Col Williamson’s string at Peachester, and jump-outs and trials in Brisbane.
The rookie is indentured to Chris Munce and is based at the ex-jockey’s satellite set up on the Sunshine Coast.
Apprentice Beau Appo, who will be in action at the premier fixture at the Gold Coast, beat Shaun in a tight photo when he scored his initial victory.
That happened to be at Esk.
Corey Bayliss would love to repeat the dose but preferably not at a cost to his father!
* * *
May Magic
Racing in South-East Queensland changes gears this month.
At one end of the scale, the winter carnival momentum builds up with Saturday’s Hollindale Stakes program at the Gold Coast and activity in the country racing sector also heightens.
Esk Jockey Club, in attracting 118 nominations, has somewhat defied the odds.
The Brisbane Valley club had to compete against TAB meetings at Gatton on Friday and Ipswich and Tooowoomba on Saturday.
There were 93 final acceptors and, no doubt, some hopefuls were ballotted out.
The response from owners and trainers augurs well for Burrandowan on May 14, and Nanango on May 28.
* * *
South Burnett Aspirants
Last weekend’s Bundaberg meeting proved productive for Hivesville’s Lindsay Anderson and Blackbutt’s Wayne Farrington.
The former won the BM 60 Handicap with the game and consistent Glenthorn Avenue, while the latter visited the winner’s slot to again greet Miss Alexandra after the Class B Handicap.
Maurice Crawford, who had nine rides on the Shovhog mare in 2013, has resumed duties as the pilot for her last three missions.
The pairing has flourished with a second placing at Gympie and a delightful Maiden breakthrough at Wondai a fortnight ago.
District participants are in for a busy weekend, particularly in the Helen Schlecht Memorial (BM 50, 800m), the opener at Esk.
Apprentice Adam Spinks, whose licence was upgraded to Provincial B level on Tuesday, will partner the in-form I Am McLovin.
The main obstacle for the Curtain family’s sprinter could be his very wide draw.
However the Kumbia horse does love the metric half mile trip!
The line-up includes three more Burnett hopes that will be saddled up by Glenn Richardson (Jill’s Shadow), Kaylene Hamilton (Monte Lago) and Kristen Wenck (the third reserve Nug’s Pocket).
Richardson’s other representatives are Hidden Angel and Lucks In.
Stable apprentice Hannah English, who competed at Gatton on Friday, splits her work between Esk and Toowoomba on Saturday and is set to back up at Caloundra on Sunday.
James Curtain’s side will spread over three venues.
Amber Jet will be his second runner at Esk, Duchess Staghurst and Somerset Lass are booked for Ipswich while Saykrid Lady is to begin her career at Toowoomba.
* * *
Burrandowan Is Ideal For Grey Nomads
It is timely to point out to all manner of folk, from grey nomads to backpackers and casual campers, that Burrandowan has a very convenient camping space adjacent to the course.
Whilst there are flushing toilets and both men’s and women’s hot showers, water is naturally at a premium.
So it really helps if campers bring some of their own.
Thursday and Friday stays costs $7.50 per night per person while the all important Saturday night is free.
Bookings are not required, but they are for the High Tea and the Gourmet Luncheon Hampers.
More details are available at burrandowan.com.au, a first rate website that also offers a historical view of the time-honoured meeting.
* * *
National Apprentice Series Final Standings
The Queensland team of Jimmy Orman, Brooke Stower, Hannah English and Stephanie Lacy have missed national bragging rights by a mere point.
Lacy, 23, journeyed from the Sunshine Coast to Murray Bridge near Adelaide during the week.
She had valuable track experience in a lead race up when third on Man She’s Fast and got the chocolates in the last leg of the series on Beleaguer ($7).
The final scoreboard had Western Australia (21 points) on top from Queensland (20), Victoria (18), Tasmania (16) and South Australia (14).
* * *
Odd Spot Omens
- Throsell saluted at Flemington in the Anzac Day Stakes on April 25. The thoroughbred is named after a Gallipoli campaigner who was awarded a Victoria Cross. Peter Moody, a keen war historian, originally named, part-owned and trained Hugo Throsell’s namesake.
- Esk’s final event on Saturday is the Happy Birthday Gary Flanagan Class B Handicap. The horse that will carry saddlecloth number seven is called Birthday Wishes.
