South Burnett stables were less than a length short of a clean sweep at Wondai last Saturday.
Nanango’s Glenn Richardson put the polish on the first two winners, Canid ($5) and Hidden Angel ($4), with Hivesville’s Lindsay Anderson and Wondai’s Kaylene Hamilton preparing the next two successful entrants, namely Glenthorn Avenue ($3.50) and Monte Lago ($5).
In the finale, Lillian Eliza ($6), trained locally by Tony Williams, was a sterling third to Isis Spinner ($5.50) and M’sieur Montpelier ($4.20).
The quinella runners respectively hailed from the yards of Darryl Gardiner (Bundaberg) and Geoffrey Schrader (Jandowae).
Jockey Nathan Evans helped trigger a change of fortune for Canid and Hidden Angel.
The former had been twice on the podium at Wondai and twice in the frame at recent country venues.
The latter’s maiden victory came after her previous ten essays had yielded four place cheques.
It was also a welcome change of luck for Monte Lago.
The Encosta de Lago gelding, despite being slowly away in a half-mile scramble at Esk on 2 July, managed to salvage a creditable, last start third placing.
On Saturday, the bay that once raced as Burlington Gardens, comfortably handled its race day debut on home sand.
After accounting for Chen Wicko and Nug’s Pocket in BM 60 company, the six-year-old’s career line now stands at 36:3-5-5.
Kristen Wenck’s Nug’s Pocket is overdue for an excursion to its local winner’s circle.
The Sequalo chestnut has filled third berth at all four of its Wondai outings.
Since its most recent win in Gympie Class B on 11 April 2015, Lion Hunter’s grandson has recorded nine placings.
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Coming Up This Saturday
Lindsay Anderson will leg Jason Hoopert aboard Glenthorn Avenue for the $10,000 Visy Lightning and Chen Wicko for the Nufarm BM 50 Handicap at Bundaberg’s Gold Cup card this Saturday.
Kumbia’s James Curtain will put aside a disappointing day at the office at Wondai by heading to Toowoomba.
Lady Wivenhoe will be handled by Beau Appo while I Am McLovin and Somerset Lass will have the services of Jerry Noske, the accomplished sister of prominent Western Australian hoop Jarrad Noske.
Jerry, an experienced junior show jumping and eventing rider, kicked off her career in early 2013.
In her first full season she booted home 73 winners, including 29 at metro level.
In 2014-15, she was third on the West Australian premiership ladder.
Nine of Noske’s ten Clifford Park engagements after her mid-June arrival have been for Brett Cavanough, the former Wagga Wagga conditioner who has made Toowoomba a stepping stone prior to a permanent relocation to Scone.
Thus far, the Cavanough-Noske unit has picked up a win with Just A Bullet and second money with Another Rush and Drunk On A Plane
An article in The West Australian newspaper dated June 19, 2013 indicated that the Noskes’ parents Jeff and Jodie were also jockeys and that the family pets all had names starting with the letter “J”.
Incredibly, the journalist was Jay Mooney. At least Mr and Mrs Noske limited the confusion by not naming one of their children Jay.
By the way, Jarrad partnered the unconquered Black Caviar for her first two runs that included the black-type Blue Sapphire Stakes.
His major riding credit came courtesy of Talent Show in the 2013 Perth Cup.
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Another Twist Of Fate For Deagon
A money issue has led to the cancellation of the fourth annual Deagon race day that was planned for Sunday, September 11.
The Bayside and Northern Suburbs Star has reported that both the Sandgate and Districts Chamber of Commerce and the Brisbane Racing Club wanted the event to continue but were unable to come to an agreement after a financial dispute.
Deagon racecourse has weathered highs and lows since its opening meeting on St Patrick’s Day 1885.
Along the way, the venue’s owners have included Tattersall’s Race Club, John Wren and the Brisbane Amateur Turf Club.
World War II led to a 1941 shut down as a racing precinct.
The course was a training centre until the Equine Influenza crisis induced a special one-off TAB program on September 14, 2007.
Its fascinating history has been encapsulated in “A History Of Deagon Racecourse 1885-2013”.
The book is a comprehensive, 100 plus page chronicle energetically prepared by local stalwarts Jim and Catherine Murdoch.
Cedric Duff, whose twin brother Pat continues to produce winners from his Deagon yard, has a limited number of copies for sale at $25.
The price and convenience outperforms the $35 payable at a small number of newsagents.
Interested racing fans can contact Cedric, a regular sponsor and devotee of South Burnett racing, on 0409-261-992.
The publication would make an ideal Father’s Day gift.
Meanwhile, Esk Jockey Club will stage a meeting on Saturday, September 10 to fill the gap created by Deagon’s withdrawal.