August 20, 2016
One of the enjoyable aspects of country racing is that racegoers get to see the rookie riders progress, but at the same time can witness experienced journeymen proving their mettle.
It was an expertly timed takeoff by Jason Hoopert that proved crucial in setting up the outcome of the XXXX Fitzroy Hotel Nanango Cup last Saturday.
The pace had dropped right off in the middle stages of the race, and apprentice Stephanie Lacy on the well supported Chilli Beach was moving up astern of Hoopert’s mount Tampere.
If he had waited any longer, Lacy would have stolen a march and probably pocketed him.
But Tampere took control not long after straightening, and held the fast closing Brady N Me (Cecily Eaton) at bay to score by a length, with Hashtag Yolo (Jason Missen) battling away for the minor money.
Gympie Trainer Kerry Munce did well to get Tampere ready for a mile task a month after a set of assignments over 2000 metres and further.
The son of Kempinsky, the MVRC Vase winner and Victoria Derby and Caulfield Guineas place getter, is raced by his breeder David Israel.
Munce also enjoyed a long association with David’s father, Lionel.
While Jason Hoopert added to his 2013 Cup success with Mimics, Lyall Appo missed a crack at a third victory.
The effects of a leg infection saw him forgo the partnership with Jack N Me, a galloper named after the grandson of its trainer Mark Goodwin.
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The Nanango Cup race (Race 5) was the feature race of the day. But it wasn’t the only race of interest, and each of the other five races had points to offer for astute students of the turf.
For example, the first race of the day – the Deb Frecklington MP Maiden Plate (800m) – was taken out by Melody O’Brien aboard In Taiwan, a first emergency that only got to the barriers due to a couple of scratchings.
The horse is a recent addition to Anthony Nutley’s team, and is a very lightly raced seven year old having just its 14th start.
It clearly appreciated the drop from provincial to country.
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The second race – the NaTDA / Remembering Mick’s Luck Class 1 Handicap (1000m) was a tribute race to the legendary Mick’s Luck, a horse often described as the South Burnett’s Phar Lap.
It was won by Otoshi with Melody O’Brien aboard.
The outcome was a reward for the patience of owner and trainer Graham Wilson, who bought Otoshi as a tried horse and then gave the grey a year off in the paddock.
He has done a great job to produce a victory at the gelding’s third run for him.
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The third race – the McDonald’s Kingaroy QTIS Maiden Plate (1200m) – saw Leeanne McCoy make it three out of three for the lady jockeys when she guided The Playroom past the winning post for Dalby trainer Graeme Postle.
McCoy landed herself the ideal birthday present when she had The Playroom beautifully placed and travelling like a winner a long way out.
McCoy just held off – by a nose – Corey Bayliss and his mount Culottes, which flew home and should break through in this type of company soon.
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Race four – the Huston Nissan Benchmark 60 Handicap (1200m) – went to Daliwoy Bay, which is named after a fishing spot in Gove where part owner Trevor Apps landed many a fish.
This horse would have hooked more races by now if not for his temperament.
However, trainer Tom Dougall took off the ear muffs and the tongue tie on Saturday, and the all bar one gelding put his best foot forward.
Dailwoy Bay’s career record is now 8 for 3-1-0, so you can see he is smart on his day.
The race also gave Melody O’Brien the second leg of her double.
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The final race of the day – the Bendigo Bank Class B Handicap (1600m) – saw the juniors chalk one up when Corey Bayliss grabbed a last stride win on Ms Sarandon, the St Averil mare prepared by Caroline Allardyce.
Allardyce owns the mare that made it a hat trick and an overall record of three wins and a second from just six outings.
The bay loves a chase, having saluted in similar style by a nose at Esk last month.
