February 24, 2017
Back in 1951, rookie Peter Sexton was given the opportunity of riding Chez Dior in the QTC McDougall Stakes, Eagle Farm’s early season feature for juvenile fillies.
On Saturday, he will look to another fortunate touch when his charge Lucky Miss lines up at Nanango.
Peter saluted under unusual circumstances in the event 66 years ago this October.
“Ceb” Barnes preferred to stay in Brisbane to be with his mother Sara who bred (and raced) Chez Dior.
Most expected he would head to Melbourne where his own horse Basha Felika proved to be a successful favourite for that day’s Caulfield Cup.
Young Sexton came from a long way back before his mount unleashed brilliant burst to score and the duo repeated the dose at their very next outing.
Melody O’Brien, who was on Lucky Miss when the Bradbury’s luck mare finished strongly to win at Bell in early January, will be the pilot again at Lee Park.
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Other Points Of Interest
- Hannah Phillips, who chalked up her comeback success with Coalbank Caviar at Warwick last weekend, will have reason to be emotional if Captain Clayton is in command at the post after the Three Way Photos BM 55 (1000m). The old boy was Nanango’s Horse of the Year for the 2014-15 season when she topped the Lee Park premiership.
- Victorian based jumps jockey Paul Hamblin will also sport silk at the meeting. The former Queenslander is one-for-one on this northern visit, having booted home Roger That at Warwick. On his previous sortie last November, he was successful at Gympie fo Nanango trainer Glenn Richardson. This time he partners Anxspense and Winner Wimmer for Peter’s son Patrick and Deputy Peck for for the Tom Dougall yard.
- Lyall Appo, who bounced back with time in Eidsvold’s winner’s slot last Saturday, will make a rare journey to Nanango to be aboard Quattro Fantastico for Rochelle Smith and Beer’n’ Barmaid for Michael Lakey.
- Meanwhile, Hannah English, victorious on Prospecting (12/1) at Ipswich on Friday 17 February and Ibelieveicanfly at Eidsvold the next day, has opted for five engagements at Toowoomba on Saturday. She will be keen to help the Richardson trained Klammer make it four wins in a row.
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Get There Early
The program at Lee Park this Saturday kicks off at 1:25pm with the largest field on the card.
The Glendalough Brangas Stud-Papilloma Class B (800m) is the best punting prospect for those who like to have an each way bet.
South Burnett hopes for the meeting rest with representatives from the Richardson, James Curtain, Peter Blackwell and Barry Phillips stables.
See you there!
