Gary Harley – Herald – 20.06.22

The Newcastle Jockey Club has a seven race program set down for decision on the course proper on Monday. It is a country class Wine Country Race Club meeting originally scheduled for the Beaumont track, and the rail is out 11 metres the entire circumference.

The Snowden stable, coming off a very successful Brisbane Winter Carnival only have one runner and he will be hard to beat. Laos Fortune is his name and the 3yo lines up in the final event, the Rarity Wholesale CG&E Maiden Handicap (1200m). He has only had four starts for two placings, and both were at Newcastle.  Last start at Newcastle on June, 4 Laos Fortune was beaten a head on a heavy track. He was beaten a length by stablemate Sir Artie at Newcastle on April 30.

Promising stayer Stella Glow, enjoying a successful preparation can make it two wins from as many starts on the track when she contests the TAB Venue Mode Benchmark 58 Handicap (1900m). The filly was responsible for an incredible win on this track on June 4. She was an odds-on favourite but looked to have little chance halfway down the straight when behind a wall of horses looking for a run. Stella Glow found clear running late and sprinted to claim victory on the post. She was only beaten a length at Hawkesbury two starts back.

The Gosford trained Alpha Go will be on a quick back up in the Greenway Turf Solutions Benchmark 66 Handicap (1350m). The 4yo caught the eye at Warwick Farm on Monday when he finished fourth, 1 ¼ lengths behind Dehorned Unicorn. Originally handicapped to carry 64 ½kg Alpha Go will benefit from apprentice Anna Roper’s 3kg claim and he has drawn well.

Rosehill trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou have accepted in two races with their four-year-old Sabino.  The gelding is the only emergency in the opening event, the New Zealand Bloodstock Class 1 Handicap (1200m). He also has barrier one in the Greenway Turf solutions Benchmark 66 Handicap (1350m) and will be hard to beat in either race.