Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith saddled up three winners at Newcastle and one at Goulburn on Tuesday. Smith, who owns a magnificent property at Luskintyre in the Lower Hunter Valley was on track on Tuesday. Smith’s three Newcastle winners were in the second half of the program, and all three are potential metropolitan winners.
Jay Ford produced a brilliant last to first ride to land Smith’s lightly raced 4-year-old Mediaro a first up winner in the Horsepower Class 1 Handicap (1300m). Ford took the gelding back to last soon after the start and he remained there until the top of the straight. Ford could see plenty of room along the rail and elected to drive Mediaro up the inside. The gelding kept coming and put his nose in front in the shadows of the post. Now that Mediaro has had his first run this preparation he will step up in distance.
Smith’s 4-year-old Floating put the writing on the wall with a slashing last start second on this track, and he confirmed that the performance was no fluke with the easiest win of the day in the Lees Racing Maiden Plate (1300m). Keagan Latham allowed the grey to settle near last and when called upon in the straight he sprouted wings. Floating is talented and he will continue to mature.
Promising stayer Miracle Spin rounded off the treble for Smith with a strong staying performance to win the 1880m Hellbent @ Yarraman Park Benchmark 64 Handicap. The imported 4-year-old bolted in with a Newcastle Maiden in May. This was his third start this preparation and he is bred to stay all day. It was a classic ride by Blake Spriggs.
Dylan Gibbons rode yet another winner when the Bjorn Baker trained filly Laroupe led all the way to win the opening event, the Kloster Motor Group Maiden Handicap (900m). The winner is very quick and when challenged late in the straight she found plenty.
The Paul Perry trained Cheval De Course caused a boilover when he won the Sharp Office Maiden Handicap (900m). He was on debut and neglected by punters, drifting out to start $51.
Next Saturday the NJC will stage a marathon ten race program highlighted by the $50,000 Jungle Juice Cup. Robert Thompson who rode 11 Jungle Juice Cups winners before his retirement will be on track to officiate at the post race presentations.