Leading provincial jockey Grant Buckley has predicted a bright future for the unbeaten Godolphin 3yo Tipitina after he piloted the gelding to an outstanding win in the Prosperity Advisers Group Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) at the Newcastle race meeting on Saturday.
The New Zealand bred youngster came from near last on the home turn to overrun the leaders, having won a 1400m Scone Maiden on debut on January 28. Tipitina which has an impressive staying pedigree stepped up to the Newcastle mile on Saturday and he was always favourite, well backed late into $2.80. The son of Tavistock settled amongst the tail enders on the rail on the wet track and he was conceding the leaders a big start on the home turn.
Buckley steered the 3yo towards the outside fence at the top of the straight and he quickly hit top gear. He won by close to a length and was running away when the judge called a halt. Buckley has ridden the promising stayer in both starts and was full of praise for Tipitina following Saturday’s race.
“This horse is talented, and he is doing what he is doing on raw ability. He is going to be so much better next preparation. Tipitina could have extended the margin if desired and the sky’s the limit. He has stout staying bloodlines and he could be a Derby horse in the Autumn and Winter” Buckley said. Corporate bookmakers reacted to Saturday’s win by slashing his odds in the Australian Derby in the Autumn from $51 to $18.
Newcastle resident Madi Derrick who recently transferred her indentures to Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan rounded off a successful weekend when she rode the Nathan Doyle trained Impulse Control to victory in the final event. The ultra-consistent mare was an easy winner at Port Macquarie on January 21 and she overcame a wide barrier on Saturday to win.
Derrick was successful aboard the Wyong mare Mosht Up at the Canterbury meeting on Friday night.
Local 2yo Promitto stunned punters when he stormed home from the tail of the field to win the Bonvilla Estate Maiden Handicap (900m). The David Atkins trained colt was a $23 chance in his first start however, his trials had been okay. Bred and raced by Newcastle businessman Matt Chidgey the winner is a son of emerging sire Divine Prophet.
Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup and Alysha Collett combined to land a double on Saturday.