Warwick Farm stayer Dr Evil, described by his trainer John Steinmetz as “the worst behaved horse I have trained” made his opposition look second rate with a 3 1/4 lengths victory at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday. The 5yo, a well backed $5 chance in the opening event, the Sharp Office Maiden Plate 1880m, was given a gun ride by Koby Jennings. Jennings, who rode at the Murwillumbah Cup meeting on Friday settled the gelding in eighth place on the rail and he moved up behind the leaders before the home turn. Jennings steered Dr Evil around the leader at the top of the straight and he outstayed the opposition.
Steinmetz, a former Newcastle Rugby Union Representative turned to training thoroughbreds after retiring from his position as Deputy Headmaster at Canley Vale High School. He spent time in hospital during the week and with COVID restrictions was unable to attend Saturday’s meeting. Steinmetz was contacted by The Herald on Saturday night
“He has been a frustrating horse with four third placings before today. He is a terrible horse at home – the worst I have trained. He will bite, and only this morning he charged at my wife Alison in his box and bit her. I have to put a muzzle on him. We had a good offer to buy Dr Evil during the week from a Queensland buyer but we declined. I am thankful to the young lady from the Kris Lees stable who looked after the horse in Newcastle while we were all in lockdown”. Steinmetz said.
Paul Perry’s 4yo gelding Son Of Sampson continued a very successful preparation when he won his third race in his past five starts on Saturday. The $4.00 favourite in the Hungerford Hill Benchmark 68 Handicap 1250m, Son Of Sampson always travelled like a winner for Reece Jones and he quickly put the issue beyond doubt in the straight. The gelding has had nine starts this preparation for 3 wins and 6 placings.
Alysha Collett’s love affair with the Newcastle track continued when she piloted the promising All Machiavellian to a narrow victory in the Charlestown Square Maiden Handicap 1250m. The 3yo is raced by his breeder Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding and his family, and trained at Warwick Farm by Greg Hickman. All Machiavellian trailed his main rival Head Legislator in to the straight and the pair had a titanic battle in the run to the line. The margin between the pair was a nose.