Corporate bookmakers operating on Saturday’s Newcastle race meeting took a hammering when plunge after plunge was successful during the hotly contested nine-race program.
In race order, the following gallopers assisted in making it a black day for the bookies. Lord Olympus ($2.60 to $1.90), La Tigresa ($3.40 to $1.90), Gemmarah ($8 to $3.80) Mo’Unga ($5.50 to $3.20) and Zell ($3.80 to $2.80).
The Rosehill training partnership of Richard and Michael Freedman took the training honours for the meeting with a double. Richard, in Saturday’s Newcastle Herald, told readers that four year old mare La Tigresa was clearly the best chance of the brother’s eight acceptors and he was spot on.
La Tigresa had been placed in four of seven starts in much stronger company and the removal of blinkers, nice barrier and longer trip had punters solidly warming to the mare until she jumped in the 1400 metre Maiden Handicap. She raced much closer on Saturday and despite some anxious moments the in the straight La Tigresa, got there by three quarters of a length.
Richard Freedman represented the stable at Newcastle “That is a relief to see the mare break through as she has raced well against horses like Kinane, Dancing Gidget and Toffee Tongue. I took the blinkers off La Tigresa today and she hit a flat spot in the straight before knuckling down for a strong win. This mare wants further ground and I am expecting a good prep from her” Freedman said.
Freedman’s other winner Rock The Bells was on debut in the 1250 metre Maiden Handicap. The Fastnet Rock colt was a drifter in the betting going to the barrier a $13 chance. Rock The Bells settled midfield before responding to heavy pressure in the straight to win narrowly. Keagan Latham rode both La Tigresa and Rock The Bells.
Mark Newnham’s three year old Lord Olympus looks to have a bright future after overcoming difficulties to score an easy win in the first event the 900 metre Maiden Plate. The winner went into the race after three trials, of which he won two.
Lord Olympus was slowly away from the barriers but got on the leader’s heels before the home turn. Country apprentice Tyler Schiller on loan to Newnham, had difficulty in securing a clear run inside the 200m so he went back to the rail and raced away late. Lord Olympus, bred in the Hunter Valley, has speed to burn and a longer trip won’t pose a problem.
Kris Lees was the only Newcastle trainer to taste victory. Five year old mare Wild Sheila contested the 2350 Metre Class 1 and Maiden Plate with Andrew Gibbons in the saddle. A patient ride from Newcastle’s premier jockey allowed the mare to run out the 2350 Metre trip and win her second race in 17 starts.
Chris Wallers Kiwi Mo’Unga remains undefeated in two starts after a barnstorming win in the 1400 Metre Benchmark 64 Handicap. The colt a son of champion New Zealand sire and Cox Plate winner in Savabeel, won on debut on the Gold Coast on June 12. His performance was outstanding.