Master trainer Paul Perry unearthed another cracking two-year-old at the Newcastle Jockey Clubs Australia Day race meeting on the Beaumont track.
The man who trained the 2005 Golden Slipper winner Stratum and 202 placegetter Choisir produced a colt called Pandano in the 1200 metre 2-year-old Maiden on Saturday.
Pandano was on debut after impressive barrier trial wins at Wyong and Gosford recently.
Bobby Eliza put the son of former top stayer Dundeel outside the leader Capitoline Lady from the outside and he raced from the outset and he raced away in the straight to win by 3.8 lengths.
Pandano was bred at Scones Arrowfield Stud and the stud’s owner John Messara is a part owner.
Steve Gillard and Perry himself share in the ownership of the colt which was knocked down to Perry for $130,000 at the Inglis Classic Sales.
Perry did not attend the meeting on Saturday, but his son and stable foreman Nathan deputised.
“This is a quality colt and he has been such a professional to train from day one. He has been trialling so well and we backed him.
Bobby rode him in his two trials and his last gallop during the week was sensational. The only negative was the barrier, but he got there quick and travelled well.
Pandano is nominated for the inaugural $1 Million Inglis Millennium at Warwick Farm in two weeks and he is also paid up for the Golden Slipper” Nathan said.
Andrew Gibbons lone victory aboard First Reading in the 1150 metre Maiden Handicap took his season tally to 78 one short of his best ever season.
First Reading trained by Gabrielle Englebrecht had been placed in seven of her nine starts. When jockeys were declared on Thursday Gibbons was double booked and was down to ride First Reading and the favourite Elgin, fortunately he rode the right one with Elgin an eye catching fourth.
Former Newcastle representative Rugby Union forward John Steinmetz was back in the winner’s circle at Newcastle courtesy of his former Kiwi stayer Mushroom Rock.
The latter has been knocking on the door with placings at Gosford and Newcastle recently and he came from last to win the 2200 metre Class 1 & Maiden Plate by 3.2 lengths.
Shaun Guymer devised a plan to settle Mushroom Rock at the tail of the field with an expected good tempo up front.
Steinmetz a retired Sydney Head Master attended Newcastle University and played with the great Novocastrian John Hipwell. Steinmetz trains his team at Warwick Farm.
Former long serving Port Stephens mayor Bruce MacKenzie was Wyong trainer Damián Lane combined to win the 1350 metre Newcastle Nobbys with Oakfield Missile.
In a driving finish the mare beat gallant Newcastle front runner Fratellino by a long head.