Three-year-old filly California Salto made a successful return to racing when she was too classy for her opponents in the 1300 metre Avid Project Management F&M Class 1 Handicap at Tuesday’s Newcastle meeting.
California Salto had not raced since a three-length win at Warwick Farm in June. She had two trials in the lead up to Tuesday’s race and she looked fit and healthy parading prior to the race.
Josh Parr allowed California Salto to drift back after a quick beginning and she had a wall of horses in front of her at the top of the straight. The heavily backed Terroir had gone past California Salto at the ‘400’ where Parr was angling for a clear run. He got onto the back of Terroir reaching the 200-metre point and she stretched out magnificently to win by half a length.
This filly is destined for bigger things and she will probably be tested in metropolitan Saturday company next start.
The Hawkes family New Zealand bred three-year-old Peak showed his liking for the Newcastle 900 metre trip when he sprinted quickly from the tail of the field to win the 900 metre Sharp Electronics Group Benchmark 64 Handicap. Peak has only had five starts, three of them at Newcastle where he has won two and was runner up in the other. Peak was taken back to the rear by Tommy Berry and when he steered Peak to the outside in the straight, he unwound a powerful finish.
Racegoers saw a smart filly win the opening event the 900 metre The Hunter Race Day November 16 3YO Maiden Handicap. Fituese, a daughter of Deep Field won a barrier trial by seven lengths recently and she bolted in with ears pricked on Tuesday.
Magic Charlee from the Kris Lees stable, flew the flag for Newcastle when he wore down boom Scone gelding Melik to win the 1300 metre Sage Painting Class 1 Handicap. The tough four-year-old was given a peach of a ride by Andrew Gibbons who brought Magic Charlee from back in the field for an impressive win. Melik lost no admirers with second placing as he was trapped three-wide throughout.
Tim Clark continued his success when he led all the way aboard Apicius to win the 1600 metre Coastline Pools and Spas F&M Maiden Handicap (1600m). Apicius had not been placed in four previous starts however, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott applied blinkers for the first time and Apicius never looked like being caught.