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The Citizen
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Farewell to Striker — Piere Strydom's historic day on the banks of the Vaal
The veteran jockey will call it a day at his favourite racecourse in South Africa — the Vaal. A bog-standard Thursday fixture at the Vaal might seem an unlikely setting for six-time champion jockey Piere 'Striker' Strydom to bid farewell to the game he has graced for four decades. However, the modest venue on the banks of the river is his favourite racecourse in South Africa and – for all his many big-race glories – it is workaday, bread-and-butter fare that has filled his bag of more than 5,600 career wins. One of the cardinal rules of effective gambling is to keep emotion strictly out of the equation. That'll be impossible in this situation. Only the perverse and mean-spirited won't be hoping the great man signs off with a winner, or two, three… He has four rides on the day, for trainers with whom he has had long associations, and all four horses have winning chances. None, though, look home and hosed. Races Strydom gets his historic day started in Race 3, a Maiden Plate named 'Striker & JJ The Jet Plane Take on Hong Kong in 2010' in honour of what everyone – including himself – regards as his greatest performance: victory at Sha Tin in the prestigious Hong Kong Sprint aboard Lucky Houdalakis's incredible speedster. Xenophon, a three-year-old filly trained by Striker's old friend Sean Tarry, isn't in the league of 'JJ', but she is a progressive sort likely to start as favourite. On Xenophon, he'll wear the famous Beck family silks of brown and white, which he carried to victory many times – including on Free My Heart in the Queen's Plate. Clinton Binda will probably not bother giving riding instructions before Race 5, in which the old master partners Nkwenkwezi. This filly is a plucky trier, having delivered six runner-up prizes and two thirds in her 11-race career thus far. Some punters are put off by a 'seconditis' record, but others will surely pile on at odds of around 3-1. The main danger comes from Babette's Feast (5-2), who looks suspiciously like a De Kock yard juvenile 'bomb'. Strydom can then have a nice cup of tea – and maybe even some cake (so long forbidden) – before going out for his penultimate assignment. After Hours, saddled by St John Gray for Race 8, is a seven-year-old veteran having his 95th run, so horse-rider understanding could be in play. The gelding (7-2) is as game as they come but – like his rider – is no longer in his pomp. A two-year-old stablemate, Palace Prince (5-2), could be too sprightly for the old toppies. Race 9 is the curtain call and there'll be a standing ovation no matter where the horse finishes. Young Adam Azzie gets the privilege of hoisting up Striker for the last time – onto one-time winner Summer Winter. There'll be sentiment aplenty, but when it comes to the crunch there'll be no standing back for a Striker victory parade. So, which rival might spoil the show? Imported filly Deal Maker would seem to be the most likely party pooper.
Herald Sun
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Hawkesbury preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. A shifting track proved the undoing of Fly Scotty Fly last start but co-trainer Gerald Ryan expect the gelding to bounce back on a better surface. Fly Scotty Fly settled fourth, one off the fence, a Gosford on July 10 but just wasn't comfortable on the Soft 6 and dropped out to finish last behind Straand Beauty. 'He's no good when the track moves underneath him, said Ryan who trains in partnership with Sterling Alexiou. 'You only have to look at his form when he's been on quite soft ground, he has gone no good. 'We thought he would run really well in his first start in a race but he ran last and the same happened at Rosehill last preparation. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'He's a big heavy horse and when he hits the ground with any give in it, he would sink into it.' In his other three runs, the son of Brazen Beau was a head second to Stratafy on a Good 3 at Wyong and scored an all-the-way win from Firework on a Good 4 at the same track in consecutive runs last December. He then resumed this preparation with a second behind the in-form Cassiel on a Soft 5 at Hawkesbury where the track was good under foot. 'The track was pretty firm that day because they ran 1:02.94 and came home in 33.4 (seconds),' Ryan said. That was over 1100m and he steps out over the same trip in the Clarendon Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap. 'It was a nice run that day and if he runs up to that, he will be a good chance here. 'We have tried him in blinkers since his last run and they seem to have made him focus even better.' Ryan and Alexiou also have Sweet Future in the same race but feel she will be better with this run under her belt. The three-year-old was midfield in her first two starts at provincial level before going to Bathurst third-up and scoring by a length last December. 'She is a nice filly and is better than what her form really shows,' said Ryan. 'It was good to get an early win on the board. 'She is coming along really well but 1100 metres around Hawkesbury will probably be a tad short for her. 'She will definitely improve off the run because she has come back a lot bigger and stronger filly now than what she was and is taking a bit to get fit, hence the two trials.' Ryan and Alexiou had two options this weekend with Cheeky Smirk and have opted to for the St Johns Park Bowling Club Maiden Plate (1100m) for colts and geldings and entires to make his race debut. The two-year-old son All Too Hard showed good speed to sit outside the leader, Leading Impact, and chased home strongly to finish a three-quarter length second in his Rosehill barrier trial on June 20. In his second trial, he went back early and didn't quite know what to do when sixth to Nashville Jack at Rosehill on July 4. 'His first trial was good then in his second trial when he went back, he got a bit lost in behind them,' Ryan said. 'That's why I like trialling young horses for speed one day and going back behind them the next. It gives them the experience both ways and you just find out a bit more about them.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 7 No. 7: MY PHAR LADY Kicked off last campaign with a win and can start this one the same. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 4: DANISH PRINCE Racing well without winning in stronger grade. Gets his chance to break through. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 6: FLY SCOTTY FLY Handy second here first-up and will make his presence felt. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 3 Race 6: 3, 4, 6 Race 7: 4, 7, 8 Race 8: 5, 6, 8 Zac Lloyd looks set for a good day. Picture: Getty Images JOCKEY TO FOLLOW ZAC LLOYD has four rides and all are among the leading chances. INSIDE MAIL – HAWKESBURY RACE 1: Hrc Motel Provincial Mdn Hcp 1300m TAMBELOA (3) was trapped three-wide in the small field when finishing a length-and-three-quarter third to Loving on debut at Newcastle on June 28. Will be improved by the run. AFLOAT (1) kicks off his campaign for a new stable. Unplaced in both runs here when first-up but was doing his best work late. Improved second-up to finish second over 1500m. Latest trials have been good. ZOUGOTME (4) is a debutant by Zousain. Hasn't been pushed in his recent trials. Was strong late when second in his Kembla trial in March. Bet: Tambeloa to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Blakes Marine Mdn Plate 1500m TEQUISODA (9) copped a bump at the start and settled a little worse than midfield on the rails before nicely for second behind Sapling at Wyong on debut. Will take benefit from the run. THE IRON STAR (2) kicked off his second campaign with a three-quarter length second to Jared over 1300m at Goulburn. Jumped straight to 1600m when fifth to Unusual Prospect in a Super Maiden at Gosford. THE CRISTAL (7) was reluctant to go to the barriers before finishing fifth at Orange on debut. Resumes here. Watch betting. Bet: Tequisoda to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: St Johns Park Bowling Club Mdn Plate 1100m POWERHOUSE (9) is debutant by Extreme Choice. A little slow into stride before working home for sixth in his Randwick trial. Better away to sit outside the leader when second to Fierceness in his Warwick Farm heat. DISPARATE (5) is a first starter by I Am Invincible. Sat last and was warming up the last 100m when seventh in his June 13 Randwick trial. Sat four-wide and wasn't pushed when fifth there in his June 27 heat. GLADSTONE GRANDE (7) debuted in the Kirkham when last to Comedy. Resumes here and has trialled nicely. Bet: Powerhouse to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: XXXX Gold Mdn Plate 1100m VANLEE (4) raced outside the leader and hit the front on straightening before challenged by the $1.30 favourite Horseshoe Hill and fighting gamely for a long head second when resuming here. Followed with a third to Dyami on a Heavy 10 at Warwick Farm. YVETTE (5) didn't handle the heavy track at Newcastle first-up from a long spell when seventh behind Hoku. Was third to Chartwell and Triskelion at Canterbury at her other two starts. ZING TO ME (6) has place claims on her last start second here. Bet: Vanlee to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Godolphin Lifetime Care Plate (C1) 2000m UNUSUAL PROSPECT (2) resumed with a good win in a 1600m Super Maiden at Gosford. Got back and worked home okay when sixth to Oh Golly Gosh here on July 3 on a track favouring on speed runners. Up to 2000m suits. SO YOU READY (3) was held up at a vital stage and only clear last when fourth to Libby at Grafton on July 13. Previous runs were very good. ENTITLEMENT (9) has finished third in both runs back and looks like she will appreciate the step up to 2000m. Bet: Unusual Prospect to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Essential Asset & Fire (Bm64) 1500m DANISH PRINCE (4) has been out of the winners circle for quite some time but continues to race well. Second in a Randwick Midway and just behind the placegetters in three runs since. Back in grade and can land a deserved win. OH GOLLY GOSH (6) got well back at Gosford over 1300m when seventh to runs back. Stepped up to 1600m and did a nice job to score here last start. NOISES (3) made rapid progress in the spring from a maiden win over this track and distance to running in the VRC Oaks. Can run well first-up. Bet: Danish Prince to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Godolphin Midway (Bm64) 1300m MY PHAR LADY (7) kicked off last campaign with back-to-back wins in a maiden and Class 1 before jumping up sharply in grade at her next two. Was a good second in her trial here on July 7. ORTHIE'S BOYS (8) held out t he in-form Killer Kerr at Goulburn before a closing fourth to Canpikapony over 1300m at Gosford. The 1300m here will suit. PRINCE HARRISON (4) scored a deserved win at Kembla last start. Drawn well and will be prominent again. Bet: My Phar Lady to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: Clarendon Tavern (Bm64) 1100m FLY SCOTTY FLY (6) wasn't suited on a wet and shifting track when last at Gosford last start. Same happened at his other two unplaced runs. Was runner-up to Cassiel when resuming here and will go close again. AGAINST THE LAW (5) resumed from a 18 month lay-off with a long neck second behind Regimental Colours over 1000m here on July 3. Will take plenty of benefit from the run. HONEY PERFUME (8) is ultra-consistent with a win and seven placings from her eight starts. Comes off a second to Killer Kerr sat Warwick Farm. Bet: Fly Scotty Fly each-way
Mercury
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Mercury
Hawkesbury preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. A shifting track proved the undoing of Fly Scotty Fly last start but co-trainer Gerald Ryan expect the gelding to bounce back on a better surface. Fly Scotty Fly settled fourth, one off the fence, a Gosford on July 10 but just wasn't comfortable on the Soft 6 and dropped out to finish last behind Straand Beauty. 'He's no good when the track moves underneath him, said Ryan who trains in partnership with Sterling Alexiou. 'You only have to look at his form when he's been on quite soft ground, he has gone no good. 'We thought he would run really well in his first start in a race but he ran last and the same happened at Rosehill last preparation. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'He's a big heavy horse and when he hits the ground with any give in it, he would sink into it.' In his other three runs, the son of Brazen Beau was a head second to Stratafy on a Good 3 at Wyong and scored an all-the-way win from Firework on a Good 4 at the same track in consecutive runs last December. He then resumed this preparation with a second behind the in-form Cassiel on a Soft 5 at Hawkesbury where the track was good under foot. 'The track was pretty firm that day because they ran 1:02.94 and came home in 33.4 (seconds),' Ryan said. That was over 1100m and he steps out over the same trip in the Clarendon Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap. 'It was a nice run that day and if he runs up to that, he will be a good chance here. 'We have tried him in blinkers since his last run and they seem to have made him focus even better.' Ryan and Alexiou also have Sweet Future in the same race but feel she will be better with this run under her belt. The three-year-old was midfield in her first two starts at provincial level before going to Bathurst third-up and scoring by a length last December. 'She is a nice filly and is better than what her form really shows,' said Ryan. 'It was good to get an early win on the board. 'She is coming along really well but 1100 metres around Hawkesbury will probably be a tad short for her. 'She will definitely improve off the run because she has come back a lot bigger and stronger filly now than what she was and is taking a bit to get fit, hence the two trials.' Ryan and Alexiou had two options this weekend with Cheeky Smirk and have opted to for the St Johns Park Bowling Club Maiden Plate (1100m) for colts and geldings and entires to make his race debut. The two-year-old son All Too Hard showed good speed to sit outside the leader, Leading Impact, and chased home strongly to finish a three-quarter length second in his Rosehill barrier trial on June 20. In his second trial, he went back early and didn't quite know what to do when sixth to Nashville Jack at Rosehill on July 4. 'His first trial was good then in his second trial when he went back, he got a bit lost in behind them,' Ryan said. 'That's why I like trialling young horses for speed one day and going back behind them the next. It gives them the experience both ways and you just find out a bit more about them.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 7 No. 7: MY PHAR LADY Kicked off last campaign with a win and can start this one the same. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 4: DANISH PRINCE Racing well without winning in stronger grade. Gets his chance to break through. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 6: FLY SCOTTY FLY Handy second here first-up and will make his presence felt. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 3 Race 6: 3, 4, 6 Race 7: 4, 7, 8 Race 8: 5, 6, 8 Zac Lloyd looks set for a good day. Picture: Getty Images JOCKEY TO FOLLOW ZAC LLOYD has four rides and all are among the leading chances. INSIDE MAIL – HAWKESBURY RACE 1: Hrc Motel Provincial Mdn Hcp 1300m TAMBELOA (3) was trapped three-wide in the small field when finishing a length-and-three-quarter third to Loving on debut at Newcastle on June 28. Will be improved by the run. AFLOAT (1) kicks off his campaign for a new stable. Unplaced in both runs here when first-up but was doing his best work late. Improved second-up to finish second over 1500m. Latest trials have been good. ZOUGOTME (4) is a debutant by Zousain. Hasn't been pushed in his recent trials. Was strong late when second in his Kembla trial in March. Bet: Tambeloa to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Blakes Marine Mdn Plate 1500m TEQUISODA (9) copped a bump at the start and settled a little worse than midfield on the rails before nicely for second behind Sapling at Wyong on debut. Will take benefit from the run. THE IRON STAR (2) kicked off his second campaign with a three-quarter length second to Jared over 1300m at Goulburn. Jumped straight to 1600m when fifth to Unusual Prospect in a Super Maiden at Gosford. THE CRISTAL (7) was reluctant to go to the barriers before finishing fifth at Orange on debut. Resumes here. Watch betting. Bet: Tequisoda to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: St Johns Park Bowling Club Mdn Plate 1100m POWERHOUSE (9) is debutant by Extreme Choice. A little slow into stride before working home for sixth in his Randwick trial. Better away to sit outside the leader when second to Fierceness in his Warwick Farm heat. DISPARATE (5) is a first starter by I Am Invincible. Sat last and was warming up the last 100m when seventh in his June 13 Randwick trial. Sat four-wide and wasn't pushed when fifth there in his June 27 heat. GLADSTONE GRANDE (7) debuted in the Kirkham when last to Comedy. Resumes here and has trialled nicely. Bet: Powerhouse to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: XXXX Gold Mdn Plate 1100m VANLEE (4) raced outside the leader and hit the front on straightening before challenged by the $1.30 favourite Horseshoe Hill and fighting gamely for a long head second when resuming here. Followed with a third to Dyami on a Heavy 10 at Warwick Farm. YVETTE (5) didn't handle the heavy track at Newcastle first-up from a long spell when seventh behind Hoku. Was third to Chartwell and Triskelion at Canterbury at her other two starts. ZING TO ME (6) has place claims on her last start second here. Bet: Vanlee to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Godolphin Lifetime Care Plate (C1) 2000m UNUSUAL PROSPECT (2) resumed with a good win in a 1600m Super Maiden at Gosford. Got back and worked home okay when sixth to Oh Golly Gosh here on July 3 on a track favouring on speed runners. Up to 2000m suits. SO YOU READY (3) was held up at a vital stage and only clear last when fourth to Libby at Grafton on July 13. Previous runs were very good. ENTITLEMENT (9) has finished third in both runs back and looks like she will appreciate the step up to 2000m. Bet: Unusual Prospect to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Essential Asset & Fire (Bm64) 1500m DANISH PRINCE (4) has been out of the winners circle for quite some time but continues to race well. Second in a Randwick Midway and just behind the placegetters in three runs since. Back in grade and can land a deserved win. OH GOLLY GOSH (6) got well back at Gosford over 1300m when seventh to runs back. Stepped up to 1600m and did a nice job to score here last start. NOISES (3) made rapid progress in the spring from a maiden win over this track and distance to running in the VRC Oaks. Can run well first-up. Bet: Danish Prince to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Godolphin Midway (Bm64) 1300m MY PHAR LADY (7) kicked off last campaign with back-to-back wins in a maiden and Class 1 before jumping up sharply in grade at her next two. Was a good second in her trial here on July 7. ORTHIE'S BOYS (8) held out t he in-form Killer Kerr at Goulburn before a closing fourth to Canpikapony over 1300m at Gosford. The 1300m here will suit. PRINCE HARRISON (4) scored a deserved win at Kembla last start. Drawn well and will be prominent again. Bet: My Phar Lady to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: Clarendon Tavern (Bm64) 1100m FLY SCOTTY FLY (6) wasn't suited on a wet and shifting track when last at Gosford last start. Same happened at his other two unplaced runs. Was runner-up to Cassiel when resuming here and will go close again. AGAINST THE LAW (5) resumed from a 18 month lay-off with a long neck second behind Regimental Colours over 1000m here on July 3. Will take plenty of benefit from the run. HONEY PERFUME (8) is ultra-consistent with a win and seven placings from her eight starts. Comes off a second to Killer Kerr sat Warwick Farm. Bet: Fly Scotty Fly each-way
Courier-Mail
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Gosford preview: Sneaky Choice aims for repeat victory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Brad Widdup is hoping history repeats for pint-sized filly Sneaky Choice. Widdup sent Sneaky Choice to Gosford for a 1000m race on debut and the daughter of Extreme Choice tracked the leader before running down Miss Judas to score by three-quarters of a length. Spelled after a sixth at Goulburn, Sneaky Choice returns to the Central Coast for the TEG Tradies Day 29 August 2025 Class 1 Handicap over the 1000m. Jockey Grant Buckley, who was aboard for her debut win, will again partner the three-year-old. 'She is only very little but she did a really good job to win on debut,' said Widdup. 'Where going back to where she won and hopefully she can do it again. Trainer Brad Widdup is chasing a two-year-old win with You're The Choice. Picture: Grant Guy The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'She's only had the one trial this time in so she is obviously open to improvement but I thought this was a good starting point for her.' Widdup is hoping well-bred filly You're The Choice can claim a late season two-year-old win and a BOBS bonus when she resumes in the Central Coast Locksmiths Provincial Maiden Plate (1000m) where she has drawn barrier 6 with apprentice Mitch Stapleford aboard. The two-year-old made her debut at Newcastle over 900m back on February 15 where she finished a head second behind Frostfire. She then took a big jump in grade when Widdup sent her out in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes at Randwick. After racing keenly she finished down the order behind Within The Law. 'She was quite good on debut so we gave her a run in the Sweet Embrace,' Widdup said. 'She is a nice filly and has come back in good order this preparation. 'I expect her to run well first-up from a good draw.' A two-year-old win will increase her future broodmare value. The filly is a daughter of Golden Slipper Farnan from a half-sister to Group 1 Blue Diamond winner and top sire, Extreme Choice. Widdup also has Gladstone Grande in the same race but will likely save him for Maiden Plate at Hawkesbury the following day. The gelding has only had one run, in the Kirkham Plate at Randwick on October 26 where he was last of the six runners behind Comedy. 'I will likely split them up,' he said 'Even though he has drawn worse at Hawkesbury he will probably go there. 'I had a throw at the stumps in the Kirkham. I may not have been the right thing but it gave him some experience. 'He is still mentally immature but I have been happy enough with him in his trial. 'If the brings that to the races, he should be competitive.' Widdup also has two options with the promising Tequisoda this weekend – Gosford and Hawkesbury. The two-year-old is entered for the Consolidated Panels & Veneers 2&3YO Maiden Plate (1600m) at Gosford and a Maiden Plate at Hawkesbury over 1500m. 'He will likely go around at Hawkesbury on Sunday but I will wait until I see if there are any scratchings at Gosford,' Widdup said. 'If it ends up a small field, he may head that way.' The son of Pierro was gallant in defeat on debut over 1300m at Wyong where he finished a length-and-the-quarter second behind Sapling who is one of the favourites in the opening race at Rosehill. 'He ran enormous on debut,' he said. 'He was a smidgen slow out but then he got a buffeted and settled a fair way off the leader. 'That's not ideal for a horse having its first start so he did a very good job to finish as close as he did.'
Sydney Morning Herald
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Donegal Bay can pay back loyal punters at last
The old saying of punters needing patience will be put to the ultimate test when a talented yet costly local three-year-old tries to break through at Monday's Wagga meeting. Donegal Bay, a son of all conditions sprint sire Star Witness, has been nothing as much as the bookmaker's best friend on both sides of the NSW-Victoria border since resuming in mid-April. Twice he ran home from well back into a place as a short-priced favourite when in the Grahame Begg stable in Victoria. Yet a relocation to Wagga and the Danny Beasley yard still hasn't brought that maiden success, despite having a couple of tough runs. Twice in heavy going at Albury and from a long way off the speed, clear favourite Donegal Bay again surged home late into a place, the latest as a red-hot $1.40 fancy. Connections and punters alike were left scratching their heads, but significantly over a furlong further this time in a maiden handicap (1200m), Donegal Bay can finally start mending relations. From a draw where he can settle a bit closer in the run, Donegal Bay opened around $2.90 in early betting, but a three-way home track betting battle looms. Ex-Victorian mare Belnera ($3.40) having her first run for the new Peter Morgan stable was hot on his market heels ahead of another local Bonnie Murringo ($4.00) who resumes for just her second start for the Darrell Burnet yard. Earlier the Beasley stable will attract plenty of attention when it debuts lone two-year-old filly Serenading against the older gallopers in the opening Maiden Plate over 1000m.
