Latest news with #Muswellbrook
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Muswellbrook, Hawkesbury previews: Trainer Jake Hull chases multi-venue double on Tuesday
Jake Hull saddles-up two of his string at Muswellbrook on Tuesday at 2.55pm and 4.10pm but it is what might happen closer to home at 3.50pm that may shape his day, his week and even his year. The Gosford -based trainer will be at Hawkesbury with his untapped sprinter Valilee aiming to back up his mind-blowing four-length debut win when he makes the sometime quantum leap into Class 1 company. More on him later. The fact that Hull is at Hawkesbury and not in the Hunter is no sleight on the winning prospects of his Muswellbrook pair Diva Rouge and Outakandy. One of just 15 named foals sired by the underrated stallion Red Henno, Diva Rouge was an honourable third on debut at Taree on June 30 prior to an unlucky fourth at Scone two weeks later. 'It was always going to work out a bit tricky for her,'' Hull began. 'She drew sticky in a race that looked tough enough form-wise, so I was very happy with her effort. 'She tried hard and she stuck on well with a tough run. 'She has been in for a while but she is still eating and she is still working good.' Stablemate Outakandy meanwhile brings with him a compelling second-up record of two starts for a win at Kembla and a third at Warwick Farm. The son of Outreach faded to finish down the order at Hawkesbury on July 20 but is open to sharp improvement in Tuesday's Anders @ Widden Stud Handicap (1000m). Outakandy goes back to back with @ZacLloydx in the saddle! — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 28, 2024 'He is an older horse that had a long time off, and was off the back of one trial, so his condition gave out,'' Hull says. 'He strips fitter and we are dropping him back to a 1000m, trying to let the speed go and hoping he can run over the top of them late.' As for Valilee, there may not be a more naturally talented horse racing at Hawkesbury on Tuesday but certainly none to match the trials and tribulations he has endured – and overcome. RACE 5: PROVINCIAL MAIDEN PLATE (SW) 1000M SPONSOR: CENTRAL COAST LOCKSMITHS WINNER: VALILEE JOCKEY: M BELL TRAINER: JAKE HULL @Mitchwbell26 — Gosford Race Club (@gosford_races) July 19, 2025 'He has always been a very nice horse,'' Hull said. 'We've had an opinion of him for a long time. 'Unfortunately he has had a bit go wrong with him as a younger horse. 'He had a stress fracture as a two-year-old which isn't uncommon but he came back from the spell and had a walker incident and fractured his skull. 'Then we got him scoped and he was a roarer so we had to get that rectified and I am glad we did because he has come back and his wind is great. 'They don't trial as well as he did and win on debut like that if they don't have ability. 'Obviously it is a much tougher assignment at Hawkesbury. There's a lot of last start winners there and some good trainers in the race. 'If he wins, I think we can say we have got a nice enough horse there. 'I just want to get through Tuesday. This is his first proper prep and we haven't really missed him. 'He had a hard trial and hard first-up run so I am hoping we haven't sort of gone one too many but he is still eating and still working well and I just want to see him in a bit tougher company and see where he is at.'
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Shayne O'Cass's best bets, inside mail for Hawkesbury and Muswellbrook on Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Form analyst Shayne O'Cass provides his best bets, quaddie picks and race-by-race analysis for Hawkesbury on Tuesday plus his tips for Muswellbrook. Form analyst Shayne O'Cass provides his best bets, quaddie picks and race-by-race analysis for Hawkesbury on Tuesday plus his tips for Muswellbrook. â– â– â– â– â– HAWKESBURY TIPS BEST BET Race 3 No.1 PATISSIER: Proisir relation to King Mufhasa who has it all ahead of him. Talented type. NEXT BEST Race 5 No.3 VAILILEE: Trialled like a bomb before a booming debut win. Harder here but goes well. VALUE Race 7 No.7 DALIO: Fit and ready for the step to 1800m from a good draw with a good rider. QUADDIE Race 4: 2,5,14 Race 5: 3 Race 6: 1,3,4,6 Race 7: 3,7 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW James McDonald is here to ride NZ Derby placegetter Golden Century (race four). LAY OF THE DAY Race 7 No.2 THIS IS THE MOMENT: In-form racehorse from the in-form stable in NSW at present but has some stiff competition here from horses crying out for 1800m. HAWKESBURY INSIDE MAIL WHERE'S MY HALO (13) was bred by Emancipation's trainer Neville Begg and is trained by Emancipation's jockey Ron Quinton. This now four-year-old mare turned in a very solid and encouraging debut here back on Feb 20. Trialled twice, won the last one – well! HURRY MISS (9) has the race fitness advantage and more to the point, she was a close second to a really nice horse (Patissier, see race 3) first-up. HARRY'S EVIDENCE (7) will be on-speed and can stick on for a medal. SHARE THE JOY (11) is just so consistent. BET: WHERE'S MY HALO (13) each-way, quinella 9,13. BANKNOTE HUSTLER (11) has drawn wide here but copped 11 of 11 on the Kensington track on Wednesday. He's by Capitalist out of the stakes-winner and Group 1 runner-up Torvil. Only two runs so far were in the Lonhro Plate and Todman. Trialling like a bomb! OHOPE (3) could be saved for the Kensington meeting; goes close surely wherever he fronts-up. YOU'RE THE CHOICE (7) was well beaten first-up at Gosford but beaten a potentially outstanding horse namely Valillee (see race five). COSMIC EAGLE (9) only has to do what she has been doing to figure again. BET: BANKNOTE HUSTLER (11) to win. PATISSIER (1) was born at Rich Hill Stud in NZ where his father, Proisir, stands. This is also the Rich Hill Stud family that delivered the 11-times Group 1 winner King Mufhasa. Same family as Kovalica too. Patissier was trialling well ahead of his really determined win at Kembla, beating the aforementioned Hurry Miss. EXCEED PERFECTION (3) has only managed one win from 17 starts but he has placed eight times and six of them are seconds. Very fit, probably leads, and has some decent Heavy track stats. AFFERMATO (2) was really warming to the task late over 1300m first-up at Kembla. BET: PATISSIER (1) to win or of scratched, AFFERMATO (2) each-way. GOLDEN CENTURY (2) is $101 to win the Caulfield Cup, now that would get you a few dims sums down at the restaurant of the same name down at the Crown these days! This is the former Tony Pike-trained gelding's first run for Chris Waller and his first since he ran 7th of 18 in our Derby, having run 3rd of 16 in the NZ Derby. The trials? Wow. MOUNTAIN QUEEN (14) is a Matthew Smith-trained filly by his former dual G1 winner Fierce Impact. Family of Horlicks and Brew too. Wouldn't be shocked to see this one in a Guineas or Oaks in 2025/26. BET: GOLDEN CENTURY (2) to win, exacta/quinella 2,14. VAILILEE (3) is, for want of no better word, untapped. The now five-year-old won a trial here by 11-lengths on July 7 then went to Gosford 12 days later and won by four, eased down. Drawn 4, same jockey (Mitchell Bell). Being an Adelaide, (I) would back him in to handle it wet but he's still got to do it. VANLEE (6) 's record at this track and distance is two starts for a close second and a half-length win. CHEEKY SMIRK (7) was impressive and emphatic when he won here on debut over 1100m. BET: VAILILEE (3) to win, exacta 3 to beat 6, Daily Double 1st leg 3, 2nd Leg 7. OAKFIELD NEPTUNE (4) is an acceptor for the Queen of the Valley Matchmaker at Muswellbrook. This is a harder race but she has a few things in her favour, not least barrier 2 and a whole lot of talent. COMMANDING BELLE (6) was a 'commanding' winner at Kembla second-up. Runner-up there nine days later but ran through the line with real purpose. Ditto that and then some for ALFRED (3) who has clearly come back in great order this time in. BET: OAKFIELD NEPTUNE (4) to win or if scratched Commanding Belle to win. DALIO (7) is a horse you could easily imagine walking around the parade ring at Pimlico or Santa Anita, given he is by American Pharoah out of a Grade 1 Natalma Stakes-winning mare. He's also in-bred to Storm Cat but I digress because what matters most is that handles the Heavy, he is in great shape, he is at a trip he will relish and he has the draw and the jockey to convert. SUNSET PARK (3) hasn't put a foot wrong in her five starts and has won here over 2000m so she's itching to get out in trip again. BET: DALIO (7) to win. â– â– â– â– â–
The Australian
28-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Muswellbrook preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 27, 2025
Trainer Cameron Crockett is launching a double pronged attack on the Bengalla Cup with two horses that are the complete opposite. Crockett has Florino and Hulu in the $35,000 Cup (1280m) and admits the former has all the talent but isn't that mentally strong whereas the latter thrives when the going gets tough. Florino, a horse formally trained by Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, is yet to break through for Crockett but can do so here if he gets some things to go his way. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The son of Mikki Isle comes into the race having not gone a yard in heavy conditions at Mudgee but Crockett reports the gelding pulled up fine from the race. 'He's fine but it's just when the chips are down, he throws them away and that's what he did that day,' Crockett said. 'Obviously, he's got all the ability but he just lacks that mental fortitude sometimes. 'But he pulled up well and I'd expect him to run better than what he did the other day.' Hulu comes out of the same last start race as her stablemate and she thrived in the heavy conditions, only going down narrowly despite a tough run in transit. Crockett isn't worried about the conditions with her and also thinks a return to Muswellbrook will suit where she's recorded three wins from four starts. 'She's just the complete opposite to Florino,' Crockett said. 'She just guts it out no matter what the conditions are and you saw her do that the other day. 'But she's not the easiest at home and I think if she knew we wanted her to win, she just wouldn't do it out of spite.' Bookmakers can't split the two with both opening at $7 with talented mare Chidiac the $2.25 favourite. A race later in the Scone Rural Supplies Handicap (1500m) will see Taipan Legend look to bounce back off a disappointing last start run. Crockett believes he's got a bit of Florino about him with the way he failed to fire in the conditions. 'He needs a lot to go his way in races and when it doesn't, he throws the toys out of the cot,' Crockett. 'He's a bit like the other horse actually with anything that goes against him, he just doesn't want to go on.' The final race on the card, the Power FM Handicap (1280m), has drawn a capacity field and Crockett is hoping for some scratchings so Lightning Speed can come in a few barriers. The Scone-based conditioner thought Lightning Speed was his best winning chance prior to the barrier draw so he's just hoping for a bit of luck and for the rain to stay away. 'I was really disappointed with the barrier she drew because I actually thought she was my best winning chance on the day,' Crockett said. 'She does have the speed to overcome it so I'm not concerned about the barrier in that sense, but if she were to have a tough run on a slow track it might be tough for her. 'If it was a fast track I wouldn't have any worries so I'm just hoping the rain stays away. 'But she gets here off a throat operation and I thought she trialled really well. 'Ash (Morgan) won on her and he was pretty keen to stick with her so hopefully he can get the job done.' Meanwhile, Crockett was unable to get a run at Randwick on Saturday with Durova but he suggests punters follow her wherever she goes. 'I think she's one to follow,' Crockett said. 'I've been really impressed with her since I got her and I think she'll be winning a few races.' JETT HATTON'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 2 No. 1: LEADING IMPACT Debuted in a strong race on the Kensington when fourth to Grand Prarie. Can break through second-up. NEXT BEST Race 4 No. 1: BEYOND MY KEN He's going well and enjoyed stepping back in trip last start. Should be in the finish again. VALUE BET Race 6 No. 1: SURREAL I AM Forgive her last start run when not getting any clear room. She's going super and has come up over the odds. QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 5, 6 Race 5: 2, 4, 7, 8 Race 6: 1, 9, 3, 10 Race 7: 2, 3, 4, 8 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW As is normally the case, AARON BULLOCK has a stellar book of rides and should get at least two winners. WORTH A RISK Race 6 No. 3: DALE Matt Damon's horse is a bit overrated. I don't think he's come back well based on what he's shown at the trials. INSIDE MAIL - MUSWELLBROOK RACE 1: Country Boosted Mdn Hcp 1280m SNAP DECISION (1) was narrowly denied for a maiden win on debut when Justice Warrior couldn't be caught. Aaron Bullock was aboard that day and he sticks for the latest assignment. The way he hit the line would suggest the rise in trip, while only minor, will suit. DUNSTALLL THE GUN (2) ran on well in a race that lacked much tempo. Can position closer to the speed after drawing barrier four. MAGURTZ (6) looks to have a promising future, judging by what he's produced at the trials ahead of his debut run. Bet: Snap Decision to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Muswellbrook Motors Mdn Hcp 1000m LEADING IMPACT (1) led in a strong race on debut and faded to finish fourth. Can break through here in easier company. Gary Portelli has given Premium one trial ahead of her debut. Drawn well and think she'll run much better than the price would suggest. SALVATO (5) has trialled OK leading into her debut run. Gets Aaron Bullock in the saddle but might just need a touch of luck from barrier eight. WOOTTON PLEASE (12) debuted in a strong race at Warwick Farm that featured multiple stakes horses. Will be fit and ready to go for this with four trials preparation her for the first-up run. Bet: Leading Impact to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Pirtek Muswellbrook Mdn Plate 1750m NAVY PIER (4) was a beaten favourite at Taree last time out. Missed the start a length and as a result, he had to settle at the tail. It's normally hard to make ground at Taree and he couldn't. Getting to Muswellbrook suits and he'll have a fitness benefit being second-up into this run. JU TWO (3) comes out of a decent Gosford maiden and he did it tough that day when covering a stack of ground. Drawn wide here so needs luck. PIERRO'S GIRL (12) is trained by Chris Waller. She's been battling at her last few but gets her chance coming out to country level. Bet: Navy Pier to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Acorp Country Boosted Hcp (C1) 1000m BEYOND MY KEN (1) has steadily improved at each run this preparation. Just touched off by Star Amibition at his last start when back to 1000m. The short trip seems his go and he's drawn favourably. NOVA CENTAURI (6) was a strong winner at Scone first-up from a break. Got all the way back to last before getting to the centre of the track and ripping home for a big win. TOUGH GUY (5) is a former Victorian and won by four on his stable debut. The strength of the race has to be questioned though. Bet: Beyond My Ken to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Bengalla Cup 1280m HULU (8) has won twice this preparation from four starts and went very close to another last time out in a good race at Mudgee. Had to make the long run on that occasion too when only beaten a head by Zulfiqar. CHIDIAC (7) is a four-time winner from five starts with her only defeat coming in Highway grade. Won by a furlong when returning at Scone and she drops 4kg on that effort. CONTRIBUTINGFACTOR (1) has been running well at the provincial level. The form out of his races has stood up reasonably well. Bet: Hulu to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Scone Rural Supplies (Bm66) 1500m SURREAL I AM (1) was narrowly denied two starts back at Gosford before not getting a clear shot at Newcastle at his latest start. Drawn to get the run of the race from barrier one with Andrew Gibbons in the saddle. BUSH TELEGRAPH (2) didn't appreciate the heavy going last time out when carrying 60kg. Can improve here. DALE (3) is the horse owned by Matt Damon. Judging by his trials, and they're just trials, I don't think he's come back as good as last prep. Still has the talent to be in the mix here though. TAIPAN LEGEND (10) next best. Bet: Surreal I Am to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Power Fm (Bm58) 1280m LIGHTNING SPEED (4) is drawn a tricky barrier but she's come back in hot form and has the speed to overcome it. Just hope the track isn't chopped up by this stage of the card. ALL TOO WILD (8) looks to have a promising future. Hasn't been beaten far at all at her two starts this time in and she should be peaking third-up into the prep. CAPICELLA (3) and VIERVILLE (2) are worth considering too. Bet: Lightning Speed to win Horse Racing Form analyst Shayne O'Cass presents his best bets and inside mail for Wellington on Thursday, plus his tips for the Wagga meeting. Horse Racing Mudgee trainer David Smith has a big week ahead starting on Tuesday and ending on Sunday chasing Big Dance eligibility at Forbes with his stable captain Lockdown Gamble.
News.com.au
26-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Muswellbrook preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 27, 2025
Trainer Cameron Crockett is launching a double pronged attack on the Bengalla Cup with two horses that are the complete opposite. Crockett has Florino and Hulu in the $35,000 Cup (1280m) and admits the former has all the talent but isn't that mentally strong whereas the latter thrives when the going gets tough. Florino, a horse formally trained by Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, is yet to break through for Crockett but can do so here if he gets some things to go his way. The son of Mikki Isle comes into the race having not gone a yard in heavy conditions at Mudgee but Crockett reports the gelding pulled up fine from the race. 'He's fine but it's just when the chips are down, he throws them away and that's what he did that day,' Crockett said. Hulu comes all the way from last to win at Muswellbrook! ðŸ'� â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 2, 2025 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! 'Obviously, he's got all the ability but he just lacks that mental fortitude sometimes. 'But he pulled up well and I'd expect him to run better than what he did the other day.' Hulu comes out of the same last start race as her stablemate and she thrived in the heavy conditions, only going down narrowly despite a tough run in transit. Crockett isn't worried about the conditions with her and also thinks a return to Muswellbrook will suit where she's recorded three wins from four starts. 'She's just the complete opposite to Florino,' Crockett said. 'She just guts it out no matter what the conditions are and you saw her do that the other day. 'But she's not the easiest at home and I think if she knew we wanted her to win, she just wouldn't do it out of spite.' Bookmakers can't split the two with both opening at $7 with talented mare Chidiac the $2.25 favourite. A race later in the Scone Rural Supplies Handicap (1500m) will see Taipan Legend look to bounce back off a disappointing last start run. Crockett believes he's got a bit of Florino about him with the way he failed to fire in the conditions. 'He needs a lot to go his way in races and when it doesn't, he throws the toys out of the cot,' Crockett. 'He's a bit like the other horse actually with anything that goes against him, he just doesn't want to go on.' Lightning Speed leads the journey to win the 6th at Tamworth for @camcrockettrace! âš¡ @_TJC â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 23, 2024 The final race on the card, the Power FM Handicap (1280m), has drawn a capacity field and Crockett is hoping for some scratchings so Lightning Speed can come in a few barriers. The Scone-based conditioner thought Lightning Speed was his best winning chance prior to the barrier draw so he's just hoping for a bit of luck and for the rain to stay away. 'I was really disappointed with the barrier she drew because I actually thought she was my best winning chance on the day,' Crockett said. 'She does have the speed to overcome it so I'm not concerned about the barrier in that sense, but if she were to have a tough run on a slow track it might be tough for her. 'If it was a fast track I wouldn't have any worries so I'm just hoping the rain stays away. 'But she gets here off a throat operation and I thought she trialled really well. 'Ash (Morgan) won on her and he was pretty keen to stick with her so hopefully he can get the job done.' Meanwhile, Crockett was unable to get a run at Randwick on Saturday with Durova but he suggests punters follow her wherever she goes. 'I think she's one to follow,' Crockett said. 'I've been really impressed with her since I got her and I think she'll be winning a few races.' JETT HATTON'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 2 No. 1: LEADING IMPACT Debuted in a strong race on the Kensington when fourth to Grand Prarie. Can break through second-up. NEXT BEST Race 4 No. 1: BEYOND MY KEN He's going well and enjoyed stepping back in trip last start. Should be in the finish again. VALUE BET Race 6 No. 1: SURREAL I AM Forgive her last start run when not getting any clear room. She's going super and has come up over the odds. QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 5, 6 Race 5: 2, 4, 7, 8 Race 6: 1, 9, 3, 10 Race 7: 2, 3, 4, 8 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW As is normally the case, AARON BULLOCK has a stellar book of rides and should get at least two winners. INSIDE MAIL - MUSWELLBROOK RACE 1: Country Boosted Mdn Hcp 1280m SNAP DECISION (1) was narrowly denied for a maiden win on debut when Justice Warrior couldn't be caught. Aaron Bullock was aboard that day and he sticks for the latest assignment. The way he hit the line would suggest the rise in trip, while only minor, will suit. DUNSTALLL THE GUN (2) ran on well in a race that lacked much tempo. Can position closer to the speed after drawing barrier four. MAGURTZ (6) looks to have a promising future, judging by what he's produced at the trials ahead of his debut run. Bet: Snap Decision to win â– â– â– â– â– RACE 2: Muswellbrook Motors Mdn Hcp 1000m LEADING IMPACT (1) led in a strong race on debut and faded to finish fourth. Can break through here in easier company. Gary Portelli has given Premium one trial ahead of her debut. Drawn well and think she'll run much better than the price would suggest. SALVATO (5) has trialled OK leading into her debut run. Gets Aaron Bullock in the saddle but might just need a touch of luck from barrier eight. WOOTTON PLEASE (12) debuted in a strong race at Warwick Farm that featured multiple stakes horses. Will be fit and ready to go for this with four trials preparation her for the first-up run. Bet: Leading Impact to win â– â– â– â– â– RACE 3: Pirtek Muswellbrook Mdn Plate 1750m NAVY PIER (4) was a beaten favourite at Taree last time out. Missed the start a length and as a result, he had to settle at the tail. It's normally hard to make ground at Taree and he couldn't. Getting to Muswellbrook suits and he'll have a fitness benefit being second-up into this run. JU TWO (3) comes out of a decent Gosford maiden and he did it tough that day when covering a stack of ground. Drawn wide here so needs luck. PIERRO'S GIRL (12) is trained by Chris Waller. She's been battling at her last few but gets her chance coming out to country level. Bet: Navy Pier to win â– â– â– â– â– RACE 4: Acorp Country Boosted Hcp (C1) 1000m BEYOND MY KEN (1) has steadily improved at each run this preparation. Just touched off by Star Amibition at his last start when back to 1000m. The short trip seems his go and he's drawn favourably. NOVA CENTAURI (6) was a strong winner at Scone first-up from a break. Got all the way back to last before getting to the centre of the track and ripping home for a big win. TOUGH GUY (5) is a former Victorian and won by four on his stable debut. The strength of the race has to be questioned though. Bet: Beyond My Ken to win â– â– â– â– â– RACE 5: Bengalla Cup 1280m HULU (8) has won twice this preparation from four starts and went very close to another last time out in a good race at Mudgee. Had to make the long run on that occasion too when only beaten a head by Zulfiqar. CHIDIAC (7) is a four-time winner from five starts with her only defeat coming in Highway grade. Won by a furlong when returning at Scone and she drops 4kg on that effort. CONTRIBUTINGFACTOR (1) has been running well at the provincial level. The form out of his races has stood up reasonably well. â– â– â– â– â– SURREAL I AM (1) was narrowly denied two starts back at Gosford before not getting a clear shot at Newcastle at his latest start. Drawn to get the run of the race from barrier one with Andrew Gibbons in the saddle. BUSH TELEGRAPH (2) didn't appreciate the heavy going last time out when carrying 60kg. Can improve here. DALE (3) is the horse owned by Matt Damon. Judging by his trials, and they're just trials, I don't think he's come back as good as last prep. Still has the talent to be in the mix here though. TAIPAN LEGEND (10) next best. â– â– â– â– â– LIGHTNING SPEED (4) is drawn a tricky barrier but she's come back in hot form and has the speed to overcome it. Just hope the track isn't chopped up by this stage of the card. ALL TOO WILD (8) looks to have a promising future. Hasn't been beaten far at all at her two starts this time in and she should be peaking third-up into the prep. CAPICELLA (3) and VIERVILLE (2) are worth considering too.
The Australian
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Muswellbrook, Goulburn previews: Winx and you'll miss it
There is Winx form at Muswellbrook on Tuesday. Kind of. Enter Wayne Wilkes' home-bred first-starter Bellerata. Granted, Bellerata was foaled 10 years after Winx arrived but her own dam, Uratta Belle, wasn't just a contemporary of Winx, she was once a rival. Housed on the Central Coast by Kylie Gavenlock, Uratta Belle was sent out a $4.40 favourite in the IBIS Milano Restaurant Handicap (1100m) at Warwick Farm on June 4, 2014. Try as she might, Uratta Belle finished a distant third to one of Chris Waller's debutantes, namely, Winx. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! On Tuesday at Muswellbrook it will be the turn of Uratta Belle's second foal, Bellerata, to make her racetrack debut in the Godolphin Maiden Plate over 1000m. Bellerata was among the 116 foals from the first crop of Greg Hickman's All Aged Stakes winner Pierata. Wilkes' filly has trialled twice, finishing third of four in a December 30 heat at Taree before resurfacing at Port Macquarie on June 24 to clock in a close second of the half dozen runners. 'She has just got to do things right in the race,'' Wilkes said. 'She did a little bit wrong in her trial so I am just looking for a good educational run. 'She is a nice filly but she is still probably a bit young in the head too.' It may not be too long again before Wilkes is back in Sydney on a Highway quest. The Taree master is eager to test his handy chestnut Tanglewood Jimmy in another Highway after his barnstorming fourth in his first Highway back on Spring Champion Stakes day, 2024. 'I would like to find a nice 1600m Highway for the next start would be ideal,'' Wilkes says. 'Jimmy's' immediate mission will be Tuesday's Arrowfield Class 3 Handicap (1450m). It will be the horse's second run in 2025, the best part of a month after his eye-catching third at Muswellbrook in a 1280m Benchmark 66. 'I was very happy with him,'' Wilkes said. 'He was probably a little bit on the fat side first-up but still found the line. 'The 1400m will suit him, it's just if he gets the right run.' Both Bellerata and Tanglewood Jimmy will be steered on Tuesday by Wilkes' talented apprentice jockey/daughter Shae, whose tally of winners has reached 60 in quick time, with 23 of those wins are shared with her father. Trainer Wilkes' third and final runner on the Muswellbrook card today is Sheila's Fanta Sea who boasts a tidy CV of two wins, three seconds and two thirds. Sheila's Fanta Sea will no doubt find Tuesday's assignment decidedly easier than her last start when pitched against all-comers from around the state in a 1200m Class 3 TAB Highway at Royal Randwick. 'She just goes up a little bit in weight but she comes back to the country,'' Wilkes said. 'I nominated her for Scone as well on Friday and this is quite a tough race but I don't expect Scone to be much easier. 'She's had a couple of goes at Scone and hasn't done well there, whereas she has placed twice at Muswellbrook the only times she's been there.' Sheila's Fanta Sea boasts a fascinating pedigree. Her fifth dam is none other than Sweet Embrace who still holds the somewhat dubious honour of being the longest priced winner of the Golden Slipper. The Jack and Bob Ingham owned daughter of inaugural Golden Slipper winner Todman was sent out at 40/1 when successfully shedding her maiden status in the 1967 renewal. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Cleary wants a win for 'Uncle Gerry' Trainer Joe Cleary (right) with his trainer father Frank. Trainer Joe Cleary aims to deliver the man he affectionately knows as 'Uncle Gerry' a parting gift when blue-blooded mare Juliette's Joy makes what could very well be her final racetrack appearance on Tuesday. Juliette's Joy was bred by Gerry Harvey and foaled down in New Zealand. Not only is she a daughter of New Zealand's nine-times Champion Stallion Savabeel, she is from the same family as the Harvey-bred 2003 Golden Slipper winner Polar Success. 'The wet track won't worry her, she is rock hard fit, 2100m – there's more positives than negatives,'' Cleary says. 'I have taken the blinkers off her, she's just been getting a little bit revvy with the hoods on so hopefully she can just get back and relax and find the best part of the track. 'And I think that will be it for her on Tuesday. I think she heads home after (today). 'She's been a ripper. She really cops her work and she enjoys her work and her racing but it is that time of the year when Uncle Gerry wants his mares home and I think she'll be one of them.' 'Uncle Gerry' can reciprocate by handing Cleary a present of his own should the in-form Pretty Vegas cash in on Tuesday. A daughter of Exosphere, Pretty Vegas made her way to Cleary's Queanbeyan HQ from Harvey's Baramul Stud in the Hunter Valley via Adelaide when offered at the 2021 Magic Millions. 'She is super consistent,'' Cleary said. 'I just thought I would stay away from Saturday's Highway and try and find her a confidence booster and I think I've found the right race for her on Tuesday. 'Keagan (Latham) seems to ride her really well, they seem to have clicked, and she carries weight okay. 'An outside barrier won't be a hindrance with the way the track is going to play, so it is probably a bonus drawn out to be honest, and she has trained on well since her good effort in the Highway (June 21). The Canberra Raiders tragic will also saddle-up stablemates Pick A Symphony and Crazy Atom. 'Pick A Symphony has still got his L-Plates but he is going to be a nice horse,'' Cleary said. 'Crazy Atom is screaming out of a bit of a journey and a bit of juice in the track and she is going to get both.'
