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Mercury
a day ago
- Sport
- Mercury
AFL Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney's record-breaking day leads Swans post North Melbourne Kangaroos
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Sydney have kept their highly improbable finals hopes alive for another week with a 31-point victory over an uninspiring North Melbourne outfit at the SCG. The Kangaroos briefly hit the front early in the second term, but never got back within striking distance for the rest of the match as the Swans won 11.10 (76) to 6.10 (46). FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Superstar Isaac Heeney was the star of the show with his sixth-ever five-goal haul at AFL level, before being dragged to the bench with half a dozen minutes to play in the match. The 29-year-old finished the match with 34 disposals — 16 contested – 13 clearances, 11 score involvements, nine inside 50s and five majors to finish with one of the games of the 2025 season. Isaac Heeney dominated in a record-breaking performance. (Photo by Phil Hillyard) It was also revealed Heeney's combination of at least five goals and more than 11 clearances had never been achieved in the same game in AFL history. For North, the absence of star ruck Tristan Xerri was sorely missed, as replacement ruck Callum Coleman-Jones went down with a calf injury before quarter-time in his first AFL game for 477 days. It meant rival star Brodie Grundy spearheaded a ruck bloodbath to register 22 disposals, 62 hit-outs and 11 clearances before being rested for the final 11 minutes of the match. 'Xerri's not playing, he's been their driver (and) dynamo all season — but no one's really stepped up in and around,' 1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said as the final siren at the SCG loomed. The Swans have now won 13 of their past 14 games against North Melbourne, including a current streak of 10 victories. North last came up trumps against the Bloods back in Round 7, 2018. By extension, the Roos have also lost 13 of their past 16 games at the SCG. 'Isaac Heeney destroyed this game today … who from the Kangaroos of those elite picks can go to that level?' two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King said on Super Saturday Live post-game. While Heeney was dominating, fellow star Errol Gulden was penalised for a highly unusual abuse call in the third quarter. With two minutes left in the term, Nick Blakey and Gulden exchanged a handpass one-two, with the 'Lizard's' errant handpass setting Gulden a task. He tried to handpass to Heeney, but the umpire had called the ball out of play and it's fair to say the All Australian wasn't happy. Errol Gulden had some choice words for the umpire. Photo: Fox Sports Gulden threw his arms out before taking out his mouthguard so he could send some obviously choice words in the umpire's direction The umpire swiftly said: 'Free kick North Melbourne. Free kick for abuse.' Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy: 'Gee we haven't seen an abuse free kick paid in a long time. Dissent. We haven't seen that. 'Fair enough though, that is the rule. It's just unusual in season 2025 for it to get paid.' Mark Howard added: 'It did look rather vehement from Errol. Now the crowd are also showing a touch of dissent. Heeney and former Swan Luke Parker at the SCG. (Photo by Phil Hillyard) While it wasn't always pretty, Sydney remains alive in the finals race after wearing down North Melbourne and all eyes were on that man Heeney. From early in the contest, his Swans teammates were understandably lowering their eyes trying to pick him out inside 50. 'They are trying to isolate him almost every time Isaac Heeney when he pushes into that forward line,' Healy noted. 'He can get you in the air and he can get you on the ground.' Dual All-Australian Montagna at half-time pondered whether North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson would seek a different matchup for the unstoppable Swan. 'Isaac Heeney's first half; you can't do much more — 19 disposals, five inside-50s, six score involvements, he's kicked a couple himself and he has eight clearances,' Montagna said. Brodie Grundy also had a day out for the Swans. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/for Getty Images) 'He is doing absolutely everything and that's why he's one of the best players in the competition. 'Maybe they might have to find a different matchup — Tom Powell trying to go with him at clearance but just doesn't have the size or class to match. So, it'll be interesting if Clarko decides to make a change.' Just a few minutes into the third quarter, Heeney reeled in a high Hayden McLean entry with one hand, prompting caller Mark Howard to remark: 'He can do it all, this man.' 'He's just playing with them, Isaac Heeney,' Montagna added in reaction. North Melbourne closed the gap to 12 points at the final change, but couldn't get any closer as Heeney kicked a goal in the first minute of the fourth and then another before taking a rest on the bench in the closing stages. Originally published as Isaac Heeney's record-breaking day leads Sydney past North Melbourne
Mercury
a day ago
- 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
Mercury
a day ago
- Sport
- Mercury
Grafton 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. Trainer Tony Ball was unable to get a winner on the board over the two day Grafton carnival but he's hoping he can do so a few days later. Ball makes the trip north again from Taree to Grafton with three horses in the float, all of which he's got a good deal of confidence about. The most interesting of Ball's brigade comes up in the feature of the day with Xtra Approval getting a good drop in weight for the Maclean Cup (1400m). The six-year-old son of Xtravagant found the 60kg at Hawkesbury last start a touch too tough but drops way down to 55kg with apprentice hoop Shae Wilkes in the saddle. 'It's a nice race for him and he gets about 5kg off some of those horses in the race,' Ball said. 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! 'I thought he ran well at Hawkesbury the other day but just probably didn't appreciate the weight on a heavy track. 'So he now goes down to 55kg with Shae (Wilkes) utilising her claim and I'd expect him to be hard to beat.' Xtra Approval also finds his sweet spot at 1400m after running over the mile last time out. 'Getting back to 1400m probably suits him a bit too,' Ball said. 'He won a Kempsey Cup at the trip late last year and probably just found that mile a touch too far last start.' Earlier in the card will see three-year-old filly Felasuvi have her third run for the stable after starting her career off in Victoria with Leon and Troy Corstens. The daughter of Star Witness was eye catching at Coffs Harbour at her stable debut before finding a Class 1 a touch too tough at this track over the 1006m. She now steps up to 1100m in the second race on the card and goes from a good track but to a rain affected one. 'She gets a senior rider on this week with Siena not there so Matty (McGuren) goes on and that should be good for her,' Ball said. 'With the way the race looks to play out, she'll get the gun run from barrier four and get her chance. 'If she's good enough she'll win but if she's not, we'll just have to go back to the drawing board with her. 'But I'd expect her to go well and she's pulled up a treat from last Sunday so no issues with the seven day back up for her.' Thirty five minutes later will see Ball's bargain buy Where's The Fire look the break through for a win. The five-year-old gelding would be the best bred galloper going around at Grafton being by I Am Invincible and out of a Snitzel mare. 'It's not too often you get an I Am Invincible for $15,000,' Ball said. 'We got him about a year ago and he's been a handy little horse for us. 'I think he won at Grafton before I had him and he's had a few more runs at the track so he knows it well. 'With the drop in grade and Matty going on board, I reckon he'll run a good race. 'He should be nearing his top after two runs now this time in so hopefully he can break through for a win for us.' It's a capacity field for Where's The Fire's race with 16 acceptances including two emergencies for the 1100m contest. JETT HATTON'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 1 No. 12: ARCHIE MAXIMUS Forgive his last start run at Coffs Harbour when nothing went his way. Well placed to bounce back. NEXT BEST Race 3 No. 5: LOVE RAT Never got a clear shot last start. With some luck he can bounce back. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 4: XTRA APPROVAL Good weight drop off his last start run at the provincials. Enjoys the drop back in trip too, QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 4 Race 5: 1, 2, 4 Race 6: 2, 6, 12 Race 7: 1, 2, 6, 10 Jockey Matthew McGuren will be popular in the Jockey Challenge with a strong book of rides. Picture: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions JOCKEY TO FOLLOW MATTHEW MCGUREN rides in all seven races on the card and has a couple winning chances. INSIDE MAIL - GRAFTON RACE 1: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m Be forgiving of the last start effort of ARCHIE MAXIMUS (12). Had some trouble at the start and on the heavy track, he couldn't get into it. Was also checked on the turn. Can bounce back here and break the maiden. JACOB'S WELL (1) comes out of three provincial maidens. First-up for the new stable and the blinkers come off. ZAINDARA (14) is the stablemate of Archie Maximus. The fact Matt McGuren is booked for that horse and the apprentice is on Zaindara is a lead. Bet: Archie Maximus to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Maclean Variety Meats (Bm58) 1100m WITH STYLE (3) has had one start for one win and it was at this track. She's now with Chris and Corey Munce and has looked good at her two trials leading into her first-up run. Tricky barrier but looks classy. MISS WATERLINE (2) ran at Eagle Farm last start. Was wide throughout and drawn out again here so will need some luck. SNOW FALCON (1) is going better than the formguide would suggest. Blinkers come off with the winkers applied. Bet: With Style to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Hooked On Seafood (Bm58) 1100m LOVE RAT (5) never got a clear shot at them last time out at Coffs Harbour in a decent race. Can position closer to the speed from barrier two and be in the finish. FULL REGALIA (9) can sprint well first-up from a spell. She's done so in the past and can do so again here. The easier race will suit WHERE'S THE FIRE (3) from Tony Ball's stable. Should be peaking third-up into his campaign. BUSH WARRIOR (12) goes into the numbers as well. Bet: Love Rat to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Maclean Hotel (Bm58) 3120m Not too often you see a 3120m race in country NSW. WILL TO EXCEL (1) isn't getting any younger as a nine-year-old but showed last start that he's in good form with a third at Mudgee. Drawn to do no work from the inside barrier. SMELTER (6) will handle the distance. Was a three length winner over 2450m at Beaudesert back in May 26. Bet: Will To Excel to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup 1400m XTRA APPROVAL (4) gets a nice weight drop off his last start run at Hawkesbury when up to 1600m. Will enjoy stepping back in trip to 1400m and he is drawn to get every chance from barrier six with Shae Wilkes on board. AFRICAN DAISY (2) is the proven horse here, given she's a last start winner at Rosehill. Has to carry the big weight but certainly has a class edge. MATTER OF HONOUR (1) has raced at Randwick his last five starts, so Grafton is certainly a change of scenery. WILD CHAP (3) is a Group 3 winner way back when. Needs to improve but finds an easier race. Bet: Xtra Approval each-way. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Gm Accounting Maclean Mdn Hcp 1700m Not the easiest race to dissect given the record of some of these horses. Thought FLEE WITH MEE (2) would appreciate the easy contest. She went close a few starts back and the booking of Matt McGuren suits for this race. Awkward barrier but think she's the best horse in the race. IMMORTELLE (6) should get the run of the race and so often in these open affairs, that's the winning factor. STAR OF KONGO (12) is a 21 start maiden but is knocking on the door for that fist win. Honest on pace effort off a six week freshen up last start and should only improve off that. Bet: Flee With Me to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m MEGHAN (10) should get the run of the race from barrier four. She gets here in career best form and will appreciate the strong tempo that looks likely here. SHOWMAN (1) just missed last time out at Murwillumbah. Tricky barrier for Shae Wilkes to navigate but he's probably the best horse in this race. SPILLS (2) burnt petrol early last start and it told late. Can take a sit from a wide barrier today and turn in an improved effort. SECRET KEEPER (6) goes in the mix as well. Bet: Meghan each-way.
Mercury
2 days ago
- Sport
- Mercury
Gosford, Coonabarabran best bets, inside mail for Saturday, July 19, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Racenet and The Daily Telegraph form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis for Gosford and best bets for Coonabarabran on Saturday. 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! GOSFORD BEST BET Race 3 No. 1: ECCEDERE Smart maiden win in Sydney before heading to Melbourne. Trialled nicely. NEXT BEST Race 5 No. 12: YOU'RE THE CHOICE Solid effort when second on debut. Can resume with a win. VALUE BET Race 4 No. 3: ORTHIES Was good in her first campaign. Resumes for a new stable on her new home track. QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 3 Race 5: 5, 11, 12 Race 6: 1, 3, 4 Race 7: 1, 2, 4 Mitch Stapleford has some nice rides. Picture: Getty Images JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Apprentice MITCH STAPLEFORD has three rides and all are strong chances. COONABARABRAN BEST BET Race 3 No. 1: TROPICANA'S CUBE Drops in grade and a winner at his only run here. NEXT BEST Race 1 No. 7: I'M OPINIONATED Just pipped last start and can go one better here. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ INSIDE MAIL – GOSFORD RACE 1: Consolidated Panels & Veneers Mdn Plate 1600m TEQUISODA (6) 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. Also in at Hawkesbury on Sunday. MOUNTAIN QUEEN (8) was hampered near the 1000m before finishing third to Cross Tasman over 1300m at Hawkesbury first-up. By three-time Group 1 miler Fierce Impact and will appreciate the step up in trip. CONTEMPLATES (7) will be improved by her debut third to Champagne Hero at Wyong. By a 2000m Group 1-winner Ghaiyyath from a daughter of Oaks winner, Serenade Rose. Bet: Tequisoda to win or, if scratched, Mountain Queen to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Central Coast Locksmiths Super Mdn Hcp 1200m LOUISBURGH (1) is knocking on the door for a breakthrough win after placing in each of his four starts this campaign. One of those placings was beaten a nose by Whispering Rupert over this track and distance. SAY YES (4) is a first starter by The Everest winner Yes Yes Yes and a half-sister to WA Gimcrack winner, Fuld's Bet. Was a little green before closing for second to Bev's Nine in her Canterbury trial. Under a hold when third to I Am A Winner and Celerity in her Rosehill heat. ALIGNED (7) made up plenty of ground when sixth to Open Secret on debut at Randwick. Bet: Louisburg to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Vale Ellen Martin Hcp (C1) 1200m ECCEDERE (1) broke her maiden with a nice win from Pink Shalaa over 1400m at Kensington second-up before heading to Melbourne. Finished third to The Marj Factor at The Valley. Has had two recent trials and was strong late when a close fourth in her July 8 Warwick Farm heat. Her stablemate MAYBE MOET (2) was a debut winner over 1200m at Newcastle before a fourth to Heat Mille in a Bm64 at Kembla. Was under a hold when third to Corniche in her July 4 Rosehill trial. Consistent mare TONKATSU GODDESS (4) has been a handy second at her last two runs and will be prominent again. Bet: Eccedere to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Raiff's Race Hcp (C1) 1200m ORTHIES (3) kicked off her first campaign with a win from Quein Step at Goulburn and was solid in her next three starts including a half-length third to Miss Spacegirl at Kembla. Resumes for a new stable at her new home track. OMNIC (2) had handy metropolitan form including a half-length second to Altair I Am at Randwick before breaking through in a Newcastle Super Maiden over 1500m. Was runner-up at this track over 1000m on debut. HARLEX (1) had his first go at 1200m when runner-up to Duke Of Camden here nine days ago. Beaten a half-head over 1000m here the start before. Bet: Orthies to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Central Coast Locksmiths Provincial Mdn Plate 1000m YOU'RE THE CHOICE (12) ran a handy race on debut when a head second to Frostfire over 900m at Newcastle in February before racing keenly and beating one home behind Within The Law in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace at Randwick. Only got clear the last 50m when third to Rawja in her July 11 Randwick trial. MISS ORTH (11) is a first starter by Exosphere. Led and kept under a hold when a three-quarter length third to Crimson Wings and Samarelle who were urged along in the Canterbury trial on June 23. UNITE THE STARS (5) will be improved by her first-up third to Tides Turning at Hawkesbury. Bet: You're The Choice each-way ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Erina Fencing Midway (Bm68) 1600m CHARLEROI (3) has been very consistent in his first campaign with two wins, two placings and a fourth on the Kensington from his five starts. Broke his maiden over the mile at Kembla three runs back and was a near seven length winner over the trip at Taree last start. HOOLIGAN TOMMY (1) was also a winner 1600m winner at Kembla before tackling a Midway at Randwick when sixth to Callistemon. Back to provincial grade with a good win from Tip Top Timing at Newcastle last week. HEAVEN BOUND (4) appreciate her first-up run and drop back to provincial grade when an all-the-way winner at Hawkesbury. Placed both runs here. Bet: Charleroi to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Teg Tradies Day 29 August 2025 Hcp (C1) 1000m IMPACT ZONE (2) is much better than his second last to Brave Design in the Listed Oxlade Stake sat Eagle Farm on June 14. Debuted with a short head second to Matima on debut at Hawkesbury before a smart all-the-way win from Offenbah at Newcastle. BOLD BIDDER (1) did a nice job leading all-the-way to beat Istolea Merc in a Kembla Super Maiden at his second start. Resumes here drawn ideally. SNEAKY CHOICE (4) was good winning on debut over this track and distance. Bet: Impact Zone to win
Mercury
2 days ago
- Business
- Mercury
City CEO Tim Baker's cost cutting plans has council staffers anxious about future
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Gold Coast's second biggest workforce is experiencing a wave of anxiety. Concerned staffers at Gold Coast City Council fear they will be retrenched. What is their future? CEO Tim Baker dropped a bombshell after the council budget last month – $75 million in savings had to be found in the next 12 months. At least 100 workers in non-essential services would be targeted for redundancies. Two weeks later he revealed details of a cultural survey which showed a 'clear and deliberate turnaround' in the morale of the City's 4000 staffers. A staffer in an email to your columnist wrote: 'Let us be clear – the (survey) article grossly misrepresents the lived experience of many council staff, who continue to work under immense pressure, within a culture that despite surface-level changes and PR spin remains plagued by dysfunction, fear, and suppression of dissent. 'Many of us continue to experience a workplace riddled with poor communication, inconsistent leadership, unrealistic workloads, and limited opportunities for genuine career progression. When employees raise concerns, they are often ignored, marginalised, or worse – silenced.' On Monday, some staffers say an email advised them their position was 'non-critical' and their fixed contract could be terminated. They say hundreds of roles are impacted. 'Meanwhile, multiple recently created middle management positions are safe and do not have to justify their workload – or lack thereof – to keep their positions,' another staffer wrote. The Services Union in an update to members as the final weeks of consultation occurs maintains there are alternatives to cost savings. 'Cutting staff, not filling vacant positions and reducing fixed-term contracts may be the easier options, but they are not the only solutions. Saving money should not come at the expense of dedicated and high performing employees who provide vital services to our ever increasing community,' the union says. Asked for a response, Mr Baker was blunt. This is about a responsible budgeting which protects services and limits rate increases. 'These proposed savings are not optional. They are necessary. Like all major organisations, we must live within our means. Council has committed to delivering $75 million in operational savings this year. That commitment, combined with previous reform efforts, will result in more than $300 in annual savings for the average ratepayer,' he said. Services will not be compromised, and any reforms are about eliminating duplication and streamlining bureaucracy, he added. These are his commitments: • No permanent staff are at risk of losing their job. • All redundancies will be voluntary. • The 2025–26 budget includes funding for an additional 250 roles to deliver Council's core priorities this financial year. 'City of Gold Coast staff have been clearly advised on multiple occasions that consultation is still underway and no final decisions have been made. Until that process is complete, speculation about the exact number of staff is unhelpful and inaccurate,' Mr Baker says. On the survey, he says employees wanted transparency and timely reporting of results. Outside of City offices, Mr Baker is probably winning the PR war. Many readers take the stereotypical and non-sympathetic view that council staffers are not overworked. But at the City worker coalface? Recent announcements from the boss are about as popular as a pothole at the entrance to offices from Bundall Road. Originally published as City CEO Tim Baker's cost cutting plans has council staffers anxious about future
