BIG RED CAT PLOUGHS THE FARM !!! Big Red Cat absolutely ploughed the opposition into the mud at Warwick Farm today on a heavy 8 surface. The impressive looking son of Catbird scored a decisive win, leading all the way for leading jockey Nash Rawiller and David Payne. Taken on in earnest before the home turn, Nash was only kidding to them as he "released the brakes" and let him roll away up the running for a dominant length win, with his ears pricked. This big striding 3Y0 just keeps improving and definitely has a "good race" in him for the future. More on the Big fellow soon !!! Pictured at left parading before his win today. Photo taken by Daniel Murphy, one of his proud syndicate owners.
SECRET EXPRESS back ! Secret Express, our 3Y0 filly trained by Saab Hasan at Flemington, won a trial today at Werribee in preparation for her return to racing. She is back after an operation for a fractured skull, which occurred when she flipped over in her stable.
This filly has proven a handful to train and her own worst enemy but seems to be on track now for a successful return to the racetrack. Saab will find a race for her in a few weeks. Pictured after trackwork at Chiquita Lodge Flemington.
BIG RED CAT REDEEMS HIMSELF Big Red Cat proved at Randwick yesterday that his run at Wagga was extremely unlucky. He fought out the finish of the last race yesterday with Informality, eventually running 2nd in a tight finish. In a "ding dong" battle up the running, Big Red Cat ridden by Peter Wells showed plenty of "ticker" (and talent) He's definitely a horse of the future and 2,000m should hold no qualms for him. David Payne said "he's a tough bugger".David is enthusiastic about his future. He'll probably run again in a few weeks. In other WCB stable news, Centabeel has returned from Melbourne back to Sydney after several runs down there. He has Gary Portelli scratching his head as he's a horse with considerable talent but as yet "the penny hasn't dropped". Expect to see him run in next week or so.
BIG RED CAT to run in Wagga Guineas Big Red Cat will run in next Friday's Wagga Guineas for 3Y0's on Wagga Cup day. Appears a nice race for him as he's looking for "further". The big track should suit him well & we're all looking forward to raceday.
CENTABEEL PERFORMS WELL 23/4/09
Centabeel ran a slashing race for 3rd today at Ballarat. The dry track definitely improved his form no end. Stretched out well in straight after being blocked for a run a few times in running.Brad Rawiller was very happy with him & said "he gives you a good feel". He'll probably run in a few weeks in a slightly longer race.
CENTABEEL HAS NEXT START IN MELBOURNE ! Centabeel, our Lonhro 3Y0 who has promised much but as yet hasn't delivered, gets his chance to atone tommorrow at Ballarat. He was transferred to Flemington (in the care of Gary's brother Troy) after his last start "ordinary" run at Newcastle. He starts in the 1400m maiden at Ballarat. He hasn't handled the wet in his 1st two runs. We're hoping for a dry track to show his best. Golden Slipper winning jockey Brad Rawiller takes the reins in a small field and hopefully no excuses for him (if he gets a dry track). Centabeel pictured at the recent Randwick trials at left.
Centabeel set to return at Randwick trials Centabeel, our exciting 3Y0 son of Lonhro, will trial this Friday at Randwick for Gary Portelli & the WCB team. Passed in at Easter 07 & syndicated by WCB, he was deliberately given plenty of time to mature by Wayne before debuting late last year at Randwick. Very green & still immature, more patience (& a spell) has done the trick for this talented gelding. He's come back in brilliant style. We expect him to trial well & start his winning ways very soon.
Big Red Cat's City debut at the Farm Big Red Cat, fresh from his authoritave win at Kembla Grange last week will start on Wednesday in a 1400m 1MW Handicap at Warwick Farm.
Shane Dye is expected to make the trip back from Hong Kong to ride the promising 3Y0 for the WCB team.
BIG RED CAT HEADED TO TOWN Big Red Cat, fresh from his authoritave win at Kembla on Saturday has pulled up well & David will now look for a race in Sydney for him.
Click on www.breednet.com.au for Feature Breednet story on the exciting son of Catbird.
Photos at left courtesy of BRADLEYS PHOTOGRAPHERS
BIG RED CAT " PURRS " HOME AT KEMBLA GRANGE BIG RED CAT strolled home in the Mullet Creek Maiden 1400m at Kembla Grange this afternoon. In a dominant performance leading all the way for Shane Dye, the aptly named 3Y0 son of Catbird was too strong on the post with plenty in reserve. Shane controlled the tempo of the race beautifully from the front which was the place to be today (with the rail out 6m). David Payne, his Trainer who has always had a high opinion of Big Red Cat, feels he'll only get better as the distances increase for him. There is a stack of improvement left in him & his relaxed nature will take him a long way.Bought from the Inglis Classic sale by Wayne & syndicated by WCB,a lot of his happy owners were on hand to cheer him home. Congratulations go to Daniel Murphy & his partner Annie (who were trackside), Tony Favotto, Mag 7 Syndicate (of which there are many!)& the Chinese group of investors in Platinum Syndicate (managed by John & Gary). Special thanks to the Cooper girls !
SHANE DYE TO RIDE BIG RED CAT AT KEMBLA GRANGE Mercurial jockey, Shane, ("Billy Idol") Dye, will ride Big Red Cat for the WCB team on Saturday at Kembla Grange in a 1400m maiden.It's a bit different to riding in Hong Kong or a Golden Slipper @ Rosehill but hopefully Shane will just have to steer the 3Y0 son of Catbird on Saturday, as Big Red Cat is coming in to this race off the back of a nice trial win at Rosehill.
GARY "bolts in" & GRAEME "parts the seas" Graeme Spackman & Kenny Rose' team from Boomerang Berrima Stud had a very welcome win at Randwick on Saturday with their classy mare Calm Seas.Ridden deftly by Glynne Schofield, she travelled beautifully on the fence behind the leader till peeling out around the home turn & recording a very soft win indeed over the 2,000m. Graeme Spackman, her Trainer, says they don't know where the "bottom is with her" & will probably step her up in grade now.
Gary Portelli's stable continued their great run of late by bolting in with Delago Bolt in the Black Opal Stakes for 2Y0's at Canberra.Remarkable win as he missed the start(being so relaxed) & Chris Munce had to use all his skill to navigate through the field. Also helps when you have a horse full of running under you & Delago Bolt did the job brilliantly. He'll now head to the Golden Slipper. What a thrill for his happy connections ! Delago Brom, his sire, really stamps his stock. They are all nice athletic, flashy types. Delago Bolt is pictured at left winning comfortably.
CONISTON BLUEBIRD WINS NZ DERBY FOR BEDE MURRAY Sun 1st March - Kembla Grange trained Coniston Bluebird has won today's GR1 New Zealand Derby @ Ellerslie coming from well back in the field to win the time honoured event in a "ding dong" battle with Down The Road, up the long straight after initially taking the lead 300m out. Ridden by Aussie jockey Scott Seamer for Trainer Bede Murray, the son of Scenic never looked like winning till the last bound.In a cruel twist for jockey Scott Seamer, his early celebrations upon entering the mounting yard with his his hands held high went awry. The horse lunged forward & with Scott having nothing to hold onto, he was duly "dumped", injuring his heel as he hit the ground. He was taken to hopsital for x-rays, but I'm sure he wouldn't be feeling the pain as much after the win ! The 3Y0 will now head towards the AJC Derby next month in Sydney.
BIG RED CAT WINS TRIAL AT ROSEHILL & READY TO RESUME Big Red Cat won his trial at Rosehill on Monday 23rd March and will resume racing sometime soon. (watch this space) The big son of Catbird, was impressive leading all the way & winning quite comfortably against a bunch of "1st timers" His raceday experience & recent gelding operation obviously helped him race more tractably. All of WCB's big syndicate of owners are all eagerly anticipating raceday !
MELITO WINS SILVER SLIPPER IN DRAMA FILLED WEEKEND OF RACING In an action packed weekend of Racing in Sydney & Melbourne, Melito won the Silver Sliiper Stakes @ Rosehill, leadup to the Golden Slipper & Nicconero won the GR1 Futurity Stakes @ Caulfield. All of the winning action was surpassed by the odds-on favourites getting rolled in the 2Y0 races.In Melbourne, Essaquira "humped" coming out of the barriers and virtually took no part, whilst in Sydney, the Slipper favourite, More Joyous shocked all & sundry with her rodeo performance leaving the bariers for the Silver Slipper. Nash Rawiller her jockey performed a miracle, whether by fear , good horsemanship or both, he somehow managed to stay on.
It appeared her saddle or girth strap, (as the saddle is so small for Nash) slipped back as he rode her aggressively out of the gates with his weight pushed back on his heels forcing the girth to slide.There was more high drama as the terrible news of Craig Newitt's dad's death in a car accident filtered through to all. The GR1 Futurity Stakes was delayed to give Craig time to compose himself.
He rode a great race on the favourite Light Fantastic, narrowly going down to Nicconero much to the dissatisfaction of most people watching.
Portelli Racing joins the WCB team Thought it about time we mentioned that Gary Portelli now trains for the WCB team. Gary and his capable team have been rolling out winner after winner lately. Based at both Warwick Farm in Sydney and Flemington in Victoria (where brother Troy holds command). Gary is now training our Lonhro youngster, Centabeel. The promising 3Y0 will be back in the stable soon and headed towards some nice races.
Prince Grand on the rise Prince Grand, a new aquisition for the WCB stable put in a teriffic run for 3rd on Saturday at Kembla Grange. This fellow was having only his 2nd start in 28 months and was set a huge task after being trapped 4 wide early from his outside barrier over the 1400m. Forced to take off early, he carved out good time and hung on bravely in the straight for 3rd. He's a class animal and will be winning soon.Prince Grand, pictured with Wayne's daughter, Courtney.
SAAB AND RIVERSDALE CRACK IT FOR 1ST CITY WIN !!! 19/12/08
Saab Hasan, our popular Flemington Trainer, scored a thoroughly deserved win with his Pins 5Y0 Riversdale at Moonee Valley in Race 7 tonight. In a beautifully judged ride by apprentice Dean Holland, Riversdale easily found the front from his wide barrier, controlled the race and kicked clear on the home turn before holding on for a determined win.
The best is yet to come for Saab, a Trainer on the rise. Training a small boutique stable of only 7 horses at Chiquita Lodge, Saab is one of the hardest working and most competent Trainers in the game. It's only a matter of time before he trains city winners on a regular basis. His attention to detail and committment to his owners and horses will ensure his future in this game.
Well done Saab and your team !
PLACE YOUR ORDERS NOW FOR THE EARLY YEARLING SALES !!! - The major yearling sales are approaching fast with Magic Millions kicking off proceedings in January on the Gold Coast. This is followed closely by a plethora of sales inc. Inglis and NZ Bloodstock sales.We will be active at all of these sales. If you'd like some help in securing a future Champion or wish to place an order for one, let us know in advance. Should be some absolute bargains as usual. We're renowned for finding the value horses and we're excited about the upcoming sales. There's never been a better time to buy. Prizemoney is still very attractive and prices of horses will be lower than usual.
So give us a call on 02 42557777 or e-mail us to register your interest now.
DOUBLE COMMAND WINS TRIAL EASILY Double Command a 3Y0 filly syndicated by Wayne Cooper Bloodstock, won her 1st trial for Kerry Parker and the WCB team at Kembla Grange on Wednesday with Kathy O'Hara steering her to a comprehensive win. This strong little miss was bought at last years Magic Millions Sale cheaply by Wayne in an astute purchase,no doubt because of her smallish stature. She has an emerging pedigree and there's a big motor in that strong body. Won't be long before she hits the racetrack. Congratulations to all her happy owners which comprise people from all over Australia. DC pictured at left at the Kembla trials.
Falvel On Diva back on track Falvel On Diva, WCB's bonnny little miss is back on track after an encouraging run at Kembla Grange on Saturday for a nailbiting 2nd in the 1300m handicap. She looked set to win till Resplendent Bay nabbed her on the line after bumping her severely. A protest was considered but was too close to the finish line. Like her last campaign when she won at Randwick, she has taken two runs to hit form. Augurs well for her next few starts. Ridden by apprentice Robert Agnew who has outridden his claim in the country,his 3kg allowance was of good use. Look out for her next time. WCB have several runners lining up in coming weeks including several unraced promising 3Y0's. Watch this space for more details. Photos at left of Falvel On Diva's Randwick win courtesy of "Bradley Photographers"..
LEINSTER LAD NOSED OUT OF CUP AT KEMBLA ! In a thrilling finish, WCB horse Leinster Lad was beaten by a " bees d..k " in the MJ Rowles Cup over 1400m yesterday at Kembla Grange. Well ridden by Andrew Gibbons, he was a bit unlucky too. Took forever to decide the photo between 1st and 2nd and it was a deadheat for 3rd as well. Andrew had the eventual winner, the Tim Martin Trained To Spur With Love "snookered" on the fence coming to the home turn but another runner hung out taking Leinster Lad off the track which also let the winner through on the fence. Meant the difference between winning and losing. So close was the finish, that Andrew actually thought he'd still won. Kerry Parker has "Wayne", as he's known at the stable, racing very consistently. He's proving to be very reliable as he makes his way through the grades after an EI induced spell, giving his loyal bunch of owners a lot of joy. If you'd like to experience that same joy, contact us here at WCB now, as the Ready To Run sales are starting off today at Inglis in Melbourne, Gold Coast next week and NZ next month. There will be some very nice horses on offer and we'd be happy to assist in your purchase with advice or bid on your behalf.
MALDIVIAN TRIUMPHS IN THE COX PLATE Maldivian has captured Australia's WFA championship with a brilliant tactical ride by super jockey Michael Rodd. Rodd dictated terms from the front and got away with "cheap" sectionals to win the race by a length from Zipping, who sustained a long run with the gallant 3Y0 filly, Samantha Miss 3rd. In a year devoid of depth, the race turned into a sprint home with the track specialist Maldivian frinding the shortest way home on the fence.
Lad gets the door slammed in his face ! Leinster Lad stepped back up to provincial class on Sunday, in the Pages Event Equipment Class 2 Handicap over 1300M, in a small but good quality field. The four year old showed that he was up to the task, with his rich vein of form continuing with a solid 2nd placing. He was beaten a length and a half, but could have finished a lot closer had he not been the victim of severe interference at the 200M mark when jockey Jeff Penza angled into a gap between horses which slammed shut on him and appeared to cost his mount a couple of lengths, although whether he would have caught the winner, which looks a very handy type and appeared to be cruising to victory, is debatable. In any event, it was an excellent effort and one that members of the Wayne Cooper Bloodstock syndicate can be well proud of. (story by Antony Surace) Wayne pictured with Leinster Lad or "Wayne" as he's known at Kerry's stable.
LEINSTER LAD BRINGS HOME THE BACON ! Close call for Leinster Lad and connections in the Glenmore Meats Handicap at Moruya yesterday. "The Lad" posted a deserving win in a close and deceptive finish to the 1425m race.In a driving finish Leinster Lad nosed out King Of Hearts with 3/4 length to Black and Tan.The Lad's form has been super consistent since his 1st decent spell after contracting EI last year. Kerry Parker has done a super job transforming this fellow into a winning racehorse. There should be plenty more wins for "Wayne" as he is known round Kerry's stable.
SURF'S UP FOR COCOA BEACH ! Cocoa Beach a filly you could have bought through WCB's Bloodstock Agency last year has won another Gr1 in the USA this time for the Godolphin stable.
After winning the GR1 UAE Oaks earlier in year & winning last start at Saratoga, she continued her super form with a win in the GR1 Beldame Stakes for fillies and mares over nine fulrongs (1800m) at Belmont Park in New York. Ploughing through the mud she accounted for the Champion US filly Ginger Punch by a half length.The former Chilean filly who was spotted there last year by Wayne and offered for sale here, was eventually bought by the powerful Goldolphin stable. We have many more nice fillies available for sale right now from Chile & South America. Please enquire for more details. Maybe we have the next Cocoa Beach waiting for you right now !
CURLIN makes history with record USA haul of prizemoney Curlin, the current world Champion looks like extending hsi reign to two years with yet another Gr1 successin the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park in New York USA.
The prize of $450,000 took him past Cigar as the alltime greatest prizemoney earner in the USA & the first to break the elusive $10mil barrier. Whilst the economic state of the USA hasn't given it's citizen's much joy of late the racehorse community can be heartened by the fact that Curlin wil race on this coming season & is now set to travel to California for a much anticipated clash with Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown in the Gr1 Breeders Cup Classic. Curlin still has a way to go to match our very own Makybe Diva though who holds the world record for prizemoney earnt at a staggering $14 plus mil.
"TWO DIVAS" salute at ROYAL RANDWICK FOR WCB !!! FALVEL ON DIVA & KATHY O'HARA provided us all here at WCB with a huge thrill yesterday, winning the Bronte (Ratings 75) Handicap for 3 year old fillies over 1400M on the Kensington Track at Randwick.
What a day ! Connections were still opening the Champagne & the beer was flowing when Kerry Parker, our hard working & popular Trainer, saluted again in the next race with Don Luigi to cap a memorable day for the whole stable. "Little Diva" showed tremendous courage & was brilliantly ridden by Kathy to "outgun" her more experienced rivals in the process. Sure, she carried less weight & got a nice run but she was still dominant in the end. They bet as much as 91-1 on course on the back of her "surprise win" at Nowra. Well, it wasn't a surprise to her owners, who were very appreciative of the bookies generosity ! On hand to greet the "Divas" in the winners stall were Kylie & Anthony Talliana & family, the "three" Davids, (Smith, Buckley & Scott), Wayne & his beautiful wife Jean. Falvel On Diva is not just a mudlark either. She's just been immature & we've taken our time with her as she's grown & learnt how to race. Bought from the William Inglis Classic sale by Wayne for only $25k she has given her loyal bunch of owners who reside all up & down the East Coast, the thrills of a lifetime. Kathy O'Hara judged the race to perfection, making the most of a good start, keeping the Falvelon filly on the pace and within striking range until she made her move in the straight. She won by a handy margin of three quarters of a length with a couple of lengths to third. At this stage Diva will be going for a well earnt spell. Go Diva !!!
DIVA DOES IT FOR WCB !! Falvel On Diva, a 3Y0 filly by Falvelon & syndicated by Wayne Cooper Bloodstock scored a strong win today at Nowra. Breaking her maiden status in style, Diva was well ridden by Gr1 winning jockey Peter Robl, in his 1st ride at Nowra. Trained superbly by Kerry Parker , who made it a double for the day in the last with Fille Majestique, she scored by a half head after leading from top of the straight with a gap to 3rd. She was purchased by Wayne at the Inglis Classic sale after being "passed in". She will win more races as she relaxes very well & conserves energy which is a credit to Kerry's training methods & loyal staff.
Go Diva!
