It’s the busiest week for racing folk in Warrnambool, where the town comes alive for the biggest three day jumps carnival in racing.
Wilde Racing was represented in numerous races across the three days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and was successful on four occasions.
Tuesday seen Bazini make his hurdling debut and he couldn’t have been more impressive. We had targeted this race for him almost two years ago but educating a horse to jump takes time. It was clear early doors the staying trips of hurdling races would be no issue for Bazini and his liking for softer tracks was also a positive. Combine the two together along with the ability to jump, you soon have a up and coming hurdler on your hands.
Whistle Down broke her maiden status on Wednesday thanks to a great front running ride by Linda Meech. She jumped and dictated from the front, kicked clear in the straight and went on to win by an easy five lengths. After being narrowly defeated first up at Terang, it was great to get the win on the board for her connections. The more racing she does, the better Whistle Down is getting as she learns her trade. Hopefully the win on Wednesday is the first of many.
The final day of the carnival seen Precious Charm defeat stable mate Under The Palais in the BM70. After a disappointing effort first up from a spell, Precious Charm kept her undefeated second up record in tack. Precious Charm got into a lovely position just off the speed. She knuckled down late and was able to win by 3/4’s of a length. She looks to be a filly with a bit of upside and it was great to get the win for her connections, majority who are locals and were thrilled to have a winner at their home town carnival.
The feature of the day was the Grand Annual steeplechase. We saddled up Vanguard and Count Zero (pictured). Vanguard was the more favoured of the two with the punters. Count Zero was given little hope after his 30 length defeat in the Brierly steeplechase on Tuesday. The marathon journey of 5500m and thirty three fences was again a wonderful affair for the spectators. For the stable, it was a heart in the mouth watch ensuring Vanguard and Count Zero negotiated each jump and every turn safely. Coming down the hill and across the Tozer Road double, both Vanguard and Count Zero were there ready to challenge. Count Zero had been hot on the pace for majority of the trip and heading into steeple lane when Rockstar Ronnie dropped off the pace, he sailed to the lead. Coming to the last it was anyone’s race, there were three or four horses in the running for the major prize. Coming down to the final 200m it was a head to head battle between Count Zero and Bell Ex One. Count Zero was headed and Bell Ex One looked as though he would go on to victory. Count Zero tenaciously fought back, he is as tough as old boots and wouldn’t lie down. At the end of 5500m, there was a bob of the head on the finish line to separate the two, the question was, who got the head down? Was it Count Zero or was it Bell Ex One?
The anticipation in the mounting yard built as both stables watched on…to the roar of the staff it was Count Zero who got the win and gave Wilde Racing their third Grand Annual win.
Congratulations to all our winning connections over the three days.
