All Too Easy For Another Strickland To Marasco

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/42588-all-too-easy-for-another-strickland-to-marasco.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/western_australia.gif desc=Observing Fred Kersley watching his brilliant galloper Marasco contest the Group Three Strickland Stakes (1800m) in the PR.Com Lounge on... size=small}

Observing Fred Kersley watching his brilliant galloper Marasco contest the Group Three Strickland Stakes (1800m) in the PR.Com Lounge on Saturday, one sensed there was a degree of relief as the “Mighty M” sprinted brilliantly from the 600 metres to defeat Tarzi for the ninth time in 12 occasions, to easily repeat his Strickland Stakes win of last year.

As Marasco ranged up on the outside of Tarzi and sprinted clear with fifty metres to go, Karen Kersley gently kissed her father on the forehead and whispered “well done”.

Kersley continued to stare at the screen, transfixed on a horse he often describes as the fastest horse he has trained.

Marasco displayed that speed to his adoring fans, scooting home his final 600 metres in 32.93, which was .03 seconds faster then the time he recorded when winning the Strickland Stakes last year.

“There are not many better then him in the country at weight for age.  They played into his hands again today because he has very fast point to point speed.”  Kersley told Wes Cameron post race.

While the other runners led by Doyoudare and Tarzi may have understated the pace in the race, it would not have mattered how the race was run-Marasco is simply superior to his rivals.

His win today was his 16th from 37 starts, ninth at Group level and propelled his stake money earnings past $1.7 million for his owners Judith Kersley and his breeders Neville and Sue Duncan.

Tarzi raced outside of Douyoudare and again proved a class above his rivals apart from Marasco to hold second from Doyoudare, who had the unlikely role as pacemaker to contend with.

“I don’t think he will race again for the winter," Kersley said.

"I will talk to Neville but at this stage he can go for a break."

Escadaire, McGruddy Love It Second-Up

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/42587-escadaire-mcgruddy-love-it-second-up.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/western_australia.gif desc=The Frank Maynard trained Escadaire continued his superb second-up form with an upset win in the $100,000 Listed Miss Andretti... size=small}

The Frank Maynard trained Escadaire continued his superb second-up form with an upset win in the $100,000 Listed Miss Andretti Stakes (1200m), from Revolition and the unlucky Shock Value in third place.

Escadaire ($17) improved on his game first up effort when second to London in the WATC Stakes at Ascot a fortnight ago and the win was his fifth second up win from seven starts.

Shaun McGruddy resumed on the six year old son of O’Reilly and won his fourth race on the gelding, sitting in the one by one and sprinting too powerfully for his rivals.

Revolition settled outside of the leader Spitfire Ace who was the first horse beaten on straightening for home.

Shock Value was trailing the leader and was hampered when looking for a run in the straight, with Jason Brown firing in a protest against the second placed Revolition, which was quickly dismissed.

London had every chance and raced like a flat horse but still managed to grind into fourth position from Estiarte who continues to race in the best of his form.

Maynard is of the opinion that Escadaire is racing at the peak of his powers and was quietly confident about a top performance today.

The win was the six year olds second Listed win and his ninth overall from 34 starts with prize money earnings now above the $400,000 level.

“It has been a while between drinks for me," McGruddy said.

"We have combined for four wins before and I know this horse well.

"He feels like he will improve again and he should continue on in good form," he added.

T.J. Smith Next for Morant

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/41719-tj-smith-next-for-morant.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/western_australia.gif desc=Promising three-year-old Morant will be aimed at the Schweppes-T.J. Smith Trophy at Ascot on March 13 by trainer Graeme Ballantyne,... size=small}

Promising three-year-old Morant will be aimed at the Schweppes-T.J. Smith Trophy at Ascot on March 13 by trainer Graeme Ballantyne, after his courageous win in the SKMRC-Challenge Stakes on Saturday.

The son of Fusaichi Pegasus had no favours on Saturday, as he was stuck in a three deep position with no cover throughout for William Pike.

As the field had swung for home, Pike began to ride Morant in vigorous fashion and despite travelling deep throughout; he strode by his opposition to record a top win.

It was only the second win for Morant at start number eight, but he has always shown enough potential to indicate he has plenty more wins in store.

The win by Morant was the first Saturday Metropolitan victory for top jockey William Pike, who was happy to get the win on the board.

“Finally! It was a gutsy win, but I wasn’t too concerned being three deep throughout. We had the wind at our back and he was travelling comfortable underneath me.” William Pike said following the win.

Apart from the winner there were some encouraging performances by some gallopers that are en-route to the WATC-Derby.

The third placed Zentrate was hitting the line full of gusto for Daniel Staeck and he looks on track for a promising campaign.

What they said – “Very pleased with his win. We’ll head to the T.J. Smith and take it from there after that. I am still unsure how far he will get.” Winning owner Bob Peters said following the win.

WATC Derby - Order Of Entry

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/42257-wa-derby-order-of-entry.html layout=standard image=http://www.virtualformguide.com/photos/270210/r8extrazero1_ft.jpg desc=Below is the current order of entry for the Group One Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m) to be held on April... size=small}

Extra ZeroBelow is the current order of entry for the Group One Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m) to be held on April 24, 2010 at Ascot.

Read more: WATC Derby - Order Of Entry

Hay List Could Miss Newmarket

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/41631-hay-list-could-miss-newmarket.html layout=standard image=http://www.virtualformguide.com/photos/140209/haylist-400x.jpg desc=West Australian sprinter Hay List is only a “40/60 chance” to contest the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 6 according... size=small}

Hay ListWest Australian sprinter Hay List is only a “40/60 chance” to contest the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 6 according to trainer Jim Taylor after the galloper pulled up with a foot abscess following his victory in a 1000m trial at Belmont on Monday.

Winning the trial ahead of the former Danny O’Brien-trained Escadaire by only a length, Hay List stopped the clock in a time of 1:02.05 in comparison to last Monday over the same track and distance on the same going when he completed the journey in 1:01.38.

Speaking to Track Talk on Racing Radio in Perth, Taylor confirmed all was not right with the four-year-old.

“He was pretty sore yesterday and the cause of it was a foot abscess. We are treating his hoof at the moment and waiting for the abscess to burst,” Taylor said.

“I expected him to put about six lengths on his opposition yesterday, if he was to go to Melbourne and win a race like the Newmarket.”

Although Taylor concedes that it is unlikely Hay List will contest the Newmarket, the possibility remains.

“If the bruise bursts in the next 24 hours we are still a chance but he is not the sort of horse that can go too many days without working, so it does not look good.”

Prior to Monday’s setback, Hay List was scheduled to fly to Melbourne on March 2.

By Statue Of Liberty out of Sing Hallelujah, Hay List boasts an imposing record of eight wins from nine starts with just under $250,000 in prizemoney.

He suffered his only defeat last start when making his debut appearance in stakes company when sixth in the $202,000 Group 3 Colonel Reeves (1100m) at Ascot.

Brown, who has ridden Hay List at all racetrack appearances including trials, told stewards following that defeat that after bounding the start he allowed Hay List to stride forward and take the lead at the 600m where he travelled comfortably until mis-striding before the home turn.

According to Brown, Hay List slipped around the bend and weakened from that point onwards.

A post-race veterinary check revealed Hay List to be lame in his near foreleg ensuring Taylor sent him for a 13 week spell.

Picture: Greg Irvine

Pearce's Rise Continues With Yabigorse

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/42039-pearces-rise-continues-with-yabigorse.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/western_australia.gif desc=Star young Perth trainer Ben Pearce scored the biggest win of his short training career when Yabigorse romped away with... size=small}

Star young Perth trainer Ben Pearce scored the biggest win of his short training career when Yabigorse romped away with the listed TJ Smith Trophy (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Pearce, 22, is a young man going places and Yabigorse continued his impressive recent run when he scored his latest dashing success.

Allowed to bowl along clear of his rivals by Peter Knuckey, Yabigorse set up a big lead approaching the turn and he found sufficient in the straight to easily hold out a challenge from the favourite Morant.

"It was a very good win," Pearce said. "He's as tough as nails."

"When he came to the turn and he was so far in front I knew it was all over because he wasn't going to be stopping."

The plan right along was to let the three-year-old gelded son of Tiger Hill roll along in the lead and make his rivals chase.

"Pete (Knuckey) said before the race that the leaders were winning," Pearce reported post race.

"And he thought it was a bit softer on the inside so he said he would roll one or two horses off the fence in the straight and he did and it seemed to work."

Pearce, who has about a dozen horses in work at Lark Hill, came to the races on Saturday thinking that he might have been running for secons place - such was his respect for the favourite and last start stakes winner Morant.

"I wasn't that confident to be honest," Pearce said. "Morant is such a good horse that I thought he was still going to beat us."

"I would have been happy to run second to Morant. But I'm thrilled to be able to beat it."

It's full steam ahead to the Group One WATC Derby now for Yabigorse.

"I think he will get the trip all the way to the Derby. So we'll keep going and see how far we can go."

Yabigorse, who made $75,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, is by Tiger Hill.

He is a half brother to Brisbane stakes winning mare Fabiarna - a winner of six races and over $230,000 in prizemoney.

For You Eyes Only Hot For Champion Fillies

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/41583-for-you-eyes-only-hot-for-champion-fillies.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/western_australia.gif desc=For Your Eyes Only confirmed her status as the horse to beat in the upcoming Champion Fillies Stakes with a... size=small}

For Your Eyes Only confirmed her status as the horse to beat in the upcoming Champion Fillies Stakes with a dominant win in The Corfield Tavern Handicap (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Taking on older rivals for the first time, the outstanding three-year-old filly showed a blistering turn of foot in the straight to reel in the leaders and race clear.

The filly was racing for the first time since her almost two length win in the recent Magic Millions Perth 3YO Trophy (1400m) on January 30.

Trainer Paul Jordan has no doubts that his stable star is a filly of high class and says she will have another chance to prove this at her next outing.

"She's a really good filly," Jordan said following her latest easy win. "She's top class."

"We'll run in the Champion Fillies (Stakes) now - a set weight race for the fillies - you just can't run in the three-year-old fillies races with 62 (kilos) and win."

Jordan said For Your Eyes Only was not only a high class galloper, but a pleasure to train - she's quite the stable favourite.

"She's just a beauty. She's top class. She's great around the place and everyone recognises her with that little white mark on her nose."

The Bletchley Park filly looks certain to start the favourite at her next outing in the Group Three WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) on March 6.

For Your Eyes Only was purchased from the draft of Rangeview Stud for $23,000 from the 2008 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.

Her impressive record now reads out at eight wins and two minor placings from just 13 starts. Her earnings have shot to an imposing $468,325.

A daughter of the four time winning Key Business mare Communique, For Your Eyes Only is one of the most valuable horses in Perth.

Among her seven wins is one at black type level in the Gimcrack Stakes - one of four races she won as a two-year-old.

Her dam, who won three on Perth tracks, is a half sister to the group performed five time winner Dead Eye Dick.

Further back it is the family of stakes winners including Dr John, Mr Cube and Paris Moon.

For Your Eyes Only wasn't the only Magic Millions graduate to star at Ascot this afternoon.

Lie in Wait, Friar's Touch, Meltdown and Tottenham Hots all impressed for their respective connections.

Race Series Entries Closing For Perth Sale

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/41981-race-series-entries-closing-for-perth-sale.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/western_australia.gif desc=Trainers and owners looking to quality their Magic Millions yearlings for the rich $4.95 million race series from last month's... size=small}

Trainers and owners looking to quality their Magic Millions yearlings for the rich $4.95 million race series from last month's Perth Yearling Sale are reminded nominations must be lodged by Monday.

Any yearling that was sold or passed in at the Belmont sale is eligible for the series and with the payment of a once off fee is qualified to run in Magic Millions graduate races for life.

The 2010/11 race series will take in at least 14 races around the country and prizemoney of at least $4.95 million MUST be won.

The races will be run at locations including the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Wyong and Rockhampton.

A special nomination is available for graduates from the Perth Sale to make them eligible for the Perth 2YO Classic and 3YO Trophy only.

"The beauty of our race series - the first of its type in the world - is that you can win a $2 million race as a two-year-old and then come back each year after and keep winning closed graduate events," Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said.

"If you pay up for a late maturing type - don't fear. Unlike many bonus schemes the Magic Millions series enables horses of any age to compete for big prizemoney events."

"Something for everyone - it's something I say a lot about Magic Millions. Whether its the range of yearlings in our sales or the races on offer for our graduates - our clients are given more chances of winning big."

Anyone seeking further information in qualifying their yearling for the rich race series should contact Ross McKeown at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0404 490 726.

Hay List Newmarket Bound

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/41467-hay-list-newmarket-bound.html layout=standard image=http://www.virtualformguide.com/photos/140209/haylist-400x.jpg desc=West Australian sprinter Hay List trialled impressively on Monday at Belmont ahead of travelling to Melbourne for a first-up tilt... size=small}

West Australian sprinter Hay List trialled impressively on Monday at Belmont ahead of travelling to Melbourne for a first-up tilt at the $1million Group One Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington next month.

Contesting a trial over 1000m against only one other horse, Hay List won by three lengths in a time of 1:10.38 with regular rider Jason Brown in the saddle.

Hay ListTrainer Jim Taylor said that while it was less than ideal that he was only galloping against one other rival (Bee I En Gee Oh, who is a four-year-old maiden galloper from three attempts) he was still pleased with the workout.

“I was hoping to have a few more runners in the trial but you can’t help that,” Taylor told Perth Racing before adding, “He did what I wanted him to do and has pulled up well.”

With more kilos to shed before the Newmarket, Hay List will have one more trial next Monday before flying out to Melbourne to on March 2.

By Statue Of Liberty out of Sing Hallelujah, Hay List boasts an imposing record of eight wins from nine starts with just under $250,000 in prizemoney.

He suffered his only defeat last start when making his debut appearance in stakes company when sixth in the $202,000 Group 3 Colonel Reeves (1100m) at Ascot.

Brown, who has ridden Hay List at all racetrack appearances including trials, told stewards following that defeat that after bounding the start he allowed Hay List to stride forward and take the lead at the 600m where he travelled comfortably until mis-striding before the home turn.

According to Brown, the four-year-old slipped around the bend and weakened from that point onwards.

A post-race veterinary check revealed Hay List to be lame in his near foreleg ensuring Taylor sent the four-year-old for a 13 week spell.

Picture: Greg Irvine

New Perth Racing CEO Announced

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/41977-new-perth-racing-ceo-announced.html layout=standard image=https://www.virtualformguide.com/images/stories/western_australia.gif desc=Perth Racing today announced the appointment of Michael Heath as its new Chief Executive Officer. A Master of Business Administration... size=small}

Perth Racing today announced the appointment of Michael Heath as its new Chief Executive Officer.

A Master of Business Administration from the University of WA, Mr Heath is 45 years old.

Mr Heath has occupied senior Executive positions at the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia for the past 16 years with his most recent role being Executive General Manager of all RAC’s motoring related businesses.

Mr Heath has filled a number of key executive roles at the RAC giving him a depth of experience across a broad range of disciplines.

He has executive experience in Branding, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Property Development, Public Relations, and Retail .

In announcing the appointment, Ted van Heemst, Chairman of Perth Racing said “the appointment of Mr Heath reinforces the commitment by Perth Racing to providing our members and stakeholders with the leadership and expertise necessary to cement the standing of Perth Racing and take us to the next level in our quest to enhance our relevance in the world of thoroughbred racing."

"Michael has demonstrated his ability to achieve outstanding results in a wide range of activities complementary to our business and I am sure he will prove to be a great asset for Perth Racing."

In response to his appointment, Mr Heath said “I am excited by the opportunity to lead Perth Racing into the next phase of its development.

Perth Racing is an organisation that is highly respected in Perth and the larger Western Australian community and I am very pleased to be part of the future of such a long-standing organisation.

The organisation has enjoyed great success in recent years and I look forward to building on the foundations that have been laid.”

Mr Heath will take up his appointment in mid April.

Pike Returns To Riding In WA

{SCPinterestShare href=https://www.virtualformguide.com/racing-news/western-australia/41312-pike-returns-to-riding-in-wa.html layout=standard image=http://www.virtualformguide.com/photos/jockeys/williampike.jpg desc=William Pike will return to race riding in Western Australia with five rides at Ascot on Wednesday. Pike departed Hong... size=small}

William Pike

William Pike will return to race riding in Western Australia with five rides at Ascot on Wednesday.

Pike departed Hong Kong at the end of January to prepare for the birth of his first child with his partner Jessica Valas.

While in Hong Kong, Pike rode 11 winners which included a treble at Sha Tin on December 6 and then winning the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy on January 10 aboard the John Moore-trained Craig's Dragon.

Pike will ride three horses for trainer Daniel Morton tomorrow hoping to retain some of the form which saw him crowned Western Australia’s leading jockey last season for riding 86 winners.

William Pike's Rides

Ascot (Wednesday)

Horse - Race Details

Avante - R2 Westspeed 3yo Hcp (68) 1000m

Escape Velocity - R3 Flying Colours Hcp (68) 1600m

Scenic Fair - R4 Group 1 Bar Hcp (68) 1600m

Portrait Lass - R5 Pr.Com Members Lounge Hcp-72 1400m

Catchphrase - R7 The Terrace Buffet Hcp (64) 1820m

Pinjarra (Thursday)

Galoubay - R1 Champ The Chook Scramble Mdn 1000m

Andyahatblewoff - R4 Health Campus Mdn 1400m

Cheval Roi - R7 The Chooks Pinjarra Rush (64) 1400m

Hang 'em High - R9 South West Foods Hcp (64) 1000m

Picture: Greg Irvine