A "CHOICE" VICTORY AT GOSFORD INSTEAD
- John Curtis
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
He had hoped to have a crack at richer pickings at yesterday’s Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast with three fillies by Golden Slipper winner Farnan he trains for Mulberry Racing.
Instead, when they didn’t make the “cut” for the $250,000 Maiden Plate (1100m) after 37 horses were nominated, Widdup had to settle for a breakthrough victory with one of the filles, You’re The Choice, at Gosford.
Ridden by apprentice Mitch Stapleford, You’re The Choice ($2.70 favorite) didn’t give her rivals a look-in, bouncing to the front and leading throughout.
Such was her dominance in the 2 & 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m) that she had almost three and a half lengths to spare at the finish from Gosford trainer Greg McFarlane’s Go Glenn ($3.80) and Newcastle trainer Kris Lees’ debutante Stern Dispute ($3.10).
You’re The Choice, a $260,000 purchase at last year’s Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast, was beginning a new campaign, having not raced since finishing fourth at Wyong in late August.
She trialled twice – and was placed on both occasions – leading into yesterday’s resumption.
“You’re The Choice has always shown some ability, and it was good to see her not only break through yesterday, but win in the manner she did,” Widdup said today, en route home from the MM sales, where he added three yearlings to his team.
He had also hoped to score with another of the Farnan fillies Avon Calling at Gosford yesterday, but heavy rain ensured the meeting only lasted two races before RacingNSW stewards had no alternative but to call a halt to further proceedings.
You’re The Choice was Widdup’s 449th career winner, and 31st this season.
Meanwhile, stablemates Nashville Jack and Savvy Hallie, who both ran so well when second and fourth in the $3m Sunlight Plate (1100m) at the Gold Coast a week ago, are likely headed for another interstate mission – this time in the other direction.
The pair has returned home, and Widdup is eyeing the Inglis Sprint (1100m) for three-year-olds at Flemington on February 28.
“It’s a shame they both have to clash again, but they are owned by different interests and the race is worth $1m, so it merits a lot of consideration,” Widdup said.
“I could trial them before sending them to Melbourne.”
Nashville Jack (also by Farnan) was a $71 chance when runner-up to favorite Grafterburners in the Sunlight, and Savvy Hallie (by Hellbent) was a Group 2 winner last spring and also ran well to finish fourth at the Gold Coast.
. Barrier trials scheduled for Hawkesbury tomorrow (Monday) have been put back until Tuesday because of the wet weather.
. Fellow Hawkesbury trainer Marc Chevalier followed up his recent victory with Everyone’s A Star at Royal Randwick by scoring with Kev’s Girl at today’s Cowra Cup meeting.
Apprentice Claire Ramsbotham’s 1.5kg claim lessened the eight-year-old’s mare to 60kg and at $4.40, she defeated $4.20 favorite Bolo Miss and Desirous ($6) in the Reg and Rose Paine Memorial Benchmark 58 Handicap (950m).
