GOOD OMENS' WINS AT LAST RUN FOR WIDDUP

Image: Bradley Photos

WEDNESDAY: July 19, 2023: HAWKESBURY’S leading trainer Brad Widdup ended a frustrating run of minor placings by winning at Warwick Farm today with a mare who was most likely having her last run for him.

Widdup’s decision to book apprentice Amy McLucas for Good Omens ($5.50) in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1600m) against her own sex proved decisive as she led throughout and managed to hold off Outsider ($5) and Endorphins ($9) in a tight finish.

McLucas’ 3kg claim reduced the six-year-old So You Think mare’s weight to 55.5kg, and she rode her at a controlled pace despite being taken on early by Lovetheinvasion ($10), who finished last.

McLucas secured what proved a winning break on the home turn, and Good Omens’ rivals weren’t able to overhaul her.

Widdup has had 12 placegetters (six seconds and the same number of thirds) since scoring with Fun Sunday at Canterbury on June 21, and was understandably delighted to be back in the winning list near season’s end.

“The horses have been racing well without winning, so it was nice to turn it around today,” Widdup said.

“Good Omens’ owners are looking to offer her online as a racing and breeding proposition, and that was probably her last run for me.

“We’ve won four races with the mare, including two in town, so I’m happy with what we have achieved with her.”

Good Omens began her career with Chris Waller, who won a 1500m Kembla Grange Maiden with her in April 2021 from eight starts before she joined Widdup’s team last year.

Her Warwick Farm success gave Widdup his 58th winner of the season, and put him within five of a career 300.

“It’s been another good season,” he said. “We have 53 boxes and got those 58 winners, including a Group 1 breakthrough in Melbourne last spring with Icebath, and the season isn’t over yet,” he said.