TEAM KEARNEY'S "CYCLONE" STORMS HOME AT SCONE
- John Curtis
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
The husband and wife team won the Maiden Handicap (900m) with two-year-old Cyclone Jaz, who “blew away” her rivals at only her third start.
Ridden by the experienced Jeff Penza, $14 chance Cyclone Jaz stormed home to defeat debutante Sir Boom A Lot ($3.30) and fellow Hawkesbury trainer Blake Ryan’s Public Safety ($4.80).
“We have always had a good opinion of this filly, and it was great to get a breakthrough with her as a two-year-old on the very last day of the season,” Mrs Kearney said this evening.
“We were confident she would run very well, and she didn’t let us down.
“Jeff (Penza) rode her first-up at Kembla Grange a fortnight ago when she got experience racing back in the field instead of up front, and was adamant that was the best way to ride her.
“Jeff comes out to Hawkesbury twice a week to ride work for us, and we’re very pleased to have him part of our stable.
“Cyclone Jaz is still maturing, and will go for a break now.
“We have no doubt she will come back even better next season as a three-year-old.”
Cyclone Jaz, a daughter of Written Tycoon, at $70,000 was one of 10 yearlings the Kearneys’ close friend Daniel Springfield purchased at last year’s Inglis Classic sale in Sydney – and is named after his partner Jasmine Banks.
“This win was an early wedding present for the couple as they are getting married in September,” Mrs Kearney said.
“Cyclone Jaz’ first two runs were in Sydney and at the provincials, so she was nicely placed going to the country today.”
As much as $26 was offered early about the filly, who clearly landed some nice bets even though she still started at double figures.
“Cyclone Jaz was actually passed in at the Classic sale last year, but we really liked her and Daniel subsequently made an offer which was accepted,” Mrs Kearmey added.
Cyclone Jaz was the Hawkesbury training base’s 179th winner of the season – 10 more than last year.
