WIDDUP HOPING LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE
- John Curtis
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Now he is hoping to strike again at the same meeting tomorrow.
Hawkesbury’s premier trainer will be represented by Dallas Duke (Alysha Collett), who has drawn the rails in the Super Maiden Handicap (1000m), which opens the eight-race Cup program.
Art’s Alive (Andrew Adkins) was second-up when she was successful in 2024, and Dallas Duke also is second-up going into tomorrow’s assignment.
Now a three-year-old, the younger half-brother to talented stablemate Nashville Jack ran well on debut when third to Ballet Encore in another 1000m Super Maiden at Wyong on July 23.
“We always look at these bonus races, especially with such big money being offered,” Widdup said today.
“Dallas Duke is eligible, being a $300,000 purchase at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale.
“The colt has done well since the Wyong race, and went on the float this morning.
“He will be stabled overnight at Port Macquarie.”
Dallas Duke is a BOBS bonus horse, meaning he is also eligible to pick that up along with the $100,000, which is part of the annual $5m Inglis Xtra Bonus Maiden Series, and $22,000 first prizemoney.
Widdup, who not only recently was his home track premiership winner against all comers for a second season running, also trained more winners (44) than any other provincial trainer at provincial meetings last season.
He has Mind Ya Bizz and Tequila Baby lining up at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Chad Schofield rides Mind Ya Bizz in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m) for three and four-year-olds, and Rachel King partners Tequila Baby in the Benchmark 78 (1200m) against her own sex.
“Mind Ya Bizz has been racing well at the provincials (two wins and two placings from four starts this preparation), and it’s a step up to a Saturday race in town,” Widdup said.
“But she deserves the opportunity, and it will good experience from a future viewpoint.
“Tequila Baby is going well, and has finally drawn a good barrier for her fourth start this time in work.”
