WIDDUP'S "SIX OF THE BEST"

SUNDAY: August 11, 2024: BRAD Widdup made it “six of the best” as he continued a new season blitz.

The leading Hawkesbury trainer has posted six winners in the first 11 days of the 2023-24 racing year – and half of them have been for Summertime Thoroughbreds’ John Cordina.

The latest was $3.50 favorite Fun Sunday at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

After being slow to begin, the Sebring mare conceded a very tidy start but her rider Alysha Collett never gave in.

Under hard riding, Fun Sunday responded and sustained a determined run wide on the track in the straight to land the Benchmark 64 Handicap (2000m) from Koning ($6.50) and By Nine ($11).

“It looked a bit tricky for a while,” Widdup admitted on Sunday.

“But they went hard up front, and that suited her.

“And Alysha is a very strong rider. She was at her best to get the mare home.

“It was great to get another win for John (Cordina).

“He is a great supporter of our stable, and has eight horses with us.”

Fun Sunday was having her fourth run this preparation, and her trainer will now look for another suitable race.

“I’m confident she will run 2400m; she has already been placed twice in town at that distance (Caulfield and Rosehill Gardens).”

Fun Sunday is the first foal of her dam, the Duporth mare Choice Sunday, and Widdup has trained her throughout her career.

The five-year-old mare has raced on 31 occasions for four wins and six placings.

Following 61 winners last season, Widdup’s six already this season have boosted his career tally to 363.

And Fun Sunday’s victory has come on the eve of her stablemate Jedibeel returning to the trainer’s Hawkesbury yard.

“Jedibeel has had three weeks away since winning the July Sprint (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens last month,” Widdup said.

“The break will have done him good, and I’m looking forward to getting him back on Monday.”