Michael Freedman’s talented Savabeel three-year-old Wymark, unlucky when runner-up in a Super Maiden on this track last start is set to atone in the Master Builders Insurance Brokers Super Maiden Handicap (1600m). The New Zealand bred gelding has had three starts since a spell and his performances in all three have been full of merit.
He was a short-priced favourite first up at Hawkesbury on December 10 when he came from well back at the top of the straight to finish second, .17 from the winner over 1300m. Wymark’s run on the Gold Coast during the Magic Millions Carnival on January 6 was super. Sixteenth in a field of seventeen at the top of the straight he made up many lengths to finish fourth in a $250,000 Maiden.
At Newcastle last start on February 3, Wymark stepped up to 1500m and he had a cozy run midfield on the rail. He went for a run behind the leader and a horse on it’s outside late in the straight and got chopped out. Keagan Latham had to check and steer Wymark back to the inside where he hit the line hard to miss by less than a length. He goes to 1600m for the first time which is ideal, and he draws nicely. Importantly Freedman has engaged in form apprentice Zac Wadick to ride Wymark, and his 3kg claim is gold.
Another of Savabeel’s progeny Allhallowtide from the John O’Shea stable has bright prospects in the NHS Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m). The four-year-olds first up run was at Newcastle on February 3 and it was an eye-catcher. He was back second last in a 1400m event, ten lengths off the pace at the 1000m. When in clear running in the straight the gelding just kept grinding away and was strong late. He has been placed in both second up runs, has barrier one and will appreciate the longer trip. Alysha Collett retains the ride and Allhallowtide has been placed twice at Newcastle.
Powerful finisher Territory Express resumes from a spell in the Master Builders Association Conditional Benchmark 68Handicap (1200m), and both his wins have been at Newcastle. He has only had the one trial recently and that was at Warwick Farm, and he went really well. Allowed to drop out to the tail like he normally does he stormed home to run second, less than a length from the winner – and he was never let go. His three runs before a spell in the spring were full of merit, and Territory Express came from near last in all three.
On November 7 he was beaten 1.79 lengths at Randwick in a Midway Benchmark 72. On October 28 the four-year-old was placed at Randwick in a Benchmark 78 1600m event, and three starts back he won easily at Newcastle over the mile. Territory Express has won first up and Ash Morgan, who rode him in his Newcastle win in October has the mount. This horse loves tracks with long straights and Newcastle has that, and he has two wins and a placing from four starts there.
Nathan Doyle’s Nightcapped is ready to run the 1200m third up from a spell when he runs in the Group Training Apprentices Midway Maiden Handicap (1200m). He has had two starts at Newcastle for two placings over 900m. He has drawn ordinary but has enough pace to race on the speed. Sydney racecaller Darren Flindell is a part owner of Nightcapped.