Champion trainer Chris Waller and the Freedman brothers training partnership landed doubles at the Newcastle Jockey Clubs race meeting on Saturday.
Waller’s promising I Am Invincible 3yo Aton Of Delight has been knocking on the door this preparation, and he put up an outstanding performance to win on Saturday in the Sage Painting Maiden Handicap (1500m). The gelding was a clear last to leave the barriers then he strode up to race midfield on the rail. Rory Hutchings steered him into the clear half-way down the straight and he wore the leaders down. The winner had placed in his two previous starts this preparation and his dam is a Zabeel mare so he could be looking for further ground.
The Waller – Hutchings combination were successful again in the following event, the Buildcert Maiden Plate (1250m). The widely travelled Kipsbay clearly had the best form and after racing on the speed he bolted in. Waller sent the 3yo to Doomben first up this preparation and he finished midfield. Back in Sydney Kipsbay was runner up in a Warwick Farm Maiden on February 9.
The Freedman’s were on good terms with favourite backers when the heavily backed Head On Up won the myBig Benchmark 68 Handicap (900m). The mare was first up but her record of 2 wins and 7 placings from 12 starts including a win and a second on this track was good enough to win this race. Ashley Morgan enjoying his best season in the saddle gave the mare a gun ride and she was too classy.
Later in the day the stables 3yo Son Of Sangio led all the way to win the Mates In Construction Class 1 Handicap (1200m). The son of Zoustar was an easy Bathurst winner on debut at his only other start.
Paul Perry was the only local trainer to saddle up a winner when Aspen Chase won the Sharp Office Maiden Handicap (900m).
Hutchings and Jack Martin were the most successful jockeys with a double each.