Wyong trainer Tracey Bartley will have two runners in the $500,000 Polytrack Provincial-Midway Series Final at Randwick on April 9 after his talented mare Barossa Rosa came from the tail of the field to win the qualifier at Newcastle on Saturday. The meeting was scheduled for Wyong on Saturday however due to heavy rain the meeting was transferred on Friday morning to Newcastle which had 65 millimetres of rain during last week.
Barossa Rosa was backed from $13 into $8.50 and Jeff Penza produced a superb ride. The mare came from barrier 12 and was second last to leave the gates. Penza took her to the rail at the start, and she hugged the rail throughout the race. Pandora Blue set a cracking pace up front and led by six lengths midrace. She still had a big lead halfway down the straight however Barossa Rosa got her measure 100m out.
Bartley was visibly excited following the race. “This is great for a small stable. We only have twenty in work, and we have two runners in the Final. My other finalist Kiss Sum is one of the favourites. Barossa Rosa was under an injury cloud, and I wasn’t sure if she would run today. I galloped her this morning and she pulled up okay, so here we are” Bartley said.
Kris Lees has qualified five of his team for the rich final after his mare Grande Rumore was a fast finishing second. She was at the rear with Barossa Rosa at the home turn where she bumped with another runner and was held up. Grande Rumore sprouted wings late and got within 1 ½ lengths of the winner. The performance was outstanding, and Lees agreed. “A terrific run. She struck a bit of trouble at the turn that cost her however, she still may not have won but would have finished closer. I have five in the final and I will run a few in Thursday’s Wildcard” Lees said.
Jeff Penza was the only jockey to land a double aboard Barossa Rosa and Norman.