Newcastle stable mates Harvey’s Way and Contributingfactor starred on the eight race program at the Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday. Trained on the track by David Atkins, the pair of three-year old’s have indicated in their short careers to date that they are above average and destined for successful careers.
Harvey’s Way after a debut win at Port Macquarie in late September, and an eye-catching fast finishing third at Newcastle on October 16, was heavily backed in the 1400m Charlestown Square Class 1 Handicap. The gelding was slow away then settled midfield and he was ten lengths behind the tearaway leader Trinity Missile 900 metres from home.
The leader was shortening stride half way down the straight and Harvey’s Way started to unwind. He was strong late and held off the favourite Dynasties to win impressively.
Contributingfactor is a promising 1600m-2000m horse and he continued on his winning way in the 1600m New Zealand Bloodstock Benchmark 68 Handicap. From four starts the gelding bred by his trainer has recorded three wins and a second. On Saturday Contributingfactor stepped up from 1300 to 1600 and had no difficulty in running a strong ‘mile’.
Boom apprentice Dylan Gibbons rode the Atkins trained pair and both rides were superb. His double takes Gibbons season tally in only three months to 30 winners. Atkins is no stranger to training Group winners with top stayer Reckless Tradition, crack sprinter Moss Rocket, group winning miler Impaler and in recent years Jonker among his best.
The potential shown by Harvey’s way and Contributingfactor indicate Atkins may be back in the big time again sooner than later.
Australia’s champion trainer Chris Waller landed a double with Captivare and Smirk while Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou partnership were successful with Oceanic Flash and Conscript.
Jockey Mitchell bell steered home a double with Oceanic Flash and Authentic Jewel.