RACING: Heralded galloper Black Heart Bart ridden by Bunbury Jockey Glenn Smith enhanced its reputation with a stunning come from behind win in the Chaff City Pinjarra Classic last Sunday.
Carrying top weight of 59kg Black Heart Bart camped on the leaders before unleashing an astonishing finishing burst to win easily.
However, a start in the Bunbury Stakes is now under a cloud for the world travelled star and will likely depend on what weight handicapper David Hunter allocates as Sunday’s victory is bound to attract a penalty and there is provision for a top weight of 64kg to be carried in the Stakes.
Trainer Vaughan Sigley is reported to be considering an alternatively with the possibility of nominating for the $500,000 Goodwood Handicap in South Australia.
Sonata in Dee for Bunbury trainer Simon Foster was the only local horse to salute the judge at the Pinjarra meeting.
Racing returns to Bunbury this Sunday, March 1, signaling commencement of the South West Autumn Carnival with the running of the $80,000 Prince of Wales AHA Cup which is considered the main lead up race to the Bunbury Cup and a strong field of contestants can be expected to nominate for the race.
Tick Tick Bloom is still on track to contest the Bunbury Cup and even though going down to local galloper Be So Ryski here last start is sure to start favorite over the longer distance of the cup with local punters keen to see the boom galloper in action once again.
Last Thursday’s meeting at Bunbury Turf Club was a tricky affair for punters with a mixture of good priced winners combined with some of the more popular elects.
Standouts for locals included a good win for Just Dougie and Greg Carige winning the main race against very strong opposition and returning a dividend of $6.70 while the surprise of the day was produced by Capel trainer Paul Roberts with Shezafta Glory who paid $50.10 for a win on the TAB after $90.00 was available on fixed odds.
The mare was ridden by local jockey Kyra Yuill.
Short priced favorite Aunty Zelma was also successful for Myalup trainer Justin Warwick.
John Cunniffe’s mare Shez Our Holly won the last race and returned win dividend of $22.90.
Probably the most impressive winner on the day and one for punters to watch for was Albany trained Secret Minx who won race two in good style for Mark (Goofter) Nelson with Jerry Noske in the saddle.
Other winners on the day were the short priced favorite Military Reign in race one, Bar Dreaming at $21.40 race four and $3.90 favorite Scenic Lord in race seven.
Jockeys William Pike and Troy Turner both rode a winning double.
Pike with Military Reign and Scenic Lord and Turner on Aunty Zelma and Sheez Our Holly.
Race goers are reminded to book now for the Bayside Beats with Jimmy Barns concert at Bunbury Turf Club on Friday, March 6, and Packages are also now available for Bunbury Stakes Day Sunday, March 8, and Bunbury Cup Thursday, March 12.
The popular Bunbury Cup Calcutta will be conducted in the Big Marquee at the racecourse on Tuesday March 10, with tickets selling for $5 each and don’t forget Fashions on the Field.
Latest tips and news from the mounting yard can be heard live on course and Racing Radio with Bevan Butler on Bunbury race days.
