Kembla preview: Claire Lever's patience pays off with Yes Siree

As legendary trainer Bart Cummings once said, 'Patience is the cheapest thing on racing and the least used.'
Hawkesbury trainer Claire Lever is one person who follows that ideology with her horses and her latest subject is the three-year-old Yes Siree.
From his early days the stable, the gelding showed Lever he was blessed with nice ability and even after he won a Hawkesbury barrier trial last November, she put him away knowing he wasn't ready to take the next step.
'He showed nice ability from the time he came into the stable but he was really slow to mature,' said Claire Lever.
'He kept growing and took a long time to come together to where you want him to be.
Trainer Claire Lever with her jockey/husband, Chad. Picture: Bradley Photos
The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here!
'He grew more than we expected and took time to mature.
'I know he trialled well last time around but we just wanted to see him develop a bit more so we tipped him out.
'It wasn't until this preparation that he got to where we could do a bit more with him.'
Returning for a late autumn and winter campaign, Yes Siree rewarded Lever and his owners with a debut win at Wyong on May 1.
'He trialled well then went to the races and won his first start,' Lever said.
'It probably wasn't an overly strong form race but it was over an unsuitably short distance for him and he did a few things wrong so he's progressing.
'It nice to have a horse in the stable that will keep improving that has been looked after.'
That Wyong win came on a Heavy 10 but it was no surprise he handles the conditions so well being a son of Everest winner and Randwick 1200m track record holder Yes Yes Yes from an O'Reilly mare.
Yes Siree is looking to make it two from two when he steps out on the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) at Kembla on another heavy track with Grant Buckley to ride.
'It's a heavy track again but the Yes Yes Yes' have won all well on heavy tracks,' she said.
'The fact he ticked that box off, you can go to the races with that little bit more confidence that the track is not going to worry him too much.
'Down the track, I think 1400m will be is best distance but stepping up to 1200 metres this weekend will be good for him.'
Four-year-old gelding Casanova has been a model of consistency in his two campaigns for Lever with a win and two placings in the first and he has a win and two placings so far this time in.
He is looking to improve on that when he lines up in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) with Lever husband, Chad, to ride.
The gelding scored a tough win on his home track in March before a rare blip when well back behind Monkhena there a month later.
A drop in grade saw him return his usually form with a third behind Exceedingly Hot at Queanbeyan on May 11.
'He is very honest, he puts himself up on speed or thereabouts and just tries really hard,' Lever said.
'His run at Hawkesbury was out of character but he pulled up okay.
'He bounced back with a better effort last start although it was at Queanbeyan in weaker grade.
'Back to provincial grade, on a nice track and down in weight, I think he will run well again.
'His form on wet tracks in good so I'm going to Kembla confident he will handle the conditions.'

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Herald Sun

2 days ago

• Herald Sun

Wagga preview, tips: Cross and Chung's next big hope

Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Bruce Cross and owner/breeder Malcolm Chung are best known via the deeds of the sensational siblings, Epsom winner Final Fantasy and Canberra Cup winner Padfoot Charlie. Now, a quarter of a century on, the pair may have themselves another 'good horse' from the very same 'vines' that produced their former dynamic duo. Her name is Just Like Tilda. The daughter of Divine Prophet created a lasting impression when finishing over the top of her rivals to score an impressive, bookie-busting, debut win at Kembla earlier this month when crunched from an opening quote of $6.50 into $4.80. Cross could be forgiven for talking up Just Like Tilda on the score of her debut but is playing down any hype. 'At the moment, I am holding my powder dry,' Cross said. Just Like Tilda is looking to make it back-to-back wins. Picture: Bradley Photos The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'Her win at Kembla was a good win and I think she has improved a little bit, but I'm just not prepared to put my head on the block yet. 'Sometimes you can put the cart before the horse and you get too excited. 'That's why we are prepared to take a bit of time with her and give her all the chances she deserves.' Cross revealed that he had toyed with the idea of a metropolitan start for Just Like Tilda, instead opting for a trip away down to Wagga. 'I thought about it but I was a little bit too scared that she would just get up in the benchmark system too quick,' Cross explained. 'I'm interested to see what she can do on Sunday and looking forward to it to be honest. 'We are going there with our glass half-full. Whatever happens, the trip away, the floating, that all improves a horse and it sort of adds another string to their bow. 'She is a very sensible little filly, we are going there hoping, we just have to wait for the outcome.' Just Like Tilda will be ridden the Easdown's Accountants Class 1 Handicap (1300m) by Deanne Panya; gun jockey and twin sister of Beany, both of whom spend their mornings at Cross' home ground, Warwick Farm. Trainer Bruce Cross is keeping expectations realistic with Just Like Tilda Picture: Bradley Photos 'Deanne and Beany are just super young ladies,' Cross said. 'They go out of their way to help you. 'Deanne knows Just Like Tilda pretty well. She's ridden her in a bit of a work and in the trial. 'And to be honest, Deanne might have very well been on her when she won at Kembla except she was suspended. 'Deanne rode a winner (on Thursday) at Gosford, she is very underrated.' Just Like Tilda is the third foal of her dam Matilda Jade whose foaling date (September 14 in 2011) was the exact same day as Winx. Matilda Jade was bred and raced by Chung and trained by Cross but sadly, the daughter of I Am Invincible only raced once, finishing runner-up at Gundagai. 'We took her there thinking she would win easily but she got galloped on and severed a tendon so that was the only start she ever had,' Cross said. SHAYNE O'CASS' TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 7 No. 1: JUST LIKE TILDA Created a big impression when winning at Kembla on debut. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 3: CONDOR Won three of four and runner-up at the other this preparation. Easy to like. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 4: STAY TUNED Boast some compelling provincial form. Fit and stays all day. QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 3 Race 5: 4, 6 Race 6: 3 Race 7: 1 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW BLAIKE MCDOUGALL will have plenty of admirers to win the TAB Jockeys Challenge. RACE 1: JJ'S WASTE & RECYCLING COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN PLATE 1200m HARDLY FORTUNATE (7), an All Too Hard direct descendant of broodmare gem Extradite, was $9 out to $12 when she debuted at Wagga. Smashing run it was too, she drew 9 of 11, was ninth at the turn and got to within inches of the winner. That was 1000m, this is 1200m now. AL FLORES (5), the first foal of Coolmore Classic winning Dixie Blossoms, has had many chances. Many of us are still licking the wounds from her $1.55 loss at Goulburn the other day. Can atone but needs to win back a few fans. Bet: Hardly Fortunate each-way, quinella 5, 7, box trifecta 2, 5, 7, 12 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: WDF ACCOUNTING & ADVISORY SUPER MAIDEN HANDICAP 1400m BADHATHARRY (2) is a rarity, maybe a one of a kind in present day times given he is out a mare by Harry Lawton's beloved Bureaucracy who won the George Ryder way back in 1991. He's also the damsire of Silent Witness. As for Badhatharry, he has had a textbook build-up to 1400m which he is crying out for. Michael Travers has three accepted here and all three could easily medal. MISS PEPEHA (10) is getting closer than ever to a win. His other one Stormy Malice wants 1400m. Bet: Badhatharry to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: RIDLEY WOOL CO CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE 1600m DOC MARCH (11) has been very costly indeed at his last three starts, one at Canberra and two here at home at Wagga. To be fair to the horse, because he is a nice horse, he hasn't been at all helped by wide barriers hence he's been getting way back but running on dutifully. DESERT OPAL (5) has a win, four seconds and a third from his 11 starts, His personal best came last start on May 27 when he won a 1400m Maiden at home at Albury on a Heavy 8. Reliable type, well up to this. Bet: Doc March to win, exacta 11 to beat 5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: RIVERINA SIGNMAKERS COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1200m CHRISTMAS STAR (2) races in the familiar colours of Shelley Hancox. This grey filly by Star Turn has finished on the podium at eight of her 12 starts. Only two are wins but looking back now, her losses, while costly at the time, were in races where the form has stood up since. Drawn one, should help. ELASTANE MISS (3) has done nothing wrong in her four starts; she won at Albury on a Heavy 10 and all the rest are seconds including one here at home. Third-up here; Blaike McDougall sticking for a third time too. Bet: Christmas Star to win, quinella 2, 3 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: ICG CONSTRUCTION BENCHMARK 66 HANDICAP- HEAT OF THE WAGGA STAYERS SERIES 2000m STAY TUNED (4) is a Paul and Martha Cave-trained gelding who makes his second visit to Wagga bearing in mind that he broke his maiden here almost 12 months to the day. Fast forward to now and the son of Prized Icon is off a closing second to Hooligan Tommy at Kembla. Ready for 2000m. AVONVIEW (6) is as fit as any horse racing on the card. Well placed apart from the draw. Any upgrade from Heavy could also assist. DANDRUFF (2) will stay all day and is one for one on Heavy. Bet: Stay Tuned to win, Daily Double 1st Leg 4, 2nd Leg 1 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: RIVERINA CRANE SERVICES WAGGA WINTER SPRINT BENCHMARK 82 HANDICAP 1000m CONDOR (3) had his first 13 starts in Singapore, where he won twice and posted two placings. His last four starts are for Tim Fitzsimmons and are '1211'. That second by the way was at Bendigo by less than a neck. Big winner on the Heavy 9 at Mornington last time. Obviously Condor is flying, pardon the pun. MAJOR TIME (5) is a grand old campaigner from the Gratz Vella camp. He's got a good set of numbers across the board and as for each-way punters are concerned; he has won and placed at 34 of his 65 starts. Bet: Condor to win, exacta 3 to beat 5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: EASDOWNS ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1300m JUST LIKE TILDA (1) was just so impressive winning on debut at Kembla when $6.50 into $4.40. Won with a lot of authority on the day demonstrating a high degree of race-smarts and quality. Deanne Panya knows her well, so does the trainer of course and he's set her a task that while not a total slam dunk, looks pretty close to it. Bet: Just like Tilda to win, exacta 1 to beat 5. WAGGA BEST BET Race 7 No. 1: Just Like Tilda Created a big impression when winning at Kembla on debut. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 3: Condor Won 3 of 4 and runner-up at the other this preparation. Easy to like. VALUE Race 5 No. 4: Stay Tuned Boast some compelling provincial form. Fit and stays all day. QUADDIE Race 4: 1,2,3 Race 5: 4,6 Race 6: 3 Race 7: 1 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Blaike McDougall will have plenty of admirers to win today's TAB Jockeys Challenge

Mercury

2 days ago

• Mercury

Murwillumbah preview, tips: Ethan Ensby's Rainbow Lass chases hat-trick

In-form mare Rainbow Lass isn't just chasing a hat-trick of wins, she is on trial for a possible feature race target at next month's Grafton carnival. Following two solid wins over 1000m and 1200m on her home track at Casino, trainer Ethan Ensby feels to time is right to test Rainbow Lass over a longer distance in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1550m). 'She is going enormous at the moment,' said Ensby. 'She is obviously stepping up to the 1500m for the first time and being by Pariah, she probably isn't bred to get that far but at home, my partner rides her work and she is showing us she is that 1400m to a mile type. 'She sat three-wide working up the hill at Casino over the 1200 metres last start which is like running 1300 or 1400 metres. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'She does like a wet track so the Soft 7 will suit her. My only concerns are the weight, she carriers 58.5kg after Izzy's (Neale) claim, and the gate if she happens to blow the start like she has been known to do. 'If she gets out and into a good position, she should be very competitive. 'If she happens to win this race, I might aim her at the Grafton Guineas.' Ensby is looking forward to seeing Mahuika Maroi make her race debut in the Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (1200m). The three-year-old has been safely beaten in both her barrier trials but Ensby said things didn't go as he'd hoped on either occasion. 'When she trialled at the Gold Coast, it was supposed to be on the B Grass but they switched to polytrack which I wasn't very happy about. 'I didn't want to trial on the poly but with the weather the way it was, she had to go around and use it as a bit of a gallop and hope for the best. 'She wasn't put under any pressure that day. 'We then went to Grafton for her next trial and she slipped coming out of the gates on the wet track and tweaked a muscle hence while it's been a while until her first start. 'She finds a really nice race start off in and although the 1200 metres will be short of her best, I think she will run a nice race with the expectation she will be better for it.' Ensby has Shez Mysterious and Gold Puma in the Maiden Handicap (1550m) but is leaning towards splitting the pair and saving the later for either Port Macquarie or Lismore during the week. Shez Mysterious failed on her home track on May 30 but Ensby feels it is worth forgetting that run and judge her on her first two starts. The daughter of So You Think debuted with a fourth to Rainbow Lass on a Heavy 10 at Casino before coming from a conspicuous last when beaten just over a length in fourth place at Inverell on May 23. 'I think the heavy track and the quick back-up went against her last start. She just didn't handle it,' he said. 'I think it would pay to forgive her for that. 'I've given her a bit of time since then and the beauty of training at the farm is it allows me to put her out during the day. 'He first-up run at Casino was encouraging then second-up, she stood like a deer in the headlights in the barrier at Inverell and came out a clear last. 'She really closed of strongly though. 'I give her a really good chance with Ben Looker on board from barrier 1.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 6 No. 1: SAXINOUE Unbeaten second-up and steps up to a suitable trip. NEXT BEST Race 8 No. 11: LUCKY NEKO Led all-the-way last start and can go back-to-back. VALUE BET Race 4 No. 7: FEATHERTOP Handy effort after a wide run last start. Looking for the extra trip. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 5 Race 6: 1, 5 Race 7: 1, 3, 5 Race 8: 2, 11 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Hard to go past JETT NEWMAN in the TAB Jockey Challenge with her strong book of rides. INSIDE MAIL – MURWILLUMBAH RACE 1: MURWILLUMBAH CUP AUGUST 22 COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN HANDICAP 1200m HERALD ANGEL (2) settled midfield and worked home nicely between horses to finish a neck second behind the tough Diva's Reign on debut at Grafton. Will take benefit from the experience. GAVIN (3) finished a couple of close placings along with two fourths last campaign. MAHUIKA MAROI (4) is a first starter by Redwood. Wasn't pushed when third to Olivershare on an unsuitable synthetic track in her Gold Coast trial. Bred to get over further. Bet: Herald Angel to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: RACING MATES COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1010m NO RAGRETS (5) broke through with a big win from Barron at Ballina last start. Led and kicked away to win by nearly four lengths. Will take plenty of confidence out of that. ODETTE'S ORCHID (6) likes to lead or be right up on speed. Forced to settled near midfield when last on a Heavy 10 at Ballina first-up. Will be fitter for the run, appreciate a firmer track and can bounce back. HUMPHREE BEAR (2) missed the kick and was well back throughout first-up. Chance on Grafton win from Rainbow Lass. Bet: No Ragrets to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: TOPLINE THOROUGHBREDS MAIDEN PLATE 1010m SIGLO DE ORO (1) raced outside the leader and boxed on well for a two length fourth behind Make A Call when resuming over 1110m at Doomben. Back to 1010m and was beaten a nose at his only run at this trip. DARE TO LOVE (5) finished a half-length in front of Siglo De Oro when third in that Doomben race. Buffeted at start and worked early when seventh at Doomben last start. Will find this easier. MISS LINNY (7) will be better over further but can run well first-up. Bet: Siglo De Oro to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: TOOHEYS GRAFTON CUP PREVIEW BM 82 HANDICAP 2020m FEATHERTOP (7) ran handy races in his first two runs back at Doomben. Raced three-wide midfield when a two length seventh to Fiorsum Fred in a 1600m Highway at Scone on May 17. Up to 2000m now. Stablemate FULL OF SINCERITY (1) resumed with a good win at Ballina before a long neck third at Ipswich. Just behind the placegetters over 2200m in two runs since. Gets a 2kg claim. SHERRIFF CODY (6) jumps up to 2020m and has placed in four from six at the trip. Bet: Feathertop each-way ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: XXXX GINGER MAIDEN HANDICAP 1550m SILENT CALL (2) had his chance when a neck second at Benalla over 1600m in February. Resumed for a new stable with a closing fifth at Doomben over 1200m. Step up in trip suits. ALMALIKAT SARAH (5) has improved with each run. Came from well back when fifth at Grafton on debut. Led when second at Beaudesert six week later then just caught by Rick For Reward at Ballina last start. CASTERLY ROCK (3) was held up on the home turn when third to Jillaroo at Doomben last start. Bet: Silent Call to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: BRIMS CONCRETE & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1550m SAXINOUE (1) settled well back before closing off nicely despite finishing seventh when resuming over 1200m at Grafton. Jumps up to 1550m. He is unbeaten second-up including a win here on his home track. ALL ABOUT ARTIE (5) has had a long campaign which started with a win at Ipswich in January and he continues to race well. Was a three-quarter length third at Warwick two starts back before a half-length second to Monastery at Ballina. BETTER YET (4) drop sin grade from his win and fourth at Ipswich at his past two starts. Bet: Saxinoue to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: RIVERVIEW HOTEL BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1550m INSINUATE (3) recorded her maiden win over this track and distance in February. After a couple of unplaced Eagle Farm runs, dropped back to country grade with a big win at Casino followed by a third last start both over 1400m. RAINBOW LASS (5) was just pipped at Ballina before winning her next two starts nicely at Casino over 1000m and 1200m. Up to 1550m for the first time which is a query but her dam won up to 1600m so worth a try. CAPITAL BOSS (1) has claims on his Gold Coast two starts back. Bet: Insinuate to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1200m LUCKY NEKO (11) was caught three-wide without cover when fifth to Ultimate Say at Grafton first-up. Jumped straight to the front and scored by over a length from Rock The Machine over 1400m at Casino last start. Drops back to 1200m but drawn well and gets a 2kg claim again. FLAME TREE STAR (3) resumes here and has placed in both first-up runs. Was beaten a short half head by Neil over 1100m fresh up last time in. SUPERZOOM (6) had a tough run at Warwick last start and has been freshened. Is a winner this track and distance. Bet: Lucky Neko to win

Courier-Mail

11-06-2025

• Courier-Mail

Gosford, Ballina previews: Golden Smile seeks redemption

Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Imported mare Golden Smile faced a stiff challenge when she stepped up to city company last start but trainer Kris Lees looks to have found an ideal race back in provincial company Golden Smile placed in her first three starts this campaign before breaking through with a big all-the-way win in a Newcastle Maiden on a Heavy 10 over 1890m before stepping up to a Benchmark 64 on the Kensington 11 days later when fifth to Rotagilla over 1800m. 'She was very good in winning but the wet track may have aided her,' said Lees. 'It was a big jump going to town last start and coming back a little in distance could have been detrimental to her. 'Going up to 2100 metres this week looks a nice option for her. 'She is still going to get a winter track this week and she seems to be in good order.' The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! The daughter of Sea The Stars drops back to a Class 1 and Maiden Plate and steps up to 2100m. 'This looks a nice race for her. A bit of a gap between runs may suit her as well being a European-bred mare,' he said. Lightly-raced three-year-old Hawker Hall kicked off his campaign with a three-and-a-half length win over 900m on his home track on April 23 and wasn't seen on raceday again until May 26 when fifth to Prima Bella on a Heavy 10 over the same track and distance. He steps up to 1100m this week in the Class 1 Handicap with Jason Collett back on board. 'We wanted to find the right track and run him at home again,' Lees said. 'The other day, it might have just been a bit too heavy for him. 'He's a big, heavy horse and he does like a bit of cut in the ground but not really testing like it was. 'It was just a bit waterlogged that track and made a bit of hard work for him. 'He might be better suited now getting out over just a little bit further to get a more controlled run (in front).' Lees has been pleased with the form of Surreal I Am in Queensland this preparation where he has won two of his three starts and feels he deserves a chance back in New South Wales. The gelding lines up in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) where he will make his presence felt. 'His two wins on the Sunshine Coast were on the polytrack but that said, I can't fault him at home,' he said. 'He will be a place chance.' Joining him in that race is Oakfield Mamselle who is resuming from a spell. While she has a win and a second from three first-up runs, Lees feels she will be improved by this run. 'She seems to be coming up well. Her trials were only fair but her work since has been pleasing,' he said. Lees' other runner for the meeting is Enchanted World in the opening race, the 2&3YO Maiden Handicap (1100m). The daughter of Ardrossan debuted on her home track on May 26 where she settled last and came between runners in the straight to finish a three-and-a-quarter length second behind Pratt. 'She was okay on debut and will appreciate stepping up a little in trip,' said Lees. Lees also has Denuto and Irish Thunder running at Ballina and feels they will be competitive in their respective assignments. 'Denuto hasn't been far away and is close to getting a result. Hopefully he can break through,' he said. 'Irish Thunder ran well first-up. He just got hampered a little. 'He has improved from that and should run well.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The week started well for trainer Scott Henley when stable star Volcanic Love trialled stylishly at Grafton and he hopes it can end on a high note with a winning double. Henley was pleased when the meeting originally set for Lismore was moved to Ballina when his promising filly Confederate Lady races so well. The three-year-old had her first three starts at the track where she recorded an impressive maiden win over 1012m at just her second career start and placed in her other two runs at the venue. 'I'm definitely not disappointed they moved the meeting to Ballina. She loves the joint,' said Henley. Since resuming with a close third in a Class 1 on a Heavy 10 at Ballina on April 8, Confederate Lady has finished third behind the promising Seymour Stars at Port Macquarie and an unlucky fourth to Takemine at Inverell. 'She was just a gallop short going into that run because we'd had plenty of rain up here and couldn't get her tied right down. 'Then she ran into a good horse at Port Macquarie. 'Last start she got back further than we expected and was a bit stiff. The daughter of Supido is out to add to her record when she steps out in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m) where she has drawn barrier 15 although she will come in after scratchings. 'I had her in a couple of Class 1 races that were washed out and the only available race at the next meeting has been a Benchmark 58,' he said. 'Each time in those Class 1s, to my way of thinking, she was a good thing. 'In the (benchmark) 58s, we go from a good thing to just a chance. 'From a wide gate this week, she is just a good chance with luck in running.' Henley has been pleased with the two runs of former Victorian three-year-old Zouandme and gives him a good chance in the Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1000m). The gelding raced on a hot speed when seventh at Grafton first-up before being beaten just over a length when sixth at Inverell. 'He has those two runs,' he said. 'He was big in condition first-up and had a good blow after the race. 'He improved a fair bit off that going into the race at Inverell and has come on nicely since then. 'The only reservation I have is the very heavy track.'