Two year olds on show at Nutrien Equine Series Heats at Wagga

It was the two and three year olds pacers turn for the Nutrien Series at Wagga on Friday where Heats and a Prelude were staged.

The first event the Yirribee Stud Heat for two year old colts and geldings attracted a cracking field with six winners tackling each other.

The first heat saw a huge upset when first starter Smack Bang Bart (Rock N Roll Heaven) turned in an outstanding effort to defeat his more fancied rivals.

SMACK BANG BART 22 MAY REPLAY

Driver Jack Barton drove up early but was caught racing outside the leader when firstly Bettorbust and then odd on favourite Cardigan Jem took up the running.

Cardigan Jem was well rated in front by Mark Pitt and after doing some work early was able to run a relaxed 29.7 seconds for the second quarter. He seemingly had the others off the bit as he quickened on the final bend but Smack Bang Bart refused to give in. Brooklyn Jem was still in front down the straight but he was shortening stride and Smack Bang Bart finished the better to win by just under three metres from Brooklyn Gem with Rogue Bandit who had the run of the race plugging on for third.

Part owned by trainer Courtney Barton Smack Bang Bart was bred by Benstud Standardbreds and his dam Perfect Art was a very capable mare winning 14 races with a  best time of 1.58.2. She’s been a great broodmare with all of her seven progeny to make it to the races having all won including Bodhi Tree, Arts Treasure and the million dollar pacer Expensive Ego.

The race was extra special for Courtney Barton who celebrated her first win as a trainer and son Jack who piloted the winner it was also his first success at just his third drive.

Outside of the winner the eye catching run were those of Tuapeka Gold and Electocute who both rattled home to finish fourth and fifth respectively coming from well back. Their presence in the Final will add depth to what will be a strong event.

GOCCIADORO 22 MAY REPLAY

The second heat sponsored by Woodlands Stud was won by Gocciadoro (Downbytheseaside) who finished too strongly to upset the previously unbeaten Intemperance with Disturbance rattling home for an eye catching third after being well back.

At his last start Gocciadoro was clearly beaten by Intemperance at Wagga and prior to that finished a credible runner up in the Bathurst Gold Crown Final so his win was well deserved.

Gocciadoro showed plenty of early speed to take up the running from out wide but driver Nathan Jack gave away the lead when Intemperance moved up alongside him. Intemperance who was a short priced favourite looked to be coasting in front but Gocciadoro who was trailing pulled out turning for home and he quickly moved clear to record an impressive win over Intemperance by just two metres. He ran 1.53.7 for the trip which was only marginally slower than when Smack Bang Bart who 1.53.5.

Gocciadoro is part owned by prominent identity Mick Boots and he is yet another progeny bred by Success Stud.

Disturbance who flew home for third looked very good the way he finished and with a decent run he’s in with a definite chance in the Final.

There was just one prelude for the Alabar Farms fillies and the in form She’s A Delaney (Captain Crunch) proved too strong by leading all the way. As expected driver Anthony Frisby made full advantage from her pole draw to easily the lead and the former Pink Bonnet Mile winner was never really going to be seriously troubled in the run.

SHES A DELANEY 22 MAY REPLAY

First starter Kahula who was heavily backed into favouritism had the disadvantage of a second row draw and on settling down only had two runners behind her. She’s A Delaney ran a comfortable 29.6 seconds for her second quarter and she was obviously the one to beat. Kahula issued her run along the back straight but she was giving the leaders too much of a start.

However she was sprinting home at the end to finish eight metres behind She’s A Delaney while Decoupage battled on for third after having a reasonable run.

The barrier draw will be vital for both two year old Finals on Saturday 30 June which are worth $200,000 each.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink