Hawkesbury-based trainer Brad Widdup experienced a varied day at the recent standalone Saturday meeting held at his home track over the weekend. Now, he is eager to maintain the momentum as he sends a group of horses to compete at the opening of the Illawarra Grange racing surface today.
The Illawarra Grange circuit is situated within the main Kembla Grange racecourse and will host four runners from Widdup’s stable.
Widdup had a successful day at Hawkesbury last Saturday when Bella Khadijah claimed victory in the Midway. However, his short-priced favourite, Tenenbaum, did not meet expectations in the Clarendon Stakes. Earlier in the week, Widdup celebrated a winning double at Wyong.
“We’ve been doing reasonably well,” Widdup said. “I’m hoping for continued success on Tuesday at Illawarra Grange.”
Two of Widdup’s stablemates, Whoa Nellie and Satono Jasmine, will face off in the I98FM’s Feel Good Provincial Maiden Handicap (1300m). Whoa Nellie, ridden by Tyler Schiller, and Satono Jasmine, with Chad Schofield in the saddle, are both making their returns after breaks.
“Whoa Nellie is coming back from a spell and has had two strong recent trials,” Widdup explained. “She finished second in a race at Newcastle on the Beaumont in December, which was her second start. She had a trial at the end of December and then we gave her a break. This looks like a good race for her on Tuesday.
“Satono Jasmine is also resuming and has completed two trials to prepare for this race. She made her debut on the Beaumont but hasn’t yet reached her potential. She has room for improvement.”
Another horse in Widdup’s stable, Tequisoda, will make her first start of the season in the Brookvale Union Midway Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m), with Christian Reith as her rider.
“He’s a Pierro gelding with plenty of ability,” Widdup said. “He placed well at Wyong in his first start and then won convincingly at Hawkesbury. He ran strongly in his next two starts before taking a break after finishing ninth at Randwick in December. He’s had two recent trials and is ready to perform well.”
Reith will also ride Gladstone Grande in the Kennards Hire Benchmark 64 Handicap (1300m), marking the final entry for Widdup at Illawarra Grange.
Supplied by Racing NSW
