John Schell
The winning run of trainer Nathan Doyle looks poised to continue at Hawkesbury on Thursday with the Newcastle horseman having three strong chances engaged to start.
Doyle won the Hawkesbury Cup two Saturdayโs ago with Churchillโs Choice and that galloper with contest Fridayโs Scone Cup, while another of his recent winners, Just Response, goes around at Saturdayโs standalone Scone meeting.
The trainer will first attempt to begin the race career of Slander with a win when it contests the ARG Building Services 2YO Maiden Plate (1100m) at Hawkesbury with Ashley Morgan in the saddle.
โHeโs a nice colt by Portland Sky and has looked good winning both of his trials,โ said Doyle.
โAshley [Morgan] has been on him in each of the trials at Gosford and Wyong and he sticks with him at Hawkesbury, so everything is pointing towards a good showing.โ
The consistent Into Brooklyn will line up in the Griffo Cup F&M Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m) with apprentice Liberty Smyth taking the ride.
โSheโs only missed a place once from eight starts,โ Doyle said.
โShe raced on the speed and fought on strongly to score a win at Gosford two starts ago and then ran well again when a last start second at Wyong.
โLibertyโs three-kilogram claim will assist her, and sheโs drawn well so should get every chance again.โ
Doyleโs final runner of the day at Hawkesbury will be former Godolphin galloper Myriad, which will be partnered by Lee Magorrian in the Hudson Trade Centre Mitre 10 C,G&E Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m).
โHeโs a nice horse by Frosted and has only had the four starts for me since he was purchased from Godolphin,โ said Doyle.
โWe managed to win first-up with him at Port Macquarie and then he ran well for a fourth at Wyong before winning again at Scone.
โHe had a spell after that and had a trial before hitting the line well when resuming with a sixth at Wyong the other day.
โHe stays at the 1100m and has had a couple of weeks between runs so he looks suited.โ
