Imaging real deal

Imaging (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) has won his way into the G1 Doncaster Mile with victory in the G2 Ajax S.at Rosehill.

The Chris Waller-trained import was unplaced in his Australian debut when he got into bother during the race, but things went more smoothly and he ran out a stylish winner.

"That's what he was supposed to do first-up, but things went wrong," winning jockey James McDonald said. "It just shows when a horse does get into a bit of a tussle, how much it takes it out of them.

"He dropped out last time, but he wasn't dropping out today. I think he'll be a huge chance in a Doncaster. He's the real deal. He's obviously in that right camp for the Randwick mile."

Plan richly rewarded

Excess Funds (Rubick) executed trainer Levi Kavanagh’s plan to perfection with success in the Inglis Dash at Caulfield.

Gelded after his spring preparation last year, Excess Funds returned from a spell with a win at Flemington last month before finishing fourth at The Valley in his lead-up race into Saturday's sales- 1100 metre sprint.

"It's not often that a plan comes off, but I targeted this race from a long way out and it worked out perfectly," Kavanagh said.

"Hugh (Bowman) rode him great. Big thanks to the team at home who have worked really hard to get here and it's a great boost to the stable.”

Star on wet ground

A wet track favoured Star Of The Seas (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) who duly obliged in the G3 Canadian Club Maurice McCarten S.

Group 1 placed in the G1 Epsom H. last preparation, Star Of The Seas was having his first start since his third in the $1 million The Gong in November.

Brisbane sprinter Zoustyle (Zoustar), pinched what looked a winning break on the field, but faltered in the straight and was found to have bled, incurring an automatic three-month ban from racing.

"He has an impeccable record on this sort of ground," successful rider James McDonald said. "It was short of his best but Chris and his team had him primed to be as ready as he can.

2YO boilover

Kisukano (Bel Esprit) caused upset the hot-pot Rothfire (Rothesay) to win the QTIS The Jewel 2-Year-Old.

The win was one of the happiest for trainer Michael Nolan, who won the 1999 G1 Doomben 10,000 with Lauries Lottery (Sir Laurence {NZ}).

He admitted while he had a big wrap on Kisukano, the reports on Rothfire had him worried.

"There was a lot of talk about Rothfire but not much about us. You don't come here expecting to win but she has done well," he said.

"We thought if we ran second so be it, but we gave her a chance. I train her for the Reeves family who have been great supporters of mine and a few mates from school are also in her so it is great."

Waller nervous

Champion trainer Chris Waller has major concerns about coronavirus and its effect on the Australian racing industry.

He admits he is concerned about the impact the virus could have on his staff and the knock-on effect on his horses.

"I'm very hesitant and cautious because I just can't afford for my staff to get ill," Waller said. "My staff and my management team are so crucial for our operation and for the well-being of the horses.

"We're very nervous, we're aware of how bad it is going to get."

Sydney beckons

River Night (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) may head to Sydney for the G2 Percy Sykes S. following her victory in the Listed Arrowfield Stud Redoute's Choice S. at Caulfield.

River Night had finished runner-up at her previous start and trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra have had a frustrating run of placings.

"It's a well-deserved win. It's good not to run second," Ellerton said. "She's done a really good job and I'm sure she's got a bit of improvement in her, just naturally and physically.”

Clipperton back

Sam Clipperton rode his first city win since returning from self-imposed spell, getting the best out of Zoffany's Lad (Zoffany {Ire}) to score at Rosehill.

After returning to Sydney from Hong Kong last year, Clipperton decided to take an extended break from the sport to spend time enjoying one of his other passions, surfing.

Clipperton re-joined the Sydney riding ranks earlier this year and said he was thrilled to break through with a win in Saturday's Iron Jack H.

"It's my first Saturday winner and first metropolitan winner since I've been back so I'm rapt," Clipperton said. "I'm feeling good. I really needed a break and I've got the love back for the game."

Gold Bracelet delivers

Improving filly Gold Bracelet (NZ) Pins) upstaged a high-class field in Saturday’s G2 Carfinance.co.nz Wellington Guineas at Trentham, delivering a third win in the race for Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard.

In contrast to Vespa (NZ) (Elusive City {USA}) and Scott Base (NZ) (Dalghar {Fr}), who were heavily favoured for their impressive victories in 2015 and 2018 respectively, this was a NZ$22 upset by a filly who came into the race well under the radar.

“We’ve won this race a couple of times before and know what it takes to win it. We were pretty confident coming into today,” Benner said.

Rider Lisa Allpress found a perfect position just behind a strong pace, then moved Gold Bracelet off the rail coming up to the home turn. The Otaki filly dashed to the lead 150 metres from home, then held out the late challenge of Levante (NZ) (Proisir) to win by a long neck.

Strong front-running effort

Tinkalicious (NZ) (Nadeem) was an unlucky third in the G3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle S. a year ago and she turned her fortunes around in style in Saturday’s edition.

She headed straight for the front and, after kicking clear 400 metres from home, she showed no signs of stopping for her maiden black type victory.

“She always put everything into it and she definitely deserved that. We’ve had a few problems with her feet, but she came right and over a mile she’s always there,” trainer Janelle Millar said.

Group 1 chance

Wicked Maiden (NZ) (Power {GB}) has earned herself a shot at a Group 1 feature with her Trentham victory.

The filly won for the second time in three starts when she comfortably held her 2-year-old rivals at bay in the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier.

Trainer John Bary said Wicked Maiden had now earned her spot in the G1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce S. at Awapuni on March 28.

Sergeant salutes

Sergeant Blast (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was given a fine ride in front by jockey Lisa Allpress and the 7-year-old responded to add the Listed Lincoln Farms New Zealand St Leger to his credit.

He was in unknown territory over the 2600 metres, but ran the trip out strongly to the delight of part-owner and trainer Sam Lennox.

“I had a feeling that the further he goes the better he would be and that’s proved it,” he said. “We this this as a target a while ago and it’s all worked out perfectly.”

Trentham specialist supreme

Trentham specialist Enzo’s Lad (Testa Rossa) produced another courageous performance at his favourite track when he won the Listed Te Akau Racing Lightning H.

The Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained 7-year-old had failed by the barest of margins to make it three consecutive wins in the G1 Telegraph back in January when denied by class mare Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in the 2020 edition of the event.

Despite sitting three-wide throughout on Enzo’s Lad, rider Jason Waddell got the best out of his mount in a driving finish.