By Neil Evans
A leading metropolitan stable is eyeing off a perfect double strike at Monday’s feature Newcastle meeting on the Beaumont track.
The Rosehill-based Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou yard will take plenty of confidence into a maiden handicap for the fillies and mares, as well as a competitive benchmark 66 handicap to close the meeting.
Trainers Sterling Alexiou and Gerald Ryan.Credit: Getty
In one of the more intriguing battles on the program, a well-bred two-year-old filly makes her debut in a maiden dash over 1150m in a race likely to be dominated by Sydney raiders.
Just Easy is by four-time Group 1 champion Trapeze Artist, and out of the good Listed-winning mare Gai’s Choice.
She opens her career behind two recent metro trials, with connections content to keep their powder dry.
Sporting those renowned black and gold V colours of the Vieira family, Just Easy was held right back sitting wide out in the latest trial over 900m, but still brushed home impressively under a tight hold.
Either way the filly will certainly get a stern opening test.
Drawn right alongside her on the fence is rival debutant Better Than Ready two-year-old Firebolt from the Annabel Neasham stable, starting her career off two trials. While two spots further out, Headwater three-year-old Blue Thorpedo debuts for the Waterhouse-Bott yard behind three trials in May.
Then in the closing BM 66 sprint over 1350m, the Ryan-Alexiou yard saddles up progressive four-year-old mare Golden Gate fourth-up.
A first-up winner of the Jardel Cup at Tamworth a month ago, Golden Gate has run home well just behind the placegetters in consecutive BM 64 provincial races, but will relish a friendlier draw and a little drop in weight here.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
