By John Schell
Kim Waugh will make the trip from Wyong to Newcastle on Tuesday with a number of leading chances set to run well at the provincial meeting.
The resuming Estephania will represent Waugh in the Horsepower Feeds & Supplements Midway Class 1 Handicap (900m) with Jay Ford to ride.
Kim Waugh.Credit: Getty Images
“She’s a talented mare that won her first start in a race at Gosford in October of 2023,” said Waugh. “She had another run at Wyong after that and then went for a long break.
“She had a couple of trials last year then went for another break and has had three solid trials leading into this return to racing. She’s been going well and is ready to run well.”
Ford and Waugh will also combine when Matete runs in The Advisor Collective Provincial Maiden Handicap (1300m).
Matete hit the line well for a fourth at Gosford when resuming from a spell and followed that up with a last-start fifth at Wyong.
“He’s a well-bred galloper that has shown talent and can show up on Tuesday,” said Waugh. “His first-up run was good and I’m expecting a good run at Newcastle.”
Mizella will be ridden by Ford for Waugh in the A-Plus Contracting & Poly Welding Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1600m).
“She’s a good filly with three wins from 11 starts,” said Waugh. “She hit the line well when placed at Newcastle when resuming and while she was down the track last time out, she’ll find this easier.”
Waugh rounds out the day when Ceasefire contests the Sharp Office Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) with Ford also in the saddle.
Ceasefire has finished third in each of his latest two runs at Gosford and Wyong and has a wide draw to overcome on Tuesday.
“He’s racing well and only needs to run up to what he’s been showing of late to be a good hope,” said Waugh.
Meanwhile, local trainer Kris Lees will combine with Benjamin Osmond with a couple of chances at Newcastle when Namara races against Matete, and First Person lines up against Ceasefire. Lees said he expects both gallopers to race well.
