WAR WIN TOP SALES PITCH
NOBLE War continued the good run being experienced by horses from last year’s Darwin Turf Club Magic Millions Tried Horse Sale when scoring a convincing win in the 1200m Ladbrokes It Handicap on Saturday.
Trained by Tayarn Halter and with Paul Shiers in the saddle, Noble War trailed third in the run before making her move between leaders Northern Factor and Koa on the point of the home turn at Fannie Bay.
Although Northern Factor tried hard, Noble War always had her measure over the last 200m, and reached the line a length and a half clear, with Dream Weaver finishing on into third almost five lengths away.
Noble War’s win was the 10th for the 2021 Tried Horse Sale graduates, and their stake earnings now stand at $186,150.
The 10 horses have also amassed nine seconds, five thirds and four fourths, with plenty more in store.
The 2022 version of the sale will be held just prior to Darwin Cup weekend on July 28.
El Magnificence (Wayne Davis) helped pay for trainer Phil Cole’s holiday in Bali with a last-stride win in the 1100m Sky Racing Handicap. Cole, who won the Pioneer Sprint last Sunday in Alice Springs with Smuggling and also doubled up with Colhoun, is enjoying a few days “R and R” with wife Rhonda, and would have been delighted with El Magnificence’s tough effort to down favourite Ideas Man right on the line. Smartkap took third two lengths back.
The Cole team doubled up in the absence of the boss when Looking For You stole the last, the bet365 Racing Refunds Handicap over 1600m.
Davis was at his very best, rating his mount perfectly in front and then holding on gamely to win by a length and a half from Captain Hedderwick, who had every chance, with Yesugei the same margin away third.
Chris Nash, who was just denied a win with Ideas Man, went one better when Rich Feelings led throughout to win the 1100m Ladbrokes Split Multis Maiden Plate.
With Sonja Wiseman in the saddle, Rich Feelings began smartly and set up a good lead in the middle stages.
Even though shortening stride appreciably over the last 50m, she held on to score by three-quarters of a length from Pop Magic, with It’s Pins third over two lengths away.