Eureka stable extends hot run with another win
RACING: Eureka’s dazzling week of success extended to Burgess Park on Saturday when the Darling Downs stud was back in the winner’s circle with impressive debutant Zoom By.
Eureka’s memorable run began the previous Saturday when Boomsara carried its colours to victory in the Gold Coast Three-Year-Old Jewel.
That proved the fore-runner to the farm’s success at the 2018 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale where the progeny of its star sire Spirit Of Boom returned record-breaking figures.
Zoom By — by Eureka stallion Red Dazzler — opened her racing days for Eagle Farm trainer Liam Birchley with a popular all-the-way win in the Emmos Fine Foods Maiden Plate (1100m).
The $2.20 favourite was eased down on the post by Justin Stanley to down The Bumblebee ($7) by 43⁄4 lengths with Knuckle Up ($81) running home fairly to be a short neck back third.
Stanley — who made a successful trip to Alice Springs last weekend on the suggestion of former Toowoomba jockey and now successful Darwin rider Carl Spry — was taken with his first sit aboard Zoom By.
“It’s the first time I’ve been on her but Brad Stewart who rode her in a trial said she does everything right and hadn’t done a lot of work beforehand so he expected more improvement in her,” Stanley said.
“Matt Henderson from Liam’s stable also gave me a really good report on her this morning and she’s done it at both ends to win well.
“She’s got a lot to learn, but if she goes the right way she might win better races.”
Patience proved the key for Clifton harness racing identity Julie Weidemann when she made a return the thoroughbred winner’s list with Noble Billy ($4.40)
The lightly raced five-yearold followed up two promising third placings at Clifford Park to break through in the Wilson Bros Finance Maiden Handicap (1400m) at start number three.
After taking up a forward position for Ron Goltz, Noble Billy kicked clear on straightening to safely hold out Brazen Choice ($14) for a two-length win.
Piginarki ($4.4)) was doing its best work late to be a 11⁄4 lengths back third.
“I bred him myself out of mare Pennyquest who was a Toowoomba winner,” Weidemann said.
“He’s the only galloper I’ve got in work at the moment, but I’ve got another unbroken one related to him at home.”
Oakey trainer Peter Kings and jockey Nozi Tomizawa combined to floor short-price punters when Benico’s Prince ($4.80) arrived in the final strides to edge out $1.70 favourite Givus A Cuddle in the Haymans Electrical & Industrial Suppliers Laidley Cup (1600m).
Atouchmore ($6) was close up in third place.
■ TOOWOOMBA gallopers Mr Marbellouz and Amanaat edged closer to a possible start in next month’s Listed Weetwood Handicap at Clifford Park with crucial wins at Doomben on Saturday.