Latest News

By Ray Hickson

Remember that remarkably close five horse finish in a 2200m event at Warwick Farm on October 11?

Well, the rematch is on at the Farm on Wednesday.

Thewayweare, Ready For Success, Yeah Bravo, Sakhumzi and Wine Bush all return and take on three others in the McGrath Real Estate Agents ACT Handicap (2400m).

After doing all the work on the pace the bob of the head didn’t go the way of Ready For Success but trainer David Payne has the fingers crossed that the consistent stayer’s fortune can change.

“He was a little bit unlucky that day, he had to be used up from a bad draw,’’ Payne said.

“He did a lot of work going around the field and it was a very good effort. The luck hasn’t been with him, the bob of the head has been the other way. But that’s racing.’’

The four-year-old, bred by Gerry Harvey, has won just two of his 21 starts but has been runner-up in three of the five starts since his latest win back in August at Kembla Grange.

With James Innes Jnr claiming 2kg, Ready For Success meets Thewayweare that 2kg better for a 0.1 length defeat and he’s also on equal or better terms against the three others that were breathing down his neck two weeks ago.

“I was going to give him a spell but he keeps running well so I kept him in,’’ Payne said.

“He’ll go forward to be in the first couple again. He’s only been beaten a head here and there and things have been against him.’’

Later in the week Payne will debut a bargain buy filly called Heavenly Thunder, who is by the same sire as boom sprinter Vega Magic, at Canterbury on Friday night.

Payne paid just $5000 for the youngster at the Scone sale earlier this year and said she showed enough in her trial win to suggest that there’s a win or two in her down the track.

“She should improve off that trial and she looks a nice little filly,’’ he said.

“Why not give it a go in town, she’s a cheap horse and we’ve got nothing to lose.’’

The Big Black Machine (Ace High) all set for a day out at Randwick today. #NoPayneNoGain pic.twitter.com/eN5SIHgolY

— Mark Whiteman (@Speedway_Jock) October 20, 2017

Meanwhile, Payne said Spring Champion Stakes winner Ace High has come through his exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday in fine style as he marks time until the Victoria Derby on November 4.

Ace High galloped over 2000m with stablemate Blue Seal in 2:16.41 on a soft track with a last 600m in 35.17.

“I just wanted him to get the adrenaline pumping a bit because he’s fit,’’ he said.

“You could see he was hard held and was enjoying himself. He’ll have a good gallop next Tuesday, a real hard one, and he’s ready to rock and roll.’’

Check out the fields, form and replays for Warwick Farm on Wednesday