Next NSW Race

Latest News

Trainer's 'Whirlwind' Plan To Win Country Championships

By Geoff Newling

Whirlwind Ascent begins his tilt at the Country Championships when the Muswellbrook gelding runs in Friday’s $20,000 Country Championships Preview Class 4 Handicap (1300m) at Scone.

The Mark Schmetzer trained four-year-old is the lone Muswellbrook entrant for a race that the Muswellbrook trainer is hoping will be a launching pad to the Sunday, March 5 Country Championships Qualifier at Scone.

“That’s the plan,” Mark Schmetzer said. “It’s been the goal since his owner bought him.”

Sydneysider Doug Mullins bought the lightly raced four-year-old gelding specifically to race in the Country Championships and gave him to Mark to train. He had won his maiden at Mudgee for then trainer, former Muswellbrook horseman Mack Griffith, but has had five runs now for Mark, winning one and finishing an unlucky third at Canterbury.

“He was unlucky there too,” Mark said of a half length third. “Unlucky not to win. He’s still doing a bit wrong too, still immature. Once the penny drops, though, he will be a nice horse. “

Mark tested success with him at Tamworth before his third to Sunny Fame at Canterbury in his last preparation. After a three-month spell he trialled at Newcastle and then ran a 5.8 length eighth to Dubai Sights at Port Macquarie on February 3.

“You can forget that run,” Mark said. “He can only improve.”

That Whirlwind Ascent has had just the eight starts means he might be able to have a double dip at the Country Championships.

“Whether this year or next, or both,” Mark added. “Be good to have a crack at both. The track at Scone is going to suit him too.”

Mark Schmetzer prepares him at Muswellbrook and was in busy mode earlier today as he prepared to run last start Tamworth winner, Dormeuse, at this afternoon’s Cessnock meeting.

Dormeuse jumps from barrier 6 in today’s Vintage Cessnock Motor Inn Class 2 Handicap (1700m) with Terry Green aboard. Green rode the six-year-old chestnut son of Niello when a half neck winner at Tamworth on January 27.

“Be interesting to see how he goes,” Mark added. “Should go all right but it’s his first time over the trip. He’s been over-racing.”

View the weights, form and race replays for Scone here

The Latest Racing News

Looming PB Has Jean Hungry To Step Into The Limelight

By Ray Hickson He’s staring down a career best winning haul for the season but jockey Jean Van Overmeire says ...
Read More

Stables Report To Stewards - Narrandera (Sunday) / Warren (Tuesday)

Please note the following: NARRANDERA (Sunday 13th July) Race 2, No.13 (em) - KOOBA LAD: The Nadine Cameron stable advised ...
Read More

John Schell's Tips For Scone (Friday)

By John Schell Selections based on a Soft (5) track. Rail is in the TRUE position. Race 1 - 12:30PM ...
Read More

Collett Hoping Experience Makes Crossbow A Straight Shooter

By Ray Hickson Jason Collett can confidently say he’ll be riding a better version of Crossbow at Randwick on Saturday ...
Read More

Eagle Ambitions In Back Of Mind For Baker's Emerging Puntin

By Ray Hickson It might be the stuff of dreams at the moment but there’s 10 million reasons for the ...
Read More
Loading...
Racing NSW Apps
View
Mobile Version
Contact
Forms
Information
Industry Links