Andrew O’Toole

Courtesy of NT News

SYNCLINE, aided by an astute Jarrod Todd ride, came with a well-timed run to take out the Ladbrokes Blended Handicap, the feature event at Fannie Bay on Saturday.

The five-year-old son of Stratum, trained by Gary Clarke, settled at the rear over the 1200m as Vunivalu and Masterati set a hot pace up front.

Todd was niggling away at his mount approaching the home turn and made his run out in the centre of the track as the field turned for home.

Syncline had built good momentum and as the leaders capitulated, he was able to overhaul Pembroke Castle to win by 3/4 length, with Masterati holding on for third over a length away.

Syncline has now had eight starts in the Top End for four wins, two seconds and a third, with his stakes now standing at nearly $120,000.

Clarke and Toff were at it again when Robe De Fete proved too strong for his rivals in the Off The Track Lighting Series Handicap (1300m), beating stablemate Trebla by close on Three lengths.

And the dynamic duo made it three for the day when No Say In It came with a strong late burst to down Cowley’s Creek in the Sky racing Handicap (1600m)

Veteran trainer Norm Bracken went out in style in the best possible style when Bar Gem (rode by Jess Philpot), his last runner as a trainer, scored comfortably in the race named in his honour, the Congratulations Norm Bracken – A life in Racing Handicap (1200m).

A host of well-wishers congratulated Bracken, a former top jockey, as Philpot brought his pride and joy back at the head of the field after beating Overruled and Canton Kid.

Fromthenevernever (Tommy Logan/Sonja Wiseman) and Sweet Cheval (Jo Banks/Stan Tsaikos) also scored victories.