Trainer Ella Clarke became a mother for the first time under a fortnight ago and brought daughter Mika May to Fannie Bay on Saturday as she returned to the races.
The new mum hasn’t missed a beat though and was immediately back in the winner’s enclosure when Hotim English scored impressively in the Sky Racing Handicap.
With Jarrod Todd on board over the 1200m, Hotim English, who was having his first start since February 21, trailed the leaders Canada Bay and Dancer For Money before improving out around runners making the Silks turn.
He was soon in front then dashed away to win by 2 3/4 lengths from Sabor, who did well for second after he had lost two shoes, with Astern Magic next a head away.
It was good training by Clarke to have Hotim English primed for a first-up win, and the five-year-old son of Star Turn had a bit up his sleeve.
The lightly raced gelding has had three wins and five placings from 11 starts, and several of his owners, including David and Jodie Waters and Brooke Prince, were on hand for the victory.
Not to be outdone, Clarkes father, Gary, sent out four runners in the Sportsbet Handicap (1100m) and bagged the quinella courtesy of Boldhino and Flying Annie.
Boldhino raced at the rear of the six-horse field before being asked to improve at about the 600m. His stablemates, Flying Annie, Pharoah Magic and Filed Of Flutes, led the field, with Oakland Raider and Sunzou next.
Flying Annie still had plenty to offer and was challenged by Sunzou, but with 125m to run, Boldhino, with the steadier of 62.5kg, joined the pair and proved the stronger, going on to score by a length from Flying Annie with Sunzou completing a nice race for third, 3/4 of a length away.
Boldhino has won his past three starts and is arguably the most in form horse in the Top End. He has won 10 races in a 38 start career, with six seconds, two thirds and stake earnings of $503,587.
Clarke was not on-course for the fixture, but stable foreman Sharlene Clarke said: “He’ll probably have one more run before a break. He can carry weight as he’s a solidly built bloke and a really good doer.”
Orion The Hunter, who had been promising to win a race, justified good support when he scored in the TAB Handicap (1300m).
Trained by Jason Manning and with Vanessa Arnott in the saddle, Orion The Hunter settled third in the run as hot favourite Mr Marrakech set the pace, pursued by Beau Factor.
It was obvious soon after turning for home that Mr Marrakech was in trouble, and with about 250m to run, Beau Factor and then Orion The Hunter swept on by, with the latter going on for a two and a quarter length win. Beau Factor took second, with Mr Marrakech a weakening third two lengths away.
Orion The Hunter had finished fourth, third and second at his previous three starts and a win was no more than his due. He has won six times in 25 starts and with his four placings, took his stake earnings to just over $137,000.
Vieri, aided by a lovely Sonja Logan ride, won his second race at his 12th attempt when proving far too good in the Ladbrokes Big Bets Handicap (1300m).
A million-dollar-plus yearling, now in the stable of Chris Nash, Vieri trailed the leaders Style And Grace and Buades from the outset and was on the scene to challenge between runners rounding the home turn.
He dashed clear in a matter of strides and was not for the catching, reaching the line 3 1/2 lengths clear of Carat Time, who tried hard, and Mighty Zou, who was an eye catching third just a head away.
The attractive son of Russian Revolution looks to be improving as he gets older and with two wins, three seconds and three thirds from his dozen starts, Vieri has earnings of just over $54,000.
Snappy Sweetheart, after looking unlikely to win for the length of the home straight in the BTC Construction Melbourne Cup Day on Sale Trobis Plate, was lifted off the canvas by Wayne Davis to score a long head victory.
The only winner in the field up against six maidens, Snappy Sweetheart sat outside leader Patyep and appeared to be labouring with 300m still to run.
But she refused to be denied and even after stablemate Mlinzi appeared the likely winner down the outside, the daughter of Zousain kept finding to get in the deciding stride. Patyep was just a short head away third, with Achacha and Jeulene close up next.
Snappy Sweetheart was trained by Phil Cole, who along with his wife, Rhonda, was enjoying a European holiday at present.
Story Courtesy of Andrew O’Toole