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Mighty effort from Radley

3 minute read

John Blacker is predicting a bright future for lightly raced 3YO Lontano after he broke through for his first win in the 1200m maiden in Launceston on Wednesday night.

Lontano put the writing on the wall with a strong effort at his second race start on 29 March when he was trapped wide throughout and finished a close fourth.

A drifter in the market with huge support for Geegeehailstorm ($2.70 – $1.40), Lontano started at $9.50 after opening $3.30.

"I just thought the tricky gate (seven) would be a bit of a concern. Our plan was to go forward, and he's improved in his trackwork, and I think he's a promising horse going forward," Blacker said.

"They ran their last 600 in 34.72, and that's not bad for a maiden horse."

Comeback jockey Kasi Boxall gave her mount Geegee Strawberry ($7.50) every chance. The filly just found the winner too good, beaten 3/4 length in second place.

After success aboard Lontano, apprentice Jackson Radley returned with another winner when Mightymaxi proved too strong in the 2100m Maiden/Class 1.

Radley sat back when speed was injected into the race at the halfway mark, and that proved to be a winning move, with Maightymaxi ($11) overpowering Tosen Fame ($5) in the last 100m to win drawing away.

"I've had a few rides on this horse now, and you just need to keep building momentum on him, and when Liam (Riordan) put his foot down at the 1000m, I was pretty confident that I could get there," Radley said.

Tasmanian apprentices remain in the spotlight, with Devonport-based apprentice Chloe Wells heading to Darwin on Friday to represent Tasmania in the fourth round of the National Apprentice Race Series.

Riordan back a winner

Popular fly-in jockey Liam Riordan quickly returned to the winner's circle when he kicked home Geegees Misty ($6.50) for Team Wells in the 1200m 0-60 Hcp.

A regular visitor to the state over the Summer Festival, Riordan settled the 4YO mare just off the pace and once into the clear, she rounded up the well-backed favourite Mr Freeze ($2.90 – $2.15).

"She has shown more ability than a 0-60 that's for sure and we didn't get the best out of her last prep, but we put her out and she spelled really well.

"The race was run to suit, and when things go her way, she's going to be hard to beat in whatever she runs in," co-trainer Trent Wells said.

Leaders keep on leading

Premiership leaders Glenn Stevenson and Anthony Darmanin combined with Lord Whitegate to take out the BM60 (1400m) with a perfect ride from 'Darma' who had the 6YO perfectly poised on the speed.

"He's been a great horse for the owners. He runs those places and keeps getting a cheque, and he's been a good horse for them," Stevenson said.

"Darma put him in a good spot, it was a great ride and that won him the race."

At the finish, Lord Whitegate ($4.20) had a ½ length to spare from Weldborough ($15) who is close to a win, and Keeper's Touch ($41) was third.


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