SARKOZY SOLD TO WEST AUSTRALIA
Sarkozy, distinctive in his Canterbury racing last term with his bold white nose, has been sold out of the Mark Jones stable to race from the West Australian stables of Justin Prentice.
The 4YO McArdle-Oh So Precious gelding made useful progress through the grades winning three of seven starts last season, banking $13,709 for owners Frances and Max Bowden, and Max’s son Lyndon.
His last win was in a strong 3:17.4 for the stand start 2600m at Rangiora on May 8, running his last 800m in 57.9s to win comfortably.
He had been shaping well at the workouts for Mark this term before a suitable offer arrived on the table.
Ohoka Vermont, an unraced McArdle colt from Millwood Petrouchka, formerly owned by Katie Carville, has also been sold out of the stable to clients of Shane Graham’s stables in Brisbane.
He qualified as a 2YO over one mile at Ashburton in 2:04.3 in April before being spelled and had been good winning two workouts in recent weeks.
FORBURY FRIDAY DOUBLE
Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones brought up his 10th and 11th training wins for the season with a winning double at Forbury Park on Friday, November 4.
Mark had joint favourites _ Supreme Gem and Western Flare _ in the 3-6 wins Bidvest Foodservice Discretionary Pace, but after the former was always travelling like the winner after making a great beginning at her first stand start.
Supreme Gem, well rated in front, dashed away at the 400m and kept going to score easily by 1 1/4 lengths from Indrah, Maddison Renee (trail) and Lifes Decision.
Stablemate Western Gem was hemmed away three deep over the final lap and was unable to reel in the leaders with a marker run in the straight for Regan Todd.
Supreme Gem paced the 2700m in 3:31.6, quickening over her last 800m in 57.2s and final 400m in 27.6s.
Her dam Flying Sands notched of the first two of 11 career wins from 48 starts at Forbury Park when trained by the late Peter Cowan.
Supreme Gem, a daughter of top racehorse and sire Christian Cullen, took her record to four wins and two placings from 12 starts for $23,039 in stakes for owners Chatsworth Lodge Ltd, Mrs Pat Dowie, and John and Christine McDermott.
Awesome Prospect, having his third start for Mark, cleared out to win the 1-2 wins Mainline Electrical Mobile Pace at Forbury by 4 1/4 lengths.
The Live Or Die gelding appreciated an easier race after two strong efforts in Canterbury for Mark since transferring from Mark Smolenski’s barn.
Awesome Prospect, raced by Gore owner Pat Kubala under his Charlton Park Enterprises Ltd banner, had been solid since recording his previous win on the grass at Reefton in March.
He took his career record three wins and 10 placings from 32 starts for $22,123 in stakes on Friday.
Awesome Prospect, after being kept out of the early rush, was sent forward for the front mid-race, taking over from Sea Storm at the 1400m.
He maintained a strong clip over the final lap, pacing the mobile 2200m in 2:45.6 (2:01.1 mile rate), quickening over his last 800m in 57.6s and final 400m in 27.4s.
By Jeff Scott