New Zealand import SKYLON (NZ) benefitted from a change in tactics with a plan to have him ridden in a more forward position and this resulted in a determined win yesterday at Ipswich for the gelding over the 2,180 metres trip. The son of Niagara jumped with the intention to lead, but others contested the pole position so jockey Jake Bayliss instead opted to settle third on the fence, getting the run of the race. SKYLON (NZ) travelled strongly throughout and once the split came between the leading pair at the bend, he let down well and was tenacious to the line with his light weight of 53kgs. Jake was complimentary post race and the instruction to be more forward this time was a winning move by the stable.

Three year old Astern filly ADMONISH was first up this preparation in the 1,200 metres event and the closing stages were a nervous watch for spectators when it looked like she might not get a run but fortunately racing luck was in her favour. The filly began fairly and jockey Mark Du Plessis let her find her feet settling three back on the fence with a hot speed being set up front. ADMONISH travelled beautifully and looked to be full of running turning for home but had nowhere to go for the majority of the straight. Fortunately a gap opened at the 150 metres mark and ADMONISH accelerated bravely to put the field away for a brilliant win. She is now 2 from 2 and looks to have a bright future.

The double at Ipswich was a brilliant result for Star connections and leads well into an exciting weekend for our purple and white stars. ESPIONA will line up in Saturday’s $20 million TAB Everest, racing in the Chris Waller Racing slot. Fortunately she drew a perfect gate at Tuesday night’s barrier draw…she will jump from barrier 3 with Hugh Bowman to ride. Good luck to all of her owners.

Congratulations to the winning SKYLON (NZ) owners Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, Les Polglase, John Ferreira, Hon. Wayne Haylen Q.C., Heather Wilson, David Grasso, McLeish Family Racing (Manager: David McLeish).

Congratulations to the winning ADMONISH owners Rebecca Grasso, Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Oliver Enriquez, Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, D & K O’Brien Racing (Manager: David O’Brien), Boeara Holdings (Manager: Denise Dunphy), Gabriele Moretti, Tony Cottam, Vincent Ip, Jennifer Breen, Terri Johnston, Robert Castle, Hon. Wayne Haylen Q.C.