Following an unlucky first up run this preparation, HOLLYWOOD NORTH returned to the winners circle with a well judged ride by Jason Collett in the 1,400 metres Benchmark 72 on the Kensington track at the Friday twilight meeting. The 4 year old son of Vancouver drew well but drifted back to worse than midfield. He travelled nicely and upon turning for the run home the pair encountered a “wall” of horses with Jason needing to change course twice in the straight to secure a run and with less than 100 metres to go, the gelding surged to the line late for a good win in the end. HOLLYWOOD NORTH appeared to appreciate how the race panned out allowing him to settle in the field and then produce a strong, sharp sprint over the concluding stages of the race winning in determined fashion.
On the Gold Coast on Saturday, Robbie Fradd ensured 4 year old mare SHAKAKHAN won again having broken her maiden when resuming from a spell 2 starts back. After allowing the mare to balance in the run, Robbie began to improve before the turn in the 1,350 metres benchmark 68 and once balanced SHAKAKHAN came widest of all continuing to build to the line overpowering the leaders and taking control of the race with less than 100 metres to run. The jockey reported that the last furlong of the race was her best and now the winner of 2 of her last 3 runs, we are looking forward to SHAKAKHAN performing well consistently on the track and fulfilling her early exposed talent.
Congratulations to the winning HOLLYWOOD NORTH owners Francis Kennedy, Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Boeara Holdings (Manager: Denise Dunphy), McLeish Family Racing (Manager: David McLeish), Felgate Holdings (Manager: Paul Felgate), Peter Aukstinaitis, CGO Racing.
Congratulations to the winning SHAKAKHAN owners Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, David Wynne, Felgate Holdings (Manager: Paul Felgate), Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Oliver Enriquez, Boeara Holdings (Manager: Denise Dunphy), Rachelle Lanham, Paul Lanham, Sandra Paine, Nielma Grant-Taylor, Appleroth Family (Val Appleroth), Wayne Haylen, Terry Hodgson.
