Saturday started off on a great note for our purple and white stars as SELEQUE won at Doomben over 1,615 metres compliments of a driving finish from Ryan Maloney. The 5 year old daughter of Deep Field had drawn barrier 9 so Ryan took the mare back upon jumping to settle third last in a waiting position behind the race favourite. A strong tempo was set up front but Ryan and SELEQUE bided their time, travelling comfortably through the early stages. They got a nice lead into the race from the 600 metres mark and upon straightening Ryan was yet to ask the mare for a serious effort. Once he pulled SELEQUE wide in the run to the post, she let down strongly to win narrowly. Saturday’s victory was the mare’s 7th career win and her earnings are now in excess of $300,000. She continues to add to her CV and will be a worthwhile breeding proposition once the times comes…not just yet!

It was then the turn of KALINO to carry our Star silks first past the post with a win over 1,300 metres at Rosehill Gardens. The  4 year old son of Pierro was first up this preparation and began sharply from his barrier with Brett Prebble aboard to settle in fourth position with cover. He travelled well in this spot and began to work through his gears approaching the home turn. Once balanced in the straight, it was clear to those watching that KALINO was full of running and was just looking for clear galloping room. A gap closed in the early part of the straight but Brett didn’t panic and steered the gelding back to the inside, where he found space and was very strong late to have his head in front on the line. It was the 5th career win for the gelding and pushed his earnings over the $500,000 mark. KALINO looks set for a nice preparation through the Spring.

Congratulations to the winning SELEQUE owners Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Terri Johnston, Philip Ward, Katherine Ward, Susan Cameron, Margaret Roberts, Ashley Evans, Brent McCann, Leon Mugavin, Lindsay Caminiti, David Gray, Heather Wilson, Ray Aurisch, Boeara Holdings (Manager: Denise Dunphy).

Congratulations to the winning KALINO owners William Lovatt, Christine Lovatt, Emil Paya, Dennis McCann, Rebecca Grasso, Lion Racing Limited (Manager: Manoj Tahal), Ben Trim, Dean Mangold, Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Felgate Holdings (Manager: Paul Felgate), Boeara Holdings (Manager: Denise Dunphy), Mark Rapaport, Brad Russell.