Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Local trainer Brad Widdup is hoping to start the new Hawkesbury racing season in the same way he finished it when he saddles up three chances at the Clarendon course on Tuesday.
Widdup claimed another Hawkesbury trainers’ premiership last month at the final meeting of the season at the track and will kick-start his defence when Don’tcallmekathy lines up in the Country Music Raceday 5 September Class 1 Handicap (1500m) with Chad Schofield in the saddle.
Don’tcallmekathy broke her maiden at Bathurst at her sixth race start last October and resumed from a spell at her home track last month with a 10th behind subsequent Rosehill Saturday winner Funshow.
“She was well beaten in that event, but she’s had a trial since then and did what we wanted her to do in that, and she showed she is back on target,” Widdup said. “I expect her to run a much better race.”
Widdup is confident the promising Waerea can atone for a first-up narrow defeat at Wyong when he steps out in the Elite Sand & Soil Provincial Class 1 Handicap (1300m), with Schofield also taking the ride.
“He’s a nice son of Bivouac that is building a good record with a win and four second placings to his name from just the six starts,” Widdup said.
“He trialled well before he resumed at Wyong and he was only just beaten in that event by Condone.
“He’s come through that run in good order, and it will be good to see him go around again and
hopefully get back into winning form. He’s a progressive horse with a bright future.”
Widdup’s final runner on Tuesday will be Savabeel filly Latest Flame, which makes her debut in the De Bortoli Maiden Handicap (1100m) with Schofield in the saddle as well.
Latest Flame races in the Cambridge Stud colours carried by top Chris Waller-trained sprinter Joliestar.
“Latest Flame has had the two trials, and she’s shown us a bit at home,” Widdup said. “It will be good to see her get to the races and show us what she can do.”
