3 minute read

Coliseo has upstaged local horse Devised to take out the listed $140,000 Wagga Wagga Cup (2000m) by the barest of margins.

The Norm Gardner-trained runner has not been seen since running fourth in the Listed Manion Cup almost six weeks ago and showed fitness was no issue, producing a big run down the straight from the back of the field.

Cosmic Fury led them up until the turn where favourite Rain Drum took over proceedings, striding out to a 3L lead at one stage.

Rain Drum was eventually swamped late by Coliseo and Devised along with eventual fourth placegetter Southern Shimmer with Coliseo just edging out the local galloper in the last stride.

Jockey Jeff Penza described the win as a career highlight and gave plenty of credit to trainer Norm Gardner and the way he has handled the horse.

“We copped a bit of a bump at the top of the straight but Norm has got his horse firing,” said Penza.

“He brought him back from the 2400m to the 2000m he knew he had to freshen him up, he drops a bit but when you give him a dig and he is ready to go and you just point and shoot up the straight.

“I looked up mid-race and they were stretched out and wide apart and I though we were going to get a nice run through here and the speed was on and they came back to us.

“He just go his head down but I wasn't sure on the line and I was so happy to see the number come up.”