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Brad Widdup clinched a career milestone 200 winners at Gosford today – and quickly set about chasing a triple century.
Hawkesbury's leading trainer racked up a double century when Hayami ($4) landed the Provincial & Country Maiden Handicap (1200m), and two races later $31 shot Brave Boy led home an all-roughies' finish to the Maiden Plate (1900m).
Talented apprentice Tom Sherry rode both three-year-olds; Hayami being a Dissident filly and Brave Boy a Sebring colt.
Widdup wasn't on course, but watched both races from the Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast.
And it's good news on that front also. "I've picked up five youngsters, so it's been a good sale, especially as I struggled to get a horse here 12 months ago," he said this evening.
Whilst Widdup expected Hayami to run well, he was pleasantly surprised with the odds bet about Brave Boy.
"Hayami has been very consistent, and you had to forget her unplaced run at Warwick Farm at her previous start when she missed the kick," he said.
"Tom never let the favorite get away from her, and she was too strong at the end.
A $100,000 yearling purchase, Hayami, sporting winkers for the first time, outgunned $1.45 favorite Miss Tambo, with $101 outsider Bracewell third.
Brave Boy was at decidedly bigger odds than his stablemate, but it didn't stop him also breaking through at his sixth start.
"I can't believe he started at that price," Widdup said of Brave Boy's $31 SP ($41 was offered).
"I gave him a good chance as he was checked in the straight at Gosford at his last run on New Year's Eve when seventh, and should have finished in the top three."
RacingNSW stewards reported Brave Boy that day in a 1600m Maiden had to be checked near the 200m to avoid the heels of Balmain Tiger, which shifted out abruptly.
Breeder-owner John Cordina offered the colt as a yearling, but kept him when he was passed in at $14,000 and just failed to reach his reserve.
"John has been a good supporter of our stable, and it was gratifying to get a win with this horse for him," Widdup said.
"Brave Boy went to 1900m today and I think he might handle further as he relaxes so well in his races."
In a bolters' result, Brave Boy beat GerardJoseph ($21) and another $31 chance Monfelicity.
Widdup's Gosford double lifted his season's tally to 27, and the number of Hawkesbury winners overall so far this season to 77.
. He has a representative at tomorrow's Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast, with Vulpine (Ryan Wiggins) lining up in the $1m MM Fillies & Mares (1300m).
A six-times winner who relishes wet ground, Vulpine's chances would be enhanced with any overnight rain.
