Wagga preview: Trainer Gary Colvin is confident in Southern Dancer's potential as she looks to overcome unlucky streak
Southern Dancer may only have one win to her name but trainer Gary Colvin is adamant her record should read much better.
The three-year-old claimed a maiden win over 1175m at just her second start and has been placed in five of her next 11 starts.
The latest of those placings was over 2050m at Wodonga 12 days ago when third to First Day when luck wasn't her friend.
' Southern Dancer is probably one of the unluckiest horses I've ever had,' said Colvin.
'She has had a lot of bad draws and no luck in a number of races.
'We went to Wodonga last start and she just got held up at a vital stage.
'With a 200m straight, it was too late when she got out but she hit the line full of running.
'Hopefully all the bad luck is behind her now.'
Punters get the cash! ðŸ'°
The well-backed Southern Dancer handles the conditions and lets down powerfully to take Race 1 at @AlburyRacing under Holly Durnan for trainer Gary Colvin. pic.twitter.com/sLZ18zZRJ5
â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 29, 2024
The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here!
The daughter of I Am Immortal steps out in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (2000m) which is a Heat of the Wagga Stayers Series with Blaike McDougall to again ride.
'Blaike rode her at Canberra a couple of starts back and said she will get over 2400m metres,' Colvin said.
'I'll just stick to the 2000 metres for now but I really like her.
'Back to a big track, I'm confident she will run really well.'
In the same race, he also saddles up Kerma Art who is having his first go at the 2000m.
'He won a couple of races and is usually not too far away,' he said.
'He has been running up to a mile but he's a bit of a one-pacer so I thought I would try him over the 2000 metres and see what happens.
'He's no star but he should be thereabouts.
Lightly-raced four-year-old Deflector has been very good in placing at her two runs this preparation and is a leading contender in the Maiden Plate (1300m).
The daughter of Pride Of Dubai resumed with a third to Master Patrick in a Wagga Super Maiden over 1000m where she was held up early in the straight.
She then finished a nose second to Sundrop over 1200m at Corowa 18 days later.
'She is coming along quite nicely and I expect her to go very well,' Colvin said.
Master Patrick flies home on the outside and wins at a BIG price!
He was $101 on @tabcomau fixed odds! ðŸ'° @AshMorgan6 | @tpd_racing pic.twitter.com/4lqnlFtIbs
â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 1, 2025
'She is a typical Pride Of Dubai, taking a bit of time to mature but she is starting to it her straps now. She is getting better with every run.
'You like to see them continuing to come on and that is what she is doing.'
Another maiden who is closing in on his first win is Doc March who contests the Maiden Plate (1600m).
The son of Prized Icon was runner-up in consecutive starts at Wagga before a fourth to Chilly Charlie at Canberra on May 9.
'He just got back and could make up the ground to win in a couple of races here at Wagga,' Colvin said.
'I knew he wanted a bit of ground but he is on his way and going pretty well.
'He has had about a month since his last run but he is ticking over very well.'
Joining him in this race is Astern Torch who is coming off a third to Track And Field on the Wagga Riverside 12 days ago.
'He has been a very frustrating horse. He showed me ability early on but is a bit of a one-pacer,' he said
'He keeps doing enough to convince me to persevere with him.'
Meanwhile, Colvin said he is pleased with stable star Another One who resumes from a long spell at Randwick on Saturday.
â– â– â– â– â–
Trainer Lyndall Olson is hoping home track advantage can offset her queries as Gold Card and Zaru strive for success in one of the day's features.
Gold Card and Zaru line up in the Corey Brown Cup at Taree just two weeks after the track was flooded.
The heavy ground is just one query Olson has for the pair who appreciate soft tracks at this stage of their careers.
'As they have gotten older, they have shown they prefer soft tracks rather than the heavy,' Olson said.
Gold Card kicked off his latest campaign with a win in the Hannam Cup over 1007m at Taree on March 17 before a five week gap into his next start when a three length seventh to Cassiel at Canterbury.
A vintage @Aaronbullock90 ride sees Zaru take out Race 7 at Taree! pic.twitter.com/iYqH0JqWEU
â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 31, 2025
He steps up to 1250m in the Benchmark 82 race where he is a perfect four from four over the track and distance.
'It was a nice win over the 1000 metres then we went to Canterbury and he wasn't disgraced at all,' said Olson.
'I'm just a bit worried about the time he has had between runs.
'It's been just over six weeks between since his last race. Whether he needs the run or not.
'We have taken the three kilos off with Leanne Boyd aboard but he well and I expect him to run a nice race.'
Zaru finished down the track when resuming under 61kg at Taree on May 13 but Olson isn't reading too much into that performance.
'It was hard to make ground from back in the field with his weight and also the 1000 metres was too short for him,' she said.
'We just had to find a race for him to kick off in.
'As he has gotten older, he is a become wiser and he doesn't like the heavy going any more.
'We've got Aaron Bullock back on and he does seem to have a way with him.
'Like Gold Card, he loves his home track.'
Olson has no qualms about the track rating for Gold Melody after she scored a stylish win over 1250m on a Heavy 10 at home on May 13.
The four-year-old is a strong chance again in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1300m).
'She did really well to win last start. It was a nice ride from Anna (Roper),' she said.
'She has trained on really well and I think she is a good chance again from barrier one.'
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News.com.au
10 minutes ago
- News.com.au
How Queensland toppled the mighty British and Irish Lions in 1971
With a pre-match steak from a local pub settling in their stomachs, hope in their eyes and will in their hearts, the 1971 Queensland rugby team played themselves into folklore by beating the British Lions 15-11 at Ballymore. Fifty-four years later Queensland will again play the Lions - on Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium. And each and every member of the current Reds side would do well to take the leaf out of the books from the class of '71 whose deeds against the odds reached sporting miracle status. Back in 1971 the Barry Honan-captained state side arrived at Ballymore for the midweek match after mustering for lunch at the Belfast Hotel where they ingested a steak, potato, salad and also a rousing pre-game speech from coach Bob Templeton. 'Tempo said they (the Lions) are expecting to beat us handsomely, but that this was a fantastic opportunity,'' skipped Honan recalled. 'He said you can play season long for your club and Queensland, but these one-off games, if we won, would be something people would remember for the rest of their lives.'' Queensland fullback Lloyd Graham, a field goal hero after his staggering 55m goal from an angle helped his side win, said while it was backs to the wall stuff, coach Templeton gave the team hope. 'Tempo said we are up against some pretty heavy stuff. But he virtually said if we all buckle down, we can make a game of this and possibly win,'' Graham said. 'We all looked at each other and thought 'that is ridiculous'. 'But by the time we got to Ballymore we had convinced ourselves that we were a chance. 'We couldn't wait to get on the field and see how good we could be. 'And we won it on defence. 'It was a funny thing. We were standing in the showers after the game and we could not believe what we had just done.'' Yet the day had started like any other for the players. 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He was a big, strong fullback as a runner, but his kicking was out of this world. 'Against the Lions it did not surprise me to see the ball sailing back over my head after Lloydie kicked it,'' said Queensland captain Barry Honan. He kicked it a mile.'' 14. Jeff McLean (Brothers): Now deceased. McLean was 'the best winger in Australia at the time'' and the team goal kicker. 'He was internationally rated,'' Honan praised. 13. Alex Pope (Brothers): Still alive and living in Queensland, Pope was a tremendous defender, Although he had quick hands, it was his defence which stood out. Boy on boy, he was feared in defence. 12. Barry Honan (Brothers): Honan was the team's backline flagship, an Australian representative teammates looked up to. Lloyd Graham said of Honan: 'When I came into the team I said to myself 'stick around this bloke and he will make life easier for me'. Honan lives on the Sunshine Coast. 11. Richard Miller (University): Tall and athletic, Miller was a big winger for his era. He made the Brisbane U19 side after leaving school and improved with more experience. He lives locally in SEQ. 10. Geoff Richardson (Townsville): Living in Brisbane, dual international had no weaknesses in his game. He had played for NSW earlier in his career, but was in North Queensland when he was named for this match. He was simply a remarkable talent. 9. Mick Barry (Brothers): Now deceased, blindside specialist Barry 'was arguably the most underrated rugby player the country has ever seen,'' according to Honan. In his era were NSW champions John Hipwell and Ken Catchpole, so Barry played second fiddle. 'But in his own way he was every bit as good as them,'' Barry said. 'He won more games for Queensland and Brothers than anyone.'' 8. Keith Bell (University) A country boy from the Goondiwindi district, he was a Churchie boarder who played second row in the GPS First XV competition. 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He was not a big second rower, but he was a fine sportsman and a grand set piece performer. 4. Alan Skinner (Townsville) Whereabouts unknown, Skinner was named from the Queensland Country side. Like his second row mate Gregory, Skinner was no giant, but he was tall enough and a fine athlete with a high work rate. A former business executive, Skinner also represented NSW. 3. David Dunworth (Brothers) Now living on the Sunshine Coast, the Gregory Terrace old boy and former real estate agent had surprising speed for a big prop. 2. Mick Freney (Brothers) Freney was a noted improver the more his career unfolded. He was not a schoolboy prodigy - indeed he played Second XV at Nudgee - but the more he played, the better he got. 'To the point where he was good enough to play for Australia,'' Honan said. 1. Bruce Brown (University) An accountant, he was a front row tradesman notorious for his high work ethic. He was a veteran by the time the Lions match was played, having first represented Queensland in 1965. Reserves: Jules Guerassimoff (University) A breakaway still living locally, Guerassimoff was a magnificent competitor who was the elder statesman of the squad having first represented Queensland 10 years earlier. A Wallaby, he was a legend of his era, a hard worker who was a great mentor to younger players. Stan Pilecki (Wests) Now deceased, the ex-draftsman known as the 'Pole'' had broken into the Queensland side on the tour of New Zealand 12 months earlier. He was a front row giant, a man with hands the size of wicket keeper gloves who contributed in all forward phases. Honan described him as a player who would 'scare the life out of the opposition'' before a match even started. John Corness (Teachers-Norths) A farmer from New Zealand, Corness broke into representative football representing the Queensland Country side in 1968 and worked his way into the Queensland squad where he was a fine halfback. 'If Mick Barry was not around, he would have played a lot more for Queensland,'' praised Honan. David L'Estrange (Brothers) Still playing touch football, L'Estrange had lovely hands and good speed as a fullback and then as a centre. Nicknamed Lizard, he was a stylish player of his era who represented Queensland and Australia with distinction. He was also a noted defender. British Lions team: 15. R Hiller, 14. A Biggar, 13. J Dawes, 12. J Spencer, 11. D Duckman, 10. M. Gibson, 9 R Hopkins, 8. P Dixon, 7. F Slattery, 6. D Quinnell, 5. W McBridge, 4. G Brown, 3. F Lynch, 2. F Laidlaw, 1. J McLoughlin. Reserves: A Lewis, G Edwards, J Pullin, M Roberts
The Advertiser
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Molly masterclass helps Mavs hold on to stun Swifts
The Melbourne Mavericks have overcome a horror start and a late scare to pull off the biggest boilover of the Super Netball season, defeating the NSW Swifts 68-64 at John Cain Arena. The sixth-ranked Mavericks (4-8) still need a miracle to play finals, but showed they can play the role of top-four spoilers, winning the first three quarters on Saturday night to bump the Swifts (9-3) down to second position. Centre Molly Jovic chalked up a career-high 32 assists from 44 feeds, combining brilliantly with wing attack Tayla Fraser (24, 37) and spearhead Shimona Jok (61 goals). "Awesome," Jovic said. "I feel like it was a whole-team performance. "The Swifts came back in the end and we were able to hold (our) composure, which we haven't been able to do across the season. "Just super proud of the girls." Melbourne looked home and hosed when they led by 11 goals inside the last nine minutes, before NSW staged a spirited fightback. Swifts goal shooter Grace Nweke hit four straight before Helen Housby's two-pointer with three minutes remaining slashed the gap to 66-64. Jok scored at the other end, before Mavs defender Olivia Lewis blocked Sophie Fawns' first super-shot, rebounded the NSW shooter's second attempt, and guided the hosts to safety. The shock result was all the more meritorious given the Mavericks had to claw their way out of an early 8-1 deficit after an error-riddled start. Jovic and Fraser spearheaded the stunning turnaround as Melbourne went on an 8-1 surge of their own to lead 17-16 at quarter-time. The Swifts coughed up six turnovers in the second term as the Mavs stretched their advantage to 34-31 at halftime. NSW trimmed the margin to one goal in the third before Melbourne went on a tear. Jovic racked up a remarkable 12 assists for the term, Jok added 20 goals without a miss, and Sasha Glasgow's two-pointer on the three-quarter time bell capped a 16-6 burst to blow the margin out to 56-45. The Melbourne Mavericks have overcome a horror start and a late scare to pull off the biggest boilover of the Super Netball season, defeating the NSW Swifts 68-64 at John Cain Arena. The sixth-ranked Mavericks (4-8) still need a miracle to play finals, but showed they can play the role of top-four spoilers, winning the first three quarters on Saturday night to bump the Swifts (9-3) down to second position. Centre Molly Jovic chalked up a career-high 32 assists from 44 feeds, combining brilliantly with wing attack Tayla Fraser (24, 37) and spearhead Shimona Jok (61 goals). "Awesome," Jovic said. "I feel like it was a whole-team performance. "The Swifts came back in the end and we were able to hold (our) composure, which we haven't been able to do across the season. "Just super proud of the girls." Melbourne looked home and hosed when they led by 11 goals inside the last nine minutes, before NSW staged a spirited fightback. Swifts goal shooter Grace Nweke hit four straight before Helen Housby's two-pointer with three minutes remaining slashed the gap to 66-64. Jok scored at the other end, before Mavs defender Olivia Lewis blocked Sophie Fawns' first super-shot, rebounded the NSW shooter's second attempt, and guided the hosts to safety. The shock result was all the more meritorious given the Mavericks had to claw their way out of an early 8-1 deficit after an error-riddled start. Jovic and Fraser spearheaded the stunning turnaround as Melbourne went on an 8-1 surge of their own to lead 17-16 at quarter-time. The Swifts coughed up six turnovers in the second term as the Mavs stretched their advantage to 34-31 at halftime. NSW trimmed the margin to one goal in the third before Melbourne went on a tear. Jovic racked up a remarkable 12 assists for the term, Jok added 20 goals without a miss, and Sasha Glasgow's two-pointer on the three-quarter time bell capped a 16-6 burst to blow the margin out to 56-45. The Melbourne Mavericks have overcome a horror start and a late scare to pull off the biggest boilover of the Super Netball season, defeating the NSW Swifts 68-64 at John Cain Arena. The sixth-ranked Mavericks (4-8) still need a miracle to play finals, but showed they can play the role of top-four spoilers, winning the first three quarters on Saturday night to bump the Swifts (9-3) down to second position. Centre Molly Jovic chalked up a career-high 32 assists from 44 feeds, combining brilliantly with wing attack Tayla Fraser (24, 37) and spearhead Shimona Jok (61 goals). "Awesome," Jovic said. "I feel like it was a whole-team performance. "The Swifts came back in the end and we were able to hold (our) composure, which we haven't been able to do across the season. "Just super proud of the girls." Melbourne looked home and hosed when they led by 11 goals inside the last nine minutes, before NSW staged a spirited fightback. Swifts goal shooter Grace Nweke hit four straight before Helen Housby's two-pointer with three minutes remaining slashed the gap to 66-64. Jok scored at the other end, before Mavs defender Olivia Lewis blocked Sophie Fawns' first super-shot, rebounded the NSW shooter's second attempt, and guided the hosts to safety. The shock result was all the more meritorious given the Mavericks had to claw their way out of an early 8-1 deficit after an error-riddled start. Jovic and Fraser spearheaded the stunning turnaround as Melbourne went on an 8-1 surge of their own to lead 17-16 at quarter-time. The Swifts coughed up six turnovers in the second term as the Mavs stretched their advantage to 34-31 at halftime. NSW trimmed the margin to one goal in the third before Melbourne went on a tear. Jovic racked up a remarkable 12 assists for the term, Jok added 20 goals without a miss, and Sasha Glasgow's two-pointer on the three-quarter time bell capped a 16-6 burst to blow the margin out to 56-45.
ABC News
2 hours ago
- ABC News
British and Irish Lions suffer injury blow in 54-7 win over Western Force
Henry Pollock showcased his star potential, but scrum-half Tomos Williams was cut down by a hamstring injury as the British and Irish Lions posted a crushing 54-7 win over the Western Force in Perth. In their first match on Australian soil, the Lions ran in eight tries to one in front of 46,656 spectators on Saturday night to post the big win, but it came at a cost. Williams, a veteran of 65 Test caps with Wales, pinged his left hamstring while acrobatically diving in at the corner for his second try in the 47th minute. ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia this July and August. The 30-year-old looked despondent as he hobbled slowly off the field, with the Lions leading 26-7 at the time. The second half became a romp as the Lions flexed their muscles in a five-try blitz, but it was tough work in the first half as the Force came out firing. Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch was near unstoppable in the first half, unleashing a series of dazzling line breaks to push his case for selection for the upcoming three-Test series. The Force dominated possession (60 per cent) and territory (67 per cent) in the first half, but it was the industrious work of Pollock that ensured the Lions still managed to take a 21-7 lead into half-time. Pollock, who at just 20 years of age is already being touted as a future superstar, produced a series of tackle-busting runs, one of which set up Williams for his first try. Lions coach Andy Farrell had labelled his team's 28-24 loss to Argentina in Dublin last week as unacceptable and it took just 96 seconds for his players to produce a strong response. The magical piece of play started and finished with skipper Dan Sheehan, who jumped in the air to catch a cross-kick and passed it off to teammate James Lowe before he even landed on the ground. Sheehan stayed in the play and received it back from Lowe to cross over for the opener. The Force hit back through Nic White courtesy of 19 phases of grit. The Lions did well to keep the Force at bay, and they went up 14-7 in the 17th minute when Pollock made a break and then offloaded while on the ground to set up Williams for a try. Pietsch's first-half efforts had the Lions on the back foot, but it was the tourists who landed another strike against the run of play when a quick tap from fly-half Finn Russell caught the Force napping. The ensuing try to fullback Elliot Daly gave the Lions a 21-7 lead in the 36th minute, but they were dealt a blow just seconds before half-time when Pollock was handed a yellow card for his team's accumulation of penalties. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Lions swung the ball the length of the field for Williams to touch down seven minutes into the second half. The Lions piled on another four tries to ensure their tour of Australia got off to a comprehensive winning start. They will be back in action on Wednesday night when they take on the Queensland Reds at Brisbane's Lang Park. AAP
