With all thoughts moving to Blues Brews and BBQ’s Yamba Golf & Country Club Yamba Cup next Sunday it is time to reflect on the massive day local trainers had at the last Grafton meeting.
The seven races saw Grafton based trainers again dominate with four winners going to them.
First in the winners circle was Chris Manson when stable newcomer Free Spin led throughout to score a solid win in the F&M Maiden 1106m.
Ridden by Ray Spokes the lightly raced mare overcame the outside gate to zoom across and establish a big lead in the middle stages.
Coming to the turn Spokes was able to give the mare a breather which proved to be a winning move because although looking in plenty of trouble near the 150m as the challengers came Free Spin found plenty to kick again and hold on to score.
It was the first run for the Manson yard for the mare which had previously been prepared in Victoria.
The John Shelton yard has been having a season to remember and the good form continued when Bugalugs led throughout to win the Open 1206m.
In a race that looked to lack genuine speed Bugalugs was a short priced elect and was expected by most to lead easily however Dominant Crown made the favourite do plenty of work to cross and then had the last shot at running down the leader in the straight.
In the end aided by the three kilo claim of Melea Castle Bugalugs did enough to win and take his winning record under the guidance of Shelton to seven wins spread across the last two seasons.
The final win of the day went to camp Kilner when Swanston scored a strong win in the Class1 1206m.
Ridden by Leah Kilner who has been sweeping all before her in recent weeks Swanston was given the perfect run just off the speed before easing into the clear on the point of the turn to establish a winning break and then found plenty in the run to the line to score a solid win.
It was the second career win for Swanston which had not won since winning at his debut run at Ballina in July last year.
Pic Swanston holds on
Photo supplied by Trackside Photography 07 32165685
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