Victorians dominated Saturday’s stellar Wagga meeting.
Eight Listed Classics were conducted at the provincial circuit, with those south of the border triumphant in seven.
Premier horsewoman Emma Stewart kick-started proceedings with Kahula, which completed an effortless 14-and-a-half metre win with Mark Pitt in the cart.
Courtney Barton and Jason Lee were then triumphant with Smack Bang Bart before Chris Lang reined two-year-old trotter Verbici to glory.
“It’s a privilege to jump on and win a race like that for such a great family that’s been close with our family for years,” Lee said after the victory.
Co-trained by Lang and Sonia Mahar, Verbici rated 1:57.7 over 1740 metres to remain undefeated from three starts.
“He’s a professional racehorse who I believe will still develop further,” Lang said.
Antti Ruokonen then prepared Bumper Crop to score with Glen Craven in the cart, with the filly also boasting a perfect record from three outings.
Shortly after, Taylor Youl registered her biggest success thanks to the Chris Svanosio-trained Aldebaran Ada.
“I still can’t really believe it, to be honest!” Youl said after her victory.
Seventh in last season’s two-year-old division, Aldebaran Ada was in a class of her own this time, winning by five metres in 1:59.5 over 2270 metres.
Stacey Towers followed suit with her biggest triumph by partnering Munny The Munster to a soft 19-metre win for trainer Mark Lee.
“It’s pretty rewarding. It’s pretty emotional. It’s one we’ve been setting him for,” Towers said.
Father and son duo Russell and Nathan Jack rounded out the Victorian onslaught with Eye Wish, which took her record to a respectable four wins and four placings from 10 starts for earnings of $96,004.
PHOTO: STEPHEN HUNT
