Wyong Trainer Chases Warwick Farm Double
Wyong-based trainer Kristen Buchanan believes she has two great chances when she heads to Warwick Farm with stable stalwart Margie Bee and newcomer Casino Mondial.
Her first runner on Wednesday is Margie Bee, who will contest the Heat Of The Rising Star over 1400 metres.
At her last start she finished sixth in the recent Provincial Summer Series Final at Wyong on January 2.
The Dreamscape mare has been a handy conveyance for Buchanan and connections with five wins and seven placings from 29 starts and over $140,000 in earnings.
Margie Bee will again have the services of her regular rider apprentice Mikayla Weir who was on board for that final and was also in the saddle when she saluted in the qualifying heat on December 10.
“She’s a go forward type mare and Mikayla suits her right down to the ground,” Buchanan said.
“She’s such a tough horse, she just puts in every time she goes to the races.
“She handles all going and should be a nice chance on Wednesday if she can get a comfortable run from gate six,” she said.
Weir will claim three kilograms and will reduce Margie Bee’s weight from 58kg to 55kg.
Buchanan wraps up her day with Casino Mondial, who is having just his second start for the stable in the Benchmark 72 Handicap.
The Casino Prince gelding was formerly trained by Michael Byers in Taree but has now settled in at Buchanan’s Wyong operation.
The six-year-old gets out to the more suitable distance of 1400m and has in-form jockey Josh Parr in the irons.
Parr has had a long and successful association with Buchanan partnering her gun stayer Jazzland to a number of the six-year-old gelding’s wins.
“You always know what you are going to get when you put Josh on,” Buchanan said.
“He’s one of the best jockeys riding in town at the moment and I think he’ll be a good fit for this horse.
“We are still figuring him out so to get Josh’s feedback post-race will be invaluable.”
The Warwick Farm surface is currently rated a Soft 6, but with fine weather forecast a potential track upgrade could be on the cards later in the week.