By Tony Megahey
A racing prospect, fortunate to be alive, embarks on a miraculous comeback for multiple TAB Highway winner Danny Williams in a $60,000 episode (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Road accident survivor Mister Marmalade, and impressive dual winner Volpe, are the latest talents to emerge from Williams' Goulburn stables.
Deanne Panya claims 2.5 kilos off Mister Marmalade’s 56kgs in the Highway, and also from Volpe’s 54kgs in the fifth race, a BM70 (1500m). Mister Marmalade, previously trained by Greg Bennett at Scone, was rated a regional leg Country Championship contender after impressive wins at Dubbo and Scone. He was entered for a Royal Randwick TAB Highway in February, and amongst the favourites.
However on route, in Sydney’s north at Epping, Bennett’s vehicle and float were involved in a collision and catapulted into a telegraph pole and brick wall.
Bennett and two of his staff avoided serious injury. Mister Marmalade was up-ended, amazingly escaping the smashed float. He suffered lacerations and severe bruising, but Bennett said it could have been career ending. Or far worse. The ute and float were write-offs.
Mister Marmalade was transported to Randwick’s Equine centre to be monitored and then naturally spelled.
He was transferred to Williams, after Bennett departed Scone to join Queensland based Aquis Farm.
According to Williams, Mister Marmalade has returned thriving, as has Volpe, winning at Wagga and Goulburn recently by wide margins.
“They’re both nice progressive types- Mister Marmalade on his work since, has taken no harm from the accident,” Williams offered from track work at Goulburn.
“Mister Marmalade has drawn well and will eventually get further but I’m really happy with both. Volpe hasn’t beaten much, but he’s carried big weights and been dominant. Both are lightly raced with obvious upside.”
Seven–time Highway winner Matthew Dunn provides another favourite with Eagle Farm winner Zamex. Top weight, Mudgee’s Barbass is a listed placegetter at Randwick, fitter for recent racing.
View the fields and form (including race replays) for Saturday's Rosehill meeting here.