Latest News

By Gary Harley

The Freedman family will wind up Newcastle Jockey Club’s two-day Spring Racing Carnival with two outstanding chances in the final two races on Saturday.

It’s Ladies Day at Newcastle, with huge numbers in the program of eight races.

Prize Draw and Rory Hutchings in winning touch at Newcastle. Image by Bradley Photographers

Michael Freedman will saddle up the promising Prize Draw in the EPG Payroll & HR Benchmark 64 Handicap (1500m).

The Dundeel mare has raced four times for a lone win, which was on this track on August 20.

She came from midfield to win the 1400m maiden running away by three lengths.

Last start at Wyong on August 28 Prize Draw had no luck when trapped three-wide with no cover yet finished only three lengths from the winner.

Freedman will apply the blinkers for the first time on Saturday, and from barrier one she should have a cosy run off the speed.

Freedman’s brother Richard and his training partner son William, will be represented by smart mare Eye Pea Oh in the final event, the Sage Painting Benchmark 64 Handicap (1250m).

The four-year-old has won three of seven starts and she bolted in first-up at Gosford on August 26. All her wins have been on soft tracks, and she has a good barrier.

The Chris Waller-trained Irish import Galifianakis is set to break through for his first win in the opening event, the Allied Moving Services Benchmark 64 Handicap (2300m).

Five of his six race starts have been at Newcastle where he is yet to finish out of a place. The gelding loves a wet track, and he has been placed over 2300m.

The regally bred I Am Invincible mare Californiasilencer will be chasing her first win in the PFD Food Services Maiden Plate (1200m).

Trained by the Snowdens, the mare has been placed in four of seven starts including two Newcastle placings. She has had two recent trials and has a soft draw. She is an on pacer with the best form in the race.

Ellenmac, from the Matthew Smith stable will be hard to beat in the Charlestown Square Ladies Day Cup (1400m).

The mare's two wins were both at Newcastle earlier this year. She hasn’t raced since finishing midfield in the Group 1 Vinery Stakes in March.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Newcastle here