Rogers closes the gap in trainers standings after Boxing Day

Roy Rogers closed the gap on his main rival Steve Wolfe in the Great Southern Trainers’ Premiership after finishing with a winning treble on Boxing Day in Albany.

In the past two Great Southern meetings, Rogers has trained seven winners, leaping to nine wins in total for the 2020-2021 local season.

Wolfe started the season in brilliant fashion and last season’s champion trainer sits atop of the standings with 11 winners from the five meetings held.

After a career-best day earlier this month, when he trained four winners, Rogers took home the spoils from Boxing Day.

Maiden galloper Big Bada Boom demolished his rivals over 1600m, sitting second in running for apprentice Madi Derrick before bursting clear to win by 3.2 lengths on the line to give Rogers a win in the opening event.

The second leg of Rogers’ treble came with 11-year-old sprinter Tranquilla Sunrise, who won a 15th career race in the Byron Bay Brewery Handicap (1100m).

Tranquilla Sunrise ($23 chance) carried 59.5kg and led all the way for apprentice Beaux Banovic-Edwards as they easily held off My Demi by 1¼ lengths at the finish.

After running third last start, rising mare Fangio scored her second win of her career after an impressive performance over 1600m.

Ridden by Derrick, Fangio jumped well from barrier four and settled fourth, before letting down with a sharp turn of foot in the straight to overhaul Deangles and win by ¾ of a length.

The five-year-old Husson mare has won two races and been placed three times in seven career starts.

Wolfe ensured he remains in front in the premiership race, courtesy of wins from Oxbridge and Go Crying on the same card.

Go Crying rocketed home from fifth on the corner for jockey Peter Hall in the final race,.

Earlier Hall and Wolfe combined to win the Hahn Superdry Handicap (1230m) with $2.40 favourite Oxbridge, who had a superb run in transit and was far too strong for Rogers’ Gifted Warrior.