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Wolfe’s premiership all but assured

Headshot of Cameron Newbold
Cameron NewboldAlbany Advertiser
Captivated Point, ridden by Shaun McGruddy, wins the BP Roadhouse Williams Handicap (1100m) part of a big day for Steve Wolfe.
Camera IconCaptivated Point, ridden by Shaun McGruddy, wins the BP Roadhouse Williams Handicap (1100m) part of a big day for Steve Wolfe. Credit: Laurie Benson Albany Advertiser

Last Thursday’s seven-race card at Percy Spencer Racecourse belonged to Steve Wolfe as the astute Albany trainer secured five victories to all but secure the Great Southern Trainers’ Premiership.

Wolfe and fellow Albany trainer Roy Rogers have been locked in a terrific battle this season for the top title but the strength of the Wolfe stable shone through last week as he recorded five winners from 14 runners to push his season tally beyond 30.

Promising maiden galloper War Class broke his maiden status to kick off the big day for Wolfe before One Point Lady produced a big finish in race 3, coming from sixth on the home turn to score her second career win.

Versatile grey Mr Pago then saluted over 1500m for jockey Lucas Camilleri, edging out stablemate Boxonlucy by 0.8 lengths.

Trainer Steve Wolfe and jockey Shaun McGruddy after had a brilliant day on Thursday with five and four winners respectively.
Camera IconTrainer Steve Wolfe and jockey Shaun McGruddy after had a brilliant day on Thursday with five and four winners respectively. Credit: Albany Advertiser

Wolfe’s fourth winner came with talented sprinter Captivated Point, scoring a third triumph in the region this season, proving too strong for Rogers’ Tranquilla Sunrise.

Apollo then capped off the afternoon with an eye-catching performance in the last, coming from eighth on the turn to deliver a sizzling final 600m on his way to back-to-back wins.

Hoop Shaun McGruddy landed four winners after being aboard Apollo, One Point Lady, War Class and Captivated Point.

The result helped Wolfe jump to 33 winners for the Great Southern season with one meeting remaining, now well clear of Rogers (25.5 wins).

“We’ve had a similar season to last season,” Wolfe said.

“Credit to Roy, who has done a really good job with his team.

Lucas Camilleri aboard the Steve Wolfe-trained Mr Pago holds out stablemate Boxonlucy to win the XXXX Gold Handicap (1500m).
Camera IconLucas Camilleri aboard the Steve Wolfe-trained Mr Pago holds out stablemate Boxonlucy to win the XXXX Gold Handicap (1500m). Credit: Albany Advertiser

“Hopefully we can have a bit more success in town now with a couple of these. Apollo is a bloody good horse. I think he can go to the next level and will probably go to a midweek race now.

“War Class wasn’t ready but he is a full (brother) to Minus Looks and One Point Lady looked gone at the 500m and then blew me away with what she did.”

Classy three-year-old Lordhelpmerun is also ready to return to racing after a dominant 1000m trial win for Wolfe on Thursday. Ridden by McGruddy, the 2018 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes winner clocked 1min.00.75secs for the 1000m to beat Deangles by three-quarter lengths.

Other winners on the Albany card were Planet Flower, for trainer Paul Hunter, and Deel Red won the opener to give Jason Whiting his 15th winner in the saddle in the Great Southern this season.

Jockey Renae Forrest was suspended for careless riding on Ibiza in race six, banned for nine days after causing interference to Danehill Storm.

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