Local trainer Kim Waugh is poised to make a strong impact at the Wyong meeting on November 12, 2023, with two horses racing under her banner. Waugh will debut Gloria in the Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club & Golf Course Town Plate Maiden Plate (1100m), alongside Rhinestone Lad, who will compete in the Domeland Kulnura Cup Benchmark 64 Handicap (2100m).
Gloria will be ridden by experienced jockey Jay Ford, while Alysha Collett takes the reins for Rhinestone Lad. Waugh expressed confidence in Gloria’s capabilities, describing her as “a lovely horse” and noting her pedigree as a filly by Maurice, out of a Commands mare.
Waugh indicated that Gloria had undergone several trials, with the most recent trial taking place at Wyong on November 10, where she secured a victory. “Jay has been on her in three of the four trials, so he knows her very well,” Waugh said. The trainer is optimistic about Gloria’s chances, especially given her advantageous starting position in the race.
Gloria will face competition from Peter Snowden’s only entry for the day, Composed, who has finished fourth and second in two prior starts at Hawkesbury. Other notable entrants include Matthew Smith’s first starter Curado, who has won all three of his trials, and competitors Harrythewiz and Stakeholder from Ciaron Maher, along with Due North trained by Michael Freedman. The field also features first starter Opetaia from Bjorn Baker and Sequista, trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou.
In the longer race, Rhinestone Lad enters after finishing fourth behind Mediaro on the Beaumont track at Newcastle. Waugh noted that he has shown potential, having previously won a maiden race at Newcastle and another at Tamworth. “He finished second at Scone over 2200m two starts ago and ran over Sunday’s distance of 2100m in his latest outing,” Waugh explained. With his recent performances in mind, Waugh believes Rhinestone Lad is ready to excel in the upcoming race.
As Wyong prepares for an exciting day of racing, all eyes will be on Kim Waugh and her two contenders, each with a chance to make their mark.
