Wonzzee is on track for the G3 Bow Mistress Trophy next month after a last start victory in Launceston.
The Myboycharlie mare is raced by a Balmerino Partnership syndicate managed by Jonathon Rosham after being knocked down for $50,000 at the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. She made it 4 wins from 5 starts with a front-running victory in the Newstead Hotel Hcp (1200m) on Wednesday.
“She’s a very exciting mare,” trainer Tegan Keys said. “She had to do it tough and it was probably her best win yet. Now we can head to the Bow Mistress.”
The G3 Bow Mistress Trophy (1200m) in Hobart is scheduled for February 6. The G3 Vamos Stakes (1400m) in Launceston on February 18 is another feature for fillies and mares in the mix.
Wonzzee (4m Myboycharlie – Aunty Betty by Encounter) impressed jockey David Pires after she was taken on in front and headed by NZ bred gelding Bideford. “She was courageous at the business end,” he said. “On that run, she’s going to be competitive in whatever she tackles next.”
Myboycharlie (Ire) is based at Vinery and he could have a second black-type update next month when Peggy Jean returns in the G2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 14.
The Gerald Ryan trained three year-old won the $250,000 Inglis 2YO Classic this time last year and then graduated to a Group 1 victory in the Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick. She disappointed during a spring campaign that was restricted to unplaced runs in the Furious Stakes and Tea Rose Stakes.
“She wasn’t right in the spring but has really furnished during her latest spell,” Ryan said. “She went out a filly and came back a mare. She has strengthened and thickened and looks good.”
Peggy Jean’s younger brother Loverboy Charlie is also prepping nicely for his first campaign under the care of Canberra trainer Keith Dryden. He was the top-priced yearling at the 2014 Inglis Melbourne Premier II Sale after changing hands for $110,000.
“He’s a nice horse even though he’s quite a handful,” Dryden revealed. “Rick Worthington rated him one of the toughest horses he’s ever broken-in. Rick did a fantastic job but we’ve run out of time to get him ready for the Black Opal.
“One thing for sure – he will win races if he gallops as fast as he knocks off a feed.”
Meanwhile three-year-old Chu Chu Charlie set forth his future classic ambitions with a comfortable and authoritative win at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.
The son of Myboycharlie hadn’t missed a place in his four prior runs ranging from 1200m up to his most recent 0.2-lens second in a 1700m Maiden at Warrnambool.
Trainer Ron Daniel had no worries backing the 3YO up just four days after his sterling effort at the ‘Bool making a return trip across the border for yesterday’s Bm70 over 1950m.
Ridden perfectly by Clare Lindop, Chu Chu Charlie ($1.70 fav) surged away late to easily beat a small but select field that was torn down by scratchings.
Myboycharlie has three yearlings entered for this year’s Melbourne Premier Sale in March. Phoenix Broodmare Farm owner Damian Gleeson, who sold Loverboy Charlie, offers a filly (Lot 635) from a half-sister to G3 Newcastle & G3 Gosford Cups winner Silent Impact.
