Racing returned to Bunbury after two-year redevelopment on Thursday and the new track was used to winning effect by locally-bred gallopers in the five maiden events at the historic meeting.
Trainers Grant & Alana Williams floated Janny down from Karnup and Willie Pike did the rest riding a couple of bumps before extricating her out of a pocket to claim the Welcome Back To Bunbury Maiden (1410m).
Janny (3f Playing God – Runs To Paradise by Sepoy) started a $2.20 favourite following two placing at Belmont in July for owner-breeder Bernie Stevens. His White and Multi-Coloured Willy Wagtail silks were also carried by close relation Hartleys Dream (Bletchley Park) to Listed victories in the 2003 Raconteur Stakes and 2005 Farnley Quality.
Kiralui (4m Safeguard – Acclaimed by Hussonet) didn’t debut until she was a spring 4yo last month but the Pearce Racing mare looked readymade running down the favourite Speak To Me (God Has Spoken) in the Thanks Ross & Tammy Price Maiden (1410m).
Mogumber Park resident Safeguard also sired her older full-sister Stay Safe who was runner-up in the 2021 G2 WA Guineas (1600m) and LR Fairetha Stakes (1400m). Namerik Thoroughbreds owner Alan Bansemer bred them both and he also retained their 2yo half-sister by I’m All The Talk.
Scorpion Ruler (3f Universal Ruler – Northerly Gale by Cape Cross) circled the field approaching the home turn and sustained that sprint down the straight to defeat Cher (Star Turn) in the Thanks Collie Race Club Maiden (1108m).
Appearing for the first time for Port Kennedy trainer Joshua Krispyn, she jumped from the outside barrier in a capacity field and refused to buckle when put under pressure by Shaun McGruddy. Krispyn also bred her using Scenic Lodge sire Universal Ruler over a mare who won three Ascot sprints for Hana Dickson.
Lynward Park filly Cher went down fighting and her breeders Ted & Marilyn van Heemst got one back when Icebergs landed the Bunbury Silverado Maiden (1690m). After racing on the pace, he kicked clear to win comfortably under Holly Watson.
Icebergs (3g Bondi – Aim For Gold by End Sweep) was sold to clients of Mitch Pateman for $70,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions and the van Heemst family kept a share. He’s by their Snitzel stallion Bondi who has Krysanova heading for Ascot’s 3yo summer features following a first-up third in the Max Simmonds Classic (1000m) earlier this month.
Another debutante Run Pattie Run might turn out to be the most progressive of the five winners for Collie trainer Raquel Williams after unleashing a furious sprint in the Melbourne Cup Day @ Bunbury Maiden (1108m).
Run Pattie Run (3f Gingerbread Man – Pattie Me Lass by Lords A Leaping) was given no favours in running when scouting four and five wide, albeit with cover for Peter Knuckey, before mowing down Weapons Hot (Russian Revolution).
She’s by Yarradale stallion Gingerbread Man and is a half-sister to dual LR Bunbury Cup winner Paddy’s Shadow (Dane Shadow). Dennis Ramsay bred Paddy’s Shadow while his wife Faye bred Run Pattie Run who could also be a black-type addition for both families.
“Raquel reckons Run Pattie Run is pretty special,” Faye Ramsay said. “Pattie Me Lass has a 2yo filly and a yearling colt by Gingerbread Man and Paddy’s Shadow is due to foal to Sessions.”
