Sport
18 June, 2025
Julia Creek trainers dominate ahead of McKinlay meet
Just two trainers featured in the winners' circle at Richmond.
Julia Creek trainers Tanya Parry and Kerry Krogh swept the card at Richmond as the North West gears up for one of the biggest meetings of the year at McKinlay this Saturday.
Parry kicked off proceedings with a horse that could be one to follow for the remainder of the year.
Dance Wizzard made a sound debut against boom horse Revolt on Mount Isa Cup day, and backed up the performance with a win in the QTIS Benchmark 60 (1000m) on Saturday.
Interestingly, Parry has also nominated Dance Wizzard for another QTIS race at McKinlay this Saturday, where he is sure to be competitive if he starts.
A three-way photo finish was required to determine the winner of the Maiden Plate (1200m) at Richmond, but it was jockey Brooke Stower on the outside who prevailed.
She rode newcomer Superstellar, who remarkably started as the outsider, despite some reasonable form in NSW prior to arriving in the North West.
It was Krogh’s turn in the next, with consistent gelding The Boi finally breaking his duck after a string of solid runs.
With Shane McGovern in the saddle, the four-year-old relished the conditions at Richmond to win by more than a length in the Benchmark 50 over 1200m.
Krogh notched his double in the last when Silver Pearl caused a boilover in the Benchmark 55 over 1400m.
The mare’s form had been solid, but she was unwanted in the betting ring and sent out as a $14 shot.
That didn’t worry McGovern, though, who produced a perfect ride to win comfortably.
Scratched from the Mount Isa Cup, Gardenzio was the other winner on the card for Parry, beating Pennypacker by a big margin.
Ridden by Micheal McDonald, who got a double after earlier piloting Dance Wizzard to success, Gardenzio is another horse to watch on the circuit this year, based on his form prior to arriving at Julia Creek.
Perhaps the biggest talking point from Richmond was the successful barrier entry of Mr Metrics, who had to regain his barrier certificate from the stewards in order to compete in next week’s Battle of the Bush Final at Eagle Farm.
While trainer Shryn Royes will still be nervous as he mills behind the gates in Brisbane, at least she has peace of mind that he won’t be disqualified from competing prior to departure.
McKINLAY NOMS
There are six races at McKinlay this Saturday for what should be another top day of racing.
The feature event, the Outback Racing Showcase (1500m), also doubling up as the McKinlay Cup, has attracted good nominations from both the North West and Central West.
Mount Isa Cup winner Victory Bay will be considered hard to beat, while Brett Cavanough has also entered Burdekin in what should be a top event.