Bill West
Christmas Party races are on at Kyneton next week, but last week local trainer Mick Sell and stable followers were in celebratory mood after Lovin’ Laughs scored a strong win at his home track.
Hit hard by lack of training facilities due to flooding in the past couple of months, Sell said before the race that for the first time this preparation, Lovin’ Laughs appeared to be very fit as a result of some home track gallops and plenty of swimming.
With Neil Farley riding confidently, the topweight went to the front before the 400-metre mark and fought on strongly to win the 1469m Miranda Park BM58 Handicap by just under a length.
The six-year-old, bred and raced by the Miles Family from the Monegeetta/Romsey area, vindicated being a $2.80 favourite as he chalked up his sixth win, for stake earnings of $157,160 from 28 starts.
Sell’s other proven campaigner, Magnum Bullet, a winner at Kyneton at his previous run, carried topweight at Moonee Valley on Friday evening and started a $21 outsider, finishing a brave second with Farley in the saddle.
IMPRESSIVE DEBUT
Carolina Sunrise, a filly from the John Salanitri stable at Tylden, impressed on debut at Kyneton.
Ridden by Madison Lloyd, Carolina Sunrise started as a $9 chance to win a Maiden Plate for three-years olds.
The Salanitri brothers, John and racing manager Frank, relocated from Caulfield to the impressive Hirsch Park training complex early in 2020.
They are very pleased with the facilities and the number of winners being produced.
Carolina Sunrise is yet another galloper owned and raced by Eddie Hirsch and family members.
Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club is hoping the Christmas Party race meeting at Kyneton on Thursday, December 15, is well supported.
