Promising filly Centrefire has saved trainer Chris Munce from further embarrassment by winning midweek at Eagle Farm.
Backed in from $7 to $4.40, Centrefire led from barrier rise before holding on to beat favourite Stylish Saga ($2) by three-quarters of a length in the Alycone Hotel Residences Handicap (1300m) on Wednesday.
Munce said he always thought Centrefire was much better than Wednesday class and added a nose roll to her race day gear in a bid to get her to live up to his bullish outlook.
“She is a brilliant trackworker and maybe she has got me in (trouble) because of it,” Munce said.
“I really think she is a Saturday class horse. I have been telling everyone how good she is but it has been getting embarrassing.
“At least today’s win saves me another red face. She might be ready to live up to her trackwork now.”
Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller continued his successful association with Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds when Mantelli won the BRC Membership Renewal Handicap (1300m).
Mantelli raced well in Queensland in January before returning to Waller’s Sydney stable where he failed to run a place in three starts.
Waller’s Queensland manager Paul Shailer said Mantelli illustrated the value of having a satellite stable in Queensland.
“Mantelli seems to be better placed up here and there are plenty of races for him,” Shailer said.
Deagon trainer Michael Lakey also continued his long running association with breeder Dr Brian Purtle when Enterprise Moss ($6) won the Gallopers Sports Club Handicap (1600m).
Beaudesert-based Purtle has gradually built up his breeding business with much of his success due to the offspring of his stakes mare Our Sweet Moss.
His best horse has been Trubia, a half-brother to Enterprise Moss.
“The doc has had a lot of success as an owner-breeder and he has some really nice horses going to the next sales,” Lakey said.
Trainer Kelly Schweida covered some of the costs of his annual northern fishing trip when Sunlander won the TAB Maiden Handicap (1000m).
Schweida had entered Sunlander for the Beaudesert meeting on Saturday but elected to tackle tougher company at Eagle Farm.
Meanwhile, Mittere ($3) overcame a poor start to win the Your Track Awaits 25 July Handicap (1000m).
Trainer Dan Bougoure has always had a big opinion of Mittere who beat top two-year-old Ef Troop as a young horse.
“I have come to think Mittere is a fresh horse and we will keep him that way,” he said.