By Colin Hodges
Just in time, the Mark Jones trained Crusader Kings recorded an impressive win on Monday at Bathurst before the meeting was abandoned due to persistent rain throughout the day.
Progressively downgraded from heavy 8, heavy 9 to heavy 10, the track had remained safe for racing however increasing visibility problems for the jockeys saw an early finish after 4 of the 7 scheduled races had been run.
The four year old gelding Crusader Kings had two starts in Victoria including a debut win at Mornington before being purchased by clients of the astute Mark Jones and sent to his Mudgee stables.
Resuming from a spell and first up for Mark Jones, Crusader Kings ran a very good race when fourth in a big field at Dubbo before tackling the 1100 metres Benchmark 66 Handicap on the heavy track at Bathurst.
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Rank outsider Drawn Fours led the the home turn with Crusader Kings making a move from midfield along with Micro Mikki and Desi Emperor out wide.
Finishing the better, Crusader Kings (Clayton Gallagher, $2.35 favourite) won by almost a length from Desi Emperor (Robbie Brewer, $8.50) and Micro Mikki (Shayleigh Ingelse, $2.90).
Along with Mark Jones it was a good meeting for Mudgee trainers with the first three placegetters in the 1200 metres Country Boosted Maiden Plate including the quinella for David Smith.
Joining the leaders halfway down the straight, Painite (Zoe Hunt, $13) kicked away to score by over 2 lengths from stablemate Getting Tipsy (Clayton Gallagher, $3.40 favourite) and the Toby Pracey, trained Kobold (Mikayla Weir, $5.50)
A 6 year old mare, Painite had been placed 6 times, however, well ridden by Zoe Hunt, this was the first win in 29 starts.
Favourite backers were off to a good start when the Stephen O’Halloran, Hawkesbury trained Mal Coupe (Winona Costin, $2.40 to $1.85 favourite) took the lead turning for home and cleared out for an over 4 lengths win from Step Quick (Emma Ly, $7.50 to $5.50) and Tigletta (Olivia Chambers, $3.20 to $6.50) in the 1100 metres Maiden Handicap.
Trained at Kembla Grange by Brett Lazzarini, Stonegate Lane (Holly Durnan, $4.40) led most of the way for a convincing win in the 1400 metres Thank You To Our Patrons Maiden Plate from Aerostern Bro (Heavalon Van De Hoven, $5) and Metal Magic (Clayton Gallagher, $8,50).
Bathurst will next race on Thursday, 19 June.
Meanwhile, a feast of good meetings ahead starting with the Cobar Cup on Saturday and Warren next Monday (Free Entry) followed by Dubbo Friday, 6 June, Parkes Saturday, 7 June and Gulgong Sunday, 8 June.
