By Gavin Stubbs
There are few things that whet the appetite more in racing than a clash between two stars, with the anticipation continuing on an upward spiral come race time.
Thus, it proved to be on Saturday afternoon when two stars of the picnic circuit clashed over 1000 metres at Woolamai racecourse, in veteran horse Howling Wolf and potential champion, Nankervis, along with an encore of handy sprinters which completed the field.
With ideal weather conditions on offer and crowd numbers swelling, it was nine-year gelding Howling Wolf who held the ascendancy in an epic battle, with the two horses going stride for stride in a race that landed so neatly within the realms of speculation.
Going into the race, Nankervis had been touted as a potential champion by many and had built an enviable record on the picnic circuit, landing five wins from as many starts this season and winning with ease. Howling Wolf, trained at Geelong by Carolyn Knight, had the imposing record of nineteen wins prior to Saturday and invariably proves a formidable foe.
With tactics always at a premium in races, rider Deb Waymouth signaled her intent at the start on Nankervis, utilizing his speed to lead and thus removing luck from the equation. Howling Wolf, carrying the huge impost of 77 kg, was ridden by last season’s premier jockey Shaun Cooper, who played the patience game and sat just off the pace, biding time.
Turning for home and with victory in sight, Waymouth and Nankervis established a break over their more credentialled rival and looked set for victory. It was then that Howling Wolf and Cooper decided to intervene with their agenda. Under coaxing from Cooper and looming ominously, the pair surged late within the shadows of the winning post to claim glory, with rivals unable to abbreviate the margin.
It was a mighty win from a horse that must seem like a seasoned warrior to connections and no doubt left them beaming with pride, particularly given the win was a weight carrying record.
Other highlights on the day were a riding double to apprentice Jordan Sanders, who managed to bookend the program on the Cranbourne trained Randolph in the opening event and Thunder of Troy in the final race. Sanders, 28, came to Australia from New Zealand in search of further opportunity for race rides.
With this being just his first season of riding, it’s the second double for the Wangaratta based jockey, who also managed to snare last month’s Healesville Cup on Riley’s Rocket. Cranbourne trainer Peter Foster also achieved a training double with Stagecraft, ridden by ‘Daring Dani’ Walker in race two and Thunder of Troy in the last.
With an atmosphere of ease prevalent and picnic rugs dotting the lawns under the elms, club vice president Bruce Spiden was happy to comment on the day.
“It was terrific to so see so many families out here today, with many kids running around and having a good time,” he said.
“A relaxing afternoon and superb racing action as the centerpiece all form a wonderful occasion. The Race Club look forward to with anticipation to its next meeting, Phillip Island Health Hub Day, on 15 March.”
Without doubt the Howling Wolf and Nankervis race provided the backdrop for another successful day at Woolamai, with the pair perhaps renewing their acquaintance in the future.
For now, the Howling Wolf story added another chapter, with race broadcaster Ben Sporle so aptly describing him during his call as “the modern-day marvel.”
