Theresa Bateup can’t stop training winners and it couldn’t come at a better time.
The Kembla trainer had a winning double at her home track on Saturday as Storm On and Fleeting Stryke both saluted.
It continued an outstanding run for Bateup’s stable which has averaged close to a winner a week since the second week of November last year. The run of form has coincided with the trainer’s decision to snap-up an additional 14 boxes as she looks to expand her stable at Kembla Grange.
“We
have got a really nice team there and it is building all the time, with
a good bunch of staff. It is all very exciting,” Bateup said.
Fittingly, Bateup’s stable star Fleeting Stryke was one of her two winners on the afternoon.
Fleeting Stryke ($4.60), ridden by apprentice Rachel King, scored a ½ length triumph over Bruce Cross trained Our Sassy Girl ($41) in the Easts Beach Holiday Park Benchmark 60 Handicap (1400m), with Jason Coyle’s Vain Elaine ($7.50) third.
The
win was the perfect return to form for the filly which finished in
eighth in the Arrowfield Kembla Grange Classic at her previous start.
“We were sending her on an Oaks campaign, but with the wet weather it put us behind so we had to stop those plans. After her last start we wanted to see her bounce back to form so we are relieved to see her come out and do it,” Bateup said.
“There is a couple of options with her now. She is thriving in herself at the moment so we will get her home and see.
“She has always given the indication that she is a quality filly so it would be lovely to get some black type with her.”
Bateup started the day on the right note following a gutsy display from Storm On ($19) under hard riding from Jess Taylor.
The five-year-old stayer looked dead and buried at the furlong pole after leading throughout the Kiama Lions Club Class 2 Handicap (2000m), but lifted off the canvas to hold off John Thompson’s Superbee ($3.60) and Bjorn Baker trained Crosley Hotshot ($2.70 fav) in a photo finish.
“It was a good tough win,” Bateup said.
“It is about time he pulled his foot out and had a go.
“The horse has got ability. Sometimes he just doesn’t try as much as he could.
“He is a bit ungenuine like that but he has always shown a fair bit of ability.”
Meanwhile, James Cummings trained Passage Of Time chalked up a super debut win when the colt took out the Healthy Hearts Maiden Plate (1200m) with Jeff Penza on-board.
– Mitch Cohen
Originally Published: https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4570543/winners-keep-coming-as-bateup-doubles-up/