Corbiewood held a great nights racing with some spectacular performances and none more so than the 4yr old Western Maverick colt Western Magnum. Owned by Hamish Muirhead and Alex Hay it was perceived to be slightly in at the deep end amongst his established top graded foes in the preferred FFA. Magnum had other ideas and proved he is ahead of the handicap in what can only be described as a breathtaking performance. Starting from post 1 with the well fancied Artisan drawn 5 directly behind him, Magnum showed scintillating gate speed to hold his lead in an opening ¼ of 29. Artisan held his position and was right on Magnums tail. Just after the opening ¼ Wull Greenhorn popped Artisan out and made a sprint for the lead. Hugh Menzies and Magnum wouldn’t be denied though and made Artisan work for the lead which he eventually got as they hit the ½ in 1 min. Artisan continued on with Magnum giving chase in second as they drew away from the rest of the field. Artisan opened up a 2 length lead as they entered the home straight and looked to have it sown up then from somewhere Magnum produced an almighty burst of speed to get up and collar Artisan on the line to win by a neck in 2.2.4. A tremendous effort by both horses and both are sure to have a successful year ahead of them. Artisan timed 2.1.8 ptp in what was his first run of the season and is sure to come on for the run. Western Magnum was up against older and far more experienced horses and without a doubt has a tremendous future ahead of him. What a race!

The other main event of the evening was The ‘See What Happens When You Cancel A Meeting’ Final which was won in impressive style by the 3yr old Chaps colt Beach Bound. Making his 2009 debut he landed the spoils in his earlier heat comfortably with the heavily backed Heathers Cheeky Girl going off stride at the start and pulled up. Owned by John Smart, Beach Bound has matured a lot from his fairly successful 2yr old year and went into the final well fancied along with Arts Best who showed great speed and determination to land the spoils in her earlier heat. In the final Arts Best took up the lead and looked comfortable but with a ½ mile to go Beach Bound started his challenge and breezed past Arts Best as they entered the back straight for the final time. He opened up by 5 lengths with no challengers forthcoming and won cosily for driver John Smart in 2.07.8. The heat and final victory will set the colt up nicely for the forthcoming 3yr Old Championship at York in 15 days time where he should mount a strong challenge.

The other heat winners were the English raider Clemtress and the Eck Taylor trained Blissful Beauty. Owned, trained and driven by George Newton, Clemtress led form start to finish recording a comfortable win in 2.07.1. Blissful Beauty continued her recent good run of form and under a confident drive by Willie Drysdale dully obliged to land the spoils in 2.08.7 ahead of Georges Hero.

The Grade 0 maiden race saw the John Gilvear owned Boogie Bootie finally land his first win. A 8/1 outsider, groom Logan Fowler was overjoyed at the Astreos geldings first win along with Hugh O’Neil Jnr who done the warm up duties.

An exciting nights racing in what was a good night for the bookies however im sure it wont deter the punters to much.

Congratulations again to the connections of Western Magnum and Beach Bound.