Newcastle preview: Brad Widdup has three good chances to extend his winning record at Broadmeadow

Three inside barriers for three good chances can help trainer Brad Widdup build upon his great record at Newcastle.

Trainer Brad Widdup has prepared more winners at Newcastle than any other track and three ideal barriers can help him build further on his success.

Widdup, who has trained 53 winners at the Broadmeadow circuit, saddles up two strong contenders in Manhattan’s and Akaka Falls while Maili is a good each-way chance.

Manhattan’s has been very good in her three runs this campaign which saw her kick off with a barnstorming win from last over Pins And Needles at Newcastle over 1200m before returning with a second to the in-form Deprivation.

She then went to Warwick Farm where she was spotting tearaway leader about 12 lengths at the 600m before finishing fifth just under five lengths behind Watch My Girl in track record time over 1300m.

She steps out in the Hall and Wilcox Law 3&4YO Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) in which she will jump from barrier 1.

Trainer Brad Widdup. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

• EXCLUSIVE: Golden Eagle, The Shorts to be elevated to Group 1 status

“All her runs this time in have been really good,” Widdup said.

“The other day, the race got too far out of her hands but she still kept coming which was the main thing.

“Now that she is a more mature mare, she should be able to run the mile and she just has to produce it on race day. The inside draw does help as well.

“Back to provincial grade, you would like to think she will be competitive, that’s for sure.”

Akaka Falls is looking to maintain his perfect record over the 900m at Newcastle when he resumes from a spell in the New Zealand Bloodstock Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap – and he too has gate 1.

The son of Headwater also has a great first-up record of three wins and three placings from seven starts.

“It would be nice if he can maintain his record there,” Widdup said.

“He seems to be in really good order, I have been happy with everything he is doing at home.”

• EXPERT TIPS: Professional punter James Molony’s race-by-race tips, analysis for Randwick

Widdup has taken a different path with this first-up run with the seven-year-old by giving him a barrier trial at Wyong on September 9.

Ridden by Widdup’s newest apprentice, Poppie Gorton, Akaka Falls raced third on the fence with two horses shading him out wider before moving into the lead on the bend and holding on to beat Oakfield Badger.

“I haven’t trialled him in the past, I usually just give him a couple of jumpouts,” he said.

“It was a good opportunity to give Poppie a trial.

“He has been a very honest horse since I’ve had him and he does race very well fresh.

“He seems to be going really well at home. He is ready to go and hopefully everything turns out well for him.

Widdup has Maili and Party Doll engaged in the HBT Group Benchmark 64 Handicap (1250m) but the latter is likely to be saved for another day after drawing wide.

Maili, like Manhattan’s and Akaka Falls, has also come up with the inside gate.

Maili made good progression last preparation with a fourth at Canterbury second-up followed by a win at the same track and a third to Depth Of Character in the Listed Tatts Stakes at Eagle Farm.

“I think she is going to make a nice filly. She is still learning her craft but she is very honest,” he said.

“This is just a starting point for her but she seems to be ticking over nicely.

“You would like think if she runs up to those performances that she would be right in the finish here.”

Originally published as Newcastle preview: Brad Widdup has three good chances to extend his winning record at Broadmeadow