Wyong preview: Promising Cryptonic to help Jason Attard and Lucy Keegan-Attard to build on winning momentum

Following a much needed home track win on Thursday, trainers Jason Attar and Lucy Keegan-Attard can build on the success when they saddle up two strong chances at Wyong.

Cryptonic (left) looks well placed to break his maiden at Wyong. Picture: Bradley Photos

It has been a quiet start to the season for trainers Jason Attard and Lucy Keegan-Attard but a winner and a close second at Hawkesbury on Thursday could just be the turning point for them to gain some momentum.

“The team has been racing well and consistently finishing in the first four but we just hadn’t been able to get a win,” Jason Attard said.

“The horses are running to the best of their ability but they’re either having bad luck in the run or the track is too hard or too soft; all those factors that play a big part.

“It was great to see Seance win on debut at Hawkesbury and I was very happy with Leandra who ran second. The track was a touch firm for her but she ran very well again and a win isn’t far away.”

Setombe flashes home for a good win at @hawkesburyrc today for Team @godolphin!@JamesCummings88pic.twitter.com/L7l7835ZcL

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 14, 2024

The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here!

The husband and wife team look a great chance of striking another winner with Cryptonic in the opening race at Wyong, the 4YO and Up Maiden Handicap (1000m).

The son of Encryption was narrowly beaten on debut at Hawkesbury by Setombe back in May and but he didn’t have a lot of luck in either of his next two starts.

He was kept out wide when fourth to She’s All It then was checked and stumbled in the straight before getting gong again late to run fifth to Waterski.

“He was very good in his first preparation despite not winning,” Attard said.

“He has taken improvement from that preparation and he showed that in his trial the other week. He did it quite easily.

“He is a nice horse and I think he should get the job done this weekend.

“There is a horse in there who has had a city placing bit aside from that, there doesn’t seem to be too much depth to this race.

“I would like to think he can win, especially from the good draw.”

Another of their team ready to resume with a bold performance is Invaida Prince in the Midway Class 1 Handicap (1200m).

The son of Invader was a handy third behind Mr Caleb at Hawkesbury on March 19 before backing up there nine days later with a three-and-a-quarter length win from Jump In The Line and More Voltage over 1300m.

Mr Caleb sneaks home with a photo 📸 finish in the fourth from Hawkesbury! pic.twitter.com/HR2MDzHihT

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 19, 2024

He then ran a length fourth to Persian Rose at Wyong before a last to Redbreast on the Kensington.

This time back, he has had two barrier trials at Hawkesbury with a handy fifth to Your Not The Boss before a third behind Bojangles and Rock Empire.

“He was dominant when he won at Hawkesbury but I wish we had pulled the pin and turned him out sooner. Hindsight is a marvellous thing,” said Attard.

“The horses he was trialling against last time were a couple of levels up from him so to do what he did was great.

“It was the first time Winona (Costin) had a sit on him and he can be a bit tricky to ride. She got in well with him and he did everything right.

“I didn’t mind seeing him go that bit harder and get a little tired at the end because it tightened him right up for his first-up run. His work since then has been great.

“Andrew Gibbons has ridden him before and got on well with him.

“We have had a bit of success with Gibbo and hopefully we can again this weekend.

“He’s got a good draw so hopefully he races in behind the speed and finish nicely over the top of them.”

The team also have debutant Heraion in the 3YO Maiden Handicap (1000m) but will likely scratch her from the wide gate.