Clarke, Davis win treble at Fannie Bay

GARY CLARKE and Brendon Davis provided the star turn at Fannie Bay on Saturday when combining for a treble of victories on the five-race card.

Race 1 at Fannie Bay. Winner #8 Erbawi ridden by jockey B. Davis.

GARY CLARKE and Brendon Davis, as they have on so many occasions, provided the star turn at Fannie Bay on Saturday when combining for a treble of victories on the five-race card.

Clarke, the leading Top End trainer for the past two seasons, and Davis, who won his first senior

jockey’s premiership last season to go with two apprentice titles, are a formidable combination and signaled their intentions in the opener, the Scoop on Southern Cross Handicap (1000m).

Erbawi, who had been disappointing since winning on 16 August, returned to something like her best form, aided by a clever ride. She shared the pace on the inner with Cannes Destination and Shogun Star to the home turn, at which point Davis kicked her clear.

Although Phoenix Arizona gave his supporters some hope at the 200m mark, Davis had the job well in hand and guided his mount home by two and a-half lengths from Phoenix Arizona, with Cannes Destination a battling third.

Clarke and Davis were not represented in the second, but they soon doubled their score when Celtic Ghost simply outstayed his rivals in the third, the bet365 Handicap.

He shared the pace with Blonde from the outset of the 1600m, but it was the latter who looked to be going better on the home turn. However, Davis galvanized his mount for one final effort and over the final stages, Celtic Ghost regained the lead and then had just enough in reserve to hold a brave Blonde by a short neck.

The dynamic duo then made it a treble when God’s Aura stormed home to win the Resident Magazine Class B Handicap.

Although forced to race three-wide in midfield throughout as stablemate Lord Mitchell, Stylish

Cruiser and Bestihaveeverhad shared the lead, God’s Aura still produced an impressive turn of foot in the straight to overhaul his rivals and win by three-quarters of a-length. Lord Mitchell, having his first Darwin start, fought on bravely for second, with Dublin Lad third.

God’s Aura has now won two of his last three starts in Darwin, and the son of God’s Own, who was formerly trained in South Australia, looks to have adapted to the Top End racing style in great fashion.

Carl Spry, recently returned to the Top End with his partner Sarah and son Zak, showed his skills in the saddle when giving Group Hug a lovely ride to win The Good, the Bad and The Nag Handicap.

The journeyman jockey, who has spent time in Canberra and Queensland in recent times, is a welcome addition to Darwin, where he has recently taken out a dual trainer/jockey license. He is slowly building up his team and hopes to have his first runners next week.

Courting Magic, Heart Of Ayla and Ra Ikane were prominent in the running while Spry bided his time further back in the field. He showed admirable patience as the field reached the 200m, gaining a clear run at just the right time before Group Hug came away for an impressive length-and-a-half win.

Trainer Melinda Boothby has done a superb job with the son of Consolidator, who has had four starts in Darwin for three wins and a third. He certainly looks capable of improving on his already good record in the coming months.

Jason Manning produced an excellent piece of training when King Dejour, having his first start since Darwin Cup Day, held too many guns for his rivals in the HB Group Handicap.

Vanessa Arnott had her mount at the head of affairs throughout, slipped him a little more rein on straightening and the attractive son of King Of Prussia had enough in reserve to beat the fast-finishing The Concorde by a length and a-quarter, with Sell In May a good third.

King Dejour showed any amount of ability in his first preparation and Manning has been very patient with the dark grey. He has clearly strengthened during his break and paraded in first-class order on Saturday.