BAR Room Banta took a big chunk off the track record at Leeton on Tuesday night.
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After going unbeaten through the NSW Breeder Challenge series last season, Bar Room Banta clocked a mile rate of 1:54.2 in winning the three-year-old colts and geldings heat.
Sent up for the race by Victorian trainer Michael Stanley, reinsman Blake Jones was thrilled to get the call up.
"He was super," Jones said.
"He wasn't switched off but needed a couple of taps around the corner to keep him mind on the job but as soon as Amy (Day on The Stain) eased off he could hear him come alongside of him and just cruised to the line on his own will.
"He did it pretty well."
Bar Room Banta took half a second off the previous record as he went on to down The Stain by 5.1 metres.
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ABOUT To Peak made the most of her late chance to qualify for the NSW Breeders Challenge semi-finals on Tuesday.
Stephen Maguire's filly was originally the first emergency in the three-year-old fillies heat before gaining a start.
She was then able to lead all the way from the inside alley, holding off Gracie Taltoa by a half neck.
The Mirrool horseman, who also bred and owns the filly, was impressed with her efforts.
"She did go nice," Maguire said. "She worked pretty hard early but I was able to back off and give her a breather mid-race and that held her in good stead for the trip home."
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FORMER Riverina pacer Western Sonador is chasing his first group one success at Bendigo on Saturday.
After winning the Minuteman Free For All at Geelong on Saturday, Western Sonador has drawn barrier one in the $100,000 Caduceus Classic for Stephen O'Donoghue and Rebecca Bartley.
The Shepparton-based pair resumed the training of the five-year-old after finishing third in the inaugural Regional Championships at Riverina Paceway last year.
Major Roll will also race on the card in what will be his third start for new trainer David Moran.
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FORMER Junee reinsman Cameron Hart has moved four clear in the NSW driver's premiership with 119 winners so far this season.
Among them was another group three win at Menangle's delayed metropolitan meeting on Monday night as well as the impressive return of My Ultimate Bryon on Tuesday.
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WALKAMILEINMYSHOES added to her good run for new trainer Cameron Ross at Bankstown on Monday.
The seven-year-old made it three wins and a second from six starts since being sent to Cameron Ross by Coolamon horseman Liam Armstrong.
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WAGGA will hold a nine-race card on Friday.
The first is at 12.50pm.
The track record looks to be under threat with James Rattray bringing multiple group one winner Ignatius to the track.
Young races on Tuesday.