Outsider comes from second row to overtake Star Boss

Relative outsider Kata Noi Beach came from the second row to pip Star Boss by half a neck in the South Western Times Pace (2100m) on Friday night at Donaldson Park. The David Young-trained mare, who had mixed form leading into the race, moved away from the inside during the bell lap and driver Madeleine Young appeared comfortable with how proceedings were playing out in front of her. After getting into a two way duel with Barry Howlett’s pre-race fancy Cheer The Major, Young enticed the five-year-old into taking the lead — and by the time the field turned for home, she had claimed the prized inside lane all to herself. But the race was far from over. With reputable Bunbury reinsman Bailey McDonough refusing to concede, eight-year-old Star Boss briskly forced himself into victory conversation after exiting from heavy congestion and hurling himself on the race leader. Although the mare managed to have enough to deny the remarkable turnaround, trainer Rosalind Figliomeni would have been thrilled with McDonough’s drive. Aimee-Lee Wood also made it three consecutive wins piloting Lord Rosco, who cruised home by 5.6m in the Sky Racing Pace (2100m). One of the more popular pre-race selections to salute, Stephen Reed’s gelding cruised to the lead off the start and had too much in the tank during another impressive all-the-way display. Given his recent success in Bunbury, it will be interesting to see if Reed sends send him back to Gloucester Park for tilts at bigger races.