News

Hint of spring in Sid's step

7th May 2009

Herald Sun - Tim Habel - Friday, 8 May 2009

EMERGING stayer Hissing Sid graduated from a maiden win at last year's May carnival to a Warrnambool Cup triumph, with the promise of a Caulfield Cup bid.

In a remarkable rise through the ranks in the space of 12 months, Hissing Sid ($2.30 fav) confirmed he was one of the most promising stayers in the state when he treated his rivals with disdain to down Our Smoking Joe in the Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m).

The win capped a great week for Warrnambool father and son training team Bill and Symon Wilde in their first season as a partnership.

They also won the Wangoom Handicap (1200m) with Arch Symbol as local trainers won 13 of the 29 races during the three days.

But the elusive $87,790 Mercedes Benz 4WD trainer's bonus still remains to be won.

The Wildes were "live" until the last race yesterday with Asphalt Jungle, plunged from $8 to $4.40. But the gelding clipped the heels of another runner as he loomed up 600m out and dislodged jockey Wayne Hokai.

Symon Wilde said Hissing Sid, who was ridden by Hokai, had never given a moment's concern in the run.

"It was so easy watching it. I really think he's a very good stayer. I don't know whether we might be a bit presumptuous, but maybe the Caulfield Cup in the spring, he's such a natural stayer. He'll probably go for a spell now," he said.

Bill Wilde paid just $20,000 for the Golden Snake gelding.

"Dad's got an amazing record. He selects them all, he selected Baughurst. He's got an incredible record. I don't think he's spent over $30,000, ever. It's a dream come true to win the cup with Dad in our first year," he said.

Hokai, 49, is one of the great survivors in jockeys' ranks. He nearly died after a horse fell on him at Bendigo trials in 2005.

Symon Wilde paid tribute to Hokai.

"He came down twice last week from Bendigo to ride him. It was always about getting him to settle," he said.

Hokai, who dedicated the win to his ill father Ron, who lives in Auckland, said Hissing Sid had the potential to be a spring contender.

"He's still a work in progress. He was travelling to them on the bit today and they were all struggling in the (slow) ground," Hokai said.

THE Kelvin Bourke-trained Thisonesonme, who ran second in the Brierly Steeplechase on Tuesday, has recorded a high TCO2 (bicarb) reading.