News

Luck can smile on Patinack again

7th May 2009

Sydney Morning Herald - Craig Young - Thursday, 7 May 2009

NATHAN TINKLER can be further rewarded for his massive financial commitment to the racing industry with success at Saturday's stand-alone Hawkesbury meeting if stable jockey Peter Robl is correct.

Tinkler has invested more than $150 million in the thoroughbred game during the past 18 months, with the Patinack Farm team reaping a bonanza when juvenile colt Onemorenomore (pictured) won the group 1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick a fortnight ago.

"It was a thrill more than a relief," Robl said on Thursday.

"To get Patinack's first group 1 winner in such a short time was a great achievement for everyone involved in the operation.

"Nathan has made a very large commitment and it is good he is now starting to reap some benefits from that commitment."

The Champagne victory was a major triumph for Robl, who feared he might never walk again after fracturing vertebrae in a nasty race fall at Rosehill last December.

But the Benalla Boy has put it behind and is confident the Patinack team can make an impact at Hawkesbury.

Awaiting Robl is one- time Golden Slipper favourite Danehill Smile, which runs in the Rowley Mile with stablemate Teranaba.

"The poor gal has been hammered throughout her career," Robl said.

"She never made the Slipper, she has had one problem after another but, touch wood, everything seems right at the moment."

Now with Tinkler's Sydney trainer, Jason Coyle, Danehill Smile kicked off her career with Anthony Cummings at Randwick.

After wins in the Canonbury Stakes and Inglis Classic, Danehill Smile was sent for a short rest to be prepared for the 2007 Golden Slipper, for which she had earned favouritism.

While out, Danehill Smile suffered a tail-bone injury but her recuperation in the paddock turned ugly when the filly gashed her leg in a stoush with a fence.

Then equine influenza struck, but it wasn't over, with Danehill Smile doing damage to her back muscles. When Cummings and Tinkler parted company, Danehill Smile ended up with Coyle at Warwick Farm.

Danehill Smile has had three spaced runs back from a spell, with the latest an eye-catching effort when a closing fifth behind Mary Grace in the Darley Crown at Hawkesbury last Wednesday week.

"She does have plenty of ability and she will appreciate a firmer track on Saturday," Robl said.

"It was too soft last start and the step up to the mile will also suit her. She is drawn to run well from the four gate."

Teranaba, which has had one run back after a year off, is also down to run at Doomben on Saturday.

Robl takes the ride on Tinkler's galloper Rollins in the Blacktown Workers Hawkesbury Guineas.

"He was going very nice until he stepped to the 10 furlongs, a distance he struggled at," Robl said.

"Jason has freshened him up and the drop back to 1400 metres will suit him. Hopefully, Rollins is rolling to the front at the 100m mark."

The Patinack team may strike early at Hawkesbury with a two-year-old Stravinsky filly named Flying Strike making her debut, in the Inglis Series 2yo Handicap.

"A lovely big strong filly who has had the three trials," Robl said.

In the second race Robl rides Flying Strike's stablemate Soiled, which carries top weight of 57 kilos.

"He ran a terrific race first-up and up to the seven furlongs here is ideal," Robl said.

"He goes well at Hawkesbury and he is going well at home on the track."

Robl has another good chance on Patinack's Douraya in the Provincial Stayers Championship Final.

"She's back from Brisbane and has done well," he said.