Continuing a run of very consistent form on the circuit, the Connie Greig, Dubbo-trained Linden Tree on Easter Sunday won the Splashe Cola-Rices Back O Bourke Cordials Harry Hart Memorial Picnic Cup at Bourke. Prior to Bourke, Linden Tree won the Condobolin Picnic Cup and was runner-up in the Picnic Cups at Bedgerabong and Tottenham. Before a big crowd at Bourke, Frau Holle led by four lengths with Linden Tree back near last with stablemate Kalpana. Ridden by the Brazilian born Leandro Ribeiro, Linden Tree ($2.60 favourite) ran the 1600 metres out strongly and won by a length from Kalpana (Izzy Neale, $4.60) with Frau Holle (Ricky Blewitt, $10) battling on well for third.
Connie Greig also provided the quinella in the 1300 metres Outback Ice and Refrigeration Trophy Handicap however, Izzy Neale turned the tables on Leandro Ribeiro when Pahang (Izzy Neale, 3.20) in a close finish fought off Individualist (Leandro Ribeiro, 2.50 fav.) with Are You Certain (Michael Gray, $6) six lengths away third. Cobar trainer Wayne Prisk enjoyed a good day, landing a winning double with Mr Pointer and A Tender Lady, both raced in partnership by Wayne Prisk and Butch Eves. After sharing the lead with Have Mercy, Mr Pointer (Emily Harrison, $7) gained the ascendancy to win by a long neck from Have Mercy (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.40) while Hurn Court (Maddison Wright, $3.20 fav.) humped the 77kg top weigh in to third place in the 800 metres Bourke Bowling Club Open Trophy Handicap.
First-season jockey Emily Harrison with her trademark captivating smile, was again welcomed back to the winners’ stall after the 1000 metres Nutrien Walsh Hughes and Franks Outback Security Class B Handicap. Leading for home from Oh No Devon, A Tender Lady ($4.40) won by over two lengths from the strong finishing Scruff’s Magic (Izzy Neale, $5.50) and Hammoon Sunshine (Maddison Wright, $3.40). Maddison Wright and Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb had earlier combined to win the 800 metres Bourke Steel and Hire-Franks BP Service Station Maiden Plate with Hammoon Sky ($1.80 fav.) which led all the way and had over three lengths to spare at the finish from Party Stop (Tony Williams, $3.50) and Juliet Bravo (Ricky Blewitt, $3.50).
