Racing: Freedmans prosper on dark day for bookies at Newcastle

Lord Olympus ($2.60 to $1.90), La Tigresa ($3.40 to $1.90), Gemmahra ($8 to $3.80), Mo'Unga ($5.50 to $3.20) and Zell ($3.80 to $2.80) made it a black day for bookmakers.

The Rosehill partnership of Richard and Michael Freedman took the training honours with a double. Richard had told Newcastle Herald readers four-year-old mare La Tigresa was clearly the best chance of the brothers' eight acceptors and he was spot on.

La Tigresa had been placed in four of her seven starts in much stronger company and the removal of blinkers, a nice barrier and a longer trip had punters warming to her in the 1400-metre maiden handicap.

She raced much closer on Saturday and despite anxious moments in the straight, La Tigresa got there by three quarters of a length.

"That is a relief to see the mare break through as she raced well against horses like Kinane, Dancing Gidget and Toffee Tongue," Richard said.

"I took the blinkers off today and she hit a flat spot in the straight before knuckling down for a strong win.

"The mare wants further ground and I am expecting a good prep from her."

The Freedmans' other winner, Rock The Bells, was on debut in the 1250m maiden handicap. The Fastnet Rock colt was a drifter in the market, going to the barriers a $13 chance. He settled midfield before responding to heavy pressure in the straight to win narrowly. Keagan Latham rode both winners for the Freedmans.

Mark Newnham-trained three-year-old Lord Olympus looks to have a bright future after overcoming difficulties to win the first, a 900m maiden plate.

Lord Olympus was slow away but went quickly to be on the heels of the leaders before the home turn.

Country apprentice Tyler Schiller, on loan to Newnham, had trouble finding a clear run inside the 200m so he went back to the rail and Lord Olympus raced away late.

He has speed to burn and a longer trip won't pose a problem.

Kris Lees was the only Newcastle trainer to taste victory.

Five-year-old mare Wild Sheila won the 2350m class 1 and maiden plate with Andrew Gibbons aboard.

A patient ride from Newcastle's premier jockey allowed the mare to run out the trip and win her second race in 17 starts.

Chris Waller-trained, Kiwi-bred Mo'Unga remained undefeated in two starts after a barnstorming win in the 1400m benchmark 64 handicap.

The colt, a son of champion New Zealand sire and Cox Plate winner Savabeel, won on debut on the the Gold Coast on June 12.

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