Ellalong trainer-driver Michael Formosa is looking to the NSW Breeders Challenge series with added confidence after Pops Boy and Heavenly Holly were part of a winning treble at Newcastle on Friday.
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In his first start for Formosa, three-year-old colt Pops Boy came with a three-wide run to win the first. Stablemate Rolling With Stell, with Grace Panella driving, produced a similar effort in the next before three-year-old filly Heavenly Holly led then just held on in the fifth with Formosa in the gig.
"He's a nice enough horse that has come from Sydney," Formosa said of Pops Boy.
"We're just aiming it at the Breeders Challenge in September now.
"Rolling With Stell had a year off with injury and it's taken quite a few runs to get him back. He's clicked with Grace and had two wins and a second in three runs for her. Heavenly Holly's being aimed at the Breeders Challenge as well. She was nowhere near 100 per cent and was going to be a bit vulnerable but class prevailed and I expect a lot of improvement from her."
Panella brought up a driving double with victory on the Clayton Harmey-trained Major Bob.
Colt Saint Crusader, with Mark Callaghan driving, gave Harmey a double before Callaghan scored his second win of the night, taking the Peter Hedges-trained Ideal Mondo to victory.
Callaghan's son, Jack, had a memorable night at Menangle on Saturday, claiming the group 3 Vic Frost FFA with Cash N Flow before bringing up a double with Machs Legacy.