Nash Rawiller had an early win and then nearly secured a double in successive races at the ATC's meeting at Gosford on Wednesday with first Volutina winning the Like Us On Facebook Handicap, and secondly missing on Another Lovechild in the Gosfordracing.com.au Handicap.
The Gai Waterhouse trained Volutina was sent smartly to the lead from barrier three by Rawiller and they were tracked all the way by Kerrin McEvoy on Sweetly.
Entering the main straight Volutina was running with some ease In the lead with Rawiller keeping the filly together, while outside Sweetly had moved to their flank with La Casino and Christian Reith three out.
Once they were balanced in the main straight it was only a matter of when Rawiller would release the brakes, and once he did Volutina quickly went away with a good turn of foot. The first starter Holy Delusions and Corey Brown came quickly over the final 100m but the winner was not threatened.
Jessie Whipp was dislodged from Sierra Morena after the winning post but she was able to continue with her riding at the programme.
Racing NSW safety officer, Maurice Logue, reported: “The on-course Doctor has checked out Jessie and cleared her to continue riding for the remainder of the program.”
Volutina was unplaced in the listed Gimcrack Stakes over 1000m at Randwick on October 1st, but the drop back in grade and the race experience suited her on Wednesday.
In the following race McEvoy reversed the result on Rawiller with the Peter Snowden trained Emblems racing well over the final 75m to overcome the early leader Another Lovechild.
Rawiller came out quickly on the Chris Waller trained Another Lovechild and crossed the field to lead with a 2L advantage over Emblems and McEvoy who was once again content to sit and track the leader.
Another Lovechild, in blinkers, raced fiercely for Rawiller who did his best to keep the gelding under wraps for the main straight. They went further out from Emblems as they went past the 200m, and Another Lovechild looked the winner.
However, the early effort took its toll on Another Lovechild with 50m to run, and with Emblems picking himself up well they quickly claimed the leader and went forward for a half-length win.
