Colgate takes long shot Ibiza to the front for stunning upset

Small-scale Albany trainer Mark Westthorp has made it two wins in the Great Southern this season after long shot Ibiza landed the biggest blowout of the day at Mt Barker Turf Club on Friday.

Jumping a $70 chance on the tote for claiming local apprentice Shelby Colgate, Ibiza bounced straight to the front in the Primaries Rural Supplies Maiden (1100m) and was able to lead all the way.

Colgate kicked the four-year-old mare clear at the top of the home straight as they prevailed by 1½ lengths on the line. with Famous Romance running to second and the heavily supported Horaan back in third.

Westthorp tasted success earlier this season with Little Punga and was pleased to see Ibiza turn her form around.

“We only have three horses (in the stable),” Westthorp said. “She has always shown us speed, a jump and run horse.

“We’ve been trying to stretch her out in races, settle a bit better and not fade at the end.”

Veteran campaigner Toned continued Mark Bairstow’s red-hot recent form, proving too strong in the Primaries Real Estate Handicap (2000m).

Bairstow has his stable flying at present, with four winners since January 12.

Having start No.127, Toned settled back in the field for hoop Mitchell Pateman, who got every little bit out of the veteran in the concluding stages to lift him over the line as they edged out Regent Star and Toru Waimarie by neck margins.

Toned is on track to tackle back-to-back Mt Barker Cups after finishing 10th last year.

Pateman rode a winning double on the card to jump to nine wins for the Great Southern season.

Daniel Staeck still leads the Great Southern Trainers’ Premiership with 15.5 wins after saluting in the last at Mt Barker with Tranquilla Sunrise for trainer Roy Rogers.

That pair also had a winner together on Sunday in Pinjarra, again winning the last race with Read The Riot Act.