Our Buddy Boy chalks up another win for Wallrodt

Talented middle-distance galloper Our Buddy Boy continued his outstanding form since being sent to Albany trainer Rebecca Wallrodt, after another top front-running performance last Friday.

At his best when left to roll along in front, Our Buddy Boy was ridden perfectly by hoop Glenn Smith as he led from gate three in the Allflex Handicap (1500m) in Albany last week and dug deep late to hold off the fast-finishing Lord Kronos.

The six-year-old gelding has now had 18 starts for Wallrodt, with five of those being victories to go with six other minor placings.

Our Buddy Boy has already won three races in the Great Southern this season and contested the Tabtouch Regional Championship Final at Ascot as well.

Smith finished with a riding double after partnering Puck Shape-shifter to victory in the Tru-Test Handicap (1100m) for Peter and Matt Giadresco.

Puck Shapeshifter was a raging $1.40 favourite on the tote but justified his short quote by surging to the lead in the final 200m to beat home Friarfighter and continue the Giadresco stable’s terrific local season.

Planet Flower scored a deserving maiden win for trainer Paul Hunter in the opening event while the frustrating Vital Boom ended a string of minor placings to also notch his first career win for local Neil Lee.

Mongolian Warlord produced a powerful 1¼ length win in the Nufarm Handicap (1600m) for Albany trainer Steve Wolfe and stable jockey Shaun McGruddy last week.

Wolfe had success at Ascot on Saturday when 2017 Fitzpatrick Plate winner My Greek Boy took out the Gas & Air Commercial Handicap (1600m) with Peter Hall in the saddle.

My Greek Boy led from start to finish, scoring by a 1¾ lengths in his first Ascot success and only second metropolitan win of his career.

Lordhelpmerun and One Short both ran second for Wolfe in Saturday company while Dixie Solly’s Blizzard Express ran a big race in the last at Ascot over 1200m, getting nailed late after leading but hanging on to finished third beaten one length.

Albany sprinter Dream Lifter finished sixth in the listed Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m), finishing five lengths off the winner Battle Hero.