Babble eyes 3YO races in Perth after strong Albany win

Exciting three-year-old Babble will be aimed at metropolitan grade Saturday races in Perth after an impressive victory in the Balgownie Equine Centre Handicap (1230m) at Percy Spencer Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Babble was acquired by Albany trainer Jonathon Jachmann last year after having three starts for Brent Albuino which inclu-ded running eighth in the $100,000 Crystal Slipper Stakes (1100m).

The Blackfriars gelding was a strong winner first-up at Mt Barker in October and was placed at his last two starts before French jockey Matthieu Autier gave him a lovely trip, running to down Volksoan by 1½ lengths and score a second career victory.

Jachmann was delighted with the performance of Babble, who jumped from barrier 13 and settled much better.

“In his first couple of runs he was charging,” Jachmann said.

“We were going to take him to town but we wanted him to settle.

“He settled well today and got into a nice spot.

“I was worried it might be a bit short but he travelled really well and let down good. “We will try and look at one of those nice three-year-old races in town now.”

Meanwhile, consistent galloper Naturaliste notched a fourth career win, fighting out a thrilling finish with Hostwin Pegasus in the Hybla Tavern Celebrate Good Times Handicap (1100m).

The Kevin Allen-trained gelding has been in terrific form with two placings in four starts this preparation and hoop Fiona Bell urged him home to get over the top of Hostwin Pegasus and win by a head.

In-form rider Mitchell Pate-man continued his sparkling form in the saddle with a winn-ing double, guiding Kinjara and Fairly Hot to victory on Sunday.

At Pinjarra’s standalone metropolitan meeting on Saturday, Pateman steered the Mark Nelson-trained Secret Minx to a dominant win in the Outkast Hire Graduation Handicap (1200m), carrying 60kg and jumping from gate 12.