Chapple Returns To Score Drought-breaking Double

Newcastle Herald

Monday December 29, 2008

JOHN GILMOUR HARNESS RACING

TAMWORTH reinsman Dean Chapple landed his first Newcastle double in more than 20 years on Saturday night.

Chapple was successful aboard Armbro Albertina in race two (2030 metres) then drove My Mackadoo to victory in race three (2030m) at Newcastle International Paceway.

But he was later suspended for 21 days after being found guilty of causing interference on the first turn in his drive aboard Armbro Albertina.

"It must be 25 years since I have driven a double at Newcastle," Chapple said.

"That was back when I was based in Maitland."

Armbro Albertina, which is trained at Tamworth by Anthony Mabbott, was having her first run since August and came three wide from the bell to beat Republic Australia by five metres.

After the race Chapple predicted a bright future for the filly which has won five races from 15 starts.

"She has speed but she can also stay, and that is what makes a good horse," he said.

Chapple was deputising aboard My Mackadoo for his brother Guy, who is due to resume from a driving suspension this week. Guy also trains My Mackadoo, which has won both of his starts since resuming from a spell.

"My aim for him has been the Inter City Pace, and he is eligible now after that win tonight so that is where he will be heading," Guy Chapple said.

Heats of the Inter City Pace will be run at Newcastle on Saturday night, and the $40,000 final will be at Maitland on January 10.

Sawyers Gully reinsman Adam Ruggari and Morisset-based Mark Callaghan also landed driving doubles at the meeting.

Ruggari bookended the program when he was successful aboard Quicksilver Candy in race one (1609m) and Armagedon Flame in race 10 (2030m).

Callaghan drove Handos Flight to victory in race seven (2030m) then scored on Cuban Rocket in race nine (2030m).

Quicksilver Candy, which is trained by Ruggari's grandfather Barry Matterson, began brilliantly to lead from the outside barrier. She then slipped away on the turn and was still going strongly on the line to win by 9.5m from Charlie Corday.

The mare scored over 2030m in smart time at her previous outing, and Ruggari felt that she has toughened up in her past two victories.

"She is not too far off going to Harold Park for a crack at metropolitan company," he said.

Armagedon Flame was most impressive when he romped in by 12.75m over Rangiann to record a winning a hat-trick.

He is trained at Shortland by Glen Powell, and after the race Powell's son Shane, who is also his stable foreman, outlined some ambitious plans for the gelding.

"We will take him to Bathurst for the carnival in March, and after that hopefully he will qualify for the Sires Stakes Final at Menangle later in the year," Powell said.

"His manners let him down earlier in his career but he is getting better now."

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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