Trainer Mitch Chapple. Photo by Amanda Rando
Talented young pacer Chappy Streetnorth made a welcomed return to the winner’s circle at Newcastle on Monday afternoon.
The three year old was returning from an eight month break for his owner, trainer Mitch Chapple and the last born son of ill-fated sire John Street North sounded out an ominous warning to rivals that he has not lost the class that he showed from his debut by recording a dominant nine metre victory, rating of 1:56.1 in the process.
“He went super,” said a relieved Chapple.
“I did expect him to perform well as his trackwork had been strong, but it was his first run after a long break, so I did have some reservations. He certainly dismissed any of those concerns and I can now plan towards chasing better races.”
“I have had a big opinion of this bloke from when I first broke him in but I was left scratching my head after he went off the boil last season so I just pulled the pin on his racing, confident that he would return to his best once freshened.”
Chappy Street North will now be aimed at next month’s NSW Breeders Challenge.
The gelding was touted as being the one to beat in the two year old edition of the series but things did not go his way.
“He just did not aim up last year. Hopefully following a decent spell and time to mature he is ready to perform better this time around.”
Chapple’s father Guy is back in the sulky after battling illness which sidelined for much of the last season which Mitch believes will make a difference to their team’s performance.
“It has been great to have the old fella back doing what he loves. He knows the horses so well and they always run for him.”
“Dad has been through a tough time with his health and deserves a change of luck.”
Guy has two drives at tonight’s Newcastle meeting, and both have winning chances.
Chapple teams up with trainer Adam Ruggari who has Zoes Rainbow engaged in race two.
The mare ran a creditable third last start in Victoria and is first up for her new stable, drawing perfectly in gate one.
Chapple’s second drive Nasholi (race 6) is racing most consistently, placing on four occasions since winning back in June.
