Woodside Cup gets seized

Seize Control, runner-up in the Woodside Cup last year, went one better last Friday when he led throughout the 1800 metres of the $30,000 event to bring up his third win for the season.

The field comprised of many of the likely contenders for the Kimberley and Broome Cups, and he never looked in any danger, winning by three lengths from leading cups hopes Just James and Marseillaise.

Seize Control will clash with almost the same field in this Saturday’s 2020 metre Kimberley Cup, which he led all the way to win by three lengths last season.

Though he finished well back in last year’s Broome Cup and will be a 10-year-old come cup day on August 17, he will certainly make his presence felt over the longer distance.

Simone Altieri, who rode Seize Control in all of his seven starts here last year for two wins and three seconds, was back aboard the gelding on Friday and seems certain to retain the mount for the remainder of this season.

Just James and Marseillaise both showed that they will appreciate the longer distances of the two big cups. Just James came from last at the 400 metres mark while Marseillaise, winner of the Broome Cup last year, covered a lot of extra ground on the home turn and should now be ready for another crack at the race.

Trainer Angela Smith led in her first winner of the season when My Departure ended a run of four minor placings to win the maiden and then had further success two races later when Little Larrikin led all the way to win by nearly five lengths. Both horses were ridden by leading Perth jockey Shaun McGruddy.

Fiona Scott also had her first taste of success this season when she produced City Plan in fine fettle for a first-up win in the sprint.

City Plan was ridden by Shaun Meeres who was back in Broome for the first time this season.