Perth raider Miette Star dominates field at Mingenew Cup’s centenary celebration

A return to the traditional home of the Mingenew Cup did not bring a return to fortunes for Mid West trainers as Aaron Pateman’s Miette Star smashed the field at the celebration of 100 years of racing.

Six runners lined up for the Mingenew Cup, with last year’s winning trainer Tiarnna Robertson’s Shabalala the $2.40 favourite.

Sean Rain’s Graciebird was backed as the best local hope at $3.80, with veteran Proxy and Miette Star a $6 chance.

Proxy jumped out of the inside the gate early but Miette Star raced across from the outside barrier to take up position alongside Proxy as the two held the early sway, skipping out to a nearly five-length lead.

On the top turn, the pack closed up as Miette Star took over at the front and Street Fair dropped out.

Come the straight Proxy’s race was run leaving Miette Star to cruise home to victory by more than four lengths over the fast-finishing Shabalala, who broke away from the chasing pack but was never going to run down the winner.

Mistinguette finished third just ahead of Graciebird, with Proxy coming home fifth and Street Fair a distant last.

It was jockey Simone Altieri’s first cup victory after finishing runner-up on more than one occasion.

“Thanks to Aaron for the ride, I’m stoked to add this elusive cup to my collection after way too many seconds,” she said post-race.

In other action across the day, Wojtek continued his good form in race one easing home against Run Teddy Run by more than four lengths.

Just Jerry (an $11 outsider) grabbed the Maiden win in race two in a terrific battle over Gingerlago, finishing less than half a length in front with favourite Bold Prophet settling for third.

Warpipes won his first race under Greg Criddle as he just had enough to hold off Rains’ Empress Daisy by 0.3 lengths ahead of favourite Demerits Pride.

Heavily backed favourite Three Sessions had no trouble in race four coming home ahead of Yangtze Rapids and Northwood.

In the final race of the day, Kevin Mahoney’s Galiba was the best of the field, finishing more than three lengths clear of Bangcrash and Julia Martin’s Justa Lil Faith to claim his first win in more than 21 months.