Mystagogy reigniting youthful spirit

By Jeff Collerson

WHEN Mystagogy rung up win number 25 at his 129th start at Dapto last Thursday night he notched his fifth successive short course win, two over the Dapto "flutter'' and three over 330m at Richmond.

Nothing exceptional in that perhaps Mystagogy, trained by George Borg, turned five years of age a month ago.

Although the dog has won twice over 520m at Wentworth Park, Borg said he is unlikely to bring the veteran back to the big smoke for another hit-out over that trip.

"While he is sprinting so well there is not much point and he was never particularly strong at the end of 520m anyway,'' Borg said.

"I can't really explain why he is going better than ever despite his advancing age except that he seems happier than ever and is really enjoying his racing.''

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NEVILLE Brown landed his first winning treble as a trainer at Bulli on Saturday night and did so in what might possibly be unique fashion, with his three winners succeeding over different distances.

Harold, named after Brown's grandfather, overcame a slow start to win over 400m in 23.16sec while Joy's Fancy led all the way over 472m in 26.83.

Lucy Van Pelt, a litter sister to Joy's Fancy, came from second early to win over 515m in 29.29.

"Harold was a gift to me from Cowra breeder-trainer Rod McDonald,'' Brown said.

"I had given Rod a service to my stud dog Swift Fancy so he presented me with Harold in return.

"Lucy Van Pelt and Joy's Fancy are litter sisters and are out of Bella's Fancy, so are from western districts breeder Dennis Barnes' bloodlines.

"Lucy Van Pelt is probably the best of the trio that won at Bulli.''

Brown relocated to Bargo 14 months ago and after a long period of building kennels and yards, says he is now ready to concentrate on racing again.

He is best known as the trainer of former crackerjack Tuiaki, winner of the 2010 Peter Mosman Classic at Wentworth Park, along with Swift Fancy, who scored nine wins, six seconds and a third from just 20 appearances around the same time.

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QUEENSLAND breeders Jeff and Jane Crawford's black dog puppy by Fernando Bale from outstanding pRoducer Fantasy Royale topped Sunday's Ladbrokes Richmond Riches Puppy Auction after being sold for $21,000.

Whelped in May, the half brother to Leeroy Rogue, Kong, Aphorism and Wonelova Gunn, was purchased by Luke Murray, who races Kong.

Murray has long been a strong supporters of the Richmond auction, paying $21,000 for Mister Twister at an earlier sale.

Mister Twister went on to earn $321,000 prizemoney.

Two dog puppies by Collision from former Wentworth Park star Good Odds Angel sold on Sunday for $15,500 and $10,000 respectively.

The auction grossed $577,000 with the average priced pup bringing $3900.