Stallion breaks maiden status

Vaughn Sigley-trained galloper Sound Effects was an early winner at the Bunbury Turf Club yesterday, thundering up the middle of the straight to claim the $11,000 Affinity Doors Windows & Shower Screens Maiden Hcp (1000m).

It was the Lark Hill horse’s first race in just under a month and the spell paid off, with Sound Effects ($6) able to find another gear in the last 400m to triumph ahead of favourite Power Packed ($3.90) and Corella ($4).

Ridden by Glenn Smith, Sound Effects jumped from barrier two and settled fourth before falling back to fifth at the turn.

The four-year-old stallion came into his own in the second half of the race, cutting a path through the centre of the field to win by a clear length.

Power Packed fought bravely to recover from a poor start, settling ninth and turning last after starting from barrier 11, but his late charge fell just short of his first victory.

C’Est L’Amour proved punters right in the $11,000 Australind Pre-Mix Maiden Hcp (1000m), the $2.25 favourite powering home to claim the race from Lioness ($14) and Our Mantle ($10) by a short neck.

Carrying equal bottom weight at 55kg, the Lindsey Smith-trained filly was able to recover from a slow start, turning seventh before blitzing the final 400m.

Racing returns to Bunbury on Sunday with an eight race meeting.

Here's our tips for Sunday's meeting.

The South Western Times tipping panel wades through (and in some cases throws out) the form guide to bring you the hottest prospects for Sunday’s meet at the Bunbury Turf Club.

Julio Santarelli - RWWA

Race 7 Horse 9 Mighty Blonde

Has drawn perfectly in barrier three and can bounce back after a difficult run last time out

Josh Zimmerman – South Western Times

Race 2 Horse 7 China Aster

Missed out narrowly in last two outings, will get the job done against average field this time around.

Fiona Hinds – www.swtimes.com.au

Race 7 Horse 9 Mighty Blonde

Raced wide at last start and has a better barrier draw in this race. Looks good in this field.

Brody Russell – Bunbury Turf Club

Race 6 Horse 2 Always a Smile

Like this horse, scratched from Saturday at Ascot to run in Bunbury. On the improve.

Riley Stuart – The West Australian

Race 5 Horse 3 - In Rhythm

Showed a bit last start and should have a good run at things on Sunday.

Flighty Filly, Greener Pastures

Race 6 Horse 2 Always a Smile

If winners are grinners, this one is a shoe in. Best horse in the field for mine.