Warwick surprise in Ascot feature

Myalup trainer Justin Warwick was forced to settle for two second places in big races at Ascot on Saturday.

Warwick’s country cup champion gelding Material Man placed second in the feature race of the day, finishing half-a-length behind surprise winner Pounamu ($21) in the $1 million Group 1 Magic Millions-Kingston Town Classic (1800m).

Despite telling the South Western Times last week that Material Man ($21) would be carrying too much weight to win, the six-year-old found another gear at the turn and came from fifth to finish second in the big race.

Just 40 minutes earlier Warwick was forced to watch on as Angola ($31) finished second in the $100,000 G.A. Towton Cup (2200m) after he fell behind runaway winner Trap For Fools ($2.45) by two and a half lengths.

It was not all bad for Warwick, with two horses claiming wins in the trials at the Bunbury Turf Club on Friday.

Route Eighty Eight looks set to resume after winning his past two trials, with the three-year-old chestnut filly yet to break maiden status.

Heidi Whites also won her trial and looks to add to her debut in Kalgoorlie back in September across the 1300m. Unbeaten gelding Temple Man is also looking to resume after racing twice earlier this year and placing second at the trial.