Mitchell Conners has realised his lifelong ambition in perfect fashion, securing a winner with his very first runner as co-trainer alongside his father, racing legend Marc Conners. The fourth-generation trainer joined forces with his father in September, and their partnership immediately struck gold when Cape Byron saluted at Hawkesbury on September 25.
Dream Partnership Delivers Immediate Success
The Conners name carries significant weight in Australian racing circles, with four-time Golden Slipper winner Clarry establishing the family legacy, while sons Marc and Heath have continued the tradition with distinction. Now, Mitchell has stepped into the training ranks alongside his father, and the combination has already produced three winners from just a handful of runners in their first nine weeks.
"I had always wanted to be a trainer," Mitchell Conners revealed. "I started working in the stables for Dad during the school holidays and began riding trackwork when I was 15. I haven't looked back since."
The young trainer described the experience as surreal, living out his childhood dream of working alongside his father in the sport he loves.
Newcastle Assault with Strong Contenders
The father-son training duo heads to Newcastle this Sunday with two compelling chances to add to their growing tally.
Lightly-raced mare Micro Magic has shown significant improvement this campaign, resuming with a second placing behind Lightning Glory over 1250m at Newcastle before scoring an impressive victory from Reign Of Honour when stepping up to 1400m at Kembla Grange on October 25.
"She is a mare we have always had a big opinion of," Conners said of Micro Magic. "She does everything so easily but has just taken time to build into her big frame. This time in as a four-year-old mare, she has matured into a perfect racehorse and is definitely on an upward spiral now."
The daughter of Microphone steps out in the Class 1 Handicap over 1500m, drawing barrier 3 with Deanne Panya retaining the ride. Conners expressed quiet confidence about her prospects, noting the extra distance should suit the developing mare perfectly.
Stable Stalwart Returns for Another Campaign
Danish Prince, a consistent performer for the stable, returns for another campaign in the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1250m with apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald taking the ride. While his first-up record shows only one placing from eight attempts, Conners believes the gelding is well-placed to improve that statistic.
"In his last few preparations, he has been running in quite tough races in town first-up," Conners explained. "Coming back to a Benchmark 64 at Newcastle, I know the track is going to be hard which isn't really going to suit him, but he is definitely back in grade. He will jump and be up on the speed and if he gets his chance, I'm sure he will be right there in the finish."
With Fitzgerald's 1.5kg claim reducing his burden, Conners rates Danish Prince as a genuine each-way chance in the competitive event.
Expert Analysis and Best Bets
Form analyst Adam Sherry has provided his expert assessment of the Newcastle meeting, highlighting several key runners across the card.
Sherry's Best Bet comes in Race 4 with Matias, who has performed strongly in both runs this preparation and gets his opportunity to break through for a deserved victory.
His Next Best selection is Contemplates in Race 3, coming off a stylish barrier trial win at Rosehill and capable of landing a first-up victory.
For value seekers, Sherry suggests Chica Del Mar in Race 7 as an each-way proposition, following her impressive last-start win and step up to provincial grade.
The racing action at Newcastle promises an exciting Sunday of thoroughbred competition, with the Conners training partnership looking to continue their dream start with two genuine winning chances.
