The famous Conners racing dynasty continues to flourish as fourth-generation trainer Mitchell Conners realises his lifelong ambition, partnering with his father Marc in a training partnership that's already yielding impressive results.
Dream Start for Father-Son Training Duo
Mitchell Conners, whose family name is synonymous with Australian racing through four-time Golden Slipper winner Clarry Conners, has made the perfect start to his training career. The young horseman joined forces with his father Marc in September, and their partnership struck gold immediately when Cape Byron saluted at Hawkesbury on September 25 with their very first runner.
"I had always wanted to be a trainer," Mitchell 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 partnership has prepared three winners from just a handful of runners in the nine weeks since their debut success, establishing them as emerging forces in the training ranks.
Strong Newcastle Chances for Conners Stable
The father-son team heads to Newcastle this Sunday with two compelling contenders that could add to their growing tally.
Micro Magic, a lightly-raced mare, steps out in the Class 1 Handicap over 1500 metres. The daughter of Microphone has returned a stronger horse this preparation, resuming with a second placing at Newcastle before scoring an impressive win at Kembla Grange on October 25.
"She is a mare we have always had a big opinion of," Conners said. "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."
Stable stalwart Danish Prince returns for another campaign in the Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1250 metres. Despite having only one placing from eight first-up runs, Conners believes the gelding is well-placed to perform strongly.
"In his last few preparations, he has been running in quite tough races in town first-up," he explained. "Coming back to a Benchmark 64 at Newcastle, 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."
Adam Sherry's Expert Race Analysis
Form analyst Adam Sherry has provided his comprehensive assessment of Sunday's Newcastle meeting, highlighting his best bets and value selections.
Best Bet: Race 4 No. 1 MATIAS - "Has been very good in both runs this time in. Gets his chance to break through."
Next Best: Race 3 No. 14 CONTEMPLATES - "Sprinted home with a stylish barrier trial win at Rosehill. Can land a first-up win."
Value Bet: Race 7 No. 5 CHICA DEL MAR - "Stylish win last start. Up to provincial grade and will give a bold sight."
Jockey to Follow: Ashley Morgan appears well-placed to score enough points for victory in an open Jockey Challenge.
Race-by-Race Insights
Race 1: DORALEE gets the nod after a gallant first-up performance at Kembla where she raced wide without cover throughout. The better barrier draw should see her competitive.
Race 2: BLUEBIRD BAY looks well-suited after leading and being run down late at Scone last start. The step up to 1900 metres appears ideal.
Race 3: CONTEMPLATES comes into this with strong trial form and represents the powerful Waller stable. The Rosehill trial win suggests she's ready to fire first-up.
Race 4: MATIAS has been consistent in two runs back from a spell and gets his opportunity to break through in suitable company.
Race 5: MICRO MAGIC represents the in-form Conners stable and steps up to 1500 metres which should suit perfectly based on her recent Kembla victory.
Race 6: BOLD AND BLAZEN seeks a hat-trick of victories after tough wins at his past two starts. He brings excellent form into this assignment.
Race 7: CHICA DEL MAR offers value after an impressive last-start victory at Armidale. The services of Aaron Bullock add confidence to her prospects.
The Newcastle meeting promises exciting racing action with the emerging Conners training partnership looking to continue their dream start against established stables.
