Symon Wilde had an anxious wait before the judge declared his promising mare Precious Charm had dead-heated in Sunday’s $150,000 Werribee Cup.
With Harry Coffey aboard, Precious Charm ($11) went across the line locked with $3.20 favourite Holymanz, who was ridden by Ben Allen.
Wilde’s first thought was that Precious Charm had been beaten by the Ciaron Maher-trained galloper.
“I’m happy with a dead heat,” he said. 
“She’s a handy horse. Fingers crossed she can win a black-type race.”
Sunday’s victory is Precious Charm’s eighth from 21 starts.
This is Wilde’s second Werribee Cup. Baughurst, co-trained by Wilde and father Bill, won the 2007 edition.
Follow this Song
Warrnambool filly Tennessee Song justified solid support ($7.50-$6) with an impressive victory on debut at the Werribee meeting.
The Tom Dabernig-trained three-year-old by American Pharoah came from just better than midfield under Linda Meech to take the 1100-metre maiden.
Dabernig said Tennessee Song had worked well in the lead-up.
“I thought she’d run well going on her work,” he said. 
“She’d been well educated and she’ll improve with that run under her belt. 
“She’s a nice type of filly and we’ve always had a nice opinion of her. We’ll just take her through her grades quietly. 
“It was a very good ride by Linda. 
“Our stable’s had a lot of luck with Linda over the years and long may it continue.”
Another Lafferty steps up
Hillary Lafferty is following in the footsteps of her late grandfather, top Warrnambool trainer Kevin Lafferty, as a committee member at the Woodford Racing Club.
Kevin Lafferty trained countless winners over jumps and on the flat over his decorated career, including six Woodford Cup winners.
His granddaughter said the Woodford Racing Club, which will celebrate 125 years at its meeting on New Year’s Eve, was close to Kevin’s heart.
“I’m sure Kevin would be delighted that I’ve joined the committee,” she said. 
“The club has done a remarkable job when you consider it’s a tenant club that only races once a year at Warrnambool. There’s not many tenant clubs left now. 
“It’s a big thrill to be involved. (Long-serving committeeman) Peter Haynes asked if I’d be interested and I jumped at the chance.”
Woodford has raced at Warrnambool since 1946, having begun in 1900 at the old Woodford course, nine kilometres inland. 

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