A firm track and inexperience down the Flemington straight may have been the factors that brought smart Warrnambool sprinter Oliveanotherday’s winning streak to an end in last Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 Bobbie Lewis over 1200 metres.
The Tom Dabernig-trained four-year-old started a $1.60 favourite under Harry Coffey but had to settle for fifth, beaten just over a length by the Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained Losesomewinmore.
Coffey said following the race that Oliveanotherday would derive plenty of benefit from his first experience down the straight.
“He travelled well but didn’t quicken when I asked him,” Coffey said. “It might have been that he was inexperienced down the straight. 
“I’m sure he’ll be better when he has his next run at Caulfield.”
Coffey told the stewards after the race that he wasn’t disappointed with the gelding’s run given his inexperience down the straight. 
Dabernig said he agreed with Coffey’s assessment, adding that Oliveanotherday might be best on tracks with more give than last Saturday’s good 3.
Wil powers back
There was better news at Flemington for another horse with strong connections to the district.
Another Wil, bred at Woolsthorpe by the late Colin McKenna and wife Janice, showed a dramatic form reversal in the Makybe Diva Stakes after lacklustre efforts at Caulfield last month and at Eagle Farm in winter. 
“I’m thrilled he had a return to form,” trainer Ciaron Maher said. “He had a couple of minor issues, which we’ve worked out. 
“He’s stabled up at our Ballarat complex  now and is really enjoying the change in environment. He seems to really love  working up the hill at Ballarat. 
“I thought he presented in the mounting yard in great order. 
“I’m still trying to work out a suitable next race. He might go to the Might And Power (October 10 at Caulfield) but that’s not set in stone.”
Another Wil has won nine of his 22 starts. 
Another double for Andy
First-season Warrnambool  jumper Andy Win scooped the pool at the annual Australian Jumps Racing Association awards in Melbourne last Saturday night, earning two major awards. 
Andy Win, whose five jumps wins for trainer Shane Jackson included the Grand National Hurdle-Grand National Steeplechase double, was named champion jumper and Jim Houlahan jumper of the year. 
Warrnambool’s Symon Wilde was crowned champion jumps trainer while Dean Parker was champion jumps jockey for 2026.