Manuel's Dynamic Run Continues

TRAINER Michael Manuel continued his exceptional run of form at Maitland on Thursday afternoon, landing a winning double with hugely talented gallopers Cop A Chevy and Swizzle Sticka.

Enjoying a fantastic run with the talented duo, Cop A Chevy made it 11 wins from 17 career appearances with yet another best of day gallop, covering the 450m in a slashing 24.93.

Superbly bred by Kinloch Brae out of Cop A Sling, the dam a litter-sister to Group 1 winning chaser No Donuts, Cop A Chevy made it six wins on the bounce with victory in the second heat of the New Year's Gift on Thursday, and is set to go around at prohibitive odds for next week's finale.

The first qualifier of the New Year's Gift went the way of Swizzle Sticka for Manuel also, the son of Barcia Bale making his first step up to the 450m a successful one, overcoming a tardy start from the inside to tough out a gritty 25.30 success.

Now a winner at six of his eight starts, the fawn chaser has been tradesman-like winning his past four on the trot and will no doubt prove hardy opposition for his boom kennelmate next Thursday afternoon.

Since November 15, Manuel has lined up the talented pair on the 13 occasions for 12 victories, a phenomenal strike-rate for the Butterwick conditioner.

Donaldson Covers Some Miles For Thursday Double

JETT'S Champion only landed a lowly 400m maiden at Maitland on Thursday but she looks to have a tidy career ahead for trainer Troy Donaldson.

A daughter of Kinloch Brae and former top sprinter Iona Champion, winner of 15 races and capable of sizzling times during her racing days, Jett's Champion stormed down the centre of the track late to score in 22.58 and get her career up and running on Thursday.

It was a big day for Wyee trainer Donaldson, with his kennel also venturing down to Goulburn earlier in the afternoon where Screaming Chop made it six wins from seven appearances when taking out the grade 5 finale over the 350m.

Screaming Chop is a daughter of Black Magic Opal and Screaming El, with another of the litter, Screaming Moe, debuting for Donaldson at Ladbrokes Gardens this Saturday over the 400m.

King Panda Keeps On Keeping On

There were some strong performances at Dapto on Thursday night but one most worthy of mention is evergreen galloper King Panda.

Showing no signs of slowing down, despite closing in on 4 ½ years of age, the son of Cosmic Rumble and top producer Hail Queenie charged down the centre of the track late to collar race favourite Winlock Huddie, scoring comfortably in the end in 29.91.

As about as versatile as they come, showing little concern for the track or distance throughout his 87 start career, King Panda chalked up career win number 21 on Thursday night, his stake-earnings now a cool $66,000.

Trainer Frank Hurst has done a fabulous job with the talented galloper in the twilight of his career, and on what we saw at Dapto on Thursday night, there's certainly some miles left in those legs yet!

Marsden's Titanic Effort

HARDAWAY Titan made it nine from nine at Goulburn on Thursday taking out the $2,000 to-the-winner Ladbrokes Grade 5 Final (440m) in comprehensive fashion.

Continuing the outstanding run of success being enjoyed by trainer Ron Marsden, batting at a winning strike-rate of about 60%, Hardaway Titan really gave nothing else a look in taking out Thursday's feature, the son of Barcia Bale defeating fastest qualifier Controller by three lengths in 24.94.

Another performance worthy of mention at Goulburn on Thursday was the victory by the Rod Newell-trained Bluestone Sophie, posting best of day figures of 19.86 over the 350m.

Landing a 14^th career win from 24 starts, Bluestone Sophie has been racing in outstanding fashion for Newell, who you won't hear complaining about box draws anytime soon, her box one draw on Thursday her fifth in succession.