Azzopardi Makes Ground In Rising Star

Jade McNaught is on track to win the Rising Stars series, but the battle for second is hotting up.

After her best day in the saddle at Ascot on Saturday, comeback apprentice Chloe Azzopardi has shot up the leader board to sit in second position.

Azzopardi, just three weeks since her return to riding, scored her first city treble when she booted home Dance Music, Valour Road and Settlers Creek.

The 22 year-old, indentured to Simon Miller, has now ridden six winners since weight problems forced her to take an extended break in 2014.

McNaught, who has held the Rising Stars lead from the start, maintained her dominance with an Ascot double, partnering Majinika and Double Bubble.

While Azzopardi and McNaught stole the honours in town, Kristy Bennett kept her position in the top three after celebrating her best win at Dongara.

Bennett combined with the Catherine Godden-trained Absolute Magic in the Dongara Cup (1850m), storming home from last position to score by a long-neck.

Kate Southam at Dongara and Beaux Banovic Edwards, Emma Stent and Kate Witten at York also gained points with their respective victories.

The final 10 legs of the Rising Star Series ends at Northam on May 5.

Julio Santarelli
www.rwwa.com.au