Bartime wastes no time at Pinjarra

Scenic Lodge sire Universal Rival maintained a margin at the top of the WA 3YO winners table this season when Bartime wasted no time breaking through in the TABtouch Maiden (1200m) at Pinjarra on Thursday.

Bartime had come from last to finish within three lengths of Aroochacha (Deep Field) over 1000m on debut earlier this month.  He was always well-placed second-up before accelerating through a gap on the inside of hot-favourite Toronado Bull (Toronado) to win running away for Troy Turner.

Universal Rival (15) heads the WA 3YO ladder for individual winners from Playing God (14), Demerit (14), Maschino (13) & Oratorio (13).

Bartime is trained by Brett Pope and is a homebred for Aristos Mihalopoulos who raced Barakey (Key Business) to a Group 1 victory in the 2012 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot.

His dam Timesin (Key Business) is an unraced full-sister to LR Bunbury Stakes winner Keytomoney and her earlier foals include the Blackfriars money-spinners Baramagic ($323k) and Henchard ($209k).  She has a yearling colt and a filly foal by Snippetson.

Universal Ruler’s 3yo filly Universal Flair won for the second time in a week for trainer Ted Martinovich in the Christmas In July Celebration (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday.  The quick turnaround earned $170,000 in prizemoney and Westspeed Bonuses for owner-breeder Stan Quinlivan.

Universal Flair led from the outset and knuckled down when challenged to score by a half-head from Saloon Bar (Sessions).  “We didn’t do much with her during the week – just a trot and canter,” Martinovich said.  “Can be a nuisance at home but there’s no problems once she gets to the races.

“We might look for one more Westspeed 3YO bonus before the end of the season and then go for a spell.  We’re very proud of her.”

Universal Flair was tasked with shouldering 60kg before connections took advantage of a claim.  “She’s a little ripper,” 3kg apprentice Brayden Gaerth said.  “She has been a bit of a tricky ride but kept fighting and fighting today.”

Quinlivan has a Nicconi filly foal from her dam Formula (Blackfriars) and the mare was covered by fellow Widden Victoria stallion Gold Standard last year.

Scenic Lodge stands Universal Ruler for $8,250 alongside Dash For Cash at $2,200.  Fees (inc GST).