KEY POINTS:
To see your child ride their first winner must be a thrill for parents.
To witness it with a child you thought you might lose, is something entirely different.
Brendon Yuill was having just his fifth race ride when he guided Dan Ho to victory in the opening race at Ellerslie.
Nine operations were required after the then 4-year-old son of Pukekohe trainer Richard Yuill and wife Donna was kicked in the head by a horse at the stables.
Brendon Yuill showed talented hands to get the best out of Dan Ho, who did not look likely to pull back the leader Eye Me Up for most of the home straight.
Winning return for Cog Hill
A decision on whether Cog Hill goes to Australia might still be pending, but it looks likely after the top-liner's winning return at Ellerslie.
It was a comprehensive win following Cog Hill's lengthy brush with the effects of pharyngitis.
Remarkably Cog Hill was able to win carrying 30kg more bodyweight than when in his prime a year ago.
Twinkling in sparkling form
Sydney's staying races are run notoriously slow early, followed by a late sprint.
That may not suit Cambridge mare Twinkling, but her toughness should make her competitive.
Her Cornwall win at Ellerslie on Saturday was as gritty as her victory on the first day and spells trouble for the Australian winter stayers if the handicapper treats her well.
Rios one to watch at Foxton
Cambridge trainer Murray Baker wishes today's listed Castletown Stakes at Foxton was a furlong longer.
Baker lines up Rios in the 1200m event, but says the son of Hussonet would prefer it 200m further. "He really wants 1400m but they don't have those races for 2-year-olds here."
