Lockwood and Wanless combo out for more success

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Barry Lockwood is hopeful of continuing a successful association this week with leviathan owner Ron Wanless and his wife, Judy.

Lockwood has trained winners for the Wanless’ in recent times and will be looking for further glory when he saddles Pre Eminence in the Class One Handicap over 1200 metres at Doomben on Wednesday.

The Wanless-owned and Lockwood-trained Carpaccio is also entered for the Class 1 Handicap over 1690 metres at Ipswich on Thursday.

“I’ve had a bit of success with Ron since I started training a few for him about 10 months ago,” Lockwood said.

“He’s a great owner to train for and a great bloke to work with.

“I’ve had a few winners for Ron and Judy and hopefully there’s more to come.”

Ron Wanless is famous for running his scrap metal business and enjoyed Group 1 success with the likes of 2001 Victorian Derby winner Amalfi and Lights Of Heaven who won the Group 1 Schweppes Oak at Morphettville in 2011 - both trained by Queenslander Peter Moody.

Lockwood has booked former Irish jockey Luke Dempsey to partner Pre Eminence who began his career in Sydney with Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou.

Pre Eminence was seen at barrier trials in Sydney four times but only had one start in the south finishing third in a 1000-metre maiden at Gosford in August 2023.

A son of Exceed And Excel, Pre Eminence was then transferred to Brisbane and has started five times for a win and three placings under Lockwood’s care.

The four-year-old showed brilliant gate speed before fading off a quick tempo up front to finish fifth over 1100 metres at Ipswich on April 9.

It was his second start this campaign after he resumed with a game sixth to the Tony Gollan-trained Surprise Honey in a 1200-metre Class 1 at Doomben in early February.

“Both Pre Eminence and Capraccio should be competitive this week,” Lockwood said.

“Pre Eminence was also entered for Ipswich but he’ll run at Doomben after drawing so well there.

“Capaccio ran second at Doomben two runs back then he led and weakened but wasn’t beaten far at Doomben last start so I'm hoping he'll also race well.”