$600 GAMBLE PAYING OFF NICELY

SHAUN Harvey says a lightly-raced mare he bought online for $600 a few months ago had “stayer written all over her in her pedigree”.

That Wyong trainer’s acquisition of four-year-old Gemtiki in May has since returned $25,700 in prizemoney in four starts, culminating with a breakthrough victory at Muswellbrookyesterday in a 1750m Maiden Plate.

The first of jockey Aaron Bullock’s three winners, Gemtiki($2.10 favorite) scored easily from fellow Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan’s Honeyhill ($6) and Gosford trainer Mark Sues’ Miss Binman ($26).

“Gemtiki had started five times at the provincials for a debut placing at Newcastle last November in a 1250m Maiden for four-year-olds and upwards,” Harvey said today.

“Being by Almanzor from a Stravinsky mare, I thought she had stayer written all over her when I noticed her up for sale on Inglis Digital in May.

“She was definitely worth a gamble for only $600.

“Gemtiki arrived at my stable in great order.

“She is a bit quirky, but seems to thrive on backing up quickly.

“Yesterday was her third run this month, and she has gradually stepped up in distance from 1450m to 1600m and then 1750m yesterday.”

Harvey went to Muswellbrook yesterday with great confidence going back to country grade with Gemtiki after she had made ground at $51 to finish third to Equinox Legend in a $60,000 Super Maiden Plate (1600m) at Kembla Grange on July 16.

He is gradually building up his team after winning his first race with Buckin’ Rippa at Walcha in February 2024.

“I’ve got 15 horses on my books, but rotating them with eight currently in work,” he said.

“The pleasing part is that I have some lovely ladies who are getting involved in horses and forming syndicates to make it fun and affordable.

“That is really helping to get my name out there.”

HOOFNOTE: There is a very sad note to Gemtiki’sbreakthrough yesterday.

“My mother-in-law Christine McMillan, who actually purchased the mare, is seriously ill and so it was especially pleasing to get a breakthrough with Gemtiki,” Harvey said.

“This may have been our last chance to win a race for her.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, JULY 27, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS