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Widdison goes all in at Corowa
Continuing the stable’s hot run, the aptly named Deeling Aces delivered Craig Widdison and connections a huge victory at Corowa on Monday.
Ridden by Cory Parish, the 6YO Dundeel mare, out of outstanding producer Stacey Lee, was first-up following a decent spell and raced well before powering to a decisive 1.11 length victory in the 1400m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
“She won well; even when she got through the gap, she got held up, then was building and won with her ears pricked and untouched,” Widdison said.
“She’s a lovely big type and a strong thing that can gallop; she definitely gives the impression she is better than a (Benchmark) 58 horse.”
Deeling Aces, a half-sister to the likes of Front Page and News Girl, was picked up by Symon Wilde for $220,000 at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
She hit the ground running in late 2023, winning her first two starts at Bendigo and Terang, but failed to go on with the job, starting another five times without winning.
The current owners, who also bred Deeling Aces, then bought her back for $17,000 via the Inglis Digital platform in October of last year.
Following a good spell, Widdison was given a chance with her, and he’s been impressed.
“She lives out in a paddock with us, and we keep her happy,” Widdison said.
“The boys sold her as a yearling, and Symon Wilde had her at Warrnambool, and they had a fair rap on her, but she didn’t seem to come up after those early wins, so the boys ended up getting her back for $17,000.
“She had a good break, then went to the water walker before coming here, and she hasn’t missed a beat.”
Widdison said despite a drift in the betting ($7 to $9.50), there was a lot of confidence Deeling Aces would be hard to beat at Corowa.”
“She trialled well, and she’d been doing everything right at home,” Widdison said.
“The biggest concern was her going the NSW way for the first time, but the boys had a go, and she kept drifting; we thought she would go well, and it was good to see her get an early win for the boys.”
Widdison isn’t thinking too far ahead and wants to see his mare get through Monday's run before planning out the rest of her preparation.
“I just wanted her to come through the run and keep her happy,” Widdison said.
“We’ll try and find the right race, and without starting to set our sights too high.”
The Wodonga stable has enjoyed a stellar 2025/26, with Widdison training 21 winners, enjoying success with stable stalwarts and young up-and-coming types.
“Having everything racing well is always a good feeling,” Widdison said.
“To get a fair few young ones through and hitting the track alongside the winners is good, and even with horses like Fourthtimelucky, who we had to baby through all the way, now come out tougher and coping with everything, makes it all worthwhile after you have taken a bit of time with them.”
Much of Widdison’s recent success has involved Parish, who’s riding in fantastic form.
“Cory and I are getting along really well,” Widdison said.
“He uses his brain, and he’s good to talk to; he’s riding really well. “
Widdison will now turn his attention to meetings at Albury on Friday and Wodonga on Saturday, with his team chasing more success.
Words: Jeff Hanson
Image: Kylie Shaw/Trackpix
