The action really starts to hot up at Fannie Bay this Saturday with a seven-race card to whet the appetite for the upcoming eight Carnival fixtures, which kick off on 8 July. Field sizes have largely taken a turn for the better, as anticipated, and some 58 horses have accepted in the seven races on the card. The 0-58 1600m was divided and there are eight acceptors in each event, with five each-way betting affairs on the day complemented by two smaller fields in the higher graded races.
The day’s feature, the TAB Same Race Multi Handicap for the open class sprinters over 1200m, is only small in size (5) but has attracted a quality line-up, headed by the Phil Cole-trained last-start winner Cielo D’Oro. The topweight was impressive when scoring here three weeks ago over 1100m, and the extra 100m will not be a problem for him, having won three times at the trip during his career. He will again have the services of Wayne Davis, who knows him well, and he should take a power of beating in the second of the day. Great Diviner, another last-start winner, should provide the sternest opposition to the topweight, while Soul Spirit, with Ianish Luximon’s 3kg claim, gets in well here with just 53kg and is also in the mix.
As interesting as any race on the day is the opener, the bet365 Handicap for the 0-70 gallopers over 1300m, which heralds the return to the Top End of last year’s Darwin Guineas winner Wolfburn. Back in the Gary Clarke stable after spelling in SA and then having four starts from the Philip Stokes yard, the son of Snitzel has a good record in Darwin – five starts for two wins, two seconds and a fourth – and his return as a 4yo, with possible Carnival features on his agenda, will be a highlight of the day. He was a winner in SA at Murray Bridge on 3 May and his only start since was when fifth over 1800m in strong company at Morphettville on 13 May. The 1300m trip should be suitable at this stage of his preparation but he will have to be on his game to beat the in-form Swing With Junior and last-start winner New Roman, who are both racing well.
The Clarke stable again have a strong hand on the day, with Captain George (race 3) and Bel Suono in the last good chances judged on their previous efforts, which include a win for the former and a good third just a week ago for Bel Suono.
The weather in the Top End continues to be outstanding, with the raceday forecast to be 32 degrees, with 19 degrees the temperature overnight. The first on the card gets underway at 1.42pm (NT time), which is 2.12pm in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland, while the last of the seven races on the programme is timed to go at 5.20pm (NT time), or 5.50pm in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland.
BEST BETS
R2, No.1 – CIELO D’ORO
Continues to race very well in the Top End, and gained a thoroughly deserved win here when bolting in by almost five lengths on 27 May. Third placegetter Ideas Man has come out and won since, franking the form. Carries the same weight (59kg) here as he won with last start, and the trip of 1200m will be right up his alley, having won three times and been placed on five occasions over the distance. In this small field he should be able to secure a good run in transit and will be strong late. The one to beat.
R3, No.2 – CAPTAIN GEORGE
Created a good impression when scoring on his Darwin debut on 3 June, accounting for BM54 company with a solid performance. This 0-58 appears well within his scope and is over the same 1200m at which he was successful last time out. Should be further improvement to come as had not raced for some nine weeks when winning last time out. Top trainer and rider combination and although drawn a little awkwardly, should be able to overcome it from this start position.
GIVE ANOTHER CHANCE
R7, No.6 – BEL SUONO
Showed good improvement when stepped up in trip last week, finishing third to the impressive Afternoon Tea over 1300m. Up to the mile here and has been a previous winner at the distance from three starts before coming to the Top End. The quick back-up a question mark but Gary Clarke wouldn’t be sending his charge around if he wasn’t comfortable he’d handle it. Looked a coming winner with his effort last time and can send the punters home happy in the last.
SELECTIONS
RACE 1 – 6, 3, 1, 7
RACE 2 – 1, 2, 4, 3
RACE 3 – 2, 4, 8, 1
RACE 4 – 5, 4, 10, 9
RACE 5 – 1, 4, 3, 7
RACE 6 – 1, 2, 5, 3
RACE 7 – 6, 5, 2, 4
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