Racing heads back to Headquarters this Saturday, the first of 12 consecutive Saturday fixtures in the Top End. Add to that two Wednesdays during the Carnival and Cup Day Monday on 7 August, and we are in for a plethora of racing in Darwin from now until Cup Day. While the fields for this Saturday’s six-race card are a little on the light side, this seems certain to be the exception, not the rule, for the coming 13 weeks of racing action. Some 41 acceptors make up the fields this week, and with ten riders in attendance, close on 40 runners should face the starter.
The feature is the TAB Handicap over 1300m for the open class gallopers, and a six-horse field has been assembled headed by two-time Pioneer Sprint winner Smuggling, who finished seventh at his most recent attempt at the Red Centre sprint feature on 30 April. He was not beaten far, and looks a leading prospect in this, especially with in-form apprentice Ianish Luximon taking 2kg off his book weight of 58kg. He has a good record at the 1300m trip as well, and on weights and measures, Phil Cole’s veteran looks the horse to beat. Gary Clarke is well represented in the event, with Great Diviner, Mr Cashman, Siakam and newcomer Loveplanet all having claims to success. Siakam won the St Pat’s Cup two starts back and seldom goes a bad race, while Loveplanet, formerly trained by Chris Waller, will be one of the most interesting runners of the day.
The bet365 Handicap for the 0-70 performers will be run over 1600m, and young trainer Ella Clarke holds a strong hand with two leading hopes in the five-horse field. She will saddle up Eurellydidit, who is chasing a hat-trick of wins, as well as Ironedge, who has recently joined her stable after his last three starts in the care of her father, 10-time champion Top End trainer Gary Clarke. Ironedge went three sound races during the AS Cup Carnival, finishing twice second and once third (relegated from second) and the 1600m should be right up his alley.
The weather in the Top End is nearing its best at present, and a top of 31 degrees is forecast for raceday. There is still a little humidity around, but that is expected to abate in the coming week or so to produce the brilliant Dry Season weather the Top End is renowned for. The first on the card gets underway at 2.06pm (NT time), which is 2.36pm in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland, while the last on the programme is timed to go at 5.20pm (NT time), or 5.50pm in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland.
BEST BETS
R1, No.1 – DON’T WAIT
Nine-race winner who seldom finishes far away. Resumed with a good second to Soul Spirit over this trip on 25 April in his first start since 22 October 2022. Jade Hampson’s 2kg claim will be of benefit here in this 0-64 1200m, a trip he has won at twice and been placed on a further seven occasions. Drawn nicely in barrier two and with just four rivals to beat, he looks a good bet to start the day on a winning note.
R2, No.3 – FRACTION LATE
Two second placings this campaign, behind Global Wonder on 14 April and then filled the same position behind Zip Lane on Anzac Day. Was heavily backed last time and caught late over 1100m. This 1200m distance should be more suitable, and should be able to slot in for a nice run in this six-horse line-up. Hampson on and will reduce the horse’s weight to 54.5kg, which brings him in very well in this class 2 event. Should reward his followers this time.
GIVE ANOTHER CHANCE
R6, No.2 – IRONEDGE
Did little wrong when placed three from three in Alice Springs during April. Contested a 2000m event last time out on Cup Day and after finishing runner-up, was relegated to third for causing interference. Now in Ella Clarke’s team – he was trained for the AS Cup fixture by father Gary – he should be seen to advantage back over 1600m, and Jarrod Todd retains his association with the son of Shamus Award. Can break through for a well-deserved win.
SELECTIONS
RACE 1 – 1, 5, 2, 3
RACE 2 – 3, 1, 2, 4
RACE 3 – 3, 1, 5, 2
RACE 4 – 4, 5, 8, 6
RACE 5 – 1, 6, 3, 2
RACE 6 – 2, 4, 5, 1
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