Racing returns to the Red Centre this Sunday for the first time since AS Cup Day on 30 April, and a decent six-race card is in store with 41 acceptors and eight riders in attendance, including five Darwin-based hoops. Alice also has a meeting next Sunday, after which the club races fortnightly through until September. The feature is the last, the CAAMA Radio Handicap, an Average Benchmark 75 event over 1000m.
Leading trainer Terry Gillett is well represented in the race, with Pioneer Sprint winner Supreme Attraction and fourth placegetter Supreme Times the standout chances on paper. Supreme Attraction will be ridden by Victorian-based rider Mark Pegus, who is currently enjoying a sojourn in the NT and has five rides on the day, as well as four in Darwin the previous day. Supreme Attraction has 61.5kg to carry, but the 1000m should suit and he is a class act. His stablemate, with Dakota-Lee Gillett claiming 3kg, comes in well with just 56kg and should give Supreme Attraction the most opposition. Others with a chance are veteran Our Luca, who is having his final raceday start before retiring to South Australia, while Bar Gem is capable but has been a little below his best this preparation.
Also of interest is the second event, the Get Physical Handicap over 1200m for the 0-70 sprinters. Valley Prince, also from the stable of Gillett and wife Leanne, is a decent galloper who will be dropping back from 1600m at his last start on AS Cup Day to this sprint trip. However, he is twice a winner over the journey and Gillett jnr’s claim will no doubt be an advantage. Triton Rising will have the services of Pegus, which will certainly be a help, while Design Artist was very good when second last time out behind Madam Mischief in the Queen of the Desert Stakes on 28 April. Trystoff should not be discounted either – his form this campaign has been consistent although he has no won for a while.
The weather will be fine although not warm – the forecast top temperature is just 18 degrees, with morning frost. It will be down to zero overnight in the desert! The first on the card gets underway at 1.56pm (NT time), which is 2.26pm in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland, while the last on the programme is timed to go at 4.56pm (NT time), or 5.26pm in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland.
BEST BETS
R2, NO.1 – VALLEY PRINCE
Capable sprinter-miler who reverts to a 1200m event here after finishing down the track over 1600m behind stablemate That’s Justified last time out on 30 April. Something of a 1400m specialist but has won twice from six starts over this trip. The 3kg claim for Dakota-Lee Gillett brings the 5yo in very well here and will no doubt be sent forward from the outside barrier. Will take plenty of catching in the second event of the day.
R3, NO.1 – GARRUCHA
Disappointed somewhat when a warm favourite on AS Cup Day. Led but failed to find a kick in the home straight, weakening to third behind Perisseuo and Gotta Beat over this trip in 3yo company. Had won two of his previous three starts and looked the goods in doing so. Lightly-raced son of Street Boss has the services of leading apprentice Jade Hampson and her 2kg claim brings Garrucha right into this 0-58 contest. Can regain the winning thread.
GIVE ANOTHER CHANCE
R5, NO.6 – FRILLY DESIGN
Won well in 0-62 company on 8 April and then a game fourth, beaten less than three lengths behind Ginger Creek and company over 1200m in the same grade on AS Cup Day. Sat off the speed when wining two starts back, then led last time and run down. Seems to be better ridden with a sit and from an inside barrier, should be able to secure a nice trailing run. Sonja Wiseman has ridden the 7yo at her last two starts and retains the mount. Can bounce back to her best here.
SELECTIONS
RACE 1 – 1, 3, 6, 5
RACE 2 – 1, 2, 3, 4
RACE 3 – 1, 3, 2, 5
RACE 4 – 3, 2, 1, 4
RACE 5 – 6, 2, 4, 3
RACE 6 – 1, 2, 3, 4
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