Gold Circle Pty (Ltd)

Today's Racing :

Clairwood Preview on Sunday, August 15 part one of one

David Thiselton - Part one of Clairwood preview - (second part already on website)

The Clairwood meeting on Sunday is not high profile, but a few trainers see themselves in with chances of visiting the winner’s enclosure.
The main race is the sixth, a Merit Rated 99 Handicap over 1 600m. The Alec Laird-trained Extra Cover has won his last three from 1 400-1 450m and should appreciate the extra distance being by Dynasty. He refused to load last time, but assistant trainer Archie Watson said, “He’s passed stalls since then and looks talented.” Craig Eudey felt Thandolwami, who will be ridden by Anthony Delpech, had a chance. “He was bowled over at the start and around the turn last time and had nowhere to go in the straight. The jockey has requested to stay on and the longer Clairwood straight should give him more chance to get out.” Stuart Ferrie from the Dennis Drier yard said of Shark’s Bay, “He has no course preference and we’ve put the blinkers on to try and sharpen him up as he hits a flat spot in the straight.” Frank Robinson of the Herman Brown yard said of Directorate, “He was bumped last time. He put up a good July gallop and his work since has been excellent. He will run a good race.”
Robert Fayd’Herbe of the Bass yard said, “I put Test Pilot in this field as it didn’t look too strong. Extra Cover looks the one to beat. One of the most competitive races on the card is the fifth, a MR 1200m handicap.
Mark Dixon and Paul Lafferty are bullish about their chances here with Modern Express and Old Mac Donald respectively. Dixon said, “He’s working very well and if he can be ridden just off the pace he will be a big runner. He was flat to the boards last time throughout a 1 000m race and also had a horse hanging on to him and worrying him. I think he’s better over 1 200m.” Lafferty, pointed out Old Mac Donald’s strong formline and added, “He pulled a muscle as he came out the gates in the Group 1 last time. He has a very good chance.” James Goodman was not too sure what to expect of Seven Network and said that he would “defintely prefer further.” Janine Noordman of the Kumaran Naidoo yard preferred Final Contract to William Grant, saying, “His work has been very good and he ran such a good race last time” Tony Rivalland said, “Turf Queen is coming off her vaccines,but she is working very well and if she doesn’t need it will win.” Gavin van Zyl said, “Cupid’s Prey is working very well, I’m expecting a good race. All Right was too far back last time and I hope the 4kg claimer will make the difference.” The Alistair Gordon yard said of Promise Me,”She won’t gallop at Scottsville so her last run can be ignored. Her form at Clairwood is very good and although she’s drawn on the wrong side, she comes from off them so can hopefully move over.” The higher drawn horses have appeared to have a distinct advantage recently down the Clairwood straight so that factor should be considered. In the first over 1200m, the Drier-trained Stage Diva, who was hampered last time, and the Duncan Howells-trained Roman Matron have chances. Ferrie said, “Stage Diva will prefer this trip to 1 000m and might even want a bit further. Princess Of Power is alright but might need it.” Howells said, “Roman Matron is decent and should finish in the first four, although she maybe needs one more run.” Archie Watson said, “Lizzie Arden probably needs the run.” Mark Dixon said that Ra Ra Ra and Anne’s Daughter would both need the outing. In the second over 1 000m Garth Puller described Call The King as “a professional maiden who could place.” Robinson said, “Antious is quite quick, but not readied up. Maybe a place.” Alyson Wright predicted that on his work Bolting Cat could finish “fourth or fifth.” Ferrie said, “Sense Of Speed ran better than expected last time, his work has not been bad and he should make the necessary improvement.” Gavin van Zyl felt Silver Crest should also improve although he felt he might be better over 1 200m.” Lafferty described Turbo Friday as a “very nice filly”.

Continues with Part two of two already on website

\| All information on these pages are (©) Copyright Gold Circle Pty (Ltd) 2002 \| site map
(This site is best viewed at 1024 X 768)