Gold Circle Pty (Ltd)

Today's Racing :

Ramsden, Bass go toe to toe

Andrew Harrison
Staying races restricted to fillies and mares are few and far between, possibly because when they are carded they are not very well supported. Only eight runners are due to step out in the Ivan Clark Open Handicap to be run over 2 400m at Kenilworth on Saturday but even though the race lacks numbers, it should be an intriguing affair where tactics are likely to play a big role.
In this department, Joey Ramsden and Mike Bass may be pitting their wits against each other, as both have a brace of runners in the race. That said, so do Ri van Reenen and Greg Ennion, so just who will call the tune could be the key to this puzzle.
Both of Ramsden’s runners go this trip for the first time with a "mile" being the limit of their exposed form to date but both are bred to go a bit of ground and have an opportunity to show off their talents.
Fact Not Fiction, by boom sire Dynasty, tried to make all the running over the Kenilworth 1600 m at her last start but was run out of it over the final furlong to be beaten less than a length by Lassiter. Starting at 33-1, Fact Not Fiction was obviously not expected to put up much of a showing but the change of tactics may have brought out the best in her. It is no given that she will see out the extra 800 m but she was not stopping at the end of her last race which may have prompted Ramsden to step her up in trip and she could end up making the pace for Jean Jeannie.
Karis Teetan has been partnering both fillies recently and looks to have opted for Jean Jeannie who has an outstanding pedigree, one that suggests this extended trip should be to her liking.
She caught the eye when finishing better than her stable companion in the race won by Lassiter and looks capable of turning the tables. Both of the Ramsden runners will be giving weight to the Mike Bass pairing of Splinter and Final Approach, both very consistent and possibly more importantly, tested over the trip.
Top weight Splinter appeals as the likely ante-post favourite as she is currently in mustard form and was running on nicely when second to surprise winner A Dancer's Legacy last time out. She had previously scored twice in succession and has shown in the past that she stays the trip. Final Approach was friendless in the market behind A Dancer's Legacy but stayed on gamely to finish a head behind her stable companion. There should again be little between the two.
Of the balance, Single Line has a postage stamp on her back and may well save Fact Not Fiction the donkey work while there appears to be very little between old rivals Cold Hearted Cat and Reptilian if past form is anything to go on.
But summing up, the Ramsden runners look to have the most improvement to come and Jean Jeannie is taken to get home ahead of Splinter and Final Approach, although four runners in you Pick 6 or Jackpot will cover the field which may not be a bad option.

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