3 minute read
Race by race preview for the seven event program conducted at Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park on January 4.
Friday’s Canberra meeting is the first of two twilight programs hosted by the club through January with the next scheduled for the 18th.
Doctor Zous ventures south for his debut after turning heads in a Kembla Grange barrier trial last month.
Bjorn Baker’s son of Zoustar is a tantalising one out option in the first leg of the quaddie, contesting a 1000m Maiden Handicap.
The feature event of the day is Race 6 at 5:20pm, a TAB Federal Benchmark 65 Handicap (1000m).
Canberra Racing Club’s $40,000 event possesses good depth about it with seven of the nine runners currently quoted at single figures.
The fairer sex dominate betting with mares Lulu Raez and Embezzlement currently vying for favouritism, each contesting the race second run back from respective spells.
Another mare in Delago Thunder has each way appeal, making her stable debut for Nick Olive after stints in both Sydney and Brisbane.
Race 1
#3 MAGNAVALE is most interesting. Debut winner at Tatura going back a month. Rider lost whip over the concluding stages too which adds merit to the performance. Astutely placed and can maintain her unbeaten record here. #1 POLYXENA gave a good sight at this track most recently. Improving with racing and just has to hold form here. Senior rider back aboard will help. #2 IVA LILO failed to beat a runner home in a harder race at Goulburn most recently. Since trialled and can sneak a place first-up.
Race 2
#4 STRATUM'S ROSE surely finds her race. Closed hard at Wagga last start when chalking her fifth placing. Draws much better this afternoon and commands strong respect getting to the mile. #3 PRINCESS TABITHA produced a rare failure at Nowra last start. Not far off in a similar race here prior to that. Draws pole and can show improvement. #1 GO GARIC is one for the multiples.
Race 3
#4 APPETIZING is primed to go third-up. Slightly flat-footed last start at Nowra but is worth another chance. Had good form prior and rates strongly with fitness peaking. #6 TRUMBO is an honest conveyance. Not disgraced in a stronger race last start behind Irish Songs. Should be competitive. #7 TE ATA is having her third run in a fortnight. Descended on her rivals to get the cash most recently. Keep safe. #2 CRITICAL TOUCH was a victim of the large weight last start. Has brilliant credentials at this track and can improve.
Race 4
#3 DOCTOR ZOUS makes his debut by Zoustar as the name suggests. In a good yard and you only have to look at his recent trials to suggest he should be winning this. Put a gap in them in his most recent trial and ran time in the process. Lever takes the ride and this appears an ideal race. #6 POLAR STAR is superbly bred. Plain here fresh but is fitter. Back to the 1000m suits. #1 NONE SO BRIGHT chased gamely behind a smart one at Moruya first-up. Likes to dictate and he can cling on for the minor spoils once again.
Race 5
#2 ADMIRE GRATZI is airborne at present. Aims for three straight today and its hard to shy away from him. Leaves his run till late but on both occasions has been good enough to get home, defeating horses who have franked the form. 60kg today but gets speed on and should be finishing hard. #4 BOYS DAY OUT is 1000 days between wins. Appreciates the sting out but wasn't far off them in a better race here last time. #8 ALL TALK the best resistance against a dual pronged Gratz Vella attack off a last start second here on December 16.
Race 6
Handy race. #9 LULU RAEZ fought them all off to get the cash here on resumption. Scope for more and she appears the testing material racing at peak. #8 EMBEZZLEMENT was never on the track in a highway first-up. Drops in grade for this and did show a stack of talent last time in. Keep under firm notice. #1 TORCHBEARER could be one at decent odds. Gets on a firmer track here and past couple have been better than the form guide reads. Watch late. #5 MISSED OUT also claims on his best form.
Race 7
#7 TRULY MADLY is sure to be well educated off the five trials. Most recent one in town was solid work and this appears an ideal race. Blinkers go on and she can make a winning debut with even luck. #2 SECRETARY GENERAL wasn't far off them here on debut. Draws better and will be sharply improved by the race experience. #4 AMEARES has a case. Yet to be beaten a big margin in three starts. Cahill takes the ride.
BEST OF THE DAY: R3; #5 Appetizing @ $5.00
EACH WAY PLAY: R6; #1 Torchbearer @ $8.00