A different format for the track report this week as the surface is so consistent and similar the whole way around it makes no sense to break it down into sections.
The last meeting on the Parks track was on December 4 and as a result the track has flourished in the couple of months since. The coverage is very strong, with a good pad of grass under foot. The grass was no longer than 'medium length' but it walked really well with plenty of cushion. I was surprised that there was a bit of moisture in the surface which is a good sign. I think with some more irrigation overnight it should open up in the '4' range and hold that rating for the first few races, despite the warm forecast.
As far as wear is concerned, the only section I could find any was from the 1000m mark and it was incredibly minor and sporadic. This would have been from the two 1000m 2yo trials held on January 24. The cones were put out for the remainder of the trials so just fifteen horses in total galloped on the racing surface.
I felt slightly more moisture against the fence between the 600m and 450m mark, but that's only a very small section and it's unlikely to have a big impact.
Verdict: The track staff have followed the same pattern for the last couple of years, where the Parks track has a break over December and January. In 2020 the track played fair for the corresponding meeting, with a slight on-pace edge late. In 2021, I commented that the better ground was off the fence. Both these meetings were run on Good 4 surfaces to start the day. Historically, the track plays fairest when the rail is in the True position and I'm expecting this to be the case on Saturday. With a touch more give in the surface towards the fence at the 600m mark I think it will result in a good track for betting, perhaps late in the day it may quicken up and be a slight edge for on-pacers.
Black And White Checks, Royal Blue Sleeves, Black And White Checked Cap
Owners
N L Kersten, Ms N Rantanen Reynolds, A Darcy, A Poulter, B T Cunningham, D Baker, Miss S Berlin, Miss A E Shepard, Ms R Bullen, P Gardiner, Ms M Murphy, S R Aylett, R J Dehne, Mrs C Walker, S Walker, B W Edwards, Mrs A Allen, M G Turner & J Strout
Ms K Harrison, P Hill, A Dente, D Hamzy, Cobalt Blue (Mgr: M Naley), A Reeve, Mrs L Reeve, P Piteo, J Piteo, S Dinunzio, Bohoh (Mgr: B O'Malley), Squadron Lodge (Mgr: Ms L Harbridge), Mrs S Cahill, K Cahill & Give Us a Sec (Mgr: L Zagari)
Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
Prize
$142,690
Racing colours
Brown, White Crossed Sashes, Striped Sleeves And Cap
Owners
T Needham, R J Goodwin, Ms J C Goodwin, M A Fox, N Connell, K P Saber, P Manzie, J A Irvine, Ms R Clohesy, Miss R Clohesy, G Balmforth, C M Scholten, Ms M E Ellis, W Clements, G K Harris, C J Twigg, R J Schroder & M D Needham
