Winning post-1800 metres: With the rail out to two metres after racing in the true last Saturday, the inside pad presents well and walks consistently. At the time of walking on Thursday afternoon, with fine weather and a reasonably strong southerly breeze, it walked in the ‘Good 4’ range, with no difference between the fence and several horses away from it.
1800m-1200m: There is a good grass coverage all the way around to the 1200 metres and this is again, probably the best part of the track. It walks consistently in the Good 4 range, although bordering on Good 3. There will be no disadvantage to be away from the fence, in the two and three wide line, particularly with cover.
1200m-800m: The inside pad right out to 6-8 metres presents well and walks in the Good 3-4 range. The track has not taken any noticeable harm from racing last week and with the rail out to cover any wear, walks consistently.
800m-400m: As horses commence their runs away from the fence, there will be some evidence of kick back closer to the rail from the 1-3 metre line. There will be horses looking to get away from the fence from this point and the ground is reasonably consistent on the inside 6- 8 horses, with only minimal damage from racing last week.
400m-Winning Post: The track walks consistently in the Good 3-4 range, with some further irrigation to keep the track in the Good range for Saturday. Expect to see horses fan out from the home turn and use most of the inside 10 metres, however walks consistently and good recovery from last week. With a significant headwind in play on Thursday, punters should note any similar forecasts for Saturday.
Verdict: A genuine Good track and expected to remain so for Saturday's 10 race card, without further rain. The track has recovered well and walks consistently throughout. Look for horses winning from up near the lead or on pace near the fence, out to the middle of the track, however much will depend on the pace of the races. Winners are expected to be a mix of leaders and backmarkers, with all horses getting fair and even opportunities to make ground.
Stewards will further assess the track for a confirmation of the rating on Friday afternoon.
Ear Muffs AGAIN, Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) OFF FIRST TIME
Prize
$168,640
Racing colours
Royal Blue And Black Diamonds, Royal Blue Sleeves, Black Cap
Owners
R M Koch, R L Crase, T D Fisher, R L Fitzgerald, B T Wagenknecht, Mrs J N Schutz, Mrs L M Abbie, Mrs R Koch, K Chandler, M W Chandler, Mrs K R Chandler, S M Moroney, Mrs J L Charlesworth, Mrs S J Verco, C B L Verco, Orroroo (Mgr: J K Duffy) & Houston We Have A Horse (Mgr: B J Garfitt)
Minella Bloodstock (Mgr: M J Hickmott), D P Hirst, P V Grix, M Kendrick, Jessica Gordon (Mgr: D K Gordon), D J Holmes, R A Buckley, Mrs S Buckley, A Maloney, D Loy, J Pratt, K Perry & B O'Brien
Royal Blue, Gold Diamond Band, Diamond Striped Sleeves, Gold Cap
Owners
Ms T J Hartwell, P N Hopkinson, G B Hames, D V Johnson, D J Park, Mrs B K Park, Miss A Maher, C Bromige-Avery, N P Cadd, Big Bears Den (Mgr: B A Stubing), Hawkin Racing (Mgr: T G Busbridge), D I Lads (Mgr: A J Hardiman) & Concrete (Mgr: K A Spiteri)
Mrs M C Saxon, M L Healy, P W Triffett, Ms B Dane, Ms J Eltringham, P Kerian, O Hennessy, W J Roennfeldt, Dr S B Heinze, S A McCorkell, R T Wells, G L Summerhayes & Ms L Carey
