Winning post-1600 metres: We are on the Murray Bridge Gifford Hill course on Saturday. The rail is in the true position for the club’s first meeting since May 3. The track presents well and walks consistently, with minimal wear. At the time of walking on Thursday, with showery and cool conditions, it walked in the ‘Soft 6’ range in this area, with good grass cover.
1600m-1200m: As expected on this least used section, there is good coverage all the way around to the 1200 metres and the track walks consistently in the Soft 6 range, with no signs of damage from the previous meeting. There will be no disadvantage to be away from the fence, in the two and three wide line, particularly with cover, as this part of the track should play fairly.
1200m-800m: This part of the track also presents well and the kikuyu that has flourished in Summer now starts to go dormant in the cooler weather. There is minimal signs of any damage and walks consistently in the Soft 6 range.
800m-400m: As horses commence their runs away from the fence, there may be some evidence of kick back closer to the rail and one or two off the fence, as the day goes on, particularly with showers forecast. The ground walks fairly with some evidence of wear on the fence and is rated in the Soft 6 range.
400m-Winning post: The track walks consistently in the Soft 6 range, with some evidence of fill near the fence. The straight walks consistently from out past the three wide line and is in good shape, with no evidence that any particular pattern should emerge here. It is expected that runners will also be able to make ground out wide, with all horses will get their chance.
Verdict: A genuine Soft track is expected for Saturday, with the whole track to play with, to find the best going in the straight. It walks consistently throughout, particularly out past the three wide line in the straight. The track should play evenly, although will cut up as the day goes on.
Stewards will further assess the track for a confirmation of the rating on Friday afternoon.
Gold, Black Seams, Black And White Checked Cap, Gold Pom Pom
Owners
R B R (Mgr: R W Balfour), P J Lewis, S P Fitton, Mrs K Corr, R M Corr, Miss E R Doel Henshall, Watermark Sports (Mgr: D I Macdonald), S Forbes, W D Wilkie, P J King, S W Jones, P R Byrne, Mrs C Byrne, W I Mayne, Clay Hero Racing (Mgr: R W Lanyon) & A G Forbes
Minella Bloodstock (Mgr: M Hickmott), A T Maloney, D A Loy, D W Bullock, M J Cox, A L Beaton, K A Perry, C French, J A O'Neill, C J Prostimo, B J O'Brien, Ms N Rantanen Reynolds, S J Rooney, B D Clarke, D E J O'Brien, S Radbone, T P Krulis, Alvie Bloodstock, Elgin Thoroughbreds & Chasing Cups Inc
