3 minute read
Spring in the tablelands doesn’t quite mean you leave the jacket at home (just yet) but it sure beats some of those minus 5-degrees morning trackwork sessions!
Goulburn trainers banked the quinella in the first TAB Highway Handicap of the spring at Royal Randwick last Saturday courtesy of Danny Williams (Wizard Of Oz ) and Tash Burleigh (Iron Will).
No surprises there, given they also banked 16 'Highways' between them last season!
So, while the likes of Williams, Burleigh, Collings, Dale, Seib & Co await potential 'Kosciuszko call ups' the locals will just have to be content with a heavy-handed home team on Friday.
Locally trained gallopers hold a quarter of acceptances on the card, so punters are reminded of the old 'horses for courses' adage!
Goulburn Race Club's CEO, Robyn Fife said the start of spring heralds a busy time for local trainers and the club.
"Friday's meeting is unofficially the start of our own spring carnival up here in the tablelands," Ms Fife said.
"We have four meetings in the next eight weeks culminating with the Goulburn Soldiers Club [$200,000] Goulburn Cup on Sunday 5th November. The Cup is a Big Dance eligibility race and provides the first qualification opportunity for the Big Dance in 2024.
"It's been great to see the results our trainers have had over the past twelve months whether at home or heading north up the Hume to chase a Highway win on a Saturday!"
Goulburn also gets a crack at showcasing its initial 'super maiden' on Friday, something Robyn said the club is thrilled about.
"It's well placed as the third leg of the quaddie and the initiative is designed to help owners chase a larger share of their investment via a horse's maiden win.
"The race has been well supported with fifteen original acceptors and hopefully we get the opportunity to include more of them in our future racing program."
Rhythm Of Love (John O'Shea/Zac Lloyd) currently holds the call on the race at $2.80 on TAB.
For punters keen to latch on to local or two at Goulburn on Friday here's a quick summary of who sits where for who in the early markets.
Scott Collings – has a strong hand on the day with five live chances, the best being Deep Shimmer ($4.20 favourite) in Race 7 and Shelley's Ace ($3.10) in Race 1. Expect Newtown Braveheart ($10) to also improve second-up in Race 2.
Danny Williams – in form and has a mountain of acceptors (some dual with upcoming meetings). Look for bold showings from Montebello's Charm ($4.80) in Race 2 and the trusty Rent A Rock ($5.50) Race 4.
Matthew Dale – banking competitive results of late and has recent acquisition Nullify engaged at Goulburn ($4.60) in race 3 and Rosehill ($41) TAB Highway. Recent runs suggest the horse is building to an overdue win.
Sarah Murray-Leslie – won with Free State at the last Goulburn meeting. Avvertimento ($23) Race 2 and Desi Girl ($17) Race 7.
Pat Murphy – emerging from winter in good style with four wins in the past month. Debutante Cost Me Nothin' ($17) in Race 1 off a quiet trial whilst Fifo Filly ($5.50) Race 7, looks ready to be close enough if good enough after two handy efforts from a spell.
Danielle Seib – packing light on Friday with Griffinstown Girl ($61) Race 5, the only acceptor.
Goulburn Good Oil
Race 1 No.9 - Shelly's Ace win ($3.10)
Race 2 No.1 - Montebello's Charm each-way ($4.80) (sub -Destructive Diva $4.40 fav)
Race 3. No.7 - The Carpet Bagger win ($2.90 fav)
Race 4 No.3 - True Valentine each-way ($7)
Race 5 No.11 - Snapback win ($1.60 fav)
Race 6 No.1 - Rhythm of Love win ($2.80 fav)
Race 7 No.6 - Deep Shimmer each-way ($4.20 fav)
