3 minute read
Brighton trainer Stuart Gandy looks set to add to his impressive season strike rate when he takes a small team that is full of winning possibilities to Launceston on Wednesday night.
Gandy has made an impressive start to the season with eight winners from 35 starters at a strike rate of near 23%.
"They are really consistent which when you're going to the races and you think you've got a chance and they run well that's what you want," Gandy said.
"If a little bit of luck goes our way you can turn a good night into a fantastic one, the staff are doing a fantastic job the horses are working well, looking good and taking that to the races."
Gandy will kick off the night with two strong chances in the opening race, topweight Geegee Jet By, a last-start winner and Gee Gee Als Prince.
"Jet By ran a really good race last time, carried a bit of weight, but he's super well, he's trialled in between, I'm really confident with him.
"Als Prince he didn't have much luck last time, but he's really well and with Dave (Pires) on him, he will get back but be finding the line really hard."
Lightly raced 4YO mare Monte Fleur has been super consistent this time in with a win, three placings and an unlucky fourth at her most recent start when she was caught wide from a sticky barrier. She steps up the 2100m for the first time and again hasn't had much luck at the draw with gate 10 in a field of 11.
"Her form has been great this time in, she's finding the line every time, Troy (Baker) didn't have much of an option from the gate, but she ran some really good sectionals (last start) and settled well in the run.
"It's a Tasbred (bonus) Maiden/Class 1, so we will see if she gets the trip, she gives the indication she will."
Gandy will round out his night in the sixth race on the card, a BM60 over 1400m where he will saddle up the top two, Geegeeluckystar, which will offset his 63.5kg with a 4kg claim for apprentice Jackson Radley and Geegee Lucky Jess who will be ridden by last year's apprentice of the year Chelsea Baker.
Geegee Lucky Jess was more like Geegee 'Unlucky' Jess last start when she was blocked for a run for most of the home straight before finishing second to the smart galloper Royal And Tough.
"It was a bit hard to watch, she's on the quick back-up but she didn't do much until late in the run and got to the line really well.
"She's a lovely mare, she's racing super, and Chelsea knows her, and I'm expecting her to run a really good race.
"Luckystar, he's a bit hard to place, but I think with Jackson on him, up to 1400m and back in grade, surely he will be thereabouts at the finish."
Looking for a best bet, I thought Fighting For Gold has a winning chance on debut in the 1200m maiden.
A nicely bred 4YO by Fighting Sun x Oh So Gold, who is an unraced half-sister to Mystic Journey and dam of six-time winner Mystical Pursuit, Fighting For Gold has looked sharp enough in a couple of trials to suggest he will be an early winner.
Duncan Dornauf will host the coverage on TasracingTV, where the first race is scheduled for 17:53.
