If racing was a talent quest the judges would have marked Goulburn trained mare Designer Dance as the one most likely to go on with it. She has shown plenty of talent in her ten starts to date and a year ago accounted for two-time Highway Handicap winner Assault’N’Bathory in a stirring maiden win.
The mare scored an explosive win at Wagga a fortnight ago and will be looking to keep the show going on her home track come Monday. Trainer Lucy Longmire liked what she saw from Designer Dance that day.
“We were impressed with how easily she put them away. Even though she drew a good barrier, the only way to ride her is to leave her alone early,” Ms Longmire said.
Blaike McDougall was the pilot that day and the stable is sticking solid to a winning combination for Monday.
“Blaike was obviously happy with her and having him booked again for Monday is a confidence boost!
Designer Dance has raced through the summer and is holding her form well, securing top three placings in all but one of her last four outings. Longmire thinks she is enjoying the extended preparation with plenty of energy still to burn.
“She’s really only starting to gain momentum, she’s a genuine racehorse with a bit of spunk, she has tested a few riders’ abilities!”
Designer Dance ($4 TAB Fixed Odds) tackles a handy Benchmark 58 race over seven furlongs on Monday and despite a weight rise and the rails draw the stable thinks she is up to the challenge.
“The barrier won’t change the way she is ridden, Blaike knew the horse he had under him at Wagga and timed the run to perfection.”
“She’s a tough enough mare who’s had her fair share of issues, we certainly never underestimate the competition at Goulburn though. She has the home track advantage with the long straight ideal for her!”
This is only the mare’s second start on her home track and Lucy Longmire says they are hoping for a smoother passage on route to the barriers after her last home track ‘adventure’.
“The other time she was supposed to race at Goulburn she dropped Kayla Nisbet on the way to the barriers.”
The Longmires send a three-pronged attack the short stroll up the road on Monday with Rond De Jambe and Whisakaway tackling seperate maidens on the card. Longmire thinks Rond De Jambe, a half-sister to Designer Dance, finds a suitable trip after two productive runs from a spell.
“This mare has been super consistent and really deserves a win. She has come through an unlucky Canberra run in great order.”
Stablemate Whiskaway steps out in the opener and wasn’t beaten far first up at Wagga, the stable hoping for a more even roll of the dice.
‘She was a bit unlucky at Wagga, never really getting her chance, the big track and step up in distance will suit her.”
The Twinstar training operation look well supported by neighbouring stables such as John Bateman and Danny Williams, both throwing some in form charges at the prize money on offer.
Bateman has Azoustic ($8.50 TAB Fixed Odds) engaged in Race 7 with the gelding impressing at the last Goulburn meeting, powerfully winning his maiden a similar trip. Bateman also has War Deck ($5.50 TAB Fixed Odds) looking to continue his productive campaign in the penultimate quaddie leg whilst Outahand chases maiden money first up in a maiden plate over 1300m.
Williams has Post Free (Race 3 – $13 TAB Fixed Odds) and Pisa My Heart (Race 4 – $12 TAB Fixed Odds) coming off minor placings last time out, whilst My Blue Jeans is a dual acceptor in Races 5 ($11TAB Fixed Odds) and 7 ($9.50 TAB Fixed Odds.)
TAB Fixed Odds are available on all Goulburn races now.
Goulburn’s track is currently rated a Good 4 for Monday’s seven race card with the opener set to go at 2.15pm.
PHOTO – Bradley Photos. Jockey Blaike McDougall who will ride Designer Dance at Goulburn on Monday.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council are proud sponsors of the Goulburn & District Racing Club
