Racing returns to the tablelands this Sunday with the early TAB Fixed Odds markets offering excellent value across the seven-race card (*).
Race 1 – GOULBURN EXPRESS FREIGHT CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1000M
Reach For Gold backed up some classy trials with a smart debut win at Canberra. Can keep improving and winning here. American President ticks the short course and wet track boxes. In career-best form of late and should be right at home on the spacious tablelands track. Ronny Rock Art catches a kinder draw second up and handles soft ground. Rarely far away and looks a must for multiple players. Locally trained Prince Nicconi is only lightly raced and finding his groove this time in. Up in class but could easily measure up.
Way to play- Reach for Gold to go back to back.
Race 2 – BEST WESTERN PLUS GOULBURN MAIDEN HANDICAP 1000M
Dijon has plenty of natural speed and is staring down the winner’s stall after two minor placed efforts of late. Up in weight but a deserved favourite. Miroslava’s most recent trial was much sharper and she has had early market support. Keeping safe on debut. Williams Bay is overdue a win but looks suited by the rails draw. Placed in all three runs this time in and could easily breakthrough. Pyramid of Fire showed enough on debut in a weaker race to be competitive here.
Way to play – butter up with Dijon!
Race 3 – KILPATRICK METAL RECYCLERS MAIDEN PLATE 1200M
Choisir’s Choice got the wobbles late in a brave runner up result on debut at this track. With added fitness and a kinder alley stays in the mix. Eye Pea Oh delivered an excellent provincial debut on a wet track behind a handy filly. Added trip looks ideal here so does the $11 on offer in early markets. The Poacher was city placed on debut last campaign and has been ticking over nicely at the trials. Despite a muddy marble must respect. Merry Beach went down fighting as favourite on debut still clocking respectable times. Upside type from the Matthew Dale yard.
Way to play – Eye Pea Oh each way.
Race 4 – ELECTEL SERVICES CG&E BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1400M
Galierro is heading for longer trips but could easily bob up fresh in a tricky race. Trialling handily into this and drawn to advantage. Can add to an already strong record at this track. The evergreen Art of Excellence is capable of sharp improvement second up. Always aims up at this track and trip and stable has a handy strike rate at this venue. Aidenabet was beaten under two lengths on a heavy surface last start and previous results in similar grade were respectable. Charlemagne broke the drought last start at Canberra and finds another winnable race. Strong local hope.
Way to play – Galierro each way.
Race 5 – GOULBURN SOLDIERS CLUB MAIDEN HANDICAP 1400M
Fenton is slowly finding his form after three runs back and hit the line with gusto in latest offering at this track. Pay to follow now despite the spoiler draw. Gulf Of Aqaba showed his early potential with a top four debut result at this track. Double figure odds at present for a stable that’s found form. California Lynx got to the line in strong fashion first up in country grade and should appreciate the added trip. Should get the last crack at them. Divine Crescent finds tougher than the two races contested of late but should find this track and trip ideal third up.
Way to play – Fenton win.
Race 6 – JCF CONTRACTING F&M BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1400m
The Danny Williams stable gets a genuine look here with Bella Broadway who kept coming over a shorter trip last Sunday. On trial at this trip but does handle all conditions. Stablemate Post Free is an in-form mare who stuck on well in similar company last time out. Back in trip but senior rider retained and should be thereabouts. Diamond Star looks a tad unders in early quotes but did win her maiden in good style last time out. On the improve now can measure up. New York Gal finds an easier assignment but does need to find a few lengths for the reigning stable of the year.
Way to play – Post Free each way.
Race 7 – JEWELL BUILDERS CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE 1600M
Ribeauville is holding his form deep into the campaign and tried hard in his first crack at a mile last time. From a peach draw holds a strong hand once again. The Herald pitched up to win in good style at just start number two and looks on track for further improvement. Stick with him. Supremo went flop as favourite in latest but was city placed in a genuine race the start prior. Well worth another look here. Aurora Florentina will run a strong mile but finds deeper water this time. Place claims.
Way to play – Ribeauville to get you to Margaritaville!!
Goulburn’s track is currently rated a Heavy 8.
(*comments supplied by Goulburn Race Club).
