Big Friday Racing at Gosford
Published: 08 Jan 2015
Back for more - Myamira wins the Belle of the Turf in 2014
Gosford gets a big day of racing today with three feature events on the card. The peak racing period kicks off just as our working week grinds to a close at 4:45pm with the $125,000 Group 3 Belle of the Turf for the mares over 1600 metres. Next up is the Listed Takeover Target Stakes over 1200m metres, a build up to the Listed $150,000 Gold Cup over 2100 metres at 6:05pm.
This Central Coast track is quite a tough challenge, with thick turf and a tight turn. It won't suit every galloper making the journey in search of the off-season riches.
The Race Guide team includes Horse Experts that focus on the type of each galloper and how well they are suited in each race. Some important positives and negatives in the big three races have been noted.
Race 4 - 4:45PM GOSFORD RSL BELLE OF THE TURF STAKES - 1600 METRES
Happy - Fare Well
She is quite a neat and agile galloper that could perform over this distance today. Her lighter frame meant that she couldn't sprint when the 'big boys' turned on the pressure around the Canterbury circuit last start. Expect improvement.
Precious - Mamwaazel
There are question marks on her heart and will to win. Bowman has given her perfect rides on the pace at her last couple, keeping her balanced. I would be surprised if she gets the same favours this time in a tougher race.
"Expect improvement" - Fare Well steps back to mares grade today
Race 5 - 5:25PM DE BORTOLI WINES TAKEOVER TARGET STAKES - 1200 METRES
Impressive - Ball of Muscle
I was really impressed looking at him in the yard at Canterbury, he is a horse that has strength and athleticism in his frame. I don't think the 1200 metres is too much of an issue, he just needs to be restrained from his usual high cruising speed.
Slower - Haussmann
As quite a tough and genuine short-course type he often gets out-sped over the very short distances. He enjoyed the step up to 1300 metres last start, however things will be harder back to 1200 metres against these gallopers.
"Strength and athleticism" - Ball of Muscle is destined for a good career
Race 6 - 6:05PM GOSFORD QUARRIES GOSFORD GOLD CUP - 2100 METRES
Stronger - Oriental Lady
She has strengthened up this campaign and for a galloper that is pure stamina she showed much more than I expected first-up. It looks as though she can find a nice rhythm following the bold grey Phrases. They will find it hard to get past her.
Flashing - Ghost Protocol
He is racing very gamely at the moment. I just worry that the shorter distance and tight turn will make it hard for him to make ground. Expect him to be running on late. It just may be too late.
"Strengthened up" - Oriental Lady has come back in good shape (photo 27th December, 2014)
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