A busy Saturday ahead of us, starting off early in the morning with Vina Sena in Ireland followed by multiple runners at Sandown and Eagle Farm later in the day. Possibly the highlight of this weekend is the return of a much loved horse in Amade.
Saturday, February 4
Dundalk (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Good
Vina Sena
Vina Sena will get our weekend underway in the early hours of Saturday morning. Henry de Bromhead has been very happy with the horse since his good return effort and expects another strong showing here. Hopefully, he is able to switch off during the run, given he has shown a tendency to over-race in the past.
Race 6 – 5:30am | 2400m 4yo+ Handicap | T: Henry de Bromhead | J: W. Lordan TBA kg | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 5
Sandown
Current Track Rating: Soft
Amade
It will be terrific to have Amade back at the races on Saturday, after a long layoff due to injury. He has prepped up well leading into his return, under the careful guidance of both Matthew Williams & Phillip Stokes. He will no doubt take improvement from Saturday, but it looks a nice starting point for him as he works towards ultimately an Adelaide Cup.
Race 8 – 5:00pm | 1800m BM100 | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Daniel Moor 61kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 1
Vardani
Patience has been required with Vardani since his last start win, with the gelding having to overcome some niggling feet issues. The 6yo now appears to be back to full health, moving freely in his strong Camperdown trial win last week. He certainly appreciates a firm surface, so hopefully the rain stays away for his sake.
Race 8 – 5:00pm | 1800m BM100 | T: Archie Alexander | J: Dean Yendall 53kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 8
Timour
Timour performed well in his Australian debut, without having much luck in the closing stages. Saturday’s trip will still be well short of his best, but it presents as a nice stepping stone as he builds through his preparation. Chris would like to see him switch off during the run, before hopefully doing his best work through the line.
Race 9 – 5:40pm | 1700m BM78 | T: Chris Waller | J: Michael Dee 60kg | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 3
Eagle Farm
Current Track Rating: Good
Barade
Barade is back for another campaign having performed so consistently last preparation in Queensland. Over 1800m without the blinkers, we’re not expecting a flashy showing but as long as he’s running through the line well, we can look forward to getting him out over a bit further. Although he’s getting on in age, he appears to be loving his work.
Race 8 – 6:12pm | 1800m Open Handicap | T: Jack Bruce | J: Ryan Maloney 59kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 1
Scarlet Tufty
Scarlet Tufty has had the two runs to blow the cobwebs out and is now expected to start hitting his straps. There’s no doubt he’ll be better suited fourth up over further, but with a positive ride, we’re expecting to see a more competitive showing. His trial between runs was pleasing and we hope to see him start to hit some form.
Race 8 – 6:12pm | 1800m Open Handicap | T: Jack Bruce | J: Ben Thompson 53kg | Barrier 3 |
Saddlecloth 11
Southern Rock
Southern Rock is having his third run back off a long layoff and is expected to once again need the outing. His two runs back have been better than what they look on paper but he’s a horse who takes a while to come to hand. He’s out of his grade here but if he’s boxing on well through the line, once fully race fit and out beyond 2000m, we can start to expect a little more from him.
Race 8 – 6:12pm | 1800m Open Handicap | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Taylor Marshall 54kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 9
Sunday, February 5
Tauranga(NZ)
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Mark Twain
Mark Twain is undoubtedly a very talented 3yo but he’s far from bombproof at this stage of his career. His Hawera win two back was most impressive and that was followed up by a luckless run last time out. Now out to 2100m in a smaller field, we hope to see him get clear air to show his staying capabilities. We and those connected with the gelding believe he could get to a Derby, so Sunday shapes as an important acid test.
Race 6 – 2:20pm | 2100m BM65 | T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood | J: Warren Kennedy 58.5kg | Barrier 3 | Saddlecloth 4
Best of luck to all connections!