As we move into the colder winter months down in Victoria, we look to sunny Queensland where Regal Lion will contest in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup on Saturday. We also have a couple runners at Sandown and some overseas action.
Saturday, May 27
Pontefract, UK
Current Track Rating: Good
Ragosina
In the early hours of Saturday morning, lightly-raced filly Ragosina will get her campaign underway at Pontefract. She has had a steady build up leading into her return, with James Ferguson giving her plenty of time to mature. The filly looks very well physically and finds a nice race to kick off her preparation on a positive note.
Race 5 – 5:25am | 2000m Maiden | T: James Ferguson | J: Daniel Muscutt 61kgs | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 5
Sandown
Current Track Rating: Soft
Rivaport
Rivaport heads back to the races on Saturday after overcoming a small setback following her last run. The gap between runs appears to have generated some freshness back in her legs, with the mare closing off strongly in a ‘tick over’ trial last Monday. Grahame has always felt that she appreciates some give in the ground, so she should get conditions to suit on Saturday.
Race 3 – 1:00pm | 1600m BM78 | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs 56.5kgs | Barrier 2 | Saddlecloth 5
Green Fly
Green Fly races second-up over a mile at Sandown on Saturday. His return effort at Flemington was most encouraging, coming home in the 3rd fastest last 400m of the entire meeting. He does have to contend with a big weight here, but the step up to 1600m and the rain affected track will be to his liking.
Race 8 – 4:05pm | 1600m BM84 | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Ben Allen 60kgs | Barrier 11
| Saddlecloth 3
Eagle Farm
Current Track Rating: Soft
Regal Lion
To read more about Regal Lion’s chances, click here.
Race 4 – 1:28pm | 1800m Group 3 Lord Mayors Cup | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Chad Schofield 56kgs | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 15
Randwick
Current Track Rating: Soft
Comme Bella Fille
Comme Bella Fille races at her home track on Saturday over a suitable 2000m trip. This mare has been luckless this preparation, so hopefully she is given the chance to show her best from an inside draw. She has been in good form at home and provided she gets the breaks when needed, she is certainly capable of figuring in the finish here.
Race 6 – 1:55pm | 2000m BM78 | T: John O’Shea | J: Alysha Collett 57kgs | Barrier 1 | Saddlecloth 15
Ipswich
Current Track Rating: Good
Scarlet Tufty
Scarlet Tufty drops back in grade at Ipswich on Saturday, where he gets a good opportunity to break his run of placings. He continues to handle his racing well and has been a model of consistency this preparation, so it would no doubt be great to see him put his first Australian win on the board.
Race 9 – 4:14pm | 2210m BM70 | T: Jack Bruce | J: Bailey Wheeler 59.5kgs | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 1
Sunday, May 28
Curragh, IRE
Current Track Rating: Good
Devore
Devore will take her place in a 1400m 3yo Handicap at the Curragh during Guineas weekend. Her last run was encouraging and Johnny has been happy with the way she has trained on heading into this event. She will need to improve again here in what looks a competitive three-year-old event, but the light weight and soft draw are both in her favour.
Race 6 – 1:15am | 1400m 3yo Handicap | T: John Murtagh | J: D. Sheehy TBAkgs | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 16
Tom The Second
Later on in the card, Tom The Second will have his third career start, where we hope to see some improvement on his last start disappointment. Physically, the colt is in good shape and is moving well at home. In saying that, he remains a slow-maturing type and will no doubt be better suited next preparation, possibly as a gelding.
Race 8 – 2:25am | 2000m 3yo C&G Maiden | T: John Murtagh | J: Ben Coen TBAkgs | Barrier 13
| Saddlecloth 12
Best of luck to all connections on the weekend!