Hoh hoh hoh we’re back, Mugs. What better way to bring on the new week than a seven-race meeting at Cluden Park, Townsville!? We are running on a Soft 5 with the rail out 3.5m for the entire course, while the first race will jump at 1:40pm AEST.
Race 1: 2YO MAIDEN (1000m)
We’re on the hunt for the next 2YO superstar here, and while we don’t think we’ve found it, we’re confident that Mission Estate can be chalking up his first win. The son of The Mission led on debut in the Pallarenda Stakes and was quickly overtaken by the ultra-impressive Missile Thunder, but he stuck on gamely for third. If he can relax a bit better here under Carl Spry, he can pinch it.
Race 2: Open Handicap (1400m)
Previously, Dio D’oro didn’t know how to win unless the track was wet, but he has strung back-to-back wins together in his last two starts on a Good deck here at Townsville. Back on to a wet track this afternoon should be music to his ears, so there is no reason he can’t make it three in a row. Swaffer has been in the saddle in both of his wins and she sticks with, as does her 3kg claim which will help. We’re happy to be with him here.
Race 3: 3YO Handicap (1000m)
The third race of the afternoon sees a short priced favourite line up in Yes Dream, but we are happy to be with the class of Valley Rattler. The Tom Button-trained 3YO won the Capricornia Yearling Sales 2YO Classic earlier in the year, and he has since finished 7.5 lengths off Hinged and Rayjen - FORM. LINES. The wide alley is a slight query, but if Jason Lyon can find cover, he will be steaming over the top. The $6 seems value, cheers sportsbet.com.au
Race 4: Maiden Handicap (1200m)
The fourth has an odds-on favourite in Focus go around in his first North Queensland start after having his first 11 career starts at the Gold Coast. He hasn’t shown anything super for us to be playing here at the short odds, but neither has the rest of them.
Race 5: Class 3 Handicap (1400m)
If the fourth was hard to get involved in, the fifth takes it up another notch. We really can’t tip anything with confidence, but Hell Of A Boy meets Splenderama 1.5kg better in his bid to turn around a 0.8 length deficit, so he would be the bet at $5.50 for the sickos playing at home.
Race 6: Benchmark 55 (1000m)
One of Mugs Racing’s ex-gallopers goes around here in La Ready Rosa, so we’ll be interested to see how she goes (sorta)….
Red Wabbat is another runner who also used to call South-East Queensland home and brings formlines to this around the likes of Kisukano, Dr Why Not and Bleu Zebra which reads really well. Her first-up run left a bit to be desired when beaten 12.3 lengths over the 1200m here, but there is plenty of speed, she will get back and the 1000m is likely to suit her more. Something small the place.
Race 7: Class 1 Handicap (1200m)
This doesn’t excite us one bit to be perfectly honest. It’s nearly 5 o’clock; go have a beer!
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