A new racing season is underway in Australia and, rather than heading to the bright lights of a metropolitan meeting, this week's Midweek Mail takes us to the picturesque provincial circuit at Gosford. While it may not carry the glamour of Sydney, there are still a few intriguing runners worth keeping an eye on.
Race 1 - Maiden - 2100m (06.30am)
The track is expected to race with only the slightest bit of give, nothing that should cause too many headaches for punters.
The opener over 2100m looks tailor made for Autafinna, a six year old gelding lining up for just his third career start. That statistic alone tells a story. He's clearly had his share of setbacks, but what he has shown so far has been encouraging. Both runs came on heavy ground where he kept finding the line, only to be denied by narrow margins.
He was sent out favourite at his most recent start and is likely to attract support once again. In a quirky little statistic, this will also be the third time in as many starts that Autafinna has drawn barrier one.
Selection: Autafinna (1) - Top 2
Race 4 - Maiden - 1200m (08.20am)
Whenever the powerful Sydney stables venture to the provincials, it's worth taking notice. When they bring a horse that cost AUD$725,000 (approximately AED1.8 million) as a yearling, you take even greater notice.
Appropriately named Caviar returns as a four year old after an underwhelming debut, where he led before fading to finish five lengths adrift in a small field. Since then, however, plenty has changed.
He's "two stone lighter", or in official terms, he's been gelded in the hope of unlocking the ability that prompted such a hefty price tag. A winning trial since his debut has been encouraging, while a gear adjustment to his bit should help him settle better in his second career performance.
The market is unlikely to miss him though, so don't expect generous odds.
Selection: Caviar (1) - Win
Race 8 - Benchmark 64 Handicap (Fillies & Mares) – 1200m (10.45am)
The ladies close out the meeting and Call Me Sassy gets the chance to finally convert consistency into another victory.
A wide draw isn't the disadvantage it first appears over 6 furlongs at Gosford, with runners enjoying a lengthy run from the chute before reaching the first turn. Rachel King takes the reins and could be exactly the rider this ultra-consistent mare needs.
Her record is very good. One win from nine starts doesn't leap off the page until you notice she's filled a place on seven other occasions. In fact, she's only missed the placings once, when she simply gave herself too much to do from the back.
First time visors are added in the hope of sharpening her focus and, if they have the desired effect, today could finally be the day she lands what feels like an overdue second career win.
Selection: Call Me Sassy (3) - Win
