The last word on Wyong races
13 Jun 2012 | By Gary Harley - racingnsw.com.au The Kris Lees-trained BEAUFORT GYRE appeals as the best bet at the Wyong race meeting on Thursday. The track will be heavy and Beaufort Gyre will have first use of the surface in the opening event the Huckel Excavations Maiden (1350m). In his first start for Lees at Gosford three weeks ago, Beaufort Gyre was only beaten a neck on a slow track over 1200metres. The step up to 1350m is ideal and Glyn Schofield will ride the three-year-old on Thursday.
Peter Snowden’s filly PANDORA is the one to beat in race two, the Lakes Printers Maiden (1100m). In her second run from a spell at Wyong two weeks back, Pandora was a short-priced favourite and after taking the lead on the turn she was run down by Model Academy. The 3yo should be at her top now and she is bred to handle the going.
Lees could make it a double in race 3, the Robson Civil Maiden (1100m), when he saddles up ROUND 'N' ROUNDITGOS. The 3yo was originally handicapped on 59 kilograms but in-form apprentice Jenny Duggan's 3 kilogram claim will offset the big weight. The horse resumed from a spell on a slow track at Gosford two weeks back and he came from well back to go down by a head. He will appreciate the extra 100m on Thursday.
Five-year-old stayer BRAVE ALI attempts a hat-trick of wins in race 6, the Avs Windows & Doors Benchmark 65 (2100m). On Gunnedah Cup Day in mid-May, Brave Ali led throughout over the 2050m to win by three-quarters of a length. A week back with Chad Schofield aboard, Brave Ali was backed from $4.40 to $2.50 on the heavy track at Gosford and he controlled the tempo in front and he won easily.
Tim Martin's imported mare PANDORO DE LAGO is an interesting runner in the final event, the Central Coast Business Class 2 (1350m). The Irish 4yo is better known as a stayer but she is nice and fresh after an 11-month break. Pandoro De Lago won a recent barrier trial at Rosehill.
My selections for the Wyong race meeting (Thursday 14th June) are:-
RACE 1: 2 - 3 – 4
RACE 2: 2 – 6 – 3
RACE 3: 1 – 2 – 4
RACE 4: 2 – 5 – 3
RACE 5: 2 – 3 – 4
RACE 6: 2 – 5 – 8
RACE 7: 1 – 3 – 8
RACE 8: 8 – 5 – 1