The Dark Jewel Classic meeting will be held at Scone this Saturday (18th May). The course proper was rated a Soft 6 on Thursday and with mainly fine weather leading up to the weekend, Scone will border on Good/Soft condition on raceday.
Toque looks the horse to catch in the Arrowfield Woodlands Stakes (Scone Race 3, 1100m). The Team Waterhouse-trained 2YO is a late maturer. The filly ran a creditable 3rd in the Wyong Magic Millions on debut then she went for a spell. Resuming on 1st May at Canterbury, Toque led throughout to win by almost three lengths. Staying at 1100m should suit and she has drawn the perfect stall in gate 1. Regan Bayliss will go straight to the lead and Toque is going to run them ragged.
Top weight Insurrection is the highest rated horse in the Ortensia Stakes and the gelding looks the horse to beat (Scone Race 7, 1100m). This Michael Freedman-trained 4YO has been mighty consistent having won five times with two 2nds from his last eight runs. He also has a good record over 1100m with three victories and two placings over the trip. Insurrection has won his two trials in preparation for his return to racing. Regular rider Zac Lloyd will once again be on board and from a nice gate (3), Lloyd will go forward and sit one off one back. Insurrection will be showing his class in the run home.
Good mare Shadows Of Love is primed to peak in the Dark Jewel Classic (Scone Race 8, 1400m). This Kim Waugh-trained 4YO has come back in terrific order this preparation having won her first two starts before a great 3rd in the Provincial Championships Final over this distance. And she ran a close 3rd last start in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown. The mare is very fit and she has only been allotted with 54.5kg. Tommy Berry will settle just behind the leaders and Shadows Of Love will overpower the leaders in the run home.
By Owens Wong
