The final Sydney Metropolitan Saturday meeting in 2012 will be held at Canterbury on the 29th December. The track was rated a Slow 6 on Thursday but with the recuperating power of Canterbury and fine weather forecast for the next 2 days, Canterbury should be very close to Good 3 on race day.
Meanwhile, Melbourne racing will be held at Mooney Valley. Fine weather has been forecast leading up to Saturday. The Mooney Valley track was rated a Good 3 on Thursday and it should remain in the Good range on race day.
In the opening race of the meeting (Sydney Race 1, 1550m) the unbeaten Lilliburlero looks a strong chance in the small field. The Redoute’s Choice filly was doing it tough last start at Rosehill two weeks ago, being trapped three-wide early in the race. Jockey Glyn Schofield decided to push the filly up the field sitting outside the leader. In the straight, Grand Business (also engaged in this race) was issuing his challenge and yet Liiliburlero found plenty and kicked strongly to the line winning by just under two lengths. From barrier 1 on Saturday, Schofield should be able to give Lilliburlero a cushy run.
In the TAB.com.au BM85 (Sydney Race 3, 1550m), again a small field has accepted for the race. With the natural leader Havana Rey in the race and a couple of the other who would go forward, there should be reasonable pace in the race. I like the backmarker Soros, who won over this track and trip last start. In a slowly run race, Soros settled last and was in a hopeless position. He started making his move at the 600m 3 to 4 wide and absolutely mowed them down in the straight. Up slightly in class on Saturday but down from 59kg to 56.5kg. Soros can continue his wining way.
In the Bowermans Furniture BM75 (Sydney Race 4,1250m), the favourite She’s a Stalker is backing up from her Wyong Magic Million 3YO Stakes win. Her upset victory over the odds-on favourite Driefontein was very impressive. She has been settling very nicely in her two races this preparation. The 1250m on Saturday looks perfect. From barrier 1, I expect Sam Clipperton to settle just behind the probable leader Rebel Dancer. She’s a Stalker will be given every chance in the race.
By Owens Wong, Editor
