Overcast weather at Armidale. The track was rated a Good 3 on Saturday. The rail is in its true position.
Leading Tamworth trainer Sue Grills has some top chances at Monday’s Armidale meeting :
Manor Girl (Race 1) – fisrt up from a spell has a good barrier & should be an eachway chance.
Manner Ridge (Race 2) – went too hard last start so are trying to get him to settle better this time.
Keep It Danish (Race 7) – first up has a good barrier & with 3kg claim will be very hard to beat.
Lunar Strategy (Race 4) – ran a great race at Grafton last start when wide all the way, tricky barrier but with luck will run well.
Vulcans Fury (Race 4) – got to the line strongly last start & extra distance will suit him.
Preparation (Race 6) – in very good form but 1400m will be a test for her.
Maximoo (Race 5) – first up & has barrier 1 should get a nice run & will run a good race.
Tips from the Editor :
Gavin Groth trained ‘Steel Academy’ (Race 2) has been racing consistently over 1300-1400m. Two starts ago, Groth had taken the blinkers off Steel Academy at this track and distance, the gelding settled nicely in 5th position throughout and just got piped by a nose on the line. From barrier 7, jockey Travis Wolfgram should park Steel Academy one off the fence about 6th and be too strong in the run home.
Special Miss (Race 4) had won over the 1300m last start at Kembla Grange. Matter of fact, this mare seems to have hit form winning 2 from 3 starts this preparation. From barrier 11, she should go forward probably sitting just behind the pace. Special Miss likes firm tracks (currently, the Armidale track rated a Good 3) and if the track remains firm on race day, Special Miss is a good winning chance.
Kalahari Princess (Race 7) had won well over this track and distance 2 weeks ago. She lead from start to finish and absolutely blitz the field winning by 7 lengths. This race is harder but from a good barrier (barrier 3), Geoffrey Snowden can either share the lead or settle just behind the pace. From there, Kalahari Princess can control the race and make it back to back victories.
By Owens Wong
