| The chance to
escape Adelaide’s cold, wet winter has guaranteed a top field in the class five mile
handicap at Strathalbyn on Wednesday with race sponsor Malaysian Airlines providing $2,000
worth of travel to the winning trainer. The bonus has
tempted Morphettville trainer, Richard Jolly to accept with his three-year-old filly
Blevita, despite being eligible for the class one event on the same program.
Blevita has been a model of consistency (placed in each of
her starts as a three year old) and was rewarded two starts back with a maiden victory
over 1580 m during the Mount Gambier Cup Carnival. Her win and four minor placings,
including a second placing over 1817m at Cheltenham (beaten 0.7 of a length) in November
last year helped boost her earnings to $18,500 and sees her in the race with 53kg.
She faces some stiff opposition however with city
performers Sciatica, Honourable Ami, and Haggle engaged.
It could be Darryl Dodson jetting off for sunnier climes
after Honourable Ami’s latest effort behind Risky Lass at Cheltenham. Stepping up
from 1300 m when beaten just 2.6 lengths, Honourable Ami seems ideally suited. A winner
over the mile she carries half a kilo less that Blevita after apprentice Michael
Hoppo’s three kilo claim.
Top-weight Sciatica (56kg), trained on the track by Mark
Minervini, has placed once in three attempts at the distance and is not aided by his
outside barrier (twelve). Nevertheless he seems well served by his last start sixth behind
Bo Best over 1450m at Cheltenham.
The Military Plume gelding Gatton looks to have his chance
to improve on his successive second placings. Beaten a head by Shocks over 1200m at
Strathalbyn and a long neck by Commando Bay at Murray Bridge, trainer Stephen A’Court
might feel he is due for a change of luck. Gatton has a good record at both the track and
distance and is competent on rain affected going.
Whilst the race is an open one there is one certainty
whoever wins the trainer’s prize will have plenty of volunteers to carry his or her
bags! |
