Barrier Reef Junior Dash
A field of nine juniors face the starter this week as a support race for the 3yo Barrier Reef Stakes in the Barrier Reef Junior Dash. Although only classed as an Allowance, it has brought together some very handy babies who will have a bright future.
15/1 PROUDLY AUSSIE(AUS) ~ First starter by Cullen(Aus) out of a Groom Dancer mare. Cullen has had some success with only a handful of offspring, with similar sire lines already producing a 2yo stakes winner this year. Trained by a very astute trainer in Gezlodge so watch any market moves.
5/2 MR.EKO(IRE) ~ Versatile colt who’s won 2 from 4 and goes well on dirt or turf. Will sit just off the pace and given any luck in the stright will challenge strongly. Each way hope.
4/1 COLOUR OF PURPLE ~ Stakes placed colt on dirt who has been mixing his efforts a little. Beaten 5 lengths in his first start on turf last start over 1200m in a G3 but will appreciate the drop back to 1000m. Could surprise.
8/1 BAZILL(GB) ~ Well beaten in G3 company last start but the 1300m looked a shade too far at this stage. Has been sharpened up for this race so not without some hope.
5/1 FLYING MARG(AUS) ~ Grade 3 winning filly who is unbeaten at this distance. With a ranking of 8 and $117k in the bank she is one of the class runners in the race. Watch for her to be charging late.
12/1 GERIATRIC HALL(IRE) ~ Cleverly named youngster who probably appreciates the dirt more and would need to improve a notch to trouble some of these on turf.
35/1 EARNS IT’S MEDAL ~ Bargain bred who went terrible last start after totally dominating in a maiden claim the previous start producing a 78SP. Previous form before that was average as well. Willing to pass here. Drugs only work once.
3/1 JENNA’S DEPUTY ~ Exciting colt who won 3 from 3 then placed twice in Grade 3 company. Very consistant over the short distance and appears to get a fairly cheap lead here. Should go very close.
10/1 RANSOM MY HEART ~ Capable colt who ran a super race in the Queensland Slipper 2 starts back but then disappointed at Dubai last time out. A back marker that may just give them too much start over 1000m but does love this track.
A most interesting race with stable mates JENNA’S DEPUTY and FLYING MARG set to fight it out with up and comers Mr EKO, COLOUR OF PURPLE and BAZILL. A couple of others had excuses for poor runs last start and could bounce back and Gezlodge’s first starter, PROUDLY AUSSIE could be the smokey.