The LEA’S SAND Special

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen to the Queensland track.  The country of course has been devastated by the outbreak of equine flu and this has caused cancellation of races, sick horses and no punters.  Today though, we do have 4 equine flu free horses who have been game enough to come here and race. Small field but what can you expect at a time like this.  The card then is as per follows:

Post 1:             6/5       BOMBALA STRIKE(KY)  (monaro)

Out of Smart Strike has a pretty impressive record to date.  7 races, 3 wins, earnings in excess of $120,000.  One of the raging favourites for the race (there are 2 raging favourites and 2 sort of raging favourites) although he has been a little out of form the last 2 times out.  Prior to that he was winning everything with 2 straight wins, one at Stakes level on turf over 6 furlongs.  Speed ratings were still up though so maybe he was just up against stiffer competition.  No matter what though, he can definitely run.  Back in form he should win.

Post 2:             7/1       YUMICHIKA(IRE)               (ace2)

One of the long shots which at 7/1 is a bit sarcastic on my part.  Add in the fact she is a mare and that may well account for the odds up against the colts today.   Really any one of these four could win.  Out of Noverre (IRE), has only raced the once at Stakes level over 6 furlongs on turf.  Speed rating of 53 and finished third across the line.  What is slightly concerning is that she appeared to be fading at the end anyway so the trainer will certainly be hoping for her not to do that today but to power up and cross the line fast.  A chance but I prefer others.

Post 3:             4/5       MAKE RIGHT TRAFFIC(NZ)           (krisililj)

This is the other raging hot favourite.  Why?  Few reasons.  Out of Zabeel (NZ) for a start.  Has only raced once but that was a great debut with a second place finish over 5.5 furlongs on the turf.  Speed rating of 74 and he was still closing at the end.  So this one has to be a major chance to take it out even though he is only relatively inexperienced at the racing side of things.  Trainer opting for the 6 furlong for him now so he should enjoy the extra bit of distance.  My pick today.

Post 4:             7/1       KENDOBONE(JPN)           (ksparrow)

Now this one is a hard one to read for me anyway.  He has only raced once but that was on a good turf rating with a speed of 62 over 6 furlongs in a claimer.  He led from start to finish and was never in danger of losing.  Question is whats he going to do on a firm turf track.  I think he might just power on and surprise these ones even at 7/1 odds.  Well worth backing I believe. Could be very easy money for the punters.

My picks for this race are:

MAKE RIGHT TRAFFIC(NZ)

KENDOBONE(JPN)

BOMBALA STRIKE(KY)