Feature racing returns to the Clarence River Jockey Club on Wednesday, and another strong edition of the Ramornie Handicap headlines the eight-race program.
The rail will be left in the true position around the entire course and at publish, we’re faced with a track rated in the Soft (7) range.
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Race 1 – Pay Rise For The Public Sector Rural Plate (2200m)
Our Candidate boasts a class edge in the first on Ramornie Handicap Day and will take a power of beating.
The Camelot gelding hasn’t won for some time, but he has been a model of consistency this time in, filling the minors in BM78 company in town last time out.
He takes his place in this contest at full fitness and won’t be offered a better opportunity to win.
Race 2 – Grafton Radio Taxis Country Showcase Maiden (1000m)
Wakatipu has only made one appearance at the races so far, but she looks to have plenty of ability and she can make a winning return at Grafton on Wednesday.
The Press Statement filly showed promise at the trials prior to debuting and worked home well to finish third, beaten by less than a length at Tamworth in February.
She returned another nice trial in the lead up to her return and she is drawn to receive a lovely run under Jason Collett.
Race 3 – Grafton Gas & Plumbing CG&E Class 1 Showcase Handicap (1100m)
Oakfield Duke is chasing a hat-trick when he steps out on Ramornie Handicap Day and looks well placed to pull it off.
The Into Mischief gelding finished third on debut at Wyong last month and hasn’t looked back, winning each of his two subsequent starts in impressive fashion.
He will require some luck in running after drawing awkwardly, but has plenty of upside.
Race 4 – Black Tye Feeds F&M Class 2 Showcase Handicap (1100m)
Le Melody puts an unbeaten record on the line in the fourth on Ramornie Handicap Day and will take a power of beating again.
The Your Song filly was nothing short of dominant winning her races at Muswellbrook and Scone, which makes something of this quality the next logical step.
She has opened a $1.40 favourite and likely wins, but that quote is too short for me.
Race 5 – Winning Edge Presentations 4YO&Up Class 2 Showcase Handicap (1600m)
He has been charged with carrying topweight, but Diasonic is just the best horse in this field in my opinion and he’ll take plenty of beating.
Diasonic is a multiple stakes placegetter and has improved for two starts back this time, including a credible fifth in Class 2 company at Doomben last time out.
Fitter third-up and over a mile, this looks his opportunity to strike.
Race 6 – Grafton Guineas Quality (1600m)
This year’s Grafton Guineas is a wide-open affair and at publish, we’re faced with $6.50 for the field, with three gallopers tied on the top line of betting.
Aramis has improved with each of his three starts back this time and the Grafton Guineas looks the perfect race for him.
The Contributer gelding filled the minors in races at Canterbury and Hawkesbury first and second up, and he was far too good for a Class 1 field at Gosford last time.
He steps out this week in peak order and with appropriate luck in running, I can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish.
Race 7 – Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m)
This is a typically strong and open edition of the Ramornie Handicap and there is case to be made for several gallopers, including Ranges.
Ranges has raced consistently at this level since resuming in May, placing in both the Ortensia Stakes and the WJ Healy, as well most notably winning the Hinkler Handicap.
He steps out on Wednesday in peak order, loves a wet track and looks a touch of overs at his current price.
Race 8 – Crown Hotel Motel BM58 Handicap (1400m)
The consistent Rupertson can win the last on Ramornie Handicap Day.
The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding hasn’t missed placing in three starts back this time and there was a lot to like about his performance for third in BM58 company last time out.
The small rise in trip today looks as though it will suit and he is drawn to receive a lovely run under Rachel King.
