May 11, 2017
Burrandowan’s program on Saturday will draw serious, seasoned punters on the one hand and newcomers, novices and the occasionals on the other.
For the latter group, the first tip is that the horses should be observed before a bet is placed.
Around ten minutes before the advertised starting time, candidates are led into the parade ring (or birdcage) by their strappers.
Jockeys will meet up there with owners and trainers before mounting and heading to the barrier.
The thoroughbred’s pre-race behaviour can signal pointers.
If the neddy is extremely edgy and continually upset, the nervous energy expended can leave less in the tank for the contest.
Do run your eye around the underbelly area if the steed has not raced for quite some time, and compare its girth with those of other hopefuls.
A healthy coat is often a positive indicator, but some wily veteran horsemen of yesteryear have been known to deliberately leave a little bit of cover there to mislead watchful eyes.
The racebook is a vital tool.
First timers should absorb the section headed “How To Read Your Formguide”, which explains all the abbreviations and terms.
The Stewards’ Summary reports on hard luck stories and issues arising from recent runs.
It is useful to check how your fancy has performed at the track and distance.
Horses are creatures of habit – some like racing at certain courses, and some have aversions.
Finally, look into the riding situation. Some jockeys have a good record on certain individual horses, and the pairing may have developed a profitable understanding.
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Four competitors for this 2017 edition were also in action in 2016.
Monte Lago was beaten a half head, Writtenintherain ran third while Famechon Baroness and Destiny’s Desire were unplaced.
More of the Zaim (2014) and Writtenintherain (2015) have both scored at the track.
All of the other contenders bar Commander Boltz are making their Burrandowan debuts.
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If a bookmaker is betting “Each Way” on a race, you can back a horse for a win and a place.
But if only seven runners head to the start, there is no payout for the place on the third horse to finish.
Don’t be put off by the opinion of others. Remember that the 2015 Melbourne Cup was won by the 100/1 chance Prince of Penzance.
Most regular racegoers do their preliminary research before venturing to the track.
The form is available for on-line homework via this website.
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Group gatherings or couples can have their own inexpensive fun, too, with something I call The Broom.
Here’s how it works:
Participants put a few dollars into the kitty, and each pick two horses per race.
Points are allocated on a 6,4 and 2 basis for first, second and third placings, and the highest scorer overall sweeps away all the money.
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Bits And Bridles
- Burrandowan, where the first race is scheduled for 1:00pm, has done very well to receive 54 final acceptors. Given that Kilcoy (Friday), Warwick and Toowoomba (Saturday) were key counter attractions, the numbers are very pleasing. Three of the five events have a safety limit of ten.
- South Burnett trainers Glenn Richardson, Tom Moloney, Kaylene Hamilton and Lindsay Anderson will be holding the fort for the South Burnett. The opposition includes hopefuls from Bundaberg, Deagon, Injune, Miles, Eidsvold, Gympie, Goondiwindi and a large contingent from the Darling Downs.
- Leeanne McCoy, last year’s leading rider at Burrandowan, returns to do battle. Paul Hamblin will sport silk too. In the last month the former Downs’ boy has plied his trade at Oakbank, Seymour, Kilcoy, Pakenham, Mitchell, Warrnambool and Quilpie.
- The fields will have a latent cosmopolitan touch. In earlier preparations, some of the gallopers engaged at Burrandowan have appeared as far away as Flemington, Hanging Rock, Swan Hill, Ararat, Randwick, Springsure and Cairns. A standout marvel is Testascana. The ten-year-old, with a 97:13- 23-19 formline, has earnt $420,439. The Testa Rossa gelding’s finest effort was a victory in the 2011 Listed Heatherlie Handicap at Caulfield for Black Caviar’s jockey Luke Nolen.
- On Saturday, Hannah English is working at Warwick and Toowoomba while Hannah Phillips is off to Rockhampton.
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Back Up At Nanango
Two weeks after the Burrandowan fixture, Nanango Race Club hosts its final meeting of its racing season.
That program on Saturday, May 27, will be followed the next day by the annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival.
This is another opportunity to invite family and friends to the South Burnett for a great double-header weekend.
Bookings – with Lesley Berger on (07) 4163-1513 – are required for those in Goomeri who wish to use the free shuttle bus to and from Lee Park.
The pick-up will be at Joe’s Grand Hotel at 11:30am.
The Nanango Race Club is also introducing new food lines at their Champagne At The Bit Bar.
Bruschetta ($6), Cheese Platters ($12) and Antipasto Platters ($16) can be pre-ordered via ngoraceclub@live.com
Hoofnote: Next week’s GG column will background Egg Tart, the South Burnett-bred filly that took out the $500,000 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide last Saturday.
