May 10, 2018
Saturday’s meeting at Burrandowan has a long tradition of attracting enthusiasts from places far and wide. For many it is a cherished catch-up.
The form guide’s data for the last three starts of competing candidates reveals a similar pattern with the equine fraternity.
It is amazing to note that Narooma, the outpost near Cunnamulla along with Quilpie, Charleville, Augathella, Grafton, Rockhampton, Wyong, Ballina, Emerald, Gladstone, Goulburn, Newcastle, Yarra Valley, Albury, Townsville and Calliope are among the racing venues for some of the horses during their most recent three outings.
Wonder if they communicate about their journeys as they stand in the race day stalls before heading to the birdcage parade?
On the other hand, the nearby catchment area is well represented, too.
Local trainer Tom Moloney will saddle up Churchill Dawn and the Sebring gelding Seramasa, both resuming from breaks.
The latter, a newcomer to the stable, is winless following nine attempts in the south for the famous David Hayes team.
Jandowae based conditioner Geoffrey Schrader will be busy with The Intern, Gud Onya, Karma Chameleon and Special Thing while Kumbia’s Scott Pedron is looking to Paradiski to continue her good work.
Bell horseman Gavin Dempsey is having a shot with Ringo’s Magic.
Nanango’s leading trainer Glenn Richardson tends to Flying Charger, Lucky Larrikin and Mr Bon Vivant, while fellow Lee Park mentors Barry Phillips and Kaylene Hamilton have prepared the respective reserves Boaz and Monte Lago.
Meanwhile, on a musical note, Beyonce fans will be impressed with the credentials of the Sunshine Coast galloper Shudaputaringonit.
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Jane Aped Tarzan
Liverpool Jane has been quite a pin-up of late. The rising six-year-old, raced by Victorian couple Peter and Toni Crowe, has collected five wins and two seconds form her last eight assignments.
But last Saturday’s effort, when asked to carry a massive 66 kilograms (or 10.6 in the old money) in a Benchmark 60 at Bundaberg, was monumental.
She powered to a two length victory over Hopetoun Street, a smart mare that was in receipt of 6.5 kilograms.
The daughter of the Irish born stallion Captain Gerrard is domiciled at Lindsay Anderson’s Hivesville set-up but does her fast work at Wondai where Picnic In The Park coped with 67 kilograms in the 1980s.
Jockey Gemma Steele has been six times victorious and placed on four occasions during their 14 partnerships to date.
Three of the duo’s successes were with 62.5, 63.5 and 64.5 kilograms.
At Burrandowan, the side is targetting the Hot 89.1 FM-Grahame Downes Memorial BM 65 (1050m).
Although Liverpool Jane will jump from a wide barrier, she has has speed at the beginning and draws on strength when it matters.
Punters like this sort of style.
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A Mammoth Day
The annual Burrandowan program along with Nanango at Easter, Kumbia on Melbourne Cup Day and Wondai on Anzac Day are signature events in the South Burnett.
The Burrandowan agenda begins with the morning clay pigeon shoot and ends with dancing to the music of Risa, most likely under a starry sky.
In the interim, there will be no shortage of horses in action.
There’s Brisbane’s Doomben 10,000 and other way-track programs to bet on, fabulous fashions, a late afternoon recital by Kingaroy State High School Band and the pit-fired “after the last” BBQ when BYO drink is permitted.
Trackside camping is available but there is no ATM service or mobile phone reception.
You get one chance a year to enjoy the experience.
Take it while you can!
The quote from race commentator Ross Stanley regarding the status of racing in the South Burnett calls for some reflection: “The annual Burrandowan program along with Nanango at Easter, Kumbia on Melbourne Cup Day and Wondai on Anzac Day are signature events in the South Burnett.”
It is encouraging to see that the racing fraternity realise that all racing in the South Burnett should be recognised as signature events. This appears to be a fact that the powers-that-be in SBRC Tourism seem not to understand.
– Barry Green, South East Qld Country Racing Association