(Photo: Three Way Photos)
April 21, 2023
The South Burnett Race Club’s traditionally popular April 25 fixture has attracted enough acceptors for a six-race card on Tuesday.
There were 21 acceptors for the QTIS Maiden Plate. As the maximum field size is 10, it is extremely pleasing that Racing Queensland has created two divisions.
The move has given a dozen sets of connections the opportunity to pick up lucrative bonuses.
The fact the trackside marquees were sold out a week or so back indicates that public interest in the meeting is very strong.
The Poppies and Pearls themed fashion contests will be sponsored by Wondai’s Ivy Lane Hair Studio and the GH Clothing Co in Murgon.
Racegoers are reminded there is no ATM facility on course, so come along suitably cashed up.
A host of gallopers that work on Wondai’s sand circuit have been entered.
Jain, the Drumbeats filly that shed her maiden tag for trainer Kristen Roon last month at Esk, will appreciate the metric half mile trip of the Norm Andresen Memorial Class B. Kelly Gates will again be the pilot.
Marmion, Conley Bell, Hush Puppy, Fiable Rose, Fend Off and Modern Family will represent Kym Afford, while Roy King will tend to The Devastator. Daulat Ulti Maiora steps out for Peter Blackwell.
Tom Moloney will saddle up Absalon Tulip, Ultra Instinct and Diggity, whose two tasks at Wondai have yielded a win and a second placing.
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Burnett To The Beach
After the heat at Wondai, the series will only have throws of the dice at Burrandowan and Bundaberg before final scores are settled.
Presently, Jamesatelli, a candidate at Wondai, sits at the top of the table with 26 points. The consistent performer’s last four assignments have generated a win and three seconds for Gary Clem’s Bundaberg stable. The sprinter hasn’t started since December 4.
True Tally, on eight marks, is the only close rival for the Ilovethiscity gelding in the Smithfield Feedlot Burnett to the Beach Benchmark 55.
Yes No Maybe So, a recent Gympie winner for Kym Afford, can boost his trainer’s chances of taking out a $3300 prize.
Bob Murray, on 35 points, leads the trainers’ category from Clem (26) and Afford (18).
Jockeys Landan Sykes (30) and Kelly Gates (29) will watch the edition from trackside.
Shania Willis (18) will be aboard Yes No Maybe So.
Murray, whose absentee charge Comments has 23 points, and apprentice Sophie Blunt (8) are pinning their hopes this time with Brazetti.
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Other Points Of Interest
John Hamilton’s Oakfield Comanche is back in form.
The chestnut boasts a 4:3-0-1 form line at Wondai.
Hannah Phillips, who has partnered the baldy-faced gelding for six of his seven victories, will be back in his saddle for the opening event.
Hard Stride, the veteran member of Jason Judge’s Toowoomba team, won in gallant style at Wondai on Anzac Day last year.
At Gympie, on April 15, the 12-year-old (at odds of $12) secured a berth in the $200,000 Battle of the Bush Final at Eagle Farm on June 24.
His stablemates, Dolly Disco and Bulletin, will sport the same livery on Tuesday. Maybe the duo will be inspired by the old boy’s feat.
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Burrandowan Beckons
It is time to check out the burrandowan.com.au website and Facebook for all the information regarding the annual race day on Saturday, May 6, at Chahpingah, the spot among the gum trees to the west of Kingaroy.
Last year “Miracle Mal” Johnston was the race eve guest speaker at Kingaroy’s Carrollee Hotel. This time, another renowned rider in Greg Hall will be at the same King Street hotel from 7:00pm on Friday, May 5. Table bookings can be made by phoning (07) 4162-1055.
Hall’s tally at the elite level includes the 1992 Melbourne Cup on Subzero, two Victoria Derbies, two Golden Slippers, a Stradbroke on Innisfree, a Doomben 10,000 and a Brisbane Cup.
The winner of more than 40 Group Ones will also mix and mingle at the Burrandowan races and return to the Carrollee afterwards.
Some early reminders ….
Camping immediately adjacent to the track at Burrandowan is available on Thursday and Friday with a free offering for Saturday night.
The website details catering options and arrangements for the evening’s pit-fired barbecue, fashion on the field information as well as transport and accommodation pointers.
Remember, there is no ATM and no reliable mobile phone reception.
See you at Wondai and Burrandowan!
