May 5, 2023
Although last year’s racing program was washed out after the opening event, the Burrandowan Picnic Race Club’s Centenary celebrations continued on their merry way with the covered betting ring and the hall proving to be invaluable assets.
If the weather forecast proves accurate, racegoers at the 2023 renewal are in for a bonny time on Saturday.
Punters face a task sorting out the large fields because only Oakfield Comanche, Miralie and True Tally have competed on the track that is officially described as being dirt surface.
The trio is due to line up in the fourth on the card, the Kewpie Stock Feeds Burnett to the Beach Ratings Band 0-60 Handicap.
Oakfield Comanche made his debut at age four with a Wondai victory for her owner-trainer, the late Kaylene Hamilton. Her husband John now puts the polish to the on-pace galloper that was narrowly beaten at Wondai on Anzac Day. The chestnut’s Burrandowan success in 2021 was under the tutelage of Janene Armstrong.
Miralie’s only appearance at Burrandowan resulted in a sixth placing in 2021. That was his first outing for Jandowae trainer and part owner Geoffrey Schrader.
The now eight-year-old, with So You Think (NZ) and Merlene as parents, has scored three times since then.
* * *
Greg Hall, the special guest at the Carrollee Hotel on Friday night and at the Burrandowan races, booted Merlene home in the Golden Slipper in the 1996 Golden Slipper.
Lee Freedman saddled up the brilliant granddaughter of Bold Promise, the Magic Millions heroine that was unplaced as a hot Slipper favourite in 1991.
Incidentally, Lonergy, a starter in the second event, was foaled by Pure Energy, the runner-up in Miss Finland’s 2006 Slipper.
* * *
With respect to the penultimate offering of points for players in the Burnett to the Beach series, none of the leading trainers or horses are engaged.
Jamesatteli has an unbeatable lead in its category while its trainer Gary Clem shares top spot with Bob Murray on 36 points in their section. Both conditioners will be looking for firepower for next weekend’s final heat at Bundaberg.
Kelly Gates, on True Tally, would love to pick up 10 points for a win. She currently has 29 points, two adrift of Landan Sykes who has the mount on Clearly George in this crucial leg.
* * *
Elsewhere on the agenda, there is interest in two acceptors trained by Tom Moloney and part-owned by Bob and Dorothy Black.
Firstly, Diggity’s form line since coming north stands at a respectable 38: 8-9-5.
Stewards reported that the Equiano (Fr) gelding blundered at the start at Wondai on Anzac Day. The seven-year-old had to come from a long way back to down all but the in-form Hard Landing from Pat Duff’s Deagon yard.
The Burrandowan stalwarts’ other aspirant is Absalon Tulip, a daughter of Sooboog, the winner of the 2016 VRC Aurie’s Star Handicap and sire of Boogie Dancer (2022 MRC Thousand Guineas Prelude). An unconfirmed reference suggests Sooboog is Chinese for “presenting a golden gift”.
Absalon Tulips, whose dam is De Tulips, will be all the better for her only two career runs. Although out of the money both times, the granddaughter of Absolute Dream has not been not disgraced. The chestnut however has a very wide draw to contend with.
* * *
Paul Hamblin, the heavyweight veteran journeyman who will partner Buckaltius in the Seilers Transport-Patrons Trophy Class B Handicap and Cairndow in the Kellco Livestock Agents Burrandowan Cup BM 55 Handicap, displayed his prowess with a fine tactical ride on the aforementioned Hard Landing at Wondai.
Hamblin’s last 50 rides at 17 divergent tracks have chalked up six wins and 20 placings for a top-three strike rate of better than 50 per cent.
* * *
Those folk who like backing grey gallopers have Dulat Maktigkuda, Mussel Lines and the reserve Dawn Rebel to pick from in Race 3, the Combined Business Houses of Kingaroy QTIS Maiden Plate.
* * *
Key Reminders
Vital information is accessible at the Daily Calendar on this website, the Burrandowan website and the club’s Facebook page.
- Fashions on the Field: Contenders are to nominate between 10:30am and 2:00pm at the Fashions on the Field area, as per signs near the track’s entry point. All nominees are to assemble at the Fashions on the Field tent immediately after the third race. They will be invited to walk the stage and, for each category, the judges will pick 10 finalists who will be presented to the crowd.
- Water: Campers are reminded that the precinct is low on water. They should bring bottled water. Bottled water will be available on race day for purchase from some food vendors, but not before.
- Cash: There are no ATMs and effectively no mobile phone reception.
- Clay target shooting: This will start at 9:00am on race day. Courtesy of the organisers, the Kingaroy Clay Target Club, equipment is on hand for those who would like to give it a go.
- Pit Barbecue: Participants can buy their cut of meat from the in-field Steak Shed for the “after the last” pit barbecue session. Patrons need to bring their own barbecue tools, plates, trimmings and alcohol as the section is outside the licensed area. They are encouraged to set up some bling for the Table Decorating competition.
- Copies of “100 Years of Racing at Burrandowan” by Dr Judith Grimes OAM will be available at the Merchandise Shop on the Hall Verandah near the Chapingah Cafe.
Don’t miss out on this famous annual occasion at “its home among the gum trees”.
