{"id":297719,"date":"2021-04-23T19:18:42","date_gmt":"2021-04-23T09:18:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=297719"},"modified":"2021-04-23T19:18:42","modified_gmt":"2021-04-23T09:18:42","slug":"plenty-in-wondais-cavalry-charges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2021\/04\/23\/plenty-in-wondais-cavalry-charges\/","title":{"rendered":"Plenty In Wondai’s Cavalry Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Fend Off and Hannah Richardson, prior to their Nanango victory at Easter (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\"Gunsynd's<\/a><\/p>\n

April 23, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

The South Burnett Race Club is in for a spectacular six-event Anzac Day program.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunday’s opener, the Wondai IGA and Harley’s Heavy Diesel BM 60 Handicap, is scheduled for 1:30pm.<\/p>\n

There were sufficient acceptors for the QTIS Benchmark 50 Handicap to be split into two divisions of nine apiece while the Hivesville Hotel Maiden Plate has five reserves.<\/p>\n

There will be no shortage of horses or riders.<\/p>\n

An exciting aspect on the racing front will be the introduction of a new starting point.<\/p>\n

The barrier stalls for the 1465 metre contests were on the course proper but the despatch point is now 110 metres further back in a chute. <\/p>\n

This innovation is a not only a safer option but also should allow the runners to sort themselves out of before reaching the turn out of the straight.<\/p>\n

All the trackside marquees were quickly sold out. <\/p>\n

This indicates an extremely encouraging level of interest in Wondai’s popular fixture. <\/p>\n

It will be just so great to get back to a full scale meeting after the COVID-19 enforced restrictions. <\/p>\n

The weather forecast is delightfully promising.<\/p>\n

The Fashions On the Field Theme is Shades of Autumn with categories for Ladies, Gentlemen, Boys and Girls. <\/p>\n

Patrons are reminded that there are no ATM facilities at the course.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Fend Off May Brush Aside Rivals Again<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Lindsay Anderson, the Hivesville horseman whose horses do their fast workouts at Wondai, has two entries that command contemplation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hannah Richardson dictated terms in the lead on Fend Off at Nanango at Easter.<\/p>\n

The four-year-old by the Melbourne Cup winner was very strong over the 1600 metres in BM 55 company with 59 kilograms to contend with.<\/p>\n

He began well and was able to cross and settle in the vanguard position. <\/p>\n

Fend Off, to be handled by heavyweight hoop Paul Hamblin, goes up two kilos for the Murgon Outdoor Equipment and Amcal Chemist Murgon 55 BM over 1575 metres.<\/p>\n

An obvious danger is the locally trained galloper Elusive Element. <\/p>\n

The veteran by Red Element has chalked up a win and a placing from his four outings at Wondai. <\/p>\n

Kym Afford’s charge has scored four times in the 1500 -1600 metre range.<\/p>\n

Although the gelding has finished second 17 times from 87 runs, he has prevailed twice on the sand at Gladstone at his most recent appearances. <\/p>\n

Shannyn Stephan was atop on both occasions and her two kilogram claim will be again be useful.<\/p>\n

Anderson also has Kentford engaged. <\/p>\n

The Master of Design gelding has a good record at home, winning there on Anzac Day 2019 and finishing second at the Patron Free Day in October. <\/p>\n

Hamblin’s mount has also scored on the sand at Gympie and Bundaberg.<\/p>\n

The bay is knocking on the door, following three straight runner-up performances this year. <\/p>\n

Lindsay is adept at targetting his string for set races.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Hannah Phillips giving Oakfield Comanche an ultra-special pat at Lee Park (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wishes For An Encore<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Oakfield Comanche, under Hannah Phillips’ guidance, led all the way to post an Easter victory at Nanango for owner John Hamilton.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Previously, the chestnut’s success at Lee Park’s Christmas meeting had been the final official winner trained by his late wife Kaylene.<\/p>\n

Following her horses was a wonderful tonic for Kaylene during her long illness.<\/p>\n

The Dream Ahead gelding, now with Nanango’s Janene Armstrong, has prevailed three times from just six opportunities. <\/p>\n

Importantly, he has already chalked up a win at Wondai so he will be in familiar territory in the Original Hair by Gina QTIS BM 50.<\/p>\n

An opponent in that race will be Hard Enough.<\/p>\n

The aspirant will be ridden by his trainer Cheryl Rogers, a dual licensee from Roma. <\/p>\n

Although the five-year-old has been out of form this camapign, it is one of the few runners that have won at Wondai.<\/p>\n

He is by All Too Hard, a name that matches the quandary punters will face because the vast majority of starters have never stepped out on the track before. <\/p>\n

The only hint about their ability to handle the surface would be any form references they have with respect to the venues at Gympie Bundaberg and Gladstone.<\/p>\n

Turbo Teddy, a candidate in the first race, is a reminder of the difficulties in following form.<\/p>\n

The ten-year-old finished a poor second last when having its 100th career start at Nanango last month.<\/p>\n

The ten-year-old backed up at Toowoomba seven days later and picked up the $3,500 runner-up cheque after firming from $71 to $51. <\/p>\n

We are dealing with animals and not computerised machines. <\/p>\n

Make your selection and don’t listen to experts who try to dissuade you<\/p>\n

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Turbo Teddy (Hannah Phillips) in the misty rain at Nanango after his 100th start (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Burrandowan Update<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Folk planning to attend the annual Burrandowan meeting on Saturday, May 8 are strongly advised to explore the club’s website<\/B><\/A><\/strong><\/p>\n

There have been some welcome changes to the original blanket bans.<\/p>\n

The traditional Pit-Fired BBQ and dancing to the music of RYZA will now be on the agenda as is limited camping on the Saturday night.<\/p>\n

Swags, vehicles and small tents can be used but, due to space restrictions, no caravans or camper vans will be alllowed on the grounds.<\/p>\n

Ticketing requirements are in place and patrons are reminded that there are no ATMs on the course and there is no mobile phone reception.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, it is time to make the most of live racing at Wondai in an era when things can’t be taken for granted.<\/p>\n