This weekend is Redcliffe’s time to shine, where potentially the strongest ever line up of horses will converge on the Peninsula in search of feature race success. 

The track’s lone Group 1 feature, the Garrards Redcliffe Yearling Sales Series final, will take centre stage with $100,000 on offer for 10 juvenile competitors.  

A capacity field of open class pacers will face the tapes in the Redcliffe Gold Cup over 2613m where standing start manners are going to be integral. It is a case of the master and the apprentice when it comes to TAB favouritism with L L COOL J and COLT THIRTY ONE heading the charge.  

L L Cool J has been ultra-impressive in his Australian starts to date and faces the tapes for the first time in Australia off the front mark, whereas Colt Thirty One is first up this preparation and has to overcome a 20m back mark.   

When it comes to star power, superstar Kiwi three-year-old KRUG will also grace Redcliffe in a somewhat surprising kick-off point for his Queensland campaign. To be driven by champion driver Anthony Butt, the Cran Dalgety trainee has his focus firmly on The Rising Sun in a fortnight’s time.  

If you are watching or investing on Redcliffe for the first-time tomorrow night, there a few important points to take into consideration.  

Redcliffe is nicknamed ‘The Triangle’ for good reason. With three bends to manoeuvre, a good gaited and steering horse is necessary to successfully negotiate an often-tricky track at the first attempt.  

The starting configuration is six horses across the front as opposed to seven at Albion Park in mobile events, with those in front and on the marker pegs with a clear benefit.   

With this in mind, the run to the first turn from each starting point is quite short, strongly advantaging those drawn down low.  

The sprint lane is quite wide, and there is often room for two horses to take their shot.  

Ill be taking this all into consideration this weekend when I try to find the Sky audience plenty of winners out on track with dedicated Sky Racing Active coverage from Redcliffe.

The riches in the west continue with more Group 1 juvenile events tonight at Gloucester Park.  

Fresh off his trifecta in the Pearl Classic, Aiden De Campo will again play a strong role with his trio of charges in FLOEWRITER, THE MIKI TAKER and ROCK ON TOP. TRICKY MIKI was surprisingly beaten earlier this week at Pinjarra behind PAUL EDWARD, with the duo both on the quick back-up tonight.   

Whilst the colts and geldings division has a myriad of chances, the fillies market is all about WONDERFUL TO FLY, who is looking to make it three-straight victories. TAKING THE MIKI’s chances took somewhat of a dive after landing the inside of the second row, however in feature races, being tucked away on the fence can often be a blessing in disguise.   

After another disappointing performance last week, CHICAGO BULL won’t be seen for an extended period after his trainer Gary Hall Snr elected to give the $2 million earner a month’s rest and recovery. The eight-year-old will be given another chance to show his best before retirement is considered.

Both Tabcorp Park Melton and Menangle will host strong race cards tomorrow night, with several runners on trial for Queensland TAB Constellations campaigns.   

The opener at Menangle features STAR GALLERIA, BUNDORAN and ZEUSS BROMAC, who have all been touted as possible northern raiders, whereas the mares open event is small on size but stacked with quality.  

It’s also D Day for PATSBEACHSTORM at Tabcorp Park Melton, where the talented three-year-old will need to perform smartly to keep his Queensland trip on track. Already an invitee to The Rising Sun as one of two three-year olds, a Queensland Derby tilt looks the more likely option.

BEST of the weekend – R10 N4 Crunch Time, Redcliffe, Saturday 

VALUE of the weekend – R8 N8 Kid Montana, Redcliffe, Saturday

Brittany Graham is a regular host on Sky Racing and the Sky Racing Active app, plus In The Gig with Ben Way and Gareth Hall every Tuesday night on Sky Racing 2 from 6pm.

 

 

The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.