| What | Australia Day Races |
| Where | Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 |
| When | Thursday, January 26, 2023 |
| First Race | 2:29pm ACST |
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The Darwin Turf Club hosts its annual Australia Day meeting at Fannie Bay with six races up for decision, including the $40,000 Lightning Wet Season Series Final (1200m). From Thursday to Tuesday, the Top End had received 51.6mm of rain with an 80 per cent chance of a further 0-15mm on Wednesday. There is a 70 per cent chance of further showers and a possible storm come race day with up to 0-10mm predicted, and an expected top temperature of 32C. Despite the forecast of humid and overcast conditions in the late morning and afternoon, the track will be a good dirt surface.
Best bet: Constant Cause
He has yet to win over 1600m in six attempts and takes on two opponents who have won over the trip in the past in Skellig Island and Karaoke Express, but Constant Cause has made an impression since making a return to the Top End. Two seconds over 1300m (Class 2) on December 31 and 1200m (0-58) on January 14 were full of merit, and the Petrick-Crich combination has made an impact in the past few months. He did finish with a wet sail last start to be edged out right on the line in a blanket finish. In three starts over 1600m last July during the Darwin Cup Carnival, the four-year-old gelding failed to fire a shot and punters have every right to be sceptical. However, the son of Worthy Cause seemingly has found a spring in his step and that elusive first win in the NT may finally arrive at the 13th attempt.
Best Bet
Race 1 – 
#1 Constant Cause (3)
4yo Gelding | T: Kerry Petrick | J: Phillip Crich (59kg)
$5.50 with Palmerbet
Next best: Ankle Rolex
After posting a slashing first up win over 1100m against maiden opposition and rivals aged 3YO and above at Class 2 level on December 31, Ankle Rolex had to settle for fifth last start on January 14 over 1200m (0-58). The three-year-old gelding was only a length and a half behind the winner in his second career start after travelling wide throughout and striking interference with 100m to go, so all things considered he certainly deserves another chance. To be fair he was a sight to behold when he won on debut to suggest that despite his youth the son of Cable Bay might have a bright future. Before his first career start he finished second in two trials over 900m in November, so come New Year’s Eve he was ready for action. The fact that Ankle Rolex will also benefit from a 3kg claim is quite significant.
Next Best
Race 3 – 
#1 Ankle Rolex (2)
3yo Gelding | T: Patrick Johnston | J: Jade Hampson (a3)(56.5kg)
$1.50 with Neds
Best value: Saccharo
No denying the fact that Noir De Rue, Cudjerie, Mr Cashman and Charretera are capable of running a big race, but dismiss Saccharo at your peril. After arriving in the Top End, the seven-year-old gelding managed a third over 1200m (BM79) and then a second over 1300m in open company last June before coming ninth in the Toyota Cup (1600m) and eighth in the Metric Mile (1600m) in July during the Darwin Cup Carnival. The son of Magnus returned on Darwin Cup Day (August 1) and won over 1600m in open company before finishing second in the Katherine Cup (1700m) on August 13. Saccharo then had four starts in outback Queensland winning the Birdsville Cup (1600m) and Bedourie Cup (1600m) in September. Quoted at $11 during the week, Saccharo won a 900m trial comfortably on January 10.
Best Value
Race 2 – 
#3 Saccharo (3)
7yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Wayne Davis (60.5kg)
$11 with Bet365
Darwin quaddie tips for Australia Day races
Darwin quadrella selections
Thursday, January 26, 2023
- 1-2-6
- 2-3-4-6
- 1-2-3-6-9
- 3-4-5-6
Investment: $240 for 100%
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