| What | Darwin Races |
| Where | Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 |
| When | Friday, March 31, 2023 |
| First Race | 3:07pm ACST |
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Visit Ladbrokes |
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All roads may lead to the Red Centre with the Alice Springs Cup Carnival starting on April 8, but the Darwin Turf Club will host a competitive five-race meeting this Friday. The fields might be on the light side with just 35 runners on deck, but – as usual – it’s no easy task when it comes to picking winners. For some runners, a trip to the Red Centre could occur should they make an impression on Friday.
As of Wednesday, 49mm had fallen at Fannie Bay in the past seven days, but no rain fell in the preceding 24 hours. Although there was the chance of a thunderstorm on Thursday, it was expected to be a sunny day. Mostly sunny conditions is Friday’s forecast, with a top temperature of 35C and a slight chance of showers. The rail will be in the true position and the track will still be a good dirt surface.
Best Bet: Doc O’Connor
This guy made a successful Top End debut on March 4 when Queensland’s Sophie Wilcock booted him to victory over 1100m (Class 2) in the National Apprentice Race Series. The son of Lonhro lumped 57kg that day, so the fact he will carry an extra 4kg is no surprise as he looked a million dollars a month ago with $1.85 favourite Del Viento having to contend with second place. Doc O’Connor debuted as a two-year-old in October 2021 and finished 11th over 1000m at Flemington before returning to the same track the following February for a 12th over 1100m. Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace finally celebrated a win in a 1000m maiden at Ballarat last August before a second over 1000m (BM62) against his age group at Morphettville last October. Before relocating to the NT, Doc O’Connor finished unplaced in two starts at Moonee Valley over 1000m late last year.
Best Bet
Race 3 – 
#1 Doc O’Connor (5)
3yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (61kg)
Bet with Bet365
Next Best Bet: Looking For You
This eight-year-old gelding overwhelmed his rivals by four lengths over 1600m (BM54) last Friday. It was only his second win over the mile, after getting the cash at 0-70 level at Fannie Bay last May. The son of Astronomer Royal has only had seven starts over 1600m in 60 career appearances and apart from the two wins he has also managed three seconds. Renowned as a 1200m or 1300m horse, Looking For You has 12 career wins and has been placed on 18 occasions. It’s hard to fault his form after saluting over 1300m (BM54) in December and if he maintains the consistency, especially in light of his most recent win, he can go back to back. Stablemate Brother Bassy, a last-start third over 1600m (0-76) on March 18, and Tayarn Halter’s Fischer pose a threat.
Next Best
Race 4 – 
#2 Looking For You (1)
4yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Vanessa Arnott (59kg)
Bet with Palmerbet
Best Value Bet: Defence Attorney
The six-year-old gelding hasn’t been all that far away in his past four starts. Was quoted at $7 during the week in a very open race. A definite each-way hope, but if the cards fall his way there’s every chance he may end a winning drought that extends back to November 2021 – that’s 13 starts ago – when he saluted with Paul Shiers in the saddle. The son of Zoustar finished third over 1200m (0-58) on January 14 and was less than three lengths adrift of the winner in fifth place over 1200m (0-58) on Australia Day. Defence Attorney then suffered an agonising second over 1300m (0-58) when Rojo Boom got him by a head on February 10 before finishing two and a half lengths behind Zou Zou Kacanarkis over 1300m (0-58) in seventh place a fortnight ago in a race punctuated by torrential rain.
Best Value
Race 1 – 
#7 Defence Attorney (7)
6yo Gelding | T: Tayarn Halter | J: Paul Shiers (57.5kg)
Bet with Neds
Friday quaddie tips for Darwin races
Darwin quadrella selections
Friday, March 31, 2023
- 1-2-3
- 1-3
- 1-2-4
- 1-2-3
Investment: $54 for 100%
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