It’s an exciting period in the Top End with the 2023 Darwin Cup Carnival kicking off on July 8.
The Darwin Turf Club will host eight meetings at Fannie Bay’s famous dirt racecourse culminating with Cup Day on August 7.
Over the years, interstate trainers have either accompanied their horses to the tropics or have sent horses north to be cared for by local trainers.
Interstate trainers who have assembled in Darwin thus far include Neil Dyer and Mark Pegus from Victoria, as well as Kym Healy, Nicole Irwin, John Peacock and Heather Lehmann from South Australia.
Alice Springs trainers also have their eyes on the Top End riches with Kevin Lamprecht, Barry Cooke, Russell Bell, Sheila Arnold and Paul Gardner already in Darwin, while Terry Gillett and Will Savage are expected to take a team up the Stuart Highway.
Next Saturday’s meeting is deemed as “Day Zero” where a host of quality horses, who will more than likely make a big impression over the next six weeks, line up in the $30,000 ROANT Gold Cup (1300m).
Meanwhile, a high-quality meeting takes place at Fannie Bay this Saturday with very little separating the starters in all seven races.
In fact, a long-time NT racing analyst, who wished to remain anonymous, believes it’s one of the more evenly-matched programs in June in recent times.
“It’s a terrific meeting with plenty of chances in every race,” he said.
“There are horses who are preparing for the big races ahead, with a host from down south also making their first appearance at Fannie Bay.
“Getting used to the dirt track and the kick-back, as well as the warmer weather, isn’t easy with some horses either clicking straight away, some taking time to adjust and some not adapting at all.
“The cream usually rises to the top – Playoffs and Syncline were certainly firing before taking out the Darwin Cup and Palmerston Sprint last year.
“With the Darwin Guineas in two weeks time, it’s perhaps wise to keep an eye on the three-year-olds on Saturday.”
The analyst ran his eye over Saturday’s meeting.
Race 1 – 1300m (BM76)
“Ironedge ($2.80 with horse betting sites) has finished second in four of his past five starts and was third in the other race. Definitely a chance and will challenge Smuggling ($3.80) for favouritism. Smuggling wasn’t that far away last start when third behind Siakam and Ironedge over 1600m. Boom Boom Sweet ($4.50), Spielberg ($5) and Ornamental Lady ($6) can surprise.”
Race 2 – 1300m (BM66)
“Decent three-year-old field with Century Fox ($9), the NT Guineas winner in Alice Springs, debuting. Anphina ($3) boasts good SA form, but 1300m could be too short. Aplomado ($5) has had two 1000m starts for a win and a third. Iknowhatyouredoing ($7.50) impressed on debut, Perisseuo ($14) missed the kick last start and Heroic Spirit ($14) is a chance.”
Race 3 – 1200m (Class 2)
“Fraction Late ($2.80) is the one to beat after a win and three seconds from his past four starts. Irascible Miss ($16) looked good winning first up in Darwin two weeks ago with Lucky Fortuna ($4.50) coming fourth in the same race. Lastar ($6) had his moments in Alice. Wilsons Prom, Fischer, New Enterprise, Nordic Lass and Rojo Boom are definitely each-way hopes.”
Race 4 – 1100m (0-58)
“Pop Magic ($6.50) is aiming for three straight and must be considered. Del Viento ($2.80) returns after racing well in February and March. You just don’t know what you’re going to get from Fragore ($6) and Hattan Man ($8.50). Laylah’s Wish ($14) has been solid and broke her maiden status last start. In the end, Lamoree ($5) from SA might be the one to watch.”
Race 5 – 1600m (0-64)
“After a first, second and third in Alice, last year’s NT Derby winner Venting ($2.80) was second in his Darwin return three weeks ago. Hettinger ($6.50 with online bookmakers) is stepping up in grade, but was too good in his two NT starts in Alice and Darwin. Brimarvi Rooboy ($4) is in good form, but the mile is a question mark. Mangione ($5.50) and Tiara Jewel ($5) can threaten.”
Race 6 – 1600m (0-58)
“Go Bundle ($2.80) has the runs on the board after a win and a third over 1600m recently. Kippax ($10) has yet to fire a shot since arriving from Queensland. Sweet As Scandi ($4) from Alice Springs has made little impact, but has a second in two attempts over 1600m. Glacier Grey ($6.50), Boogie Nights ($11) or Rover ($5) are the next best.”
Race 7 – 1600m (0-58)
“Three-year-olds Fierce Legend ($2.80), Field Commander ($5.50) and Tubthumper ($3) seal a Darwin Guineas berth with victory. Fierce Legend and Field Commander debut in Darwin, but are capable if good enough. Tubthumper ($3) was a last start winner in a 1200m maiden. Eight-year-old gelding All Hard Wood ($5) isn’t the worst and could spoil the party.”
More horse racing news
