Two big days of racing in the Northern Territory awaits with Darwin and Alice Springs hosting their St Patrick’s Day Cup on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
For the Darwin Turf Club, it’s one of their biggest meetings of the year at Fannie Bay outside Cup Carnival with the $40,000 St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) for the 0-76 grade.
Along with the Wet Season Series Final (1200m) on Australia Day for the 0-70 grade, it’s the only other $40,000 race outside Cup Carnival.
The Alice Springs Turf Club’s St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) at Pioneer Park for the 0-70 grade is valued at $31,500, with the $40,000 Winter Series Final (1200m) for the 0-66 grade in late August the biggest race outside Cup Carnival.
Up to 60 runners have accepted for the seven-event card in the Top End and 50 runners have accepted for the six-event program in the Red Centre.
“Two superb meetings, we have a dozen riders here in Darwin on Saturday – similar numbers in Alice Springs on Sunday, so it makes for a good weekend,” Thoroughbred Racing NT chief executive officer Andrew O’Toole said.
“Over $300,000 in stakes to be given away at the two meetings, so it’s a really solid weekend for Territory racing.
“The numbers are strong at both places which is gratifying – I think the horse count in Alice Springs this week was 163 and Darwin probably similar, maybe a few less than that.
“Obviously, Alice Springs will need numbers – they’ve got another eight meetings in a row leading through to Cup Day on April 30.
“We divided a race in Darwin – the 0-58 over 1300m was split into two with 20 acceptors.
“There’s a small field of five for the open sprint, which is disappointing.
“Even the 0-70 race might only have seven in it, but it’s still a decent field.
“And then you move down the road to Alice Springs on Sunday.
“Second of nine consecutive meetings in the Red Centre with the Cup Carnival starting on April 8.
“They had a good meeting last week down there and this meeting is similarly good.”
Back to the St Patrick’s Day Cups.
“It’s always a big day on the calendar here in Darwin – probably the biggest day outside of Carnival, so I’m looking forward to a big crowd on course,” O’Toole said.
“Really pleased with the Cup field – it’s a very even 10-horse race – and the strength of the other Darwin races.
“Gary Clarke has four starters, including the three top weights,” O’Toole said.
“Influential Jack is a newcomer to Darwin – he will be having his second start and was really good the other day finishing third to Poupee.
“Siakam is proven at the mile, Raazou probably less so – but he’s in form – and Skellig Island can get the trip.
“And then of course Phil Cole’s three – Charretera, Brother Bassy and Meadows Young Buck.
“All with chances, all look like they’ll handle the mile.
“Meadows Young Buck has been racing really consistently.
“Young Emma Lines takes the mount – no claim for Emma or Jade Hampson (Sweet Cheval for Jo Banks) in the race or Ianish Luximon (Skellig Island) as it’s a $40,000 race.”
Clarke’s Count Of Essex won the St Patrick’s Day Cup last year before heading south to win the Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on May 1.
Apart from the St Patrick’s Day Cup at Alice Springs, O’Toole will also keep an eye on other horses as they continue their Cup Carnival preparation.
“Kerry Petrick has got a couple of good chances – Boom Boom Sweet and Dip Me Lid, who was very good last week running a placing first up in the Territory,” he said.
“Dick Leech has got two runners in Lunch Session and Lethal Encounter, who has been racing well.
“After winning the race last year with Masaru Warrior, Will Savage will be aiming for back to back wins with Fantasy Eagle or Sienna’s Choice.
“Festival Of Light and Jet Jackson can’t be left out either, so once again an even eight-horse line up.
“Interesting races down there apart from the Cup, the first, the Benchmark 76 over 1200m, with Bench Press and Desert Lass, certainly two that will be looking to go further during the Carnival – maybe even an Alice Springs Cup over 2000m.
“Then you’ve got Kerioth, trained by Leech, who has done absolutely nothing wrong – he’s won two from two in Alice.
“Very smart horse, getting set for the Pioneer Sprint (1200m) – Dick has a good record in that race and his team is presently on fire.
“Alice Springs’ horse of the year Flying Start was disappointing last start, but he’s obviously got plenty of ability.
“He’d need to improve on his last start effort, but I’m sure Greg Connor would have worked him out.
“You’ve got Bat Pad there as well, so yeah, it’s a good race.
“The other interesting race on the day is for the three-year-olds, the clash of Ankle Rolex and Barani, and I suppose Jewel Roca for that matter – Barry Cooke’s little horse is one from one.
“Ankle Rolex has won two from four in Darwin for Pat Johnston and Barani was very impressive winning last time out for Leech.
“This is a step up in grade for Barani, so we’ll see how he goes, but he certainly gives you every impression that he’s a horse with ability.
“Jarrod Todd and Leech are also forging a really strong association in recent times.”
It won’t be long before Darwin trainers make the 1500km trip down the Stuart Highway with a team for the Alice Springs Cup Carnival.
“I know Gary Clarke will have a team there – not sure how big a team or what he’s got, but you can’t put anything past him,” O’Toole said.
“I’m sure Phil Cole’s Saccharo will be heading to Alice Springs for the Cup, as will Tayarn Halter’s I Am The Fox, who won the Cup in 2021.
“I will be interested to see how I Am The Fox goes, he’s had three runs in Darwin this campaign – I don’t think he’s going bad at all.
“I’d look to him to be hitting the line pretty solidly over the 1300m on Saturday – obviously on the short side for him though.
“Don’t leave him out of your calculations in two or three weeks in Alice Springs, certainly when he gets over a mile.”
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