There are a host of in-form speedsters in Darwin, so the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on Saturday is shaping as a thrilling contest.
In 2020, just 0.6 lengths separated the first five horses across the line with Gary Clarke’s Enigman sneaking home.
It was one of the more spectacular finishes at Fannie Bay and it might well be an exciting conclusion to the Palmerston this weekend.
Clarke, who has won the Palmerston five times since 2016, goes into the Darwin Cup Carnival’s Day 7 feature with three starters, including Spaceship – the $5 favourite with online bookmakers.
Six other horses were also under double figure odds – last year’s winner Early Crow ($5.50) from the Chris Pollard stable, Chris Nash’s Ideas Man ($6), Clarke’s Lumber Punk ($7.50), Terry Gillett’s Dakota Lee ($7.50) from Alice Springs, Pollard’s Kerioth ($8.50) and Phil Cole’s Star Magnum ($9.50).
Early Crow, Ideas Man, Kerioth and Star Magnum saluted at the top level in the Top End during July.
Lumber Punk was a last start second when he powered home to trail Early Crow by half a length over 1200m in weight-for-age company a fortnight ago.
Spaceship, who won his first three starts after arriving from Queensland, was fourth in the same weight-for-age contest and drops 4kg for the Palmerston.
Dakota Lee, who boasts 10 wins from 10 starts in the Red Centre, debuts at Fannie Bay.
Cole’s Conclave Prince ($11) finished second behind Kerioth over 1200m (0-76) before winning over 1100m (0-70) during July.
Clarke’s former NSW galloper Seguso ($15) worked home nicely in his NT debut when second behind Star Magnum in open company over 1100m on July 6.
A leading Darwin racing analyst, who wished to remain anonymous due to his links with a local stable, labelled this year’s Palmerston field as arguably one of the strongest ever.
“Spaceship has been a popular favourite for a while, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Early Crow or Ideas Man are the punter’s elect on Saturday,” he said.
“Can Early Crow win again, can last year’s runner up Ideas Man take the next step?
“Spaceship only has 54.5kg and barrier two, and with Jarrod Todd on board he’s the one to beat.
“Chris Pollard has done a great job with Early Crow and Kerioth after they spent time with the Clarke stable after cutting ties with the Dick Leech yard.
Despite her formidable record in the Red Centre, Dakota Lee will need to be at her best come Saturday’s feature.
“Everyone is aware of Dakota Lee’s issues over the years, but she had three wins in Alice before heading here,” he said.
“There’s no doubt she has ability, but she’s drawn the outside gate (12) and although I’m not writing her off I fear trainer Terry Gillett may regret not giving her a start before the Palmerston.
“Kerioth has been terrific and only carries 54kg, but barrier 11 could also hinder his hopes.
“Star Magnum, who usually jumps well, could be competitive because in his last two wins over 1100m they couldn’t catch him after getting to an early lead.
“Star Magnum won the Flying Sprint last weekend, Early Crow won that race last year.
“Lightweight hopes Lumber Punk, Seguso and Conclave Prince must be respected.”
2024 Palmerston Sprint Tips
David White (horsebetting.com.au)
-
4
STAR MAGNUM
-
1
IDEAS MAN
-
6
SPACESHIP
-
10
LUMBER PUNK
Craig Sant (Darwin Racecaller)
-
7
KERIOTH
-
5
SEGUSO
-
10
LUMBER PUNK
-
3
EARLY CROW
Greg Aldam (Thoroughbred Racing NT)
-
10
LUMBER PUNK
-
1
IDEAS MAN
-
3
EARLY CROW
-
7
KERIOTH
Andrew O’Toole (Sky Racing)
-
1
IDEAS MAN
-
5
SEGUSO
-
6
SPACESHIP
-
10
LUMBER PUNK
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