National scene sees competitive racing this weekend

Barely two weeks since the epic Inter Dominion Final, and it hasn’t taken long for the Australian racing scene to click back into action.

There’s some keen racing over the weekend and it all kicks off at Gloucester Park on Friday night when the veteran marvel Magnificent Storm resumes in the Swan Draughts Free For all. Resuming after his last start win in the Fremantle Cup in April Magnificent Storm is drawn on the outside of the front row. Although expected to win he’ll face opposition from Beach Diamond and Bettors Pride.

The national focus swings to Launceston on Saturday evening with the running of the Listed $100,000 Beautide. Although the winner no longer receives an invitation in the Eureka, the race has attracted a strong field of three and four year olds. The two three year olds Likeyouforareason and Always Bettor are racing in peak form and wiht the preferential one and two barrier draws will be hard to beat. Alex Ashwood’s more than capable four year old Hungry Hippo is on the outside of the second row draw but he’s a strong pacer and will be in the finish. Other serious prospects are the Craig Turnbull trained Okanui Beach, The Bride and Barbary Tales.

Albion Park will host a cracking free for all on Saturday evening. Flying pacer Captains Knock having his second run for trainer Jason Grimson is expected to improve but he’ll encounter stiff opposition from outstanding mare Eye Keep Smiling who returned to form with her win in the Group 1 Golden Girl at Albion Park a fortnight ago. Throw in the likely leader in Cheerstolou and we have the makings of a fascinating spectacle.

 

Menangle Park on Saturday evening sees the running of the Kevin Newman Free For All. Bonny mare Lux Aeterna was brilliant in her win in the Mares classic last week and she’s drawn the pole. However she is pitted against one of the States most improved pacers in Nonotthebuttons whose drawn next her. Nonotthebuttons driver Seaton Grima is sure to press for the lead. The race also includes Glitter Aint Gold and Ravishing Sloy.

The other highlight at Menangle will be the appearance of the Italian bred trotter Gandi Mail who looked every inch a rising star in his determined win at Menangle in 1.55. This time he moves up to 2300 metres and will be tested by the likes of Cormoran Strike and Your Majesty.

Melton’s Free For All sees the presence of the highly promising four year old mare The Art of Success. A winner of seven of her nine starts to date this will be her biggest test in free for all company but she’s drawn the pole and that should be a major factor in her favour. She’s up against the likes of the Russell Jack trained pair of Its Confidential and Jacks Ultimate Fury as well as the capable pacer Hes from Heaven.

Finally Globe Derby has a trotters event which is highlighted by the presence of Reoffender. The four year old made up a heap of ground last week and should make amends but it won’t easy with the likes of Majestic Summer and Daisy Bouchea in the race.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink