The first meeting of the 2010/2011 season at the Esperance Bay Turf Club gets underway this Saturday afternoon and the first race is scheduled for 2:01pm. It’s history for the E.B.T.C. with the first ever meeting to have SuperTAB coverage and Sky Channel coverage throughout Australasia. While it’s magnificent news for the club it’s also terrific news for serious punters. However on Saturday the vast majority of gallopers are resuming and/or debuting at the track so finding winners won’t be easy. Senior riders Russell Hanson, Peter Farrel, Shaun Meeres, Neil Chapman and Misty Bazely will be accompanied by a host of promising apprentices.
The Instant Video Maiden (1000m) is the first of six races. Resume Play, Miss Heckyll, Honor’s Secret, My Girl Kate and Donnyonetime have all been produced at the barrier trials but betting activity is sure to be the best guide to their chances. Three of the eight gallopers are having their first race start.
Race Two is the MCM Protection Maiden (1200m) and we saw a few of these runners last year. Cut And Dried will wear saddle-cloth numero uno and on November 14 won an 800m trial by more than a length. Last season he caught the eye on many occasions but his lack of early speed is a concern and ultimately cost him breaking his maiden status. Expect him to be running on powerfully at the finish. Cyclos, Shameless Hussy, Rarina and The Comforter are also recent trial winners and the Ross Daniels trained Leidenwin is a last start placegetter at Kalgoorlie.
Race Three starts the Quaddie and is called the J. Tieri Roofing Handicap over 1100m. Royal Wing raced with a lot of success last season and won her last two starts in February over 1400m and 1300m. She won a trial earlier this month and has drawn nicely in barrier three. Expect stiff competition from All The Gold who ran second at Albany last start. Landmark Lady and Grand Storm also look to have genuine claims.
Race Four is the EBTC Memorial Handicap and speedsters Outside Influence and Tashi Delek are sure to be prominent for a long way. Top-weight Spartan Idol won over 1100m at Northam in August, Comes Around scored over 1100m at Kalgoorlie in May and Stormy Express and Western Crown both showed talent at Esperance last season.
The Ray’s Contracting Handicap (1100m) sees the return of track specialist He’s Smokin’. He boasts a fantastic strike rate but so does opponents Expedition and Ears Loppy. Mufasa and Dan The Fox will debut at the venue while Summer Crossing will only carry 54kg.
The last event is scheduled for 5:13pm and while Key’s Ace has poor numerical form next to his name he is sure to have admirers. The nine year old was placed in this year’s Esperance Cup and he is capable of sprinting well fresh. Silver Ambush won his last start at Norseman and the likes of Danacolada, Put Option, Ron’s Gem, Twice The Speed and Hackett’s Heart will all have support.
It’s fair to say that tipping with confidence for the rest of the season will be a lot easier after Saturday. Early selections ; Honor’s Secret, Cyclos, Royal Wing, Well Adjusted, He’s Smokin’ and Danacolada.
- Ryan Levitzke (race caller)
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