It’s Esperance Cup day this Saturday afternoon at the Esperance Bay Turf Club. A bumper eight race card kicks off at 12:58pm with the running of the Doutch Handicap. Trida Brando looks suited in the small field while Kaszanka looks suited over the short 1000m trip. Hearts Aflutter was well supported and is one to watch after finishing fifth last start when slowly away. McDonalds sponsor Race Two and newcomers Smart Seduction and Esteron are horses to keep an eye on. Jungle Jackie ran on well last week and both Tropical Time and Ace Pilot have been placed recently.
The third is the Horizon Power Handicap and Desert Oak looks very hard to hold out for Mark Nelson and Peter Hall. Local Gwen Ten won impressively last start and Lay Down Tommy will appreciate a drop in class. Race Four is the Tru-Blu Hire Handicap and it will be run over 1600m. Just Sue was disappointing last week but does have a great record at the track and distance. Perelmo, Time Star and Silver Ambush have been racing well and Masters Seal looks to be well weighted. Ears Loppy doesn’t look impossible on paper either.
Race Five starts the Quaddie and is supported by the Kalgoorlie Punters and Drinkers Club. Leidenwin has been a revelation at her last two starts, scoring easily after settling well back. Again she looks hard to hold out especially if a fast tempo is set by the leading division. Main dangers look to be Cyclos, Royal Wing, Hi Dollie and Go Fury Go. The Esperance Combined Tyre Service Handicap is the effectively the Open Sprint. All seven candidates look to be in with a winning chance on paper but for the sake of a tip He’s Smokin’ must be consisdered given his recent victory and strong work ethic.
This year’s Esperance Cup is sponsored by RSM Bird Cameron and a field of eleven will face the starter at 4:51pm. There are two raiders this year with Striking Viking (Mark Nelson) and Highly Prized (Alan McGuinniss) accepting for the $30,000 race. Of the locals Hackett’s Heart looks the best chance despite failing at his last run a fortnight ago. Stormy Express and Danacolada are last start winners and female jockeys Leanne Howlett and Misty Bazeley will take the respective rides. Neil Chapman and Rod Kirkup team up with seven year old Put Option and Swahili is another with good recent form for Tracey Frizzell. The Farm & General Eopp Handicap is over 1200m and Mr. Magnificent and Resuscitator are last start winners and My Girl Kate has enjoyed a terrific season. Donargy must be respected on his best form but he did fail to fire at his last effort on February 5.
Early selections ; Trida Brando, Ace Pilot, Gwen Ten, Silver Ambush, Hi Dollie, He’s Smokin’, Train Crusher and My Girl Kate.
This Saturday will see the running of the $30,000 RSM Bird Cameron Esperance Cup (2000m). Last week’s meeting was the second last of the season and the conditions were perfect. The G. J. Gardiner Homes Maiden was the first and it provided local trainer Paul McLean with an impressive victory.
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