Grafton races reveal gallopers on the rise
The focus shifts to Grafton this week for the running of the Listed Ramornie Handicap and Grafton Cup.
One of the best country carnivals on the calendar, Grafton’s feature races have stood the test of time and this year will be no different.
The Ramornie has been won by top sprinters the ilk of Razor Sharp, Lightning Bend and Cangronde but chief among those on the honour roll is Takeover Target. He was working his way up the ladder when successful in 2004 – the Ramornie was just his second stakes win – and this year’s renewal also looks set up for a sprinter on the rise.
Con Karakatsanis will have multiple Ramornie runners in Riva De Lago and Howmuchdoyouloveme. The Rosehill horseman targets a team at the carnival every year, usually successfully. But despite his good record he is yet to win the feature sprint and he’s had a couple of good shots at it with horses the calibre of Black Piranha and News Alert. He’s made no secret of the fact the Ramornie is a race he covets and while Riva De Lago has been hot and cold this campaign, at his best he can give this a shake. The lightly-raced Howmuchdoyouloveme will face his toughest test yet but he’s won three from four and makes his own luck on the speed.
Another whose star is still on the rise is Magic Cassius. He’s been kept fresh for this and trainer Angela Davies has one of the best strikerates in Australia.
Of the experienced brigade, don’t dismiss Youthful Jack. The rejuvenated sprinter disappointed at Gosford last start but he has been freshened while Motspur can also figure if the track isn’t too rain-affected.
On the Cup front, Warrior Within ($5.00) will return to attempt to defend his title and his form is at least equivalent to 12 months ago. His biggest dangers appear to be Shamardashing ($3.75) for Patinack Farm, topweight Hume ($9.50), Gazza Guru ($6.50) and the improving Southern Shimmer ($3.50) who has raced without much luck this campaign.
The hotpotch of horses from Sydney, Brisbane and regional centres makes lining up the Grafton form a challenge but it usually guarantees some winners at decent odds. Think you’ve found one of them? Go to www.sportingbet.com.au for prices.
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