Andrew O’Toole’s Saturday best at Darwin (27/08)

With the Darwin Cup Carnival done and dusted for another year, and the Katherine Cup also behind us, we return to Headquarters for the first time in just under four weeks today for National Seniors Top End Branch Raceday, which also commemorates the life of Melanie Tyndall, who was tragically killed in a racefall here at Fannie Bay some seven years ago.

The National Seniors Top End Branch/Melanie Tyndall Memorial will be the day’s feature event, and will be the last on the card of five races. With a number of trainers and horses away for Kununurra Cup Day in the West, and Betoota Cup Day in Queensland, the 35 acceptors is more than acceptable for the meeting, the last of the month of August.

There will be pace aplenty in the Benchmark 76 1000m feature, with a number of recent Carnival stars down to do battle over the short course. A field of eight will face the starter, and I am keen on the chances of last-start Palmerston Sprint third placegetter Wild Beau to return to the winner’s circle.

Trained by Ella Clarke and to be ridden as he was last time by apprentice Jess Booth, Wild Beau showed his undoubted sprinting ability at his most recent start when a game and gutsy third in the Palmerston Sprint behind Boldinho and Early Crow. He drew 11 in the Territory’s biggest sprint but was still able to steam across to lead on the fence, outpacing the favourite Balastier in the process.

That he was able to keep going as strongly as he did until collared in the final 150m by Boldinho and the fast-finishing Early Crow speaks volumes for his toughness and back to 1000m, a trip he has won at on three occasions and from a better gate of six, he should take a power of beating. Booth’s 2kg claim will also aid his chances, bringing him in with 59kg.

Topeight Arizona Activist, who will carry 60kg courtesy of Dakota Gillett’s 1.5kg claim, looks the hardest for Wild Beau to beat. The Chloe Baxter-trained chestnut ran seventh in the Palmerston after a torrid run in transit, but showed his true worth when backing up just two days later to storm home a decisive winner of the Montgomerie Lightning (1000m) on Darwin Cup Day.

He was timed for the trip in 56.81s, good time in any jurisdiction, and he won going away by a length from Rewards And More and company. He has only had five starts in the NT for two wins, a second and a fourth and is a quality performer who will give Wild Beau and his other rivals plenty to worry about.

Rising Sphere is getting on in years – he has recently turned nine – but he still possesses all his earlier ability. The Gary Clarke-trained son of Exosphere, the winner of 12 races, went a beauty when third at his first start for ten and a-half months in the Montgomerie Lightning, beaten just 1.1 lengths in the hands of Zac Spain. Jarrod Todd goes aboard for this assignment and with that run under his belt and certain improvement to come, he could well be the “fly in the ointment” for the top two elects. He will probably get back off the pace from his wide draw of seven, but look to him to be steaming home late.

Rivkin, a relative newcomer to Darwin, was a solid winner of the 0-70 1200m on Darwin Cup Day for Peter Stennett but this will be harder. Nevertheless, he has won twice and been placed on no less than nine occasions from 14 starts at this trip and the 7yo son of Pariah created a good impression when winning at just his second start in the Top End. Leave him out of your multiples at your peril.

Clarke Racing’s other pair, Shirshov and Flying Annie, are more than capable on their day, although their efforts during Carnival left a little to be desired. That said, Shirshov has only had three Top End starts and may just be ready to show his best form about now, while Flying Annie, a placegetter in last year’s Palmerston, has been struggling to win a race this campaign but a turnaround in form would not surprise.

Lim’s Bighorn, a winner at Cranbourne three starts back and down to have his first start in Darwin, and Zing To Win complete the eight-horse line-up and both have decent records interstate prior to making their way to the Territory. However, it would be a surprise if either was able to take out the day’s feature.

The weather in Darwin this week continues to be fine and pleasant, with fine days, the odd cloud around and afternoon breezes. The official forecast for today reads: Sunny. The chance of morning fog about the Cox Peninsula. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. The temperature is forecast to reach a warm 35 degrees, while it will be just 23 degrees overnight. There is just a 10% chance of any rain.

The first race on the five-race card gets underway at 2.11pm (NT time), which is 2.41pm on the eastern seaboard, while the last is timed to go at 4.42pm (NT time), or 5.12pm in New South Wales and Victoria.

BEST BETS

R3 # 3 IF I WAS YOU
Has made a good impression in three Carnival starts in the Top End, finishing second first-up before a close-up third and an impressive Cup Day win over 1300m on 3 August. The son of Hellbent is a lightly-raced 6yo who appears to have plenty of upside. Chloe Baxter had another good Carnival in Darwin and Dakota Gillett takes the mount in this small field. Jumps from barrier two and will take all the beating.

R4 # 1 ORDER ONLINE
Created a good impression on Top End debut when a good third to Southampton Flare over 1100m on Day 6 of the recent Darwin Cup Carnival. Was on the pace throughout and this 1000m should be to his liking, having won at the trip previously. Has only had nine career outings so has it all in front of him, and the former WA galloper will have the services of leading rider Jarrod Todd to guide his fortunes. Will be very hard to beat in the class two event.

R5 # 2 WILD BEAU
Went a slashing race for third in the Palmerston Sprint after jumping from barrier 11 and crossing to lead. Fought on like a caged lion and with an easier draw to contend with (6) should again make his presence felt. Has won three times from ten starts over this trip of 1000m and has great gate speed to assist his chances. Jess Booth has had two rides on the 6yo for a win and a last-start third, and can continue that good record here.

SELECTIONS

RACE 1 – 5, 3, 1, 4
RACE 2 – 3, 1, 6, 2
RACE 3 – 3, 2, 1, 4
RACE 4 – 1, 2, 4, 3
RACE 5 – 2, 1, 3, 7

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