Caption: Hello Mike (Travis Elson) is ‘Bunny’ Brasch’s selection in the Group 1 Garrard’s Gold Bullion Final (520m) at Albion Park on Thursday night (Photo: Box 1 Photography)
John ‘Bunny’ Brasch previews Thursday night’s massive night of feature racing at Albion Park:
We have reached the crescendo of the Queensland Golden Greys Summer Carnival with five feature races on offer at Albion Park on Thursday night, the highlight being the $375,000 Group 1 Garrard’s Gold Bullion Final (520m).
Let’s find some winners in a stellar 12-race program:
Race 1: There are five definite chances here, but I will go with (3) Mad Machine on top. Very consistent of late at Albion Park, yet to win in 10 goes but has six placings. This is a race to suit. Other chances, (1) Big Nose Ted, (8) Hozier Monelli, (4) Nana Rooney and (2) Clock Watcher.
Race 2: Will go with (8) Zipping Whiskey after a good second here on debut. Was checked early in racing here last week in the Group 3 Gold Cup heat and he’s back to 5th grade company and we may see the best of this NSW visitor. Other chances are (1) She’s Precocious, who will get back and run on, and the same with (2) Gin Shelf.
Race 3: I will go with (5) Cobblepot in this Queensland short course final. He is looking for a hat-trick of wins at track and distance. Clocked an equal fastest 18.67 in the heat here on Sunday night. Normally a speedy beginner and looks hard to beat. (1) Tira Mira is in for second after a good second place here in the heat on Sunday night. If able to lead off the coveted one alley, will be hard to beat. I have (2) Rosebury Hustler also a chance after looking very impressive in a heat here on Sunday night. I also give (4) First Black Jack a chance.
Race 4: The Queensland Country cup final. I’m putting (9) Redemption Day on top after getting a start with the scratching of (3) Samshu. He is the 2022 Townsville Cup winner. Only concern is first appearance on the track, but class may get it through. (6) Say Some Words has had nine goes at the track for one win. Was never out of trouble in a recent run at Albion Park, so pay to forgive that. Other chances (7) Miss Priddle and the (8) Balts Orson.
Race 5: The golden oldies. Will go with (3) Lily Monelli. A 30.20 winner here. Suited by Masters company and will be among the winning chances. (2) Hearts Colliding is suited by an inside alley and looks a genuine threat. (5) Showdown for third and could be the surprise here on old form. (1) Inner Tea Cup is looking for a hat-trick of wins and could also threaten.
Race 6: The 710m Garrard’s Gold Cup, the first of the big features. We will go with the (3) Mepunga Ruby. A good strong win in the heat last week. She has been in multiple group finals throughout her career. Looks the top pick. I have a healthy respect for (5) Superman Keeping. Found the line strongly in the other heat of this final. WA are the defending champions. They scored last year with We The People. I will put (6) Pocket Money in for third and is the likely early leader. Always there abouts. And (4) Korda cannot be discounted.
Race 7: Will go for (5) Springtime Jet to bounce back. Missed the start in a heat of the Gold Bullion last week, but got home strongly and if the real Springtime Jet appears on Thursday night will get to the front and will be hard to beat. For the minors – (3) Hopeful Bill, (4) Gold Fillings and (8) He’s On Fire.
Race 8: The big one! I will go with (2) Hello Mike. Came back to brilliant best with his heat win last week in 29.73. Certainly seems to race better from the inside alleys. Only worry is ensuring a clear start and a clean getaway to the first turn. The big danger is (7) Jay Is Jay, who is perfectly boxed out wide. I will go (5) De Ferran for third and (8) Shipwreck in for fourth.
Race 9: another very good 600m race. I will go for (8) Rich Link, who is a proven performer over the 600m at Albion Park. A winner of three from eight with three minor placings. Was unplaced at Capalaba last week, but happy to shelve that run. Have (3) Shaye for second, (1) Hidden Agenda for third and then (6) Milligan.
Race 10: Two winning chances here. (6) Hara’s Skye on top. Has had two runs since a spell for two seconds including being a runner-up in the heat of the Gold Bullion last week behind Times Three. Back to a 4th and 5th grade tonight and looks very hard to beat. Other danger is (1) Samona – drawn well, is in great form and a big chance here.
Race 11: We’ll go with (4) Deemed A Liar. Should race up on the speed and be hard to beat. (6) Hara’s River normally gets back, but will be charging to the line. Then, (5) Coonamble Kid – winner of its past three up the straight at Capalaba and has raced well here for three placings from five attempts. Is in with a good each way show. (7) Smart Houdini also worth considering.
Race 12: I will go for (4) Bye Bye Raider, who was my tip of the card at Capalaba on Sunday and got the chocolates in a good strong win. Has won here in 30.27. Very hard to beat. Have a healthy respect for (7) Villante, also a winner up the straight at Capalaba on Sunday. Has won two from four here in a smart 30.06 so has genuine claims. And behind those I have gone for (1) Witty Wendy, (3) Farmor Power, (6) Kiah Beach and (8) Oh Minnie.
