Beach Day to start favourite in Cromwell Fruit Bowl

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jonny Turner 

Group 1 formlines trump track stats according to the market for today’s  Cromwell Fruit Bowl (3.53pm).

The top three horses in early betting for the 2600m staying test come into the race from very different angles.

Race favourite Beach Day was a respectable fourth in the recent Group 1 New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Stakes at Addington followed across the line by race rival Ultimate Cullect.

On Sunday, Beach Day will give a 10m head start to Ultimate Cullect and Hacksaw Ridge, who share a 10m handicap.

Hacksaw Ridge brings a different kind of form reference to the Cromwell Fruit Bowl after winning the Cromwell Cup in his last visit to the track.

The Ricky Gutsell-trained pacer stepped to the lead before enjoying a sweet trip in the trail in that win last month.

Driver Matthew Williamson would love to see that kind of beginning again from the grass track specialist.

“If he could get away like he did when he won at Cromwell it would be a big help.”

“There are a couple of nice mares in there but overall I would say that he has been racing stronger fields lately.”

“He loves the grass and he is very honest, he’s a good each way chance.”

Hacksaw Ridge is part of a powerful brother-sister act that the Gutsell stable takes to Cromwell.

The pacer’s full brother Still Rockin looks a genuine hope in the Cromwell Fruit Bowl while their sister Insarchatwist will be out to add to her excellent record at the Central Otago event in Sunday’s finale.

Williamson is hoping Practical Magic can bounce back to form in Sunday’s feature trot, Race 5, the Stadium Tavern Alexandra Handicap Trot (2.08pm).

The mare was on a great run of grass track form until she worked and faded out in her run at Cromwell on Friday.

“She was disappointing on Friday even though she had to sit parked.”

“On her form she would have to be an eachway chance, Dreams Pat looks the horse to beat there.”

Williamson lines up two horses from his own stable with Jordan Anne looking the top pick of the duo following her excellent third at Cromwell on Friday.

However, the trainer doesn’t rate Our Pinocchio too far behind his stablemate.

“Jordan Anne was great on Friday, she is a very honest mare and tries hard.”

“I don’t think backing up will be a worry for her and she should go another nice race.”

“Our Pinocchio drops in grade and with the times and sectionals he’s had to run, he should be pretty well suited and I think he can go a decent race too.”

Rory McIlwrick takes the reins behind Jordan Anne with Williamson to pilot Our Pinocchio.

 

 

View the full article