Ranked on track
CANNON Park trainer Alwyn Bailey cannot fault Ranked, declaring this year’s preparation better than 2017 when he claimed the Cairns Amateurs Cup.
The nine-year-old starts for the fourth time this preparation in the $30,000 Open Handicap (1609m) this afternoon before tackling the Townsville Cup on July 28.
The $363,332 stakes earner has slowly built towards the rich staying races this year, with an eye-catching run last start in the North Queensland Cup at Cluden Park, finishing a length and a half behind the winner.
Bailey believes the bay gelding will be cherry ripe for the 2000m Townsville Cup trip following today’s run.
“He has had a better preparation this year than what he had last year,” Bailey said.
“Last year we had to rush and had a few issues with him to get him hard for the Cups.
“This time he has had a lot better prep and it is a very good run last start.
“After this run, he should be cherry ripe for the Cups.
“You need to be on the way up, which he is, at this time of his prep.”
Tablelands hoop Wanderson D’Avila was on board when Ranked won the $75,000 Cairns Amateur Cup Open Handicap (2100m) by over two lengths last year and takes the ride this afternoon.
Gordonvale trainer Ralph Baker also backs up from a smart run in the North Queensland Cup late last month with Bold Avenue, who was beaten in a tight finish by race favourite Lady Skills.
Meanwhile, Cairns-owned Tyzone gets another chance to win a Listed race tomorrow afternoon in the $160,000 Grafton Ramornie (1200m).
“This race has always been the plan for him,” owner Tom Hedley said.
“Toby Edmonds the trainer is a very good trainer and is doing a good job with the horse.”