Bella Sash a chance for breakthrough run
HORSE RACING ATHERTON trainer Bruce Hunter understands Bella Sash faces a big task in this afternoon’s Open Handicap at Cannon Park but knows the mare will give it her all.
The six-year-old has hit a purple patch over her last three starts, running second on three straight engagements, without yet breaking through for career win number nine.
Johnstone River Handicap winner Windmill Lane, the consistent Townsville-based Mishani Redman and Scott Cooper’s The Bee’s Knees have stopped the Hunter mare from winning in her last three Far North starts.
The 2018 Johnstone River Handicap would be in Hunter’s possession if not for Kerry Rockett’s clever ride along the rails of Pease Park and the veteran trainer is hopeful his brown mare can receive some reward for effort in the $14,000 Open Handicap (950m) today.
“Hopefully she is ready to win,” Hunter said.
“She will be trying her heart out because that is what she always does.
“She is a chance, there are four horses that I think can easily win that race.
“We will give her a chance, that is what I hope to do with it. “She is a good little mare.” Hunter predicted the outof-sorts Conculder and hoop Nathan Fazackerley will again ping to the lead from barrier two and the rest of the field will need to chase down the Roy Chillemi-trained sprinter.
Cairns apprentice Amanda Thomson and Bella Sash will be on the inside of Concluder in alley one this afternoon and Hunter has given the two-kilogram claiming apprentice licence to find the best way home.
“Amanda rides her good and she will just need to weigh it all up with what she does when they jump,” Hunter said.
Following the recent protest about the State Government’s treatment of the industry and lack of racing in Queensland, Cannon Park will host a bumper eight-race program with massive fields this afternoon.
Cairns Jockey Club general manager John Cameron is encouraged about the healthy numbers.
“It is a great sign to have 103 horses nominated for a Wednesday meeting,” Cameron said.
“Hopefully we can get a flow on to Melbourne Cup day very soon.”
Meanwhile, Racing Queensland have added the Pallarenda Stakes QTIS 2YO Colts & Geldings and Fillies Maiden Plate to the Townsville TC race meeting on Sunday, November 11.
SHE WILL BE TRYING HER HEART OUT BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT SHE ALWAYS DOES. SHE IS A CHANCE, THERE ARE FOUR HORSES THAT I THINK CAN EASILY WIN THAT RACE.
editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost