Finding Rhythm key
GOLD Coast visitor Devastating Rhythm’s path in the upcoming Cairns Amateurs Carnival will hinge on this afternoon’s performance at Innisfail Turf Club.
Trainer John Petersen is confident the last start winner, over 1400m, can step up to the longer distance at Cannon Park in a few weeks with a 1800m test this afternoon set.
The five-year-old won at big odds in the Class 3 Plate last Saturday and will have local hoop Nor Yadi in the saddle this afternoon in the Open Handicap to finish Banana Race Day 2017.
“I am backing him up to see if he can run 1800m come Cairns Amateurs time,” Petersen said.
“It is about seeing if he can run the mile or the 1900m in a few weeks, it will depend on how he goes at Innisfail.
“He pulled up real well since his run at Cairns.
“If he cannot run the 1800m, there will be a few weeks to freshen him up ahead of Amateurs.
“I think he will be able to run the trip, jockeys down south have told me he can run the 2000m, so we will see.”
Petersen also brought The Lynches north for the Cairns Amateurs Cup but the horse will not start after breaking down in the Cairns Cup last Saturday, running seventh of 12 over 2100m.
Nice To Dream, a fouryear-old bay mare, another from the Petersen stable will also start today and is locally owned.
The first of six races from Innisfail jumps at 1.20pm today.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission says it has not received an appeal request for an internal review from apprentice jockey Amanda Thompson following her $200 fine after being found guilty of conducting herself in a threatening manner towards a licensed stablehand on Townsville Cup Day, July 29, 2017.
“The 14-day appeal period expired on 12 August 2017,” Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said.