Innisfail’s on track for meet

STEWARDS are optimistic Innisfail’s Pease Park can handle racing today but they will conduct a further inspection this morning before they make a final call.

Innisfail has received heavy rain this week with stewards yesterday confident the track could handle six races, including the Innisfail Cup and Johnstone River Handicap.

“The stewards walked around the Innisfail track on Friday and rated it a Heavy 8 and raceable for Saturday,” said a Queensland Racing Integrity Commission spokesman.

“They do have some concerns about the 900m mark, where there is a little bit of instability due to the wet weather. They will be back at the track at 7am (today) to make a final decision.

“At this stage, we are looking at going ahead but it will depend on what happens overnight.”

If racing is given the green light, both the Innisfail Cup and Johnstone River Handicap will have cracking fields.

Windmill Lane, for Atherton trainer Ricky Ludwig, will be first up and has been handed the top weight in the Johnstone River Handicap over 1200m. Reigning Cairns Amateurs Cup winner Ranked is also set to start in the $16,250 Cup over 2000m.

Local trainer Stephen Potiris is bullish about last-start winner Gunga Galunga at his home track’s Cup. Gunga Galunga started over 2100m at the Cairns Amateurs Cup carnival last month and won well last start at Townsville.

“He does handle the wet to some extent and he does race well at the track,” Potiris said.

“He is a better horse at the track in Innisfail than anywhere else.

“He is probably three or four lengths better here.”

Six races, with strong fields, are set to start from 1.20pm.