Racing reporter Jonny Turner previews the biggest races of the weekend with a southern flavour.
THE 1200m open handicap at Gore today at 2.50pm
Irish Excuse disappointed in his last start at Wingatui, but gets a better opportunity here.
I expect the track to be a bit looser and for the horse to be able to land a bit closer, and that makes him the one to beat.
Always On Call loves to lead and loves wet ground and she has a massive 8.5kg advantage over Irish Excuse.
Black Label also looks well placed on 54kg.
The 1800m open handicap at Gore today at 4.01pm
Nomen Ludi has been flying through the autumn and winter and this race is easier than many of his recent assignments.
Lochan Ora was very good at Wingatui in his last start and will carry less than Nomen Ludi with Kin Kwo’s 3kg claim.
Ringbolt, who has won his last two starts, has his first start in open company. and I think he is up to it.
The Spring Cup at Alexandra Park tonight at 7.38pm
The open class scene in the north will really spark in to life with this quality lineup.
Front markers have a major advantage in 2200m standing start events and The Devils Own and Bettorstartdreaming look the best of them.
Bettorstartdreaming beat The Devils Own in a similar race last week.
Though The Devils Own should strip fitter, so should Bettorstartdreaming.
The back marks are packed full of talent, but they are set to give the two favoured front markers a crucial head start.
Star Galleria can be competitive if he gets his manners back together.
Triple Eight is proven in good company and should also go a good race.
The rating 5259 event at Addington tonight at 8.52pm
This race is one of the most exciting harness races of the new season, packed full of emerging talent.
Im A Gigolo has been highly impressive in two career starts, but won’t find life easy from barrier 8.
Skippy’s Delight looked a nice horse in the winter and has trialled well ahead of his resumption here.
Serious 2yrold Above N Beyond is back for his 3yrold campaign alongside his stablemates, Tyron’s Bit Of Lemon and Somekindawonderful, who have both won nicely on debut recently.
Givemewhatineed could be the sleeper in the race, who could surprise.
Add in returning All Stars pacer Letterkenny Boy and it’s a heck of a race.
The Golden Rose at Rosehill tomorrow at 6.05pm
Some serious and valuable horseflesh has been assembled for this soughtafter race.
Godolphin galloper Bivouac has been heavily backed during the week to win the race for leading rider Hugh Bowman.
Yes Yes Yes, Exceedance, and Yao Dash look his main dangers.
The Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup at Motukarara on Sunday at 3.47pm
A quality lineup of trotters can boost their Dominion claims in this 2810m staying test.
Habibi Inta has impressed with two strong efforts this time in that should have him conditioned to win.
Winterfell impressed when finishing strongly behind rising star Oscar Bonavena at Oamaru last weekend.
Matua Tana faces a massive step up in grade after his impressive debut for the Hope stable last week.
A strong staying test should suit Monty Python, Destiny Jones and Amaretto Sun.
The Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday at 7.00pm
The arrival of the Underwood Stakes shows the Melbourne spring is starting to heat up.
There is Southern interest in this timehonoured race with the inclusion of The Chosen One.
The southernbred 4yrold, who was bred by the Dennis brothers, went an encouraging race first up in the at Moonee Valley in the Feehan Stakes.
Homesman was the winner of that race and is the favourite for Sunday’s event after his highly impressive victory.