Cup fun on offer
Clifford Park saddles up for race day
RACING: There are few bigger thrills than backing a winner, whether it be at Flemington or Cooktown on any day of the week.
The feeling just gets better if you happen to find one on Melbourne Cup day.
Punters and party goers alike will flock to 14 race tracks across Queensland to celebrate our national racing day today, including Toowoomba’s Clifford Park.
While most of us will bomb out in the Melbourne Cup, racegoers have the advantage of a live race meeting trackside where they might find the going a little easier in sorting out a winner ahead of the cup-day card at Flemington.
Clifford Park serves up five races on it’s non-TAB Melbourne Cup day program.
Punters are likely to warm to Wilma and War Front in the opening two races.
Wilma has put the writing on the wall for an upcoming victory with placings at her last three appearances, including her two latest over today’s 1625m course. She’ll line up for trainer Michael Nolan in the Treasury Wines Estates Maiden Plate where she’ll be ridden by Nozi Tomizawa. War Front steps out for the in-form Kevin Kemp stable in the Yellowglen Botanicals Ratings Band 0-60 Handicap (1625m). The six-year-old also looks to nearing an overdue return to the winner’s list following his latest close-up third behind Congelator in a Clifford Park Benchmark 70 Handicap (1625m) on October 28. He’ll again be partnered by 2kg claimer Nick Keal. Melbourne Cup day country racing also includes Central Warrego Race Club’s final meeting of its racing season.
The five-event card is highlighted by the $15,000 Blue Hills Thoroughbreds Charleville Cup (1620m) where most eyes will be on top weight De Villiers.
The five-year-old has won nine of his 10 starts for Cunnamulla trainer Barry Sheppard since arriving from New South Wales.
The Redoute’s Choice gelding’s only defeat since breaking through for his maiden victory at Augathella in April was when he finished second five runs back at Charleville.