SENTrack: Saturday best bets at Darwin (14/09)

Racing is back in full swing at Fannie Bay on Saturday with a more than handy five race program which has 36 runners across the day.

The main event is the $24,500 ROANT sprint for the open class sprinters over 1200 metres and this is race one on the card.

While it has attracted just the five starters it does look a tricky affair on paper with the Gary Clarke trained Doc O'connor appearing to be the likely leader and if he can dictate in front he may prove hard to catch, although the 1200 metre trip has to be of some concern for the son of Lonhro.

His stable mate's in Siakam and Seguso have been freshened for this assignment, with Seguso in particular looking to be suited here and with prominent rider Jarrod Todd in the saddle commands respect, especially after a handy performance in the Palmerston Sprint over today's distance.

Storm The Fortress from the Phil Cole stable won well at Katherine last start and whilst this is significantly harder, he does get in well at the weights after the claim for Hannah Le Blanc who is riding extremely well in the Northern Territory of late.

Rounding out the line-up is the Chris Nash trained Ideas Man, who will once again carry the hefty impost of 62kg's but he has plenty of ability and with Sonja Logan on board he no doubt looms as a major contender again today in this field.

The name Gary Clarke is synonymous with racing in the Top End and his stable has dominated the trainer's premiership here for over decade now and he continues to have a strong team in work, so it would be prudent to keep a close eye on his runners.

He has 11 runners across the program with a host of chances including Patriotic King and Flying Annie in race three, where you should expect both to push forward with Patriotic King from his nice barrier to possibly get a softer run in transit, although Flying Annie is coming back in class so both should be respected.

Devils Delight was heavily supported first run in Darwin but blundered at the start and was out of the race from there, however it may pay to give him another chance in race four as his previous Victorian form was solid and they can improve quickly after a run on this surface.

In the last he has Capistan and Magnetic Tycoon engaged. Both should be suited at the 1600 metre journey where Capistan gives you the indication he is looking for this distance, while Magnetic Tycoon raced competitively throughout the recent Darwin Carnival and if he is forward enough today after a let-up he should prove to be highly competitive.

The first race is set down for 2.22pm local time, which is 2.52pm eastern states time and the track is in terrific order with a forecast top of a warm 35 degrees, which is the norm for this time of the year in the Top End.

BEST BETS

Race 1. # 1 Ideas Man

The son of Brazen Beau is a proven sprinter in the Top End and while he has to overcome his big weight, he showed last start that he is still racing well and out to this distance should only enhance his chances in what looks a suitable assignment for him. His main danger appears to be Seguso and with the pull in the weights he must be respected.

Race 4. # 1 Devils Delight

Bombed the start and that was the end of the penny section first run at Fannie Bay over 1000 metres on August 31st. He was well supported on that occasion and his previous interstate credentials would suggest he should be right up to this type of race if he brings his best form. Clearly Shecanmixit after the claim and from her lovely draw is a danger.

Race 5. # 3 Magnetic Tycoon

The son of Written Tycoon was an impressive winner over this distance June 15th, where he worked home solidly to win handsomely that day. His form throughout the recent Darwin Carnival was sound and freshened-up today he looks to be suited in this field if he is forward enough. Fierce Legend was good when winning last start so don't discount.

Fannie Bay Darwin, track Good.

Race 1: 1-2-5-3
Race 2: 7-4-1-5
Race 3: 6-1-4-7
Race 4: 1-6-3-7
Race 5: 3-2-1-4

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