MY CALL: AS THE CARNIVAL CLOSES IN THE DOOMBEN TRACK IS DESPERATELY IN NEED OF A RAIN FREE WEEK

By David Fowler | Tuesday, April 24, 2018

David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.

Can we have a rain free week in Brisbane?

It was a crying shame when showers arrived on race eve and then a downpour during the third race on raceday last saturday.

Jim Roberts and his team were quietly confident of posting a soft 5 or even a good 4 after the three week break Doomben had enjoyed after Easter.

But again nuisance rain spoiled the party.

Yet there’s no hiding from the fact that the Doomben track currently sits in a tenuous position and only a shower or two can be damaging to the surface.

Pleasingly, there was a strong absence of bias at Saturday’s meet although those who raced closer to the rail may have had an edge.

The rail moves out to 5m this Saturday after the 1.5m placement last weekend.

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The Group Two Victory Stakes this Saturday should be a ripper.

The return of Spieth will provoke plenty of discussion.

Heartbreakingly unlucky at Group One level yet more maligned in recent times because of a winning drought, owners Aquis Farm elected for a Brisbane Racing Carnival campaign.

Now under the care of David Hayes and co. he looked sharp with Damien Oliver up in a trial win at Tatura in country Victoria.

Spieth generally performs well fresh but it’s a sobering thought he hasn’t won since October 2016.

Last year’s Stradbroke winner Impending will run first-up in the Victory and was smothered away in the ruck in a recent Warwick Farm trial that netted a midfield result.

And the highly-talented Victorian Supido adds to the mix coming off strong runs in the Newmarket and William Reid.

Throw in “I’ve been everywhere man” Jungle Edge plus Sydneysiders I Am Excited and The Mission and this should really whet the appetite for when the Carnival goes full bore next month.

The Gunsynd Classic (Group 3), The Bracelet (Listed) and Dalrello (Listed) will all have near capacity acceptance.

Significantly, the interstate participation in these key Carnival lead-up races is high.

And racing at Doomben would keep them all away, “they” said.

Money speaks all languages!

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There are two racing functions worth mentioning.

While the social activities really dial up over May and June, these events really focus on racing and that’s a good thing in my book.

The Thoroughbred Racing History Association will present “High Stakes” at Doomben next Tuesday at 7pm.

A host of race replays and live interviews will chart the course of the Winter Carnival over several decades.

RSVP by emailing heritage@brc.com.au or phone 3630 2245.

And an “Evening with the Nolans” at Doomben on May 31 shouldn’t be missed.

Bart Sinclair will recognize the contribution of the Nolan family with Basil, Michael and Peter up for interview.

And my mail is the world-renowned Tatty Tenors, who will provide entertainment, are not to be missed.

Go to brc.com.au or phone 3268 2171.

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