By Brenton Le Grand
Local trainer Grant Allard looks to continue his great run of late when he saddles up the in-form Zoffany’s Lad in the last event at The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford this Thursday.
Having trained four winners and three seconds from his past 20 runners, Allard aims to go five straight with his four-year-old Zoffany gelding. In form hoop Ben Looker gets the ride, and is familiar with the gelding having piloted him on all four previous victories.
The main dangers in the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1600m appear to be the Gerald Ryan-trained Resort, and the evergreen nine-year-old grey Clune’s Rocket who gets in lightly at 52kgs with apprentice Louise Day’s claim.
Earlier in the card, another local trainer Irene Cowell has Uncle Sam engaged in the Pitcher Partners Benchmark 64 over 1000m. The five-year-old I Am Invincible gelding resumes at his home track on Thursday, after finally breaking his maiden two starts back. Like Zoffany’s Lad, Uncle Sam also has Ben Looker to steer from gate five in the eight-horse field.
Perhaps the most interesting watch on the day will be the Gerry Harvey-owned Katie Did It in the Modular Building Services Fillies and Mares Class 1 Handicap over 1200m. The three-year-old John Sargent-trained Congrats filly was super impressive on debut at Wyong, and has gun jockey Jason Collett again booked to ride.
With almost $300,000 of prize money on offer, it is sure to be a competitive eight-race card. Gates open at 12.00pm with the first race scheduled for 1.35pm.