Elite hoops circle The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford this Thursday
By Brenton Le Grand
Fresh off his stunning front running ride on Golden Slipper winner Estijaab at Rosehill Gardens last weekend, Brenton Avdulla has a handy book of rides at The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford this Thursday.
In the opening Kincome 3YO Maiden Plate over 1100m, Avdulla pilots the Godolphin filly Taniko who debuts following a dominant trial win at Randwick on March 15. This Medaglia D’oro three year-old looks to have plenty of upside and handled the heavy going in her trial, so track conditions shouldn’t present an issue.
Avdulla also rides the 3YO Lonhro gelding Safado in the Pro Ali Class 1 Handicap over 1100m. This Kim Waugh trained galloper is one from one after winning on debut at Hawkesbury on March 10, and will carry the famous Peter Horwitz colours.
Plenty of other top-line jockeys are on show at The Entertainment Grounds on Thursday, with the likes of Tim Clark, Kathy O’Hara, Tye Angland, Joshua Parr, Jason Collett and Melbourne Cup winning hoop Corey Brown all engaged with some solid chances throughout the card.
Local trainer Fred Cowell saddles up Uncle Sam in the Stramit 4 Or More Starts Maiden Plate over 1200m and will be ridden for some luck when it jumps from the outside gate. This 4YO I Am Invincible gelding has never been far away and will be looking to break his maiden on his home track.
Perhaps the most interesting runner on the day is the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Sondelon in the Milwaukee Class 2 Handicap over 1600m. Unbeaten in his first two starts, this Lonhro gelding has been well found in betting at both runs, and looks to continue his picket fence.
Come along to the BJ Howes Race Day on Thursday 29th March at The Entertainment Grounds in Gosford with hospitality packages now available in the Panorama Lounge. Packages are $70 per member or $90 for non-members and includes a three course gold plated menu (entree, main and cheese platter), racecourse entry and a race book. Gates open at 12:00pm with the first race scheduled for 1.20pm.