LOOKER STICKS WITH ALLARD’S LAD AT GOSFORD
Racing returns to The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford this Thursday with local trainer Grant Allard saddling up his consistent galloper Zoffany’s Lad in the Coregas Benchmark 64 Handicap over 1600m.
Having had two cracks at the recent Provincial Championships’ heats at Newcastle and Kembla Grange, the Zoffany gelding now steps up to the more suitable distance of the mile on his home track.
In-form hoop Ben Looker sticks with the four-year-old for his only ride of the day, having been in the saddle for all four of Zoffany Lad’s victories to date.
“The rail is out which is a bit of concern as it usually suits on-pace runners, but he is on his home track, third up and up to the mile so should be near his peak,” Allard said. “The last meeting was called off here so hopefully they can go ahead on Thursday.”
In the same event the people’s horse The Iron Maiden remarkably lines up for her 104th start and has been an absolute warrior for connections. The nine-year-old Any Given Saturday mare will appreciate a wet surface on Thursday and will be aiming to add to her $264,000 in earnings.
The eight-race card kicks off with the Pro Ali 3YO Maiden over 1000m with an interesting O’Rourke and Freedman runner engaged in Allied Forces. The owners have had a patient wait with this No A Single Doubt gelding as he has trialled on no less than seven occasions. Having won a Randwick trial over a year ago, this three-year-old finally gets his chance to open his account on Thursday.
Gates open at midday with the first race scheduled for 1.15pm. $280,000 in prize money is on offer.