By Orville Clarke, Freelance WriterTHE MILLION-DOLLAR Super-6 chalked up big sales numbers on Wednesday and in the end was cornered by 43 punters, each receiving $31,600.50.
Meanwhile, the Pick-9 went unclaimed and boasts a carryover of $601,000 tomorrow. This was due to a notable upset by QUEEN OF BETHNEY at 10-1 in the second race over 1200 metres for maiden five-year-olds and up.
Ridden by sparingly used Ian Sirjue in his customary 'drunken master' style, QUEEN OF BETHNEY came with a terrific last furlong run to catch COUNTESS GIM in deep stretch.
Tomorrow, the focus is on the Super-6 as usual, this embracing races 6 to 11 on the Lotto Day card, featuring the $565,000 Lotto Dream Challenger for two-year-olds, race two in the Yearling Sale series, and the overnight allowance race for the G.A. 'Sarge' Bucknor Memorial Cup over the straight five course.
The first of the Super-6 races, the Lotto Sprint race for $140,000 claimers over the straight five course, brings together a 13-strong field from which BLACK MAGIC WOMAN, MEDICAL ALERT, PAPPARAZZI, BALLAFIRE, FOURBYFOUR and STELLA GREY are the main hopefuls.
Upon careful examination of the form, FOURBYFOUR with a mere 49.0kg and ace lightweight Robert Reid in the saddle looks the one to beat.
TWIN DANGERS
After winning over the round five course on May 28, the 7-y-o gelding came back to finish 6 1/2 lengths ninth to the straight specialist NORAN BATMAN after rearing at the start. He reports well refreshed from a near three-month respite and once coming away cleanly, should notch his third win over the straight in just over a year. BALLAFIRE, under in-form Shane Ellis, along with MEDICAL ALERT creates twin dangers.
Race seven for the Lotto Dream Challenge Trophy should provide the well advanced 2-y-o debutante SUPREMELYSATISFIED with an easy win. From the stables of 13-time champion Philip Feanny, the bay colt by Law Of The Sea out of Midnight Angel, which makes him a half brother to reigning 'Horse of the Year' I'MSATISFIED and SATISFIER, has looked sharp at exercise and indications are he will prove too good for FLYWITHME in the field of six.
Next on the programme is a 3-y-o maiden race in which JACK EM UP, TO BE CONTINUED and the speedy ROYAL CRUSADER should decide the issue. The free running JACK EM UP finished a close second to DUE RESPECT over the distance when apprentice ridden on September 27 and this lightly raced son of Pat N Jac Velocity Queen should be good enough to stave off the stretch running TO BE CONTINUED.
The ninth, Division II of the $140,000 claiming race over the straight five course, should be won by DANCING JINSKY on the strength of her good fourth to FIRST TRICK over the distance on September 10. the 5-y-o mare returns on the convenient mark of 51.0kg and should lead home DANCE WITH THE CAT and BRAVADO, now administered lasix for the first time.
The last two races should see the consistent COURT CASE, under champion jockey Trevor Simpson, upstaging fleet-footed MICHELKA (working exceptionally well) and MILLENIUM PRINCESS for the 'Sarge' Bucknor Memorial Cup over the straight course, while I like hat-trick seeker CHAMBO KOO (super fit) to stave off PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, MR. VIGOROUS and ASYNJUR in the closing race over the circular nine course.
