Darwin racing preview: Metric Mile day at Fannie Bay

Day five of the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival sees the majority of the Darwin Cup contenders have their final lead-up run in the $50,000 TAB Metric Mile at Fannie Bay on Saturday.

The winner of the Metric Mile will be exempt from ballot in the $200,000 Cup on Monday, August 2.

The other highlight of the card is the Flying Handicap (race 5) run over 1200m where a handful of Palmerston Sprint hopefuls will battle out for a place in the Territory’s biggest sprint race next Saturday.

Race 1

Tough race to start the day but sticking with the Gary Clarke and Alice Lindsay combination with La Trioli.

They grey mare found the front when winning two starts ago F&M 0-62 on Day 1 of the Carnival then was far from disgraced when crossed early by the speedy Exact Replica in the Rose Bowl finishing sixth.

On the back-up this looks a winnable assignment provided she finds the front.

Power Rush and Captain Bridges draw wide but can feature if the cards fall their way.

Promoter will be prominent early and must be respected from the rails draw.

Tips: 4 – 2 – 6

Race 2

Trainer Philip Cole has thrown a cheeky nomination in for the Palmerston Sprint next Saturday such was the impression Little Town Blues created in his Top End debut on July 10. Showing terrific early toe, the son of Exceed and Excel demolished a similar field in quick time and although allotted an extra couple of kilograms and a slightly longer trip you can expect him to be leading and winning again.

Qualis is an interesting addition to the Sheila Arnold stable, a former Waterhouse and Bott trained son of Fastnet Rock who resumes off a 10-month let-up after winning his last start at Newcastle.

He was purchased by the Arnolds for $60,000 at an Inglis online sale in March.

Tips: 1 – 3 – 4

Race 3

Speed maps suggest Silver Melody can cross Don’t Wait early and this will be pivotal in the outcome.

The win over Bar Gem, who has subsequently raced well, fresh with a gap to third reads well.

The Tayarn Halter-trained Don’t Wait fought on bravely when winning first-up and looks the logical danger.

Metro Boy, Hattan Man and Patriot Day come into play late if the leaders over do it at the top.

Tips: 3 – 4 – 2

Race 4

Saint Olga will enjoy stepping back to maiden grade. The Heather Lehmann-trained filly has the necessary early speed to find the front and a repeat of his last run will be good enough to get away with this.

The grey Yoshi Taranaga bears close watching first-up in the Top End for Garry Lefoe after impressing in a trial win here 10 days ago.

Kick It Baby has the right Victorian form to feature and Miss McGregor is the value runner.

Tips: 9 – 1 – 8

Race 5

Expect Belmont Day and Kronos to declare each other on early.

Bolt I Am looks a coming winner on what we have seen of him since joining the Kym Healy stable.

He will be giving them a big start but does have an explosive finishing burst.

He’s the top selection on an each-way basis as he attempts to earn a spot in the Palmerston Sprint.

Belmont Day faces his toughest test to date and won’t want to make any mistakes at this level. The odds-on quote looks poison.

Tips: 5 – 2 – 8

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Race 6

Faolan was no match for Budget King in the Bridge Toyota Cup but looks suited back in this easier affair.

Maps to get a saloon run third the fence and track Safety Dance in the run.

Safety Dance backs up for the third week in a row and the eight-length win last start can’t be ignored but just thought Faolan might be able to grab him late.

Embley is past his best but can be placed at odds in a race of this nature.

Tips: 4 – 2 – 3

Race 7

A handy field to contest the $50,000 Metric Mile with Budget King, I Am Impinge and Coin Collector all needing victory to secure a start in the $200,000 Darwin Cup on August 2.

Aggressive rider Sairyn Fawke will send I Am Impinge forward from the wide draw as we saw in the Alice Springs Cup.

Looks a play at the double figures on offer.

Budget King was ridden a treat by Paul Shiers in his Bridge Toyota Cup win. He is right up to winning this.

Paghman and Heavenly Emperor will improve as they round off their Cup preparations and That’s Justified must be respected.

Tips: 11 – 5 – 8

Best Bet: Faolan (Race 6 No.4)

Each way: Bolt I Am (Race 5 No.5)

Roughie: Miss McGregor (Race 4 No.8)

Originally published asDarwin racing preview: Metric Mile day at Fannie Bay

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