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Damo’s Touch after a pair of seconds to commence his career should go one better in the Hollylodge Thoroughbreds Maiden Plate (1200m) at Seymour on Thursday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The race career of Damo’s Touch has begun well with a pair of seconds and now contests what looks to be his easiest assignment so far at Seymour on Thursday.
Damo’s Touch contests a maiden for the older horses on Thursday where he appears to one who possesses the most upside.
His last start second at Cranbourne returned a Timeform figure of 68 which sits well clear of what closest rivals have so far achieved in their careers to date.
The gelding on that occasion kicked up along the fence to lead however didn’t get all of the favours as he was pressured on the outside.
Damo’s Touch still stuck to his task well although Trinity House who received a charmed run just behind the favourite prevailed in the straight.
His debut outing when a well beaten second also augers well for his chances here with the winner Rhandara since going on to win at Bendigo.
With minimal pace in the contest, Damo’s Touch should get a charmed run either attempting to make all or sitting somewhere near the speed.
Five pounds clear of his nearest rival, class is expected to prevail in the straight and a maiden success should ensue.
That nearest rival is clearly Up The Creek.
The Patrick Payne-trained resumes after a generous spell following his sound debut at Mildura over 1400m.
Sent out as favourite on that occasion, Up The Creek was left without a paddle as he settled last, before ending up wide with no cover and then somehow got back to the fence where he was overpowered on the outside.
The run was assessed at 63 although everything about the debut runs suggested there is much room for improvement.
Concerns though include a wide barrier and the fact he kicked off over 1400m last preparation, perhaps indicative of connections feeling the gelding will be better over more ground.
Furthermore, form out of the race has not been particularly strong either.
It would be of some surprise seeing the winner come from outside Damo’s Touch and Up The Creek.
Bindarree Belle and Storm Gothic look the ones in the field with the strongest place claims.