3 minute read

Racing heads to the Great Southern Region on Thursday as Albany hosts a seven-race program.

It appears a competitive meeting on paper with races one and five the highlights on the card. 

Don't forget, you can watch all the action from Albany on 7Plus and Racing WA. 

Race 1: FRENCHMANS BAY HANDICAP (1600m)

WHY ME (3) has been racing in stronger class and two back wasn't far away at Ascot. Draws a handier gate today and is suited. ODIN OMEN (5) went close at Belmont and at Northam prior. Finds easier and gets his chance. SIR BEAR A LOT (1) was heavily bet again and deserved the CL2 win here. Peaks and he's capable of going back-to-back. THE MIGHTY BUTCH (2) won a Maiden here and will be better for the outing. Has the rails gate and will be around the mark.

Race 2: EMU POINT MAIDEN (1230m)

SURF PATROL (4) went close at Belmont on debut and was scratched at the barrier at Belmont following. She was required to trial satisfactorily and did that well, before placing at Bunbury from a wide gate. Draws a low gate and this is winnable if she's on her best behaviour. ANNIE WARBUCKS (11) settled last from an outside barrier and impressed beaten 1.6L at Bunbury on debut. Draws much better today and stripping fitter she has decent claims. CAPABLE ANGEL (6) will be sharper second-up. She has pieces of form that would see her competitive. SUMMER MOOD (7) peaks and comes back to the shorter sprint. She races handy and is in the mix.

Race 3: CHEYNES BEACH HANDICAP (1916m)

GONDRINKIN (4) was only beaten 2L at Ascot and has placed at Geraldton at his two starts since. The longer trip shouldn't be an issue and Faithful is reunited. SPANISH KAT (7) was on speed at Narrogin over this distance and didn't finish it off. He is much better than that and three-back was only beaten 1.2L at Bunbury over 2025m. Has a 2kg claim and may be ridden quieter today. MISS ANONYMITY (5) went close in a 52 Narrogin stepping up to this trip. That form would give her a hope. WHO'D A THOUGHT IT (2) won a Bunbury Maiden and didn't get into it there following coming back to a mile. Better suited today and is in the mix.

Race 4: GOODE BEACH HANDICAP (1916m)

QUEEN NARDI (4) has been within range at Northam and Geraldton and was a $3 favourite at Geraldton last time over this distance. Fiore stays aboard and she's well-placed to take this out. BECALOTTI (1) won that race and no knock on her. Has the outside gate today but poses a threat. HOIST THE COLOURS (2) finds easier and will use the inside gate. x3 winning rider Whiting is reunited and he can't be ruled out. ZACKARIAH BEAU (3) has been racing in stronger grade at Ascot and his figures stack up. Has a handy 2kg claim and the veteran has a good record over this distance.

Race 5: LITTLE BEACH HANDICAP (1500m)

EXCELTRAIN (1) is a leader who's been close-up at Ascot his last two and the extra metres are right up his alley. Uses the low gate and he's well-placed in provincial grade. SNIPPY WHICH (2) was heavily bet again winning comfortably at Geraldton and keeps improving. He can sit handier today and is the danger. SACRED OATH (5) will be better for his two runs this preparation. He'd be a chance at best and is proven third up. He can go better over the longer trip. RUDHYAR (4) resumes and the former Victorian creates interest. Has a decent first-up record at this distance range and his figures stack up. The betting will be key.

Race 6: MISERY BEACH HANDICAP (1230m)

SOUTHERN SCANDAL (2) resumed much improved winning a Northam Maiden heavily bet and then had support at Belmont and didn't finish it off (vet cleared). He presents fitter today with Faithfull booked and can bounce back. AUDREY GRACE (1) could have had better luck here last time but was going well enough prior including in town. She draws an inside barrier and has the tongue tie applied again. Her best form would give her a chance. MAKE YOUR POINT (6) is busting to win and his effort three back at Ascot reads particularly well. Running out the extra metres from the outside barrier is the niggle. SOARING SOLO (7) is a query at the trip but won the 44 well enough at Narrogin. SOSIPATRA (5) resumes and is a betting watch.

Race 7: BINALUP MIDDLETON BEACH HANDICAP (1100m)

FLICK THE SWITCH (4) missed a whisker here off the big CL1 win at Narrogin first-up. Spaced the CL2 graders here following heavily bet again. Peaks on a quick backup and he will take plenty of beating. I'M NOT SLEW (2) is a former NSW galloper resuming for the new barn. He races forward and has pieces of form that stack up. The extra gear comes off and the betting will be key. HOT CHATTER (8) is proven third up and is ready to show more. Maps for a soft run and her best would have her in the finish. DOES HE KNOW (9) is also third up and should be around the mark.