MASTER BLASTER, the winningest horse in the history of local racing, goes for his 31st career win when he contests the opening straight five race in tomorrow's Racing Pools race.
Before looking at the race, it should be pointed out that effective tomorrow, claiming tags will be increased by $20,000 across the board. What this means is that a horse who ran for the minimum $80,000 on Wednesday will run for a new minimum of $100,000 tomorrow.
MASTER BLASTER, who won on a $90,000 tag over the course on August 1, still has a lot in his favour and over this his pet trip, the 11-year-old gelding should win from MUTUAL AGREEMENT and KAZETO.
Next on the programme is a Restricted Allowance V (non winners of two), again over the straight five course. Only six have been declared and with nothing outstanding in the lineup, any could be unsaddled in the winners' enclosure.
LOBOLO, whose only win was recorded over the straight on January 8, ran below expectations behind YOUNG DOCTOR over same on July 15, but that performance is best overlooked. She returns on a convenient mark and in this small field, could catch the expected leaders KLASSY THIEF and BEV'S CHOICE close home.
PEACE AND LOVE, who failed by a nose to catch VICTORY SPUR on his recent debut, is confidently expected to atone in the third race for maiden two-year-olds over 800 metres straight. PEACE & LOVE will have gained immensely from the experience and should prove too strong from DANCE WITH THE CAT and the debutant MANIFEST DESTINY.
Seven have been declared for the fourth race over the round five couse, among them top contenders DIRECTIONAL SIGN and ELEGANT STAR, both fleet-footed types.
It will be a battle royal between them in this quick sprint and if they cut each others throat, EIGHTEEN RED could be rght there to capitalise in deep stretch. Still, I prefer the lightly raced but improving ELEGANT STAR, who led for 1200 metres in the Jockey Club Stakes over 1400 metres on August 19.
EVER HARD, having won by the resounding margin of 12 lengths over 1300 metres in fast time on August 23, is tipped to repeat in the fifth race over 1200 metres, even though changing hands (claimed) since that facile win. He can expect worthwhile opposition from recent winner MAVIC, STAR TREK and his former stable-companion LUCKI PLUCKI.
The last three races should be won by SALSA (ready), WYLE COYOTE (vastly improved) in the seventh race for the G.A. "Sarge" Bucknor and VERA'S SOCK (tempting at the weights) in the closing race. Their respective dangers are HURRICANE FURY in the 6th, EXECUTIVE PROFILE in the 7th and MAGIC DANCER in the 8th.
By Orville Clarke
Freelance Writer
