By Nick Berney
Punters will look to start with a bang at Wyong on Thursday after snapping up the early odds for gelding Diamond Drummer.
The Mark Newnham-trained galloper has been well-backed and looks placed to break through for his maiden win in the Stop Abuse At The Start 4YO & UP Maiden Plate (1600m).
Wyong will host an action-packed card on Thursday.Credit:Jenny Evans
The four-year-old had excuses and wasn’t suited to the moderate tempo last start at Canterbury 13 days ago.
Despite the factors working against him, he ran on well into third place and clocked one of the fastest final 400m splits of the meeting in 22.68.
He has been a model of consistency this preparation and brings a dominant ratings profile relative to his rivals.
In addition, repeating either of his last two efforts will make him hard to beat, and the blinkers go back on.
The Chris Waller-trained Rangitikei, who looms as the main danger, finally steps out to her preferred distance and key indicators suggest she is ready to peak third-up.
Moreover, the dry ground suits and expect her to be savaging the line.
One of the more intriguing races of the day is the Elimination Against Violence Maiden Plate (1000m).
Multiple lightly raced improvers are set to clash, but the inclusion of debutante Meod creates extra interest.
The three-year-old filly who comes out of the Michael Freedman yard trialled well recently at Kensington in a slick time heat.
Further, she went through the line full of energy and gave the impression that she is wound up and ready to run well.
The Godolphin filly, Surrenders, also resumes after trialling well.
First-up last prep, she got too far back and was checked at critical stages but still ran on well.
Additionally, the winner of that race, Alpha One, has since won two races and has also run second behind the TAB Everest (1200m) winner, Giga Kick.
It’s worth noting that the trainer/jockey combination of James Cumming and apprentice Zac Lloyd has been a successful partnership.
Best Bet: Race 1, No.1 – Diamond Drummer
Next Best: Race 5, No.1 – Dimaggio
Best Value: Race 8, No.6 – Vincenzo and No.9 – Singapura
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au.
