Winning Post-1500m: Racing returns to the Parks track after a two week break and a warm week at headquarters. The track presents in the best condition this season, is expected to race evenly and walks consistently, with a good grass coverage. In the absence of any appreciable rain this week, 50 plus mls of irrigation have really helped the track come on in the last week or so. Rated a Good 4 as of Friday morning and walked in that range on Thursday, with good moisture levels present.
1500-800m (back straight): A boost to the grass cover in the last fortnight with further irrigation has this section in much better shape than a month ago. With the rail out 3 metres from the 1000 metres, this back straight section walks consistently well across the track, out to the three wide line and beyond and is expected to race evenly. Walked in the Good 4 range on Thursday.
1400m-800m (chute): Even and lush grass coverage during this section as expected and will race evenly on and away from the fence. Horses will not be disadvantaged racing slightly away from the fence in this section of the track, with new ground on the fence and out wider.
800m-400m: With the rail out 3 metres, any fill from a fortnight ago is protected on the circle and turning for home. The coverage is even and walks consistently on and away from the fence. It is expected to see fields start to fan into the straight, with a consistent coverage of grass in this area.
400m-Winning Post: As has been the pattern in recent weeks, it will be no surprise to see horses spread out in the straight, particularly later in the day. The track walks a Good ‘4’ in the straight. There is no appreciable difference from the fence out to the middle of the track and the coverage is lush and consistent across. Pace of the races should be taken into account when assessing chances, however every runner should have their chance on an even and consistent track.
Verdict: The track presents in very good condition and should play evenly and race well. With a hot week and sufficient irrigation, the track should race in the Good range by Saturday. There is no evidence to suggest that one part of the track should be favoured over another, as it presents in excellent condition and should give every runner a chance, regardless of where they make their respective runs in the straight.
Racing SA Stewards will provide an update to the track rating on Friday afternoon.
M A Gilchrist, Mrs B M Gilchrist, Mrs J C Gebhardt, J W Tolley, M W McDonald, Ms A Smitz, J G Duncan, Mrs R H Duncan, Mrs E M Skipworth, Ms A G Wood, L J Sullivan, J P McEntee, Mrs H McEntee & P H Coombe.
