Winning Post-1500m: Racing returns to the Parks track on Saturday, with racing on the Course Proper reserved for the big Adelaide Cup meeting on Monday. The track presents in excellent condition again, with a very tight mat of kikuyu thatch that has really thickened up laterally, creating an excellent cushion. It should race evenly and walks consistently. Rated a Soft 5 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 month sees an excellent grass cover. 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 Soft 5 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: There are some slight areas of fill from last meeting on the circle and turning for home. The coverage is mostly even and walks consistently on and away from the fence, apart from these areas of fill. 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 consistently and well in the straight, with recent jump outs and track gallops causing some wear and tear further past the 8-10 metre line, which should not come into play tomorrow. There is no appreciable difference from the fence out to the middle of the track however and the coverage is lush and consistent across. 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 good drying day on Friday, 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.
Royal Blue, White Seams, Hooped Sleeves, White Cap
Owners
Ms J Heaney, C McLean, Mrs M Holton, R Warnock, N Holton, Mrs P Southern-Ninnis, P Ninnis, J Atkinson, R Holton, Ms C Holton, C Reynolds, S Rolls, Mrs S Reynolds, Mrs L Warnock, Ms M White, Ms R Atkinson, G Conron, G S Dankert
