Daradale Out To Impress In Provincial Championship Series (Kalgoorlie)
6 May, 2016
Thoroughbred
Brett Mathews is confident Daradale can build on his first-up victory when he tackles the Sky Racing TV Provincial Championship Series Heat (1200m) at Kalgoorlie on Sunday.
Daradale headlines what looms as a lucrative day for the Mathews stable after he made a top return to racing two weeks back, flashing home with a strong finishing burst.
Despite a slow beginning and spotting the leaders a big margin at the top of the straight, Daradale ran the race out in 33.35sec. to edge out Butterfly Kiss and Casino Gleam.
Daradale will again be positioned in the back half of the field after drawing barrier 12 of 14 for top apprentice, Randy Tan, but an extra 100m should favour the Elvstroem gelding.
“He missed the kick and still ran home in the quickest final 600m,” Mathews said.
“He was hitting the line strongly and has come through the race well.
“I think only bad luck is going to beat him.
“He just needs to jump well and get a clear run.”
Last-start winners Prohurst Express and High Limit, two of four starters in the race for Peter Fernie, pose as serious threats to Daradale.
Prohurst Express, to be ridden by Casey Hunter from the widest barrier, ran 33.68sec. for the final 600m when fourth to Daradale on April 16.
Other chances include Bear Trader and Dark Royalty, who should strip fitter after running a sound fifth to High Limit when resuming off a long injury layoff.
Daradale can cap a top day for Mathews with Artie’s Belle in the Jarahfire Drilling Handicap (1600m) and Fieracavalli in the Hydair Drives Maiden (1600m) holding solid claims.
Artie’s Belle is a recent addition to Mathews’ team and almost got off to the perfect beginning when she ran third to Here Comes Poppy, beaten a long-head, on April 16.
The Artie Schiller filly repaid Mathews’ faith next start when she worked home strongly from behind the speed to defeat Final Outcome over 1400m on Anzac Day.
“This is a step up in class and harder, but the mile should be to her liking,” Mathews said.
Artie’s Belle, previously in the care of Clinton McDonald at Caulfield, has drawn barrier two for, Lisa Staples, who picks up the mount on Fieracavalli.
The lightly raced four-year-old was no match for Ningbo last week, running a distant second, but he stuck to his task well after setting the early pace.
“He probably went a little early in front,” Mathews said.
“I think in time he will develop this horse.”
Julio Santarelli