News & Media

24 August 2011 Northam Preview August 25

It wasn’t exactly happy days for Fonzarelli who made an inauspicious debut at Belmont Park recently in a race that didn’t go according to script for trainer Donna Riordan.
The Bletchley Park gelding tailed off and was placed last behind a smart group of three-year-olds including the winner Command Centre.
No sooner had the race started and it was all over for Fonzarelli who blundered the start badly.
It dashed high hopes for Riordan who wasn’t afraid to issue the three-year-old a tough initiation first-up.
Although her confidence level was dented they weren’t destroyed and she expects Fonzarelli to improve in today’s Pegasus Liberty Maiden (1100m) at Northam.
 “He got into all sorts of trouble and blew his chances at the start when he jumped sideways and hit the barriers,” Riordan said.
“He then got galloped on and raced keenly throughout.
“He has pulled up well and is working well enough to give me confidence he can run a nice race.
“I think he is a smart horse with upside who will come back even better next preparation.”
The Mark Reed-trained Crispiano continued her recent good form when she ran an eye-catching second at Belmont Park on August 13.
The Blackfriars mare, who has been placed twice from her past three starts, rattled home from near last in the 1600m event.
The 2200m of the Pegasus Coolmax Maiden should suit and expect a strong showing from Crispiano.
Rubitawny will also attract attention in the Pegasus Performax Maiden (1400m) after an encouraging mid week debut a fortnight ago.
Prepared by Robert Harvey Jnr, the Rubiton mare ran on strongly from seventh on the corner but couldn’t hold out the fast-finishing Long Tan Lady.
She was forced to cover extra ground when caught wide throughout and fought on courageously when she was entitled to give it away in the home stretch.
Combined with current form, barrier four and the services of Paul Harvey, there is much to like about Rubitawny’s chances.
Notaclue has improved in each of two career starts to date and can play a major role in the Pegasus Sweetmax Maiden (1400m) for trainer Chris Gangemi.
He ran fifth behind Hay Street Hero on debut before a second placing to Silent Voice when beaten a length.
The Choisir gelding is racing well enough to give the race a big shake.
Red Mercedes and Fremantle both made solid returns from their respective spells and can battle out the Kentucky Equine Research Handicap (1300m).
Red Mercedes, having his first start since last April, was doing his best work late when second to Festival Star and will get a gun run from barrier three.
Fremantle generally races well second-up and will be suited by the journey and on his best form in this company he can’t be left out of calculations.
South Boulder Boy has been a model of consistency since resuming in June with one win and consecutive second placings from four starts.
It included last week’s mid week effort in town behind boom mare Bontiara who is shaping as a potential top liner after clinching her third win to remain undefeated at Belmont last weekend.
Expect to see South Boulder Boy out in front for a long way in the Milne Feeds Handicap (1300m) with Bearchat and Divine Dancer to provide the challenges.
The last race on the programme, the Pegasus Equibalance Handicap (1100m), will see the return of Albany galloper Fiery Fox and Afortunato for trainer Brett Pope.
Both gallopers race well fresh and along with Wonder Weed can end the meeting on a high note for punters.