Pateman Favours Outsider In Broome Sprint
Trainer Darryn Pateman has mounted a two-pronged attack in today’s Tabtouch Broome Sprint (1300m) and leans to the outsider of his pair
Pateman will saddle up in-form five-year-old Powerful, the second favourite on Tabtouch who has won his past three races at Broome in dashing style.
The Nicconi gelding has been aided by a gun draw in barrier three and is certain to hold a prominent on pace position for jockey Jessica Gray.
Powerful rises in class but is a significant weight dropper, carrying 54kg, 6.5kg less than his last-start victory by three lengths when leading.
Speeding Comet, rated an $11 chance, will also relish a weight drop after lumping 59.5kg or worse since August last year.
Speeding Comet has one win and two placings from five starts at Broome this season and will go around with 57kg after the claim of Angela Johnston.
Pateman is confident his two charges will run well, but believes Speeding Comet is way over the odds.
“Powerful has been a beauty since we’ve had him from Neville Parnham,” Pateman told The Races WA.
“He is racing in the zone at the moment.
“There’s a big jump in class, but he does get good weight relief.
“Speeding Comet never runs a bad race.
“Best case scenario is Powerful leads and Speeding Comet outside of him.
“If that’s the case Speeding Comet could take some holding out.
“Punters should have something each way on Speeding Comet more than having something on Powerful.”
Pateman believes Dance Cockey and veteran 10-year-old Diamond Tonique are the dangers to his two starters.
Dance Cockey, a dominant last-start winner, his third from five runs this season, is the current $3.50 favourite.
Drawn in barrier one, he presents apprentice Austin Galati with a big chance to record his best win in the saddle.
“Dance Cockey loves the track and is enjoying a top season,” Pateman said.
“Diamond Tonique won this race last year and not too many win a Broome Sprint and Broome Cup.
“He might be long in the tooth, but he loves the track.”
Pateman says if former Lindsey Smith galloper Dee Keepa can handle her first go on the red dirt she is in with claims in race four.
He also holds high hopes for Yankee Lima in the seventh race if he can reproduce his best form.
Julio Santarelli