Stuart With Strong Hand
Trainer Paul Stuart looks set for a winning weekend with two excellent prospects engaged in heats of the Winter Sprint at Mandurah on Friday night as well as a string of his kennel stars engaged at Cannington on Saturday night.
On Friday Stuart has Optical coming from box two in the second of the Winter Sprint heats while Slingshot Gypsy has drawn box one in the fourth heat.
After winning 6 of her 7 starts at the Mandurah circuit Optical has opened a long odds on favourite for her assignment.
“She has worked her way through the grades nicely and this will be her biggest test so far.” Stuart said.
“She wants the fence so the draw is ideal and last week’s run was very good.”
“With a clean getaway she should be hard to beat.” he commented.
Slingshot Gypsy, a winner at 3 of her 5 starts over the 405 metres at the Mandurah circuit looks well placed in the cherry.
“She has won her last couple of starts here over the 405 metres in impressive fashion and the box is a bonus.” Stuart said.
“She is a clean beginner and she is usually hard to get past once she finds the top so hopefully she shows her customary early dash and gives them something to catch.” Stuart commented.
On Saturday night at Cannington speedster Campini drops back to 520 metres after a slashing victory over 600 metres and the clash between him and National Sprint champion West On Augie will be one of the highlights of the night in race 4.
“I was very happy with his run last week over the 600 metres and he has pulled up really well.” Stuart suggested.
“He needs to get to the rails to show his best and the draw should help out a bit in that regard.”
“West On Augie has been going super of late and it shapes as being a great contest between two very talented chasers.” Stuart commented.
In the same race Stuart has Starlight Yoyo drawn in box 4.
“She has won her last three so it’s hard to knock her form but the draw could make it a bit tricky. She is definitely a place chance with clear running.” Stuart said.
Earlier in the night Galaxy champion Rockstar Patriot will exit box four in the Stayers Series event over 715 metres.
“He beat a hot field in the Distance final down at Mandurah last week and has come through the run in top order.” Stuart suggested.
“Grace Ali looks like it should be able to find the top and run them along so hopefully he can navigate his way across to the rails and come home with a powerful burst.” Stuart said.
Later in the program in race six over the 600 metres Stuart has Eighty Eight in box six and Paganoni in box eight.
“Eighty Eight is capable but has been racing without much confidence of late.” Stuart said.
“Paganoni has been good at her last few and with a speedy getaway I thought she could run a cheeky race.” Stuart concluded.
David Shortte