Sat, April 12, 2025

04:29

EMBRACE FARM BENCHMARK 65 Handicap

Winner AUD $11,600 - 13 runners

Going:

Surface: T

Race Tip

FORTRESS AUSTRALIA (3) made it back-to-back wins when successful last start over 6f at this track, getting home by a head. Winning rider Liv O'Donnell retains the mount. Nicely placed to play a pivotal role. CANNY BE BETTER (9) was prominent on straightening and stuck on well to finish third last start over 5½f at Mackay, beaten 1.1 lengths when resuming. Best figures measure up. Sure to run well. PARADE GROUND (1) returned from a lay-off last start with a strong win by 1.2 lengths over 6f at this track. Open to plenty of improvement and is expected to feature in the finish. PAPASITO (12) is a promising type who hasn't raced since finishing 5.5 lengths away in seventh over 6½f at Mackay on July 26. Fitter for one subsequent trials, including a win. Has never been out of the placings when resuming from two tries. Drawn to go forward. Don't underestimate.

No. (Draw) Form

Horse

Comment

Age

Weight

Jockey(Claim)

Trainer

Best Odds

0163

b, gb, g

9-12

T Tom F SmithJ Ryan Wiggins

Age:6
Weight:9-12
OR:
J Ryan Wiggins
T Tom F Smith

Second-up. When resuming after four months 3rd in a small field at this track benchmark72 on march 25 over 5¼f, on soft ground 2.75 lengths behind just super with 9st3lb at 12/1. Set Weights on May 2 over 6½f, slow going 4 lengths behind Doctor Teekay carrying 8st13lb at 16/1. Each way value.

2211

b, gb, g

9-10

T Nick WalshJ Liv O'donnell

Age:4
Weight:9-10
OR:
J Liv O'donnell
T Nick Walsh

Useful gelding. At the latest run favourite tracked the speed and boxed on steadily won by a head at this track Class 4 March 15 over 6f in soft going defeating Diddley Squat carrying 8st11lb at 5/4. The start before that favourite came from midfield and won by 1.2 lengths at Mackay Benchmark65 February 21 over 6½f on a rain affected track defeating Cavente with 9st2lb at 4/6. Current form hard to go past.

0111

br/bl, gbr/bl, g

9-9

T Toni SchofieldJ Sean Cormack

Age:5
Weight:9-9
OR:
J Sean Cormack
T Toni Schofield

Most recently won by 3.5 lengths at Mt Isa Class 4 Set Weights March 15 over 5f defeating Ohmikkiusofine with 9st10lb at 4/1. The run before that won by 2 lengths at Barcaldine Class 3 Set Weights March 8 over 5f on a rain affected track defeating Valiant Joan with 9st10lb at 6/4. Has to be respected.

55535

b, gb, g

9-7

T Leaonie HorstmanJ Paul Hamblin

Age:8
Weight:9-7
OR:
J Paul Hamblin
T Leaonie Horstman

Comes off a 57 day break. Last start got back early 5th of 10 at Tamworth Benchmark74 on February 14 over 1m, 2.2.5 lengths behind Fiorsum Fred with 8st13lb at 4/1. The run before that 3rd in a small field at Warwick Farm E&G Benchmark72 on January 8 over 1m, on heavy track 2.5 lengths behind Agita carrying 8st9lb at 25/1. Is not out of this.

2434

b, gb, g

9-6

T Glenda BellJ Warwick Satherley

Age:6
Weight:9-6
OR:
J Warwick Satherley
T Glenda Bell

. When resuming eased back early on 3rd in a small field at this track class 4 on february 14 over 6f, 0.8 lengths behind diddley squat carrying 8st12lb at 8/1. Class 4 on March 15 over 6f, slow going 3.5 lengths behind Fortress Australia with 9st5lb at 14/1. Not a great draw again but should fare a lot better in this suitable contest.

3912

gr, gBFgr, gBF

9-5

T Gary ClemJ Georgina Cartwright

Age:5
Weight:9-5
OR:
J Georgina Cartwright
T Gary Clem

. When resuming scored a big 6 lengths win at gladstone benchmark60 march 8 over 5f211yards defeating cavente with 9st8lb at 11/8. Second run from a lay-off 2nd of 8 at Monto Hcp on March 29 over 6f, nose behind Mocial Chief with 8st9lb at 2/1. Near miss last start. In the mix again.

2137

b, gb, g

9-3

T Clinton TaylorJ Justin P Stanley

Age:4
Weight:9-3
OR:
J Justin P Stanley
T Clinton Taylor

Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of nine months. Finished off last campaign seventh of 9 at Mackay 3yo Hcp July 26 over 6½f, 5.5 lengths behind Hangin' Around carrying 8st12lb at 11/8. Previous campaign first-up won by 2.75 lengths Thangool Class 1 February 26 2024 over 6f soft track defeating El Of A Senorita carrying 9st5lb at 1/2. Anticipating a bright opening to this campaign.