Goldmarket Handicap – 2022

Track: Soft  Weather: Overcast

Thirteen runners have accepted for the $150,000 Listed Goldmarket Quality Handicap with 11 geldings one stallion and one mare. There are 2 five-year-olds, 5 six-year-olds, 2 seven-year-olds, three eight-year-olds and a nine-year-old. Tony Gollan has three runners, while Annabel Neasham, Les Kelly and Sonja Kumpikas all have two runners each.

The early favourite is Garibaldi who was a close 2nd last start and goes well at this distance. Second favourite is Ef Troop who finished a close 2nd when resuming and has drawn the inside barrier. Third in the market is Munitions who resumed for 2nd at Rosehill.

Fender is race fit and comes back to a more suitable distance than last start. Wisdom Of Water resumes from a 28 week spell, loves this track and goes well first-up, while 2021 winner Desert Lord is race fit and gets the blinkers back on. The other runners are 12 to 1 or longer.

1. Redouble (4)

This nine-year-old is the oldest runner in the race and is one of two runners for trainer Sonja Kumpikas. He didn’t race for over a year before resuming for 8 lengths 10th over 1200m at Doomben on 6 August. Probably needs another run or two after such a long break. Not keen.

2. Desert Lord (11)

Won this race last year. He raced keen early then didn’t get a clear run in the final 100m when 4.4 lenghs 15th in the Listed Ramornie Handicap over 1200m at Grafton on 13 July, then was never in it when 4.6 lengths 8th over 1200m at Doomben on 6 August. The blinkers go back on and he has the trainer/jockey combination of David Vandyke/Michael Cahill who he won with last year. Could place.

3. Haunted (2)

The second of the Kumpikas runners. This beautifully bred Lonhro gelding didn’t race for 82 weeks before resuming for 11.5 lengths 11th over 1200m at Doomben on 6 August where he was bumped at the start and lost a plate. Prefer to watch.

4. Wisdom Of Water (3)

One of two runners for trainer Annabel Neasham. He ran 3rd in this race in May 2021 (it was run twice in 2021), resumes from a 28 week spell, loves this track and goes well first-up. One of the main chances.

5. Freddie Fox Trot (5)

Ran 3rd in this race in 2019 and is one of two runners for trainer Les Kelly. Has had 8 wins from 19 starts at this track and does his best here. Has had a six week let-up. Don’t dismiss.

6. Garibaldi (10)

One of three runners for Tony Gollan who has won this race before with Baller in May 2021, Snitch in 2020, Raido in 2018, Gundy Son in 2015 and Spirit Of Boom in 2012. He has placed at his last two and looks ready for a win. Was held up before running on for 1.3 lengths 3rd over 1200m at Doomben on 9 July, then was heavily backed when 0.2 length 2nd over 1200m at Doomben on 6 August. A winning chance.

7. Royal Hale (9)

Also from the Gollan stable and jockey James Orman won this race on Upstart Pride in 2017. First-up from a 15 week spell and has won three from eight first-up.  Didn’t do well last campaign. Looking to others.

8. Axe (13)

Having his first run for trainer Jack Bruce at Deagon and has drawn the outside barrier. Jockey Jim Byrne won this race on Super Espion in 2000. Resumes from a 31 week spell and has been trialling nicely. Could show up.

9. Fender (6)

Fender has been racing through the winter and is race fit. He made a huge run from the rear of the field after covering extra ground for 0.9 length 3rd in the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton on 13 July, then found the front before being swamped and finishing 3.2 lengths 8th in the Coffs Harbour Cup over 1600m on 4 August. Comes back to a more suitable distance than last start and can figure in the finish.

10. Ef Troop (1)

One of the Gollan runners and has drawn the inside barrier. He resumed from a 21 week break for 0.5 length 2nd and shifted a plate. Rough chance.

11. Yes Baby Yes (7)

The only mare in the race and is having her first start for Annabel Neasham. Resumes after 23 weeks and has placed in all three trials. Prefer to see.

12. Munitions (8)

His three wins were all overseas and he hasn’t won in 11 Australian starts. He resumed from a 26 week spell for a close 2nd over 1200m at Rosehill on 13 August, and on the basis of that he could figure in the finish.

13e. Gogol (12)

The second runner from the Les Kelly stable and currently the emergency. Has won 5 from 9 starts on this track and is not without a chance if he gets a run.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips
6 Garibaldi
4 Wisdom Of Water
9 Fender
5 Freddie Fox Trot