Lightning Handicap – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Ten have accepted for the lone 1000m race on the card, the $125,000 Lightning Handicap.  Varda is an early scratching.  There are four first uppers in the race and interestingly all but one had their last start over 1100m or longer.  That horse is Usmanov and he is a warm favourite in the early betting after scooting around the Gold Coast to win a 900m race last time in fast time.  The second favourite is Boomtown.  She has an outstanding first up record and may take some catching if she can get across to the lead from the wide barrier with out doing too much work.

Doctor Zous resumes off a win and maps to get a soft run from barrier two.  Spurcraft finished twelfth of thirteen last start but never saw daylight and can be forgiven.  Snow Valley was a winner at her only try this track and distance while Tycoon Ace wasn’t far away at Doomben last start.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Usmanov

This five year gelding trained by the Edmonds team on the Gold Coast is a winner of eight races.  He bolted in over 900m in fast time last start and should have no issues stepping back up to 1000m.  A leading chance again here.

2. Varda – SCR

3.  Spurcraft

Spurcraft was a complete forgive last start.  He appeared to have something to offer on the turn but was strung up in behind them and never saw daylight.  He comes back to his favourite distance and appears to have a good each way chance.

4. Tycoon Ace

Rising eight year old who fought on okay last start.  Maps to get a good run again here.  Consider for multiples.

5. Boomtown Lass

Very consistent mare trained by Chris Anderson on the track.  She has an outstanding first up record and has trialed up well enough for this.  G Boss booked to ride.

6. Hail Manhattan

Hail Manhattan won three on the trot before spelling.  Resumes here with blinkers on first time which is a good sign of intent.  Roughie with a chance.

7. Doctor Zous

Another of the first uppers.  He has placed three from five first up and can settle in the first couple from barrier two.  In the mix.

8. Snow Valley

Five year old Snitzel mare who is first up here.  She won by .3 of a length this track & distance last preparation.  Consider for multiples.

9. Nicconita

Finished second first up in a benchmark 65 at Warwick.  That doesn’t seem good enough form to be winning here.

10. Voulait

Back to 1000m suits but this gelding is outclassed here.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Usmanov	5. Boomtown Lass
5. Boomtown Lass	1. Usmanov
7. Doctor Zous	3. Spurcraft
6. Hail Manhattan	7. Doctor Zous

Group 1 Queensland Oaks 2021 (Eagle Farm 2200m)

Group 2 Moreton Cup 2021 (Eagle Farm 1200m)

Listed The Phoenix 2021 (Eagle Farm 1500m)