BOOKIES were successful in their predictions at Buchanan Park on Saturday, with favourites winning four of the races.
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The only exception was winning racehorse Craiglea Swift in the Benchmark 50 Handicap, who at $2.50 only offered an additional 30 cents to the dollar compared to second placer Show Us The Way.
As was typical in a race meeting in North West Queensland it was a good day for local jockey Dan Ballard, who won on two of his rides, and claimed places in the other three.
It was also a good day for jockey Tamara Tincknell, whose winning ride was Golden Meteor in the Open Plate. But she also placed in two other rides.
A fortnight ago trainer Bob Burow claimed a type of trifecta for his racehorse I’m Desperate Too. It had been the third year in a row that I’m Desperate Too has won during the first race meeting of the season.
But on Saturday a new trifecta emerged for I’m Desperate Too, which won its third race in a row.
The first race of the day was the 900 metre Benchmark 65 Handicap, which was won by Smooth Element, trained by Jim Jackson and ridden by Ballard. They were favourited to win at $1.30.
Ballard and Smooth element were 1.5 lengths ahead of second placer, Caldane, ridden by Terrence Hill. The odd were significantly higher for a Caldane win at 15 times the dollar.
Will’s Choice, ridden by Tincknell, was in third place and 5.1 lengths behind the leader.
Trainer Justin Bawden must have been pleased that Mishani Trader was finally able to claim its first win in its career. Jockey Justin Esser rode Mishani Trader in for victory in the 1000 metre Maiden Plate.
Ballard rode the second placer, the Bob Burow trained Fast Brass, 3.3 lengths behind Mishani Trader. Tanya Parry’s Thank You placed third 4.1 lengths behind the winner.
Ballard rode Craiglea Swift in for a win in the 1000 metre Benchmark 50 Handicap. The odds started at $2.50, and they overcame race favourite Show Us The Way, slightly less at $2.20.
But it was a close call. Steven Royes’ racehorse overcame Bob Burow’s by a nose. Third placer Lunar Luck was far back behind by 8.2 lengths.
The 1100 metre Open Plate was won by Golden Meteor, which had a starting price of $1.90. Tincknell and Golden Meteor led by 1.5 lengths. In second place was Nite Rocker which was ridden by Terrence Hill.
The last race of the day was the Benchmark 60 Handicap, won by Burow’s I’m Desperate Too. Jockey Aaron Spradau was able to secure the win by only 0.2 lengths ahead of Damgoodchoice.