By Tony Megahey
If inclement weather is posing problems for racing in the Riverina, Albury’s Mitch Beer says the “wetter the better” for his prime chances at the Narrandera TAB meeting on Sunday where he has multiple prospects.
The Gundagai Saturday TAB meeting is under threat as a heavy 10 at present with a track inspection early tomorrow, while Narrandera is a heavy 8 with a valuable extra day to recover.
“That’s where we’re at, confident Narrandera will race on the better side of heavy, and I’ve got two that thrive in it, Magnolia Belle and Swagger - they’re my best in the conditions,” Beer offered.
The trainer has had a super season that has included the Wagga Wagga Town Plate with Mnementh who resumes in Listed race at Flemington next week.
Swagger, a six-race winner with two on heavy and five placings, is perfectly placed with the 4kg claim of 66kg for Victorian apprentice Alysha Warren in a Bendigo Bank BM 68 (1200m).
“The old boy is a swimmer, going as well as ever, back in grade, first season the little girl, on loan from Danny O’Brien in Melbourne, reports are good.”
Magnolia Belle contests the Harvest Moon, Class 3, 1000m for Beer’s stable apprentice Fiona Sandkuhl claiming 1.5kg from 55.5kg and a vital barrier one on the tight and turning track.
Magnolia Belle bolted in by near four lengths in a Wagga Wagga Maiden in soft going in February and then led again to win in similar conditions at Albury last month.
“She’s a lightly raced mare that thrives on rain-affected tracks and with genuine upside.
“Barrier one and the gate speed to use it, weighted to take catching. I like her, all goes to plan we’ll be up there for a Highway shortly.”
In a third race maiden, Beer’s Wilbury stands out on a Moonee Valley placing, first prep at two years, is forward off a Yarra Valley placing and trial, but Mitch is reserved here.
“He’s a nice type but drawn wide, never been on rain-affected, so we’re about to find out.”
Narrandera at present is a heavy 8 in overcast conditions.
View the final fields with full form & race replays for Narrandera here