Tis the season for fine food and punters looking for some early Christmas fare have a table full of form to feast on at Goulburn's Fred Cooper Cup meeting on Friday.
The feature on the seven-race card is the Fred Cooper Cup over a mile worth $29,000. Now in its 12th chapter, the race honours the tireless contribution made to the club and country racing by local icon Fred Cooper.
Fred doesn't mind a bet or a beer but needs his doctor's permission for the latter these days. He quipped this week "I've been cleared for both this Friday". Here's a quick race-by-race overview of Goulburn's 'Christmas card' with a "Fred's Flutter" suggestion for each.
Race 1 - Cinque Cavalli Class 1 & Maiden Plate, 2100m: Lava (1-$3.10 on TAB) profiles well as a last start provincial runner up. Up in the weights but finds a winnable race. Ponte Pietra (3-$7.50) was outclassed in town last start but should keep grinding away from all options draw. Leather Jacket Lew (2-$6) could get his own way in front and get the locals off to a flyer off the back of some progressive efforts of late. Gilded Crown (7-$7.50) has been thereabouts of late in similar company for the Parker stable. Overdue a win but respect any market interest.
Fred's Flutter- Ponte Pietra ($7.50) each-way.
Race 2 - Hibernian Hotel Class 1 Hcp, 1400m: Bella Violet (3-$3.60) is overdue a win but rarely far away. Genuine provincial result first up but jumps sharply in weight. The progressive Ribeauville (2-$3.30 favourite) should measure up after a strong wet track maiden win in latest offering. Sweetly drawn and stable has a stout record at this venue. Antigonus (1-$9.50) showed early smarts in his first prep and has been steady in two quiet trials. Weighted to his best but is an upside type. Argyll Gardens (5-$8) is better suited back in grade but needs early luck from a wide draw.
Fred's Flutter- Bella Violet ($3.60) win.
Race 3 - Go To Plumbing Class 3 Hcp, 1200m: Silk Tie (9-$3.70) won in barnstorming fashion in latest at Nowra when ridden stone cold. From a quiet draw can maintain the rage. No Impediment (1-$13) is unbeaten in two first up starts both of them at this track. Weighted where it hurts but must be considered. Local mare Underground Music (8-$4.60) races best on the fresh side and looked sharp in her most recent trial. Genuine claims on home patch first up. Kobestar (3-$10) bounces back into country grade after a handy midway run in latest. Back up in the weights but pay to follow here.
Fred's Flutter- Silk Tie ($3.70) win.
Race 4 - Swiftwood Tiles & Bathrooms Maiden Plate, 1200m: Tricky race but As You Were (1-$1.80 fav) should go close after a line finding run first-up in city company. Needs luck from a sketchy draw but set for a breakthrough result. Onehelvason (6-$7) looked sharper in his most recent trial and senior rider takes the sit for debut. Market watch advised. Mr Showman (4-$16) has looked an early learner at the trials without breaking the clock. Drawn well as an each-way play. Cassilio (14-$16) was midfield behind an impressive stablemate in latest. Third-up can improve further at a price.
Fred's Flutter- As You Were ($1.80) win.
Race 5 - Kain Smith Memorial Maiden Hcp, 1000m: Nation Pride (5-$9) finds a genuine race to debut in but two trials have been of the same ilk. Senior rider goes on and an early payday possible. Written Doubt (12-$7.50) will be spearing forward early and has shown talent in her trials. Genuine claims for the reigning stable of the year. Rock Chant (9-$3.40 fav) battled on well for minor money in the mud on debut as favourite and deserves another chance. Hollow Dollar (7-$8.50) can post a better number despite an unplaced result first up. Drawn to find a smother early.
Fred's Flutter- Nation Pride ($9) and Hollow Dollar ($8.50) each-way.
Race 6 - Brad Writer Constructions Benchmark 58 Hcp, 1000m: Princess Spice (4-$8.50) showed sprinting smarts in her debut campaign and is produced first-up on her home patch. Big weight but in good hands. I Call Junee Home (7-$4.80) is in the zone of late but finds a stiffer test here. Drawn to have no excuses. Evening Bride (1-$3.80 equal fav) made sharp progress last campaign after winning on debut at a similar trip. Recent trials suggests she's ready to roll. Deepfield Magic (2-$16) is a dual winner at this trip and never got into the race in city grade last time out. From a low draw can hit back.
Fred's Flutter- Princess Spice ($8.50) each-way.
Race 7 - Jewell Builders Fred Cooper Cup, 1600m: So Sneeky (1-$4.60) hit a flat spot mid race first-up but looked to have one eye on this type of race late. Cute draw sets up for a cuddle ride and stable has a handy record when heading up the Hume. Bet Red (2-$3.30 fav) has been a productive find for the new stable and draws well on home patch. In-form apprentice continues the winning association. Nieces and Nephews (3-$5) is doing everything but win of late but continues to keep connections happy. Definite threat again. Buzz 'N' Joe (5-$8) is racing well enough to figure in the first four. Has won at this trip but does need an improving track.
Fred's Flutter- So Sneeky ($4.60) each-way.
Goulburn's track is currently rated a Soft 5 with the rail in the true position. Goulburn & District Race Club wishes all industry participants a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
View the final fields with full form & race replays for Goulburn here