The $50,000 Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes Foundations Mobile Pace is one the bookmakers simply can’t split – with recent Rising Stars winner Franco Ankara and the exciting Captain Tyron both opening as favourites.
Since his Rising Stars victory, the Dalgety-trained Franco Ankara ran a luckless third behind stablemate Eun Sogno last week, while Captain Tyron’s race track return behind Kōwhai Star had “next-up” written all over it – storming home for third in his first start since pacing a 1:52.7 mile at Nelson in January. He should improve considerably from that run and holds the advantage of drawing inside his rival. The Dalgety barn also saddles up Asymmetric Return (3) and Suspicious Captain (4), both in winning form and drawn handily – making it a formidable team in what looks a fascinating contest.
The twelve-race programme also features the $25,000 Studholme Bloodstock Mares Spring Sprint, with quality spread right across the eight-runner field. Hayden and Amanda Cullen bring last season’s Oaks winner Arafura (4) back off a recent trial win, alongside stablemate Winelight (1), who finished a close second fresh-up behind Trump Card and has plenty of options from her draw. Against that pair are the in-form Beside Me (7), last-start winners Nothing But You (3) and Chicago Sky (6), and the consistent Hayley Jaccka (8). Chicago Sky is first-up since winning the Uncut Gems at Addington in May but has trialled nicely behind Hayley Jaccka for trainers Katrina and John Price – she’ll be one to watch.