Aussie News - June 22

By Adam Hamilton

Former Kiwi star South Coast Arden’s NSW resurrection is thrilling new trainer Paul Fitzpatrick.

But the astute horseman still won’t commit to a Queensland raid to tackle some of Australia’s top pacers in coming weeks.

Races like the $200,000 Sunshine Sprint (July 15) and $400,000 Blacks A Fake July 22) are the biggest possible targets.

“We’ve got no plans at this stage, other than this week,” Fitzpatrick said.

South Coast Arden will chase his fourth NSW win from as many starts in the $30,000 Golden Mile at Menangle on Saturday night.

It’s his biggest test so far with proven Grand Circuit performer and two-time Miracle Mile runner-up Spirit Of St Louis in gate three.

South Coast Arden has drawn 10 , but will come into nine if the emergency doesn’t get a run.

Spirit Of St Louis is definitely headed north after this week.

X X X

It certainly won’t be your usual warm-up for a huge interstate raid when star former WA pacer Magnificent Storm steps out at Gloucester Park tomorrow (Friday) night.

A lack of suitable races will see WA’s best start from a staggering 60m handicap in the fourth race – giving away 40m to his nearest rivals.

Managing owner Robbie Tomlinson is just pleased to get a key lead-up race in before Magnificent Storm heads to Brisbane on July 3.

“His preparation for Queensland is the main thing,” he said. “It certainly won’t be easy from 60m. Himself is a Group 1 winner and we’re giving him a 50m start. It’s only his second standing-start race and he’s had no practice, so let’s just see how we go.”

Magnificent Storm’s first Brisbane run will be the $50,000 Mr Feelgood at Albion Park on July 8.

X X X

The Queensland action continues to hot-up with a ripper Redcliffe Gold Cup meeting on Saturday night.

The $106,070 Gold Cup is certainly the highlight with a huge and classy field in the 2613m standing-start feature.

Former classy Kiwi pacer Hot And Treacherous looks the one to beat after his terrific second to young gun Leap To Fame at Redcliffe last week.’

Hot And Treacherous comes off a 10m handicap for trainer Jack Butler and premier driver Nathan Dawson.

Jason Grimson’s former Kiwi pair Loyalist (barrier two) and Betterzippit (10m) are other key players, along with L L Cool J from 10m.

The meeting also features the Redcliffe Derby and Oaks.

X X X

Another week should see another feature win for brilliant Kiwi-owned trotting mare Queen Elida.

Brent Lilley’s star faces just five rivals in the Group 3 Matriarch Trot (2240m).

Victory will be her 25th from just 43 starts with another 13 placings and earnings of $510,285.