TODAY’S local thoroughbred meeting at the Hamilton Racing Club will have the added flavour of crowds being allowed back on track.
With the state’s double vaccinated numbers increasing daily, racing is slowly re-opening to crowds.
While numbers will be restricted, today’s meeting will be a fully vaccinated COVIDSafe event.
Operating under Victorian Government requirements, anyone wanting to attend must have proof of being double vaccinated upon entry.
To save disappointment, the club would prefer tickets to be purchased via its country racing website.
Gates open at 11am for an eight-event card, that have relatively small but competitive fields.
Will Gordon will be looking to kick off the day strongly with two very good Highweight rides.
The Lindsey Smith-trained Deep Encounter looks too good for his rivals in the 1609m Ross Fitzgerald Concrete Maiden, while popular local, Allaboutattitude, will be looking to emulate his last appearance at the track with another win for local trainer, Trudy Cottier, in the Bet365 BM58 Highweight Handicap over 2209m.
Gordon has a strong book of rides, including Noble Rocks for local track manager and trainer, Darren Kolpin.
Rarely a meeting goes by without Dean Yendall finding the winner’s stall.
Guaranteed in the Hamilton Flooring Xtra Maiden Plate and last start Hamilton winner, Pristine Image, in the Café Gray BM58 Handicap look his best chances.
Both gallopers come from the strong stables of Mick Price along with Michael Kent and Symon Wilde.
Smith looks a good chance of a training double with Yarra Boy looking a huge first-up chance in The Pet Food Shop Hamilton BM58 Handicap.
The four-year-old was a strong winner on debut at Ballarat in March, and then followed up with good efforts in stronger class races than he meets today.
Declan Bates should have an armchair ride in the 1209m event, with Octagon the only likely danger.
Deel Blaster, trained by Matt Laurie, also looks very hard to beat in the Lawn Pride Legends BM58 Handicap over 1409m.
Dropping back from BM64 grade after a good Maiden win at Echuca in August, the four-year-old son of Dundeel looks better than his rivals.
Good punting.