Robert Smerdon’s Arch Fire looks perfectly weighted to turn the tables on Turner Bayou in this afternoon’s Restricted 78 Slickpix Handicap (2400m) at Sandown Hillside.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The pair met two weeks ago at this track and trip with Patrick Payne’s Turner Bayou finishing 0.8L clear to grab his fourth win from 12 starts.
But he carries an extra 2.5kg here while Arch Fire’s weight hasn’t been increased at all, and with Jackie Berriman’s claim he drops to just 52kg – a 5.5kg weight swing looking to overturn less than a length.
Turner Bayou ran to 92 in winning the race two weeks ago with English import Arch Fire returning a figure of 85.
But Turner Bayou’s unbeaten record over this trip looks to be well and truly on the line today thanks to the handicapper.
Timeform takes a look at the main chances in the race.
1. Turner Bayou - Back, wide and never likely at the Valley but clearly appreciated the wider expanses here last time, winning well. Has upside but will need it to keep Arch Fire at bay today.
2. Great Player - Well held this campaign so far and now 655 days without a win. Hard to be following.
3. Arch Fire - Good behind Police Gazette and then behind Turner Bayou here last time. Meets him 2.5kg better here (5.5kg after the claim) and that gives him every chance of turning the tables.
4. Twin Soul - Latest form has been fair and he shapes as one of the leading contenders for minor honours here. One to play in multiples.
5. About The Journey - Racing consistently but he will have to step up on his form to pose a threat to the leading fancies here. Place hope.
6. Mister Ceriani - Mornington runs were okay but beaten a long way here last time and hard to have on the back of that.
7. Virenque - Winner two back but couldn't go on with it last start at Mornington. Had a tough run there but does have a bit to find on form.
8. Wairoa - Right around the mark in recent starts but he is limited and this is tougher.
9. The Zero - SCRATCHED
10. Strategic Impact - SCRATCHED
11. East Versus West - Recent run of form has been below what is required here and looking elsewhere for the winner at this stage.
SUMMARY: Turner Bayou is open to further improvement on his good win here last time but he will certainly need to meeting the runner up there, Arch Fire, an alarming 5.5kg worse after the claim. Latter looks a strong chance of turning the tables. Expect the winner to come from that pair with Twin Soul taken ahead of the remainder.
