With the Brisbane Summer racing season starting to gain momentum, punters will get the opportunity to see class local three-year-old Sizzling back in action at Eagle Farm today.
With his race programme firmly targeted towards the rich Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast in January, Sizzling will have a vital lead up race in this afternoon’s Listed Gold Edition Plate over 1200m, the scene of Sizzling’s lone group one win, the T J Smith over 1600m last June.
The Snitzel colt who has won five of his ten race starts is admirably weighted this afternoon under the set weight conditions of the Gold Edition Plate meeting all male rivals on equal terms and conceding just 2 kgs to the fillies.
Timeform rated 118, Sizzling has raced twice since a spell both times in Melbourne during the Spring in much stronger company than he meets this afternoon.
Fresh up from a spell, Sizzling contested an open three year old handicap at Caulfield over 1200m finishing a close fourth to class filly Snitzerland giving weight all round.
Last start he stepped up to G1 company in the Coolmore Classic down the Flemington straight 1200m and despite not handling the straight course still managed a creditable sixth behind star filly Nechita beaten under two lengths but rating five pounds below his master rating.
Sizzling has not raced for 42 days but I do not see that as a problem, trainer Kelso Wood keeping the colt up to the mark on the training track since.
In fact Sizzling will need to be on the fresh side over 1200m and from his excellent low draw with regular rider Chris Munce in the saddle I can see him getting a lovely run just off the speed.
Sizzling has won three of his four starts at Eagle Farm where he is trained and is well suited by the spacious course. If he runs only to his Melbourne Timeform rating of 113, he should easily account for this line up under today’s race conditions.
Improving filly Discreet is one of his main dangers. Timeform rated 108, the Kelly Schweida trained galloper comes into the race second up with scope for further improvement.
First up she was in need of the run when fourth over 1000m at Eagle Farm in three year old company.
On that occasion she raced fiercely covering plenty of extra ground before fading from the lead on the turn to finish fourth behind The Conspirator.A winner previously when racing second up, Discreet can improve considerably today. Interestingly last campaign she had good form in Listed and Group 2 three-year-old class including a close up fifth to Sizzling at Doomben when second up in the Champagne Classic over 1200m.
A repeat of that effort today sees her in the finish.
Handy type Noogoora Burr Timeform rated 111 also resumes from a spell this afternoon but with a new trainer Darryl Hansen.
This fellow has always shown ability including a win over Sizzling in juvenile company this time last year. He was also disqualified after winning the Listed Hampden Stakes over 1200m in May at Doomben where he defeated Hoss Amour so there is no doubt he has the ability to make his presence felt if fit.
Noogoora Burr has not raced since finishing seventh behind Sizzling in the T J Smith over 1600m at Eagle Farm in June, however his fresh up record is sound winning twice from three attempts.
A slight concern is that the gelding has not trialled in preparation for this afternoon’s assignment however it would be unwise to dismiss him on that point alone.
The improving Saluter has returned to racing in top form running second fresh up then winning with something in hand last time out.
Timeform rated 106p, Saluter is building a good career record with more to come. Last start he was most impressive winning a class 6 at Eagle Farm over 1200m pulling away late from Spot The Rock in a good form race that has since produced two subsequent winners.
Damien Browne takes the ride again but has to content with horror barrier draw of thirteen, certainly not ideal when taking on a strong line up like he faces here.
Saluter will need plenty of luck but stays under notice.
If there is an upset it could come from the filly Snipzu. Trained by Liam Birchley, this filly has been mixing her form of late but does have runs in her form book that if repeated would bring her into calculation.
Two back she had absolutely no luck behind outstanding prospect Shamal Wind down the Flemington straight on Oaks day, a race that has been a sensational form reference producing five subsequent winners.
Then last time out returning home she was most disappointing at Eagle Farm in listed company well beaten behind Caliente.
A two time winner at Eagle farm, it is interesting that leading rider Larry Cassidy has taken the mount this afternoon. She will get a sweet run from her inside barrier.
The Gold Edition Plate will prove to be a useful form reference in coming weeks, but more than that the exciting Sizzling will be the major drawcard.
Enjoy the race.
