Avdulla Booking Should Ensure Queen Reigns

By Brenton Le Grand

Thoroughbred racing returns to The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford Tuesday with one local trainer looking to continue her rich vein of form.

With only 37 runners for the 2018-2019 season, Angela Davies has already racked up 14 winners striking at a remarkable 38%. She saddles up Queen Ablaze in the Eve Electrical Fillies and Mares Class 1 Handicap over 1100m and has drawn to get the run of the race from the inside gate.

“She has come back in really good order, and Brenton (Avdulla) sticks with her following a nice trial at Wyong which is a good sign,” Davies said. “I’m currently at the Inglis sales so it would be great to get a winner tomorrow and hopefully find some new owners!”

The meeting kicks off with Tab.com.au 3 Or Less Starts Maiden Handicap over 1100m with another local in-form trainer Kylie Gavenlock debuting her promising Magic Albert filly Lightning Ally. Gavenlock trained her mother Lightning Cross so is familiar with the family, and the three-year-old looks well placed following a handy trial at Wyong on February 5.

The Sydney Comedy Club at The EG Feb 16 Benchmark 64 over 1200m shapes to be an interesting event to close the meeting with Emperor Harada aiming to bounce back from a bucking exhibition last time out. The four-year-old gelding has since trialled satisfactorily at Wyong under hoop Chris O’Brien and he’ll be hoping the Neil Ward galloper is on his best behaviour on his home surface.

Another Gosford resident Nick Mitchell has the evergreen Radical Impact in the same event with apprentice Mikayla Weir providing some weight relief with her 3kg claim. The nine-year-old Snitzel gelding is always thereabouts and has been a great money-spinner for the Mitchell camp amassing over $278,000 in earnings.

Gates open at 12pm with the first race scheduled for 1.15pm.