Slattery ready to dance at Gosford this Thursday

By Brenton Le Grand

Local trainer Gilbert Slattery only ever has one or two horses in work at any given time, but believes his filly Dancing Phryne is a big chance at The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford this Thursday.

The three-year-old Snippetson filly lines up in the Mudgecorp Maiden Plate over 1200m and Slattery is more than happy to have in-form hoop Tim Clark engaged.

“I actually had Josh Parr down to ride, but he was already booked to steer Spin Bowles in the same race,” Slattery said. “It’s not often Tim Clark is your second option!”

Elite hoop Clark has been in red-hot form this past month with 13 winners from his last 50 rides, including saluting on English in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 two weeks ago.

“We’ve drawn near the outside every start this preparation, but hopefully Tim can roll forward from gate six and be near the pace,” Slattery said. “Being trained locally is a massive plus for us, as we only have to walk across the road rather than float to somewhere like Taree or Scone.”

The Toohey’s Extra Dry 2YO Maiden kicks off the eight-race card, and looks to be an interesting watch with many strong metropolitan stables represented. Gerald Ryan saddles up Tactical Formation for Sun Bloodstock, and this Mossman gelding has gone very close in his two runs this preparation.

Later in the day, Godolphin have the ultra-consistent Seine Net engaged in the Pandora Class 2 Handicap over 1600m for James Cummings. This three-year-old Street Cry filly never puts in a bad race, with two wins and six placings from only ten starts to date. Brenton Avdulla gets the ride, and he won on this filly at Wyong late last year.

Gates open at 11am with the first race scheduled for 12.10pm. Free entry on the day with Panorama Lounge and Open Terrace hospitality packages still available.