An intriguing free-for-all will highlight a nine-race card this Saturday at Albion Park, with both last start open company winners, Manila Playboy and Tims A Trooper drawn gate six and ten respectively.
Tims A Trooper was back to his best last week when charging home to score his 15th win, with a dozen of those victories coming at The Creek.
After an interrupted 2024, the Grant Dixon trained pacer has been a model of consistency in 2025, last week’s victory taking his record to 11: 2-2-4 for the term.
Dixon will reunite with the $400,000 earner after Jack Chapple took the reins last start and will be hoping a similar tempo can be replicated for this week’s assignment.
Manila Playboy was able to lead throughout at his most recent appearance two weeks ago but faces a much sterner test this time from wide off the front line in a race where there is good speed drawn to his inside.
“There is a stack of speed inside us,” Garrard said.
“It will just be interesting to see what happens, I would like to think we can be positive and at least give ourselves a shot of finding the fence.
“I’d like to think if Turn It Up were to lead, I’m happy enough whether he releases or whether we sit outside him, I’d be happy enough.”
Chasing a 25th victory at The Creek, the Shane graham trained Turn It Up will be partnered by Kelli Dawson who has driven the veteran just once previously, finishing in second place on that occasion.
Despite his advancing years, the gelding is still one of the quickest horses off the arm in the country.
“Shane keeps telling me how much gate speed he’s got, so I guess it might be the only chance I’ve got to find out, so we’ll hit the button and see what he can do,” Dawson said.
“There is the potential to be a lot of speed, but it is over the mile, which is his preferred distance, so we have to give him a shot and see what he can do.”
The Racing and Sports Divided Open Pace is set down for 6.12pm and will see the last race appearance of Northview Hustler which will be retired after a wonderful career.
Can it be the Al Barnes fairytale?
For the mare’s the Garrards Horse and Hound Mares Open Pace has set up perfectly for Chynchilla to chase another Albion Park victory.
The recent showdown between Rylee Rhayne Bow and Chynchilla was the first time the two high class mares had met and went in the favour of the Turpin trained Rylee Rhayne Bow, however this week, the market suggests the ledger will be drawn at one apiece.
An eight-time winner at The Creek, Chynchilla will look to make the most of gate three and press forward to take control, making the task even harder for Rylee Rhayne Bow which has drawn outside the front line in gate seven.
If there is to be an upset, it could come from either of the other two Turpin mares in the race, Miki Magic to be partnered by Chantal from gate five and Thesunandthemoon starting from inside the second line for Tom Callaghan.
BEST BETS
Chris Barsby
R9 N7 Berriesandcherries – “This former Victorian, both runs so far have been excellent. A first up winner from the tapes in the trotter’s marathon. Last week lost no admirers with a gallant second behind the in-form mare Golden Sunset.”
Darren Clayton
R3 N1 Studleigh Punter – “Recent efforts have been super when the gates have not been kind. Comes up with the improved alley this week and with his good hustle off the arm, can look to make the most of the advantage.”
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