Touch of Spring at Bendigo

As spring approaches mid-week racing gets tougher and this Wednesday’s card at Bendigo is a strong one. But we are confident that our charges can prove competitive – Miz Sinatra, Sherbet Bomb, Slinky Veeness, Devonshire Duke, Black Tomahawk and Yesterday’s Songs are all horses with talent.

Impressing when charging home to win at Seymour a couple of weeks ago, Miz Sinatra (pictured) rises in class in the Isuzu Trucks Mares Handicap but she pulled up well and Damian Lane again takes the ride.

“She has come through that run well,” Michael Moroney reported.

“It is a definite step up in class but she won very nicely last time out and any rain about would enhance her chances.”

Sherbet Bomb is one of our two runners in the Carlton Draught Handicap and we are looking forward to seeing what she can do this time in.

Having her first run since mid-January, the daughter of Snitzel is well regarded by the stable.

“She is a pretty smart mare,” said Moroney, adding that she has not yet been able to show her best due to a “run of foot problems.”

“But she seems good this preparation and we expect her to run a cheeky race first up.”

We are pleased that, as emergency, Slinky Veeness has got a run in the same race. Finding the going just too wet at her most recent outing at Cranbourne, the promising four-year-old has always shown plenty of ability.

If it does happen to rain, she may be saved for another day – possibly for a race on the Geelong synthetic.

Consistent gelding Devonshire Duke is due to take his place in the Scintillo Handicap and his usual honest effort is expected.

“He will keep on racing as once the tracks firm up he tends to struggle," Moroney said.

“He has a nice draw (barrier three) and whilst it is a slightly stronger field than last time, he is racing well.”

“He is always competitive,” he added.

In the seventh event, the Plusvital Handicap, we have Black Tomahawk ready to run another bold race.

“He is a nice stayer in the making,” said Moroney, “and he has trained on well from his last run.”

“He has another bad barrier draw (12) and that did get him beaten last time. But with luck in running he should prove very hard to toss.”

Also a top chance is the talented Yesterday’s Songs who contests the 77 Days To Bendigo Cup Handicap over 1400m.

Doing his best work late at Caulfield last time out, the lightly raced four-year-old was a bit green but we are hoping that a couple of additions to his gear, a bubble cheeker and a one-eyed blinker, will do the trick.

“He has worked very well in them and on ability and on his track work he is the horse to beat.”