News
15/04/2010 |
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While all eyes at Ascot tomorrow afternoon will be firmly focused on the Group 2 Karrakatta Plate and the Group 3 WA Oaks, there will be another race on the programme that will attract as much attention from Kalgoorlie racing fans. Locally prepared gallopers Gold Commodity, trained by Paul Smythe and Black George, trained by Peter Fernie, will venture to the city to lock horns in a head-to-head battle in the last race of the day: the Club Burswood Handicap (1200m). Gold Commodity, a five-year-old Laranto gelding, has been the star of the current Kalgoorlie season with two emphatic wins and has returned to the form and potential he displayed earlier in his career. He has toyed with the opposition in imperious fashion and is racing with renewed zest and vigour under a second preparation with Smythe. "I was a bit dubious when he arrived back at my stables because his form didn't look to flash," Smythe said. "I couldn't really work it out because he is better than he showed. "That's why I've been a little reserved about his return because I'm hoping it's not a flash-in-the-pan. "But you can't fault his form and he will be right in this race on Saturday. "I don't think it's an overly strong field apart from Highest Honour and Black George who look the hardest to beat. "Both Kalgoorlie horses have drawn well so it could quite possibly be a race in two." Win lose or draw on the weekend Gold Commodity is again destined for a new home. He's listed to be sold in the Greenfields Park unreserved dispersal sale at Belmont Park on April 18 and a farewell win would be welcomed by owners and trainer alike. "Before his two wins this campaign I don't imagine he was worth too much," Smythe said. "That's changed somewhat in the past couple of weeks and a win on Saturday will no doubt improve his sale value further. "He's gone from a horse that was worth peanuts to a horse that will present a nice sale opportunity and I'm pleased to have played my part in the process." While Gold Commodity has been the shining light of the current Kalgoorlie racing season it was Black George who dominated last year with a string of impressive wins. The Blackfriars 5-year-old produced a sequence of five wins and a second placing from six starts including victory at Belmont Park on September 26. He hasn't been seen on the track since an unplaced run in October but a recent barrier trial win by over seven lengths indicates he will be close to the mark on his return. |
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