Mackay   12 Aug 2025
 
GOING: G(4)

Leading Trainer 2025 Clinton Taylor BENCHMARK 70 Handicap 1300m

Track: GOOD 4   Rain (Max: 20)   Rail: +2.5m Entire.  

Small field but a good tempo is expected with Chickerartie, Moon Over Matilda and Turn Bird pressing on. BETTER THAN WORDS (6) has raced in a lot harder races than this. She got too far back when resuming and this slightly longer race will help. Does get right down in the weights as well. THE BRILL BUILDING (5) had a poor barrier last outing so this is so much better. His form before that was relevant here. TURN BIRD (1) is always around the money. He will be sitting up near the speed most of the way. Is also getting back to the right trip for him. OUTBACK BANDIT (4) struggled in a tougher race last outing. He is capable of bouncing back. DEALING'S DONE (3) does like racing at home. He can place again. SUGGESTED PLAY: Better Than Words is a bet. Turn Bird as well.
1 12158 TURN BIRD
STEVEN ROYES
5YO  BAY  GELDING 60.0KG
Hedley Racing (Mgr: T W Hedley), T W Hedley, B J McDonald & J R McDonald
Most recently second last of 9 at Cairns Hcp on July 24 over 1250m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Valenki with 54kg at $15. Before that 5th of 10 at Townsville Cl6 on July 6 over 1200m, slow going 0.9 len behind Chartwell carrying 57kg at $14. Worth following up.
3
S CORMACK
Orange, Yellow "H" And Cap
2 44374 CHICKERARTIE
LACHIE MANZELMANN
7YO  BAY  MARE 57.0KG
L Seymour & D W Ballard
At the latest run crossed from a wide gate to settle just off the pace but gave ground when 4th of 16 at Townsville F&M Bm70 on August 2 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Lucky Leni with 58.5kg at $17. Before that faded in the straight 7th of 11 at this track F&M Bm70 on July 26 over 1560m, 4.5 len behind Rothesay's Ruby with 59kg at $19. Hard to have.
7
ASHLEY BUTLER
Black, White LC4 Logo, Chevron Sleeves, White Cap
3 18663 DEALING'S DONE
WAYNE WINTERS
6YO  BROWN  GELDING 57.0KG
Mrs S Winters, Miss B Becker, A Spiteri, B Winters, M Camilleri, M Walker, S Hunt & Knutlins Racing
Last start raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 10 at this track Cl3 on July 26 over 1300m, nose behind Hyde Park carrying 56.5kg at $6.50. The start before that 6th of 9 at this track Bm70 on July 11 over 1300m, slow going 4.5 len behind Lady Masquerade carrying 56.5kg at $7. Can figure in the outcome again.
6
GEORGINA CARTWRIGHT
White, Light Green Diamond, Diamond Armbands And Seams On Cap
4 2x128 OUTBACK BANDIT
WILL JOHNSTON
4YO  B/BR  GELDING 57.0KG
G R Green & W B Johnston
At the latest run couldn't go on with it; 8th of 10 at this track 3yo Qlty on July 26 over 1560m, 7 len behind Astra Star with 56kg at $4.40. The start before that raced on the pace when 2nd of 10 at Rockhampton 3yo Hcp on July 4 over 1200m, slow going nose behind Jacka Stands Alone carrying 55kg at $1.90. Hard to beat on his best form.
5
ADIN THOMPSON
Lime Green, White Shamrocks And Lime Green Cap
5 28410 THE BRILL BUILDING
RICKY VALE
6YO  BROWN  GELDING 57.0KG
Mrs G M Apel
Most recently 12th of 16 at Townsville Bm65 on August 2 over 1200m, 6 len behind Lean Eagle carrying 58.5kg at $7.50. Before that ran on from midfield and won by 1.1 len at this track Bm58 July 11 over 1200m on a rain affected track defeating Odegaard with 60kg at $1.70. Can rebound.
2
MCKENZIE APEL
Blue, Yellow Horseshoe, Armbands And Quartered Cap
6 107x4 BETTER THAN WORDS
JOHN WIGGINTON
4YO  BROWN  MARE 56.0KG
J T Wigginton, G Dunnett, Mrs M S Hansen & V W Vagg
Second-up. First-up after two months came home strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 7 at Rockhampton 3yo Hcp on July 29 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Time To Prophet carrying 57.5kg at $2.70. Previously second-up 4th of 9 at Rockhampton 3yo SW on February 14 over 1100m, 2.5 len behind Power Of Katie carrying 55kg at $3.90. Strips fitter and expected to run a bold race.
2
LEAH MARTYN
Cerise, Purple Sash, Quartered Cap
7 56618 LADY MASQUERADE
TREVOR WILLIAMS
6YO  BROWN  MARE 55.0KG
T Williams & J Williams
Most recently 8th of 16 at Townsville F&M Bm70 on August 2 over 1400m, 5 len behind Lucky Leni carrying 57kg at $12. The run before that won by a neck at this track Bm70 July 11 over 1300m on a rain affected track defeating Our Turn Now with 54kg at $21. Great chance to atone.
4
TAHLIA FENLON
Cerise, Purple Sleeves, Silver Cap
8 14365 MOON OVER MATILDA
LYLE WRIGHT
5YO  CHESTNUT  MARE 54.0KG
Graceville Thoroughbreds (Mgr: B Hall)
Most recently 5th of 11 at this track F&M Bm70 on July 26 over 1560m, 3 len behind Rothesay's Ruby with 54.5kg at $26. Before that 6th of 12 at this track Bm58 on July 11 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2.75 len behind The Brill Building carrying 59kg at $9. Can overlook.
1
C MC IVER
White, Gold Sash