Lismore Turf Club will be the first cab off the rank as the 2024 Country Championships commence on Saturday, February 17.
It is the first time Lismore has been given the opportunity to host the Northern Rivers Racing Association qualifier, and it’s set to be a belter, with the $150,000 event attracting a very good field of runners over the 1400m.
At the time of publishing, Lismore’s racecourse was a heavy eight, which will be a challenge heading into the eight-race program, especially with the qualifier as the final event.
Still, it is a very good program, and NSW Country and Picnic Racing Editor Jeff Hanson has run his eye over the field, picking out his top selection and identifying some key contenders.
Northern Rivers Racing Association qualifier
Date: Saturday, February 17
Location: Lismore
Major player: Rainbow Connection ($6). The half-brother to Golden Sixty might not be one of the favourites with bookmakers, but it’s terribly hard to look past the three-time winner, who’s remarkably a $50 to win the whole series.
As a 3YO in 2021, the Choisir gelding was Listed and Group-placed.
He finished third behind Ellsbergh and Private Eye in the South Pacific Classic (1400m) at Royal Randwick and finished second in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas, beaten less than half a length by Exoboom.
While he’s undoubtedly had some issues, Rainbow Connection has raced around good horses his entire career, and two starts back dropped back in class and won an 1100m Class Two Handicap at Ipswich.
Third-up from a spell, he finished second in a 1400m Class Three Handicap at Eagle Farm on February 3, and he should be primed for Saturday’s qualifier.
The only concern is the wet track, but he has won on a soft and is drawn to race a little wider with Ben Looker in the saddle.
Key contenders: It’s hard to look away from the Matthew Dunn stable in Saturday’s qualifier, with the Murwillumbah trainer set to start seven chances.
Rainbow Connection ($6) is my top pick, but a case can be made for Tribeca Star ($9), Emperor ($4), and Veandechance ($21). There is also Fukubana ($3.70) and Belvedere Boys ($8.50), that’s if they do start on the quick back-up.
Veandechance is probably the value play because she does race well on a heavy track, and she was ultra-impressive in a 1000m trial at Murwillumbah on February 4, which was coincidently held on a heavy 9.
Luke Rolls has also been locked in for the ride.
Of the rest, the Daniel Bowen-trained Tectonic Plate ($34) has been racing well, winning four from ten, including his most recent starts at Ballina (1000m Benchmark 74) and Grafton (1181m Class 4 Preview).
She also handles a rain-affected track but is unproven at the distance.
David McColm has a big opinion of last-start Eagle Farm winner Fairway Choice.
She’s a handy mare on the up and is proven over the trip but not on a heavy track.
Still, punters have gravitated her way ($15 into $10).
The Brett Dodson-trained Swift Charm ($14) deserves respect following recent highway placings.
He will be third-up into the race, is proven over the distance, and can handle a rain-affected track.
Our tips: 4-12-13-9
Why get to Lismore? The trifecta ticket had me sold. Racegoers can purchase a ticket for $50, which grants them entry into the races and gives them 2 x $10 food vouchers and 3 x drink vouchers.
Add to that, all gate profits are going to local sporting teams, and it will be a historic day when the club hosts their first Country Championships qualifier.
For more on the meeting and to book tickets, click here.
