You have to congratulate Matamata trainer Andrew Scott for his efforts
at the Brisbane carnival.
He won the Oaks of course and there are many facets of travelling horses that can prove difficult.
Pennacchio's win in the final event of the official Queensland carnival last Saturday was proof positive Scottcan handle that end of the stick.
On the home front he's got a couple of strong chances for glory at Avondale this afternoon.
Lastofthedragons (No14, R4) and Lamington Vegas (No8) and One Swanstonstreet (No6) in Race 5 offer Scott strong hope.
Lastofthedragons finished strongly to grab the finish line at Matamata last start. This is a bit of a step up but there could be two in a row in her. The dangers are Shamarose (No10) and Cosabella (No7), who is likely to start favourite.
Lamington Vegas was beaten favourite when resuming at Ellerslie on June 5, but don't forget at her second race start she won the Ryder Stakes then finished third at weight-for-age to San Bernadino and Bulginbaah at Rotorua. Opie Bosson has the ride. When resuming from a spell last start One Swanstonstreet was run down by Atom Cat, but that is no disgrace. Apprentice David Mo drops her weight to 54kg and she will prove difficult.
The opener is an interesting race. The almost certain favourite Trading Secrets (No4, R1) is the worst weighted horse all day at Avondale but Opie Bosson climbs into the saddle. He'll probably make it a winning treble, but don't put the house on him - also take him in multiples with The Jungle Boy (No6), Midday Hero (No8) and roughie La Generose (No7). Tough race.
Murray and Bjorn Baker hold the key in race 2 with Lol (No9) and Lady Kipling (No5). Madula (No2) looks the big danger.
On his efforts at Ellerslie, Svengali (No2, R3) should really appreciate the step to 1400m. Royal Rampage (No12) should be the quick improver.
Hottenov (No1, R6) has had two of his four starts on rain-affected ground and been placed in both.
The job of Strapped For Cash (No1, R7) became that much easier with the scratching late yesterday of Kingsinga. The 59kg is not going to be easy but he's the horse to beat.
Mary Agnes (No11, R8) has had only one start beyond 1600m in her six starts and she won it. The way she has been racing at 1600m lately she'll make that two from two today.
