Get ready for a thrilling night at Gloucester Park, where the Retravision Golden Nugget headlines a stacked card and every race is loaded with talent and intrigue.
Golden Lode, the speedy New Zealand-bred pacer trained by Greg and Skye Bond, is out to break through after six group feature attempts. With the prized No. 1 barrier and Deni Roberts in the sulky, Golden Lode's camp is confident: if he leads, he's the one to beat. His recent runs from tough draws have been full of merit, and he's overdue for a big result.
But the Nugget is no walkover. Copy Cat Queen, the only filly in the race, arrives in top form after a dominant win last week. Trainer-driver Aiden De Campo is bullish about her chances from barrier two, especially if the race is run at a genuine tempo. Waverider, drawn three, could add early fireworks with his gate speed, while Menemsha (barrier four) is a genuine knockout hope after some luckless runs.
The Bond stable is loaded, with Tualou and Justcallmemiki joining Golden Lode in the hunt for another Nugget trophy, while Hall of Fame trainer Gary Hall Snr brings Franco Motu and Alta Tribute, both proven performers in big races. Franco Motu, a last-start winner, and Alta Tribute, ultra-consistent of late, add further depth to a cracking field.
Elsewhere, Dawson earned his spot with a strong second to Copy Cat Queen last week and could surprise from barrier six, while Heavenly Gipsy and Penny Black headline the $100,000 Norms Daughter Classic. Emily Suvaljko has chosen Heavenly Gipsy after a sharp draw, but Penny Black's toughness and versatility make her a major player, especially with Stuart Mcdonald aboard.
Sweet Vivienne, Aardiebytheseaside and Little Darling are all in the mix, with Sweet Vivienne's gate speed and Little Darling's strong finishing burst catching the eye in recent runs. Wonderful To Fly, despite a tricky draw, remains a threat if the race is run at speed.
Nutbush Girl is chasing five straight wins in the opener, and trainer Shane Tognolini and reinsman Kyle Harper are confident she'll be hard to catch from barrier three. Lavra Joe returns in the Free-For-All, looking to build fitness after a long layoff, but Magnificent Storm, with 40 wins from 66 starts, is the one they'll all have to chase from the inside draw.
Nathan Street, a former Victorian, is ready to shine after a tough WA debut, and Control The Room, a promising colt, lines up for his third start in eight days with a plum draw and Jack Callaghan in the cart.
The Bond team is strong in the Barbagallo Alfa Romeo Pace, with Troubadour, Captains Creek, Mad Monday and Rumble Strip all capable of featuring, and Deni Roberts' choice to drive Troubadour could be telling.
