Danielson to strike with Duke

They should strike again at the course on today when they team up in Race 6, a MR 90 Handicap over 1300m on the Polytrack, with Sir Duke. In his last start the four-year-old gelding might have been a bit unlucky in that he proved not to be the easiest of rides. He had to be given a shove to enter the starting stalls but then ran on strongly and went down by just 0.50 lengths to Money Grubber.

That race was over 1600m but the son of Trippi takes a slight drop in distance and will contest this event over 1300m. He is likely to be suited to the faster early pace and that might enable Danielson to settle him a lot easier and then run at the leaders.

Sir Duke has built up a decent record on the Polytrack where he has won two of his six starts and has placed on the other four occasions. He is not all that well drawn at No 9 but that might help Danielson settle him in near the rear.

The main danger should come from stable companion Trade Emblem. He has raced four times at Fairview – twice on turf and twice on the Polytrack – and placed once on each surface. His last start – in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m on the turf – resulted is an excellent 2.25-length second-place finish behind Red Barrel. Prior to that he finished a 1.25-length third to Kono over this course and distance. Wayne Agrella takes the ride.