Racing
Lindsay Hatch’s plan for Cairns carnival
There’s over $300,000 in prize money on offer this Saturday as the Cairns carnival kicks off.
He's had three winners and four placings from his past 15 runners and Toowoomba-based trainer Lindsay Hatch is hoping to keep the ball rolling as the Cairns carnival commences this weekend.
The features on the nine-race card include the $50,000 Belle Of The Daintree, the $50,000 Lightning Open and the $40,000 Amateur Cup and Hatch is looking to play a strong hand in at least two of those contests.
He saddles up his Heroic Valour mare Baby Guiness in the Belle Of The Daintree and whilst she has drawn second from the outside, Hatch is grateful for the important jockey booking.
The six-year-old has an enviable record at the distance range with five wins and two seconds from just nine attempts.
"She's done very well since the last run and she's not big, but she does carry weight," Hatch said.
"She's been a very good money spinner for us and the booking of (Justin) Huxtable is going to mean lengths to her.
"She just needs a bit of luck getting across from the outside alley."
He then lines up last-start winner Russian Mint in the Lightning Open, with Hatch sticking with his apprentice hoop Leah Martyn despite the fact that she cannot claim in the race.
The son of Russian Revolution was a dominant victor at Townsville last time out and Hatch has full confidence in Martyn for the ride.
"I wanted to book Huxtable last start but he never got his weight down so I booked Leah," Hatch said.
"She rode him last start and did nothing wrong and he will be very hard to beat from the rails draw."
Earlier in the card Hatch has Jungle Juice engaged in the Class 1 Plate and he has again entrusted apprentice Martyn with the steer.
"His run was outstanding last start at Townsville and he goes to the 1200m and gets a weight advantage with Leah's 3kg off," Hatch said.
"He gets in well at the weights and he's going to be very competitive."
The Cairns carnival rolls on next week with the running of the Newmarket on August 22 and the Cairns Cup on August 23.
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