Darwin racing preview, best bets & odds | Saturday 6/5/23
| What | Darwin Races |
| Where | Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 |
| When | Saturday, May 6, 2023 |
| First Race | 2:37pm ACST |
They haven’t raced at Fannie Bay since ANZAC Day, but the action returns on Saturday with the Darwin Turf Club hosting a five-race meeting.
Although only 35 runners have accepted, Darwin will take centre stage in the NT with the highly successful Alice Springs Cup Carnival ending last Sunday. It’s basically the calm before the storm with the racing in the Top End set to intensify in coming weeks and during June before the start of the Darwin Cup Carnival in July.
Since the last meeting only 1mm of rain has fallen in Darwin, and with sunny conditions forecasted for Friday and Saturday it should make for tip-top racing. There is a 10 per cent chance of rain on Saturday with a temperature of 35C and light winds predicted. The rail will be in the true position and the track will be a good dirt surface.
Darwin Best Bet: I’m A Dreamer
There was a period when the four-year-old gelding couldn’t get among the placegetters, but lately I’m A Dreamer has found it difficult to win a race. In his past three starts, the son of Divine Prophet has finished second behind Ye Hella over 1300m (0-58) on March 18, second behind Cisalpine over 1300m (0-58) on March 31 and second behind Patria over 1300m (BM54) on April 14. Is clearly the form horse in the race, although a wide barrier might prove an issue after jumping from inside gates in his past three starts. Had three straight fourths on the grass at Kununurra in late August and early September last year before winning first up for Halter at Fannie Bay over 1200m (0-58) on January 14. Two more fourths followed over 1200m (BM54) on February 4 and March 4 before his recent run where he has been the runner-up. Brimarvi Rooboy, Malibu Edition and Go Bundle are likely threats.
Best Bet
Race 2 – 
#1 I’m A Dreamer (9)
4yo Gelding | T: Tayarn Halter | J: Paul Shiers (59.5kg)
Next Best at Darwin: El Magnificence
In 14 starts since debuting at Fannie Bay in March last year, the eight-year-old gelding has only missed a place twice and is easily one of the more consistent horses in the Top End. Did little wrong last start when pipped by less than half a length by the handy Bel’ Banner over 1100m (BM69) on Anzac Day when spotting the winner 1.5kg. With a 3kg claim, El Magnificence also drops 3kg this weekend and his form in five starts since returning from a five month spell has been exemplary. The son of Magnus was third behind Cudjerie over 1200m (0-70) on January 14 and 1100m (0-76) before stringing two straight wins over 1100m (0-64) on March 4 and 1100m (0-70) on March 24 when he overcame Patria and Bel’s Banner, respectively. The reliable El Magnificence’s worst effort in Darwin has been a seventh. Great Diviner, Turnstar and Ye Hella will keep him on his toes come Saturday.
Next Best
Race 3 – 
#1 El Magnificence (5)
8yo Gelding | T: Phil Cole | J: Emma Lines (55kg)
Saturday quaddie tips for Darwin races
Darwin quadrella selections
Saturday, May 5, 2023
- 1-2-3
- 1-2
- 1-2
- 2-3-5
Investment: $36 for 100%