Ken Russell Memorial tips, odds and betting strategy | 8/5
| What | Ken Russell Memorial |
| Where | Gold Coast Turf Club |
| When | Race 5 | 1:49pm | Saturday May 8, 2021 |
| Prizemoney | $150,000 |
| Distance | 1200m |
| Status | Group 3 |
| Race Conditions | 2YO Set Weights |
| 2020 Winner | Wisdom of Water (2) – Trainer: Toby & Trent Edmonds – Jockey: Robbie Fradd 57kg |
| Watch Live | |
The Ken Russell Memorial honours the former Gold Coast champion hoop who lost his life in a race fall at Rosehill in 1993. As well as the black type that comes with this race, there is an extra incentive for owners, trainers and jockeys to try and win this $150,000 Group 3 event. A field of 15 has been assembled for this year’s edition, and while it doesn’t look to have the class of previous years, it still shapes to be a great race between the two-year-olds. Debussy showed speed on debut when leading all-the-way, so we expect him to lead for the same trainer and jockey combination that won the race last year, while Subterranean and Cork Harbour can be close too.
Chris Waller always makes his presence felt in Queensland this time of year, and we expect that to be no different on Saturday at the Gold Coast. Waller has two runners in this race and we think they can both finish in the top three, but we are siding with Ranch Hand who has had a look at the Gold Coast before. James McDonald partnered the Fastnet Rock colt on debut at Warwick Farm when they careered away together to win by three and a half lengths. McDonald partnered Waller’s other runner Cork Harbour in its last start, but has elected to ride Ranch Hand in this which is a push. Drawn well in barrier three, he can settle in the box seat or be a pair further back getting a nice cart into the race. The wet track is no problem at all, and his fifth placing in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic is the best form any of these bring to this.
Debussy was heavily backed on his race-day debut over 1000m at Eagle Farm and he duly saluted for punters to win by just under a length. He was good at the trials prior to his debut, winning both of them at this track over 1000m and now gets his chance to step out in trip with the J.J. Atkins in mind later in the preparation. Trainer Toby Edmonds and Robbie Fradd won this race last year, and no doubt the instructions will be similar this time around and that is to make every post a winner from barrier six. This is harder than what he faced on debut, but he looks to be pretty handy. The 1200m should not be an issue for the son of Choisir, nor should the wet conditions considering he trialled on a Soft 6.
The other of Chris Waller’s runners, Cork Harbour, had his credentials enhanced on Wednesday afternoon when Astrologer franked the form by winning a metropolitan race at Canterbury in nice style. Astrologer ran second to Cork Harbour in his most recent run, with Waller’s Snitzel colt fending off the challenge. James McDonald has undoubtedly had the choice of rides and elected to ride Ranch Hand which is noteworthy, but nothing is lost with Brenton Avdulla doing the steering. Drawn wider in gate 10, he is likely to be ridden forward, and he already has the 1200m box ticked and he has good form around Remarque, Zethus and Astrologer. He can be winning this.
Ken Russell Memorial $100 Betting Strategy
| $100 betting strategy | |
|---|---|
| $100 win | Ranch Hand |
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