The 2011 Fireball Handicap will run as Race 2 this weekend on Silver Slipper Day at Rosehill Gardens.
The listed race over 1100m worth $100,000 only has six entries so we can take a closer look at each horse individually.
Decision Time will carry the top weight in the Listed Fireball Handicap
With six wins from 11 starts including a second in the Golden Slipper, his resume certainly warrants the big weight. His recent form is exceptional as well winning his last two races before being spelled.
Next is #2 Celts trained by Peter Snowden. The three-year-old filly has placed four times from six starts, including two wins leading into her last start fifth in the Gucci Stakes. She has the added advantage of barrier one.
Coming in at #3 is Parriwi who in her last three races has contested the Light Fingers, Gucci Stakes and Coolmore. Each time she finished two or three spots outside the money. Her overall career shows 11 starts for four wins and two places.
Jumping from gate six is #4 From The Vault. The three-year-old gelding burst onto the scene with two wins but has then only placed once more, at Randwick earlier this year. That was also his last start after being scratched from the Royal Sovereign Stakes.
Josh Adams will ride #5 Moshe from barrier two. With just two starts for two the resume is faultless but that was only in 0-72 class. The Fireball Handicap will be a big step up in class especially up against proven campaigners like Decision Time.
Finally #6 is the Gerald Ryan trained Mr Hong Kong. With only the one win and one place notched up against lesser opposition it’s hard to see the colt featuring in this race even with six runners and the small weight.
It’s always fun to bet on the small races because your horse has every chance and you can follow them from the gate to the post. Get your Silver Slipper Day off to a winning start by betting on the Fireball Handicap with a $400 free bet through Luxbet, Australia’s number one online bookie.
2011 Fireball Handicap Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | H Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DECISION TIME | Clarry Conners | Brenton Avdulla | 4 | 60.5 | 99 |
| 2 | CELTS | Peter Snowden | – | 1 | 53 | 85 |
| 3 | PARRIWI | Kris Lees | Christian Reith | 3 | 53 | 80 |
| 4 | FROM THE VAULT | Mark de Montfort | Glyn Schofield | 6 | 53 | 72 |
| 5 | MOSHE | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Josh Adams (a) | 2 | 53 | 70 |
| 6 | MR HONG KONG | Gerald Ryan | Peter Wells | 5 | 53 | 59 |
Photo courtesy (c) Steve Hart Photographics
