Dixon runner to star at Scottsville
The expression “horses for courses” is often relevant but one could also include the term “trainers for courses” as a principle when looking at form.
Blessed Release has a win and two seconds to his record since fitted with blinkers and could provide great value in Race 5 at Scottsville today.
The runners from some trainers tend to perform better at certain tracks, either because they train at that course or because their training methods are conducive to the conditions of a particular course. That could apply to Mark Dixon whose horses seem to run particularly well at Scottsville.
Today Dixon saddles Blessed Release in Race 5 at Scottsville, the Toyota Forklift Middle Stakes over 1400m. This four-year-old son of Kildonan has raced six times at the course for one win and four places but his record over the course and distance reads one win and a second place from two starts.
The turn in Blessed Release’s career came when Dixon decided to race him in blinkers three runs back. Since then he scored by 7.50 lengths over the course and distance and finished second on the other two occasions.
In his last start Blessed Release ran a 2.75-length second behind Poivre who he meets again but under the race conditions he is now 3.5kg better off so should reverse the placings. Keagan de Melo, who rode him last time as well, has benefit of jumping from No 1 draw.
Poivre has won his last two starts and despite receiving a 4kg penalty for his last win, should contest the finish. He will be ridden by Sean Veale and they are drawn No 4.
Lighting The Fire has yet to win at Scottsville but Dennis Drier’s charge has placed in all races over this distance. In addition, he has useful apprentice Diego de Gouveia in the irons and will benefit from a 4kg allowance.
Others to consider are Bagger Vance and Never Settle.
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