Soft Track Strategies: A Look Behind the Curtain at Moree’s Sunday Races

A soft track can be both a blessing and a curse in horse racing. This weekend, the selection of races at Moree will put this aspect to the test. In Race 1, Savage Sequel is favored due to his ideal draw in gate two and the services of gun apprentice Archie McColm. However, Fratianno has been placed in each of his three starts since resuming from a spell, indicating that he’ll give Savage Sequel a run for his money.

Many horses have been given time to recover from injuries or spells, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the selection process. Crime Of Passion, for example, has four placings from six starts but hasn’t raced since moving to New South Wales from Victoria. Her ability to bounce back to her best form on a soft track is uncertain.

In Race 2, Tralee has been placed in her first two runs back from a spell at Tamworth and Muswellbrook but was beaten just under five lengths last start at Tamworth. Can she regain her form on a soft track? Rufus Atticus has been unplaced in four starts since resuming, but he’s capable of better performances.

The racing industry emphasizes past performances, which can sometimes lead to an over-reliance on statistics. However, many horses have shown consistency that makes them worthy of consideration. In Race 3, Fabs Cuz has been given time to recover from his last start seventh at Toowoomba and is likely to be better for the experience.

Archie McColm, who partners Savage Sequel in Race 1, is a skilled jockey with an impressive strike rate. His ability to navigate the soft track and guide his mount to victory will be crucial.

In Race 4, Referees has drawn wide but still looks like a strong chance due to his good record of one win and three placings from six starts. Street Skater was a Narromine winner two starts ago and finished seventh at Orange when not beaten far.

The soft track will undoubtedly play a major role in determining the outcome of each race. In Race 5, Sort Cha Mess has a win and four placings from five starts but finished third at the Sunshine Coast and second at Ipswich at his last two starts.

In Race 6, Moon Zone was in form winning two in a row at Cowra and Dubbo back in July, making him hard to hold out on a soft track. Winged has finished midfield at Tamworth at his latest two starts but wasn’t beaten too far when last produced.

The racing industry’s emphasis on “class” can sometimes lead to an over-reliance on statistics. However, many horses have shown consistency that makes them worthy of consideration. In Race 7, Awaygoesthebunny charged to the line at Casino two starts ago to get into third from well back.

In Race 8, Dis Is Heaven hasn’t raced since May when scoring a good win at Inverell but has been placed in three of five first-up performances. Castlebar Road has won two in a row at Gilgandra and Dubbo and should take plenty of running down.

The soft track can be a cruel mistress – and only time will tell which horses will emerge victorious at Moree on Sunday.