Trainer Brett Cavanough was not surprised that the stable’s number one sprinter The Monstar was given the top weight for the Listed $160,000 Grafton District Services Club Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton on Wednesday.

The Monstar, above, will carry the top weight in the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton. Photo by Daniel Costello.

The Monstar, above, will carry the top weight in the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Racing New South Wales Handicappers has burdened The Monstar with 59.5kg, 2kg more than that the second top weight, the Ron Quinton trained Boss Lane who has 57.5kg.

Gold Coast trained sprinter Flamboyer is next in weight order with 56kg, 0.5kg more that the Peter and Paul Snowden trained mare Flippant with 55.5kg while Mount Nebo, Someday and Steel Zip have 54.5kg with the remainder of the Ramornie Handicap nominations on the 54kg minimum.

The Monstar was an all the way winner two starts back in the Listed $150,000 June Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on June 10 followed by a brave second with 59.5kg to Gold Symphony in the Listed $150,000 Civic Stakes (1350m) at Rosehill on July 1.

Cavanough has reported that The Monstar has pulled up well following his latest outing and is ready to run his usual honest race in the Clarence River Jockey Club’s July Racing Carnival’s feature sprint.

“The Monstar is fine, he’s real good,” Cavanough told The Daily Examiner.

Boss Lane was back to his best form with a last start win in the $100,000 Winter Dash (1200m) at Randwick on June 24 at his second run this time in and will head to the Ramornie Handicap in great shape.

Trainer Ron Quinton was a little surprised that Boss Lane handled the heavy conditions okay as his wet track record was only fair.

“I didn’t know what to expect because he is not at his best on a heavy track,’’ Quinton told The Sunday Telegraph.

“But at home he has been the old ‘Bossy’ and working really well.”

“It’s good to see him back in the winner’s circle.’’

“The Ramornie looks the right sort of race for him.”

The Team Snowden trained Flippant will go into the Ramornie Handicap with one run under her belt and is coming off a first up fifth to Burning Passion in the Group 3 $175,000 W.J. Healy Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on June 24.

The Snowdens have also nominated last start Rosehill winner, three year old Calanda, for the Ramornie Handicap.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.