Racing returns to Bunbury (incl. "What Our Tipsters Say")

Young Bunbury horsewoman Sandra Dye said she is banking on home track advantage when her horse Miss Toria races at Bunbury’s opening meeting on Sunday.

By the nature of their profession racehorse trainers require and survive on a big dose of patience and perseverance.

Jeremy Easthope is a recent case in point, with Test The Angels ending a three-year drought at Belmont last Saturday.

Young Bunbury horsewoman Sarah Dye hasn’t reached the same levels of exasperation with Miss Toria, but she admits the mare is testing her will.

The daughter of Trade Fair is winless from her five career starts but there have been three teasing trial wins nestled in between.

Miss Toria reached her highest peak two starts back when she led at Northam before finishing ¾-length fourth to Paper Tiger.

Returning to the same track last Thursday she couldn’t back up and was seventh of 10 to Seul Homme.

“She is doing my head in a bit,” Dye said.

“She shows something in her trials but can’t put it together on race day.

“She suffered a virus early in her development and that may have set her back somewhat.

“It’s hard to gauge how she will go but I think racing on her own turf will make a difference.

“I will keep trying a few different things with her and hopefully she can turn the corner.”

Miss Toria and stablemates Snitchs and Jubilo will help launch Dye’s Bunbury assault.

Snitchs, who has two wins and four placings from 18 appearances, hasn’t raced since May.

Dye is upbeat about her chances after she ran second to Reverend Cowboy in a Bunbury trial last week.

“A good effort in the trial and I’m keen to see what she can produce,” she said.

“She wasn’t extended or under any pressure throughout. “I think she will improve further.”

Dye will unveil one of her off-season recruits when Jubilo makes his long-awaited debut.

The Cape North gelding has trialled five times since February and had a confidence-boosting win over 1000m six days ago.

“He is a lovely long striding horse who has taken time to mature,” Dye said.

“He is still raw but I think he will develop into a handy horse down the track.

“I think he is looking for further ground and whatever he does on Sunday I’m sure he will improve.”

What Our Tipsters Say

Julio Santarelli, RWWA

Angel Rose

1400m

Angel Rose broke her maiden status easily at Northam and has the talent to back up.

David Smith, Mayor of Bunbury

Candle Smoke

1200m

Won first up from a spell in Northam. Draw should improve as emergencies drop out and the distance is right.

Riley Stuart, South Western Times

I’m Outta Here

1200m

New addition to Michael Lane’s stable. Five-year-old mare returning from a spell. Each way bet.

Fiona Hinds, www.swtimes.com.au

Zelig

1000m

It means lucky in Yiddish, and I’m feeling lucky. Looks a classy type set for the bigger stage this summer.

Paul Luzi, Lighthouse Realty

Tommy Can Bell

1000m

Has been a little unlucky and was a great run last start. Good each way bet on Sunday.

Ashley Dillon, Spirit 621 Southwest

Happy Playtime

1000m

Either of Darryn Pateman’s starters in this look great but it’s Happy Playtime for mine. Has solid trial form.

Flighty Filly, Greener Pastures

Cobble Lane

1200m

In honour of Bunbury’s revamped Cappuccino Strip, I can’t go past Cobble Lane.

Brody Russell, Bunbury Turf Club

Danish Delight

1000m

Was quite taken by her effort at Friday’s trials and looks to have plenty of improvement in her.