In what is shaping as the best sprint in NSW so far this Winter, the clash in the Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford (formerly the Pacesetter Stakes) is subject to the "Gosford Weather Curse". The Gosford Race Club is clearly the unluckiest raceclub in NSW in recent years in regard to the weather. The Gosford Cup has been abandoned on four occasions in the past fifteen years (twice in 2007, 2001, 1998), the Belle Of The Turf was abandoned in 2007, the Gosford Guineas was also abandoned in 2007 (different date to the Belle), and the Pacesetter Stakes was abandoned in 1994. Despite being ridden by Glyn Schofield (in our opinion, Glyn's best ability appears to be on horses racing beyond midfield, and is often seen to mis-judge the pace on frontrunners), Hay List certainly appears to the one to beat in tomorrow's race, with a five kilo advantage over rising star Border Rebel. However, TAB Sportsbet's opening market reflects the fact that Border Rebel is proven on both wet and dry tracks, while there remains a strong doubt on Hay List in slow or worse going. Sky Train, to a much lesser extent, appears the only other chance on a reasonable surface. But as at lunchtime on Tuesday, the track reading is officially "slow", and there is a chance of further showers. The Trackdata Race Analysis chart shows us that the last five events run on slow or heavy tracks since 2003 have been a complete blow-out for punters, with each of these five winners starting at 16/1 or longer. With outstanding wet trackers Mount Verde and Bejewelled also engaged, Trackdata suggests punters should be wary of rushing in to shortish odds about any of the favoured runners tomorrow, should the track be on the worse side of slow. Kevin Skene, TRACKDATA, 22/06/2010
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THE GOSFORD CURSE COULD UPSET SUPER RACE CLASH