Racing: Gale warning after storms

The stormy start to Auckland's week may be enough to dampen Five Star Anvil's chances at Alexandra Park tonight.

And that could be good news for stablemate Red Zone.

Five Star Anvil is the sole 10m backmarker in the $15,000 Rosslands Handicap and after a superb summer racing at the highest level looks well placed.

But trainer Doug Gale has a warning for Herald readers.

"He could well be a run short this week because of the weather," said Gale.

"I gave him a let up after his last start and he missed what would have been a solid workout last weekend because of the wet weather.

"That meant I couldn't work Five Star Anvil or Red Zone as hard as I would have liked and that will affect Five Star Anvil more because he is on the fresh side."

With Five Star Anvil the winner of nearly $400,000 and having more high speed than Red Zone, he would usually be Gale's tip to win any meeting between the pair.

"But I think it will be pretty even this week with the pattern of the race deciding it.

"If they go hard and Five Star Anvil gets a fair way off them then Red Zone might be the better chance."

Also with two winning chances in the field is trainer Ian Small, who has last-start winner Gomeo Romeo and J Walker, with Gomeo Romeo's last-start win suggesting he is the quicker of that pair and the one to beat tonight.

Earlier on the night, Gale has two chances in the $25,000 Young Guns Fillies heat and says that while they are very even also, Dominique Prieur might be slightly the better chance.

"She qualified running second to Mark Purdon's horse [Fly Like An Eagle] who won fresh up and wasn't beaten by that much," said Gale.

"When Forte Chapel qualified she ran second to Veste, who then ran second to Fly Like An Eagle fresh-up so I think my two are even.

"And I am hoping they are both good enough to qualify for the Jewels later in the season."

MICHAEL GUERIN'S WEEKEND WINNERS

Alexandra Park tonight

BEST BET
Jarcullembra (R3, No 5): Blew out last week but should go one better tonight.

EACH WAY
Lanez Luck (R2, No 7): Worked sitting parked and just beaten last start. 2200m and big field work in his favour. Opposition does not look to be too strong.

LOVER BOY
Gomeo Romeo (R8, No 8): Big win in top 4-year-old company last start and handled stand well. Much improved and should enjoy 10m start on Five Star Anvil.

Melton tonight

BEST BET
The Gold Ace (R5, No 10): Forget the second-line draw, he should be way too tough.

Ballarat tomorrow night

BEST BET

I Can Doosit (R4, No 1): In weaker of two heats for the trotters and standing start and barrier draw suit. Will be too tough for these.

EACH WAY

Villagem (R7, No 5): Ran on well after breaking at Shepparton last week. Mobile suits and drawn inside Smoken Up a big plus.