Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden Semi-Final Preview
Two competitive heats of the Group Three Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden will provide some enticing racing at The Gardens today in Newcastle.
Surfection was the fastest heat winner last week and will step out in semi-final one for local trainer Clifford Clark from a suitable wide draw. Stepping beautifully last Saturday from box four, the son of Surf Lorian and Teenage Dream lead all the way in a flying 29.69 and should get room to move with a slow beginner on his inside. Zipping Amelia is trained by astute mentor Jason Mackay and showed good strength last week to come from behind in a fast 29.84 performance. Lightest Touch was also impressive on debut, winning his heat comfortably by five and a half lengths in a solid time of 29.98.
Effective Miss finished a gallant second behind Zipping Amelia in smart time. The Nathan Auld trained daughter of Cosmic Rumble and Best Percentage jumped brilliantly from box three and is well boxed for a repeat performance in the second semi. Best Honour is the only heat winner in this semi final and should handle the wide alley after showing good early pace last week. He only posted an average time of 30.43, however the Ron Lambert trained youngster can certainly lower his personal best in this affair. Devine Lad began brilliantly last week for local trainer Pat Parelli and has another good box draw that should see him up near the lead early on. Despite getting tired in his heat last week, look for some improvement in the latter stages.
The first four placegetters in each semi-final will move through to next week's $25,000 to the winner final.