The claws will be out in the second race at Albany tomorrow – the Trutest HCP BM70+ 1242M – when regular rivals Catlantic and Catzilla again go head to head in the sprint feature of the day.
Literally inseparable in recent markets, the Neil Lee trained Catzilla ($4.00) got the better of its more fancied opponent (Catlantic $3.80 fav) in their duel earlier in the month, but both were beaten to the line by I See Luck ($4.00) in what was a blanket finish – and again, the trio will be highly regarded in tomorrow’s betting.
Local trainer Allen McNamara has had his Stormy Bay 8yo Catlantic in fine fettle this time in, recording two wins and a close second from its last five starts between Albany and Mt Barker, while Lee has his Bearcat 5yo at its peak – working into form with a recent win and the close second last start.
Who will come out on top? – Too close to call, but a quinella seems the safest way to approach this pair.
In the race prior, the Mark Nelson prepared Soldiers Salute will be looking to return to the winner’s list following it’s second behind Backhouse Street last start over 1850m after leading.
The Polish Blue 8yo desperately tried to repeat its all the way win from its outing prior – a slashing run at Albany over 1612m to outlast favourite Canna Lily by ¾ length – but the extra “furlong and a bit” proved its undoing – Backhouse Street cruising to the line a comfortable victor.
A win tomorrow would take Soldiers Salute’s career tally to 6 wins from 36 starts – with the $100,000 prize purse closing in.
