Jachmann keen on progressive pair

Albany trainer Jonathon Jachmann is bullish that rising duo Babble and Sondheim can make their presences felt in tomorrow’s Tradies Day meeting at Percy Spencer Racecourse.

Jachmann will have three runners across the seven-race program, which starts a busy week for the Albany Racing Club, given their major Boxing Day meet is only four days later.

Babble was desperately unlucky last start, with rider Mitchell Pateman owning up to his error in the saddle when the four-year-old was held up for clear running in the straight, only to go down by a neck to Gauged at Mt Barker.

Pateman retains the mount on Babble, who has drawn perfectly in barrier one for the Hybla Tavern Handicap (1450m) in a field of just seven runners.

Jachmann’s strong hand continues in the Aqua Ice Handicap (1500m), where progressive galloper Sondheim will chase her fourth career win after two close fifth placings so far this campaign.

The Alfred Nobel gelding will jump from the extreme outside in the eight-horse field, with Pateman again engaged.

Maiden galloper Puskas rounds out the Jachmann team as he tackles the more experienced horses in the TABtouch Handicap (1900m).

Jachmann said he expected Sondheim and Babble to be hard to beat in their respective races.

“I’m very happy with the team going in,” Jachmann said.

“Even the maiden in a class two race, he’s learning and will only get better as he goes along.

“Babble has not gone backwards at all and is drawn well.

“We’ll probably ride Sondheim closer to the pace, but the small field will suit.

“I’m leaning towards Sondheim as my best.”

Babble won two starts back in Albany over 1450m to give Jachmann his sole winner in the Great Southern so far this season.

The first of seven races begins at 2.05pm tomorrow and wraps up at 5.15pm.

Tomorrow also signals the start of the ARC’s jockey challenge, with $1000 up for grabs for the first rider to score four winners across that meeting and Boxing Day card.

CAMERON NEWBOLD’S ALBANY SELECTIONS

Race 1: Dust Me Off

Race 2: Babble

Race 3: Defiantly

Race 4: Sondheim

Race 5: Notta Mocha

Race 6: Friarfighter

Race 7: Sunset Pete

Best Bet: Defiantly

Value: Friarfighter