Class field of filles and mares to vie for Bracelet

Albany trainer Paul Hunter believes this year’s edition of the $30,000 Great Southern Weekender Bracelet (1603m) is the best yet after a crack field of runners have assembled for the annual feature race on Ladies’ Day at the Albany Racing Club.

Hunter will saddle up last-start winner Qingdao in the fillies and mares feature race as he chases his fourth success in the race but it appears no easy task given the quality of the 14-horse field. In-form Bunbury mare Black Lilly, consistent type Canna Lilly, rising four-year-old Senate Bianca, fellow last-start winners Cosmah Domination and Desired View and Hey Listen, who was placed at Ascot last start, are all among the Bracelet fancies.

Hunter remains a strong chance to add to his tally in the feature with Qingdao after previously tasting success with Dark Humour (2010), Speedies Dike (2008) and Entrega (2006).

Qingdao was a commanding winner over 1450m on Boxing Day, coming from sixth on the turn to score a slashing 2¼-length win to continue her outstanding record for Hunter and at the Albany venue.

“She is going really good,” Hunter said.

“We are up in weight and have an awkward barrier to contend with.

“But she loves being down here in the cooler climate and has matured well.

“She eats well and is pretty happy in herself.”

The four-year-old has won three of her six starts for Hunter and has an incredible record at Percy Spencer Racecourse with four wins and three second placings from seven attempts.

Hunter believes the field in this year’s event is the strongest ever, rating a number of rival gallopers strong chances.

“This is the best Bracelet I can remember ever,” he said.

“It will be a good race to take form out of.

“It is a good horses’ race and people are targeting it so hopefully we can keep it going and even get more stake money for it down the track.

“It’s a good field with a lot of chances — Hey Listen with the barrier would have to start favourite.”

Qingdao will be ridden by Daniel Staeck and jumps from barrier 12 with 58kg on her back.

Staeck is the last rider in the field to have won the race when he was aboard Speedies Dike for the Hunter stable.

Hey Listen will be ridden by top WA hoop Shaun O’Donnell and has drawn ideally for trainer Steve Wolfe in gate two after finishing second to Gloryland at Ascot over 1600m.

The winner at two of nine career starts goes into the feature with 56.6kg as Wolfe chases his third success in the race.