Brothers of Antrim takes on Federal test at Thoroughbred Park

Brothers of Antrim has emerged as a track and distance specialist over 1000 metres in Canberra, not once missing the quinella with two wins and two second placings from four starts.

Wednesday looms as the talented gelding's toughest task in Canberra yet, with Miss Ostend and Pretty Woman two highly-touted contenders in the day's feature race which includes in-form duo Fangela and Devils Triangle.

It was Fangela denying Brothers of Antrim on a Canberra Cup day which rounded out a blockbuster Canberra racing carnival earlier this month, the latter finishing second while carrying a weight of 61.5 kilograms.

This time he will carry 60 kilograms with jockey Nick Heywood has been booked for the ride on Brothers of Antrim. Heywood has been tasked with steering the Gorrel-trained star from barrier 10 of 12, but the horse's trainer is confident a run of promising form can continue.

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Brothers of Antrim has been almost faultless during this preparation with a win and two seconds from his four recent starts. His only hiccup came in a country championships qualifier, finishing 12^th of 14.

"We're really happy with how he's going," Gorrel said.

"In his first few preps he would only stand up in one or two runs before we had to give him a break but as he's matured he's got stronger and can stay up for longer.

"It's a strong race but I'm really happy with him and I'm sure he'll continue his good form. He's drawn awkwardly. We won't be hunting him to the front, he can definitely race midfield so he will probably be ridden somewhat conservatively."

The $34,000 Federal is slated to start at 5.01pm, with the track rated a Good 4 a day out from the race.

SCORSE'S SAUCE - John Scorse's tips

Race one:

PLACE 1: 6 Texerro: On debut here but brings strong trial form on synthetic and heavy, stable/jockey combo must be respected, well drawn, watch market.

PLACE 2: 1 Deep Finesse: Another on debut off strong city trials, he showed good speed to in both trials this prep, has the advantage of rails gate.

PLACE 3: 7 Drummin: Very honest mare who has placed 8 of 11 runs in all conditions, race fit and will be prominent throughout.

PLACE 4: 3 Keynes Time: Next best.

Race two:

PLACE 1: 2 How Do You Sleep: Placed 3/6 at provincials last prep, resumed for new stable and finished strongly from well back for second, will be improved and this not as strong, looks very hard to beat.

PLACE 2: 10 Espadrille: Placed on debut at wagga when she worked hard from outside gate and tired late, will be better for the run and much better drawn.

PLACE 3: 8 Deranged: Placed twice in first prep, resumes here and can get a nice run, include in exotics.

PLACE 4: 5 Varoom: Next best.

Race three:

PLACE 1: 10 Mikasa: Well-bred filly who should peak here after three runs this prep, very good run when placed in provincial company last run, looks perfectly placed here.

PLACE 2: 2 Galierro: Tough staying type, even effort this t/d last start, race fit and drawn to be on speed.

PLACE 3: 6 Chance Reward: Has placed in 2/3 this prep and only failure was on a heavy track, distance will suit.

PLACE 4: 3 Aurora Florentina: Next best.

Race four:

PLACE 1: 1 Aircraftman: Comes into this at his 3 run in and both runs have been in city company on good and heavy, back in distance a plus for him.

PLACE 2: 5 Chenzel: Very well-bred filly on debut from leading yard, very impressive trial winner coming from a long way back, looks ready to go.

PLACE 3: 2 Noble Exception: Raced well in first prep and should improve from that, drawn to get a nice run.

PLACE 4: 14 Mandalong Missile: Next best.

Race five:

PLACE 1: 5 Fourmadec: Smart mare who had no luck in first to runs this prep, ridden with patience and ran them down easily to win last time, should win again.

PLACE 2: 7 Diamond Star: Honest filly improving with each run, tried hard last time when second to Fourmadec, extra trip suits and ideally drawn.

PLACE 3: 6 Mercury: Racing consistently and has place claims.

PLACE 4: 1 Real Peace: Next best.

Race six:

PLACE 1: 9 Emma's Gift: Good effort when racing behind the speed and fought on well for third here last run over 1400 back 100m and middle draw suits.

PLACE 2: 5 Propose a Toast: Resumed off 25 weeks and not beaten far after leading last run, will be fitter and strong win at Kembla last prep when second up, draw a bonus.

PLACE 3: 8 Evanora: Raced a bit too keen last start at wagga when off six-week break, previous form is good enough for this.

PLACE 4: 6 Smugglers Run: Next best.

Race seven:

PLACE 1: 4 Pretty Woman: Smart filly who was back to her best at Goulburn with a solid win, unbeaten this t/d and claim helps, should get a nice run.

PLACE 2: 3 Fangela: Very smart type with a good record, sat behind the speed and just got there last time, similar conditions here will see him right in the finish.

PLACE 3: 6 Brothers of Antrim: Just missed here last time, very good record this t/d, tricky draw here but too good to dismiss.

PLACE 4: 5 Washington Towers: Next best.

Race eight

PLACE 1: 3 Glamour Runs Deep: Smart mare who resumed as a beaten favourite here last run but not far off them, will be fitter and extra distance will suit, won easily second up last prep.

PLACE 2: 4 Mittata: Resuming here and showed good ability last prep, should race forward and good claims if ready.

PLACE 3: 2 Beau Rock: Very consistent this time in and just missed last run, will be on speed again, don't dismiss.

PLACE 4: 6 Fluer De Rose: Place claims.

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