South West hopes high for opener at Bunbury Turf Club

Christine Stelmach’s four-year-old Flying Target is one of several South West hopes heading into the 2019-20 Bunbury Turf Club opener tomorrow.

A versatile mare who has started positively, Stelmach’s runner has solid claims in the $25,000 TabTouch - Better Your Bet Handicap (1675m).

Ridden by William Pike during her last start, a fourth placed finish to Scintillating on September 30, the mare finished 1.2 lengths off the pace, but maintained a solid level of speed throughout.

Others to consider include Adam Durrant’s mare Amillionite, who despite being drawn on the rails should run well, along with six-year-old Chief Cochise.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities WA Handicap (1400m) appears to be a race in two, with Tim Crosby’s gelding Swift Mirage and Black Ducati both entering the race in excellent form.

Swift Mirage has placed in his last two starts, including victory by half a length over Tap The Go Go at Belmont Park on September 25.

His first career victory was on debut at Bunbury on February 14 and has never finished lower than fifth at the track.

However Swift Mirage’s rider Craig Staples will need to to topple Black Ducati, who has placed in all four of his career appearances.