Canberra Racing will follow NRL saviour Peter V'landys and push to have crowds back at Thoroughbred Park by the end of July.
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Racing NSW boss V'landys is hopeful of having racehorse owners back on course as early as next week and is holding talks with the state government to allow spectators by July 1.
Canberra Racing does not hold meets between June 19 and July 24, so crowds won't be brought back to Thoroughbred Park until at least late July.
The ACT government's COVID-19 recovery plan indicates restrictions will be lifted to allow groups of 100 people in mid-July.
Canberra Racing boss Andrew Clark says initial crowds would be limited to racehorse owners, members and sponsors.
"We're working with the ACT government and our colleagues at Racing NSW. Our plan is to bring crowds back in a limited form by our meeting of July 24," Clark said.
"We would look to limit that, similar to what they're doing in NSW, to owners, members and sponsors."
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Canberra Racing has transferred its next five meetings from the Acton Track to the course proper, with the synthetic surface set to undergo renovations.
The club's committee made the decision following a trial on the Acton Track last meet, with jockeys raising concerns on the amount of kick-back.
Clark aims to hold races on the synethic surface again from next May and is confident the club can keep the course proper in tip-top condition through winter.
"It was installed four years ago and needs some additional materials added to its surface, which we'll be doing in the warmer months of this year," Clark said.
"In the meantime the course proper is in fantastic condition and is ready to go for Wednesday's meet.
"We raced on it through the winter of 2016 and we didn't lose any meets, despite it being one of the wettest winters on record.
"So I've got a high level of confidence in our track manager to prepare a safe surface for the winter period."
Canberra trainer Nick Olive will look to claim a third-straight win with Acton Shale in Wednesday's Federal (1300 metres), but faces a tough field of 13.
Keith Dryden's Rockarosa will prove hard to beat on her return to country grade, having posted a strong victory in her first start for the stable at the Wagga Carnival.
Dryden has claimed 15 winners from his last 50 starts, including 5 of his 6 last runners.
SCORSE'S SAUCE
Former leading jockey John Scorse provides all the tips you need for Canberra's race meet on Wednesday.
Best bet: Race 3, No.11 Turfeze: Both placings this prep have been good and gets her big chance here from ideal draw, she should win this.
Best roughie: Race 4, No.10 Giocoso: Really hit his straps last prep and could surprise fresh.
Race one: 1st: No.1 Ballista: Smart mare with a big finish, comes into this off a good city placing and loves this t/d looks hard to beat at third run in and claim a big plus. 2nd: No.4 Revolver: Very consistent this prep with 3 placings, will be on pace throughout and must be considered. 3rd: No.2 Prince Jacko: Back to his best with solid all the way win last time. Chance again. 4th: No.9 Nobody's Puppet: Next best.
Race two: 1st: No.7 Hit the High Note: Improved effort last time when just behind placegetters in provincial maiden, she gets her big chance here from ideal draw. 2nd: No.6 Fever Trees: Showed ability last prep and can only be improved, resuming here from good draw and looks the danger. 3rd: No.1 Just Business: Placed 2/3 this prep and very good effort last start gives him a chance again here. 4th: No.8 Swahili Man: Had a tough run in transit at Wyong when fancied. Could improve.
Race three: 1st: No.11 Turfeze: In top form with two very good placings from wide gates, draws the ace this time and finds the right race she looks the winner. 2nd: No.3 Earp: Placed at Gundagai in a very good form race 6 winners have come from it. Resuming here, watch market. 3rd: No.1 Cops and Robbers: Can be a bit hot/cold include in exotics given current events. 4th: No.14 Emma's Gift: Well bred include.
Race four: 1st: No.9 Newtown Belle: Big run at Parkes first up after a slow start, can only improve and should be suited off the good speed engaged here. 2nd: No. 2 Let's Get Animal: Very well placed here although back in distance he will finish strongly and likes soft ground. 3rd: No.10 Giocoso: Resuming here but has good ability. Can sprint well fresh. 4th: No.1 Katie Did It: Next best.
Race five: 1st: No.1 Missile Magic: Last two runs very good in stronger grade, no luck last start and well placed here, he looks the one to beat. 2nd: No.5 The Unknown Factor: Resumed off long break at Albury and spent too much in the first half of the race, has talent so will improve. 3rd: No.2 April Storm: Impressive maiden winner at provincial grade at only second start, up five kgs is a worry. 4th: No.3 Pinch Memory: Good form, next best.
Race six: 1st: No.5 Rockarosa: Race fit and in top form she was unlucky last start in strong city mares race, drawn to get all the favours. 2nd: No.3 Belfast Belle: Smart mare with a big finish and good fresh record, always gets back so will need the pace on and clear room. 3rd: No.9 Acton Shale: In top form and shooting for the hattrick here, up in class but don't dismiss him. 4th: No.6 Balonne: Has plenty of talent and won't be far off at the finish.
Race seven: 1st: No.6 Dream Maiden: She has come back in great form this prep and will take some holding off late here, very strong to the line last win. 2nd: No.5 Jackman: Both runs prior to a spell were very good and has trialled well for a good run resuming. 3rd: No.4 Dream Runner: Most impressive winning on debut at big odds, quickly out to the mile but will improve. 4th: No.1 Lord Desanimaux: Big run last time in very strong class 3 highway and likes this trip, don't leave him out.