Look up the word consistent in an equine dictionary and you'll most likely find a picture of Doug Gorrel's Onthetake, who will target a Federal Handicap win at Thoroughbred Park on Wednesday.
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The former Claire Cunningham-trained mare has been a regular money spinner since joining Gorrel's Canberra yard, and is chasing a fourth win this preparation in the 1300m feature.
"She just keeps improving and despite the fact I wanted to keep her at the 1200m, the 1300m here won't be an issue," Gorrel said.
"She's a bit of a fruitcake. Besides her first preparation when we were figuring her out, she's been really good for us.
"She does work herself up, she's really quirky but boy she is talented."
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In her past 14 starts, Onthetake has incredibly missed a top four finish on just one occasion, in September at the track last year, and that came after she made contact with the enclosure fence before being passed fit to race.
She will need to be at her best to fend off the likes of in-form duo Banger and Zelago.
Matthew Dale's Banger won a Highway Handicap at Rosehill three runs back, while Zelago is coming off a strong win on Black Opal Stakes day.
SCORSEY'S SAUCE
Former leading jockey John Scorse provides all the tips you need for Canberra's March 17 meeting.
Best bet: Race 4, No 2 Zelago - Gave nothing else a chance scoring with ease ten days ago, cant see them beating him here.
Best roughie: Race 3, No 1 Hallucinations - Was an eye catcher on debut from a mile back. Extra trip will suit him here.
Race one:
No 1 Missile Magic - Racing consistently this prep, made good ground from back to just miss the place last time and small field suits, soft track a plus.
No 3 Delightful Dream - Lightly raced but shows good potential, resuming from an ideal gate.
No 5 Crucial Witness - Just run down when resuming and will be improved.
No 8 Rapidity - Suited back in distance.\
Race two:
No 2 Grand Lusitano - Placed 3 from 5 and looks ready to win, ridden back and let down strongly to just miss last time, finds the right race.
No 7 The Tapster - Speedy mare suited back in distance, should be at her peak 3rd up.
No 9 Rubick Island - Well-bred filly on debut, placed in recent trial, watch market.
No 5 Hallies Comet - Next best.
Race three:
No 6 Noble Albert - Led and fought on well when placed in provincial maiden last start, should be at his peak and drawn to get the right run.
No 1 Hallucinations - Very strong late on debut off one trial only, will take good benefit from that and suited extra distance.
No 4 Aidenabet - Placed here in debut in September and comes here at third run in, awkward draw but claim will help.
No 5 Duke of Buckingham - Watch market.
Race four:
No 2 Zelago - In top form this prep, led all the way for dominant win here ten days ago, looks the leader here and will be very hard to beat.
No 4 Onthetake - Quirky mare racing well, draws to get the right run, include in exotics.
No 5 Ons Vier - Very honest mare, last few runs have been spaced which suits her, chance again.
No 1 Banger - Freshened up and back in distance but brings some class here.
Race five:
No 3 Lamour - Nice mare who is set to peak at fourth run this prep, great stats this t/d, awkward draw but with even luck she is the one to beat here.
No 2 Garros - Race fit and runs this trip strongly, should get a nice run throughout.
No 6 Confident Lad - Made the pace and fought on well for strong win at Bathurst, has claims.
No 4 Seporto - Next best.
Race six:
No 5 Land Ahoy - Lightly raced filly who gives away age and experience here but has good promise, finished off very strongly last time.
No 2 Nieces and Nephews - Boxed on well to place here last start, will be on speed and likes this t/d.
No 1 Exotic Deel - Below her best in last two runs, can break back here.
No 4 Loafing - Next best.
Race seven:
No 3 Mandalong Nicko - Placed in all five runs this prep and going to the mile for the first time, big drop in grade here and very well weighted, draw a plus.
No 4 Port Douglas - Consistent before solid maiden win last time, place chance again.
No 2 Lake Tai - Finished off strongly to win his maiden over 1400 at Mudgee, extra trip will suit here.
No 6 Vallauris - Next best.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
