Neil Evans
The lightly raced five-year-old is set to make a strong return to top-class racing at the Canterbury Park holiday meeting today.
Istolea Merc has not raced since running home in the Mudgee Cup over 1400m in early December. But the lightly raced son of Winning Rupert can grab a fifth win in just his 13th start when he lines up in the strong and open TAB Benchmark 88 Handicap over 1100m.
On a drying track in a deep program, the Istolea Merc is likely to roll around in double figures for trainer Bjorn Baker and owners in a well-placed race.
Istolea Merc has not won since his BM 72 victory over 1100m at Warwick Farm early last spring.
But he has never finished further back than second when clean, filled two tries, and was largely torn from Randwick on Saturday to be saved for this crucial race on a firm surface.
Istolea Merc opened about $12 in early betting, behind stately mare Memoria in the first round of betting at $6.50 ahead of Crepe Myrtle at about $7.50.
Baker-trained stablemate Snack Bar ($8) was also in early commission, and if first reserve, is likely to start with Kembla mare Harry’s Bar after Saturday’s run.
The Baker camp will be out for a big price race to close the meeting when the talented four-year-old Pentagon resumes in the BM 72 Handicap over 1250m.
Returning the same break and also behind two improvement attempts, Pentagon was about $5 in the early market behind the three-year-old stable Tuscany, which is moving up the ladder to get the third win from its last four outings.
The song yesterday was rated a soft 5, but could be improved to a top 4 by today.
Presented by Racing NSW
