3 minute read

French import Kourkam looks set to grab his second win from as many starts this afternoon when he contests the Tab Rewards Benchmark 65 Handicap (2000m) at Hawkesbury.

The four-year-old was heavily backed on debut for the Tony McEvoy yard two weeks back at this track and got the job done, but not before giving punters an almighty scare.

He settled well in the rear under Hugh Bowman and stayed there throughout before swinging wide around the home turn and hitting the front 250m from home, holding off all comers.

The run netted a weight-adjusted figure of 72 – solid enough although well below the numbers he was tossing up in France as a three-year-old.

That would suggest he has plenty of improvement up his sleeve today, and I’d expect him to find it today carrying the same weight with Bowman retaining the ride.

Granted he’s jumping from maiden company to Benchmark 65 grade, but he’ll be much fitter for the run now and has already shown he’s capable of sustaining a long run from back in the field.

Stick with the French galloper to get the job done in this.

Viva Lisboa looks the main danger today after back-to-back wins in provincial grade.

He was too good over the mile at Gosford two back running to a weight-adjusted figure of 74 then improved when winning at Wyong last week over the same trip. That run produced a figure of 78.

He’s heading in the right direction and can improve again today which would certainly give Kourkam something to think about.

Don’t be surprised if Gai Waterhouse’s Dormello runs a super race here off a maiden win at Kembla over the mile 12 days ago.

He led early, then took a trail midrace before hitting the front again 300m from home and kicking well clear.

That produced a weight-adjusted figure of 78 which would have him somewhere in the mix again today.

It shapes as a race of three and we’re giving the nod to the French import.