…and more thoughts about Sunday…

I have always had a soft spot for Call Me Earl, but he hasn’t raced since July 17, so this is a “welcome back” rather than “think you might win” pic.

However, in that last outing he finished 5.30 lengths off stable companion Ashton Park over 1450m, both carrying 60 kgs. At Borrowdale Park on Sunday, in the 1800m MR 92 Handicap, Call Me Earl receives 6.5 kgs from his formidable, older stable companion.

Apologies to the Fisher yard if they were planning a few betting coups this weekend, because so many of my thoughts about Sunday seem to focus on this stable. (Please note that without Formgrids these thoughts are even more unreliable than usual).

In addition to Ashton Park, Penny Fisher will also saddle Kevin Barry, David’s Flower (AUS) and Lava Flow – all worth considering.

Amy Bronkhorst and Bridget Stidolph are fielding Newton Power and Roman Discent, respectively. Perhaps they will halt the Fisher charge to the wire.

FIRST LEG PICK 6!

This 1200m Maiden Plate is an awkward race for the first leg of the Pick 6,. The field is made up of three unraced runners, plus Cathayness, Hollywood On Set and Queen Of The River. All except Cathayness (60 kgs) are set to carry 59 kgs, but Holly Hunting with Apprentice Mpumelelo Mjoka in the irons will weigh in at 57.5 kgs. Probably wise to choose more experienced runners but this Rebel King filly is number 6 and also drawn 6…just saying.

CAN WE TRUST THE HANDICAPPER?

Five of the six three-year-olds in the 1200m MR 68 Handicap –the get-out stakes – are one-time winners and the weights range from 60 kgs (Butchie Boy) to Nedo Nadi on 52.5 kgs, before Apprentice Mjoka has claimed 1.5 kgs.

Knuckleball, who has yet to win but has placed four times from four starts, will heft 58 kgs.

If you trust the handicapping bank on Butchie Boy, he has run second to Flanders twice. If you feel you might still be in the Pick 6 at this late stage, maybe you should take the field.

The first race is due off at 12.20.

Photograph: Call Me Earl, by Century Stand (AUS) with Diz Buckler and Fiona Olivier.