Mixed bag for runners in the final weekend race meet for 2023

With just two meetings left in 2023, the Geraldton Turf Club is hosting its final weekend meet on Sunday ahead of the prestigious end-of-year Walkaway Cup. Seven races headline the card, with the first jumping at 1.52pm, as Jessica Bain’s mare Liberty Dame looks primed for a win. The four-year-old local finished second in Geraldton after returning from a 32-week spell. Liberty Dame also placed second in her two runs before the spell. Stay Astern, from trainer Julia Martin, looks likely in race 2, as the four-year-old has experience in Geraldton and placed third at the last meet. Viking Forever and Pio Kerri are others to look out for in this race. The third is another maiden race and features a wide field over 1600m. Hillside Horace from Tony Scally’s camp has had strong results in Geraldton, as the gelding has placed in each of his past three at the track. Adam Durrant’s Kia Ora Tatou has run well in past races but hasn’t raced in Geraldton before. Race four has a familiar face at the turf club with Gordon Spowart’s Chix Chatter running along side Isola Bay and Be Seated. The fifth race has a competitive field for the 1100m sprint, especially after Martin’s Safe Hustle has enjoyed past success at the track along with Durrant’s First Contact. Race six should be the most competitive run of the day, with many in-form horses to face the starter. Local horse Mooniemia ran third last start after breaking his maiden status earlier in the season. Durrant’s Mocha Dream, which recently ran at Ascot, has also had strong success in Geraldton. Barry Newnham’s Brisance placed second in Geraldton after a 34 week spell while Nippa Whiskey will have it’s supporters. Another big field looms in race seven. To be run over 1600m it features Colour Me Quick and Mombasa who are both coming off Geraldton wins. Both Vanman and Sanabeau have had back-to-back places in Geraldton. Gates open at midday and there will be live music on the Barn Stage for racegoers to enjoy.