Memorable mare following in mother’s footsteps

REMEMBER Mary is looking to continue her winning ways when returning to the track at Clifford Park tonight.

DON’T FORGET: Remember Mary will step back onto Clifford Park over the sprint trip tonight. Photo: Nev Madsen

RACING: Punters certainly didn’t forget Brian Azel’s pin-up mare last preparation, and he hopes the talented galloper can bring her A-game first-up.

Remember Mary makes her return from a spell in the Neil Mansell Concrete Benchmark 65 Handicap (1000m) this evening after dazzling at the end of last year and start of 2020.

At her last seven runs, she has finished in the placings, including an 8 ¾ length demolition job at Kilcoy on February 5.

“She hasn’t finished out of the first three for a long period,” Azel said.

“I’ve given her a good break and she’ll have a little longer preparation this time.

“She hasn’t been good with the handicapper though. She’ll have to carry a bit of weight.”

The price for the success of the five-year-old comes in the form of a 62kg impost for her task tonight.

While admitting that it will test her, Azel said they will again aim to take up the running and try to dictate terms from in front.

“We will look to push forward and try to control the speed,” he said.

“She won her very first race at Clifford Park, and it’s a track that can suit on-pacers.

“With her I have to place her on tracks that suit her, and she likes tight tracks.”

Remember Mary holds a sentimental place in the heart of Azel.

Her dam is Mary’s Magique, a winner of four of 31 starts, with a further 17 minor placings, under his care.

The name also holds a special role with Azel’s Catholic faith.

“She was very good to me and won races at Ipswich and the Gold Coast,” he said.

“We bred Remember Mary from her mother, and it does hold a significance with my religion too.”

This evening’s meeting will give punters another chance to be impressed by the Lindsay Hatch-trained Strip It Down.

The former Perth galloper trialled in the west from 2017-18, however it wasn’t until crossing the country that the four-year-old mare made her debut.

She did it in impressive style at Clifford Park, bolting in by seven lengths on June 5, and will step out in the Moore Trailers Class 1 Handicap (1625m).

# THE Lockyer Valley Turf Club will host an eight-race program at Gatton tomorrow.

The card commences at 12.30pm with the last to jump at 4.44pm.

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