The following is a selection of Australian racing tips for Saturday, February 23. The focus is on Rosehill and Caulfield. The highlights include three Group 1 races at Caulfield: the Futurity Stakes (Race 6), Blue Diamond Stakes (Race 7) and Oakleigh Plate (Race 8).
More tips and previews will be added as they become available.
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Best bets of the day
Caulfield Race 2, No. 1 Aramayo
Caulfield Race 3: No. 1 I Am A Star
Caulfield Race 4: No. 1 Futooh – each-way
Caulfield Race 5: No. 1 Zousain
Rosehill Race 2, No. 3 Tassort
Rosehill Race 5, No. 1 The Autumn Sun
Caulfield
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 1: JAAMEH
Race 2: ARAMAYO
Race 3: I AM A STAR
Race 4: ANGELIC RULER
Race 5: ZOUSAIN
Race 6: 1. ALIZEE, 2. Hartnell, 3. Best Of Days, 4. Manuel
Race 7: 1. ANDRASSY AVENUE, 2. Lyre, 3. Shotmaker, 4. Athiri
Race 8: 1. SPRIGHT, 2. Viddora, 3. Bons Away, 4. Nature Strip
Race 9: AVILIUS
Race 2, No. 1 Aramayo – BEST BET – 4.5 stars
Race 6, No. 7 Land of Plenty
Race 7, No. 8 Vinicunca
Race 8
Best Bet: Nature Strip ($2.05)
Next Best: Eduardo ($9.50)
Exotic Trifecta 3-10-6,14,17,21
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 2:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #13 Lunar Flare
Race 3:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #2 Spanish Reef
Race 4:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Lay – #2 Angelic Ruler
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #2 Tin Hat
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: High
Lay – #11 Alizee
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #7 Lyre
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: Low
Back – #10 Eduardo – each-way
Race 9:
Betting Confidence: Low
Lay – #8 Avilius
Race 7:
BACK (WIN) ATHIRI – Bet to WIN (stake 0.9% of your total bank.)
BACK (WIN) VINICUNCA – Bet to WIN (stake 0.6% of your total bank.)
BACK (WIN) LYRE – Bet to SAVE (stake 0.4% of your total bank.)
Race 7:
Back Athiri (7.50) and Lyre (6.50) to win.
If investing 10 units have 7 units on Athiri and 3 units on Lyre.
Race 8:
1. Bons Away
2. Nature Strip
3. Eduardo
Suggested Bets:
Back Bons Away (16.00, 4.60) each way.
Race 9:
Back Shillelagh (20.00, 4.80) each way.
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 7 #13 Brooklyn Hustle – each-way
Race 2: Aramayo
Race 3: I Am A Star
Race 4: Futooh – each-way
Race 5: Zousain
Race 6: Alizee
Race 2:
ARAMAYO (1) looked in need of it FU and the G3 Autumn Stakes and expect sharp improvement up to the 1800m. Gets the blinkers first time and the key booking of Bowman. Wins this at best and punting he’s ready to find it. DECLARES WAR (3) came back in trip in the above race off a hat-trick and is better suited at the 1800m. This fellow has upside and has to be strongly considered despite the tricky gate. COSSETOT (2) was far too good in the Tasmanian Derby improving his Sydney figures. Williams is likely to get a good drag from the rail and expect the gelding to manage the distance drop. This is a big step-up for GLOBAL EXCHANGE (9) but he’s been doing all that’s asked of him and with the promise of more to come.
Race 3:
I AM A STAR (1) should clear the tricky gate okay and was straight back to her best when just beaten in the G3 this venue. The 1400m suits now and she has the figures to win this. NAANTALI (8) won as expected here 3U in lesser grade and keeps getting better. Will push forward and looks right in it. SAVATIANO (7) resumes off a lip defeat this level in Sydney and has a 3/4 FU record. Bowman sticks from the sharp trial and she should get a sweet run on pace from the low gate. THINK BLEUE (5) resumes for the new yard off the G1 in Adelaide and is a 4/6 winner with more upside. Will race at double each way odds but a bold return wouldn’t surprise.
Race 4:
FUTOOH (1) resumed in good order in the G3 Kevin Hayes at this venue and is sure to have come on from that. Expecting her to find a handy spot midfield and be hitting the line hard. The extra trip suits and she’s right up to this. NEWS GIRL (5) can control the race and keeps getting better. Just missed in the Kevin Hayes 3U and just has to show she can run out the extra 200m to go close. ANGELIC RULER (2) is a West Australian with a stack of ability. Won at Listed level the latest as expected and gets Lane today. Presents as the early favourite but may have to find a length or two on the WA form. ZOUBO (10) showed plenty the first campaign and had good support resuming in the Kevin Hayes. Things didn’t work out in that and her followers will be sticking. PRINCESS JENNI (12) resumes off a strong trial win and is a filly with promise. Keep her very safe.
Race 5:
ZOUSAIN (1) resumes and has a clear ratings edge. Missed a lip in the Golden Rose and Coolmore at the back of the last campaign and owns two sharp trials. Draws to get a lovely sit and can come over the top of the speed. TIN HAT (2) will roll along and ran a peak 3U winning the Manfred easily. Fitter and is sure to take passing. POISED TO STRIKE (5) placed in the same race matching the above’s figure. Draws low and gets the blinkers first time and has more to offer. Represents some value against the above. TERBIUM (7) presents off a hat-trick in lesser grade but is very promising and can’t be easily dismissed.
Race 6:
ALIZEE (11) was far to good at Listed level FU and then trounced the Expressway field at Rosehill at G2 level. She has shown she can handle this venue and expect Bowman to sit quite and present her into the race at the right time. LAND OF PLENTY (7) has had another stable change and presents 3U for Team Snowden. Was wide and had too much to do just missing LS behind Manuel this grade and like the rider switch to Zahra. Expect him to be right in the finish again. LE ROMAIN (2) wasn’t beaten too far behind Alizee FU in the Expressway well-supported and without having the best of luck. Is likely to end up right on the pace and the tough consistent galloper should see it right out with Oliver doing the urging. HARTNELL (1) did nothing first up and expect the stable to have upped his work. Thrives this course/trip and he’s a quality galloper who can’t be dismissed. BRAVE SMASH next.
Race 2:
2. Cossetot (3 stars)
3. Declares War (3 stars)
1. Aramayo (3 stars)
5. Rossa’s Reward (3 stars)
Race 3:
1. I Am A Star (5 stars)
8. Naantali (3 stars)
4. Jamaican Rain (3 stars)
5. Think Bleue (3 stars)
Race 4:
2. Angelic Ruler (5 stars)
5. News Girl (4 stars)
3. Qafila (2 stars)
6. Queen La Diva (2 stars)
Race 5:
1. Zousain (3 stars)
2. Tin Hat (3 stars)
7. Terbium (2 stars)
3. Irukandji (2 stars)
Race 6:
11. Alizee (3 stars)
9. Manuel (3 stars)
10. Magic Consol (3 stars)
7. Land Of Plenty (3 stars)
Race 7:
1. I Am Immortal (3 stars)
6. Catch Me (3 stars)
7. Lyre (3 stars)
9. Bella Rosa (3 stars)
Race 8:
3. Nature Strip (5 stars)
4. Fell Swoop (3 stars)
5. Bons Away (3 stars)
7. Ashlor (3 stars)
Race 9:
3. Trap For Fools (5 stars)
8. Avilius (4 stars)
10. Shillelagh (3 stars)
4. Ventura Storm (2 stars)
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 2:
ARAMAYO (1) Flew home into 3rd three runs back at Moonee Valley and will be trying to topple them late. Appears well in this. DECLARES WAR (3) Displayed potential when winning two runs back at Flemington. Tracking very well this preparation. Major player. COSSETOT (2) Did enough to win last start at Hobart and will be aiming for a soft run from the draw. Honest enough to be an each way player. SECRET BLAZE (4) Second up. Put in a competitive run when placing 3rd three runs back at Flemington and can find a nice position from the draw. Use betting as a guide
Selections: 1 Aramayo, 3 Declares War, 2 Cossetot, 4 Secret Blaze
Race 3:
I AM A STAR (1) Really dug deep when winning three runs back around here and Ben Melham is a bonus. Key player. NAANTALI (8) Landed the spoils when winning last time at the track but rising in grade. Could go well. SUPRE (11) Was all too good winning last time at this track but racing in stronger company here. Has run into the money 5 from 6 attempts this preparation. Good chance at a price. SPANISH REEF (2) Mark Zahra and K Keys are usually competitive together. Got going late when 4th last time here and goes well second up. Underrated.
Selections: 1 I Am A Star, 8 Naantali, 11 Supre, 2 Spanish Reef
Race 4:
FUTOOH (1) Finishes off strongly. Chased well when 4th last start at this track and second up from a spell. Could prove to be very difficult to beat. ANGELIC RULER (2) Left nothing to chance when winning last run at Bunbury but racing in stronger company here. Serious player. NEWS GIRL (5) Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at Albury but racing in stronger company here. Should race on the speed. Must respect. ZOUBO (10) Second up from a break. Left nothing to chance when winning two runs back at Sandown but up against stronger competition here. No shock to see a win.
Selections: 1 Futooh, 2 Angelic Ruler, 5 News Girl, 10 Zoubo
Race 5:
ZOUSAIN (1) Resuming. Good show when finishing 2nd last time at Flemington and looks well placed in this grade. Will take some beating today. TIN HAT (2) Bold effort to win last run at this track and has plenty of early speed. Flying this campaign with 3 wins from 3 starts. Go close. POISED TO STRIKE (5) Having third run back from a break. Got the prize when winning two runs back at Flemington. Must respect. YULONG JANUARY (6) Had a break from racing and returns to competition here. Winner three runs back at Randwick and will be positive in the run early. Betting may be best guide to the chances and each way is the likely play.
Selections: 1 Zousain, 2 Tin Hat, 5 Poised To Strike, 6 Yulong January
Race 6:
ALIZEE (11) High class mare who is racing in career best form. With clear running she should be winning this. LAND OF PLENTY (7) Made up good ground in the Orr Stakes last start. Will be finishing strongly. LE ROMAIN (2) Should settle close to the speed. Appears suited here, each way. REDKIRK WARRIOR (4) At his best he could give the rest of the field something to worry about. Keep safe.
Selections: 11 Alizee, 7 Land Of Plenty, 2 Le Romain, 4 Redkirk Warrior
Race 7:
LOVING GABY (10) Only having second race start today but clearly possesses plenty of ability. Should go close. LYRE (7) Can show a good turn of foot and should get a soft run from the gate. Winning claims. ATHIRI (11) Stuck on well here last time out but has a wide gate to contend with today. Each way. I AM IMMORTAL (1) Has done nothing wrong in its career so far. Will look to lead again and take them the whole way, one at odds.
Selections: 10 Loving Gaby, 7 Lyre, 11 Athiri, 1 I Am Immortal
Race 8:
NATURE STRIP (3) Short course specialist who is aiming for a maiden Group 1 victory. Looks very well placed to do that today. EDUARDO (10) Only had 5 starts to date but is rising through the grades quickly. Will be sent forward from the wide gate and hoping to hang on at the end. VIDDORA (2) Classy mare looking for another win at the top level. Could swoop over the top of them if the speed is on early. FELL SWOOP (4) Nice effort when winning three runs back at Randwick and gets some weight relief. Has run into the money 3 from 4 attempts this preparation. Could be this race on form.
Selections: 3 Nature Strip, 10 Eduardo, 2 Viddora, 4 Fell Swoop
Race 9:
AVILIUS (8) Generally strong second up with 2 wins from 3 starts. Left nothing to chance when winning last run at the track and has drawn well. Could put a good margin on these. NIGHT’S WATCH (9) Generally strong second up with 2 wins from 3 runs. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Capable of winning. D’ARGENTO (6) Having second run back from a break. Weakened to finish 12th last start around here but looks better suited today. Each way hope. ACE HIGH (2) Second up from a spell. Lost ground in the run home when 6th last start at the track. Place chance at least.
Selections: 8 Avilius, 9 Night’s Watch, 6 D’Argento, 2 Ace High
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 2:
SPEED: 2, 5 from 6, 7, 12, 13. ARAMAYO and DECLARES WAR come through the Autumn Stakes, where they ran quicker time than the Group 1 Orr on the day. Aramayo was outsped at 1400m but battled well. Declares War warmed up late and his 11.84 last 200m was same as winner’s. FLORIDA DREAM might be silly odds here. He had no hope when shuffled back off walking tempo latest then ran home sub-11 seconds last 200m, the fastest of the day. LUNAR FLARE looked terrific with blinkers on at MV and ran +6L against class average last 600m. GLOBAL EXCHANGE a hope! can tie COSSETOT’s form in with Nakeeta Jane.
Selections: 10. Florida Dream, 13. Lunar Flare, 1. Aramayo, 3. Declares War
Race 3:
SPEED: 3,2 and 1 with any of 4,6,7,8,11 handy. SAVATIANO is a dual acceptor (Rosehill), loved her recent trial in Sydney, loved her Mona Lisa win at Wyong fresh last prep beating Shumookh. Top pick if here. I AM A STAR and SPANISH REEF both ran well here fresh behind Princess Of Queens who had just run quite well in G2/WFA Aust Stks. They both have 2nd-up form. TELEPLAY was solid that same race, 1400m looks ok. NAANTALI is going well and has a case.
Selections: 2. Spanish Reef, 1. I Am A Star, 6. Teleplay
Race 4:
SPEED: 5,9,11 go forward. 4,6 handy? QAFILA jumped out nicely with subsequent winner Khulaasa, her last fresh run she flew home behind Sunlight in a Quezette Stks. ANGELIC RULER is the highest rater here, she has not missed the top-3 since her debut, she was .7L 4th that day. FUTOOH ran well fresh Vs race-shape. QUEEN LA DIVA was 1.5L off The Inevitable last start in Tassie, how good does that look now! Expect better ZOUBO !! YULONG METEOR is a hope. NEWS GIRL must have a case, first go 1400m here. PRINCESS JENNI trialled well and form/time out of maiden win has strength.
Selections: 3. Qafila, 2. Angelic Ruler, 6. Queen La Diva, 10. Zoubo
Race 5:
SPEED: 2, 6 from 1, 5? ZOUSAIN resumes and has trialled super in Sydney. His runs in elite Group 1 races Golden Rose and Coolmore Stud Stakes were very good in defeat. TIN HAT is match-fit and flying. He ran very fast time here last start and will take catching. POISED TO STRIKE was solid behind him and was six weeks between runs that day. YULONG JANUARY and the unbeaten TERBIUM are in the mix for sure. SPIN wants 1200m now.
Selections: 1. Zousain, 2. Tin Hat, 5. Poised To Strike, 7. Terbium
Race 6:
SPEED: 9,2 from 3,5. The two main hopes (for mine) draw out. ALIZEE has been brilliant in her two wins this prep, in latest she easily beat LE ROMAIN. LAND OF PLENTY was back/ wide yet charged home in Orr Stks and was the ‘Run Of The Day’ in my humble, I thought post-race I would back him in anything he runs in next start, and here he is. Le Romain did beat him when they clashed in that fast Cantala Stks (and meets him 2kg better) however, Land Of Plenty was the better run that day (again, in my humble opinion). MATERIAL MAN went super fresh. REDKIRK WARRIOR, BRAVE SMASH & MANUEL have claims.
Selections: 11. Alizee, 7. Land Of Plenty, 3. Brave Smash, 2. Le Romain
Race 7:
SPEED: 1, 3, 8 from 5, 9 with 12, 14. ATHIRI had gap between runs into Prelude then had tougher run than the quinella but went down narrowly. The race rated much better than the boys on day. LYRE won it and produced 34.28 last 600m (+9L v class average). VINICUNCA led/brave. Now 1200m? BROOKLYN HUSTLE was first up, last 600m was 34.52 and 1200m/stronger tempo here helps! LOVING GABY looked terrific on debut. On times she rated down from Extreme Choice (won BD off Chairman’s win) but EC beat Flying Artie with 6L to third that year. ANDRASSY AVENUE ran good time relative to older horses at MV.
Selections: 11. Athiri, 10. Loving Gaby, 14. Andrassy Avenue, 7. Lyre
Race 8:
SPEED: 3 is fast. 4, 10, 12, 18, 19 up there! Great test for NATURE STRIP today. Doubt they’ll make it easy for him but his Rubiton win was fast! He had recent G1 winner Voodoo Lad gasping for air trying to keep up that day. EDUARDO is a danger: his trial was breathtaking! That was simply as good as horses trial. He has a 3-zip record over BONS AWAY, who ran very well in this race last year and matched motors with Osborne Bulls (”best sprinter in land” according to Willo) in spring. SPRIGHT’s a blowout hope. BOOKER jumped out nice. SHOALS and VIDDORA are class but give weight to males?
Selections: 3. Nature Strip, 10. Eduardo, 6. Spright
Race 9:
SPEED: 3,2 & 7 from 11? AVILIUS showed his class here fresh, he won Rosehill/ 1900m 2nd-up last prep. NIGHT’S WATCH was almost as good as him given he covered more ground than the winner, he too won (well) 2nd-up last prep. D’ARGENTO was luckless fresh in Orr Stks and gets out to 1800m here with blinkers on. Taking line through Benbatl I doubt there is much between he and Avilius. TRAP FOR FOOLS was coming again late in the Carlyon Cup, fitter/ 1800m big ticks. ACE HIGH, SHILLELAGH and HIYAAM all trifecta players.
Selections: 8. Avilius, 6. D’argento, 9. Night’s Watch, 3. Trap For Fools
Race 2:
ARAMAYO Won the Group III Spring Stakes at Newcastle last preparation. Needed the run when fourth in the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield resuming last start. He’s right in play with the first-up run under his belt. GLOBAL EXCHANGE Was a Pakenham winner in three first preparation runs and returned a winner at Werribee. This is harder but looks to have some upside. COSSETOT Has won three from five including the Tasmanian Derby at Hobart last start and looks right up to a race like this getting a soft run in transit from the inside gate. LUNAR FLARE Has improved at his three starts to date culminating in a six-length maiden win at Moonee Valley last start. Obviously a considerable step up in grade here but the authority in the last win cannot be ignored.
Race 3:
JAMAICAN RAIN Has won six from 12 including the Listed Lighthouse at the Sunshine Coast during the Brisbane Winter Carnival. No trial to guide us but would only have to be close to right to be in the finish. NAANTALI Made it five wins from 14 starts winning a benchmark race at Caulfield last start. Rises in grade but the 4kg weight drop keeps her in play. SAVATIANO Has put together a solid record with five wins and seven placing from 12 starts and was a listed winner of the Mona Lisa Stakes at Wyong last preparation. Resume and has won three races first-up previously. She’s a must for the wider exotics fresh. I AM A STAR Looked a half-run short when third in the Bellmaine Stakes at Caulfield resuming last start and is a winning chance fitter second-up.
Race 4:
ANGELIC RULER Has won five from nine in Western Australia including the Listed Rangeview Stud Classic at Bunbury last start. Th WA form looks good enough for a race in Victoria and is the top rater in an open race. QAFILA Resumes without a trial. Ran second in the Wakeful Stakes in the Spring last start and was only a length from the winner in the Quezette Stakes at Caulfield resuming last time in. A repeat of that run here would see her in the finish. PRINCESS JENNI Was a six-length Geelong maiden winner in two first preparation runs. Resumes on the back of a Cranbourne trial win and looks up to a race like this. METRONOME Has been placed all three runs this preparation and has bright place prospects again.
Race 5:
ZOUSAIN Is a promising Chris Waller-trained Colt resuming on the back of two trials including a win in the latest at Rosehill. Finished close seconds in the Golden Rose and Coolmore Stud Stakes and clearly the one to beat under the set-weight and penalty conditions. POISED TO STRIKE Was a Flemington winner resuming two back before placing in the Group III Manfred Stakes at Caulfield last start on the back of a six-week break between races. Should be close to peak fitness and looks the quinella horse. YULONG JANUARY Resumes and has had the benefit of two trials. Won three from five in his first preparation and was close-up in Listed Company in his remaining two starts. It would be no surprise to see him in the finish fresh. TIN HAT Has hit his straps this preparation winning three from three including the Manfred Stakes this track and distance last start and there is nothing to suggest he won’t be in the finish again.
Race 6:
ALIZEE Has won seven from 16 and has returned to racing in terrific order winning the Christmas Classic at Randwick and the Expressway Stakes at Rosehill in her two runs this time in. Looks the testing material. LAND OF PLENTY Won the Toorak at Caulfield in the Spring and has been placed both runs this preparation in the Australia Stakes and the Orr Stakes. A little query on his third-up form but still a place chance. MATERIAL MAN Had good form in Western Australia and was far from disgraced in the Orr Stakes at his first Victorian run. Will be a touch fitter here and is right in the mix. BEST OF DAYS Won successive races in the Spring including The Group I Kennedy Mile. Was held-up at a vital time before driving late resuming in the Orr Stakes. He’s right in play with the run under his belt.
Race 7:
ATHIRI Was a Rosehill winner on debut last December before finishing third in the Fillies Prelude. Still has scope for improvement and just needs even luck from the wide gate to be right in the finish I AM IMMORTAL Puts an unbeaten record on the line winning the Prelude and Preview leading on both occasions. Running out a strong 1200m is the only concern. LYRE Is chasing a hat trick after successive victories winning a Sale maiden two back before producing a strong finish to win the Fillies Prelude. Gets a nice run from the gate and rates as one of the key chances. BROOKLYN HUSTLE Was ultra-impressive winning on debut at Moonee Valley before doing her best work late finishing on the placegetters heels in the Fillies Prelude. Will be the one charging late fitter second-up stepping up to 1200m.
Race 8:
NATURE STRIP Arguably the best short course horse in the land and was ultra-impressive winning the Rubiton this track and distance last start. He’s the one to beat from a good gate. EDUARDO Is a lightly raced five-year-old with three wins and two seconds from his five starts. Resumes and did win his lead-up trial at Cranbourne. The wide gate makes it hard but can place with even luck. FELL SWOOP Won the Razor Sharp Quality three back before being run down late when runner-up in the Australia Stakes last start. Expecting him to be in the finish again. SHOALS Hasn’t raced since finishing down the track in the Everest. Hasn’t raced for 19 weeks and no trial to guide us but she invariably races well fresh and goes in all the exotics.
Race 9:
AVILIUS Won last start at Caulfield when fresh and capable of closing gamely. Drawn ideally. Should be right in the finish. NIGHT’S WATCH Amongst the placegetters last start running third at Caulfield when resuming and likely to charge on. Will come to hand quickly and a winner when last second-up at the track. Hard to hold out. D’ARGENTO Faded to finish 12th last start in the C.F. Orr Stakes when fresh and up in journey. Comes to hand quickly and placed at Rosehill when last second-up. Expected to be a contender. TRAP FOR FOOLS Ran fifth last start at Caulfield when fresh and ran third at the track when last second-up. Up in journey. Among the main chances.
Rosehill
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 1: BURNING CROWN
Race 2: TASSORT
Race 3: ARCHEDEMUS
Race 4: McCREERY
Race 5: THE AUTUMN SUN
Race 6: GOLDEN TYCOON
Race 7: I AM SERIOUS
Race 8: HIGH BRIDGE
Race 9: ALBUMIN
Race 3, No. 12 Signore Fox – each-way – 3.5 stars
Race 6, No. 4 So Taken – 3.5 stars
Race 7, No. 9 Moss Trip – 4 stars
Race 9, No. 8 Akasaki – 3.5 stars – SCRATCHED
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 2:
Betting Confidence: Low
Back – #3 Tassort
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: Low
Back – #1 The Autumn Sun
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Low
Lay – #7 I Am Serious
Race 1: Back Gumshoe (5.50) to win.
Race 9: Back Junglized (6.50) to win but if for some reason He doesn’t gain a start then back All Too Royal (7.00).
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 2 #3 Tassort – BEST BET
Race 4 #7 Seaway – LAY BET – bet against this horse with Betfair
Race 6 #5 Golden Tycoon – VALUE BET
Race 2: Tassort
Race 5: The Autumn Sun
Race 7: Dyslexic – each-way
Race 2:
TASSORT is the current Golden Slipper favourite and will be out to confirm his place at the head of the market following his very impressive debut win back in November. Sole trial in the lead up was very good and he is currently the highest rated 2YO in the land. Will have improvement to come, but is still clearly the one to beat. FARETTI has shown plenty at the trials and certainly looks to have his fair share of ability. Cost a fortune so connections will be hoping he can live up to the price tag ($2Mil). MCLAREN did a good job on debut and appears the next in line.
Race 5:
Many crowned THE AUTUMN SUN the second best horse in the country following his Caulfield Guineas in the Spring. Has reportedly made good improvement off a break, though his trials have only been fair. Nonetheless he is all class and under the set-weight conditions, he should take a power of beating. VEGADAZE continues to raise the bar and while this is easily his toughest test, he is rock hard fit and cannot be underestimated. GEM SONG returned with a bang and has to be respected.
Race 7:
DYSLEXIC went to the paddock in great form and remains a big watch fresh for Team Hawkes. Since trialled very well off a break and although drawn out, she should appreciate the solid tempo. Rates highly and shapes as one of the hardest to beat. I AM SERIOUS went out a winner and she too has trialled very well in the lead up. JMac is obviously a key booking and she looms as a major threat from the good draw. CHAMPAGNE CUDDLES won well last start and has to be respected.
Race 2:
1. Time To Reign (5 stars)
3. Tassort (4 stars)
2. Mclaren (2 stars)
6. Born A Warrior (2 stars)
Race 5:
1. The Autumn Sun (5 stars)
4. Royal Celebration (4 stars)
6. Vegadaze (2 stars)
2. Bondi (2 stars)
Race 7:
5. Cool Passion (3 stars)
16. Luskintyre Lass (3 stars)
7. I Am Serious (3 stars)
3. Champagne Cuddles (3 stars)
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 2:
TASSORT (3) Won by a huge margin last time at this venue and now back after a break. Jockey James Mcdonald and trainer James Cummings are usually competitive together. Deserves respect. MCLAREN (2) Did enough to win last time at this course and was a debutant last start. Major player. FARETTI (7) 3yo first starter by I Am Invincible for trainer Gai Waterhouse And Adrian Bott and has a nice advantage with a good barrier. Solid claims. TIME TO REIGN (1) Second up from a break. Bold effort to win two runs back at this track but facing a stronger grade today. Won’t be far away.
Selections: 3 Tassort, 2 McLaren, 7 Faretti, 1 Time To Reign
Race 5:
THE AUTUMN SUN (1) Superstar making his return to racing today. Should take this out and go on to bigger and better things this preparation. ROYAL CELEBRATION (4) Having second run back from a spell. Really dug deep when winning two runs back at the track and will be well suited at the distance. Can give this a shake. VEGADAZE (6) Yet to put a foot wrong in its career. This is much tougher but can have an impact today. BONDI (2) Will likely be sent forward and hoping to pinch a few cheap sectionals. Worth throwing in your exotics.
Selections: 1 The Autumn Sun, 4 Royal Celebration, 6 Vegadaze, 2 Bondi
Race 7:
I AM SERIOUS (7) Resuming after a spell. Left nothing to chance when winning last start at Randwick but will be down in distance here. Looks well suited in this race. CHAMPAGNE CUDDLES (3) Game effort to win last time at Warwick Farm and will be trying to topple them late. Warrants a bet. COOL PASSION (5) Fought on gamely when winning two runs back at Sandown and should muster plenty of early toe. Must respect. MOSS TRIP (9) Did enough to win three runs back at Scone and expected to be flashing home. Chance for exotics punters
Selections: 7 I Am Serious, 3 Champagne Cuddles, 5 Cool Passion, 9 Moss Trip
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 2:
TASSORT made quite an impression on debut, recording figures only high grade youngsters are capable of. He won a recent trial impressively enough (albeit in comparatively slow time for the session) and I am inclined to be with him here. Whether his odds match up with my estimation of him remains to be seen. Threre is quality elsewhere as well.. MCLAREN was professional on debut and can take benefit. FARETTI has trialed notably. He could settle either forward or back without surprise. BORN A WARRIOR has been speedy at the hit outs.
Selections: 3. Tassort, 2. Mclaren, 7. Faretti, 6. Born A Warrior
Race 5:
8, 2 and 6 to sort out the front end. THE AUTUMN SUN’s Golden Rose/Caulfield Guineas triumphs had me strongly of the view that he was the best 3YO that had come along for many a season. It definitely had me strongly of the view that he would have run 2nd in a Cox Plate but that scenario did not eventuate. Now here he is resuming and the world is his oyster. Two recent trials have been a bit on the lacklustre side but the presence of GEM SONG is also cause for pause. I thought his return win was outstanding and he looks all over a G1 winner of the future. That race fitness may count in his favour, as of course it may do for VEGADAZE.
Selections: 1. The Autumn Sun, 6. Vegadaze, 2. Bondi
Race 7:
The main speedsters – 16 and 15 – need scratchings to make their way in. That looms as the potential difference between genuine pace and something short of that. While that clouds the race to an extent it is a terrific collection of mares. I thought maybe SAVATIANO could be sent out at some value. Her fresh record is terrific and I like where she can trail from her midrange draw. I AM SERIOUS has trialed seriously well. Beat home The Autumn Sun comfortably in her latest. COOL PASSION and CHAMPAGNE CUDDLES can use a fitness edge in a race where most are on resumption.
Selections: 10. Savatiano, 7. I Am Serious, 5. Cool Passion, 3. Champagne Cuddles
Race 2:
Not much form to go by in this one. TASSORT resumes from a 13 week spell and won at only start at Rosehill, rates a long way in front. FARETTI first start and won both trials, outside hope. TIME TO REIGN ran fourth last start at Warwick Farm on a heavy track when first up and likes a softer track, consider in exotics. BORN A WARRIOR has a win from two trials and must be respected from this yard, for the wider exotics.
Race 5:
THE AUTUMN SUN back from 19 week spell. Can’t knock the form winning two in a row at Caulfield and Rosehill, major contender. GEM SONG has been flying of late and last start winner at Warwick Farm when resuming, could threaten. BONDI back from let-up and trial win in the 42 days since last race adds confidence, not the worst. ROYAL CELEBRATION likes a softer track and rates highly with Andrew Adkins aboard, place hope.
Race 7:
CHAMPAGNE CUDDLES coming off a win in the Breeders Classic on a soft track and has run well in these conditions, genuine contender. I AM SERIOUS back from 20 week spell and placed in both lead-up trials, cannot be ruled out. COOL PASSION faded from front position to finish just off the winner last start in the Breeders Classic on a soft track when resuming and goes well on a softer track, looks threatening. EGYPTIAN SYMBOL a winner at first outing this prep and won four of nine as a favourite, needs the breaks.