The following is a survey of Australian racing tips for Friday, September 27 through to Sunday, September 29.
The highlight of Friday is the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley, the highlight of Saturday is the Group 1 Golden Rose (Race 7) at Rosehill and the highlight of Sunday is the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (Race 7) at Caulfield. The other Group races at these venues are also covered, along with selected races at Mornington on Saturday.
Premium Tips
If you’re interested in premium tips, check out our Tom Waterhouse tipping review. We recommend the Silver and Daily Best Bet packages. View the Tom Waterhouse website.
Promotions
View bookmaker racing promotions (not available to NSW or WA residents)
Best bets
Moonee Valley (Fri) – Race 2, No.1 Power Scheme and No.2 Legionnaire
Moonee Valley (Fri) – Race 3, No.3 Miss Siska and No.8 Princess Jenni
Moonee Valley (Fri) – Race 6, No.6 Kentucky Breeze
Moonee Valley (Fri) – Race 7, No.5 Nature Strip
Rosehill (Sat) – Race 4, No.3 Gem Song
Rosehill (Sat) – Race 6, No.10 Dabiyr
Rosehill (Sat) – Race 8, No.1 Just Thinkin’, saving on No.2 Shadow Hero
Caulfield (Sun) – Race 5, No.3 Dalasan
Friday
Moonee Valley
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 7: 1. NATURE STRIP, 2. Trekking, 3. Sunlight, 4. Ball Of Muscle
Race 3, No.3 Miss Siska – BEST BET – 5 stars
Race 4, No.5 Not Enough Effort – 3.5 stars
Race 7:
1. Nature Strip
2. Bons Away
3. Eduardo
4. Trekking
5. Sunlight
Best Bet: Nature Strip ($2.75) – 4 stars
Best Value: Bons Away ($19)
Exotic: Trifecta: 5/2,8,9/2,8,9,11
Race 8, No.3 Mandela Effect – 3.5 stars
Race 7:
1. Nature Strip
2. Trekking
3. Sunlight
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 2:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #1 Power Scheme
Race 3:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #9 Oceanex; #3 Miss Siska
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: Low
Back – #1 Exhilarates; #2 Loving Gaby
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #10 Douglas Macarthur; #6 Kentucky Breeze
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #5 Nature Strip; #6 Viridine
Race 2: Legionnaire
Race 3: Princess Jenni
Race 5: Villami
Race 6: Kentucky Breeze, saving on Captain Cook
Race 7: Sunlight each-way
Race 2:
LEGIONNAIRE (2) was big odds last time but ran a strong rating to win the Exford Plate and that has him set up as the one they have to beat now. Mile shouldn’t be a concern and he looks like getting an ideal run on speed. POWER SCHEME (1) won the Valley lead up and did it well. Was just first up there so fitter now and the mile is ideal for him with longer trips on the agenda. CONQUEROR (4) and THE HOLY ONE (5) ran even races behind him. Will have to improve to turn the tables but they should run well again.
Race 3:
PRINCESS JENNI (8) can relish a strongly run mile now. Did enough first up in the Let’s Elope over 1400m which is well short of her trip. She has some smart ratings to her name and looks well set up for a big spring. Can get it going by winning this. MISS SISKA (3) will put herself in a good spot and she must be a winning hope having overachieved when second in that Let’s Elope. SILENT ROAR (5) will race handy with her. She is up in grade but did a good job winning at the C&D last time and the form has worked out pretty well. SHROUDED IN MIST (7) is fit and should run her race while CONSENSUS (1) won the autumn equivalent here and no doubt set for this.
Race 5:
VILLAMI (5) was terrific last time. Had the pattern of the day in her favour but made the most of it and ran slick time against the best fillies around. Should take a power of catching around here. EXHILARATES (1) has won both of her starts this time in. The latest was a strong performance in a high-pressure race and she gets much the same set up here by the looks of it. ABSOLUTE FLIRT (4) was luckless last time and ran really well alongside Exhilarates last time. She has a hope along with LANKAN STAR (3) from the same race. LOVING GABY (2) resumes. Talented but betting will tell us more about her chances tonight.
Race 6:
KENTUCKY BREEZE (6) has been in the zone at this course and distance and he looks well placed targeting this race up in class now. If he can measure up to this level it is going to be now, finding a similar scenario to what has brought the best out of him at his latest couple. CAPTAIN COOK (5) has just lacked the knockout blow to this point but the step up to this trip could bring that out of him now. Big danger. YUCATAN (1) was plain fresh but he was a start last spring and could improve sharply. MOSH MUSIC (8) was a good second up winner while QAFILA (4) should bounce back from a plain run last time. Fresh run was a cracker.
Race 7:
NATURE STRIP (5) is the best horse here but he doesn’t always produce. Has to jump well from barrier one and he will want room to run but if he gets that he can take control of this with his pace through the middle stages and he can run times that the others here can’t. Wide open if he fails. SUNLIGHT (11) had excuses when resuming. Can overlook that and her second up run last prep saw her winning the Newmarket. Group 1 winner around here and hard to dismiss. TREKKING (2) won the Stradbroke last time. This could be on the sharp side for him but he is very honest. BALL OF MUSCLE (1) and EDUARDO (9) can fly around the 1000m and should be in the race for a long way.
Race 2:
1. Power Scheme (3 stars)
2. Legionnaire (3 stars)
5. The Holy One (3 stars)
4. Conqueror (3 stars)
Race 3:
5. Silent Roar (3 stars)
10. Tides (3 stars)
8. Princess Jenni (3 stars)
6. Something Silver (2 stars)
Race 5:
1. Exhilarates (5 stars)
4. Absolute Flirt (4 stars)
10. Aten (2 stars)
2. Loving Gaby (2 stars)
Race 6:
6. Kentucky Breeze (3 stars)
8. Mosh Music (3 stars)
4. Qafila (3 stars)
2. Glory Days (3 stars)
Race 7:
11. Sunlight (3 stars)
2. Trekking (3 stars)
5. Nature Strip (3 stars)
1. Ball Of Muscle (3 stars)
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 2:
Not sure leader but 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 can all go forward. POWER SCHEME was too strong for CONQUEROR and THE HOLY ONE here last time and was first up with 60kg. He now meets them both better at the weights and is likely fitter. Runner-up Skiddaw won last week at Caulfield. VEGAS KNIGHT should have beaten Conqueror when they clashed at Flemington. He didn’t quicken in the Exford Plate but finished off OK and wants 1600m now. LEGIONNAIRE won that race but was very lucky to do so. HINCHPIN was sound (fresh) behind him. Expect better FABULANSKI at 1600m.
Selections: 1. Power Scheme, 7. Vegas Knight, 2. Legionnaire, 5. The Holy One
Race 3:
SPEED: 2 may lead 1. 3, 5, 6, 10 can all be right up there though. MISS SISKA was a brave second fresh in the Let’s Elope Stakes. When second up last prep she went down narrowly in the Group 1 Queen of the Turf in Sydney behind Kenedna. PRINCESS JENNI was OK fresh in that same Let’s Elope. She has a relative weights advantage here at WFA and did improve lengths to win well (here) second up last prep. CONSENSUS beat Kenedna in the Sunline Stakes here at WFA in March. OCEANEX may turn the tables on TIDES here. Tides has that Fabric form.
Selections: 8. Princess Jenni, 3. Miss Siska, 1. Consensus, 9. Oceanex
Race 5:
5, 6, 7, 12 have speed. 14, 11 can be up there. VILLAMI made Libertini work to beat her at Randwick. She beat home Probabeel and they ran time. Those two fillies ran second/third last week in another fast race, the Tea Rose at Rosehill. LOVING GABY resumes and is high-class. Very good in the Diamond without luck then arguably best run in the race in the Slipper. EXHILARATES is flying. She sat on a hot speed last time here and held them off. The win was very good! ABSOLUTE FLIRT was competitive with her in the Quezette then should’ve won at Flemington. CHARLEISE, BACKPEDAL are in it on times.
Selections: 5. Villami, 2. Loving Gaby, 1. Exhilarates, 4. Absolute Flirt
Race 6:
SPEED: 13 may lead 5, 6, Maybe 11 sits closer? Many hopes. YUCATAN held his ground in a fast Group 1 fresh at 1600m. QAFILA was a forgive run there when wide. The fresh run was super. CAPTAIN COOK was wide/no cover at Flemington and went down narrowly to good mare MOSH MUSIC. This weight scale sees him obtain a 4kg swing on her tonight. SULLY and SPANISH STEPS were luckless and very good behind them. KENTUCKY BREEZE is flying and maps well again.
Selections: 9. Sully, 5. Captain Cook, 4. Qafila
Race 7:
SPEED: 5, 10, 1 but 11, 9, 4 can be up there. NATURE STRIP is the best/fastest horse here, gate but 1 will see a few lay him. He has won only two of his last six and been favourite every time. He faded when $1.80 in this race last year. TREKKING and VIRIDINE will be closing strongly, Viridine was 6.6 lengths off Nature Strip when they clashed here last spring though. SUNLIGHT always improves into a prep and won the Group 1 Newmarket second up last prep. Nature Strip did thrash her last year though. WINTER BRIDE the best blowout? EDUARDO and FAATINAH chances if the fave flops.
Selections: 5. Nature Strip, 11. Sunlight, 2. Trekking, 13. Winter Bride
Race 2:
1. Legionnaire (5 stars)
2. Power Scheme (4 stars)
3. Conqueror (4 stars)
Race 3:
1. Princess Jenni (5 stars)
2. Miss Siska (5 stars)
3. Silent Roar (4 stars)
Race 5:
1. Villami (5 stars)
2. Exhilarates (4 stars)
3. Absolute Flirt (4 stars)
Race 6:
1. Kentucky Breeze (5 stars)
2. Captain Cook (4 stars)
3. Yucatan (4 stars)
Race 7:
1. Nature Strip (5 stars)
2. Sunlight (5 stars)
3. Trekking (5 stars)
Race 2:
POWER SCHEME (1) Second up from a break. Fought on gamely when winning last start at this course and has a positive barrier. Winning prospect. LEGIONNAIRE (2) Got the upper hand late when winning last time at Flemington but racing in stronger company here. Should be going forward early. Rates a chance. CONQUEROR (4) Won by a big margin three runs back at Pakenham but up against stronger competition today. Should muster plenty of early speed. Should be very competitive and is a genuine threat. VEGAS KNIGHT (7) Had a comfortable win three runs back at Pakenham but rising in class. Craig Williams is in top form for this camp. Among the major players.
Race 3:
MISS SISKA (3) Second up. Ran 2nd last run at Flemington. Major player. PRINCESS JENNI (8) Having second run back from a spell. Got the cash when winning three runs back at Morphettville and gets some weight relief. Big claims. RONDINELLA (4) Second up from a break. Showed a good turn of foot when 3rd three runs back at Rosehill but up in class. Can figure in the finish. OCEANEX (9) Third up from a spell. Did its best work late when 2nd last time at Bendigo but facing a stronger grade today. Rates an each way chance.
Race 5:
EXHILARATES (1) Unbeaten this campaign with 2 wins from 2 runs and displays good closing speed. Was all too good winning last run here. Strong claims. VILLAMI (5) Shows good early pace. Overrun late when 2nd last time at Randwick and third up from a spell. Good chance and wouldn’t be surprised to see it pick up a win. ABSOLUTE FLIRT (4) Caught the eye when 2nd last run at Flemington but up against stronger competition here. Will be motoring home late. Open to improvement and is a strong chance again. LOVING GABY (2) First up after a break. Came in 2nd last run at Randwick and dropping in class. Has claims.
Race 6:
KENTUCKY BREEZE (6) Scored a victory last start at this course and gets a favourable barrier. Jockey Jamie Kah and trainer Levi Kavanagh are a formidable team. Include in chances. YUCATAN (1) Second up from a spell. Was all too good winning three runs back at Caulfield and back in an easier grade. Warrants a bet. QAFILA (4) Third up today. Won by a big margin three runs back at Morphettville and dropping in grade. Can go on with it. CAPTAIN COOK (5) Kept finding the line when 3rd last time at Flemington and carrying less weight this time. Expected to be flashing home. Don’t overlook.
Race 7:
NATURE STRIP (5) 1000m speed machine who will appreciate the inside draw. The one to beat. SUNLIGHT (11) Champion sprinter who has the class to overcome the awkward draw. Well in this. TREKKING (2) Last start winner of the Stradbroke who will be coming home strongly. Each way the play. THE BOSTONIAN (3) First up specialist looking for another Group 1 victory. One at odds.
Saturday
Mornington
Race 3, No.2 Arctic Shock – 4.5 stars
Race 7, No.3 Naval Warfare – 3.5 stars
Rosehill
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 7: 1. YES YES YES, 2. Bivouac, 3. Castelvecchio, 4. Exceedance
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 5 #5 Enticing Star – BEST BET
Race 6 #11 Mrs Madrid – VALUE BET
Race 6 #10 Dabiyr – LAY BET
Race 7 #2 Bivouac
Race 2, No.6 Storm Attack – 3.5 stars
Race 4, No.3 Gem Song – BEST BET – 5 stars
Race 7:
1. Exceedance
2. Yes Yes Yes
3. Bivouac
4. Yao Dash
5. Castelvecchio
Best Bet: Exceedance ($3.80) – 4 stars
Exacta: 5/2,4
Race 7:
1. Bivouac
2. Exceedance
3. Yes Yes Yes
Race 4, No.7 Con Te Partiro
Race 7, No.2 Bivouac
Race 8, No.2 Shadow Hero
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 4:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #3 Gem Song; #5 Noire
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #2 Champagne Cuddles
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #8 Scarlet Dream; #5 Naval Warfare
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #5 Exceedance; #4 Yes Yes Yes
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: High
Back – #2 Shadow Hero; #4 Quick Thinker
Race 4: Gem Song, saving on Con Te Partiro
Race 5: Enticing Star
Race 6: Dabiyr
Race 7: Bivouac
Race 8: Just Thinkin’, saving on Shadow Hero
Race 4:
GEM SONG (3) was very good fresh when closing of well behind superstar mare Arcadia Queen. That’s clearly the A1 form and he is sure to appreciate the step up in trip. Map is a bit tricky, but gets in well at the weights and should prove hard to beat with Avdulla aboard. CON TE PARTIRO (7) had absolutely no luck in last week’s Cameron Handicap and remains under strong notice with Clark back aboard. Certainly more than capable. AVANTAGE (6) disappointed in her AUS debut, but they elect to back her up and she cannot be dismissed. NOIRE (5) was very good late first up and has to be kept safe.
Race 5:
ENTICING STAR (5) has won 8/10 and comes here off the back of a narrow defeat in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes. Has trialled very well for the new stable and is extremely well placed at the weights. JMac rides at 54kg (great push) and she should take a power of beating. DYSLEXIC (7) had no luck at a vital stage in the lead up (Sheraco Stakes) and is clearly worth another chance. She is flying. CHAMPAGNE CUDDLES (2) was solid enough first up and should improve second up with Nash going on. MIZZY (3) has won both lead ups and obviously has to be respected.
Race 6:
DABIYR (10) was no match for his stablemate late last start, but still stuck on well to finish second and rates highly in this line up. Nice horse trending the right way and looks to get a charmed run from the inside draw. Hard to beat. GAYATRI (9) followed up on her solid effort two back, when simply too good at this C&D last start. Meets Dabiyr 1.5kg worse off at the weights, but still looms as a major threat. SCARLET DREAM (8) gets to 2400m very quickly, but suspect Newnham knows what he is doing and she has to be kept safe on the quick back up. STAMPEDE (1) should find the front and give them all something to chase.
Race 7:
BIVOUAC (2) gapped them in the Run To The Rose when pulling away to score by 2L. Had all the favours there, but suspect he gets a similar run and don’t see how they turn the tables. Has to tick the 1400m box, but hard to suggest this will be a strongly run affair. Bowman legs back aboard, he’s the one to beat. EXCEEDANCE (5) was very game in defeat last start, he ran the quickest last 1000m,800m,600m,400m & 200m of the day. You won’t see a better run in defeat. Problem is, he’s likely to settle further back this time around. Never easy. YES YES YES (4) was very good first up and with further improvement expected, he has to be included, along with his stablemate KUBRICK (6).
Race 8:
JUST THINKIN’ (1) took a good step forward last start when leading throughout in the Dulcify Stakes. Admittedly had all the favours on-speed, but should get a similar run again and is bred to relish the step up in trip. Should give them all something to chase. SHADOW HERO (2) was the run of the race last start behind Just Thinkin’ and he’s sure to appreciate the step up in trip. QUICK THINKER (4) did a really good job in his Australian debut and rates highly with Damian Lane aboard. Another trending the right way, major threat. SUBEDAR (3) the next in line.
Race 4:
6. Avantage (3 stars)
2. Volpe Veloce (3 stars)
4. Tom Melbourne (3 stars)
8. Abdon (3 stars)
Race 5:
1. Invincibella (5 stars)
5. Enticing Star (4 stars)
3. Mizzy (2 stars)
2. Champagne Cuddles (2 stars)
Race 6:
10. Dabiyr (5 stars)
9. Gayatri (4 stars)
1. Stampede (3 stars)
2. Destiny’s Kiss (3 stars)
Race 7:
1. Castelvecchio (5 stars)
2. Bivouac (4 stars)
4. Yes Yes Yes (2 stars)
3. Prince Fawaz (2 stars)
Race 8:
3. Subedar (3 stars)
1. Just Thinkin’ (3 stars)
4. Quick Thinker (3 stars)
2. Shadow Hero (3 stars)
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 4:
Not quite the race I was hoping for from the noms but most here have a chance. 6 can lead 7. GEM SONG did enough in solid company first-up and maybe he can be a stronger galloper this prep. NOIRE is usually pretty strong 2nd-up (but not last prep, note). AVANTAGE has to bounce back from last week but strikes a race that she might be able to control.
Selections: 3. Gem Song, 5. Noire, 6. Avantage, 7. Con Te Partiro
Race 5:
Another small field. MIZZY has learned how to win this prep and in doing so is quickly turning out to be a very likeable horse indeed. Clearly versatile in her positioning but most likely here I think is crossing to the outside of likely leader FUNDAMENTALIST. DYSLEXIC will need clear running at the right time and tempo to be genuine but she looks just about ready to peak 3rd-up.
Selections: 3. Mizzy, 7. Dyslexic, 2. Champagne Cuddles, 5. Enticing Star
Race 6:
A tricky first leg of the major quaddie. STAMPEDE the obvious leader and he comes through a strong race last week. 2400m the challenge along with 59 kilos but there was nothing at all wrong with how he kicked on at Randwick. Not sure what happened at Wyong prior (the market said no, the vet said all clear post-race). In DABIYR and GAYATRI, Waller has two genuine winning chances.
Selections: 1. Stampede, 10. Dabiyr, 9. Gayatri, 8. Scarlet Dream
Race 7:
8 leading 2 looks the most likely set-up in today’s Group 1. Six of the eight ran in the 1200m lead-up here a fortnight ago (with five of them sent out single figures) but the two that approach this from elsewhere should be well respected too. I do quite like my Golden Rose winners coming from way back in the field (think The Autumn Sun, Hallowed Crown, Zoustar) and that’s part of my thinking with tipping CASTELVECCHIO, even though this smallish field perhaps may not set him up as well as something larger would. YAO DASH is still well and truly on the up but has done nought wrong to date including defeating Funstar (G2 winner last week). Might control this as well??
Selections: 1. Castelvecchio, 8. Yao Dash, 2. Bivouac, 5. Exceedance
Race 8:
Well, I have had a good long think about this, and at the end of all that thinking, I think the two So You Thinks are the two most likely to win the race their dad won precisely ten years ago. JUST THINKIN will be the one rolling out front and it is him I have landed on as top selection but QUICK THINKER was terrific on Heavy ground here 4 weeks ago and despite jumping up 400m appears the other key player. SUBEDAR must be factored in if we are respecting the topple.
Selections: 1. Just Thinkin’, 4. Quick Thinker, 3. Subedar, 2. Shadow Hero
Race 4:
1. Gem Song (5 stars)
2. Con Te Partiro (4 stars)
3. Avantage (4 stars)
Race 5:
1. Enticing Star (5 stars)
2. Champagne Cuddles (4 stars)
3. Invincibella (4 stars)
Race 6:
1. Dabiyr (5 stars)
2. Gayatri (4 stars)
3. Scarlet Dream (4 stars)
Race 8:
1. Just Thinkin’ (5 stars)
2. Shadow Hero (4 stars)
3. Quick Thinker (4 stars)
Race 4:
GEM SONG (3) Worked hard to finish 2nd two runs back at this track. Should be right in the finish. CON TE PARTIRO (7) Having third run back from a spell. Didn’t attack the line when 10th last run at Newcastle and up against stronger competition today. Can give this a shake. AVANTAGE (6) Should muster plenty of early toe. Worked hard to finish 2nd two runs back at Ruakaka and third up today. Include in chances. NOIRE (5) Strong record when second up with 3 wins from 5 starts. Solid effort when 5th last run at the track and finishes off strongly. Should take beating
Race 5:
ENTICING STAR (5) Chimed in with a win three runs back at Belmont. Bold performance expected. CHAMPAGNE CUDDLES (2) Having second run back from a spell. Put in a competitive run when placing 3rd last run at this course and has a positive gate. Should be in the finish. INVINCIBELLA (1) Fresh from a break. Was fighting out the finish when winning last time at Eagle Farm and suited at this trip historically. Can get the job done. MIZZY (3) Fought on well to win last start at this course and having third run back from a spell. Should go well.
Race 6:
DABIYR (10) Made a mess of them when winning two runs back at Moonee Valley and going well this preparation. Strong win bet. GAYATRI (9) Did enough to win last start at this track and gets some weight taken off today. Rates a winning chance. SCARLET DREAM (8) Caught the eye when 2nd two runs back at Randwick and will be trying to topple them late. Winnable race. STAMPEDE (1) Should muster plenty of early speed. Could improve on placing 2nd last time at Randwick and racing again inside a week. Each way prospects.
Race 7:
BIVOUAC (2) Got back to his best in the Run to the Rose. Top prospects. EXCEEDANCE (5) Fitter for two runs back and will be running on strongly with early pace on. Can win. YES YES YES (4) Honest effort last time out. Not hopeless here. YAO DASH (8) Unbeaten in two career starts. Needs to take the next step but can do so.
Race 8:
JUST THINKIN’ (1) Really dug deep when winning last time at the track and has plenty of early speed. The one they all have to beat. QUICK THINKER (4) Having second run back from a break. Left nothing to chance when winning last start here and has a positive draw. Goes very close. SHADOW HERO (2) Dashed home into 3rd last start here. Should get going late. Winning hope. SUBEDAR (3) Fought on well to win three runs back around here but up against stronger competition today. Can get the job done.
Sunday
Caulfield
Race 5: Dalasan, saving on Creator
Race 6: Tenley
Race 7: Homesman
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 7: 1. HARTNELL, 2. Homesman, 3. The Chosen One, 4. Yulong Prince
Race 1, No.7 Camelle – 3.5 stars
Race 3, No.11 Royal Ace – each-way – 4 stars
Race 4, No.1 Rox The Castle – BEST BET – 5 stars
Race 7:
1. Hartnell
2. Homesman
3. Super Titus
4. Gatting
5. The Chosen One
Best Bet: Hartnell ($4.60) – 4.5 stars
Best Roughie: Super Titus ($23)
Exotic: Boxed Exacta: 1,7,8,11
Race 8, No.9 Zoustyle – 4 stars
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #5 Alligator Blood; #7 Creator; #3 Dalasan
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: Low
Back – #9 Acting; #2 Tenley
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #8 Homesman; #1 Hartnell
Race 5:
3. Dalasan (3 stars)
1. Yourdeel (3 stars)
5. Alligator Blood (3 stars)
2. Strasbourg (3 stars)
Race 6:
1. Lyre (5 stars)
3. Flit (4 stars)
10. Snapdancer (2 stars)
2. Tenley (2 stars)
Race 7:
7. Gatting (3 stars)
13. Kenedna (3 stars)
8. Homesman (3 stars)
1. Hartnell (3 stars)
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 5:
Fascinating Guineas Prelude and hopefully the 3yo picture becomes a little clearer after the race. There are different form-lines to line up. DALASAN via the Danehill is a good place to start. Concede it was an on pace race and he was in the firing line all the way but he was as strong as any of them through the line and after. 1400m will suit now. He maps for a good trail and will just need to find some open air to be in the finish. Away from the Danehill and the Queenslander ALLIGATOR BLOOD creates plenty of interest. He’s been most impressive to date. HILO and GROUNDSWELL have impressed in easier races. No chance that’s the end of it.
Selections: 3. Dalasan, 5. Alligator Blood, 10. Hilo, 17. Groundswell
Race 6:
Terrific race. Pattern pending, the barrier draw wasn’t kind to a couple of them. If MISSILE MANTRA can get that 3 wide with cover run around midfield she should be hard to beat. She looked unlucky at Flemington and we know she handles Caulfield. TENLEY was also unlucky at Flemington. That probably told us the Sydney form around Libertini is very strong. FLIT was 2nd to that filly and beat TENLEY decisively. If she didn’t draw the extreme outside she would be top pick. ST EDWARDS CROWN comes from a different form-line. Her return was very good before backing up quickly. That gave her the right timing into 1400m 3rd up. LYRE, SNAPDANCER next.
Selections: 6. Missile Mantra, 2. Tenley, 3. Flit, 7. St Edward’s Crown
Race 7:
With HOMESMAN and GAILO CHOP drawn out and TRAP FOR FOOLS drawn in the potential is there for a genuinely run race. Thought the Makybe Diva form might be the best form and for that reason it’s impossible to ignore GATTING. Mystic Journey had won 7 in a row before he came along. He draws similarly to last time and just might end up in a similar spot. Concede he was $101 last time and is now around $5 but I’m prepared to take that victory at face value. The only 4yo male in the race, THE CHOSEN ONE comes through the Feehan and he ran well enough. He will be fitter and maps well. HOMESMAN is a great hope with luck from the draw. 1 and 10 next.
Selections: 7. Gatting, 12. The Chosen One, 8. Homesman, 1. Hartnell
Race 5:
DALASAN (3) Scored a victory last start at Flemington and having third run back from a break. Very tidy this campaign winning 2 from as many starts. Worth an investment. ALLIGATOR BLOOD (5) Good win last run at Sunshine Coast and Ryan Maloney is a plus. Very tidy this preparation winning 2 from as many attempts. Good chance of threatening these. EXPRESS PASS (12) Got the prize when winning two runs back at Bendigo and expected to be flashing home. Place hope. SUPER SETH (4) Left nothing to chance when winning two runs back here and very competitive this preparation. Could work into the placings.
Race 6:
FLIT (3) Good win three runs back at Flemington and can go through the gears. Worth a ticket here. MISSILE MANTRA (6) Scored a victory three runs back at this track and can go through the gears. Respect. TENLEY (2) Kept finding the line when 3rd last time at Flemington and has a nice turn of foot. Open to improvement and has a show in this field. LYRE (1) Usually in the money here and finishes off strongly. Won’t be far away and represents an each way player.
Race 7:
HOMESMAN (8) Far too good when resuming in the Feehan Stakes. Has to cross from the wide draw but rates highly here. GATTING (7) Caused one of the biggest upsets of the year when beating Mystic Journey last start. Looks capable of repeating the dose today. HARTNELL (1) Has been a while between wins but he keeps performing well. A win here wouldn’t shock. THE CHOSEN ONE (12) Decent run in the Feehan Stakes and will take benefit from the run. Value play.