The following is a survey of Australian racing tips for Saturday, February 20. The focus is on the racecards at Caulfield and Rosehill. The highlight of the day is the trio of 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.
Promotions
View bookmaker racing promotions (not available to NSW or WA residents)
Best bets
These may change leading up to the race day as more tips come in.
Caulfield Race 1: 4. Defibrillate
Caulfield Race 3: 5. Impecunious
Caulfield Race 5: 3. Young Werther
Caulfield Race 7: 13. Enthaar, saving on 5. Anamoe
Rosehill Race 7, 1. Aegon
Rosehill Race 9, 4. Lackeen
Caulfield
Race 1: 4. Defibrillate
Race 6: 1. Behemoth – BEST BET
Race 7:
Best bet: Enthaar, saving on Anamoe
Trifecta: 13/1,2,3,8,14/1,2,3,8,14
Top 5:
1. Enthaar
2. Anamoe
3. Finance Tycoon
4. Arcaded
5. General Beau
Race 8:
Best bet: Celebrity Queen.
Trifecta: 6,7,15/1,2,6,7,15/1,2,4,6,7,9,15,16,17
Top 5:
1. Celebrity Queen
2. Ancestry
3. Portland Sky
4. Dirty Work
5. Zoutori
Quaddie: 1/5,13/6,7,15/2,3,8,9
Race 1:
DEFIBRILLATE (4) Showed promise when winning last time at this venue and displays good finishing speed. Racing consistently this preparation. Should go well. WOLFE (3) Placed 2nd last start at Warwick Farm and expecting to settle positively. Tracking very well this campaign. Suited. AUSSIE NUGGET (9) Was fighting out the finish when winning last time at the track and suited by the weight drop. Shows good closing speed. One of the top hopes. HANG MAN (6) Left nothing to chance when winning last start at the track. Can’t knock.
Race 2:
IT’SOURTIME (5) Showed promise when winning two runs back at Sandown and drops back to a suitable class. Every chance today. OXLEY ROAD (7) Scored a victory last time at Flemington and carrying less weight this time. Winning prospect. VALAQUENTA (3) Good performance to run into 3rd two runs back at Moonee Valley and should race just behind the speed. Massive hope. CONCEITED (2) Racing fresh today after a break of more than 1 year. Brave effort to win three runs back at Flemington and possesses good finishing speed. Capable of better
Race 3:
IMPECUNIOUS (5) Proven record when resuming with 2 wins from 3 attempts. Got the prize when winning last run at this course but rising in grade. Classy enough for this field and is one of the major players. MALICORNE (3) Winner three runs back at Moonee Valley and can find a nice position from the draw. Displays good tactical speed. Hard to hold out. YES BABY YES (1) Had a comfortable win three runs back at Moonee Valley and possesses good closing speed. Should be very competitive and is a genuine threat. SAFE PASSAGE (4) Fought on well to win last run at Sandown and should race on the speed. Unbeaten this campaign with 2 wins from 2 starts. Better claims.
Race 4:
PERFECT JEWEL (1) Strong record when resuming. Flashed home late into 2nd three runs back at Moonee Valley and going down in class. Rates highly. RICH HIPS (3) Goes well when fresh. Really dug deep when winning last run at Flemington but hoping that the added weight won’t hurt. Can get the job done. LUNAKORN (7) Got the cash when winning last start at Flemington and possesses good finishing speed. Looks promising in this race. NEIGHBOURHOOD (6) Rattled home nicely into 3rd three runs back at Sandown and easy to come into at this distance. Can be competitive.
Race 5:
YOUNG WERTHER (3) Having second run back from a spell. Managed to run 3rd two runs back at Flemington. Could pose a threat and expected to go very close. KHOEKHOE (1) Really dug deep when winning two runs back at Flemington but first run back from a break. Will be looking to sit just behind the pace. Respect in this company. BUTTER CHICKEN (11) Displayed potential when winning last start at Pakenham but rising in grade. Likely threat. PARURE (10) Chimed in with a win last time at Sandown and going well this campaign. Likely to get a nice run behind the speed. Capable of forward showing and can be competitive.
Race 6:
BEHEMOTH (1) Having second run back from a spell. Thrashed the field when winning last start at Morphettville and gets a favourable gate. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the pace. Appears as a winning threat. PROBABEEL (7) Second up specialist with 3 wins from 4 runs. Winner last start around here and carrying less weight this time. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Has genuine claims in this race. OLE KIRK (8) Game effort to win two runs back at this venue and possesses very good closing speed. Open to improvement and is a strong chance again. ARCADIA QUEEN (6) First up specialist with 2 wins from 3 runs. Left nothing to chance when winning last start at Flemington but returning to a shorter trip. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Open to improvement and is a strong chance again.
Race 7:
ENTHAAR (13) Second up. Got the cash when winning last run at the track but racing in stronger company. Racing in good fashion and a definite winning chance in what appears a suitable race. GENERAL BEAU (1) Was fighting out the finish when winning last run at this venue and having third run back from a spell. Very tidy this campaign winning 2 from as many attempts. Has good tactical speed and will be nicely positioned. Can’t knock. ANAMOE (5) Having second run back from a spell. Won narrowly two runs back at Sandown but racing in stronger company today. Will be looking to sit just behind the pace. Worth keeping safe. INGRATIATING (2) Third up from a spell. Really dug deep when winning last run at Flemington but rising in grade. Worth an each way bet in this.
Race 8:
ANCESTRY (6) Solid win last run at Flemington and expecting to settle positively. Suitably placed in this race. ANDERS (18) Pulled away to win three runs back at Rosehill and displays good tactical speed. Suited. ZOUTORI (1) Strong record when resuming with 4 wins from 7 attempts. Really dug deep when winning two runs back at Flemington and gets a nice run behind the speed. One at a bit of odds. DIRTY WORK (2) Brave effort to win two runs back at this track but resumes from a spell. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Don’t dismiss.
Race 9:
HOMESMAN (3) Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at Moonee Valley and should be going forward early. Open to improvement and has a show in this field. NONCONFORMIST (9) Second up from a break. Fought on gamely when winning three runs back at the track but up in grade. Can make a claim. PARADEE (12) Chimed in with a win last start at Gold Coast and expecting to settle positively. Been in the money 5 from 7 attempts this preparation. Among the major players. SHARED AMBITION (8) Game effort to win last start at Randwick and shows good closing speed. Could go well.
Race 1: Wolfe
Race 2: It’sourtime
Race 3: Impecunious
Race 4: Rich Hips
Race 5: Young Werther
Race 6: Probabeel
Race 7: Enthaar
Race 8: Anders and Dirty Work
Race 9: Shared Ambition
Race 1: 4. Defibrillate
Race 3: 3. Malicorne, 5. Impecunious, 8. Miss Guggenheim
Race 4: 1. Perfect Jewel
Race 7: 13. Enthaar
Race 8: 18. Anders, 2. Dirty Work
Race 1:
4. Defibrillate, 5. Blenheim Palace, 3. Wolfe, 8. Dawson Diva
Race 2:
3. Valaquenta, 7. Oxley Road, 5. It’sourtime, 2. Conceited
Race 3:
5. Impecunious, 3. Malicorne, 8. Miss Guggenheim, 4. Safe Passage
Race 4:
1. Perfect Jewel, 3. Rich Hips, 2. Sovereign Award, 6. Neighbourhood
Race 5:
3. Young Werther, 11. Butter Chicken, 1. Khoekhoe, 10. Parure
Race 6:
1. Behemoth, 6. Arcadia Queen, 7. Probabeel, 8. Ole Kirk
Race 7:
5. Anamoe, 13. Enthaar, 2. Ingratiating, 7. Artorius
Race 8:
18. Anders, 2. Dirty Work, 6. Ancestry, 9. Brooklyn Hustle
Race 9:
3. Homesman, 9. Nonconformist, 11. Miss Siska, 12. Paradee
Race 1:
4. Defibrillate, 5. Blenheim Palace, 3. Wolfe, 6. Hang Man
Race 2:
5. It’sourtime, 2. Conceited, 7. Oxley Road, 3. Valaquenta
Race 3:
5. Impecunious, 8. Miss Guggenheim, 3. Malicorne, 4. Safe Passage
Race 4:
7. Lunakorn, 2. Sovereign Award, 6. Neighbourhood, 3. Rich Hips
Race 5:
3. Young Werther, 1. Khoekhoe, 11. Butter Chicken, 10. Parure
Race 6:
1. Behemoth, 8. Ole Kirk, 7. Probabeel, 3. Mr Quickie
Race 7:
5. Anamoe, 13. Enthaar, 8. Jigsaw, 1. General Beau
Race 8:
10. Garner, 9. Brooklyn Hustle, 6. Ancestry, 18. Anders
Race 9:
9. Nonconformist, 3. Homesman, 12. Paradee, 8. Shared Ambition
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
NOTE; Rail true, as it was 6th Feb and there was no bias evident. Great racing! DEFIBRILLATE was coming back in trip here and bit slow into stride, given the moderate tempo he did a great job to dead-heat with HANG MAN, in doing so he ran an 11.04 last 200m it was the 2nd-fastest all day. WOLFE is back in form, he did win Coongy here at 2000m back in 2019 remember. AUSSIE NUGGET is going super but is poorly weighted here, he should be getting 10kg off Defibrillate. DAWSON DIVA covered ground latest, and ran very well.
Race 2:
SPEED: 6, 7 but they are both dual acceptors so …? VOWMASTER is a proper horse! His recent trial in Sydney was outstanding. In his two wins he has run the clear fastest last 200m of the day. In the latest he defied the track bias. CONCEITED is talented but off a long break, he trialled quite well in Sydney. VALAQUENTA had a task from back and wide fresh against older horses on a day when all 10 winners led or sat handy. OXLEY ROAD looked good on debut. IT’SOURTIME comes back to 1200m but is in this and the race may fall away.
Selections: 6. Vowmaster (top tip – SCRATCHED), 3. Valaquenta, 5. It’sourtime, 2. Conceited
Race 3:
Not sure leader but any/all of 1,2,3,4,7 can go forward. Tough race to sort out. YES BABY YES can improve sharply, leads here? CHICA FUERTE won fresh last prep then beat all bar Cambourne, her latest jumpout was OK. MALICORNE split two good ones last time, she has been to 1400m once but alas, the run was totally inconclusive and she was quickly spelled. SAFE PASSAGE was wide and a very good winner at Hillside. IMPECUNIOUS is 9-weeks fresh since that very strong win here, in good time. MISS GUGGENHEIM resumes, she too was OK at jumpouts and luckless when 3L off Chica Fuerte in a Manifold.
Selections: 3. Malicorne (top tip), 5. Impecunious, 8. Miss Guggenheim, 4. Safe Passage
Race 4:
SPEED: 2 looks leader. Maybe 6,8 take trail(s). Not sure what they do on 4 fresh at 1400m? PERFECT JEWEL is the class act here, they all should be giving her between 2 and 16kgs. She won Cockram Stks here fresh last prep. SOVEREIGN AWARD went too hard up front in G1/WFA Orr Stks, back in class with fresh edge off her she can give a sight here. NEIGHBOURHOOD is going really well in touch races of late. SPANISH REEF is still capable this level.
Selections: 1. Perfect Jewel (Best of the Day), 2. Sovereign Award, 6. Neighbourhood, 4. Spanish Reef
Race 5:
SPEED: 4,5 with any of 6,7,8,10 handy. KHOEKHOE resumes, he was ridden out but came away very well in jumpout win Feb 2. BUTTER CHICKEN has real upside, maiden win has strong and there was substance ‘on the clock’. YOUNG WERTHER was run off his legs fresh in fast-run 1400n race but did hit the line, he jumped to 1800m at start two and was pipped by Khoekhoe. PARURE was having her first go 1600m last time and she beat NARVAEZ and SETANTA, prior to that she beat al-bar Thunder Peak and that filly was only 2.5L off Personal last week at Flem.
Selections: 3. Young Werther (top tip), 1. Khoekhoe, 11. Butter Chicken, 10. Parure
Race 6:
SPEED: 2,5 from 10,7? Terrific race. BEHEMOTH has become a proper G1 horse, loved his return win, he probably gets an identical run (5th inside) as he did in G1 Memsie Stks here when he beat MR QUICKIE. STREETS OF AVALON is a bulldog. CROSSHAVEN chased him in CF Orr and likely fitter now, that 3yo form easily ties in AMISH BOY and OLE KIRK from G1 Caulfield Guineas. ARCADIA QUEEN is all class, if she runs to her Theo Marks win fresh two-preps back, she is your winner here! PROBABEEL (speaking of class) has won her last five dry track runs, what a jet!
Selections: 6. Arcadia Queen (top tip), 1. Behemoth, 7. Probabeel, 8. Ole Kirk
Race 7:
SPEED does not look too frantic for 2yo G1. ENTHAAR draws out and has never been to 1200m, however, I doubt either are actual negatives and may just mean a better price. ANAMOE didn’t quicken in Prelude but surged late (yes 1200m) and just missed GENERAL BEAU with JIGSAW a good third after covering ground. ARCADED looked spectacular that same day but the boys ran significantly faster time. INGRATIATING has General Beau form but ground to make up on Enthaar. ARTORIUS may need further but will be closing hard! DOSH has a case also.
Selections: 13. Enthaar (top tip), 5. Anamoe, 8. Jigsaw, 7. Artorius
Race 8:
Both 6 and 18 can fly! Many others can be handy. ZOUTORI was terrific fresh in this race last year against the track pattern but 58kg is no spoil. DIRTY WORK is an elite 1100m horse but he too has relative weights against him here. STANDOUT was not far off him in The Shorts behind the Everest winner and has a 3.5kg swing today. ANCESTRY sustains speed and has won 7 of his last 8, his win over GARNER ties in form-wise. BROOKLYN HUSTLE will be suited by all this speed. HANSEATIC crossed the line with her in McEwen Stakes. ANDERS’ two wins at start of last prep were brilliant!
Selections: 18. Anders (value bet), 2. Dirty Work, 9. Brooklyn Hustle, 6. Ancestry
Race 9:
SPEED: 3, 11 with 12 taking trail. REGAL POWER was excellent in this race fresh last year flying home against the savage track bias, he wasn’t at his best last prep. If he is today, he wins (In my humble). MISS SISKA won this last year (pattern onside) and was good fresh beating home NONCONFORMIST, who hit the line hard off a walking (-7.2L v. class ave) tempo. Liked the trial of PAPPALINO. His Oz debut in the Eclipse Stakes was lovely work. PARADEE is off back-to-back 1800m wins: 5weeks off? SHARED AMBITION gave weight to a good one fresh and was too tough! HOMESMAN won fresh last prep. trial: OK.
Selections: 8. Shared Ambition (top tip), 12. Paradee, 1. Regal Power, 9. Nonconformist
Race 1:
4. Defibrillate, 5. Blenheim Palace, 3. Wolfe, 9. Aussie Nugget
Race 2:
7. Oxley Road, 3. Valaquenta, 8. Grand Pope, 5. It’sourtime
Race 3:
5. Impecunious, 3. Malicorne, 4. Safe Passage, 7. Shojik
Race 4:
1. Perfect Jewel, 3. Rich Hips, 7. Lunakorn, 2. Sovereign Award
Race 5:
11. Butter Chicken, 10. Parure, 1. Khoekhoe, 3. Young Werther
Race 6:
6. Arcadia Queen, 1. Behemoth, 3. Mr Quickie, 7. Probabeel
Race 7:
13. Enthaar, 5. Anamoe, 3. Finance Tycoon, 8. Jigsaw
Race 8:
2. Dirty Work, 1. Zoutori, 15. Portland Sky, 9. Brooklyn Hustle
Race 9:
3. Homesman, 1. Regal Power, 8. Shared Ambition, 6. Chapada
Race 4: Lunakorn (6.50) – BEST BET
Race 6: Arcadia Queen (5.50, 1.85) (each way)
Race 7: Anamoe (7.50) (win)
Race 8: Anders (7.50) – VALUE BET
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 7 #1 General Beau (6.00)
Race 1:
4. Defibrillate, 9. Aussie Nugget, 6. Hang Man, 3. Wolfe
Race 2:
7. Oxley Road, 5. It’sourtime, 2. Conceited, 1. Confrontational
Race 3:
3. Malicorne, 4. Safe Passage, 8. Miss Guggenheim, 5. Impecunious
Race 4:
3. Rich Hips, 1. Perfect Jewel, 2. Sovereign Award, 6. Neighbourhoodz
Race 5:
10. Parure, 4. Milton Park, 1. Khoekhoe, 3. Young Werther
Race 6:
1. Behemoth, 8. Ole Kirk, 6. Arcadia Queen, 2. Streets of Avalon
Race 7:
13. Enthaar, 5. Anamoe, 1. General Beau, 9. Construct
Race 8:
6. Ancestry, 8. Bold Star, 10. Garner, 2. Dirty Work
Race 9:
9. Nonconformist, 8. Shared Ambition, 12. Paradee, 1. Regal Power
Rosehill
Race 1:
VOWMASTER (11) Fresh today. Bold effort to win last start at Moonee Valley and will appreciate the drop in weight. Could have race run to suit and is one of the punters top hopes. ANDERMATT (13) Scored a victory two runs back at Kembla Grange but resumes after a break. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Place wouldn’t shock. EQUATION (7) Having second run back from a spell. Winner last time at Gosford and carrying less weight this time. Contender in this event. TOMMY GOLD (5) Second up. Ran on strongly when 2nd two runs back at Flemington and looks well graded. Don’t overlook.
Race 2:
PURE FUEGO (2) Solid effort when winning last time at Muswellbrook but up in grade. Should be swooping on the field late. Tracking very well this preparation. Watch market moves. KATGULLY RED (3) Good win last run at Randwick. Can give this a shake. COMMANDO HUNT (7) Game effort to win two runs back at Muswellbrook. Possesses good finishing speed. Underrated. RICH AND SHAMELESS (4) Finished 2nd last start at Scone and backing up quickly. Been in the money 3 from 4 attempts this campaign. Each way.
Race 3:
SUBEDAR (9) Caught the eye when 2nd last run at Randwick and shows good closing speed. Sure to be thereabouts again. YAO DASH (6) Did a good job when winning two runs back at Gold Coast. Cannot underestimate. ZIEGFELD (3) Landed the spoils when winning two runs back at La Teste De Buch and should race just behind the speed. Well placed and has solid claims. NIMALEE (8) Resumes from a spell. Put in a competitive run when placing 3rd two runs back at Randwick but returns to a shorter trip. Among better hopes.
Race 4:
POSITIVE PEACE (2) Won narrowly three runs back at Randwick and should jump out and bowl along. Can win this. MADAM ROUGE (1) Fought on well to win last run at Caulfield and displays very good closing speed. Looks a worthwhile proposition today. SUBPOENAED (3) Proven record when resuming with 2 wins from 4 attempts. Got the prize when winning three runs back at this venue and drops back to a suitable class. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Respect against this field. ASIAGO (4) Hit the line well when 3rd two runs back at Newcastle and can go through the gears. Likely threat.
Race 5:
FOUR MOVES AHEAD (9) Let up. Bold effort to win last run at Randwick and fitter for debut run. Rates well and should be taken seriously. PAULELE (1) Displayed potential when winning last time at Randwick but fresh after a break. Looks very sharp this preparation with 2 wins from 2 starts. Must respect in this event. HOME AFFAIRS (5) Ran 2nd last run around here but carrying more weight than last time. Should go well. TIGER OF MALAY (4) Racing fresh today after a break. Got the upper hand late when winning last run at Randwick and having second run today. A win wouldn’t surprise.
Race 6:
SACRAMENTO (11) Winner last start at Randwick and will appreciate the drop in weight. Expecting to settle positively. Top chance. COLLIDE (6) Could build on a strong first up record. Tidy effort when 3rd two runs back at Newcastle and should race just behind the speed. One of the major players. THE LORD MAYOR (5) Came on strongly to finish 2nd three runs back at Wyong and finishes off strongly. Keep an eye on the market. DADOOZDART (9) Having third run back from a break. Went out at $12 and below par when 8th last time at Flemington. Should bounce back today and carrying less weight this time. Likely to fill a place.
Race 7:
AEGON (1) Game effort to win last start at Ellerslie and likely to race off the speed. Key player. PELTZER (4) Having second run back from a spell. Scored a victory last start at Randwick and should jump out and bowl along. Better claims. NORTH PACIFIC (3) Managed to finish 2nd two runs back at this track and second up from a break. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Can make a claim. PRAGUE (6) Having second run back from a break. Rattled home nicely into 3rd last time at Randwick and suited by the weight drop. Include in chances.
Race 8:
SPACEBOY (7) Put in a competitive run when placing 2nd last time at Randwick. Displays good tactical speed. Rates a winning chance. EMANATE (12) Having second run back from a break. Scored a victory two runs back at Warwick Farm and likely to race off the speed. No surprise to see a forward showing and one of the main hopes in this race. MUNITIONS (4) At $6.5 came in 6th last time at Flemington but proven record first up. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. One of the main dangers. ALL CYLINDERS (11) Solid effort when winning three runs back at Canterbury and won’t be far away during the run. Worth strong consideration.
Race 9:
LACKEEN (4) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Placed 2nd two runs back at Compiegne and now racing for a new trainer James Cummings. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Major claims. WHEELHOUSE (16) Second up from a break. Got the cash when winning last time at Randwick and will benefit with the weight drop. Among the major players. CANASTA (1) Kicked clear when winning two runs back here and won’t be far away during the run. Betting is the best guide and has each way claims. FULMINA (5) Ran on into 5th last time at Randwick and freshened up. Likely to get a nice run behind the speed. Keep an eye on the market.
Race 1: Andermatt
Race 2: Pure Fuego
Race 3: Ziegfeld
Race 4: Positive Peace
Race 5: Four Moves Ahead
Race 6: Sacramento
Race 7: Aegon
Race 8: Emanate
Race 9: Lackeen
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
The official track rating given out on Wednesday morning was Heavy 8. There is some forecast for showers on Friday and raceday as well but still I live in hope that we can race on Soft of some sort. Rail out 6 metres. We open with a BM78 for 3 and 4YOs and a warm welcome to the wonderful world of dual acceptors…..again. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 have all accepted elsewhere (mostly Canterbury Friday). ANDERMATT has a bit more to prove than some of these but he has trialled well enough to think he can run well off a lengthy break. PETRONIUS returns as a gelding and has never offered a poor fresh run, albeit only once at 1100m.
Selections: 13. Andermatt (top tip), 2. Petronius, 8. Rule Of Law, 5. Tommy Gold
Race 2:
The usual capacity field (and 6 reserves) for the Highway. 8 an early scratching and if 4 is here it will be on a four day turnaround. 13, 16 and 19 the dual acceptors. William Freedman has won five from his latest nine starters and looks for back-to-back Highways here with two reps. LITTLE WHITE LIES can cross on-speed and looks a chance to kick on. KATGULLY RED racing well and should slot for a handy enough trial here too.
Selections: 11. Little White Lies (top tip), 3. Katgully Red, 6. Praline, 1. Scout
Race 3:
SUBEDAR was a vet advised late scratching last week but appears 7 days later so all must be fine. There’s not much speed here so I would think he could even be crossed over on-speed. Down on 52 into this better company is not a bad challenge but will it be too wet? Stablemate ZIEGFELD has had only one quiet trial but has Bowman booked. We’ll see where the market’s at with him. YAO DASH can find the front (he led throughout to win his first two starts) but Heavy ground may pose an issue for him too if that’s what we’re on.
Selections: 9. Subedar (top tip), 6. Yao Dash, 3. Ziegfeld, 8. Nimalee
Race 4:
5 and 8 dual acceptors here. The vast majority resume. Pace offered by 2 and 9 and not much else. POSITIVE PEACE trialled well enough to think she can put her best foot forward fresh. Last prep she was a bit shy early on and only improved 4th-up when racing more forward. This field will allow for no shyness on her part; she just has to get up there. ASIAGO won a stakes race at 1350m fresh last time around. Tempo is her worry but she will close out solidly. 1 and 3 avoided wet last week so…..
Selections: 2. Positive Peace (top tip), 4. Asiago, 3. Subpoenaed, 8. Le Lude
Race 5:
Speed from 3, 1 and 5 in what looks a good bunch. HOME AFFAIRS was well fancied on debut and was only just outgunned. Whether he wants to lead from gate 1 or take a trail remains to be seen. Obviously plenty of upside (like all of them you would hope). ZETHUS was a run ahead of him on that occasion though and that be less of a factor this time around. PAULELE has gone both ways and come out clearly on top. Maybe there’s more depth here (?) but hard to knock. FOUR MOVES AHEAD one of only a couple of fillies and she was way too good on debut.
Selections: 5. Home Affairs (top tip), 2. Zethus, 1. Paulele, 9. Four Moves Ahead
Race 6:
SACRAMENTO to get total control and he has race fitness over most of these and may well be on his way to be being a better horse than many of them. The only sticking point could be if the track comes up a genuine Heavy. He has won on S6 but his only Heavy track run was a 5th in last year’s Derby and really not too bad in and of itself. So I’m prepared to trust him on whatever we’ve got. Dangers?? PATHS OF GLORY might be able to offer something fresh? SELINO is appealingly lightly raced but does shape as a Sydney Cup horse rather than a 1st-up winner.
Selections: 11. Sacramento (Best of the Day), 4. Paths Of Glory, 12. Herengawe, 8. Sikandarabad
Race 7:
9, 10, 11 and 13 dual acceptors here. Looking forward to how AEGON measures up. Has shown a great turn of foot over at home and even though his two biggest wins have come by narrow margins in busy finishes he is surely better for the first-up run. Whether he wants to drop back in distance after winning at a mile fresh is some query I guess but I’m not one to doubt this training duo. And of course the filly she beat 1st-up is a high grade girl and romped in a G2 last week. PELTZER away from Randwick but had to like what he did on return. Whether he leads or not, he’ll be ahead of AEGON no doubt.
Selections: 1. Aegon (top tip), 4. Peltzer, 3. North Pacific, 5. Prime Star
Race 8:
Genuine speed from 3, 7, 11, 12 and 2. HANDLE THE TRUTH could be one at value here and I think he can put his hand up in this company. Looked hopelessly unlucky last time he was fresh (Randwick, 1200m) but the speed can set him up well here and I have little doubt he can match it with any of these at his best. EMANATE lighter raced and looking relatively promising. Through a decent BM78, she gets nice weight relief here and only improved as she made her way through last prep. Might save on her.
Selections: 1. Handle The Truth (top tip), 12. Emanate, 7. Spaceboy, 2. Tavisan
Race 9:
We finish as we started, with no real certainty about how many we may be left with. Seven of them – 1, 3, 6, 13, 14, 15 and 16 – have other options. Pace from 1 (if here) then 7, 9 and 15 could work up handy as well. The import LACKEEN has trialled ‘enormous’ and has McDonald riding so I doubt too may risks will be taken, but the market may still guide us to some extent. Just one trial but you couldn’t see it and not love it. STARSPANGLED RODEO’s two 3rd-up runs in Australia have been absolute disasters but he has won 3rd-up in NZ. It would be interest to see GLOBAL QUEST tackle this company with blinkers added?
Selections: 4. Lackeen (value bet), 2. Starspangled Rodeo, 14. Global Quest, 1. Canasta
Race 3: 5. Polly Grey
Race 4: 3. Subpoenaed
Race 7: 1. Aegon
Quaddie: 4,5,6,11/1,3/1,2,10,11,12/2,4,5
Race 5: Paulele (3.50)
Race 7: 1 – Peltzer (4.00), 2 – North Pacific (4.60), 3 – Aegon (4.20)
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 5 #8 Dio (8.00) – VALUE BET
Race 6 #11 Sacramento (2.40) – LAY BET
Race 7 #1 Aegon (3.80) – BEST BET