The following is a survey of Australian racing tips for Saturday, May 1. The focus is on the feature races at Eagle Farm and Hawkesbury plus the full race card at Morphettville.
More tips will be added as they become available.
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Best bets
Eagle Farm Race 7: 4. Private Eye
Eagle Farm Race 8: 1. Trekking
Hawkesbury Race 7: 3. Ellsberg
Morphettville Race 2: 1. Lord Vladivostok
Eagle Farm
Race 6: Stellar Magic
Race 7: Private Eye
Race 8: Trekking
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 6:
Snowdrop (drawn out) & Oriental Princess (drawn in) the main pace on the map, 4, 5 possibly 9 & maybe 7 next. Found this a very tough race, leaning MISS HIPSTAR who doesn’t draw kindly suggesting she’ll need some luck early to either get in or find cover. Yet to put in a bad run (excuses in the Millions, very game) with other efforts being two wins & a good 3rd from a bad alley. The Sydney visitor ASHEMA has the strongest form line in the race coming off a Group 3 placing last start, won’t be far from the lead from the decent gate & likely in a winning spot on the turn. Stack of other hopes!
Selections: 7. Miss Hipstar (Value Bet), 6. Ashema, 8. Stellar Magic, 5. Refero
Race 7:
The Group 2 Guineas sees Apache Chase bowling along in front, he shouldn’t have any trouble crossing 2, 5, 6 & 9 early who look the other on-paced runners. Like his stable mate earlier Georgie’s Pride he’s a flyer APACHE CHASE who just runs his rivals into the ground, can he do it at 1600m though? If he runs it out then yes definitely, if not then who runs past? I’m backing both he & PRIVATE EYE who is that one judging on his Sydney form, takes a bit of solid riding however can find the line as he did latest & should relish the 1600m. Can’t get exited about the other southern raiders at all.
Selections: 4. Private Eye (Top Tip), 1. Apache Chase, 5. Tumbler Ridge, 8. Kukeracha
Race 8:
Drawn well The Odyssey can lead the Victory field with Fasika, Emerald Kingdom & Master Jamie all up there, 9 handy. I’ve mapped TREKKING as midfield/worse on his overall form however in his two lead-up trials he’s been right up on the pace. this is not a trial & I don’t expect him in the first 4 or 5 however from that good draw he could well be midfield & from there will be very hard to hold out late. From the good gate FASIKA has to be a danger, nothing but Group form of late. Not the ideal draw for GARIBALDI at his big test, he’s on the up though & has found a ‘turn of foot’.
Selections: 1. Trekking (Top Tip), 10. Fasika, 8. Garibaldi (SCRATCHED), 3. Niccanova
Race 6:
ASHEMA (6) Fought on well to win two runs back at Randwick and drops back to a suitable class. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Been in the money 4 from 5 attempts this campaign. Has the ability to take this out. MISS HIPSTAR (7) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Was rock solid when winning three runs back at Ipswich. Won a barrier trial at Doomben on Apr 13th. Respect against this field. STELLAR MAGIC (8) Really dug deep when winning last start at this venue and carrying less weight this time. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Major player. MILITARY GAMBLER (1) Game effort to win two runs back at Doomben but facing a stronger grade today. Can go on with it.
Race 7:
PRIVATE EYE (4) Chimed in with a win three runs back at Rosehill and third up from a break. Should just about get the run of the race. Should go well. APACHE CHASE (1) Winner last time here but rising in grade. Likely to be well placed early. Strong claims. HOLYFIELD (2) Having second run back from a spell. Couldn’t shake them off when 3rd three runs back at Moonee Valley and drawn well. Strong chance. TUMBLER RIDGE (5) Solid win last start at Doomben but up against stronger competition. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Could sneak a place.
Race 8:
TREKKING (1) Produced an eye catching run when 2nd two runs back at Moonee Valley but fresh after a break. Success in a barrier trial at Hawkesbury on Apr 19th. Looks the winner. FASIKA (10) Having second run back from a break. Game effort to win last start at Randwick and gets a nice run behind the speed. Big claims. EMERALD KINGDOM (5) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Really dug deep when winning last run at Sunshine Coast and expecting to settle positively. Winner in a barrier trial at Deagon on Apr 20th. Trifectas chance. VEGA ONE (2) Having second run back from a spell. Went out at $3.8 and came in 6th last start here but should get going late. Strong each way hope.
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 9 #3 Garibaldi (2.60) – VALUE BET
Hawkesbury
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 5:
All mares/no fillies in the Crown. Not a huge depth of speed either. IRITHEA is into a new stable but shapes as the most likely leader. 2 can be handy of course but she was solid from well back last start. ATHIRI (accepts as 3rd emergency in the next as well) could push up from the inside…..maybe. WANDABAA is winless from her seven black type attempts but of course she has finished top four in each and again she looks right on the verge of a breakthrough that would be well deserved. ATHIRI a chance in whatever she contests. Beaten narrowly by Krone when last seen and that form held up well subsequently.
Selections: 8. Wandabaa (Top Tip), 5. Athiri, 2. Sweet Deal, 12. Air To Air
Race 6:
Heaps of speed in this one. 1, 3, 6, 11, 13 can press up. Maybe 2, 5, 8 as well? I’ll have old mate INANUP off the break. Loved his trial last week; he was back and wide and then switched back inside and made some lovely ground. Convinced he is at this level and fresh form is solid overall. SPECIAL REWARD is the high rater of the group and should start near favouritism given his quality and impressive fresh performance last prep. Not one thing wrong with the way he’s been trialling either.
Selections: 10. Inanup (Value Bet), 1. Special Reward, 8. Varda, 17. Athiri
Race 7:
ELLSBERG the obvious choice in the Guineas I reckon. The return was quite stunning and as long as he can hold up with that sort of rating the others will find him tough to get past. 2 from 2 for Clark so there is a good affinity. ELIZABEEL tracks not too far from the front and she has been honest throughout this prep, bar when extending out to 2000m. RAINBOW CONNECTION lightest raced and really measured up last start. Only meets ELLSBERG 1kg better off though. AIM’s highlight was at 1400m and he comes from a hot hot race. Not knocking EXOBOOM as such. Some excuses first-up but this his toughest test yet.
Selections: 3. Ellsberg (Top Tip), 10. Elizabeel, 5. Rainbow Connection, 2. Aim
Race 8:
1 and 9 (dual acceptor) to lead 2. ROYAL CELEBRATION returns to Hawkesbury for the first time since his debut as a 2YO (he ran 2nd to Invictus Salute). He has come back with two enticing runs that have him looking the one to beat here, 3rd-up on the quick turnaround. Four 3rd-up runs to date and he has placed in each (1:2:1). Almost won the Festival last prep at third run in; he just looks so well poised here. GREYSFUL GLAMOUR needs distinctly dry ground and perhaps that was not quite what was on offer last start. Chances to 3 and 8 as well.
Selections: 7. Royal Celebration (Best of the Day), 1. Greysful Glamour, 3. Purple Sector, 8. Looks Like Elvis
Race 5: Wandabaa
Race 6: Embracer
Race 7: Ellsberg
Race 8: Royal Celebration
Race 5:
ATHIRI (5) Solid effort when winning two runs back at Eagle Farm but resuming after a spell. Winner in a barrier trial at this track on Apr 19th. Will give a strong sight. SWEET DEAL (2) Strong effort when 4th last run at Randwick but will have to carry extra weight today. Winning prospect. WANDABAA (8) Good run when finishing 3rd last time at Randwick. Displays good finishing speed. Right in this. AIR TO AIR (12) Produced an eye catching run when 2nd three runs back at Kembla Grange and third up from a break. Expected to settle towards the rear. Market watch advised.
Race 6:
ATHIRI (17) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Finished on top two runs back at Eagle Farm but racing in stronger company. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Respect in this company. VARDA (8) Proven record first up with 2 wins from 4 attempts. Fought on well to win three runs back at Randwick and shows good early pace. Finished 3rd in a barrier trial here on Apr 19th. Major player. EMBRACER (11) Was strong on the speed before fading to finish 3rd two runs back at Rosehill and displays good tactical speed. Gelded. Winner in a barrier trial at Royal Randwick on Apr 20th. Will be in the finish. SPECIAL REWARD (1) Peaked on the run when 2nd two runs back at Newcastle but first run back from break. Should muster plenty of early speed. Won a barrier trial at Newcastle on Apr 19th. Betting may be best guide to the chances and each way is the likely play.
Race 7:
ELLSBERG (3) Having second run back from a spell. Kicked clear when winning last run at Randwick and should come to hand quickly. Bet with confidence. EXOBOOM (6) Having second run back from a break. Had a comfortable win two runs back at Kembla Grange and displays good tactical speed. Winning hope. RAINBOW CONNECTION (5) Good win three runs back at Randwick but bit of extra work to do with more weight today. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Minor prospects. AIM (2) Was all too good winning two runs back at Gold Coast and shows good finishing speed. One of the chances.
Race 8:
ROYAL CELEBRATION (7) Having third run back from a break. Nice run placing 3rd last time at Randwick. Hard to beat. GREYSFUL GLAMOUR (1) Couldn’t shake them off when 2nd two runs back at Rosehill and dropping in grade. Won’t be far away during the run. Strong hope. ARCHEDEMUS (2) Got the upper hand late when winning three runs back at Kembla Grange and likely to be well placed early. Keep in mind. SIKANDARABAD (6) Kept finding the line when 2nd two runs back at Rosehill and gets a reduction in weight. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the pace. Must respect in this event
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 8 #7 Royal Celebration (3.00) – LAY BET
Race 1: 1. Gleneagles
Race 4: 1. Luncies
Quaddie: 1,8,10,11/3,5/1,3,7/6,9,12
Morphettville
Race 4: 2. Silent Sovereign
Race 6: 8. Minhaaj – BEST BET
Race 7: 13. Paul’s Regret – each-way
Race 8:
BEST BET: This is an open Australasian Oaks with a number of winning chances. Both favourites – Hela and Steinem – look under the odds. Llanacord and Brookspire are particularly good value.
EXOTIC: Boxed exacta 4,5,6,10,12,13,17
TOP 5:
1. Llanacord
2. Brookspire
3. Americain Angel
4. Flexible
5. Ecumenical
Quaddie: 8/2,3,13,15,17/4,5,6,10,12,13,17/4,7,8,9,10,11
Race 6: Minhaaj (4.00) (win)
Race 7: Instant Celebrity (6.00) (win)
Race 8: Steinem (4.20) (win)
Race 1: Gulf Of Suez and Silent Theory
Race 2: Lord Vladivostok
Race 3: Viridine exacta with Sword of Mercy and Pandemic
Race 4: Silent Sovereign
Race 5: In Good Health and Lunakorn
Race 6: Beau Rossa, Malicorne is good value
Race 7: Brooklyn Hustle and Subpoenaed
Race 8: Steinem and Brookspire
Race 9: Euphoric Summer
Race 1: 4. Translation
Race 2: 1. Lord Vladivostok
Race 3: 5. Pandemic
Race 4: 7. Pelonomena each-way
Race 5: 9. Shop Til I Drop
Race 6: 8. Minhaaj
Race 7: 15. Instant Celebrity
Race 8: Box trifecta 4,5,9,10,13
Race 9: 11. Lady Dunmore
Race 1: 5. See You In Spring
Race 2: 1. Lord Vladivostok
Race 3: 1. Viridine
Race 4: 5. Wyclif
Race 5: 3. Lunakorn
Race 6: 11. Rainbiel
Race 7: 1. Flit
Race 8: 13. Steinem
Race 9: 10. Euphoric Summer
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
Note that numbers 1,3 & 5 are dual acceptors at today’s Sandown meeting. TRANSLATION led them up in the Dequetteville only to be overhauled late by her stablemate Cloudy (has since won again). TOTALLY DISCREET has been going well at the jumpouts. Keep a close watch on market moves for her. Stablemate BALLYNORA ran home well from the tail of the field to place in a leader dominated event on debut. She can only be further improved. Any of the others could get into the placings, check the scratchings and the betting.
Selections: 4. Translation (Top Tip), 9. Totally Discreet, 6. Ballynora, 5. See You In Spring
Race 2:
LORD VLADIVOSTOK won two in a row before placing in a stakes race here in March. He comes into this fresh and should not be overlooked. ACE OF CLUBS made late ground to finish just behind the placegetters at Naracoorte when resuming. The step up to 1600m suits and it’s worth noting that he won second up last time in work. SURREAL IMAGE (also accepted to run in today’s Hawkesbury Cup) led all the way to win here a fortnight ago. If he can get an easy lead, he’ll be hard to run down. HASTA LA WAR and FRANCE’S BOY are others with claims for multiples.
Selections: 1. Lord Vladivostok (Top Tip), 10. Ace Of Clubs, 2. Surreal Image (SCRATCHED), 4. Hasta La War
Race 3:
PANDEMIC has been freshened following a couple of luckless runs at Moonee Valley and Rosehill. Don’t be surprised to see him improve sharply here. SWORD OF MERCY defeated Diamond Effort at Caulfield two starts ago then was placed behind Sisstar in stronger grade last time. VIRIDINE didn’t have much luck at Rosehill when resuming in November. SAVATOXL will strip fitter for one run back from a spell and is another capable of improving. NATIVE SOLDIER wasn’t disgraced at Caulfield in a small field and is another that could be wroth including.
Selections: 5. Pandemic (Top Tip), 2. Sword Of Mercy, 1. Viridine, 6. Savatoxl
Race 4:
PELONOMENA closed well late to finish a close fourth at Cranbourne at her second run back from a spell. She’ll be fitter again and gets out to a more suitable trip today. The pattern of racing was against REBEL RACER at Caulfield last start. Forgive that effort and go on her good win the start prior. SILENT SOVEREIGN had to work hard early at Caulfield last time and did well to stick on and finish second. CONVERGING was close up it the finish in the Terang Cup at her second run back from a break. Others with claims for multiples are AURORA’S SYMPHONY, WYCLIF and CANFORD.
Selections: 7. Pelonomena (Top Tip), 6. Rebel Racer, 2. Silent Sovereign, 3. Converging
Race 5:
SHOP TIL I DROP chased home all-the-way winner Surreal Image when resuming from a lengthy break. She’s bound to have taken benefit from that run. LUNAKORN was placed behind Rich Hips at Caulfield when resuming. There have been some excuses for her in two subsequent runs, she’s worth another chance. IN GOOD HEALTH ran an improved race second up, finishing a close fourth in the Sunline Stakes. THOUSAND WISHES returned to form with a win over DON’TTELLTHEBOSS at Caulfield a fortnight ago. FABRIC got into the placings in a small field when resuming. She has won over this trip in the past.
Selections: 9. Shop Til I Drop (Top Tip), 3. Lunakorn, 1. In Good Health, 4. Thousand Wishes
Race 6:
Nothing went the way of MINHAAJ in the Redelva Stakes here a fortnight ago. She got the money at Caulfield the start prior and can hit back hard. OCEAN BEYOND showed good ability winning at both outings over the Spring. He’s likely to push forward here and could take catching. BEAU ROSSA is back in trip after going down in a photo finish at Caulfield last start. RAINBIEL returns to her own age group after finishing a close second behind Cordilla three weeks ago. Any of the others could get into the minors, there certainly are some handy types lining up.
Selections: 8. Minhaaj (Value Bet), 3. Ocean Beyond, 2. Beau Rossa, 11. Rainbiel
Race 7:
There were excuses for INSTANT CELEBRITY when she resumed here a fortnight ago. Forgive that run and go on her outstanding form last time in work. Craig Williams teams up with her again, he rode her to victory in the Tranquil Star in September. SUBPOENAED returned from a spell with a win in the Millie Fox. She had no luck in the Coolmore and has since been freshened. SISSTAR made it two wins from as many starts this campaign when she led throughout to defeat Lyre at Caulfield a fortnight ago. The only query with her, is the 1200m trip.
Selections: 15. Instant Celebrity (Best of the Day), 3. Subpoenaed, 8. Sisstar, 2. Mizzy
Race 8:
STEINEM charged home from the tail of the field to finish just behind the placegetters in the Auraria. The step up to 2000m looks ideal. LLANACORD was placed in the New Zealand Oaks two starts ago. She was close up in a blanket finish last time when dropping back sharply in distance. HELA made it seven wins from as many starts when she accounted for a small field at Hobart a fortnight ago. This is her toughest test to date but she deserves a chance at this level. SIRILEO MISS had to work hard early here las time and did a good job to stick on and finish third.
Selections: 13. Steinem (Top Tip), 5. Llanacord, 4. Hela, 9. Sirileo Miss
Race 9:
LADY DUNMORE made amends for a luckless run at Sale on March 28th with a tough win here three weeks ago. She’s down slightly in grade today and can go on with the job. EUPHORIC SUMMER raced wide throughout at Cranbourne when resuming and stuck on okay to finish fourth. She can only be further improved. OCEAN REWARD has been racing consistently and should not be overlooked. WIDE AWAKE was having her first run for the stable when she saluted at Strathalbyn a fortnight ago. OUR DEEP AGENDA, AMBIDAZZLE and BARACONI are others worth including.
Selections: 11. Lady Dunmore (Top Tip), 10. Euphoric Summer, 4. Ocean Reward, 7. Wide Awake
Race 1:
TRANSLATION (4) Won by a big margin two runs back at Cranbourne and displays good tactical speed. Deserves a win. SEE YOU IN SPRING (5) Solid effort when winning last run at Cranbourne and fitter for debut run. Has the ability to take this out. SILENT THEORY (3) 2yo by Nicconi having first race start for trainer Leon and Troy Corstens. Success in a barrier trial at Benalla on Feb 22nd. Solid chance to come away with the spoils. TOTALLY DISCREET (9) Phillip Stokes trained 2yo by Territories having first race appearance and can save some energy from the draw. Expect to see close up at the end.
Race 2:
LORD VLADIVOSTOK (1) Pulled away to win two runs back at this venue and very competitive this campaign. Could put a good margin on these. HASTA LA WAR (4) Having second run back from a break. Scored a victory three runs back at Murray Bridge and displays good finishing speed. Expected to fight out the finish. OH MO (8) Landed the spoils when winning two runs back at this course and carrying less weight this time. Should be swooping on the field late. Each way prospects. DR DEPENDABLE (6) Second up from a spell. Only whacked away when 7th last time at this course but goes down in weight. Use betting as a guide.
Race 3:
PANDEMIC (5) Hit the line well when 3rd three runs back at Flemington and ideal trip as proven previously. Shows good closing speed. Definite claims. VIRIDINE (1) Rattled home nicely into 2nd two runs back at Moonee Valley but first up after a break. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Keep in mind. SWORD OF MERCY (2) Did a good job when winning two runs back at Caulfield. Racing consistently this campaign. Among the major players. SHAMINO (4) Closed off nicely when 4th last time at this venue and dropping weight today. Displays very good finishing speed. Must come into consideration.
Race 4:
SILENT SOVEREIGN (2) Flashed home late into 2nd last time at Caulfield but rises in weight today. Hard to see anything getting past this today. WYCLIF (5) Flew home into 3rd last start at Caulfield but rising in grade. Shows very good closing speed. Expect to go close. AURORA’S SYMPHONY (4) Game effort to win two runs back at Sandown and displays good tactical speed. Very competitive this campaign. In the mix. REBEL RACER (6) Chimed in with a win two runs back at Sandown. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the leaders. Has the ability to take this out.
Race 5:
IN GOOD HEALTH (1) Back from a let up. Started $3.5 and came in 4th last run at Moonee Valley. Should improve and drawn beautifully. Can get the job done. FABRIC (2) Kept finding the line when 2nd last run at Caulfield and should be going forward early. Contender. THOUSAND WISHES (4) Third up from a spell. Brave effort to win last start at Caulfield and gets a reduction in weight. One of the main dangers. LUNAKORN (3) Showed a good turn of foot when 3rd three runs back at Caulfield and goes down in weight. Always seems to find the line well. One of the main dangers.
Race 6:
BEAU ROSSA (2) Put a gap on the rest when winning two runs back at Sandown and gets a favourable barrier. Winning prospect. MINHAAJ (8) Game effort to win two runs back at Caulfield and will be motoring home late. Well suited and should prove hard to beat. RANTING (1) Disappointing run when 8th at Flemington. Should bounce back today and can go through the gears. Trainer has gone for the blinkers off, take note. Good chance and wouldn’t be surprised to see it pick up a win. OCEAN BEYOND (3) Fresh today. Was fighting out the finish when winning last run at Moonee Valley but facing a stronger class. Definite claims.
Race 7:
INSTANT CELEBRITY (15) Handy enough when winning three runs back at Caulfield and can go through the gears. Could go well. MIZZY (2) Good run finishing 2nd two runs back at Rosehill and goes down in grade. Should just about get the run of the race. Ran 3rd in a barrier trial at Royal Randwick on Apr 9th. Good prospect for the exotics at least. SISSTAR (8) Strong form third up winning 2 from 4 starts. Solid win last run at Caulfield and shows good early pace. Looks very sharp this campaign with 2 wins from as many runs. Races well in these conditions so do not discard. SUBPOENAED (3) Back from a freshen up. Landed the spoils when winning two runs back at Rosehill but returning to a shorter trip. Minor prospects.
Race 8:
STEINEM (13) Shot away to win two runs back at Sandown and always seems to find the line well. Going well this preparation winning 2 from 3 starts. Sure to be thereabouts again. HELA (4) Displayed potential when winning last run at Hobart and displays good tactical speed. Ultra competitive this preparation with 7 wins from 7 starts. Capable of getting into the money. PERSONAL (1) Did its best work late when 3rd two runs back at Flemington. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Can give this a shake. BROOKSPIRE (12) Bold effort to win last start at Caulfield and backs up quickly today. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Right in this.
Race 9:
EUPHORIC SUMMER (10) Having second run back from a break. Was $2.7 and came in 4th last run at Cranbourne but likely to race off the speed. Key hope. LADY DUNMORE (11) Solid win last start at the track and racing consistently this campaign. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Major hope. MY PRINCE CHARMING (13) Made considerable ground when 2nd last time at Mildura and carrying less weight this time. Should be right in the finish. WIDE AWAKE (7) Left nothing to chance when winning last run at Strathalbyn. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Trifectas chance.
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 7 #9 Sisstar (9.50)
Race 8 #17 Americain Angel (10.00) (1st em) – VALUE BET