The following is a survey of Australian horse racing tips for Saturday, August 21. The focus is on the race cards at Randwick and Moonee Valley. The highlight of the day is the Group 1 Winx Stakes (Race 8) at Randwick.
More tips will be added as they become available.
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Best bets
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Moonee Valley Race 2: 1. Malicorne
Moonee Valley Race 6: 4. Hilal
Moonee Valley Race 9: 11. Degraves
Randwick Race 1: 17. Battleground
Randwick Race 4: 11. Loveplanet
Moonee Valley
Race 1:
ZAPATEO (1) Fought on gamely when winning last time at this course. Always seems to find the line well. One of the major players. DECENT RAINE (4) Fitter today second up. Bolted in when winning last start at Echuca but racing in stronger company. Keep in mind. ZOUZARELLA (9) Anthony Freedman & Sam Freedman trained 3yo by Zoustar on debut. One of the main chances. Respect. STAR SPIRIT (3) Bold effort to win three runs back at Swan Hill and gets the perfect gate. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Winning hope.
Race 2:
MALICORNE (1) First up from a spell. Flew home into 2nd two runs back at Caulfield but up in weight today. Will go well. SUGARTOWN (8) Flashed home late into 3rd last start at Caulfield. Trainer has gone for the blinkers on, take note. Racing consistently this preparation. Keep in mind. LOVE SENSATION (5) Good run when placing 2nd two runs back here but resumes from a spell. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Respect against this field. PINYIN (2) Made considerable ground when 2nd three runs back at Caulfield. Will be looking to sit just behind the pace. Worth consideration.
Race 3:
CORNER POCKET (3) Chimed in with a win last start at Caulfield and expecting to settle positively. Ultra competitive this preparation with 4 wins from as many runs. Looks hard to beat on bare form alone. FRONT PAGE (4) Placed 2nd last start at Caulfield and first up specialist. Should muster plenty of early speed. Looks well suited in this race. OCULAR (6) Sent around at $10 and ran 6th last run at Caulfield but possesses good closing speed. Big danger. MYSTERY SHOT (2) Got the upper hand late when winning two runs back at Sandown and strong record when resuming. Interesting gear change of blinkers off first time. Can surprise and by no means out of it.
Race 4:
CHIEF ALTONY (4) Got the prize when winning two runs back at Sandown and very competitive this campaign. Leading chance. PETRUCHIO (9) Put in a competitive run when placing 3rd three runs back at Flemington and proven runner at this distance. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. One to watch and an each way chance. ORLEANS ROCK (11) Showed a good turn of foot when 3rd two runs back at Flemington and displays very good finishing speed. Interesting to see the blinkers go on for the first time. Place hope. TINANDALI (7) Came on strongly to finish 3rd last time at Sandown and goes down in weight. Will be trying to topple them late. Knockout chance in this.
Race 5:
SMOKIN’ ROMANS (1) Scored a victory last run at this course. Been in the money 7 from 10 attempts this preparation. Could prove hard to beat. HEIR TO THE THRONE (4) Won narrowly last run at Sandown but up against stronger competition. Has good finishing speed. Deserves consideration. RED SANTA (12) Brave effort to win two runs back at Caulfield and will appreciate a good draw. Should enjoy a cosy run off the pace. Follow market leads. HEAVEN’S GIFT (11) Was a comprehensive winner last time at Pakenham and carrying less weight this time. Chance for exotics punters.
Race 6:
HILAL (4) Made considerable ground when 2nd last time at Randwick but fresh after a spell. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Should prove hard to beat. JIGSAW (1) Bold effort to win two runs back at Caulfield and displays good tactical speed. Interesting gear change of blinkers on first time. Strong claims. DAILY BUGLE (2) First up from a spell. Was all too good winning three runs back at Mornington and looks well graded. Worth an each way bet in this. BELDIVIAN (8) Brave effort to win last run at Bendigo and fitter for debut run. Deserves respect.
Race 7:
HEART OF PUISSANCE (9) Won by a big margin last start at Flemington but resuming from break. Interesting to see the blinkers go off for the first time. Live winning chance. GRAND PROMENADE (3) Won easily last run at Flemington and displays good tactical speed. Big chance. HIGH EMOCEAN (6) Ran away with a win two runs back at Mornington and likely to benefit second up. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Better claims. PANCHO (7) Produced an eye catching run when 2nd last start here. Should just about get the run of the race. Suitably placed in this race.
Race 8:
ANCESTRY (1) Sent around at $7.5 and finished 2.85L behind the winner at Warrnambool last start on a soft surface. Looks well placed against these and won’t be far away during the run. Top prospects against this opposition. MISS ALBANIA (9) Fitness should now be at peak after two runs in. Got the cash when winning last time at Flemington and shows good early pace. Can give this a shake. BALLISTIC LOVER (6) Could build on a strong first up record. Good win two runs back at Rosehill and displays good tactical speed. Winnable race. GREYWORM (3) Proven record when resuming with 3 wins from 6 runs. Didn’t find the line when 13th last time at Caulfield but should come to hand quickly. Must respect in this event.
Race 9:
DEGRAVES (11) Got the upper hand late when winning last time at Flemington but resuming after a break. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Serious contender. GROUNDSWELL (2) Races well second up winning 2 from 4 attempts. Game effort to win last run at Flemington and won’t be far away during the run. Goes close. SHOT OF IRISH (9) Had two runs since a break now and ready to go. Couldn’t keep the pace going when 3rd last start at Flemington and gets some weight relief. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Strong claims. SOVEREIGN AWARD (6) Was first to greet the judge when winning two runs back at Flemington and shows good early pace. Could be a value selection.
Race 1: Decent Raine
Race 2: Malicorne
Race 3: Ocular
Race 4: Think ‘N’ Fly each-way
Race 5: Reflect The Stars each-way
Race 6: Hilal
Race 7: Buckhurst
Race 8: Ballistic Lover
Race 9: Degraves
Race 2:
1. Malicorne, 2. Pinyin
Race 3:
3. Corner Pocket, 4. Front Page, 1. Inn Keeper
Race 4:
6. Nudge Bar, 4. Chief Altony
Race 5:
1. Smokin’ Romans, 4. Heir to the Throne, 9. Reflect the Stars, 12. Red Santa
Race 6:
1. Jigsaw, 6. Athelric, 4. Hilal
Race 8:
9. Miss Albania
Race 9:
9. Shot of Irish, 11. Degraves, 2. Groundswell
Race 1:
9. Zouzarella, 5. Widaad, 1. Zapateo, 3. Star Spirit
Race 2:
2. Pinyin, 5. Love Sensation, 1. Malicorne, 8. Sugartown
Race 3:
3. Corner Pocket, 4. Front Page, 7. Yulong Storm, 6. Ocular
Race 4:
11. Orleans Rock, 9. Petruchio, 4. Chief Altony, 3. Think ‘N’ Fly
Race 5:
10. Rudhyar, 1. Smokin’ Romans, 15. Perennial, 9. Reflect the Stars
Race 6:
4. Hilal, 1. Jigsaw, 8. Beldivian, 3. Rock Artist
Race 7:
1. Buckhurst (SCRATCHED), 9. Heart Of Puissance, 3. Grand Promenade, 6. High Emocean
Race 8:
9. Miss Albania, 1. Ancestry, 6. Ballistic Lover, 3. Greyworm
Race 9:
11. Degraves, 4. Romancer, 9. Shot of Irish, 2. Groundswell
Race 1:
4. Decent Raine, 7. Caliper
Race 2:
1. Malicorne
Race 3:
6. Ocular, 4. Front Page
Race 4:
11. Orleans Rock, 9. Petruchio
Race 5:
7. Yulong Captain
Race 6:
4. Hilal
Race 7:
3. Grand Promenade, 9. Heart Of Puissance, 8. Salsamor
Race 8:
6. Ballistic Lover, 9. Miss Albania, 1. Ancestry
Race 9:
9. Shot of Irish, 6. Sovereign Award, 11. Degraves
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
NOTE: Rail true. Was 3m last meeting and inside held up well. ZOUZARELLA went very nicely in trial. WONDERFUL TONIGHT is well related and closed off nicely in jumpout. DECENT RAINE bolted in fresh off back of neat jumpout, and ran time. ZAPATEO won well here latest, beating a couple who then ran well in Quezette Stakes. Stablemate SLIDERS led/bolted in jumpout at Flemington, wasn’t far away in Reisling fresh last prep. WIDAAD jumped out super that same day but went some 7L slower. CALIPER showed bit on debut, spelled, liked trial win recently! STAR SPIRIT was solid vs boys latest. To 1200m?
Selections: 4. Decent Raine (Top Tip), 1. Zapateo, 2. Sliders, 8. Wonderful Tonight
Race 2:
SPEED: 1, 8 may lead 7, 4 but doubt they go hard. MALICORNE is left alone up in the weights here but has a touch of quality and trialled nicely. BELSIELLE was solid at Caulfield at her first go at 1200m latest. She beat Zesty Belle (form ties in well through Malicorne) and SUGARTOWN prior. Suagrtown did beat Belsielle home latest. PINYIN gets back to 1200m after closing off in some of the day’s better closing fractions at Flemington latest. DON’TTELLTHEBOSS is flying but back to 1200m? LOVE SENSATION has form around some smart ones, she trialled well. LA VINA has a case.
Selections: 1. Malicorne (Top Tip), 2. Pinyin, 5. Love Sensation, 8. Sugartown
Race 3:
SPEED: 4,8 may lead 3. INN KEEPER come back to 1200m and rain about Friday/ Saturday help him. On his Bletchingly Stks run two-back he can win this. MYSTERY SHOT flopped fresh last prep but all his other form is good. CORNER POCKET is 8-weeks off but flying, and unbeaten at 1200m. FRONT PAGE has only had one run in 14-months and that is the query but if at his best, he will take catching around here! Market? OCULAR back out to 1200m can win. YULONG STORM is flying and easily went by ROCK TYCOON two-back.
Selections: 3. Corner Pocket (Top Tip), 4. Front Page, 1. Inn Keeper, 6. Ocular
Race 4:
SPEED: 6 can lead 3, 12. NUDGE BAR was in the market in a deeper race than this last time but pulled up with cardiac arrhythmia he was flying prior! CHIEF ALTONY is 6-weeks off but did beat key rivals in this race two back at 1600m and should have won his one go here at The Valley. DENERO ran on well behind him. ORLEANS ROCK back to 1600m is OK. SMOKE BOMB is back in the good books, maps OK. THINK ‘N’ FLY had mixed luck latest. COOLTH and FLOATING ARTIST chances but may need one more? Last chance GRINZINGER ALLEE. TINANDALI a hope also.
Selections: 6. Nudge Bar (Value Bet), 4. Chief Altony, 10. Denero, 11. Orleans Rock
Race 5:
SPEED: 2, 1 from 8, 9, 19 but others can be handy. SMOKIN’ ROMANS controlled things here latest but won well at his first go 2500m. HEIR TO THE THRONE had tempo against him there but closed off race-fastest before Sandown Hillside win. Kah sticks but he meets “Smokin” 2.5kg worse. TAVIRUN led/gave all that same race here. REFLECT THE STARS was solid in Stayers Final and gets good run here. New 4YO RED SANTA acts like he will run the trip and was terrific here last time after covering ground. CRIMSON ACE and PERENNIAL value hopes?
Selections: 1. Smokin’ Romans (Best of the Day), 4. Heir To The Throne, 9. Reflect The Stars, 12. Red Santa
Race 6:
JIGSAW won very well fresh then was brought undone by the drop back to 1000m with 60kg last time, out to 1200m here with blinkers on look big ticks. ROCK ARTIST is unbeaten since gelding op and did some early work here last time yet held off Jigsaw. Meets him 5.5kg worse this weight scale. HILAL is trialling nicely in Sydney and boasts a win over King of Sparta, and second to Anamoe! DAILY BUGLE went nicely in jumpout on Monday. ATHELRIC looked sharp in Hawkesbury trial and beat home King of Sparta fresh last prep so that ties in. FRONTMAN looked to go better than SMYTZER in recent trial with Daily Bugle closing! HE’S XCEPTIONAL jumped out well also.
Selections: 1. Jigsaw (Top Tip), 6. Athelric, 4. Hilal, 7. Frontman
Race 7:
Tricky race! Not sure leader but quite a few can be handy so ?? MAHAMEDEIS had the last crack at them here latest and ran down PANCHO who was (at least) every bit as good after attacking early in fast-run race. He (Pancho) has 2kg swing now. BUCKHURST started fave that race but pulled up lame so clearly a “Forgive File” member. SALSAMOR was sound and is fitter. HEART OF PUISSANCE is fulfilling that early promise now, he looked terrific at Flemington. 13 weeks off here. Stablemate GRAND PROMENADE is off two big wins. He too has had gap between runs (7 weeks) for drop back in trip. Like way HIGH EMOCEAN hit line fresh!
Selections: 3. Grand Promenade (Top Tip), 9. Heart Of Puissance, 7. Pancho, 4. Mahamedeis
Race 8:
Speed looks hot! This weight scale suits ANCESTRY but he did crack under the pressure of an Oakleigh Plate fresh last prep before winning easily here. BALLISTIC LOVER showed amazing sustained speed winning listed race last prep, trialled nicely in Sydney. SPACEBOY was pressured last time yet still kicked before being nailed by a handy 4YO. Has big weight swing on KALKARNI ROYALE, who then chased MISS ALBANIA, who impressed last time. Have seen GREYWORM trial better but he’s good fresh and has the rating to beat these. ESTA LA ROCA chased Malkovich two back. That ties in with Ballistic Lover!
Selections: 9. Miss Albania (Top Tip), 1. Ancestry, 6. Ballistic Lover, 10. Esta La Roca
Race 9:
SPEED: 2 and 9 like to lead. So too 6. 14, 4 take trails. GROUNDSWELL had a gap between runs into latest but was too slick for King Magnus, running good time from the front. SHOT OF IRISH kept kicking that same day but couldn’t hold off D’aguilar, which clearly ties in that King Magnus form, and he plummets in weight today. DEGRAVES has been kept fresh since that good win at Flemington when well backed. AL GALAYEL is fitter. LEFT HAND MAN flying. MR EXCLUSIVE is brave and has 8kg on Degraves. VIRAL has claims. Wary SOVEREIGN AWARD and SKYMAN (gate 1?) fresh also.
Selections: 9. Shot Of Irish (Top Tip), 11. Degraves, 2. Groundswell, 12. Viral
Race 1:
9. Zouzarella, 4. Decent Raine, 1. Zapateo, 2. Sliders
Race 2:
1. Malicorne, 8. Sugartown, 2. Pinyin, 7. Belsielle
Race 3:
3. Corner Pocket, 6. Ocular, 2. Mystery Shot, 5. Simply Optimistic
Race 4:
1. Scarlet Tufty, 12. Smoke Bomb, 9. Petruchio, 4. Chief Altony
Race 5:
1. Smokin’ Romans, 14. Crimson Ace, 4. Heir to the Throne, 2. Tavirun
Race 6:
1. Jigsaw, 8. Beldivian, 4. Hilal, 5. He’s Xceptional
Race 7:
9. Heart Of Puissance, 3. Grand Promenade, 6. High Emocean, 4. Mahamedeis
Race 8:
7. Queen Annabel, 9. Miss Albania, 1. Ancestry, 5. Express Pass
Race 9:
11. Degraves, 6. Sovereign Award, 2. Groundswell, 7. Skyman
Race 1:
4. Decent Raine, 2. Sliders, 5. Widaad, 1. Zapateo
Race 2:
5. Love Sensation, 8. Sugartown, 1. Malicorne, 7. Belsielle
Race 3:
4. Front Page, 6. Ocular, 3. Corner Pocket, 2. Mystery Shot
Race 4:
10. Denero, 11. Orleans Rock, 4. Chief Altony, 7. Tinandali
Race 5:
1. Smokin’ Romans, 4. Heir to the Throne, 9. Reflect the Stars, 11. Heaven’s Gift
Race 6:
4. Hilal, 1. Jigsaw, 3. Rock Artist, 7. Frontman
Race 7:
6. High Emocean, 3. Grand Promenade, 9. Heart Of Puissance, 7. Pancho
Race 8:
1. Ancestry, 6. Ballistic Lover, 9. Miss Albania, 10. Esta La Roca
Race 9:
11. Degraves, 4. Romancer, 6. Sovereign Award, 2. Groundswell
Race 2: 1. Malicorne
Race 8: 1. Ancestry
Race 9: 4. Romancer
Quaddie: 1,4,6/3,4,6,9,10/1/2,3,4,9,11
Randwick
Race 8: 1 -Think It Over (9.50), 2 – Verry Elleegant (2.90), 3 – Cascadian (9.50), 4 – Imaging (21.00)
Race 1:
BATTLEGROUND (17) Dashed home into 2nd last run around here and gets a nice run behind the speed. Winning appeal. SUROOJ (3) Gave them a lesson when winning last time at Scone and can save some energy from the barrier. Finishes off strongly. Can fill a place in this field. BABY WONG (1) Let up. Produced an eye catching run when 3rd last time around here. Won’t be far away and represents an each way player. WITHOUT SHAME (6) Second up from a break. Made considerable ground when 2nd last start at Gunnedah and gets some weight taken off today. Has scope so do not ignore.
Race 2:
RED SANTA (7) Won narrowly two runs back at Caulfield. Gets a nice run behind the speed. Classy enough for this field and is one of the major players. SHUFFLE UP (2) Displayed potential when winning last start around here. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Can go on with it. SPENCER (1) At $8 finished 4th last start at this venue but will try to take advantage of the barrier. Likely to be well placed early. Could sneak a place. ACCOUNTABILITY (6) Slipped back to finish 14th last time at Kembla Grange but blinkers go on for the first time. Consider an each way bet.
Race 3:
ARCTIC THUNDER (4) Landed the spoils when winning last time at this track. Expected to be flashing home. Can feature. METRO LEGEND (5) Jumped at $12 and finished 2 3/4L behind the winner at this venue last time on a good track. Could go well at this level. TAMPERING (11) Got the upper hand late when winning last start at Kembla Grange and should be going forward early. Strong chance. MAJELLA (7) Third up. Won last time at Newcastle and hard to fault at the trip. Could run into the placings.
Race 4:
LOVEPLANET (11) Brave effort to win two runs back at Sandown and displays good tactical speed. The one they all have to beat. PESTO (2) Good show to finish 2nd last run around here but first up. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Contender. RE EDIT (4) Showed a good turn of foot when 2nd three runs back at Caulfield and nearing peak fitness. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Will be competitive. PAPAL WARRIOR (3) Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at Rosehill. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Been in the money 5 from 7 attempts this campaign. Definite claims.
Race 5:
MORE PROPHETS (8) Sent around at $4.4 and finished 1 3/4L from the winner at this track last start on a good track. Expecting improvement and shows good closing speed. Big danger. NAGS TO RICHES (13) Nearing peak fitness. Got the upper hand late when winning last run at this course and suited by the weight drop. Expect to go close. LOVE TAP (3) Scored a victory three runs back at Rosehill but resuming after a break. Should just about get the run of the race. Don’t dismiss. TAMERLANE (10) Brave effort to win last time here. Going well this campaign. Likely to fill a place.
Race 6:
FOUR MOVES AHEAD (1) Back after a break. Got the upper hand late when winning three runs back here but bit of extra work to do with more weight today. Can dominate and win. SHE’S ALL CLASS (5) Had a comfortable win three runs back at Wyong and shows good finishing speed. Cannot underestimate. SWIFT WITNESS (6) Nice show finishing 2nd two runs back around here but resumes from a spell. Should be swooping on the field late. Should be competitive in this race at a bit of odds. JAMAEA (3) Racing fresh after a break. Game effort to win last time here but hoping that the added weight won’t hurt. Has the ability to take this out.
Race 7:
PRIVATE EYE (8) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Scored a victory last start at Eagle Farm and carrying less weight this time. Interesting to see the blinkers go off for the first time. Major hope. SPLINTEX (1) Got the upper hand late when winning three runs back at this course but fresh from a spell. Should muster plenty of early speed. Will give a big sight. CHAT (5) Game effort to win two runs back at Rosehill and fitter third up. Expecting to settle just off the pace. One of the main dangers. PRIME STAR (6) Finished 4 1/4L behind the winner at Rosehill last start on a soft track. Looks nicely placed today and should race just behind the speed. Watch market moves.
Race 8:
VERRY ELLEEGANT (12) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Solid win two runs back at Rosehill and hard to fault at this trip. Is in good order and can run well. KOLDING (1) Fitter today second up. Game effort to win two runs back at the track. Keep in mind. MO’UNGA (11) Races well fresh winning 2 from 3 starts. Brave effort to win three runs back at Rosehill and displays good finishing speed. At least a place chance. THINK IT OVER (2) Strong record when resuming with 3 wins from 6 runs. Won narrowly two runs back at Rosehill and dropping in class. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Worth a ticket.
Race 9:
ENTRIVIERE (1) Got the cash when winning two runs back at Ellerslie but fresh today. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the leaders. Winnable race. TAILLEUR (3) Fought on well to win two runs back around here and likely to race off the speed. Expect to go close. WRITTEN BEAUTY (8) Races well fresh winning 2 from 3 attempts. Displayed potential when winning three runs back at the track and will try to take advantage of the gate. Could be a value selection. FITUESE (11) Should be ready to fire fresh with 3 wins from 4 starts. Came on strongly when 5th last time here and will be well suited at the distance. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Very strong each way claims.
Race 10:
BIGBOYROY (8) Nice run when 2nd last start at Rosehill and getting fitter this preparation. Should race on the speed. Suited. ATISHU (12) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Finished on top last run at Riccarton Park and change in trainer to Chris Waller. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Suitably placed in this race. LOVE TAP (17) Resuming after a spell. Good win three runs back at Rosehill and goes down in weight. Can be competitive. MATOWATAKPE (6) Handy enough when winning last time at this track and very competitive this preparation. Can go through the gears. Maybe for the trifectas and a marginal hope.
Race 1: Battleground
Race 2: Mr Bond
Race 3: Arctic Thunder
Race 4: Loveplanet
Race 5: More Prophets
Race 6: She’s All Class
Race 7: Private Eye
Race 8: Cascadian
Race 9: Written Beauty
Race 10: Bigboyroy
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
Back to Randwick and a true rail awaits for the first Group One day of the new season. Crowds are a long way from returning to Sydney racetracks but top level racing is still exciting from afar. The expected weather for raceday – a sunny 24 degrees – only adds to the feeling of spring. 19 could get positive otherwise it may be left to 9 to scurry up from the outside draw. 8 to box-seat. The clear topweight – BATTLEGROUND – needs a scratching to get in and in all likelihood that will come to pass. Out of a BM72 on return and was arguably unlucky not to win it. Sets up a treat here for McDonald but does have to haul 62 kilos to get it done.
Selections: 17. Battleground (Top Tip), 6. Without Shame, 8. Ten Bells, 1. Baby Wong
Race 2:
A very scratchy looking 2400m BM78 on offer here. 1 and 9 can lead out. SHUFFLE UP’s first attempt at a mile-and-a-half was very successful and with the aid again of JVO’s claim this looks a winnable race for a galloper that understandably took a couple of runs to ‘warm up’ into this prep but has been rock-solid with his latest three. Had a 1000m trial last week to keep up to the mark. RED SANTA was competitive in Sydney back in June but has transitioned back to Melbourne very well. First go at the distance but there would only be a very slight query about that given his pedigree.
Selections: 2. Shuffle Up (Top Tip), 7. Red Santa, 3. Master Shuhood, 9. Terwilliker
Race 3:
11 and 13 to head up front in this week’s Midway. Personally I’ll be approaching it with appropriate caution. TAMPERING is on his way to longer trips but an added furlong looks suitable for now after a successful return down at home. He is likely to be positively ridden here and there’s not a great depth of speed. ARCTIC THUNDER handles all conditions and has mixed up her racing approach across her career. She’s done a great job of winning five races so far; she only debuted last September. BIG SURPRISE and MAJELLA meet again and fit in here as on-pace each-way hopes.
Selections: 11. Tampering (Top Tip), 4. Arctic Thunder, 13. Big Surprise, 7. Majella
Race 4:
11 the most likely leader and there is not a lot of other speed. 6, 8, 10 have occasionally raced on the speed but not sure what their plans will be today. LOVEPLANET was sound in defeat switching up here a fortnight ago and this looks a suitable progression. Yet to run poorly, still improving, presume favourite again. PESTO has started favourite in his two Australian starts as well so may be pressing. One trial good enough to think the mile suits fresh. A different gate for WAIRERE FALLS today may mean a very different run?
Selections: 11. Loveplanet (Top Tip), 2. Pesto, 4. Re Edit, 10. California Longbow
Race 5:
6 to lead 1 and 9. NAGS TO RICHES was suggesting an element of class earlier in the year and her return win – much as expected – just backed up that thought. To 1200m is her challenge for now but she looks weighted to run well (even if Sherry can’t get down beyond 54 kilos). TURNSTYLE deep into the prep but continues to race well. MORE PROPHETS needs to lift after a resuming run that looked a bit on the so-so side.Expect that to happen though. McDonald first time for her. Not sure about LOVE TAP at 1200m/fitness but of course his first two wins were at this trip.
Selections: 13. Nags To Riches (Value Bet), 6. Turnstyle, 8. More Prophets, 3. Love Tap
Race 6:
Such is the nature of the time of year, these next four feature races are made up of mostly first-uppers. 3YO fillies here of course and we can look to 2 and 7 to provide the speed. FOUR MOVES AHEAD was the first filly to finish in the Golden Slipper (MALLORY – next best – was 2.5L astern) and also the Sires’ (although she only had two females rivals in that race). She has had two recent trials against older horses and acquitted herself well. Loved her work at the finish of the latest in fact so she gets the nod here. GLISTENING can be up front and resuming on dry suits her.
Selections: 1. Four Moves Ahead (Best of the Day), 2. Glistening, 4. Mallory, 5. She’s All Class
Race 7:
Speed supplied by 10 and 9 with 1 and 5 handy. I feel the two runs under CHAT’s belt will hold him good stead against some of these. Should also position to advantage and Rawiller has ridden him to victory twice. PRIVATE EYE didn’t fire fresh last time around but there were some excuses. He likes winning and handles all conditions. Key runner HILAL is in both here and at Moonee Valley (where he is up against his own age). Trialling well up here though and respecting wherever he goes. I am a huge fan of ICEBATH and feel she’s not just a wettie. She can fly late along with ROCK.
Selections: 5. Chat (Top Tip), 3. Icebath, 7. Hilal, 4. Rock
Race 8:
Our G1 highlight gives us 14 resumers and KOLDING off a Missile return. Pace from DREAMFORCE and KOLDING and really not much else. VERRY ELLEEGANT tries to back up what she did in this race 12 months ago. Conditions that day were Soft 6 and frankly you’d be keener on if that was the case again but a Turnbull win on dry says strongly she is effective at the high level on this sort of ground and therefore it’s not hard to just trust in her supremacy. CASCADIAN was a glorious Doncaster winner earlier in the year and in winning that well and truly dispelled doubts about him being a ‘non-winner’. He’s right in this. Never quite sure what DREAMFORCE will offer these days.
Selections: 12. Verry Elleegant (Top Tip), 3. Cascadian, 2. Think It Over, 14. Hungry Heart
Race 9:
A big field of mares go at it here and, again, all but a few are fresh into their campaigns. Look for speed from 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14. It’s all quite fascinating! WRITTEN BEAUTY dropped away a bit earlier in the year but recent resounding trial wins suggest she can bounce back big-time. ENTRIVIERE has an awesome record overall and her one Australian outing has her ranked alongside (or better than) the best of these. VILLAMI could be helped by that Caulfield run 6 weeks ago. ZANIAH was beaten a whisker in this 12 months ago.
Selections: 8. Written Beauty (Top Tip), 1. Entriviere, 10. Villami, 3. Tailleur
Race 10:
Another capacity lineup for the final event. 8 and 5 to lead 16. BIGBOYROY emerges 2nd-up from a race won by repeat winner Frosty Rocks and could get control of this to a fair extent. McDonald staying on so sure to be well fancied. VENTURA OCEAN from the same race and will only be better for it. He wasn;t far away and nor was POETIC CHARMER. NZ mare ATISHU attacked the line in her latest trial and may have a big finish ehre too.
Selections: 9. Ventura Ocean (Top Tip), 8. Bigboyroy, 12. Atishu, 11. Cisco Bay
Race 7: 5. Chat
Race 8:
BEST BET: Think It Over
EXOTIC: Boxed Exacta: 1,2,3,5,11,12
TOP 5:
1. Think It Over
2. Verry Elleegant
3. Cascadian
4. Kolding
5. Mo’unga
Race 9: 3. Tailleur
Quaddie: 1,5,8/1,2,3,5,11,12/1,3,8/2,5,6,8,17
Race 2: Shuffle Up (4.40) – BEST BET
Race 7: PRIME STAR (5.50) – NEXT BEST
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 1 #17 Battleground (3.20) – BEST BET
Race 4 #2 Pesto (7.50) – VALUE BET
Race 8 #2 Think It Over (8.50)
Race 8 #12 Verry Elleegant (2.90) – LAY BET