The following is a survey of Australian horse racing tips for Saturday, September 18. The focus is on the race cards at Caulfield and Randwick. The two Group 1 highlights of the day are the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (Race 8) at Caulfield and the George Main Stakes (Race 7) at Randwick.
More tips will be added as they become available.
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Best bets
These often change when the article is updated on Friday.
Caulfield Race 1: 4. Hela and 2. The Gauch
Caulfield Race 6: 3. Annavisto
Caulfield Race 7: 11. Nonconformist
Randwick Race 7: 7. Verry Elleegant
Randwick Race 9: 14. She’s Ideel
Caulfield
Race 1:
HELA (4) Landed the spoils when winning two runs back at Hobart and shows good early pace. Has the ability to take this out. PRIDE OF JENNI (11) Couldn’t maintain the momentum going throughout when 2nd two runs back around here and displays good tactical speed. Better claims. THE GAUCH (2) Got the upper hand late when winning two runs back at this venue and second up. Should just about get the run of the race. Can’t knock. VONGOLE (6) Having second run back from a break. Managed to finish 2nd last time at Morphettville and will be motoring home late. Leading chance.
Race 2:
ATHIRI (2) Back after a spell. Started $9.5 and finished 9th last run at Eagle Farm. Should improve and has a positive gate. Go close. PANDEMIC (4) Races well fresh winning 2 from 3 attempts. Did well to run 2nd two runs back at Morphettville but goes up in weight today. Likely to get a nice run behind the speed. Respect against this field. WISDOM OF WATER (5) Second up. Kept finding the line when 3rd two runs back at Eagle Farm and will appreciate the drop in class. One of the major hopes. HE’S A BALTER (7) Won narrowly last time at the track and should get going late. Tracking very well this preparation. Include in chances.
Race 3:
HERESY (1) Won narrowly three runs back at Morphettville and displays very good closing speed. Take beating. MORIOKA (3) Placed 3rd last time at Randwick and second up from a break. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Respect against this field. XTRA GEAR (6) Showed promise when winning last start at Geelong but facing a stronger grade. One of the chances. ELUSIVE EXPRESS (5) Second up from a spell. Won two runs back at Cranbourne but rising in class. Can figure in the finish.
Race 4:
ALPINE EDGE (1) Was first to greet the judge when winning two runs back at Eagle Farm and having third run back from a spell. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the leaders. No shock to see a win. RIVERPLATE (9) Flew home into 2nd last start at Sandown and likely to race off the speed. Chance to break through and a could give a show. MILITARY EXPERT (6) Solid effort when winning two runs back at Newcastle and displays good tactical speed. Been in the money 3 from 4 attempts this campaign. Could go well. LIGHTSABER (2) Third up from a spell. Inched into 4th last start at the track but facing a stronger class. Should take beating.
Race 5:
GENERAL BEAU (1) Grabbed towards the finish when 2nd two runs back at this track and expecting to settle positively. Contender. RANVEER (3) Back from a break. Solid win last time at Sandown. Better claims. STARRY LEGEND (2) Nice effort when winning two runs back at Bendigo and displays good tactical speed. Worth strong consideration. ASHEMA (10) Resuming after a spell. Put in a competitive run when placing 2nd last start at Rosehill and goes down in weight. Good chance and wouldn’t be surprised to see it pick up a win.
Race 6:
ANNAVISTO (3) Was all too good winning three runs back at this track and should jump out and bowl along. Strong hope. ECUMENICAL (5) Having second run back from a break. Bold effort to win last start at Morphettville. Key hope. SNICKERDOODLEDANDY (7) Game effort to win three runs back at Flemington and proven record when second up. Possesses very good finishing speed. One of the hopes. GOOD AND PROPER (6) Second up. Got the upper hand late when winning two runs back at Flemington and hard to fault at the trip. Can’t be left out of trifectas.
Race 7:
NONCONFORMIST (11) Proven record when third up with 2 wins from 3 runs. Caught the eye when 2nd three runs back at Mornington and suited by the weight drop. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Serious player. TRALEE ROSE (15) Finished 3rd last time at this venue and can find a nice position from the draw. Second up from a spell. Has the ability to figure. ANGEL OF TRUTH (2) Third up from a break. Stormed home when 2nd two runs back around here. Looks value and a good place bet. DELPHI (4) Having second run back from a spell. Brave effort to win three runs back at Curragh. Looks to be the value.
Race 8:
BEAU ROSSA (5) Had a comfortable win three runs back at Morphettville and will appreciate the drop in weight. Shows good early pace. Respect against this field. PROBABEEL (2) Strong record when second up. Fought on gamely when winning last time at this course and will appreciate the drop in weight. Winning hope. BEHEMOTH (1) Has a good record third up with 2 wins from 4 attempts. Fought on well to win last start at the track and hard to fault at the trip. Very tidy this campaign winning 2 from as many attempts. Well placed and has solid claims. I’M THUNDERSTRUCK (17) Fought on gamely when winning last run at Moonee Valley and freshened up. Possesses very good finishing speed. Use betting as best guide.
Race 9:
BELLA NIPOTINA (3) Really dug deep when winning two runs back here but rising in weight today. Will be looking to sit just behind the leaders. Respect. LA MEXICANA (4) Third up. Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at this track but has more weight to carry. Looks a great place bet. NIGHT RAID (5) First up. Did a good job when winning two runs back at Morphettville and easy to come into at this trip. Could be value. GEIST (9) Won narrowly last start at Randwick and finishes off strongly. Stays under notice.
Race 1: The Gauch
Race 2: Wisdom Of Water
Race 3: Heresy
Race 4: Lightsaber
Race 6: Snickerdoodledandy
Race 7: Nonconformist
Race 8: Beau Rossa
Race 9: Shaik each-way
Race 1: 4. Hela
Race 2: 4. Pandemic, 2. Athiri, 5. Wisdom Of Water
Race 4: 8. Timson, 2. Lightsaber, 6. Military Expert
Race 5: 3. Ranveer, 5. Forbes
Race 6: 3. Annavisto
Race 7: 11. Nonconformist
Race 8: 17. I’m Thunderstruck, 5. Beau Rossa, 15. Regardsmaree
Race 9: 3. Bella Nipotina
Race 1:
2. The Gauch, 4. Hela, 3. Faretti, 11. Pride Of Jenni
Race 2:
5. Wisdom Of Water, 3. William Thomas, 4. Pandemic, 2. Athiri
Race 3:
1. Heresy, 7. Devout Hero, 6. Xtra Gear, 3. Morioka
Race 4:
2. Lightsaber, 9. Riverplate, 1. Alpine Edge, 8. Timson
Race 5:
1. General Beau, 5. Forbes, 3. Ranveer, 2. Starry Legend
Race 6:
3. Annavisto, 7. Snickerdoodledandy, 5. Ecumenical, 6. Good And Proper
Race 7:
11. Nonconformist, 2. Angel of Truth, 15. Tralee Rose, 6. Amade
Race 8:
2. Probabeel, 5. Beau Rossa, 1. Behemoth, 17. I’m Thunderstruck, 13. Amish Boy
Race 9:
4. La Mexicana, 3. Bella Nipotina, 5. Night Raid, 8. Miss Albania
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
NOTE; Rail is 6m. Was true 28th August and there was no bias evident. Tricky start but speed looks genuine. THE GAUCH was just no match for the trifecta here fresh but is unbeaten 2nd-up. DIRTY THOUGHTS shared lead (slow tempo) and kicked strongly that same race, she was only run over late. Our Wind Spirit was behind them, he then chased FARETTI at Geelong so that ties in, Faretti won well 2nd-up last prep. HELA is a talented mare and had excuses her sole defeat. PRIDE OF JENNI was terrific fresh last prep here at 1400m.
Selections: 4. Hela (Top Tip), 2. The Gauch, 11. Pride Of Jenni, 10. Dirty Thoughts
Race 2:
Not sure leader. Maybe 6 but 8,2,5 can be right there. PREZADO ran well fresh in hot race, only superstar winner had a faster last 200m split than him. Doubt ATHIRI came up last prep, on her previous form she can certainly win this and a recent trial suggests she is back to that form. WILLIAM THOMAS can produce ripping closing splits but no recent wins a knock. PANDEMIC is a good fresh horse and doubt finds himself in lockdown from gate 6. WISDOM OF WATER ran very well fresh at WFA without much luck. HE’S A BALTER is flying and gets weight relief.
Selections: 4. Pandemic (Top Tip), 2. Athiri, 5. Wisdom Of Water, 1. Prezado
Race 3:
SPEED: 2 can lead 6. 8, 1, 3 can all be handy. HERESY chased a good one here fresh running by SCORCHED EARTH then was close up with quality males last time. Not 100% sure 1400m is all. Scorched Earth has been on-speed in run-on races both starts this prep. 1400m is a query her also. DEVOUT HERO beat subsequent winner BON’S A PEARLA on debut before running home well to 1400m Lakeside off bad start. Winner there has run very well to Heresy so that ties in nicely. THRONTARI looked good on debut on heavy. MORIOKA back to 3YO grade is a key hope if here and not in Sydney. DAISIES has a future too.
Selections: 1. Heresy (Top Tip), 3. Morioka, 7. Devout Hero, 2. Scorched Earth
Race 4:
SPEED: 2, 6 look leaders. 3, 4 take trail(s). The only time ALPINE EDGE has missed the quinella he ran last (but was far from disgraced) in a red-hot Todman Stakes. LIGHTSABER didn’t quicken last time but loved his last 100m, yes 1400m with positive ride! BRIGANTINE looked good beating older horses at Randwick. Stablemate ATHELRIC hit line hard at MV and both look suited 1400m. MILITARY EXPERT had pressure at Kembla yet still kicked, he ran very well. TIMSON produced a huge finale to win on debut. Third horse was 3.8L off Zapateo prior at MV. RIVERPLATE went super first up in fast race.
Selections: 8. Timson (Top Tip), 2. Lightsaber, 6. Military Expert, 1. Alpine Edge
Race 5:
Speed genuine. RANVEER chased a smart one on debut in fast time before solid win on heavy. He looked terrific in recent jumpout win. FAKE LOVE resumes also, she too looked super in a jumpout beating last week’s winner Crystal Bound. ASHEMA has trialled with Fake Love. Her recent Sydney trials have been OK without raving. GENERAL BEAU comes back a notch here and is back at 1000m. SEE YOU IN SPRING won well last time. ISLAND EDITION looked terrific on debut, one of the horses she beat was also thrashed by See You In Spring. Big watch FORBES, who is a talent but blew start badly in recent trial.
Selections: 3. Ranveer (Top Tip), 5. Forbes, 1. General Beau, 7. Fake Love
Race 6:
SPEED: 13 can lead 3 with 8,10,11 capable of being handy. ANNAVISTO was a big betting drifter fresh yet still ran subsequent G2 winner Turaath to .4L. She beat home GOOD AND PROPER who followed her and was also 1st-up and they went by GILGANI who did a good job after attacking that hot speed, but she is much deeper into her prep. AIDESNFIELD brings in same form-lines. Love the way SNICKERDOODLEDANDY found the line fresh, she beat DON’TTELLTHEBOSS fair and square in June. ECUMENICAL is underrated and that return win, terrific.
Selections: 3. Annavisto (Top Tip), 7. Snickerdoodledandy, 5. Ecumenical, 13. Galgani
Race 7:
SPEED: 13 can lead 5 with 2,12,15 up there. Most key runners come through ‘Grand Prix’ race (nothing changed all way!) won by NO EFFORT. Many that chased her home were first or second-up, namely: TRALEE ROSE (won 2nd-up last prep), DELPHI (won only other 2nd-up run), ANGEL OF TRUTH (ran well in G1 Aust Cup 3rd-up last prep), MIRAGE DANCER (sound late splits), VOW AND DECLARE & MIAMI BOUND (ranked 1st, 2nd for fastest last 200m). NONCONFORMIST comes through different form, the G2/ WFA Feehan Stks and ran super off wide run there. GRAND PROMENADE was 7-weeks off into MV, fitter! AMADE trialled well, can win!
Selections: 11. Nonconformist (Top Tip), 6. Amade, 2. Angel Of Truth, 15. Tralee Rose
Race 8:
SPEED: 6,8 from 3 with 1,2,5 handy. Great race! The class is at the top with BEHEMOTH who won this last year with 60kg! and PROBABEEL (won G1 Futurity 2nd-up last prep beating Arcadia Queen). BEAU ROSSA arguably should have beaten Behemoth at WFA latest and under handicap conditions meets him 3.5kg better. SIERRA SUE won the Lawrence off wide run and was luckless in Feehan. AMISH BOY can win with luck from gate. REGARDSMAREE my best roughie with colder ride! That ties in BUFFALO RIVER. I’M THUNDERSTRUCK near top-pick if they get in, that ties in POLAND.
Selections: 17. I’m Thunderstruck (Top Tip), 5. Beau Rossa, 15. Regardsmaree, 1. Behemoth
Race 9:
Speed good again. BELLA NIPOTINA looked stiff at The Valley and the winner there then wasn’t far off some gun sprinters at Flemington last week. One of those ‘gun sprinters’ was Away Game, who narrowly beat home LA MEXICANA in Regal Roller on same day Bella Nipotina won (her race rated a bit better for mine). CHASSIS split two class mares in her Cockram second. MISS ALBANIA blew start latest, she beat Oxley Road prior and he then ran third to Masked Crusader. ENCHANTINGLY nearly lapped them in Adelaide, wowee! BONHAM is a class Kiwi. NIGHT RAID and SMOKIN’ VAL hopes.
Selections: 3. Bella Nipotina (Top Tip), 4. La Mexicana, 8. Miss Albania, 13. Enchantingly
Race 1:
2. The Gauch, 8. Kazio, 4. Hela, 3. Faretti
Race 2:
2. Athiri, 4. Pandemic, 3. William Thomas, 5. Wisdom Of Water
Race 3:
6. Xtra Gear, 7. Devout Hero, 1. Heresy, 9. Throntari
Race 4:
8. Timson, 9. Riverplate, 2. Lightsaber, 1. Alpine Edge
Race 5:
3. Ranveer, 6. Island Edition, 5. Forbes, 4. Direct
Race 6:
3. Annavisto, 7. Snickerdoodledandy, 6. Good And Proper, 10. Miss Inbetween
Race 7:
11. Nonconformist, 12. Grand Promenade, 14. Realm Of Flowers, 2. Angel of Truth
Race 8:
17. I’m Thunderstruck, 5. Beau Rossa, 2. Probabeel, 7. Sierra Sue
Race 9:
8. Miss Albania, 3. Bella Nipotina, 4. La Mexicana, 5. Night Raid
Unibet – From the Traders’ Desk:
Race 8 #2 Probabeel (4.80)
Race 1: 2. The Gauch
Race 4: 6. Military Expert
Race 6: 3. Annavisto
Race 8: 2. Probabeel
Quaddie: 6/2,4,5,11,15/2,5,17/1,3,5,8,9,11
Randwick
Race 7: Verry Elleegant (2.15) (win)
Race 8: Nature Strip (2.35) (win)
Race 1:
NADARAJA (11) Dominant winner last time at Scone but facing a stronger grade today. Won’t be far away during the run. Deserves a win. BATTLEGROUND (17) Third up from a break. Flew home into 2nd two runs back around here and carrying less weight this time. Open to improvement and has a show in this field. PRIVATE AGENT (10) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Was strong to the line when winning three runs back at Wagga and gets some weight relief. Has placed in all previous barrier trials. Respect against this field. AHEAD START (1) Got the upper hand late when winning two runs back here and fitter for multiple trials. Should get going late. Might be one for the placings.
Race 2:
KISS THE BRIDE (5) Third up from a spell. Finished 1L behind the winner at Kembla Grange last start on a soft surface but gets a reduction in weight. Can feature. BIGBOYROY (4) Came in 3rd last run at this track but carrying more weight than last time. Should race on the speed. This field suits. KORDIA (8) Really dug deep when winning last start at Kembla Grange and suited by the weight drop. Likely to race off the speed. One of the major players. CISCO BAY (7) Made considerable ground when 3rd two runs back at the track but will have to carry extra weight today. Finishes off strongly. Among the major players.
Race 3:
AKIHIRO (13) Won narrowly last time at Wyong and goes down in weight. Expecting to settle just off the pace. No shock to see a win. BIG SURPRISE (9) Spaced the field to win last time at Gosford and going well this campaign. Has shown early pace in races to date. Could prove to be very difficult to beat. BOWERY BREEZE (4) Fought on gamely when winning three runs back at Warwick Farm and always seems to find the line well. One in a race with many chances. FOXBOROUGH (2) Rocketed home into 2nd two runs back at this track and drawn nicely. Finishes off strongly. Minor claims.
Race 4:
RUSTIC STEEL (1) Scored a victory last start at this venue and displays good tactical speed. Racing consistently since returning from a break. Leading chance. SUPER EFFORT (9) Game effort to win two runs back around here. Finishes off strongly. Can surprise and by no means out of it. SOAMI (3) Nice effort when winning two runs back at Newcastle. Tracking very well this campaign. Very strong each way claims. HIGH SUPREMACY (5) Snuck in a place when 2nd two runs back here and likely to race off the speed. Has placed in all previous barrier trials. Looks to be the value.
Race 5:
HARMONY ROSE (12) Gave a strong sight when 2nd two runs back at Rosehill and displays good tactical speed. Fitter for multiple trials. Serious contender. ATISHU (11) Left nothing to chance when winning two runs back around here and third up from a break. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Winnable race. PRIVATE EYE (5) Got the upper hand late when winning two runs back at this course and third up today. Should just about get the run of the race. Contender. ARAMAYO (3) Produced an eye catching run when 2nd last run around here and possesses very good closing speed. Should be very competitive and is a genuine threat.
Race 6:
FOUR MOVES AHEAD (1) Charged home into 3rd two runs back at this track and having third run back from a spell. Will be looking to sit just behind the pace. Worth consideration. SHE’S ALL CLASS (3) Rocketed home into 2nd two runs back around here and has a nice turn of foot. Can’t knock. MALLORY (4) Caught the eye when 3rd last run at the track and finishes off strongly. Should be very competitive and is a genuine threat. ROBODIRA (5) Having second run back from a break. Produced an eye catching run when 2nd last run at the track. Could work into the placings.
Race 7:
VERRY ELLEEGANT (7) Displayed potential when winning three runs back at Rosehill and goes well second up. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Massive hope. THINK IT OVER (2) Proven record when third up with 2 wins from 4 starts. Really dug deep when winning last start at this track but facing a stronger class. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Worth consideration. KOLDING (1) Got the upper hand late when winning three runs back at this course and third up from a spell. Will be pushing for a forward position early. Underrated. CASCADIAN (3) Snuck in a place when 3rd three runs back at this venue and should get going late. Don’t leave out of trifectas.
Race 8:
NATURE STRIP (1) Having second run back from a spell. Finished on top last run at this course and should muster plenty of early toe. Looks a suitable field and easily up to these. MASKED CRUSADER (4) Could build on a strong second up record. Was all too good winning last start at Caulfield and shows very good closing speed. Strong claims. ROTHFIRE (5) Landed the spoils when winning two runs back at Rosehill and expecting to settle positively. Has won all previous barrier trials. Has the ability to figure. EDUARDO (2) Really dug deep when winning last start at Doomben and likely to be well placed early. Winner in a barrier trial at Royal Randwick on Sep 10th. Don’t overlook.
Race 9:
SHE’S IDEEL (14) Displayed good finishing speed when 3rd two runs back at this track and expected to be flashing home. Can get the job done. MONTEFILIA (3) Hit the line well when 3rd last time here and second up from a spell. Should be swooping on the field late. Among better hopes. SPIRIT RIDGE (4) Second up. Really dug deep when winning three runs back at Eagle Farm and carrying less weight this time. Expected to fight out the finish. KUKERACHA (2) Game effort to win three runs back at Eagle Farm and third up. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Worth entertaining from a place and exotics perspective.
Race 10:
EQUATION (12) Scored a victory last start at Canberra but racing fresh after a break. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Can give this a shake. MARWAY (3) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Won by a huge margin two runs back at Wagga and likely to be well placed early. Has placed in all previous barrier trials. Capable of a place and a good chance. EXOBOOM (7) Was fighting out the finish when winning three runs back at Hawkesbury but might be ridden for luck. Placed 2nd in a barrier trial at Royal Randwick on Sep 2nd. Exotics chance. VALAQUENTA (6) Fought on well to win last time at the track but gets back and needs luck. Ran 3rd in a barrier trial at Hawkesbury on Aug 23rd. Looks a value runner.
Race 1: Nadaraja
Race 2: Kiss The Bride
Race 3: Akihiro
Race 4: High Supremacy
Race 5: Harmony Rose
Race 6: Four Moves Ahead
Race 7: Verry Elleegant
Race 8: Nature Strip
Race 9: She’s Ideel
Race 10: Equation
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
Randwick was rated Soft 7 on Wednesday morning and there is the chance of a further shower on Thursday morning. Presume improvement closer to the weekend but we may still be clinging to a Soft rating on Saturday morning. Perhaps improving to Good during the day?? Plenty of speed in the Highway this week. 3, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14 (and 17 if she makes it on) will all be pressing! Danny Williams has two resumers, one with a jockey that alerts the market. I’m with SHELBY SIXTYSIX though. Two trials under his belt and sets up a treat in run.
Selections: 6. Shelby Sixtysix (Top Tip), 3. Nicci Trix, 1. Ahead Start, 10. Private Agent
Race 2:
Waller with the ‘top four’ in this field of nine. Look for 6 and 9 to head up front. CISCO BAY could be a ‘1 x 2’ play if the field holds up. The outside gate probably gets him a fair way back but he is a consistent fellow nd even if we are upgraded I wouldn’t turn away (strike rate on Soft is 40%, on Good is 5%). ATISHU has another option later but I suspect the mile is a little preferable for him now. BIGBOYROY could end up taking a trail today. Consistent and peaking 4th-up.
Selections: 7. Cisco Bay (Top Tip), 2. Atishu (SCRATCHED), 4. Bigboyroy, 1. New Arrangement
Race 3:
16 + 4 in the Midway. 12 an early scratching. 7 and 20 dual acceptors (and maybe more to come). So big numbers but not heaps of speed. 6 and 9 look the two leaders. 16 to box-seat. 1 trying to get across?? BIG SURPRISE has been busy fitting 34 starts into the last two-and-a-half years but approaches this race in career best form with 3 wins/3 minors from his latest six starts. Natural speed helps and the lack of tempo rom the others means he can kick on well. Likewise TAMPERING gets up front and it’s hard to see him fading out too badly, if at all.
Selections: 9. Big Surprise (Top Tip), 6. Tampering, 7. Majella, 13. Akihiro
Race 4:
Another big field. 4, 12, 14, 19 dual acceptors. 7 and 8 the main speedsters? SUPER EFFORT is in the midst of a ‘through the classes’ prep and has a barrier that gives him the chance to trail just off the main pace. A runner-up his latest two starts here and expect could be each-way odds. RUSTIC STEEL has come back flying but faces a challenge from this very wide barrier. If he chances his arm and gets across he is a big winning chance.
Selections: 9. Super Effort (Top Tip), 1. Rustic Steel, 3. Soami, 10. Suave
Race 5:
Now here’s the famous Bill Ritchie. 2, 6, 10, 11, 13 your dual acceptors. 7 and 1 to lead 11 and 12. AMAERLINHA has trialled well and after last week it’s all too easy to fall into a another Richards-trained mare with a wonderful NZ record. Her recent (Sept 2) trial here was rock-solid for mine. HARMONY ROSE a classy filly (now mare( and has won both her fresh assignments. Better over further but worth respecting in everything she contests. Hmmm, will PRIVATE EYE back up with blinkers back on??
Selections: 4. Amarelinha (Top Tip), 12. Harmony Rose, 3. Aramayo, 5. Private Eye
Race 6:
Less than genuine speed in the Tea Rose. The ‘classier’ fillies will be back half (generally speaking, not categorically). SHE’S ALL CLASS was fancied first-up but peaked on her run. Regular rider McDonald stays aboard and to 1400m first time might bring about her best. MALLORY draw the rail which doesn’t seem to be her best draw but she is 3rd-up and going well. Any luck and she can win this no doubt. No $51 about ROBODIRA this time.
Selections: 3. She’s All Class (Top Tip), 4. Mallory, 5. Robodira, 1. Four Moves Ahead
Race 7:
Gai (and Adrian in recent years) has been providing the speed to races like this for decades. Here she (and he) is with 5 and 8 to go forward. VERRY ELLEEGANT stands out as the obvious pick. Beaten but hardly bowed on return and we know she only gets better as she gets into a prep. Some give in the ground (if it still exists) doesn’t hurt but she is capable on any surface, as she proved last prep. THINK IT OVER did nothing but frank the form for her by winning the Chelmsford, and Mo’unga ran well in defeat inn Vic last week too.
Selections: 7. Verry Elleegant (Top Tip), 2. Think It Over, 3. Cascadian, 6. Lion’s Roar
Race 8:
Oh boy. Get very excited if you love Australian sprint racing. This here is a crucial lead-up to the Everest in just under a month. Expect at least 6 of this 9 to be present and accounted for on that day. It’s a red-hot race! Suspect EDUARDO will want to cross right over them, but it may be his undoing?? 1, 5, 7 all have plenty of speed and 9 will have to decide just how hard she goes early as well. ROTHFIRE was so exciting this time last year before obviously going badly amiss in the Golden Rose. I hope he can return to his best and recent trials suggest he may. NATURE STRIP was awesome first-up. None of the niggles of 12 months ago about him this year.
Selections: 5. Rothfire (Top Tip), 1. Nature Strip, 4. Masked Crusader, 2. Eduardo
Race 9:
Speed from 8, 4, 15 and 12. MONTEFILIA did everything that was expected of her on resumption and you would think she can build on that and be very hard to beat. 2000m 2nd-up – I like it. Ditto SPIRIT RIDGE. No knock at all on what he offered after the break. 2 from 2 this track and distance. So too is SHE’S IDEEL! Never really threatening last time but wants this trip now.
Selections: 3. Montefilia (Top Tip), 4. Spirit Ridge, 14. She’s Ideel, 16. Criminal Code
Race 10:
1 comes out. 8, 14, 17 dual acceptors. Pace from 3, 4, 2 and 20 (should he make the final field). Don’t mind EXOBOOM off a couple of encouraging trials. Just can take a trail here and launch. THE FACE is a fascinating horse. Thrown into a hot field earlier this year. His one recent trial was solid enough to respect him. MARWAY also on the comeback and he loves winning. Two recent trials sound. EQUATION and TRIPLE ACE do nothing but add to the good depth of this one.
Selections: 7. Exoboom (Top Tip), 4. The Face, 3. Marway, 12. Equation
Unibet – From the Traders’ Desk:
Race 5 #3 Aramayo (8.50) – VALUE BET
Race 7 #2 Think It Over (4.40) – BEST BET
Race 8 #1 Nature Strip (2.30) – LAY BET
Race 9: 14. She’s Ideel – BEST BET
Race 10: 6. Valaquenta – each-way
Quaddie: 2,7/1,2,4,5,7/3,14/3,4,6,12