The following is a survey of Australian horse racing tips for Saturday, October 16. The focus is on the race cards at Caulfield and Randwick. The highlights of the day are the Caulfield Cup (Race 9) at Caulfield and The Everest (Race 7) at Randwick.
More tips will be added as they become available.
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Best bets
Caulfield Race 2: 1. Vianello at 2.60 (various), saving on 2. Morioka at 4.80 (Sportsbet)
Caulfield Race 4: 10. Kapalua Sunset at 2.10 (Sportsbet, Unibet)
Caulfield Race 6: 8. Buffalo River at 3.10 (WinnersBet) and 1. Zoutori at 3.50 (bet365)
Caulfield Race 9: 2. Incentivise at 2.65 (BlueBet), saving on 10. Delphi at 8.50 (Sportsbet)
Randwick Race 1: 7. Zoushack at 4.80 (various)
Randwick Race 2: 10. High Supremacy at 2.40 (bet365)
Randwick Race 3: 2. Ahead Start at 3.30 (BlueBet, Unibet)
Randwick Race 4: 5. Fangirl at 3.30 (Sportsbet), saving on 1. Decent Raine at 7.50 (bet365)
Randwick Race 9: 1. Entente at 4.20 (Sportsbet)
Caulfield
Race 1:
EAGLES CRAG (10) Did a good job when winning last start at Benalla and will benefit with the weight drop. Third up. This race looks suitable and is hard to overlook. SEINERS EXPRESS (5) Rocketed home into 2nd two runs back at Morphettville. Finishes off strongly. Rates an each way chance. COOLTH (6) Ran on strongly when 2nd three runs back at Moonee Valley but rises in weight. Interesting gear change of blinkers off first time. Worth an each way bet in this. MIMI’S AWARD (7) Solid win two runs back at Morphettville and second up. Likely to settle back in the field. Would like to see betting push before considering.
Race 2:
VIANELLO (1) Ran 3rd last start at Sandown. Strong claims. MORIOKA (2) Was competitive when 3rd three runs back at Randwick and goes down in grade. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Blinkers on could be an important change. Worth consideration. LADY ADELAIDE (4) Scored a victory last run at Sale and third up today. Likely to race off the speed. Contender. NO CRYING (6) Flashed home late into 2nd three runs back at Wangaratta and always seems to find the line well. Interesting to see the winkers go on for the first time. Can figure.
Race 3:
EXTREME FLIGHT (3) Did enough to win last run at Sandown and tracking very well this campaign. Expecting to settle just off the pace. The one they all have to beat. SANDY PRINCE (4) Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at Sandown and shows good early pace. Very competitive this preparation. Will go well. CHEERFUL LEGEND (6) Showed promise when winning last run at Mornington and second up. Likely to race off the speed. This field suits. PRINCE ALEXANDER (7) Solid effort when winning two runs back at Sandown and having third run back from a break. Will be looking to sit just behind the leaders. Interesting to see the winkers go on for the first time. Expected to fight out the finish.
Race 4:
KAPALUA SUNSET (10) Had a comfortable win last time at Kyneton but up in class. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Going the right way and will give the others something to chase today. STALKING (3) Came on strongly when 4th last start at Flemington and goes down in grade. Displays good closing speed. Must come into consideration. GLINT OF HOPE (6) Rocketed home into 3rd last time at Flemington and drops back to a suitable class. Should be competitive in this race at a bit of odds. BISCAYNE BAY (1) Won narrowly three runs back at Morphettville but up against stronger competition today. Third up from a spell. Looks to have a good chance of placing.
Race 5:
GUNSTOCK (6) Got the prize when winning two runs back at Cranbourne and having third run back from a break. Blinkers on could be an important change. Can win this. MICRO (1) Blitzed its rivals when winning two runs back at Bendigo. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the leaders. Been in the money 3 from 4 attempts this preparation. Can give this a shake. GUNDEC (2) Landed the spoils when winning last start at Flemington and third up today. Expecting to settle positively. Keep in mind. TIZ MAGIC (4) Left nothing to chance when winning two runs back at Wangaratta but up in grade. Don’t dismiss.
Race 6:
ZOUTORI (1) Made considerable ground when 2nd last run at Flemington and third up today. Should be swooping on the field late. Prominent showing expected and won’t be far off them. BUFFALO RIVER (8) Gave a strong sight when 2nd last run at the track and having third run back from a spell. Expecting to settle positively. Has genuine claims in this race. KING MAGNUS (10) Came on strongly when 2nd two runs back around here but carrying more weight than last time. Been in the money 5 from 7 attempts this campaign. Could go well. JUSTACANTA (4) Really dug deep when winning last start at Flemington but hoping that the added weight won’t hurt. Has a great burst of speed late. Place chance.
Race 7:
COLETTE (2) Got going late when 5th last start at Flemington and third up from a spell. Should get going late. Genuine threat. NIMALEE (3) Competitive effort when 2nd last time at Rosehill and third up today. Likely to get a nice run behind the speed. This field suits. CHAILLOT (4) Fought on well to win last start at Sandown but has to carry more weight this time. Having second run back from a spell. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Has the ability to figure. SIRILEO MISS (7) Scored a victory last run at Sandown and having third run back from a break. Ultra competitive this preparation with 2 wins from as many starts. Better claims.
Race 8:
RUBISAKI (10) Put in a competitive run when placing 2nd two runs back at Flemington and can save some energy from the barrier. Resuming after a spell. Worth a ticket. VARDA (2) Displayed potential when winning three runs back at Doomben and second up from a spell. Always seems to find the line well. Strong hope. EMANATE (9) Sent around at $4.4 and was close to 2 1/2L from the winner at Kembla Grange last time on a good track. Third up from a spell. Can figure. BLESS HER (6) Flew home into 2nd last run at Sandown and second up from a break. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Interesting to see the blinkers go on for the first time. Won’t be far away and represents an each way player.
Race 9:
INCENTIVISE (2) Brave effort to win last start at Flemington and expecting to settle positively. Going well this campaign winning 2 from as many attempts. Looks the winner on initial assessment. DELPHI (10) Was first to greet the judge when winning last start at the track and dropping weight today. Backs up quickly today. Respect against this field. YOUNG WERTHER (15) Rattled home nicely into 2nd last start at Flemington and third up. Might be ridden for luck. Strong each way bet. THE CHOSEN ONE (4) Kept finding the line when 2nd last start at this venue and racing again inside a week. Might have to make up considerable ground. Can be competitive.
Race 10:
MALKOVICH (3) Got the cash when winning two runs back around here but first up today. Should muster plenty of early toe. Big claims. ENTHAAR (11) Did a good job when winning two runs back at the track but resuming. Displays good tactical speed. Winnable race. CURRAN (10) Fought on well to win last run at Moonee Valley and carrying less weight this time. Second up from a spell. Genuine winning chance. OXLEY ROAD (9) Set a strong tempo when 3rd last start at this track and let up. Shows good early pace. Worth a bet.
Race 1: Trodaire each-way
Race 2: Vianello
Race 3: Extreme Flight
Race 4: Kapalua Sunset
Race 5: Gunstock
Race 6: Zoutori
Race 7: Chaillot and Nimalee
Race 8: Varda
Race 9: Delphi
Race 10: Curran
Race 1: 10. Eagles Crag, 5. Seiners Express, 7. Mimi’s Award
Race 2: 1. Vianello
Race 3: 3. Extreme Flight
Race 4: 10. Kapalua Sunset
Race 5: 1. Micro from 6. Gunstock
Race 6: 8. Buffalo River (if wet), 6. Vassilator (value)
Race 7: 8. Pride Of Jenni (value)
Race 8: 2. Varda, 9. Emanate
Race 9: 2. Incentivise
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
SPEED: 1, 2 may lead 9, 10. EAGLES CRAG is promising, he chased a good one fresh then was too good for TRODAIRE who was much deeper into prep but does have 2.5kg swing today, they beat handy Beltoro clearly into third. Prior to that run Beltoro was a couple of lengths off MIMI’S AWARD and like the way she hit the line there, 1700m suits better. SEINERS EXPRESS had race-shape dead-against latest and was 5-weeks off. SKIDDAW looks ready. COOLTH had excuses latest. SALTPETER has run well to Annavisto.
Selections: 10. Eagles Crag (Top Tip), 5. Seiners Express, 7. Mimi’s Award, 12. Saltpeter
Race 2:
Not sure leader. VIANELLO never stopped trying at Hillside in the Jim Moloney and was 7-weeks between runs, she is no star but finds a winnable race. MORIOKA got lost last time on a tough track to be a swooper, she wasn’t far away prior in the Tranquil Star at 1400m and gets blinkers on today. GAME LEGEND was a similar margin off Tranquil Star winner Bon’s A Pearla when they clashed in early September. LADY ADELAIDE won well latest. NO CRYING had a task latest. Like the Powling form prior for this. Overs? PACIFIC RUBY a hope also.
Selections: 1. Vianello (Top Tip), 2. Morioka, 5. Game Legend, 6. No Crying
Race 3:
SPEED: 4 can lead 5,8. EXTREME FLIGHT is unbeaten since blinkers went on and won well to 1400m latest beating one who then ran quite well in a G1 Caulfield Guineas. CHEERFUL LEGEND was well-backed to win fresh and did run close-up 4th in G2 VRC Sires behind Lightsaber who just ran fourth in that G1 Caul Guineas. SANDY PRINCE comes back to 1400m which looks suitable and has handled wet ground very well. PRINCE ALEXANDER is also likely suited back at 1400m. PARK AVENUE is off two forgive runs, overs? DAILY BUGLE a hope but wet worries me.
Selections: 3. Extreme Flight (Top Tip), 6. Cheerful Legend, 4. Sandy Prince, 7. Prince Alexander
Race 4:
SPEED: 4 may lead 5 but a number of others can be handy. KAPALUA SUNSET looked terrific winning her maiden at just start two and there was substance “on the clock”. GLINT OF HOPE narrowly beat STALKING in the Manifold with Stalking 8-weeks between runs into that. MOKULUA covered ground that same race and battled very well. DAISIES was race-fastest last 200m on a tough day to swoop. TIZ MY BABY and MORRISSETTE ran well in the Oaks Trial behind Barb Raider. Form from both key lead-up races was tested in G1 1000 Guineas Wednesday. BISCAYNE BAY wants 2000m!
Selections: 10. Kapalua Sunset (Top Tip), 7. Mokulua, 11. Daisies, 3. Stalking
Race 5:
SPEED: 7 may lead 2, 3, 13? MICRO didn’t quicken in the Stutt but only winner Forgot You (since run well in Guineas) had faster last 200m so fancy 2000m is suitable. The filly EL PATRONESS sat on a strong speed at Flemington and held off TIZ MAGIC (only having start two) and GUNSTOCK (took an age to wind up/no shock blinkers go on!). GUNDEC won Flem/1800m on different day in Derby Trial, beating SHARPER. Third home SEBASTIAN THE FOX was safely held by Forgot You and Co. 4/9. TEEWATERS bolted in Ballarat. RESET THE JAZZ was beaten by Tiz Magic on debut then won at Bendigo despite blowing start.
Selections: 1. Micro (Top Tip), 6. Gunstock, 4. Tiz Magic, 13. El Patroness
Race 6:
SPEED: 8 can lead 2, 7. ZOUTORI was pipped on wire in Gilgai on soft 6 ground, any worse than that rating here and I’d be worried but he’s won at 1400m. MORVADA is fitter and has a relative-weights swing on JUSTACANTA from Flemington. GAULOIS was wide there. VASSILATOR is much better suited at 1400m and won at this trip second up last prep. $31 early looks big! BEGOOD TOYA MOTHER was pipped by a gun mare latest. BUFFALO RIVER appeared to “wait for them” last week, which I don’t love, but, wet ground here a big tick. KING MAGNUS keeps racing well. Check betting ARCADIA PRINCE.
Selections: 8. Buffalo River (Top Tip), 6. Vassilator, 1. Zoutori, 7. Begood Toya Mother
Race 7:
SPEED: 8 can lead 3 with 6 taking a trail. KAHMA LASS ran down a handy male last week when only second up, wet no issue. COLETTE is one of the best wet-trackers in the land. 5-weeks off back in trip are queries but she also drops many classes today. NIMALEE gave her all in Sydney and beat home gun mare Entriviere. CHAILLOT produced an extraordinary finale to win fresh, she only gets an extra 100m here but goes in everything. PRIDE OF JENNI gave a great sight at Flemington in a fast race, overs? Wary SIRILEO MISS if they back up. STEINEM is smart and had excuses fresh. Wary her too!
Selections: 8. Pride Of Jenni (Value Bet), 3. Nimalee, 4. Chaillot, 2. Colette
Race 8:
VARDA gave 4kg to Lord Olympus fresh and was just no match and back to mares grade here on wet suits. Stablemate EMANATE ran well in deep race fresh then was wide last time, her career best win was on wet, and it was fast! HOW WOMANTIC flew home fresh with BLESS HER, the latter loves wet tracks. BONS ABROAD back to more suitable race can win at odds. NEVER TALK has had plenty against her of late and is also possible improver at odds. LASHES trialled well. RAINBIEL chased good one in slick time latest. RUBISAKI will be charging. Stack of other hopes.
Selections: 2. Varda (Top Tip), 9. Emanate, 4. How Womantic, 13. Rainbiel
Race 9:
INCENTIVISE has been so strong through the line both wins this prep, his two runs in this distance range have seen him produce two outstanding wins! YOUNG WERTHER (also only second up) and CHAPADA (third up) chased him at Flemington. DELPHI just missed NONCONFORMIST in a fast Naturalism, he then went early in Herbert Power and was strong beating THE CHOSEN ONE, who was very good in this race last year. Nonconformist then ran by Cox Plate fave Zaaki last week at WFA and plummets to 51.5kg. DUAIS put her hand right up Wednesday! EXPLOSIVE JACK, MONTEFILIA and HOMESMAN all chances.
Selections: 2. Incentivise (Top Tip), 10. Delphi, 16. Nonconformist, 4. The Chosen One
Race 10:
Looks good speed! SWATS THAT was a forgive run when wide on speed in G1 Moir but rain about worries me. FREE OF DEBT is flying and like Kemalpasa form. MALKOVICH resumes, is unbeaten at 1000m, runs fast time and two trial wins have been excellent. HE’S A BALTER is also flying and beat Free Of Debt (wet) then beat last week’s winner Dirty Thoughts. ALL BANTER is unbeaten second up and 1000m form is terrific. OXLEY ROAD gave a great sight here latest when run down by Everest hopeful Masked Crusader. CURRAN is a ripper. 3yo’s ENTHAAR (resumes) and GENERAL BEAU have elite 3YO form through Anamoe/Artorius.
Selections: 3. Malkovich (Top Tip), 10. Curran, 11. Enthaar, 9. Oxley Road
Race 1:
10. Eagles Crag, 5. Seiners Express, 8. Windermere, 2. Skiddaw
Race 2:
7. Pacific Ruby, 1. Vianello, 2. Morioka, 5. Game Legend
Race 3:
6. Cheerful Legend, 3. Extreme Flight, 4. Sandy Prince, 10. Corkscrew
Race 4:
10. Kapalua Sunset, 11. Daisies, 3. Stalking, 6. Glint Of Hope
Race 5:
6. Gunstock, 1. Micro, 4. Tiz Magic, 8. Sebastian The Fox
Race 6:
8. Buffalo River, 1. Zoutori, 4. Justacanta, 7. Begood Toya Mother
Race 7:
2. Colette, 3. Nimalee, 4. Chaillot, 8. Pride Of Jenni
Race 8:
6. Bless Her, 3. Mileva, 2. Varda, 4. How Womantic
Race 9:
2. Incentivise, 4. The Chosen One, 11. Master Of Wine, 10. Delphi
Race 10:
12. Jigsaw, 10. Curran, 3. Malkovich, 9. Oxley Road
Unibet – From the Traders’ Desk:
Race 4 #10 Kapalua Sunset (2.10) – BEST BET
Race 9 #2 Incentivise (2.50)
Race 3: PRINCE ALEXANDER (7.50) – VALUE BET
Race 4: KAPALUA SUNSET (2.25) – BEST BET
Race 9: Delphi (7.50), Incentivise (2.50), Young Werther (11.00), Nonconformist (12.00)
Race 1:
5. Seiners Express, 10. Eagles Crag, 7. Mimi’s Award, 4. Saracen Knight, 6. Coolth
Race 2:
4. Lady Adelaide, 1. Vianello, 6. No Crying, 7. Pacific Ruby, 2. Morioka
Race 3:
4. Sandy Prince, 3. Extreme Flight, 6. Cheerful Legend, 7. Prince Alexander, 9. Serenaur
Race 4:
10. Kapalua Sunset, 3. Stalking, 11. Daisies, 6. Glint Of Hope, 1. Biscayne Bay
Race 5:
6. Gunstock, 4. Tiz Magic, 1. Micro, 13. El Patroness, 10. Reset The Jazz
Race 6:
8. Buffalo River, 1. Zoutori, 4. Justacanta, 7. Begood Toya Mother, 2. Morvada
Race 7:
2. Colette, 8. Pride Of Jenni, 3. Nimalee, 4. Chaillot, 1. Kahma Lass
Race 8:
2. Varda, 4. How Womantic, 8. Never Talk, 6. Bless Her, 9. Emanate
Race 9:
2. Incentivise, 10. Delphi, 15. Young Werther, 4. The Chosen One, 17. Duais
Race 10:
12. Jigsaw, 8. General Beau, 3. Malkovich, 9. Oxley Road, 6. He’s A Balter
Race 5: 6. Gunstock
Race 6: 4. Justacanta
Race 9: 2. Incentivise
Quaddie: 1,2,4/2,4,6,9,13/2/1,3,6,8,9,10,11
Randwick
Race 7: 1 – Gytrash (8.00), Home Affairs (11.00), 3 – Classique Legend (4.60), 4 – Eduardo (5.50)
Race 1:
ZOUSHACK (7) Came in 2nd two runs back at Kembla Grange and third up today. Should be going forward early. Suitably placed in this race. VENTURA OCEAN (2) Didn’t attack the line when 11th last start at Rosehill and rises in weight. Will be trying to topple them late. Keep an eye on the market. FOX FIGHTER (14) Bold effort to win last time at the track but faces a rise in distance. Market may be ultimate guide. CUBAN ROYALE (3) Rattled home nicely into 2nd last time at Rosehill and gets a reduction in weight. Has a nice turn of foot. Modest chance for multis.
Race 2:
HIGH SUPREMACY (10) Was fighting out the finish when winning two runs back around here and third up from a spell. Interesting to see the blinkers go on for the first time. Should be swooping on the field late. Looks the goods. NEW ARRANGEMENT (8) Nice show placing 2nd three runs back at this track and dropping weight today. Can go through the gears. Likely threat. ROCK (1) Finished 7th last time at this course and goes up in weight today. Has very good closing speed. Races well in these conditions so do not discard. ALL HALLOWS’ EVE (9) At $20 ended up close to 3 1/2L behind the winner here last time on a good surface. Should be suited and racing again inside a week. Finishes off strongly. Don’t overlook.
Race 3:
AHEAD START (2) Fought on well to win three runs back at this track and will try to take advantage of the barrier. Second up from a break. Serious contender. CASINO KID (4) Got the prize when winning two runs back here but first run back from a break. Can go through the gears. Rates an each way chance. STREET POWER (8) Displayed potential when winning last time at Port Macquarie and will appreciate the drop in weight. On a quick turnaround. Follow market leads. TEN BELLS (12) Did a good job when winning two runs back at the track and back from a freshen up. Tracking very well this preparation. Stays under notice.
Race 4:
FANGIRL (5) Had a comfortable win last start at Goulburn and third up from a break. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Should go well. HOOVER LUCY (3) Did a good job when winning last run at Warwick Farm but carrying more weight than last time. Can’t knock. DECENT RAINE (1) Charged home into 3rd last run at Moonee Valley but will have to carry extra weight today. Likely to race off the speed. Can get the job done. RIDUNA (9) Game effort to win last time at Wyong but racing in stronger company. Third up today. One for the trifectas and first fours in this race.
Race 5:
HANDLE THE TRUTH (1) Dashed home into 2nd three runs back at Wagga and third up from a spell. Displays very good closing speed. Leading chance. EDIT (7) Finished on top last start at Tamworth and easy to come into at the trip. Second up from a break. Deserves consideration. ART CADEAU (3) Really dug deep when winning last time around here but first run back after a break. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the leaders. Good chance and wouldn’t be surprised to see it pick up a win. FRONT PAGE (2) Couldn’t maintain the momentum going throughout when 2nd last run at Moonee Valley but up in class. Stays under notice.
Race 6:
KEMENTARI (1) Really dug deep when winning last start at Flemington. Second up from a break. No surprise to see a forward showing and one of the main hopes in this race. BIG PARADE (5) Really dug deep when winning last run around here and dropping weight today. Expecting to settle positively. Warrants a bet. SIGNORE FOX (2) Displayed good finishing speed when 3rd last run at Eagle Farm and first up specialist. Displays very good closing speed. Will be in the finish. STANDOUT (3) Ran on strongly when 2nd last start at this track and third up from a break. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Winnable race.
Race 7:
CLASSIQUE LEGEND (2) Solid win two runs back at the track and always seems to find the line well. First up specialist with 2 wins from 4 runs. Prominent showing expected and won’t be far off them. NATURE STRIP (1) Competitive effort when 2nd last start at this venue and has a strong record when third up. Should be going forward early. Worth a bet. EDUARDO (3) Game effort to win last start around here and likely to be well placed early. Having second run back from a spell. Appears well in this. GYTRASH (4) Flashed home late into 3rd last time here and second up from a spell. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Better hope.
Race 8:
THINK IT OVER (1) Really dug deep when winning last run at this course. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the leaders. Racing consistently this preparation. Worth an investment. SHARED AMBITION (2) Claimed late when 2nd last time here. Shows good early pace. Will give a big sight. HUNGRY HEART (11) Started $8 and ended up 2 3/4L from the winner at this track last start on a good surface and rising in weight today. Expected to be flashing home. One of the main dangers. KEIAI NAUTIQUE (3) Got going late when 4th last time at this track and will be aiming for a soft run from the draw. Finishes off strongly. Very strong each way claims.
Race 9:
ENTENTE (1) Did a good job when winning two runs back at Rosehill but going up in weight. Been in the money 3 from 4 attempts this preparation. Winning prospect. FUN FACT (4) Outgunned at the finish when 3rd last run at Rosehill. Displays good tactical speed. Can be competitive. GREAT HOUSE (6) Fought on gamely when winning two runs back at Newcastle but goes up in weight. Possesses good finishing speed. Can measure up to this company. HIGH EMOCEAN (14) Finished strongly when 2nd last time at Mornington. Should enjoy a cosy run off the pace. Could sneak a place.
Race 10:
PROMISE OF SUCCESS (8) Solid effort when winning two runs back at this track and gets some weight taken off today. Third up today. Has plenty of claims. EQUATION (1) Left nothing to chance when winning three runs back at Canberra and having third run back from a spell. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Open to improvement and has a show in this field. SUAVE (3) Fought on well to win last start at Warwick Farm and having third run back from a break. Should just about get the run of the race. Don’t dismiss. CAPE BRETON (15) Really dug deep when winning two runs back at Rosehill but resuming from a break. Likely to get a nice run behind the speed. Place chance.
Race 1: Zoushack
Race 2: High Supremacy
Race 3: Ahead Start
Race 4: Fangirl
Race 5: Handle The Truth
Race 6: Big Parade
Race 7: Nature Strip
Race 8: Think It Over
Race 9: Entente
Race 10: Promise Of Success
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
Everest Day is upon us and the rails is back to true today after being out to 5 metres last week. Conditions were ranked Soft 5 on Wednesday morning but it was raining at the time (4mm b/t 9-11am) and more was forecast to land through that day and potentially (10-20mm?) on Thursday. The full extent of that may h ave us edging into the Heavy range but with a sunny day likely for Saturday I think we may be thereabouts a 6 come kick-off time. A keen little BM78 gets us going. 2, 5, 15 dual acceptors. Not much speed in it. 7 to lead 1. ZING boasts a last prep fresh 3rd to Count de Rupee at this trip and class. Each-way her is my play. ZOUSHACK challenged by 1400m perhaps but could see control here, enabling him to run it right out.
Selections: 4. Zing (Top Tip), 7. Zoushack, 14. Fox Fighter, 3. Cuban Royale
Race 2:
MAN OF PEACE seems nowhere near his best these days but can lead this. (Maybe wet could help?) 5 and 7 next in line. HIGH SUPREMACY backs up quickly from a genuine top five run in the Silver Eagle. Has handled to Soft 7 and happy with 1600m now but will need some luck from inside barrier (worst ground??) and has to cope with the quick turnaround. Blinkers first time for him. LOOKS LIKE ELVIS beat Epsom runner-up Aramayo home last start so that’s solid form for this. ROCK through the Epsom himself. Wants a hard tempo which he may not get. Wet could see ALL HALLOWS’ EVE lift a bit.
Selections: 10. High Supremacy (Top Tip), 3. Looks Like Elvis, 1. Rock, 9. All Hallows’ Eve
Race 3:
Plenty (in fact half the field proper) approach this Highway fresh. 16 and 18 look the most likely leaders but 8, 9, 13, 15 could get busy from out wide as well. AHEAD START sure to be well liked given the booking of McDonald and the subsequent easy win of the horse – Leo – that beat him last start. Tends to be slowly away but could still set up nicely here if he’s a touch tardy, sets up ideally if he jumps relatively clean. Has coped with Soft 6 no worries at all and placed on Heavy. BOSS LADY ROCKS has been impressive and is weighted to kick right on. 900 to 1100m though so that could be a query.
Selections: 2. Ahead Start (Top Tip), 16. Boss Lady Rocks, 9. Blow Dart, 12. Ten Bells
Race 4:
Fillies on the up and a bit of a challenge to line them all up. 9 to lead 8, 13 and 3. DECENT RAINE switches up with a stakes placing behind her and up against either maidens or those just out of Maiden class she looks as well credentialed as any despite 59kg. Romped in the day she saw Heavy but that was her Maiden of course. FANGIRL won by a space at Goulburn and we presume there’s only significant upside with her. Inside draw though, could she get buried away?? MAYROSE up from 1100m but accomplished on rain-affected and a strong each-way chance.
Selections: 1. Decent Raine (Top Tip), 5. Fangirl, 6. Mayrose, 2. Picarones
Race 5:
10 to lead from 2 crossing over. 14 and 12 can get involved on the speed as well. The ever consistent ART CADEAU approaches this $1.3M mountain off a 6 month break. Not exactly arrogant but certainly a touch of confidence about that. His best runs of course have been at 1400m but he is no slouch at 1200m either; in fact until I see anything like a disappointing run from him I’m happy to stick. FRONT PAGE has a terrific record at 1200m and he will look to cross here and keep company with the (very) exciting prospect NADARAJA. SPIRANAC brained a decent field at Bathurst but has been just off the mark previously at this track. HANDLE THE TRUTH has been up against the sprinting stars. 1.3L 4th in this last year and has to be factored in highly.
Selections: 3. Art Cadeau (Top Tip), 2. Front Page, 10. Nadaraja, 1. Handle The Truth
Race 6:
5 and 6 to lead the sprinters consolation. 12 and 4 can set up next in line. SIGNORE FOX ran 3rd in this last year when deeper into a prep. Won really well at the beginning of his autumn prep and has trialled impressively recently (beating Aim in his first hitout, 2nd to Classique Legend in the latest). Happy to Soft 6 and I fancy that’s where we could be at. FITUESE has come back well but just how wet this track is could be some concern to her. On a 6 or better I would be respecting highly. No knock BIG PARADE. Wins half the time and has earned a crack at this good race. KEMENTARI is some story but would like it drier I think.
Selections: 2. Signore Fox (Top Tip), 11. Fituese, 5. Big Parade, 6. Prime Candidate
Race 7:
3 to lead 1 in the $15M Everest of 2021. 10, 9, 12 next in line. CLASSIQUE LEGEND attempts to be the second back-to-back winner in the race’s five year history. He was quite dominant last year and has come back recently to trial in the style of his former glories. Trials are trials of course and this is a much hotter kitchen but when you’ve been here and done it (and was desperately unlucky in 2019) then I’m inclined to keep the faith. GYTRASH draws the rail again which may cause him as trouble as it did last time. If he sees clear air though I expect him to be strong. EDUARDO and NATURE STRIP will be up there and potentially hard to get past. They are 3-3 lifetime head-to-head but neither have brought their best to this race in past runnings. That doesn’t mean they can’t do it now. MASKED CRUSADER bounced back last start to beat a lesser bunch but his 2nd in the TJ in April recommends him. Pattern crucial for him. TREKKING could certainly give us a third Everest top four finish. HOME AFFAIRS might measure up but I would want double figures.
Selections: 2. Classique Legend (Top Tip), 4. Gytrash, 1. Nature Strip, 3. Eduardo
Race 8:
7 to lead 1 crossing but 2 and 4 could press as well. HUNGRY HEART blossomed last prep when she got to 2000m and the same could be true of her this time around. Conditions significant but she has run some decent races on S7 so I’m prepared to trust her to a fair extent. Easy to like all her runs this prep. THINK IT OVER did the job narrowly but well at short odds last time. This gate could have him outside the leader but I wouldn’t be dismayed if there was a different plan. Has earned full respect in this company.
Selections: 11. Hungry Heart (Top Tip), 1. Think It Over, 2. Shared Ambition, 9. Lion’s Roar
Race 9:
12 was down to run on Wednesday at Warwick Farm. 1 and 6 may yet find themselves in the Caulfield Cup but look the obvious if they want to stay closer home. A few starts ago there would have been a huge query about ENTENTE at 2600m, now he only needs to fine another 200m after two terrific efforts leading in. GREAT HOUSE was a length and a half off him in the Metrop, clearly the obvious lead-up. Good to see YOUNG RASCAL finding some form last start. There’s really no need to get all the way back to the tail here either.
Selections: 1. Entente (Top Tip), 6. Great House, 5. Young Rascal, 2. Warning
Race 10:
EQUATION looks the Icebath of this year, coming through the Silver Eagle to this very appealing looking BM78, hopefully on his way to the Golden Eagle. (Albeit Icebath won her 78 a fortnight after the Silver and a week before the Golden.) He did more than enough last week and has the draw here to stalk the on-pacers then pounce. Ryan takes two kilos away and that can’t hurt. Well proven to Soft 7. He looks a key bet on the day. SUAVE up from a midweek win but is making a good fist of his return from a long layoff. Market with CAPE BRETON?
Selctions: 1. Equation (Top Tip), 3. Suave, 8. Promise Of Success, 15. Cape Breton
Race 1:
ZOUSHACK (7) bumped into a smart one first up before he had excuses at Warwick Farm last start when caught wide throughout. Should be nearing his peak third up and looks to find the front for Nash. Loves the conditions and looks hard to beat. CUBAN ROYALE (3) bounced back to form last start when only narrowly beaten behind Barossa Rosa. Rates well off that and a repeat should have him right in the finish again. FOX FIGHTER (14) jumps straight to 1400m from 1000m but was a handy winner last start and expect him to settle closer this time. VENTURA OCEAN (2) is another who can settle closer and appears the next in line.
Selections: 7. Zoushack (top tip), 3. Cuban Royale, 14. Fox Fighter, 2. Ventura Ocean
Race 2:
HIGH SUPREMACY (10) won well first up before not beaten far last weekend in what was a messy race. Finished just over a length away from Aim and sets up well on the quick back up. Looks well treated at the weights and should prove hard to beat. ROCK (1) comes back quite a few notches in grade and has to be included. His run in the Epsom was a lot better than it may have appeared. KISS THE BRIDE (5) disappointed last start but is better than that and is worth another chance while NEW ARRANGEMENT (8) should be very strong late.
Selections: 10. High Supremacy (top tip), 1. Rock, 5. Kiss The Bride, 8. New Arrangement
Race 3:
AHEAD START (2) loomed up to win first up before just peaking on his run behind subsequent winner Leo. Sure to take good improvement from that run and has since trialled well. McDonald sticks, he’s drawn to get the gun run and step up in trip is another tick. Clearly the one to beat. CASINO KID (4) improved with every run last preparation and he too has trialled very well in the lead up. Wide draw the key knock as just not sure where he lands from there. STREET POWER (8) returned to form when leading throughout at Port Macquarie and has to be included on the quick back up. TEN BELLS (12) finished seventh but wasn’t beaten far last start and has to be included off a freshen (42 days).
Selections: 2. Ahead Start (top tip), 4. Casino Kid, 8. Street Power, 12. Ten Bells
Race 4:
FANGIRL (5) really caught the eye on debut at Gosford before making light work of her rivals at Goulburn last start. Returned decent figures and this is well within her grasp. McDonald takes over and she is the one to beat. Stablemate HOOVER LUCY (3) also broke through for her maiden win in good style last start and no reason to think she can’t go on with the job. DECENT RAINE (1) brings up solid form from Victoria and gets a chance to settle a touch closer from the draw. Rock hard fit and has to be included. PICARONES (2) falls into a similar boat and appears the next in line.
Selections: 5. Fangirl (top tip), 3. Hoover Lucy, 1. Decent Raine, 2. Picarones
Race 5:
HANDLE THE TRUTH (1) has had the perfect preparation and now looks set to peak third up. Drops back noticeably in grade and has drawn to camp just off the speed. Nash knows him very well and with even luck he shapes as the one to beat. EDIT (7) couldn’t have been more impressive in his Australian debut when winning easily at Tamworth over 1200m. No favours with the draw as he is likely to get right back but is clearly a galloper trending the right way. ART CADEAU (3) went to the paddock in winning form having won the Country Championships last time in. Hits this first up which is a slight query but still has to be respected. FRONT PAGE (2) is trending the right way and appears the next in line.
Selections: 1. Handle The Truth (top tip), 7. Edit, 3. Art Cadeau, 2. Front Page
Race 6:
BIG PARADE (5) bounced back in a big way last start when coming from off the speed after making a mess of the start. Returned a new career peak and if able to repeat he is the one to beat from the good draw. SIGNORE FOX (2) looks to be airborne at the trials, he just has to handle the track. Booking of McDonald an obvious push (won 5/6) and his won three of six fresh. Major threat. KEMENTARI (1) got tricked into winning first up when Oliver timed his run to perfection. Has to be respected off that though he hasn’t been the most reliable to repeat. STANDOUT (3) won’t like the conditions but showed he was back on track last start and has to be included from the soft draw.
Selections: 5. Big Parade (top tip), 2. Signore Fox, 1. Kementari, 3. Standout
Race 7:
NATURE STRIP (1) went awesome first up before just coming off that run last start when gunned down late by Eduardo. Since kept fresh (28 days) and has won 5/7 third up. Stalks Eduardo in the run and if able to produce his peak he simply should be too good. EDUARDO (3) will certainly be no easy beat and shapes as the main danger following his big run fresh. Second up is his sweet spot and he looms as a major threat with Nash expected to lead. GYTRASH (4) didn’t have a lot of luck behind the first two last start and has placed in five of six attempts second up. CLASSIQUE LEGEND (2) won this race emphatically last year but faces a very stiff task in what will be his first run in close to a year.
Selections: 1. Nature Strip (top tip), 3. Eduardo, 4. Gytrash, 2. Classique Legend
Race 8:
THINK IT OVER (1) really dug deep to score last start when Nash lifted him over the line. Was marked up to his peak and looks to face a similar scenario when likely to land outside the lead from the draw. Rates top and should prove hard to beat. SHARED AMBITION (2) should be right at his peak fourth up and will give them all something to run down with McDonald sticking aboard. Stablemate HUNGRY HEART (11) looks much better suited stepping up in trip and should be very strong late, while KEIAI NAUTIQUE (3) also has to be included having caught the eye late last start when clearly unsuited.
Selections: 1. Think It Over (top tip), 2. Shared Ambition, 11. Hungry Heart, 3. Keiai Nautique
Race 9:
ENTENTE (1) only went down narrowly last in the Metropolitan last start and is clearly the horse to beat off that form. Drawn to get the perfect run again and if able to hold his form he should prove hard to get past. FUN FACT (4) should be right at his top fourth up and showed good improvement last start with the blinkers back on. Won this race last year and looms as a major threat. GREAT HOUSE (6) was very good late last start and with McDonald going aboard he is sure to have his supporters. HIGH EMOCEAN (14) another trending the right way and has to be included.
Selections: 1. Entente (top tip), 4. Fun Fact, 6. Great House, 14. High Emocean
Race 10:
PROMISE OF SUCCESS (8) won well fresh before no match late for Head Legislator last start. Should appreciate the conditions and looks set to peak third up. Bowman sticks and she should be very strong late. EQUATION (1) was much better last weekend in the Silver Eagle and has to be respected on the quick back up. SUAVE (3) did just enough to score at Warwick Farm last start and while up in grade he rates well and has to be included, while CAPE BRETON (15) appears the next in line in his return.
Selections: 8. Promise Of Success (top tip), 1. Equation, 3. Suave, 15. Cape Breton
Unibet – From the Traders’ Desk:
Race 2 #10 High Supremacy (2.30) – lay bet
Race 7 #2 Classique Legend (5.50)
Race 8 #12 Bargain (19.00) – value bet
Race 2: 9. All Hallows’ Eve
Race 5: 1. Handle The Truth
Race 7: 1. Nature Strip – BEST BET
Quaddie: 1/1,2,3,9,11/1,9,13,14/1,8