Selections based on a good track.
RACE 1 – 12.50PM: TAB HANDICAP (1400m)
1. Sedgemoor went down by the barest of margins to a handy type on debut a few weeks back and looks to get control of this race. Can only be fitter and just has to run up to his Canterbury effort to take this out.
Dangers: 5. Tawaret has had a few chances but caught the eye chasing a progressive stablemate home at the Scone carnival last start. Probably should have finished a touch closer too. If that’s a good pointer then she’s right in the finish. 3. Milunka resumes after a couple of Canterbury placings back in January, she was game on debut after a wide run then had every chance in the second of them. Can’t get any guide from her very quiet trial but kicking off at 1400m is a flashing light. Keep safe. 2. Royal Captain is racing consistently but just can’t seem to break through at present. Kept trying at Newcastle last start and with only a small field he can’t be overlooked.
How to play it: Sedgemoor to win.
RACE 2 – 1.25PM: PRESS STATEMENT @ VINERY HANDICAP (1200m)
6. Mercury has come up favourite and if he stays solid in the market he’s the one to be with first-up. Had some support on debut in Melbourne and pulled up lame and spelled so forgive that. Loved his latest trial, blinkers on and he should go close.
Dangers: 15. California Salto was a bit of a hidden run on debut at Kembla on May 11. She had plenty of traffic to negotiate in the straight and didn’t get full opportunity to wind up yet made good late ground. Up to 1200m and with a bit of luck from the barrier she could surprise. 11. All Saint’s Eve is a half-sister to an NZ group 1 winner and she worked home quite nicely in her only public trial a couple of weeks back. Drawn well and one to keep an eye on. 5. Kavalmo wasn’t asked for anything serious in his only trial this prep, he did trial back in November, and from barrier one is worth throwing in the multiples. If there’s any support it would be encouraging too.
How to play it: Mercury to win, trifecta 6/5,11,15/5,11,15.
RACE 3 – 2.00PM: EVENTS BY ATC PLATE (1200m)
Somewhat keen on 3. Front Sight, a gelding which showed plenty of promise in his first prep in the summer. Knocked over late by Kolding on debut then again claimed in the shadows on a heavy track before a break. Nice trial win recently and is very hard to beat.
Dangers: 2. Embracer went under as a $1.09 favourite at Wyong two weeks ago where she led and was headed before the turn. Pulled up lame there so perhaps some excuse and blinkers go on. She may win but can’t possibly back her at odds-on off the latest run. 4. Heimberg is an interesting runner, first-up for Joe Pride and is a half-brother to his star sprinters Terravista, Tiger Tees and Ball Of Muscle. Latest trial wasn’t too bad and no surprise to see him show up. 1. Azoustic is another first-up for the Pride yard and he’s trialled in the same heats as Heimberg for a 1-1 scoreline. Trainer speaks highly enough of both horses, suggesting they will win races so pay to keep them both safe.
How to play it: Front Sight to win.
RACE 4 – 2.35PM: TAB REWARDS HANDICAP (1600m)
Hard to go past 6. High Shine considering she’s been so impressive in her two wins this time in and gets out to a mile which should suit her even better. That’s evidenced in the way she ground them down at Scone second-up. Creeping up in class but sure to take holding out.
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Dangers: 7. Primitivo atoned for a costly Wagga defeat with a very brave win over this course two weeks ago where he fought back after being headed to win. Showed there he can race handier and from a good gate he should be in the finish again. 5. Calculated may not have been suited to leading at Rosehill last time but he did box on OK in stronger grade. Back to a mile here and is entitled to one more chance. 1. Destiny’s Own did a very big job to win second-up here and is now into his comfort zone distance-wise. He’ll be somewhere on the pace from a perfect draw for him and can’t be left out. 9. Vega and 10. Watchdog have form around the top two selections and are also definite chances.
How to play it: High Shine to win, trifecta 6/1,5,7/1,5,7.
RACE 5 – 3.10PM: ANZ BLOODSTOCK NEWS HANDICAP (1600m)
1. Bergen is a real winner and the way he scored at Warwick Farm two weeks ago suggested he’ll relish the mile, which he gets here. Drawn to track the speed, in-form apprentice on and no reason he can’t keep the winning run going. And he’s each-way odds too.
Dangers: 14. Statuesquely bumped into a handy one on debut then was never going to be beaten at Kembla second-up. Should lead and bred to appreciate the extra trip. This is a handy enough midweek field so she’ll need to be above average and she might just be that. 3. Total Power was a bit disappointing at Newcastle two starts back after hitting the lead but he punched above his weight when running third in a strong Scone Guineas. First try at a mile and he’ll be in this for a long way. 2. Charretera is more than good enough to win this but I do have a small question mark at the trip looking at his last start third here at 1400m. If he has the right run and is looking for ground then he’s righ in it. Just that small doubt for mine.
How to play it: Bergen each-way, box quinella 1, 3, 14.
RACE 6 – 3.45PM: WINTER RACING HANDICAP (1100m)
Had to be impressed with the way 7. Phaistos attacked the line in winning first-up at Scone. He had to weave through a bit but once he balanced up he was so strong. Stays at 1100m and may need some breaks if he’s buried back in the field but can’t go past him.
Dangers: Big watch on 11. Accelerato who is having his first run for Joe Pride on the back of a very nice trial win over Alassio recently where he led and put a margin on her. Fresh form is patchy but if there’s support he should run well. 4. Inanup has form that ties in with Phaistos through running down Great Affair first-up at Wyong four weeks ago so he’s worth including. Yet to win second-up but kept fresh. 15. Great Affair is also here if he gains a run and with that aforementioned form can’t be left out of the chances. Not sure what to do with 2. Tchaikovsky who was fair in a similar race here first-up. If he puts it together he can win but would like to see him do it first.
How to play it: Phaistos to win.
RACE 7 – 4.20PM: AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB HANDICAP (1300m)
10. England was another impressive winner at the Scone carnival and while he’s well found in betting now he’s posted a win he can build on it. Had form around some smart ones in his first prep and it’d be a surprise if he’s not in the finish of this.
Dangers: 13. Handspun finished like he was shot out of a cannon when he won at Kembla third-up continuing his good form this campaign. This isn’t a lot harder and he’s in super form so definite chance. 5. El Mo has the blinkers on after his close second here two weeks ago at 1400m. Consistent type who has drawn well and he’s an each-way chance at least. 1. Groundbreak had cardiac arrhythmia when he failed before a spell in Melbourne and there was a bit to like about his tria
behind Desert Lord. Drawn out, if he runs here I’d suggest to keep an eye on him for next time but he can place. 11. Love My Cashews won easily second-up to make it two from two, question mark on the strength of the form but she had panels on them last time so rather include than dismiss.
How to play it: England to win, trifecta 10/1,5,13/1,5,13.
Best bets:
Race 3 (3) Front Sight
Race 6 (7) Phaistos
Best value:
Race 5 (1) Bergen
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays at www.racingnsw.com.au