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Racepal Metro Race Previews: Wednesday 10 April

By Matthew Taylor on April 9, 2019

Midweek racing on the East coast heads to Sandown Hillside, Gosford and Ipswich this week for three fascinating meetings.

Our partners at Racepal have once again previewed every race at all three meetings – you can check them out at Racepal.com.au

They’ve also made a special announcement in this week’s ‘1K-10K Autumn Bankroll Challenge’ video! Check it out in the player below.

https://youtu.be/zVTSwt3U8fc

SANDOWN HILLSIDE

Track: Soft 5 (Tuesday)

Rail: True Entire

Weather: Fine

Back to the Hillside after many weeks on the Lakeside track. With improving weather in Melbourne we should be in the Good range by race day. No notably historical bias for this configuration but pay attention to any information put out by the club re irrigation etc.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Hard to get a true handle on a ‘map’ given the unknowns here. Note the 1000m track is the unique dog leg shape. Exposed runners Judgement and Bush Christmas can go forward, while Magnicity has potential to be more prominent.

Advantaged runners: We’ve only ever seen four of the 12 on race day before. Of the raced, JUDGEMENT has the best prior performance over 1000m. But the newcomers look to have some talent. FLIRTING is one of Anthony Freedman’s Godolphin crop, both he and the main camp are running hot with two-year-olds. She comes through a good trial too. CILIATA also comes through a stable that is making waves from its new Victorian set up but gets an awkward draw, while we can respect KOOWEERUP as well. Watch the market!

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Fairly moderate tempo over the 1400m, with Lady Lupino the only designated leader. Mozella could go forward and Chenier won’t be far away.

Advantaged runners: Well CHENIER has come up $1.45 early and this is a Group 1 trial for him. He was spectacular in his 5.5L debut romp and Kerrin McEvoy is down from Sydney to ride, with a view of taking on the Champagne Stakes 10 days later. He should settle off from fence and it will take a good one to stop him. MOZELLA and WALKING FLYING come out of his debut run and both have place claims in this. STAREDOWN was deemed good enough to debut in the Sires and SURREAL STEP comes out of a hot race.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Big field of 16 to jump from the 1300m starting point. Good tempo expected with Do You Reckon, Gaelic Dream, Grand Bernini and I Am The Dark all prominent in the early stages, there’s a handful of others that will be right up there too.

Advantaged runners: MUSIC BAY is on notice, she was rolled at $1.40 first up and then couldn’t get past Tahitian Dancer (that’s forgivable) second up. Regardless, this race sets up extremely well for her and she is going to go around pretty short again here. With the right run trailing the early speed she should be too good. SEARCH SQUAD and LECTURE did the most work in running last start and ran the quinella, while MERCY STREET was a gritty first up winner. All go in as knockout hopes if the favourite stumbles.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Another big field and above average tempo over 1300m. This should be set up by the likes of Jentico, Lady Loft, Our Sea Goddess and Sensation Ally, with Dancing Tycoon and Miss Adequate not far behind either.

Advantaged runners: A host of chances, but looking specifically at those that would enjoy the tempo. MRS O’MALLEY is one of them, but she isn’t a super high percentage play given her likely settling position at the rear on the fence. CASH AFFAIR may end up back there with her if he’s run off his feet early, but has the grounding to run a strong 1300m. DANCING TYCOON put in a flat run last time but may enjoy the possibility of a little cover in this. There’s no Tahitian Dancer for GHEEDAA to contend with today. MISS ADEQUATE has been freshened and dropped back in trip after a poor run but needs luck from the gate.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Kevikki, Maddison Avenue and Winkelmann are the designated leaders from the mile start. There’s plenty of time for them to idle to the front down the back straight too, so don’t expect a great deal of pressure.

Advantaged runners: Wide open fillies and mares race to kick off the quaddie. KEVIKKI comes through the Alexandra Stakes, that was a complete write off for her. She gets the favours in front. HOKKAIDO MISS was superb first up at the Lakeside track against the pattern, as was MUSIC OF THE NIGHT, the Hillside suits both better. LIMESHOW was superb first up and quickly to 1600m, she’ll be running on with WOMAN who may end up being slightly overbet. PLAY THAT SONG and INDIANA LILY aren’t without hopes. Good race.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Not as much natural pace here and you’d expect they settle into formation quickly. Sentimentalist and Gretzky should roll forward and lead from Heir To The Throne and Blinder settling in behind from low draws.

Advantaged runners: The runners in the first four might be hard to overhaul here. HEIR TO THE THRONE looks well in despite the weight, he was excellent against the pattern chasing home Won Ball first up – that horse has won again since. He’s also handled second up 1600m before and gets a cosy run. So too does BLINDER who had his momentum halted at a crucial stage in the Bendigo Guineas. He gives weight to the older horses but has talent. GRETZKY began awkwardly at Pakenham and that was costly, but so is he with just one win from 15. Keep an eye on ACCREDITATION and DINNER LAKE as blowout hopes running on.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: A few speedy ones in the 1000m dash – Big Reel and Written Choice probably have enough pace to force The Centaurian to take a sit. Only a field of eight in this.

Advantaged runners: Momentum is sometimes everything over this track and distance. WRITTEN CHOICE will be free-rolling towards the front in his first up assignment. He won his last two at this level before progressing to Listed company. Likewise, THE CENTAURIAN will race handily and added to his excellent fresh record at Mornintgon. The 3kg claim helps him out here. From the back, JOSEPHINE SEA produced one of her better performances to blow away a lesser field at Mornington, her best efforts come fresh so she may have one more in her. KYZAMBA is not to be left out but is yet to make an impact at this level.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: A big field tackles the last over 1800m. Silent Roar should have it her own way in front, with All Too Huying for company. The likes of A Shin Rook, Admiral’s Joker, Barry The Baptist and Main Stage should all settle forward of midfield.

Advantaged runners: This is a step up for SILENT ROAR but she looks a leading hope nonetheless. The progressive mare won like a good thing under minimal pressure second up and will look to emulate that here stretching to 1800m. MAIN STAGE is a big danger. He raced upside down in an attempt to counter the bias at Rosehill and knocked up, he drops sharply in grade and is very fit. A SHIN ROOK went close in the CS Hayes and could settle closer, possibly leader’s back, in this. He has won in similar grade before. Kerrin rides LYNCH MOB for Unlcle Tony, his picket fence was only broken by a live Oaks contender, so has real claims. He’s the one if they’re making ground from the back.

GOSFORD

Track: Soft 6

Rail: True

Weather: Possible Tuesday thunderstorm, fine Wednesday race day

The threat of a brief Tuesday storm means Gosford looks set to stay in the Soft range for its metropolitan Wednesday meeting. With the rail in the true position, expect the track to favour runners away from the rail.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Small field in the opener. Amami should roll to the front comfortably and lead from Anachrondite, doubt they’ll overdo it.

Advantaged runners: The Waller trio look like being prominent here. AURMAN ZOU gets a 3.5kg weight swing over ANACHRONDITE for finishing less than a length apart last time. But the former may get bottled up on the rail here, so a slight advantage to the latter in the small field. The stable’s third runner BANTEUX finished 2.5L behind Aramayo second up last prep which is good form for this. FLYING LEGEND has been freshened since a forgivable run behind Amangiri and should lob in the ‘one-one’ prime striking position.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Big field for the two-year-old sprint. Of the known runners Apicus (em), Iskander and Our Girl Snitti have shown the most speed to date, but this race looks up for grabs if any of the leading contenders are given an assertive ride.

Advantaged runners: Five first starters here over 1200m. BADIA was superb behind a Stakes-placed filly second up and showed the wet was no concern. Godolphin + 2yo = yes right now! OUR GIRL SNITTI and ISKANDER defied their SPs to finish within 1.5 lengths of the leading pair there and will be prominent in the run. Badia’s stablemate JETSKI got close to Dresden Green/Killin next start, they went on to tackle Group 1 company the following start. Waller has three others in the race we’re yet to mention – the draw looks a little awkward for each of them.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Koonunga draws widest and despite her early speed will probably sit outside Mollyfied in this field. If those two find their positions early, we may get a sit and sprint style affair for the mares.

Advantaged runners: The race shape above hands the ascendancy to the on-pacers – they also bring the best form. KOONUNGA has trialled twice since going down at odds on at Canterbury. She’s better than that and enjoys playing a prominent role in running. So too does Mollyfied who has been freshened nearly eight weeks for this outing, she won two on the bounce at this level by leading all the way prior. ALART drops in grade and Clenton’s claim eases part of the weight burden, she maps for the drop on the leaders, while each of STROME and ELLIE’S ENCORE also receive some slight class relief.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Third straight 1200m event so we’ll have an idea of the pattern by now on raceday. This one is for three-year-olds only and Kylease has the most early dash, but there’s a handful keen to be prominent so expect solid tempo/pressure in run.

Advantaged runners: Joe Pride continues to space KYLEASE’s runs and she returns to Gosford fresh and looking for three straight wins. She absorbed plenty of pressure last time and still won. She also has both a fitness and speed map advantage over her major rivals. They include REGINAE, whose attempted return was aborted in January but does boast form through Mystic Journey last Spring, and REELEM IN RUBY, a city maiden winner. Neither UNGUARDED or BARE NAKED LADY can be dismissed at each-way odds either.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: One would assume Foreign Territory would roll to the front and dictate from the 1900m start. Makdanife, Scotti Be Gotti and Seababe should all be close by.

Advantaged runners: MAKDANIFE made FOREIGN TERRITORY work in the run at Hawkesbury – the former went on to win and the latter dropped out. Slight advantage to the latter today though, assuming the track isn’t in the Heavy range. But by rights both should be vulnerable to the colt MANGIONE, who finished a respectable five lengths off Derby winner Angel Of Truth in the G2 Tulloch Stakes. The inside draw isn’t as big a problem in the middle distance event if he races handy to the speed. Chances also to CAPE WICKHAM bouncing off a win and WINE BUSH going off his defeat of Taikomochi three back.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Should be a genuinely run mile contest this. White Boots has the speed to lead, but Got Unders, Bastia and Hogmanay can all keep him company.

Advantaged runners: If we’re trusting our read of the track then HARMATTAN looms as a major contender. She’s been competitive on Group 3 mares company and now gets an ideal midfield run back in grade, giving her access to the best part of the track. The other one in that boat is INSENSATA who was on a hiding to nothing on a leader-biased track in the Emancipation, she was stakes competitive prior. They’ll be chasing WHITE BOOTS who lost no admirers when second best to Supernova, and BASTIA who finds another competitive affair after failing to qualify for the Provincial Championships Final.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: A few of the rougher chances might run this along, including Americana Magic, Gauguin and No Escape.

Advantaged runners: Gosford Guineas winner MILITARY ZONE returns to the scene of the crime. Ironically he sets up for an almost identical run from the latter half of the field. Would be surprised if he’s not wound up and ready to win after three March trials. WAGNER didn’t handle the Heavy track in the Darby Munro, he’ll be making a run with the favourite and attempting to emulate his powerful first up win. STAR OF MONSOON will try and get the jump on them but he’s no punters pal. PIRACY’s best efforts always come deeper into his prep so that’s a positive sign for today, he’ll need to be good to hold off the big guns.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Lots of forward pressure here in the last Thinking Bella Vella leads with The Pharaoh, leaving Another Larga, Difficult To Get, Koonunga, Mr Grumpy, Queen Ablaze and Oriental Runner ALL looking for a handy sit.

Advantaged runners: This will be a charge of the light brigade. Josh Parr can win it with a brave ride on QUEEN ABLAZE, despite the inside barrier. He will need gaps to appear though. Of course, KOONUNGA is a chance but she looks an even better hope in Race 3 and I’d be shocked if she was here, despite the “better” barrier draw. ORIENTAL RUNNER brings good form but like all of these on pacers how hard will they go? It leaves us casting our eye to rougher hopes running on from the back like PRINCE MAYTED, who was far from disgraced at Eagle Farm, and BRAVISSIMO, who may be contend with a three-wide trail today.

IPSWICH

Track: Good 4

Rail: False Outside Rail W/Post-1666 Chute; 4m 1650-300; 2m Remainder.

Weather: Mostly fine, possible light race day shower

A midweek card at Ipswich where we expect the track to dry into the Good range by Wednesday. A complex rail position as they try and avoid some of the dodgy spots that have caused recent havoc, so treat this card with caution.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Morgause can roll to a comfortable lead in a fairly below-average tempo from the 1200m start.

Advantaged runners: A relatively ordinary maiden to start the day. ROYAL FACTOR wasn’t bad on debut in October and first/second over the line have won again. From a handy position in run he will go close. A LITTLE CRAFTY is only lightly raced and can use the low draw to advantage, while BRAHMA AMOUR backs up after being ‘best of the rest’ behind VEGA ONE last week.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Perhaps some early argy-bargy for the lead with Lady Belzone, Moa’s Girl and Ruella all keen to race handy. The first starters also have some speed too.

Advantaged runners: Three of ten 2yo fillies making their debut. REEF BUG arrives for her first start off two recent trials, the latest a victorious one. She and fellow debutant PURRONI bring attractive breeding credentials to the table and can hit the ground running. Of the raced, HOWITZER is building towards a win, RUELLA was beaten by a good one last time out and LADY BELZONE will appreciate the extra distance today.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Embattled knows one way and will look to take up the running again, expect Kalik to go forward with him and ensure a decent gallop.

Advantaged runners: Colts division of the 1200m 2yo maidens, with two on debut. EMBATTLED has had a few goes and puts himself up the pointy end each time. KALIK put in a poor showing on debut but bounced back in a recent trial. STAR CENTRE will be back in the run but is ready to do something third up and the form through Miss Cavallo reads well. Keen to see how the market reacts to the return of SCOUT from the Edmonds camp.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Westrock only knows one way but will have company with each of Foxy Affair, So You Wish and Starkers going forward to ensure a genuinely run 1680m.

Advantaged runners: It looks like Rob Heathcote has found the secret to FOXY AFFAIR who is racing in great heart this prep. He’s racing on the pace these days and has matched it with the likes of recent Saturday winners Cymbalism and Reiby The Red, a win is around the corner. Expect improvement from SO YOU WISH who comes through similar form lines and typically needs a couple of runs to show his best. The Waller pair of TIVOLI STREET and SEAHAMPTON will be looking to come over the top of them, advantage to the latter who is much better than her last start would suggest.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Good speed over the 1200m courtesy of American Genius, Mr Strachan and Rich Affair all pressing on.

Advantaged runners: The likely tempo provides a few of these with an ideal platform to sprint over the top in the straight. QIJI PHOENIX should in theory be a major beneficiary but he’ll need to show his first up failure was an anomaly. He’s acquitted himself in better company before. ELUSIVE MELODY is the mare in form, winning three on the bounce since her Queensland sea change, this is her hardest test though. The conditions also suit QUICK KETCH. They’ll all have to get past MR STRACHAN who was too fast for his rivals first up. Look for MR CONSTANTINE late with an eye to his future starts.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: A dash for the fillies and mares set up by wide-drawn pace-setters Bella Occhi and King’s Lady. Sailor Gerry can poke up and be handy as well.

Advantaged runners: No doubt these leaders will really run this along and give a horse like LADY I AM her chance. The former Sydneysider didn’t come up last prep down South but her prior best would be very competitive here. BIMINI ROAD’s form through Splitter looks good, the market will tell the story of whether she’s ready to go here off a freshen up. CLOCKWISE has lost her since producing excellent two-year-old form, is another market watch. Don’t discount SAILOR GERRI either although the big weight isn’t ideal, while BELLA OCCHI will need a breather in the run at some stage to hold on you feel.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Good speed in the male division here courtesy of Chikorita, Don’t You Know Him and The Big House from out wide, with For The Records kicking on the rails underneath them.

Advantaged runners: Tough race. Looking at the three-year-old HARDLY TOUCHED to camp just off the speed and build on his second up win. He beat home FOR THE RECORDS who did it tough and battled away well considering the run in transit, he gets the inside draw here. IL RICCIO was run off his feet last start by Want To Bolt but he was ‘best of the rest’ and that form looks pretty good after Saturday. The on-pacers THE BIG HOUSE and DON’T YOU KNOW HIM aren’t without hope – the former is an intriguing runner back 250m in trip here.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: The day’s only 1350m event out of the long chute comes in the last. Fanx, Miss Amanda and Zilitor should be among those to race forward in an even gallop.

Advantaged runners: FANX will be up there throughout and is ready to win third up, this distance is right in his wheelhouse. He had the better of ANIMAL INSTINCT last time out, that galloper is also third up and typically needs a couple of runs to find his best. He maps for a delightful trail off the leaders. MISS AMANDA can be forgiven her disappointing efforts on Heavy ground recently and has major claims from a similarly helpful on-pace run, no knock ZILITOR from on the speed as well. BEIDI is the big watch, he gets Waller’s ‘golden switch’ to Queensland today.

Racepal Metro Race Previews: The Championships Day 1, Saturday 6 April

By Matthew Taylor on April 3, 2019

Day one of The Championships is one of the best on the Australian racing calendar and it has again served up a cracking 10-race card at Royal Randwick.

The day is highlighted by four Group 1 races – the Inglis Sires Produce, Australian Derby, TJ Smith Stakes and Doncaster Mile.

Our partners at Racepal have deep dived into the form to provide their assessments of every race on the Randwick card.

They’ve also provided a run down of the full meetings at Caulfield and Toowoomba on Cup/Guineas/Weetwood day.

ROYAL RANDWICK

Track: Soft 7

Rail: True entire

Weather: Possible showers Thursday & Friday, fine Saturday

It wouldn’t be The Championships without rain and once again it has arrived in the lead up to Day 1. Depending on the intensity of the rain, we’re looking at anywhere from a Soft 6 down. The rail is in the true and in recent years that’s meant a slight rails-in-run advantage.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: A good test for the two-year-olds in the Kindergarten. Expect each of All Cylinders, Cardiff, Evening Slippers and No Feint Hearted to go forward and run along.

Advantaged runners: BIVOUAC looks to get an ideal crack at them from a cosy midfield spot following the good tempo. He was tough in the Todman and beat Cosmic Force prior on wet ground. He’ll be making his run alongside stablemate ATHIRI who was last seen finishing a length off Kiamichi as favourite! She was the market elect in the Blue Diamond before that and has basically never done a thing wrong. EVENING SLIPPERS looks the best of the on-pacers while NOT FEINT HEARTED proved he’s a real racehorse on debut.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: The speed comes from out wide in the Carbine Club and we look set for a genuinely run mile. Look for Agassi to drag Fun Fact and Home Made across from deep, with The August and Purple sector settling handily also.

Advantaged runners: There’s a handful of these who will appreciate significant class drops and a genuine tempo being set in front. None more so than RINGERDINGDING who couldn’t keep up with Winx or handle the Heavy. If rails-in-run is the go he’ll be hard to hold out. DEALMAKER suffered a similar fate in the Rosehill Guineas but finished alongside the toppy at his previous two outings. Both RANIER and PURPLE SECTOR have comparable stories to tell. THE AUGUST is also building towards a win but unlike the others this is a step up.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Despite the 2000m start being an awkward one, expect the wider runners like Pressure and Amangiri to go forward. For any pace to be injected, the likes of Maracaibo and Welsh Legend would need to kick up and make them work for the front.

Advantaged runners: This is the traditional Oaks lead up and there’s a real eye-catcher here in AMANGIRI. It would be quite some effort for her to go from debut to Oaks win all in one prep but she looks an outstanding filly with professional racing. This is a serious step up for her and she may end up dragging a couple of her key rivals into the race. They include MARACAIBO who was huge in the VRC Oaks and won well last start, as did PRINCESS JENNI in the Alexandra Stakes when swooping at The Valley. The Waller pair of ZALATTE and ROMANI GIRL will spot those key rivals a start but have claims.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: The product of many high-pressure qualifying races is no out-and-out leaders have made it to the Country Championship Final, leaving us with a messy map. Safe Landing and Lady Mironton can go forward, but expect a big beehive bunch in running.

Advantaged runners: What a great event the Country Championship Final is. The obvious starting point to assess the race is NOBLE BOY who looks the best horse, BUT could well be back in the run. There was a question mark over his trackwork and he was on the drift earlier in the week – it had more than a touch of Clearly Innocent circa 2016 written all over it. He’ll be slicing through the pack in the straight, as will LA SCOPA who brings a similar level of ability to this. We’re giving each of BENNELONG DANCER and LUCCIOLA BELLE a genuine hope, while if a leader-baised pattern develops SAFE LANDING can be difficult to reel in.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Steady tempo anticipated in the Chairman’s Handicap with The Taj Mahal the likely leader alongside Vengeur Masque. Goathland and Rodrico can be handy.

Advantaged runners: We’re forever looking for the lightly-raced improvers in these staying events and SUPERNOVA fits the bill. He opened his Australian account in style last start and has won over this distance in the UK, but granted he will need to step up a level to win this. He’s also a run ‘behind’ SHRAAOH leading into this, who is ready to win fourth up at this trip. GOATHLAND was a tragedy beaten in the Neville Sellwood and gets in on the minimum weight, as does the up and coming mare SEMARI who is putting together a picket fence. GALLIC CHIEFTAIN deserves consideration with a soft rails run over the staying trip.

RACE 6 – GROUP 1 SIRES

Speed map/race shape: There looks two clear front-runners in the Sires, with Slipper winner Kiamichi kicking up along the rails to lead alongside Bellevue Hill. They should control the tempo with Dresden Green and Dubious settling handily. Microphone could get posted wide if he doesn’t receive any early luck, while Loving Gaby should get midfield cover.

Advantaged runners: The most obvious ‘advantaged’ runner is LOVING GABY, receives a much kinder run here after being posted wide in the Slipper. She gives the impression she’ll run 1400m but the early $5.00 quote looks tight enough. Both BELLEVUE HILL and KIAMICHI bring obvious credentials, having led all the way at their most recent starts. Slight advantage to the Slipper winner who did it in the higher pressure environment and draws inside her speed rival here. From the back, look for a major improvement from TENLEY who appeared not to handle the Heavy ground in the Slipper. She gives the impression 1400m will be ideal. CASTELVECCHIO bypassed the Slipper and has been aimed at this for some time, but he will need to circle the whole field to win which is a query in this company. Respect for MICROPHONE who may be handed an awkward run, same for PROBABEEL.

RACE 7 – GROUP 1 AUSTRALIAN DERBY

Speed map/race shape: Don’t expect a hectic Derby tempo – there may be concerns over a few of these front runners getting the 2400m. Angel Of Truth led the Tulloch all the way and may attempt to hold out Arrogant and The Chosen One for the front. Chapada, Cossetot and Yulong Tavion will all be handy to that tempo.

Advantaged runners: In an intriguing Derby field there’s lots to like about CHAPADA. He was going better than both The Autumn Sun and stablemate Arrogant in the Rosehill Guineas before getting shuffled back on the rail and being forced to wind up again. He’s cherry ripe for 2400m and lobs in a lovely trail. Obviously ARROGANT went all the way with TAS and there’s concerns he could be a little flat. GLOBAL EXCHANGE hasn’t put a foot wrong this prep and we must assume as a Dundeel he’ll handle the wet. He swooped home to nail COSSETOT and DELCARATIONOFHEART in the Alister Clark – the former was a little flat in the Tulloch and backs up here. MADISON COUNTY was impressive without setting the world on fire in that Tulloch when running on against the bias. This may be a bit of a throw at the stumps for him. Of the others, things haven’t quite worked out for VRC Derby winner EXTRA BRUT this prep and STARS OF CARRUM may just be a touch below the best ones here.

RACE 8 – GROUP 1 TJ SMITH STAKES

Speed map/race shape: The speed will be in on the TJ Smith with Ball Of Muscle and Sunlight determined to cross over from the widest alleys. Expect Vega Magic and Redzel to hold prominent positions behind them, from Fell Swoop and Trapeze Artist.

Advantaged runners: We’re anticipating those running on from midfield and beyond will be advantaged by the tempo. TRAPEZE ARTIST will be peeling out from midfield and could possibly strike the front at some point in the straight. Second up hasn’t always been his go though. PIERATA has adopted a quieter racing pattern in recent times and in The Galaxy it saw him unleash a monumental surge to the line. The wet is no concern but he may need a good ride from Berry to not get caught in the ruck. OSBORNE BULLS could be buried even further back. He was unfortunate not to win the Newmarket but that’s also a product of his racing pattern – he possesses a devastating turn of foot. Back with him will be SANTA ANA LANE who will also have his work cut out but has the ability. It is hard to knock either SHOALS and SUNLIGHT but you can’t have them all, while REDZEL needs to show a little more to come into contention.

RACE 9 – GROUP 1 DONCASTER MILE

Speed map/race shape: The carpark draw means Siege Of Quebec has little option but to press on and look for the front in the Doncaster. Of course Dreamforce and Fundamentalist won’t make it easy for him, but it may work in favour of Brutal who can follow the wide runner across into a handy spot. Le Romain should also park in a great spot.

Advantaged runners: The Handicap conditions of the Doncaster Mile means it will be a long week for some jockeys – 20 of the 24 acceptances have 53.5kgs or less. As for the race itself, it is interesting to see ALIZEE here with an extra week of work up her sleeve after bypassing the Emancipation. She’ll settle midfield or worse and may have some work to do. That could give the upper hand to horses like BRUTAL. He’s been perfectly managed into this, most recently running a clear second to Winx in the George Ryder. He’ll need Glen Boss (49kgs) to be on his game early. Of course HARTNELL is already a Group 1 winner at this track/distance and was arguably unlucky not to finish alongside Mystic Journey in the All Star Mile. He’ll receive a kind run in the first half in behind the likes of FUNDAMENTALIST and LE ROMAIN who will be prominent throughout. FIFTY STARS looks tight in early markets considering he’s drawn the far outside gate and could end up being snagged back to race alongside the likes of UNFORGOTTEN and LAND OF PLENTY at the rear.

RACE 10

Speed map/race shape: A few of the key chances in the PJ Bell will race forward, specifically Mizzy, Spanish Whisper and Madam Rouge. A number of the emergencies are also on-pacers but drawn wide and should inject pace if they gain a run.

Advantaged runners: It is hard to resist the overtures of MIZZY in this race. The filly took 10 starts to break her maiden but has subsequently run fourth in both the G1 Surround and Coolmore Stakes. Her fitness from events up to 1500m on wet ground should stand her in good stead back to 1200m here. SPANISH WHISPER is also back in trip and will be similarly prominent in the run. She’s Group 1 placed in New Zealand and been in top form this prep. FIESTA beat home Mizzy first up. Expect MADAM ROUGE to race in close quarters, she put in a flat one in the Surround but ran Nakeeta Jane to a long neck prior. If they go overboard then FIESTA is the main candidate to close from the rear, she can be forgiven her Coolmore failure after a severe check and has beaten Mizzy this prep.

CAULFIELD

Track: Good 4

Rail: +10m entire

Weather: Mostly fine, potential light showers

First of four consecutive Saturdays at Caulfield and the rail is out a whopping 10m here. In the circle races (1400m+) there should be a slight advantage to horses on pace/rails in run. For the shorter chute races, the far outside fast lanes could come into play.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: A fair few unknowns among the babies in race one, but expecting a reasonable enough speed courtesy of Order Of Valour, Meuse and newcomer Peak.

Advantaged runners: Six of the 10 are having their first race day outing. Our two previous winners received a few favours. ORDER OF VALOUR was suited by the pattern of the day leading all the way at Kyneton, while MEUSE stacked them up at Bendigo and turned it into a sit and sprint. Regardless, both deserve respect as does MEMPHIS ROCK returning in weaker company. PEAK was the most impressive of the debutants at the trials but both FLOSTAR and LIL’ ANGEL come from camps in superb form at present.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Hard to envisage a situation where Mihany doesn’t push on from wide to find the front, with Intueri following him over. Key hopes Danon Roman and Heir To The Throne can secure prime trails just in behind the speed.

Advantaged runners: We’re yet to see DANON ROMAN win on our shores – in fact, his only victory was on debut in Japan in December 2016 – but he really does get all the favours here. He’ll be better for the first up fitness-builder behind KAZIO and just needs the breaks turning for him. It is a similar story for HEIR TO THE THRONE who ran on for second in a leader-dominated affair resuming. Both could have the jump on I GOT YOU who is building towards a win but may find himself in traffic, while INTUERI could find himself working hard dragging the field up to Mihany.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Pria Eclipse looks likely to find the front in a muddling affair from Pure Scot crossing over, with Think Bleue and Remember The Name slotting in behind.

Advantaged runners: Just eight mares tackling this mile event but there’s a bit of overlapping form. Both of THINK BLEUE’s efforts this prep have been in Group company – her only start outside of Stakes grade in the past 12 months was a Flemington win. She can bounce back of a flat second up run when finishing two lengths adrift of PURE SCOT who placed in the Matron Stakes. That mare has barely put a foot wrong in recent times but may provide cover to REMEMBER THE NAME who should receive an ideal run. LA TIGRESSA will be trying to round them all up, she’ll need all of her turn of foot with this track pattern.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Duke Of Magnus can find the front here from Smiling City and Sir Harald, Starouz and Esthetic from low draws won’t be far away either. No surprise to see the leaders stack them up here and make it a sprint home.

Advantaged runners: It is impossible to knock the record of MR QUICKIE who just keeps winning. He’s been beautifully managed (owned by Peter Moody), just easing through his grades and he strikes another winnable race here. The major query is the pattern – if they’re struggling to make ground in the circle races, his racing pattern won’t be suited. Nor will STAR MISSILE who followed him home at Mornington or WINNING PARTNER who trailed him in the start before that! If you can forgive DUKE OF MAGNUS his flop in the Mornington Guineas, he’s the one who could give some on-pace cheek.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Back to the chute for a fillies-only sprint. News Girl is a speedy customer and she’ll pave the way for fellow wide runners Enbihaar, Lady Day, Lady Pluck and Tell Me to all follow her across.

Advantaged runners: This race will test our theory of a slingshot into the outside lanes from the chute. If it is on the money then LADY PLUCK will be hard to hold out. She’s been too good for her rivals in Tasmania and her last trip to Melbourne brought a third to Smart Melody. She’ll be hooking out with TELL ME who appeared to appreciate her Melbourne switch and featherweight winning at The Valley. Handling that tight configuration is a big tick for here and 3kg claimer Poy retains the ride. THINE IS THE POWER is threatening to win and will get the cold sit on them here, her form ties in with pace setter NEWS GIRL and APERTIF as well. FIDELIA cannot be dismissed resuming, she’s run a length off Sunlight!

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Our Gladiator and Non Paear look the pacemakers in a fairly neat speed map, with Belwazi and Mamzelle Tess following them and both Flying Krupt and Fuhryk tucked in behind midfield.

Advantaged runners: This time it is the mares only from the 1100m start. Depending on how steady the tempo is, NON PAEAR will have every chance with just 51kgs after Nugent’s claim. She seems to find herself outside the leader every start but never shirks the task. FLYING KRUPT returned well at Flemington when second, she just got over the top of MAMZELLE TESS who did it tough outside the leader. Both will be looking to peel on the turn and get the jump on LEATHER’N’LACE whose was going better than it appeared last prep, the form through Winter Bride and Booker looks good now! The Hunter pair of OUR GLADIATOR and BELWAZI will also be thereabouts.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Couple of noted leaders here in Ashlor and Inn Keeper with Streets Of Avalon to tuck in behind over the 1200m. If they can sort themselves out without much fuss, they may set a tempo that makes running on from the second half a little tricky.

Advantaged runners: Fairly open race. STREETS OF AVALON has turned into a little beauty and this looks another race right in his wheelhouse. He may stalk these leaders and get the gun run. ASHLOR isn’t easy to run past though, as Widgee Turf found out at Wangaratta, nor is INN KEEPER – it was around this time last year he went on an ‘off-season’ winning streak. Setting out after them will be SUPERHARD who looked like a leer jet fresh then struggled on the tighter track at The Valley. Will today’s configuration suit him? Also respecting SPIRIT OF AQUADA from the back, while the ‘real’ CHAUFFEUR could blow them all away at odds.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: A bit of speed drawn across the track. How willing will Sirrconi and Hellova Street be to let Don’t Give A Damn and Princeton Spirit waltz across without fuss? Of course Naantali, Glenall and Snitzkraft will all be looking for a forward spot. Pace on!

Advantaged runners: This is another tough race with many angles. Despite the prevailing ‘circle’ pattern expecting run on horses like MANOLO BLAHNIQ to be favoured with any luck in running, Caulfield 1400m is his go. Likewise HEPTAGON, who seems to have found his sweet spot at 1400m. It is good to see NAANTALI back at this trip, she’s never missed the quinella in three goes at the track/trip. But they’ll need to get past some tough ones. HELLOVA STREET is a beauty and could get a dream run in transit, while you’ll find worse 20/1 chances floating around than SIRRCONI, SNITZKRAFT and GLENALL!

RACE 9

Speed map/race shape: A 200m event to round out the day. Valac only knows one way, so the big grey will go forward along with Silent Warrior and Magnapal to lead from the likes of Odeon, Sopressa and Emperor’s Way.

Advantaged runners: With weights playing a crucial role over these longer distances each of THUNDER CLOUD and VALAC must be strongly considered with 51kgs after claims. They ran second and third behind Hang Man at Flemington, with Thunder Cloud subsequently performing well at Mornington to give him an advantage over Valac who missed a run due to the washout at Albury. ODEON commands respect on the back up after a strong performance in the Golden Mile at Bendigo, this looks an ideal third up assignment and he gets a gun run. EMPEROR’S WAY is a hope at odds if he can assume a position early, while OUR LIBRETTO is lightly raced with upside and gets a soft draw.

TOOWOOMBA

Track: Good 4

Rail: True entire

Weather: Fine

The weather gods appear as though they’re going to smile on Toowoomba ahead of Cup day, with fine weather ensuring we’ll play on a Good track. Swooping from the rear in big fields is difficult at this tight venue, while some of the start points are quite unique.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Expecting Gem Of Scotland, Quart Pot and Embattled to lead them up here. There’s about a furlong until the turn so they should have time to get to the front.

Advantaged runners: Just four of 13 having their first outing in the two-year-old race, that’s a pretty good ratio! There’s even six previous winners, including one multiple winner in GEM OF SCOTLAND. She put them away assertively at the Gold Cost and will look to lead all the way here. If she doesn’t run a strong 1100m then either BOLD EOS or MAGIC PALACE should be well placed to pose a threat, both scored comfortable debut wins. VIRGINIA DREAM was backed to the exclusion of all others when she scored at her first go. The chances don’t end there so watch the yard and betting moves closely.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: With the speed drawn low and a long run to the first turn, the on-pacers could have it their own way. Crusher may look to hold out Zollikon Miss from the inside draw, with Frangipani Moon, Splitter, Light Up The Room and Dream Kisses handy.

Advantaged runners: Speedy mare CRUSHER is stepping up to 1300m from consecutive 1000m victories and gets the 3kg claim for Bayliss too. She knows how to win and loves her home track, but will have some strong ones like SPLITTER camped just off her. She’s had a month off since being no match for Manaya. LIGHT UP THE ROOM resumes here, she was last seen in strong three-year-old company at this distance range and will be lurking. FRANGIPANI MOON was run off her feet last start and this distance range is more suitable. Respect for last start winner BEQUEATHED, but DREAM KISSES may not get things to suit.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Solid tempo expected here, even more so if the emergencies Want To Bolt and Suliven gain a start. If they don’t, the likes of Marksfield, Mustafa and Tabbing can take up the running from wider draws.

Advantaged runners: BEACON scored a deserved first Queensland win at the track/distance last Wednesday. If he can follow some of the likely leaders across into a handy spot be can be a contender again. TABBING lost a shoe when weakening late at Eagle Farm, he’s better suited here as well. The start prior he just missed when beating home GREYWOLF who was only first up there, now third up he is ready to peak at his home track but will have a few to get past. SO SPIRITED bears watching on Queensland debut while emergencies WANT TO BOLT and SULIVEN have genuine claims if they start.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: They’ll go like the clappers here. Spirit’s Choice has the most early speed and can cross from wide, any of Champagne Daisy, Gypsy Toff, Racecourse Road and Rock Beat can be prominent and join her.

Advantaged runners: The fate of favourite SPIRIT’S CHOICE may be known early. She’ll attempt to ping the lids and be hard to catch in front, but her rivals will no doubt want to make her work for it. If she’s stuck working hard in the breeze, it sets things up for the likes of USMANOV, who was luckless first up and charged home, or VERANES, who has recently found himself running on against unsuitable patterns. If CHAMPAGNE DAISY isn’t the one taking on Spirit’s Choice then she can also sprint well fresh, while ROCK BEAT proved recently (in the Usmanov race) that he isn’t a one trick pony and can close from off pace.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: The Guineas jumps from the 1625m start, which takes them straight into a kink and the first corner shortly thereafter. The speediest wide runners Heaven’s High and Sogni should be still able to cross, while Nicholas can get their backs on the rail.

Advantaged runners: The locals look to have a pretty good chance here in BAREFOOT. His first up run looks in hindsight to have been little more than a blowout, and he should be judged on his best effort from last prep, running 4^th 2.2L in the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas. He does concede fitness to the likes of ZOUCARA and PEPPI LA FEW who should also settle in the second half and look to make late runs. There’s been early support for COUNTESS DE GALVEZ, who draws awkwardly but can figure if getting luck in running.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Like in Race 3 Suliven is an emergency in this, he’s also the clear leader if he goes down this path. Each of Red Prince, Reiby The Red and Ponytales could be prominent if Suliven isn’t here in no more than a steady tempo.

Advantaged runners: Back-to-back 1625m events, this one for the older BM80 horses. The most inexperienced runner here is FRANCISCA with 16 starts and surprise surprise, she’s the early favourite. She’s talented but is regularly beaten when fancied due to her racing pattern, leading us to look towards REIBY THE RED. He looked beaten on the turn last start before rallying again and he won his previous two starts at this trip. If they dawdle along he’ll be hard to get past, as will PONYTALES who has genuine excuses when dropping out last time. VELADERO is the other experienced ‘tough nut’ who will be right on their backs. Don’t discount SULIVEN if he’s here, while who knows what URBAN RULER can produce!

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: They run a full lap in the Cup, with about 250m to the first turn. It should give Kubis and Singing just enough time to find the front from wide alleys. The Waller trio of The Lord Mayor, Vaucluse Bay and Xebec should secure the prime runs in transit.

Advantaged runners: The Waller trio all get favours in running but perhaps THE LORD MAYOR has the most upside. He’s ready to peak third up and the blinkers go on here, he just needs luck when it counts. Stablemates VAUCLUSE BAY and XEBEC will be in close attendance, possible advantage to the latter who is a little fresher. They will be well ahead of MISHANI VAIDRA in running, but this mare has returned in sparkling form and is expected to be the big closer from the rear. Of course they’ll all need to run by KUBIS, who has found a rich vein of form as a front runner, and SINGING who is also ready to peak.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Lots of speed on in the Weetwood, with each of Divine Dice, Mr Marbellouz, Mishani Hustler, Hard Stride, Tycoon Ace and Boomwaa all looking to race forward! The backmarkers will definitely get their chance here.

Advantaged runners: Early markets have the two lightest-raced sprinters on top. Sole three-year-old MISHANI HUSTLER has been well managed through age group events and this is his toughest test. MR MARBELLOUZ is a sprinter with a fair bit of ability who always puts himself in the race. Both are locally trained so this is a target race, but both will find themselves up on a frantic tempo. TYZONE and MALVERN ESTATE rounded the latter up in the Goldmarket and could do the same here. SOVEREIGN NATION is a major hope on Victorian form while SEXY EYES was last seen winning smartly at Group 3 level in December.

RACE 9

Speed map/race shape: We end the day with a mad charge to the first turn from the 1100m start courtesy of I’ve Gotta Nel, Whycatchim, Meet Mr Taylor and others. You’d expect Capital Connection, Cool Sequence and Natch to all be handy.

Advantaged runners: The run to the first turn will determine the fate of MEET MR TAYLOR. He suffered his first defeat last start when getting stuck in the death seat, jockey Du Plessis will have an early call to make on whether he takes on the wider-drawn speedsters or takes a sit. Either way, CAPITAL CONNECTION might not be far behind him from the good draw and could have too much in the locker late. He did it tough last time and was still too good. COOL SEQUENCE should also be handy and his penalty for recent wins is somewhat negated by the Nothdurft claim. If they overdo it, the Currie pair of SNITCH and COOL DRAFTS will be charging home. Good finish to the day.

Racepal Metro Race Previews: Wednesday 3 April

By Matthew Taylor on April 2, 2019

The Championships are on the horizon, but first we have three juicy metro cards at Randwick Kensington, Sandown Lakeside and Doomben to tackle this Wednesday.

Once again our partners at Racepal have provided their previews of every race on all three cards.

Head to Racepal.com.au to learn more about their product suite and join The Racepal Club today!

RANDWICK KENSINGTON

Track: Soft 6

Rail: +3m entire

Weather: Fine

Wednesday racing on the Randwick Kenso, an entrée to Saturday’s main event on the big track. We’re preparing for the surface to remain in the Soft range, while this track typically has a slight leaning towards on-pace/rails in run but nothing extravagant.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: The early speed looks to come from Devachan who will look to emulate what she did on debut by crossing from wide to lead them up.

Advantaged runners: Six of ten babies on debut here. The most impressive of those at the trials has been DEEP SEA – twice running second, most recently behind Lyre. She’ll be setting out after DEVACHAN who went down at odds on at her only start, she’ll be better for the outing. The Snowdens had a throw at the stumps with FAMOUS on debut in the Pago Pago, that didn’t work out but the track was bottomless and this assignment is far more suitable.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Geissler and Georgina Gold both have the potential speed to lead and should be able to take this up from Haunting Spirit and Word For Word.

Advantaged runners: No debutants! PINUP MISS was the best of the off-speed runners when chasing home Fasika on debut. She’s won again at BM70 grade so the form stacks up. DISCO MO is one of three runners for Anthony Cummings and looks his best hope, he was stuck in the quicksand on debut. HAUNTING SPIRIT also endured a torrid run on a biased track at Goulburn and can improve with a soft inside suck run, while WORD FOR WORD has claims based on his most recent effort behind Cossetot in January.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Just eight acceptors but a good deal of speed in the race regardless. Goldfinch and Consider It Done may just have too much toe for Mossman Gorge and Puppet Master. This makes things much easier for The Tenor to slot in midfield from the wide draw.

Advantaged runners: GOLDFINCH is an excellent fresh sprinting mare, the problem here is how much pressure she’ll need to absorb. Interesting to note that she’s won five times but never carried more than 56.5kgs. Regardless, we’re anticipating they all take each other on and set it up for run on horses like THE TENOR who had too much to do first up. His record suggests he will appreciate the sting out, as did TRAUMATISED when beating CONSIDER IT DONE convincingly at Hawkesbury. There’s a similar race shape on the cards here. This is a step up for NOVEMBER MAN but it is hard to ignore the way he won at Goulburn.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: A couple of the speedier fillies in Dame Kiri and Galway Girl can take up this 1400m affair and settle into a nice rhythm quickly. Perhaps Zourhea and Red Chandelier can settle behind them but there’s not a lot of speed to challenge the leaders.

Advantaged runners: There’s a lot to like about DAME KIRI and she looks beautifully placed in her first city assignment. She demonstrates excellent racing manners and put them away in professional style at Newcastle last start – she gets the chance to control the race up in trip. GALWAY GIRL has similar characteristics but perhaps isn’t quite as appealing here. SURE KNEE has two city wins to her name and mingled in reasonable company, ZOURHEA drops back to a much suitable assignment and gets an ideal run, as does RED CHANDELIER.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: The tempo will depend on emergency Regal Stage gaining a start. If he does, he and Quick Finance will go forward and attempt to cross Budderoo Knight kicking up on the rails. That will allow Common Purpose a cart across to join Vedder in the trail.

Advantaged runners: Many punters will allow the lightly-raced VEDDER one more chance after being burned twice this prep. He gets plenty of favours here behind the solid tempo, as does COMMON PURPOSE. He missed a run when scratched recently but only needs a slice of luck slotting in early to contend. REGAL STAGE is rock hard fit but still only in his first prep – if he isn’t made to work too hard early he’ll take catching. Of those running on from midfield and beyond, COLOMBINA and THE LION are the major contenders, but there’s a handful of others with hopes as well.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Despite the big field, we expect this lot to find their positions in running fairly easily. King Tomlola is a noted leader and we may see Fireman Sam I am up there with him. Each of Braces, Smart As You Think, Foreign Territory and Righteousness can be handy – the latter two are listed as emergencies and may not run.

Advantaged runners: Capacity field of 11 plus six emergencies for the 1800m event. KING TOMLOLA overdid it on the Heavy in Saturday grade last time but this race is far more suitable. It is a similar story for SMART AS YOU THINK who did it tough in the Epona. They look the major on-pace contenders and will be in the sights of BOOMTOWN RAT (3^rd 0.7L to BRACES last start) and SCREAMARR (backing up from last Wednesday) running on from the back. FOREIGN TERRITORY deserves respect returning to the scene of his last win.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Reasonable pressure at the pointy end here but it all comes from the low draws. Catmosphere can lead from Restrained, while Calculated, Coterie and Quackerjack should all be handy.

Advantaged runners: This is RESTRAINED’s biggest test to date, but he looks ready to tackle city company. The Lohnro gelding is unbeaten in three provincial starts and will be prominent throughout. So too will COTERIE who was inexplicably poor in the Canberra Guineas. Forgiving that run, she brings arguably the best form to this race. PUMPKIN PIE returns from a short spell and the stable is humming at present, QUACKERJACK is better over further but should get a few favours from the inside alley and GRIMOIRE brings a last start win at this level and a close recent second to Tonsor to the equation.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Like in Race 5, Regal Stage is an emergency – he’ll lead if he’s here with Full Recognition for company. The majority of the outer half have early decisions to make – expect Nacho Libre, Agassi and Lord Heron to be the most aggressively ridden.

Advantaged runners: FULL RECOGNITION chased home Classique Legend and Green Aeon at his first two starts, then mauled a provincial field to break his maiden. He’s got ability and can be prominent throughout here, but won’t want to get caught jostling with REGAL STAGE early. There’s a bit to like about the closers if the pattern allows it. LIGULATE is fit and found his range this prep, QUADRIGA was in the wrong part of the track last time and NIGHT FALLS must be watched closely as another ex-Weir runner.

SANDOWN LAKESIDE

Track: Good 4

Rail: +6m entire

Weather: Fine, cool

Our third straight Wednesday on the Lakeside track, where we expect the surface to dry into the Good range come race day. The rail moves out to the six-metre position and if recent events are anything to go by then on-pace will again be preferable.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Seven of the nine having their first go. Too much guesswork in this speed map.

Advantaged runners: Hard to get too caught up in this race with so many unknowns. WEDGETAIL wasn’t quite up to stakes company in his first prep and went down as an easing favourite first up. He is on notice here. HE’LL HAUNT US struggled against better on debut and is a candidate to improve sharply. Of the debutants, DESERVED has made the best impression with two trial wins. Relying on the market may not even be of use here!

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Three go-forward horses here but My Biddy should beat them off to lead Camilla Lucinda, with Prepare To Win grabbing the leader’s back. Expect Williams to steady the tempo if he finds the front on My Biddy and turn it into a sit and sprint.

Advantaged runners: Disappointing turn out among the fillies and mares. That said, MY BIDDY makes a compelling case. Craig Williams has a superb strike rate riding for uncle Doug Harrison and the brought up a double last week. As for the horse, she’s a speedy ex-Tasmanian who has switched camps after three runs this prep. In two of those runs she knocked up in Group 3 company, in the other she was beaten a length by Mystic Journey. Nothing here brings form close to that level but both PREPARE TO WIN and PRIVATE LOUNGE drop out of Saturday grade, KINGS BROOK was a first up Valley winner and MISS VIXEN started favourite against Clarice Cliffs two starts ago.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Noted on-pacer Chorus should bounce to the front from barrier one and there looks to only be minimal pressure. Perhaps See Me Exceed and Dalswinton can also race handily in the eight-horse field.

Advantaged runners: If CHORUS gets an easy run in front, she might be hard to haul in. This isn’t a huge rise in grade but she will need to be on her game to hold out ANDAZ, who is tackling the easiest assignment he’s faced in years. The 3kg claim for Queensland apprentice Stephanie Lacy is huge. SEE ME EXCEED was well beaten behind a good one here a fortnight ago but 1400m may be more her go these days. LAZY BEAR handed Chorus her only defeat this prep, but was handed plenty of favours that day and this shapes up differently.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: A bit more pressure in this one. Canelo and Cilauro prefer to race handily but they’ll need to make tracks from wide to do so. The likes of High Ratio and Helvetian might not make that too easy for them though.

Advantaged runners: All eyes will be on the market to determine how assertively GOLDEN HALO will be ridden from barrier one. Teo Nugent has his work cut out from the inside barrier but this filly is clearly the standout and brings Anjana form. It is hard to knock the efforts of HIGH RATIO last start after sitting outside the leader, depending on how the early stages pan out he may get a perfect one-one sit. Keep an eye on LASSITER who rounded them up stylishly on debut at Bendigo, if she’s come on from that she’s a live hope.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Team Williams sends three to the midweek distance event to make things interesting (read: unpredictable). Conventional speed maps have the trio of Sirkos, Latin Beat and Pour Vous all handy, while Fanciful Toff and Argyle Belle will also be handy.

Advantaged runners: Fair play to FANCIFUL TOFF who has found a nice little spot at this distance range. He’s beaten LATIN BEAT home at their last two starts, most recently THE DELPHI got the better of them both. All three have been handed significant weight imposts here. Of Lloyd’s crew, POUR VOUS makes the best case – he’s lightly raced and enjoyed a nice fitness-building run at Flemington. That form brings EL DON into the equation. ETNA raced in inferior ground last time at Morphettville and should be judged on his two strong runs prior, he’s a previous win at this distance range in France. FUTURE SCORE is untested at this trip but has been building into it nicely judging by his last two efforts.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: There’s a few who wouldn’t mind racing forward here. Samoon is the main speedster and stepping up in distance she’ll cross over to lead. Expect True Magic to settle outside her, while jostling for the ‘gun run’ may lead to a three-wide line forming.

Advantaged runners: This is a really good fillies race littered with winning form. We’ll be referring back to it for a while you feel. NESSUNA FIDUCIA maps for a kinder run here – she was a little keen and things didn’t really go her way first up. TYSONIC arguably did it tougher though and beat her home. They’ve draw one-two today. LIVEINTHEFASTLANE couldn’t match it with Pohutukawa at Kembla but that’s no knock, she beat NORDIC SYMPHONY by a lip prior. If they’re making up ground from the back then DARK CONFIDANT comes into the equation, she’s a Pierro filly with considerable talent but may spot them a big start. Don’t discount ZARGOS either who is a candidate for a major form reversal here.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: The wide runners in Desidero, Judy In Disguise and Scramjet provide the early speed, while Hardern and Royal Thunder receive lovely trips just behind them.

Advantaged runners: Looking towards the three-year-olds in a field with a few old mates. ADANA was luckless in the Alister Clark and couldn’t keep up in the Guineas prior. He plummets in grade here and if Lane makes use of the good draw will be difficult to hold out. SCRAMJET is at the other end of the spectrum, stepping up from a dominant Class 1 victory, but has an ideal racing pattern. JUDYINDISGUISE is entitled to improve sharply after absorbing plenty of pressure first up. A few of their rivals have had a few chances, but we’re prepared to give another to each of BOLTOUTOFTHEBLUE, ROYAL THUNDER and WEAPON.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Analytica went forward on debut and will likely to the same again here along with Debate, Igniter and Ocean Essence in an even tempo.

Advantaged runners: We may well have saved the best for last – most of these will win a Saturday race one day. But things are tricky here because the best ‘form’ comes via the back-markers, specifically RONAN’S ROCK and BIG NIGHT OUT who could have too much to do. ORCEIN also brings Saturday form but this map is a car crash for him. Perhaps it is IGNITER then who holds the aces. His Spring form reads a win, placings behind Mr Quickie and Declares War, and two further runs chasing home Ringerdingding. He may get the ‘right run’. MAKFI AMOUR deserves respect as the only horse to ever beat the progressive Stocktaka, as do DEBATE and OCEAN ESSENCE. Tricky finish!

DOOMBEN

Track: Soft 5

Rail: +9.5m entire

Weather: Possibly light showers

We’re back at Doomben again, but this time the rail has been taken all the way out to 9.5m for the entire course. This should see a likely leader-advantaged pattern prevail early, but there is the risk in high pressure races of riders overdoing it and bringing closers into play.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: This speed map is a lottery. Neither of the two fastest horses on paper, Aengus and Max The Dream, have raced for three years.

Advantaged runners: Our job is to talk it up but races like this at metro at metro level test the creativity. FLOWER OF LOVE is an ex-Waller horse with reasonable NSW metro form. She and FEARLESS QUEEN, who returns from a short spell and enjoyed a reasonable first prep, should settle handily enough and come into contention late. Respect to AENGUS who has clearly endured issues but was a well-supported commodity at his only career start, coming in June 2016 at Morphettville as a two-year-old.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Hit Snooze has found his groove as an on-pacer and should lead from Shooting Love who can use the inside draw to advantage.

Advantaged runners: This is much more like it! HIT SNOOZE has proven her wares as a bold front-runner beating three of today’s rivals in her last two starts. That said, she only met THIRD MARTINI over 1200m and that horse was mowing her down late – advantage to the Martini over 1350m here. The other major form line comes from a fortnight ago behind Zac Attack. FA FA ran second there but SHOOTING LOVE was arguably more impressive on debut when dragging the field up to the runaway leaders. She will be better for the outing.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: William draws the pole marker and that should give him the chance to hold the lead from Pistolero. There’s a number of runners keen to be handy, which may mean the likes of Coral Coast and Willy Be Lucky settle further back than they’d ideally like.

Advantaged runners: There’s a handful of runners here with Benchmark ratings of 50 and below. Two of the better commodities are PISTOLERO and TAVISFACTION. The former broke his maiden last start at Toowoomba by eight lengths on wet ground, but remains an unknown over 2000m+. That hands the advantage to Tavisfaction, who stepped up sharply in distance to break his maiden at this track and distance a fortnight ago. He can go on with it here. CORAL COAST was outclassed in Listed company last time and is a major contender, but could get a long way back from the draw.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Not a great deal of speed to speak of on paper, with Hard Yaga and Lucky Fix the fastest of the exposed runners. Not too much trial speed form the debutants.

Advantaged runners: Five of 12 make their first race day appearance. VEGA ONE is the most experienced running in the field and the most overdue for a win. At his first run for Tony Gollan he jumped at $1.40 but came up second best against Millard Reaction, who blitzed them again last Saturday. HARD YAGA was twice placed in his first prep and the sting out is no concern, the track pattern may suit him here. BRAHMA ARMOUR and LOTZA nest best.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Solid early speed from out wide with the emergencies Loves Woger Wing and Morgause keen to scoot over and lead. But if they don’t get a run, Lashoni can take things up from Kitty Damour and Roxy’s A Star.

Advantaged runners: This is the fillies division of the three-year-old maiden, with just two first starters. LASHONI finished third to Millard Reaction/Vega One last start. She’s desperate for a win with six placings from nine and from an on-pace position gets her chance. FAST AND HOPEFUL has shown she handles a wet track and ran second in a recent trial to one of today’s debutants BOOM COUNTY who looks above average. She and fellow first starter DIVINE MISS BOOM come from a bloodline producing outstanding results.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: These front runners could get away with murder. Kilmacurragh, Shauquin and Six Sigma should settle top three in running in a leisurely tempo. Downloading and Toga Picta will head the rest of the pack.

Advantaged runners: Hard to knock the work of SIX SIGMA last start. He stepped up to this track and distance and dominated from the front, this shapes up as a very similar outing. KILMACURRAGH is the other on-pacer worth considering, he has been banished by the Hawkes stable and may benefit from the change of scenery. His best Sydney/Melbourne form stacks up well. THE CANDY MAN has had a few months in the paddock following a productive summer campaign. He’s better over further but if he can extricate himself from a potentially awkward position back on the fence he’s the strongest finisher here.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Solid tempo set up by the runners jumping from wider gates. Napoleon’s War should have the most early toe of them all, but any of Alfie Junior, Armet, Lefkas Island and Portsea can go across with him and keep him honest.

Advantaged runners: Of the on-pacers, NAPOLEON’S WAR makes the most compelling case as a last start mile winner in similar grade on the Heavy. He was only second up there too. But we may see some of the run-on horses advantaged here by the pressure up front. BELLE ROC will need a clever ride from barrier one but she’s the filly on the way up among this lot and is knocking on the door of a win. LEFKAS ISLAND and CERTAIN DOUBT were both taking ground off in-form winners at their most recent starts and must be considered, while SORNJA comes into the picture if you’re willing to forgive her last start flop.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Some bold front-runners will ensure they run this 1200m assignment at a decent clip. Dinnigan and Zollikon Miss possess the most early toe, with Emerald Kingdom and I Dream Of Green making them work for the top.

Advantaged runners: DINNIGAN is the ex-Waterhouse speedster now under the care of Tony Gollan. She returned from a year off the scene with a win here and go back-to-back under good front-running jockey Brad Stewart. She won’t want to come under too much pressure otherwise the race could set up nicely for I DREAM OF GREEN who should trail her from barrier one. His form ties in with ENTERPRISE MARCH who has also acquitted himself well in better company this preparation. BACHELOR’S ART was out-paced over 900m last time out and can improve here.

Racepal Metro Race Previews: Saturday 30 March

By Matthew Taylor on March 29, 2019

The Group 1 racing is in full swing again this Saturday, with two top grade races at Rosehill Gardens the highlight.

There’s also the Golden Mile meeting at Bendigo and a huge 10-race card at Doomben to sink our teeth into.

The team at Racepal have handed down their thoughts on every race at all three meetings. To learn more about their services, head to Racepal.com.au

ROSEHILL GARDENS

Track: Soft 7 (Thursday)

Rail: +6m entire

Weather: 5-10mm rain predicted Friday, possible light shower Saturday

If the predicted Friday rain eventuates, Rosehill will likely be flirting with a third straight Saturday in the Heavy range. The rail shifts out to the +6m position – they were steering towards the middle of the straight last Saturday and that trend should continue here.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: A field of 12 for the G3 Schweppervescence. Bellevue Hill only knows one way and will go straight to the front while Le Tene can follow it across. The rest will be content to settle midfield – perhaps Fortress Command is handier from barrier two.

Advantaged runners: This is a slight afterthought for Slipper emergency BELLEVUE HILL but his record reads well for this and he’ll make his own luck in front. LA TENE was huge winning the VRC Sires at Flemington and she has the 1400m experience the toppy lacks. ROME and STRASBOURG both present second up off 1200m runs in Group company. Big watch on FORTRESS COMMAND who went through his gears nicely to win the Beaumont Handicap.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: The likes of Almost Court and Taikomochi typically enjoy rolling along close to the speed and they can make the pace here. Moss ‘n’ Dale will be close up from barrier one while Main Stage gets a chance to slide up and settle closer here.

Advantaged runners: No surprise to see the Gelagotis camp chasing more wet track Group success in Sydney with MOSS ’N’ DALE. He’ll get every chance to repeat the dose with the gun run. HARLEM’s inclusion is fascinating – but the Australian Cup winner is no swimmer. The Busuttin/Young pair of TAVAGO and MAIN STGE profile to improve sharply here, respect for GOATHLAND too who brings Red Cardinal form – he’s a G1 chance today.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: The map is once again fairly straightforward in the G2 Tulloch, with Cossetot and Shaman likely to look for the front from Angel Of Truth Firstclass Dreamer. The Kiwis will likely settle midfield and beyond. Don’t expect a particularly onerous tempo.

Advantaged runners: There’s a few Kiwis making strong cases here, with MADISON COUNTY leading the charge. He was a late scratching from the Guineas last week and looks an even better chance here. His turn of foot gives him the edge over compatriots IN A TWINKLING and PLATINUM INVADOR who filled the placings in the NZ Derby. COSSETOT is the Aussie who is up and running, he’s also two from two on rain affected ground and may look to control the tempo from the front.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Daysee Doom can control the Emancipation from the front, with no real challengers for the lead. Dyslexic may slide through to be handy, perhaps Naantali from wide can cross over as well, but there doesn’t look to be much urgency here.

Advantaged runners: ALIZEE holds the aces, obviously. All her runs this prep would win this. Barrier 10 probably isn’t ideal but at least Shinn can keep her out of trouble. DAYSEE DOOM was okay first up and will receive less pressure here. She missed a run in the Coolmore – of those who tackled that race, PRINCESS POSH appears to be going best of all. DYSLEXIC ran a better race over this track/distance than any of the Coolmore runners on the same day and can race handily again. They’ll all need to pull out plenty to beat Alizee.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: In contrast to the early events, we’re expecting a fair bit of pressure in the G3 Star Kingdom. Estijaab has drawn widest but should press on and tackle Fiery Heights and speedy Kiwi Ardrossan for the front. Manuel has been on the pace at Group 1 level this prep so will also look to be prominent.

Advantaged runners: There’s a bit to like about MANUEL’s set up here. He’s been racing over further (and in better company) and the fitness base will serve him well in a tough 1200m event. The up and comer is 2018 Slipper winner ESTIJAAB who has hardly been disgraced at two runs this prep, she just needs luck early to feature. TREKKING was a drifter in betting when a length off Easy Eddie last start, that turned out to be Group 1 form! He’s the most likely of the closers. Plenty of respect for ARDROSSAN, he’s unbeaten on Soft going and gets the services of top jockey James McDonald.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Greysful Glamour was mistakenly restrained at Kembla, but they won’t make the same mistake again. The lead is hers for the taking in the G1 Vinery, with Autumn, Aristia and Seabrook from out wider to all race prominently.

Advantaged runners: The Vinery is shaping up as a fantastic race between a seriously good bunch of fillies. EL DORADO DREAMING took on the older mares in the G1 Coolmore. They ran a quicker time than the fillies in the G2 Phar Lap on the same day, which was won by VERRY ELLEEGANT. Of all the Phar Lap runners, QAFILA is most advantaged by the step up to 2000m here, but she remains unproven in the wet. Then of course there’s NAKEETA JANE who has been given three weeks to recover from taking on The Autumn Sun! She may have run her Grand Final though? Impossible to ignore the ‘sectional star’ POHUTUKAWA, she smashed them in the Kembla Classic. No real knock on the others. Cracker!

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: The speed runner has drawn wide in the G1 Tancred, bu don’t expect Ace High to face much opposition crossing over. Vengeur Masque and Ventura Storm can be handy while Avilius should settle midfield from barrier seven.

Advantaged runners: The key to the Tancred is clearly AVILIUS and how well he has backed up from last week’s dominant performance in the G1 Ranvet. The distance is no issue but he’s had a couple of Grand Finals now and this may be asking a lot of the horse. If we were to look elsewhere, RED CARDINAL is the standout. He’s turned a corner this preparation and the wet tracks are likely playing a key role. Stablemate BIG DUKE is also on the back up and is ready to peak. RODINELLA is a genuine each-way hope coming off a G1 NZ Stakes placing.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: A relative lack of pressure in the G3 Doncaster Prelude should allow Mask Of Time and Tom Melbourne to stroll through and lead. There’s an opportunity for Don’t Give A Damn to cross and join Siege Of Quebec in the trail, with Seaway not far away.

Advantaged runners: MASK OF TIME was overhauled by Fifty Stars in the last few strides in the Ajax. He’s developed a liking for this track and distance and the map is favourable, but he does cop a 4.5kg weight penalty for that effort. The start prior he was beaten home by SEAWAY who was luckless in the Ajax. He gets the weight swing but a genuine Heavy track remains a query for him. SIEGE OF QUEBEC gets all the favours in the run, his only Heavy start was in better company so should be given the benefit of the doubt.

RACE 9

Speed map/race shape: If Don’t Give A Damn choses this option instead of the Doncaster Prelude he can lead from barrier two, with Special Missile joining him. Spring Charlie and Mahalangur, while the likes of Zourkhan and Get On The Grande may get stuck wider.

Advantaged runners: STAR OF THE SEAS gets the chance to go back to back. He returns to the scene of the crime and isn’t too badly penalised for running straight past MAHALANGUR, who once again makes a strong case and will be prominent in running. SPRING CHARLIE has an imposing record and this trip is right in his wheelhouse, fitness is the query after five weeks between runs. Wary of RENEWAL who got the job done first up but is yet to produce his best at 1400m. Respect for DON’T GIVE A DAMN who enjoys rain-affected going and could get things to suit in front.

BENDIGO

Track: Good 4

Rail: True entire

Weather: Mostly sunny, chance of 1-5mm rain Friday

A whopping 152 acceptors for the Bendigo standalone Saturday meeting, with the features being the Golden Mile and Guineas late in the program. The track is typically pretty fair and no different is expected here.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: As will be the case today, big fields typically bring decent pressure and tempo to the race. Blue Tycoon and Won Ball will be urged to cross from wide, while Lucky Fish and Sunday Pray from low draws can try and kick up. Beauty will get a gun run.

Advantaged runners: MANDELA EFFECT brings the best credentials on paper, with seven wins from 13 starts, including over Streets Of Avalon last year. He possesses a big finish but could find himself a long way back, which hands a big advantage to BEAUTY. She’s on the way up and is ready to win after two good efforts at Flemington this time in work. Both SUNDAY PRAY and STREET SHEIK finished second in their respective races last time out and the form has been subsequently franked. The former’s racing pattern gives him the edge.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: A handful of these like to lead and there may be some early jostling for position. Think Music, Awaytoff and Transact have all drawn the lower half and should fight for the lead amongst themselves, with Budd Fox and Southern Yankee slotting in.

Advantaged runners: Three-year-olds only tackling the staying trip here in the second. SECRET BLAZE and SOUTHERN YANKEE come through the Alister Clark. Secret Blaze was clearly the better run but got things his own way from barrier one – he’ll need a peach from Currie after drawing 15 here. There’s plenty of early value about MINER’S MISS who is first up but was last seen running third in the Oaks, the quinella there are tackling a Group 1 on Saturday. TRANSACT was unlucky in the Geelong Classic in the Spring and arrives here third up and ready to win.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: There’s up to six debutants here, but four of those are emergencies. Invincible Lotus has the most speed of what we’ve seen and from the low draw he can kick up to hold out Sisstar and Prince Of Sussex.

Advantaged runners: The form around MOCKERY makes her a key contender. She beat Cheer Leader up the Flemington straight, and he bolted in last Friday night at The Valley. The filly maps for a cold run behind the leaders. GROOT will need a special from Meech to find cover early but his debut run at Group 3 level frames him as a contender. SISSTAR was fancied on debut when finishing on the heels of Lankan Star, she’ll be making the running with INVINCIBLE LOTUS who may appreciate the step back in grade and distance.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Seven Year Reward likes to lead and should do so from barrier one, but Carlingford, Huge Action and/or Malahat drawn inside him may make him work. Easy Beast’s best chance of featuring is to cross from barrier 14 and join the leader.

Advantaged runners: Looking for a few of the runners from midfield to make the most of any early pressure. CREATIVITY resumes for a new trainer and typically sprints well fresh. She’ll be racing in company with YULONG YUHENG who has had his blow out run and is ready to show his UK form. BEL SONIC may even spot them a start but his run in the Hareeba showed he’s threatening to win soon. They’ll all need to catch SEVEN YEAR REWARD who will try and make all with just 52kgs after the claim.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Truly Discreet is expected to settle much closer than last start, but it is unlikely she has the speed to pinch the lead from Miss Siska. Twitchy Frank and River Jewel shouldn’t need to work too hard to slide across into forward positions either.

Advantaged runners: The class of the field is LA BELLA DIOSA who can springboard off a great run in a sizzling Sydney race. The step to 1400m gives her extra time to wind up from the read and reel in the other favoured runners on speed. Most prominent of those is MISS SISKA who resumes here. She stretched out to 2000m at Group 2 level last prep. TWITCHY FRANK is another racing well and appears to be enjoying life in Tasmania. RIVER JEWEL can give a sight stepping up in grade.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Genuine tempo expected in the BM84 stayers event. Sirkos and Tiffany’s Lass both led over 1600m last start, but it is unlikely the gostly grey Valac will have any interest in allowing them a soft time in front. Instigator and Rockarral head up the rest.

Advantaged runners: If BELGRAVIA turns up ready to go, he has the number to win this race. He’s third up and was most recently seen running on against the pattern over the Flemington 2000m. He may slot into a three-wide line in this, as may MOSH MUSIC. The mare has won four from five this prep but probably should be unbeaten and has already shown the trip is no issue. The Waller pair DARK PEARL and DESERT PATH both have good numbers but have also both drawn awkwardly and may end up a fair way back. They’ll spot a start to VALAC and ROCKARRAL who are racing in good heart.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: The Golden Mile should be a genuinely run affair, courtesy of the wide draws held by front-runners Lite’n in My Veins and Dodging Bullets. This may present Furrion with an opportunity to get the cart across into a prime position.

Advantaged runners: If the above scenario plays out, then FURRION appears awfully hard to beat here. He presents second up off a promising run at Flemington and appears perfectly placed to extend his unbeaten second up record. The first furlong holds the key. Should things not pan out that way, runners such as SILENTZ and ZEBULON may be best placed to run on from midfield and beyond from wider draws. Their form lines up with the likes of PLEIN CIEL, MANTASTIC and VIOLATE but they may be buried in the pack and need the seas to part turning for home. Don’t dismiss Morton’s Fork back on drier ground either.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Outrageous was a surprise leader at Flemington but its unlikely he has the speed to cross Pickup The Pieces drawn inside him. There’s a host of horses who enjoy racing handily, including Mystery Love, Scottish Rogue and Muswellbrook.

Advantaged runners: Fairly even race with many chances. OUTRAGEOUS beat a smart one at Flemington but won’t get to stack them up at a walk here. Regardless, he’ll be handy and many of the main hopes will have to get past him. SCOTTISH ROGUE ran on against the pattern in that race and could potentially get Outrageous’ back here. From a similar position in running SACCHARO can make an impact if he replicated his Spring form – he was beaten at odds on first up this prep. With luck from a wide draw MARCEL FROM MADRID should be running on into the finish, he’s desperate for this trip after chasing home Anjana twice this prep. Chances also to the improving MYSTERY LOVE, BLINDER and MUSWELLBROOK first up.

RACE 9

Speed map/race shape: A few candidates to lead again in the last on the card, most notably Al Passem, Critical Thinking and Simply Invincible. There should be an opportunity for Kazio, Fox Hall and Malaise to slot into advantaged positions from wider draws.

Advantaged runners: He had too much to do against the pattern of the day at Flemington but ANTAH should get the chance to run on from the second half and into the money here. He chased home SIMPLY INVINCIBLE that day who sat outside a hot-pot leader and wore him down, the race rated highly. WAGING WAR will also be running on, his last start was shrouded in protest controversy but the performance was great regardless. SUPER TITUS is first up in Australia and crunched early in betting, his best form is over much further though. The blowout hope is MAN OF HIS WORD back from the All Star Mile!

DOOMBEN

Track: Good 4 (Thursday)

Rail: +1m entire

Weather: Showers

Persistent niggling rain in the lead up to Saturday means we’re flirting with a Soft surface for the 10-race card. The rail is back to the +1m position – the inside six metres hasn’t been used for a month and inside lanes/rails in run may be favourable.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: The speed comes from nearer the inside courtesy of Bella Occhi and Boom Chicka Boom, who can take it up from Lord Barrington and Masterati.

Advantaged runners: The tempo doesn’t look too frantic and those front-runners look most advantaged. BOOM CHICKA BOOM is a known fresh sprinter and presents off an eight-week layoff here. His record on Soft isn’t flash but things didn’t quite work out for him at either start. MASTERATI never runs a bad race but hasn’t won for a while, while BELLA OCCHI was scratched from Wednesday to run here and could try and lead the whole way. Don’t dismiss SUNDARBANS – she has mixed it in good company but was recently cast aside by the Hawkes stable, from barrier one she just needs the breaks to feature.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Ballistic Boy and Quart Pot both showed speed on debut and will be looking for the fence. Time For Love copped a bad check in a recent rich two-year-old race, she will be very handy from barrier two while Magic Palace can cross from the deep.

Advantaged runners: Very interesting circumstances here for the best performed horse in the race, MISS CAVALLO. She possesses a devastating turn of foot but she won’t be helped by the predicted pattern. In contrast BALLISTIC BOY should be in the right spot. He backed up a super trial with a debut win, but he’s unknown in the wet. So too is MAGIC PALACE, who beat inferior opposition with arrogance on debut. The step up to 1200m should suit though. THIRD MARTINI faces a similar predicament to Miss Cavallo, SAY HAYA can be forgiven for a defeat behind Niedorp and expensive Gollan debutant PURRONI should be watched in betting.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Trommelschlagen doesn’t look like having much opposition for the lead over 1600m, Bargannon should be handy, but the leader can run his own race.

Advantaged runners: With every downgrade HALLELUJAH BOY’s stocks grow in this race. The form is relatively even among these runners but he’s the real swimmer. TROMMELSCHLAGEN also handles the wet and will be in front turning for home, he’s developed an affinity with this track and distance. BARGANNON chased him home last time and will be closer in the run here. Both EMINENT and LE JUGE also hold genuine chances, but would prefer things to stay drier to maximise their talents.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Not the best Saturday staying crop we’ve seen. Remarkable Son is 1400m > 2200m so surely pushes forward from the carpark to join High Wind and Own Sweet Way at the pointy end.

Advantaged runners: This is a messy race. HIGH WIND was disappointing last start but was a runner up prior under similar conditions to this event. Any sting out helps him, as it does REMARKABLE SON who is sharply up in trip but will be in the right part of the track. Arguably ALLCASH’s Sydney form is stronger than the rest here – it has stood up from his last outing already. He’ll be running on from the rear alongside SEENTO.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Zahspeed only knows one way and he will try and find the front, he will need to cross Tonsor who might not make things easy. Stella Ombra and Courtza King from wider will adopt forward positions.

Advantaged runners: Matthew Smith has sent TONSOR north to escape to escape the Stakes racing in Sydney and finds a suitable assignment for him here. He can lead or trail from the inside alley, has a strong rider engaged and enjoys the sting out – on ratings he will go close. TAWFIQ BOY continues to ‘run on’ without ever really threatening to win, perhaps the extra trip and sting out is what he needs. COURTZA KING needs an assertive ride early but if he can slot in one off the fence he’s a chance, he’s developed a liking for the track and trip.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Deep Image is the designated leader here and will be making tracks across the field to lead. Lota Creek Gold possesses some speed and can follow him across, while Impasse and Secret Mo will be looking for the trail.

Advantaged runners: DEEP IMAGE didn’t run the mile last time but he did pants them over 1400m first up. Freshened here and dropping back to this distance range, he’ll take some catching. He’ll be tracked into the race by IMPASSE who could be well placed to strike, he’s just missed at both efforts this prep. SECRET MO went back to the provincials to regain his winning feeling, he’s a hope at odds. Expect BEACON to be scratched (won Wednesday).

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: The topweights The Tax Accountant and Al’s Kingdom should stroll to the front and lead this at a moderate gallop. Kitty Kins can also be handy.

Advantaged runners: THE TAX ACCOUNTANT was only a long neck behind the in-form Mishani Hustler last start. Stretching out to 1350m here should allow him to settle further forward in the run and continue his progression. Fellow front runner AL’S KINGDOM was scratched from Wednesday to resume here. This is short of his best trip but he’s a bold on-pacer. They’ll have a big head start on MILLARD REACTION who mowed a midweek field down on debut. The three-year-old faces a sharp rise in trip here but has oodles of talent. Respect for SOXAGON and MACEWEN who will also be looking to run on from the back.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: King Dinisty and Prince Of Tie are numbers 12 and 13 on the race card and they’ve drawn barrier 12 and 13 here. But they also have the most speed and will want to cross to the front. Brains will want to follow them across and join Tisani Magic.

Advantaged runners: This is the second division of the 1350m Class 6 event. KING DINISTY was last seen leading until the shadows of the post over 1615m. That run may give him a fitness edge over PRINCE OF TIE, over whom he gets a 1.5kg weight swing for running a close second the start prior. TISANI MAGIC seems to be putting it all together now as a four-year-old. His last start suggested he’s looking for the extra trip and he should secure a great run in transit. RIVER RACER has been freshened after failing at this level at Eagle Farm, as has BRAINS, while I AM IMPINGE has ability but will get back in the run.

RACE 9

Speed map/race shape: Lots of pressure from out wide in the 1200m event. Gypsy Toff and Zollikon Miss are the main speedsters but there’s a handful that can join them including Bonsho, Hirtshals and Malign. Plenty of runners drawn low have speed but may not want to absorb relentless pressure.

Advantaged runners: Looking to the filly WINTER PASSAGE to take it up to the older mares. She’s missed the placings only once in 13 starts and is perfectly positioned to strike off the hot tempo. Her form ties in with SPLITTER who scored a nice first up win over this trip. Chasing home Manaya has given her a good base for this, but she won’t want to get bundled up on the rail. FELINO BEL returned in good order and can be improved second up, while CYMBALISM has been freshened and sent back in trip after a 1350m win at this track.

RACE 10

Speed map/race shape: The speed comes from lower draws here but it will be on nonetheless. Rising Stock will want to use the rail and hold the front, but he’ll be pressured by Cabeirian, Comic Story and Mail Escort.

Advantaged runners: The last event on the card is for the boys division of the non metro winners. TOTALLY CHARMED is scratched from the first to run here. First up over 1000m he ground home well and will enjoy 1200m. Another horse who appreciates this track and trip is BUCK BAY, who scored on his Queensland debut – second has subsequently won. ALL PLUCK, CABEIRIAN, COMIC STORY and HAPPY HOOVES are all last start winners – if we were to single out one of them, perhaps the latter can peak third up here.

Racepal Metro Race Previews: Wednesday 27 March

By Matthew Taylor on March 26, 2019

The racing never stops and despite many punters still recovering from five Group 1s at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, the action rolls on thick and fast with some juicy midweek metropolitan meetings coming up this Wednesday.

Our partners at Racepal have provided their analysis of every race on the Sandown Lakeside, Warwick Farm and Toowoomba cards to give you a head start on finding the winners.

Check out Racepal’s full suite of products and become part of The Racepal Club now to get full analysis, bets and staking daily.

SANDOWN LAKESIDE

Track: Good 3

Rail: +3m entire

Weather: Fine

No rain in the lead up to race day in Melbourne, so expect a bit of irrigation at Sandown such is the pressure on the track managers! Last Wednesday the rail was in the true and it largely favoured those up on the speed, out to +3m here and much the same is expected.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: A two-year-old fillies maiden over 1200m kicks off the card, five on debut. Of those we’ve seen at the races, Angel Rock looks the speediest, especially now that she draws pole position. Inciter and Bush Christmas could settle forward if they so desired.

Advantaged runners: ANGEL ROCK is the box ticker here – she’s twice been competitive in nominally better company, gets an improved draw and has the services of a flying jockey in Jamie Kah. Likewise, MISS HARRIETTE gets a class drop from stakes company here, but she hasn’t been showing a lot of early speed. INCITER looked to have come on nicely from his first prep when running into the money at Morphettville. Of the debutants, IRONORE GINA brings the best credentials for success on debut.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Mellors is the fastest early of this crowd and can bounce to the front and set up stall pretty comfortably. Elegant Tycoon, Makfly and Secretly Discreet can be handy from lower draws.

Advantaged runners: Eleven three-year-olds here to break their maiden status. SECRETLY DISCREET should be able to assume a prominent position from the inside gate with the blinkers going on. She’s run out of time at both starts when making ground so the step up to 1400m suits here. The form line through Stocktaka reads well for JUDGE O’REILLY and he can be competitive with a fitness advantage, while MATAMATA bears watching on debut.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Smuggling has drawn barrier one and with the claiming apprentice on board should stroll to the front, with Cozhecancan sliding across and Lecture tucking in behind. Prahaar and Woman can take a comfortable midfield sit behind them.

Advantaged runners: After a year and a half away from the track and a stable change as well, WOMAN made a more than satisfactory return at Pakenham. The blue blood may have won if able to get to the outside of horses and go through her gears – she’ll go close here. LECTURE was over-run late at Pakenham, freshened for this and with a 3kg apprentice he can feature, while PRAHAAR and the Kiwi import PAINT THE TOWN have chances as well.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: There’s a few horses with some speed here, most notably Everywhere Mann and Persian Empire who can lead this. Expect Diamond Effort and No Shame to be handy, while Fergus Magergus and Zoumanor won’t want to get too far back.

Advantaged runners: It may only be a Class 1 but there’s some nice lighty-raced types who have futures in the city. This is a step up for DIAMOND EFFORT but she was ultra impressive when breaking her maiden at Cranbourne and she gets all the favours in the run. ZOUMANOR has followed a typically weird Laing preparation but he is dropping in grade here and has the figures to show up. If they’re making ground from the second half then MONTENEGRO MAN comes right into calculations, he was excellent in defeat in Adelaide and is threatening to strike at city level.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: Looks like the topweight Gaelic Dream will attempt to jump and run to the lead from barrier three, with Termeda to its outside and the likes of Valenciano, Tatiara and Debate from the widest gate handy to the speed.

Advantaged runners: There’s only one winner of multiple races among this crop of fillies, that being GAELIC DREAM, and she could again be hard to reel in if she controls the tempo. Perhaps the best chance to overhaul her is DEBATE, but it will require an aggressive ride from Dunn from the widest alley. She’s had genuine excuses at both runs this prep against tougher opposition. Of the remainder, FIRST TIER’s maiden win showed she’s a real racehorse when driving through a gap to score, while VALENCIANO is on an upward curve.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Time for the stayers! Sir Edwin Landseer can lead but we can’t be sure that’s what the Williams team will do. Bianco Nuovo, Mr Drew and Wee Gilly are all likely to be up there as well.

Advantaged runners: The interest always centres around the Williams runners, but truth be told both DIALECTIC and SIR EDWIN LANDSEER have shown nothing in Australia so far. It could be a different story at 2400m though – watch the market. BIANCO NUOVO has been penalised for winning here a fortnight ago which hands the advantage to WEE GILLY and NOTHIN LEICA HIGH who ran the trifecta. On the surface, EXCLUSIVELY OURS is a filly with an unimpressive record but she’s spent her career tackling the top graders. She can springboard off her maiden win and make her presence felt here.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Chavuma is stepping up to 1500m for the first time, but has the natural speed to lead if they want. Moshway is the other keen leader, which should allow Atlantic Express and Toorak Warrior to slip up along the rails into a perfect trail.

Advantaged runners: Interesting to see TOORAK WARRIOR here on the seven day back up. He gets an extra 100m to run past the leaders here, but will need luck from barrier one. ATLANTIC EXPRESS may get the jump on him – he freshened for his last assignment when running second in a high rating race. Unsure what to expect from VENEZUELA, but he’s a lightly raced import on Australian debut for Team Williams and recently bolted in a 1550m trial. Watch closely. DINNER LAKE will spot them all a start but if the tempo heats up, he’s the one who can finish over the top.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: We finish with a mile event for the girls only and you’d expect Supply Money to try and run them along as she has in the bush recently. Silent Roar can kick up to trail from the inside gate, while Think I’m Dreaming won’t be far away either. Look out for any interview snippets or tactics announcements regarding the Waterhouse/Bott import Hokkaido Miss who will likely race handy to the speed.

Advantaged runners: SILENT ROAR was a dominant second up 1600m winner last prep and gets all the favours in pursuit of a similar result here. She followed that with two competitive efforts in Group company and then was luckless first up this time in work. THINK I’M DREAMING has found a rich vein of form, this is a step up but she’s forgotten how to run poorly and beat a few of these home at Pakenham last start. CEDAR GRANDE returned steadily at Echuca after a year off the scene, she draws awkwardly but is a known sharp improver second up. Look for MUSIC OF THE NIGHT storming home while as previously mentioned, keep all senses alert for news regarding HOKKAIDO MISS.

WARWICK FARM

Track: Heavy 8

Rail: +3m entire

Weather: Mostly clear

After some Monday morning showers Warwick Farm was still rated a Heavy, but with no real rain forecast before race day we may get back into the Soft range. Either way, we’re playing in wet conditions and you’d expect them to steer away from the rail as the day progresses.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Full field for the two-year-old colts and geldings maiden and only five have race experience. The unfortunately named emergency Cock Match has the most speed of the raced, while Bullet Raiders and Impudens have shown speed at the trials

Advantaged runners: Only two of these have race experience on rain-affected ground, being OLYMPIC and BACCHUS who finished close behind Golden Slipper horse Pin Sec in December. The former recently trialled alongside DEEP SEA who was most impressive in overcoming a check to take ground late off Slipper placegetter Lyre late. ESCONDIDO will take benefit from his debut hit out while BULLET RAIDERS looks a natural jump and run type and gets blinkers for his debut.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Twenty runners (14 + six emergencies) have accepted for the fillies division. Artie’s Rose led on debut and Bollywood sat outside a speedy one last start so they can lead it up. Doubt they’ll want to run it along to hard in these conditions.

Advantaged runners: BOLLYWOOD is due to win now and if experience counts for anything she’ll be up there for a long way in this one. She’s placed four of five starts and her latest outing was her best. Stablemate BADIA ran past her on debut, she’s been freshened for seven weeks since. Then there’s WAYUPINTHESKY who started $6 in the Reisling and was unlucky to finish 3.5L behind Tenley, with a clear run here she could blouse them all.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Green Aeon was a keen leader on debut and he can cross from wide to do the same here. Expecting Agassi, Bubbles’n’troubles and Vitesse to cart the field up behind him. If this leader doesn’t settle, they may string out a touch.

Advantaged runners: There’s a good chance fitness plays a big role in this one, and after two starts in the wet this prep – split by a trial behind Trapeze Artist – BUBBLES’N’TROUBLES can fit the bill here. She’s handled wet surfaces before and may be looking for further than 1400m now, but this could become a slog that feels like further anyway. Plenty of these, like KING’S PEAK and NUKE, bring decent provincial form on the wet and may provide more value than the likes of COMMANDER first up or the deeply disappointing I’M SO SWEET. GREEN AEON and PERFECT PITCH deserve plenty of respect.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: The Pharaoh would sooner refuse to contest this race than not lead, so he’ll take it up from the inside gate and lead from Epic Dan and Common Purpose close by as well. The leader may cheekily get away with some soft sectionals in this.

Advantaged runners: Well we gave it away above but THE PHARAOH may get things run to suit in this and he has given the indication he’s ready to win with two tough placings this prep on Soft ground. COMMON PURPOSE carries the big weight but will enjoy parking handy to the speed in a race with less pressure than his previous outings, he’s proven in the wet. EPIC DAN, NICCO LAD and UP TRUMPZ are all proven at this level and in the going. Big watch on SIGNORE FOX who has previously struggled with the sting out but drops sharply in grade for this.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: The main quaddie begins with a big field for the 2400m event. A few candidates to race forward but doubt they’ll go crazy. Cool One, Equipped and Free Fly Too can all cross from wide and join Joe’s Boy and Plymouth Road at the pointy end.

Advantaged runners: The first four across the line from a BM70 over 2400m on a Kembla Heavy 8 show up here, but it is the 2.3L winner FAIRLIGHT who peaks our interest. He was only second up in Australia as a lightly-raced four year old, but will clearly take improvement from that run. PLYMOUTH ROAD is back from Saturday Listed grade and has the runs on the board so must be respected, the sting out help him. He finished alongside VILLARDO in that event. JAKE’S HILL can be forgiven his last 2400m failure in the G1 Metrop, his second up placing in a good Saturday race on Heavy ground reads well.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Plenty of pressure on paper in this fillies and mares sprint, and it would not shock to see a three-wide line throughout. Ragazze and Major Wager should kick up from their low draws, but will be pressured by the likes of Invictum Domina and Segalas. There’s a handful of others who will jostle for ‘handy’ positions off the rail, too.

Advantaged runners: Many of the lightly-raced runners have made quite an impression to date. RAGAZZE has been given time to develop at Provincial level and ticked the wet track box – now she needs to reproduce here. She concedes a fitness advantage to MAJOR WAGER who ran a solid third in the Listed Canberra Guineas. GENTLE PERSUASION returned with a fourth behind Evalina at Kensington. She was crying out for further and the form has stood up. Perhaps the most impressive of all has been FASIKA though – she was dominant on debut and now needs to show she can live up to that in the wet.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Sondelon has drawn the outside gate, but the 1600m start at the Farm affords him plenty of time to saunter across and lead. On paper the pressure appears minimal, but Grand Crown and Silent Explorer are likely to be handy.

Advantaged runners: The predicted race shape of course sets things up well for SONDELON who boasts a handy record to date. He held off Supernova a month ago, that horse progressed to a Saturday win. If the pattern is starting to favour wide/run-on horses then GOLD MAG comes right into calculations – in reality he’s a major contender anyway, he’s been settling a long way back in Melbourne but the form has stood up from those events. SILENT EXPLORER is a genuine swimmer so gets conditions to suit, while VEGA deserves respect and YULONG EMPEROR bears watching on his Australian debut.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: A high pressure race to finish the day with Art Of Excellence, Mansa Musa and Noble Joey (among others) all looking to cross from wide gates and be prominent.

Advantaged runners: A wide open affair in the last, where those running on from midfield hold the aces given the predicted tempo. ROOSEVELT hasn’t quite measured up in talented Saturday three-year-old company and will appreciate the drop to the midweeks. He’ll be looking to round them up late alongside STEPHAN, who is consistently knocking on the door. If lightly-raced mare FALERINA is fit she can be expected to sprint home well first up, while VOILA and ZA ZI BA are the others who will enjoy the drop from stakes company.

TOOWOOMBA

Track: Good 4

Rail: +4m from 1600-800m, +5m remainder

Weather: Showers

The looming threat of rain hangs over Toowoomba’s midweek metropolitan meeting, but these Queensland tracks tend to handle it pretty well. Let’s assume it is a low range Soft at worst.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Up to five debutants in the full field of 11 plus five emergencies. Malo To The Max led and knocked up on debut while Got No Doubt did it tough outside the leader at his only start. Couldn’t Refuse is another who could cross towards the front.

Advantaged runners: Working with what we know, both GOT NO DOUBT and COULDN’T REFUSE worked hard in the same debut race, the former was respected in betting. Both will be better for the break. Similarly LUCKY SENATOR and MALO TO THE MAX come out of the same Doomben race, albeit only a fortnight ago and back 150m for this, advantage to the latter – but he’ll need a fair few scratchings to get a run. Debutant NAVAL STRIKE out of Smart Missile bears close watching.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Not much speed on show here at all, except for Undaunted who will roll straight to the front for a relatively uncontested lead, on paper anyway. Expect Brazen Choice, Reposition and Zodiac Star to be among the handier chasers.

Advantaged runners: Most of these have had a fair few goes at winning by now! UNDAUNTED is one of them and if he can’t get it done here I won’t be with him whenever he does. He’ll be jogging along in front and has the fitness base from a 2000m run leading into this. ROCK’N’SOL tackles this distance range for the first time and has the most scope to improve, he’ll be the main closer. LADY ELEANOR showed a bit at her first start in Queensland and is quickly up in trip here, she has a hope as does BRAZEN. CHOICE and ZODIAC STAR.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Only a small field for the second 1640m event on the card. Bernie’s Tiger and Skylight should roll straight to the top and control a moderate tempo, with Seahampton and Red Cavalry following them.

Advantaged runners: Sending a horse to his Queensland satellite stable is the new golden switch for Chris Waller’s tried brigade and it worked for SEAHAMPTON at Doomben. Three weeks between runs, up in trip, Fradd on board and a soft run in transit, he’s the one to beat again. FOXY AFFAIR made an early move last start at Doomben when they slowed to a crawl, he’ll be fitter for that surge and can feature in the finish here. That form ties in with BERNIE’S TIGER via Reiby The Red – Bernie is racing well and can lead this for a long way.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Cunard led at his only previous start so we’d assume he’ll do the same here stepping up to 1300m, while Toucan Sam is the other eager to race on the pace. Alderman, Proud Roc and In Two Minds will all look to race prominently as well.

Advantaged runners: Not a whole lot of exposed form to go off here. CUNARD was on debut as a four-year-old when a $1.95 favourite at the Sunshine Coast. He led before tiring late but will surely be improved here. PROUD ROC enjoyed all the favours on debut when just missing, WHY WOULDN’T YOU took up a greater portion of the market there but never got close. ALDERMAN steps up sharply from 1000m to this but has a sense of timing third up and should get the ideal run, while TOUCAN SAM has previously stretched out to this distance without trouble.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: There may be a little bit of urgency on show in the first quaddie leg, with the book ends of the barrier draw Al’s Kingdom and Zollikon Miss potentially taking each other on for the lead. This will hand Beacon and The Big House ideal trailing runs.

Advantaged runners: The time is right for BEACON to secure his first Queensland victory. He stuck on well for third in Saturday grade at Eagle Farm when sharply up in trip, this race is easier and he gets all the favours in the run. THE BIG HOUSE went down in a blanket finish last time at Doomben – Seahampton (Race 4) will give us a line on that form. He also gets a few things his way here. AL’S KINGDOM will plug away in front and may be hard to get past, which could spell trouble for ZOLLIKON MISS who may not get things to her liking today.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: From the wide draws, Miss Amanda and Izzah may inject a little bit of pace here as they look to cross Wooshka and Splash Of Cristal to lead. The run to the first turn over the Toowomba 1210m course is deceptively short, only just over 200m.

Advantaged runners: Another topweight on this Toowoomba card appears to get plenty in its favour, and WOOSHKA is no different here under the 3kg claim of Frater-Hill. She overdid it a bit first up in Brisbane before copping a bump at a vital stage last time in. Just needs luck. BOILING is a chance if she doesn’t settle too far back – she closed off well first up without really threatening. SNICKI MINAJ is on an upward trajectory and has taken on reasonably three-year-old company lately, while MISS AMANDA gets the tongue tie on and is a chance if she behaves herself in front.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Want To Bolt led all the way at this track nearly a fortnight ago and will attempt to replicate this from the outside half of the field. He’ll take it up from Doctor Zed and Real Supremacy, while Alaska should also use the rail to her advantage as well.

Advantaged runners: WANT TO BOLT has put up the picket fence since switching to Ben Currie’s stable and he can continue that run on his home track. The claim for Nothdurft partially offsets the penalty for his recent all-the-way success. DOCTOR ZED blew the cobwebs out at the Gold Coast recently and he’s a proven second up performer so must be a candidate from a likely run in the one-one. IL RICCIO will likely settle behind them but the form from his most recent race has stood up well and he’ll be charging home, while REAL SUPREMACY has found a winning formula of late so deserves respect.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Frantic conclusion to the day expected over the 1000m course. The configuration here is an early ‘kink’ then one turn, so expect the jockeys on the likes of Aultbea and Bella Occhi to be happy to settle three wide and keep the momentum up is required. Inside them, Crusher and Martinelli look like kicking up to be at the front.

Advantaged runners: After a nine-month layoff CRUSHER picked up where he left off, settling outside the leader and proving too strong at Eagle Farm in a much better race. He should find the rail here and gets the 3kg claimer. As discussed above, the barrier doesn’t turn us off BELLA OCCHI who is a good fresh sprinter. A similar speed map/tempo at a venue like Eagle Farm would bring JETSONIC right into calculations – but will the tight layout work against him here? An improved fresh showing from I AM THE GENERAL would not shock.

Wednesday Winners – Mornington 13th December

By stars on December 12, 2017

Horse Racing Tips for Mornington races. The Victorian metro meeting on Wednesday the 13th of December. [Read more…] about Wednesday Winners – Mornington 13th December