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Racepal Metro Race Previews: Golden Slipper Day, Saturday 23 March

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Golden Slipper day is one of the best on the racing calendar, with five Group 1s across the card and a host of starts on show.

While the main event is the Slipper itself to crown the two-year-old sprinting champion, the world’s best horse Winx is also on show in the George Ryder, while a new champion of the turf The Autumn Sun will be sent out at odds on in the Rosehill Guineas.

Of course the action isn’t limited to Rosehill, with Mornington Cup Day and a competitive card at Eagle Farm as well.

Our partners at Racepal have assessed every race on the three big metro cards to give you a head start to finding the winners. You can check out all that Racepal has to offer at Racepal.com.au

ROSEHILL GARDENS

Track: Heavy 8 (Thursday 9am) 

Rail: +3m entire.

Weather: Light, scattered showers.

Golden Slipper day is one of the best on the racing calendar, but it wouldn’t be a Sydney autumn carnival without the threat of a bottomless track. Thankfully we should be improving to around the Soft 7 mark come race day. It seems likely that as the day progresses, off fence will be the better ground.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Sweet Scandal should cross In Good Time and Mollyfied to lead the G3 Birthday Card, but we suspect they won’t go too hard here with uncertainty over where the best ground lies.

Advantaged runners: Some impressive wet track figures among this lot. SWEET SCANDAL was only beaten 1.5L in a frantic Weona Girl, should could get all the favours. RESIN ran past her aided by the pace but was only first up, while STAR REFLECTION was on their tails. The Kiwi ADVANTAGE boasts an impressive record and is unbeaten in the wet, she’ll be poised to strike. SHE KNOWS is on the back up from last week where she gave Easy Eddie a scare.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Classique Legend is a bold striding grey and will look to cross and be prominent from a wide alley. He won’t have to work too hard with only Jonker and Yulong January (if here) keen to go forward with him. That will give Charge a nice cart across too.

Advantaged runners: The wraps on CLASSIQUE LEGEND are huge and he’s beautifully placed here by Les Bridge. He’s already ticked the wet track box and can control this affair. The best credentialed challenger is GEM SONG but he may be awkwardly placed in the run and have too much to do. This prep has been a bit stop-start for him. JONKER’s wet form is better than it reads and his most recent run brings PROPHET’S THUMB into the equation.

RACE 3 

Speed map/race shape: The G3 Manion Cup over 2400m will reveal how much of a slog it is getting through this track. Big Blue is the expected leader with Rodrico, Midterm and Etymology slotting in. Anticipating a muddling tempo, so mid-race moves would not shock.

Advantaged runners: Difficult to get overly excited about this one, but there’s still a winner to be found. Of the main contenders, BIG DUKE is third up and loves the wet, but he was soundly beaten home by SHRAAOH last start. Kiwi stablemates VIN DE DANCE and ZACADA are back, the former drops down from Group 1 company while the latter nearly stole the Sydney Cup last year. Old mate ETYMOLOGY is back after a failed Tasmanian raid, while MIDTERM is a fitness query. Lloyd’s lot aren’t going that well at the moment.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: The map looks a little uncertain. On previous runs you’d have Yulong Tavion kicking up to lead Arrogant and Chapada close by. Don’t be surprised to see the other fit Kiwi raiders race forward and test out the Aussies.

Advantaged runners: Don’t you just love when a card is so good that there’s a Group 1 by Race 4? The Guineas market revolves around The Autumn Sun at $1.50. He’s not a twos on chance in our book but he’ll be in every rec multi in the country so the price should hold up. He’s a brilliant horse but has never tried 2000m before. In any case, he’s got the local brigade covered but the Kiwis might give his backers more than a fright. MADISON COUNTY is a brilliant miler but also untested at this trip. Then there’s the NZ Derby (2400m) runners, back in trip and fit. CROWN PROSECUTOR was the 100/1 winner there but SURELY SACRED probably presents the best case.

RACE 5 

Speed map/race shape: Just eight runners left for the G1 George Ryder after the early scratching. We expect Prompt Response to be joined by Dreamforce in front, with Brutal and perhaps Teleplay behind. Winx will be out the back and rolling into it early.

Advantaged runners: From an up-and-coming champion to the best in the world. Winx will make it 32 on the fly here, it is just a matter of how far. The wet only enhances her chances. There’s no Happy Clapper here to make things exciting (shame, because he would’ve picked up good prizemoney for second again) so lets go with BRUTAL for second, he was pretty good in the Canterbury Stakes and is third up here. No knock on LAND OF PLENTY who is a genuine Group 1 horse, nor PROMPT RESPONSE or RINGERDINGDING. Just enjoy this one.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: The lack of early pace in the G1 Ranvet makes things easier for Ace High to cross from the awkward outside alley over the 2000m start. He’ll make the running alongside The Taj Mahal. Almandin, Danzdanzdance and Sikandarabad will all be close by.

Advantaged runners: There will be question marks over AVILIUS coming into this after an inconclusive Australian Cup failure. He loomed up but peaked when he looked to have the race shot to bits. Runner up SHILLELAGH missed by a whisker there and perhaps that was her target race, which makes stablemate UNFORGOTTEN the best chance of the Waller quintet. She’s third up and ready to peak, but still somewhat unknown in the wet. Then there’s the Kiwis – DANZDANZDANCE will eat up the ground and arrives off a big Group 1 performance, while former UK horse HE’S EMINENT creates all sorts of interest. Watch 2016 Group 1 winner ALMANDIN closely in betting, he appreciates the sting out.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: The G1 Golden Slipper is always a high pressure race and there is a good portion of speed drawn wide out in this renewal. The emergency Bellevue Hill requires three scratchings to gain a start but if she does, she can cross over with the likes of Free Of Debt, Kiamichi and Vincere Volare to lead. Those drawn in the inside half including Anaheed, Cosmic Force, Microphone and Time To Reign will all jostle for cosy trailing positions behind the speed. Expect the one-off and three-wide lines to be the ideal position in running.

Advantaged runners: Whichever way you look at it, this is another cracking edition of the Slipper. Cases can be made for a dozen of these but a demonstrated ability to cope with pressure and a Soft/Heavy surface is key. For that reason, COSMIC FORCE looks hard to beat, coming off a seven-length romp in the Pago Pago. He is tough, travels soundly and will be poised to strike in the run. He’s also been very well backed all week. Note MICROPHONE beat him in the Skyline so that ties in nicely.

It is interesting to note that the last eight Slipper winners have come via the Reisling or Todman Stakes (both run 14 days ago at Randwick), making them prime form references. From the fillies division, Reisling winner TENLEY is certainly the one who has created the biggest impression. But like Todman winner YES YES YES, both will be a long way back in the run and needing to do plenty of work. Out of those events, ANAHEED is perhaps best placed to turn the tables, given her luckless run throughout.

The Blue Diamond form should not be discounted either. That brings the trifecta there LYRE, LANKAN STAR and FREE OF DEBT right into calculations, while CATCH ME looks to be back on track. The blow out is devastating Black Opal winner PIN SEC. Cracking race!

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: The Group 1 action just keeps coming. There’s 13 acceptors for The Galaxy and half a dozen want to lead or be close to it. The likely story is Ball Of Muscle and Nature Strip take it up, while Jungle Edge and Redzel stalk them. From the widest alleys, Easy Eddie and Baller may need to be content with slotting in but they may even elect to form a three-wide line instead. Don’t forget that Graff tried to match it with Sunlight in the Newmarket, either.

Advantaged runners: This really will be a brutally run race. REDZEL is a tricky one to deal with despite mapping for a great run. We feel he was a little unlucky first up when they turned for home but BALL OF MUSCLE was just too tough. The Everest winner is also carrying a big weight here. NATURE STRIP is the ratings darling but a prime candidate to compound late in this high pressure event. Great to see the colt GRAFF take his place, he’s been enormous at two runs this time in and is ready to take a big scalp. PIERATA left it all a bit too late first up, while JUNGLE EDGE will lap up the ground. VIRIDINE ran third here 12 months ago and was gelded before his big first up run in the Challenge Stakes.

RACE 9

Speed map/race shape: Thirteen mares and two fillies for the G3 Epona to round out the card. Luskintyre Lass should be rolling to the front from a wide draw with Eugene’s Pick following her over for company. Each of Happy Every Day, Jungle Fish and Semari can race handily too.

Advantaged runners: Lots of respect in early markets for Victorian midweek form, which is intriguing. Both JUNGLE FISH and SEMARI have begun making a habit of winning but this is sizeable step up – at least they’ll both race in prominent positions. The primary Sydney form reference is the G3 Aspiration, with third through eighth across the line there (all beaten less than 3.5L) entered here. LUSKINTYRE LASS was favourite there, first across the line of the group reengaged here and should get a soft lead throughout. EUGENE’S PICK and HARMATTAN are the pick of the others from that form line and will feature prominently.

MORNINGTON 

Track: Good 4

Rail: True entire. 

Weather: Fine until race day, possible Saturday shower

Mornington Cup day brings with it a nine-race card and a trouble-free preparation for the track staff as far as weather is concerned. The track should play relatively fairly, although the abnormal configuration sometimes creates a slight run-on bias.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: A few eager leaders engaged in the first. Any of Esposito Gold, Hokkaido, North Afrika or Pria Eclipse could lead this with the likes of All Too Huying, Kaching and Never Again slotting in to midfield positions.

Advantaged runners: The tempo will be on early, so we’ll find out how kind this track is for those looking to make ground. BATTLECAMP will be looking to do just that. Third up and rising to 1600m is an ideal set up and he was deceptively impressive last time out. MACLAIREY is the other one to look out for, he ran pipped KACHING for second late at Bendigo. That galloper is struggling to win but will enjoy the relief of Nugent’s claim.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: The Mornington 1000m course is quite unique, being two turns in five furlongs. Horses who have appreciated the Moonee Valley sprint will enjoy this. Star Fall and Our Gladiator should be the quickest early, while The Centaurian is a chance of getting caught outside them if he can’t slot in outside of Moor Wanted or Miss Leonidas.

Advantaged runners: If STAR FALL’s path to the front is relatively pain free, he could take some catching. The Zoustar colt has won four from seven and been freshened since a rare defeat in Sydney. MISS LEONIDAS typically likes to lead but may not get there if OUR GLADIATOR pings out – that said she took on tougher events in the Spring and can win first up here. Of course if it is on for young and old here then MISS TOORAK FLYER could come bounding right over the top.

RACE 3 

Speed map/race shape: Pace comes from the middle and wider and from the 1200m start, they might have to work that little bit harder to cross. Every chance that Lauchetti keeps pressing on until she gets right around Enigman and Call It A Day to lead, dragging Island Daze with her.

Advantaged runners: Approximately 80% of early markets are taken up by on-pacers who could get engaged in a speed battle. Of them ENIGMAN presents the strongest case, he was a good winner at Caulfield two back against better and uses Nugent’s claim to good effect. CALL IT A DAY is a big Mornington fan (4-2:2) and this unfolds relatively well for him. He last ran second in a race where I’M TELLING YA blew out the cobwebs at his first start in 14 months – he’ll be closer here. ISLAND DAZE brings great form but will need to be tough.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Girls only over the 1200m and Jentico can forge a relatively comfortable path to the front from Kootara, with Niamh Chinn Oir and Prahaar slotting in comfortably behind. The key pair Music Bay and Tahitian Dancer get ideal midfield runs.

Advantaged runners: This is by no means a two-horse race but there’s two pretty talented ones atop the early markets. MUSIC BAY was beaten at long odds on first up in strange circumstances. Regardless, the extra 200m here is crucial and the form lines from the Spring make for good reading. The problem is she may get caught inside TAHITIAN DANCER when looking to make a run. This filly brings Mystic Journey form out of her Spring campaign and looked sharp in a recent trial. It is hard to see PRIVATE LOUNGE running past them from the rear but JENTICO is a chance to give some cheek on the pace.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: A decent 300m or so run to the first turn should give the likes of Legionnaire and Cielo Stellato time to cross over early. Vinco is up sharply in trip and may settle handier than last time, with Really Discreet on his back.

Advantaged runners: Small field of two-year-olds for the Mornington Sires, with just two of them having three or more starts to their name. Regardless, REALLY DISCREET brings the strongest form to the table, being a debut win before a torrid run when fancied in a high rating VRC Sires. POWER SCHEME significantly out-performed market expectation in that race and will be running on here as well. VINCO was third in the Adelaide Magic Millions over 1200m and may appreciate further, while PIERRO ROSE stays under notice after tackling a hot race at Newcastle.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: They’ll do a full lap here over the 2000m course and the speed comed from down low, so the tempo may only be steady. The Willybe and Refectory should lead from Brigadier and Mitrust – they’ve all drawn barrier five or lower.

Advantaged runners: The pace-setters are all rougher hopes, and those with the best set ups also map for advantageous midfield runs. STEEL PRINCE finished last prep with six straight quinella finishes at 2400m+ and picked up where he left off at Sandown first up this time in work. He’ll likely drag THUNDER CLOUD into the race, who was third up when placing over this trip at Flemington. SOPRESSA, ANDREA MANTEGNA and O’LONERA will all be running on as well and ready to pounce on and slip ups from the favourites.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Not a whole lot of natural speed in the Mornington Cup, which should allow Trap For Fools to control this tempo comfortably. Tarquin and Ventura Storm can settle handy, but it is doubtful they’ll put too much pressure on the front runner.

Advantaged runners: TRAP FOR FOOLS is yet to tick the 2400m box but if he does, he may be might hard to run down here. His form through the Australian Cup (3rd) and Peter Young (2nd) is clearly the strongest here. Last time at this distance range he was overhauled by VENTURA STORM who presents here third up, but needs a good ride from Childs after drawing awkwardly. STARS OF CARRUM is the up-and-comer who went within a length of a Derby win in the Spring and recently was strong to the line in the Alister Clark. He’ll be trying to replicate that last effort here, as will HANG MAN who scored at Flemington after a peach of a ride from Ollie.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Big field in the Hareeba and lots of pressure on. We can count nine that wouldn’t be upset by landing in front but from wide out Ashlor, I’m Wesley and Manuel will all likely press on, with Milwaukee, Moonlover and Mystyko handy.

Advantaged runners: They’ll need a clear passage but there’s a few of these that will be keen to slingshot out wide and storm over the top. BONS AWAY is the prime candidate after some top efforts at Caulfield this prep, he pulled up with an issue in the Newmarket so that can be forgiven. MANOLO BLAHNIQ is another who will enjoy the tempo and his fresh form has been excellent in recent preps. Of those likely to race nearer to the pace, MANUEL brings excellent 1400m Group 1 form which will stand him in good stead here fitness wise, while GLENALL will also enjoy the sharp drop from the top grade.

RACE 9 

Speed map/race shape: The tempo in the last will be solid enough, courtesy of speed from Stryker Queen and Duke Of Magnus from the outside gate, who can lead from Firstclass Dreamer, Esthetic and Ridgewood Drive.

Advantaged runners: We finish the day with the Mornington Guineas and a couple of key contenders look like fighting this one out. MR QUICKIE is the early even money favourite with the picket fence standing at five straight, so you don’t need us to tell you he’s good. Extra fitness and distance here are both positives and he just needs to settle midfield to be the one to beat. Of course STAR MISSLE has also made an impression, most recently scoring a dominant win against the older horses at Cranbourne. He may well need to run past Mr Quickie which will be difficult. STAROUZ’s Adelaide win earns him respect in this field while the Oaks filly SIZZLEME can improve sharply here.

EAGLE FARM

Track: Good 4

Rail: True Entire 

Weather: Fine

Hats off to the team preparing the Eagle Farm track, after substantial rain of late we’re still playing on a Good 4. Nine races on the card, the highlight being the rescheduled 3YO Jewel.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: All bar two horses in this field are stepping up to 1400m here. Hit Snooze can lead from the inside with Raingurl close by, then Girls Are Ready and Deck Of Aces can slot in behind them. Sizzling Babe’s draw will allow her to race off the fence.

Advantaged runners: The only 1400m form line for these two-year-olds sees the quinella from a fortnight ago return for another crack. SIZZLING BABE was a dominant winner, she tracked into it nicely and extended like a handy one. She ran down RAINGURL who was clearly no match but did hold off the other closers. GIRLS ARE READY is the main challenger to the favourite, she struggled in last week’s rich 2YO Jewel event but was well fancied and can atone. MAGIC BEANS has previously beaten Sizzling Babe and will likely assume a more prominent position than her in running.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Pretty straightforward here for the staying race, with Lucadeal and Borazon using low draws to lead from Mullaghmore and Curse Free. Marshall will need to make an assertive early decision on Expert Reply, which could inject pace?

Advantaged runners: A few new arrivals in this week’s three-year-old distance brigade, but the best form still comes through the corresponding race a fortnight ago. TACTEEE and BORAZON get minor weight swings on MULLAGHMORE for finishing approx. two lengths behind him in that event over 1840m. TACTEE led that one in a decent tempo but if she settles off-pace here suspect she is the strongest of them all. LUCADEAL won on the same day at the Gold Coast and while he looks like he’ll lap up the trip, the strength of the form is doubtful.

RACE 3 

Speed map/race shape: Huge field, wide open market and plenty of pace. Suliven and Von Richter will need a compass to find their way over from out wide but they can join Sidetrip (if he gets a start) in front. Luck may play a part in navigating a clear run.

Advantaged runners: Some of these field sizes at Eagle Farm are magnificent. Sixteen plus eight emergencies for a 1500m Benchmark 70! A few leading contenders may be a fair way back, including BENFICA PRINCESS who nabbed FRANCISCA on the line here a fortnight ago. BELLE ROC is the lightly-raced improver but will be in a traffic jam. Settling a little closer may be PONYTALES who gets a nice drop in class on the back of consecutive runner up finishes. Both SEAHAMPTON and the leader SULIVEN arrive off wins but tackle harder here.

RACE 4 

Speed map/race shape: The same field and barriers from last week’s abandoned 3YO Jewel are carried over here. They won’t dawdle in front with Spirit’s Choice and Gypsy Toff the main contenders to lead, but a case could be made for another half dozen to find the top.

Advantaged runners: DEFENCE MISSILE draws for an identical box seat run to his last start when failing to run down MISHANI HUSTLER. Fancy the tables are turned today. SPIRIT’S CHOICE continues to prove too fast at provincial level but may not have enough gas in the tank to repeat in the metros. MACEWEN and BAREFOOT will be out the back and charging home which might be a favourable pattern later in the day.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: At risk of sounding like a broken record, the speed will be on with many candidates for the front. Silver Melody and Zoom By are lead-at-all-costs types and they’ll jostle with the likes of Pizonie, Munich, Frangipani Moon and Rock Beat for the front.

Advantaged runners: Half the field are resuming here, but there’s some pretty promising types. Consecutive seconds to Zoustyle and Outback Barbie last prep position JAMI LADY as very hard to beat first up here. She’ll follow that hot tempo and just needs the seas to part at the home turn. It is a similar story for USMANOV who will likely race in close quarters to the toppy, albeit his exposed form isn’t quite as impressive. A recent trial was sizzling and he’s ready to win again. If PIZONIE and FRANGIPANI MOON don’t get towelled up in front they both have winning hopes.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: An interesting scenario where the major pace-setters in Whycatchin and I’ve Gotta Nel are the fifth and sixth emergencies. If they don’t get a run, Expect From Within to cross from wide and lead, with Mr Marbellouz in the box seat.

Advantaged runners: Very interesting to see MR MARBELLOUZ dropped back to 1000m after he missed Saturday’s run when the meeting was abandoned. He gets all the favours here and will go around long odds on if WHYCATCHIM doesn’t run. That horse is a speedy customer who will run them along. Fair play to FROM WITHIN who had a crack at the Oakleigh Plate, she won’t know herself back here. Kris Lees sends GUARD OF HONOUR north for a fresh run and he’s one to look for closing off late along with JADENTOM.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Intriguing 1800m affair where keen leader Kubis gets every chance to do just that from the inside alley, with the interesting starting point right on the turn. Remarkable Son, Reiby The Red and Get Stuck Inwill both be prominent.

Advantaged runners: The speed map seems to have the favourite GET STUCK IN comfortably slotting into a forward position and from there he’ll be hard to hold out. We’ll get a line on his form through Ponytales in Race 3 who he’s beaten as his last two. Waller has three entered here, perhaps SHADAL is the best placed. He never got a crack at this favourite last time. DECONSTRUCTED flew home first up behind Tumbler and is quickly up in trip, whhile KUBIS and REIBY THE RED are in winning form and can be prominent from on-pace positions.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Sword Of Justice only knows one way and he’ll try and roll to the front and make it three all-the-way wins in a row. Jakuta and Impasse will be up there too and perhaps The Lord Mayor can be handy.

Advantaged runners: This may be an on-pace dominated race and for that reason SWORD OF JUSTICE is well placed to repeat the dose. He was a big distance query in the eyes of this judge last time but proved too good and its hard to see the others from that event turning the tables. The other main form reference is the Tumbler race from a fortnight ago, IMPASSE was nabbed late and with extra fitness third up is the one to follow from that event. From a completely different form line is THE LORD MAYOR who has 2000m+ credentials, and if fit can show up here after being unsuited in the Newcastle Newmarket.

RACE 9

Speed map/race shape: Langhro should use the inside gate to advantage in this and kick through and lead from Tabbing and Cool Sequence. Hirtshals and Lord Barrington, if he gains a start, won’t be far away either.

Advantaged runners: Great race to end the day but difficult to sort them out. SPIN is highly regarded after coming through good Sydney form, the Snowdens haven’t sent him up here for a track gallop. CURDLED is unbeaten this preparation and won at this grade and distance six weeks back, he gets a soft run behind the speed and just needs the seas to part. TAWFIQ BOY is another who missed the run last week when the Gold Coast was called off and if still wound up he’s a big chance third up. Both MANAYA and SHOGUN SUN have chances on form but will be back and wide, they have the ability but a win will be heart-stopping.

Racepal Metro Race Previews: Moonee Valley, Friday 22 March

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The team at Racepal have collated their insights to give you a head start on your form study for Friday night’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes meeting.

If you want to learn more about how Racepal can enhance your edge, check them out at Racepal.com.au

MOONEE VALLEY

Track: Good 4

Rail: True

Weather: Fine

Perfect conditions expected for a Group 1 night at The Valley. By virtue of the tight layout, the True rail position is typically the fairest configuration. The inside 3m hasn’t seen any traffic for a month so may be slightly better going.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Khulaasa and Yulong January are both determined on-pacers drawn low, but Sunset Watch will likely try and cross them both ensuring a hot tempo. Chicago Cub can settle close from the good draw, while Fine Dane may slot into the one-one.

Advantaged runners: A pretty handy three-year-old field courtesy of the Super VOBIS prizemoney incentives. Four of the eight come through the Moomba Plate won by ANJANA who stormed through along the inside to beat pace-setter SUNSET WATCH and FINE DANE. Fifth across the line was MARCEL FROM MADRID who didn’t have a lot of room late and will appreciate the step up to 1200m. KHULAASA folded like a deck of cards last time out but returns to the scene of his last win two back.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Lady Lupino has shown a penchant for leading, while Cheer Leader may position herself handy from the inside. Might be calling for some jockey initiative here?

Advantaged runners: Four previous winners among nine lightly-raced two-year-olds. Freshened from the Blue Diamond is Rubick filly ANDRASSY AVENUE who unleashed a devastating turn of foot to swoop home at this track two back. Her form through Mockery ties in with CHEER LEADER who spaced subsequent Flemington winner Flit on debut. DIRTY WORK switches to anticlockwise racing after a decent Sydney debut while MAYAN was dominant on debut at Morphettville and can go on with it.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Elite Drake and Lauchetti are the keenest leaders here, while there’s a few that will want the handy sit. They include Girls Got Spirit and Testifier. There are some early decisions to be made on awkwardly drawn Good Offa, McGarrett and Moor Wanted.

Advantaged runners: This is a step up for unbeaten gelding TESTIFIER but he has previously shown grit to score over this track and distance. He’ll settle in front of track specialist MCGARRETT who is back in grade and up in trip, a likeable set up. He can settle closer than usual over 1200m and may well be tracked by OUTBACK WARRIOR who failed to fire in a good form race last time out. M Poy’s 3kg city claim is worth its weight in gold. ELITE DRAKE will free roll in front and deserves respect.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: The middle distance types tackle the Cox Plate course and there’s a few keen to be prominent in running. Perhaps Mitrust and La Belle Jude can kick up to lead Ayers Rock and Tre Dieci. Snipes may need to be content with taking a trail from out wide.

Advantaged runners: Looking for runners who will appreciate the trip and a bit of pace on, with RYAN’S FENDER standing out. He is only lightly raced but was dominant at Warrnambool first up and has won over this trip previously. We’ll take the decision to back CLEAN ACHEEVA up from last Friday night’s second over this track and distance as a positive. She chased hard there. It’s a shame SNIPES draws poorly because of all the front runners, she’s the most appealing.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: It is always on for young and old in the 955m scamper and this occasion will be no different, given speed horses Desert Lashes and Plateau Gold have drawn the two outside stalls. Would love to see Makahu Boy or Huge Action kick up underneath and make them work.

Advantaged runners: A few of these appear well positioned to gobble up any tiring leaders late. SUPERHARD couldn’t have been more impressive first up at Flemington, storming home from the back to easily account for BELWAZI and DEMONSTRATE, who will both also be looking to run on as well. GUN CASE is first up for 11 months and is getting on a bit, but has won three from five at the venue and will also poised to strike. This is of course assuming DESERT LASHES and PLATEAU GOLD overdo it in front, which is hardly a given.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: The lure of black type has attracted 15 fillies and most are up in trip, ensuring a genuine tempo. Kevikki will want the lead and will use barrier one to advantage but Etana, The Closer and Victory Kingdom won’t let her get away with cheap fractions.

Advantaged runners: This is a really good race for a Group 3. The Kewney is the main form reference and VICTORY KINGDOM is probably the one to follow out of that, particularly on this tighter layout. That said, THE CLOSER will be prominent throughout, but ANGELIC RULER is harder to trust given her racing pattern. On that same day FUTOOH was hardly disgraced against the older mares and has claims here. MIRETTE has prepared for this with two soft kills but last Spring showed she has Group quality. Keep an eye on betting with ROCK DOVE who brings fitness from a failed Tasmanian Oaks raid.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Well, well, well – Sunlight has drawn the outside gate. You’d guess they will try and cross Written By and lead, dragging Fell Swoop over with them. Battle Hero led here last week but may not have the same luxury this time.

Advantaged runners: Last time she tackled a Valley Group 1, SUNLIGHT ended up buried in the ruck. From the outside here she’ll just jump, run and keep pouring the pressure on. That Newmarket win is the ultimate sprinting form reference. Her presence on-pace makes things difficult for WRITTEN BY who will either get crossed or absorb plenty of pressure. SHOALS returns to Melbourne and can get all the favours from a midfield position. Being unable to reel in Trapeze Artist is no knock. On that same day SPRIGHT sizzled around Randwick and has handled this track before, as has FELL SWOOP who has never missed the quinella here and appears somewhat rejuvenated of late.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: I Am A Star and Spanish Reef settled one-two in the run in the Matron Stakes, but the draw here will see them swap those roles. Blue Morpho may throw a spanner in the works if she kicks up inside them, otherwise she and Naantali will look to stalk the speed instead.

Advantaged runners: Interesting that no fillies have tackled the WFA challenge of the Sunline Stakes, all preferring the Alexandra (R6, fillies only) instead. SPANISH REEF won the Matron after sitting outside I AM A STAR in the run. The former was entitled to knock up but it was the latter who gave little, and with this barrier draw that margin is unlikely to close. NAANTALI followed their every move and was entitled to give more when the whips were cracking. Looking outside the dominant form lines, KENEDNA SAMOVARE and SHEEZDASHING were all first up when chasing home Oregon’s Day over 1400m. All are double figure hopes in this, use the market as a guide.

Racepal Metro Racing Previews: Wednesday 20 March

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Our partners at Racepal have once again handed down their comprehensive race-by-race previews for all three Eastern state metropolitan cards this Wednesday 20th March.

Check them out below – and to learn more about Racepal, head to racepal.com.au

SANDOWN LAKESIDE

Track: Good 4 

Rail: True

Weather: Fine

Back at the tighter Lakeside track for the first time in six weeks. The last rail true meeting was on January 16 and winners came primarily along the inside three-four lanes, but there were a few small fields among that lot.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Just five mares and two fillies for the staying event. Stormy Shore can lead from Argyle Belle and the rest all just slot in, in below average tempo.

Advantaged runners: This may be nominally a BM78 but the highest rated runner is a 67. At least there’s five last-start winners. PELONOMENA has saluted in three of her past six attempts and the tempo last start at Echuca suited her. ARGYLE BELLE got up on the line over 2400m on the Hillside track last time, she was revved up a long way from home. The filly DUNLANI has been given a month off after circling them to win at The Valley, while fellow 3yo HOT BLONDE was first up over 2000m breaking her maiden at Pakenham.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: There’s four first starters among the eight three-year-olds looking to break their maiden over 1300m. Hurricane Fighter has shown the most early intent among the raced brigade, while Frivolosiphy and Our Hot Date have trialled on speed.

Advantaged runners: In early betting, six of the eight runners were priced between $4.50 and $7.50 – so the yard and market will tell you plenty on race day. The most consistent exposed form resides with the colt HURRICANE FIGHTER who has placed in three from three in handy company. SKYWAY STAR brings interesting form lines, being beaten less than five lengths by Qafila in the G2 Wakeful last prep and unlucky in this distance range prior. Keep an eye on FRIVOLOSHIPHY running on, she’s bred to have genuine staying potential.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Goodness me, just four of the 12 have had a race day outing! Cielo Stellato has raced handy at both runs over 1000m, she may well lead over 1300m here.

Advantaged runners: Of the debutants, there are two standouts on breeding and CHENIER looks the best of them. He’s a Freedman-trained Godolphin galloper who has trialled nicely and the stable is turning them out very nicely. Similarly SIDE HUSTLE who showed he’s another speedy son of Sebring in a recent jump out win. The form around WALK FREE isn’t too bad for a race like this and he’s narrowly our pick of the raced from CIELO STALLATO. The market and mounting yard are your best guides with this many unknowns!

RACE 4 

Speed map/race shape: Just a small field but an intriguing map. The ex-Singapore horse Eastwood should kick up from the inside to hold out High Ratio, with More Than Exceed and The Implicator slotting in behind them. The leader may run them along here too under 3kg claimer Doodt with four of the six rivals first up.

Advantaged runners: Two of the three-year-olds engaged are first up and all come out of better races. MORE THAN EXCEED has more gear changes than a narcotics salesman but did start at single figure odds against Written By early last prep. The markets will tell us if he’s ready to race and if he is, he’s the fastest horse here. He followed the same Spring stakes race path as BIG NIGHT OUT and they often finished close by. HIGH RATIO finished on Villa Sarchi’s heels at Pakenham in a harder race, that form carries merit after the weekend. The mare SEE ME EXCEED must also be included, a year ago she ran third to Booker and has been lightly raced since.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: The speed map over the mile fits together like a neat 4×2 jigsaw puzzle. Expect Harry Grace to inject some tempo aboard Explicitly in an attempt to cross Pressure and lead. Blunakka and Spearhead off the inside will settle behind them.

Advantaged runners: A genuinely run mile will be right up the troublesome SAVVY OAK’S alley. He’s had a stop-start return this prep but at his only run he closed off nicely behind reformed winner Jungle Fish. He was unlucky in the Derby back in November where he was clearly a better run than GRINZIGER STAR who will also appreciate tempo. FEATHER has quietly slipped down from Sydney and into this for a third up mission and looks the better chance of the female contingent, as PRESSURE will be under exactly that towards the front.

RACE 6 

Speed map/race shape: Shouldn’t be too much pressure on here, with Stocktaka likely to lead the likes of Akamon, Ocean Essence and even Zoumanor (if he backs up) to the turn. Pop Girl has received a kinder draw than she did first up and can settle much closer here.

Advantaged runners: There’s a few runners sitting just off the pace-setters who hold leading chances. POP QUEEN was first up for over nine months when held up at The Valley. She flew when she saw clear running. There’s a sense of timing about TOORAK WARRIOR, who is third up here after placing behind Jumbo Ozaki at Bendigo. Racing in company with them will be JAZZ STAR, who has won two from four and takes on the boys for the first time. They’ll all be chasing STOCKTAKA who hasn’t put a foot wrong and will lead for a long way.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Another race where those on the pace might settle quickly into formation and make it hard for the backmarkers. Expect Won Ball to hold the rail and be joined by Our Sea Goddess in the lead, followed by Lord Tennyson and Heir To The Throne.

Advantaged runners: From a prime striking position, Zahra will see this event as an opportunity to slingshot off the sharp home turn on HEIR TO THE THRONE and hunt down the leading pair. First up last prep she ducked and weaved her way to victory over this trip. She’ll be chasing bold front-running mare OUR SEA GODDESS who was tipped out after a luckless Group 3 effort in the Spring, she won in better grade than this the start prior. From the back, all eyes are on the ex-Weir trained INDIAN THUNDER and also HULME, who once had a bit of a spruik about him and has attracted the services of in-form Damien Oliver.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: Ocean Deep got posted when she couldn’t get across from a wide gate at Flemington, but she shouldn’t have any problems crossing to sit outside of, or lead, I Remember You. Charlayne is up in trip and can make things interesting, but may be content to take the leader’s back.

Advantaged runners: The on-pacers are going to be hard to get past. OCEAN DEEP has been given a freshen and drops back in grade and distance after the aforementioned tough run. Two back she ran Naantali to a length. I REMEMBER YOU has found a leg since switching to Tasmania, winning twice before a close second in the G3 Vamos Stakes. Melham will be under instruction to delay pushing the button on CHARLAYNE for as long as possible, with 1400m a genuine query. TEMPLE OF BEL plummets in grade but was well below her best first up and won’t really get conditions to suit.

HAWKESBURY

Track: Heavy 10

Rail: True

Weather: Ongoing threat of rain

A weekend deluge in the Sydney basin is set to be backed up with consistent weekday rain, ensuring Hawkesbury will likely remain in the Heavy range come Wednesday. It is a shame as the rare metro midweek meeting has attracted 90 acceptors, although it is safe to say there will be significant scratchings throughout the card. We anticipate off-fence is the place to be.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: Just seven runners in the 1000m Maiden. Newcomer Great Affair showed early speed in a recent trial victory, while Silly Sally led them up at her only race start. Don’t expect any land speed records.

Advantaged runners: Nothing jumps off the page on exposed form so betting moves must be respected. The interest revolves around the two debutants stepping out for city stables. DISCO MO didn’t show much early toe but ran home smartly in his only trial on a Soft 7. GREAT AFFAIR’s last public trial came in December but if that’s any indication he will put himself in the race from the middle draw. SILLY SALLY is a five-year-old with one start and SOUND OFF drops back from 1600m so has fitness on his side.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: Dream Fields can bounce to the lead rising in trip while Tormund has shown a recent penchant for leading. Estroverto and Rexx won’t be far away either. Don’t be surprised to see an early three-wide line form if the outside is the better ground.

Advantaged runners: Not much wet track form to call on but the Waller pair stand out on profile. REXX is fifth up and ready to win. He likely wants further now but 1600m on a bottomless track is more like 1800m+ anyway. He chased home the smart Amangiri last start, as did COSTAS who was perhaps slightly flat second up and can improve sharply here. DREAM FIELDS was just nabbed on the line at this track two back, while the Thompson pair COMPLETED and COSTA ZOU come through the respectable Superbowl Sunday race.

RACE 3

Speed map/race shape: Full field of 14 babies + two emergencies here, with up to seven on debut. Of the raced, Dresden Green, Killin and Asiago have shown the most early pace. The locally trailed Bluakiss looks to have the most gate speed of the newcomers.

Advantaged runners: The intriguing runner is the ex-Kiwi KILLIN, who arrives here under the care of Kris Lees. He’s placed twice on Soft tracks in NZ, including at Group 2 level and most recently six weeks ago. He and DRESDEN GREEN could race alongside each other throughout – the latter is fit, third up and ready to win after consecutive seconds. The main challenger they’ll need to hold out is KRAMERIC, who already has a trio of stakes placings to his name, but fitness is a query.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: It could be on early here. Around half of these will look to go forward and with 1000m being a one-turn configuration, don’t be surprised to see wide runners press on without cover. The freshened I Am A Cool Kid and Shadow Bridge can probably find the front from middle draws. Difficult To Get and Omar will kick up from the inside, while Consider It Done and Royal Hootenanny will go fast from out wide.

Advantaged runners: With so much pressure on a Heavy surface we’re reluctant to side with the first up runners. If CONSIDER IT DONE can reproduce her first up effort and handle the wet she’ll go very close. She’ll be in the right part of the track too, which is exactly what counts against DIFFICULT TO GET who has the apprentice on from barrier one. I AM A COOL KID has had a trial since being pipped on the line in the city five weeks back and the wet is the query. There’s many chances here though.

RACE 5

Speed map/race shape: If they hold Royal Hootenanny back to this fillies and mares event instead of Race 4, she’ll lead on her ear from the inside. Miss Blossom and Invictus Salute may choose to join her, and they’ll set a reasonably tempo.

Advantaged runners: This may be the easiest race MULTAJA has contested in 12 months but the Godolphin gelding is a complete unknown in the slop. She is also penalised for her superiority at the weights. JEN RULES beat home Mizzy (4th G1 Coolmore Classic Saturday) when both debuted in the Heavy last June – two subsequent wet runs last prep were also strong. They’ll both be chasing from the second half and need to run past INVICTUS SALUTE, who was unlucky first up behind Baller.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Laszlo didn’t have enough speed to cross from wide in the Classique Legend race but he can kick up here and lead with the likes of Redemption Road and Grimoire handy. The major chances will all be in stalking positions.

Advantaged runners: This race sets up pretty well for THE AUGUST who is third up after switching to the Waller camp. He appreciates the sting out and after enduring an awkward run last start (still finishing second mind you) draws for the perfect trail here. LEVEL EIGHT chased Classique Legend first up and has placed in 10 of 13 Soft/Heavy runs. HANDFAST rates well and always puts in a good effort but hasn’t won since 2016, while AL MAH HAHA is here for a tune up after qualifying for the Country Championship race. Big watch OBELOS first up from France for Waller.

RACE 7 

Speed map/race shape: There’s potentially a muddling tempo here with Carluca and Amangiri likely to take it up from barriers one and three respectively. China Gale and Greenspan will also be close by.

Advantaged runners: Five last-start winners and a further four placegetters in the field of 12, but most of it is provincial form. There’s plenty to like about Oaks-bound filly AMANGIRI who stylishly broke her maiden at Kensington. She takes on the older horses here but clearly has the most scope for progression. There’s a couple to keep an eye on here for the upset. They include INVICTA, who ran second to White Boots (2nd Randwick Saturday) last start; SEA SPIRIT, who has had more trainers than wins but was the big closer vs Classique Legend; and BE MINDFUL, who has won two on the bounce in driving finishes at Provincial level.

RACE 8

Speed map/race shape: They might end up coming in like browns cows in the staying event to round out the card. Foreign Territory can lead or take a sit if Clipperton desires – he could get them chasing early if he controls the race. Shaman will race handily while Makdaknife and Shuffle Up can be handy enough.

Advantaged runners: On the basis of the expected race shape FOREIGN TERRITORY clearly holds the aces in this one. He ran straight past Chocolatier last start, who was then untouchable in the Bathurst Cup. The two three-year-olds are the main challengers. If Reith can position the progressive SHUFFLE UP in a forward position, he can strike in the straight. The second to Costello reads well for this. Similarly SHAMAN will be around the mark and his dominant Maiden win came on a Heavy track.

DOOMBEN 

Track: Heavy 9 (Tuesday morning) 

Rail: +8m entire 

Weather: Mostly fine

Eighty-eight acceptors is a pretty good turnout for a Doomben Wednesday. Expect the track to improve to Soft, but a fair few scratchings on race morning regardless. The rail is out eight metres but they may look to come wide in the straight, especially later in the meeting.

RACE 1

Speed map/race shape: We begin with a Maiden over 2050m. Undaunted will want the lead but Hafu or Serlina may pressure him, they’ve both recently led. Tavisfaction, Garifulina and Scilago from the outside will all position themselves handily in the run.

Advantaged runners: Many of these have had a fair few goes now, but at least TAVISFACTION tried something new recently when settling just off the pace and finally finishing a race strongly. Expect a similar approach here. SCILAGO and HAFU finished in close proximity over a recent 1800m grind on a Soft track and must be considered. UNDAUNTED has the SP profile of a gun, problem is he’s 0/11 and likely to be unders again.

RACE 2

Speed map/race shape: The speed comes from the outside half with Currumbin Craft (if the jockey is assertive) and Six Sigma likely to lead Prince Of Flinders and Mysterium. It’s only a field of eight here.

Advantaged runners: Looking for the best wet track credentials here, which leads us to CURRUMBIN CRAFT who is third up and just missed over this track/distance last start. SIX SIGMA is a lightly-raced ex-Weir runner who has adapted to life in Brisbane well and has placed on Heavy before, they may fight it out on speed. The genuine mudlark is MYSTERIUM who gets in with 51.5kgs after the claim but just may not be all that fast any more. Fellow veteran THE EQUALIZER scored his first ever Soft track win last time out.

RACE 3 

Speed map/race shape: Home Scene and Toucan Sam can find the front relatively comfortably here. That should provide an ideal cart across for Loves A Lottery and Ticketome to slot in behind from wide alleys.

Advantaged runners: Waller has sent HOME SCENE north and given him a couple of weeks to settle in on the Gold Coast. He’s sent a few to Brisbane, dropped them back and furlong and produced immediate results. TICKETOME has been consistent in his short career and the wide draw may put him in the right part of the track. From a lower draw ROCK’N’SOL is bursting to win but the wet is an unknown. HIGH CHIEF and OUR RED JET have shown themselves to be fond of the wet.

RACE 4

Speed map/race shape: Nine of the 14 are on debut which makes a speed map tricky. Embattled has raced outside the leader at both career starts and Got No Doubt did the same at her first outing, so let’s use that as a guide.

Advantaged runners: I’ll be shocked if all 14 babies line up here, but in these conditions the race experience and/or fitness is valuable. SPIRIT RICH is up and going, she ran on well from midfield on debut. SAY HIYA tackled stakes grade horses last time and ran respectably, but the draw makes it tough here. EMBATTLED showed promise in his first prep and won a recent trial. The blinkers go on VIRGINIA DREAM for her debut and she trialled well behind Embattled. Market, yard etc.

RACE 5 

Speed map/race shape: Zilitor is the clear leader here from Sogni, Lady Bing and Jessina. The leader has been known to over-race at times though which created opportunities for the backmarkers, of which there’s a substantial group.

Advantaged runners: This is a relatively even bunch. SOGNI has lit up Toowoomba at each of her last three starts and does everything right, apprentice Nothdurft will need to be clever from barrier one though. LADY BING has proven consistent in recent times and won by five lengths on a Soft 7 two back. From further back, the Waller pair SEPOY ACHEEVA and VERANES create interest. Slight advantage to the latter who presents third up, but is still somewhat unknown in these track conditions.

RACE 6

Speed map/race shape: Pork And Beans has led at every career start and don’t expect that to change here. He can drag Comic Story across from wide but may need to work a little if American Genius, Dream Kisses or even Red Devil kick up underneath them.

Advantaged runners: There looks to be a few keen swimmers in this, most notably RED DEVIL. He can settle forward stepping up from 1000m in search of his fourth straight win. MYMMING is the definition of a mudlark and has trialled soundly, she does typically take a run to get back in the swing of things though. DREAM KISSES has had her first up blow out and is another who loves the sting out, this suits and she draws to advantage. PORK AND BEANS has a hope, he draws to advantage but the wet is a complete unknown. COMIC STORY and ELUSIVE MELDOY aren’t the roughest hopes either.

RACE 7

Speed map/race shape: Lots of early speed among this three-year-old brigade. Lickety Lachie and Kitty Kins could be the two to show up but they’ll have to hold off Masstoo, Starbuster, Thunderous Strike and The Last Sequalo.

Advantaged runners: Fitness is key here. STARBUSTER has been up for a while but is tough and finally broke his maiden last start, he also handled a Soft 5 okay three back. Fillies TOO HOT TO HOLD and THE LAST SEQUALO are both well into their preps and ran the quinella on a Soft 5 at the Sunshine Coast recently. The exception to our fitness rule here is MASSTOO who debuted attractively in a good race here a fortnight ago. He’s out of So You Think so will appreciate the extra trip, we’ll find out how he goes on a testing surface.

RACE 8 

Speed map/race shape: Trommelschlagen has shown a penchant for leading in recent times but may be content by this stage of the day to stay off the rails and let Omnia Marka Tayada kick up. Shauquin and Constant Flight can be handy, as can Bargannon up in trip. Don’t expect anything too intense here though.

Advantaged runners: Some may say we’re saving the best until last, but the track conditions may scupper that. The leading division catches the eye. OMNIA MARKA TAYADA has an excellent wet track record and was impressive first up in this distance range. Similarly TROMMELSCHLAGEN can bounce back from a disappointing effort last time. SHAQUIN chased a dominant one over a shorter trip, first up, while LE MATTAN has also shown ability in the wet. The query is CONSTANT FLIGHT, perhaps the best horse here and a winner of four from seven, but out of Written Tycoon who isn’t renowned for producing swimmers.

Racepal Preview Snippets: Wednesday 6 March 2019

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Punting Stars is pleased to align with Racepal to provide key metropolitan race previews to our readers this Autumn.

Racepal is an Australian-based company specialising in in-house technologies that inform, educate and equip punters with tools to succeed. Check them out here.

As part of our Autumn racing partnership, Punting Stars will publish Racepal’s Eastern state metropolitan race previews to our readers free of charge.

To kick things off, the Racepal team have run the rule over every race at Randwick and Doomben this Wednesday 6th March. To find out where the team will be betting come race day, head to the Racepal website and join either The Racepal Club or its flagship Monty package.

RANDWICK KENSINGTON 6 MARCH

Track: Good 4.

Rail: True.

Weather: 90% chance of race day rain and up to 40mm predicted. Expect a downgrade of some description.

RACE 1

Rain is forecast for a really good midweek meeting on the Kenso and we might be in for a downgrade come race day. Luckily the track has played evenly of late in our humble opinion so things shouldn’t get too messy. Nine lightly-raced three-year-olds tackle the 1550m route in the opener. Gayson is the likely leader for Waterhouse/Bott with Heaven’s Dream, Rexx and Flying Legend – sharply up from 1100m – in close attendance setting a genuine tempo. AMANGIRI was given a month to recover after a tough 1400m debut and this trip shouldn’t concern. REXX was on her tail there and has since run well over this distance. SHARAPOVA is fit and has ticked the wet track box in some decent races. Chances don’t end there.

RACE 2

Full field of 12 + three emergencies for the two-year-old handicap, including up to nine first starters. Speed comes from the country-trained filly Cassy’s Sister while Special Date looks to have the most gate speed of the newcomers. From the debutants, Toby Edmonds has interestingly sent Zoustar colt GRAND ZOU to Sydney for his debut while both ESCONDIDO and AVION FURY went through the line nicely in their trials. Of the raced, STRONGER brings excellent form, LUBUK has run second to Exhilarates and BRIGHT RUBICK got too far back on debut in a good race. Watch the yard and markets closely for leads.

RACE 3

Interesting little three-year-old affair over 1150m where Partners will try and make all from the front, with Greyt Weekend crossing from the deep and Commute kicking up along the rail to join him. EVALINA’s first up run was a complete forgive in much better grade and she’s since trialled well. Robbie Dolan’s claim is worth its weight in gold. She’ll be running on from off the pace as will LIGULATE who was trained as a stayer last prep, but looks more suited to the sprints (his only win came over 1000m). His first up effort showed he’s on track. GENTLE PERSUASION is never far away and her hoop Josh Parr is flying. None of the others can be totally dismissed.

RACE 4

A fair few of these girls like going forward so expect the tempo to be genuine. Kylease and Wimlah are the main candidates to lead while Divine Breeze and All Sassitude from the low draws should have their backs. CRISTOBAL has 61.5kg but even still she looks to get the right set up. Found five furlongs too sharp first up but she raced in better company last time in – second up she finished on Gem Song’s heels in this distance range. Hawkes pair I’M SO SWEET and SUNDARBANS both fought hard first up and will look to strike from midfield positions. The form from KYLEASE’s maiden win has been mixed but she has also ticked the wet track box and kept pace with Group 1 sprinter Ball Of Muscle in a recent trial.

RACE 5

Benchmark 70 for the boys and LASZLO will likely look to cross from the wide draw and lead. He’s a tough customer who gets every chance but the eye is immediately drawn to the two three-year-olds who will be on pace as well. CLASSIQUE LEGEND was a stylish debut winner and McEvoy sticks with him here. He’ll relish the extra trip here and even further in time. BUCEPHALUS endured a tough run last start and has enjoyed five weeks to recover. Back slightly in trip and gets the leader’s back. LEVEL EIGHT is a known first-up performer and well placed here, the wet will be no issue. Emergency SPENCER is hard to catch but has ability and can challenge if he gains a start.

RACE 6

A few of these will want to lead over the five-and-a-half furlongs but expect Mossman Gorge and Torchbearer to take up the running. THE TENOR likes to be on-pace but the blinkers have been removed and he may sit just off the speed in a striking position. His Spring three-year-old form is strong for this. So too WAGNER who was last seen at Flemington on Cup day. He’ll enjoy the tempo on here and his recent trial was sound. UP TRUMPZ and DIFFICULT TO GET can both be competitive with the right runs but happy to take on MOSSMAN GORGE who may absorb a fair bit of pressure.

RACE 7

Another race with a decent early tempo as the likes of Gauguin and Desert Lord look to roll forward. McDonald has an early decision to make on Wayanka from the wide gate. Poking up into a nice trailing position will be CALCULATED in his return from a year on the sidelines. He was put away after a Group 2 failure but placed in the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas before that which is well above this level. Perhaps his relatively new stablemate THE AUGUST is ready to do something second up after catching the eye running a place at Canterbury. DESERT LORD does a lot wrong but could be hard to catch if switched on, CISCO BAY draws to do no work, GAUGUIN drops sharply in grade while CHILLY CHA CHA and SCREAMARR need further.

RACE 8

Very interested to see how the Waterhouse & Bott pair of Chocolatier (T Clark) and Foreign Territory (S Clipperton) handle the early proceedings here. If FOREIGN TERRITORY can kick up and lead his stablemate (and Righteousness too) he could be off and gone with the prize – 1800m third up is a great set up for him. From the one alley JUDGE JUDI won’t be far away and is crying out for the extra distance. Both CHOCOLATIER and RIGHTEOUSNESS have provincial wins at nine furlongs to their name so can cause havoc. FUN FACT hasn’t had a lot of luck this prep and barrier 12 from this starting point is unlikely to change that, while ANIMALIA and WINE BUSH are back in grade, up in trip and can run on into the money.

DOOMBEN 6 MARCH

Track: Good 4.

Rail: +6m.

Weather: Chance of showers, monitor closely.

RACE 1

Persistent showers lurking around Brisbane this week means we’re a chance of Soft track action at Doomben on Wednesday, so monitor the forecast closely. It drains pretty well there though. The rail only shifts out a further two metres from Saturday’s position, so the inside may have a little wear and tear. Just 7 acceptors for the opening event and one is five-year-old gelding TICKETTOME who hasn’t been seen since the day Donald Trump won the US election! He narrowly won a trial five weeks ago. CARTLAND is the likely leader but has had a few chances now while MUSIC is first up since shuttling north to his new home with Toby Edmonds.

RACE 2

Three place dividends in the second over 1640m, provided there’s no scratchings. Tavisfaction will look to cross and go to the front while Ipso Nem Fleek won’t be far away from the inside barrier. DIPLOMATIC MISS and BLACK MOUNTAIN come through the strongest form race with the same weights they carried when running the trifecta behind Enterprise Jack. Advantage Diplomatic Miss from the draw, she maps to get the gun run. IPSO NEM FLEEK is consistent and today could be his day – he’s had five runs this prep and never finished more than 2.4L from the winner. PISTOLERO was good through the line first up.

RACE 3

Looks to be some speed on in this Benchmark 65 with half the field (four runners) all keen to be on pace. Fort Myer and Marlahn have the most dash but each of Jessina, Notonya Nelly and Slaughter Bay could easily settle up on the pace, if not just behind. All this sets the race up for SORNJA who has the most ability of this group. She has only won two of 25 but ‘run on well’ in two (albeit average) Saturday races in February and if ever a race was for her it is this one. NOTONYA NELLY is a clear second choice with a win to her name earlier in the prep.

RACE 4

Small field for the Benchmark 85 but there’s some fast ones! WHYCATCHIM is perhaps the fastest of the lot. He beat Eight Over in a trial (since won twice) before leading and being nabbed late first up. Returns to the same track and trip, carries 4kgs less and gets senior jockey Lloyd on. On his coat tails will be the old journeyman BOOMWAA who was a first up winner on Soft last prep, and WUDANG BLADE, who won last start at this track/distance but the form hasn’t really stood up. MANA has the credentials to close late if they go too hard.

RACE 5

Nothing jumps off the page in this three-year-old set weights maiden but the strongest form comes through Waller’s HOME SCENE which travels north after six NSW runs this prep. He’s back in trip but can still find the lead if he wants with KATY BOOM now far away. She’s placed at all three runs this time in and gets the rise in distance she’s looking for. STARBUSTER won’t be far away from barrier one and bring the Enterprise Jack form line we’ve discussed previously. He’s had a weird old prep though and would be hard to back with confidence. ROCK’N’SOL put in the best performance of his short career first up and is a chance as well.

RACE 6

The day’s biggest field lines up in the distance event. Meyiwa Hitam Mawar and Reset’s Son are the obvious pace-setters. If RESET’S SON can cross and control the tempo he’s going to be hard for this bunch to catch. From the box seat LA FIREBIRD will be best placed to hunt him down. From a wide draw PROUD CAPTAIN needs some luck but is progressive and represents the powerful Lees and Lloyd combination. RELAXED and TOORAK COMEDY were in the finish last time out at the Gold Coast and will enjoy the extra distance.

RACE 7

Speed isn’t in abundance in the penultimate event but what we do know is The Big House will try and lead all the way. Many of these step up to city midweek grade (albeit not a huge step) but the one perfectly placed against easier company is SEAHAMPTON. Waller has sent him to Brisbane after being there and thereabouts in Sydney. He’ll need a smart ride not to get buried away but should be too good. ELLA DIVINE and ZOUCARA come out of the same Eagle Farm event – the former is the one to follow here, pending how the track is playing. POLE VOLTER won a better race at any old odds last time out and could pop up again here.

RACE 8

They’ll go like the clappers here because half the field wants to lead. Mishani Wrangler out of barrier four and Dream Kisses from the deep will perhaps take it up from Red Colour and Il Riccio, with Downloading and Thunderous Strike parking behind them from inside draws. This all means that BUCK BAY should slot in despite drawing the widest gate and he brings some attractive Victorian form in much better company. Look for him to be charging home. Corey Bayliss’ claim on MISHANI WRANGLER is huge and he can keep kicking in the lead. THUNDEROUS STRIKE couldn’t keep up last start at Randwick but meets easier rivals here and can stalk this strong tempo.

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