Turf Talk:
- Wangaratta is a well laid out track that has a generous home straight.
- 1170m chute off the top of the home straight means sprint races only have one turn to navigate.
- 1600m start has a lovely straight run into the first turn.
- Rail stays in the same position as the last meeting where the track raced well. Suspect with fine, warm weather forecast, it will be no disadvantage to be on speed.
Race 1
Speed will be on here.
Giving (13) Magic Royale some hope. She’s making her debut for David O’Prey having had one trial at Albury, which she won by a space. Time was just fair, but liked how easily she put her rivals away. Knock is she was slowly away there and still seems quite green, so she will likely do a few things wrong. That said, we’re getting a good price to find out as I think there’s a bit of talent.
(10) Bonnie Bouquet has trialled up nicely for Glenn Thompson and like the booking of Dean Yendall from a low draw. This daughter of Pierata will run well on debut.
(8) Yule Point is a great ride for Linda Meech, who rode well on-speed at Cranbourne on Friday night. Suspect he will fire forward and give them something to catch. He has been tried out to 1500m previously but not sure that’s his go. Just not sure how much is there when they push the ‘go’ button.
Suggested bet: Happy to have something on Magic Royale on debut.
Race 2
(7) Kings Domain looks the horse to beat. Did a good job over 1400m at Cranbourne on debut in a much stronger race than what he contests today. Step to 1590m looks ideal and Meech should be able to control the race from a soft draw. Tongue tie goes on, too, which suggests they may be on top of a little niggle – a further positive.
(14) Naraghi is the danger. She has always shown good talent and trialled nicely leading into the campaign. Had a very soft lead at Pakenham first-up when running second at a mile and probably won’t get it as easy today from the wide draw. Should come on from that first-up run so staying at the mile no knock.
Suggested bet: In what I see as a two-horse race, happy to back Kings Domain at $2.25 and Naraghi at $5.
Race 7
Have been following (6) Super Mirage throughout the campaign after he trialled well leading in. He was well behind Djokovic at Pakenham last start and now looks ready to win fourth-up. That Pakenham race looks the strongest form reference leading into this – (3) Luckett was good from the tail in the same race. Maps for a perfect run from gate six, settling in the first four in run, and with even luck suspect he will be breaking through for an overdue win.
Suggested bet: $4.40 looks a great price about Super Mirage. Can save on (3) Luckett at $8.50 who will again be charging late.
Race 8
(10) Turnaquid is flying and she stays down on the 57kg, rising slightly in class. He has a terrific record here at Wangaratta and this trip and he only needs to hold his rating to be the horse to beat. He will settle midfield or beyond, but drawn to stay off the fence but also get in front of a few horses early. Think he’s the horse to beat on his hometown Cup Day.
(8) Patchouli Dream has changed stables a couple of times of late and it has been a long time since she has won a race. However, really liked her two trials leading into this fresh run for local trainer Steve Cunningham and the best of her is quite good. Gets a 3kg claim and suspect they ‘send it’ early and put her on speed.
Suggested bet: Getting ~$8 about Turnaquid and $10 Patchouli Dream – backing both.
