Turf Talk:
Casterton has played consistently well throughout the season and was rated a Soft 7 as of Friday. It is a tight, turning circuit that generally favours horses settling on or near the speed, while clean, accurate jumping is always a major advantage around this course.
Race 1 – Maiden Hurdle (3500m) – 12:45pm
6. Sunday Buzz
Fifth run of the campaign and looks ready to peak. His first start over hurdles was excellent when finishing six lengths behind Andy Win, arguably the strongest hurdle form in Australia this season. He should roll forward and Dean Parker continues to enjoy an outstanding jumps season.
5. Morryl Moral
Did far too much work in front at Warrnambool last start. If he can settle better early, he’ll take catching around this tight Casterton circuit.
7. The Vocalist
Ran well behind a track specialist here three starts ago. His past two efforts came against much stronger opposition and the drop back in grade gives him genuine each-way claims.
1. Flashlight
Makes his jumps debut but should have the fitness base after a lengthy flat campaign. Has trialled well over hurdles and can make an immediate impact.
Selections
(6) Sunday Buzz
(5) Morryl Moral
(7) The Vocalist
(1) Flashlight
Suggested Bet: Sunday Buzz (Win)
Race 2 – BM115 Hurdle (3500m) – 1:25pm
3. Ferago
Returned to winning form with an impressive performance last start after a second-up defeat over jumps. Should settle on speed in the small field. A classy stayer on the flat, he was narrowly beaten in a Geelong Cup after a seven-day turnaround, highlighting his ability. Looks the standout and is the Best Bet.
1. Point Nepean
Difficult to catch but his best form is more than good enough. Forgive his last-start fall, with a strong trial win since. The stable is flying and he commands respect despite the big weight.
2. Bitcoin
Quality jumper who won twice over obstacles last season. Trialled well and looks ready to return, although race fitness is the slight query.
4. Golden Crusader
A horse with plenty of ability but hasn’t been finishing his races off as well as expected. If he finds his best form, he’s capable of figuring.
Selections
(3) Ferago
(1) Point Nepean
(2) Bitcoin
(4) Golden Crusader
Suggested Bet: Ferago (Win) Best Bet
Race 3 – BM115 Steeplechase (3800m) – 2:05pm
3. Saint Eustace
Produced a solid fourth behind the in-form Golden Garden at Warrnambool before improving to finish second over this course and distance. Broke through for his maiden steeplechase win with authority at Warrnambool and looks ideally placed to go back-to-back.
4. Nightfall
An intriguing New Zealand visitor. Won his maiden over the live hedges last start, defeating horses that have since won or measured up in stronger company. If he has travelled well, this race is certainly within reach.
2. Karburan
Drops back in class after hurdle runs and switches to the bigger fences for the first time. May be one to follow rather than one to back, but has some upside.
1. Not Usual Dream
Best of the remainder, although he was well beaten at his only previous run on this track.
Selections
(3) Saint Eustace
(4) Nightfall
(2) Karburan
(1) Not Usual Dream
Suggested Bet: Saint Eustace (Win) Next Best
Early Quaddie
Leg 1: 5, 6
Leg 2: 1, 3
Leg 3: 3, 4
Leg 4: 3, 7, 8, 10
Cost: $32 for 100% coverage.
