Turf Talk
Coleraine hosts another quality jumps meeting this Sunday. The track was rated a Soft 5 on Friday, and with no rain currently forecast, we should see a fair racing surface if it remains in the soft range.
The jumps course uses the inside section of the track, placing a premium on clean jumping throughout. Racing on the pace is generally an advantage around the tight circuit, although the long home straight of around 500 metres gives horses with strong flat ability every chance to finish over the top if the tempo is genuine.
It’s an even card with several good betting opportunities, particularly in the early races.
Race 1 – Maiden Hurdle (3300m) – 12:40pm
(3) Gripping should be nearing peak fitness this preparation. He’s produced two solid efforts over the jumps without breaking through and has previously handled the quick back-up well. Looks the horse to beat.
(2) Embezzler was impressive on the opening day of the Warrnambool May Carnival before failing to reproduce that effort on Day 3. He’s had a couple of flat runs since and, in a race where the form drops away after the favourites, looks an excellent place chance.
(9) Zedwilldo disappointed at his only jumps start, although that came on a Heavy 10. His trials suggest he has ability and a firmer surface should suit.
(4) Highness is a second-season hurdler looking to improve. His recent hurdle trial behind Split reads well.
Selections:
(3) Gripping
(2) Embezzler
(9) Zedwilldo
(4) Highness
Suggested Bet: (3) Gripping – Win
Race 2 – BM115 Hurdle (3300m) – 1:20pm
(3) Flashlight has been racing well on the flat behind quality metropolitan winners before an impressive jumps debut victory. He absorbed a genuine tempo, made a sustained run from the 600 metres and powered away late. With a 4kg weight advantage over Ferago and a track likely to suit his racing pattern, he’s a genuine winning chance.
(1) Ferago is one of the rising stars of the jumps ranks, winning his past two starts eased down. The 75kg is the obvious challenge, but he again finds a small field which appears to suit him.
(4) Split only commenced his jumping career late last season but impressed in both outings. He resumes over the obstacles and is right in the mix.
(2) Gambu may find this difficult to win, but he’s worth following late as he builds towards the Grand National Hurdle.
Selections:
(3) Flashlight
(1) Ferago
(4) Split
(2) Gambu
Suggested Bet: Small plays on (3) Flashlight and (1) Ferago
Race 3 – Great Western Chase (3600m) – 1:55pm
(3) Saint Eustace has returned in excellent order, breaking through for his maiden chase victory earlier this campaign. His latest run can be forgiven after interference from a riderless horse. He drops in weight and looks well placed to bounce back.
(8) Lucky Chance was travelling strongly before losing his rider at the second-last in maiden company, with Saint Eustace eventually winning that race. A solid flat run followed before comfortably winning a recent trial, and his front-running style should be ideally suited around Coleraine.
(2) Karburan had his chances ended at Casterton after slipping following the final obstacle. He also drops in weight and this assignment looks no harder. He hasn’t won since March but is capable of turning that around.
(6) Raise The Note hasn’t quite rediscovered the form she showed before the Grand Annual but continues to race honestly and can again figure in the placings.
Selections:
(3) Saint Eustace
(8) Lucky Chance
(2) Karburan
(6) Raise The Note
Suggested Bet:
- (3) Saint Eustace – Win
- (8) Lucky Chance – Small Each Way
Quaddie
Race 4: 3, 8
Race 5: 1, 3
Race 6: 2, 3, 8
Race 7: 2, 7
100% Quaddie: $24
Betsy Best Bets
- Best Bet: Race 1 (3) Gripping
- Best Value: Race 2 (3) Flashlight
- Value Each Way: Race 3 (8) Lucky Chance
