Race 1
Moderate staying race to begin.
(6) Ceylon Diamond copped a massive check at a crucial stage at Moe last start and was allowed to cruise to the line – pay to put a pen through that. Debut run was OK over an unsuitable 1400m and trial prior to debut was solid. Gets onto a better track for the first time and think with Meech on board from gate one she will press forward and take catching.
(1) All The Moves is another that will press forward and makes his own luck on speed. Battled on quite well in a swooper-dominated race at Mildura last start and will be at peak fitness fourth up. (8) Idling Behind is definitely a chance, no doubt. Was six-weeks between runs at Ballarat last time out and ran well. May still be a slight fitness query stepping to the 2000m but has more upside than most of her rivals. That said, think she’s too short at $1.70.
Suggested bet: Something the WIN on Ceylon Diamond.
Race 2
The money came thick and fast for (7) West Forty Seventh the moment markets went up ($6.50 into $2.10 with TAB). Look, he’s got a good hope. Jump-out between runs was solid. Meech up always a plus at this track. But, can’t get him anywhere near as short.
(4) Koyuga Rip is drawn one to the inside of West Forty Seventh and he should be able to hold the front. He finished not far form subsequent winner Blue Typhoon a couple back at Bendigo and that runner comfortably accounted for West Forty Seventh last start. Of course, form is that simple! This bloke then went to Ballarat and faced a big headwind on a day you didn’t want to be on speed – the run was better than it looked. Improving track is in his favour.
(6) Raggazone looks a huge price at 100/1. Debuted in a very strong maiden at Bendigo and there was some hidden merit to the run. That was 1100m, and he quickly gets up to a more suitable mile trip. Drawn well to camp just behind the speed.
(5) New Prospect is the other key winning hope. Was OK through the line at Sale last start and is looking for the mile. Just need a good ride as isn’t the best beginner.
Suggested bet: Backing Koyuga Rip/Raggazone
Race 3
(2) King Of Camelot has always trialled well but hasn’t yet delivered on the track. Good ride for Meech as he does have tactical speed. 1200m start at Murtoa is probably the best on the circuit so Meech has time to come across and look to find the front before that sweeping home bend. If he runs up to his trials he will prove awfully hard to beat, but 1200m on a wet deck off one jump-out is a query.
Think (5) Clux Star is a huge price at $21. She has changed stables but showed some ability when with the Hayes boys previously. Now with Raharna McDonald in SA, she was impressive in winning a Halidon trial (albeit time was slow). Liked how she moved there and she should get a gun run on the back of a hot tempo. Like all the gear coming off, too.
(10) Sattva will be in this a long way. Battled on strongly at Bairnsdale last start with a big gap back to third.
Suggested bet: Backing King Camelot/Clux Star
Race 5
(4) Celestial Zara was scratched from a wide draw at Echuca yesterday in favour of this. She has the most upside in the race and frankly all three of her runs last campaign put her right in the finish of this. Like how she has jumped-out and an improving track will only assist her. She can come across and either lead or sit outside (5) Decanted.
Decanted has a chance but is well exposed. Meech up will likely see him roll forward from the low draw.
Suggested bet: Think Celestial Zara should be a clear fave. $3 looks value.
