Race 1: (MDN 1300m)
Tempo: Below Average
A lack of tempo expected in this low maiden race at 1300m. (4) HONEYDAZE looks the only speed with (10) ITCHY HEART the debutant shown some early speed. Two-bet play at odds. (5) INDIAN FALLS was kept safe in the market first-up without a trial, she was beaten for early speed at the 970m and ran on strongly. The rise in distance and the addition of blinkers can have her in the race early and give her a winning chance. (6) LOVEGROVE finished off well in behind a fast speed in a fast maiden race last start after being snagged out of it early. Sam Collett is a key rider change and drawn a soft barrier. Expecting more intent and the market appears to have overlooked her. (11) IN THE VINEYARD is testing the punters patience, good finish in that same fast race last start, it’s the right form if you can trust her to produce.
Suggested Bets: INDIAN FALLS & LOVEGROVE (Roughie)
Race 3: (MDN 970m)
Tempo: Above Average
The speed is on early with (1) ZAC GARY our expected leader with Craig Grylls aboard from an inside alley. The standout performer from the trials is the unraced (8) THE SWEETEST SONG, by Ribchester, the filly is well-related being a half-sister to stablemate Gate Crashers and the impressive debut winner About A Girl. Showed gate speed and a beautiful action striding out late in her trial. She can position up outside lead in the run and clear horse to beat. (3) PETIT ROCHER has a good profile to be competitive and will be sweating on a last crack at the speed runners. (4) APOTHEOSIS was given a cold ride over 970m (as per trainer’s instruction – stewards report) when started favourite and was never in the race, again stays at 970m, not sure what to expect.
Suggested Bet: THE SWEETEST SONG (Best)
Race 6: (MDN 1550m)
Tempo: Average
Just an even speed for this contest. Likely leader is (1) FORCE OF LAW, narrowly beaten in the final strides at this course last start over 1300m, received the money ride with the money on but couldn’t hold off the late challengers. Now goes to 1550m which is a genuine query, cocncede he may get every chance with the expected tempo. Keen to play the (5) HAVANA LOVE resuming, took on strong fields in maidens last campaign and was doing nice work at the trials on this surface jogging in behind runners where he could have won the heat with ease with more intent. Blinkers removed and appeared to settle better in the trial to resume at 1550m and shown enough to be beating a field of this quality first-up.
Suggested Bet: HAVANA LOVE (Next Best)
Race 7: (R73 1550m)
Tempo: Above Average
There is a chance this race will have a good tempo with (9) HIGHLY ANTICIPATED used up early from a wide draw and have company from (4) OMALISH and (10) ORANGE RIVER. The map horse is (2) THINK I GOT CHA, a frustrating horse for connections, he was the subject of strong support out of nowhere here last start ($9 – $3.6) and ran well, too far back to be winning. The map has him landing midfield the outer and plenty of time for George Rooke to get busy on him, a one win horse and is priced about right in early markets.
Suggested Bet: THINK I GOT CHA
