Unstable weather in Brisbane on the weekend and looks like there might be late rain in Newcastle also.
Let’s run the eye over the southern states and see if we can find a couple of bets. We usually look for the value in this article but not the case this week.
Sandown Race 1 (12) Ichnusa $3.10
Been waiting for this bloke to run again. In the all-conquering Maher yard and this seems like a set-up from the start of the prep. Nice run fresh over 1700m and improved 2nd up at Flemington over 2000m. Has been the best L200m split in all four career runs and 2400m is exactly what he is after. Clearly the one to beat and (8) Fiorowngood looks the next best.
Sandown Race 3 (4) Fundamental Nature $2.20
Have always liked this horse and just has the get-back pattern which can be costly. Can't get the Cup Day win out of my head (also last leg of the quad that day so owes me nothing). Only has to be close enough and should have a turn of foot to beat these.
Newcastle Race 4 (10) Cabbucio $3.50
Not a strong race and simply looks well placed. Some might have an issue with four placings this prep and no win, understandable. This horse has the best turn of foot in this race (in my opinion). Love the fact she had the 1800m run last start and back to 1600m here. Handles all ground and gets a good senior taking over today. Trainer has only got 1 from 31 runners at the track but happy to think they add to that today.
Newcastle Race 7 (1) Kickup Rocky $2.60
Some of the Qld horses that have come down south and won or run well haven't been as well placed as this one. He is a beauty. Was always a get-back horse but is now adaptable and can land anywhere. Has been spotting them a lot of weight up north and gets his chance to win a feature here. Looks the winner but my only question is does Maher improve (4) Zahav another couple of lengths? Slow would be ok but I will watch on if it got to heavy somehow.
Newcastle Race 8 (6) Sweynesday $7/$2.70
Has a very good overall record (14:6:4:1) and just a consistent horse. Returned this prep with an eye-catcher at Caulfield in a Group 2. Was best L200m of the race that day. Second up was a Group 3 down the straight and was enormous again there to miss by a nose (2nd best L600m of the race). Showers would not hurt but unknown on very wet ground if it comes to that. Horse is going particularly well and keen to have something on.
