Best Bets
- Best Bet: Race 8 (8) Silver Chaos
- Next Best: Race 2 (1) Bel Ragazzo
- Best Value: Race 4 (1) Mr Ribtickler
- Best Roughie: Race 6 (3) Whatsanamegeorge
Track
- Continuing showers through Saturday on what was already a Soft 7 track, but clearing conditions are forecast for race day. Given the rainfall, this track appears likely to reach a Heavy rating.
- The rail remains in the same position as the previous meeting and will be +3m from the 950m to the 450m and True for the remainder.
- In similar conditions at the most recent meeting with this rail setup, runners settling in the front half of the field held an advantage. Expect horses to come away from the inside lanes in the straight as the day progresses.
Stats
- Campbell Rawiller is starting to rediscover his best form, riding 13 winners from his past 100 rides for a PoT of +19.8%. He also boasts a PoT of +17.5% at Balaklava.
- Luke O’Connor brings two runners to the meeting and his stable remains in hot form. He has produced 17 winners from his last 100 runners for a PoT of +61.2%.
Race 1
(1) Blandford Baron recently resumed in a stronger race at Morphettville and was well supported but disappointed when finishing out the back. It appeared too bad to be true and he may have had an issue as his previous preparation was very good. Expect him to bounce back. (9) Arizona Dreamer drops in grade after a solid performance last start and should find this easier from barrier one. (12) Vega Now impressed in a recent Murray Bridge trial win and looks capable of making an immediate impact on debut from a soft draw. (8) Mountain Devil appeals as the next best of the debutants following a sound set of trial performances.
(1) Blandford Baron
(9) Arizona Dreamer
(12) Vega Now
(8) Mountain Devil
Suggested Bet: No Bet
Race 2
(1) Bel Ragazzo resumes after showing promise in three runs during his first campaign. Those races have produced strong form and he looks well placed after an impressive trial win at Morphettville. The wide draw should not pose too many issues from the chute start. (3) Summertime Madness also resumes and showed enough ability last campaign to be competitive here, especially with an in-form jockey aboard. (8) Belle Montagne improved into the placings here last start and should relish being third-up. (5) Polunin debuts from a favourable draw and looks capable of running a strong race first-up.
(1) Bel Ragazzo
(3) Summertime Madness
(8) Belle Montagne
(5) Polunin
Suggested Bet: (1) Bel Ragazzo – Win
Race 3
(11) Hell’s On Fire has looked close to breaking through after consecutive runner-up finishes. The rise to 1600m looks ideal and she maps to receive every chance from barrier one. (14) Or Am I has been finding the line strongly and shapes as though the extra distance will suit. Wet ground holds no fears. (13) Ludina resumes from a stronger race and should improve sharply second-up in easier company. (8) Karma Queen improved into the placings when running 3rd last start at Strathalbyn, rising in distance and gets in with a light weight here so should be strong late
(11) Hell’s On Fire
(14) Or Am I
(13) Ludina
(8) Karma Queen
Suggested Bet: No Bet
Race 4
(1) Mr Ribtickler makes his debut for a new stable and has done everything right in the lead-up, winning both recent trials with authority. He has shown good early speed and looks well suited at Balaklava. (4) Be Brief was encouraging on debut at Morphettville and should appreciate the rise in distance after finding the line well. (12) Sahha Sweetie was solid when resuming and is entitled to improve second-up, while the inside draw should ensure a softer run. (3) Amical won on debut before being disqualified from the race and returns from a spell with the talent to make an immediate impact if he reproduces that performance.
(1) Mr Ribtickler
(4) Be Brief
(12) Sahha Sweetie
(3) Amical
Suggested Bet: (1) Mr Ribtickler – Each Way
Race 5
(9) Aloha Blue was tough in her last start but couldn’t fight off a handy winner, this race looks no harder today and she gets a better set up at a track she has been successful at previously so can go one better. (5) Redwinelover continues to race consistently, placing in four of her past five starts, and should enjoy a soft run from barrier two. (10) Be Brave joins a new stable and has the speed to make good use of the inside draw. (13) Sioux Warrior has a consistent record at this track and sets up for a similar run to what he got here last start with a light weight so he should be strong through the line in the later stages.
(9) Aloha Blue
(5) Redwinelover
(10) Be Brave
(13) Sioux Warrior
Suggested Bet: No Bet
Race 6
(3) Whatsanamegeorge has yet to show his best this preparation, but he traditionally improves with racing and now reaches peak fitness fourth-up. The step to 2200m and significant drop in grade look ideal and he can improve sharply. (1) Eaglelou looked a chance before fading last start and may be better suited back to this distance and grade. (2) United Legend should relish the wet conditions and may get a comfortable time in front, making him difficult to run down. (11) Master Of Ceremony has a modest winning strike rate but gets suitable conditions and could be an improver at the trip.
(3) Whatsanamegeorge
(1) Eaglelou
(2) United Legend
(11) Master Of Ceremony
Suggested Bet: (3) Whatsanamegeorge – Each Way
Race 7
(12) Refreshing returns from a short break and gets conditions to suit. She should be able to settle prominently while avoiding the inferior ground and boasts a strong heavy-track record. (10) Stolen Kiss comes through a stronger race and should appreciate the drop in grade. Wet ground is no concern and she looks capable of improving. (3) Copper Bullet makes his first start for a new stable and has trialled well enough to suggest he can run a competitive race fresh. (1) Canny Defense won at this track two starts ago and can bounce back after tackling stronger opposition at Swan Hill.
(12) Refreshing
(10) Stolen Kiss
(3) Copper Bullet
(1) Canny Defense
Suggested Bet: No Bet
Race 8
(8) Silver Chaos has mixed her form this preparation but her better efforts are more than good enough for a race of this nature. She drops in grade, gets weight relief through the apprentice claim and handles wet conditions, all positives in her favour. (1) Tottori resumes and has won first-up previously. His form from last campaign came in stronger races and this looks a suitable starting point. (9) She Rex should appreciate dropping back in grade after contesting tougher company at Morphettville. (11) Just Like Lisa is an honest mare who handles the conditions and has a handy record at Balaklava.
(8) Silver Chaos
(1) Tottori
(9) She Rex
(11) Just Like Lisa
Suggested Bet: (8) Silver Chaos – Win
Race 9
(5) I’m Kenny maps to roll forward and potentially lead. If he gets his own way he could prove difficult to run down given his strong record at the distance. (1) Blakmax debuts for a new stable and while his recent form has been moderate, the drop in grade could see him improve. (6) Reciprocal resumes from a lengthy spell and, while his fresh record is only fair, he is capable of running well at this level. (3) I Am Ralph is on a quick back up from racing Wednesday, conditions should suit and he maps for a soft run so can improve.
(5) I’m Kenny
(1) Blakmax
(6) Reciprocal
(3) I Am Ralph
Suggested Bet: No Bet
