Big meeting at the Farm with 10 races and decent fields. Let’s pick the best of them apart and try to recoup some of the Christmas spending. Not my favourite track but I do like this meeting.
Turf Talk:
- Pretty sure it will be a Good 4 and get to a Good 3.
- Always a chance of a little storm with the hot weather but this is a quick drying track and I’m more concerned about it being a Firm 2.
Race 1 No.20 First Empire $5
Very even race and half a dozen come through the same race last start. A couple didn’t have the best of luck, so no doubt a lot of punters lean the unlucky runners’ way (Unstopabull and Bengal Diamond). I just think First Empire was better than them on the line and has a heap of upside. Can get the right run from the good gate and as long as the inside isn’t the worst part of the track, he’s the one they have to beat. I’d rather 1350m but one more at 1200m should be OK.
Race 3 No.13 Diamond Epic $13 and No.15 Special Artist $10
Very surprised they are double figures, this is a weak race. Diamond Epic has excuses two runs back but all the other form has been good. Gave strong chase to a horse in form last time out and to this trip looks suitable. Doesn’t travel great on the corner, but don’t give up on her as she keeps finding. Firmer the track, the better. As for Special Artist, he is one I’ve always had time for. Just started the prep poorly and the turnaround was unexpected last start. In a race where some will be weak late, he should be strong through the line.
Race 7 No.7 Miss Joelene $2.80
Short enough but you won’t find many better placed than this. I was keen on Snitzanova to beat this horse last start at huge odds. Miss Joelene was too strong late and meets that horse 6kg better off for beating her! Clearly the highest rated horse in the race and gets just 55.5kg under these conditions. Just too hard to go past here but don’t want anything under $2.50.
Race 8 No.3 Payline e/w $10
Another one I’m surprised at the price. The form down in Victoria this campaign was better than this lot. All five runs have been in Group 1, 2 or 3 company and has been thereabouts. Freshened up and won a three horse trial. They should run along which will suit, big track suits and handy gate to sit midfield. Lots of positives and seems a generous price.
Race 9 No.3 Scripted $2.50
She’s a beauty, this horse. Was brilliant in first prep and then some issues and a fair time off. Return run this prep was outstanding. Some of the best sectionals of the day there and can only improve from that run. Out to 1200m shouldn’t hold any fears but does need a good ride early from an awkward gate. That is the genuine concern at the short odds. Will savage the line again late if she gets the right run in transit.
Race 10 No.2 Scud $6.50
Not super confident here but I do feel the price is enticing. Ridden stone cold last start, mission impossible and only 2.6L off Midnight In Tokyo who would belt these. Form around Tavs and Floozie last prep looks fantastic now. Rock hard fit, can sit a little closer and she will give you a great sight in the get out stakes.
