| Race | Horse | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| R2 No.3 | Buckingham Palace | Looks close to a win after two tough placings, this looks a drop in grade |
| R4 No.1 | Collated (Best) | Dropping in grade and well set up from a race map perspective |
| R7 No.1 | Poison Chalice (Value) | Resuming down in grade, looks to have a class edge on the field |
| R7 No.2 | Air Assault | Value play, maps as the leader and is down in grade |
Turf Talk:
- The track is currently rated a Soft 7 after some rain through the week. The forecast is clear, so no further downgrade is expected.
- The rail pushes out slightly and will be +2m from the 800m to 400m and True the remainder.
- Gawler generally plays fairly, but in wet conditions runners often look to come wider away from the inside rail.
The Stats That Matter:
- Apprentice Brooke King has four rides at this meeting and is in good form. She’s striking at 11% overall but has an excellent record at Gawler, with a 17.1% strike rate and a profit on turnover of +154.3%.
Race 2 No.3 Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has looked close to a breakthrough win in his last two runs when placing in both. He stuck on well last start despite being caught wide, and while the wide draw could pose the same challenge again, the expected off-rails pattern should suit. Rising slightly in trip looks ideal, and he handles these conditions.
Race 4 No.1 Collated
Collated drops in grade today which should suit. He maps perfectly in a race without much tempo, likely getting a comfortable run out in front. Third up and fitter now, with blinkers going on — all positive signs for a strong showing.
Race 7 No.1 Poison Chalice & 2 Air Assault
Having a two-bet play in the Cup on a pair of horses with a touch of class. It’s a strong edition of the Gawler Cup but there looks good value with both runners. Poison Chalice resumes off a long spell but has a solid first-up record (4:2-0-0) and was competitive in stronger Group races last prep, making this a softer target. Air Assault resumed in tougher company at Flemington and strips fitter here second up. He’s the likely leader and can control the tempo. Both may be a touch fresh, but their best form will take plenty of beating.
