Track Overview
- Hamilton generally favours on-speed runners.
- Light winds are forecast – no disadvantage to those on speed.
- That said, with winter conditions and wear from the jumps meeting on July 20, the track is probably a little worn, so that may even it out.
- The 1100m and 1200m starts are positioned close to the home bend, so barriers and early speed are important.
- The mile (1600m) start features a long run down the back straight, giving horses plenty of time to find position.
Betting Summary
Race 2 – Backed: #5 Unplanned Revolt & #11 Morisu Ojo
- Unplanned Revolt: Trialled nicely, stable is flying, and maps to race right on speed.
- Morisu Ojo: Had no luck on debut and that race looks a strong form reference. Up in trip suits. Scratched a couple of times this week from wider draws to find a better set-up here. Only slight concern is the map, but represents good value.
Race 4 – Backed: #2 Proshow & #4 Ready By Design
- Proshow ($5): Progressive type. Luckless last start, and ratings from two runs back would win this. Distance a slight query but should be at peak fitness now.
- Ready By Design ($34): Hit the line strongly in a race dominated by on-speed runners last time. Beat Bergasun three starts ago and maps well here. Best form is good enough – looks a huge price.
Race 5 – Backed: #1 Gala Diamond & #15 Shhh Boom
- Gala Diamond ($4.20): Resumes off a long break, but recent jump-outs have been solid. Maps to sit just off speed. Pre-spell ratings are consistent and strong enough to win this.
- Shhh Boom ($91): Complete boom-or-bust play. Well placed here – maiden in a 0-58 and the likely leader. Was plain on debut for the new stable on synthetic but has since trialled like a rocket. Will roll forward and either gives a massive sight or drops out – at the price, worth a throw at the stumps.
Race 6 – Backed: #11 Per Ivy (each way)
- Per Ivy ($11): Has trialled well behind Joyful Fortune since a gap between runs. Should’ve gone close last start with even luck. Heavy ground suits. Maps to trail The Wizard King – if the inside is still holding up, she can be right in the finish at odds.
Race 8 – Backed: #4 Universally
- Universally ($7): Has changed stables and trialled up nicely at Cranbourne with blinkers off. Travelled well in the heat and maps to lead or settle leader’s back from gate one. Her best form is much better than this grade, and her latest trial suggests she’s ready to fire.
