Race 1
La Reina Vega (8) was well thought of on debut but was beaten. She looks well placed to break through here and is very likely to atone for that performance. If there’s even money available, I’ll probably back her.
Lady Puissance (9) is next best on form after being narrowly beaten last start.
The Regent (5) looks talented, but is on debut. Has trialled very well.
Crusading Knight (3) was beaten by The Regent in a recent trial and is next in line.
Selections
(8) La Reina Vega
(9) Lady Puissance
(5) The Regent
(3) Crusading Knight
Suggested Bet: No bet at this stage, but La Reina Vega is a very good favourite.
Race 2
In’Kantosstar (3) ran a big rating on debut and is a half-brother of Jimmysstar, but he draws wide and can’t be trusted at Cranbourne first-up. A very nice horse, though.
Somethings Burnin’ (11) won well on debut and was then pitched into Group 3 company at start two. He’s a nice type and may win if the favourite is too far back.
Utopic Future (12) has jumped out nicely and can win on debut with the right run.
Koko (6) has had a few tries, and this might come up a little hot.
Selections
(3) In’Kantosstar
(11) Somethings Burnin’
(12) Utopic Future
(6) Koko
Suggested Bet: No Bet
Race 3
Bellabama (9) has raced consistently at a level good enough to win this. She was held up for a portion of the race after missing the start last start and finished strongly. She’s been well backed early, and rightly so.
Rock Catcher (11) makes his debut for Greg Eurell and looked reasonably talented across three runs in New Zealand. This race is not strong.
Bivvy (2) was well beaten on debut and, while appearing to be running through the line, was simply the beneficiary of an efficient run.
Duke Of Oman (5) is racing well and may pick off a maiden soon.
Selections
(9) Bellabama
(11) Rock Catcher
(2) Bivvy
(5) Duke Of Oman
Suggested Bet: (9) Bellabama (Best Bet)
Race 4
Batoka Chief (6) has improved as he has progressed over more ground. He can settle prominently from an inside draw.
Omamori (1) was a step below the level he’d been at for the majority of his preparation last start, without any obvious excuses. He will map well, though.
Generichero (4) has not quite been in his best form of late, but can improve under Damian Lane.
Pressurised (5) was allowed a soft lead last start, but ran well nonetheless.
Selections
(6) Batoka Chief
(1) Omamori
(4) Generichero
(5) Pressurised
Suggested Bet: No bet
Race 5
There is plenty of pace engaged in this. Fehmarn (7) might be undersold by the market at this stage, having run well on debut and then won dominantly at start two. He was then pitched into Saturday grade, where he finished last. He has jumped out well since and can return to form.
King West (5) has jumped out extraordinarily well leading into this campaign.
Nordic Strike (3) backs up from last week after a good run at Sandown. He may be better suited to Cranbourne.
Nicereine (8) was narrowly beaten first-up and can improve. He was good on debut and then progressed to a good level before disappointing at start two. Mark Zahra rides.
Selections
(7) Fehmarn
(5) King West
(3) Nordic Strike
(8) Nicereine
Suggested Bet: Very small bet (7) Fehmarn
Race 6
Steadfast (5) was well beaten on heavy ground first-up, racing in inferior going. He can improve significantly. He has ratings that render him competitive if he can recapture that form.
Alien Angel (3) won comfortably last start and is a runner who can progress through the grades quite quickly. Her current price may be too short, though.
Tan Tat Delight (6) seemingly had every chance last start and wasn’t good enough. She will map well, though.
Queen Amanjena (9) was one I marked marginally shorter than the market and is likely to improve third-up.
Selections
(5) Steadfast
(3) Alien Angel
(6) Tan Tat Delight
(9) Queen Amanjena
Suggested Bet: Very small bet (5) Steadfast. I might back Alien Angel too, but I’ll wait for scratchings tomorrow.
Race 7
Russian Duchess (9) has had two strongly run races to bring her on for this. She was beaten by Zamouma over a mile last campaign in a good rating and can improve quickly.
Reina Isabella (7) has been rather disappointing of late, but has form that would render her very competitive in this field. She can improve under Damian Lane.
Finance Shogun (1) was gallant on pace last start and can do similar on this occasion.
Prestige Snitzel (4), at his best, is more than capable in this field, but was terribly plain last start. He can improve.
Selections
(9) Russian Duchess
(7) Reina Isabella
(1) Finance Shogun
(4) Prestige Snitzel
Suggested Bet: (9) Russian Duchess
Race 8
Castellito (9) was kept very firm on debut at Caulfield, behind Signature Scent and Thanks Gorgeous. He won his maiden at odds-on and was then pulled up with an issue at start three. He has had minor arthroscopic surgery to his knee since, which is the reason for the long spell. He has trialled well and appears happy and healthy.
Paris Winds (12) was well beaten in South Australia first-up, but with obvious excuses. He was in the unfavoured portion of the track and was not fit enough to cope with such testing ground. He ran really fast to win a maiden, which would make him competitive here, and the stable have engaged Damian Lane.
Prince Magnetite (15e) has jumped out well and is capable.
Fly By Light (3) will be better over further and may find six furlongs at Cranbourne a little sharp.
Selections
(9) Castellito
(12) Paris Winds
(15e) Prince Magnetite
(3) Fly By Light
Suggested Bet: No bet at this stage.
