Turf Talk:
- The track looks likely to be a Heavy 8 to start the meeting. Clear weather is forecast but an upgrade appears unlikely.
- The rail returns to the True position for the first time since mid-April.
- Generally a fair racing surface and expecting no different today. Monitor the inside lanes early in the straight as they may provide the better going due to being fresh ground.
Key stats:
- Amy McLucas has been booked for three rides and has found strong recent form, riding 17 winners from her last 100 rides for a POT of +26.2%.
- Brad Widdup’s stable has been rewarding punters recently, producing 18 winners from its last 100 starters for a POT return of +17.2%.
Race 4
(1) Smoke N Darts has made a consistent start to his career, running second in all three starts to date. He continues to race well and looks set to get the ideal run from a much better barrier today. He handled wet conditions last start and with the easier run expected, could prove hard to catch.
(10) She Can Salsa resumes for her second preparation after running a close third on debut. She has the potential to push forward which should suit in these conditions.
(4) Master Johnny looks the best of the debutants. He won a recent trial on the Illawarra track comfortably and appears capable of a strong first-up performance.
(18) Galactic Force handled the wet track reasonably well last start and should appreciate the rise in distance.
Selections:
(1) Smoke N Darts
(10) She Can Salsa
(4) Master Johnny
(18) Galactic Force
Suggested Bet: (1) Smoke N Darts (Win)
Race 8
(1) Presides was a good winner to begin this preparation before stepping into a stronger race at Gosford where he finished midfield. The drop back in grade suits and he also returns to a Heavy track where he has an excellent record (4:1-2-1). He gets ideal conditions and should be at peak fitness third-up.
(8) Easiest Choice has reached peak fitness this campaign and was narrowly beaten into third in a similar race last start. He should get every chance in the small field and could prove difficult to run down.
(18) Olington Lane rises in class after winning both starts to begin his career. It is hard to fault his winning form.
(3) Heuristic drops back in grade after his first-up assignment and should appreciate the rise in distance second-up.
Selections:
(1) Presides
(8) Easiest Choice
(18) Olington Lane
(3) Heuristic
Suggested Bet: (1) Presides (Win)
