Race 2
(2) Cries And Whispers gets a great chance to break his maiden here. Trialled very well leading into the campaign and probably a touch unlucky not to run second first up at Seymour. Form through a few of his runs last campaign is good enough to be winning this. Blinkers going on a plus. $4 appeals.
Think (8) Cool Step can run well. She trialled nicely prior to her Seymour debut (in the same race at Cries and Whispers) where she just got too far back. Wide draw no big issue as they jump out of a chute from the 1170m and only have one bend to navigate. Think she’s got enough ability to be winning at least a maiden. Massive price at $81.
(13) Independent Lad just went too hard on debut so no surprise to see him knock up. Back in trip suits. Drawn to get a nice run on speed.
Suggested bet: Backing Cries and Whispers/Cool Step. Quinella 2,8,13.
Race 3
Give (6) Cha Ching King a good hope on debut. He has had three jump-outs this time in, moving well in each. Went to the line locked together with Cries And Whispers (goes around r2) in his first hit-out and they cleared right out from their opposition. Ran reasonable time for the morning winning a heavy-track heat here at Wangaratta on July 8, running similar time to (3) Frosted Amber, and doing so completely under his own steam. He was then given a nice razz up in his latest win on the synthetic, running the quickest time of the morning. Moves well. Looks to have nice ability.
Frosted Amber is the danger. Good form through her first campaign. Maps for a nice run. Jump-outs have been solid enough.
(14) Woosh should roll forward and has jumped-out nicely ahead of her second campaign. Interesting the debuted here in a stakes race down in Tasmania, where she was beaten by a potential star in Aristopolos.
Suggested bet: Backing Cha Ching King E/W. Terrific E/W bet at $9.
Race 5
Thought (1) Cosmic Charger should have gone close to winning at Pakenham first up when never getting a crack at them. Step to 1400m is ideal from a good draw – should get a lovely run in transit. The Heavy 9 is some query but if he gets through it then he’s the horse to beat.
(4) Pick A Symphony is the danger. .Got clean air too late at Mildura after getting a mile back, but flashed home the second-best last 400//200m of the meeting. Beat a moderate field at Bendigo the start prior, but did so with authority. Is going to need some luck off gate one as does get back in his races, but has an in-form Brad Rawiller on board, which is a plus.
(2) Torn is another that will need luck and was flattered when getting to the best part of the track at Seymour last start. Struggles to win but is racingn well enough to be competitive on his home track.
Suggested bet: Like Cosmic Charger. Great bet at $6
Race 7(3) Raven’s Silver has come back in good order and he loves it here at Wangaratta. Won well fresh and like him drawing off the fence, he will drift back early but charge late. Looks the horse to beat.
Think the danger is (6) Smash Blue. Didn’t have a lot of luck first up at Pakenham. Gets a nice claim for Alice Kennedy who knows this track well and no issue getting to a wet turf track. (4) Post War should roll forward and be in this a long way.
Suggested bet: Keen Raven’s Silver. Saving Smash Blue.
