Best Bets
- Best Bet: Race 3 (1) Star Casino
- Next Best: Race 4 (1) Zatanna
- Best Value: Race 6 (2) Fox Dunnett
Track Talk
- Clear weather is forecast, so expect the dirt surface to race consistently throughout the meeting.
- The rail remains in the true position, as is standard at Port Augusta. Historically, the track favours runners that can settle on speed and hold a forward position in running.
Key stats:
- Campbell Rawiller has three rides on the program and boasts an outstanding 25% winning strike rate at Port Augusta, returning a POT of +20.3%.
- Garret Lynch has another strong team engaged and his stable has an excellent record at the track, striking at 16.8% with a POT of +14.6% from 345 previous starters.
Race 3
It’s hard to look past (1) Star Casino, who has been absolutely flying this preparation with three consecutive wins at Port Augusta. He carries a big weight again but proved last start that 65kg is no issue when he bolted in by almost six lengths. While he’ll likely start a short-priced favourite, he looks extremely hard to beat. (6) Star Decorum was a strong winner here two starts back before enduring a tougher run last time. He maps to enjoy a much better run and can bounce back. (4) Kikorangi should be one of the key speed influences and drops back into easier company after tackling stronger races this campaign, although this is his first look at the track. (5) Otto’s Dream drops in grade and returns to a venue where he has previously raced well, making him capable of improving.
Selections
(1) Star Casino
(6) Star Decorum
(4) Kikorangi
(5) Otto’s Dream
Suggested Bet: (1) Star Casino – Win
Race 4
(1) Zatanna was an impressive winner over this course and distance last start. She drops into easier company despite carrying more weight and has drawn perfectly in barrier one to give herself every chance of making it back-to-back victories. (2) Kahlua Girl tackles Port Augusta for the first time but comes through a stronger race that has already produced subsequent winners and should appreciate the class drop. (3) Uncle Barry looks well suited returning to the dirt after competing in stronger Northern Territory races and has placed in both previous starts at the track. (4) Samanth won well here last start and, while this is a rise in grade, she has a strong record at Port Augusta and can continue her good form.
Selections
(1) Zatanna
(2) Kahlua Girl
(3) Uncle Barry
(4) Samanth
Suggested Bet: (1) Zatanna – Win
Race 6
(2) Fox Dunnett appears far better suited back on the dirt after failing to handle the wet conditions last start. His record over this course and distance is outstanding with two wins from two starts, making him an excellent each-way play. (1) Ichibansan attracted strong support in the Port Augusta Cup but faded late. He maps to lead from the inside draw and should appreciate the drop back in distance. (4) Overloaded was brave when almost leading throughout to win the Port Augusta Cup and again shapes as one of the main speed influences. (3) Never Surrender chased home the in-form Star Casino last start and looks suited by the rise in distance.
Selections
(2) Fox Dunnett
(1) Ichibansan
(4) Overloaded
(3) Never Surrender
Suggested Bet: (2) Fox Dunnett – Each Way
