Best Bets
- Best Bet: Race 4 – Star Casino
- Next Best: Race 1 – Costless
- Best Value: Race 7 – Ichibansan
Track Talk
- Clear weather is forecast, so expect the dirt surface to remain consistent throughout the meeting.
- The rail is in the true position.
- Port Augusta generally favours runners that can settle on speed and race prominently.
Stats That Matter
- Stacy Metcalfe has been the most profitable jockey at this meeting in recent weeks, riding eight winners from her past 100 rides for a POT of +19.8%.
- Jess Tzaferis has just one runner engaged but comes into the meeting with strong stable form, producing 12 winners from her past 100 starters for a POT of +26.5%.
Race 1
(1) Costless is a last-start winner over this course and distance and gets a very similar setup again. Although he rises in weight, barrier 2 should allow him to enjoy a soft run just behind the speed, and he clearly handles the Port Augusta surface.
(5) Zatanna finished second behind Costless a fortnight ago before tackling a stronger race last week. Back in grade, she could prove hard to run down if able to find an uncontested lead.
(4) Our Divinyl was an impressive winner over this course and distance recently and draws ideally in barrier 1.
(3) All Clubs has the speed to race on pace, which is always an advantage here, and has winning form at the track.
Selections:
(1) Costless
(5) Zatanna
(4) Our Divinyl
(3) All Clubs
Suggested Bet: (1) Costless – Win
Race 4
(1) Star Casino is racing in outstanding form and has an excellent record at Port Augusta. He maps to get another favourable run and, despite carrying a big weight, proved last start that it is no issue when winning by 8.5 lengths with 62.5kg.
(2) Chef Militaire finished a distant second behind Star Casino last start but enjoys a significant weight swing, giving him the opportunity to narrow the margin.
(4) Never Surrender won over this course and distance two starts ago before failing to fire last time. A return to his best would see him competitive.
(3) Dolzino drops back in grade and should be able to roll forward from barrier 2 and take up a prominent position.
Selections:
(1) Star Casino
(2) Chef Militaire
(4) Never Surrender
(3) Dolzino
Suggested Bet: (1) Star Casino – Win
Race 7
There looks to be very little early speed, which should suit (3) Ichibansan if he can control the race from the front. He boasts an outstanding record at Port Augusta, including victory in this race last year, and appears to have been set to peak for this assignment.
(2) Romans Luck maps to enjoy a good run from the inside draw and appreciates the class drop, although this is his first look at the Port Augusta circuit.
(4) Ghemme should appreciate the rise in distance after working home well last start.
(6) Fox Dunnett brings winning form into the race after back-to-back victories. He draws well, carries a light weight and has the form to measure up despite the rise in class.
Selections:
(3) Ichibansan
(2) Romans Luck
(4) Ghemme
(6) Fox Dunnett
Suggested Bet: (3) Ichibansan – Each Way
