Race 3
(3) Mister Rizz has arrived in Australia for the Tom Charlton stable and showed plenty of promise earlier in his career before coming down under. His trial form leading into this has been strong, and I like that he has trialled up to 1200m which should have him ready for the mile first up. Looks to be handling the Australian conditions nicely and the 1600m appears a suitable way to kick off his local campaign. Yet to miss a placing when first up and profiles as a major chance in this field.
(12) Bird Whistle has had excuses at her past couple and I think she looks very well placed back at this level. She has competed in much stronger stakes company previously and the rise to 1600m now looks an ideal set-up. She maps to get a nice run if able to settle midfield. She possesses a very strong turn of foot and if she can find clear running at the top of the straight, she could be storming over the top of them late.
(1) Currumbin Alley comes here on the quick back-up after two narrow defeats and should be nearing peak fitness now third up. Drawn perfectly in barrier one and gets every chance.
(13) Blue Eyed Brigid had little luck first up at Kembla Grange and has drawn much more favourably here. Expect Rachel King to be more positive early and an improved effort would not surprise.
Selections:
(3) Mister Rizz
(12) Bird Whistle
(1) Currumbin Alley
(13) Blue Eyed Brigid
Suggested Bet: Mister Rizz WIN
Race 7 – Scone Cup
All eyes shift to the Hunter Region on Friday for the running of the Scone Cup, which shapes as a wide-open contest this year.
Last year’s winner (1) Tavi Time returns to defend his crown and looks to have been set for this race for some time. Kris Lees has declared he is going even better than he was leading into this race last year. His latest run at Hawkesbury suggested he is right on track, doing his best work late in the race. Third up now and nearing peak fitness, he boasts an outstanding 50% winning strike rate at this stage of his preparation and looks a major chance to win the Cup again.
It is hard to fault the recent effort of (6) Churchill’s Choice, who was dominant in winning the Hawkesbury Gold Cup. Nathan Doyle has her flying this preparation and she has drawn ideally in barrier three, mapping to get every chance in running and be in the finish for a long way.
(15) Imperialist is the blowout horse for me. His Hawkesbury Gold Cup run had enormous merit considering he settled back and still hit the line strongly through inferior ground. From barrier five he should settle much closer this time and only carries 54kg. He profiles as the horse peaking at the right time.
(2) Amor Victorious looks the likely leader and should be able to find the front comfortably from barrier two without spending too much energy early. He also comes through the Hawkesbury Gold Cup, where he controlled the race for much of the journey before tiring late. Strips fitter second up and similar tactics are expected here, and he can give a strong sight again.
(18) Formal Display is going to need some luck just to gain a start at this stage, but if he does sneak into the field, he immediately becomes one of the top three chances in the race.
Selections:
(1) Tavi Time
(6) Churchill’s Choice
(15) Imperialist
(2) Amor Victorious
(18) Formal Display
Suggested Bet: Tavi Time Each-Way
