Again, it’s a magnificent night of racing on Saturday at The Meadows with Week 2 of the Australian Cup Carnival. It’s headlined by semi-finals of the Australian Cup where the winner and runner-up will progress to the final, and heats of the Fanta Bale for the stayers where the first four from each will progress to the final.
Catch in-depth coverage with Nathan Rooney, Michael Tye, Jess Hopkins and myself on the Watchdog App – download it from your respective App store.
Bests:
Race 4, Fade To Black (8)
Race 9, Slick Splits (4)
Race 4, Fanta Bale Heat 1
A race that Fade To Black (8) should be winning. We’ve seen him go to a new level and perform brilliantly over the past month, particularly last week in the Group 1 Zoom Top. Texas President (2) should lead this race but tire late, Mepunga Donna (4) won’t be far behind but not make much of an impression while Vodka And Ice (5) carries some x-factor after trialling well last week. They aren’t of the class of Fade To Black (8), he’s short but should be prominent from start to finish and win.
The play: Fade To Black (8) a good multi leg candidate
Race 8, Australian Cup semi-final 2
While Cleo’s Star (1) isn’t the biggest name in this race, she may have the best opportunity to win it. She must lead, but gets every chance with her natural speed and box 1. Dashing Slay (5), Eventuate and Giacomo (9) will also be fast early but they don’t have track position of box 1. Tim Zoo (2), Zelda Covilha (4) and Temlee winner Mepunga Reward (7) will be powering home. If Cleo’s Star produces her best it puts her in the box seat.
The play: Cleo’s Star (1) to win – I expect she’ll drift late
Race 9, Australian Cup semi-final 3
It’s a speed map that on raw speed looks messy, which means we need to concentrate on the pathways and Slick Splits (4) is best suited. On his inside West On Sidney (3) will not match his early speed while on his outside Dramatical (5) will not begin well = room. Speed will come from Dear Carla Lou (2) but she’s vulnerable late, it’s the same for Sharapova Star (7) and Intrepidus (8). Avengement (1) is a gun but he will want to move wide at some stage. The path is clearest for Slick Splits (4) and he’ll hold his line, hopefully lead and return to the winners list.
The play: Slick Splits (4) to win
Race 10, Australian Cup semi-final 4
This race could be wide open 50m into it, but I think Vista Weird (6) can perform well from the draw. He’s not blessed with hot speed, but he’ll hold his line outside and can hit the line very well. At almost double figure odds he’s an attractive each-way play. Irish Bill (1) is favourite but with his unreliability in how he begins, I’m happy to take him on at the short quote.
The play: Vista Weird (6) each-way
