| NUM |
TIME |
COMMENT |
|
1
|
12:55
|
BLINKY'S BIRTHDAY DASH MAIDEN HANDICAP 1000m
Genuine tempo with the speedy Infant Warrior leading the way. A plain maiden to kick things off. AT HER MERCY (5) raced on the speed then found plenty when asked but found one better when resuming over this distance in a $50k maiden at Wagga last start. Won't find this any harder so she comes right into calculations. MAJESTIC LEGEND (12) has been freshened up since failing over 1100m at Gosford seven weeks ago. Ran a couple of nice races over today's journey prior to that. Should play a major role. ANDHE'S BRAVE (10) strips fitter after a couple of modest efforts so far this prep. Exotics only. VINGT NEUF NOIR (14) will find this easier than recent assignments. Capable of a spike in form. SUGGESTED PLAY: Straight out At Her Mercy. |
|
2
|
01:30
|
DEAN GROUP MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE 1500m
Yesglenn has the pace to lead in what is likely to be a moderate tempo.
OLE'S DIVA (13) made a nice return over 1200m here two back then looked a shade disappointing subsequently at Bathurst. Willing to forgive that run - the light weight after Stapleford's claim and a slightly longer trip give him his chance to break through. SWEET TWILIGHT (14) tackled the mile for the first time last start and did a good job to work home into third at Gosford. Blinkers go on and will be suited by the long run home at Kembla so she should get every chance. CATHEDRAL COVE (2) led for home but was left in the wake of Man Of Worth over the Randwick mile on Boxing Day. That galloper is going places, so it isn't a bad form reference. Well placed to play a big part in the finish. DON'S PARTY (3) got going when the race was all over on debut here recently. Will enjoy the extra 300m today so expect him to be in contention. JEWEL COUNTY (9) worked home steadily first-up over 1300m at Canberra. Can improve out to this trip. SUGGESTED PLAY: Ole's Diva each-way. |
|
3
|
02:05
|
MATT SMITH BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP 2400m
Solid tempo anticipated with Koning taking charge.
Easy to make a case for most of these. FINAL RESET (1) improved sharply last start off a five-week break with the blinkers removed, closing strongly to be beaten just over a length over 2100m at Gosford. Failed at his only try at this trip but it was at the end of a prep. Looks ready for this sort of test. GATCHAN (4) ended a run of near misses with a barnstorming win over 2000m at Canberra last time out. Up in class and gets out to this distance for the first time but with just 55kgs after the claim she gets her chance. OLD GREGG (3) hasn't won in ages but recent efforts have been strong. Made good late inroads to get up for second most recently over 2200m at Warwick Farm. Will run out every inch of this journey. Last start Bathurst winner STAY TUNED (5) is new to this trip but the Cave stable knows how to condition a stayer. KONING (9) was a month between runs before his last start flop. Fitter and can improve sharply. SUGGESTED PLAY: Like Final Reset. |
|
4
|
02:40
|
KENNARDS HIRE PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP 1400m
Victory At Omaha, Audenzia and Satness to take up the running at a strong tempo.
CUBAN CIGAR (6) caught the eye first-up at Wyong then made good late ground but was denied again last start over 1200m at the Beaumont track. Lightly raced three-year-old who gets to this trip for the first time which looks perfect. Ready to win. SATNESS (2) hasn't fired since a surprise first-up effort at Rosehill on 8 November. Has an outstanding record here on his home track. Gets in nicely after the 3kg claim so he is certainly worth another chance. IVANA (5) has been freshened up since a poor effort over this course and distance seven weeks ago. Slight query over 1400m off a let-up but definitely has the ability to test these if on-song. CUBAN RAIN (8) came from the clouds but just missed out when resuming over 1010m at Moruya recently. Up in grade but over more ground she should be hard to hold out. AUDENZIA (4) has won two from two this prep, both over today's course and distance. Progressive type who loves it here so must be respected on a seven-day back-up. SUGGESTED PLAY: Keen on Cuban Cigar. |
|
5
|
03:20
|
WOLLONGONG CRANE TRUCKS CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP 1600m
Genuine tempo from Whack Attack leading Extravagant Choice. Very open race. Leaning to WHACK ATTACK (4) who made it two wins from just four starts when he scrambled home over 1600m at Canberra last start. Tackles a better field but drops 3kgs after Wadick's claim and should have more improvement to come. EXTRAVAGANT CHOICE (1) made it four wins at the mile when he comfortably took out a BM82 at Orange last time out. Getting up in the weights but is certainly capable of another win in what looks a marginally easier race. DARK VADOR (3) appreciated the step up in trip when he led all the way to win over the Gosford mile last start. Gets a soft run from the inside stall so another big effort looks on the cards. MAH ALI (6) backs up seven days after a narrow defeat in a BM64 here. Doesn't win often but is one for the trifectas and first fours. SUGGESTED PLAY: Whack Attack each-way or 1 x 2. |
|
6
|
04:00
|
ILLAWARRA PRODUCTION SERVICES SUPER MAIDEN PLATE 1300m
In the small field Watson and Cold Mist are expected to take up the running. APERITAS (9) firmed into $2.70 on debut last start over 1200m at Gosford but couldn't quite pick up the first three in a decent performance. The longer run home and extra 100m today play into her hands. Ideally placed to break through. DIVINE TIMING (11) started favourite but despite working home well found the winner a little too good on debut last time out over 1100m at Goulburn. Likely to be far more effective over an extra furlong today. WATSON (7) returns from a 170-day break and has been gelded. Showed ability on the maiden campaign and should be more focused this time in work. COLD MIST (1) progressed nicely last start at the second run of the prep, closing hard to grab second over today's trip at Moruya. Meets some better types here but a top four finish is achievable. DON'T (2) disappointed at Gosford last time but is worth another chance over this longer journey. SUGGESTED PLAY: Keen on Aperitas. |
|
7
|
04:40
|
PAUL LOVESMAN CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1300m
Genuine tempo from Li'l Grug leading Fire 'N' Stone. A few promising types come together in an interesting race. FIRE 'N' STONE (11) was facing the starter for only the second time when she saluted comfortably over today's trip at Canberra at her latest appearance. Needs a bit of luck from a sticky gate but if it comes she is a major contender. CAPTIVATING TYCOON (2) continued the promising start to his career when beaten narrowly over 1200m at Gosford recently. Found the line well on that occasion so an extra 100m with a longer run home looks ideal. DIVA LAS VEGAS (5) is fitter for two runs back from a 20-month lay-off and might be ready to show something. Small field but race has some depth to it. LI'L GRUG (9) next elect. SUGGESTED PLAY: Backing Fire 'N' Stone. |
