| NUM |
TIME |
COMMENT |
|
1
|
02:03
|
PSP PAINT MAIDEN HANDICAP 1205m
The Big Ticket to take up the running at a moderate tempo. Very weak maiden. SPEEDY PETE (2) led but was overwhelmed late over 1400m at Armidale two back. Out of his depth more recently in a relatively strong line-up at Scone. Best run this prep was first-up at this circuit. Going well enough to test these. KEINBAH'S GIFT (6) just missed over 1000m at this track when resuming then ran on fairly for fifth over this distance at Port Macquarie last time. Cherry ripe at the third run back and looks the obvious threat. MARKWELL MELODY (7) stuck on fairly at Port Macquarie recently when fresh from a five-week let-up. Nicely in after the claim and can build on that last performance. THE BIG TICKET (10) is ready to do something positive at the third run back from a spell. SUGGESTED PLAY: Speedy Pete can get away with this. |
|
2
|
02:38
|
MACQUARIE SIGNS MAIDEN PLATE 1505m
Only a small field with Our Pappy likely to find a comfortable lead. PEAR BELLINI (7) has been in the money seven times from 13 runs and almost added an eighth last time out when a close fourth over 1400m at Taree. Goes well for M Bennett who is back aboard. Draws the fence and should run her usual honest race. OUR PAPPY (1) has been showing tremendous pace before capitulating in shorter races of late. Interesting move to stretch to today's journey. Will give backers a sight. AELFWYNN (8) has been plain of late but might appreciate the blinkers going on. Could add value to betting. IT'S OK (9) is a Kellstorm filly on debut for the Lees camp. Hasn't shown much at the trials but is one to keep safe. SUGGESTED PLAY: Pear Bellini to win. |
|
3
|
03:18
|
SETTLERS INN HOTEL BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1505m
Not seeing a great deal of early speed.
BATTLEDANCE (1) did a great job to win a BM58 over 1250m at Taree two back. Needed more ground at the third run back from a spell last start when run off his legs at Port Macquarie. Gets the step up in trip now and is well in after Farr's 2kg claim. Ready to peak. WINTERS ENDING (5) raced at the rear of the field then worked home fairly in a Class 2 over this trip at Port Macquarie last time out. That run followed a one-month freshen so he should tighten up. Big chance back in this easier race. RIVOLI STAR (7) settled next to last then reeled off a couple of nice sectionals to be beaten just over a length over 1300m at Armidale last Sunday. Back in class today and he is looking for this sort of trip. STEEL RAIN (4) has been out of sorts but a seven-day back-up and a small gear change might be the answer. CALAMITY FOX (6) was very plain at Port Macquarie last Saturday but is better than that. SUGGESTED PLAY: Little separates the top three picks. Back Battledance and take 1-5-7 in exotics. |
|
4
|
03:48
|
ROBBIE AGNEW RACING BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1605m
Genuine tempo from Firealarm leading My Diamond Boy.
FIREALARM (8) has won just once in 33 starts which is concerning, but his recent efforts in better company have been strong. Led for the judge before finding a couple better in a BM58 over 2100m at the Beaumont track last start. Looks beautifully in with 54kgs after Hull's claim. This might be his day. VEGA SICILIA (11) faced the starter for only the third time last Saturday and did a reasonable job to hang on for fourth in a similar race to this at Port Macquarie. Fitter for two runs back from a spell and is open to more improvement that the rest of these. FLYCATCHER (2) won his only race 33 months ago. A little one-paced when midfield over 1512m at Port Macquarie last weekend. Can improve out to this distance. PIEDI VELOCI (6) beat a few of today's key rivals home at Port Macquarie seven days ago. Enjoys a soft run from the good draw and should be in the finish again. EXTERNUS (1) returned to form last start so although back in trip he cannot be dismissed. SUGGESTED PLAY: Backing Firealarm. |
|
5
|
04:28
|
CASCADE POOL & SPA CENTRE BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1005m
Anticipate Pride Of Lanka, Amoruso and Golden Galaxy to set a strong tempo.
WHERE'S THE FIRE (3) was beaten under a length first-up over this trip in a Class 3 at Taree which is excellent form for a race of this calibre. Followed it up with a fast-finishing fourth over a bit more ground at Port Macquarie 11 days ago. Big class drop today - only needs to hold his form to be taking this out. DISCREET LADY (2) came from a mile back only to be beaten a whisker in a similar race to this at Port Macquarie last Saturday. Makes life hard with her racing pattern but she is sure to be putting herself in the finish again. Lightly raced mare AMORUSO (5) led for home against some of today's rivals at Port Macquarie last weekend only to be swamped late. Will give a great sight again. SKATES ON (6) has been freshened up since a close third over 1200m here six weeks ago. Raced once over 1000m at Tuncurry and filled a placing. In the mix from a good draw. LA PELAGO (4) is back in her right grade today and specialises over today's journey SUGGESTED PLAY: Keen on Where's The Fire. |
|
6
|
05:08
|
BREAKERS EASTER CUP BENCHMARK 50 HANDICAP 1205m
Strong tempo, primarily from Bondi Prophet and Prince Rupert. COOL AZ ALETTA (2) has been performing well without winning in better races than this. Best effort was two back when he chimed in late but just missed over a similar trip to this at Taree in a BM58. Has a wide gate and plenty of weight but it shouldn't stop him. BONDI PROPHET (5) lined up in a similar race to this at Port Macquarie last Saturday when he worked home in good style to grab second. Can progress from that run which was only the second of the campaign. Timing for this looks spot on. OFCOURSEIAM (6) is rarely far away but finds it hard to win. Back in grade on recent runs so don't rule her out. TOY STORY (1) caught the eye when resuming at Port Macquarie seven days ago. Might need one more but certainly one for the exotics. SUGGESTED PLAY: Cool Az Aletta to win the last. |
