3 minute read
I learnt two lessons last week – don’t ever bet in Highways and don’t ever take great racing for granted as this weekend looks very so-so.
Sure the inaugural Invitation looks a good betting race however the lack of speed and a suspect map make it a very hard race to bet with confidence.
Away from that you have the babies kicking off which always adds interest though I'd be fired if the boss found out I made a debutant a best bet.
I can already hear Gary now: "Simon have you learnt nothing in your time here? Pack up your things and get out." Regardless of the result of course.
Race two is the Highway so you can pen that race, the third is the Brian Crowley which has Able Willie the even money favourite.
Sure he's a nice horse but I couldn't entertain him at that price.
I've been waiting a while for his stablemate Zarastro to come back but I was hoping for a softer approach.
Race four is the Midway and while I'm yet to ban myself from betting in them I'm not far off.
Air To Air has the form to be favourite but can she hold a position? She ran several great races without winning last preparation, but will she just do that in whatever grade you put her in, she is one from 16 after all.
The fifth event is the first race I'd be willing to bet in.
Rob Heathcote brings down Emerald Kingdom following his solid performance first up behind Apache Chase.
He stuck on well when finishing second and notably conceded a fitness edge to the winner.
They ran good figures and Apache Chase looks a solid hope in next weekend's Golden Eagle, so I expect that form to hold up.
The rail is out 8m and with no rain around it should be firm.
Not suggesting there will be a leader's bias, however like most tracks around Australia, when the track is firm your best option is to be leading.
Criaderas on the other hand is likely to settle last and suspect he will struggle to round them up.
Emerald Kingdom has also won four of six attempts second up and this looks an obvious target race.
The final event sees the James Cummings trained Gravina the early favourite and rightfully so given his slashing run last start behind Big Parade.
He went warp speed late but simply gave them too much start.
McEvoy takes over, he should settle a lot closer and with Big Parade winning last weekend he is very easy to find.
That being said, the Kris Lees trained Kinloch can give him something to think about and looks over the odds.
Unsuited over the 1000m first up he hit the line well behind Leo and looks very well placed down in the weights.
Will need the breaks to come his way from the inside draw but if he gets them he should be in the finish.
Simon Dinopoulos' Tips:
Race 5 #1 Emerald Kingdom @ $3.50
Race 10 #13 Kinloch @ $13
