3 minute read
The rail is in the true position and the track is rated a soft 5 with fine weather forecast. Most of the fields are very competitive betting affairs.
Race 1: XXX Gold Bm65 1300m
The Blues Brother may lead. BALONNE (7) finds tougher grade but his figures from the last two read extra well. Gets the form hoop and the weight drop and looks right in it. QUANTUM TIME (3) disappointed on the slow here three weeks ago in stronger grade following two strong rating efforts. Peaks now and using the handy gate he gets his chance. PALAMEDES (5) resumes for Olive and has ability. He will race over further, but performs fresh and Ward’s booking suggest he’s ready. NEVER IN DOUBT (2) is a former Queenslander back after 40 days for the new yard. He draws low and up to this at best and watch the market closely. BET: Balonne looks capable of taking the next step.
Race 2: Tab.Com.Au Bm60 1600m
Plenty of early pace with Badge Of Gameness the most likely to lead. MONTE MAJURA (1) has won two of the last three and delivered easily here the latest working to the speed from a wide gate. He’s tough and keeps improving and the extra 200m shouldn’t bother. BELLA DELUXE (5) has been heavily-backed the last two and got close the latest in a 58. Peaks from a low gate and expect her to go close with the weight drop. FISCAL POLICY (4) won the 58 well resuming and then missed a lip here in a 55 running his best race. Fitter he will use the rail and is a chance to take the next step. BADGE OF GAMENESS (3) has won and placed the last two from the front on wet tracks. The dry track form doesn’t read as well but has to be considered with the in-form McDougall taking over from Guymer, who sticks with Monty. BET: Sticking with the bold grey Monte Majura.
Race 3: Ncg Services Hcp CL1 1200m
Plenty of speed with Maxbux and Hardspot sure to be prominent from the jump. A tricky race. MAXBUX (7) runs along and deserved the Wagga Maiden win. Has enjoyed the stable switch and his figures suggest he's right in this at the each way odds with Ward sticking. WYENDRA (8) resumes with the in-form McDougal booked. She's good fresh and is much better performed than the last two suggest. Expect her to be forward and be right in the finish. AWAY SHE GOES (4) should be more forward this time around and deserves consideration along with HARDSPOT (5). BET: The market will tell a lot. Maxbux each way.
Race 4: Aussie Night Markets Mdn 1300m
A few can race handy and the temp should be okay. A very even bunch on paper and the market will tell a lot. AURORA RUN (3) will push forward and resumes off a solid effort here at the mile. Lightly raced and no surprise if she’s back improved. Gets the form hoop and expect a bold run if there is a betting move for her. ASSAULT'N'BATHORY (2) has ability and could lead with a decent start. That’s been his problem but he brings good form to peak and draws to advantage. FOUR BEERS PLEASE (9) resumes and was last seen at Ballarat. Her best would have her in the finish and the rails draw is a big positive. BOB'S ANGEL (8) will be better for the first-up run and she may prove next best with a good ride. BET: Tough. Keeping a close eye on the market with Aurora Run.
Race 5: Schweppes Hcp 1000m
Plenty of first-starters and hard to map. Another race where the market must be watched closely. SHIPWAY (1) is a former Victorian and brings two near misses at the provincials. Clearly has the ability but has been away as long time and gets a wide gate. He must be kept very safe all the same. PISA MY HEART (6) debuts for Danny Williams and trialled okay recently for the Matt Smith yard. Draws low with Owen booked and it would be no surprise if the money came for the mare. DIRTY LITTLESECRET (2) hasn’t done much in a string of city trials but is in a smart city yard and is drawn the rail. PERSEPOLIS (13) debuts and has been well-trialled. The early market suggests she will race boldly. BET: Shipway if there's betting support.
Race 6: Elvin Group Bm 55 2000m
Early space across the barriers and they will run along over the middle distance. JEDDAH AHEADAH (4) just missed the latest at the mile at his second run since coming from Victoria. Finished it off well and will get every chance to see it out using the low gate. RED MY MIND (2) has ability but tends to be slow away. Has had good support the last two and is a hope if Heywood can get him away cleanly from the rail. Matt Dale stablemate WHISKY'N'DIAMONDS (6) was slow away and wide the latest at Moruya off a solid effort this venue. He should appreciate the longer trip and gets the blinkers first time. Draws out but gets his chance keeping Owen. THE POTATO PONTIFF (3) is a solid stayer and can build on the Sapphire Coast win. BET: Another tricky form assignment. Will play multiples around the top two selections.
Race 7: TAB Federal Bm 70 1000m
Dangerous Breeding a likely leader from Nobody’s Puppet and Star Of The Clan. The Nick Olive pair both resume and create interest. NOBODY'S PUPPET (7) is fast and seeks the hat-trick in stronger off two space jobs. Has been heavily-backed and will take plenty of beating with the weight drop and building on the strong career peak. Stablemate STAR OF THE CLAN (8) has won two from three and is right in it at best. He will get every chance from the rail and Ward goes on. SHOW ME THE HONEY (3) resumes for the new yard and is sharp fresh. He will use the low gate and keep very safe. DOLLY'S DUE (1) resumes off city races and is also good fresh. Finds easier and has to be considered. BET: Nobody’s Puppet has upside and the market will be interesting with the Olive runners, and the race generally.
Race 8: Capital Trophies & S’wear CL1 1600m
Canberra Race 8 @ 3:40pm
Pinetti may be the one to lead. TRIBBIANI (8) ran a well-backed favourite and won the Maiden third-up coming to the mile. He will be better for that and looks capable of repeating for the Matt Dale yard. FUTURE TIME (3) also won the Maiden third-up and did it by a space. Needs a good ride but also looks capable of going on. PINETTI (4) ran a peak winning this trip at Moruya and is a speedy galloper and drawn low gets the chance to repeat with the form hoop sticking. ETHANICITY (2) and PAHRULI (9) also deserve consideration. SELECTION: #8 Tribbiani is in good hands and can go on with it now.
