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Racegoers and punters need to be alert that with 39 degrees forecast in Canberra the meeting kicks off at the early time of 10:15 am.
There’s been solid acceptances with a number of Sydney trainers headings south. In Race 5 the Peter and Paul Snowden yard will present an interesting debutant URALLA KINGDOM by Camelot was beaten a nose in a recent Randwick trial and the stable has an enviable record this venue.
Race 4 the Tetlow Legal CL1 is a terrific betting race with a host of chances from leading local yards.
RACE 1
#1 ELKANO deserves another win. Close-up at Gosford latest behind a smart type. 2000m for the first time but has been strong through the line. Rock hard fit and barring bad luck should get the job done. of late. #4 PICARO will be looking to make it up to favourite backers following a narrow defeat at Nowra. Reeled them in impressively at Goulburn prior to that and clearly has the class. Key rider change this afternoon and won't be found wanting coming back to 2000m. #5 REIGN OVER ME was never a factor last start. She like many of these are hit and miss. McDougall partnered her for success at this track prior. Races like this distance will suit. Next in line.
RACE 2
#4 THE UNKNOWN FACTOR is the horse to follow from the race. He boasts the most upside and following a runner-up cheque here on resumption can go one better. Appeared to run his races in patches on that occasion before knuckling down late. Always displayed a high level of talent which was evidenced with a spot in the Black Opal last season. Hard to beat. #1 POLAR STAR ran his rivals ragged here a fortnight ago. Returned a new career peak in the process and can go on. Apprentice allowance sees him in well and look for him to take some catching. #2 POLYXENA will have admirers. Less seasoned than a few of these but in an astute stable should be kept safe.
RACE 3
#8 MAIBEASY had two trials in New Zealand before linking with the Clare Cunningham yard. The one and only trial under her care came at Warwick Farm appearing to do the job nicely. No doubt going to improve dramatically from the experience but in a moderate race looks an excellent winning chance. Ear Muffs are applied so monitor the parade/market. #4 FARTHING WOOD is busting to win a race. McIlrick has only had her for two starts and both have been full of merit. Draws inside and pinching runs along the fence she is bound to get her chance. #3 WILLANGIE indicated talent in a recent trial. Drawn awkwardly but the half brother Stephan has recorded good success with the stable.
RACE 4
#2 DENVER sat handier and it almost paid dividends last start at Wagga. Billy Owen has a great affinity with him and drawing wide doesn't appear such a bad thing for a horse who tends to overrace. Best efforts have been when leading and from the outside barrier and Owen may be thin on options. Likes a fight and third-up in an even contest should give these something to catch. #5 NO DOUBT MA'AM is ready to run a big race. Strong through the line at Moruya last start when the race was over. Matt Dale whacks the blinkers on and with a nice smother from the draw she'll be rattling home. #6 STRATUM'S ROSE and #4 LUGA LAD are in the same category. Both took forever to shed the maiden but did so at their most recent start. Expect them to be finishing off.
RACE 5
#7 URALLA KINGDOM debuts for the Snowden camp. Lone public appearance in readiness was visually pleasing. Tracked into the trial at the right time and as four of them crossed the line she was the one under minimal duress. Bred to get over further but this race isn't strong. Hard to beat. #11 SONO DOLCE is well bred by I Am Invincible. Two starts for Bjorn Baker have been solid finishing midfield. Fitness/experience is with her and the inside draw gives her a dream run. Learning all the time and on a bigger track could be ready to fire. #1 MAJOR TIME produced an encouraging debut here at the last meeting. Steps to 1200m and Gratz Vella puts the blinkers on. Expect further improvement. #5 BANJA LUKA has worn down many punters. Presents off his his fifth minor placing. Each-way all day.
RACE 6
#2 CROIX DE VIE is ready for improvement. Racing style left him with no hope around the leader-favoured Moruya track. Gets a drop back from open company and his Federal wins here last season were dominant beating Who's Knocking etc. Noted rider change and he’ll be ratting home at the end which will see him finish strong on the track. #8 TE ATA is hit and miss. Couldn't get closer than 5L in a CL3 highway recently and now faces some hardened campaigners who have won 7-8 races. Few queries there but is in the right camp and races best at this track. #6 BOYS DAY OUT deserved his latest success. Rolls them along again and should give a sight. #10 SMILING AT SHADOWS in career best form looks best of the remainder.
RACE 7
Handy edition of the Federal. The leading chances carry mammoth weights and it may be a case of who handle it best. #1 MANZANA has been below best this campaign. Gets a nice class drop however and his track/distance statistics are impressive. Wise use of the claim and he'll offer some resistance to his rivals on the speed. #2 OUR REVENUE is a query with the weight but will relish the 1200m. Cahill goes on and looks over the odds at double figures. #4 PINCH MOUNTAIN off a solid return and #5 SUPREME LAD with the nice run must be kept safe.
RACE 8
#1 SUGAR PINE gets his chance. Tragedy beaten here two back and then honest to the line when left exposed to the swoopers here more recently. Heading the right way and despite the barrier he has the scope to be winning this. #2 KATATONIC is speedy. Beaten on his merits at Wagga latest by a roughie which isn't ideal. Layt retains the ride and he'll be allowed to dictate stepping up in trip. #15 JAILBIRD JAYJAY got all the breaks when runner-up here last meeting. Only going to be fitter and you must respect.With the nice run must be kept safe.
BEST OF THE DAY: Race 5# 7 URALLA KINGDOM
BEST OF THE DAY: Race 6# 2 CROIX DE VIE
