3 minute read

Good fields. The Acton raced truly again two weeks ago with horses winning from all over. The $40,000 Federal has again drawn a strong and competitive field.

Race 1

Imanacheeva the likely leader. Opposite  (7) is a former Victorian who did a good job for the new yard placing behind the dominant Withorn at this venue, before a plain run on the slow at Goulburn when ignored by the market. He wins at best and appeals back to the synthetic on a 7 day return. Cahill is reunited and the gelding finally drawing a low gate. With the cricket world cup in progress, Old Trafford  (5) is the omen tip. Made the quinella in the Goulburn race and was a bit unlucky placing there prior. Keeps a form hoop and looks right in it again. BREATH OF WIND (9) wasn't expected to get into it in the same contest and didn't. The previous two read okay, and she has to be given some chance at long odds. IMANACHEEVA (1) goes well second up and can control from the rail. Keep him safe. BET: Opposite will get every chance to find his peak figures. 

Race 2

Starskin draws handy and might get a soft lead. WE COULD BE HEROES (1) has missed a lip the last three including first-up this venue two weeks ago. Quickened nicely when asked and was just run over by the impressive Farthing Wood. He gets the handy claim and rates to go one better. STARSKIN (5) disappointed at Goulburn off the heavily-backed and deserved Wagga Maiden win. You'd have to stretch the memory to recall the last time Matt Cahill rode for the Matt Dale yard, and the filly will be given every chance at odds. BOOM QUEEN (2) is busting to win and just missed here third-up. She draws well with a weight drop and will be right in it. WITHORN (6) worked to the speed and spaced the Maiden here on the same day. Reacted to the visors and gets the chance to repeat with another good Miller ride from the wide gate. STRATUM'S ROSE (3) had no luck reuming and expect quick improvement. SELECTION: Hard to go past We Could Be Heroes.

Race 3

The top two selections and Cryfowl provide the speed. CONTAMINATED (5) made a ratings leap leading and winning the CL2 at Corowa by 8.5L up to the mile. He would only have to bring that figure to the synthetic to be winning. Having said that, is hard to risk THE SENATOR (6), who's been good to us. Seeks the hat-trick off his easy CL1 win at this venue. Gets the weight drop and this shapes as a ding dong battle. CRYFOWL (8) led and was just knocked off here two weeks ago in this grade. He gets the rail and can be in the finish. PALAMEDES (7) is a Nick Olive improver who peaks on a 7 day return who is suited by the extra trip. BET: Leaning to Contaminated in what looks a two horse war. 

Race 4

Alpine King can lead from Motime. FARTHING WOOD (6) came from last and couldn't have been more impressive winning here two weeks ago. He has more to give and can repeat with another good ride from the form hoop. SERIOUS DOUBTS (8) improved again missing the 58 by a lip at Corowa when expected to win. She's yet to reach her Queensland peaks and is right in it if she does. WALDO WALDORF (9) ran a good figure winning easily at Parkes and can't be discounted with the weight drop and Cahill back aboard. BOMBDIGGITY (2) is an improver with claims. BET: Farthing Wood is suited again up in trip.

Race 5

A stack of speed across the barriers. STARS GALAWE (13) led and impressed winning the Maiden here resuming running her best race. Keeps a claim but won't want to get caught in a speed fest. Gets the claim and the Maiden figure reads well enough to suggest she can immediately take the next step at good odds. STAR OF THE CLAN (3) is capable, but hasn't been having much luck. She draws out again but the 3kg claimer goes well and the mare should get her chance. TICKED OFF (11) was outgraded on the Wagga Riverside, but the previous two read alright and she's a chance despite the wide gate. SPIRIT FORCE should be ready to show his best. BET: No surprise if Stars Of Galawe repeats.

Race 6

Aguias the likely leader. This is a very tricky form assignment and the market must be monitored closely. JERSEY ROSE (12) battled on well here second-up behind a tearaway winner and will be better for it. She will need a good ride but her best is good enough and she gets her chance. KATATONIC (6) brings solid grass figures to the synthetic (first time). She also draws wide, but expect him to come fast late and he gets the winkers first time. SILENT HALO (10) impressed just beaten by Stars Galawe at the last meeting. He also hits the line and the extra trip should suit. AGUIAS (1) resumes off a 301 day break and can control the race if connections dictate. He has ability and a bold run won't surprise. The early market suggests plenty are forgiving THE DREAM GIVER (3) his first two runs. BET: Jersey Rose each way.

Race 7

There's four runners capable of leading with El Nieto looking the quickest. Another very competitive $40,000 Federal. TERRITORIAL (7) had support resuming here last month but got caught wide in a strong form race and best to forgive. He's a second-up winner who looks well-placed at the weights and Guymer will push forward and give him every chance. LOGAN RIVER (2) resumes and is a promising galloper who's sure to be fancied. He will use the low gate and presents off a 3L Corowa trial win. This is the well-bred galloper's first full preparation for the Beer yard and expect a bold run. OUR FINVARRA (9) has strong figures and had no luck at all when heavily backed here two weeks ago. Gets the big weight drop and he's a player for sure. EL NIETO (8) is fast and no knock on his form. Finds a bit stronger and has had 47 days away. No surprise if she continued her winning ways, all the same. BET: Territorial each way in a race befitting the prizemoney on offer.

Race 8

Search And Destroy, Secret Work and Affinity Beyond look the quickest early of the raced. Debutants engaged and this is a very tricky race to end the quadrella and program. The market will be interesting. SUCCESSFUL DAY (7) debuts for Nick Olive and finds a winnable assignment. He's trialled well and looks to have good ability. She should find a good spot and the market will guide. SEARCH AND DESTROY (3) raced a well-supported favourite here 14 days ago and did nothing, prompting the stewards to inquire and finding no excusses. She draws the carpark and might come from the back today and that's achievable on this track. Stable supporters are likely to give him another chance. FLORIDA GIRL (4) and SECRET WORK (8) both represent the Sydney stable of Bjorn Baker and expect one or both to be primed up. GLENLEIGH LAD (1) is the other Olive debutant and is a market watch. BET: With Successful Day if the money comes.