3 minute read

Tips and race by race preview by Brad Gray for Sunday’s Orange meeting.

Race 1 - 1:25PM TOWAC LEGENDS MAIDEN PLATE (1600 METRES)

8. Californian stepped out over 1400m at Newcastle on debut and liked the fight he showed after leading to run third. There was plenty of market confidence too. The Savabeel filly looks even better suited out to the mile second up and drops back to country grade.

Dangers: 3. Under Orders has showed glimpses of ability and is also suited out to the mile. Just doesn't have any tactical speed. 6. Timasti commands respect from the Brad Widdup yard but needs to improve. Gets the blinkers on for the first time.

How to play it: Californian WIN Odds & Evens: SPLIT

Race 2 - 2:00PM ORANGE VET HOSPITAL MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300 METRES)

1. Dubai Centre has his first start for John Rolfe and glancing over his form, a second to Derby placegetter Young Werther at Geelong over 1500m jumps off the page. Hasn't done much since but has been hard in the market. Strikes a maiden with a long tail.

Dangers: 4. Lozenger showed enough in her one trial for Kody Nestor, jumping well, travelling before cruising through the line. The market could be the best guide. Another first starter 2. Byron deserves respect too.

How to play it: Dubai Centre WIN Odds & Evens: SPLIT

Race 3 - 2:35PM XXXX GOLD CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1000 METRES)

The 1000m dash is as short as 3. The Drover wants it but he's the best horse in this race. Convinced of that much. The middle draw gives the four-year-old the chance to settle midfield which gives him his chance. Ended last preparation with a narrow second to Rebel Bro.

Dangers: 10. Alaskan Aura will give away a start but the Allan Gibson-trained gelding has never raced better. Swept home to beat 2. Bizzaro two back before finding traffic last start.

How to play it: The Drover WIN Odds & Evens: SPLIT

Race 4 - 3:10PM KENNARDS HIRE MAIDEN PLATE (1000 METRES)

10. Costa Del Mar has race experience on her side and draws to do no work in the run. The last time we saw the Fastnet Rock filly she ran second, albeit a distant one, to Nikohli Beagle at this track. Has trialled well this time back too.

Dangers: 6. Sea Stitch is back in trip which doesn't look ideal but like the way she attacked the line at Bathurst last start. 6. Sea Stitch , also trained by Gary Portelli, looked sharp in a recent Kembla Grange trial win.

How to play it: Costa Del Mar WIN Odds & Evens: EVENS

Race 5 - 3:50PM KITCHENS & CABINETS CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1400 METRES)

6. Zou Island was dropping out of the contest when she was impeded at Hawkesbury last start but she should have finished closer. Was sent around a $2.20 favourite at provincial level there on the back of a dominant maiden win. Well placed to bounce back.

Dangers: 5. Duchess Adele was poor second up after a terrific first up run. Forgive her that, she's clearly better than what she showed. 4. Silent Tryst was no match for Dundee Lee at Newcastle last start but she has since won in town.

How to play it: Zou Island WIN Odds & Evens: SPLIT

Race 6 - 4:29PM ALLURECRETE FLOORING ORANGE CUP PRELUDE (1600 METRES)

2. Renalot is flying for Roy McCabe, winning at the provincials three back before running at Canterbury and then placing at Wyong. The five-year-old presents hard fit over the mile which should see her handle any conditions.

Dangers: 3. Brown Thomas wasn't disgraced in a Provincial Championships qualifier first up a fortnight ago doing his best work through the line. The drop back in grade and step out to the mile makes him a player in an even race.

How to play it: Renalot WIN Odds & Evens: SPLIT

Race 7 - 5:12PM THE ORIANA ORANGE BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (1280 METRES)

7. O'Tartan Lass was only beaten two lengths by Sammy at Wyong first up last preparation. Three runs later she broke her maiden out to the mile on this track. Will be better over further but doesn't have any excuses to resume a winner over 1280m.

Dangers: Don't be surprised to see 5. Damit improve sharply on he did last start at Bathurst. May have just found the track too firm. Tends to save his best on softer decks. 6. Know Where To Look will give another sight.

How to play it: O'Tartan Lass WIN Odds & Evens: ODDS