3 minute read

Tips and race by race preview by Brad Gray for Bathurst.

5. Ardstraw didn't show much in her first four starts but something has changed in her last two runs. It coincides with winkers being applied. She ran second at Orange behind She Loves Rubies before running on into second at Dubbo.

Dangers: 9. Soldier's Desire was well backed last start Canberra but never threatened. Now with Blake Fitzpatrick, she's worth another chance. 8. Pippie Star's first run for Roy McCabe was a beauty. She's the best roughie.

How to play it: Ardstraw WIN ($7.50 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: ODDS

5. Addison Reserve has had three trials to ready her for 1400m first up. Had to work hard to sit outside of the lead the last time we saw her at the races, when sixth at Canberra, which told late. Should find the front much more comfortably this time.

Dangers: 4. She Can Talk will also put herself on speed and has the advantage of two runs under her belt. 1. Captured In Time is perhaps the most talented horse here but is likely to be out the back from the draw.

How to play it: Addison Reserve WIN ($4.80 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

5. London Gal has been working towards another win. Last start she have a kick from in front only to be run down by The Deepest Secret while prior to that she was beaten three lengths by subsequent Highway Handicap winner Ahead Start.

Dangers: 4. Timperley had every possible last start at Nowra but this looks a touch easier on paper. Placed at the provincials first up too. Just has to overcome the wide draw but there is a long tail to this race. Big chance.

How to play it: London Gal WIN ($2.25 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

3. Sole Heir was a beaten odds on favourite at this same track last Sunday and was beaten on his merits. No excuses. He might be worth another chance over 2000m now and with that run under his belt.

Dangers: 2. Rhythmo was having his first crack at 2000m last start and he very nearly pinched it. Perhaps he has been looking for this trip all along. Don't be surprised to see the four-year-old give a sight again from on speed.

How to play it: Sole Heir WIN ($1.50 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

2. Miss Jay Fox is likely to start deep in the red again having given her rivals a touch up at Mudgee last start to break her maiden in emphatic style. Prior to that she caught the eye at Hawkesbury, running fourth in a deep race. Should win.

Dangers: 5. Purposeful Miss is very consistent and rarely far away from the action while 1. Designer Made has plenty of speed and this is one of the easiest races she has contested in a while.

How to play it: Miss Jay Fox WIN ($1.90 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

4. Emeriz is a lightly-raced speedster that ran time in winning his maiden last start at Mudgee over 1100m. He'll put himself on the speed again and although still in his first racing preparation, can continue to work through the grades.

Dangers: 1. Stone Cold drops back in grade to BM58 level. This is a six-year-old that has already won seven races over his career so he's exceptionally well placed in this. 3. On Angels Wings needs further but expect him to sprint well fresh.

How to play it: Emeriz WIN ($2.15 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT

5. Banju wasn't himself last start. He half stumbled out of the gates and lost interest out the back. He was six weeks between runs so he'll improve off that and there is less depth in this race. Has only won one from nine but has bumped into handy horses throughout his career.

Dangers: Respect how lightly raced 2. Byron is but the market certainly hasn't missed him. 11. Pittsburgh is racing well this time back and has shown in the past that he is capable of lobbing at big odds. Like the booking of Grant Buckley too.

How to play it: Banju WIN ($3.10 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT