3 minute read
Tips and race by race preview by Brad Gray for Grafton.
Race 1 - 12:35PM CROWN HOTEL MOTEL CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2217 METRES)
12. Dunlee should be at his top now fourth up, striking this winnable race at the right time in his preparation. Did enough over 2100m at provincial level last start and has handled heavy tracks in the past. Top pick in an open race.
Dangers: 7. Hudoo Vudoo wanted to lay in at Coffs Harbour last start which didn't help. Has upside being a three-year-old and was a solid winner at Ipswich the start prior. Well placed to bounce back.
How to play it: Dunlee WIN ($5 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT
Race 2 - 1:15PM GEORGE'S TREE SERVICES MAIDEN HANDICAP (1005 METRES)
9. Kohinoor Lustre has a wide draw to overcome but she has early speed and looks suited coming back in trip to 1000m. Started hard in the market on debut too, having trialled well at Newcastle prior.
Dangers: Liked the way 2. Brave Warrior closed off in his trial at Ballina. He shapes like he'll be strong late in this. Monitor any market moves. 12. Flora travelled deep throughout last start and boxed on well.
How to play it: Kohinoor Lustre EACH WAY ($12 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT
Race 3 - 1:55PM HOLIDAY COAST MEATS CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1005 METRES)
1. Sacred Zim might simply be too good for these. It'll be no easy task with 60kg from the wide draw but he has had genuine excuses his last couple. Maybe the wide draw is to his benefit given his tendency to miss the kick. The one to beat with any luck early.
Dangers: It's six weeks between runs for 3. Lucky Enuff but he has trialled since and the last time we saw the gelding he won over 1200m at Coffs Harbour on a heavy track. So we know he'll handle the track and that he'll be running right through the line.
How to play it: Sacred Zim WIN ($2.80 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: ODDS
Race 4 - 2:35PM GRAFTON HIRE CLASS 3 HANDICAP (1408 METRES)
3. Auntie Monnie was unlucky not to win at Gunnedah last start when second to handy sprinter Charvet. She was five weeks between runs there too. It's the same set up here and she has handled wet tracks in the past. Knocking on the door.
Dangers: 1. Oakfield Target is not only the classiest runner in the race but he also looks the only designated leader. That makes the front-running five-year-old hard to beat. Holding his form well at the moment too.
How to play it: Auntie Monnie WIN ($3 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: ODDS
Race 5 - 3:15PM SOUTH GRAFTON EX-SERVICEMENS CLUB MAIDEN PLATE (1408 METRES)
13. Bottom Deck finds a new home with local trainer Dwayne Schmidt and she has been around the mark for most of her career, despite her record suggesting otherwise. Draws well and has handled heavy ground before.
Dangers: 6. Hyland Bay kept finding the line over a sprint trip first up and looks set to appreciate getting out to this trip for the first time. Unknown on heavy ground. 9. Mikado won't be a maiden for too much longer.
How to play it: Bottom Deck EACH WAY ($11 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT
Race 6 - 3:50PM GRAFTON TOYOTA SOUTH GRAFTON CUP (1608 METRES)
12. Texas Storm excels in the wet and although he never got into the Wauchope Cup last start, he did start $3.60 favourite. A wetter surface and out in trip gives him the chance to turn the tables on a couple of his rivals.
Dangers: 9. Mandalong Tapit is five weeks between runs but it's the only knock. The flashy grey improved sharply when out to the mile third up and has won on heavy ground before. Respect the form of 5. Zigallene but the map is tricky.
How to play it: Texas Storm WIN ($7 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLIT
Race 7 - 4:30PM DONOVANS BEEF @ THE BARRIERS BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (1608 METRES)
3. Ausbred Cooee comes into this as a 4.5 length winner of his maiden. Had been threatening to break through for a while and having finally cracked it in such good style, he could go right on with it now.
Dangers: 4. Hubble has won three from 40 starts but this is winnable for the five-year-old, particularly on the back of a Gatton third where he was a well backed favourite. The wet won't bother him and maps well.
How to play it: Ausbred Cooee WIN ($3.70 TAB Fixed Odds) Odds & Evens: SPLI
