3 minute read

A week is a long time in racing, but I'm still on the floor about Bound To Win, she was hooooome.

Credit to Tommy Berry he gave her a 15/10, he flushed it, she just got beat.

Moving on, well trying to anyway.

We face a heavy track at Randwick on Saturday, it's a good competitive Winter card with the hope of trying to catch a few on the up.

The Team Hawkes trained Mount Popa was sent out favourite (9/2) in his Australian debut and did more than enough at Flemington over 1400m.

Never seen short of 2000m in 10 starts prior, eight of which were at 2400m or beyond, he caught the eye late, weaving his way through to finish fourth.

Visually it was a run of a blackbooker and the clock confirmed as such.

A key sectional mark up he now makes the rise to 2000m and while giving weight away, he appears well placed in the fourth event.

Prior to his Australian debut he had never missed the money in 10 starts and finds himself against a few 'numbers' on Saturday.

Confident in suggesting the majority have already hit their ceiling, whereas he looks capable of achieving better.

The middle draw should allow Tommy Berry to settle better than midfield and find a position in the running line.

He is proven to handle all conditions and with even luck, he should prove hard to beat.

The Chris Waller trained Sweeping Statement went out a winner and returned in a big way last start, when too good late at Randwick (K).

Slight query both of her career wins have come on the Kensington track, but happy to take a positive view as it is a good sign when a Waller runner can salute first up.

The stable is renowned for improving their runners throughout the preparation, so to win first up, you can be confident they have more to come.

The wide draw likely sees her settle back in the field, but if able to find a back to follow coming into the straight, she should hit the line well.

Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips:

Race 2 #5 Keen Power @ $2.90

Race 4 #1 Mount Popa @ $3.60

Race 6 #13 Sweeping Statement @ $8.50