Race 1 – 11:55AM HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1100 METRES)
No. 9 Cartel is a 3yo colt who got back to last on debut and rattled home late to score a nice win. This is tougher, but he is a smart horse in the making and the extra trip is really going to suit this horse. No. 1 Lifesaver is a lightly raced gelding who is unbeaten after two runs. His recent trial was good and and his barrier ensures a perfect run throughout. No. 10 Another Sin showed good speed in his only trial and this stable must be respected when they bring a first starter to town.
Back the 9 to win $5.5 bet now
Race 2 – 12:35PM BENCHMARK 80 HANDICAP (2000 METRES)
No. 1 Vaucluse Bay is a lightly raced stayer who is starting to put it all together. His past two wins have been very good and I like that this horse has a nice turn of foot at the end of his races. No. 5 King Viv should have won last start, but he didn’t want to go past the winner. I would like to see this fit horse go forward and make it a true staying test. No. 2 Zourkhan was poor last start, but I am happy to give him another chance because he has the ability to win a BM 80.
Race 3 – 1:10PM PREMIER’S CUP PRELUDE (1800 METRES)
No. 7 Arbeitsam went forward and blew them away over 1400m last start. The rise is trip is bit of a worry, but if he can relax throughout then he should give a big kick when asked. No. 1 Classic Uniform looked the winner last start, but he was run down late and had to settle for second placing. He peaks now and the 1.5kg claim off his back is a nice help. No. 4 Liapari had excuses last start, so just forgive that effort. He is a fit horse who can win this race if he produces his best. I expect him to be running on strongly late.
Race 4 – 1:45PM BENCHMARK 94 HANDICAP (1100 METRES)
No. 3 Denmagic resumes and she has had two very nice trials this time in. She is a talented mare on her day, but she just needs a touch of luck in her races because her pattern is to get back. If they go hard up front then she will run over the top of this field. No. 9 Selita resumes, Her form up in QLD last prep was good and her recent trial suggests that she has come back well this time in. No. 7 Sir Plush is highly talented and he will be competitive again this weekend, but I prefer this animal when he is kept fresh. No. 8 Denpurr comes into this first-up on the back of two recent trials. Her form last prep was good and this mare will really appreciate no weight on her back this weekend.
Race 5 – 2:20PM BENCHMARK 83 HANDICAP (1350 METRES)
No. 7 The Pharoah is a lightly raced horse who has come back very well this time in. He is a tough horsel who makes his own luck up on the speed, but I would like to see this animal sit just behind the speed on Saturday and have the last crack at them. No. 4 Peacock resumes and brings some quality form into this race. He has good ability and his two trials this time in have been good, but I am worried about the 1350m first-up. No. 3 Hogmanay has trialled well on both occasions this prep and I think he could be the blow out at good each way odds.
Race 6 – 2:55PM ROSEBUD (1100 METRES)
Another cracking edition of the Rosebud this year and I am really excited to see No. 2 Menari back at the track. His 2yo form was very good, but I think he is going to be a much better horse now that he is a three year old. His recent trials have been top class and this colt should get into a lovely position from the draw. No. 4 Siege Of Quebec is a well bred colt who has don’t nothing wrong in his short career. He will roll forward again on Saturday and I expect his class to take him a long way. No. 3 Trekking resumes and he is another horse in this race who showed very good ability as a 2yo. His recent trial showed that he has come back well and his draw ensures a lovely run just behind the speed. No. 6 I Am Excited deserves her crack in this grade after shown above average ability last time in. Her recent trial got a big tick.
Race 7 – 3:35PM SPRING PREVIEW (1400 METRES)
No. 7 Washington Heights returned to his old home last start and got the job done in very nice style. The stable will have him fitter now and I think he will be better suited over the longer trip. No. 3 Sarrasin resumes after running on well behind two very nice horses last start in the Villiers. His recent trials have shown that he is on target this prep and I personally believe that Tommy Berry will really suit this horse. No. 4 Tom Melbourne has trialled like a star this time in, but he won’t be getting my money until he produces his best. He is a serious horse, but he is also a big thinker. No. 8 Etymologyhas been trialling well and I expect him to run a cheeky race from the nice draw.
Race 8 – 4:15PM BENCHMARK 80 HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
No. 11 Mariquita should have walked in last start, but she got too far back and rattled home into second placing. I have a lot of time for this mare and I think she is going to produce her best now that she is fitter and gets out to a more suitable distance. If she can sit one off the fence, mid field, then she will fly home over the top. No. 6 Faith’s Encore is ticking along well this prep. She peaks now and I expect Tye Angland to give her an absolute peach from the gun draw. No. 2 Suspenders won well last start, but she is going to need some luck from the awkward barrier on Saturday and No. 8 Slumber Party can go one better on Saturday if she can run out a strong 1400m.
Race 9 – 4:55PM BENCHMARK 80 HANDICAP (1500 METRES)
No. 4 Special Missile went forward and gave a big kick to win his last two starts. This is harder but he is a fit horse who has plenty of upside. No. 8 Imanui has been very good in both runs back this prep and he is the one to beat this weekend, but his racing pattern is a big concern. No. 10 Exitozo ran home well first-up and he must be respected now that he is fitter.
QUADDIE –
2, 3
3, 4, 7
1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11
4, 8, 10, 12
Rail: +3m Entire Circuit
Track Condition: Good 3Best Bet: Race 2 #1 Vaucluse Bay $2 bet nowValue Bet: Race 8 #11 Mariquita$7 bet nowRace 1 – 11:55AM HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1100 METRES)
Rail: +3m Entire Circuit