HAWKESBURY

 

WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY

 

TRACK:            GOOD 3 (4.77)                        RAIL:    TRUE

 

 

 

BEST BETS:     

 

Race 3             No.2    ANGEL’S BOY

 

Race 4             No.2    FIFTH AFFAIR

 

 

 

 

Race 1

1 – 3 – 5 – 4

Tricky little race to kick start the day but I’ve settled on CYRUS ROCKS who is second up after a good effort first up at Kembla and is likely to roll forward and settle second tagging Mohican. Mozart’s Work is third up following two solid efforts including his first up run where he finished 2.8 lengths behind Cyrus Rocks but meets him 3kg better off. I like the Kembla races as the right form line for today’s race. Open Road has only raced twice including a last start win at Canberra while Vigorish was also a last start winner albeit at Moruya.

 

 

Race 2

2 – 4 – 1 – 3

The favourite COMMANDING WITNESS is first up off the back of three barrier trials and solid enough form in his three runs to make him the one to beat. If he crosses and gets a good time he will be hard to run down. Brunch was good at Canterbury last start and should get a perfect run here. The Patrician finally got his maiden win last start in a strong effort after sitting three wise throughout. It was hard to miss Kathaire’s maiden win last start at Wyong as she won by a big space so it’s hard to leave her out especially with today’s being on her home track.

 

 

Race 3

2 – 8 – 3 – 6

ANGEL’S BOY returns following an eight month break a new horse after being gelded and with the addition of blinkers. He will roll forward but I doubt he can lead Thirty Knots but I expect him to be too strong in the run to the line. His main danger looks to be Tarabai a filly by Sepoy on debut from the Hawkes stable. She looks a nice type with good ability and tactical speed and with two trials this time in she should be ready to rock’n’roll.

 

 

Race 4

2 – 1 – 10 – 11

Today is D-day for FIFTH AFFAIR who is chasing her maiden win having raced eleven times for five minor placings. There looks a distinct lack of depth in this race and from a good gate she should stalk the leading bunch and be hard to hold out. The obvious danger is the top one Dragon’s Flyer on debut from Terry Croft’s stable and gets the advantage of barrier one. I’d be surprised if one of these doesn’t get the chocolates.

 

 

Race 5

2 – 4 – 1 – 6

FLORID turns up here off a somewhat disappointing run at Randwick three weeks ago when well beaten but will have the help today of blinkers and a drop in grade. He looks to get the perfect drop on the leaders and I’d say it’s an important day in the career of where he goes next. Bella Vella rocks up here for her first run since leaving the Waterhouse and Bott stable to join Matthew Vella at Hawkesbury. She did win here two run back and a repeat of that effort would have her around the mark. Postmaster General is first up and is sure to roll along and give a bit of cheek.

 

 

Race 6

12 – 2 – 11 – 9

STELLA VICTORIA is top pick especially with the blinkers going back on but I’m not excited about diving into the short odds with her still being a ten start maiden. There doesn’t look a lot of speed on paper so if she can cruise across without spending too much petrol she will be hard to get past. Kathmandu has only raced once and was very good when coming from well back to finish third behind The Patrician who goes around in race two today. Lake Hayes was another who showed enough on debut when running third at Wyong to suggest she has ability and can figure here without surprising.

 

 

Race 7

2 – 3 – 5 – 9

An open betting race to finish the day albeit I think VAIN ELAINE will be hard to beat now that she steps back up in distance and with three runs under her belt she should be ready fire on all cylinders. Sea Sharp I think will improve sharply here following three runs back from a year off the scene and if he can get control up front expect him to give a big sight. My Friend Charlie gets blinkers and an ideal barrier plus he will strip fitter after his good effort first up over the mile. Letter To Juliette probably just needs a touch of luck early from the gate to play a major role coming off the back of a very good run at Randwick last start behind Regine.

 

 

Quaddie:

 

1^st leg:             1 – 2

2^nd leg:             2 – 4

3^rd leg:             2 – 9 –11 – 12

4^th leg:             2 – 3 – 5 – 6 – 8 – 9

 

Cost $48 = 50%