SPORTSBET Ballarat Wednesday January 24
This is the second of the twilight mid-week trials and this will test the turnover measure. There was 20mm irrigation on track overnight to ensure a good 4 for rating time given the late start on a warming day. Rail goes out 7m (from true last time) but doubt that influences much.
BEST BET: Race 8 #2 KINGS WILL DREAM
BEST VALUE: Race 6 # 8 THE REGIMENT
Race 1: 2-1-3-4
Not excited here, beware the small field. NICOSMILE resumes at 1400m against moderate opposition which I see as the positive move. Gear change (blinkers for winkers) on AURIC GOLD, fitter for a run, gives it claims. VIV SAID NO can say yes in this. MILADY CABRIOT had issues with track and breathing last time.
SUGGESTED: Don’t try to hard – NICOSMILE might be the best horse moving forward.
Race 2: 6-2-5-1
Race between the first starters here and going SUMMER SHAM – jumpout was with Prezado (tested Nature Strip Saturday). That’s good enough for me. OVER AND ABOVE was in a quicker jumpout on the day but that’s not the entire measure. CONGA D’ORO has pace, LORD MORNINGTON has blinkers but intrigued by the debutants here.
SUGGESTED: Go with SUMMER SHAM.
Race 3: 14-7-5-2
Good race, perhaps best of the day moving forward but for this have to be with ROOBEENA – seen once – and that was excellent chasing 2nd up straight Cup week. TEMPLAR also chased well on debut Sandown and would think 1100m home track suits. MESSERSCHMIDT debut in the spring showing talent and put away. Of first starters think CONCRETE may best but this is tough.
SUGGESTED: Form says ROOBEENA but will be strong reference race.
Race 4: 1-3-4-11
Hope not going off too early with BELICHICK on debut against some useful lightly raced ones. Liked its trial and ollie rides. Destined for more wins than just a maiden. That said so too is CARRIBEAN WONDER, who has the experience and a fitness edge, just nailed Stawell, will take catching. DANBANA, interesting Dansili debutant in good hands. SPIRIT OF PHOENIX can improve off moderate debut (has trialled well) and JEDDAH AHEADAH ditto on firmer track.
SUGGESTED: Keen to go BELICHICK.
Race 5: 2-6-4-5
Looks right race for POTENTATE back from a BM70. Will roll along in front and look the winner. SKY PUNCH surely fitter now and ready to play. BIG SUR was ok resuming and EL SEGUNDO’s maturing half-brother can develop this campaign as a 4YO. SHEHROZ is in the mix.
SUGGESTED: Like POTENTATE.
Race 6: 8-6-7-1
Think THE REGIMENT represents some value. The 1000m was too sharp resuming, won 2nd up in 1st preparation and well placed in a BM64 to do same here in an open race for mine. CRITICAL THINKING likely to run favourite back after some big assignments Scone and Brisbane winter carnival telling you stable belief in horse’s ability. Just wary price and still just an all the way Seymour maiden winner. THE CHEETAH has a fitness edge and is an on-pacer to bother it. NAT’S THE BOSS should be ready after two runs in.
SUGGESTED: Value – THE REGIMENT.
Race 7: 9-3-2-1
Quaddie gets tough but think this is a EUROMAN race or go wide. It’s had the 3 runs in for Weir now out to 2200m after just getting done without muck luck at The Bool. Only win was at this trip. HAMMERSTEIN led all the way at Yarra Valley and is uncomplicated and fit. COLUMN comes through same race as EUROMAN, jockey got whip tangled up there and may have cost it something. GILCHRIST didn’t get clear running in useful Sandown race last time.
SUGGESTED: Time for EUROMAN.
Race 8: 2-6-1-4
If you saw KINGS WILL DREAM win on its Australian debut at The Bool, you will want to be on it here and further as it progresses through the grades. Was most impressive and have to think can only be on an upward spiral. Should win again. That said – of there are any issues – ORAKEI OVERLORD – won a moderate Hamilton Class 1 but may be learning to put it together now. CANNOT BE SERIOUS is the overs on best form, excusing resuming city run as too bad to be true. WANNON WARRIOR wants 1400m, good closing off at Stawell.
SSUGGESTED: Be surprised if KING’S WILL DREAM doesn’t win again.
QAUDDIE:
2-6
1-3-6-7-8
1-2-3-8-9
2
$50 for 100%