The following is a survey of Australian racing tips for Saturday, April 24. The focus is on the race cards at Randwick, Caulfield and Morphettville. The highlights of the day are the two Group 1 races at Randwick: the Champagne Stakes (Race 6) and the All Aged Stakes (Race 7).
More tips will be added as they become available.
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Best bets
Caulfield Race 1: 3. Gimmie Par
Caulfield Race 2: 3. Brookspire and 1. Pride Of Jenni. Consider this pair for Quinella.
Caulfield Race 4: 6. Marabi
Caulfield Race 5: 8. Winsum
Caulfield Race 6: 1. Alfa Oro and 12. Superium. Consider this pair for Quinella.
Morphettville Race 1: Fall On A Star
Morphettville Race 6: Annavisto
Morphettville Race 7: Groundswell
Randwick Race 4: Zaaki
Caulfield
Race 1:
GIMMIE PAR (3) Came on strongly when 2nd last start at Flemington and gets a nice run behind the speed. Should go well. BILLIONDOLLARBABY (2) Left nothing to chance when winning last time at Canterbury but hoping that the added weight won’t hurt. Can have an impact. VANDOULA LASS (1) Was first to greet the judge when winning three runs back at Sandown and should race on the speed. Has to be strongly considered. ISLES OF AVALON (5) Caught the eye when 3rd last time at Morphettville and having second career run. Trifectas chance.
Race 2:
BROOKSPIRE (3) Let up. Really dug deep when winning three runs back at Randwick and going down in grade. Go close. PRIDE OF JENNI (1) Handy enough when winning three runs back at Mornington and shows good early pace. Fights on bravely so consider. PERFECT WORLD (4) Ran away with a win three runs back at Sale. Should land a nice spot just off the speed. Been in the money 3 from 4 attempts this campaign. Among the major players. AMERICAIN ANGEL (7) Had a comfortable win two runs back at Pakenham and will try to take advantage of the gate. Expecting to settle positively. Can be competitive.
Race 3:
FLICKITOVA (19) Really dug deep when winning two runs back at Pakenham and having third run back from a break. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Key hope. ZACHAZ (1) Could build on a strong first up record. Scored a victory three runs back at Pakenham and drops back to a suitable grade. Should enjoy a cosy run off the pace. Sound chances. BLUE OCEAN (12) Finished strongly when 3rd last run at Morphettville. Drawn to sit just in behind the speed. Keep an eye on the market. MR MOOJ (11) Nice run when 3rd three runs back at Sligo but first up today. Likely to get a nice run behind the speed. Could win with the right run.
Race 4:
MARABI (6) Winner last start at Moonee Valley and expecting to settle positively. Flying this preparation with 3 wins from 3 starts. Looks the one. INTREPIDACIOUS (3) Tidy effort when 2nd last time at Gold Coast and should come to hand quickly. Multiples chance. PLAQUETTE (9) Good show when finishing 3rd three runs back at Flemington and possesses good closing speed. Good prospect for the exotics at least. NAJMAH (13) Despite being out sprinted still finished 2nd two runs back at Randwick and likely to be well placed early. Very competitive this preparation. Worth an each way bet in this.
Race 5:
WINSUM (8) Showed promise when winning two runs back at Cranbourne and likely to race off the speed. Could prove hard to beat. TYDEUS (10) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Left nothing to chance when winning two runs back at Bendigo and should jump out and bowl along. Can go on with it. ALL OF BRIGHTON (6) Brave effort to win two runs back at Flemington and finishes off strongly. Watch market moves. IMMORTAL LOVE (1) Having second run back from a break. Got the upper hand late when winning three runs back around here and expected to be flashing home. Solid place bet prospects.
Race 6:
ALFA ORO (1) Having second run back from a spell. Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at Moonee Valley and won’t be far away during the run. Will give a big sight. SUPERIUM (12) Put in a competitive run when placing 3rd last run around here and second up. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Could go well. GINGER JONES (8) Solid effort when winning last time at Mornington and should jump out and bowl along. Very tidy this preparation winning 2 from 3 attempts. Watch it go close. DESIGNER CHEF (7) Solid win two runs back at Morphettville and hard to fault at the distance. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Has been a model of consistency since returning from a break. Worth entertaining from a place and exotics perspective.
Race 7:
MAHAMEDEIS (4) Racing for the second time this week. Fought on well to win last time here and displays very good finishing speed. Can have an impact. KILLOURNEY (12) Nice show when finishing 3rd last time at Sandown and suited by the weight drop. Sure to be thereabouts again. INVERLOCH (2) Races well third up winning 2 from 4 attempts. Solid win last time at this course and should jump out and bowl along. Looks a great place bet. BRIMHAM ROCKS (1) Having second run back from a spell. Flashed home late into 2nd last time here. Expecting to settle just off the pace. Can win.
Race 8:
MISSILE MANTRA (5) Having second run back from a break. Displayed potential when winning last run at this venue and displays very good closing speed. Winning hope. STILL A STAR (6) Nice effort when winning three runs back at Launceston and can find a nice position from the draw. This field suits. GROUNDSWELL (8) Third up today. Finished on top last run at Bendigo and suited by the weight drop. Expected to fight out the finish. RIDDLE ME THAT (7) Third up specialist with 2 wins from 3 starts. Came on strongly to finish 2nd two runs back at Moonee Valley. Should get a lovely cart into it from just behind the leaders. Right in this.
Race 9:
PESTO (13) Having second run back from a break. Produced an eye catching run when 2nd last run at this course but racing in stronger company. Hard to overlook. LEGEND OF ZORRO (11) Had a comfortable win last run at Sandown and will benefit with the weight drop. Should muster plenty of early speed. Tracking very well this preparation. Must respect in this event. CADRE DU NOIR (7) Thrashed the field when winning three runs back at Sandown and displays good tactical speed. Definite claims. DON’T DOUBT DORY (9) Ran on strongly when 3rd last start at Bendigo and likely to race off the speed. Exotics hope in this event.
Race 1: Gimmie Par
Race 2: Brookspire
Race 3: Excelman
Race 4: Marabi
Race 5: Winsum
Race 6: Superium
Race 8: Still A Star
Race 9: Cadre Du Noir
Race 1: 3. Gimmie Par and/or 2. Billiondollarbaby
Race 2: 1. Pride Of Jenni, 3. Brookspire
Race 6: 1. Alfa Oro, 12. Superium, 11. Sakura
Race 8: 3. Begood Toya Mother – value bet
Race 1:
3. Gimmie Par, 2. Billiondollarbaby, 6. Blistering, 1. Vandoula Lass
Race 2:
1. Pride Of Jenni, 7. Americain Angel, 9. Designs, 3. Brookspire
Race 3:
7. Excelman, 19. Flickitova, 1. Zachaz, 14. Dreamed
Race 4:
6. Marabi, 9. Plaquette, 3. Intrepidacious, 11. Quesadilla
Race 5:
6. All Of Brighton, 8. Winsum , 1. Immortal Love, 12. Curran
Race 6:
1. Alfa Oro, 4. Open Minded, 12. Superium, 11. Sakura
Race 7:
12. Killourney, 2. Inverloch, 4. Mahamedeis, 8. Kentucky Breeze
Race 8:
7. Riddle Me That, 3. Begood Toya Mother, 5. Missile Mantra, 6. Still A Star
Race 9:
14. Legionnaire, 13. Pesto, 11. Legend Of Zorro, 1. Guizot
Race 1:
4. Anatolia, 2. Billiondollarbaby, 3. Gimmie Par
Race 2:
6. Madame Boitier, 9. Designs
Race 3:
8. Konkalikon, 6. Our Chevalier, 1. Zachaz, 11. Mr Mooj
Race 4:
1. She’s A Thief, 3. Intrepidacious
Race 5:
3. Yulong Command, 10. Tydeus, 13. Eau Chaude, 12. Curran
Race 6:
12. Superium, 14. Platini, 1. Alfa Oro
Race 7:
4. Mahamedeis, 8. Kentucky Breeze
Race 8:
2. Dr Drill
Race 9:
3. Tavirun
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
NOTE; Rail is 8m. Was true last week and hard on inside rail was not the place to be, however, nothing much swooped all-day either! Was 10m prior and inside lanes were avoided by most. Up to four newbies here, all have shown ability at Jumpouts, betting? Of the raced: GIMMIE PAR had backing to beat Ingratiating at debut, he was strong late there to get within .5L and beat third easily. Lovely recent jumpout. BILLIONDOLLARBABY put up strong figures leading all way at debut in Sydney, there were gaps behind her. VANDOULA LASS faded fresh but the rail was not the place to be, drier helps also. ANATOLA was solid debut winner, time: OK
Selections: 3. Gimmie Par (Top Tip), 2. Billiondollarbaby, 1. Vandoula Lass, 4. Anatolia
Race 2:
SPEED: 1, 7 can lead 4 with 3 taking trail. PRIDE OF JENNI gave the talented Agreeable 3kg fresh and set a solid speed on a tough day for leaders here yet still kicked. First go 1600m here. BROOKSPIRE is six weeks between runs but was close up in Kembla Classic last start and 3.6L off Harmony Rose prior, despite a wide run! SUCCEED INDEED flopped fresh but did beat PERFECT WORLD second up last prep, Perfect World just ran well in Adelaide behind the smart Ecumenical. AMERICAIN ANGEL chased Pride of Jenni at debut. DESIGNS beat Americain Angel fresh at Pakenham, in fast time.
Selections: 1. Pride Of Jenni (Best of the Day), 3. Brookspire, 9. Designs, 4. Perfect World
Race 3:
SPEED: 2 may lead 3, 5 with 10, 15, 16 & 6 handy. Many others can be handy. FLICKITOVA can run well here if they get in. Suspect 1800m is ideal. DREAMED is flying but comes back in trip. That form ties in BLUE OCEAN. ZACHAZ was terrific fresh last prep and claims down. LAUNDY has form around him and OUR CHEVALIER. FIORENTE LASS is in the game … Plenty of other hopes.
Selections: 19. Flickitova (Top Tip), 1. Zachaz, 16. Fiorente Lass (SCRATCHED), 6. Our Chevalier
Race 4:
Good speed on paper. MARABI is unbeaten and the aggregate winning margin is 15.5L. She pulled out a big last 600m figure at MV. There will be pressure here though! INTREPIDACIOUS is good fresh and at 1100m. She beat Ellsberg home two runs back. PLAQUETTE made good ground fresh from way back. All her wins have been on dry ground. Stablemate AMERCEMENT had a nice quiet trial and a forgettable last prep. Can forgive NAJMAH her latest. SWEETZOU looked good fresh beating the in-form QUESADILLA. STANDOFF jumped out well Monday and can charge home: best roughie?
Selections: 6. Marabi (Top Tip), 9. Plaquette, 3. Intrepidacious, 16. Standoff
Race 5:
SPEED: 3, 5, 9, 10, 12 can all go forward. IMMORTAL LOVE ended up too far back here fresh, he made very good ground. Yes 1200m! ALL OF BRIGHTON had no weight but did beat him home and produced a slick last 200m (11.12, race-fastest) doing it. WINSUM was good closer to the speed on a day when run-on horses had the advantage. Loved recent jumpouts from TYDEUS (chased a good one on Monday) and EAU CHAUDE (looked sharp under the name ”Hot Water” in his heat). CURRAN has Litchfield County form (stakes-placed last week in SA), which ties into those through the Caulfield race referenced above.
Selections: 6. All Of Brighton (Top Tip), 8. Winsum, 10. Tydeus, 1. Immortal Love
Race 6:
SPEED good: 5 looks leader but 1, 4, 8, 10 can be right up there. 3, 9, 12 off them? ALFA ORO was slow out and run off his feet fresh at 1000m then good late. He’s also entered for the Hall Mark at Randwick though. DEFIANT DANCER can win on his Standish third. OPEN MINDED is good fresh and has this fabulous 1200m record. SARTORIAL SPLENDOR gave a great sight here last time on a tough day for leaders, 1200m now? GINGER JONES put 1200m queries to bed last time. LI’L KONTRA was a strong winner here last time but I feel SUPERIUM beats her with even luck. SAKURA has the quality and trialled well, overs?
Selections: 1. Alfa Oro (Top Tip), 12. Superium, 11. Sakura
Race 7:
SPEED: 2 looks leader. 8, 9, 10 can all be handy. INVERLOCH was very well ridden in the lead here to beat BRIMHAM ROCKS who did an amazing job to get within 1.2L of the winner from where he ended up. ANOTHER DOLLAR was okay there fresh. MAHAMEDEIS kept building and ran them down last week, the last time he was on a seven-day back-up, he won! THE LORD MAYOR was in inferior ground here last time. He beat Mahamedeis home prior. YONKERS comes back in trip but can certainly win. KILLOURNEY is going well and gets weight relief.
Selections: 1. Brimham Rocks (Top Tip), 4. Mahamedeis, 9. Yonkers, 2. Inverloch
Race 8:
SPEED: 1, 8 lead 6, 10? OLMEDO folded up in a Doncaster but is better on drier and this is easier. DR DRILL has very good fresh form. BEGOOD TOYA MOTHER was way back and held-up in the Victoria Handicap fresh but found the line sweetly (third-fastest last 200m). RIDDLE ME THAT was luckless in that same race and has won his last two when third up. STILL A STAR beat them both and gets a good run again here. GROUNDSWELL was a strong winner second up. MISSILE MANTRA showed her class fresh and ran the fastest last 600m of the day.
Selections: 3. Begood Toya Mother (Top Tip), 7. Riddle Me That, 5. Missile Mantra, 6. Still A Star
Race 9:
SPEED: 11, 8 with 3, 15 & 16 all go forward. GUIZOT was only clear late here last time and ran very well. He drops to 84 class but draws wide. PESTO attacked the line at his Australian debut. Yes 1600m, but he too draws out. Pattern now? BLINDER won that race off some nice jumpout form. LEGIONNAIRE was luckless and might go up big odds? CADRE DU NOIR has jumped out well for his return. LEGEND OF ZORRO is flying! DON’T DOUBT DORY hit the line fresh. He’s quickly to 1600m second up but can win. RESERVE STREET is a ripper. TRANSLATOR is going well and gets weight relief.
Selections: 14. Legionnaire (Value Bet), 7. Cadre Du Noir, 13. Pesto, 9. Don’t Doubt Dory
Race 7 – 2 INVERLOCH (8.50) – BEST BET
Race 8 – 3 BEGOOD TOYA MOTHER (7.50) – VALUE BET
Race 5: 10. Tydeus
Quaddie: 1,3,10,12/1,4,7,9/6,7/13
Race 1:
3. Gimmie Par, 6. Blistering, 1. Vandoula Lass
Race 2:
7. Americain Angel, 1. Pride Of Jenni, 9. Designs, 3. Brookspire
Race 3:
19. Flickitova, 20. Under My Spell, 11. Mr Mooj, 7. Excelman
Race 4:
6. Marabi, 1. She’s A Thief, 15. Sweetzou, 9. Plaquette
Race 5:
13. Eau Chaude, 6. All Of Brighton, 8. Winsum
Race 6:
1. Alfa Oro, 12. Superium, 7. Designer Chef, 14. Platini
Race 7:
12. Killourney, 4. Mahamedeis, 9. Yonkers, 5. Night’s Watch
Race 8:
7. Riddle Me That, 6. Still A Star, 4. Reykjavik, 3. Begood Toya Mother
Race 9:
9. Don’t Doubt Dory, 14. Legionnaire, 7. Cadre Du Noir
Morphettville
Race 1:
FALL ON A STAR (6) Weakened to finish 11th last time at Randwick. Happy to forgive that run and expected to be flashing home. Top selection. PERFECT ZED (9) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Competitive effort when 2nd two runs back at Geelong and has the ideal draw. Has genuine claims in this race. MR TEE KAY (3) Racing fresh today after a break. Didn’t find the line when 9th last time around here but having second run today. Every chance today. COVERED CALL (1) Jon Oconnor trained 3yo by Adelaide on debut. Looking to place betting and exotics.
Race 2:
TOO GOOD TOO HARD (1) Caught the eye when 3rd last time at this course and shows good closing speed. Winnable race. SOUL OBSESSION (6) Really dug deep when winning last start at this track and displays good tactical speed. Serious player. STREETCAR STRANGER (3) Third up from a break. Managed to place 2nd three runs back at this track and suited at this trip historically. Right in the thick of it and is a major player. ELDERFLOWER (2) Improved result placing 2nd last start at Oakbank but bit of extra work to do with more weight today. Expecting to settle positively. Can’t knock.
Race 3:
SKILLED BUNCH (7) Chimed in with a win two runs back at this venue and gets some weight taken off today. One of the major players. MARITANA (1) Has potential to improve on placing 3rd last run at Caulfield and expecting to settle positively. Sure to be thereabouts again. JUST A TRIBUTE (9) Second up from a break. Produced an eye catching run when 2nd last run at Pakenham and will benefit with the weight drop. One of the top hopes. CALL ME CURTIS (8) Sub-standard effort when 10th here. Happy to forgive that run and dropping weight today. Will give a big sight.
Race 4:
MISTER YU SHU (6) Dashed home into 3rd last run at Sandown and can save some energy from the alley. Could prove hard to beat. HE’S A BALTER (8) Caught the eye when 3rd last start around here. Shows very good finishing speed. One of the major players. BORN TO PLAY (11) Third up today. Scored a victory three runs back at Murray Bridge. Suited. AMBIDAZZLE (7) Good performance to run into 3rd last time at Oakbank. Won’t be far away and represents an each way player.
Race 5:
JOHNNY CHUTZPAH (5) Second up. Brave effort to win last run at Benalla and can save some energy from the alley. Capable of taking this out. DEBBONAIRE BOY (3) Stormed home when 3rd two runs back at Bendigo and change in trainer to David Aldridge. Not without claims. OVER THERE (13) Came on strongly to finish 5th last start at Kyneton and goes down in weight. Modest chance for multis. MAID IN MILAN (9) Proven record when resuming with 2 wins from 4 starts. Didn’t attack the line when 7th last time at Gawler but has a good draw. Right in this.
Race 6:
ANNAVISTO (6) Bold effort to win last start at Caulfield and dropping weight today. Definite winning chance. AGREEABLE (8) Third up today. Was first to greet the judge when winning last time at Caulfield but up against stronger competition today. Main hope. INCREDULOUS DREAM (7) Third up. Chimed in with a win two runs back at Mornington and will benefit with the weight drop. Warrants a bet. WAY TO GO PAULA (11) Second up from a break. Scored a victory last time at Pakenham but racing in stronger company today. Place wouldn’t shock.
Race 7:
GROUNDSWELL (2) Third up from a spell. Scored a victory last time at Bendigo and solid performer at this distance in the past. Take holding out. TERRITORY TITAN (7) Had a comfortable win three runs back around here. Shows good early pace. Capable of getting into the money. MORVADA (1) Displayed potential when winning two runs back at Flemington but hoping that the added weight won’t hurt. Should jump out and bowl along. Include. MAGNA BELLA (5) Was fighting out the finish when winning last run around here and displays good tactical speed. Has claims.
Race 8:
KARACASU (2) Won narrowly last run at the track but goes up in weight. Can make a claim. CLOUDY (6) Brave effort to win last start at this course and has minimal work to do from the barrier. Very tidy this preparation winning 2 from 4 starts. Among the major players. ISLES OF AVALON (9) Ran on strongly when 3rd last start at this course and having second career run. Worth strong consideration. HE’S XCEPTIONAL (1) Landed the spoils when winning three runs back at Cranbourne but facing a stronger class today. Should be going forward early. Good chance and wouldn’t be surprised to see it pick up a win.
Race 9:
ROYAL MILE (1) Landed the spoils when winning last start around here. Can win this. DEEPSTRIKE (5) Did a good job when winning last time at Sandown and shows very good finishing speed. Going well this campaign winning 2 from as many attempts. Classy enough for this field and is one of the major players. NOBEL HEIGHTS (8) Third up from a spell. Good win two runs back at Sandown and carrying less weight this time. Looks to be the value. CASINO SEVENTEEN (4) Left nothing to chance when winning two runs back at Oakbank and can find a nice position from the draw. Expecting to settle positively. Include.
Race 1: Fall On A Star
Race 2: Too Good Too Hard
Race 3: Maritana
Race 4: Born To Play each-way
Race 5: Debbonaire Boy each-way
Race 6: Annavisto
Race 7: Groundswell
Race 8: Cloudy each-way
Race 9: Deepstrike
Race 1: 6. Fall On A Star
Race 2: 6. Soul Obsession
Race 3: Quinella: 7. Skilled Bunch and 1. Maritana
Race 4: 11. Born To Play
Race 5: 5. Johnny Chutzpah
Race 6: 6. Annavisto
Race 7: 2. Groundswell
Race 8: 9. Isles Of Avalon each-way
Race 9: 5. Deepstrike
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
FALL ON A STAR (formerly trained by Kris Lees) creates plenty of interest here. She contested some top class races in Sydney last year and wasn’t faraway in the finish on two occasions. Comes into this off the back of a trial win on April 9th. PERFECT ZED was beaten in a photo finish at Warrnambool on debut in November. She was placed at Geelong at her second start then spelled after finishing down the track at Warrnambool. There were some excuses for MR TEE KAY on debut last year, he was well in the market that day. COVERED CALL, CASSANDRA ISABEL and FRANCINE are other hopes.
Selections: 6. Fall On A Star (Top Tip), 9. Perfect Zed, 3. Mr Tee Kay, 1. Covered Call
Race 2:
SOUL OBSESSION was sent for a spell after defeating Load And Go here in January. Expecting her to run a big race fresh. STREETCAR STRANGER came from behind the speed to finish fourth in a listed race at Oakbank at his second run back from a spell. He can only be further improved. TOO GOOD TOO HARD has been in the money in three of four 1st up attempts. After the claim, she’ll carry 58kg. TRIP hasn’t been seen since running second in the City Of Marion in November. Her best form has been over 1200m and further. ELDERFLOWER is likely to push forward and be in it for a long way.
Selections: 6. Soul Obsession (Best of the Day), 3. Streetcar Stranger, 1. Too Good Too Hard, 4. Trip
Race 3:
SKILLED BUNCH easily accounted for the opposition here two starts ago. She went to Oakbank last time where she never threatened in a leader dominated event. MARITANA raced on the pace at Caulfield second-up and stuck on gamely to finish 3rd. He’ll be fitter again and has drawn favourably in barrier 2. I REMEMBE YOU tired in the run to the line when resuming and can only be further improved. Blinkers go back on today, any give in the track would help her chances. Victorian visitor JUST A TRIBUTE chased home Marlion’s Dream at Pakenham first up. Will be fitter and drops 4kg in weight today.
Selections: 7. Skilled Bunch (Top Tip), 1. Maritana, 2. I Remember You, 9. Just A Tribute
Race 4:
BORN TO PLAY has placed in both runs back from a spell, the latest at Oakbank. She’ll be fitter again and looks a genuine hope. MISTER YU SHU ran home hard from back in the field to finish third at Sandown last start. PEARL BANDIT got into the placings behind Magna Bella when resuming. The step up to 1400m is ideal and with luck, he’ll be right in the finish. HE’S A BALTER has been close up in the finish at his past two outings and should not be overlooked. AMBIDAZZLE improved into the placings at Oakbank three weeks ago.
Selections: 11. Born To Play (Top Tip), 6. Mister Yu Shu, 1. Pearl Bandit, 8. He’s A Balter
Race 5:
JOHNNY CHUTZPAH returned from a spell with a tough win at Benalla a fortnight ago. He’ll strip fitter and will carry 56.5kg after Will Price’s claim. MAID IN MILAN took out a slightly stronger race here first up last time in work. She has drawn to get a good run from barrier 2. DEBBONAIRE BOY finds himself in a new stable after finishing just behind the placegetters at Sandown last start. Look for any positive market moves for him. Others with claims for multiples are DISSOLUTE, BROBAK, WOUNDED SOLDIER and SPIN THE REWARD (has an awkward draw to contend with).
Selections: 5. Johnny Chutzpah (Top Tip), 9. Maid In Milan, 3. Debbonaire Boy, 1. Dissolute
Race 6:
ANNAVISTO made it three wins from four starts this campaign when she scored over this trip at Caulfield a fortnight ago. The 4.5kg drop in weight today is a big plus. INCREDULOUS DREAM defeated Garvoc at Mornington first up then went to Caulfield where she was placed behind AGREEABLE. Both look to have solid claims in this. ANITRA steps up to a more suitable trip here at her second run back from a spell and will strip fitter. EXTRA TIME, THRILL KILL and SPARKUP have chances but all three have wide gates to contend with.
Selections: 6. Annavisto (Top Tip), 7. Incredulous Dream, 12. Anitra, 8. Agreeable
Race 7:
GROUNDSWELL returned to form with an easy all-the-way win over Defiant Dancer at Bendigo. He has been kept fresh for this and has put two together in the past. REGALO DI GAETANO was given a letup after finishing down the track in the All Star Mile. This is much easier and he has won three races around this circuit. RENEGADE won two in a row before failing to run a strong 1600m here last time. MORVADA, MAGNA BELLA and ALSVIOR are others that should not be overlooked.
Selections: 2. Groundswell (Top Tip), 3. Regalo Di Gaetano, 9. Renegade, 1. Morvada
Race 8:
In a race of many chances, I’m going with ISLES OF AVALON. She hit the line strongly on debut, finishing a close third to Cloudy. Is likely to have taken benefit from the race experience and will appreciate the step up to 1200m. KARACASU was given a letup following an impressive win at his second start. He was tuned up for this with a solid trial on April 9th. HE’S XCEPTIONAL has been racing in great form this time in work and should not be left out of multiples. Not much went the way of I AM ENCHANTING at Caulfield when resuming.
Selections: 9. Isles Of Avalon (Value Bet), 2. Karacasu, 1. He’s Xceptional, 8. I Am Enchanting
Race 9:
DEEPSTRIKE comes into this off back-to-back wins at Pakenham and Sandown. He shapes as though the longer trip will suit. ELLMAKNIFICO made it two wins from as many starts when he was awarded the race in the stewards’ room at Sale last month. NOBEL HEIGHTS raced wide throughout at Sandown last time and stuck on gamely to finish second. Unfortunately he has another awkward draw to contend with today. Others that are worth including in multiples are ROYAL MILE, AZALY (will need luck from a wide gate but did win well last start), MILETUS and ICHIBANSAN.
Selections: 5. Deepstrike (Top Tip), 7. Ellmaknifico, 8. Nobel Heights, 2. Azaly
Race 1: 6. Fall On A Star
Race 3: 1. Maritana
Race 9: 6. Miletus
Randwick
Race 4: 1. Zaaki – BEST BET
Race 6: 13. Queen Of Wizardry
Race 7:
BEST BET: Zoutori each-way
EXOTIC: Boxed Exacta: 2,3,4,7,9
TOP 5:
1. Zoutori
2. Dreamforce
3. Masked Crusader
4. Imaging
5. I Am Superman
Quaddie: 1,2,3,13/2,3,4,7,9/1,4,6,9,14/2,12
Race 6: Hilal (3.40) (win)
Race 7: Savatiano (7.00) (win)
Race 1:
CEASEFIRE (12) Good win last start at Muswellbrook and gets a reduction in weight. Going well this campaign winning 2 from as many attempts. Fights on bravely so consider. ROTHENBURG (1) Stormed home when 2nd two runs back at Muswellbrook but bit of extra work to do with more weight today. Winning hope. AHEAD START (11) Having second run back from a spell. Got the cash when winning last start at Wellington and gets a reduction in weight. Worth a ticket. CECILIA (6) Third up from a break. Chimed in with a win last run at Tamworth and will benefit with the weight drop. Could work into the placings.
Race 2:
KIKU (2) Scored a victory last time at this track. Unbeaten this preparation with 3 wins from as many starts. Major player. MATCHMAKER (1) Fought on well to win last time here. Main hope. GEIST (4) Ran on strongly when 3rd last run at this course and should get going late. Has run into the money 5 from 7 attempts this campaign. Minor claims. I SAY HELLO (5) Landed the spoils when winning last run at Hawkesbury and carrying less weight this time. Possesses very good finishing speed. Capable of forward showing and can be competitive.
Race 3:
LION’S ROAR (1) Winner three runs back here and looks well placed in this grade. Finishes off strongly. Capable of a strong showing and is a top chance. KHOEKHOE (2) Charged home into 3rd three runs back at Caulfield and dropping in class. Fights on bravely so consider. HIGH SUPREMACY (3) Good show when placing 2nd two runs back at Canberra and gets a favourable draw. Hard to dismiss. ACHIEVER (4) Fought on gamely when winning two runs back here. Value bet.
Race 4:
ZAAKI (1) Having second run back from a spell. Finished 3.4L from the winner at this track last start on a soft surface and up in weight today. Worth an investment. ENTENTE (5) Bold effort to win two runs back at Albury and should jump out and bowl along. Been in the money 3 from 4 attempts this campaign. Suitably placed in this race. HANG MAN (2) Really dug deep when winning last start at Caulfield but rises in weight. Will be motoring home late. Should take beating. PATHS OF GLORY (10) Couldn’t shake them off when 3rd last start around here and can find a nice position from the draw. Each way hope.
Race 5:
ELEVEN ELEVEN (8) Having second run back from a break. Really dug deep when winning two runs back at Gold Coast and goes down in grade. Winning claims. SIGNORE FOX (5) Second up. Bold effort to win last time at Rosehill but rises in weight. Should take beating. VICTOREM (1) Back from a let up. Produced an eye catching run when 3rd two runs back here and will appreciate the drop in class. No surprise to see a forward showing and one of the main hopes in this race. ROHERYN (4) Showed a good turn of foot when 3rd last run at Rosehill and displays very good finishing speed. Been in the money 3 from 4 attempts this preparation. Chance.
Race 6:
HILAL (2) Produced an eye catching run when 2nd last start at this venue and possesses good finishing speed. Has run into the money 3 from 4 attempts this campaign. Can win this. CAPTIVANT (1) Flew home into 3rd last time here and can save some energy from the barrier. Expected to be flashing home. Key player. CONVERGE (3) Solid effort when winning last run at the track and shows good early pace. Can feature. QUEEN OF WIZARDRY (13) Showed potential moving through the field into 5th last run at this course and always seems to find the line well. Exotics hope in this event.
Race 7:
MASKED CRUSADER (2) Solid effort when winning two runs back at Moonee Valley. Take beating. SAVATIANO (10) Won narrowly last start here and should be going forward early. Going well this preparation winning 2 from as many starts. Expect to go close. CASCADIAN (5) Really dug deep when winning last run at this course but goes up in weight. Finishes off strongly. Follow market leads. TAGALOA (11) Was all too good winning two runs back at Flemington and back from a freshen up. Has early speed and positions nicely. Rates an each way chance.
Race 8:
NUDGE (14) Rattled home nicely into 3rd last run at Rosehill and third up today. Possesses very good finishing speed. Among better hopes. STARSPANGLED RODEO (9) Got the upper hand late when winning last run at Rosehill and goes down in weight. Been in the money 5 from 6 attempts this campaign. Worth a ticket. BOTTEGA (4) Having third run back from a spell. Rocketed home into 3rd last time at Rosehill but rises in weight. A win wouldn’t surprise. PHAISTOS (6) Had a break from racing and returns to competition. Stormed home when 3rd last time at Eagle Farm but returning to a shorter trip. Solid each way claims.
Race 9:
LOST AND RUNNING (2) Shot clear to win two runs back at this venue and can save some energy from the gate. Displays good tactical speed. Fights on bravely so consider. SALINA DREAMING (12) Second up from a spell. Spaced the field to win last start at Warwick Farm and dropping weight today. Top prospects. MORE PROPHETS (15) Fresh today after a break. Pulled away to win last time at Warwick Farm and gets some weight taken off today. This field suits. ENCHANTED HEART (1) Having second run back from a break. Really dug deep when winning last start at Canterbury. Will be around the mark at odds.
Race 1: Ceasefire, saving on Ahead Start
Race 2: Kiku
Race 3: High Supremacy, saving on Lion’s Roar
Race 4: Zaaki
Race 5: Signore Fox
Race 6: Hilal
Race 7: Masked Crusader
Race 8: Nudge
Race 9: Salina Dreaming
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
Last day of the carnival and conditions will be dry for Saturday, with a perfect sunny 23 degrees expected. Rail now out to 6 metres for the final 1000m (plus 4 metres the rest). Highways are back and we open up with a race named in honour of the very popular trainer Neville Layt, who died on Tuesday. The dream result of course is that REDICON makes his way into the final field and flies fresh to score. Plenty of pace on offer – 19, 15, 12 (and maybe 10?) from way out wide and others like 6, 11 and 14. I’m with AHEAD START who looked so many classes above his opposition on Wellington Boot day, and now here he is with a perfect draw and McDonald booked.
Selections: 11. Ahead Start (Top Tip), 12. Ceasefire, 1. Rothenburg, 17. Redicon
Race 2:
No pace as such in this one. My best guess (and it may not be very good) is that 1 adopts the role out front with 3 and 2 trailing. MATCHMAKER draws widest but she’s on the up in her prep and 1400m is a positive for her. Could she roll forward?? KIKU drops back from a mile but could keep on winning without surprise. The speed scenario doesn’t particularly appeal for ALL HALLOWS’ EVE, drawn the fence as she is, but first time to 1400m could work for her. It’s all a bit low confidence for me to be playing heavily.
Selections: 1. Matchmaker (Top Tip), 6. All Hallows’ Eve, 2. Kiku, 3. Elizabeel
Race 3:
Another race with precious little obvious speed. It’s particularly hard to predict. LION’S ROAR was an on-pacer to begin with but lately at the high level he has been effective going back from wide draws. Has 8 of 9 here; wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to head up and control. The ‘class’ runner coming back to this race (usually back from the Derby) can often come ‘unstuck’ so I approach with caution, but he is hard to resist given the possible setup. HIGH SUPREMACY has to be marked with respect here given he had no luck in his lead-up. First time to 2000m, probably a positive.
Selections: 1. Lion’s Roar (Top Tip), 3. High Supremacy, 2. Khoekhoe, 7. Santadeal
Race 4:
ENTENTE to cross and see every chance at or near the front and I fancy splitting Shared Ambition and Master of Wine is plenty good enough form to go deep into the finish of this. One note of caution was that he was flying until putting in a shocker 5th-up last prep (but that was interstate travel to the 2400m of the Geelong Cup). ZAAKI’s performance in the Doncaster will mean he’s sure to have fans. Has run well at this trip without winning but that finish indicated he wants it. POLLY GREY sees a cute run and would be no shock result.
Selections: 5. Entente (Top Tip), 1. Zaaki, 9. Polly Grey, 2. Hang Man
Race 5:
Yet again there’s not a lot of speed, even in this good level of sprint race. ALFA ORO the leader if he makes his way up but he has a Caulfield option as well and he was slow out when resuming. Remarkably he has started favourite in all 10 starts to date (and, to be fair, he’s won x 6) so it will be very interesting to see if he ventures outside Vic for the first time. That said, I’m with VICTOREM. 7 weeks since the Canterbury Stakes (where he had cardiac arrhythmia) but he has bounced back and trialled well recently. Good enough to get away with this no doubt. SIGNORE FOX is a good fresh horse and approaches this 2nd-up, but still respecting.
Selections: 1. Victorem (Top Tip), 5. Signore Fox, 4. Roheryn, 9. Alfa Oro
Race 6:
The top three look the best winning chances. Choosing CONVERGE on the fast turnaround from the Fernhill win at the trip. It’s not as if he hadn’t been very competitive against good horses prior as well and in their only clash he did beat home HILAL (who had excuses in the Pago Pago). Lands on-pace and should be right in the fight. No knock HILAL of course; he’s through the best lead-up race and finished off encouragingly. CAPTIVANT comes through that as well I just wonder whether he gets cluttered away here from barrier 1. GIN MARTINI a maiden still but has some claims on her first win being a G1.
Selections: 3. Converge (Top Tip), 2. Hilal, 14. Gin Martini, 1. Captivant
Race 7:
A most intriguing G1 to close the carnival. Speed supplied by 4 and 10 primarily. 1 and 13 can press up at least handy. I’m taken with the back-to-back scenario for CASCADIAN after seemingly years (it was only one year in fact and just nine starts) of taunting us with his ‘almost but not quite’ act. Drawn the fence today but Kah dealt with the low draw in the Doncaster and could do same here. Stablemate SAVATIANO could control from the front and this has long shaped as a suitable target given her record at 1300-1400m. I feel fairly confident MASKED CRUSADER would NOT have beaten Nature Strip under any circumstances last start but it’s still an enticing formline and it has been great to see him step up this prep.
Selections: 5. Cascadian (Top Tip), 10. Savatiano, 3. Zoutori, 2. Masked Crusader
Race 8:
Pace set by 1, 3, 9 and 13. BOTTEGA switches back to Randwick where his record is anything but a put-off. Luck should his come his way today given the barrier and he looks very much to be through the right races for a BM100 assignment. Gave BRANDENBURG a real chance at the sprint trip fresh but he pulled up lame and so therefore happy to look past it. Now to 1400m, with a claim, I’ll be making sure I don’t lose if he wins. ARAPAHO led and looked smart in the most recent trial. Market says??
Selections: 4. Bottega (Best of the Day), 2. Brandenburg, 13. Arapaho, 9. Starspangled Rodeo
Race 9:
8 an early scratching, 6 and 16 dual acceptors, and several others nommed for Anzac Day….so we may have a diminished field here. Speed from 2, 9, 11 and 13. MORE PROPHETS was racing well over the summer in lower grade races but she is to be respected here I think because a) it’s not that big a step up in grade and b) she won nicely fresh at 1100m last prep off one trial as well. Like where she gets to – midfield, tracking sweetly – from this barrier and there are no poor runs. LOST AND RUNNING has been odds-on each start and very nearly kept the record intact last start but for ENCHANTED HEART. Could easily bounce back to winning form.
Selections: 15. More Prophets (Value Bet), 2. Lost And Running, 7. Segalas, 1. Enchanted Heart
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 4 #1 Zaaki (2.50) – BEST BET
Race 7 #10 Savatiano (6.50)
Race 7 #2 Masked Crusader (2.90) – LAY BET
Race 8 #2 Brandenburg (18.00) – VALUE BET