The track conditions are set for a soft 6 with the rail running true, promising an interesting day of racing with a mix of improvers and seasoned campaigners. Punters will be looking for value across the eight races, with several runners appearing to be in strong positions to perform well.
Race 1: A Chance for an Improver
In the opening race, 7. Nafanua stands out as a lightly raced contender from the strong Bjorn Baker stable. While she disappointed late when second-up at Goulburn, the prospect of a drying track for her third start, combined with a weaker field, presents a significant advantage.
- 6. Magic Iris is also one to watch, coming off a provincial run in tougher company and showing improvement second-up.
- 3. Deluce, another lightly raced runner, could benefit from a firmer track as the day progresses.
- 2. Kneel Down has shown promise in weaker picnic races and will carry a considerably lighter weight.
Punters’ Tip: Nafanua to win.
Race 2: The Glen’s Opportunity
2. The Glen hasn’t set the world on fire in his two starts to date, but his last outing at Goulburn, finishing within five lengths of a smart stablemate, reads well for this less competitive field. The addition of winkers and an increase in distance are expected to suit.
- 6. Zippy Argento showed a good closing burst when resuming and is drawn for a comfortable run.
- 7. Closethedoordarcy is considered the next best in this race.
Punters’ Tip: The Glen to win.
Race 3: A Smart Filly on the Rise
4. Tassalina, hailing from the same Canberra stable as the fancied runner in the opener, appears to be a filly with considerable potential. Her debut maiden win at Wagga was impressive, coming from midfield to win easily. With a superior jockey now in the saddle and despite a wide barrier, she looks poised for bigger things beyond this event.
- 3. Bosco has been competitive in his two starts since his maiden win at Moruya. A good draw and the track conditions improving to a soft 5 are in his favour.
- 5. Outlaw Annie finally has a decent barrier, but will need to find significant improvement to challenge for the win.
- 8. Molteuno and 10. Rita Red are worth considering for trifecta and first four combinations.
Punters’ Tip: Tassalina to win.
Race 4: Plenty of Contenders Over Middle Distance
This middle-distance race presents a number of winning chances, with 4. Tartan Tiger leading the charge. This progressive filly from the Bjorn Baker stable broke through at her third start with a dominant all-the-way win at Goulburn, demonstrating versatility and a strong will to win.
- 1. Mr Tadashi should improve third-up on a firmer surface.
- 7. Sir Sublime is building towards a win but will need to overcome a wide draw early.
- 10. Special Prophet finished strongly in weaker grade last start and could be a factor.
- 11. Take The Chance, deep into its preparation, might sneak into the placings.
Punters’ Tip: Tartan Tiger to win.
Race 5: Curie to Continue Her Form
3. Curie, a lightly raced and talented filly from the Baker stable, looks to have this race at her mercy. She showed a strong finishing run when resuming at Kembla and then swept clear for an impressive win at Mudgee. Despite a weight rise, her favourable draw should see her get the right run to continue her winning streak. The gap between her and the rest of the field appears significant.
- 4. Charlie Magic, 6. Sir Lunchalots, and 8. Giza are the main contenders for the placings.
Punters’ Tip: Curie to win.
Race 6: Glowing Rapids the Reliable Option
1. Glowing Rapids is a consistent five-year-old who has frequently placed since a commanding front-running win four starts ago. He’s a reliable weight carrier and benefits from an important 3kg claim from the apprentice. This race represents the thinnest field he’s contested in some time.
- 3. Chico Casino hasn’t won recently but is stepping back up in trip and is drawn for a soft run.
- 4. Crucial Witness and 7. Cheap Shot are capable of featuring in the placings.
Punters’ Tip: Glowing Rapids to win.
Race 7: Vicious Rumour Poised for a Return to Form
6. Vicious Rumour, a capable mare from Dubbo, has been a consistent placegetter since late last year and often well-backed. After several near misses, she broke through two starts ago but struggled on a heavy track at Muswellbrook last month. A freshen-up and a return to a firmer surface are key factors for her chances here.
- 1. The Contractor is stepping up from a dominant maiden win and is drawn to get an economical run.
- 3. Hey Jude, another from the Baker team, is well-weighted after a solid closing effort.
- 9. Splendid Magnus, an improving Canberra filly, won her maiden impressively and has drawn the inside rail.
- 4. Frankie’s Shout, 7. Check Your Six (with blinkers back on), and 10. The Git Up are considered knockout chances in a wide-open affair.
Punters’ Tip: Vicious Rumour to win.
Race 8: Desirous to Lead the Pack
4. Desirous is a tough mare with an impeccable recent record, having not missed a place since late spring. She narrowly missed in a similar race here first-up and was again edged out in a stronger sprint at Dubbo. Her pattern of racing, combined with a return to a shorter course on a tighter, firmer track, suits her perfectly. She is expected to lead and dictate terms, potentially extending her impressive strike rate.
- 3. Shaddap should appreciate dropping back from tougher Highway class.
- 7. Xspiritous is a threat third-up with a senior jockey taking the reins.
- 1. Cumnock scraped home last start after a break and may find this tougher.
- 5. Falcon Gold is an honest on-speed runner who will be in the mix.
- 2. Oakey’s Choice and 9. Miss Mikki Isle are capable of figuring in the placings against this company.
Punters’ Tip: Desirous to win.
Best Bets and Value Plays
- Best Bet: Race 3: (4) Tassalina
- Best Bet: Race 5: (3) Curie
- Best Value: Race 7: (6) Vicious Rumour
