Expected Weather: Fine and 30 degrees
Expected Track Rating: Good 4
Rail position: 13m position
Race 1: 1.34pm – Champion Fillies Day – November 18 Handicap (2200m) - Bet with TABtouch
1 MR ALBY found the going tough over the mile at Ascot seven days ago. Steps back in grade here but runs at the 2200m for the first time in his career. Think a couple might just have his measure.
2 POWERCRAFT second run for Martin Allan since crossing from Sydney. Plenty of positives in that first run at Northam. Pushes out the 2200m which he’s also never had a look at before. Happy to sit back and watch, and learn a bit more about him today.
3 JAZARI trapped wide throughout at Ascot 10 days ago, but still finished off well to get within 2L of Slick Talker. That’s the strongest formline coming into this. I think he maps well; should get across from a wide gate without trouble and sit in the first 3-4, in a race that doesn’t look to have a lot of speed. Top pick.
4 PURE GEM comes out of that hot race with Arcadia Prince and Necklet but was a mile off them.1400m straight up to the 2200m. Mum Madame Shinko certainly enjoyed the extra distance, being group placed in a few country cups in New Zealand, but I don’t have Pure Gem placing in this race here.
5 BEVANDA no luck at all in competitive staying event last start at Northam. Sat three wide, no cover for most of the journey, and understandably faded to finish well off Born Blue. Battle hardened she is, having her fourth straight run at the 2200m. And her fortunes can change from barrier two.
6 CARAZORO another having her fourth straight run over this trip. Was fifth to Absolute Magic at Northam and she was one-and-a-half-lengths off Salvaged in that race, for a similar run. I’ve got her down as a place chance.
7 LOSING TICKET couldn’t go with Jazari two starts back, and then finished 16L last at Northam two weeks ago. Going with others.
8 SALVAGED ran well at odds over this trip last start at Northam. Beat home Carazoro as mentioned and looks to have that runner covered here, as he comes into this third-up and fitter. One of the main chances.
Selections: 3-5-8-6
Race 2: 2.14pm – D’Orsogna Handicap (1000m) - Bet with TABtouch
1 MAJESTIC MAN resumes following two months off. How do you knock this boy’s last two preparations - he didn’t miss a place in either of them. That’s seven straight races in the money, and I think he can figure again here. Hasn’t missed a place in three previous first-up runs either.
2 DON’T FUSS showed good ability to pick up Pinball Wizard at Northam. Certainly holds a fitness edge with six of the eight here resuming. Has to deal with a tricky draw but looks good enough to overcome it, take care of this lot and make it three wins from four starts.
3 PUCK SHAPESHIFTER resumes following two trials. Last run of last campaign was luckless, yet was still promising at Ascot over 1100m behind Glimmer Girl. He’s placed twice from three fresh runs in the past and draws well in barrier four. He can run well.
4 RED BANANAS was a pretty good effort to lead all the way and score Bunbury. Expect will try and emulate that effort from the inside alley here. I’ve never had a red banana in my life, so got no idea what they taste like, but could take a small each-way bite at odds.
5 LUCKY LEGACY run at Belmont back in July when second to Royal Command was a beauty, at around the 16 bucks from memory. Fresh record is almost bare, and numbers suggest she prefers the 11 and the 12, compared the 1000m, but she wouldn’t completely surprise here.
6 RIPPER RED ran in behind Bachelor’s Prospect in the more recent of two trials, and that horse ran really well fresh last Wednesday. First-up stats are positive for Ripper Red and the 1000m looks to be his go. Another one I can’t rule out.
7 SECRET BRIDGE one run in almost 18-months… was a win though at Bunbury. Happy to watch return here though, before laying down the dollars.
8 STRIKE FOR VICTORY another former Sydneysider, (or Novocastrian if being really specific) this horse now with Donna Riordan. She finished 6L off Test The World at Gosford. That mare did go on to win a Fillies and Mares BM85 at Randwick three starts later, but I think Strike For Victory will be tested here.
Selections: 2-1-3-4
Race 3: 2.54pm – Sign On Group Handicap (1400m) - Bet with TABtouch
1 DISRUPTIVE brilliant effort when three-quarters-of-a-length off Arcadia Prince and Necklet at Ascot 10 days ago. Has improved in both city runs this time in and is really ready to win now. Should get a nice passage from barrier three, and I have him leading and not being given a hard time in front. Top Pick.
2 GOODLUCK SIMBA should have picked that Velago form to be pretty handy, as this bloke came out of a debut run behind that horse and went on to win at $31 at Northam last start. He’s not winning here for mine, but does have place claims.
3 MASSAGI (noseband on) no luck at all when 7L off Sophia’s Secret at Belmont, and did look pretty green, hence the gear change. That’s proven a pretty good form race for the 3yo’s as well with Sophia’s Secret winning again and Three Secrets getting the better of Showcase on Saturday. Massagi should have better luck from the inside gate and William Pike jumps aboard. In the numbers.
4 PRIVATE DANCER 5L off Arcadia Prince but will better for that first look around Ascot ten days ago. She raced off the speed which was in contrast to her maiden win, when she sat three-deep outside the leader and kicked on in the straight. From gate four, I’d like to see back on the pace. If that’s where she ‘posi’s’ up, I think she can give this race a real shake.
5 SAGREDO - a 17th century Italian mathematician who was friends with Galileo… another mathematician, not the world champion sire. Oh, I get it now, this 3yo gelding is by Discorsi, and Discorsi was a maths book written by Galileo. Clever owners this bunch are. Let me give you a simple maths equation - If you put $10 on Sagredo, you’ll probably lose $10. I’m going with others.
6 SOUL EXPRESS like Sagredo, just plugged away behind Goodluck Simba last start. For that reason, I’m happy just to watch go around.
7 ALTA SULL’AMORE praise the cutaway did Alta Sull’amore when she broke her maiden in nice fashion at Northam. This is a tougher test again but she come on from that third-up here and sneak into a place.
8 LOAD THE MUSKET three trials coming into this. The winner of her more recent trial - Amelie Argot - got the job done at Northam on Sunday. At start number two, I think this will be more of an educational experience for Load The Musket.
9 NONNA’S JEWEL 6L off Sophia’s Secret was better than it looked, particularly upon second viewing. She got back, was hindered by a slow speed but still ran the third quickest last 600m. Step up to the 1400m looks her go, as does barrier two… I don’t think she’ll be far off them.
Selections: 1-4-3-7
Race 4: 3.30pm – Yellowglen Maiden (1400m) - Bet with TABtouch
1 SHREWD GAMBLE found the mile too far at Northam. Two runs prior at the 1400m were very good, particularly his late splits. William Pike jumps back aboard for the first time since May. There is one small query for me though… at start number 17 - this is the first time he’s running at Ascot. If he finds that 1400m form and has no problem with his new surroundings, I think he’s in with a big show.
2 CLEVER DICK just can’t draw a gate; jumps from eight here and that’s about as good as it’s been all preparation. Last start behind Sovereign Trade was a good effort. Worked across from a wide barrier, was bothered in the lead and the stuck on well. Finished a half-length off Shrewd Gamble in that race but was certainly a better run all things considered. Can’t see him beating Shrewd Gamble home here though, or a few others.
3 HAYAN LAD led for the first time at Northam and it didn’t work out. I expect him to get a nice cart into the race here from barrier five, but have got a few others ahead of him.
4 JUST LIKE THAT chased home Sovereign Trade with gusto at Belmont. Easily the best last 600m outside of the winner. Placed the start before that as well, when led them to the 50m mark at Belmont, before being nabbed by A Fair Lady. Ready to step up here and win. Top pick.
5 OUQBA JACK really liked this boy’s return; he sustained a wide run a long way from home before finishing off well behind Colourful Charade at Bunbury. The 1400m looks a good move and will be fitter now second-up. The wide gate is the worry.
6 CINDERELLA’S DREAM beaten fairly and squarely by Alta Sull’amore at Northam. Certainly fit enough, this being start number seven this campaign. Fingers crossed she doesn’t lose a shoe in the running - sorry Cinderella joke there - but I don’t think she’ll be winning here all the same.
7 EPONA ROSE her last four runs, over 2000m or more suggest to me she’s here to simply get the miles in the legs. I’m going with others.
8 JEBEDIAH that debut… both good and bad. The bad? Was 4L last after a furlong having his ears ridden off. The good? He snuck up the cutaway and finished within a length of Captain Stirling. His last 600m was 33.04, 0.70 better than the winner. 1100m up to 1400m now. Anticipate the kick and reproduce the last six and he can figure here. Is drawn the car park though.
9 NOBEL SUSPECT just an even performance behind Goodluck Simba. The word ‘even’ pretty much sums up this fella’s campaign - he’s finished sixth, fourth, sixth and sixth in four runs. Drawn well, place claims.
10 BOMBARDMENT I think Neville Parnham would have been pretty happy with his fourth on debut behind Vital Silver at Bunbury. Sticks to the 1400m, will need to go up a level but can, the sticky gate makes for a more difficult task though.
11 VICE MASTER given the four trials prior to this. Hard to read too much into any of them. Barrier gods haven’t been the kindest. Happy to watch here.
12. MISS VOLEUR on the quick back-up. Went to another level in finishing fourth at $101, behind In Love With Paris last week at Ascot. Mum won a Listed Raconteur over this track and distance, so the 1400m looks the right way to go. Barrier is rank, but I think she can finish in the placings here.
13 ROSSANA back and wide but finished off in nice style when 6L off Sophia’s Secret at Belmont. Standout figure here is that her last 600m was quicker than Three Secrets. She’s drawn wide again the poor girl, and for mine a place chance looks best.
14 UNDER THE SOMBRERO another debutant for Fred Kersley. Trialled three times has this Savabeel filly. Nice draw in four, but prefer to observe here.
15 SOXY BEAU (emergency) didn’t want to be out there when on debut in July. Has been far more competitive, albeit green, in recent trials. Happy to watch.
16 CITY STAR (emergency) luckless at Ascot last week. Would still need to turn things around a fair bit.
17 WAR BOSS (emergency) struggled in two runs last summer. Two trials have been okay but can’t have here.
18 PERCY KIWA (emergency) outclassed at Ascot on last week. Prefer others.
Selections: 4-1-5-12
Race 5: 4.05pm – Western Racepix Handicap (1500m) - Bet with TABtouch
1 SPECIAL DELIVERY (blinkers on, tongue-tie off, visors off) returned with an abrasion so likely to have had excuses when 7L off Pushin’ Shapes last start. Won’t know himself in 60 grade here; has been two years since he’s run anywhere near this level. 3kg claim helps, as does inside gate. Can improve sharply.
2 COME ON BOARD trapped three wide on the speed in luckless run behind Slick Talker at Ascot seven days ago. Another that will enjoy the easier company and another that should get a neat passage from barrier two. Each-way claims.
3 ACE’S WISH really liked the performance behind Action and Reveille at Bunbury. Had On Trend covered that day and I think will have his measure here again. The trip is the query - he’s never run 1500m before, but I think he’ll sit outside the leader, or be one pair back, on a moderate speed, and think that’ll ensure he gets the distance. One of the main players.
4 NORTHERN LYRIC two runs in the winter didn’t go to plan, with two last placed finishes, and this boy casting a plate in the second of the two runs. No wins from nine first-up runs so I’m going to pass.
5 ON TREND he wasn’t far off Ace’s Wish at Bunbury, and then produced his best run this campaign - in my humble - when a long neck off A Bit Sketchy at Ascot seven days ago. Should be cherry ripe at run six this preparation and can certainly make his presence felt.
6 STRIKING STAR liked the return behind New Time at Belmont. Will hit his straps once he gets beyond a mile, but I still think he’s a rough chance of figuring here.
7 BELVEDERE BOY the 1500m will also be too short for this fella. First-up record states he’ll need the run, and I’m stating the same.
8 HANDLED probably going off his nut that My Grace isn’t walking around the mounting yard with him. No match for that mare in two previous runs. In fact, it hasn’t just been My Grace, Handled hasn’t been able to handle any horse for almost a year now. So I’m going with others.
Selections: 3-5-2-6
Race 6: 4.40pm – Schweppes Handicap (1500m) - Bet with TABtouch
1 BARRY’S RABBIT good effort first-up behind My Grace at Bunbury. Gets weight relief thanks to Fiona Bell’s 3kg claim, and she knows the horse well having won and placed on him in the past. Is an each-way chance for mine.
2 THE BLUE NIPPER (blinkers on, winkers off) putting the pen through last start at Northam, although the aftermath didn’t really explain the poor performance. Two runs prior to that were solid - particularly the effort behind Golgotha. Maps well and with William Pike jumping back aboard - I can see this fella bouncing back.
3 OTI THELIS formerly with Tim Martin in Sydney, now with Garry Hampson. I thought his New South Wales form had been okay. First run for new stable at Moora wasn’t though - beaten 12L. Just observing here.
4 CELTIC WIZARD I called it prior to his last start that he just wasn’t racing like a ‘winner.’ Still I didn’t expect him to be so disappointing. Fred Kersley Jnr gave him every opportunity and yet he barely gave a yelp. Find his best this campaign and it’s probably good enough to win this, but on last start, I can’t have him.
5 FREMOND touched up by My Grace and Oliver’s Travels at his last two runs. He can gain a length or two third-up now, but the draw stings. I think a midfield finish looks about best.
6 ROJO CALOR led and stuck on well when third to He’s A Parker at Belmont. Lucy Warwick is a girl in form at the moment. She jagged a double at Northam on Sunday, and can add to her recent winning streak here, with this horse hitting his straps now third-up.
7 RULING ANGEL the run of the race behind Superior Smile at Northam. They dawdled - first four out were first four home, and yet she still finished just three-quarters-of-a-length from the winner and produced the quickest last 600m by almost half-a-second. Better draw and can figure here.
8 TRAKTA a recent trial looked to do him the world of good, after a nightmare experience at Northam behind Taxidermy. Latest effort at Bunbury was much better. Think he’ll be outclassed here but as a lightly-raced 3yo there’ll be plenty of positives to come from the run.
9 BOUTIQUE another with Taxadermy form. She raced wide last start which saw her have little impact on the final result. Barrier nine makes things harder here, and on her current form, I think a place chance is best.
Selections: 2-1-7-6
Race 7: 5.17pm - Hahn Superdry Handicap (1200m) - Bet with TABtouch
1 YEAH DARDY found See Me Sizzle a length too good at Northam. Positive is that that horse won well again on Saturday. Further positives are that Yeah Dardy is down in grade, the claim sees him carry less weight, and I don’t think he’ll have too much trouble getting across from the wide barrier. The worry is - with a few going forward here - that something may go up and annoy him, as it worked last start. One of the big players here regardless.
2. SALUBRIOUS blinkers go on and I’m not surprised as he was a bit all over the place when five lengths off Arcadia Prince ten days ago. Still, for a first-up run, it wasn’t bad and he should improve off that effort. I think he’ll be there-abouts.
3. SWIFT PLATINUM pulled up mildly lame first-up at Bunbury so pen through that performance. Placed second-up this track/distance/grade last campaign… that was a real ripper of a run too when just nosed by Young Gina. Others have a fitness edge here and I think that will tell the story, but I’m not willing to dismiss him as a place chance.
4 RAGAZZO D’ORO in english… a young man by Medaglia D’Oro. Was far from disgraced in a couple of Listed Races last prep. Placed in two previous first-up runs and his last seven races have all been at Ascot, so he likes his surroundings, but I prefer a place chance for this 4yo.
5 METAL RAIN maiden winner last start and good effort too; led all the way and dug deep to hold off 4-5 challengers. The film We’re The Millers was on TV the other night, I don’t think Wendy and Danny Miller are going to be on TV at the conclusion of this race however.
6 DOLLY EM ditto Dave Miller, who trains this girl. She’s been behind a few handy ones in Dynamite Dream and Don’t Fuss this preparation, but a fair way behind them, and I think she’ll be a fair way behind the handy one’s here as well.
7 CAPTAIN STIRLING I have to ask, is this horse just a shameless publicity machine for a pub located just south of Perth? I’m happy to publicise it, so long as I get free beer. Have been really impressed by this 3yo son of Written Tycoon in his two starts to date. Formlines have been solid around him too - Cognac was good at Bunbury, and The Nicconian wasn’t far away behind Soundcheck, Rebellionaire and co. Not without a chance this fella.
8 REGAL MOON resumes. Had quality written all over her as a 3yo and although she only won once in three starts, the clock backed her up. She looked sharp in a recent trial too, where she split Great Shot and Cuanzo - Great Shot has since placed in the Northerly Stakes and Northam Cup, while Cuanzo ran well behind Celebrity Dream at Ascot on Saturday. I think a few battling it out upfront here can play into her hands and with Pike to ride, she’s the top pick.
9 VEGA DIOR the best of the rest behind Showcase and La Mouline at Belmont. Unfortunately I think she’s going to be looking at the back of the cerise and white again. She ran 11L last in her only other start at Ascot so I reckon she’ll do a fair bit better than that, but I don’t have her winning here or running a place.
10 GENEROUS ALBERT no wins at the track, no wins at the distance, no wins first-up from five attempts, no figuring in the money for mine today.
Selections: 8-1-3-2