Expected weather: Partly cloudy and 20 degrees
Expected track rating: Good 4
Rail position: 12m position 800m to 400m; 9m position remainder.
Race 1 – 1:59 Seacorp Maiden (1650m) - Bet with Tabtouch
1 ARMOURER Just whacked away when 5L off Balmontgomery last start over 2000m. Has been up a long time and is back to the 1650m, but a result here is not out of reach. Each-way claims.
2 MR ALBY two-lengths off Quick Reflects at Northam. Can line that form up with Armourer who beat Quick Reflects home in that more recent run behind Balmontgomery. This horse is now third-up now and showed he did need a couple of runs to get going last campaign. In the game here.
3 UNCLE LINO beat Mr Alby home by almost 2L in that Northam run last start, so can also draw a line here with Armourer. He’s fourth-up now so might still hold a fitness edge over Mr Alby, but expect there’ll be little between them again. In the numbers.
4 VEUSES raced three-wide no cover the majority when faded to finish 9L off Wild Fusion last start at Toodyay, so did have excuses. Up from the 1300m to 1650m here. Expect will need to find another 2-3 gears to figure though.
5 MAJORA’S MASK just the two previous starts for this fella who became restless in the gates when 5L off Another Story last start. Hopefully with that experience he’s a calmer individual at start three, but tough to see him breaking the duck here.
6 WADDA THE CHANCES resumes following two trials. First campaign was very much a learning experience as he didn’t place in three goes over the mile. Sat on speed in two of those and has drawn wide here, so keen to see where he jumps, but prefer to watch than wager.
7 BELLFLOWER up to the 1650m after four runs at 1200m. Only two previous runs at this distance were failures but hard to know what to make of them as drew wide in both and had no luck in either. Neither sire nor dam ran beyond 1400m, but dam is out of Fantastic Light, who was multiple Group 1 winner over 2000m. If she relishes the distance, she’ll be right in the finish.
8 AMONGSTGOODCOMPANY beaten favourite first-up at Northam, but over-raced at stages and as a consequence got too far back. She’s gone forward from inside gates in the past but the nine alley might see her sit back of midfield again. One of the chances nonetheless.
9 BOLLINGER BOY lightly-raced galloper that has shown promising signs in two career starts to date. Was a top effort to finish a neck away third to Triple Event on debut, when was three-wide, no cover the journey and pushed along a fair way out. Suffered the same fate but arguably worse at start two, when finished 2L off Wild Fusion at Toodyay. A decent gate here can see a change of fortunes; just needs to use it well, as has been a sluggish beginner in the past. Top pick.
10 ROGUE EMPRESS only fair when resuming 7L behind Action over 1300m. Does get back so barrier 12 not a huge concern, and their looks to be enough speed to allow the backmarkers to run on, but place chance appears best.
11 NORTH COL finished 4L behind Bollinger Boy at last outing, despite an easier run in transit. Has trialled since and looked very green. Prefer others.
12 SEPTEMBER ROSE wasn’t all that keen on being in the gates before passing a vet exam to run last start. Was a bit erratic in the run to the post as well when 5L off Wavehill Spur at Northam. Happy to just observe here.
13 PINTXOS run was all about education when 8L off Triple Event on debut. She’s had a trial since and is drawn nicely so expect she will be better here, but prefer to watch her go around again.
Selections: 9-3-2-1
Race 2 – 2.34 Amelia Park Lamb Handicap (1200m) - Bet with Tabtouch
1 OLIVER’S TRAVELS going for three-on-the-trot this fella. Doesn’t look to be a great deal of early speed with no standout leader/s, so slotting in from a wide gate shouldn’t be too much of a task. Third-up now so if fitter, will be hard to hold out. Top pick.
2 DOLLY EM comes into this having trialled following a short break through August. Ran a solid race fresh back in June and should push forward without hassle from the inside alley, but likely to find a few of these too quick.
3 FLOWER OF SCOTLAND was three-wide, no cover last start and fought on bravely when fourth behind subsequent winner Blitzem Someday. Out of Domesday, the same sire as Royal Symphony who’s likely to go around in the Caulfield Guineas on Saturday. Up to the 1200m for the first time, and while dad preferred the 11, mum didn’t mind the 12, so can definitely have an impact here.
4 QUEEN TORI produced eye-catching run at $61 when finishing hard to defeat all-but Father Knick over 1000m, first-up at Belmont a week ago. She’s drawn wide again so - despite having sat on speed in the past - expect she’ll probably go back again. Extra 200m certainly suits, as two previous wins have been at this trip.
5 STEP RIGHT UP two-lengths off Sir Snugalot and would have finished closer if didn’t lay in over the last 100m. Strikes a reasonable gate for the first time this prep, and is now third-up so should be finding his best, and finding himself in the finish.
6 DANCE MINDY DANCE comes into this off a 950m trial at Lark Hill on September 26. Prior to that was no match for Bangalore and finished 3L off Flower Of Scotland. Has never won beyond 1000m in 29 starts, so prefer to observe here.
7 ORANGE STRUDEL loomed up on the rail as a real threat last start, before fading to finish 4L last behind Just Like Fire. Another outpointed by Bangalore and Flower Of Scotland the start before that. Back in grade and back a furlong in distance but awkwardly drawn and place chance appeals best.
8 DISCO SMILE couldn’t sprint first-up with the likes of Bangalore and Flower Of Scotland over the 1000m. Has had four weeks in between runs coming into this and although a two-time winner at the distance, is likely to be stretched here.
9 DYNAMITE DREAM love the breeding of this fella. Dad Denman won a G1 Golden Rose over 1400m and mum Press The Button was a G2 Riesling winner over 1200m. So the step up from three runs at the 1000m, to the 1200m should be no issue. Was workmanlike in finishing one-length off Ocean Jewel last start. Has the gate speed to overcome barrier nine and should be in this for a long way.
10 PERFECT DREAMs scratched.
11 MICK’S TIPPIN hasn’t raced for two-months following failure at Port Hedland. Like where he’s drawn (3) in this event, but that’s pretty much where it ends.
Selections: 1-3-9-4
Race 3 – 3.10 TABtouch Handicap (1200m) - Bet with Tabtouch
1 AKHERON resumes following 1000m trial at Belmont. Has only had the two starts - one was was a nightmare where nothing went right pre-race or during it, but a debut win over the 1200m back in May showcased a bit of talent. Eventually led that day and gate three suits here, but with a few to go forward, expect Aaron Mitchell will probably weigh things up and probably take a sit.
2 GIFTED WARRIOR looked smart when winning on debut at Northam. Dad War Chant was a went alright, and is the sire of Silent Sedition over east and Dainty Tess, and mum was placed in the Gimcrack, so bloodlines suggest should be a talent, and should also get favours from barrier two.
3 THREE SECRETS solid 2L second to Rockon Tommy on debut, and that horse looked the goods on Saturday, so form is strong. If has come on from that, is one of the real dangers here, and probably is anyway. The alley (9) makes things harder though.
4 HAIL CAESAR 16L off the winner last start doesn’t read to well for this fella, even when it was the ultra-impressive Mikimoto. Peter Hall reported that the horse resented the bubble cheeker, and that comes off here, but still finding it hard to see him test some of these.
5 MASSAGI only saw this girl twice in the autumn but she showed there’s plenty to like. Beat home Roganella in last competitive race, and that horse has returned in nice enough fashion. Also beat home Cosmic Storm in a recent trial and was given a couple of cuts with the stick in the run home, which says she’s been prepared to run well here first-up.
6 STATE ATTORNEY resumes following 950m trial at Lark Hill. A full-brother to Respondent, who was going around in the Railway and Kingston Town three years ago, and also won the Tatts Cup late last year, so 1200m reads too short. But is a 3yo who looked sharp on debut back in May and can’t be discounted here.
7 THE VAMPIRE there for the gallop when 6L off Disruptive at Northam on debut. With this looking a more difficult assignment than that, it’s hard to see him sucking their blood today.
8 NOMANOWNA took me a while to figure this out but Nomanowna is named Nomanowna because not a single male is in the ownership group. Go the Girls! Won’t be as slow as me this 3yo filly, but on debut, I think she’ll find a few too good.
9 NONNA’S JEWEL was in that next group behind Mikimoto - albeit 6L away - a fortnight ago. Likely to be better here third-up, sticks to the 1200m and Joseph Azzopardi knows the horse, but just prefer a few others.
10 ROSSANA debuts here off one trial. Pointing out the obvious but she’ll be better for the run; and am happy to just watch her go around.
11 SOPHIA’S SECRET one and only run behind Fabergino back in April wasn’t too bad. Half-sister to Slik Sam who returned last week. Don’t think she’ll be winning but keen to see her go around.
12 EVIE ON MY MIND just battled last start when 7L off Private Dancer at Northam. At career start number five, I haven’t got Evie on my mind or in my numbers, just yet.
Selections: 6-3-1-2
Race 4 – 3.45 Toll Handicap (1400m) - Bet with Tabtouch
1 VALTIMOR was tough again when led and finished 1L second behind Oliver’s Travels last start. Don't envisage a great deal of heat on early here and he bounces with such ease, I don’t think he’ll have too much to do from the wide draw. Fitter third-up and goes in the numbers for sure.
2 HODGE PODGE bumped and cut out of a run when 5L eighth behind Wavehill Spur at Northam. Would have finished a lot closer if not for the interference. Loved his run before that when flashed home to finish 2L off Ace’s Wish. Clocked easily the fastest last 600m in that 56 grade with this obviously being a 52. Has placed three times at 1400m and is back to that trip here, drawn okay in six, surely his fortunes are due to change.
3 ST BEL willing to forgive last start despite no obvious excuse when 8L off Oliver’s Travels. Prior to that showed good toe when close in behind Multiverse. Drawn to get a gun run, and if brings best, is right in the mix.
4 ALL SETTLED just over a length off Taxadermy last start at Northam, although that galloper endured much tougher run. That form suggests this 5yo can have make an impression here, but this is start number ten at the 1400m here, and he hasn’t won at the trip yet.
5 SUPERIOR SMILE the best of the rest when 3L off Private Dancer. He’s certainly fit enough with this his fifth run this campaign and has drawn the rail, so is one to consider for the multiples.
6 IMAGINARY has been hard to get a line on what kind of ability this girl possesses as - in the past - she’s put in a good one, then put in a bad one. Was tried at the 2000m back in July without success, then given a short break, then returned with a trial on September 26. In the game, but prefer to watch than wager.
7 MY NAUGHTY BLONDE chased gamely at odds when 1L third behind Oliver’s Travels. Reproduce that - and she may have come on being third-up here - and she’s a big chance to land in the money. Will need a touch of luck from gate eight though.
8 NO ORDINARY GIRL broke her maiden with a nice win over this trip last time around. I say ‘nice’ because, while she showed some dash, she didn’t really beat much. Peaking now at run number five this campaign, and can run a cheeky race from barrier two. Each-way claims.
9 ALTAMONT another almost lapped by Private Dancer at Northam. Kalgoorlie Maiden win prior to that was a beauty, but won’t test these I wouldn’t think.
10 CRYSTAL VALLEY found enough late to break maiden at Northam. Prior to that was nabbed late by Come Play With Me, who was the eye-catcher behind He’s A Parker last Wednesday. Gate five helps and jockey has been on her back from day dot, so she can make her presence felt.
Selections: 2-1-10-7
Race 5 – 4.20pm Peacock Bros Handicap (2000m) - Bet with Tabtouch
1 GOLGOTHA this son of Street Cry has been a winner at three of his last four starts, including a gritty win over the mile last time round at Northam. The way he hit the line gave the indication that he’s really looking for the extra ground now. He gets that, and he gets a neat enough draw in six. In the numbers for sure.
2 REUNION HILL gunning for three on the trot this fella. Sustained a long run from around the 600m two starts back to score, and then finished beautifully last start to win even more impressively. I couldn’t squeeze him into my numbers, but wouldn’t be surprised if he knocks this lot off.
3 THUNDERCLAP NEWMAN loved the performance last start when fourth, 3.5L off Sonnen. First three out were first three home; he was third last when cornering and continued to run home well. His last 50m I was particularly impressed with. Ran in just behind Entrechat the start prior and we know what she did last Saturday. Top pick.
4 BUSTER’S SHADOW looked like he was going to tail right out behind Sonnen, but battled away okay to finish 5L off that horse. Am wary of the 3kg weight swing he gets on Thunderclap Newman here, just not sure he’s going as well as that runner, and isn’t drawn as well. Not without a hope though.
5 BALMONTGOMERY was taken on in front and still proved too good this track/distance last Wednesday. Up in grade, which means down in weight, and should be a fitter beast third-up now. In the mix.
6 MUSICAL ART beaten by a better run when just outlasted by Detroit Diesel last start. That was 2200m and sat three-wide no cover for much of it so trip no issue here. Is usually ridden quiet so will like some tempo here. Get it and can power home late.
7 EMPYREUS another that was trapped wide last start when 4L fifth behind Trap For Fools over 2200m at Northam. Was a bit wayward in the straight, which was understandable seeing was tiring, but last 100m was promising. Another who’ll get back and keep his fingers crossed, or hooves crossed for a decent tempo.
8 BLACK LILLY first run at the 2000m for a year for this girl. Couldn’t sprint with Master Magician late over the 1850m at Toodyay. Will probably need to produce her best to make way into the placings.
9 BREAK THE CHAIN only had the six starts has this 4yo and is still a maiden. Last start was arguably his career best run when 2L off Witchery Woman at Northam. This is tougher here though and suspect a midfield finish is probably best.
10 FLIGHT OF FANCY she hasn’t really fired a shot in four runs this campaign. She’s had eight runs at the distance, but is nought from four at the track, and can’t see her testing these.
11 TOP RATED just whacked away behind Trap For Fools at Northam. Finished 1L off Empyreus in that race, but had a far easier run. Can’t see him turning that result around, or running in the placings here.
Selections: 3-1-7-5
Race 6 – 5.00pm Crown Perth Opening Day – 21 October Handicap (1000m) - Bet with Tabtouch
1 DENIM PACK 3L fifth to Cash On Call over 1300m last start, but did clock the quickest last 600m of the race. Maiden win the start prior over the 1000m was good and gets back to that trip here. Barrier two is a plus and is in the numbers.
2 HARD OF HEART resumes following a 1000m trial at Belmont 9 days ago. Nick Cox has taken his time with this fella - he won in stylish fashion 12 months ago and has only had one run since - that being in July. Went forward in both those runs, and may do the same here, but will have work to do from the outside stall.
3 HIGH CALYPSO scratched.
4 COSMIC BALLET first-up following one trial and hasn’t raced since December. Is a backmarker with a bit of toe, so keen to see how she returns, but won’t be investing here.
5 MADAM WINKS another resuming. She broke her maiden at Bunbury at last run back in March. Drawn well, but happy to sit back and watch.
6 OREGON BRONZE stablemate of Resistance. Was 1L third off Dawn Mission in solid time at Northam. But it’s the win over Another Story the start prior to that that has me convinced she’s a challenger here. In the numbers.
7 RESISTANCE was super first-up when a length off Arrum Boy this girl. She just ticks a lot of boxes this filly - she pings the lids like a ripper, she’ll sit on speed here again and you know she’ll kick hard in the straight. She goes on top.
8 GET THE VIBE has been out-sprinted in three previous 1000m runs this time in. Her last 600m splits have been good though and this is the easiest task she’s had for a while. She’ll get favours from barrier four and can salute here.
9 SPLASH was a gem of a ride last time from Skye Bogenhuber when she led, let her roll, and then put the foot down to win by 4L at Toodyay. Would like to see her make a… Splash here again, just not sure she’ll be good enough to beat these.
10 TRULY BELONG former New Zealand filly now with Bob Peters. Only had the one start, and boy did she lengthen like a good thing at Riccarton over 800m. A big leggy thing, she looked like she’d put on a bit of meat in a recent trial at Lark Hill. She’s short in the market, but can understand why on her debut run.
11 COPPER FURY showed improvement last start at Northam after two average runs previous, but looks outclassed here.
Selections: 7-1-6-8
Race 7 – 5:37pm Western Racepix Handicap (1650m) - Bet with Tabtouch
1 TAXADERMY chasing back-to-back wins after saluting seven days ago. That win came over the same track/distance/grade that he’ll face here again. Jumps from barrier ten after the scratching. Jumped from 10 last start and got across but there looks to be a few more onspeed runners here, so will require some luck. But goes on top in any case.
2 CELTIC WIZARD chopped out of a run by Taxadermy in that race last week. Didn’t look to be finishing off as well in any case, and the clock backs that up. Is fourth-up now though and jumps from barrier three so can get his revenge if good enough.
3 SHIBUYA CROSSING was wide with no cover the whole trip and still too good at Kalgoorlie. Jumps to the 1650m after two runs at 1400m, but is a winner at the trip. One to consider for the multiples.
4 FORTY FOUR RED scratched.
5 TIME TO HUNT was a fan of his first-up run when 4th behind Prize Catch. Sat on solid speed and really stuck on well. That was tougher than this, will strip fitter here and has drawn well in four. Bang into the numbers.
6 LIQUID MAN this former Victorian’s first run for Justin Warwick a fortnight ago was a beauty, when a couple of lengths off Oliver’s Travels. Only the winner clocked a faster last 600m split, and it was only just faster. I expect this fella will get back and run on again so speed is key here, but on that last performance, he’s one you can’t dismiss.
7 SIRIUS PROSPECT sixth of ten behind Barzinho last time around doesn’t jump off the page, but his late splits were okay this fella. Unfortunately he’s drawn awkwardly again, so I can’t see him winning, but he’s not the worst.
8 LONE SAILOR all A-lone was exactly what he was when he stood in the gates last start and was never a hope after that. Market suggests won’t threaten here and I’m inclined to think the same.
9 SEALED WITH A KISS scratched.
10 A FAIR LADY was a length-and-a-half off Sealed With A Kiss, behind Calibra last start. She’s been very honest in her last four runs, and the draw assists, but have a got a handful of others finishing ahead of her here.
11 DUST ME OFF was length off Sirius Prospect at Toodyay, despite a much softer run. Would surprise if finished in the money here.
Selections: 1-5-3-2