Darran

Thankfully I made some money at Moonee Valley earlier as it is has been tough on the Australian action of late. More top action tomorrow with Group 1's at both Caulfield and Rosehill. I have bets in 7 races plus an across the card double.
Caulfield R1 (3.45am)
I put up How Womantic when she won last time and I think she can continue her good form in this. She is stepping up in trip and the only time she has been beaten was over this trip, but here she looks set to get an easy lead in front and this isn't as strong a contest so I think she can go 6/7.
How Womantic @ 2/1 with Bet365
Caulfield R2 (4.20am)
A wide open race but a couple against the field. Duke Of Plumpton was impressive on his first Aussie start and then ran good 2nds the next twice before disappointing last time. He has good 1st up stats and he likes wet tracks. Rainbow Thief is the other one who ran some good races the last prep. He has poor 1st up stats so should improve plenty from his run earlier in the month.
Duke Of Pumpton @ 6/1 with Bet365
Rainbow Thief @ 6/1 with Bet365
Caulfield R3 (4.55am)
Wyclif is making his first start in Australia after running for Ralph Beckett over here. He only had one start this season and he ran well off top weight at Royal Ascot. Both wins at 2 came over 1400m, but he looks a stayer as he showed at Royal Ascot. 2000m seems a good trip to start him off at and he looks well weighted to me if ready 1st up. I am going to give Skyman another chance as well. He was poor at Moonee Valley last time, but he was dropping down to 1600m and he wouldn't be the first to not handle the tight track. I think he's better than that so will give him another chance.
Skyman @ 5/1 with Bet365
Wyclif e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred (4 places if 16 or more runners)
Caulfield R5 (6.10am)
I thought Windstorm should have won at Flemington and Pike just held on to him for a bit too long. This looks a good opportunity to make amends.
Windstorm @ 27/20 with Bet365
Rosehill R2 (4.05am)
Exemplar looks set to get an easy lead here and that could be good enough. He showed some good form over hurdles earlier in the year, but has returned to the flat in good heart as well. He showed up well in a strong race last time. I am also going to have a small bet on ex-German Djukon who will appreciate stepping up in trip and I don't think he's shown what he's fully capable off yet in Oz.
Exemplar @ 5/2 with Bet365
Djukon e/w @ 10/1 with William Hill
Rosehill R3 (4.40am)
This is wide open, but I have to go with Across Dubai again. Things didn't go his way last time when he disappointed, but he has shown the form capable of winning a race like this. He has a much better draw and should be able to settle closer to the speed. He is a massive price, but I am happy to give him a chance.
Across Dubai @ 33/1 with Betfred (4 places if 16 or more run)
Rosehill R7 (7.10am)
The big race on the card and Rothfire will be hard to beat, but I am going to take a chance with Ole Kirk. He ran some fast splits behind him last time and the time before that he was 2nd to Anders. I think stepping up in this trip is going to suit and I am hopeful of at least getting the place part of the bet up.
Ole Kirk e/w @ 7/1 with William Hill
Double
Russian Camelot goes in the big race at Caulfield at 8.05am and the Melbourne Cup favourite ought to be winning. He ran a massive race 1st up and I think he will be hard to beat here. In the last race at Rosehill I think Masked Crusader can win. He's gone off odds on in both starts this prep and has been beaten, but there were excuses both times and there shouldn't be here. I think he will be too good for them.
Russian Camelot/Masked Crusader double @ 2.65/1 with Betfred
 

Thankfully I made some money at Moonee Valley earlier as it is has been tough on the Australian action of late. More top action tomorrow with Group 1's at both Caulfield and Rosehill. I have bets in 7 races plus an across the card double.
Caulfield R1 (3.45am)
I put up How Womantic when she won last time and I think she can continue her good form in this. She is stepping up in trip and the only time she has been beaten was over this trip, but here she looks set to get an easy lead in front and this isn't as strong a contest so I think she can go 6/7.
How Womantic @ 2/1 with Bet365
Caulfield R2 (4.20am)
A wide open race but a couple against the field. Duke Of Plumpton was impressive on his first Aussie start and then ran good 2nds the next twice before disappointing last time. He has good 1st up stats and he likes wet tracks. Rainbow Thief is the other one who ran some good races the last prep. He has poor 1st up stats so should improve plenty from his run earlier in the month.
Duke Of Pumpton @ 6/1 with Bet365
Rainbow Thief @ 6/1 with Bet365
Caulfield R3 (4.55am)
Wyclif is making his first start in Australia after running for Ralph Beckett over here. He only had one start this season and he ran well off top weight at Royal Ascot. Both wins at 2 came over 1400m, but he looks a stayer as he showed at Royal Ascot. 2000m seems a good trip to start him off at and he looks well weighted to me if ready 1st up. I am going to give Skyman another chance as well. He was poor at Moonee Valley last time, but he was dropping down to 1600m and he wouldn't be the first to not handle the tight track. I think he's better than that so will give him another chance.
Skyman @ 5/1 with Bet365
Wyclif e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred (4 places if 16 or more runners)
Caulfield R5 (6.10am)
I thought Windstorm should have won at Flemington and Pike just held on to him for a bit too long. This looks a good opportunity to make amends.
Windstorm @ 27/20 with Bet365
Rosehill R2 (4.05am)
Exemplar looks set to get an easy lead here and that could be good enough. He showed some good form over hurdles earlier in the year, but has returned to the flat in good heart as well. He showed up well in a strong race last time. I am also going to have a small bet on ex-German Djukon who will appreciate stepping up in trip and I don't think he's shown what he's fully capable off yet in Oz.
Exemplar @ 5/2 with Bet365
Djukon e/w @ 10/1 with William Hill
Rosehill R3 (4.40am)
This is wide open, but I have to go with Across Dubai again. Things didn't go his way last time when he disappointed, but he has shown the form capable of winning a race like this. He has a much better draw and should be able to settle closer to the speed. He is a massive price, but I am happy to give him a chance.
Across Dubai @ 33/1 with Betfred (4 places if 16 or more run)
Rosehill R7 (7.10am)
The big race on the card and Rothfire will be hard to beat, but I am going to take a chance with Ole Kirk. He ran some fast splits behind him last time and the time before that he was 2nd to Anders. I think stepping up in this trip is going to suit and I am hopeful of at least getting the place part of the bet up.
Ole Kirk e/w @ 7/1 with William Hill
Double
Russian Camelot goes in the big race at Caulfield at 8.05am and the Melbourne Cup favourite ought to be winning. He ran a massive race 1st up and I think he will be hard to beat here. In the last race at Rosehill I think Masked Crusader can win. He's gone off odds on in both starts this prep and has been beaten, but there were excuses both times and there shouldn't be here. I think he will be too good for them.
Russian Camelot/Masked Crusader double @ 2.65/1 with Betfred
 

Some cracking action at Moonee Valley under the lights which also means it is on at a sensible time for people to watch the action. The tricky thing is rain is due so I will be waiting to have most plays in the morning, but here are my likely plays.
8.15 Extra Time
8.45 Chicago Club
9.15 Alfa Oro (Confidence would increase if the track is wet)
10.15 Swats That
10.45 Mirage Dance and Quick Thinker (If a dry track I would add Mantastic as well)
11.15 (Group 1 Moir Stakes) Bella Vella and Pippie (I would cover Fabergino if the track stayed dry. Unknown on a wet track)

Again plenty of cracking action in Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday morning with plenty of Group racing to look forward to. Race 4 at Randwick sees the return of the world's best sprinter Nature Strip (yes he is better than Battash) as he works up towards The Everest next month. He's obviously very short, but his 1st up record isn't actually that good and if he does get beat tomorrow I wouldn't be too worried. He has looked very good in his trials though so hopefully we will see him win. I have bets in 7 races 5 at Moonee Valley and 2 at Randwick. As I currently write Oddschecker are missing all the Australian meetings so I have just used Bet365 prices, but better might be available elsewhere. Hopefully Oddschecker will sort the issue out as I have asked them to. Also hopefully I can see an improvement profit wise as the last two weeks have not been good sadly.   Moonee Valley R1 (3.30am) I like the claims of How Womantic here as she makes her return. She won her first 4 races which included a G3 win at Caulfield. Her only defeat was last time at Flemington in a G2, but she was caught wide there from a bad draw and had no cover and it certainly looked a run you could forgive. She's got a great draw tomorrow and I think she can continue her progression as she drops back down into handicap company.   How Womantic @ 2.80 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R2 (4.05am) I am putting up ex UK horse Skyman here. He was due to run in a race here a couple of weeks ago, but was called off. It looked a very tough race for him though and this contest at this stage looks more suitable for him. He has won both his Australian starts and looks very progressive. He beat a fellow import last time and that horse has since bolted up in a race at Sandown. There are a couple of slight concerns about him as he doesn't have a great draw and will probably have to come from quite far back which given the nature of the track isn't ideal. In my view though he is better than this grade and those concerns are factored into his price so I am prepared to back him.   Skyman @ 6.50 win and 2.38 place with Bet365   Moonee Valley R4 (5.15am) Given his main rival Shot Of Irish looks so much better on a wet track I think Junipal looks a real solid chance here. His run 1st up was a cracking effort given horses were struggling to come from behind that afternoon and he ran on well to finish 3rd to Showmanship which looks really good form. Apart from the winner he had the fastest last 200m in the race. All his wins have been over this trip so the extra 200m is going to be right up his street. He's a course and distance winner as well.   Junipal @ 2.50 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R8 (7.45am) A G2 contest here which sees the return of Harbour Views and Surprise Baby. Harbour Views has been talked up as a Cox Plate contender although he was a bit disappointing a couple of times last prep and I prefer the chances of Surprise Baby. He was last seen running a really good race when 5th in the Melbourne Cup. He had a terrible draw in 20 that day and that poor draw probably got him beat. Obviously this race is half the distance of the Melbourne Cup, but he ran a really good race in it last year when 4th in what was a stronger renewal. He has only had 11 starts, but in his 5 wins he has won over trips from 1200m to 3200m so the trip doesn't concern me. Connections are suggesting he is ready to run a big race even though the Melbourne Cup is clearly is main target and I take him to make a winning return.   Surprise Baby @ 2.80 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R9 (8.20am) If Rivet Dancer wins this after putting him up the last twice I will be annoyed, but I prefer the chances of Dabiyr. He has plenty in his favour. He is 2/2 at the track and 3/3 2nd up. His 1st run of the prep saw him finish 3rd at Flemington in a really strong contest. The step up to this trip is much more suitable for him and Craig Williams should be able to get him settled just behind the leaders and hopefully he will be too strong for them in the straight.   Dabiyr @ 3.00 with Bet365   Randwick R5 (5.35am) An open contest this, but I think ex UK horse Across Dubai is worth backing here. William Haggas used to train him over here and he won on his last race at Chelmsford in a Class 2 a couple of years ago. He wasn't seen until this May when he ran a solid race to finish 7th and then built on that when finishing 3rd a couple of weeks later. I thought that was a very good run on testing ground given his best form in the UK was either on good ground or on the AW. He's got a decent draw here and hopefully he should be able to settle a bit further forward than he was able to last time. He will improve again once going up in trip, but I do think he is capable of winning over this trip and he looks a big price at double figures.   Across Dubai @ 14.00 win and 3.75 place with Bet365   Randwick R9 (8.10am) It is a shame the odds on favourite has been scratched here because I was going to oppose him. Icebath is the main pick and ran a huge race 1st up when she recorded the 2nd fastest last 400m and last 200m of the meeting. She looks better than a handicapper to me and she has already been placed in a Listed contest and a G3. There should be improvement 2nd up. I am going to have a saver on Cristal Breeze who was 3rd behind Icebath in that race. I think he has more to come as well and although he won on a Heavy track on his Australian debut I do think his UK form suggests he will be better on a quicker surface and I do want him onside.   Icebath @ 3.00 with Bet365 Cristal Breeze @ 5.50 with Bet365

Again plenty of cracking action in Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday morning with plenty of Group racing to look forward to. Race 4 at Randwick sees the return of the world's best sprinter Nature Strip (yes he is better than Battash) as he works up towards The Everest next month. He's obviously very short, but his 1st up record isn't actually that good and if he does get beat tomorrow I wouldn't be too worried. He has looked very good in his trials though so hopefully we will see him win. I have bets in 7 races 5 at Moonee Valley and 2 at Randwick. As I currently write Oddschecker are missing all the Australian meetings so I have just used Bet365 prices, but better might be available elsewhere. Hopefully Oddschecker will sort the issue out as I have asked them to. Also hopefully I can see an improvement profit wise as the last two weeks have not been good sadly.   Moonee Valley R1 (3.30am) I like the claims of How Womantic here as she makes her return. She won her first 4 races which included a G3 win at Caulfield. Her only defeat was last time at Flemington in a G2, but she was caught wide there from a bad draw and had no cover and it certainly looked a run you could forgive. She's got a great draw tomorrow and I think she can continue her progression as she drops back down into handicap company.   How Womantic @ 2.80 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R2 (4.05am) I am putting up ex UK horse Skyman here. He was due to run in a race here a couple of weeks ago, but was called off. It looked a very tough race for him though and this contest at this stage looks more suitable for him. He has won both his Australian starts and looks very progressive. He beat a fellow import last time and that horse has since bolted up in a race at Sandown. There are a couple of slight concerns about him as he doesn't have a great draw and will probably have to come from quite far back which given the nature of the track isn't ideal. In my view though he is better than this grade and those concerns are factored into his price so I am prepared to back him.   Skyman @ 6.50 win and 2.38 place with Bet365   Moonee Valley R4 (5.15am) Given his main rival Shot Of Irish looks so much better on a wet track I think Junipal looks a real solid chance here. His run 1st up was a cracking effort given horses were struggling to come from behind that afternoon and he ran on well to finish 3rd to Showmanship which looks really good form. Apart from the winner he had the fastest last 200m in the race. All his wins have been over this trip so the extra 200m is going to be right up his street. He's a course and distance winner as well.   Junipal @ 2.50 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R8 (7.45am) A G2 contest here which sees the return of Harbour Views and Surprise Baby. Harbour Views has been talked up as a Cox Plate contender although he was a bit disappointing a couple of times last prep and I prefer the chances of Surprise Baby. He was last seen running a really good race when 5th in the Melbourne Cup. He had a terrible draw in 20 that day and that poor draw probably got him beat. Obviously this race is half the distance of the Melbourne Cup, but he ran a really good race in it last year when 4th in what was a stronger renewal. He has only had 11 starts, but in his 5 wins he has won over trips from 1200m to 3200m so the trip doesn't concern me. Connections are suggesting he is ready to run a big race even though the Melbourne Cup is clearly is main target and I take him to make a winning return.   Surprise Baby @ 2.80 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R9 (8.20am) If Rivet Dancer wins this after putting him up the last twice I will be annoyed, but I prefer the chances of Dabiyr. He has plenty in his favour. He is 2/2 at the track and 3/3 2nd up. His 1st run of the prep saw him finish 3rd at Flemington in a really strong contest. The step up to this trip is much more suitable for him and Craig Williams should be able to get him settled just behind the leaders and hopefully he will be too strong for them in the straight.   Dabiyr @ 3.00 with Bet365   Randwick R5 (5.35am) An open contest this, but I think ex UK horse Across Dubai is worth backing here. William Haggas used to train him over here and he won on his last race at Chelmsford in a Class 2 a couple of years ago. He wasn't seen until this May when he ran a solid race to finish 7th and then built on that when finishing 3rd a couple of weeks later. I thought that was a very good run on testing ground given his best form in the UK was either on good ground or on the AW. He's got a decent draw here and hopefully he should be able to settle a bit further forward than he was able to last time. He will improve again once going up in trip, but I do think he is capable of winning over this trip and he looks a big price at double figures.   Across Dubai @ 14.00 win and 3.75 place with Bet365   Randwick R9 (8.10am) It is a shame the odds on favourite has been scratched here because I was going to oppose him. Icebath is the main pick and ran a huge race 1st up when she recorded the 2nd fastest last 400m and last 200m of the meeting. She looks better than a handicapper to me and she has already been placed in a Listed contest and a G3. There should be improvement 2nd up. I am going to have a saver on Cristal Breeze who was 3rd behind Icebath in that race. I think he has more to come as well and although he won on a Heavy track on his Australian debut I do think his UK form suggests he will be better on a quicker surface and I do want him onside.   Icebath @ 3.00 with Bet365 Cristal Breeze @ 5.50 with Bet365

Again plenty of cracking action in Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday morning with plenty of Group racing to look forward to. Race 4 at Randwick sees the return of the world's best sprinter Nature Strip (yes he is better than Battash) as he works up towards The Everest next month. He's obviously very short, but his 1st up record isn't actually that good and if he does get beat tomorrow I wouldn't be too worried. He has looked very good in his trials though so hopefully we will see him win. I have bets in 7 races 5 at Moonee Valley and 2 at Randwick. As I currently write Oddschecker are missing all the Australian meetings so I have just used Bet365 prices, but better might be available elsewhere. Hopefully Oddschecker will sort the issue out as I have asked them to. Also hopefully I can see an improvement profit wise as the last two weeks have not been good sadly.   Moonee Valley R1 (3.30am) I like the claims of How Womantic here as she makes her return. She won her first 4 races which included a G3 win at Caulfield. Her only defeat was last time at Flemington in a G2, but she was caught wide there from a bad draw and had no cover and it certainly looked a run you could forgive. She's got a great draw tomorrow and I think she can continue her progression as she drops back down into handicap company.   How Womantic @ 2.80 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R2 (4.05am) I am putting up ex UK horse Skyman here. He was due to run in a race here a couple of weeks ago, but was called off. It looked a very tough race for him though and this contest at this stage looks more suitable for him. He has won both his Australian starts and looks very progressive. He beat a fellow import last time and that horse has since bolted up in a race at Sandown. There are a couple of slight concerns about him as he doesn't have a great draw and will probably have to come from quite far back which given the nature of the track isn't ideal. In my view though he is better than this grade and those concerns are factored into his price so I am prepared to back him.   Skyman @ 6.50 win and 2.38 place with Bet365   Moonee Valley R4 (5.15am) Given his main rival Shot Of Irish looks so much better on a wet track I think Junipal looks a real solid chance here. His run 1st up was a cracking effort given horses were struggling to come from behind that afternoon and he ran on well to finish 3rd to Showmanship which looks really good form. Apart from the winner he had the fastest last 200m in the race. All his wins have been over this trip so the extra 200m is going to be right up his street. He's a course and distance winner as well.   Junipal @ 2.50 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R8 (7.45am) A G2 contest here which sees the return of Harbour Views and Surprise Baby. Harbour Views has been talked up as a Cox Plate contender although he was a bit disappointing a couple of times last prep and I prefer the chances of Surprise Baby. He was last seen running a really good race when 5th in the Melbourne Cup. He had a terrible draw in 20 that day and that poor draw probably got him beat. Obviously this race is half the distance of the Melbourne Cup, but he ran a really good race in it last year when 4th in what was a stronger renewal. He has only had 11 starts, but in his 5 wins he has won over trips from 1200m to 3200m so the trip doesn't concern me. Connections are suggesting he is ready to run a big race even though the Melbourne Cup is clearly is main target and I take him to make a winning return.   Surprise Baby @ 2.80 with Bet365   Moonee Valley R9 (8.20am) If Rivet Dancer wins this after putting him up the last twice I will be annoyed, but I prefer the chances of Dabiyr. He has plenty in his favour. He is 2/2 at the track and 3/3 2nd up. His 1st run of the prep saw him finish 3rd at Flemington in a really strong contest. The step up to this trip is much more suitable for him and Craig Williams should be able to get him settled just behind the leaders and hopefully he will be too strong for them in the straight.   Dabiyr @ 3.00 with Bet365   Randwick R5 (5.35am) An open contest this, but I think ex UK horse Across Dubai is worth backing here. William Haggas used to train him over here and he won on his last race at Chelmsford in a Class 2 a couple of years ago. He wasn't seen until this May when he ran a solid race to finish 7th and then built on that when finishing 3rd a couple of weeks later. I thought that was a very good run on testing ground given his best form in the UK was either on good ground or on the AW. He's got a decent draw here and hopefully he should be able to settle a bit further forward than he was able to last time. He will improve again once going up in trip, but I do think he is capable of winning over this trip and he looks a big price at double figures.   Across Dubai @ 14.00 win and 3.75 place with Bet365   Randwick R9 (8.10am) It is a shame the odds on favourite has been scratched here because I was going to oppose him. Icebath is the main pick and ran a huge race 1st up when she recorded the 2nd fastest last 400m and last 200m of the meeting. She looks better than a handicapper to me and she has already been placed in a Listed contest and a G3. There should be improvement 2nd up. I am going to have a saver on Cristal Breeze who was 3rd behind Icebath in that race. I think he has more to come as well and although he won on a Heavy track on his Australian debut I do think his UK form suggests he will be better on a quicker surface and I do want him onside.   Icebath @ 3.00 with Bet365 Cristal Breeze @ 5.50 with Bet365

Last week was a bit of a damp squid on the Australian front as not only did Moonee Valley get abandoned midway through the card, but I also found winners hard to come by. To be fair I was probably due a really tough week given how positive it has mainly been since I started these previews back in March. This week we are at Caulfield where the Group 1 Memsie Stakes is the highlight, although I found it too tough so no tip for me in that, and Rosehill is the Sydney venue.
Caulfield R3 (3.55am)
A pretty open contest this, but I like the look of Acting at a decent price. She is a G2 winner over course and distance and made a really good return when 3rd over 1100m here a couple of weeks ago. She stayed on the inside that day and it did look like the ground wasn't the best so you can upgrade the effort. Also the winner Bless Her has run up a sequence so the form looks good.
Acting @ 9/1 with Betfair
Caulfield R4 (4.30am)
An interesting race here with a few horses returning that will be looking for further later on in the campaign so I am taking two against the field who should be ready for this. Morrissy ran a cracking race in the WFA G2 Lawrence Stakes over course and distance 2 weeks ago. He loves this course and distance and back in a handicap I think he has a really solid chance. Yulong January is the other one I like. He ran well 1st up in a G3 over 1200m at Flemington. He got tired late on there and he should be fitter here. He has won 2/3 2nd up and will enjoy the firmer surface as well.
Morrissy @ 100/30 with William Hill
Yulong January @ 9/2 with Bet365
Caulfield R5 (5.10am)
This is basically the same race that should have ended the card at Moonee Valley last week. I put up Orderofthegarter and Polly Grey in that race and the prices allowed that. The problem here is both are under 3/1 so it's hard to put both up as a bet. I'm going to side with Orderofthegarter because I thought his run was huge last time after a long lay off. The draw isn't ideal in 12, but hopefully Damien can do the business. As per last week it will be interesting to see what Young Rascal and Schabau both do. 
Orderofthegarter @12/5 with Bet365
Caulfield R7 (6.30am)
Tagaloa looks pretty hard to beat here on his return. He looked good in a jump out at Cranbourne recently and he looked a really promising horse in the autumn having won the Blue Diamond over course and distance before finishing 4th in the Golden Slipper. There are some unexposed horses here, but I think they will have to improve a fair bit to beat Tagaloa.
Tagaloa @ 11/4 with William Hill
Caulfield R10 (8.20am)
Rubisaki has won 8 of her 10 races and finished 2nd in the other two. She was unbeaten in her last prep starting off in a BM78 and then going on to win a G2 and two G3's. She handles all types of ground and her closing splits were always top notch. She is surely working her way up to G1 level this prep and she should be able to take this on her way. The only concern is the wide draw, but hopefully she can fly home to win. As mentioned above Bless Her has been in great form and I can imagine that she will be the horse that Rubisaki has to run down.
Rubisaki @ 7/4 with William Hill
Rosehill R4 (4.50am)
Amazingly it has stopped raining in Sydney so we are looking at a good track for a change. Ex UK horse Korcho has won his last two in good style and he stays at BM78 level as he looks to land the hat-trick. He handled good ground in the UK so I am not concerned that he is on a drier track. He comes back to 2000m, but that shouldn't bother him either. I think he can land this before stepping up in grade.
Korcho @ 9/2 with Bet365
Rosehill R6 (6.10am)
Sangria was poor at Randwick at the start of the month, but that was on a Heavy 9 1st up so we can forgive that performance. She will prefer this drier surface and was a Listed winner at Flemington back in March. She has won a trial since so is clearly in good form and I am expecting a much improved performance here.
Sangria @14/5 with Bet365
Rosehill R7 6.50am)
Chris Waller has always spoken highly of Overlord and although he has yet to win a race he has bumped into the very promising Peltzer (goes in the race befofre) twice and then ran 4th of 18 in the G1 JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm in June. You would hope that he can finally break his maiden tag here.
Overlord @ 6/4 with Bet365
Rosehill R8 (7.30am)
A few ex UK and Irish runners which will be familiar go in this G3 handicap over 1900m. Frankely Awesome will surely do better than she did last time, but I have to be with Mugatoo. He has won half of his 6 starts and has continued his progression in Australia from that he showed in this country. He was 2nd to Young Rascal in a G3 here back in March and than ran as well as could have been expected in G1 company. I thought he wold struggle to win over 1500m 1st up in a Listed contest here a month ago, but he was really impressive in winning. You have to think he will be Caulfield Cup bound and I think he can win this on the way.
Mugatoo @ 5/4 with Betfair

Granted he's becoming a bit of a cliff horse, but I have to give Ballyknock Cloud another chance at Fontwell this afternoon. He didn't show a great deal at Newton Abbot on his return, but I imagine he needed the run as it wasn't as good as his form from last year. As I keep saying about the horse he is well handicapped on his pointing form and he's now down to a mark of 95. He steps up in trip here and interestingly he is the only horse that his trainer has run since racing resumed so they clearly think he can win a race off this mark. When he won his points he made the running and I wouldn't mind seeing them attempt the same tactics here. As for his rivals there are a few making their chasing debuts which always adds an unknown factor. Rivers End is one of those and he was well beaten in a Restricted in January on his first start after coming over from Ireland. He has got his handicap mark based on 3 hurdle runs over 2m. He's been backed at big prices now he goes chasing and going a mile up in trip. It will be interesting to see how he gets on, but on the face of it even off 79 he doesn't appeal as much as Ballyknock Cloud does and at 12/1 he is worth backing e/w.
Ballyknock Cloud e/w @ 12/1 with everyone

Granted he's becoming a bit of a cliff horse, but I have to give Ballyknock Cloud another chance at Fontwell this afternoon. He didn't show a great deal at Newton Abbot on his return, but I imagine he needed the run as it wasn't as good as his form from last year. As I keep saying about the horse he is well handicapped on his pointing form and he's now down to a mark of 95. He steps up in trip here and interestingly he is the only horse that his trainer has run since racing resumed so they clearly think he can win a race off this mark. When he won his points he made the running and I wouldn't mind seeing them attempt the same tactics here. As for his rivals there are a few making their chasing debuts which always adds an unknown factor. Rivers End is one of those and he was well beaten in a Restricted in January on his first start after coming over from Ireland. He has got his handicap mark based on 3 hurdle runs over 2m. He's been backed at big prices now he goes chasing and going a mile up in trip. It will be interesting to see how he gets on, but on the face of it even off 79 he doesn't appeal as much as Ballyknock Cloud does and at 12/1 he is worth backing e/w.
Ballyknock Cloud e/w @ 12/1 with everyone

Granted he's becoming a bit of a cliff horse, but I have to give Ballyknock Cloud another chance at Fontwell this afternoon. He didn't show a great deal at Newton Abbot on his return, but I imagine he needed the run as it wasn't as good as his form from last year. As I keep saying about the horse he is well handicapped on his pointing form and he's now down to a mark of 95. He steps up in trip here and interestingly he is the only horse that his trainer has run since racing resumed so they clearly think he can win a race off this mark. When he won his points he made the running and I wouldn't mind seeing them attempt the same tactics here. As for his rivals there are a few making their chasing debuts which always adds an unknown factor. Rivers End is one of those and he was well beaten in a Restricted in January on his first start after coming over from Ireland. He has got his handicap mark based on 3 hurdle runs over 2m. He's been backed at big prices now he goes chasing and going a mile up in trip. It will be interesting to see how he gets on, but on the face of it even off 79 he doesn't appeal as much as Ballyknock Cloud does and at 12/1 he is worth backing e/w.
Ballyknock Cloud e/w @ 12/1 with everyone

Wasn't great on the flat this morning with my first blank day since I started doing these previews. Obviously we got some voided money back. On we move to the final jumps action of the season in Australia and it really is a cracking card at Ballarat. Hopefully we can make some money from it.   Race 1 (4am) Small field to start, but a cracking race with 4 good horses taking each other on. Eckhart and Wolfe Tone were both really impressive when breaking their maiden tags at the first time of asking at Pakenham last month. Wolfe Tone went and followed that up with a win in a BM120 at Sandown 3 weeks ago. I thought he was really impressive that day as well as the front 2 pulled well clear of the rest. The issue I have with both of them though is if they really want 4000m in a Heavy 10 which is likely to ride even testing than that. It's enough for me to not go with either of them as much as either could easily be good enough to win. I have been a big fan of Flying Agent and although I did vow to myself I wouldn't back a Horner ridden horse again I am going to back him here. He was set way too much to do last time at Sandown over fences, but it does look like 4000m will be ideal for him given his running style. We also know that he can handle a Heavy 10 track having run really well both here and Warrnambool over fences on that surface and those two tracks do seem to get really testing compared to the other jumping venues like Sandown or Pakenham. I also like San Remo and he is over the odds for sure. Now I did say the same thing last time and he ran a stinker in the Wolfe Tone race last time, but he clearly wasn't at his best as he didn't jump well and never got involved. He's trialled well since behind Flying Agent on Tuesday and crucially for me he was only just beaten by Bee Tee Junior at Warrnambool on a Heavy 10 on his previous hurdle start. Given how well that one ran against Ablaze in the Grand National Hurdle and is his main danger in the Grand National Chase on this card that is for me the best form in the race. I am hoping back on a testing surface he can show that form again.   Flying Agent @ 2/1 with Betfair and Betfred San Remo @ 15/2 with Betfred   Race 2 (4.40am) The 1st maiden hurdle on the card is over 3400m and on the face of it it looks a good opportunity for Beau Balmain to get his head in front over hurdles. He was 2nd to Wolfe Tone at Pakenham on hurdles debut and then 3rd at Casterton 2 weeks ago when a mistake at the last cost him with re-opposing Little Phoenix finishing in 2nd. The concern tough has to be the really testing conditions. His 3 runs in heavy ground on the flat has seen him finish last twice and at Caulfield back in April his jockey said he didn't handle the Heavy 9. He probably wins if he does handle the track, but at the price he has to be taken on for me. Ablestock has respected connections and has been running well on the flat at a low level. Had a few quiet hurdles trials so hard to know what to expect. Little Phoenix has been solid in 5 hurdles starts and has been 2nd twice and 3rd twice, but his worst effort was on a Heavy 10 at Warrnambool where he really struggled in the ground so I can't have him here.   That leaves me with a couple worth backing outside the front 3 in the betting. Infinite Reign made a solid hurdles debut here over 3200m in a Heavy 10 when 5th behind Ventura Storm. He was then 3rd just behind the 2nd in the race Eckhart won. Since then he was 3rd at Moe on a heavy track and he looks to have a solid chance in the conditions. At a double figure price I am also taking a chance on Ross's Point. He had 2 hurdle starts in September 2018 and didn't show too much on ground that would have been too quick for him. He didn't run over hurdles again until last month when he was a really good 3rd at Warrnambool in a Heavy 10. He then pulled up at Pakenham where again his rider said he needed a wetter track. He won a hurdle trail at the end of last month in a Heavy 8 and in a race where you can pick holes in the fancied horses in the conditions I think he is well worth backing at a big price.   Infinite Reign @ 13/2 with Betfred Ross's Point e/w @ 16/1 with Betfred   Race 3 (5.20am) Doesn't look a strong contest and no real surprise to see Home By Midnight at odds on. He is the classiest flat horse in the race and landed the Launceston Cup back in Feburary. He was also 2nd in an Auckland Cup when trained in New Zealand on a Heavy 10 track. Had 3 trials where he wasn't asked to do a great deal, but it looks a good opportunity for him given he handles conditions. Wazuzu is also making is hurdles debut and won on a Heavy 10 at Warrnambool two starts back. It was only a BM64 so he certainly isn't up to the favourites flat class, but the fact he handles conditions is a plus. Zoffany Rocket and Peace Brother are also in single figures, but the former isn't certain to handle the ground on hurdles debut and the latter fell 2 out when getting tired at Pakenham and has never run on a heavy surface. I fancied Jeparit last week, but he was massively disappointing and has also never run on a flat track. First Crush has been given some bizarre rides by Horner, but he has shown the best hurdles form of these. On his hurdles debut he was given a very kind ride over course and distance on this ground and then has run well since despite his jockey leaving it way too late. I think Home By Midnight is the most likely winner, but will have a small bet e/w on First Crush in the hope he might finally get a good ride because he is certainly over priced at double figures.   First Crush e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred   Race 4 (6am) It is a shame Gobstopper is a non-runner as he has had such a good season, but we still have a good race on our hands. I think the favourite is the one to beat here. I put him up last week and he was really impressive as he continued to build up to this contest which he was 2nd in last year to Ablaze. That is obviously very good form and we know that he handles course and distance on a Heavy 10 track. Instigator clearly has ability, but finds it hard to win. He ought to have beaten Sollevare in a maiden hurdle at Pakenham and then ran well to be 2nd to Wolfe Tone at Sandown. He should be fine on a heavy track, but he is more likely to finish 2nd than win. Sollevare wouldn't be out of it as on his next hurdle start he was only beaten 5L by Ablaze when 4th in the Grand National Hurdle. Saunter Boy is a classy flat horse and won on his hurdles debut at Casterton last time. He might have been slightly lucky there and his runs on a heavy track on the flat have been nothing special. Northern Voyage should be ready to peak and he's the won to beat.   Northern Voyage @ 5/4 with Betfred   Race 5 (6.45am) Ascot Red is favourite for this contest and won it last year. He has been in really good form on the flat and we today's conditions will hold no fear for him. You would imagine the flat runs have been used to build him up for a repeat bid. He has an obvious chance, but he seems a little short in the betting for me. Solar Coaster has some good chasing form in behind good horses in hot races. The ground would be a concern for me though. Longclaw has a chance on his chasing debut with two decent hurdle runs the last twice at Warrnambool. It's a tricky little race, but I am going to take two against the field. The Dominator is likely to blast off in front and in the conditions they might find him hard to peg back. He won well using those tactics at Pakenham two starts back and then just didn't stay 4200m in the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown. The ground isn't a concern and I like his chances here. I also thought So Belafonte was over priced here on chasing debut. On the face of it he was disappointing at Casterton last time, but his rider lost an iron and it cost him his chance. He won over hurdles here back in June and the form of that race is strong. So given we know he handles conditions and has trialled well over fences I think he should be shorter than his current price.   The Dominator @ 100/30 with Betfred So Belafonte @ 15/2 with Betfred   Race 6 (7.25am) The big race of the Australian jumps season is the Grand National Steeplechase over 4500m and it is around £100k to the winner. Albaze has done amazingly well since going over jumps as he is 5/5 over both hurdles and fences. He has already won the Grand Annual this season and he was really impressive in doing so. His trainer has spoken about bringing him over for the Grand National at Aintree in a couple of years time after he gets even more experience and it will be great if he does come over. Next year he might go to Japan for the Nakayama Grand Jump and he has the potential to be one of the best jumpers Australia has produced. He landed the Grand National Hurdle last time and he was really gutsy out in front beating Bee Tee Junior who re-opposes here and looks to be his main danger. Strictly speaking at the weights Bee Tee Junior should reverse form, but I think this extra distance in wetter conditions over fences will suit Ablaze more than it will Bee Tee Junior and I rate him a strong pick here.  Bee Tee Junior is actually making his debut over fences although he did win a 3 runner trial on Tuesday. Of the rest I thought Accounted Four won really well last week at Casterton. This is stronger and on much softer going, but he is clearly getting better the deeper into his prep he goes. Michelin disappointed last time and the trip is an unknown, but the ground wont be an issue and he has place claims as well.    Ablaze @ Evs with Bet365

Wasn't great on the flat this morning with my first blank day since I started doing these previews. Obviously we got some voided money back. On we move to the final jumps action of the season in Australia and it really is a cracking card at Ballarat. Hopefully we can make some money from it.   Race 1 (4am) Small field to start, but a cracking race with 4 good horses taking each other on. Eckhart and Wolfe Tone were both really impressive when breaking their maiden tags at the first time of asking at Pakenham last month. Wolfe Tone went and followed that up with a win in a BM120 at Sandown 3 weeks ago. I thought he was really impressive that day as well as the front 2 pulled well clear of the rest. The issue I have with both of them though is if they really want 4000m in a Heavy 10 which is likely to ride even testing than that. It's enough for me to not go with either of them as much as either could easily be good enough to win. I have been a big fan of Flying Agent and although I did vow to myself I wouldn't back a Horner ridden horse again I am going to back him here. He was set way too much to do last time at Sandown over fences, but it does look like 4000m will be ideal for him given his running style. We also know that he can handle a Heavy 10 track having run really well both here and Warrnambool over fences on that surface and those two tracks do seem to get really testing compared to the other jumping venues like Sandown or Pakenham. I also like San Remo and he is over the odds for sure. Now I did say the same thing last time and he ran a stinker in the Wolfe Tone race last time, but he clearly wasn't at his best as he didn't jump well and never got involved. He's trialled well since behind Flying Agent on Tuesday and crucially for me he was only just beaten by Bee Tee Junior at Warrnambool on a Heavy 10 on his previous hurdle start. Given how well that one ran against Ablaze in the Grand National Hurdle and is his main danger in the Grand National Chase on this card that is for me the best form in the race. I am hoping back on a testing surface he can show that form again.   Flying Agent @ 2/1 with Betfair and Betfred San Remo @ 15/2 with Betfred   Race 2 (4.40am) The 1st maiden hurdle on the card is over 3400m and on the face of it it looks a good opportunity for Beau Balmain to get his head in front over hurdles. He was 2nd to Wolfe Tone at Pakenham on hurdles debut and then 3rd at Casterton 2 weeks ago when a mistake at the last cost him with re-opposing Little Phoenix finishing in 2nd. The concern tough has to be the really testing conditions. His 3 runs in heavy ground on the flat has seen him finish last twice and at Caulfield back in April his jockey said he didn't handle the Heavy 9. He probably wins if he does handle the track, but at the price he has to be taken on for me. Ablestock has respected connections and has been running well on the flat at a low level. Had a few quiet hurdles trials so hard to know what to expect. Little Phoenix has been solid in 5 hurdles starts and has been 2nd twice and 3rd twice, but his worst effort was on a Heavy 10 at Warrnambool where he really struggled in the ground so I can't have him here.   That leaves me with a couple worth backing outside the front 3 in the betting. Infinite Reign made a solid hurdles debut here over 3200m in a Heavy 10 when 5th behind Ventura Storm. He was then 3rd just behind the 2nd in the race Eckhart won. Since then he was 3rd at Moe on a heavy track and he looks to have a solid chance in the conditions. At a double figure price I am also taking a chance on Ross's Point. He had 2 hurdle starts in September 2018 and didn't show too much on ground that would have been too quick for him. He didn't run over hurdles again until last month when he was a really good 3rd at Warrnambool in a Heavy 10. He then pulled up at Pakenham where again his rider said he needed a wetter track. He won a hurdle trail at the end of last month in a Heavy 8 and in a race where you can pick holes in the fancied horses in the conditions I think he is well worth backing at a big price.   Infinite Reign @ 13/2 with Betfred Ross's Point e/w @ 16/1 with Betfred   Race 3 (5.20am) Doesn't look a strong contest and no real surprise to see Home By Midnight at odds on. He is the classiest flat horse in the race and landed the Launceston Cup back in Feburary. He was also 2nd in an Auckland Cup when trained in New Zealand on a Heavy 10 track. Had 3 trials where he wasn't asked to do a great deal, but it looks a good opportunity for him given he handles conditions. Wazuzu is also making is hurdles debut and won on a Heavy 10 at Warrnambool two starts back. It was only a BM64 so he certainly isn't up to the favourites flat class, but the fact he handles conditions is a plus. Zoffany Rocket and Peace Brother are also in single figures, but the former isn't certain to handle the ground on hurdles debut and the latter fell 2 out when getting tired at Pakenham and has never run on a heavy surface. I fancied Jeparit last week, but he was massively disappointing and has also never run on a flat track. First Crush has been given some bizarre rides by Horner, but he has shown the best hurdles form of these. On his hurdles debut he was given a very kind ride over course and distance on this ground and then has run well since despite his jockey leaving it way too late. I think Home By Midnight is the most likely winner, but will have a small bet e/w on First Crush in the hope he might finally get a good ride because he is certainly over priced at double figures.   First Crush e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred   Race 4 (6am) It is a shame Gobstopper is a non-runner as he has had such a good season, but we still have a good race on our hands. I think the favourite is the one to beat here. I put him up last week and he was really impressive as he continued to build up to this contest which he was 2nd in last year to Ablaze. That is obviously very good form and we know that he handles course and distance on a Heavy 10 track. Instigator clearly has ability, but finds it hard to win. He ought to have beaten Sollevare in a maiden hurdle at Pakenham and then ran well to be 2nd to Wolfe Tone at Sandown. He should be fine on a heavy track, but he is more likely to finish 2nd than win. Sollevare wouldn't be out of it as on his next hurdle start he was only beaten 5L by Ablaze when 4th in the Grand National Hurdle. Saunter Boy is a classy flat horse and won on his hurdles debut at Casterton last time. He might have been slightly lucky there and his runs on a heavy track on the flat have been nothing special. Northern Voyage should be ready to peak and he's the won to beat.   Northern Voyage @ 5/4 with Betfred   Race 5 (6.45am) Ascot Red is favourite for this contest and won it last year. He has been in really good form on the flat and we today's conditions will hold no fear for him. You would imagine the flat runs have been used to build him up for a repeat bid. He has an obvious chance, but he seems a little short in the betting for me. Solar Coaster has some good chasing form in behind good horses in hot races. The ground would be a concern for me though. Longclaw has a chance on his chasing debut with two decent hurdle runs the last twice at Warrnambool. It's a tricky little race, but I am going to take two against the field. The Dominator is likely to blast off in front and in the conditions they might find him hard to peg back. He won well using those tactics at Pakenham two starts back and then just didn't stay 4200m in the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown. The ground isn't a concern and I like his chances here. I also thought So Belafonte was over priced here on chasing debut. On the face of it he was disappointing at Casterton last time, but his rider lost an iron and it cost him his chance. He won over hurdles here back in June and the form of that race is strong. So given we know he handles conditions and has trialled well over fences I think he should be shorter than his current price.   The Dominator @ 100/30 with Betfred So Belafonte @ 15/2 with Betfred   Race 6 (7.25am) The big race of the Australian jumps season is the Grand National Steeplechase over 4500m and it is around £100k to the winner. Albaze has done amazingly well since going over jumps as he is 5/5 over both hurdles and fences. He has already won the Grand Annual this season and he was really impressive in doing so. His trainer has spoken about bringing him over for the Grand National at Aintree in a couple of years time after he gets even more experience and it will be great if he does come over. Next year he might go to Japan for the Nakayama Grand Jump and he has the potential to be one of the best jumpers Australia has produced. He landed the Grand National Hurdle last time and he was really gutsy out in front beating Bee Tee Junior who re-opposes here and looks to be his main danger. Strictly speaking at the weights Bee Tee Junior should reverse form, but I think this extra distance in wetter conditions over fences will suit Ablaze more than it will Bee Tee Junior and I rate him a strong pick here.  Bee Tee Junior is actually making his debut over fences although he did win a 3 runner trial on Tuesday. Of the rest I thought Accounted Four won really well last week at Casterton. This is stronger and on much softer going, but he is clearly getting better the deeper into his prep he goes. Michelin disappointed last time and the trip is an unknown, but the ground wont be an issue and he has place claims as well.    Ablaze @ Evs with Bet365

Wasn't great on the flat this morning with my first blank day since I started doing these previews. Obviously we got some voided money back. On we move to the final jumps action of the season in Australia and it really is a cracking card at Ballarat. Hopefully we can make some money from it.   Race 1 (4am) Small field to start, but a cracking race with 4 good horses taking each other on. Eckhart and Wolfe Tone were both really impressive when breaking their maiden tags at the first time of asking at Pakenham last month. Wolfe Tone went and followed that up with a win in a BM120 at Sandown 3 weeks ago. I thought he was really impressive that day as well as the front 2 pulled well clear of the rest. The issue I have with both of them though is if they really want 4000m in a Heavy 10 which is likely to ride even testing than that. It's enough for me to not go with either of them as much as either could easily be good enough to win. I have been a big fan of Flying Agent and although I did vow to myself I wouldn't back a Horner ridden horse again I am going to back him here. He was set way too much to do last time at Sandown over fences, but it does look like 4000m will be ideal for him given his running style. We also know that he can handle a Heavy 10 track having run really well both here and Warrnambool over fences on that surface and those two tracks do seem to get really testing compared to the other jumping venues like Sandown or Pakenham. I also like San Remo and he is over the odds for sure. Now I did say the same thing last time and he ran a stinker in the Wolfe Tone race last time, but he clearly wasn't at his best as he didn't jump well and never got involved. He's trialled well since behind Flying Agent on Tuesday and crucially for me he was only just beaten by Bee Tee Junior at Warrnambool on a Heavy 10 on his previous hurdle start. Given how well that one ran against Ablaze in the Grand National Hurdle and is his main danger in the Grand National Chase on this card that is for me the best form in the race. I am hoping back on a testing surface he can show that form again.   Flying Agent @ 2/1 with Betfair and Betfred San Remo @ 15/2 with Betfred   Race 2 (4.40am) The 1st maiden hurdle on the card is over 3400m and on the face of it it looks a good opportunity for Beau Balmain to get his head in front over hurdles. He was 2nd to Wolfe Tone at Pakenham on hurdles debut and then 3rd at Casterton 2 weeks ago when a mistake at the last cost him with re-opposing Little Phoenix finishing in 2nd. The concern tough has to be the really testing conditions. His 3 runs in heavy ground on the flat has seen him finish last twice and at Caulfield back in April his jockey said he didn't handle the Heavy 9. He probably wins if he does handle the track, but at the price he has to be taken on for me. Ablestock has respected connections and has been running well on the flat at a low level. Had a few quiet hurdles trials so hard to know what to expect. Little Phoenix has been solid in 5 hurdles starts and has been 2nd twice and 3rd twice, but his worst effort was on a Heavy 10 at Warrnambool where he really struggled in the ground so I can't have him here.   That leaves me with a couple worth backing outside the front 3 in the betting. Infinite Reign made a solid hurdles debut here over 3200m in a Heavy 10 when 5th behind Ventura Storm. He was then 3rd just behind the 2nd in the race Eckhart won. Since then he was 3rd at Moe on a heavy track and he looks to have a solid chance in the conditions. At a double figure price I am also taking a chance on Ross's Point. He had 2 hurdle starts in September 2018 and didn't show too much on ground that would have been too quick for him. He didn't run over hurdles again until last month when he was a really good 3rd at Warrnambool in a Heavy 10. He then pulled up at Pakenham where again his rider said he needed a wetter track. He won a hurdle trail at the end of last month in a Heavy 8 and in a race where you can pick holes in the fancied horses in the conditions I think he is well worth backing at a big price.   Infinite Reign @ 13/2 with Betfred Ross's Point e/w @ 16/1 with Betfred   Race 3 (5.20am) Doesn't look a strong contest and no real surprise to see Home By Midnight at odds on. He is the classiest flat horse in the race and landed the Launceston Cup back in Feburary. He was also 2nd in an Auckland Cup when trained in New Zealand on a Heavy 10 track. Had 3 trials where he wasn't asked to do a great deal, but it looks a good opportunity for him given he handles conditions. Wazuzu is also making is hurdles debut and won on a Heavy 10 at Warrnambool two starts back. It was only a BM64 so he certainly isn't up to the favourites flat class, but the fact he handles conditions is a plus. Zoffany Rocket and Peace Brother are also in single figures, but the former isn't certain to handle the ground on hurdles debut and the latter fell 2 out when getting tired at Pakenham and has never run on a heavy surface. I fancied Jeparit last week, but he was massively disappointing and has also never run on a flat track. First Crush has been given some bizarre rides by Horner, but he has shown the best hurdles form of these. On his hurdles debut he was given a very kind ride over course and distance on this ground and then has run well since despite his jockey leaving it way too late. I think Home By Midnight is the most likely winner, but will have a small bet e/w on First Crush in the hope he might finally get a good ride because he is certainly over priced at double figures.   First Crush e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred   Race 4 (6am) It is a shame Gobstopper is a non-runner as he has had such a good season, but we still have a good race on our hands. I think the favourite is the one to beat here. I put him up last week and he was really impressive as he continued to build up to this contest which he was 2nd in last year to Ablaze. That is obviously very good form and we know that he handles course and distance on a Heavy 10 track. Instigator clearly has ability, but finds it hard to win. He ought to have beaten Sollevare in a maiden hurdle at Pakenham and then ran well to be 2nd to Wolfe Tone at Sandown. He should be fine on a heavy track, but he is more likely to finish 2nd than win. Sollevare wouldn't be out of it as on his next hurdle start he was only beaten 5L by Ablaze when 4th in the Grand National Hurdle. Saunter Boy is a classy flat horse and won on his hurdles debut at Casterton last time. He might have been slightly lucky there and his runs on a heavy track on the flat have been nothing special. Northern Voyage should be ready to peak and he's the won to beat.   Northern Voyage @ 5/4 with Betfred   Race 5 (6.45am) Ascot Red is favourite for this contest and won it last year. He has been in really good form on the flat and we today's conditions will hold no fear for him. You would imagine the flat runs have been used to build him up for a repeat bid. He has an obvious chance, but he seems a little short in the betting for me. Solar Coaster has some good chasing form in behind good horses in hot races. The ground would be a concern for me though. Longclaw has a chance on his chasing debut with two decent hurdle runs the last twice at Warrnambool. It's a tricky little race, but I am going to take two against the field. The Dominator is likely to blast off in front and in the conditions they might find him hard to peg back. He won well using those tactics at Pakenham two starts back and then just didn't stay 4200m in the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown. The ground isn't a concern and I like his chances here. I also thought So Belafonte was over priced here on chasing debut. On the face of it he was disappointing at Casterton last time, but his rider lost an iron and it cost him his chance. He won over hurdles here back in June and the form of that race is strong. So given we know he handles conditions and has trialled well over fences I think he should be shorter than his current price.   The Dominator @ 100/30 with Betfred So Belafonte @ 15/2 with Betfred   Race 6 (7.25am) The big race of the Australian jumps season is the Grand National Steeplechase over 4500m and it is around £100k to the winner. Albaze has done amazingly well since going over jumps as he is 5/5 over both hurdles and fences. He has already won the Grand Annual this season and he was really impressive in doing so. His trainer has spoken about bringing him over for the Grand National at Aintree in a couple of years time after he gets even more experience and it will be great if he does come over. Next year he might go to Japan for the Nakayama Grand Jump and he has the potential to be one of the best jumpers Australia has produced. He landed the Grand National Hurdle last time and he was really gutsy out in front beating Bee Tee Junior who re-opposes here and looks to be his main danger. Strictly speaking at the weights Bee Tee Junior should reverse form, but I think this extra distance in wetter conditions over fences will suit Ablaze more than it will Bee Tee Junior and I rate him a strong pick here.  Bee Tee Junior is actually making his debut over fences although he did win a 3 runner trial on Tuesday. Of the rest I thought Accounted Four won really well last week at Casterton. This is stronger and on much softer going, but he is clearly getting better the deeper into his prep he goes. Michelin disappointed last time and the trip is an unknown, but the ground wont be an issue and he has place claims as well.    Ablaze @ Evs with Bet365

Really looking forward to the action in Australia this weekend as we see the first Group 1 of the new season, the Winx Stakes at Randwick and we also see the Grand National at Ballarat on Sunday as the jumps season ends with an all jumps card there. That preview will come tomorrow, but first of all I will look at 9 races from Moonee Valley and Randwick
Moonee Valley R1 (3.50am)
I could be throwing good money after bad money, but I do want to have a small bet on Rivet Delight again. On the face of it he was disappointing at Flemington last time when behind Coming Around, who looks set to go off odds on here, but he was at the back of the field that day and the race suited front runners. Connections have said that this former Racing Post Trophy winner is set to sit closer to the pace here and if he can show the form he showed at Caulfield 1st up then I think he is value here.
Rivet Delight e/w @ 16/1 with Betfred
Moonee Valley R4 (5.45am)
Tigre Royale has won 4 on the bounce now the last two coming in this grade at Randwick and Sandown. As that suggests he is clearly progressive and he won very easily last time. It was a Heavy 9 at Randwick the time before and given there is plenty of rain in the Melbourne area both today and tomorrow I suspect the ground might reach the Heavy range so we know that wont bother him. The other one I like is Kentucky Tornado who was 6th at Flemington last time in a decent race. She clocked a fast 200m that day over 2000m and now up to 2500m looks ideal.
Tigre Royale @ 6/1 with Bet365
Kentucky Tornado @ 16/5 with Bet365
Moonee Valley R8 (8.15am)
Given the time of the race you might want to wait to have a bet closer to the off as it is based around the ground being in the Heavy range. Jungle Edge loves a wet track as he showed when winning a G3 at Caulfield two starts back when I tipped up the 2nd Viridine. That form is strong given Viridine has won twice since. Last time he was back in a Good 4 track at the same venue and only beat one home. The wetter it is the more I would like his chances. I put up Brooklyn Hustle last time when she dropped into BM78 company 1st up and she duly bolted up. She's a good horse and looks up to winning at this level, but I am not sure she will want it that testing and Jungle Edge has the edge for me.
Jungle Edge @ 3/1 with Bet365
Moonee Valley R9 (8.45am)
I really can't wait for this handicap over 2040m as it looks a fascinating contest. Young Rascal wont need any introduction and he has his first start since leaving William Haggas, but his new trainer has said that Haggas has been helping him a fair bit to train the horse. His win at Rosehill two starts back is a very good piece of form, but I think tomorrow's run will be all about building towards bigger targets later in the spring as the trip is on the short side for him. We have former German horse Schabau running who has been talked off as a Melbourne cup horse. He has actually won over this trip twice in Australia and he has claims. I was on former UK horse Skyman last time and he is now 2/2 in Australia, but he is way out of the weights and as much as he is progressive he would have had to have improved massively on his UK form. For example he only get's half a kilo from Orderofthegarter who was 2nd at Royal Ascot to Benbatl in 2017. I put him up last time on his first run for nearly 2 years and he ran a huge race over 1600m to finish 2nd. Going up to this trip is obviously a plus and although stall 12 is a concern he looks to have a really good chance. I also want to have Polly Grey onside as the former New Zealand runner has been in really good from since coming to Chris Waller. She got no luck at Flemington two starts back and then last time over course and distance she had to do a bit too much to early and was just denied. She has drawn 1 here so she certainly wont be caught wide again and a Heavy track will be no issue.
Orderofthegarter @ 3/1 with Bet365
Polly Grey @ 9/2 with Bet365
Randwick R3 (4.10am)
I put up ex UK horse New King when he won a couple of weeks ago as there had been clear promise in his first run in Australia and he was given a cracking ride by James McDonald to score. He looked progressive in the UK and the one concern I had last time was the 1500m so going up in trip to 1600m is obviously a plus. For a change it has been fairly dry in Sydney so it won't be as testing as last time, but it will be soft still so that will be no concern and I think this son of Frankel can score again as he continues to improve.
New King @ 5/2 with Bet365
Randwick R6 (6.05am)
One of the horses I was most impressed with since I have started previewing the Australian action every Saturday is Adelong who won 3 on the bounce in May and June. Her record now reads 8 starts for 6 wins and 2 2nds and we now get to see her in Group company. She looks a Group horse and I think she can take the step up in grade with ease.
Adelong @ 21/20 with Bet365
Randwick R7 (6.45am)
As I mention above the Winx Stakes is the first G1 of the season and I am going to take a couple against the field. The Bostonian has a superb record 1st up having won 6 times in 7 attempts. Indeed 9 of his 10 wins have either come 1st up or 2nd up. He loves a wet track so the ground will be ideal for him and 1400m 1st up looks ideal and drawn in 1 I expect him to sit handy just off the speed. I was tempted by Master Of Wine and he did win 1st up over 1400 last prep, but that was a BM100 and I am not sure he can repeat that in G1 company. Instead I think it is worth giving Melody Belle a chance to atone for a poor run 1st up. That came in a G2 at Rosehill and she was too far back in the testing ground that day. She was a couple of places behind Master Of Wine in the Queen Elizabeth in April, but I think Melody Belle is more suited to 1400m than he is. Her record over this trip is 5 wins in 7 attempts so I am prepared to give her another chance on better going.
The Bostonian @ 5/1 with Bet365
Melody Belle @ 10/1 with Bet365
Randwick R8 (7.25am)
Granted Minted was nearly 4L behind an impressive winner last time, but she finished the race off well as the closing splits show and he looks like the step up to 1400m will suit him on just his 8th start based on that run. He gets in her off 52kgs and he has a solid chance in an open contest. Kinane was had a good spell last time and connections turned down a big offer for him, but I just wonder if he might need further especially as it took him getting up to 1600m before he won. He's a very promising horse though.
Minted @ 5/1 with Bet365
Randwick R9 (8.05am)
I was keen on Cristal Breeze a couple of weeks ago, but he was a non-runner and I think this ex UK horse can go very well here. He won on his 1st Australian start at Canterbury in June which was his first run since he was 2nd at Newmarket this time last year. He then ran at Randwick over 1300m and was 2nd behind Handspun which I think was good form. I don't mind the drop back to 1200m although granted the draw could have been better than 13, but I still think he can go close. I also want Icebath onside as she was running well in stakes races when last seen in April. She was 2nd in a Listed Race here and then 3rd in a Group 3 at Rosehill. In both races she didn't have a great deal of luck and last time she was in 9th with 400m still to go and didn't get clear air until 100m out. She has trialled well going into to this and has already been a 1st up winner in her short career.
Cristal Breeze @ 8/1 with Betfair
Icebath @ 4/1 with Bet365

Really looking forward to the action in Australia this weekend as we see the first Group 1 of the new season, the Winx Stakes at Randwick and we also see the Grand National at Ballarat on Sunday as the jumps season ends with an all jumps card there. That preview will come tomorrow, but first of all I will look at 9 races from Moonee Valley and Randwick
Moonee Valley R1 (3.50am)
I could be throwing good money after bad money, but I do want to have a small bet on Rivet Delight again. On the face of it he was disappointing at Flemington last time when behind Coming Around, who looks set to go off odds on here, but he was at the back of the field that day and the race suited front runners. Connections have said that this former Racing Post Trophy winner is set to sit closer to the pace here and if he can show the form he showed at Caulfield 1st up then I think he is value here.
Rivet Delight e/w @ 16/1 with Betfred
Moonee Valley R4 (5.45am)
Tigre Royale has won 4 on the bounce now the last two coming in this grade at Randwick and Sandown. As that suggests he is clearly progressive and he won very easily last time. It was a Heavy 9 at Randwick the time before and given there is plenty of rain in the Melbourne area both today and tomorrow I suspect the ground might reach the Heavy range so we know that wont bother him. The other one I like is Kentucky Tornado who was 6th at Flemington last time in a decent race. She clocked a fast 200m that day over 2000m and now up to 2500m looks ideal.
Tigre Royale @ 6/1 with Bet365
Kentucky Tornado @ 16/5 with Bet365
Moonee Valley R8 (8.15am)
Given the time of the race you might want to wait to have a bet closer to the off as it is based around the ground being in the Heavy range. Jungle Edge loves a wet track as he showed when winning a G3 at Caulfield two starts back when I tipped up the 2nd Viridine. That form is strong given Viridine has won twice since. Last time he was back in a Good 4 track at the same venue and only beat one home. The wetter it is the more I would like his chances. I put up Brooklyn Hustle last time when she dropped into BM78 company 1st up and she duly bolted up. She's a good horse and looks up to winning at this level, but I am not sure she will want it that testing and Jungle Edge has the edge for me.
Jungle Edge @ 3/1 with Bet365
Moonee Valley R9 (8.45am)
I really can't wait for this handicap over 2040m as it looks a fascinating contest. Young Rascal wont need any introduction and he has his first start since leaving William Haggas, but his new trainer has said that Haggas has been helping him a fair bit to train the horse. His win at Rosehill two starts back is a very good piece of form, but I think tomorrow's run will be all about building towards bigger targets later in the spring as the trip is on the short side for him. We have former German horse Schabau running who has been talked off as a Melbourne cup horse. He has actually won over this trip twice in Australia and he has claims. I was on former UK horse Skyman last time and he is now 2/2 in Australia, but he is way out of the weights and as much as he is progressive he would have had to have improved massively on his UK form. For example he only get's half a kilo from Orderofthegarter who was 2nd at Royal Ascot to Benbatl in 2017. I put him up last time on his first run for nearly 2 years and he ran a huge race over 1600m to finish 2nd. Going up to this trip is obviously a plus and although stall 12 is a concern he looks to have a really good chance. I also want to have Polly Grey onside as the former New Zealand runner has been in really good from since coming to Chris Waller. She got no luck at Flemington two starts back and then last time over course and distance she had to do a bit too much to early and was just denied. She has drawn 1 here so she certainly wont be caught wide again and a Heavy track will be no issue.
Orderofthegarter @ 3/1 with Bet365
Polly Grey @ 9/2 with Bet365
Randwick R3 (4.10am)
I put up ex UK horse New King when he won a couple of weeks ago as there had been clear promise in his first run in Australia and he was given a cracking ride by James McDonald to score. He looked progressive in the UK and the one concern I had last time was the 1500m so going up in trip to 1600m is obviously a plus. For a change it has been fairly dry in Sydney so it won't be as testing as last time, but it will be soft still so that will be no concern and I think this son of Frankel can score again as he continues to improve.
New King @ 5/2 with Bet365
Randwick R6 (6.05am)
One of the horses I was most impressed with since I have started previewing the Australian action every Saturday is Adelong who won 3 on the bounce in May and June. Her record now reads 8 starts for 6 wins and 2 2nds and we now get to see her in Group company. She looks a Group horse and I think she can take the step up in grade with ease.
Adelong @ 21/20 with Bet365
Randwick R7 (6.45am)
As I mention above the Winx Stakes is the first G1 of the season and I am going to take a couple against the field. The Bostonian has a superb record 1st up having won 6 times in 7 attempts. Indeed 9 of his 10 wins have either come 1st up or 2nd up. He loves a wet track so the ground will be ideal for him and 1400m 1st up looks ideal and drawn in 1 I expect him to sit handy just off the speed. I was tempted by Master Of Wine and he did win 1st up over 1400 last prep, but that was a BM100 and I am not sure he can repeat that in G1 company. Instead I think it is worth giving Melody Belle a chance to atone for a poor run 1st up. That came in a G2 at Rosehill and she was too far back in the testing ground that day. She was a couple of places behind Master Of Wine in the Queen Elizabeth in April, but I think Melody Belle is more suited to 1400m than he is. Her record over this trip is 5 wins in 7 attempts so I am prepared to give her another chance on better going.
The Bostonian @ 5/1 with Bet365
Melody Belle @ 10/1 with Bet365
Randwick R8 (7.25am)
Granted Minted was nearly 4L behind an impressive winner last time, but she finished the race off well as the closing splits show and he looks like the step up to 1400m will suit him on just his 8th start based on that run. He gets in her off 52kgs and he has a solid chance in an open contest. Kinane was had a good spell last time and connections turned down a big offer for him, but I just wonder if he might need further especially as it took him getting up to 1600m before he won. He's a very promising horse though.
Minted @ 5/1 with Bet365
Randwick R9 (8.05am)
I was keen on Cristal Breeze a couple of weeks ago, but he was a non-runner and I think this ex UK horse can go very well here. He won on his 1st Australian start at Canterbury in June which was his first run since he was 2nd at Newmarket this time last year. He then ran at Randwick over 1300m and was 2nd behind Handspun which I think was good form. I don't mind the drop back to 1200m although granted the draw could have been better than 13, but I still think he can go close. I also want Icebath onside as she was running well in stakes races when last seen in April. She was 2nd in a Listed Race here and then 3rd in a Group 3 at Rosehill. In both races she didn't have a great deal of luck and last time she was in 9th with 400m still to go and didn't get clear air until 100m out. She has trialled well going into to this and has already been a 1st up winner in her short career.
Cristal Breeze @ 8/1 with Betfair
Icebath @ 4/1 with Bet365

The race Dido ran in at Newton Abott was a frustrating one for us. First of all the main bet was disappointing, then Bubble O'Clock looked the winner before falling and then sadly losing his life finally Dido who had drifted out to 33/1 flew home to finish 2nd. Given that was his first run for nearly 14 months it was a really good effort and went someway to alleviate the slight doubt I had about his form under rules in the past. His pointing form suggested he could be well handicapped and the Newton Abbot run backed that up. If he comes on for that first run in so long he is surely going to go close here in the 5.10. Schnabel is the favourite, but he runs like he needs further not a drop in trip which he gets here. Hidden Glen and Running Wolf look bigger dangers to me, but again as you would expect for the grade it isn't an overly strong race. The one thing that would worry me is if thunderstorms hit the track as I don't think Dido wants cut in the ground, but I would be amazed if they didn't pull him out if they got a lot of run. Slightly unusually for me I am going to suggest backing him e/w as I am reasonably confident he can be in the first 3 again and at 11/2 with Bet365 or 5/1 elsewhere I want the place part onside.
Dido e/w @ 11/2 with Bet365

The race Dido ran in at Newton Abott was a frustrating one for us. First of all the main bet was disappointing, then Bubble O'Clock looked the winner before falling and then sadly losing his life finally Dido who had drifted out to 33/1 flew home to finish 2nd. Given that was his first run for nearly 14 months it was a really good effort and went someway to alleviate the slight doubt I had about his form under rules in the past. His pointing form suggested he could be well handicapped and the Newton Abbot run backed that up. If he comes on for that first run in so long he is surely going to go close here in the 5.10. Schnabel is the favourite, but he runs like he needs further not a drop in trip which he gets here. Hidden Glen and Running Wolf look bigger dangers to me, but again as you would expect for the grade it isn't an overly strong race. The one thing that would worry me is if thunderstorms hit the track as I don't think Dido wants cut in the ground, but I would be amazed if they didn't pull him out if they got a lot of run. Slightly unusually for me I am going to suggest backing him e/w as I am reasonably confident he can be in the first 3 again and at 11/2 with Bet365 or 5/1 elsewhere I want the place part onside.
Dido e/w @ 11/2 with Bet365

Funnily enough it seems to be the one thing the Aussies don't really care for is the rating of a horse. They talk more about actual weight carried from race to race rather than if a horse has gone up or down ratings wise. 

The race Dido ran in at Newton Abott was a frustrating one for us. First of all the main bet was disappointing, then Bubble O'Clock looked the winner before falling and then sadly losing his life finally Dido who had drifted out to 33/1 flew home to finish 2nd. Given that was his first run for nearly 14 months it was a really good effort and went someway to alleviate the slight doubt I had about his form under rules in the past. His pointing form suggested he could be well handicapped and the Newton Abbot run backed that up. If he comes on for that first run in so long he is surely going to go close here in the 5.10. Schnabel is the favourite, but he runs like he needs further not a drop in trip which he gets here. Hidden Glen and Running Wolf look bigger dangers to me, but again as you would expect for the grade it isn't an overly strong race. The one thing that would worry me is if thunderstorms hit the track as I don't think Dido wants cut in the ground, but I would be amazed if they didn't pull him out if they got a lot of run. Slightly unusually for me I am going to suggest backing him e/w as I am reasonably confident he can be in the first 3 again and at 11/2 with Bet365 or 5/1 elsewhere I want the place part onside.
Dido e/w @ 11/2 with Bet365

Funnily enough it seems to be the one thing the Aussies don't really care for is the rating of a horse. They talk more about actual weight carried from race to race rather than if a horse has gone up or down ratings wise. 

The race Dido ran in at Newton Abott was a frustrating one for us. First of all the main bet was disappointing, then Bubble O'Clock looked the winner before falling and then sadly losing his life finally Dido who had drifted out to 33/1 flew home to finish 2nd. Given that was his first run for nearly 14 months it was a really good effort and went someway to alleviate the slight doubt I had about his form under rules in the past. His pointing form suggested he could be well handicapped and the Newton Abbot run backed that up. If he comes on for that first run in so long he is surely going to go close here in the 5.10. Schnabel is the favourite, but he runs like he needs further not a drop in trip which he gets here. Hidden Glen and Running Wolf look bigger dangers to me, but again as you would expect for the grade it isn't an overly strong race. The one thing that would worry me is if thunderstorms hit the track as I don't think Dido wants cut in the ground, but I would be amazed if they didn't pull him out if they got a lot of run. Slightly unusually for me I am going to suggest backing him e/w as I am reasonably confident he can be in the first 3 again and at 11/2 with Bet365 or 5/1 elsewhere I want the place part onside.
Dido e/w @ 11/2 with Bet365

Not saying using the Spotlight's isn't a good starting point, but be very careful in only using them. Very often they are working to tight deadlines and it is impossible for each writer to actually have spent that long on each runner. When it comes to hunter chases for example I have seen loads of errors over the years in the Racing Post spotlights and the verdicts on Oddschecker in them. As for the daily newspapers the fact so few of them actually make a profit from their naps tells you all you need to know about following the vast majority of them. Don't forget they are forced to make selections in every race or give a Nap everyday and that doesn't mean they are backing what they are tipping up.

The Sporting Life had a contract with ICS which came to an end on Saturday and Timeform have picked up the contract which is why they are now the same. Great for Timeform as they now have their comments pretty much everywhere apart from the Racing Post. Not so good for the public who want more option in looking at these things.
As for a different website I must admit I haven't really used it myself but there is a hell of a lot of information on racingandsports.com which is an Australian site, but they have in depth form for plenty of other countries including the UK. Here is a link to a race at Uttoxeter tomorrow to show all the info you can have.
https://www.racingandsports.com/form-guide/thoroughbred/united-kingdom/uttoxeter/2020-08-17/R8/enhanced-form

A bit frustrating in Australia this morning with 3 2nds including 2 that were beaten in a photo. A couple of winners and a 3rd at least helped things. The penultimate meeting with jumps races is at Coleraine in the morning.
Race 1 (3.20am)
We start off with a maiden hurdle where the first five in the betting are priced up at either 3/1 or 4/1. No doubt closer to the race the betting will sort itself out. First Crush has an obvious chance but his jockey always seems to leave his mounts with too much to do. American In Paris has done well enough in hurdles, but was behind Little Phoenix last week and for me Little Phoenix has the best hurdles form of these. He's been so consistent and although he was well behind American In Paris 3 starts back that was on a Heavy 10 and clearly the better ground at Casterton last week was much more suitable. It should be similar ground here and I thought it was a really good run last week. Jeparit is a hurdling newcomer and I thought he was worth backing. He's  been running well on the flat including winning at Donald two starts back. He's done well in his hurdles trails. Rexmont is the other horse near the head of the market and he would need to improve on his hurdling debut last year when he pulled up.
Little Phoenix @ 3/1 with Betfred
Jeparit @ 4/1 with Betfair
Race 2 (4am)
I was amazed to see that The Statesman went off odds on last week although he did look the winner until he didn't find an awful lot in the finish. I just wonder if he is working his way up to full fitness as he faded a bit at Sandown the week before. Britannicus beat him when 2nd last week and has an obvious chance again at the same weights. This isn't a race I have a huge amount of confidence on as all the 3 have winning chances, but I am just favouring Northern Voyage. I wasn't far behind The Statesman when 4th a couple of weeks ago at Sandown and that was his first race since Pakenham in April. He made the running for a long way and it was only late on when he faded away. Down in trip 100m on a flater track and 2nd up should be ideal for him and that is enough to give him the vote.
Northern Voyage @ 15/8 with Betfred
Race 3 (4.40am)
This is basically a re-run of the Casterton Steeple last week with 6 of the 7 runners having run in it. Speedy Jax went off favourite, but fell. Elvison came home in front and I think he can do so again. I fancied him last week and although he had to work hard to beat Lucques I thought there would be more to come. I would imagine connections have targeted these two races knowing they would be easier than going for the big one next week. I thought Accounted Four ran well when 3rd last week and it was an improvement on what he had shown so far this season. He was staying on though so the drop in trip 200m might not be ideal and it's frustrating we are down to 2 places, but the odds I will have a small cover bet on him.
Elvison @ 5/4 with Betfred
Accounted Four @ 9/1 with Betfred

It won't be long before we get the first Group 1 action of the spring in Australia and the horses looking to aim themselves at the big prizes are starting to return to action on Saturday. This weekend we are at Caulfield and Randwick.
Caulfield R1 (3.10am)
A small field in the opener in Melbourne and I think it can go to the favourite Sovereign Award. Damian Oliver has a strong book of rides and I expect him to make all on this horse who is on a hat-trick after wins at Sale and Moonee Valley. This race doesn't look any harder than last time and she should be able to dictate matters at the head of the pack. He goes up another 100m in trip, but 3rd up that should be ideal and she looks a progressive horse.
Sovereign Award  @ 21/20 with Bet365
Caulfield R4 (5am)
Going with another Oliver ridden favourite here in Plein Ciel. He loves it here at Caulfield having won 4 times in 6 starts and 2 of those have come in 3 starts over this trip. He was 4th in the Winter Championship last time and it was a solid enough run in a competitive race. He runs well with his races spread out and he looks to have a solid chance. Exasperate could be the main danger as he is 3/4 at Caulfield with all the wins coming over this trip. The concern for him though is he has never won 1st up in 5 attempts.
Plein Ciel @ 5/4 with everyone
Caulfield R7 (7am)
A Listed sprint here and I think Viridine can add to his Bletchingly Stakes win last time out. He's got a nice draw in 2 and I imagine he will sit just off the pace before pouncing in the straight. A few of the dangers are 1st up here as well as ones who are going to need further the further they go into their prep so he has the fitness edge.
Viridine @ 7/4 with Betfred
Caulfield R8 (7.35am)
A good race for this G2 contest and I am going to split my stakes and back the mares Mystic Journey and Arcadia Queen. The former won this contest last season and then had a bit of a frustrating prep after that although she still ran with great credit having been 5th in the Cox Plate. She was only able to have one start in the Autumn when she was 5th in the William Reid which was a cracking run over too short a trip. I think she has a great chance. I also like Arcadia Queen who is 2/2 1st up and has won 6 of her 9 stars. 2 of those defeats came in the Everest and the Golden Eagle. She is coming back from injury which is a slight query, but she is a class horse horse. Kings Will Dream has a solid place chance and Regal Power and Streets Of Avalon also can go well.
Mystic Journey @ 100/30 with Betfair and William Hill
Arcadia Queen @ 4/1 with everyone
Caulfield R9 (8.10am)
The West Australian Showmanship is the warm favourite here and he could be too good for these, but he has been going off Winx odds of late and so he hasn't been beating much although he has been doing it very easily. I'm happy to let him win at the odds and instead will have a little e/w on O'Tauto at a double figure price. His 1st p form is very impressive as he has won once and then finished 2nd to two good horses the other two times. Maybe he will have to settle for 2nd again behind a good one, but he gets in off bottom weight and Oliver is on top so he has a few things in his favour.
O'Tauto @ 10/1 e/w with Betfred and William Hill
Randwick R1 (2.55am)
All Saints' Eve could be hard to beat, but I am going to take her on with Vitesse. All Saints' Eve is resuming and has never run on heavy ground in a race although she is bred to handle it, but Vitesse has been in good form this prep and maps to get an easy lead which is crucial for me in the conditions. She didn't quite have the speed down in trip last time and she has only ever won over 1400m so going back to that trip is ideal for her.
Vitesse @ 4/1 with Betfred
Randwick R7 (6.40am)
North Pacific made his debut in the G2 Silver Slipper and ran well to finish 3rd. He then had a break and returned a month ago and boy was he impressive when bolting up at Rosehill. He looks a really promising horse and the clock backed the visuals up as he clocked up the fastest last 200m of the whole meeting. The main danger will be Smart Image who was the horse Hugh Bowman caused the huge interference on when he won last time.
North Pacific @ 5/4 with Bet365
Randwick R8 (7.20am)
A fascinating race this with a few returning like Shared Ambition who will have bigger targets over further later on in the prep against horses who are fit from racing during the winter. Man Of Peace has won his last twice by making all and has done it very easily both times, but this is a much bigger field and he might mot be able to dictate in quite the same way. Instead I am going to take a chance e/w on Aliferous at a double figure price. She hasn't won for a while, but she is hugely consistent and has been placed in 11 of her 16 runs. She was very good 1st up last time and having trialled well in blinkers she also has them on in this. She is likely to have too much speed for a lot of these returning stayers and it could be a case of if she can run down Man Of Peace.
Aliferous e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred