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Darran
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Darran got a reaction from LeMale in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
Busy morning of Australian action with Caulfield and Rosehill my flat meetings of focus, but we also have 5 jumps races from Casterton so I have looked at them as well.
Caulfield R5 (5.10am)
I have put up Felicia before and hopefully she can gain a deserved win tomorrow. She has run well on all 4 starts so far this prep. The 3rd here two starts back over 1100m is strong form and then she was 2nd a couple of weeks ago over today's trip of 1200m at Moonee Valley. This looks a good race for her and Craig Williams gets on board for the first time as he bids to win the jockey's championship (ends at the end of next month).
Felicia @ 11/5 with Bet365
Caulfield R7 (6.30am)
I put up Alfa Oro when he won last time, a month ago, at Flemington. It was a really gutsy effort as well as he held off the challenge of the 2nd to make it 4 wins from 6 starts and the other two times he was 2nd. He is clearly very progressive and having won two handicaps at Pakenham at odds on it was good to see him progress to Metro level. He has a great draw in 5 and I think he can go in again.
Alfa Oro @ 6/4 with Bet365
Caulfield R8 (7.05am)
I am really keen on Harbour Views here. Again another horse I put up when he won last time and you may remember that I mentioned connections were hoping he would turn into a Cox Plate contender. He has won 6/9 starts and he had an excuse two starts back at Morphettville when he was found to have mucus in his lungs after the race. It was good to see him bounce in great style to win at Moonee Valley a couple of weeks ago and he proved he can stay 2000m. I don't really see any dangers although it will be interesting to see how South Pacific gets on in his first start in Australia. He was a Royal Ascot winner last year and was last seen in the Goodwood Cup. I'd imagine he will need this though and we know that Harbour Views is at peak fitness.
Harbour Views @ 23/20 with Bet365
Rosehill R3 (3.45am)
As I have mentioned we have jumps action at Casterton, but the best jumps horse in Australia is actually running on the flat in Sydney. Albaze's trainers have suggested he could go to the Melbourne Cup if he gets his rating up enough and I think he can win this to help that. He is a good horse on the flat as well and he landed the longest flat race in the country the Jericho Cup back in December and then followed that up with a win over 3000m at Moonee Valley in February. That proves he has the speed for this sort of trip as well as being able to stay the 5500m in the Grand Annual. This looks a pretty poor contest as well and the heavy conditions will also make it more of a stamina test anyway. I think he looks really hard to beat.
Ablaze @ 13/8 with Betfred
Rosehill R6 (5.30am)
Wu Gok was so tough when he won the Winter Cup last time. I thought he was beat, but he fought back really well to get up by a long head. I think he can win again though despite the fact other horses who have finished behind him the last twice are weighted to beat him. Just long last time he looks like he is going to get a soft lead and I think he will be hard to pass. He loves heavy ground which he gets again and I think he is overpriced. I also want to back Frankley Awesome who not surprisingly is a daughter of Frankel. She has been placed in a couple of G1's last year and has been getting fitter with each start this year. She ran really well here a couple of weeks ago when running on well from well back to finish 6th. Crucially she was on the wrong part of the track as the inside was like glue compared to the rest of the track and you can upgrade the performance. She also looks overpriced at double figures.
Wu Gok @ 11/2 with Bet365
Frankley Awesome @ 25/1 for the win and 11/2 for the place with Bet365
Rosehill R7 (6.10am)
I am going to give Trumbull another chance. He does seem to be a horse who always finds some sort of trouble and yet again last time he had no room until 150m where he finished 2nd. He just needs to be a bit quicker away from the stalls and to really help his cause. I do think though he will manage to get his head in front at some stage and this looks a good race for him to do so.
Trumbull @ 6/1 with Betfair
Rosehill R8 (6.50am)
Another horse who was on the wrong part of the track here a couple of weeks ago was Night Of Power and he still ran well to finish 6th over a trip short of his best anyway. Up to 1500m will help a horse who has won over a range of trips from 1500m to 2400m. He was made favourite last time which was his 1st race of the prep so he was clearly fancied and his 2nd up form is much better than his 1st up form having won twice and finished 2nd once in 3 2nd up starts.
Night Of Power @ 16/5 with Bet365
Casterton R1 (3.06am)
Little Phoenix is favourite for Div 1 of the maiden after a couple of decent trials, but I am going to go with the proven hurdle form of Stanley and Hierarchal. They finished 2nd and 3rd to Ventura Storm 11 days ago and that looks pretty good form in view. Both horses have good placed hurdles form now and I think the latter will improve for going on a quicker surface rather than the Heavy 10's he has been on the last twice. Holburt was a disappointing favourite 11 days ago, but should also improve for a better surface.
Stanley @ 4/1 with Betfair and Betfred
Hierarchal e/w @ 8/1 with Betfred N/R
Casterton R2 (3.41am)
I am taking the front two in the market here. Britannicus was disappointing last time, but clearly hated the Heavy 10 ground last time. His 2nd to Inayforhay is really good form and he won a BM64 on the flat in-between. This quicker ground should see him in a much better light. I am also going to back Steam Roller again. He fell 11 days ago when he was trying to get into contention, but they have changed the headgear on him and hopefully that will help wake his ideas up early on. The extra trip isn't going to do any harm either so he is worth having a saver on.
Britannicus @ 15/8 with Betfred
Steam Roller @ 100/30 with Betfred
Casterton R3 (4.16am)
I think Diamond Star Halo is the most likely winner, but he's priced up about right for me at 11/10. I think he has the best form in the race and I don't really like the 2nd favourite much. Coleridge finally broke his maiden tag last time, but he got an easy lead there and I am not sure it will be the case here. A couple of the bigger prices like Mystic Prince and The Hotz wouldn't be totally out of it either.
Casterton R4 (4.51am)
Steve Pateman trains half the field here and I think he can have the winner in Mapping. There was lots to like about his run 11 days ago at Ballarat when he was 4th in a maiden chase. Given it was a hot race and he was only 2nd up after a break, also ran in a flat race last month, it was a massive run because he also needs a few runs to get going. I must admit his 3rd up stats are only slightly better, but that run last time suggests he is further forward and he had very good form last year. Markwood is favourite and is always one to oppose for me as he is just one paced out in front. He was behind Mapping last as well and I don't think the form will be reversed. Referee was 3rd in that race, but I think Mapping can improve past him. I am also going to save on Pentelligentsia another Pateman runner. He ran well before being bought down at the last at Sale by Markwood. That was his first run since June 2018 so he should strip fitter here.
Mapping @ 9/2 with Bet365
Pentelligentsia @ 13/2 with Betfred
Casterton R5 (5.26am)
I really like Shamal here despite having top weight. I thought he ran really well when 1st up in the Australian Steeple a month ago. He finished 2nd that day and he should improve for the run. He had some good form in New Zealand and he deserves to be top of the weights. Elvision is at the other end of the handicap and although he won easily on his 1st chase start last time he did only have Markwood to beat and I am going with the proven class here.
Shamal @ 4/1 with everyone
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Darran got a reaction from LEE-GRAYS in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
Busy morning of Australian action with Caulfield and Rosehill my flat meetings of focus, but we also have 5 jumps races from Casterton so I have looked at them as well.
Caulfield R5 (5.10am)
I have put up Felicia before and hopefully she can gain a deserved win tomorrow. She has run well on all 4 starts so far this prep. The 3rd here two starts back over 1100m is strong form and then she was 2nd a couple of weeks ago over today's trip of 1200m at Moonee Valley. This looks a good race for her and Craig Williams gets on board for the first time as he bids to win the jockey's championship (ends at the end of next month).
Felicia @ 11/5 with Bet365
Caulfield R7 (6.30am)
I put up Alfa Oro when he won last time, a month ago, at Flemington. It was a really gutsy effort as well as he held off the challenge of the 2nd to make it 4 wins from 6 starts and the other two times he was 2nd. He is clearly very progressive and having won two handicaps at Pakenham at odds on it was good to see him progress to Metro level. He has a great draw in 5 and I think he can go in again.
Alfa Oro @ 6/4 with Bet365
Caulfield R8 (7.05am)
I am really keen on Harbour Views here. Again another horse I put up when he won last time and you may remember that I mentioned connections were hoping he would turn into a Cox Plate contender. He has won 6/9 starts and he had an excuse two starts back at Morphettville when he was found to have mucus in his lungs after the race. It was good to see him bounce in great style to win at Moonee Valley a couple of weeks ago and he proved he can stay 2000m. I don't really see any dangers although it will be interesting to see how South Pacific gets on in his first start in Australia. He was a Royal Ascot winner last year and was last seen in the Goodwood Cup. I'd imagine he will need this though and we know that Harbour Views is at peak fitness.
Harbour Views @ 23/20 with Bet365
Rosehill R3 (3.45am)
As I have mentioned we have jumps action at Casterton, but the best jumps horse in Australia is actually running on the flat in Sydney. Albaze's trainers have suggested he could go to the Melbourne Cup if he gets his rating up enough and I think he can win this to help that. He is a good horse on the flat as well and he landed the longest flat race in the country the Jericho Cup back in December and then followed that up with a win over 3000m at Moonee Valley in February. That proves he has the speed for this sort of trip as well as being able to stay the 5500m in the Grand Annual. This looks a pretty poor contest as well and the heavy conditions will also make it more of a stamina test anyway. I think he looks really hard to beat.
Ablaze @ 13/8 with Betfred
Rosehill R6 (5.30am)
Wu Gok was so tough when he won the Winter Cup last time. I thought he was beat, but he fought back really well to get up by a long head. I think he can win again though despite the fact other horses who have finished behind him the last twice are weighted to beat him. Just long last time he looks like he is going to get a soft lead and I think he will be hard to pass. He loves heavy ground which he gets again and I think he is overpriced. I also want to back Frankley Awesome who not surprisingly is a daughter of Frankel. She has been placed in a couple of G1's last year and has been getting fitter with each start this year. She ran really well here a couple of weeks ago when running on well from well back to finish 6th. Crucially she was on the wrong part of the track as the inside was like glue compared to the rest of the track and you can upgrade the performance. She also looks overpriced at double figures.
Wu Gok @ 11/2 with Bet365
Frankley Awesome @ 25/1 for the win and 11/2 for the place with Bet365
Rosehill R7 (6.10am)
I am going to give Trumbull another chance. He does seem to be a horse who always finds some sort of trouble and yet again last time he had no room until 150m where he finished 2nd. He just needs to be a bit quicker away from the stalls and to really help his cause. I do think though he will manage to get his head in front at some stage and this looks a good race for him to do so.
Trumbull @ 6/1 with Betfair
Rosehill R8 (6.50am)
Another horse who was on the wrong part of the track here a couple of weeks ago was Night Of Power and he still ran well to finish 6th over a trip short of his best anyway. Up to 1500m will help a horse who has won over a range of trips from 1500m to 2400m. He was made favourite last time which was his 1st race of the prep so he was clearly fancied and his 2nd up form is much better than his 1st up form having won twice and finished 2nd once in 3 2nd up starts.
Night Of Power @ 16/5 with Bet365
Casterton R1 (3.06am)
Little Phoenix is favourite for Div 1 of the maiden after a couple of decent trials, but I am going to go with the proven hurdle form of Stanley and Hierarchal. They finished 2nd and 3rd to Ventura Storm 11 days ago and that looks pretty good form in view. Both horses have good placed hurdles form now and I think the latter will improve for going on a quicker surface rather than the Heavy 10's he has been on the last twice. Holburt was a disappointing favourite 11 days ago, but should also improve for a better surface.
Stanley @ 4/1 with Betfair and Betfred
Hierarchal e/w @ 8/1 with Betfred N/R
Casterton R2 (3.41am)
I am taking the front two in the market here. Britannicus was disappointing last time, but clearly hated the Heavy 10 ground last time. His 2nd to Inayforhay is really good form and he won a BM64 on the flat in-between. This quicker ground should see him in a much better light. I am also going to back Steam Roller again. He fell 11 days ago when he was trying to get into contention, but they have changed the headgear on him and hopefully that will help wake his ideas up early on. The extra trip isn't going to do any harm either so he is worth having a saver on.
Britannicus @ 15/8 with Betfred
Steam Roller @ 100/30 with Betfred
Casterton R3 (4.16am)
I think Diamond Star Halo is the most likely winner, but he's priced up about right for me at 11/10. I think he has the best form in the race and I don't really like the 2nd favourite much. Coleridge finally broke his maiden tag last time, but he got an easy lead there and I am not sure it will be the case here. A couple of the bigger prices like Mystic Prince and The Hotz wouldn't be totally out of it either.
Casterton R4 (4.51am)
Steve Pateman trains half the field here and I think he can have the winner in Mapping. There was lots to like about his run 11 days ago at Ballarat when he was 4th in a maiden chase. Given it was a hot race and he was only 2nd up after a break, also ran in a flat race last month, it was a massive run because he also needs a few runs to get going. I must admit his 3rd up stats are only slightly better, but that run last time suggests he is further forward and he had very good form last year. Markwood is favourite and is always one to oppose for me as he is just one paced out in front. He was behind Mapping last as well and I don't think the form will be reversed. Referee was 3rd in that race, but I think Mapping can improve past him. I am also going to save on Pentelligentsia another Pateman runner. He ran well before being bought down at the last at Sale by Markwood. That was his first run since June 2018 so he should strip fitter here.
Mapping @ 9/2 with Bet365
Pentelligentsia @ 13/2 with Betfred
Casterton R5 (5.26am)
I really like Shamal here despite having top weight. I thought he ran really well when 1st up in the Australian Steeple a month ago. He finished 2nd that day and he should improve for the run. He had some good form in New Zealand and he deserves to be top of the weights. Elvision is at the other end of the handicap and although he won easily on his 1st chase start last time he did only have Markwood to beat and I am going with the proven class here.
Shamal @ 4/1 with everyone
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Darran got a reaction from kroni in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
Busy morning of Australian action with Caulfield and Rosehill my flat meetings of focus, but we also have 5 jumps races from Casterton so I have looked at them as well.
Caulfield R5 (5.10am)
I have put up Felicia before and hopefully she can gain a deserved win tomorrow. She has run well on all 4 starts so far this prep. The 3rd here two starts back over 1100m is strong form and then she was 2nd a couple of weeks ago over today's trip of 1200m at Moonee Valley. This looks a good race for her and Craig Williams gets on board for the first time as he bids to win the jockey's championship (ends at the end of next month).
Felicia @ 11/5 with Bet365
Caulfield R7 (6.30am)
I put up Alfa Oro when he won last time, a month ago, at Flemington. It was a really gutsy effort as well as he held off the challenge of the 2nd to make it 4 wins from 6 starts and the other two times he was 2nd. He is clearly very progressive and having won two handicaps at Pakenham at odds on it was good to see him progress to Metro level. He has a great draw in 5 and I think he can go in again.
Alfa Oro @ 6/4 with Bet365
Caulfield R8 (7.05am)
I am really keen on Harbour Views here. Again another horse I put up when he won last time and you may remember that I mentioned connections were hoping he would turn into a Cox Plate contender. He has won 6/9 starts and he had an excuse two starts back at Morphettville when he was found to have mucus in his lungs after the race. It was good to see him bounce in great style to win at Moonee Valley a couple of weeks ago and he proved he can stay 2000m. I don't really see any dangers although it will be interesting to see how South Pacific gets on in his first start in Australia. He was a Royal Ascot winner last year and was last seen in the Goodwood Cup. I'd imagine he will need this though and we know that Harbour Views is at peak fitness.
Harbour Views @ 23/20 with Bet365
Rosehill R3 (3.45am)
As I have mentioned we have jumps action at Casterton, but the best jumps horse in Australia is actually running on the flat in Sydney. Albaze's trainers have suggested he could go to the Melbourne Cup if he gets his rating up enough and I think he can win this to help that. He is a good horse on the flat as well and he landed the longest flat race in the country the Jericho Cup back in December and then followed that up with a win over 3000m at Moonee Valley in February. That proves he has the speed for this sort of trip as well as being able to stay the 5500m in the Grand Annual. This looks a pretty poor contest as well and the heavy conditions will also make it more of a stamina test anyway. I think he looks really hard to beat.
Ablaze @ 13/8 with Betfred
Rosehill R6 (5.30am)
Wu Gok was so tough when he won the Winter Cup last time. I thought he was beat, but he fought back really well to get up by a long head. I think he can win again though despite the fact other horses who have finished behind him the last twice are weighted to beat him. Just long last time he looks like he is going to get a soft lead and I think he will be hard to pass. He loves heavy ground which he gets again and I think he is overpriced. I also want to back Frankley Awesome who not surprisingly is a daughter of Frankel. She has been placed in a couple of G1's last year and has been getting fitter with each start this year. She ran really well here a couple of weeks ago when running on well from well back to finish 6th. Crucially she was on the wrong part of the track as the inside was like glue compared to the rest of the track and you can upgrade the performance. She also looks overpriced at double figures.
Wu Gok @ 11/2 with Bet365
Frankley Awesome @ 25/1 for the win and 11/2 for the place with Bet365
Rosehill R7 (6.10am)
I am going to give Trumbull another chance. He does seem to be a horse who always finds some sort of trouble and yet again last time he had no room until 150m where he finished 2nd. He just needs to be a bit quicker away from the stalls and to really help his cause. I do think though he will manage to get his head in front at some stage and this looks a good race for him to do so.
Trumbull @ 6/1 with Betfair
Rosehill R8 (6.50am)
Another horse who was on the wrong part of the track here a couple of weeks ago was Night Of Power and he still ran well to finish 6th over a trip short of his best anyway. Up to 1500m will help a horse who has won over a range of trips from 1500m to 2400m. He was made favourite last time which was his 1st race of the prep so he was clearly fancied and his 2nd up form is much better than his 1st up form having won twice and finished 2nd once in 3 2nd up starts.
Night Of Power @ 16/5 with Bet365
Casterton R1 (3.06am)
Little Phoenix is favourite for Div 1 of the maiden after a couple of decent trials, but I am going to go with the proven hurdle form of Stanley and Hierarchal. They finished 2nd and 3rd to Ventura Storm 11 days ago and that looks pretty good form in view. Both horses have good placed hurdles form now and I think the latter will improve for going on a quicker surface rather than the Heavy 10's he has been on the last twice. Holburt was a disappointing favourite 11 days ago, but should also improve for a better surface.
Stanley @ 4/1 with Betfair and Betfred
Hierarchal e/w @ 8/1 with Betfred N/R
Casterton R2 (3.41am)
I am taking the front two in the market here. Britannicus was disappointing last time, but clearly hated the Heavy 10 ground last time. His 2nd to Inayforhay is really good form and he won a BM64 on the flat in-between. This quicker ground should see him in a much better light. I am also going to back Steam Roller again. He fell 11 days ago when he was trying to get into contention, but they have changed the headgear on him and hopefully that will help wake his ideas up early on. The extra trip isn't going to do any harm either so he is worth having a saver on.
Britannicus @ 15/8 with Betfred
Steam Roller @ 100/30 with Betfred
Casterton R3 (4.16am)
I think Diamond Star Halo is the most likely winner, but he's priced up about right for me at 11/10. I think he has the best form in the race and I don't really like the 2nd favourite much. Coleridge finally broke his maiden tag last time, but he got an easy lead there and I am not sure it will be the case here. A couple of the bigger prices like Mystic Prince and The Hotz wouldn't be totally out of it either.
Casterton R4 (4.51am)
Steve Pateman trains half the field here and I think he can have the winner in Mapping. There was lots to like about his run 11 days ago at Ballarat when he was 4th in a maiden chase. Given it was a hot race and he was only 2nd up after a break, also ran in a flat race last month, it was a massive run because he also needs a few runs to get going. I must admit his 3rd up stats are only slightly better, but that run last time suggests he is further forward and he had very good form last year. Markwood is favourite and is always one to oppose for me as he is just one paced out in front. He was behind Mapping last as well and I don't think the form will be reversed. Referee was 3rd in that race, but I think Mapping can improve past him. I am also going to save on Pentelligentsia another Pateman runner. He ran well before being bought down at the last at Sale by Markwood. That was his first run since June 2018 so he should strip fitter here.
Mapping @ 9/2 with Bet365
Pentelligentsia @ 13/2 with Betfred
Casterton R5 (5.26am)
I really like Shamal here despite having top weight. I thought he ran really well when 1st up in the Australian Steeple a month ago. He finished 2nd that day and he should improve for the run. He had some good form in New Zealand and he deserves to be top of the weights. Elvision is at the other end of the handicap and although he won easily on his 1st chase start last time he did only have Markwood to beat and I am going with the proven class here.
Shamal @ 4/1 with everyone
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Darran got a reaction from calva decoy in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
No I record them on sky and watch them when I get up although the Hong Kong action got in the way this morning. If they aren’t on sky then I watch the replays via Racing.com which I can put on my tv via chromecast and watch then without looking at the result. I’d love to watch them live as the tv coverage is superb but obviously it would mess the body clock
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Darran reacted to calva decoy in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
Well done Darran , do you get up at silly o"clock & watch the races ?
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Darran got a reaction from BBBC in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
Great morning on the Aussie racing with 8 winners from 11 races including Frankely awesome at 25s and all 4 jumps winners
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Darran got a reaction from blueboy199 in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
Busy morning of Australian action with Caulfield and Rosehill my flat meetings of focus, but we also have 5 jumps races from Casterton so I have looked at them as well.
Caulfield R5 (5.10am)
I have put up Felicia before and hopefully she can gain a deserved win tomorrow. She has run well on all 4 starts so far this prep. The 3rd here two starts back over 1100m is strong form and then she was 2nd a couple of weeks ago over today's trip of 1200m at Moonee Valley. This looks a good race for her and Craig Williams gets on board for the first time as he bids to win the jockey's championship (ends at the end of next month).
Felicia @ 11/5 with Bet365
Caulfield R7 (6.30am)
I put up Alfa Oro when he won last time, a month ago, at Flemington. It was a really gutsy effort as well as he held off the challenge of the 2nd to make it 4 wins from 6 starts and the other two times he was 2nd. He is clearly very progressive and having won two handicaps at Pakenham at odds on it was good to see him progress to Metro level. He has a great draw in 5 and I think he can go in again.
Alfa Oro @ 6/4 with Bet365
Caulfield R8 (7.05am)
I am really keen on Harbour Views here. Again another horse I put up when he won last time and you may remember that I mentioned connections were hoping he would turn into a Cox Plate contender. He has won 6/9 starts and he had an excuse two starts back at Morphettville when he was found to have mucus in his lungs after the race. It was good to see him bounce in great style to win at Moonee Valley a couple of weeks ago and he proved he can stay 2000m. I don't really see any dangers although it will be interesting to see how South Pacific gets on in his first start in Australia. He was a Royal Ascot winner last year and was last seen in the Goodwood Cup. I'd imagine he will need this though and we know that Harbour Views is at peak fitness.
Harbour Views @ 23/20 with Bet365
Rosehill R3 (3.45am)
As I have mentioned we have jumps action at Casterton, but the best jumps horse in Australia is actually running on the flat in Sydney. Albaze's trainers have suggested he could go to the Melbourne Cup if he gets his rating up enough and I think he can win this to help that. He is a good horse on the flat as well and he landed the longest flat race in the country the Jericho Cup back in December and then followed that up with a win over 3000m at Moonee Valley in February. That proves he has the speed for this sort of trip as well as being able to stay the 5500m in the Grand Annual. This looks a pretty poor contest as well and the heavy conditions will also make it more of a stamina test anyway. I think he looks really hard to beat.
Ablaze @ 13/8 with Betfred
Rosehill R6 (5.30am)
Wu Gok was so tough when he won the Winter Cup last time. I thought he was beat, but he fought back really well to get up by a long head. I think he can win again though despite the fact other horses who have finished behind him the last twice are weighted to beat him. Just long last time he looks like he is going to get a soft lead and I think he will be hard to pass. He loves heavy ground which he gets again and I think he is overpriced. I also want to back Frankley Awesome who not surprisingly is a daughter of Frankel. She has been placed in a couple of G1's last year and has been getting fitter with each start this year. She ran really well here a couple of weeks ago when running on well from well back to finish 6th. Crucially she was on the wrong part of the track as the inside was like glue compared to the rest of the track and you can upgrade the performance. She also looks overpriced at double figures.
Wu Gok @ 11/2 with Bet365
Frankley Awesome @ 25/1 for the win and 11/2 for the place with Bet365
Rosehill R7 (6.10am)
I am going to give Trumbull another chance. He does seem to be a horse who always finds some sort of trouble and yet again last time he had no room until 150m where he finished 2nd. He just needs to be a bit quicker away from the stalls and to really help his cause. I do think though he will manage to get his head in front at some stage and this looks a good race for him to do so.
Trumbull @ 6/1 with Betfair
Rosehill R8 (6.50am)
Another horse who was on the wrong part of the track here a couple of weeks ago was Night Of Power and he still ran well to finish 6th over a trip short of his best anyway. Up to 1500m will help a horse who has won over a range of trips from 1500m to 2400m. He was made favourite last time which was his 1st race of the prep so he was clearly fancied and his 2nd up form is much better than his 1st up form having won twice and finished 2nd once in 3 2nd up starts.
Night Of Power @ 16/5 with Bet365
Casterton R1 (3.06am)
Little Phoenix is favourite for Div 1 of the maiden after a couple of decent trials, but I am going to go with the proven hurdle form of Stanley and Hierarchal. They finished 2nd and 3rd to Ventura Storm 11 days ago and that looks pretty good form in view. Both horses have good placed hurdles form now and I think the latter will improve for going on a quicker surface rather than the Heavy 10's he has been on the last twice. Holburt was a disappointing favourite 11 days ago, but should also improve for a better surface.
Stanley @ 4/1 with Betfair and Betfred
Hierarchal e/w @ 8/1 with Betfred N/R
Casterton R2 (3.41am)
I am taking the front two in the market here. Britannicus was disappointing last time, but clearly hated the Heavy 10 ground last time. His 2nd to Inayforhay is really good form and he won a BM64 on the flat in-between. This quicker ground should see him in a much better light. I am also going to back Steam Roller again. He fell 11 days ago when he was trying to get into contention, but they have changed the headgear on him and hopefully that will help wake his ideas up early on. The extra trip isn't going to do any harm either so he is worth having a saver on.
Britannicus @ 15/8 with Betfred
Steam Roller @ 100/30 with Betfred
Casterton R3 (4.16am)
I think Diamond Star Halo is the most likely winner, but he's priced up about right for me at 11/10. I think he has the best form in the race and I don't really like the 2nd favourite much. Coleridge finally broke his maiden tag last time, but he got an easy lead there and I am not sure it will be the case here. A couple of the bigger prices like Mystic Prince and The Hotz wouldn't be totally out of it either.
Casterton R4 (4.51am)
Steve Pateman trains half the field here and I think he can have the winner in Mapping. There was lots to like about his run 11 days ago at Ballarat when he was 4th in a maiden chase. Given it was a hot race and he was only 2nd up after a break, also ran in a flat race last month, it was a massive run because he also needs a few runs to get going. I must admit his 3rd up stats are only slightly better, but that run last time suggests he is further forward and he had very good form last year. Markwood is favourite and is always one to oppose for me as he is just one paced out in front. He was behind Mapping last as well and I don't think the form will be reversed. Referee was 3rd in that race, but I think Mapping can improve past him. I am also going to save on Pentelligentsia another Pateman runner. He ran well before being bought down at the last at Sale by Markwood. That was his first run since June 2018 so he should strip fitter here.
Mapping @ 9/2 with Bet365
Pentelligentsia @ 13/2 with Betfred
Casterton R5 (5.26am)
I really like Shamal here despite having top weight. I thought he ran really well when 1st up in the Australian Steeple a month ago. He finished 2nd that day and he should improve for the run. He had some good form in New Zealand and he deserves to be top of the weights. Elvision is at the other end of the handicap and although he won easily on his 1st chase start last time he did only have Markwood to beat and I am going with the proven class here.
Shamal @ 4/1 with everyone
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Darran got a reaction from yossa6133 in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
Busy morning of Australian action with Caulfield and Rosehill my flat meetings of focus, but we also have 5 jumps races from Casterton so I have looked at them as well.
Caulfield R5 (5.10am)
I have put up Felicia before and hopefully she can gain a deserved win tomorrow. She has run well on all 4 starts so far this prep. The 3rd here two starts back over 1100m is strong form and then she was 2nd a couple of weeks ago over today's trip of 1200m at Moonee Valley. This looks a good race for her and Craig Williams gets on board for the first time as he bids to win the jockey's championship (ends at the end of next month).
Felicia @ 11/5 with Bet365
Caulfield R7 (6.30am)
I put up Alfa Oro when he won last time, a month ago, at Flemington. It was a really gutsy effort as well as he held off the challenge of the 2nd to make it 4 wins from 6 starts and the other two times he was 2nd. He is clearly very progressive and having won two handicaps at Pakenham at odds on it was good to see him progress to Metro level. He has a great draw in 5 and I think he can go in again.
Alfa Oro @ 6/4 with Bet365
Caulfield R8 (7.05am)
I am really keen on Harbour Views here. Again another horse I put up when he won last time and you may remember that I mentioned connections were hoping he would turn into a Cox Plate contender. He has won 6/9 starts and he had an excuse two starts back at Morphettville when he was found to have mucus in his lungs after the race. It was good to see him bounce in great style to win at Moonee Valley a couple of weeks ago and he proved he can stay 2000m. I don't really see any dangers although it will be interesting to see how South Pacific gets on in his first start in Australia. He was a Royal Ascot winner last year and was last seen in the Goodwood Cup. I'd imagine he will need this though and we know that Harbour Views is at peak fitness.
Harbour Views @ 23/20 with Bet365
Rosehill R3 (3.45am)
As I have mentioned we have jumps action at Casterton, but the best jumps horse in Australia is actually running on the flat in Sydney. Albaze's trainers have suggested he could go to the Melbourne Cup if he gets his rating up enough and I think he can win this to help that. He is a good horse on the flat as well and he landed the longest flat race in the country the Jericho Cup back in December and then followed that up with a win over 3000m at Moonee Valley in February. That proves he has the speed for this sort of trip as well as being able to stay the 5500m in the Grand Annual. This looks a pretty poor contest as well and the heavy conditions will also make it more of a stamina test anyway. I think he looks really hard to beat.
Ablaze @ 13/8 with Betfred
Rosehill R6 (5.30am)
Wu Gok was so tough when he won the Winter Cup last time. I thought he was beat, but he fought back really well to get up by a long head. I think he can win again though despite the fact other horses who have finished behind him the last twice are weighted to beat him. Just long last time he looks like he is going to get a soft lead and I think he will be hard to pass. He loves heavy ground which he gets again and I think he is overpriced. I also want to back Frankley Awesome who not surprisingly is a daughter of Frankel. She has been placed in a couple of G1's last year and has been getting fitter with each start this year. She ran really well here a couple of weeks ago when running on well from well back to finish 6th. Crucially she was on the wrong part of the track as the inside was like glue compared to the rest of the track and you can upgrade the performance. She also looks overpriced at double figures.
Wu Gok @ 11/2 with Bet365
Frankley Awesome @ 25/1 for the win and 11/2 for the place with Bet365
Rosehill R7 (6.10am)
I am going to give Trumbull another chance. He does seem to be a horse who always finds some sort of trouble and yet again last time he had no room until 150m where he finished 2nd. He just needs to be a bit quicker away from the stalls and to really help his cause. I do think though he will manage to get his head in front at some stage and this looks a good race for him to do so.
Trumbull @ 6/1 with Betfair
Rosehill R8 (6.50am)
Another horse who was on the wrong part of the track here a couple of weeks ago was Night Of Power and he still ran well to finish 6th over a trip short of his best anyway. Up to 1500m will help a horse who has won over a range of trips from 1500m to 2400m. He was made favourite last time which was his 1st race of the prep so he was clearly fancied and his 2nd up form is much better than his 1st up form having won twice and finished 2nd once in 3 2nd up starts.
Night Of Power @ 16/5 with Bet365
Casterton R1 (3.06am)
Little Phoenix is favourite for Div 1 of the maiden after a couple of decent trials, but I am going to go with the proven hurdle form of Stanley and Hierarchal. They finished 2nd and 3rd to Ventura Storm 11 days ago and that looks pretty good form in view. Both horses have good placed hurdles form now and I think the latter will improve for going on a quicker surface rather than the Heavy 10's he has been on the last twice. Holburt was a disappointing favourite 11 days ago, but should also improve for a better surface.
Stanley @ 4/1 with Betfair and Betfred
Hierarchal e/w @ 8/1 with Betfred N/R
Casterton R2 (3.41am)
I am taking the front two in the market here. Britannicus was disappointing last time, but clearly hated the Heavy 10 ground last time. His 2nd to Inayforhay is really good form and he won a BM64 on the flat in-between. This quicker ground should see him in a much better light. I am also going to back Steam Roller again. He fell 11 days ago when he was trying to get into contention, but they have changed the headgear on him and hopefully that will help wake his ideas up early on. The extra trip isn't going to do any harm either so he is worth having a saver on.
Britannicus @ 15/8 with Betfred
Steam Roller @ 100/30 with Betfred
Casterton R3 (4.16am)
I think Diamond Star Halo is the most likely winner, but he's priced up about right for me at 11/10. I think he has the best form in the race and I don't really like the 2nd favourite much. Coleridge finally broke his maiden tag last time, but he got an easy lead there and I am not sure it will be the case here. A couple of the bigger prices like Mystic Prince and The Hotz wouldn't be totally out of it either.
Casterton R4 (4.51am)
Steve Pateman trains half the field here and I think he can have the winner in Mapping. There was lots to like about his run 11 days ago at Ballarat when he was 4th in a maiden chase. Given it was a hot race and he was only 2nd up after a break, also ran in a flat race last month, it was a massive run because he also needs a few runs to get going. I must admit his 3rd up stats are only slightly better, but that run last time suggests he is further forward and he had very good form last year. Markwood is favourite and is always one to oppose for me as he is just one paced out in front. He was behind Mapping last as well and I don't think the form will be reversed. Referee was 3rd in that race, but I think Mapping can improve past him. I am also going to save on Pentelligentsia another Pateman runner. He ran well before being bought down at the last at Sale by Markwood. That was his first run since June 2018 so he should strip fitter here.
Mapping @ 9/2 with Bet365
Pentelligentsia @ 13/2 with Betfred
Casterton R5 (5.26am)
I really like Shamal here despite having top weight. I thought he ran really well when 1st up in the Australian Steeple a month ago. He finished 2nd that day and he should improve for the run. He had some good form in New Zealand and he deserves to be top of the weights. Elvision is at the other end of the handicap and although he won easily on his 1st chase start last time he did only have Markwood to beat and I am going with the proven class here.
Shamal @ 4/1 with everyone
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Darran got a reaction from BillyHills in Racing Chat - Saturday 27th May
Busy morning of Australian action with Caulfield and Rosehill my flat meetings of focus, but we also have 5 jumps races from Casterton so I have looked at them as well.
Caulfield R5 (5.10am)
I have put up Felicia before and hopefully she can gain a deserved win tomorrow. She has run well on all 4 starts so far this prep. The 3rd here two starts back over 1100m is strong form and then she was 2nd a couple of weeks ago over today's trip of 1200m at Moonee Valley. This looks a good race for her and Craig Williams gets on board for the first time as he bids to win the jockey's championship (ends at the end of next month).
Felicia @ 11/5 with Bet365
Caulfield R7 (6.30am)
I put up Alfa Oro when he won last time, a month ago, at Flemington. It was a really gutsy effort as well as he held off the challenge of the 2nd to make it 4 wins from 6 starts and the other two times he was 2nd. He is clearly very progressive and having won two handicaps at Pakenham at odds on it was good to see him progress to Metro level. He has a great draw in 5 and I think he can go in again.
Alfa Oro @ 6/4 with Bet365
Caulfield R8 (7.05am)
I am really keen on Harbour Views here. Again another horse I put up when he won last time and you may remember that I mentioned connections were hoping he would turn into a Cox Plate contender. He has won 6/9 starts and he had an excuse two starts back at Morphettville when he was found to have mucus in his lungs after the race. It was good to see him bounce in great style to win at Moonee Valley a couple of weeks ago and he proved he can stay 2000m. I don't really see any dangers although it will be interesting to see how South Pacific gets on in his first start in Australia. He was a Royal Ascot winner last year and was last seen in the Goodwood Cup. I'd imagine he will need this though and we know that Harbour Views is at peak fitness.
Harbour Views @ 23/20 with Bet365
Rosehill R3 (3.45am)
As I have mentioned we have jumps action at Casterton, but the best jumps horse in Australia is actually running on the flat in Sydney. Albaze's trainers have suggested he could go to the Melbourne Cup if he gets his rating up enough and I think he can win this to help that. He is a good horse on the flat as well and he landed the longest flat race in the country the Jericho Cup back in December and then followed that up with a win over 3000m at Moonee Valley in February. That proves he has the speed for this sort of trip as well as being able to stay the 5500m in the Grand Annual. This looks a pretty poor contest as well and the heavy conditions will also make it more of a stamina test anyway. I think he looks really hard to beat.
Ablaze @ 13/8 with Betfred
Rosehill R6 (5.30am)
Wu Gok was so tough when he won the Winter Cup last time. I thought he was beat, but he fought back really well to get up by a long head. I think he can win again though despite the fact other horses who have finished behind him the last twice are weighted to beat him. Just long last time he looks like he is going to get a soft lead and I think he will be hard to pass. He loves heavy ground which he gets again and I think he is overpriced. I also want to back Frankley Awesome who not surprisingly is a daughter of Frankel. She has been placed in a couple of G1's last year and has been getting fitter with each start this year. She ran really well here a couple of weeks ago when running on well from well back to finish 6th. Crucially she was on the wrong part of the track as the inside was like glue compared to the rest of the track and you can upgrade the performance. She also looks overpriced at double figures.
Wu Gok @ 11/2 with Bet365
Frankley Awesome @ 25/1 for the win and 11/2 for the place with Bet365
Rosehill R7 (6.10am)
I am going to give Trumbull another chance. He does seem to be a horse who always finds some sort of trouble and yet again last time he had no room until 150m where he finished 2nd. He just needs to be a bit quicker away from the stalls and to really help his cause. I do think though he will manage to get his head in front at some stage and this looks a good race for him to do so.
Trumbull @ 6/1 with Betfair
Rosehill R8 (6.50am)
Another horse who was on the wrong part of the track here a couple of weeks ago was Night Of Power and he still ran well to finish 6th over a trip short of his best anyway. Up to 1500m will help a horse who has won over a range of trips from 1500m to 2400m. He was made favourite last time which was his 1st race of the prep so he was clearly fancied and his 2nd up form is much better than his 1st up form having won twice and finished 2nd once in 3 2nd up starts.
Night Of Power @ 16/5 with Bet365
Casterton R1 (3.06am)
Little Phoenix is favourite for Div 1 of the maiden after a couple of decent trials, but I am going to go with the proven hurdle form of Stanley and Hierarchal. They finished 2nd and 3rd to Ventura Storm 11 days ago and that looks pretty good form in view. Both horses have good placed hurdles form now and I think the latter will improve for going on a quicker surface rather than the Heavy 10's he has been on the last twice. Holburt was a disappointing favourite 11 days ago, but should also improve for a better surface.
Stanley @ 4/1 with Betfair and Betfred
Hierarchal e/w @ 8/1 with Betfred N/R
Casterton R2 (3.41am)
I am taking the front two in the market here. Britannicus was disappointing last time, but clearly hated the Heavy 10 ground last time. His 2nd to Inayforhay is really good form and he won a BM64 on the flat in-between. This quicker ground should see him in a much better light. I am also going to back Steam Roller again. He fell 11 days ago when he was trying to get into contention, but they have changed the headgear on him and hopefully that will help wake his ideas up early on. The extra trip isn't going to do any harm either so he is worth having a saver on.
Britannicus @ 15/8 with Betfred
Steam Roller @ 100/30 with Betfred
Casterton R3 (4.16am)
I think Diamond Star Halo is the most likely winner, but he's priced up about right for me at 11/10. I think he has the best form in the race and I don't really like the 2nd favourite much. Coleridge finally broke his maiden tag last time, but he got an easy lead there and I am not sure it will be the case here. A couple of the bigger prices like Mystic Prince and The Hotz wouldn't be totally out of it either.
Casterton R4 (4.51am)
Steve Pateman trains half the field here and I think he can have the winner in Mapping. There was lots to like about his run 11 days ago at Ballarat when he was 4th in a maiden chase. Given it was a hot race and he was only 2nd up after a break, also ran in a flat race last month, it was a massive run because he also needs a few runs to get going. I must admit his 3rd up stats are only slightly better, but that run last time suggests he is further forward and he had very good form last year. Markwood is favourite and is always one to oppose for me as he is just one paced out in front. He was behind Mapping last as well and I don't think the form will be reversed. Referee was 3rd in that race, but I think Mapping can improve past him. I am also going to save on Pentelligentsia another Pateman runner. He ran well before being bought down at the last at Sale by Markwood. That was his first run since June 2018 so he should strip fitter here.
Mapping @ 9/2 with Bet365
Pentelligentsia @ 13/2 with Betfred
Casterton R5 (5.26am)
I really like Shamal here despite having top weight. I thought he ran really well when 1st up in the Australian Steeple a month ago. He finished 2nd that day and he should improve for the run. He had some good form in New Zealand and he deserves to be top of the weights. Elvision is at the other end of the handicap and although he won easily on his 1st chase start last time he did only have Markwood to beat and I am going with the proven class here.
Shamal @ 4/1 with everyone
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Darran got a reaction from kroni in Racing Chat - Saturday June 19th (Ascot Day 5)
A nice 18/1 winner to start the day and Mount Papa also won.
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Darran got a reaction from Baracca in Racing Chat - Saturday June 19th (Ascot Day 5)
A nice 18/1 winner to start the day and Mount Papa also won.
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Darran got a reaction from vikki37 in Racing Chat - Saturday June 19th (Ascot Day 5)
A nice 18/1 winner to start the day and Mount Papa also won.
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Darran got a reaction from vikki37 in Racing Chat - Saturday June 19th (Ascot Day 5)
No time for written reasons this week, but for those following my Australian tips over the last few months I have bets in 5 races tomorrow.
Flemington R1 (2.45am) - Man Of Peace 17/5 Bet365
Flemington R6 (5.45am) - Chapada 7/2 Bet365, Alfharis 4/1 with everyone and Lord Belvedere e/w 18/1 with everyone
Flemington R7 (6.25am) - King Of Hastings 9/5 Bet365
Randwick R3 (3.40am) - Broken Arrows 11/2 Betfair
Randwick R4 (4.15am) - Mount Papa 5/2 Betfair
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Darran got a reaction from blueboy199 in Racing Chat - (Ascot Day 1) Tues 16th June
Usually my biggest bets during Royal Ascot week come on the jumps, usually something turn up at Ffos Las that looks good however the only jumps action I will be looking at is in Australia with 4 jumps races at Ballarat in the early hours where a St Leger 2nd makes his hurdles debut.
Race 1 (2.45am)
1st division of the maiden hurdles and I thought there were 4 in with a chance. American In Paris won on the flat in April, but has been poor in two runs since. Has looked good in trials, but the horse who finished in front of him has been poor since so not sure the trial form can be trusted. Holburt beat Savvy Ken in his first trial, but then looked laboured behind him a couple of weeks later when only 5th. Hi jumped OK in those trials and did win a BM58 on the level last time. Usually up with the pace on the flat. Hoof Hustler has had two trials and won them both including having Sir Issac Newton in behind on the first of them. Last time he beat San Remo and he won a maiden hurdle on his next start so he looks promising here. Steam Roller has been 3rd twice over hurdles and was way too far back last time where horses were finding it really hard to make up ground in really testing conditions. With a better ride on better ground he can go close here. Just going to mention Savvy Ken who does need a horse to come out to get a run as he is 2nd in the betting. He dropped away very tamely on his hurdles debut and he is surely better than that, but it's enough to put me off if he does get a run.
For me I will split my stakes between Hoof Hustler and Steam Roller who look the best priced out of the main contenders.
Hoof Hustler @ 5/1 with Betfair
Steam Roller @ 11/2 with Betfair
Race 2 (3.25am)
Ventura Storm finished 2nd in the 2016 St Leger, has won a couple of decent races in Australia and run in a couple of Melbourne Cups. He does seem to have lost his way of late though so connections are trying him over hurdles to see if that brings him back to life. I was impressed with how he trialled and he looks a good jumper although they were both slowly run and this should be run at a quicker tempo. He clearly is the best flat horse and has a great chance of winning, but I prefer to take a couple e/w against him given his odds on price. Hierarchal has finished 2nd in both hurdles starts and has done nothing wrong so far. It is hard to see him not being involved again. I am also going to back Crafty Lion for the 3rd time. He placed at big odds for me two starts back and then fell when still going well last time. I can't resist backing him again at another big price. I must admit that I didn't really fancy Infinite Reign or First Crush despite their single figure quotes so I might be missing something, but they aren't for me. Yulong Emperor makes some sort of appeal at big odds given he was 2nd last time and although beat 12L it was a big step up from his hurdles debut.
Hierarchal e/w @ 15/2 with Betfred
Crafty Lion e/w @ 16/1 with Betfred
Race 3 (4.05am)
Sadly the non-runners have ruined this as I really fancied Runaway, but he's now 4/6. 2nd to Gobstopper in the Galleywood and the Australian Hurdle are a cut above the level the rest of these have shown. He trialled well last week as well. Glorious Sinndar started life with George Margarson back in 2013 and showed little in 3 maidens. He then went to Germany before finding himself over in Australia. He is 3/3 over hurdles winning twice in 2016 and then again in 2018. His last run was in June 2018 before March this year when he was 2nd which was a good effort, but he has been poor since. Slowpoke Rodriguez is the only other one in single figures, but he's not run over hurdles since 2016 and was well behind Runaway in the trail last week. This is Runaway's to lose in my view although at the price it's a no bet race.
Race 4 (4.50am)
I like Flying Agent in this contest as he makes his jumping debut. Now Michelin does get a weight pull here having finished 2nd to Flying Agent over hurdles last time, but they ran in the same steeple trial as each other and I was way more impressed with Flying Agent. He jumped really well and coasted home in 3rd place. Michelin wasn't bad by any means and wasn't worked over hard either, but I think Flying Agent can continue to build on that win last time and looks the value to me. Scholarly has jumped pretty poorly in two steeple trials and he isn't great over hurdles either. I'm surprised they are going chasing with him. Markwood is solid, but just can't see out his races regardless of trip. My Kings Counsel never looked likely last time but had trialled well before that.
Flying Agent @ 11/4 with Betfred
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Darran got a reaction from blueboy199 in Racing Chat - Saturday June 13th
Only time for some very brief reasoning this week, but I gave bets in 4 races at Moonee Valley and 5 races at Rosehill.
Moonee Valley R3 (4.35am)
Sikorsky should have won last time a couple of weeks ago, but he just didn't have quite enough at the end of the race after doing plenty early enough. He doesn't have a great draw here which is a worry, but the shorter straight should help and he can win this after connections decided to give him another week after scratching him last week.
Sikorsky @ 13/8 with Betfred
Moonee Valley R4 (5.15am)
Great Again was a good winner 1st up at Flemington and I think he can win again. His record over 1200m reads 5/7, 2nd up he's won twice and finished 2nd twice from 4 starts and on soft ground he's 6/8 and finished twice the other two starts. He showed great guts the last day and I think he can get the better of main danger Tavisan.
Great Along @ 11/4 with Betfred
Moonee Valley R7 (7.15am)
With Royal Ascot next week we have last year's Britannia Stakes winner Biometric make his 2nd start in Oz. I thought he ran really well 1st up even though he only came 9th. He was last as they turned from home and he got no luck in running in the straight. It would be no surprise to see him improve massively for that run as well and Craig Williams takes over in the saddle.
Plein Ciel is a horse I have followed for a while, but he's been out of form for a bit now. However he's first up run at Flemington a month ago was a return to form especially over a trip which was short of his best. He was just beaten in 3rd that day and is worth adding as a saver as if he builds on that he's a big player.
Biometric @ 7/2 with Betfair
Plein Ciel @ 6/1 with BetVictor
Moonee Valley R8 (7.50am)
This is a good race which could see horses going to the big races in the spring. Django Freeman is the main selection. He was 2nd in the German Derby on his last start in Germany and he was one just to watch on his Oz debut at Flemington last month. Over a short enough trip he ran a cracking race to finish 3rd to Reykjavik. The Melbourne Cup is on his radar and stepping up to 2040m is going to see even more improvement.
I am going to have a saver on Harbour Views even though he is the market leader. I put him last time and he was only 3rd behind a massive priced winner, but he was found to have mucus in his lungs after that so he is worth giving another chance to. Connections are eying up a tilt at the Cox Plate so he needs to be winning this to be up to that level.
Django Freeman @ 11/4 with Bet365
Harbour Views @ 9/5 with Bet365
Rosehill R3 (3.55am)
I have to give a last chance to Miss Einstein. She didn't get much luck in running and arguably wasn't given the best of rides behind Bound To Win last time. McEvoy takes over in the saddle and she deserves a win this prep as her two previous runs are top notch form and more than good enough to land this.
Miss Einstein @ 100/30 with Betfair
Rosehill R4 (4.10am)
The Lord Mayors Cup over 2000m here a couple of weeks ago is clearly the key form race and although others are better off in the weights now I think Wu Gok can win again. His form on a heavy track is superb and he looks set to get a very easy lead again just as he did last time. There is no other speed in the race and I can see him making all again.
Wu Gok @ 13/8 with Betfred
Rosehill R5 (4.50am)
Rari is first up after looking decent last prep. The concern is he has finished 2nd 5 times and won just 1 of 10, but he trailed well behind Classique Legend recently and that bodes well for this.
I also like Bring The Ransom who is a big price. She had no luck at all behind Mo's Crown last time. She was still in 10th passing the 400m mark and was crowded most of the way down the straight until she was checked about 150m out losing all momentum. It was some effort to finish as close as she did.
Rari @ 7/1 with Bet365
Bring The Ransom e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred
Rosehill R6 (5.30am)
Across Dubai is another having his 2nd Oz start having been trained over here. He got no luck here a couple of weeks back over 1500m and he wasn't knocked about late on when he's chance had gone. He can only improve off that effort and an extra 300m trip will also help.
New Arrangement is one of the reserves so isn't guaranteed to run, but he was really unlucky last time and ought to have won. He's another who used to be trained over here and his last 3 runs have all been good enough to win this especially as he didn't have much luck in the other two either.
Across Dubai e/w @ 10/1 with Betfred (4 places unlike in Oz)
New Arrangment e/w @ 7/1 with Betfred
Rosehill R7 (6.10am)
Adelong was set to run last week, but they scratched her which was probably a wise idea as this looks weaker. Yes others who have run behind her recently are better off in the weights, but she has really impressed me and I think there is plenty more to come.
Adelong @ 9/5 with Betfair
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Darran got a reaction from vikki37 in Racing Chat - Saturday June 6th
In Australia on Saturday morning there are 2 G1's at Eagle Farm in Brisbane and I will look at the Stradbroke Handicap which looks a good renewal and competitive as well. Elsewhere I have looked at 4 races at Flemington and 5 at Randwick.
Flemington R1 (2.35am)
Prezado will be looking to get favourite punters off to a good start and he does look hard to beat here. He loves it down the straight at Flemington and 4 of his 5 wins have come over course and distance. He is on a hat-trick here after his last two wins over course and distance and this race doesn't look any harder than them even though he is creeping up the handicap. From Within looks the main danger as she was 5th behind him last time and now 3rd up should come on for that, but I don't think it will be enough to beat Prezado.
Prezado @ 7/5 with Bet365
Flemington R3 (3.45am)
Coolth looks a very promising horse. Granted he has only won a couple of races in South Australia so far, but he has looked impressive both times especially in handicap company last time. Obviously coming to a Saturday Melbourne meeting is harder, but he steps up to 2000m which looks perfect and Damian Oliver has been booked. Hypercane looks the main danger having finished 2nd in the Adelaide Guineas a month ago which was a good effort.
Coolth @ 17/10 with Bet365
Flemington R6 (5.45am)
An ex-Irish horse and an ex-UK horse are the two I like here. Masaff only has a Leopardstown maiden victory to his name, but he ran well in Group/Listed races before making his Australian debut at Randwick last month. He has finished strongly on both starts both over 1600m the first day and then over 1800m here a couple of weeks ago. There was plenty to like about both efforts and now he steps up to 2520m which should be perfect for him especially on better ground.
Speaking of better ground that is exactly what Starcaster wants. I have written about him before when he started favourite at Sandown a month ago, but I had a bit concern about the heavy ground and he duly hated it. God knows why connections decided to run him on it again over course and distance a couple of weeks ago, but again he hated it. I am prepared to give him a chance now he gets on a better surface. He looked progressive in the UK and his former trainer thought he would get better with age.
Masaff @ 11/5 with Bet365
Starcaster @ 8/1 with William Hill
Randwick R4 (4.10am)
I put Loveseat up in the race High Opinion won here a couple of weeks ago over 2000m and I think she can reverse the form over this further trip. She didn't ever look like she was going to win that day, but she stayed on into 3rd and she has already won at this 2400m trip. McEvoy takes over in the saddle which is a plus and she should go close.
Re Edit was 2nd over this trip at Rosehill 3 weeks ago and she looked back to her best when she flew home off a steady pace recording a quick final 200m. She had lost her way, but she has good form in the past and like I say that run last time suggested she is back to her best.
Loveseat @ 7/1 with Bet365
Re Edit @ 6/1 with Bet365
Randwck R5 (4.50am)
Burning Crown is the warn favourite and I can see why as he comes here in really good form, but I am going to take a chance on a couple at bigger prices. Tony's Reward is a pretty consistent horse and crucially he has a strong first up record having won 3 and finished 2nd once in 6 first up runs. He has trialled nicely ahead of this as well and certainly looks capable of landing this.
Up Trumpz is the other one I like and he finished in front of Burning Crown on the Kensington track here a month ago. Last time he was drawn 11/11 and he got too far back. Granted he hadn't done much better in the draw here as he is in 9, but hopefully he can sit a little closer to the pace this time. He certainly looks a big price on that run 2 starts back in front of Burning Crown.
Tony's Reward e/w @ 10/1 with William Hill
Up Trumpz @ 5/1 with everyone
Randwick R7 (6.10am)
A Listed Race which has a good field including Classique Legend who ran a good race in the Everest last year when looking a bit unlucky. He is clearly the best horse in the race and did win his trial nicely last Friday. Not sure if the plan is to freshen him up at some stage, but given the Everest would be the target again you have to wonder if he is going to be fully tuned up for this. Given that doubt I am going to take a couple each way against him. I was really impressed with Snitz when he won a Listed Race over 1200 here a month ago and that meant he has won his last 4 now. Even though he is 5 he seems to be improving and fitness will be on his side with it being the 3rd run of his prep.
I was tempted by Adelong who I have put up both times she has won and she could well be up to winning some black type, but its a tough first race at this level. She is clearly a good horse though. Instead Jungle Edge will be the other pick. As I wrote when I put him up at Morphettville a month ago, he loves a wet track and he duly made all to win a G3. He beat Behmoth who went on to finish 4th in The Goodwood and although Jungle Edge finished last he had a poor draw and the ground will not have been soft enough. He has a good draw here and the track should be wet enough for him.
Snitz e/w @15/2 with William Hill
Jungle Edge e/w @ 13/2 with everyone
Randwick R8 (6.50am)
A good race this and a competitive handicap that you can give chances to a view, but I have to stick with Dealmaker. I've put him up the last twice and over course and distance a month ago he flew home to finish 2nd, just failing. He wasn't as good last time, but he did drop in trip and didn't get the best of runs either so I am happy to forgive him that. Yes he has finished 2nd or 3rd in 12 of his 25 starts and won just twice, but he's so solid and at a double figure price he has to be backed e/w again.
Dealmaker e/w @10/1 with with William Hill (is 12/1 to win with Bet365 and 5/2 to place)
Randwick R9 (7.25am)
I put up Greek Hero last time on the back of a debut Australian victory at Kembla Grange. On his last start in the UK he won at Musselburgh and the horse he beat that day Al Erayg actually won earlier in the week. I didn't think he was disgraced at all when finishing 5th and getting up to 1600m will help as well. McEvoy keeps the ride and I can see him going close.
Itz Lily is the other one I am keen on She's a pretty consistent horse who looks primed to peak 3rd up given her first two starts of the prep. Last time on the Kensington track here she was further back than ideal and was still in 10th of 12 at the 400m marker. She had no room and then flew home late to get 3rd. She looks a big player here.
Greek Hero @ 11/2 with William Hill
Itz Lily @ 5/1 with everyone
Eagle Farm R8 (6.35am)
A big field for the Stradbroke and there are a few with claims. Trekking bids to do the Goodwood/Stradbroke double and to also go back to back in this. The problem is he obviously has a lot more weight and he is drawn in 22 which is a shocker. Favourite Dawn Passage is next door in 23 and he looks progressive having won half of his 5 starts including his last 3. Only has 50kg, but that shocking draw is enough to put me off. I have written about Vega One and the suspect ride he got 3 starts back. He ran well on his next start from a poor draw although was disappointing last time when getting fractious before the race. It would not surprise me if he did run a big race, but again he has a shocking draw in 20.
With William Hill going 5 places I am going to take 3 against the field (others are going 4, but Bet365 will only be 3 as they will be betting on Australian terms). Victorem won the race that Vega One was disappointing in last time and he looked really good in doing so. He has a great record here and over 1400m and the way he finished over 1200m the last day suggested that he can play a big part in this. He is drawn in 9 which should be perfect.
Hightail is another who only has to carry 50kg and has won his last two races including Gold Coast Guineas las time out. I thought it was a good race he won at Randwick the time before as well. Up into G1 company here, but the way he is running suggests he could well be up to it.
The final pick is Bam's On Fire. This horse has come up from Victoria for this and she has been in cracking form this prep. She was 2nd in a G2 in March at Moonee Valley before winning a G3 over this trip at Caulfield. Last time out she was 3rd in a G1 at Morphettville and although she will be a tougher G1 she will enjoy stepping up 200m in trip. She looks over priced to me given she has only failed to finish out of the first 3 on 3 occasions in 20 starts.
Victorem e/w @ 7/1 with Wiliam Hill
Hightail e/w @ 11/1 with William Hill
Bam's On Fire e/w @ 22/1 with William Hill
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Darran got a reaction from yossa6133 in Racing Chat - Saturday June 6th
In Australia on Saturday morning there are 2 G1's at Eagle Farm in Brisbane and I will look at the Stradbroke Handicap which looks a good renewal and competitive as well. Elsewhere I have looked at 4 races at Flemington and 5 at Randwick.
Flemington R1 (2.35am)
Prezado will be looking to get favourite punters off to a good start and he does look hard to beat here. He loves it down the straight at Flemington and 4 of his 5 wins have come over course and distance. He is on a hat-trick here after his last two wins over course and distance and this race doesn't look any harder than them even though he is creeping up the handicap. From Within looks the main danger as she was 5th behind him last time and now 3rd up should come on for that, but I don't think it will be enough to beat Prezado.
Prezado @ 7/5 with Bet365
Flemington R3 (3.45am)
Coolth looks a very promising horse. Granted he has only won a couple of races in South Australia so far, but he has looked impressive both times especially in handicap company last time. Obviously coming to a Saturday Melbourne meeting is harder, but he steps up to 2000m which looks perfect and Damian Oliver has been booked. Hypercane looks the main danger having finished 2nd in the Adelaide Guineas a month ago which was a good effort.
Coolth @ 17/10 with Bet365
Flemington R6 (5.45am)
An ex-Irish horse and an ex-UK horse are the two I like here. Masaff only has a Leopardstown maiden victory to his name, but he ran well in Group/Listed races before making his Australian debut at Randwick last month. He has finished strongly on both starts both over 1600m the first day and then over 1800m here a couple of weeks ago. There was plenty to like about both efforts and now he steps up to 2520m which should be perfect for him especially on better ground.
Speaking of better ground that is exactly what Starcaster wants. I have written about him before when he started favourite at Sandown a month ago, but I had a bit concern about the heavy ground and he duly hated it. God knows why connections decided to run him on it again over course and distance a couple of weeks ago, but again he hated it. I am prepared to give him a chance now he gets on a better surface. He looked progressive in the UK and his former trainer thought he would get better with age.
Masaff @ 11/5 with Bet365
Starcaster @ 8/1 with William Hill
Randwick R4 (4.10am)
I put Loveseat up in the race High Opinion won here a couple of weeks ago over 2000m and I think she can reverse the form over this further trip. She didn't ever look like she was going to win that day, but she stayed on into 3rd and she has already won at this 2400m trip. McEvoy takes over in the saddle which is a plus and she should go close.
Re Edit was 2nd over this trip at Rosehill 3 weeks ago and she looked back to her best when she flew home off a steady pace recording a quick final 200m. She had lost her way, but she has good form in the past and like I say that run last time suggested she is back to her best.
Loveseat @ 7/1 with Bet365
Re Edit @ 6/1 with Bet365
Randwck R5 (4.50am)
Burning Crown is the warn favourite and I can see why as he comes here in really good form, but I am going to take a chance on a couple at bigger prices. Tony's Reward is a pretty consistent horse and crucially he has a strong first up record having won 3 and finished 2nd once in 6 first up runs. He has trialled nicely ahead of this as well and certainly looks capable of landing this.
Up Trumpz is the other one I like and he finished in front of Burning Crown on the Kensington track here a month ago. Last time he was drawn 11/11 and he got too far back. Granted he hadn't done much better in the draw here as he is in 9, but hopefully he can sit a little closer to the pace this time. He certainly looks a big price on that run 2 starts back in front of Burning Crown.
Tony's Reward e/w @ 10/1 with William Hill
Up Trumpz @ 5/1 with everyone
Randwick R7 (6.10am)
A Listed Race which has a good field including Classique Legend who ran a good race in the Everest last year when looking a bit unlucky. He is clearly the best horse in the race and did win his trial nicely last Friday. Not sure if the plan is to freshen him up at some stage, but given the Everest would be the target again you have to wonder if he is going to be fully tuned up for this. Given that doubt I am going to take a couple each way against him. I was really impressed with Snitz when he won a Listed Race over 1200 here a month ago and that meant he has won his last 4 now. Even though he is 5 he seems to be improving and fitness will be on his side with it being the 3rd run of his prep.
I was tempted by Adelong who I have put up both times she has won and she could well be up to winning some black type, but its a tough first race at this level. She is clearly a good horse though. Instead Jungle Edge will be the other pick. As I wrote when I put him up at Morphettville a month ago, he loves a wet track and he duly made all to win a G3. He beat Behmoth who went on to finish 4th in The Goodwood and although Jungle Edge finished last he had a poor draw and the ground will not have been soft enough. He has a good draw here and the track should be wet enough for him.
Snitz e/w @15/2 with William Hill
Jungle Edge e/w @ 13/2 with everyone
Randwick R8 (6.50am)
A good race this and a competitive handicap that you can give chances to a view, but I have to stick with Dealmaker. I've put him up the last twice and over course and distance a month ago he flew home to finish 2nd, just failing. He wasn't as good last time, but he did drop in trip and didn't get the best of runs either so I am happy to forgive him that. Yes he has finished 2nd or 3rd in 12 of his 25 starts and won just twice, but he's so solid and at a double figure price he has to be backed e/w again.
Dealmaker e/w @10/1 with with William Hill (is 12/1 to win with Bet365 and 5/2 to place)
Randwick R9 (7.25am)
I put up Greek Hero last time on the back of a debut Australian victory at Kembla Grange. On his last start in the UK he won at Musselburgh and the horse he beat that day Al Erayg actually won earlier in the week. I didn't think he was disgraced at all when finishing 5th and getting up to 1600m will help as well. McEvoy keeps the ride and I can see him going close.
Itz Lily is the other one I am keen on She's a pretty consistent horse who looks primed to peak 3rd up given her first two starts of the prep. Last time on the Kensington track here she was further back than ideal and was still in 10th of 12 at the 400m marker. She had no room and then flew home late to get 3rd. She looks a big player here.
Greek Hero @ 11/2 with William Hill
Itz Lily @ 5/1 with everyone
Eagle Farm R8 (6.35am)
A big field for the Stradbroke and there are a few with claims. Trekking bids to do the Goodwood/Stradbroke double and to also go back to back in this. The problem is he obviously has a lot more weight and he is drawn in 22 which is a shocker. Favourite Dawn Passage is next door in 23 and he looks progressive having won half of his 5 starts including his last 3. Only has 50kg, but that shocking draw is enough to put me off. I have written about Vega One and the suspect ride he got 3 starts back. He ran well on his next start from a poor draw although was disappointing last time when getting fractious before the race. It would not surprise me if he did run a big race, but again he has a shocking draw in 20.
With William Hill going 5 places I am going to take 3 against the field (others are going 4, but Bet365 will only be 3 as they will be betting on Australian terms). Victorem won the race that Vega One was disappointing in last time and he looked really good in doing so. He has a great record here and over 1400m and the way he finished over 1200m the last day suggested that he can play a big part in this. He is drawn in 9 which should be perfect.
Hightail is another who only has to carry 50kg and has won his last two races including Gold Coast Guineas las time out. I thought it was a good race he won at Randwick the time before as well. Up into G1 company here, but the way he is running suggests he could well be up to it.
The final pick is Bam's On Fire. This horse has come up from Victoria for this and she has been in cracking form this prep. She was 2nd in a G2 in March at Moonee Valley before winning a G3 over this trip at Caulfield. Last time out she was 3rd in a G1 at Morphettville and although she will be a tougher G1 she will enjoy stepping up 200m in trip. She looks over priced to me given she has only failed to finish out of the first 3 on 3 occasions in 20 starts.
Victorem e/w @ 7/1 with Wiliam Hill
Hightail e/w @ 11/1 with William Hill
Bam's On Fire e/w @ 22/1 with William Hill
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Darran got a reaction from blueboy199 in Racing Chat - Saturday June 6th
In Australia on Saturday morning there are 2 G1's at Eagle Farm in Brisbane and I will look at the Stradbroke Handicap which looks a good renewal and competitive as well. Elsewhere I have looked at 4 races at Flemington and 5 at Randwick.
Flemington R1 (2.35am)
Prezado will be looking to get favourite punters off to a good start and he does look hard to beat here. He loves it down the straight at Flemington and 4 of his 5 wins have come over course and distance. He is on a hat-trick here after his last two wins over course and distance and this race doesn't look any harder than them even though he is creeping up the handicap. From Within looks the main danger as she was 5th behind him last time and now 3rd up should come on for that, but I don't think it will be enough to beat Prezado.
Prezado @ 7/5 with Bet365
Flemington R3 (3.45am)
Coolth looks a very promising horse. Granted he has only won a couple of races in South Australia so far, but he has looked impressive both times especially in handicap company last time. Obviously coming to a Saturday Melbourne meeting is harder, but he steps up to 2000m which looks perfect and Damian Oliver has been booked. Hypercane looks the main danger having finished 2nd in the Adelaide Guineas a month ago which was a good effort.
Coolth @ 17/10 with Bet365
Flemington R6 (5.45am)
An ex-Irish horse and an ex-UK horse are the two I like here. Masaff only has a Leopardstown maiden victory to his name, but he ran well in Group/Listed races before making his Australian debut at Randwick last month. He has finished strongly on both starts both over 1600m the first day and then over 1800m here a couple of weeks ago. There was plenty to like about both efforts and now he steps up to 2520m which should be perfect for him especially on better ground.
Speaking of better ground that is exactly what Starcaster wants. I have written about him before when he started favourite at Sandown a month ago, but I had a bit concern about the heavy ground and he duly hated it. God knows why connections decided to run him on it again over course and distance a couple of weeks ago, but again he hated it. I am prepared to give him a chance now he gets on a better surface. He looked progressive in the UK and his former trainer thought he would get better with age.
Masaff @ 11/5 with Bet365
Starcaster @ 8/1 with William Hill
Randwick R4 (4.10am)
I put Loveseat up in the race High Opinion won here a couple of weeks ago over 2000m and I think she can reverse the form over this further trip. She didn't ever look like she was going to win that day, but she stayed on into 3rd and she has already won at this 2400m trip. McEvoy takes over in the saddle which is a plus and she should go close.
Re Edit was 2nd over this trip at Rosehill 3 weeks ago and she looked back to her best when she flew home off a steady pace recording a quick final 200m. She had lost her way, but she has good form in the past and like I say that run last time suggested she is back to her best.
Loveseat @ 7/1 with Bet365
Re Edit @ 6/1 with Bet365
Randwck R5 (4.50am)
Burning Crown is the warn favourite and I can see why as he comes here in really good form, but I am going to take a chance on a couple at bigger prices. Tony's Reward is a pretty consistent horse and crucially he has a strong first up record having won 3 and finished 2nd once in 6 first up runs. He has trialled nicely ahead of this as well and certainly looks capable of landing this.
Up Trumpz is the other one I like and he finished in front of Burning Crown on the Kensington track here a month ago. Last time he was drawn 11/11 and he got too far back. Granted he hadn't done much better in the draw here as he is in 9, but hopefully he can sit a little closer to the pace this time. He certainly looks a big price on that run 2 starts back in front of Burning Crown.
Tony's Reward e/w @ 10/1 with William Hill
Up Trumpz @ 5/1 with everyone
Randwick R7 (6.10am)
A Listed Race which has a good field including Classique Legend who ran a good race in the Everest last year when looking a bit unlucky. He is clearly the best horse in the race and did win his trial nicely last Friday. Not sure if the plan is to freshen him up at some stage, but given the Everest would be the target again you have to wonder if he is going to be fully tuned up for this. Given that doubt I am going to take a couple each way against him. I was really impressed with Snitz when he won a Listed Race over 1200 here a month ago and that meant he has won his last 4 now. Even though he is 5 he seems to be improving and fitness will be on his side with it being the 3rd run of his prep.
I was tempted by Adelong who I have put up both times she has won and she could well be up to winning some black type, but its a tough first race at this level. She is clearly a good horse though. Instead Jungle Edge will be the other pick. As I wrote when I put him up at Morphettville a month ago, he loves a wet track and he duly made all to win a G3. He beat Behmoth who went on to finish 4th in The Goodwood and although Jungle Edge finished last he had a poor draw and the ground will not have been soft enough. He has a good draw here and the track should be wet enough for him.
Snitz e/w @15/2 with William Hill
Jungle Edge e/w @ 13/2 with everyone
Randwick R8 (6.50am)
A good race this and a competitive handicap that you can give chances to a view, but I have to stick with Dealmaker. I've put him up the last twice and over course and distance a month ago he flew home to finish 2nd, just failing. He wasn't as good last time, but he did drop in trip and didn't get the best of runs either so I am happy to forgive him that. Yes he has finished 2nd or 3rd in 12 of his 25 starts and won just twice, but he's so solid and at a double figure price he has to be backed e/w again.
Dealmaker e/w @10/1 with with William Hill (is 12/1 to win with Bet365 and 5/2 to place)
Randwick R9 (7.25am)
I put up Greek Hero last time on the back of a debut Australian victory at Kembla Grange. On his last start in the UK he won at Musselburgh and the horse he beat that day Al Erayg actually won earlier in the week. I didn't think he was disgraced at all when finishing 5th and getting up to 1600m will help as well. McEvoy keeps the ride and I can see him going close.
Itz Lily is the other one I am keen on She's a pretty consistent horse who looks primed to peak 3rd up given her first two starts of the prep. Last time on the Kensington track here she was further back than ideal and was still in 10th of 12 at the 400m marker. She had no room and then flew home late to get 3rd. She looks a big player here.
Greek Hero @ 11/2 with William Hill
Itz Lily @ 5/1 with everyone
Eagle Farm R8 (6.35am)
A big field for the Stradbroke and there are a few with claims. Trekking bids to do the Goodwood/Stradbroke double and to also go back to back in this. The problem is he obviously has a lot more weight and he is drawn in 22 which is a shocker. Favourite Dawn Passage is next door in 23 and he looks progressive having won half of his 5 starts including his last 3. Only has 50kg, but that shocking draw is enough to put me off. I have written about Vega One and the suspect ride he got 3 starts back. He ran well on his next start from a poor draw although was disappointing last time when getting fractious before the race. It would not surprise me if he did run a big race, but again he has a shocking draw in 20.
With William Hill going 5 places I am going to take 3 against the field (others are going 4, but Bet365 will only be 3 as they will be betting on Australian terms). Victorem won the race that Vega One was disappointing in last time and he looked really good in doing so. He has a great record here and over 1400m and the way he finished over 1200m the last day suggested that he can play a big part in this. He is drawn in 9 which should be perfect.
Hightail is another who only has to carry 50kg and has won his last two races including Gold Coast Guineas las time out. I thought it was a good race he won at Randwick the time before as well. Up into G1 company here, but the way he is running suggests he could well be up to it.
The final pick is Bam's On Fire. This horse has come up from Victoria for this and she has been in cracking form this prep. She was 2nd in a G2 in March at Moonee Valley before winning a G3 over this trip at Caulfield. Last time out she was 3rd in a G1 at Morphettville and although she will be a tougher G1 she will enjoy stepping up 200m in trip. She looks over priced to me given she has only failed to finish out of the first 3 on 3 occasions in 20 starts.
Victorem e/w @ 7/1 with Wiliam Hill
Hightail e/w @ 11/1 with William Hill
Bam's On Fire e/w @ 22/1 with William Hill
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Darran got a reaction from vikki37 in Racing Chat - Tuesday 2nd June
No jumps racing in the UK for another month, but we have 5 more jumps race in Australia at Warrnambool in the early hours of the morning.
Race 1 (2.20am)
This is a winner of 1 jumps race handicap although none of these have won over fences so it is essentially a maiden chase handicap. My King's Counsel is the favourite at the time of writing and I do think he is the one to beat. I really like the way he trailed here last week on a Heavy 10 surface and the ground is a Heavy 9 at the moment. He was a fair 3rd in a maiden hurdle here at the May Carnival and there is every chance he will improve for going over the larger obstacles.
In that trial Harvard and Mr Coyne also took part. Harvard was given a quiet ride out the back for most of the way and no doubt he will take much closer order here. He was a solid 4th behind Inayforhay at the May Carnival and has had a flat run since to keep him ticking over. Mr Coyne didn't jump well in the trial and he has a bit too find for me.
Markwood has run in 3 chases this prep and he's run well in all 3, but he hasn't really been seeing out his races. He faded to finish 5th at Pakenham and did the same at the May Carnival when 3rd to Georgethefifth. I put him up last time at Sale, but Tremec was getting the better of him when he fell at the last and it was a tired fall as well. He goes on too a more testing surface here and as much as he should run his race again the way he has been finishing his races is a big concern for me.
Elvison ran OK in the Champion Novice Hurdle at the May Carnival when 4th and was behind Markwood in a trial over fences at the end of April. He's not out of this although not for me.
The last horse I want to give a mention to is the outsider Fulmineus. It is so frustrating we are down to 7 runners because we only have 2 places now, but he is over priced for me and has to be backed. I know he has had 8 goes over fences and the best he has managed is a 3rd, but connections have been mainly running him in open class company. Last August he ran a really good race to finish 4th in the Crisp Chase at Sandown only beaten 6L. Back In March he was 5th in a race won by Ablaze and Bit Of A Lad was 2nd so that was another good run after making the running. Last time he ran in the Grand Annual and he had no chance in that race especially as he was highly unlikely to stay. This is arguably the weakest race he has been in over fences and he should strip fitter here. I think he is worth having a bit e/w on him at 33/1 as it is way too big. The main bet though is My King's Counsel on the back of the good trial and the 3rd here over hurdles.
My King's Counsel @ 15/8 with Betfred
Fulmineus e/w @ 33/1 with Betfred (is available at 9/1 to place with Bet365)
Race 2 (3am)
I really fancied Felix Bay in this, but annoyingly he has come out. Georgethefifth is the favourite and he was impressive here on his debut over fences in Australia. He beat Speedy Jax who re-opposes here. The concern for me is the fact he folded very tamely at Sandown just over a week ago and was pulled up just before the last. Maybe the trip was too far in the testing ground and this is an easier race, but he looks tight enough in the betting for me.
Speedy Jax didn't get a clear run in that race here as he was baulked just before the last when he was trying to make his move. I don't think he would have won, but he would have finished closer than the 8L margin and he has to carry 2.5kg less than he did that day so that gives him a real chance of reversing the form. He had a run on the flat last week to keep him ticking over.
I'll'ava'alf showed good chasing form in 2018 and was only seen 3 times last year which suggests something was up with him. He seems to be working his way back to form and was beaten less than 2L in 3rd in the Brierly Chase over course and distance last time. He had beaten Georgethefifth in a trial the week before that effort and I thought the Brierly run suggested he was close to a win again.
Undergroundfighter is worth a quick mention as he ran well at big odds last week in the Australian Steeplechase when he had Tremec and Georgethefifth in behind. He has only won 3 times in 78 starts though so would be no guarantee to back that up. Tremec was 4th in the race Georgethefifth won here and then won a maiden chase at Sale before the 4th at Sandown. He should run his race again.
I am happy to take the favourite on and am just going to side with I'll'ava'alf. That run in the Brierly was good and in a lesser race hopefully he can get his head back in front. I was close to putting up Speedy Jax and he looks the main danger.
I'll'ava'alf @ 9/4 with Betfred
Race 3 (3.40am)
5 runners but only 3 that have a serious chance. Longclaw is currently the favourite although there isn't a great deal between the 3 of them in the market. Longclaw won on his hurdles debut at Sale last time although he didn't look like he would win until late on when he eventually got up to take the spoils. I'm not sure the form is all that strong though as the 2nd has had quite a few chances now. He should improve for the run though you would have thought.
Scholarly was an easy winner on his 2nd hurdles start over course and distance at the May Carnival having jumped better than he did first up. Last time at Sale he was leading fairly comfortably until Mystic Prince put the pressure on down the back and it meant he got racing too soon. The winner did it nicely but having done that work he had nothing left in the finish. Every chance he will get an easy lead here which is a plus, but the concern for me is he trialled terribly here last week over fences. Fair to say he didn't like them much and I just wonder what that experience will have done to his confidence.
Inayforhay pretty much came from last to 1st to win another division of the maiden hurdle at the May Carnival. He beat Britannicus who runs in a later race on the card and I thought he did it well. He had also beaten Scholarly in a trail here the week before that race. He impressed me in the trial and there looked to be plenty more to come based on his win as well. Should be a good race between the 3 of them, but Inayforhay is the pick.
Inayforhay @ 7/4 with Betfred
Race 4 (4.20am)
The 1st division of the maiden hurdle has some very tight betting at the moment. There are 10 runners, but we have 3 no hopers and the other 7 are priced up between 3/1 and 9/1 as I write this.
Bakery Hill had to come from a long way back on his hurdles debut to finish 2nd to Scholarly at the May Carnival. By the time he got himself going the winner had already flown. He's had a run on the flat since to keep him ticking over, but I thought he looked hard work on his hurdles debut so I am passing him over here.
Chenners has solid efforts to his name and I have put him up e/w the last twice after his 2nd at Pakenham. He duly finished 4th on both occasions and he has now had 10 hurdle starts for 1 2nd and 2 3rd. He just looks a bit one paced so I am going to leave him alone here.
Clifford Snowflake is making his hurdles debut and is solid on the flat at a BM58 level. Fair trial last time, but probably has a bit too find.
Coleridge has had 8 hurdle starts for 2 2nds and a 3rd. Looked the winner at Sale until Longclaw grabbed him late on. That was much better than his last two hurdle runs here and at Pakenham and has a chance here.
Savvy Ken did a really good trial last month when he really impressed me in his jumping ability. He was 6L in front of Hokkaido Miss there and he I think he will finish in front of her again here. He also finished in front of the very good Flying Agent in a trial a couple of months ago although he was disqualified for some reason which I can't find the reason for. He has the best flat form in the race and he is the one to beat for me.
Steam Roller was a good 3rd on his first hurdle start behind Inayforhey and he followed that up with a good 3rd on the flat at Hamilton last week. He is clearly in good form at the moment. Bakery Hill did beat him on the flat in April, but only by 0.2L and he was getting 1.5kg there and they race of levels in this contest.
Going to take a couple against the field here with one hurdling newcomer in Savvy Ken and one with hurdling experience Steam Roller. Coleridge would be my main danger.
Savvy Ken @ 3/1 with Bet365
Steam Roller @ 6/1 with Betfair and Betfred
R5 (5am)
Half of the 10 runner field make some sort of appeal here. Britannicus was the horse who Inayforhay beat over course and distance so that was obviously a very good effort. Since then he has won over 3600m on the flat at Stawell so he has kept up his good form and he looks to have a superb chance here.
San Remo is just behind him in the betting and his last start was also at the May Carnival, but it was on the Flat in a BM78 where he finished a solid 6th not beating far. He makes his hurdles debut after running in trials either side of that flat run. He was actually just in front of Britannicus in the first of them, but he did have a big lead for a long way. Does have an obvious chance though.
Hierarchal is the only other one in single figures and he made So Belatonte pull out all the stops here last month and he was 12L in front of Crafty Lion on that occasion. Was his best hurdles run of the 3 and he's getting fitter by the looks of it.
Speaking of Crafty Lion I put him up at big odds at Sale and he finished a solid 3rd to Longclaw. That was his best effort over hurdles and he is clearly getting better. He has solid e/w claims again for me.
Valhalla Princess has had more hurdle starts than some of these, but she has finished placed in half of them. Was 2nd at Terang in Match although not as good in two runs since finishing 5th of 8 over course and distance both times. What I will say is the first of them came a week after Terang and then he had 6 weeks off before the run behind Inayforhay. She came from a long way back on both occacsions and although she has 11L to make up on Britannicus it would surprise me if she was capable of going close now she is fitter. She has also had a flat run at Geelong since. I like the jockey booking as well.
I think Britannicus has the best chance of those in single figures, but I think there are reasons to think that Crafty Lion and Valhalla Princess can both improve again on their runs at at double figure odds I will take the pair of them e/w.
Crafty Lion e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred
Valhalla Princess e/w @ 14/1 with Betfred
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Darran got a reaction from kroni in Racing Chat - Tuesday 2nd June
No jumps racing in the UK for another month, but we have 5 more jumps race in Australia at Warrnambool in the early hours of the morning.
Race 1 (2.20am)
This is a winner of 1 jumps race handicap although none of these have won over fences so it is essentially a maiden chase handicap. My King's Counsel is the favourite at the time of writing and I do think he is the one to beat. I really like the way he trailed here last week on a Heavy 10 surface and the ground is a Heavy 9 at the moment. He was a fair 3rd in a maiden hurdle here at the May Carnival and there is every chance he will improve for going over the larger obstacles.
In that trial Harvard and Mr Coyne also took part. Harvard was given a quiet ride out the back for most of the way and no doubt he will take much closer order here. He was a solid 4th behind Inayforhay at the May Carnival and has had a flat run since to keep him ticking over. Mr Coyne didn't jump well in the trial and he has a bit too find for me.
Markwood has run in 3 chases this prep and he's run well in all 3, but he hasn't really been seeing out his races. He faded to finish 5th at Pakenham and did the same at the May Carnival when 3rd to Georgethefifth. I put him up last time at Sale, but Tremec was getting the better of him when he fell at the last and it was a tired fall as well. He goes on too a more testing surface here and as much as he should run his race again the way he has been finishing his races is a big concern for me.
Elvison ran OK in the Champion Novice Hurdle at the May Carnival when 4th and was behind Markwood in a trial over fences at the end of April. He's not out of this although not for me.
The last horse I want to give a mention to is the outsider Fulmineus. It is so frustrating we are down to 7 runners because we only have 2 places now, but he is over priced for me and has to be backed. I know he has had 8 goes over fences and the best he has managed is a 3rd, but connections have been mainly running him in open class company. Last August he ran a really good race to finish 4th in the Crisp Chase at Sandown only beaten 6L. Back In March he was 5th in a race won by Ablaze and Bit Of A Lad was 2nd so that was another good run after making the running. Last time he ran in the Grand Annual and he had no chance in that race especially as he was highly unlikely to stay. This is arguably the weakest race he has been in over fences and he should strip fitter here. I think he is worth having a bit e/w on him at 33/1 as it is way too big. The main bet though is My King's Counsel on the back of the good trial and the 3rd here over hurdles.
My King's Counsel @ 15/8 with Betfred
Fulmineus e/w @ 33/1 with Betfred (is available at 9/1 to place with Bet365)
Race 2 (3am)
I really fancied Felix Bay in this, but annoyingly he has come out. Georgethefifth is the favourite and he was impressive here on his debut over fences in Australia. He beat Speedy Jax who re-opposes here. The concern for me is the fact he folded very tamely at Sandown just over a week ago and was pulled up just before the last. Maybe the trip was too far in the testing ground and this is an easier race, but he looks tight enough in the betting for me.
Speedy Jax didn't get a clear run in that race here as he was baulked just before the last when he was trying to make his move. I don't think he would have won, but he would have finished closer than the 8L margin and he has to carry 2.5kg less than he did that day so that gives him a real chance of reversing the form. He had a run on the flat last week to keep him ticking over.
I'll'ava'alf showed good chasing form in 2018 and was only seen 3 times last year which suggests something was up with him. He seems to be working his way back to form and was beaten less than 2L in 3rd in the Brierly Chase over course and distance last time. He had beaten Georgethefifth in a trial the week before that effort and I thought the Brierly run suggested he was close to a win again.
Undergroundfighter is worth a quick mention as he ran well at big odds last week in the Australian Steeplechase when he had Tremec and Georgethefifth in behind. He has only won 3 times in 78 starts though so would be no guarantee to back that up. Tremec was 4th in the race Georgethefifth won here and then won a maiden chase at Sale before the 4th at Sandown. He should run his race again.
I am happy to take the favourite on and am just going to side with I'll'ava'alf. That run in the Brierly was good and in a lesser race hopefully he can get his head back in front. I was close to putting up Speedy Jax and he looks the main danger.
I'll'ava'alf @ 9/4 with Betfred
Race 3 (3.40am)
5 runners but only 3 that have a serious chance. Longclaw is currently the favourite although there isn't a great deal between the 3 of them in the market. Longclaw won on his hurdles debut at Sale last time although he didn't look like he would win until late on when he eventually got up to take the spoils. I'm not sure the form is all that strong though as the 2nd has had quite a few chances now. He should improve for the run though you would have thought.
Scholarly was an easy winner on his 2nd hurdles start over course and distance at the May Carnival having jumped better than he did first up. Last time at Sale he was leading fairly comfortably until Mystic Prince put the pressure on down the back and it meant he got racing too soon. The winner did it nicely but having done that work he had nothing left in the finish. Every chance he will get an easy lead here which is a plus, but the concern for me is he trialled terribly here last week over fences. Fair to say he didn't like them much and I just wonder what that experience will have done to his confidence.
Inayforhay pretty much came from last to 1st to win another division of the maiden hurdle at the May Carnival. He beat Britannicus who runs in a later race on the card and I thought he did it well. He had also beaten Scholarly in a trail here the week before that race. He impressed me in the trial and there looked to be plenty more to come based on his win as well. Should be a good race between the 3 of them, but Inayforhay is the pick.
Inayforhay @ 7/4 with Betfred
Race 4 (4.20am)
The 1st division of the maiden hurdle has some very tight betting at the moment. There are 10 runners, but we have 3 no hopers and the other 7 are priced up between 3/1 and 9/1 as I write this.
Bakery Hill had to come from a long way back on his hurdles debut to finish 2nd to Scholarly at the May Carnival. By the time he got himself going the winner had already flown. He's had a run on the flat since to keep him ticking over, but I thought he looked hard work on his hurdles debut so I am passing him over here.
Chenners has solid efforts to his name and I have put him up e/w the last twice after his 2nd at Pakenham. He duly finished 4th on both occasions and he has now had 10 hurdle starts for 1 2nd and 2 3rd. He just looks a bit one paced so I am going to leave him alone here.
Clifford Snowflake is making his hurdles debut and is solid on the flat at a BM58 level. Fair trial last time, but probably has a bit too find.
Coleridge has had 8 hurdle starts for 2 2nds and a 3rd. Looked the winner at Sale until Longclaw grabbed him late on. That was much better than his last two hurdle runs here and at Pakenham and has a chance here.
Savvy Ken did a really good trial last month when he really impressed me in his jumping ability. He was 6L in front of Hokkaido Miss there and he I think he will finish in front of her again here. He also finished in front of the very good Flying Agent in a trial a couple of months ago although he was disqualified for some reason which I can't find the reason for. He has the best flat form in the race and he is the one to beat for me.
Steam Roller was a good 3rd on his first hurdle start behind Inayforhey and he followed that up with a good 3rd on the flat at Hamilton last week. He is clearly in good form at the moment. Bakery Hill did beat him on the flat in April, but only by 0.2L and he was getting 1.5kg there and they race of levels in this contest.
Going to take a couple against the field here with one hurdling newcomer in Savvy Ken and one with hurdling experience Steam Roller. Coleridge would be my main danger.
Savvy Ken @ 3/1 with Bet365
Steam Roller @ 6/1 with Betfair and Betfred
R5 (5am)
Half of the 10 runner field make some sort of appeal here. Britannicus was the horse who Inayforhay beat over course and distance so that was obviously a very good effort. Since then he has won over 3600m on the flat at Stawell so he has kept up his good form and he looks to have a superb chance here.
San Remo is just behind him in the betting and his last start was also at the May Carnival, but it was on the Flat in a BM78 where he finished a solid 6th not beating far. He makes his hurdles debut after running in trials either side of that flat run. He was actually just in front of Britannicus in the first of them, but he did have a big lead for a long way. Does have an obvious chance though.
Hierarchal is the only other one in single figures and he made So Belatonte pull out all the stops here last month and he was 12L in front of Crafty Lion on that occasion. Was his best hurdles run of the 3 and he's getting fitter by the looks of it.
Speaking of Crafty Lion I put him up at big odds at Sale and he finished a solid 3rd to Longclaw. That was his best effort over hurdles and he is clearly getting better. He has solid e/w claims again for me.
Valhalla Princess has had more hurdle starts than some of these, but she has finished placed in half of them. Was 2nd at Terang in Match although not as good in two runs since finishing 5th of 8 over course and distance both times. What I will say is the first of them came a week after Terang and then he had 6 weeks off before the run behind Inayforhay. She came from a long way back on both occacsions and although she has 11L to make up on Britannicus it would surprise me if she was capable of going close now she is fitter. She has also had a flat run at Geelong since. I like the jockey booking as well.
I think Britannicus has the best chance of those in single figures, but I think there are reasons to think that Crafty Lion and Valhalla Princess can both improve again on their runs at at double figure odds I will take the pair of them e/w.
Crafty Lion e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred
Valhalla Princess e/w @ 14/1 with Betfred
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Darran got a reaction from blueboy199 in Racing Chat - Tuesday 2nd June
No jumps racing in the UK for another month, but we have 5 more jumps race in Australia at Warrnambool in the early hours of the morning.
Race 1 (2.20am)
This is a winner of 1 jumps race handicap although none of these have won over fences so it is essentially a maiden chase handicap. My King's Counsel is the favourite at the time of writing and I do think he is the one to beat. I really like the way he trailed here last week on a Heavy 10 surface and the ground is a Heavy 9 at the moment. He was a fair 3rd in a maiden hurdle here at the May Carnival and there is every chance he will improve for going over the larger obstacles.
In that trial Harvard and Mr Coyne also took part. Harvard was given a quiet ride out the back for most of the way and no doubt he will take much closer order here. He was a solid 4th behind Inayforhay at the May Carnival and has had a flat run since to keep him ticking over. Mr Coyne didn't jump well in the trial and he has a bit too find for me.
Markwood has run in 3 chases this prep and he's run well in all 3, but he hasn't really been seeing out his races. He faded to finish 5th at Pakenham and did the same at the May Carnival when 3rd to Georgethefifth. I put him up last time at Sale, but Tremec was getting the better of him when he fell at the last and it was a tired fall as well. He goes on too a more testing surface here and as much as he should run his race again the way he has been finishing his races is a big concern for me.
Elvison ran OK in the Champion Novice Hurdle at the May Carnival when 4th and was behind Markwood in a trial over fences at the end of April. He's not out of this although not for me.
The last horse I want to give a mention to is the outsider Fulmineus. It is so frustrating we are down to 7 runners because we only have 2 places now, but he is over priced for me and has to be backed. I know he has had 8 goes over fences and the best he has managed is a 3rd, but connections have been mainly running him in open class company. Last August he ran a really good race to finish 4th in the Crisp Chase at Sandown only beaten 6L. Back In March he was 5th in a race won by Ablaze and Bit Of A Lad was 2nd so that was another good run after making the running. Last time he ran in the Grand Annual and he had no chance in that race especially as he was highly unlikely to stay. This is arguably the weakest race he has been in over fences and he should strip fitter here. I think he is worth having a bit e/w on him at 33/1 as it is way too big. The main bet though is My King's Counsel on the back of the good trial and the 3rd here over hurdles.
My King's Counsel @ 15/8 with Betfred
Fulmineus e/w @ 33/1 with Betfred (is available at 9/1 to place with Bet365)
Race 2 (3am)
I really fancied Felix Bay in this, but annoyingly he has come out. Georgethefifth is the favourite and he was impressive here on his debut over fences in Australia. He beat Speedy Jax who re-opposes here. The concern for me is the fact he folded very tamely at Sandown just over a week ago and was pulled up just before the last. Maybe the trip was too far in the testing ground and this is an easier race, but he looks tight enough in the betting for me.
Speedy Jax didn't get a clear run in that race here as he was baulked just before the last when he was trying to make his move. I don't think he would have won, but he would have finished closer than the 8L margin and he has to carry 2.5kg less than he did that day so that gives him a real chance of reversing the form. He had a run on the flat last week to keep him ticking over.
I'll'ava'alf showed good chasing form in 2018 and was only seen 3 times last year which suggests something was up with him. He seems to be working his way back to form and was beaten less than 2L in 3rd in the Brierly Chase over course and distance last time. He had beaten Georgethefifth in a trial the week before that effort and I thought the Brierly run suggested he was close to a win again.
Undergroundfighter is worth a quick mention as he ran well at big odds last week in the Australian Steeplechase when he had Tremec and Georgethefifth in behind. He has only won 3 times in 78 starts though so would be no guarantee to back that up. Tremec was 4th in the race Georgethefifth won here and then won a maiden chase at Sale before the 4th at Sandown. He should run his race again.
I am happy to take the favourite on and am just going to side with I'll'ava'alf. That run in the Brierly was good and in a lesser race hopefully he can get his head back in front. I was close to putting up Speedy Jax and he looks the main danger.
I'll'ava'alf @ 9/4 with Betfred
Race 3 (3.40am)
5 runners but only 3 that have a serious chance. Longclaw is currently the favourite although there isn't a great deal between the 3 of them in the market. Longclaw won on his hurdles debut at Sale last time although he didn't look like he would win until late on when he eventually got up to take the spoils. I'm not sure the form is all that strong though as the 2nd has had quite a few chances now. He should improve for the run though you would have thought.
Scholarly was an easy winner on his 2nd hurdles start over course and distance at the May Carnival having jumped better than he did first up. Last time at Sale he was leading fairly comfortably until Mystic Prince put the pressure on down the back and it meant he got racing too soon. The winner did it nicely but having done that work he had nothing left in the finish. Every chance he will get an easy lead here which is a plus, but the concern for me is he trialled terribly here last week over fences. Fair to say he didn't like them much and I just wonder what that experience will have done to his confidence.
Inayforhay pretty much came from last to 1st to win another division of the maiden hurdle at the May Carnival. He beat Britannicus who runs in a later race on the card and I thought he did it well. He had also beaten Scholarly in a trail here the week before that race. He impressed me in the trial and there looked to be plenty more to come based on his win as well. Should be a good race between the 3 of them, but Inayforhay is the pick.
Inayforhay @ 7/4 with Betfred
Race 4 (4.20am)
The 1st division of the maiden hurdle has some very tight betting at the moment. There are 10 runners, but we have 3 no hopers and the other 7 are priced up between 3/1 and 9/1 as I write this.
Bakery Hill had to come from a long way back on his hurdles debut to finish 2nd to Scholarly at the May Carnival. By the time he got himself going the winner had already flown. He's had a run on the flat since to keep him ticking over, but I thought he looked hard work on his hurdles debut so I am passing him over here.
Chenners has solid efforts to his name and I have put him up e/w the last twice after his 2nd at Pakenham. He duly finished 4th on both occasions and he has now had 10 hurdle starts for 1 2nd and 2 3rd. He just looks a bit one paced so I am going to leave him alone here.
Clifford Snowflake is making his hurdles debut and is solid on the flat at a BM58 level. Fair trial last time, but probably has a bit too find.
Coleridge has had 8 hurdle starts for 2 2nds and a 3rd. Looked the winner at Sale until Longclaw grabbed him late on. That was much better than his last two hurdle runs here and at Pakenham and has a chance here.
Savvy Ken did a really good trial last month when he really impressed me in his jumping ability. He was 6L in front of Hokkaido Miss there and he I think he will finish in front of her again here. He also finished in front of the very good Flying Agent in a trial a couple of months ago although he was disqualified for some reason which I can't find the reason for. He has the best flat form in the race and he is the one to beat for me.
Steam Roller was a good 3rd on his first hurdle start behind Inayforhey and he followed that up with a good 3rd on the flat at Hamilton last week. He is clearly in good form at the moment. Bakery Hill did beat him on the flat in April, but only by 0.2L and he was getting 1.5kg there and they race of levels in this contest.
Going to take a couple against the field here with one hurdling newcomer in Savvy Ken and one with hurdling experience Steam Roller. Coleridge would be my main danger.
Savvy Ken @ 3/1 with Bet365
Steam Roller @ 6/1 with Betfair and Betfred
R5 (5am)
Half of the 10 runner field make some sort of appeal here. Britannicus was the horse who Inayforhay beat over course and distance so that was obviously a very good effort. Since then he has won over 3600m on the flat at Stawell so he has kept up his good form and he looks to have a superb chance here.
San Remo is just behind him in the betting and his last start was also at the May Carnival, but it was on the Flat in a BM78 where he finished a solid 6th not beating far. He makes his hurdles debut after running in trials either side of that flat run. He was actually just in front of Britannicus in the first of them, but he did have a big lead for a long way. Does have an obvious chance though.
Hierarchal is the only other one in single figures and he made So Belatonte pull out all the stops here last month and he was 12L in front of Crafty Lion on that occasion. Was his best hurdles run of the 3 and he's getting fitter by the looks of it.
Speaking of Crafty Lion I put him up at big odds at Sale and he finished a solid 3rd to Longclaw. That was his best effort over hurdles and he is clearly getting better. He has solid e/w claims again for me.
Valhalla Princess has had more hurdle starts than some of these, but she has finished placed in half of them. Was 2nd at Terang in Match although not as good in two runs since finishing 5th of 8 over course and distance both times. What I will say is the first of them came a week after Terang and then he had 6 weeks off before the run behind Inayforhay. She came from a long way back on both occacsions and although she has 11L to make up on Britannicus it would surprise me if she was capable of going close now she is fitter. She has also had a flat run at Geelong since. I like the jockey booking as well.
I think Britannicus has the best chance of those in single figures, but I think there are reasons to think that Crafty Lion and Valhalla Princess can both improve again on their runs at at double figure odds I will take the pair of them e/w.
Crafty Lion e/w @ 12/1 with Betfred
Valhalla Princess e/w @ 14/1 with Betfred
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Darran got a reaction from blueboy199 in Racing Chat - Saturday 30th May
The Aussies have a separate place market which is why with bet365 you can’t do a normal each way bet on the win odds as you would do over here.
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Darran got a reaction from kroni in Racing Chat - Saturday 30th May
The Australian action on Saturday comes from Caulfield in Melbourne and Rosehill in Sydney. Those two meetings will be my focus although there is some good racing at Doomben in Brisbane as well.
Caulfield R2 (3.15am)
I don't think it's the easiest card in the world this Caulfield card and this race is a case in point, but I do like two horses against the field. Paul's Regret is on her 3rd start of the prep having run two good races here so far. She was just beaten into 2nd 1st up last month and then 3 weeks ago she found herself too far back as well as racing on the worst going. She struggled to get a run until she moved off the rail in the straight and then flew home for 4th in the quickest last 200m of the race. Craig Williams takes over in the saddle and she has a good draw in 5. She looks ready to win.
I put up Felicia 3 weeks ago when she finished 5th here in the same race that Paul's Regret was 4th in. She had also finished 1 place behind her on her first run of the prep so clearly they are closely matched. She did plenty of work early last time in my view as she had to be pushed to make the running and she didn't have a great deal left in the final 200m as she faded into 5th. That was her first run on heavy ground so back onto a quicker surface and back down to 1100m should suit.
Paul's Regret @ 9/2 with Bet365
Felicia @ 13/2 with Bet365
Caulfield R5 (5.05am)
Jamaican Hurry landed the hat-trick at Flemington a couple of weeks ago when just getting the better of Gododdin, but I think the form will be reversed and Gododdin can win this race. That day Gododdin was giving the winner 4kg, but they race of level weights here and Jamaican Hurry has a shocking draw in 16. Gododdin has a great draw in 7 and has a great record over course and distance having won twice from three starts. Everything looks primed for her to go close.
Dyslexic and Tahitian Dancer can both go well, but I am going to have a saver on Twitchy Frank. I have put her up in both runs since I have started the Australian previews as she is usually so consistent. She was a good 3rd at Bendigo, but then ran her worst race for ages here last time. She had to work fairly hard to get to the lead and then just dropped away very tamely in the straight. That wasn't her running at all and she is better than that. Given she has been off for 42 days since there must have been something wrong with her and I fully expect to see a better performance here. She is 1 from 1 over course and distance.
Gododdin @ 11/4 with Bet365
Twitchy Frank 15/2 with Paddy Power
Caulfield R6 (5.45am)
News Girl won a race over course and distance 3 weeks ago and had Coruscate in behind and that one won at Randwick last week so the form looks solid. I do think though that another horse who finished behind her can reverse the form. Tavisan was 4th that day, but raced on the inside which was the worst going and she did well to finish 4th. That was her first run on heavy ground and coming back to a quicker surface will do no harm at all. She ran well 1st up as well when just behind Bella Vella who went on to land a G1 after that. She looks to have great claims.
I am also going to back Inn Keeper who ended up up in a speed battle here 1st up, but has gone close on her other two starts this prep. He was 3rd in a Listed Race at Warrnambool when racing in the worst ground and was then 2nd at Cranbourne when he was carrying 63kg in a BM84. He has a good record in the wet, but has done well on quicker going as well so that shouldn't be an issue.
Tavisan @ 6/1 with Betfair
Inn Keeper e/w @ 17/2 with William Hill and Betfred
Caulfield R7 (6.25am)
Last year's Northumberland Plate 4th Bartholomeu Dias makes his Australian debut here, but it is hard to think that he will be at his best over 1600m. He did show he looks in good form in a jumpout at Sandown recently, but even so the shortest trip he won over when trained by Charlie Hills was 1900m. So one to keep an eye on rather than back.
Instead the main one I like is Sikorsky who I put up when he won at Flemington a couple of weeks ago and he looked really good that day. He had good Group form last prep and so he shouldn't have any issues going up to a BM84 here. I think he has a great chance in following up.
I will also be having an e/w bet on Liapari. Granted he has a poor draw in 15, but he ran a huge race on his first run since last June over course and distance 3 weeks ago. He finished 2nd to So Si Bon who is a horse in good heart at the moment. He also didn't have a great passage in running as he had to travel 3 and 4 wide with no cover and yet he was still able to stay on into 2nd place. He does have 63kg to catty here as he drops in class, but he should be fitter here and can go close.
Sikorsky @ 11/10 with Bet365
Liapari e/w @ 20/1 with William Hill
Caulfield R9 (7.38am)
A good race this and a few in here and I backed last time including Super Titus. I think he has a good chance again, but Mahamedies' trainer thinks he can reverse the form at these weights give there was a short head between them and he may well be right. Hang Man was a huge disappointment here 3 weeks ago, but maybe the drop to 1600m was against him so he has a chance as well.
The two I am going to put up though both have to bounce back from poor efforts last time although I think both were given poor rides. Pacodali was ridden handy last time, but I think that was the wrong move and he would have been better under a quieter ride. Up to 2000m on better ground isn't a bad move either and it is interesting they are backing him up.
Girl Tuesday was a big disappointment at Morphettville two weeks ago, but she was given a stinker of a ride. She had dropped to 12th the 400m marker having always been at the back. She ended up finishing 7th, but I certainly think that she is better than she has been able to show the last twice so I am happy to back her again. Also Damien Oliver takes over which is a big plus.
Pacodali e/w @ 12/1 with William Hill (4 places)
Girl Tuesday @ 5/1 with Bet365
Rosehill R3 (3.40am)
First of all I will talk about the ground. It is currently a Heavy 9 at Rosehill after rain on Friday, but Saturday is set to be sunny and warm for the time of year so it should dry out and I reckon it could get into the Soft range come the start of racing.
Sally's Day went massively up in class from winning a BM64 at Wyong to a Listed Race over 1100m here a couple of weeks, but she handled herself with great credit finishing 3rd. That was behind Fituese who is odds on to win on the card and has been great form. Sally's Day clocked the 2nd fastest last 600m in the race only being bettered by the winner. When she won at Wyong she didn't get the run of the race either so it was a very good performance. She's dropped back into a BM74 tomorrow and looks to have a cracking chance.
Mo's Crown is the other horse I like in the race. He had an awful draw at Randwick 3 weeks ago, but still managed to finish 5th behind the impressive Masked Crusader. Thanks to the bad draw he was 4 wide with no cover as well and I think it was a performance with great credit. He had been 5th behind another good horse in Dawn Passage in a G3 the time before and again there was plenty to like about the run. He looks up to winning a race like this.
Sally's Day @ 3/1 with Betfair, William Hill and Betfred
Mo's Crown @ 7/1 with everyone
Rosehill R4 (4.15am)
The two I like here are Trumbull and Sure Knee. Trumbull has had very little luck with the draw and 7 is the lowest draw number he has had in what will be his last 6 starts. He is drawn 8/11, 13/14, 14/14, 10/10 and 8/10 in that time and has still run really well on the whole including winning a BM88 at Randwick. Last time he was still in 9th place at the 400m marker and then flew home to finish 4th clocking a quick final 200m. That was in a Listed contest and he is back into a BM88 here. He has yet to run on heavy, but is 1/1 on soft ground. The 1500m is an unknown as well, but it looks like it should suit.
Sure Knee had no run at all on her return in a G3 here a couple of weeks ago. She was slow away, got hampered, raced keenly and only find clear daylight with 100m to run where she was finally able to be eased out in to clear air. Obviously at that stage there was no point in going hard on her because she had no chance. Having won a BM90 at Caulfield on her previous start in January she is clearly capable of winning something like this. If she gets more luck in running than last time she should go close.
Trumbull @ 16/5 with Bet365
Sure Knee @ 11/2 with Betfair
Rosehill R6 (5.30am)
Got to give Miss Einstein another chance to get her head in front which she fully deserves this prep. After the unlucky 3rd at Randwick she was 2nd last week. She was a bit keen in the early stages and had to make up a lot of ground. The winner is an improving horse so I think the form is strong and it was another good effort. As long as she copes with the quick backup I don't see how she doesn't go very close again.
Miss Einstein @ 14/5 with Bet365
Rosehill R7 (6.10am)
Jeremy Noseda used to train Sixties Groove, but he's been in Australia for a few years now and he has done pretty well including winning the Brisbane Cup last year at Eagle Farm. Since then he ran in the Wyong Cup in September but clearly something was up as he only beat one home and wasn't seen again until a couple of weeks ago in the Scone Cup. Another ex UK horse Dr Drill won that and runs again here, but I thought Sixties Groove could reverse that form here. He didn't see a lot of daylight until late on and 1600m is too short for him anyway. Up to 2000m here and he was a good 3rd in the Doomben Cup 2nd up last season. He has top weight, but deserves to be and Hugh Bowman has been booked to ride.
This race is called the Lord Mayors Cup and it is a good contest and I think a horse called The Lord Mayor has a good chance in it as well. He has a superb 3rd up record having won 3/4. If it does stay heavy he is 1/1 on a heavy track, but has won 3 times from 8 starts on a soft won as well. He has strong stats over this trip as well having won 4, finished 2nd twice and 3rd once in 10 starts over 2000m. That includes a course and distance win as well. He ran OK in the Gosford Cup last time, but as his stats prove he always tends to come on for his first two starts of a prep. He can go well at a big price.
Sixties Groove e/w @ 8/1 with William Hill
The Lord Mayor e/w @ 18/1 with everyone
Rosehill R9 (7.30am)
Adelong was a winner for us a couple of weeks ago when winning over course and distance and she looks to have a great chance of making it 5 wins from 7 starts. That win came on a Soft 5 which is the softest ground she has run on, but she handled it well so hopefully she will go on what is likely to be a softer surface. She looks very progressive and could be up to stakes class.
I am going to have an e/w saver on Broken Arrows though who was 3rd behind Adelong last time. That was his first run of the prep and he didn't get a clear run until 100m out and he ended up finishing 3rd. Obviously the winner was well gone at that point, but he should come on for that and can at the very least get closer to Adelong.
Adelong @ 6/4 with William Hill & Betfred
Broken Arrows e/w @ 11/1 with William Hill & BetVictor