The track conditions are expected to be heavy, with the rail out 2 metres. This will play a significant role in how the races unfold, favouring horses with proven ability on wet ground.
Race 1: A Promising Start for Tuscany
In the opening race, 8. Tuscany stands out as a strong contender. This three-year-old, based in Randwick, appears primed for a successful return to racing after two encouraging trials on soft tracks. Her breeding, by Zoustar out of a Not A Single Doubt mare, suggests she’ll handle the challenging going with aplomb. Notably, she was withdrawn from a scheduled run at Kembla on Saturday, indicating a strategic decision to target this specific race.
Another horse to watch is 6. Newy. Aptly named, this gelding represents a leading local stable and is also first-up after two trials. He demonstrated his capability on rain-affected ground last year, making him a genuine threat. There appears to be a considerable gap in class between these two leading chances and the rest of the field.
3. Don’t What Me is a lightly raced galloper also returning for his second preparation. He too has benefited from two soft track trials, suggesting he’s been kept in good order.
How to play it: Back Tuscany to win.
Race 2: Chisato Eyes a Debut Victory
8. Chisato, a lightly raced and well-bred filly from the Kris Lees stable, is set to make her third career start after an extended 21-week spell. Her recent trials at Scone have been strong through the line, and her inside draw should allow her to secure an early position. The betting market will be a significant indicator for 3. Le Bleu Ciel, a mare by the high-class stallion Puissance de Lune, making her debut for the Kim Waugh stable. She impressively won her second trial at this track and is bred to excel in wet conditions.
1. Bundoran is an honest country mare who has placed in both starts since returning from a spell and shows a clear affinity for rain-affected tracks. Also worth keeping an eye on is 5. Barrow Power, a stablemate of Chisato, who is on debut after two improving trials.
How to play it: Back Chisato to win.
Race 3: Value in Zo Frilling
9. Zo Frilling presents as an under-rated country mare offering excellent value in this moderate line-up. She benefits from a low draw and carries a light weight. Having placed in two of her last three starts, including a solid late-closing effort in a strong maiden at Dubbo, she returns to her preferred wet going.
2. Warbreccan has the potential for significant improvement second-up, especially with the distance increase and return to his preferred conditions. However, he may be slightly under the odds. 1. Erniegy showed grit when resuming after a lengthy break, missing by only a half-head from just off the speed in a weaker country maiden.
3. Cousin Chuck is expected to improve further at his third start, while 7. Gyra, with blinkers applied and deep into her preparation, could sneak into the minor placings.
How to play it: Back Zo Frilling to win.
Race 4: Are You Kidding Ready to Dominate
1. Are You Kidding, an emerging three-year-old from the country, appears to have this race at his mercy following a four-week freshen-up. He previously bolted in his maiden by nearly six lengths on heavy going at Muswellbrook. A subsequent disappointing run as the heavily backed favourite at Scone, attributed to a sluggish start, can be overlooked. He has since trialled, is drawn to get cover, and looks a class above this field.
2. Blazing Guru is sparingly raced and returns second-up after a month between runs. She is a genuine contender for the quinella. 3. Devils Daughter, dropping in the weights fourth-up, is another on the next line, with a noticeable gap to the remainder of the runners.
How to play it: Back Are You Kidding to win.
Race 5: Night Agent the Clear Favourite
5. Night Agent, a lightly raced and promising home-track three-year-old, is expected to be a short-priced favourite. He impressed with a gallant late closing effort in a much stronger race at Flemington and previously won his maiden with ease. Despite carrying 60.5kg, he is the one to beat in this weakened field. 8. Chestime is worth keeping safe, as he is hard fit and comes off a dominant win in a lesser grade.
1. Vin Santo, dropping in grade second-up, and 6. Royalify, who gets winkers on after being outclassed in a provincial qualifier, could both add value to trifecta and first four combinations.
How to play it: Back Night Agent to win.
Race 6: Autumn King Poised for Success
2. Autumn King, another lightly raced and promising country colt, is well-placed to secure his second consecutive victory in just his second preparation. This race has significantly weakened, enhancing his prospects. He demonstrated his ability last spring with two runs before a spell, followed by a convincing first-up win at Muswellbrook as the overwhelming favourite. This assignment is no harder, and he benefits from a soft draw, with gear changes also implemented. He is the one to beat.
3. Blue Suede Hooves ran well to finally break his maiden at Hawkesbury, overtaking a heavily backed runner. He is considered well over the odds. 6. Into Brooklyn, a local filly with tactical speed, could feature in the placings at her third start. Lightly raced 1. Bondasong, freshened up via a solid trial, also has claims for minor money.
How to play it: Back Autumn King to win.
Race 7: Zoutempus Handles All Conditions
3. Zoutempus is a tough and progressive four-year-old who handles all track conditions. He has won his past two starts convincingly from the front, a tactical shift that has proven successful. Despite moving up in grade, he receives some weight relief.
6. Miss Capricorn is on an eight-day back-up after making up considerable ground in weaker grade. 11. Toomuchinformation is expected to improve at his third start.
How to play it: Back Zoutempus to win.
Best Bets
- Race 1: (8) Tuscany
- Race 6: (2) Autumn King
Best Value
- Race 7: (3) Zoutempus
