The track at this Australian racing venue is currently rated a heavy 8, with the rail positioned 2 metres out from the fence. This challenging surface will undoubtedly play a significant role in how the day’s races unfold, favouring horses with proven ability on wet going.
Race 1: A Promising Return
In the opening race, all eyes will be on 8. Tuscany. This three-year-old from Randwick appears to be in prime condition for its return to the track, boasting two strong performances in recent soft-track trials. Its breeding, by Zoustar out of a Not A Single Doubt mare, suggests an affinity for the current conditions. Notably, Tuscany was withdrawn from a scheduled run at Kembla on Saturday, a clear indication that connections were specifically targeting this event.
Another contender to watch is 6. Newy. Aptly named for this venue, Newy also enters the race first-up for a prominent local stable. Having completed two trials, this horse demonstrated enough promise on rain-affected ground last season to warrant consideration. There appears to be a considerable margin between these leading chances and the rest of the field.
Rounding out the potential contenders is 3. Don’t What Me. This lightly raced galloper is also returning for its second preparation, having completed two soft-track trials. While facing a tougher task against the leading pair, Don’t What Me has shown enough to suggest it could be competitive.
Our tip for this race is a win for Tuscany.
Race 2: A Debutante with Potential
Race 2 features 8. Chisato, a lightly raced and well-bred filly from the Kris Lees stable. This will only be her third career start, and she returns after a significant 21-week spell. Chisato has shown encouraging signs in two recent trials at Scone, finishing strongly through the line, and her barrier draw suggests she should secure an advantageous position early in the race. The betting market will be a crucial indicator for 3. Le Bleu Ciel. This mare, by the high-class sire Puissance de Lune, makes her debut for the Kim Waugh stable. Le Bleu Ciel was impressive in the second of her two trials at this track, winning by a significant margin. Her breeding also suggests she will handle the wet conditions with aplomb.
1. Bundoran is an honest country mare that has performed well in both starts since resuming from a spell and has a known liking for rain-affected tracks. Also worth noting is 5. Barrow Power, a stablemate of Chisato. This filly is another debutante that could attract market attention after two improving trial performances.
Our tip for this race is a win for Chisato.
Race 3: Value in the Weights
In Race 3, 9. Zo Frilling stands out as an underrated country mare offering excellent value. Carrying a light weight from a favourable low draw in a moderately competitive field, Zo Frilling has placed in two of her last three starts. Her most recent effort saw her working home strongly in a handy super maiden at Dubbo. She now returns to her preferred wet ground.
2. Warbreccan has the potential to improve significantly second-up. He prefers to race further back and over a greater distance, but there’s a concern he might be sent out at short odds given his potential. 1. Erniegy narrowly missed out by a half-head when resuming after a long break in a weaker country maiden, racing just off the speed.
3. Cousin Chuck is expected to improve further into its preparation, being third-up. Meanwhile, 7. Gyra, with blinkers being applied, could be a contender for minor placings deep into its campaign.
Our tip for this race is a win for Zo Frilling.
Race 4: A Dominant Maiden Winner
Race 4 presents 1. Are You Kidding, an emerging three-year-old from the country circuit that appears to have this race at its mercy. After a four-week freshen-up, this galloper demonstrated its class with a dominant maiden win by nearly six lengths on heavy going at Muswellbrook. While it disappointed as a hot favourite at Scone in a BM58 following a sluggish start, it has since trialled well. With a favourable draw that should allow it to get cover, Are You Kidding looks significantly above this class of opposition.
2. Blazing Guru is a sparingly raced mare having its second run back after a month between starts and is capable of running into the quinella. 3. Devils Daughter, carrying a little more weight fourth-up, is considered the next best option. There is a noticeable gap to the remainder of the field.
Our tip for this race is a win for Are You Kidding.
Race 5: A Short-Priced Favourite
The fifth race is expected to be dominated by 5. Night Agent. This lightly raced and promising three-year-old, who benefits from home-track advantage, is poised to start a short-priced favourite. Its last start saw a gallant late closing effort in a much stronger race at Flemington. Prior to that, Night Agent swept home impressively to easily win its maiden. Despite carrying a hefty 60.5kg, it is the clear horse to beat in what appears to be a weakened field.
Keep a close watch on 8. Chestime, which is hard fit and comes into this race off a dominant win in a lesser grade. 1. Vin Santo, dropping in grade for its second-up run, and 6. Royalify, which will be fitted with winkers after being outclassed in a provincial qualifier, could both add value to trifecta and first four combinations.
Our tip for this race is a win for Night Agent.
Race 6: Another Promising Colt
In Race 6, 2. Autumn King is another lightly raced and promising country colt that appears well-placed to secure its second consecutive victory. This colt is only in its second preparation. Last spring, it showed promise with two solid runs before spelling, and it returned with an easy first-up win at Muswellbrook as a heavily backed favourite. This race presents no greater challenge, and Autumn King benefits from a soft draw, with gear changes also implemented. It is the horse to beat.
3. Blue Suede Hooves was impressive in finally breaking its maiden at Hawkesbury, overtaking a heavily backed rival. This galloper is considered to be well over the odds. 6. Into Brooklyn is another local filly possessing tactical speed and could contend for a minor placing third-up. The lightly raced 1. Bondasong, having freshened up with a solid trial, is also a contender for minor placings.
Our tip for this race is a win for Autumn King.
Race 7: A Progressive Galloper
The final race of the day features 3. Zoutempus, a tough and progressive four-year-old that handles all track conditions. Zoutempus has won its past two starts convincingly by leading from the front, a successful tactical shift. It also benefits from some weight relief despite stepping up in grade.
6. Miss Capricorn is backing up after an eight-day break, having made up significant ground in a weaker grade last start. 11. Toomuchinformation is expected to improve third-up.
Our tip for this race is a win for Zoutempus.
Best Bets
- Race 1: (8) Tuscany
- Race 6: (2) Autumn King
Best Value
- Race 7: (3) Zoutempus
