Oakleigh Plate Day
Sandown
Race 2: She’s Licketysplit was plain on face value last start, but she was first-up. She didn’t sprint, but got going late. That was 1100m so step-up in trip is ideal, can improve. Royal Merchant backs-up after a solid fourth in the Vanity. She ran on okay in the worst part of the track. Waverider Buoy beaten just over a len in G3 last start here. Didn’t get a lot of room in the straight and wasn’t balanced, out to 1400m suits, Waller trained. Shuffle Dancer working through the grades with wins in two of last three. Month between runs, has jumped out, but short enough odds for toughest test.
On Top: She’s Licketysplit $6.00. Dangers: Shuffle Dancer $3.30, Royal Merchant $9.00.
Race 4: Rich Fortune edged out Queen of the Ball last start this track. It was a game effort by Queen Of The Ball she was wide, no cover throughout and still managed to show plenty of fight. Rich Fortune took time to get clear, but then showed a brilliant turn of foot, slightly longer trip also helps. Wee Nessy was midfield in the same race, also wide throughout, well drawn and fitter for this, for exotics. Spacewalk was dominant winner at Rosehill last start, trialled strongly since and comes into this third-up and drawn to box-seat.
On Top: Spacewalk $3.10. Dangers: Rich Fortune $5.00, Queen Of the Ball $4.40. Roughie: Wee Nessy $41.
Race 6: Rarely does a last start Melbourne Cup winner win first-up and gambling against Gold Trip here. He’s had two trials and was ridden out to finish second in most recent 1500m heat. Emissary was second in the Cup, trialled strongly and his first-up record is good. Expect improvement from Surefire after his first-up run at Randwick when worse than midfield. He won a G3 before a spell, his second-up record is solid and gets J-Kah. Young Werther wasn’t hammered in his first-up run when midfield here. He rises from 1600m to 1800m, hard to catch but can be in the mix.
On Top: Surefire $6.50. Dangers: Emissary $3.60, Young Werther $13, Gold Trip $3.80.
Race 7: Will be boxing five in exotics in the Blue Diamond. Barber won the Prelude beating Little brose and no surprise to see Little Brose turn things around in the Blue Diamond. Barber raced on speed and held them off. Little Brose got back in the run and finished the race off better than most. Winkers go on Little Brose which should help the colt be more forward this time. Steel City is yet to win, but narrowly beaten in two career starts, well drawn, blinkers and right in the mix. The Instructor is unbeaten in two starts and was dominant here a month ago. Since second to Annavisto in a trial. Don Corleone nice colt, better for two runs and will be suited by the high tempo and hits the line late.
On Top: Little Brose $9.50 (each-way). Dangers: Don Corleone $11, Barber $5.00, The Instructor $11, Steel City $4.40.
Race 8: Wasn’t impressed with Alligator Blood’s Flemington jump-out. He was ridden out and through the line. Proven G1 winner, but raises a query. I’m Thunderstruck will be improved on his first-up fourth in the Orr, but that run didn’t excite me. Mr Brightside was just behind I’m Thunderstruck and finished the race off with more purpose. Nugget was a solid third an in the mix again.
On Top: Mr Brightside $4.80. Dangers: I’m Thunderstruck $3.00, Nugget $6.50, Alligator Blood $3.10.
Race 9: Get a pin for the Oakleigh Plate, max field of 20, luck will play a part. Lofty Strike was good winning G2 Rubiton last start beating rival Uncommon James, the latter meets Lofty Strike 2kgs better and had the tougher run, when wide throughout. Asfoora won six of eight and unbeaten in two first-up runs. Full of running in two jump-out wins. Chain Of Lightning was third to Lofty Strike and may have won with any luck. She was held-up for clear running until very late, once clear she savaged the line. Drawn an inside gate again, banking on Williams getting her clear air. Out on a limb, but throwing Masked Crusader into exotics. He resumes, two solid jump-outs and they’ll go out extremely hard in this and he will be hitting the line hard.
On Top: Chain of Lightning $8.00. Dangers: Uncommon James $8.50, Lofty Strike, Asfoora $6.50. Roughie: Masked Crusader $23.
Randwick
Race 1: Dalaalaat and Mabel are both last start Midway winners. Mabel was good over 100m last start, but yet to win beyond and this is 1100m. Dalaalaat better suited at the trip and well in with the claim. Bartoselli was 8th to Mabel, beaten just over 4lens. It was a solid first-up run given that he raced fiev wide, no cover, throughout. He didn’t shirk at the end, will be fitter and is well in with the 1.5kg claim. Super Bright did a lot wrong last start, mainly overracing. Previous run this grade was good and can turn things around. Depth That Varies, fifth to Mabel, tired late, but not disgraced and one for exotics.
On Top: Bartoselli $9.50. Dangers: Mabel $7.50, Dalaalaat $3.70, Super Bright $15, Depth That Varies $17.
Race 3: Bases Loaded won Canterbury Maiden last start, on debut. Sure to be improved, but this much tougher. Waterhouse stablemate Ganbare turned in a decent second start effort after winning on debut. Ganbare dropped out to last and steamed home for midfield finish behind Learning To Fly. There will be a high tempo in this so Ganbare will be suited. Corniche yet to win, but three placings in quality races. Latest was third to Barber at Sandown, fit and will be right on the bunny. Waller’s Shinzo was third on debut and will be improved, but was nothing special.
On Top: Ganbare $9.00. Danger: Corniche $9.00, Bases Loaded $7.00, Shinzo $2.80.
Race 4: Glory Daze scored a second-up win at Sandown and the import is having his third run since June. He should be close to peak, but this is a jump in grade and he beat mediocre opposition last start. Bowman is back and rides Almania. This gelding got back to last and finished hard for 4th to Irish legend last start. He’s been kept ticking over with a trial and can be closer in the run from the good gate.
On Top: Almania $4.80. Danger: Glory Daze $2.60.
Race 5: Not impressed with the Warwick Farm 1000m trial from Hope In Your Heart and she’s only won one of five when first-up. Mirra Vision has won three of six when resuming and she was sixth in a Rosehill trial, but had plenty in the tank and was strong on the line. Mirra Vision was also beaten a lip in a G1 before a spell. More Prophets may lack the class of a couple of these, but her first-up run here was super and is in the mix.
On Top: Mirra Vision $3.90. Danger: More Prophets $11, Hope In Your Heart $3.70.
Race 7: Fireburn ran super when resuming sixth behind race favourite In Secret. She got back and closed the race off strongly. She’s a second-up winner and the sting out of the track is a plus. No knock on In Secret. She was second at her one start at 1400m so distance no problem and wet track also plays in her favour. Zougotcha resumes off the back of two great trials. She won three in a row before a spell including G1 flight Stakes. Wide gate not ideal, but gets j-Mac.
On Top: In Secret $2.20. Dangers: Fireburn $23, Zougotcha $5.00.
Race 8: Anamoe, Hinged and Fangirl filled the placings last start and could do it again. If not like the shorts about Anamoe, Hinged would be my play, double figure odds and would rather go each-way than take $1.65 about Anamoe, but absolutely no knock on the favourite.
On Top: Hinged (each-way) $9.00. Dangers: Anamoe $1.65, Fangirl $7.50..
Race 10: Kalino having a strong prep winning two of last three. Good draw, Waller/J-Mac. Saint Bathans is very honest and having first run since November. He’s two from three first-up and is 3-0 in heavy going, Bowman to ride, so solid chance. Kir Royale was out of her depth in G3 last start, nicely weighted here. Nicci’s Fling good win last start, tougher, but loves the wet. Never Talk resumes. Two trials were decent she goes well fresh, 2kg claim a plus. Sonora won last two and this toughest test, but drops 5kgs and is on the minimum.
On Top: Saint Bathans $10. Dangers: Sonora $3.20, Kir Royale $7.50, Never Talk $9.00.
Doomben
Race 1: Ordinary race, topweight Adelad won Ipswich Maiden last start. Steps up from 1200m to 1350m and breeding suggest will handle it. Expect Mishani Mystique will run on strongly. She was beaten a long way by a smart one in Rubaahy in Twba. That was over 1000m and she’ll be better suited by the longer trip. Felix The Scat resumes, two decent trials and was a good third in nice race before a spell, blinkers on and rails draw.
On Top: Felix The Scat $3.80. Dangers: Adelad $2.20, Mishani Mystique $34.
Race 2: Cup of coffee race, go make one and just watch. If must bet - Hostage of War placed last two and likely to lead here. Jock may have gone a touch early last week when run down late, same jockey is a negative. Scarlet Tufty was third in the same race and a bit one-paced, fitter for this. Two Smokin’ Barrels was fourth in that race and gets in very well at the weights. Coup De Tonnere out to right trip, but no fancy odds.
On Top: Scarlet Tufty $6.00. Dangers: Two Smokin Barrels $9.50, Hostage of War $8.00.
On Top: Race 3: Eye Pea Oh ran super when first-up at Warwick Farm last start. She held here ground in the run to the line and is nicely placed for this. Wide gate a downer for Barristasista, place chance with luck. Befana was big odds when slow away before closing strongly for third at EF last start. She has the right alley to be in this if gets away cleanly.
On Top: Befana $6.50. Dangers: Eye pea Oh $2.80, Baristasista $13.
Race 5: Santero had first start for O’Dea stable when a fast finishing second at Eagle Farm. Meets an average lot here and will be better for the run. Rogue Rocker was third-up after more than a year off and was third. Jock rode for luck and after racing near the rear Rogue Rocker finished off well. He should be close to peak for this and is up to it. Sagacious on the quick back-up after game third at EF last week. He drops from a Hcp to BM80 and the 2kg claim helps the weight rise.
On Top: Santero $2.30. Dangers: Sagacious $10, Rogue Rocker $7.00.
Race 6: Would have had Situation Room on top if not for his wide gate. Just makes it so stuff from the 1200m start. Rails draw is perfect for Buying Time as he has laid in at his last two starts. Bolted in here then too far back at Eagle Farm, could be a blinker horse, but short enough odds. Topweight Lord Markel isn’t badly in with the 59kgs. He ‘s fitter for a first-up run at Randwick and prior to that won an Open Hcp at the Gold Coast. He drops to a No Metro Win here and gets Orman to ride.
On Top: Lord Markel (each-way) $9.00. Dangers: Buying Time $2.20, Situation Room $4.00.
Race 8: Patton closed well when second-up at Eagle Farm last start in midweek company, rises in class, but down in weight and should be close to peak. Whitewater was tenacious first-up at Eagle Farm, in slightly tougher class. He did some work early and raced handy. Whiteweater felt the pinch late, but didn’t shirk. Wide gate, but any luck in the run he can win this. Tenzing is a former Kiwi having first start for Gollan. No trials, but backing suggests they expect him to run well. Claim and drawn wide, so not keen on the shortish odds.
On Top: Whitewater $5.00. Dangers: Patton $11, Tenzing $3.70.
Race 9: Rathlin turned in a solid first-up run here when lumped 58kg to be just behind the placegetters this track and distance. Up in class, but gets a 6kg weight drop. Roman Aureus runs his best races this track and distance. he was far from disgraced last start when midfield in this class. He raced three wide throughout and still managed to find a kick at the end of 1200m. Orman takes over and looks nicely placed. Joviality fitter for three runs from a spell. Hit the line hard latest and step-up from 1200m to 1350m is perfect. Wide gate not ideal for Starvirgo, but in the mix along with Animate, nicely weighted and will be hitting the line hard.
On Top: Roman Aureus $7.00. Dangers: Rathlin $4.20, Animate $13, Joviality $8.50.
Race 2: She’s Licketysplit was plain on face value last start, but she was first-up. She didn’t sprint, but got going late. That was 1100m so step-up in trip is ideal, can improve. Royal Merchant backs-up after a solid fourth in the Vanity. She ran on okay in the worst part of the track. Waverider Buoy beaten just over a len in G3 last start here. Didn’t get a lot of room in the straight and wasn’t balanced, out to 1400m suits, Waller trained. Shuffle Dancer working through the grades with wins in two of last three. Month between runs, has jumped out, but short enough odds for toughest test.
On Top: She’s Licketysplit $6.00. Dangers: Shuffle Dancer $3.30, Royal Merchant $9.00.
Race 4: Rich Fortune edged out Queen of the Ball last start this track. It was a game effort by Queen Of The Ball she was wide, no cover throughout and still managed to show plenty of fight. Rich Fortune took time to get clear, but then showed a brilliant turn of foot, slightly longer trip also helps. Wee Nessy was midfield in the same race, also wide throughout, well drawn and fitter for this, for exotics. Spacewalk was dominant winner at Rosehill last start, trialled strongly since and comes into this third-up and drawn to box-seat.
On Top: Spacewalk $3.10. Dangers: Rich Fortune $5.00, Queen Of the Ball $4.40. Roughie: Wee Nessy $41.
Race 6: Rarely does a last start Melbourne Cup winner win first-up and gambling against Gold Trip here. He’s had two trials and was ridden out to finish second in most recent 1500m heat. Emissary was second in the Cup, trialled strongly and his first-up record is good. Expect improvement from Surefire after his first-up run at Randwick when worse than midfield. He won a G3 before a spell, his second-up record is solid and gets J-Kah. Young Werther wasn’t hammered in his first-up run when midfield here. He rises from 1600m to 1800m, hard to catch but can be in the mix.
On Top: Surefire $6.50. Dangers: Emissary $3.60, Young Werther $13, Gold Trip $3.80.
Race 7: Will be boxing five in exotics in the Blue Diamond. Barber won the Prelude beating Little brose and no surprise to see Little Brose turn things around in the Blue Diamond. Barber raced on speed and held them off. Little Brose got back in the run and finished the race off better than most. Winkers go on Little Brose which should help the colt be more forward this time. Steel City is yet to win, but narrowly beaten in two career starts, well drawn, blinkers and right in the mix. The Instructor is unbeaten in two starts and was dominant here a month ago. Since second to Annavisto in a trial. Don Corleone nice colt, better for two runs and will be suited by the high tempo and hits the line late.
On Top: Little Brose $9.50 (each-way). Dangers: Don Corleone $11, Barber $5.00, The Instructor $11, Steel City $4.40.
Race 8: Wasn’t impressed with Alligator Blood’s Flemington jump-out. He was ridden out and through the line. Proven G1 winner, but raises a query. I’m Thunderstruck will be improved on his first-up fourth in the Orr, but that run didn’t excite me. Mr Brightside was just behind I’m Thunderstruck and finished the race off with more purpose. Nugget was a solid third an in the mix again.
On Top: Mr Brightside $4.80. Dangers: I’m Thunderstruck $3.00, Nugget $6.50, Alligator Blood $3.10.
Race 9: Get a pin for the Oakleigh Plate, max field of 20, luck will play a part. Lofty Strike was good winning G2 Rubiton last start beating rival Uncommon James, the latter meets Lofty Strike 2kgs better and had the tougher run, when wide throughout. Asfoora won six of eight and unbeaten in two first-up runs. Full of running in two jump-out wins. Chain Of Lightning was third to Lofty Strike and may have won with any luck. She was held-up for clear running until very late, once clear she savaged the line. Drawn an inside gate again, banking on Williams getting her clear air. Out on a limb, but throwing Masked Crusader into exotics. He resumes, two solid jump-outs and they’ll go out extremely hard in this and he will be hitting the line hard.
On Top: Chain of Lightning $8.00. Dangers: Uncommon James $8.50, Lofty Strike, Asfoora $6.50. Roughie: Masked Crusader $23.
Randwick
Race 1: Dalaalaat and Mabel are both last start Midway winners. Mabel was good over 100m last start, but yet to win beyond and this is 1100m. Dalaalaat better suited at the trip and well in with the claim. Bartoselli was 8th to Mabel, beaten just over 4lens. It was a solid first-up run given that he raced fiev wide, no cover, throughout. He didn’t shirk at the end, will be fitter and is well in with the 1.5kg claim. Super Bright did a lot wrong last start, mainly overracing. Previous run this grade was good and can turn things around. Depth That Varies, fifth to Mabel, tired late, but not disgraced and one for exotics.
On Top: Bartoselli $9.50. Dangers: Mabel $7.50, Dalaalaat $3.70, Super Bright $15, Depth That Varies $17.
Race 3: Bases Loaded won Canterbury Maiden last start, on debut. Sure to be improved, but this much tougher. Waterhouse stablemate Ganbare turned in a decent second start effort after winning on debut. Ganbare dropped out to last and steamed home for midfield finish behind Learning To Fly. There will be a high tempo in this so Ganbare will be suited. Corniche yet to win, but three placings in quality races. Latest was third to Barber at Sandown, fit and will be right on the bunny. Waller’s Shinzo was third on debut and will be improved, but was nothing special.
On Top: Ganbare $9.00. Danger: Corniche $9.00, Bases Loaded $7.00, Shinzo $2.80.
Race 4: Glory Daze scored a second-up win at Sandown and the import is having his third run since June. He should be close to peak, but this is a jump in grade and he beat mediocre opposition last start. Bowman is back and rides Almania. This gelding got back to last and finished hard for 4th to Irish legend last start. He’s been kept ticking over with a trial and can be closer in the run from the good gate.
On Top: Almania $4.80. Danger: Glory Daze $2.60.
Race 5: Not impressed with the Warwick Farm 1000m trial from Hope In Your Heart and she’s only won one of five when first-up. Mirra Vision has won three of six when resuming and she was sixth in a Rosehill trial, but had plenty in the tank and was strong on the line. Mirra Vision was also beaten a lip in a G1 before a spell. More Prophets may lack the class of a couple of these, but her first-up run here was super and is in the mix.
On Top: Mirra Vision $3.90. Danger: More Prophets $11, Hope In Your Heart $3.70.
Race 7: Fireburn ran super when resuming sixth behind race favourite In Secret. She got back and closed the race off strongly. She’s a second-up winner and the sting out of the track is a plus. No knock on In Secret. She was second at her one start at 1400m so distance no problem and wet track also plays in her favour. Zougotcha resumes off the back of two great trials. She won three in a row before a spell including G1 flight Stakes. Wide gate not ideal, but gets j-Mac.
On Top: In Secret $2.20. Dangers: Fireburn $23, Zougotcha $5.00.
Race 8: Anamoe, Hinged and Fangirl filled the placings last start and could do it again. If not like the shorts about Anamoe, Hinged would be my play, double figure odds and would rather go each-way than take $1.65 about Anamoe, but absolutely no knock on the favourite.
On Top: Hinged (each-way) $9.00. Dangers: Anamoe $1.65, Fangirl $7.50..
Race 10: Kalino having a strong prep winning two of last three. Good draw, Waller/J-Mac. Saint Bathans is very honest and having first run since November. He’s two from three first-up and is 3-0 in heavy going, Bowman to ride, so solid chance. Kir Royale was out of her depth in G3 last start, nicely weighted here. Nicci’s Fling good win last start, tougher, but loves the wet. Never Talk resumes. Two trials were decent she goes well fresh, 2kg claim a plus. Sonora won last two and this toughest test, but drops 5kgs and is on the minimum.
On Top: Saint Bathans $10. Dangers: Sonora $3.20, Kir Royale $7.50, Never Talk $9.00.
Doomben
Race 1: Ordinary race, topweight Adelad won Ipswich Maiden last start. Steps up from 1200m to 1350m and breeding suggest will handle it. Expect Mishani Mystique will run on strongly. She was beaten a long way by a smart one in Rubaahy in Twba. That was over 1000m and she’ll be better suited by the longer trip. Felix The Scat resumes, two decent trials and was a good third in nice race before a spell, blinkers on and rails draw.
On Top: Felix The Scat $3.80. Dangers: Adelad $2.20, Mishani Mystique $34.
Race 2: Cup of coffee race, go make one and just watch. If must bet - Hostage of War placed last two and likely to lead here. Jock may have gone a touch early last week when run down late, same jockey is a negative. Scarlet Tufty was third in the same race and a bit one-paced, fitter for this. Two Smokin’ Barrels was fourth in that race and gets in very well at the weights. Coup De Tonnere out to right trip, but no fancy odds.
On Top: Scarlet Tufty $6.00. Dangers: Two Smokin Barrels $9.50, Hostage of War $8.00.
On Top: Race 3: Eye Pea Oh ran super when first-up at Warwick Farm last start. She held here ground in the run to the line and is nicely placed for this. Wide gate a downer for Barristasista, place chance with luck. Befana was big odds when slow away before closing strongly for third at EF last start. She has the right alley to be in this if gets away cleanly.
On Top: Befana $6.50. Dangers: Eye pea Oh $2.80, Baristasista $13.
Race 5: Santero had first start for O’Dea stable when a fast finishing second at Eagle Farm. Meets an average lot here and will be better for the run. Rogue Rocker was third-up after more than a year off and was third. Jock rode for luck and after racing near the rear Rogue Rocker finished off well. He should be close to peak for this and is up to it. Sagacious on the quick back-up after game third at EF last week. He drops from a Hcp to BM80 and the 2kg claim helps the weight rise.
On Top: Santero $2.30. Dangers: Sagacious $10, Rogue Rocker $7.00.
Race 6: Would have had Situation Room on top if not for his wide gate. Just makes it so stuff from the 1200m start. Rails draw is perfect for Buying Time as he has laid in at his last two starts. Bolted in here then too far back at Eagle Farm, could be a blinker horse, but short enough odds. Topweight Lord Markel isn’t badly in with the 59kgs. He ‘s fitter for a first-up run at Randwick and prior to that won an Open Hcp at the Gold Coast. He drops to a No Metro Win here and gets Orman to ride.
On Top: Lord Markel (each-way) $9.00. Dangers: Buying Time $2.20, Situation Room $4.00.
Race 8: Patton closed well when second-up at Eagle Farm last start in midweek company, rises in class, but down in weight and should be close to peak. Whitewater was tenacious first-up at Eagle Farm, in slightly tougher class. He did some work early and raced handy. Whiteweater felt the pinch late, but didn’t shirk. Wide gate, but any luck in the run he can win this. Tenzing is a former Kiwi having first start for Gollan. No trials, but backing suggests they expect him to run well. Claim and drawn wide, so not keen on the shortish odds.
On Top: Whitewater $5.00. Dangers: Patton $11, Tenzing $3.70.
Race 9: Rathlin turned in a solid first-up run here when lumped 58kg to be just behind the placegetters this track and distance. Up in class, but gets a 6kg weight drop. Roman Aureus runs his best races this track and distance. he was far from disgraced last start when midfield in this class. He raced three wide throughout and still managed to find a kick at the end of 1200m. Orman takes over and looks nicely placed. Joviality fitter for three runs from a spell. Hit the line hard latest and step-up from 1200m to 1350m is perfect. Wide gate not ideal for Starvirgo, but in the mix along with Animate, nicely weighted and will be hitting the line hard.
On Top: Roman Aureus $7.00. Dangers: Rathlin $4.20, Animate $13, Joviality $8.50.