Thursday 16 January 2014

New Website

G'day everyone.  Just a quick message to let you all know that The Silk has moved to www.silkracingtips.comSee you all there!

Saturday 11 January 2014

11/01/14 - Flemington, Warwick Farm and Morphettville Parks

G'day punters.  I wasn't going to put up my selections for these 3 meetings as to be honest, I'm not overly confident with them.  As purely an act of transparency and on the off chance they go well, I'll put them up.  Nothing worse than not being able to brag about a win because there's no record of you saying before the race what you're betting on is there?  Obviously this doesn't apply to the Bang! Boom! squad haha.   
 
 
Flemington
 
Race 1 - Bugatty (1)
 
Race 2 - It's One (5)
 
Race 3 - Reckless Assassin (3)
 
Race 4 - Averau (8)
 
Race 5 - Instrumentalist (5)
 
Race 6 - The Peak (5)
 
Race 7 - Backstedt (5)
 
Race 8 - Primitive Man (2)
 
 
Warwick Farm
 
Race 1 - Pass
 
Race 2 - Pentometer (5)
 
Race 3 - Centre Pivot (5)
 
Race 4 - I've Got The Looks (4)
 
Race 5 - Monton (3)
 
Race 6 - Imperil (3)
 
Race 7 - Star Of Helicon (10)
 
Race 8 - Didntcostalot (1)
 
 
Morphettville Parks
 
Race 1 - Money Bags (5)
 
Race 2 - Stereosonic (1)
 
Race 3 - Pass
 
Race 4 - Smoke Burner (5)
 
Race 5 - Rebel Truce (2)
 
Race 6 - Little Bro (1)
 
Race 7 - Coup De Beel (5)
 
Race 8 - Golden Dane (4)

Thursday 9 January 2014

11/01/14 - Magic Millions Day

All the attention turns to the Gold Coast this Saturday for the Magic Millions meeting.  What a day it promises to be!  The track is currently rated a dead 5 but should improve to good or close to it by Saturday.  Either way we'll have a top racing surface.

Before we get into the main business of the Magic Millions meeting I'd like to apologise for my performance last Saturday.  Shithouse can be the only way to describe the dismal results.  Anyway it only costs money to find out and we always get another chance to test ourselves.  Let's hope lady luck is on our side this Saturday!

Gold Coast

Race 1

We kick things off with a big field of maidens going around over 1200m.  I like a challenge and that's exactly what we have here.  Actually a challenge undersells the difficulty finding a winner in this race.  Gee whiz this is a dartboard job.  I'm going with the Gillian Heinrich trained In Full View (14).  This All Bar One filly has drawn barrier 9 but unlike a lot of the other horses drawn wide, she has gate speed.  I can see jockey Tim Bell getting her into the leading few horses when they settle.  Her form reads reasonably well. On debut she overraced and finished 2nd by 3 lengths over 1200m.  In her 2nd start she settled 2nd before being run down late.  She suffered heat stress that day.  On both occasions she had legimate excuses but the times were quite good in both.  She has since won a barrier trial by 4 lengths.  In a very open race I think she looks a good each way bet as she'll be out and running and avoiding the big pack behind her.  Other hopes to Born Superstar (12), Snippets Land (7) and The Yowie (8).

Race 2

I would hardly call 1800m a suitable distance for a Stayers Cup but I'll roll with it.  Maybe they knew my hatred for the 2000m+ race in Brisbane so they dropped it back to 1800m.  Black Jet (8) looks a horse going places.  This 4 year old has won 5 of his 10 starts and placed in 3 others.  He enters this race on the back of a class 5 and then a class 6 win.  Both races were over 1600m and he hit the line strongly.  He has won his only start over 1800m and the way he has finishing off lately suggests he's looking for it now.  Glen Colless takes the ride and at 54kg will be hard to hold out after sitting off a decent speed.  Other hopes to Scorpio Queen (2), Borehole (1) and Hi Son (10).

Race 3

Speed critical here.  Driefontein and Sept De Couers to take up the lead.  That's a given.  However what happens next is less clear cut.  What are the horses from barriers 7 to 10 going to do?  I believe that they won't want to get posted 3 wide so the speed could be better than expected.  That would be ideal anyway for my selection Anna Lizzie (3).  Having said that she's drawn nicely in barrier 5 so she may race closer than usual.  This mare has won 5 from 11 and resumed very nicely recently over 1350m.  She finished 2nd by 2.3 lengths to Divine City but she certainly hit the line strongly.  With increased fitness from that 1st up run she'll be once again steaming home.  She races particularly well at this track winning 2 from 3.  Gets Glen Colless back in the saddle who has accompanied her in 3 of her wins.  Other hopes to Divine City (2), Driefontein (1) and Playtime (4).

Race 4

The sprint over 1100m sees no end of speed.  Whittington (8) draws nicely to sit 2 or 3 pair back and get the nice smother behind a hot speed.  This Waterhouse youngster has done all it's racing in Group and Stakes company.  He resumes here with a very nice trial win to his credit suggesting that he's ready to fire 1st up.  Gets the services of gun jockey Tommy Berry who we all know will give the horse every possible chance.  Other chances to Hidden Warrior (1), Avaladyluck (11) and Steel Zip (3).

Race 5

The first of the big races for the day....the Magic Millions Guineas for 3 year olds over 1400m.  This is a great field assembled as you would expect when $1 million is on offer.  I'm really quite keen on the chances of Enquare (12).  This filly has been really impressive winning her past 4 starts.  Earlier in her career she tended to get back and run on.  Since coming back from a spell she's shown that she can race closer to the action and still show that fierce finish.  She's drawn beautifully in barrier 2 and jockey Jim Byrne will be able to take full advantage of that and get into a lovely position a few pairs back.  She won her only start over this distance.  Other hopes to Splendora (15), Sweet Idea (10) and Weinholt (5).

Race 6

The Magic Millions 2 year old Classic will no doubt see the speed clapped on.  I really liked the run of Stroak (13) last start when she narrowly ran 2nd to Unencumbered over 1200m at Doomben.  It was an enormous run where she was hitting the line hard after racing wide all race.  Her 2 other starts resulted in wins.  The hot pace will suit her strong finish and I think Michael Cahill can smoke his pipe while the leaders cut at each other early on.  Blinkers go on for the first time so I think she'll be as sharp as a tac for this.   Other hopes to Unencumbered (1), Oakleigh Girl (12) and Ruby Soho (15).

Race 7

I like the look of Club Command (3) here in the Magic Millions Cup over 1400m.  If you're into stats then this horse ticks all the boxes.  He resumes here and has a super 1st up record winning 2 and placing 2nd in 3 resumptions.  He has won 2 trials since his last race and did it easily.  He loves this distance as shown by the fact he's never been out of the placings in 7 starts over this trip.  Impressively he's won 4 of those.  He's drawn wide in barrier 11 but I believe jockey Blake Shinn can get the horse across to box seat.  He offers great value at double figure odds.  Other hopes to General Exhibit (8), Regular (10) and Doubtfilly (7).

Race 8

This looks a fairly average race to finish the card but there is one horse that stands out.  Gundy Spirit (11) is an emergency in the Guineas but looks to have a class edge on these older horses.  Following a breakthrough win at Ipswich 3 starts ago, he's finished strongly to be very close to Into The Red and Enquare.  That is sensational form for a race like this.  You'd love the race to be over a bit further but the 1200m won't worry him at all.  The speed should be solid enough for him to unwind a strong burst in the straight and win.  Other hopes to Target In Sight (6), Loupets (3) and Commandare (2).


Best Bets

Race 2 - Black Jet (8)

Race 5 - Enquare (12)

Race 8 - Gundy Spirit (11)    
  
            

Friday 3 January 2014

04/01/14 - Caulfield, Rosehill and Morphettville

Caulfield

Race 1 - Mitzi Del Bra (7)

Race 2 - Flying Hostess (1)

Race 3 - Quick Snitzel (6)

Race 4 - Lady Of Harrods (1)

Race 5 - Trust In A Gust (2)

Race 6 - Captain Fancypantz (4)

Race 7 - Free Of Doubt (2)

Race 8 - Topkapi (14)


Rosehill

Race 1 - Reply Churlish (5)

Race 2 - Boomwaa (2)

Race 3 - Senta Desert (6)

Race 4 - The Alfonso (4)

Race 5 - Omniscient (8)

Race 6 - Gangster's Choice (7)

Race 7 - Reflectance (4)

Race 8 - Zauberflote (9)


Morphettville

Race 1 - Chamois Princess (3)

Race 2 - Extra Virgin (1)

Race 3 - Jade's Boy (2)

Race 4 - Chieftain Jack (1)

Race 5 - Mustang Schiller (2)

Race 6 - Eclair Samba (3)

Race 7 - General Jackson (7)

Race 8 - Eureka Pulse (2)

 

04/01/14 - Gold Coast Ladies Day

I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year.  Here's to backing many winners in 2014.  
 
We kick things off on the first Saturday of 2014 with Ladies Day at the Gold Coast.  It's the warmup to next weekend's Magic Millions.  The action will be hot on and off the track with temperatures at the Coast expected to hit 34 degrees.  Plenty to look at if you get my drift.  Mind you that will seem delightful when you consider that out here at Ipswich the mercury is set to hit 43!  Good to see sanity prevailed and the meeting at Ipswich scheduled for Saturday has been moved to Sunday pending weather conditions. 
 
The track is currently rated a good 3 and with little chance of rain and hot temperatures to continue, horses running in the first few could be advantaged by a hard surface. 
 
Gold Coast
 
Race 1
 
We kick things off with the 2 year olds.  For those that like omen bets then surely Feelin' The Heat is for you.  I'm going with the Darryl Hanson trained Burleigh Bullet (4).  This All Bar One filly ran 2nd to Celestial Dragon on debut by just over a length.  That's a pretty good form race with both Celestial Dragon and Sagatona specked in Magic Millions markets.  Burleigh Bullet will be all the more fitter for the debut run where she raced on the pace and finished strongly.  Rises in weight but gets the services of Tegan Harrison who will claim 1.5kg.  Gets a great run from barrier 5.  Other hopes to Spirit Of Joy (9), Gherardini (6) and Tales Of Fashion (5).
 
Race 2
 
Les Ross has a terrific training record at this track this year with 3 wins from 4 starters.  He saddles up Some Call Her Wild (3) in this 1800m race.  She's had 28 days rest since her last start but I think she's a quality animal.  She's won 3 of 4 career starts and her last start win over 1600m was fairly easy.  She beat Our Zidane on that occasion.  Chris Munce takes the ride and although drawn barrier 8 should be able to get the horse across into a forward position with relative ease.  Other hopes to Our Zidane (4), Rudy (1) and Navelina (5).
 
Race 3
 
Speed should be solid here with a number of those drawn out pushing forward to challenge the inside 2.  That should provide the perfect trail for Jopa (6).  He's been racing well since joining the Heathcote stables which was highlighted by his win last start at Doomben over 1350m.  In that race he burst through with 150m to go after sitting about 5th in running and then just motored to the line.  A similar tactic will see him very hard to hold out here.  Gets the services of Anthony Allen who has been riding in super form lately.  Also claims 1.5kg.  Other hopes to Bingo Rose (8), Believe'N'Receive (11) and Viking Heart (3).

***With the scratching of Bingo Rose I'll promote Daph 'N' Alf (4) to the other hopes***
 
Race 4
 
There couldn't be a more suitable name for a 900m scamper than the Bat Out Of Hell.  They'll go like cut cats here.  Going with Rocky King (2) to provide Anthony Allen a race to race double.  This guy is in great form winning his past 2 over 1000m.  The 900m won't faze him at all as he goes like the wind.  He's drawn nicely in barrier 4 so he should be able to lead and hopefully won't be headed.  Other hopes to Leealan (6), Salute To Jude (10) and Adebesi (1).

***With the scratching of Adebisi I'll promote Astronomer (11) to the other hopes***
 
Race 5
 
Into The Red (1) gives all these a lot of weight but rightly so as he's a class act.  He has come back in terrific style with a close 2nd 1st up and then a great win last start.  Chris Munce will be able to take advantage of barrier 2 and position the horse just off the speed.  If his last start win was anything to go by then he'll be hard to hold out in the straight.  Other hopes to Siegfried (11), Jet Down On It (2) and Flight King (4).

Race 6

Sticking with Walhaan (16) here.  I was on last start when he ran 4th over 1630m.  He'll be all the better for that run where he was finishing nicely.  1800m should suit now.  Geoff Goold takes the ride and can claim 3kg.  I have a feeling that Geoff can't get much lower than 54kg but I don't think that will matter.  This horse is going places.  Other hopes to Hora Sexta (6), Hi Son (4) and Solebid (5).

Race 7

I don't think this is a very strong Goldmarket.  Gai Waterhouse brings King Cobia (8) north and I doubt it's for a hair cut.  He's drawn barrier 2 and Chris Munce will take full advantage of that by taking up the lead or box seat.  He's in great form with a last start win and a 2nd to the very much in form Terravista the start prior.  I just feel that he'll be in a better position entering the straight than many of his rivals and will prove very hard to catch.   Other hopes to Morning Captain (2), Ollie Vollie (4) and Signified (6).

Race 8

Jacquetta (10) is a horse I have a lot of time for.  After a solid run over 1350m last start she drops back to her favourite distance of 1200m here.  Her record is outstanding over this trip with 5 wins and 2 placings from 7 starts.  She won her only start at the track.  There should be solid speed in this so a midfield position looks likely.  I doubt she'll be posted wide like her previous 2 starts.  She loves to finish hard and the way the race will play will certainly aid her cause.  Other hopes to Mishani Persuader (6), Lucky Sound (3) and Star Sammy (8).

Best Bets

Race 4 - Rocky King (2)

Race 5 - Into The Red (1)

Race 8 - Jacquetta (10)   
     
 
 
 
  

Wednesday 25 December 2013

26/12/13 - Silk Birthday Edition

Well if ever there was a day that the punting god would shine a positive light on the Silk, it's today.  Yes I'm another year older.  Probably not wiser if the hangover I'm predicting I'll be suffering is anything to go by.  What better way to celebrate your birthday than having a bet and beer.  Let's get into it!

I'll keep this simple and just include my top picks.  

Sunshine Coast

Before I get into the tips, let me just say that this is a very average meeting so be very careful.  It's more a get involved type of meeting than let's smack a few.  

Race 1 - Tracey's Angel (4)

Race 2 - Zellaro (1)

Race 3 - Iona Fast One (6)

Race 4 - Mavro (4)

Race 5 - Screaming Jet (6)

Race 6 - Wish Upon A Star (1)

Race 7 - Lucky Baa (6)

Race 8 - Cracow (3)


Caulfield

Race 1 - No trials, no bet

Race 2 - Mango Mojito (4)

Race 3 - Championmet (4)

Race 4 - Belle Que (3)

Race 5 - Floatmyboat (10)

Race 6 - Nautical (8)

Race 7 - Don't Get Excited (8)

Race 8 - Initiator (10)


Randwick

Race 1 - Nightingales (4)

Race 2 - Tulla Touch (6)

Race 3 - Shamalia (12)

Race 4 - Chiaroscuro (3)

Race 5 - La Pieta (2)

Race 6 - Destiny's Kiss (3)

Race 7 - Centre Pivot (9)

Race 8 - Jacinta (10)  

Friday 20 December 2013

21/12/13 - Doomben, Flemington and Rosehill

Last Saturday was one of those days that just didn't get going.  We found just the 6 winners.  These being Oakleigh Girl $1.50 and Into The Red $2.00 at Doomben, Kiss Me Ketut $5.30, The Peak $4.90 and Electric Fusion $3.30 at Flemington and Koroibete $3.10 at Kensington. 

I'm getting into holiday mode so I won't be doing a write up for Doomben.  I'll just give my top pick in each race.  

Doomben

Race 1 - Divine Service (2)

Race 2 - Seeking More (2)

Race 3 - General Exhibit (6)

Race 4 - Love Shuttle (12)

Race 5 - Emerald Duke (2)

Race 6 - Miss Husson (4)

Race 7 - Bingo Rose (2)

Race 8 - Morning Captain (2)

Race 9 - Altai Warrior (2)

***I seem to be drawn to the number 2.  Good luck with that Silk haha***


Flemington

Race 1 - Gracious Prospect (2)

Race 2 - The Minister (8)

Race 3 - Blazing Dragon (5)

Race 4 - Oltre Finito (2)

Race 5 - Sistine Demon (5)

Race 6 - Anlon (5)

Race 7 - Angelology (5)

Race 8 - Awasita (7)

***I was drawn to the number 2 at Doomben and now I'm drawn to the 5 at Flemington. Sheesh***

Rosehill

Race 1 - Pentometer (6)

Race 2 - Cyclone (2)

Race 3 - Global Dream (2)

Race 4 - Longshoreman (2)

Race 5 - Northern Glory (9)

Race 6 - Eigelstein (7)

Race 7 - Two Blue (6)

Race 8 - Mount Nebo (2)