11/08/12 - Eagle Farm, Flemington and Warwick Farm

Eagle Farm

Race 1 - The track as of Friday afternoon was rated a dead 4.  We all know the drainage issues at Eagle Farm but with fine weather and the Ekka westerly winds rolling in, we should get close to a good racing surface.  The pace should be solid in this opening event with a handful of horses going to the front.  It's the type of race where I can find reasons for most to not win as opposed to making a case for a standout.  I'm going with the Bryan Guy trained Wabeel (9).  This mare has been looking for a dry track and showed what she can do on an improved track last time when she ran 2.1 lengths off Hidden Kisses.  The extra 150m should be ideal and she has won her only start at this track over the 1500m.  With a solid pace, she'll be able to run on in the straight. Something I'm not sure the majority of her rivals will be able to do.  Other hopes to Comahni (1), Lines Of Time (6) and Lucky Songs (4).

Race 2 - For the me the key runners here are the Thompson horses.  In particular Wonderful Jester and Gibberer.  Both are resuming.  I'm going with Wonderful Jester (5) who looked very good as a 2 year old.  It's trial form leading into this hasn't been the best but I think it has a class edge over these.  In it's 4 career starts it's never been far from the action.  It has had 2 starts over 1350m and ran on well in both.  Micky Cahill should be able to place the horse well from gate 8 to give it every possible chance.  Other hopes to Gibberer (9), Fusil De Eve (2) and Change Often (12).

Race 3 - Double Image (7) spent almost 8 months off the scene before coming back and winning in dominant fashion last start.  I think he can win again.  He has put together an impressive record winning 5 from 9 and placing in 2 others.  He loves this distance, winning 3 from 6.  Gets in with just 51kg after the claim for Allen and I'm sure the young apprentice can make the most of the inside alley to scoot up and box seat.  Other hopes to Norocos (3), Carry To Fortune (5) and Haizum (2).

Race 4 - There seems to be a complete lack horses willing to go forward here and that should play right into the form horses, Cash 'N Style and Fire Up Fifi.  I think Fire Up Fifi (2) can reverse the order from the last time these 2 met.  Although she has a wide barrier, I think she will be able to cruise across and sit right in behind Cash 'N Style.  She is 2kg better off for losing by 0.3 of a length.  Her record at this track is excellent winning 3 and placing 2 from 6 starts.  Other hopes to Cash 'N Style (1), Angusroy (9) and Rhetoric (12).

Race 5 - Argh, here it is again....the weekly 2000+m race that has me pulling my hair out.  To make matters worse, it's the 1st leg of the quaddie!  Rambling On (8) will do me here.  Last time out he missed out by the narrowest margin over 2100m.  I think he can turn tables on Daad's Overtime thanks to a more favourable run and the extra 100m which will allow him to really unwind in the straight.  Other hopes to Eureka Jack (10), Daad's Overtime (1) and Tanah Lot (9).

Race 6 - I have to admit, I looked at this race for some time and came up with multiple conclusions.  There is no standout leader so I've looked for horses that normally race handy.  Based on her last start, I'm going with Koranovsky (3).  She was 1st up that day and lead only to be run down late.  I think she can get across from her wide gate and take up the running.  With increased fitness, she should be able to go on with it.  She likes this track, winning 3 and running 2nd in 2 others from 10 starts.  Appreciates a firmer surface.  Other hopes to Top Of The Rock (4), Catashee (2) and Bellantina (5).

Race 7 - D'Jet (3) looks like he can go back to back wins here.  He has drawn the peg and should be able to push up behind the likes of Shafeeq and August Bishop to race in a prominent position.  Generally he races really well 2nd up after a 1st up blow.  This time in he's won 1st up so he should be firing for this.  This is his pet distance and well appreciate the dry track.  Other hopes to Dr Ichi (10), Dee Bee Nine (5) and Shafeeq (6).

***With the scratching of Shafeeq, I'll promote Requested (9) to the other chances***

Race 8 - Revitalise (9) has been racing in excellent style since coming up from Victoria and I think he'll win again.  He's drawn beautifully and young Vance will be able to place him nicely in the run.  He has shown a real liking for Eagle Farm and won over this distance last start.  Other hopes to Taken (16), Satch (4) and Chart (8).

***With the scratching of Revitalise, I'll make Satch (4) my top pick and promote Cyclone Al (12) to the other hopes***

Best Bets

Race 4 Number 2 Fire Up Fifi
Race 7 Number 3 D'Jet

Flemington

Race 3 Number 7 Halo Miss Maher
Race 5 Number 6 Dusty Star
Race 6 Number 6 Zamorar
Race 7 Number 7 Darlimurla Star
Race 8 Number 9 Prince Pedro

Warwick Farm

Race 4 Number 1 Capital Commander
Race 6 Number 1 Pinwheel