28/29 September 2012 - Moonee Valley, Eagle Farm, Rosehill and Mornington

What a weekend we have coming up!  Besides the AFL and NRL Grand Finals, we have 4 days of racing.  I'll be having a look at Moonee Valley Friday night, Eagle Farm, Rosehill and Mornington Saturday.  At this stage I'll be giving Sunday's and Monday's racing a miss.  

Last Saturday wasn't the most memorable day for The Silk.  Lankan Rupee, Veewap, Someday, Gypsy Pearl, Jacquinot Bay and Lamasery were the winners found.  The Brisbane quadrella was also a collect if you used the top 4 picks from each leg.  

Before I get into it I must make mention of friend to The Silk and top bloke, Wayne McGrath.  Some of you may know Wayne from twitter.  Wayne is taking part in Monday's walk to raise money for the Sydney Children's Hospital Network and I strongly encourage you if you can to donate to the cause at http://4tracks4kidssydney.gofundraise.com.au/page/doingitforthekids 

Moonee Valley 28/09/12

Race 1 - Number 4 Clinton Affair  (10 Gold Rory, 11 Generalife, 3 Velonski)

Race 2 - Number 6 Koonoomoo    (3 Aerobatics, 1 Rue Maple, 2 Serene Star)

Race 3 - Number 7 Tokugawa      (3 Spacecraft, 6 Mourinho, 10 No Hoaks)  

Race 4 - Number 1 Snitzerland     (2 Hoss Amor, 5 Elite Elle, 8 Saturn Rock)

Race 5 - Number 5 Snitzem         (1 General Truce, 2 Obsidian Dragon, 6 Rescue Mission)

Race 6 - Number 2 Buffering        (6 Tiger Tees, 8 Platelet, 5 Ready To Rip)

Race 7 - Number 1 Pierro            

Race 8 - Number 5 Dance With Her (1 Precedence, 6 Excluded, 13 Fruehling)

Eagle Farm 29/09/12

Race 1 - Transporter (3) can kick things off on a winning note.  This horse has been racing in excellent style lately.  He has won his last 3 starts.  In all 3 races he's been guided by Michael Cahill who has obviously bonded with this horse.  He is 2 from 2 over this distance and races particularly well at the track.  Steps out of midweek company but gets weight relief.  Other hopes to Danagaze (1), Playaction (2) and Satch (5).

Race 2 - Antarctic Dream (2) was narrowly defeated last start by Trakstar over this distance.  Platinum State was also in that race and I think these 2 will quinella the race. For mine, Antarctic Dream looked stronger at the finish and that's why I'll be supporting her.  Beyond these 2, there's very little in this race. 

Race 3 - Theft (1) has to lump 59kg here but gets the services of Chris Munce and has carried reasonably high weights in the past.  This horse has raced against better quality horses and deserves the weight based on that.  Munce has a terrific record on this guy, winning 5 from 8.  His 1st up record is a good one and won a trial earlier this month so I suggest he'll be ready to fire 1st up.  He will race handy and his 1200m form will see him strong to the line in this 1000m dash.  Other hopes to Found The One (4), Greyzeel (5) and Jugahlation (2).

Race 4 - Solebid (4) looks nicely placed to go back to back here.  He has been racing in great touch since resuming.  He rises just 0.5 kg on his last start win which was over 1350m.  I had my doubts that he could run that race out but he proved me wrong so the 1400m should pose no worries.  Although he has drawn out, I can't see him having too many dramas coming across and taking up a handy position.  Other hopes to Jet Style (8), Mr Orient (2) and Jack's Back (7).

Race 5 - Lucky Luna (3) comes into this race following 2 very good wins.  In his last race he defeated a couple of his main rivals here with relative ease.  He has failed to record a win at this track in 17 starts.  However I'm not getting carried away with that stat as he has placed in both his 2 races at the track and distance.  Rosie Myer who claims 2kg here should be able to position the horse very nicely from the good gate.  Other hopes to Hidden Kisses (6), Poor Judge (4) and Bold Glance (1).

***With the scratching of Hidden Kisses, I'll promote War Ends (8) to the other hopes***

Race 6 - There's a handful of horses engaged here that like to go forward which will ensure a good pace.  That will suit Flying Jet (3).  This mare was excellent last start, winning by 2.3 lengths over 1350m.  The 1400m here suits.  Two starts back she beat the in form Solebid.  She rises 3kg but she really looks a talent and has the silky skills of Larry Cassidy to counter the increased weight.   She's cherry ripe to collect here.  Other hopes to Cuddlesome (7), Comahni (4) and Crazy Mamma (5).

***With the scratching of Crazy Mamma, I'll promote Just Destiny (6) to the other hopes***

Race 7 - Morning Captain (9) resumes here and looks an excellent chance.  I can see him getting a glorious run slotting in just behind the leading pair.  His 1st up record reads 3 starts for a win and 2 seconds.  Gets in with 54kg which is a weight he hasn't carried for a while.  Other hopes to Motspur (3), Too Many Reds (5) and The Sixties (2).

Race 8 - Run Royal Run (3) can get the money in the last.  This lightly raced horse has put together a nice record so far.  He's only been out of the placings once in 7 starts.  His form this time in is excellent.  He ran 3rd to Silver Command 1st up and then beat Bribie last start.  Last campaign he won 3rd up.  He has shown a willingness to run on in past starts so the 1600m shouldn't pose any problems.  Chris Munce has ridden him every time and drops 1.5kg from last start.  Other hopes to Caellum (5), Princely (7) and Dorchester (9).  

Rosehill 29/09/12

Race 1 - Number 5 Tohunga
Race 2 - Number 1 Proverb
Race 3 - Number 1 More Joyous
Race 4 - Number 1 Albrecht
Race 5 - Number 1 Fat Al
Race 6 - Number 6 Strawberry Boy
Race 7 - Number 5 Here De Princess
Race 8 - Number 3 Velrosso

Mornington 29/09/12

Race 1 - Number 11 Falcent
Race 2 - Number 3 Ladramahs
Race 3 - Number 2 Destiny's Kiss
Race 4 - Number 6 Riboulding 
Race 5 - Number 12 Rare Fragrance
Race 6 - Number 4 Storm Burst
Race 7 - Number 11 Spanski
Race 8 - Number 8 Specter

Best Bets

Moonee Valley - Race 5 Number 5 Snitzem
                      Race 6 Number 2 Buffering 

Eagle Farm - Race 1 Number 3 Transporter
                  Race 2 Number 2 Antarctic Dream
                  Race 6 Number 3 Flying Jet

Rosehill - Race 4 Number 1 Albrecht
 (Will be having a crack at the card multi and a few other combo multis)

Mornington - Race 6 Number 4 Storm Burst

                             

22/09/12 - Doomben, Caulfield and Randwick

Last Saturday saw 8 winners salute for The Silk.  Our main area of interest is Brisbane racing and fittingly it returned the best results.  Our triple honey (Flying Jet, Trakstar and Too Many Reds) was on the money which provided a nice little multi.  Other winners were Tenacious Jack, Buxted, Happy Trails, More Joyous and Velrosso. 

Doomben

Race 1 - Someday (7) has been racing in fine style recently and has looked a very nice type in doing so.  I can't see him getting beaten here.  He loves the track and his record over the distance is a good one.  From gate 6, he'll get a terrific run.  Short but sweet!  Hopes to fill the minor placings are Gunner Knox (4), Lucky Songs (8) and Marked (5).

***With the scratching of Lucky Songs, I'll promote De Dozen Stars (9) to the multiple hopes***

Race 2 - Here's the customary 2000m race for the card.  Only a field of 7 this time around.  Not sure if that makes it easier or harder.  Topping (2) has been racing in great heart of late and this looks his for the taking.  He was gallant over 2106m last start when just missing out to Racing Heart.  Hardest to beat Grey Assignment (3).

Race 3 - Better Than Ready (1) looks a very nice type and backed up his good initial campaign with a solid win 1st up.  He'll be fitter for that and I see him winning again.  He gets 3kg off here for the apprentice which brings him in nicely at the weights.  Other hopes to Reflectance (5), Grayson Square (3) and The Storeman (4).

Race 4 - Say No More (1) is a multiple Group 1 winnning mare in New Zealand and looks pure quality.  However she has to lump 61kg 1st up so I'm prepared to risk her.  I will be taking particular note of her effort for future races.  Punch On (2) was disappointing 1st up but her record shows that she doesn't usually do much when resuming.  However her 2nd up record is excellent, winning 2 and placing 3rd in another from 4 starts.  I'm prepared to put the 1st up effort down to the race not being run to suit and as previously mentioned a history of not firing 1st up.  I think she will get a decent tempo here to show her usual finishing burst.  Has a good record over the distance.  Other hopes to Say No More (1), Cindarockinrella (4) and Beggin (6).

 

Race 5 - Alvitas (6) has been getting back in recent races and running on.  The jump to 1600m should suit his style as should a solid pace.  His form since coming to QLD has been 1st class and I can see him continuing on his way here.  Drops in weight from last start and gets the experienced Glen Colless in the saddle.  Other hopes to Revitalise (4), Tenacious Jack (9) and Bang On (7).

***With the scratching of Tenacious Jack, I'll promote Noble Jester (10) to the other hopes***

 

Race 6 - Silver Command (8) comes up a clear top rater here.  He's put together a nice record so far winning 4 from 8.  He is 3 from 3 over this distance.  He won a mid week race last start by 2 lengths and form has come out of that race.  Will race with just 52.5kg after the claim for Vance.  Trained nicely during the week.  There really doesn't look like there's much opposition in this race and this guy is improving.  Other hopes to Jugahlation (1), Daytime Dazzler (10) and Starstreamed (7).

***With the scratchings of Jugahlation and Starstreamed, I'll promote Triskele (5) and Chandra (3) for multiple players***

Race 7 - Gypsy Pearl (14) looks a likely type.  She has looked good in her brief career and appears to be improving each time.  She has a good record at the track and distance.  Her last start win was excellent and the start previous she went down by a whisker to I'm Cool which has shown some nice form this time in.  Other hopes to Bellantina (4), Empress Me (9) and Pretty Composed (10).

Race 8 - As would be expected, the speed will be on in this 1010m scamper.  A number of the leading hopes have drawn wide and I think they could be posted rather deep.  One horse that should get a glorious run is Pure Purrection (6).  She has drawn the 6 gate and I can see McMahon getting her into a nice spot without working too hard.  Although she rises to 57kg here, there is no doubting her form.  3 wins from 4 runs over this trip.  The writing was on the wall last start when she was way too good.  She can go back to back here.  Other hopes to Lady Montel (5), Inventory (1) and Plateau Gold (11).

Caulfield

Race 1 - Number 1 Shopaholic

Race 2 - Number 5 Committed 

Race 3 - Number 9 Lankan Rupee

Race 4 - Number 2 Kulgrinda

Race 5 - Number 9 Veewap

Race 6 - Number 5 Molto Bene

Race 7 - Number 3 Sincero

Race 8 - Number 16 Mr O'Ceirin

Race 9 - Number 6 Soft Sand

Randwick

Race 1 - Number 2 Honorius

Race 2 - Number 1 Raceway

Race 3 - Number 11 Jacquinot Bay

Race 4 - Number 1 Dear Demi

Race 5 - Number 5 Speediness

Race 6 - Number 8 All Too Hard

Race 7 - Number 5 Lamasery

Race 8 - Number 5 Nobby Snip

Best Bets

Doomben - Race 1 Number 7 Someday
               Race 6 Number 8 Silver Command
               Race 8 Number 6 Pure Purrfection

Caulfield - Race 4 Number 2 Kulgrinda
              Race 8 Number 6 Soft Sand

Randwick - Race 4 Number 1 Dear Demi
                Race 7 Number 5 Lamasery



15/09/12 - Doomben, Moonee Valley and Rosehill

Doomben

Race 1 - Last start winner Flying Jet (7) looks an excellent chance to go back to back. She raced much better opposition than this last campaign and was competitive. She hit the line well in winning 1st up and will be further improved for this. Her gallop this week was excellent which gives me further confidence. Other hopes to Our Hussey (4), Comahni (2) and Granzella (1).

Race 2 - Over half this field raced each other last start when Platinum State won. This time around Trakstar, Antartic Dream and Accidental have drawn favourably as opposed to the outside gates last time. Trakstar (2) was the one The Silk was on in that race and I won't be getting off here. In that race he missed the start and then raced wide throughout but was still able to rattle home and go down by the narrowest of margins. He draws barrier 2 this time and will be able to be placed in an excellent position. Worked well during the week. Other hopes to Antartic Dream (3), Platinum State (1) and Accidental (5).

Race 3 - Have I mentioned lately that I hate these 2000m+ races? Although the likes of Racing Heart and Attica have delivered for the Silk in these races lately, this week's edition looks a stinker and I'm not keen to get involved. If it was a leg of the quad and thank god it's not, I'd be saying take the field.

Race 4 - The 1110m is a touch on the short side for Marculoo (1) but I think she'll be helped by the way the race will run. Lone Assassin will cross from the outside gate but could meet opposition for the lead from Kalbo and Savage.  Marculoo will be able to possy up nicely from her inside gate and finish strongly.  Her 1st up form isn't flash but her record at the track is a good one.  She's won 2 and placed 2nd in 4 starts here.  Gets 3kg off for Matheson which could be critical.  Other hopes to Lone Assassin (5), Dr Barnard (2) and By Choice (3).

Race 5 - Jack's Back (7) won 1st up last start which was something he hadn't achieved in 3 previous tries.  His 2nd up record is perfect, admittedly he's only had the 1 2nd up race.  His record stands at 4 wins from 11 and although those 4 wins were all at Toowoomba he was very competitive as a 3 year old in town.  Will get a good run from the nice draw and will be running on when it counts.  Other hopes to Jugahlation (2), Solebid (10) and Jet Style (1).

Race 6 - Too Many Reds (8) went down by half a length last start to The Sixties.  In that race he missed the start and had to race wide in a small field.  The start prior he won and beat the in form Liesele.  With a bigger field and a great gate, Larry Cassidy will be able to give him a tremendous run.  Other hopes to The Sixties (2), Morning Captain (9) and Craiglea Falcon (4).

***With the scratching of Morning Captain, I'll promote Jabiru Dreaming (11) to the other hopes***

Race 7 - Did you catch the final burst by Hour Of Peril (7) last start?  Ding, ding, ding...the alarm bells went off for me.  Over the 1500m he came from last to go down by 2.2 lengths.  The extra 100m here will suit and particularly with the likes of Rockdale, Bold Glance, From London and Grey Assignment setting a decent tempo.  My mind takes me back to his Tatts Mile win a few months back and I can see a repeat of that performance.  Other hopes to Bold Glance (1), Hidden Kisses (8) and Lucky Luna (3).

Race 8 - Tenacious Jack (9) enters this race following a last start win.  He's been a model of consistency his past 4 starts racing around this distance.  I get the feeling he has a bit more improvement in him than most of these.  Has drawn barrier 4 and will get a lovely run.  Other hopes to Damn Good Idea (4), Dienekes (1) and Good Hunting (10).

***With the scratching of Dienekes, I'll promote Dorchester (6) to the other hopes***

Moonee Valley

Race 1 - Number 2 Forget 

Race 2 - Number 3 Malasun

Race 3 - Number 7 Ebony Rock

Race 4 - Number 4 Buxted

Race 5 - Number 2 Golden Archer

Race 6 - Number 7 Happy Trails

Race 7 - Number 6 Midnight Martini

Race 8 - Number 4 Mr Make Believe

Rosehill

Race 1 - Number 2 Gangster's Choice

Race 2 - Number 5 Westchester

Race 3 - Number 7 Coup Acclaim

Race 4 - Number 4 Dystopia

Race 5 - Number 1 More Joyous

Race 6 - Number 4 Kabayan

Race 7 - Number 4 Maules Creek

Race 8 - Number 11 Velrosso

Best Bets

Doomben - Race 1 Number 7 Flying Jet 
               Race 2 Number 2 Trakstar
               Race 6 Number 8 Too Many Reds

Moonee Valley - Race 7 Number 6 Midnight Martini

Rosehill - Race 4 Number 4 Dystopia

    

08/09/12 - Doomben, Flemington and Warwick Farm

The Silk found 7 winners last weekend.  After an excellent start with Racing Heart and Grey Assignment winning the opening races, things didn't really kick on.  Our 3 best bets all came close to saluting.  Pure Purrfection and Sincero won with Kabayan narrowly going down with a 2nd.  If you have a winning weekend please give some serious thought in getting behind Wayne McGrath who is raising money for the Sydney Children's Hospital Network in the 4Tracks4Kids walk.  A great cause and a great bloke.  You can do this by going to http://4tracks4kidssydney.gofundraise.com.au/page/doingitforthekids 

Doomben

Race 1 - Beautiful spring weather greets us at Doomben.  The last few days, temperatures have been around the 30 degree mark giving us a good track.  We have quite an even race to kick things off.  I'm going with Lucky Songs (1).  She comes off a last start win over 1500m where she put in a dominant performance.  Drops back in distance here but she has an excellent record of 4 wins, a 2nd and two thirds over this journey.  She does her best racing on a good surface which she gets here.  Jockey Tegan Harrison claims 3kg's and has a great relationship with the horse, only being out of the placings once in 6 starts on board.  Other hopes to For Mia (7), Our Hussey (3) and Miss Bradbury (11).

Race 2 - Around The World (5) resumed last start and ran a creditable 3rd to Liesele.  She was doing her best work late and the extra 90m here will suit.  Her record over this distance is 3 wins from 5.  2 of those wins have come at this venue.  Her 2nd up record is excellent, never being out of the 1st 2 in 3 goes.  Gets a nice weight advantage over Liesele and will get a nice run from Munce.  Other hopes to Punch On (2), Liesele (1) and Pretty Composed (8).

Race 3 - Revitalise (5) gets the run of the race here from the 2 alley.  He put behind the average showing 2 runs back to win last start over this track and distance.  Has only been penalised 0.5kg for that win.  His overall record is a good one at 4 wins and two 2nds from 9 starts.  The horse has been working really well this week and is rock hard fit.  Other hopes to Onetimeatbandcamp (4), Margins (6) and Cyclone Al (7).

Race 4 - This looks a race in two here between Solzhenitsyn and Bold Glance.  Solzhenitsyn (3) is a favourite of The Silk and will be my top pick.  The odds on offer aren't encouraging me to get involved however.  His record speaks for itself.  3 from 3 at the track and distance, 12 wins or placings from 16 starts on good going.  He could be susceptible 1st up but he worked well this week suggesting he is ready for a 1st up assault.  Other hopes to Bold Glance (1), Jugahlation and War Ends (4). 

***Jugahlation has been scratched.  I won't bother adding a replacement as the field is small*** 

Race 5 - Better Than Ready (2) won impressively on debut when absolutely belted by the punters.  He ran 4th in his only other start but he did he the line well.  He's warmed up nicely this week with some solid work.  I would suspect there will be a solid speed set here which will enable this bloke to power home.  Other hopes to Le Cap (5), Palais Court (8) and Reflectance (7).

Race 6 - The top weight here Attica (1) will do me here.  This horse has never been out of the placings over this distance from 4 starts.  He's won 2 of those and ran 3rd in the others.  He enters this race on the back of a win at the Gold Coast over this trip.  He will carry just 54.5kg after the claim for Tegan Harrison.  That is a massive advantage.  Should be able to park up close to the action from the inside gate.  Other hopes to Eureka Jack (10),  They Won't Last (5) and White City (11).

Race 7 - This looks a very interesting race with a number of key hopes drawn wide.  I'd suggest that creates a quite a decent speed early.  Alvitas (3) narrowly grabbed the cash for The Silk last start and given he likes to run on, I'll be sticking with him.  He's drawn wide which won't matter as much given his racing style.  He is undefeated in 3 starts over this distance.  Gets in with 57kg's after the claim for Anthony Allen.  He has won carrying 59kg before so he can handle big imposts.  Other hopes to Someday (11), Side To Side (7) and Mujahu (14).

Race 8 - Again we see a number of leading chances drawing wide.  In this sprint over 1110m, that's not ideal.  One horse that has drawn nicely is I'm Cool (11).  This guy will jump and run from the 3 gate.  He has the 3kg claim for Matheson which leaves him with just 51kg to  carry.  Last start he was run down on the line by the good horse Someday (races in previous) over 1200m. Dropping back in distance will help him hold on.  Other hopes to Double Image (2), Run With Me (12) and D'Jet (3).

Flemington

Race 1 - Number 7 Agueda
Race 2 - Number 13 Bel Thor
Race 3 - Number 4 Launay
Race 4 - Number 10 Total Attraction
Race 5 - Number 9 Snitzerland
Race 6 - Number 2 Manighar
Race 7 - Number 8 Shanghai Warrior 
Race 8 - Number 6 Excluded

Warwick Farm

Race 1 - Number 7 Jacquinot Bay
Race 2 - Number 5 You Think So
Race 3 - Number 8 Upshot
Race 4 - Number 4 Toydini
Race 5 - Number 4 Lamasery
Race 6 - Number 5 Meidung
Race 7 - Number 2 Rain Affair
Race 8 - Number 4 Kontiki Park

Best Bets

Doomben - Race 3 Number 5 Revitalise

               Race 5 Number 2 Better Than Ready

Flemington - Race 1 Number 7 Agueda
                  Race 3 Number 4 Launay
                  Race 8 Number 6 Excluded

Warwick Farm - Race 5 Number 4 Lamasery
                      Race 8 Number 4 Kontiki Park  

 

05/09/12 Midweek Tickles

I don't normally delve into the midweeks but I had a little extra time on my hands so I thought I would have a look.  Here's a few horses that interest me.  Might be worth your while throwing some or all into a multi. 

 

Doomben

 

Race 1 - Number 12 Sassy Miss

 

Canterbury

 

Race 1 - Number 7 It's A Dundeel

 

Race 3 - Number 8 Spurs And Sashes

 

Race 4 - Number 2 Charge Account

 

Race 7 - Number 2 Sorellina

 

Sandown

 

Race 2 - Number 4 Destiny's Kiss