29/12/12 - Doomben, Moonee Valley and Canterbury

Doomben

Race 1 - Track currently a Dead 5 (Friday afternoon) and there's a chance of storms so I've worked on a dead/slow track.  Track upgraded to a dead 4 Saturday morning with thoughts that it will get to good 3 later.  That won't affect my picks.     

Very hard to get excited about a 2200m race with just the 6 runners.  Putting Break The Ice (6) on top but would be very reluctant to put my hard earned on.  It's been running on well in it's 2 most recent efforts.  He beat 3 of these last start and remains at the same weight while they go up.  Has 2 wins at the distance and won't be bothered by a damp track.  Should be able to control the speed from infront.  Hardest to beat - Dodging Eddie (5).

Race 2 - Discreet (10) drops in class here and will prove very hard to beat.  As a 2 year old she raced against some very nice horses and always was running on strong.  1st up this campaign she had a torrid time of it racing 3 and 4 wide but was still able to be in it until 100m out.  She has drawn well here and will be able to put herself right in it.  Has placed on dead, slow and heavy so rain won't be a problem.  Other hopes to Hollyweird (5), Bradbury Chocolate (1) and Hidden Shuffle (3).

Race 3 - There is going to be a decent speed set here in this 1110m scamper.  Trail Boss (3) is currently at $17 and I believe offers a good each way chance.  He always is hitting the line hard as demonstrated by his 1st up 3rd when he almost won.  He loves the sting out of the ground and if the track becomes duck friendly then this bloke will love it.  He races well 2nd up, winning 3 of 4.  He has 3 wins and a 2nd on slow/heavy tracks so if we get more rain it won't worry him.  He has form around the likes of Too Many Reds and Whateverwhenever who he beat.  Other hopes to Kilwinning Option (1), Star Of Wealth (10) and Beautiful Timing (4).

***With the scratching of Trail Boss, I'll promote Kilwinning Option (1) to top pick and promote Confident Start (8) to the other hopes***

Race 4 - Secret Garden (7) looks ready to win here following a barnstorming 2nd last start over 1400m.  She was hitting the line hard in that race so the extra 200m here will be to her liking.  She narrowly ran 2nd in the listed Gold Coast bracelet which is excellent form for this.  Although capable on top of the ground, any rain would bolster her chances.  Other hopes to Noisy Ocean (2), Boys On Tour (1) and Equissential (9).

Race 5 - The Group 3 B.J McLachlan Stakes for 2 year olds looks to be a cracking race and will give us an insight into the Magic Millions.  It's an open race and I see at least a handful with winning chances.  I get the feeling that everything I'm Too Sexy (5) has done so far has been in preparation for the Magic Millions.  It won on debut at Ballarat in the Clockwise Classic so it can handle the QLD way of going.  That win by 3 lengths was on a dead 5 so I'm assuming that it will get through wet ground if need be.  It won a trial on the Gold Coast with Luke Currie a few weeks ago.  Surely they mean business if the jockey is prepared to come up from Victoria to ride a trial.  Has drawn the peg so will be able to boot forward and take up a nice spot.  Other hopes to Sweet Idea (7), Sir Luminar (1) and Missy Longstocking (6).

Race 6 - Sizzling (1) clearly looks the one here.  As would be expected bookies are making it difficult for us to get on.  Was way too good for his rivals last start and he meets a lot of them again today. 

Race 7 - Fire Up Fifi (9) has become a bomb proof horse.  She shows up every time she races and is rarely out of the top 3.  Last start over 1300m, she rattled home to win.  The extra 300m will be to her liking here.  She races well at this track and over this distance.  She does her best racing on a dead track but won't be bothered if it gets wetter.  Other hopes to Carry Me Bluey (3), Mystical Grey (4) and Alma's Fury (6).

Race 8 - With a big field and so many of the better chances drawn wide, there should be a decent speed set here.  That should suit Longshoreman (4) who has been hitting the line with great gusto over 1200m.  The extra 150m here will be right up his alley.  Again it must be noted that with the chance of rain, this guy has a good record on slow/heavy tracks.  Other hopes to Platinum State (6), Someday (7) and Double Impact (3).  

***With the scratching of Longshoreman, I'll promote Platinum State (6) to the top pick and promote Sons Of God (8)***



Moonee Valley

Race 1 - Number 2 Clevadude

Race 2 - Number 2 Under The Leaner

Race 3 - Number 1 Caitlin's Spirit 

Race 4 - Number 11 Genuine Spin

Race 5 - Number 16 Girl Gone Rockin

Race 6 - Number 7 Lady Antebellum

Race 7 - Number 10 Te Karaka

Race 8 - Number 5 It Is Written


Canterbury

Race 1 - Number 3 Lilliburlero  

Race 2 - Number 3 Aussies Love Sport

Race 3 - Number 7 Cathay Lady

Race 4 - Number 2 She's A Stalker

Race 5 - Number 1 Princess Layla

Race 6 - Number 7 Hoss Amor

Race 7 - Number 6 Planetarium

Race 8 - Number 5 Gasquet 

22/12/12 - Flemington, Warwick Farm and Doomben

Flemington

Race 1 - No Interest
Race 2 - Waratone (1)
Race 3 - Fast And Free (1)
Race 4 - Hotham Heights (5)
Race 5 - Quicksilver Lass (5)
Race 6 - Lord Of Brazil (1)
Race 7 - Tuscan Fire (5)
Race 8 - Gig (7)

Warwick Farm

Race 1 - Heart Testa (1)
Race 2 - Mosse Diva (3)
Race 3 - No Interest
Race 4 - Baltra (10)
Race 5 - Fortunefivehundred (8)
Race 6 - Galah (9)
Race 7 - Disciple (7)
Race 8 - Hypurr (2)

Doomben

Race 1 - Endless Shadow (3)
Race 2 - Excellent Al (1)
Race 3 - Anagold (5)
Race 4 - Tornado Miss (12)
Race 5 - Thirsty For Blood (10)
Race 6 - G'day Old Mate (4)
Race 7 - Startsmeup (2)
Race 8 - I'm Cool (3)

21/12/12 - Moonee Valley

Race 1 - Number 3 Perfect Offering

Race 2 - Number 5 Choisziata

Race 3 - Number 4 Hard Romp

Race 4 - Number 1 Ivory Cross

Race 5 - Number 2 Night Moves

Race 6 - Number 5 Now And Zen

Race 7 - Number 4 Lady Krovanh

Race 8 - Number 1 And Rock

21/12/12 - Ipswich

Race 1 - Number 2 Dangerous Edition

Race 2 - Number 5 Trick Tronic

Race 3 - Number 7 Royale Crown

Race 4 - Number 2 Elmantosh

Race 5 - Number 4 Fallforme

Race 6 - Number 5 Desperate Dan

Race 7 - Number 5 Soul Crusade

20/12/12 - Moonee Valley

Race 1 - Number 5 Oakford Lass

Race 2 - Number 1 Akzar

Race 3 - Number 9 Metro Park

Race 4 - Number 4 Octavia

Race 5 - Number 1 Day Procedure

Race 6 - Number 3 Tiger Stripe

Race 7 - Number 10 Lamingtons

Race 8 - Number 2 Quatra Valve

19/12/12 - Eagle Farm

Race 1 - Number 6 Itchintowin

Race 2 - Number 2 Cliff's Dream

Race 3 - Number 4 Sunset Affair

Race 4 - Number 1 Epic Dragon

Race 5 - Number 4 Rocky King

Race 6 - Number 2 Argie's Heart

Race 7 - Number 5 Decked Out

Race 8 - Number 13 Jet Ace

16/12/12 - Sunshine Coast

Race 1 - Number 4 Red Tutu

Race 2 - Number 3 Knights

Race 3 - Number 1 Switch On

Race 4 - Number 1 Lady Agulhas

Race 5 - Number 15 Mishani Ladyhawke

Race 6 - Number 1 Jazzbo Marks

Race 7 - Number 7 Mishani Sinner

Race 8 - Number 9 Flaming Aura 

15/12/12 - Eagle Farm

Eagle Farm

Race 1 - Poste Restante (3) enters this race looking for a hattrick of wins.  She's the class runner of the field and should win.  However I won't be accepting $1.75 or whatever low price is on offer.  It beat most of these last start quite comfortably.  It has a good record at the track and distance.  There's other races to get involved in.  Hardest to beat is Count Encosta (2). 

Race 2 - Londehero (1) went down by a head to Sister Magic in his race debut 2 weeks ago.  After jumping awkwardly, he raced 3 wide mid pack.  He still had the audacity to charge home.   He'll be better for the experience and with an excellent barrier, will be hard to beat.  Other hopes to Eliminator (2), Sir Luminar (8) and El Tornado (3).

Race 3 - Missy Longstocking (1) created quite an impression 7 weeks ago when she annihilated a similar field by 7 lengths (2nd beat the rest by 7!) in just her 2nd race start.  She won by close to 6 lengths on debut.  Although she has had nearly 2 months off, she did trial well recently.  I can't see her losing this but understandably bookies aren't letting us on.  Hardest to beat Global Dream (3).

Race 4 - Lucky Sound (4) has won all 3 starts since resuming.  The 1st 2 wins were gap jobs but he had to work harder for it last time over this distance.  He has an excellent record at the track and for jockey Larry Cassidy.  He's drawn awkwardly in 13 but I feel he'll be able to get across to be in the 1st 4 or so horses.  The wide barrier may get a better price.  At the end of the day, this is a really nice horse.  Other hopes to Keep It Moist (12), Peace Talks (13) and De Dozen Stars (6).

Race 5 - After trialing nicely, Carry Me Bluey (2) didn't run up to expectations 1st up over 1200m.  It's been 3 weeks since that run and he steps up to 1600m.  A distance he's enjoyed in the past as highlighted by his record of 3 wins, a 2nd and 3rd from 7 starts.  I'm putting my faith in him returning to his best as if he does, he's too good for these.  He's drawn on the inside this time as opposed to out wide last start and I think that will encourage Cahill to get closer to the action earlier.  He has a splendid finish.  Other hopes to Jet Style (5), Pepperwood (1) and Mystical Grey (4).

Race 6 - Sizzling (1) is the class runner in this race and goes on top for me.  This guy won a Group 1 and 2 Group 2's during the Brisbane winter.  Since resuming he raced in Melbourne and acquitted himself well finishing less than 2 lengths from the winner in the Group 1 Coolmore.  Kelso Wood said he didn't handle the straight that day.  He races well at this track where he has won 3 from 4.  He'll be hitting the line with gusto.  Other hopes to Lucky Hussler (8), Mishani Persuader (10) and The Conspirator (7).

Race 7 - This looks an open race and many of the top chances raced each other last start.  Risk Aversion (4) ran 7th of 9 in that race but it isn't as bad as it looks on paper.  It only lost by 2.5 lengths and as the race was totally run to unsuit, that's a good effort in my book.  There should be a fair speed set here which will suit this gal today.  She has a powerful finish and will be looking to use it.  Her 2nd up record is a good one as is her record at this track.  Other hopes to Fire Up Fifi (3), Jester's Girl (5) and Cuddlesome (10).

Race 8 - Dream'n'ignite (7) looks a great chance in the last.  Last start she raced against harder opposition and ran 2nd last by 6.8 lengths.  She was outclassed but did lose a plate.  Before that she won 3 from 3 in great fashion.  She drops 1kg on last start.  She has won 2 from 3 over this distance at this track.  Cahill will be able to slot her in beautifully just behind a decent speed and she'll be running on.  Other hopes to Royal Shout (13), Rocket To Glory (4) and Viking Heart (14).

***With the scratching of Royal Shout, I'll promote Lightfeet Lady (6) to the other hopes***
       

14/12/12 - Ipswich

Ipswich

Race 1 - Number 6 I'm Livingthedream

Race 2 - Number 3 Neurum Road

Race 3 - Number 8 A Tad Apart

Race 4 - Number 5 Harvey's Loss

Race 5 - Number 7 Lassila

Race 6 - Number 3 King Capo

Race 7 - Number 2 Great Cheer

12/12/12 - Doomben

Race 1 - 2 Exotic Sequel    Hardest to beat : 11 Turvanna

 

Race 2 - 3 Love Rocks       Hardest to beat: 4 Quantum Shadow and 8 Gallinari

 

Race 3 - 5 Beach Babe      Hardest to beat: 3 Sequends and 9 Jungira

 

Race 4 - 7 Interject           Hardest to beat: 8 Pure Reality and 1 Felony Flight

 

Race 5 - 10 Moment Of Impact Hardest to beat: 8 Hard Ticker and 9 Major Mike

 

Race 6 - 4 Matabrahma     Hardest to beat: 7 Miss Bradbury and 6 Vacallo

 

Race 7 - 9 Stradon             Hardest to beat: 11 Elite Ateates and 10 Hollyweird

 

Race 8 - 6 Volkhere           Hardest to beat: 13 Indubious and 12 Epic Terra

08/12/12 - Eagle Farm, Caulfield and Rosehill

Race 1 - Choisenegger (1) debuted a fortnight ago at this track and ran an eye catching 2nd over 1000m.  He missed by the barest of margins after rattling home in the straight.  The extra 200m in this race will no doubt be to his liking.  However if he gets into ridiculous odds, I won't be getting involved.  Other hopes to Architect (3), Jerrocity (6) and Abu Ben Adam (2).

Race 2 - I see Hi Son and Heza Jetsetter fighting this race out as they did 2 weeks ago at this track.  On that occasion over 1500m Hi Son got the better of Heza Jetsetter by 1.3 lengths.  The talking point was whether Hi Son coming out 100m from home cost Heza Jetsetter the win.  Stewards thought not.  This time around, Heza Jetsetter (2) meets his rival 1.5kg better off and I think he can turn the tables.  He looked like he was going particularly well until having to steady.  He also lost a plate during the race.  Other hopes to Hi Son (1), Mishani Stealth (4) and Allknight Saint (5).

Race 3 - I would love to see Dodging Eddie win here but I can't have him on top despite the way he finished off last time out.  Because I've said that, he'll no doubt win!  I'm going with Excellent Al (11).  He ran 3rd in the same race as Dodging Eddie and was also hard charging at the end.  Unlike the 2 that beat him that day, he drops in weight albeit a half a kilo.  He's only had the 5 starts in his career but he certainly shows a lot of promise, winning or placing in all bar 1 of them.  Seems to race better the further the race.  Other hopes to Business Day (10), Dodging Eddie (1) and Dolly Dolly (4).

Race 4 - Twin Zero (8) has been racing quite well this campaign.  He's done most of his racing in country NSW but did make a successful trip here 2 starts back.  On that occasion he sat 3 deep and still had enough in the tank to fight strongly to the line to win.  That win was over the same distance at this track.  He probably should have won last start back home but encountered a lot of trouble.  Jeff Lloyd will be able to settle the horse in a better position today and I suspect will be very hard to hold out.  Other hopes to Sons Of God (7), Empress Me (9) and Preacher Boy (3).

Race 5 - Big field of 3 year old fillies go around here and it's no easy task finding a winner.  I've gone with La Frisson Belle (13).  She's resumed in nice fashion with a 2nd 1st up and then winning last start in style.  Rob Heathcote rates this horse and it put in some nice work during the week.  She's drawn badly in 16 but I feel that she'll be able to get across and take up a position in the first 4 or so horses.  Other hopes to Lady Colours (4), Tiger Dimejan (17) and Caliente (6).

Race 6 - Bradbury Chocolate (10) resumes here after creating a lot of interest during it's career.  She's won 7 of 8 starts and arguably could have had a perfect record with more luck in her last start.  She's won 4 from 4 over this trip and is 2 from 2 1st up.  She won a trial easily in preparation for this.  Gets in with just 52kg after the claim.  She's drawn nicely in barrier 3.  Other hopes to Theft (1), Signified (2) and G'day Old Mate (5).

Race 7 - This looks a very competitive race on paper.  I can see a fair pace set here with the likes of Adebisi, Audacious Spirit, Celtic Dancer and Excellantes pushing forward.  For that reason I'm going with Belltone (3).  This guy resumes here and doesn't have the best winning 1st up record.  Having said that he has won or placed in 4 out of 8 of them.  He raced really well last campaign over slightly longer journeys than this but I feel with the speed on, he'll be able to come home strong.  Other hopes to Phelan Ready (1), Excellantes (6) and Morning Captain (9).

Race 8 - Someday (8) had a tremendous last campaign where he won 4 of 5 and ran 2nd in the other.  He looked a really nice horse and if he's come back in similar fashion then he should be too tough for these.  He has a perfect record over this distance.  Other hopes to Double Impact (6), Commandare (12) and Longshoreman (13).

Best Bets

Race 6 Number 10 Bradbury Chocolate
Race 8 Number 8 Someday


Other Meetings

Caulfield - Race 2 Number 4 Commanding Time
                Race 3 Number 1 Marble Rye
                Race 4 Number 9 Spot On Maggie
                Race 5 Number 4 Queen's Ransom
                Race 6 Number 4 Alpha Proxima
                Race 7 Number 9 Full Peal
                Race 8 Number 10 British General
               
Rosehill - Race 4 Number 6 Secluded 
              Race 5 Number 6 Travolta
              Race 6 Number 3 Cabernet
              Race 7 Number 4 Leviosa
              Race 8 Number 8 Anevay     

07/12/12 - Ipswich

I must be a glutton for punishment as I'm going around again today after a horror Wednesday at Doomben.  How poor was that?  Not a result went my way and to rub salt into the wounds, Amalfi Dreams and Mishani Persuader as Silk 2nd picks got up at double figure odds.  This isn't the best card to try to rectify things but I do like supporting the locals.    

Race 1 - Number 10 Urbane

Race 2 - Number 9 Bundu Boy

Race 3 - Number 10 All Our Wives

Race 4 - Number 8 Miss Fency

Race 5 - Number 3 Optionality

Race 6 - Number 2 Papa Gee

Race 7 - Number 4 Seastra 

05/12/12 - Doomben Midweek

Race 1 - We kick things off with a maiden field where it's hard to find a runner that's managed to finish in the placings more than once.  The Paparazzi (2) has been competitive since coming over from NZ.  In those 3 starts, it's managed a two 2nds and a 4th.  It carries 59kg here but it's no stranger to lumping big weights.  There doesn't look to be a great deal of speed in the race and I can see jockey Damian Browne taking the race up here and controlling things.  If that's the case, he should be tough to beat.  Other hopes to You're Serious (5), Hannibal Ad Portas (1) and Captain Francis (3).

Race 2 - Magic In Motion (9) came agonisingly close to breaking her maiden status last start when beaten by 0.2 of a length over this trip.  I think she can do it in this race.  She drops 3.5kg to 55kg and has drawn nicely in gate 2.  With a record of two 2nds and a 3rd from 4 starts, her time has come.  Other hopes to Itchintowin (8), Tips 'n' Tales (12) and Phantom Caller (11).

Race 3 - The Rob Heathcote/Damian Browne lovefest continues in race 3 with Bribie (2).  Bribie has been racing in harder class races than this and has been doing it admirably.  Drops back to a class 5 here and although rises in weight, should be too good for these.  There should be a decent enough speed for him to come over them in the straight.  Other hopes to Reassemble (3), Tickled (5) and I'll Takemanhattan (8).

Race 4 - I'm not eager to get involved in this maiden. Betting moves will be the best guide if you feel inclined to take part.  If push came to shove, I'd put Artalo (6) on top.  She's drawn the extreme outside which puts it at a distinct disadvantage over the 1020m.  Having said that, there doesn't look a lot of talent in this race.  It trialed well before running a very close 2nd at Ipswich over 800m.  Other hopes to Idahlia (10), Magnetic Miss (9) and Canny Candoo (1).

Race 5 - Gran Torino (1) resumes here and has an imposing 1st up record.  From 5 resumptions, she's won 4 and placed 3rd in the other.  This is her pet distance and has performed well at this track in the past.  She has beaten Lightfoot Lady previously and meets her more favourably at the weights.  Matheson should be able to slot her into a forward position from the nice gate.  Other hopes to Lightfoot Lady (2), Power Of Ed (3) and Secrets Revealed (8).

Race 6 - Lucky Morna (10) has only the 1 career win to her credit but she has been racing in considerably harder races than this.  She was competitive in races such as the Vo Rogue and the Magic Millions Guineas.  Based on that, you would think that a midweek class 3 should be right up her alley.  Other hopes to Amalfi Dreams (5), Karisha (9) and Precious Mandy (3).

Race 7 - I'm not a fan of Brisbane Saturday 2000m+ races so imagine my enthusiasm for the midweek variety.  I'm going with the bottom weight Wisp O' Will (14).  This horse has been racing consistently of late.  In fact, she's only been out of the placings once in 7 races since a break.  Last start she was nutted late after leading a 2180m race at Ipswich.  I don't have a doubt he'll handle the 2030m here. Something I can't say about many of her rivals.  She's drawn the outside but I feel she'll be able to get across to a good position a 2 or 3 pairs back.  Jocky Jim Byrne has struck up a good combination with this horse.  Drops 3kg on last start.  Other hopes to Square Up (1), Utmost Faith (4) and Master Avatar (8).

Race 8 - Quite a competitive class 3 over 1200m to end the day.  I'm going with Classic Bend (14).  This horse has had only the 1 start but won it convincingly over 1110m.  He jumped and ran on that occasion and was never headed.  His time for the final 600m was excellent.  He's drawn awkwardly in barrier 12 but Munce (jockey now D.Browne, won't lose anything there) should be able to get him across into a nice spot.  Further improvement in his 2nd race start should be expected.  Other hopes to Mishani Persuader (10), The Longshoreman (3) and Big Decision (7).

***With the scratching of The Longshoreman, I'll promote Jet Ace (15) to the other hopes***


Best Bets

Race 3 Number 2 Bribie
Race 6 Number 10 Lucky Morna