01/09/12 - Eagle Farm, Caulfield and Rosehill

Last weekend 8 winners were found but unfortunately they were all short priced favourites. Not exactly what we were looking for but some nice collects were found combining them in multis such as the Liesele, Commanding Jewel, Moment Of Change, Nechita multi I had. Again we're presented with some good racing and hopefully some winners can be found. I strongly encourage any punters that have a win this Saturday to donate to a good friend of The Silk, Wayne McGrath who is taking part in 4 Tracks 4 Kids. Wayne's a great bloke and this is a great cause so get behind them both. The website is http://4tracks4kids.com.au/

Eagle Farm

Race 1 - We open up with as many Silk readers will know is my least favourite Brisbane Saturday race.....the 2000m+ event. Again we see mostly the same horses going around. Racing Heart (2) saluted for The Silk last time out and I'll be sticking with him here. I feel that he will be able to lead here and control the race. His record at the track is excellent, winning 5 and placing in 3 others from 12 starts. Other hopes to Saint Encosta (4), Topping (3) and Deacon (7).

 

Race 2 - Grey Assignment (7) looks right in this on recent form. Following 2 good wins at Ipswich and the Sunny Coast, Grey Assignment ran into trouble but still only lost by 1.4 lengths to War Ends. He then ran 1 length to the flying Fire Up Fifi. He should be well and truly primed to fire here. From the good gate, Munce will be able to position him up just behind the speed. Other hopes to Satch (11), Hour Of Peril (3) and War Ends (6).

***With the scratching of War Ends, I'll promote Hidden Kisses (4) to the other hopes***

Race 3 - This is a very open race with over half of them having a legimate chance of winning. I'm going with the Tony Gollan trained Trakstar (7). He's only had the 2 starts, winning his debut effort and running a tough 6th last start. On that occasion he was caught wide but still kept attacking the line. The extra 200m here will suit him nicely. Other hopes to Mishani Ladyhawke (15), Lita (13) and Congo (1).

Race 4 - David Payne has brought Latin News (2) up from Sydney to resume here. This is clearly the class horse in the race having raced in group and listed races. Gets in with 56.5kg and gets Jeff Lloyd to guide. It has an excellent fresh record, winning 3 and running 2nd in another from 6 1st up efforts. The speed up front will be on so that will suit. Warmed up for this with a trial win. Other hopes to Haizum (3), Carry To Fortune (4) and The Jackal (1).

Race 5 - It was hard to miss the run of Pure Purrfection (11) last time out. She drew the outside in a field of 16 and flew home for 4th over this same course. She draws much better here in the 4 gate. On top of that impressive run, she worked beautifully this week.  I'm really keen about this one.  Other hopes to Outback Legend (7), Savage (4) and Golden Trinkets (10).

***With the scratching of Outback Legend, I'll promote Arado (2) to the other hopes***

Race 6 - Dienekes (1) has been racing in good style since resuming.  It's won 1 and run 2nd in those 3 starts.  Last start over this distance it was just nutted by Transporter who has since won.  Again it's drawn wide but I believe he will be able to cross and lead.  He put a gap job on a lot of these last start and I think that should hold him in good stead here.  Other hopes to Hush Power (16), Casse Sqarette (5) and Erinsea (2).

Race 7 - This is a very tough leg for quaddie players and I'd suggest going wide.  I'll have a small wager on Koranovsky (11).  Firstly, she gets a significant weight relief from last start, dropping 5kg's after the claim.  She has draw much better here and could get to the lead or be very handy without overly exerting herself.  She ran well fresh and then ran 4th after working hard from a wide gate.  She has a good record at this track.  Other hopes to Catashee (6), Chart (8) and Jet Style (14).

***With the scratching of Chart, I'll promote Been Broke Before (10) to the other hopes***

Race 8 - Golden Cash (4) was a total forget it ran job last start.  It bombed the start and ran last.  However it's prior form was excellent.  It ran 2nd to D'Jet and Liesele.  At the end of it's last campaign it was close to Balavan and Solzhenitsyn.  It has a good record over this distance and gets the services of Jeff Lloyd.  He'll be able to get the horse into a winning position from the good gate.  Other hopes to By Choice (10), Solebid (15) and Flying Jet (16).

Caulfield

Race 1 - Number 8 Walk With Attitude

Race 2 - Number 1 Spirit Song 

Race 3 - Number 7 Ravenous Lass

Race 4 - Number 5 Kabayan

Race 5 - Number 1 Golden Archer 

Race 6 - Number 3 Sincero

Race 7 - Number 9 Mr O'Ceirin

Race 8 - Number 3 Parthian 

Rosehill

Race 1 - Number 10 Westchester

Race 2 - Number 4 Proisir

Race 3 - Number 4 Hardbreak Hotel

Race 4 - Number 6 Thumbtacks

Race 5 - Number 1 Pierro

Race 6 - Number 5 Stout Hearted

Race 7 - Number 2 O'Reilly's Prize

Race 8 - Number 4 Debelle

Best Bets

Eagle Farm - Race 5 Number 11 Pure Purrfection

Caulfield - Race 4 Number 5 Kabayan
              Race 6 Number 3 Sincero
          

Multis

Eagle Farm - Latin News / Pure Purrfection / Golden Cash 
Mad Fella Multi - Latin News/Pure Purrfection/Golden Cash/Kabayan/Sincero/Proisir/Pierro 

  

  

25/08/12 - Doomben, Moonee Valley and Warwick Farm

Last Saturday was a reasonably successful day for The Silk.  10 winners were found on the day with the best results recorded at Doomben where 5 of the 8 winners were selected.  Hopefully I can build on that this Saturday.  

Doomben

Race 1 - Liesele (2) won for The Silk last Saturday and can double up here.  She is flying this preparation.  Rises 2.5kg but I don't think that is as unfavourable as Carry To Fortune who finds itself lumped with an extra 5kg.  Liesele gets the services of 1 of Brisbane's best jockeys in Browne to guide her.  He should be able to position her nicely behind the speed.  Other hopes to Carry To Fortune (1), Newborn (6) and General Secretary (5).

Race 2 - Only the 6 horses engaged here so tactics will be the paramount.  I would be reluctant to get involved here.  The Sixties (3) should be able to get a soft lead here and that could prove telling.  His record over the distance is excellent however he tends to race better at Eagle Farm. He could be left a sitting duck.  For that reason, I'm going with Too Many Reds (4). He was excellent 1st up for the Gollan stable where he nutted Liesele on the line in fast time.  His 2nd up record is superb and drops 3kg's from his 1st run. He put in a top run during the week to prime himself for this.  Cassidy should give position him well from good draw.  Hardest to beat The Sixties (3) and The Ringmaster (5).

Race 3 - From London (2) can't draw a gate and that's again the case here.  He's been racing with incredible heart lately as shown by his last start win over this distance.  On that occasion he beat key rivals Revitalise and Equissential.  I don't think he will be caught wide in this race as he has in past starts.  Micky Cahill should be able to get him across to sit 3rd or 4th and should prove hard to run down.  Other hopes to Playaction (3), Cyclone Al (1) and Revitalise (10).

Race 4 - The speed looks solid here with a handful of horses that have shown a liking to leading.  For that reason, I'm going with a horse that runs on in Dorchester (3).  This horse is coming off a last start win over this distance at this track where she ran over the top of them.  Gets in here with 53.5kg after the claim for Myer.  Her record at this track/distance is a win and a 2nd from 2 starts.  Other hopes to Granzella (1), I'm Busy (10) and For Mia (8).

Race 5 - Doubtfilly (1) is clearly the class runner here.  She ran 3.3 lengths off Pierro in the Golden Slipper and it's hard to see any of these getting anywhere that sort of effort.  However we're being asked to take $1.90 about a horse that is resuming and has to carry a big weight.  If you must it may be worth your while to play the multiples.  Other hopes to Trakstar (11), Athanea (5) and Khaanantes (6).

Race 6 - Again we should see a fair speed set here with a number of horses that like to lead and horses that have drawn wide that will want to push forward.  I'm going with Whateverwhenever (3).  This mare loves a wet track and hasn't raced on a good surface for some time.  I'm not letting that put me off.  She has raced particularly well over this track and distance in the past and has never been out of the placings.  Her 2nd up record is excellent.  She's a run on horse but I can see McMahon settling her closer to the action from the peg.  In an open affair, I think she presents good value.  Other hopes to D'Jet (1), Aquatorial (6) and Tunahog (12).

Race 7 - The customary 2000m+ race has been snuck in late in the program.  This time we have 16 runners to cause grief.  I think the $17 currently on offer for Lagonissi (12) is tremendous value and that's the way I'll be going.  This horse came 4th last start over this distance after drawing a horror gate and going back.  It ran on well in the straight.  It gets a much better draw here and I think Jason Taylor can take advantage of that.  Has a good record over this distance.  Other hopes to Eureka Jack (11), Deacon (1) and Saint Saiala (13).

Race 8 - If you're alive going into the last leg of the Quaddie, well done and good luck.  This is another competitive race with a number of chances.  Alvitas (8) looks well placed with just 52.5kg after the claim for Allen.  This horse is unbeaten over this distance and has resumed in great style.  He drops 6.5kg for winning a class 1 impressively at the Gold Coast with 59kg.  Again draws a good gate and I think Allen will take advantage of that.  Other hopes to Starlin (7), Magic Shuffle (5) and Straight (11).

Moonee Valley

Race 1 - Number 6 Commanding Jewel
Race 2 - Number 2 Draw Forward
Race 3 - Number 2 Storm Burst
Race 4 - Number 3 Crabs
Race 5 - Number 5 Liberty Rock
Race 6 - Number 1 Atomic Force
Race 7 - Number 6 Philda
Race 8 - Number 11 Livigno

Warwick Farm

Race 1 - Number 2 Kelinni
Race 2 - Number 5 Charleston Lady
Race 3 - Number 4 Moment Of Change
Race 4 - Number 15 Strawberry Boy
Race 5 - Number 8 Sumarand
Race 6 - Number 11 Rock 'N' Pop
Race 7 - Number 10 Nechita
Race 8 - Number 1 Steps In Time     
       

18/08/12 - Doomben, Caulfield and Rosehill

It will be a shortened form of The Silk this week.  Work Commitments and catching up with my best mate who I haven't seen for 3 years have seen me unable to do my usual write up.  
  

Doomben

Race 1 - Number 2 Congo
             
Race 2 - Number 4 Fire Up Fifi

            
Race 3 - Number 5 Catashee (Quinella with 1 Hidden Kisses)

         

Race 4 - Number 5 Startsmeup (Quinella with 2 Golden Cash)
             
Race 5 - Number 1 Racing Heart

             
Race 6 - Number 12 Liesele
             
Race 7 - Number 3 Transporter
             
Race 8 - Number 4 I'm Cool
            
Caulfield

Race 1 - Number 2 Yulalona

Race 2 - Number 3 Rememba Howe

Race 3 - Number 5 Planet Voyage

Race 4 - Number 6 Elite Elle

Race 5 - Number 4 Freereturn

Race 6 - Number 6 Ready To Rip

Race 7 - Number 14 Lady Melksham

Race 8 - Number 6 Forty Thirty

Rosehill

Race 1 - Number 3 Stout Hearted

Race 2 - Number 1 Nocturnelle 

Race 3 - Number 1 All Too Hard

Race 4 - Number 2 Hendricus

Race 5 - Number 13 Queen's Elect

Race 6 - Number 4 See The World

Race 7 - Number 4 Said Com

Race 8 - Number 4 Urgent Bells

          

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   

04/08/12 - Doomben, Moonee Valley and Canterbury

Doomben

Race 1 - Currently the track is rated a Dead 4 and there is next to no chance of rain so we will finally be racing on a decent track in Brisbane which will give all runners a chance.  (As was thought to be the case, the track has been upgraded to a Good 3).  A few of these youngsters have had a bit of racing and are probably coming to the end of their campaigns.  I'm going with the fresh horse on the scene in Saddleback (3).  This horse has had only the 1 start and won over 1300m at the Sunshine Coast.  He came home well on a heavy track which leads me to believe 1600m won't be a problem.  Should get a nice run 3 or 4 horses back.  Other hopes to Show A Noee (1), Congo (4) and You're Mine (7).

Race 2 - With the scratching of Carry Me Bluey, only 5 runners will go around here.  Topping (3) has been racing in great heart lately and looks the 1 to beat.  Hopefully you took the $4 or so on offer before the scratching of Bluey because it's probably not worth the risk now. 

Race 3 - This looks a great race for Hidden Kisses (3).  She has been rattling home in her last couple of runs suggesting she is wanting this distance in a big way.  She has been racing in a lot better quality races than the rest of these.  It's hard to see many of these competing like she did.  She gets a more favourable firmer ground and I'm sure she'll relish the improved conditions.  Understandably we're being asked to take a very short price here.  Other hopes to Welcome Parade (8), Granzella (1) and Magic Tartan (5).

Race 4 - Here it is.....the race that has me pulling my hair out every Saturday in Brisbane.  The level of consistency in these 2000m + races is low which makes it hard to find the winner.  I'm going with 1 that actually is consistent in Warrior Within (2).  This guy has filled the placings in his last 4 starts around this distance and has never been further back than 2 lengths.  He'll get a nice run from the inside gate.  I considered Saint Encosta but I was swayed by the fact that Warrior Within will meet it better at the weights from the last time they met.  Other hopes to Saint Encosta (3) and Racing Heart (1).

Race 5 - The pace should be solid here with a handful of horses engaged that like to roll forward.  That will suit the likes of Venture On and Iking who I believe will be fighting out the finish.  I found it hard to separate the pair but the weight difference and the jockey swayed me.  I've gone with Iking (4) as he Brisbane premiership winning jockey Chris Munce in the saddle and also will carry 4kg less.  Iking has been running on his last few starts so the 1600m should be ideal here.  As previously mentioned, the speed should enhance his chances to come over the top in the straight.  Other hopes to Venture On (1), Rhetoric (2) and Collector (10).

Race 6 - The Reveller (11) is 1 of those horses that I just can't catch.  Every time I think a race is right up his alley, he misses out.  Should I stick with him?  The answer to that is probably not but I am.  He looks tremendous value here around the $10 mark.  He goes well at this track and distance and also does some of his best work when resuming.  He gets the in form jockey Jeff Lloyd to steer and that should give him the best possible chance to unleash his trademark charge to the line.  Other hopes to Liesele (3), Too Many Reds (1) and Trail Boss (2).

Race 7 - The Sixties is the 1 to beat here. I think Skating On Ice (6) can do it though.  She's drawn the outside which is far from ideal but I think young Allen should be able to get her into a reasonable position.  The key here is that she'll get a dry track.  Her record is excellent on good/dead tracks and she goes particularly well at this track.  She's a couple of kegs better off than The Sixties for running 1.2 lengths from him.  Other hopes The Sixties (1), Shekinaar (4) and Power O'Raylee (8).


Race 8 - Startsmeup (11) is the class runner of the field and should win here.  The outside barrier makes the short price not very attractive but I can't see him getting beaten here.  Jeff Lloyd will be able to decide whether he wants to take him forward or back and I trust he'll make the right decision.  The horse has been racing in great style lately, coming into this off a 3rd in the Winter Stakes at Warwick Farm.  His record at the track and distance is tops.  Other hopes to Starlin (10), War Charm (12) and Danagaze (1).


Best Bet


Multi - Race 2 Number 3 Topping / Race 3 Number 3 Hidden Kisses / Race 8 Number 11 Startsmeup


Moonee Valley


Race 1 - Number 2 King's Pardon
Race 5 - Number 9 Oregon Spirit
Race 8 - Number 10 Glows


Canterbury


Race 4 Number 4 Umatain
Race 7 Number 6 Kaypers
Race 8 Number 2 Number One Gun