09/02/13 - Eagle Farm, Caulfield and Warwick Farm

Eagle Farm

Race 1 - I won't be getting involved in this 2 year old race to open proceedings.  A number of these are making their debut and some haven't had a trial.  That makes it a difficult proposition.  Tip Top Tiger (5) is a hot favourite and has big wraps on it based on it's dominant trial in October. Epsilon (6) won well on debut recently and looks the main danger. Other hopes are Craiglea Cruz (1) who has form around Magic Millions winner Real Surreal and Caledonia's Call (2) who trialled nicely.  

Race 2 - Mukaddamah Son (5) won well last start when he came over the top to nut Dolly Dolly on the line to win over 2000m.  I really think this horse has turned the corner it's last few starts and can go on with it here.  He's up in class but does drop 2kg and meets last start rival Flying Home better at the weights.  The horse has drawn 2nd from the outside but Bell should be able to easily get the horse across to be just behind the leading 2 or 3.  Other hopes to Sam's Town (3), Count Encosta (2) and Flying Home (8).

Race 3 - What Happenedhenry (4) has had a freshen up since running 4th in the Magic Millions Stayers race over 1800m.  Drops back to 1500m which will be to his liking.  Cassidy will be able to position the horse nicely from the good gate and I'd expect him to be hitting the line hard.  His record at the track and distance is 2 seconds from 2 attempts.  Other hopes to Achievements (3), Rock Home Late (7) and Clever Hans (2).

Race 4 - Arctic (5) has been racing well of late without winning.  He has been running on well in all his recent races.  He has drawn much better here in the 2 alley and should be given a great ride from McMahon to unleash his customary big finish.  His record at the track reads 2 wins and 3 placings from 8 starts.  Other hopes to Whitesails (10), Faithnomore (6) and Ferocimo (16).

Race 5 - Lock's Legend (6) has come back in terrific order.  1st up he won a maiden at Ipswich by 8.3 lengths.  He backed it up last weekend in town where he was nutted on the line by General Exhibit.  He draws beautifully in barrier 3.  Cahill will be able to get this guy in a prominent position without a lot of effort.  He'll prove tough to catch.  Other hopes to Sookie (4), Trakstar (2) and Lennie's Choice (7).

***With the scratching of Lennie's Choice, I'll promote Gallinari (12) to the other hopes***

Race 6 - This looks an even affair with adequate speed.  I'm going with the former New Zealander Pellegrini (8).  This guy is a recent addition to the Heathcote yard and gets the services of top jock Micky Cahill.  Pellegrini has won a rating 85 and ran 5th in a Group 3 back in NZ.  He has placed 2nd in 3 1st up runs and I dare say Heathcote has him ready to roll here 1st up.  He's drawn gate 4 which will give Cahill a great opportunity to place the horse in a nice position.  Other hopes to Vintage Moss (3), Fitness Fanatic (7) and Bribie (4).

Race 7 - Better Than Ready (7) is a classy individual who has built a nice record in his short career.  He comes off a last start win where he broke the Randwick track record.  He will be assisted by a strong pace in front.  He gets the services of Cahill who will ensure the horse gets free to finish off hard.  I won't be taking a silly price for him though so hopefully he gets to a backable price.  Other hopes to Silver Bullion (12), Shafeeq (11) and Carry To Fortune (6).

Race 8 - Longshoreman (2) has been a model of consistency this campaign.  He hasn't been out of the top 2 in his last 5 starts.  There's a common theme to this guy's races, he finishes off hard.  He drops in weight from his last start win where he beat some of these on heavy going.  McMahon takes the ride and is undefeated in 2 starts on him.  Other hopes to Viking Heart (7), Write Cheek (8) and Dusty Gold (3).

Caulfield 

Race 1 - Flashy Fella (3)

Race 2 - Members Joy (2)

Race 3 - Dissident (4)

Race 4 - Quest For Peace (3)

Race 5 - Adebisi (1) 

Race 6 - Mulaazem (6)

Race 7 - King Mufhasa (1)

Race 8 - Lord Of Brazil (8) 

Race 9 - Koonoomoo (1) 


Warwick Farm

Race 1 - Seritza (6)

Race 2 - Princess Layla (2)

Race 3 - Marden (1)

Race 4 - Unimpeachable (12)

Race 5 - Charge Account (11)

Race 6 - Tougher Than Ever (9)

Race 7 - Definite Choice (10)

Race 8 - Thumbtacks (3)