13/07/13 - Doomben

Last Saturday wasn't one that set the world on fire.  Just the one winner was found and that was Doubtfilly.  However thanks to the corporates who have the payout protest feature, The Silk did make a small profit.  Micken at $7 was first past the post but was relegated back to 4th on protest.  As is always the case, we have another chance this Saturday to find some winners.

Currently the Doomben track is rated a slow 6.  With the potential for showers I'll be working my form around the track being slow with a chance to improve to dead for Saturday.  Thankfully we're not racing at Eagle Farm where on Wednesday we had the ridiculous situation of the track going from dead to heavy with hardly any rain.  Once again supporting my back straight urination theory. 

Race 1

Cape Kidnappers (4) resumed a month ago at Ipswich and put pay to the opposition.  2nd up he ran 2nd at the Sunshine Coast on a heavy track.  Although he was a short quote that day, it's understandable that he may have been a bit flat 2nd up after a long break.  That's not to say the way he raced wasn't without merit as he still finished off well.  He drops from 60kg to 54kg here and that will prove beneficial.  Draws towards the outside but I don't see a problem with getting a position early in the run.  Overall record hard to ignore.  Other hopes to All That (3) and Azzaland (1).

Race 2

This is a really tricky race for 2 year olds.  We potentially could have 6 or 7 horses fighting for the early lead.  I'll be having an each way bet on Rusty Colours (5).  This guy has come back a nice horse.  In 2 starts on heavy going he has won well and finished off well for 2nd behind Hallside Rose.  He's drawn the outside gate but I don't think that will be much of a problem given his style of getting back and the fact that there should be plenty of speed.  In fact it should play into his hands.  We know he handles a wet track and I believe Hallside Rose is a nice horse so that should be good form for this.  Having said all this, I won't be getting carried away as it's a very open race.  Other hopes to Little Bit Ditsy (11), Choose A Saga (2) and Tisani Tomso (6).

Race 3

Youthful King (4) enters this race in great form.  Following a freshen up he has won his past 2 starts.  Both have been on heavy going.  He's drawn the outside here but again I don't think that will be a problem.  Thefifthhole will run them along out in front which will help this guy get into the race in the straight.  It should be noted that 2 starts back he drew wide and raced 4 wide throughout but was stil too powerful hitting the line.  Gets 3kg relief for jockey Rachael Murray who has ridden the horse with success previously.  Unlike some of his rivals, he'll run the 1200m out strongly.  Other hopes to Thefifthhole (5), Kelbenjar (1) and Style (11).

Race 4

Again we are faced with another tricky affair.  Alcancia (2) goes up in weight but is down in grade.  Offsetting the weight increase is the placement of Brooke Richardson who claims 3kg.  This mare has been racing in good form and likes a wet track.  Her 1.9 length 7th in listed company last start should be good form for this.  She's been hitting the line hard so the step up to 1350m here should be to her liking.  My confidence levels will be improved if the track remains wet.  Other hopes to Miss Bradbury (4), Cuddlesome (1) and Princess Lyca (5).

Race 5

Sticking with Flying Home (4) in this mediocre 2100m race.  He's been racing over 1600m and 1800m in his most recent races but looks like he is wanting further.  He's hit the line hard in all those races.  Gets a drier surface here which will be to his liking.  Wide draw won't bother him as he likes to get back and run on.  Other hopes to Handsome Dane (7), Cash 'N' Style (3) and How Fairdinkum (11).

***With the scratching of Cash 'N' Style, I'll promote Clangor (10) to the other hopes***

Race 6

I must have a thing for wide drawing horses today.  I'm going with the Sydneysider Inside Job (8).  This fellow has drawn the outside barrier but I can see being able to follow Sons Of God across to take up a position in the leading handful of horses.  His form down south recently has been over shorter trips than this but he has raced and won over this trip in past campaigns.  Last start he finished 3.4 lengths of Big Bonanza on heavy going and that horse narrowly lost the Ramornie this week.  Surely that has to be good form for a race like this.  Has a good overall record and won't be here for a haircut.  Other hopes to Mishani Warrior (2), Bribie (1) and Sons Of God (3).

Race 7

The Tattersall's Mile looks a race in 2 for mine between Loaded and Lucky Hussler.  These 2 are the youngsters down in the weights but importantly in form.  That cannot be said for the rest of these who are struggling.  I'm going with Loaded (10).  He was impressive 1st up after a 31 day freshen up when hitting the line hard over 1500m.  He put Tax Evader who had been racing well to the sword.  With that run under the belt, Loaded will be fitter and tougher to beat.  Likes a wet track and the distance is right up his alley.  Other hopes to Lucky Hussler (9), Solebid (12) and Boogie Shoes (13). 

Race 8

We get to the final race of a tough day and as expected there's no gimmes here.  I'm putting General Exhibit (2) on top here but I'll be paying particular attention to the track condition.  If it's still in the slow range, I'll be giving some serious thought to not backing him.  Although not a total duffer in the wet, he much prefers it on top of the ground.  He has a great record at this track and trip.  He draws nicely to get the gun run and gets 3kg relief for apprentice McGuren.  Meets a few of these better at the weights from when they last met.  Other hopes to Tukiyo (11), Discreet (1) and Regular (3).


Best Bets

Race 7 - Quinella Loaded (10)/Lucky Hussler (9)

Other than that just get involved!