Last Saturday wasn't too bad for The Silk. We found 6 winners and 4 placings from the 17 races looked at. At Doomben the winners were Pinch River $1.00 (dead heat), Elmantosh $2.70, Rare Ruby $2.20 and Morning Captain $2.80. While the Flemington winners were Polanski $5.30 and Zoustar $2.10. Notable placegetters were Let's Make A Deal and Spirit Of Boom who paid upwards of $3 for the place.
As already highlighted in my last post, Melbourne Cup day was forgettable. We hit back to some degree on Thursday's Oaks day meeting. We found 3 winners on the card. These being Marmelo $3.10, Dystopia $5.10 and Kirramosa $2.70. 2 narrow 2nds to Snitzerland and Espirit Rossa could have sent us into Vodka Vomit territory if they'd lifted just that little bit extra.
With the housekeeping out of the way, let's get involved in Emirates Stakes Day!
Eagle Farm
Race 1
Nothing has changed weather wise with perfect blue skies and 30 degree days. Track rated good obviously. We kick off things with a 2200m race with just 6 engaged. Perhaps trainers are getting sick of these races like The Silk! Borehole (1) is racing in good form and I'll have it on top. It's got a lot of weight to carry but it showed last start that didn't worry it. It's record over the trip is a good 1 with 3 wins from 10 and Eagle Farm is obviously his track. He'll be able to lead or boxseat and prove hard to hold out in the straight. Hardest to beat Volkhere (2).
Race 2
The 2 year old fillies go around here with almost half the field 1st starters. We'll stick with what we know and support Setfire To Therain (1). This lass trialed well behind fellow 1st start winner Pinch River and then came out and won fairly comfortably herself a few weeks ago. I suspect she'll do the same thing by pinging the lids and taking up the running. Given she's got race fitness on her side, she'll be even harder to pass in the straight. Other hopes to Wicked Temptation (8), Kai Hayyler (5) and Storming Pleasure (7).
Race 3
This is a competitive race for 3 year olds over 1400m. I'm going with the Gillian Heinrich trained Shiraz Attack (7). This filly broke through last start for her 1st win in impressive style over the 1350m. The run before that she narrowly lost to Splendora who came out last week and won. At her debut she ran 2nd to Friendly Dragon but that horse had the benefit of a race prior and Shiraz Attack meets him better at the weights here. Jockey Tim Bell will be able to boxseat from barrier 5. Other hopes to Friendly Dragon (2), Hopfgarten (4) and Flamboyer (3).
***With the scratching of Flamboyer, I'll promote Octane Flyer (1) to the other hopes***
Race 4
Stradon (3) resumes here and looks to have a class edge over this field. He's never won 1st up but he has run 3rd a couple of times. He has had 2 trials and admittedly the last of these was a month ago, he did win it by 5 lengths. Looking through his prior form he has competed strongly with the likes of Vintage Moss, Show Affection and Howmuchdoyouloveme. Those horses would put the sword to this mob. Stradon will be helped by a strong speed and I can see him coming over the top to win. Other hopes to County Commands (10), Love Rocks (8) and Lisa Fashionista (6).
Race 5
This looks like a real danger race to me. Better Than Ready (1) has the class over these but also has to carry 60.5kg. Over 1000m 1st up could the likes of Rocket To Glory (5) be too nippy? It's quite the conundrum! Then again I could be putting way too much thought into it. When it's all said and done, Better Than Ready (1) is a superior horse and that needs to be respected. With a decent speed set up front he'll be able to storm home. We just won't want him settling too far back as Rocket To Glory is a real chance of skipping away and not being caught. BTR races well 1st up and loves this track and distance. If he's $2 or more I'll be getting on. To cover myself I'll be taking a quinella with Rocket To Glory (4).
Race 6
Gee if Tail And All (4) doesn't win today then it's time for it to give the game away. This guy has been around the mark in his last 3 starts and gets a lot of favours here. He will race with just 52kg after the claim for apprentice Holt. That's a big advantage over Arctic who narrowly beat TAA last start. He loves this track with 7 quinellas from 10 starts. Unfortunately only 1 of those was a win. He'll get a great run from the nice draw and should be hard to hold out in the straight. Other hopes to Arctic (10), Hush Power (7) and Faint Praise (9).
Race 7
Congo (3) has been a gem for us lately, winning his past 2 starts. I'm sticking solid and backing him in for the hattrick. I really think the penny has dropped for this bloke and he's fulfilling his potential. He's drawn nicely in barrier 6 and Ryan Wiggins will be able to get him into the lead or box seat with relative ease. He's proved very hard to catch in his past 2 and I don't think the extra 1kg will stop that happening again. Other hopes to Venture On (1), Skating Away (11) and Vacallo (3).
***Disappointed that Congo has been scratched but obviously we don't want to be backing him if he's not right. Venture On (1) becomes the top pick with Emerald Duke (13) coming in as another hope***
Race 8
Theft (5) has been in the placings all 4 runs back from a spell. In the last 3 he's gone down by the narrowest of margins. He has a good record at this track and distance and always puts himself in a race. He's drawn out a bit but should have the necessary speed to cross and lead. He's shown that he can settle in for the fight which he'll need to do here. He put in some nice work this week and looks ready to roll. Gets 1.5kg relief for the claiming Tegan Harrison. Lift Tegs! Other hopes to De Dozen Stars (3), Essington (6) and Outstandingly (7).
Best Bets
Race 4 - Stradon (3)
Race 6 - Tail And All (4)
Flemington
Race 1 - Pass
Race 2 - Electric Fusion (8)
Race 3 - Sharalam (10)
Race 4 - Barbed (1)
Race 5 - Lake Sententia (4)
Race 6 - Lucky Nine (1)
Race 7 - Toydini (4)
Race 8 - Let's Make A Deal (5)
Race 9 - Limes (7)
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