The Silk is back after a week off and I'm hitting it hard. Much like I did last weekend in Sydney but that's a different story. I'll be taking my usual look at Brisbane racing but I'll also be including Moonee Valley where I have a great record and also Ascot where they have the big Winterbottom Stakes meetings. Should be a cracker.
With nothing to discuss from last week, let's get straight into it! Involvement will be high so
strap yourself in!
strap yourself in!
Eagle Farm
Working out what sort of track we'll be racing on is a bit hit and miss. As of Friday morning it's rated a dead 4. While the weather is fine and around the 30 degree mark, there is the very real chance of thunderstorms Friday afternoon and also Saturday. I couldn't see the track be any better than dead but it could also get worse than that. So I'll be basing my form on a dead/slow track.
***The track's come up good this morning so I got that completely wrong. Having said that I really don't think it's going to matter with the horses I've picked. We'll be covered if it rains throughout the day.***
Race 1
As is the case at this time of year, we open with a race for 2 year olds. Only 4 of these have raced so betting here can be risky. Particularly when some of the unraced haven't trialled. Elitist (7) comes out of the Kelso Wood stable with a big wrap. Kelso has downplayed the horse in today's Courier Mail but I believe he's got a nice type in this horse. It won it's only trial by close to 2 lengths with plenty in hand. She's drawn wide but I believe she has the necessary speed to get into a nice position for Chris Munce. Getting into avoidable even money odds but she does look the one to beat. Other hopes to Sleep Tight (11), Storming Pleasure (5) and Ruby Soho (10).
Race 2
I had hope they'd canned these 2100m races in my absence but unfortunately not. Shame Borehole isn't racing, I'd just like him in. However he's not so I'll take the next best and that's Sadler's Wish (8). Last start he finished 3 lengths off Borehole but did run 3 wide and put up a reasonable fight in the straight before fading. She gets in with just 52kg after the claim for Priscilla Schmidt and meets Volkhere so much better at the weights. Draws nicely to get a great cart into the race. She won't be fazed if the track is wet on raceday. Other hopes to Trajet (4), Catalonia (10) and Master Avatar (6).
Race 3
Speed should be solid here with horses drawn barriers 7-10 all likely to push forward early. I'm going with Miss Leibert (3). She enters this on the back of a win over this distance at this track. She draws in barrier 1 here and Priscilla Schmidt who claims 2kg can position her just off the speed. Her stocks will go up the track is rain affected but she can handle any going. She races well at this track with 6 placings from 9 starts. Schmidt also appears to be a bonus for this horse. Other hopes in a tough race Chezza's Treasure (8), Some Call Her Wild (7) and For Mia (1).
Race 4
Shiraz Attack (5) won well last time out for Silk supporters and I think she can repeat the dose here. Although she's drawn wide, trainer Gillian Heinrich believes she can settle anywhere and still win. Last start she got back and ran on and you'd have to think the same thing will happen here. The step up to 1500m will suit based on the way she hit the line with gusto. With luck in running she'll be hard to hold out. Other hopes to Sister Souss (7), Friendly Dragon (1) and Flamboyer (2).
Race 5
This looks a tricky way to kick of the Quadrella. I'm going with Lennie's Choice (8). He resumed in Sydney a fortnight ago and ran a game 5th by 1.2 lengths after taking up the running. He'll be all the fitter for that blow out 2nd up here. He has a great record at the track and distance winning 4 of 6. Ric McMahon takes the ride and won the only time he was on top. Ric should be able to scoot across from barrier 7 to take up the running or box seat. Has a good record on wet tracks so any rain won't harm his chances. Other hopes to Seek And Find (1), Rocky King (3) and Mr Favulous (4).
Race 6
A good barrier looks crucial in this even affair. Many of the better chances have drawn wide and may need to burn gas early or go back. One horse that will get a beautiful run with minimal effort is Cracco (5). He's drawn barrier 3 for Ric McMahon and will be able to sit in the box seat or not too far off the lead from this great gate. The horse is racing in good form with a couple of wins over this trip in his past 5 starts. Last start he was very good after a freshen up when narrowly going down to Emerald Duke which is good form for this. He'll be fitter and will prove hard to catch. Other hopes Written Above All (3), Jack's Back (1) and Vacallo (2).
Race 7
A lot of talk has centred around the 60.5kg Better Than Ready (1) has to carry. I agree that this is a disadvantage but he well and truly earns it given he is a Group 1 performed horse. He resumed 2 weeks ago in blistering style putting away an open field with relative ease with this weight. Sure this is a step up in quality but this bloke is all class. Audacious Spirit will lead but I don't think he'll get it all his own way as some think. That will help BTR with his powerful finish. His record at the track is excellent with 4 wins from 7. Importantly he has his main man Ric McMahon in the saddle who has ridden the horse to all 7 of his wins. If it rains, it won't worry him at all. Other hopes to Morning Captain (2), Someday (8) and QFighter (15).
Race 8
Lucky Sound (2) narrowly went down 1st up over this trip when his fitness gave out late. He'll be all the better for that run and his 2nd up record is excellent winning 2 from 2. He races well at this track and distance as shown by the fact he's never been in out of the quinella in 4 starts. Any downgrade in the track will not bother this guy. Other hopes to The White Hope (7), Casino Card (8) and Simply Smart (10).
Moonee Valley
Race 1 - Romancingthestone (1)
Race 2 - Jumpin Jack Cash (2)
Race 3 - Nautical (11)
Race 4 - Xavi (9)
Race 5 -Planet Voyage (4)
Race 6 - Zephyron (6)
Race 7 - Such Hope (4)
Race 8 - Sumakaray (1)
Ascot
Race 1 - Maximus Mak (2)
Race 2 - Elite Belle (9)
Race 3 - Petrol Power (1)
Race 4 - Rohan (4)
Race 5 - Takanori (16)
Race 6 - Vitello (9)
Race 7 - Buffering (1)
Race 8 - Fire Up Fifi (9)
Race 9 - Dark Delight (11)
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