NIGHT THREE - CRANBOURNE
The heavy three nights of racing could have a vital effect on many of those horses wishing to make the Grand Finals on Saturday week December 15.
Whilst a certain number have already earned enough points to make the cut, there are fringe liners who will be desperate to gain entry and MUST perform well on Saturday.
PACERS: HEAT ONE
Judging on what has been seen on the first two nights, Spankem (9) looks head and shoulders above his rivals. His run at Ballarat on Tuesday was outstanding when a 2.4 metre third from mid-field to Wrappers Delight. This horse just keeps on improving. Galactic Star (10) was also a great effort when third to Cruz Bromac after going forward from last racing for the bell to park outside the leader Audi Hare entering the straight with a lap to travel, before taking a sit on Cruz Bromac. This tough WA stayer is certainly in the mix. Maximan (5) has been the surprise packet of the series and only needs to finish close up to make the final. He appears to be the leader from the nice gate and should be there at the finish. Joes Star Of Mia (1) will be given every opportunity to place from the pole and is in the mix for trifecta takers. Wrappers Delight (8) was an all the way winner on Tuesday and from his inside second line draw, should receive a sweet passage and is a distinctive place proposition. Magical Marn (5) had every chance to place on Tuesday after a cosy trip, finishing 18.2 metres in arrears of Wrappers Delight and is probably better suited over a shorter trip.
HEAT TWO
Two of the big guns are likely to fight out the finish of this heat, with ever reliable Tiger Tara (4) going forward to take the lead away from Audi Hare (2) which may have trouble with the journey. San Carlo (11) has had no luck whatsoever with the barrier draws and unfortunately has to contend with the extreme draw on this occasion. Bec Bartley will have no option but to circle the field at some stage and put him in the race. Avoiding bad luck, he looks likely to qualify. Cant Refuse (1) finished his race off well from three back the markers when a 3.7 metre second to Im Pats Delight after getting clear late. He too should receive a cosy passage on the markers and could easily make the final. Other rough place chances to Our Uncle Sam (8) which raced wide in the last lap on Tuesday and Mach Doro (9) who is usually close up in most races he contests.
HEAT THREE
Likely series favourite Cruz Bromac (4) looks head and shoulders above his rivals in this heat. A most impressive victor in the two heats run so far, Natalie Rasmussen in all probability will aim for the front and should be able to get it with fast beginners Mattgregor (2) and Franco Nelson (3) inside him certain to take a trail. Im Pats Delight (8) should gain a soft trip along the markers and be running home strongly at the finish, looking the logical quinella chance. Multiple cups winner Im The Boss was a strong third to Im Pats Delight after breezing on Tuesday and may have to do the same here. Cash N Flow has been close up in both runs since a third in the Geelong Cup and shouldn’t be far away at the finish. Polemarker Hickstead can at times fly the gate and should he do so, is in with a rough place chance.
TROTTERS: HEAT ONE
Unbeaten Tornado Valley (4) a flyer from the gate looks like leading once again and will take no end of running down. Maori Law (3) had no luck at all on Tuesday after being snookered four back the markers before breaking in the home straight when hampered. He must be forgiven for that outing and from the nice draw looks one of the main place chances. Polmarker Save Our Pennys now trained by veteran Graeme Lang has performed well in both heats with two seconds and is again in the mix for quinella backers. He should receive the run of the race. Tough Monarch (9) will need luck to go his way after drawing behind a slow beginner, however his form through the series has been very good. Sky Petite (11) has drawn horribly, but this sharp sprinting mare could easily place after coming off a cold sit. Red Hot Tooth (6) was disappointing on Tuesday after a soft passage three back the markers when a 9.2 metre fifth to Tornado Valley. Alderbeck (8) is a rough trifecta hope.
HEAT TWO
Kiwi Speeding Spur (2) who will be at very short odds gets his chance to atone for a game 2.6 metre third to Tornado Valley on Tuesday after racing exposed following an all of the way victory on opening night. Old timer Kyvalley Blur (5) turned his dismal opening night performance around when a stylish winner at Ballarat, storming down the outside to prevail in a track record 1-55.6. Head strong Illawong Armstrong should receive a cosy trip from the pole, however the distance could tell over the concluding stages. Enrolled (3) battled on strongly when fourth beaten 3.6 metres by Kyvalley Blur after racing exposed. He can easily place here. The same could be said for Rompers Monarch (4), Kingdom Come (7), Big Jack Hammer (8), Fabrication (9) and Monty Python (11).
