Form Analysis by Darren Clayton
RACE ONE
WICKED WHISKEY (5) has been faced with second line barriers at his past three in succession, the latest when unable to make ground as the leader and winner MYTHICAL DRAGON had the fire to get home in 27.3. Strong to the line for 2nd two starts back, this looks his chance.
MISSION POSSIBLE (4) has drawn gate 6 in both starts to date and should appreciate moving two spots closer to the fence. Forced to grind it out first over here last week, the added experience will aid his chances of issuing the challenge.
PARIS ROUGE (2) is a filly by Always B Miki on debut for Gemma Hewitt. Producing a strong trial when parked and fighting to the line, that type of effort will see her give this a shake first up.
PERFECT LOU (7) was sound on debut behind GIRL POWER and second up attacked the line in good order to grab the silver when under 3m of the winner. The gate dents his chances
SELECTIONS: WICKED WHISKEY (5), MISSION POSSIBLE (4), PARIS ROUGE (2), PERFECT LOU (7)
SUGGESTED BET: WICKED WHISKEY (5) to win
RACE TWO
Performing consistently in recent weeks, KODA DA MODA (7) was a winner on Nov 18 under similar conditions to what she will face here. Off the front tape on that occasion and producing a gritty effort, last start she was strong to the line when beaten a head. The small field helps.
CALL ME TROUBLE (3) for the most part did things right last week when holding on for the bronze behind DARCYS FIREBALL. Three starts back he held 3rd behind GOLDEN SUNSET and from the front strand in the small field, if he can trot cleanly, he can challenge.
DARCYS FIREBALL (2) is chasing a hat-trick of victories following wins at the 2138 and mile. Both wins have been from the mobile and if he can step safely, a threepeat is within reach.
IZARRA (6) missed the DJA Final after an error in the opening round heat when tackling the series fresh. A better effort second up, she has the manners to play a part in proceedings here.
SELECTIONS: KODA DA MODA (7), CALL ME TROUBLE (3), DARCYS FIREBALL (2), IZARRA (6)
SUGGESTED BET: KODA DA MODA (7) to win
RACE THREE
With four starts for the new barn, ALBY TWO CHAINS (4) has hit the board on three occasions, the latest when 3rd behind CAPTAIN HAMMERHEAD after being snookered on the fence. Scoring a slick PB win two back when set alight at the 600, a return to the midweeks in a small field are a huge advantage.
TIGER BAND WAGON (6) held the front last time out and with a 25.5 opening panel, was always going to be vulnerable late. Chasing home ROCKET CITY two starts back, three back he was facing a forlorn task trying to reel in THE JANITOR over the middle trip. This looks more suitable.
LAST TIME JOE (2) will receive an economical trip from the inside gate and should appreciate moving closer to the inside after starting from gate 6 at his past two. If poised with momentum when the gap opens, he can strike.
SELECTIONS: ALBY TWO CHAINS (4), TIGER BAND WAGON (6), LAST TIME JOE (2)
SUGGESTED BET: ALBY TWO CHAINS (4) to win
RACE FOUR
Stepping straight to the front here two starts back, IGNITE (3) took cover in the middle stages and then a run present when the leader ran up the track approaching the 400. Taking the gap, he was collared in the last stride. Not suited when forced to park last start, this looks his chance.
NATTY PAGGER (2) moves to the front line which will be a strong benefit with his good manners. Exposed in the early stages last time before cover arrived, he had no closing run on. Finding a trail soon after the start this time can see him issue a challenge.
VOLTAIN (5) showed good speed off the mark here last week and was able to slide in for the trail behind the leader. With too much closing speed to pull clear, she can feature again here.
ALADDIN SANE (8) has hit the board din three of his past four starts, the latest when grabbing the bronze at Redcliffe behind HAMMER SON. With the right trip, he has podium claims.
SELECTIONS: IGNITE (3), NATTY PAGGER (2), VOLTAIN (5), ALADDIN SANE (8)
SUGGESTED BET:
RACE FIVE
LLANFAIR LLEWELLAN (5) rolled forward early last start at the 2138 but with no lead on offer was left exposed early until cover arrived. Taking the closing shot, he went within an eyelash of victory behind LUVN OSMAN. He is around the mark in recent appearances and can bust through the wall this time.
VICTREE CHARLIE (1) has been well supported at his past two starts in similar grade, the latest when making good metres in the latter stages to be 5m from the winner. Runner-up two starts back when under 2m from the winner GALVARINO, a soft trip can see him challenge.
ITS A SPONGE DARL (2) has good hustle and can be looking to find the front in the early stages. Trying to fend them off three starts back when collared on the line after setting the speed, he gives away plenty of experience to his opponents.
JUSTROLLINGAROUND (8) was a Redcliffe winner three starts back and has been runner-up in both subsequent starts. Making good metres in the closing stages last time, she can chime in.
SELECTIONS: LLANFAIR LLEWELLAN (5), VICTREE CHARLIE (1), ITS A SPONGE DARL (2), JUSTROLLINGAROUND (8)
SUGGESTED BET: LLANFAIR LLEWELLAN (5) to win
RACE SIX
The grand campaigner TURN IT UP (6) was left chasing forlornly like the majority of those back in the pack as HI MANAMEISJEFF closed out in front in 52.4. 3rd to THE JANITOR the start prior, his standing start record is superb and he can look to celebrate his 100th Albion Park appearance in style.
REGAZZO DI TILLY (7) was first up from a spell when faced with a wide gate in the CJ at Redcliffe where he was game in defeat after sitting parked and finishing under 5m from the winner. Down the line behind DON HUGO last start, this is a big class drop and he looms large.
SO SIRIUS (5) was sketchy off the tapes last week before closing it out in smart fashion to be under 4m from the winner. A better start will keep him in the mix.
FREE THINKER (4) grabbed the bronze last week behind MIGHTY JOLT under these same conditions when 3m astern of the winner. There is more competition off the 20m this time.
SELECTIONS: TURN IT UP (6), REGAZZO DI TILLY (7), SO SIRIUS (5), FREE THINKER (4)
SUGGESTED BET: TURN IT UP (6) to win
RACE SEVEN
There were excuses for the performance last week over the mile for COMMODORE JUJON (3) which finished at the tail of the field. Grabbing the bronze behind subsequent Saturday night winner JENSVILLE two starts back, he has early hustle and has no worries over the 2138 of this.
AURORA JOY (8) will have early options as the lone runner on the second line and comes into this off a last start victory when finishing best to claim a narrow margin. With a good record at the middle trip, if the tempo is strong, she can be closing hard to issue a challenge.
O B LEGAL (6) was back in winning form last start after firing off the arm and then taking a sit before finishing hard for the W. The wider gate makes the repeat tougher.
BEACHRIDE (4) was a winner over this trip three starts back when darting up the passing lane off a cosy trip. Unplaced in both subsequent appearances, he has since been freshened.
SELECTIONS: COMMODORE JUJON (3), AURORA JOY (8), O B LEGAL (6), BEACHRIDE (4)
SUGGESTED BET: COMMODORE JUJON (3) to win
RACE EIGHT
A tricky contest to pull apart with a number of potential scenarios made no easier by the 2138 trip. A winner two starts back at the mile, LITTLE HOOFANANNY (10) was forced to grind it out and lift when looking like her run had ended. Chasing for the silver last start, this is within reach.
SPORTS BOUNTY (3) was chasing a hat-trick of victories here two starts back when eased from a wide gate and then never a factor. Given all of November off, he was buried in the run when resuming. Fitter for that appearance, he can press forward and with a good record at the trip, can challenge.
BUDDY PERFECT (6) started from inside the second line last start and was soon angled off the inside and sent forward. Working in the run in finishing midfield, the gate stings again here.
MACS A DUDE (8) was a winner at the mile two starts back when overcoming gate 7 and finishing hard down the outside to claim the W. Not much went right last start and he will be hoping for some luck again here.
SELECTIONS: LITTLE HOOFANANNY (10), SPORTS BOUNTY (3), BUDDY PERFECT (6), MACS A DUDE (8)
SUGGESTED BET:
RACE NINE
Dropping back to the midweek circuit will be in the favour of DEEBO (10) which has been performing strongly in Saturday company. Beaten by gate 7 last start as MULLUM HANK proved too slick, he was runner-up three back behind WITHDISTINCTION. He can defy the gate.
OUR ULTIMATE LUKA (4) was sent in search of the lamp lighting duties from this same gate last week at this trip. Taking control and easing the tempo through the second panel, she held them off to claim a narrow margin. A close 2nd the start prior, she can run the arm to chase a repeat.
IMANI (3) should appreciate an improved gate after being no closer than gate 5 at her past six appearances. Descending on them to claim victory three back, she can feature again here.
EPIC ERNIE (1) maps for a soft trip in behind the speed and if hitting gaps while momentum is in his favour, he can be a podium player.
SELECTIONS: DEEBO (10), OUR ULTIMATE LUKA (4), IMANI (3), EPIC ERNIE (1)
SUGGESTED BET: DEEBO (10) to win
