Race 1
A handy no more than three wins race over the mile opens the program where BEACH DANCER (9) should appreciate the drop in class from recent assignments. He secures a favourable trailing draw behind RAINBOW RANGER (2), who also looks well placed to return to the winner’s circle from the nice draw. LOUGLE (7) was very good last start when doing the work outside the leader and may again roll forward despite the wide gate to give himself every chance. MCMAYHEM (8) is a consistent type progressing through the grades but strikes an awkward draw and will require some luck in running. FAR LEFT FLETCH (10) and BARNEY BILL (11) will both be hoping to latch onto the favourite’s back and work into the race late to fight out the placings.
Selections BEACH DANCER (9), LOUGLE (7), RAINBOW RANGER (2), MCMAYHEM (8)
Staking Strategy: LOUGLE and BEACH DANCER look the clear class runners in the field, and with there not being much value for either of them alone, happy to play the quinella. 4 unit quinella – LOUGLE (7) / BEACH DANCER (9)
Race 2
The first two-year-old race of the season brings together a field of six, largely dominated by two stables. PETERS THE DREAM (1) and BETTER THAN READY (3) have both had three trials leading in, winning a couple each. BETTER THAN READY (3) appears the more reliable early type, while PETERS THE DREAM (1) may have the greater upside but looks slightly greener at this stage. It is also worth noting that main stable driver Dylan Ford has opted for the pole marker. KELCH (5) was well beaten in a Bendigo trial in Mid December, so the market may be the best guide for his chances. The Neville Rattray-trained pair SOUL OF KARALTA (4) and OUR ROB ROY (6) have both trialled well when finishing close to the top two and should continue to improve. BETTYS GIRL (2) has only had the one trial but finished within six metres of some of these.
Selections PETERS THE DREAM (1), BETTER THAN READY (3), SOUL OF KARALTA (4) OUR ROB ROY (6)
Staking Strategy: If he did everything right, PETERS THE DREAM would take some holding out late. 1 unit win – PETERS THE DREAM (1)
Race 3
MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE (1) battled on well to finish fourth last week when sitting outside the leader in a very fast mile. A repeat of that effort would make her very hard to beat here, though she may face early pressure from CAPTAIN CHEDDAR (3) who also possesses strong gate speed. BARBETTE (4) finished fifth in that same event as (1) and again looks likely to secure a handy position on speed, which should see her in the finish. OUTBACK LASS (2) gets her opportunity to improve from the favourable draw and should appreciate the shorter trip. IDEN KAMIKAZE (5) and LA PIERRE (7) rate the next best on ability but will require genuine tempo to bring them into the race from their awkward draws. The back row runners have had plenty of opportunities, with CHRIS BE QUICK (10) and RANIERI (11) most likely to run into the placings with the right run in transit.
Selections MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE (1), CAPTAIN CHEDDAR (3), BARBETTE (4), OUTBACK LASS (2)
Staking Strategy: MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE looks hard to beat sitting on speed. 2 unit win – MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE (1)
Race 4
The lowest class race of the night brings together a very even field with limited winning form on display as expected. SWEET AMOUR (6) is clearly the most consistent runner of the group, though she does draw wide. There appears to be solid early speed engaged from key dangers FEELINKINDALUCKY (3) and TALK IS CHEAP (4), who look set to contest the lead. QUEENOFDANCE (8) has been thereabouts of late and should enjoy a soft run behind the speed. LALIBELA (7) and COLBY ART (5) will both be relying on genuine tempo up front to bring them into the race. In a contest of this nature, it would not surprise to see them — or any other runner — pop up and win with the right run in transit.
Selections SWEET AMOUR (6), FEELINKINDALUCKY (3), TALK IS CHEAP (4), QUEENOFDANCE (8)
Staking Strategy: Very even low class race where it’s hard to be too confident, so a small win on SWEET AMOUR. 1 unit win – SWEET AMOUR (6)
Race 5
Expect REPETITIVE (4) and ARTS HUNTSMAN (2) to battle for the early lead over the short course distance. REPETITIVE (4) drops in class and gains the concession claim for Ethan Arnott, which would see him take beating if able to find the front. SOUTHERN LUCK (3) should land a handy spot on speed with cover and would get his chance with any luck in running. SIR NIPPA (9) has been very consistent without winning and secures a favourable trailing draw, so it would be no surprise to see him loom as a winning hope. HAY MIKI (6) returned to form last start with an arrogant win when circling the field at Carrick, though the bigger field and likely rearward position may make things tougher here unless the early tempo is genuine.
Selections REPETITIVE (4), SOUTHERN LUCK (3), SIR NIPPA (9), HAY MIKI (6)
Staking Strategy: Looking to be good speed on early here, so a small play on SIR NIPPA, who may be better suited following compared to where he was the leader last start. 1 unit win – SIR NIPPA (9)
Race 6
A full field assembles for the stand start over 2200 metres where the front row generally holds an advantage, though the runners off the 10 and 20 metre handicaps appear to bring stronger class. TULLAH GIRL (5) looks the best of the front markers and is normally a reliable beginner, which should see her settle handy and give herself every chance. It appears unlikely many others off the front line can win, with several class runners behind them including KOSTYUK LEIS (8) who was a solid second last start at Burnie, and GOODTIME OSCAR (7) who drops into an easier race than his past couple and can improve sharply. The 20 metre backmarkers COLBY SANDS (11), SAPPHIRE GAMBLE (12) and ROCKS ROY (13) are all capable beginners and will be hoping to settle at somewhat midfield to give themselves a genuine winning opportunity. ROLLWITHARTY (6) chases a hat-trick and although stepping up in class, his current form cannot be overlooked.
Selections KOSTYUK LEIS (8), GOODTIME OSCAR (7), COLBY SANZ (11), TULLAH GIRL (5)
Staking Strategy: Market has the prices just about right here, so although off 20 metres, happy to play each way on ROCKS ROY and expect he may take shortcuts, which should have him running home strong. 1 unit each-way – ROCKS ROY (13)
Race 7
The Steve Davis-trained pair FANCY ANOTHER (6) and KING BART (7) look the runners to beat despite drawing wide over the mile. Both have been placing consistently of late and the small field should suit them ideally. HES FIRST CLASS (5) and ALBY PRIDDY (3) appear the obvious dangers and can be fighting out the placings, though both have had their chances to break through recently, similar to several others in the field. SHEZ ALL HEART (1) could be the improver if her manners hold from the good draw, while PHLOW JO (8) made mistakes first up from a spell but her previous preparation form suggests she can be competitive here with better behaviour and a touch of luck in running.
Selections KING BART (7), FANCY ANOTHER (6), HES FIRST CLASS (5), ALBY PRIDDY (3)
Staking Strategy: Although drawn wide over the mile trip, thinking KING BART has a class edge on these in the smaller field, while stablemate FANCY ANOTHER looks the main danger, so happy to have a play on both. 4 unit win – KING BART (7). 1 unit win – FANCY ANOTHER (6)
