Race 1 – 12:35PM TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1500 METRES)
2. Christa has been solid in two runs since a Highway placing second-up and it does appear to set up a lot better for her than last start at Newcastle. She was forced to race three deep on the speed and while a shade outsprinted early in the straight, she was strong to the line in a closing second there over the 1500m. Drops 2.5kg, draws well and has to be in the finish. 13. Fan Harder might be a lot better suited to the lower draw than he had two weeks ago where he sat outside the leader and hit the front a long way out. 5. Poisen Point is hard to fault after sitting wide when winning the Highway in question second-up. Likely to get a kinder run in transit and third-up she’ll be close to peaking. Must be respected. 4. Buenos has won three from four and did a particularly good job when chasing down a tearaway leader at Canberra second-up. Down 5.5kg which has to be a plus and she’s in the mix.
How to play it: Christa to win.
Race 2 – 1:10PM MIDWAY HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
5. Modella is very well placed to score what would be a deserved win, having been forced to do it the hard way in two runs back. Huge against an on-pace pattern first-up in this grade then took on the group 2 mares and had to go back to last. That doesn’t make it easy when chasing the likes of Manaal and she did a good job to be beaten three lengths. Draws nicely for the first time in a while. If anything goes wrong 1. Alabama State will be there to capitalise. He hit the front a bit sooner than ideal when resuming at Rosehill two weeks ago and was run down by a handy mare. Fitter for that and he’ll run well again. 2. Vetwelve comes out of the same race and she was working home well into a close third there. Draws well and carries a similar weight so is hard to overlook. 4. Harry’s Bar is more than capable at this level too and she’s back to Midway class for the first time since an all the way win at this track in July. Pole position gives her every chance to perform.
How to play it: Modella to win.
Race 3 – 1:45PM CAPTIVANT @ KIA ORA HANDICAP (2000 METRES)
2. God’s Window has his first chance to show what he’s got in the locker third-up and out to the 2000m, and more importantly with a draw that he could make some use of. In both runs this ex-UK galloper has found the line pretty well but in races where the winners have been right on speed. Big chance to hit his best form. 5. Unlimited is back from Melbourne where he’s won and been placed in two others from his three runs there. If he can bring that form into this race then he’s sure to be hard to beat in a smaller field. 9. Agita is on the back-up after quite a dominant win in Midway company last week at Randwick. He’s put together a few good runs on end in that company and while in this sort of mood he’s not out of the winning hopes. 4. State Of America is the type of horse that generally holds his form when he finds it so after a much improved third here two weeks ago he could run into the money.
How to play it: God’s Window each way.
Race 4 – 2:20PM CANADIAN CLUB ROMAN CONSUL STAKES (1200 METRES)
8. Marhoona beat many of her rivals in this race when she won the Heritage first-up from a spell and with the weight penalty. She drops 3.5kg, is fitter and drawn to be in the right spot again. Won the Golden Slipper over this course and while quite short she’s the one they have to beat. 1. Beadman found himself in front in the Heritage but he didn’t lay down to hold on for third. Like Marhoona, he will be fitter but he does meet her 1.5kg worse for almost a length. Tactics will be interesting as to whether he leads again but he’s the threat. 4. Grand Eagle appreciated coming back to a good track when closing off well in fourth in the Heritage. He’ll be giving a bit of start but if they are running on he’ll be closing in. 7. Napoleonic brings different form into the race with wins in easier company at Wyong and Warwick Farm in September. Not suited under the weight scale but shows promise.
How to play it: Marhoona to win.
Race 5 – 2:55PM SCHWEPPES TAPP-CRAIG (1400 METRES)
Looks a nice race for 2. Farnicle, which took on some smart ones in the Heritage over a trip short of his best when resuming. He was only getting warm late when hitting the line just over a length behind Marhoona. Nicer set-up for him from a handy draw up to 1400m, where he was placed behind Cool Archie at his only attempt, and should be there in the finish. 6. Ohope is up in class now after two placings at Warwick Farm in benchmark company but behind some handy ones such as Cantiamo and Napoleonic. Sure to run well again. 3. Fermoy did a good job in the Up & Coming second-up, so you’d have to forgive the failure at Sandown when solid in betting. Back home, drawn one and while still a maiden he has a good case. 5. Duke Of Arrakis comes through the Napoleonic race where he led and boxed on for third there. Lightly raced and fitter and could give a sight with the blinkers on.
How to play it: Farnicle to win.
