John Schell
Selections based on a soft track.
Race 1
1. Barbecue Sauce had two starts in May last year, finishing eighth at Bendigo and fourth at this track. He’s since changed stables and resumes from a spell after two jump-outs and a barrier trial at this track in which he finished a close-up second. He’s drawn ideally in this, with Brodie Loy taking the ride, and a bold first-up showing is on the cards. 8. Iroquai was having her first start for a new stable when she finished a last-start second at Corowa. That was her first placing from five starts and she looks to have the talent to go on with the job. 3. Prince Of Love is also resuming from a spell for a new trainer and won a recent trial at Corowa in good style. He should be primed to run well. 11. Andres Girl is a Graff filly on debut after two trials, and she wasn’t far away in the latest of them at this track. She could show up without surprising.
How to play it: Barbecue Sauce to win.
Race 2
2. Dee Dee Express ran second in two of her first three starts at Canberra and Nowra, either side of a maiden win as favourite at Goulburn. She took on Highway company at Rosehill in November and failed in that but resumes here and only needs to run up to her first few efforts to be hard to hold out. 4. Sneaky Pee Cee won at Gundagai last month and was placed in both runs either side of that. He comes into this after a last-start eighth in a Gosford Highway. 8. Jenni Divine has been down on form of late but has the ability at her best to get into the minor money. 9. Baby Daisy has been placed in three straight runs and has minor claims again.
How to play it: Dee Dee Express to win.
Race 3
12. Voynichese trialled well before debuting with a second at Bathurst as favourite. She showed enough in that event to be rated the one to beat here. 11. Smokin’ Anniversary is having her first start and looked good in a recent trial win at this track. 1. Chef’s Kiss has had two starts and been unplaced in each of them. He is worth another chance. 2. Clinch The Deal is on debut after two trials and bears close watching.
How to play it: Voynichese to win.
Race 4
6. Mr Magnificence has been placed in three of five starts, including a resuming second at Moruya when last produced. He only needs to run up to that performance to be hard to hold out. 8. Pierata Star was placed at Corowa when a last-start third and looks to be on the improve. 5. Cooranga wasn’t beaten far when he ran last here at his second start and is worth another chance. 2. Chief Of War ran second in the same race Cooranga contested.
How to play it: Prophet’s Promise each way.
Race 5
2. Hells Spirit went forward and held on well to win at this track over this distance in his latest start. He’s drawn to get a good run and should take plenty of beating again with a repeat of the latest effort. 1. Doc March won in good style at Wagga two starts ago before a last-start sixth at this track behind Hells Spirit. 3. Justifiably won at Canberra before a second at Queanbeyan and then wasn’t disgraced at Wagga when last produced. 4. First Day has been down on form of late but can improve without surprising.
How to play it: Hells Spirit to win.
Race 6
Former Chris Waller-trained galloper 2. Hammett has had two starts since joining the Matthew Dale stable and finished a last-start third at Canberra behind Agent Zero, which won at Randwick on Saturday. That form looks good for this event. 8. Caravanserai ran well when a last-start second at Moruya and could make an impact in this race. 11. O Cara Mia resumes here for a new trainer and has performed well enough in her career to date. 12. Cayman Island was a last-start placegetter at this track and has claims.
How to play it: Hammett each way.
Race 7
2. With Strength has shown loads of promise in his seven starts to score two wins and three seconds. He’s had two runs back from a spell for minor placings at Echuca and Corowa. He has a big weight to contend with, but the apprentice allowance will help. First-up from a spell, 1. Amber Star has a good overall record with two wins and seven minor placings from 16 starts. Both wins were over this distance range, and he is a fresh winner. 9. Pariah Flyer has had two starts back from a spell for a Wangaratta placing and a win at this track and warrants thought again. 4. On Point Pixie is resuming from a spell for a new stable and she has the talent to give this a shake.
How to play it: With Strength to win.
Best bets
Race 1: (1) Barbecue Sauce
Race 7: (2) With Strength
Best value
Race 6: (2) Hammett
