Ray Hickson
Selections based on a soft track
Race 1
1. Graffiti Tycoon was his own worst enemy when beaten as favourite at Canterbury two weeks ago, he stepped away slowly and gave up any advantage barrier one held. Did a big job to be beaten under a length there and if he does everything right he has the chance to atone. 10. Yattazou isn’t far off a breakthrough win if her first-up run is any guide. Extra ground is in her favour and she looks a threat. 2. Condone had two starts in the spring and debuted with a second. Showed readiness with a recent trial win at Randwick and expect he’ll give a good showing fresh.
How to play it: Graffiti Tycoon WIN.
Race 2
7. Lord Horatio showed plenty of speed when winning his latest trial and it looked pretty comfortable. Time was fair but he should press forward onto the speed here and if he happens to find the front could give a sight. 3. Celtic Spy hasn’t raced since contesting the Magic Millions at Wyong won by Paradoxium and he was kept safe in the market there. His trials have been okay, resumes in blinkers and has to be respected. 2. Artemex was an easing favourite when resuming at Newcastle and ran into second over the 900m without threatening. Likely better for that run.
How to play it: Lord Horatio EACH-WAY.
Race 3
4. La Barrita is an interesting runner on debut after scoring an impressive trial win at Caulfield sitting wide on the pace. She’s no doubt headed north and while drawn out a little that’s not so much a concern at this start. Market a good push. 7. Sumeria was a $2.6m yearling and she’s had the one recent trial where she cruised around just behind the first couple. Seems nicely drawn, has to be respected. 10. Uncertain Glory looked quite handy winning her trial at Rosehill a couple of weeks ago.
How to play it: La Barrita WIN.
Race 4
4. Super Bright is an honest mare and while 1100m is at the low end of her powers she’s drawn ideally to get a nice run behind the pace in what is an open race. She has won at this track and distance previously and has the right set up to be competitive fresh. 5. Zale went for home just before the turn at Canterbury last time and was run down in the closing stages. He’s racing well without winning and will give a good sight up on the speed. 6. Against The Law is another consistent type that isn’t winning out of turn but he’s not too far away. Solid in the market when fourth in the same race as Zale last time.
How to play it: Super Bright EACH-WAY.
Race 5
13. Superfabulistic is ready to win after three placings with the last two strong efforts. Did it tough at Canterbury last time and was still coming on the line, draws nicely to be in a striking position and has a good chance. 6. Scalextrics looks over the odds considering his place in the market in a stronger race at Kensington last time. Back to his home track where he usually runs well he can be a big improver. 5. Mojave River was never in the hunt when making his Australian debut at Randwick but that was 1400m and the mile will suit. Drawn well, jockey James McDonald subs in and he’s one to keep an eye on.
How to play it: Superfabulistic WIN.
Race 6
8. Unstopabull shapes as a good each-way chance coming through some handy form. He stretched out well late behind Pimlico at Kensington last time, draws to get some nice cover and if he continues to hold his form can go close. 5. Supermassive led all the way and held on when the challenge came late to win first-up at Canterbury. Fitter and drops a little weight and should be hard to run down. 9. Invader Zim tends to like the sting out of the ground and while he hasn’t won first-up previously he has often been close up. Include him in the chances.
How to play it: Unstopabull EACH-WAY.
Race 7
13. Loera is coming straight out of a maiden but her form is excellent and she did look quite strong at the end of the 1250m at Canterbury second-up. She can put herself in the first few and give herself every chance to step up. 7. Horizons is trialling sharply leading into her first-up run. Best form has been when she gets out to around a mile or so but given how well she looks to be coming up she has a show fresh. 2. Just Glamourous sat handy then responded to pressure and held them off for a strong first-up win three weeks ago. An extra 100m is no issue, up 2kg but drawn well and hard to overlook her.
How to play it: Loera WIN.
Best Bets: Race 1 (1) Graffiti Tycoon; Race 5 (13) Superfabulistic.
Best value: Race 6 (8) Unstopabull.
Supplied by Racing NSW
