By Neil Evans
Track Good 4 and rail True
RACE 1
1. Koios is a lightly raced and progressive four-year-old who can break through second-up dropping back from metro opposition. Was only a long neck from the winner on the Kensington circuit, and three weeks between runs is well-placed on the set weight scale. 2. Cogitare, a three-year-old by So You Think, begins his career wearing blinkers, and bolted in the second of two trials here. 8. Star Venture has a residual fitness edge having found the line okay at Muswellbrook and won a trial since. Gap to the rest.
How to play it: Koios to win
RACE 2
8. Storm Park is a progressive and emerging three-year-old shooting for a second win from his last three. Was dominant from just off speed to claim his maiden before stiff not to win, closing off late as a heavily backed favourite in a CL1 at Dubbo. Despite a rise in class, is well-placed on the limit weight, and can lead to a big result for the Neasham-Archibald home stable. 1. Akkadian Emperor is the much more fancied stablemate, conversely coming back sharply in grade from a metro BM 78 where he found it too tough. Hit the line impressively in the previous run in similar company, and is naturally well-placed after the jockey takes 3kg off. 5. Balmierro is right in the mix, over more ground fourth-up. Both 2. Jack Duggan, who is hard fit and dropping in class; and 7. Up And Comer stepping up from an easy win in weaker country grade; can add value into trifecta and first fours.
How to play it: Storm Park to win
RACE 3
3. Cheergal, another one from the Neasham-Archibald yard but based at Warwick Farm, will relish the long and gradual run home here third-up, and getting out to the mile. Has done her best work late in the last two, and the jockey change is significant. 4. Merchant Gold is an improving local, slipping back from deeper BM 68 provincial company when only beaten a bit over a length at his third start. 2. Mostro disappointed when resuming in that same race as the top selection, but is better over this trip with blinkers on. 5. Monty Be Quick boxed on for a long way when resuming over this trip at Wyong, and is clear best of the rest.
How to play it: Cheergal to win
RACE 4
6. Altercation is well-placed third-up to claim a third win at just his seventh start. Ran home hard at double-figure odds fresh at Randwick before fair to the line in BM 64 city company. Back to 1000m at country level, 22 days between runs and from a handy trailing draw is the right recipe. 5. Singing Star is sparingly raced, and resumes off a nice trial, with blinkers coming off. 3. Drums Of War has been in and around the money in four provincial runs this prep. 1. Oceans One can improve sharply getting on to a bigger track second-up.
How to play it: Altercation to win
RACE 5
3. Parkrun is another lightly raced improver trained on the track and primed to break through at his fourth start. Loved the way he attacked the line from a mile back at Tamworth behind Dale who has since won easy again, and back on the more spacious course is a further boost. 2. Sunshine Law, the more fancied stablemate, will likely jump a short-priced favourite after finishing close-up in her last two runs against city opposition when hard enough in the market. 1. Great Brazen is trained on the track and comes off a solid closing effort at Newcastle on debut. 4. De Louviere is a big market watch, resuming for a second prep behind two progressive trials.
How to play it: Parkrun to win
RACE 6
8. Davikar, a Deep Field filly on debut for the Neasham-Archibald home camp, can continue the stable’s assault in an open Super Maiden. Was good through the line winning a recent trial with something in hand, and is drawn to get to the middle over the final 300m. 7. Chica Del Mar is a betting watch on debut for the Lou Mary stable after winning her trial on the same day as the top selection in faster time. 6. Honey Perfume resumes for only her third start from the inside draw. 2. Inspired Star is another first starter from the Freedman stable at Rosehill, also coming off a trial win, with blinkers on. 1. New Pharoah returns off a long break as a gelding, and is the best of the rest.
How to play it: Davikar to win
RACE 7
8. Rose Water is an emerging provincial-based filly resuming for just her third start in an even all-girls affair. Swept home for an easy win on debut last October, then was competitive in a provincial CL1 before spelling. Been in work for some time, and given an easy time at the trials. Up in grade, but has the ability. 7. Drama Dodger is a tough mare who can also run a big race resuming off a smart provincial trial win. 1. Cosy Corner gets a much-needed drop in grade and a 3kg claim to off-set the big weight fifth-up. 9. Ballinderry Sal is a talented mare resuming off a dominant trial win here, and blinkers go on. 6. Crimson Bonnet hasn’t missed a place in three runs this prep and goes in exotic plays.
How to play it: Rose Water to win
RACE 8
2. Remlaps Commander hasn’t started since May, 2023, but is an exciting local sprinter returning as a gelding, with a 3kg claim to offset the weight. Finished his opening prep with a breakthrough win at the provincials before winning two from three including a dashing Saturday CL3 Highway. Was then sidelined with setbacks, and a long stint in the paddock. Has even had to get multiple vet clearances in and around two progressive trials, but anywhere near his best can blow them away. 1. Zouprince stuck on well when resuming in a deeper provincial race. 3. Outback Ringer also gets a significant class drop second-up. Both 5. Bend The Knee resuming off two impressive trials; and 9. Climate Control back in class deep into the prep; can run into minor money.
How to play it: Remlaps Commander to win
BEST BETS
R4 6. ALTERCATION
R8 2. REMLAPS COMMANDER
BEST VALUE
R5 3. PARKRUN
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au