By Ray Hickson
Selections based on an improving soft track.
Race 1 – 12:20PM THE AGENCY 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1200 METRES)
2. Hawaii Five Oh is a full brother to Libertini and he has struck a perfect race to debut in. Looked the part in his two trials and in the small field there should be no excuses. If he runs up to what he’s shown he should win.
Dangers: 5. Villa Tino could be a threat after a promising debut at Hawkesbury. Had no luck there from a wide gate and responded after looking to be off the bit early in the straight to close off strongly late. Better set up here and has a case. 4. Nolan ran an improved race second up behind what could be a smart one in Narito here two weeks ago. Fourth in a Black Opal reads well and he could lift. 6. Dear Jewel was solid enough in betting at her only start and made some ground over the 900m at Newcastle. Drier and further are pluses and is in the mix.
How to play it: Hawaii Five Oh WIN. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
The forecast is for an improving soft track at Wyong.Credit:Jenny Evans
Race 2 – 1:00PM JOHNNIE ROBERTS MEMORIAL PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1600 METRES)
12. Ra Ra Grandpa is an interesting runner kicking off at a mile on the back of one trial a month ago. Liked how he worked home in that 1000m gallop and was in the market on debut back in April. Each-way claims.
Dangers: 3. Speedy Song doesn’t need to improve a whole lot to break through after three placings this time in and perhaps the small drop to a mile is suitable after having his chance at Newcastle. Has to be included. 4. Walk Up Start ran a handy race at his first run for the new stable here in July then disappointing at Kembla last time. Blinkers go on and entitled to another chance. 1. Anansi is ex-Chris Waller and only got warmed up on debut at Hawkesbury over a month ago and imagine the mile will suit. Has drawn well and is a market watch.
How to play it: Ra Ra Grandpa E/W. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 3 – 1:40PM MAGIC MILLIONS RACING WOMEN WYONG LA GIOCONDA (1600 METRES)
5. She’s All In will be fitter for a solid first-up fourth at Moruya and curious she’s venturing all the way up here from the Canberra base. Could get control of this race and when that happens she’s usually hard to run down.
Dangers: 4. Sanstoc showed some promise in her first preparation but have to say she was very disappointing when resuming at Newcastle behind Air To Air. Blinkers going on might help and if she finds her best no surprise if she goes close. 1. Diva Bella will appreciate coming back to this class after two runs back in Midway company. Smaller field suits and this is a good chance for her to find some form. 8. Eve ‘N’ Ruby was impressive at Bathurst two runs back before a solid showing at Hawkesbury up in class a bit. Racing well and has to be considered.
How to play it: She’s All In WIN. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 4 – 2:20PM GURNEY FINANCIAL SERVICES 4YO&UP MAIDEN (1100 METRES)
5. Noble Legend was back from 1400m on a heavy to 1000m on a soft 5 at his latest run at Kembla and probably found that a bit sharp. Would appreciate a bit of pace but much better suited out another 100m and should run well.
Dangers: 4. Tycoon Charger started favourite at both starts last time in with mixed results and returns as a gelding. Showed speed in his second trial and with any luck from the wide gate it wouldn’t shock to see him show up. 2. Diamond Flare was a shade disappointing when resuming at Hawkesbury but less depth in this race and should be fitter. Has shown ability in his trials but yet to convert it to race day. 7. Bringonthebubbles took off before the turn and was reeled in when an odds-on favourite at Bathurst on a heavy track second up. First go away from the heavy ground and worth another chance.
How to play it: Noble Legend WIN; Trifecta 5/2,4,7/2,4,7. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 5 – 3:00PM ROBSON CIVIL PROJECTS WYONG CUP PRELUDE – BM 68 (2100 METRES)
1. Legend Has It showed some handy improvement second up in a slowly run race as he found the line late into fourth at Kensington behind Hameron. Proven at this distance range and in well with the claim. Entitled to be competitive.
Dangers: 4. Deniliquin is back in form this preparation and proved too good late racing to a popular win at Kembla third up. Small class rise but this is well within reach. 9. Mirror Queen is only lightly raced so there is upside to her but did have every chance when third in a Highway at Randwick earlier this month. May be under the odds but wouldn’t be leaving her out in a wide open race. 5. Time Raid is an on pacer who has led at his last couple, and they’ve been his best recent runs. Likely to find the front here and can give a sight, particularly if the track is playing on speed.
How to play it: Legend Has It E/W. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 6 – 3:40PM DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
1. Stonecoat is a promising three-year-old who steps to the mile for the first time and looks well placed. Tried hard two starts back on a very heavy track then only beaten a length in a solid BM72 at Rosehill. Takes on older horses but is the one to beat.
Dangers: 4. Prize Draw ran right up to a sound debut when out to 1400m at Newcastle and romped away to an easy maiden win. Might have to give a start from the wide gate but logical threat if she has some luck. 2. Dark Satin was excellent first up for the new stable then not beaten far at Kembla on a firmer surface. Might be better for that run and is well worth considering. 6. Global Encounter can be forgiven for a big failure at Newcastle on a heavy track and a tongue tie going on could be significant. Previous form was handy at country level and could improve sharply.
How to play it: Stonecoat WIN; Trifecta 1/ 2,4,6/2,4,6. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 7 – 4:15PM CARE 2 THE MAX BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350 METRES)
4. Jacquine Reward ran his best race this preparation when leading at Newcastle and while he was run down by Le Vizir he held the rest OK and the winner has gone on to place twice in town. Drawn well and if he can hold that form can be in the finish.
Dangers: 2. Always On Show is a capable mare on her day and while she hasn’t won first up previously she kicks off at 1350m this time and that could be significant. No guide from her trials but expect her to be strong late. 9. Mayhem led all the way on a heavy track on debut at Goulburn and held four rivals comfortably. Interesting runner, drawn the inside, up in class and onto a firmer surface. Has the upside and should be respected. 3. Budhwar is an honest campaigner who often shows up in Midway company but tends to find one better. Pressured in the lead here last time and weakened late though not disgraced. Capable of featuring.
How to play it: Jacquine Reward E/W. Odds & Evens: EVENS.
Race 8 – 4:50PM DEBBIE GAUNT FOUNDATION BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
4. Per Ivy bounced back from a disappointing first-up placing, albeit not beaten far, with an impressive win at Newcastle over 900m. This sets up well for her to track the speed and be strong late again and if that pans out she should go close.
Dangers: 3. Don’t Doubt Katie was far too good when she resumed at Port Macquarie as a well supported favourite and deserves a shot at this level. Done nothing wrong and has a good finish on her. Definite chance. 8. Luna Rocks is a big query and the market should be followed with her. Lightly raced and didn’t run a bad race in listed company at her third start behind a smart filly. Tricky draw but has speed and must respect. 10. California Touch enjoyed a nice run and broke away late to post his maiden win at Hawkesbury second up. That was his first run away from heavy ground so clearly appreciates a firmer track so no reason he couldn’t repeat.
How to play it: Per Ivy WIN; Trifecta 4/3,8,10/3,8,10. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au.
