By John Schell
Selections based on a good track.
Race 1
1. Monte Azul is a well-bred gelding making his debut here, and he comes into this having finished fifth in a recent trial at Scone. Chelsea Hillier was aboard in the trial and she retains the ride in this. Monte Azul isn’t in an overly tough race here and he can make a winning impact. 4. Missy Moss ran the best race of her career when a close-up second at Mudgee when last produced, and she looks to have the talent to give this race a shake, while 2. Jasper’s Way contested the same race as Missy Moss when he was on debut, and he wasn’t too far away in that event and can lift on that performance. 6. Champagne Tingle is yet to be placed from her four starts, but has shown enough to be rated a place chance here.
How to play it: Monte Azul to win.
Racing returns to Narromine on Sunday.Credit: Louie Douvis
Race 2
2. Blutins is a Prized Icon gelding on debut after two trials in which he’s finished last at Scone in January and an improved second at Scone in a recent hit-out this month. Grant Buckley was in the saddle in the last trial and sticks for this. 4. Micro Mikki resumes from a spell here for a new stable and scored an easy trial win at Dubbo in preparation. 1. Best Defence wasn’t beaten far when third at Dubbo at his last start and is suited here with the apprentice claim. 12. Pontoon Prince hasn’t been far away in a number of his starts despite being unplaced in his career.
How to play it: Blutins to win.
Race 3
9. Imastatement resumed from a spell for her second start and showed speed to lead before being caught late when finishing second at Dubbo. She should get every chance from the inside gate. 10. Matilda Of Tuscany is on debut, and she has looked good in her past two trials. Expect her to run well. 11. Show’Emtome has had a recent trial leading into this debut and she shouldn’t be underestimated. 1. Antilles resumes here for a new stable and her recent trial was sound.
How to play it: Imastatement to win.
Race 4
4. Mighty Zou is better for two runs back from a spell over 1200m and 1400m and looks suited by the step up to the mile here. He broke his maiden over this trip at Taree in September and only needs to overcome a wide alley. 12. Sweet As A Kiss ran well when a last-start second at Dubbo at her second run for the new stable. 8. Twenty Four Guns has been racing well with seconds at his past two starts, while 6. Crown Legend disappointed at Orange last time out but can improve.
How to play it: Mighty Zou to win.
Race 5
4. Athena’s Lad is resuming from a spell, and he has a good first-up record with two wins and four placings from eight attempts. He’s drawn ideally here and has the benefit of a recent trial. 3. Knife’s Edge resumes for his former stable having had success in Queensland and he also has a good fresh record. 1. The Dramatist has a touch of class and is set to peak at his third run back from a spell, while 13. Plenitude has been just behind the placings of late and warrants respect.
How to play it: Athena’s Lad each way.
Race 6
7. So You Suggest resumed from a long spell and did the job well to score a win at Taree when first up from a spell. She hit the line well in that event and backed it up with a sixth as favourite at Port Macquarie behind Yendy. Expect her to bounce back to form here from the inside gate. 2. Daredevil is talented at best and returns from a break here on the back of a recent trial in which he finished fourth at Dubbo. 1. Divine Sinner ran well when placed at Orange last time out and warrants respect with a repeat of that. 13. D’Arpano has finished fourth and second in two runs back from a spell and is racing well enough to fill a place.
How to play it: So You Suggest to win.
Race 7
6. Miss Capricorn had been racing well with a second placing at Dubbo four starts ago and then a fourth and a fifth when not disgraced in either run. She hit the line well when breaking through with another victory at Dubbo when last produced, and she is racing well enough to be a major player again. 3. Willinga Karisma was a winner at Scone in November 2022 in maiden grade. She resumed from a lengthy spell with an eighth at Orange when not beaten far and backed that up with another solid effort when fifth at Dubbo, and she bears close watching in this. 4. Podcast won in maiden company at Murwillumbah in December and was then spelled after an eighth at the Gold Coast. She resumed with a close third at Dubbo. 9. Battle Reign is a last-start Tuncurry winner that can go on with the job if she can run up to that effort.
How to play it: Miss Capricorn to win.
Best bets
Race 1: (1) Monte Azul
Race 4 (4) Mighty Zou
Best value
Race 5: (4) Athena’s Lad
