By Neil Evans
Track Soft 6 and rail out 2m from 1100m to 450m & True the remainder
Race 1
6. Pimlico, a colt by renowned soft track sire Extreme Choice in the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable, can make a big statement on debut. Has had three improving trials coming in, comfortably winning the latest over 1045m, and drawn to get a cosy run in transit. 2. Hidden Motive is primed third-up in his first full prep, having twice placed in metropolitan company this campaign when well in the market. Likely to jump clear favourite, but still under the odds from a tricky draw.
How to play it: Pimlico to win
Racing returns to Hawkesbury on Thursday.Credit: Getty Images
Race 2
3. Justice Warrior is a tough and improving son of Justify who can peak third-up staying over the distance. Was no match for the winner resuming in the country before only being run down late in a handy maiden at Gosford three weeks back after being backed from $3.10 into $2.70. Likely to sit outside the speed from a wider draw, and is at peak fitness. 1. Queen’s Rhapsody will be hard to hold out resuming from the inside barrier.
How to play it: Justice Warrior to win and quinella 1 and 3
Race 3
2. Smother is a lightly raced and talented three-year-old well placed to resume with a bang. Made up good late ground in two runs at Warwick Farm to launch his career late last year before spelling. Given an easy time in a heavy track trial at Newcastle, and draws to get cover off speed. 5. Apollo Ridge is progressive, and will be hard to stop after leading until the final few strides first-up at Wyong.
How to play it:Smother to win
Race 4
2. Carnegie Hill is a strong improver who finds the right first-up race, significantly with blinkers back on. Was in and around the money in three provincial runs last prep in late spring. Has been fitted with two progressive trials up to 1045m, and important to note he starts the new campaign over the same track and trip as last time when he charged home to miss by a nose. 4. Marais is hard fit and a serious threat from the inside draw, although punters are running out of patience given he’s been either well in the market or a very short price when placed in three from four this prep. 6. Righteous Legend draws wider, but thrives on soft tracks.
How to play it: Carnegie Hill to win
Race 5
4. Caltsar is an exciting UK-bred provincial-based three-year-old who shapes nicely to make the step up to this level from a dominant maiden win at Newcastle as the hottest of favourites, although he has been accepted for a Class 2 at Scone on Friday as well. Revelled in heavy going that day, and the extra furlong is only a plus in what is only a fair lineup for this grade. Had previously beaten a good trial field from which the third-placed horse then came out and bolted in on debut. 8. Ocean Diva is over the odds third-up from the inside draw.
How to play it: Caltsar to win
Race 6
4. Fly Scotty Fly is a smart metro-based three-year-old returning for a second prep. Was dominant from the front in claiming his maiden at Wyong last year before failing to finish off in tougher city company three weeks later. Was good through the line in a recent trial, and draws to get the right run on or near the speed. 1. Cassiel will likely command favoritism from the inside barrier off a dominant all-the-way first-up win at Canterbury, but does climb up to 61kg. 2. Don’t Forget Jack is a big watch resuming for his first run since last October behind two eye-catching trials.
How to play it: Fly Scotty Fly to win
Race 7
6. Mercantilist is a smart provincial filly who finally returns for a second start off a very easy trial, and significantly with blinkers added. Swept home for an impressive debut win at Gosford two months ago, and stable has been deliberate in giving her plenty of time. Should settle right behind the speed with cover, bred to thrive in soft going, and further boosted with one of the real early market fancies being preferred at Wednesday’s Kensington meeting. 5. Be Quiet has been competitive enough in two runs since bolting in her maiden from the front three starts back, and blinkers go on.
How to play it: Mercantilist to win
Race 8
4. El Paso is a progressive staying type who is very well paced to go back to back over a furlong further. Ran home okay in two runs to start the new prep before being ridden much quieter at Newcastle and scorching home to thrash his rivals with something in hand. Gets similar off speed cover here and no reason why he can’t repeat the dose. Headed for bigger winter targets. Emerging filly 12. Shangri La Impact is a serious threat rising significantly in distance for her third start. Narrowly beaten in two metro outings so far, she drops to the minimum weight, and can give a big sight.
How to play it: El Paso to win
BEST BETS
Race 3: (2) Smother
Race 4: (2) Carnegie Hill
BEST VALUE:
Race 7: (6) Mercantilist
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
