By Nicholas Berney
Selections based on a good track. Monitor for bias/pattern.
Race 1 – 1:50PM YARRAMAN PARK COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN HANDICAP (1300 METRES)
13. Silver Onyx, representing value, profiles well for this race with a more favourable set-up. The gelding was restrained from a wide draw last start and had too much to do but ran on well. He receives a significant barrier change which will allow him to settle closer, and all indicators suggest he can run a peak performance. Each-way.
Racing returns to Scone on Tuesday with a nine-race card.
Dangers: 7. Finding Alice is 28 days between runs, but he was brave in defeat last start after racing wide. She will be fitter for that, and any improvement will put her in the finish. 8. Herne Hill has been honest all prep and will be running on hard again. 5. Turnaway had excuses first-up at Mudgee and will appreciate the rise in distance. Add 2. Call Me Louis to trifectas and first fours.
How to play it: Silver Onyx E/W. Odds & Evens: ODDS.
Race 2 – 2:25PM COOLMORE BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (2200 METRES)
3. Ungaza started a heavily backed $1.40 favourite last start at Tamworth, and he bolted in running time. The gelding is rock-hard fit and excels when stepping out in trip. In addition, jockey Aaron Bullock sticks and repeating his last start effort/figure will make him hard to hold out.
Dangers: 9. Kikikapow had no luck last start at Tuncurry when blocked for the majority of the straight, but one clear, she found the line well. The mare has strong form lines and receives a senior rider for the first time this prep. 8. Miss Santorini maps well and 5. Overice must go in all exotics who has won her last three starts.
How to play it: Unzaga WIN. Odds & Evens: ODDS.
Race 3 – 3:05PM INGLIS 2023 SEIZE YOUR MOMENT CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
1. Smiling Prophet was enormous in defeat, running second last start at Newcastle after having too much to do. She was wide throughout and got too far back but once balanced up, she savaged the line, clocking one of the fastest final 400m splits of the entire meeting. The three-year-old receives a significant barrier change, allowing her to roll forward from the soft gate. In addition, the step up in distance suits and expect a bold showing.
Dangers: 3. Iron Hat was heavily backed last start in a stronger grade and ran well. The gelding is rock-hard fit, and a repeat of his last start effort will put him in the finish. 2. Nomara was only fair first-up but must respect her starting price profile, and she will be fitter. 4. Orthies Girls ran time when breaking through for her maiden win and add 5. Covalent to trifectas and first fours.
How to play it: Smiling Prophet WIN. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 4 – 3:40PM VINERY STUD COUNTRY BOOSTED BM 58 HCP (1100 METRES)
1. Wallace Street, representing value, was wide and ran on ok first-up in a stronger grade. Moreover, his run had hidden merit, and he will undoubtedly be fitter for that effort. The gelding has a tricky draw but multiple winning figures, so watch for him to charge late. Each-way.
Dangers: 3. Jet Pack had all favours but bolted in last start at Mudgee in a similar grade. The gelding will roll forward and can go on with it now. 2. Shikanic has been racing well this prep but will now have to stretch out to 1100m for the first time. 7. Boss Shelby will run on, and Aaron Bullock takes over the riding duties.
How to play it: Wallace Street E/W. Odds & Evens: ODDS.
Race 5 – 4:15PM MERRY XMAS FROM THE SRC MAIDEN PLATE (1100 METRES)
11. Clovelly, who chased a strong tempo last start at Nowra, was brave in defeat, running second, and she beat the rest easily. Further, that race rated well relative to the day to strengthen the merit of her performance. The three-year-old has been racing well all preparation and gets a favourable setup here. She maps to have all favours and, with even luck, expect her to be in the finish.
Dangers: 2. Xtra Intent resumes and won a recent trial in style at Tamworth running slick time. He has had a long-time off but looks wound up for this event and is a key late-market watch. 9. Canada Bay has a tricky gate but had excuses first-up at Bathurst. She has a sharp turn of foot and will be running on hard. 12. Hot Sundae comes through strong time races at the provincial level and is a chance. Add 4. Kissing Supido to trifectas and first fours.
How to play it: Clovelly WIN. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 6 – 4:50PM KIA ORA BENCHMARK 66 HANDICAP (1300 METRES)
3. Royal Charge was well backed late in the trade last start at Muswellbrook, and he bolted in. Further, he was well-ridden, but the clock backed up his visual dominance. The gelding brings a fitness edge, relishes dry tracks and repeating his last start figure will put him in the finish.
Dangers: 12. Exolay had excuses first-up at Kempsey, but she never shirked her task to the line to her credit. The mare will be fitter for that, and the step up in distance suits. 7. Elarski sat outside the leader and won well first-up at Taree with decisive margins throughout to confirm the form. 6. Danza In The Dark is ready to peak and add 2. Riviera Blue to trifectas and first fours.
How to play it: Royal Charge WIN. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 7 – 5:30PM KURRINDA BLOODSTOCK CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
Summer In Siam was 29 days between runs last start at Gosford, and he was solid in defeat. Further, that race rated highly relative to the day, and all key indicators suggest the step up in distance is ideal. The three-year-old receives a senior rider for the first time and although he has a tricky draw, expect him to be running on hard. Each-way.
Dangers: 4. Love Rules was wide throughout first-up at this track, and to her credit, she never shirked her task to the line. She maps well and will be fitter for that effort. 8. Akauwheo will need to improve her manners but certainly can win. 7. Really Serious has a strong starting price profile and add 1. I Am The Empire to trifectas and first fours.
How to play it: Summer In Siam E/W. Odds & Evens: EVENS.
Best Bets:
Race 5: (11) Clovelly
Race 7: (2) Summer In Siam
Best Value:
Race 4: (1) Wallace Street
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
