By John Schell
Selections based on a good track.
Race 1
1. Telling is from a leading stable and has only had two starts. He ran well in a trial before making his debut with a third at Newcastle and then ran sixth in the Inglis Nursery behind Within The Law when not beaten far. He’s had another two trials leading into this and can return to racing a winner. 9. Shenandoah River is a filly on debut and she has performed well in a trial in preparation for this. 11. Try Me has had two trials leading into this and won the latest of them defeating Shenandoah River. She should be primed to run well. 4. Didi Dee has had a number of trials in preparation for this debut and has the talent to make an impact from the good draw.
How to play it: Telling to win.
Les Vampires (red cap) wins at Rosehill a few weeks ago.Credit: Getty Images
Race 2
2. Oakfield Peewee won a couple of races on end at Taree in November and December of last year. He was spelled after failing at Wyong but has performed well in a trial leading into this return. 9. Badboy McCoy was placed at Dubbo two starts ago and can lift on a last-start down-the-track effort at Scone. 6. The Great Armada hit the line well to score a last-start win at Coonamble and a can show up again with a repeat of that effort. 3. Sidenay has a good record and can show up from the inside gate.
How to play it: Oakfield Peewee to win.
Race 3
6. Sheriff’s Star has been placed in three of seven starts and has drawn a good gate to enjoy a good run in transit. He’s been placed in two of his past three starts and gets his chance to win this. 5. Rhegion is resuming from a spell after a couple of recent trials and can show up despite the wide draw. 10. Brutal Elegance was close up in her most recent trial and isn’t out of this, while 11. Dealt is also on debut after a number of trials and should not be underestimated.
How to play it: Sheriff’s Star to win.
Race 4
6. Merchant Gold was placed at Scone two starts ago and then ran well enough when third at Eagle Farm. He’s had a trial leading into this and should be primed to run well. 7. Mr Trackside did the job well to score a last-start win here and can figure prominently again. 10. Leatothemoon is a last-start Hawkesbury winner resuming from a spell, while 12. Onyspeed was midfield in a Highway last time out and is far from the worst.
How to play it: Merchant Gold to win.
Race 5
11. Roses Imminente resumed with a solid midfield effort at Canterbury, and was then fourth at this track last time out. This looks well within her reach. 7. Cossack Warrior has been racing well and only needs to maintain that form to be hard to hold out. 8. Mischievous Molly won well at Taree last time out and is not out of this. 5. Fingers Hunter won well at Tamworth as a short-priced favourite last time out and isn’t out of this.
How to play it: Roses Imminente each way.
Race 6
7. Annie’s Rose ran well when finishing second when resuming, and then wasn’t disgraced at Wyong last time out. She’s drawn the rails and should get every chance. 10. Puerto Banus is a consistent performer that should be thereabouts again if he can run up to his best. 12. Silver Halo has been racing well and is a last-start second placegetter at Taree, while 1. The Dramatist was down the track at Rosehill when resuming but will find this an easier assignment.
How to play it: Annie’s Rose to win.
Race 7
11. Les Vampires is a talented galloper that battled on strongly when placed at Randwick when resuming, and then followed that up with a last-start win at Rosehill when doing the job well. He should be in a prominent position here and take plenty of running down. 5. Williamsburg is resuming for a new stable having tackled the Sydney Stakes in October. He’s had two trials to prepare for this, which is much easier than what he tackled last campaign. 1. West Of Africa won the Magic Millions Cup and finished third in the Ajax Stakes at Rosehill when last produced. He has the talent to give this a shake. 14. Promitto has been placed in his past two starts in Midway grade and is not out of this.
How to play it: Les Vampires to win.
Race 8
10. Iron Hat hasn’t been far away in each of three runs since resuming from a spell. He ran fourth at Wyong last time out and promising apprentice Anna Roper takes the ride in this. 11. Hellcibell ran third in a Country Championships qualifier last time out and is well worth including among the main chances. 5. Two Ya Got was placed at Ipswich at his last start and has the advantage of gate one. 1. Celui has a great record and makes his debut here for a new stable. He won a recent trial leading into this.
How to play it: Iron Hat each way.
Best bets
Race 3: (6) Sheriff’s Star
Race 4: (6) Merchant Gold
Best value
Race 8: (10) Iron Hat
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
