By Ray Hickson
Selections based on a soft track.
Race 1: RANVET PLATE (1000 METRES) 1:30PM
4. Icarian Dream was arguably the most impressive winner at the official 2yo trials and after being scratched from the Gimcrack lands in this small field. Obvious question mark in soft ground but they all have that and if she runs up to her trial she’ll be hard to beat.
Dangers: 3. Had It All is a nicely bred filly who looked the part winning a Rosehill trial earlier this month from just off the speed. Her dam Invictus Salute handled wet ground well, so that’s promising. 7. Stormy Reign struck a heavy track for her only trial and she was too good scoring by over a length. Drawn well and no surprise if she gives a sight. 1. Burma Star improved at his second trial when finishing strongly late to win at Rosehill. Only colt in the race and has to be considered.
How to play it: Icarian Dream to win.
Race 2: JAMES SQUIRE HANDICAP (1400 METRES) 2:05PM
8. Justice Please had no luck when resuming at Newcastle two weeks ago; she was just about to dart through a gap when it closed on her and she wound up fourth. This isn’t the strongest city maiden and the extra trip will suit. No surprise if she measures up.
Dangers: 3. Bengal resumes as a gelding having finished unplaced in all three runs earlier this year. Won his first trial back then held together behind the placings in the second. Market a guide so keep an eye on that. 1. Doradus is also now a gelding and did place here back in April at his second start. Trials have been good and expect a forward showing from him. 4. Imperial State ran on late on a heavy track into third at Kembla two weeks ago, so the rise in trip will be in his favour. One of the chances.
How to play it: Justice Please each way.
Race 3: DRINKWISE PLATE (1200 METRES) 2:40PM
4. First Mission has twice trialled particularly well, winning the first then appearing six weeks later where he charged to the line under a nice hold. Like the middle draw and sure to be very competitive on debut.
Dangers: 15. Silver Wedding was an eye-catcher on debut here on a heavy track then spelled. Returned with an even effort on a good track here three weeks ago. Sting out might be a plus for her and she looks a threat. 16. Socrazyinlove showed nice improvement in her second trial this prep when scoring an easy heavy track win here a couple of weeks ago. That bodes well for at least a soft surface and she’s worth keeping in mind. 10. Alinea contested the Gimcrack and Widden at her first two starts then placed at Kensington on a soft 7. Trialling well as the stable’s horses often do and she’s not to be overlooked.
How to play it: First Mission to win.
They are going around again at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.Credit: Fairfax
Race 4: NEXT INGLIS DIGITAL SALE ENTRIES CLOSE WED HANDICAP (2400 METRES) 3:15PM
3. Newfoundland was way too good over this trip at Rosehill two weeks ago. Strikes similar conditions and while up in weight he can only be closer to peak fitness. If he holds form he’s very hard to beat.
Dangers: 1. Rattle And Hum gave a good sight in the same race when running a much improved third
after racing on the speed. Meets the winner 2.5kg better so that gives him a shot. 4. Ahuriri was a
solid favourite here second-up last month but didn’t fire when jumping 740m in trip. Had a trial since
then and fitter for the run over ground so she has a platform to improve. 8. Fretta switches states
after racing honestly in Melbourne of late. Ran on from well back at Flemington last time, seems to
handle soft ground and is worth some thought.
How to play it: Newfoundland to win; trifecta 3/1,4,8/1,4,8.
Race 5: KIA ORA PRAGUE HANDICAP (1100 METRES) 3:50PM
2. Confess Our Dreams is well-placed back in class after two game efforts since a break. Led and was just
collared late when fourth at Rosehill in a BM78, so back in class to mares 72 is ideal. Doesn’t want it
heavy but otherwise hard to beat.
Dangers: 8. Opal Fields won nicely first-up at Hawkesbury then handy effort up to this class three
weeks ago when a close second. Has a wide gate here but likes to race off the speed so looks for a
back to follow. Go well. 4. Angel Fund is capable on her day fresh and she’s fitter for two trials since
a spell where she lost form in the latter part of her prep. Capable of showing up at odds. 11.
Vanishing is lightly raced and was a drifter in betting when a closing second at Mornington two
weeks ago. Worth some respect especially if the support is there.
How to play it: Confess Our Dreams to win.
Race 6: HEADWATER @ VINERY STUD HANDICAP (1200 METRES) 4:25PM
10. Ravenclaw overcame the outside gate to score an easy second-up win on a soft 7 at Rosehill two
weeks ago and strikes suitable conditions again. Another wide gate to deal with but less of an issue
at this starting point. Looks a good chance again.
Dangers: 4. Iron Man drops in grade after bouncing back to form running into second behind Willaidow at Rosehill in a BM88. Handles all ground and while also drawn wide he should be hitting the line strongly. 7. Victory Lane has been excellent in two Midway runs since a spell and with the sting out of the track he’s not to be forgotten. Won only start at this track and is a good each-way chance. 8. Midnight Opal is an interesting runner first-up as a gelding after taking on some good company in the autumn. Nicely drawn and trialling well and is one to keep safe.
How to play it: Ravenclaw to win.
Race 7: SCHWEPPES HANDICAP (1600 METRES) 5PM
1. Tavi Time ran a nice race when resuming at Rosehill off a wide gate, getting back and finding the
line well into sixth behind Willaidow. Much fitter and the mile suits, the sting out is no problem and
at his best he should be a major player.
Dangers: 8. Jamberoo led all the way to win on a heavy at Kensington before a month between runs
and was gallant in running second in the Bathurst Cup. Rolls forward and could be hard to run down.
2. Time Quest disappointed at his first run since winning the Coffs Harbour Cup but a mile is more his
go and wouldn’t mind a soft track either. Expect him to improve. 3. Balance Play is a big watch at his
Australian debut for the Waterhouse/Bott yard. Winner on a heavy at Newbury a year ago and given
time to settle in. Watch betting.
How to play it: Tavi Time to win; trifecta 1/2,3,8/2,3,8.
Race 8: TAB HANDICAP (1400 METRES) 5:35PM
9. Wembanyama was excellent when resuming at Rosehill two weeks ago and he’ll be a lot fitter for
that closing third over this trip. Shows plenty of promise and expect he’ll be a lot harder to beat with
the run under his belt.
Dangers: 3. Bullets High is an up and comer who should be in for a good preparation once he gets
out over a bit more ground, but he has sprinted well fresh on both occasions so far. Likely gets back
and look for him running on late. 1. Edited By can’t be overlooked as he did win that race at Rosehill
and with the claim will drop 1kg. Should find himself on the pace again and is a good chance. 4.
Dazzle Legend ran a nice race when resuming at Rosehill behind Ravenclaw and he shapes as though
the 1400m will be right up his alley now. Has rarely run a bad race so stays under notice.
How to play it: Wembanyama to win.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
