Can anyone stop the flying Cold Case this Saturday at Morphettville? The Richard Jolly-trained three-year-old gets his chance to notch up another city win after producing a successful preparation to date. With nine stunning races featured on the program, all eyes will be on the city of churches!
#4 Cold Case
Cold Case has one hoof on the till! The Star Witness gelding is flying this preparation, and he looks well-placed meeting similar opposition. The 1250m is advantageous, and the current track conditions play in his favour. From barrier four, he will roll forward and take up his favourite position as race leader, and if he can dictate the tempo, I expect him to figure in the finish.
Starsongari is racing in great spirit. The Star Turn mare was a brilliant two starts back, and at her latest outing, she was game in defeat. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference, and I expect her to get the run of the race from the perfect inside draw. If she can angle off the rail at the right time, she will loom to win!
Trading Post is having a breakthrough preparation. His first-up run was sensational without winning, and his last-start win was dominant. The Fighting Sun gelding will appreciate the significant drop in grade, and I suspect he is ready to produce a peak run for the campaign. He has the habit of bombing the start and giving his rivals an advantage.
Suggested Bet: Cold Case @ $3.20
Morphettville Race 7
#10 Mccain
Mccain is knocking on the door! The Shooting To Win gelding hasn’t missed a place in his last four outings, and he finds a very winnable race on Saturday. From barrier two, he can sit in the box seat, and if the leaders spend their pennies early, he can be Johnny on the spot late. The 54kg is a luxury; he has been well supported since markets opened. His winning record is the primary concern.
Cuban State will have supporters after racing consistently this campaign. The Teofilo gelding recorded a brilliant victory two starts back at Ballarat, and he was sensational without winning at his latest outing in a hot-form race at Caulfield. From barrier five, he can race on top of the speed, and if he can pinch some cheap sectionals throughout, he may prove hard to run down. The allocated weight is his biggest challenge.
Headsmart can bounce back after a disappointing run. The Helmet gelding was racing in fine form prior, and if he can put his best foot forward on Saturday, I expect him to be there when the whips are cracking. He will need some luck jumping from barrier ten, and I am still deciding if the camp has gone to the well one too many times this preparation.
Suggested Bet: Mccain @ $7.50
Morphettville Race 8
#1 Declared
Declared is racing in great spirit. The Churchill gelding started the campaign with two impressive victories, and he lost no admirers at his latest outing. He strips fitter here, and the 2kg apprentice claim puts him into all winning conversations. From barrier eight, he can sit midfield with cover, and if he is presented with his run at the right time, I expect him to greet the judge before his rivals.
Ice Symphony can resume a winner. The Frosted gelding is coming off a breakthrough campaign, and he turned heads at a recent barrier trial. From the wide gate, he can jump positively and lead, and if he runs out a strong 1000m fresh, he may prove hard to run down. He needs to turn consistent efforts into victories.
Oracle Son was a decisive winner second-up. The Divine Prophet gelding is undefeated over the trip and deserves his shot at this level. The 2kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and he has been well supported since markets opened. The wide gate may decide his fate early.
Suggested Bet: Declared @ $7.50
Morphettville Race 9
#2 Jean Valjean
Jean Valjean looks hard to beat. The Magnus gelding has grown an extra leg since joining the Will Clarken stable, and he traditionally flies fresh. His recent barrier trial will have him cherry ripe for a first-up tilt, and if he doesn’t concede a start, I expect him to win. The apprentice claim strengthens his case, and jockey Ben Price already has a winning association with the big boy. Hard to toss!
Viduka looks over the odds. The veteran Stryker gelding always runs well first-up from a spell, and his best performances have been at Morphettville. The 1000m is ideal fresh, and if he can manage to lump the grandstand in transit, he can win at a decent price. The carpark draw makes his assignment a tricky one.
Big Shaq was an impressive winner two starts back. The Reward For Effort gelding was slightly disappointing at his latest outing, and favourite punters were left hurting. The current track conditions play into his favour, and if he appreciates the sharp drop back to 1000m, he can fight out the finish. His winning record is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Jean Valjean @ $3.40
