Geelong is the place to be this Wednesday for the running of the time-honoured Geelong Cup and Geelong Classic. With competitive fields, and strong prize money on offer, all roads lead southwest from Melbourne!
Geelong Race 5
#1 True Tone
True Tone was a brilliant last start winner at Warwick Farm. The Dundeel colt oozes class, and I suspect he is ready for the longer trip at this stage of his campaign. The inside draw suits, and I expect his quote will continue to shorten until the barriers open. The Chris Waller polish will play a role, and the inform Damien Lane takes the reins. Hard to toss.
Murshidi is knocking on the door. The Maurice gelding has been crying out for this trip since the Moon landing, and his opening quote has received strong support. The middle gate is advantageous, and his pilot has returned to racing in fine style. His camp are airbourne, and I suspect he has a date with the VRC Derby if he can finish in the money on Wednesday.
Icy You is a model of consistency. The Pinatubo gelding is always thereabouts, and a victory here would be great reward for consistent effort. He handles all conditions, and his versatility alone puts him into winning calculations. The carpark draw and the significant class rise are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: True Tone @ $3.60
Geelong RACE 6
#4 Stay Humble
Stay Humble is a genuine and consistent performer. The Deep Field gelding was an impressive last start winner at the track and distance, and he meets similar opposition on Wednesday. I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals after a lengthy and successful preparation, and he maps to get the perfect run in transit. Will make his presence felt as the run for the judge.
Kazaru was ok without threatening fresh. The Embellish mare will strip fitter as a result, and she looks well placed in this company. Her opening quote is well over the odds, and the inside draw puts her into winning calculations. Her racing pattern and style always requires an element of good fortune.
Caelius was a dominant winner at Pakenham at his latest outing. The Pierro gelding still has improvement to come for the current campaign, and I suspect this race has been a long-range target from the astute Gelagotis yard. He has been well supported in most all-in markets, and a victory here wouldn’t surprise. His fate may be decided during the early stages of the event from the horror draw.
Suggested Bet: Stay Humble @ $7.00
Geelong Race 7
#3 Wootton Verni
Wootton Verni is racing better than it reads in the bible. The Wooten Bassett gelding was ok two starts back behind Caulfield Cup competitors Zahrann and Saint George, while he struggled late on the worst part of the track at Flemington at his latest outing. Craig Williams’s key appointment speaks volumes, and the middle gate offers multiple options in the run. I suspect the big boy is ready to peak, and he will stay longer than the mother-in-law. Acid test, and a must for all broader multiples and exotics.
Litzdeel is ready to win. All runs this campaign have caught the eyes of punters, and her latest effort behind the Melbourne Cup-bound Mr Monaco was a beauty. The 2400m is advantageous at this stage of her campaign, and she has been well found in the market early doors. The current track conditions suit, and the red rug will ensure a soft trip in transit. She may need some luck getting of the pine as they run for the doctor.
Valiant King was good late in the Bart Cummings. The Roaring Lion gelding strips fitter, and he looks well placed in this company. Barrier three will allow him to have an economical run throughout, and his best performance here will see him figure in the finish. His opening quote seems over the odds, and he can run a drum if his pilot presents him at the right time. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: Wootton Verni @ $31.00
Geelong Race 8
#8 Everain
Everain can resume a winner. The Manhattan Rain gelding has turned heads recently at the trials, and his first-up record is near perfect. The talented five-year-old is undefeated at the trip, and I suspect a win here would catapult the lightly raced galloper into some lofty events. The early market support is significant, and I expect him to jump your race favourite. Hard to toss with even luck in transit.
Keep Your Cool was good without winning first-up at Mornington. The Deep Field mare strips fitter here, and the apprentice claim puts her into all winning conversations. The 1200m is in her wheelhouse, and her record second-up must be respected. Too consistent to dismiss, and the punters usually gravitate towards her late in the piece. Barrier eleven is the biggest deterrent.
Immortal Star looks well here. The I Am Immortal mare resumes after a lengthy break, and the form around her reads exceptionally well for this event. She motors fresh, and she is a 1200m specialist. I would prefer to support her case deeper into her campaign at headquarters. Ultra talented, however; take on trust.
Suggested Bet: Everain @ $5.00
