The Hunter is featured this Saturday at Newcastle’s stellar standalone meeting. With the staggering prizemoney on offer, the racing will undoubtedly be first class.
NEWCASTLE Race 7
#1 Basquiat
There will be a fight for the lead here with many on-pace runners.
Basquiat has the suitable form around Golden Mile. There is no Caulfield Guineas winner in this lineup, and this looks like a winnable race dropping back in grade. The dry track is an advantage, and he looks over the odds at the double-figure quote.
Despite the long odds, Token Capitalist is another one who can threaten. He is meeting easier opposition, and with a lovely barrier draw, he must be considered in all wider exotics.
Saveadateforme is the favourite, but he will need to be good early from barrier 10. Under the odds.
Suggested Bet: Basquiat @ $10.00
Newcastle RACE 8
#20 wAIHAHA FALLS
Waihaha Falls was desperately unlucky last start in the Sydney Stakes. He weaved a passage from the back of the field only to miss narrowly. He looked a good thing beaten, and he can bounce back here.
Vilana was excellent first up before being luckless last start. He gets his chance down in grade, and the services of Nash Rawiller is a big positive.
Warhorse Apache Chase always runs an honest race. I dare say this has been a target race for some time. He will lead them in a merry dance on top of the speed.
In The Congo is in career-best form. He was only narrowly beaten two starts back and gets his chance to go one better. He will have admirers from the plumb barrier draw—a very classy galloper.
Suggested Bet: Waihaha Falls @ $4.40
Newcastle Race 9
#11 Cotehele
Looks a very tricky affair.
Cotehele was impressive first up. He is building a nice campaign and should be getting close to a peak run. James McDonald takes the ride from a perfect draw, and the son of Tavistock is the one to beat here.
Super Strike will appreciate the long Newcastle home straight. The New Zealand visitor usually storms home from the tail of the field. The long break between runs is the only concern. Watch for him late.
Never Talk has been luckless. He races well at Newcastle, and the $19 on offer looks generous.
Suggested Bet: Cotehele @ $5.00
Newcastle Race 10
#11 ADJOURN
Suggested Bet: Adjourn @ $4.00