Day two of the annual Swan Hill winter carnival is here! The Quambatook Cup is the feature event on a competitive seven race program, and with punters dusting themselves off after a massive day one, it will be interesting viewing on and off the racetrack!
Swan Hill Race 4
#1 Flying Finch
Flying Finch is racing well without winning. The Redente gelding meets easier opposition here, and the 975m looks ideal at this stage of his preparation. From barrier two he can sit in the box seat, and if the leaders spend their pennies early, he could be Johnny on the spot late! The apprentice claim is advantageous, and he handles the sting out of the ground. His winning record is the primary concern.
Zedemski will have supporters after a consistent campaign. The Jayemzed gelding rarely finishes outside the top four, and he looks well placed at Benchmark 58 level. His best form reads well for this race, and if he can overcome a tricky barrier, he can figure. He needs to convert teasing performances into victories!
Reynaire looks poised to strike jumping from the perfect inside barrier. The Nostradamus gelding very rarely runs a poor race, and the 3kg apprentice claims puts him into all winning conversations. How he handles the heavy track is the biggest query.
Suggested Bet: Flying Finch @ $7.50
Swan Hill RACE 5
#3 Dash It
Dash, It can bounce back after a disappointing last-start performance at Morphettville. Prior to that run, she was building a picket fence, and if she can recapture her best form, she will be incredibly hard to beat. The Swear mare is ideally drawn in barrier three, and with the 2kg apprentice claim, she should get every chance to run out a strong 1300m. The length of her campaign could be her undoing.
Little Mermaid caught the eye of punters first-up from a spell at Pakenham. It was better than it reads on paper, and she has trialled impressively since. The Mossman mare can sit mid-field with cover, and if she is presented at the right time, she can figure in the finish. The step out in distance plays in her favour, and I expect her to shorten further if the predicated rain arrives.
Inviva has been impressive in this campaign. The Rich Enuff mare was too good for her rivals at Cranbourne fresh, and her second-up performance at Pakenham was gallant. The middle gate will allow the rising five-year-old to take up pole position, and if she is left to her own devices, she may prove hard to run down. The allocated weight is her biggest obstacle.
Suggested Bet: Dash It @ $6.50
Swan Hill Race 6
#2 Gusmao
Gusmao was an impressive last-start winner at Donald. The Dissident gelding should get the dream run in transit from barrier four, and if Tahlia Hope angles the big boy off the fence at the right time, he can make his presence felt late. The Mitchell Freedman-trained four-year-old is a wet track specialist, and the 1200m is his jam. Hard to toss!
The Wizard King will start favourite after turning heads at both starts this preparation. The Flying Artie gelding is knocking on the door, and he finds a winnable race meeting easier opposition. The heavy track conditions are advantageous, and his record at the distance must be respected. Barrier twelve is his biggest obstacle.
Magnalicious is ready to explode. The Magnus mare has been building up to a peak performance, and with even luck in transit, she can produce it on Saturday. She loves a little give in the track and has raced well third-up from a spell previously. Her winning record is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Gusmao @ $4.40
Swan Hill Race 7
#3 Wardy Boy
Wardy Boy performed well behind a smart one last start at Bendigo. He is ready to peak third-up from a spell, and the step out in the distance looks ideal at this stage of the preparation. The Brad Rawiller factor will attract market support, and he is a genuine swimmer. Barrier eleven may determine his fate early.
Spirit De Lune looks dangerous from an inside draw. The Puissance De Lune gelding has been racing consistently this campaign, and he is a must for all winning conversations based on exposed form. The apprentice claim is advantageous, and the drop back in distance could prove the winning difference. Watch for him late!
Galierro is a must for all broader multiples and exotics. The Pierro gelding was far from disgraced last start at Wodonga, and his best form reads well for this event. The rising six-year-old traditionally races gamely over the mile, and if he can find some cover from the awkward barrier, I expect him to be there when the whips are cracking.
Suggested Bet: Wardy Boy @ $3.70
