Kensington and Mornington are the feature meetings this Wednesday. With autumn fast approaching and with competitive racing expected at both venues, mid-week action has never looked so good!
Kensington Race 5
#5 Up To Mischief
Up To Mischief looks poised to strike. The Written Tycoon mare has been racing well this campaign without winning, and she finds a very suitable assignment on Wednesday. The 2kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and I suspect she will motor after a bit of freshen-up. The inside draw is ideal, and the Ciaron Maher factor must be respected. Hard to toss!
Outback Angel was beaten by a smart galloper at her latest outing. The Super One mare narrowly missed out on recording a hatrick of victories, and she meets easier opposition here. The step out in trip looks ideal at this stage of her preparation, and I expect her to figure in the finish with even luck in-transit. Her racing pattern and style always require an element of good fortune.
Strombus is over the odds. The Territories gelding is racing better than his form suggests in the bible, and his best performance here could be fences and panels better than his opposition. His recent barrier trials looked ominous, and I suspect he will appreciate the significant drop-in class. Barrier one is perfect, and his double-figure odds have been gobbled up.
Suggested Bet: Up To Mischief @ $4.20
Kensington RACE 6
#9 Imposing Pier
Imposing Pier has made an impressive start to his racing career. The Pierata gelding oozes class, and I suspect he has a long and fruitful future in front him. His first-up victory was effortless, and he put the writing on the wall for a breakthrough campaign. Barrier one puts one hoof on the till, and I expect him to pilot the field with a clean break from the barriers. The class rise is his biggest obstacle.
Unconquerable caught the eyes of punters late at Randwick first-up from a spell. The I Am Invincible mare has been freshened up since, and I suspect she strips fitter after her recent outing. The middle gate will allow her to push forward and find a prominent spot; if she can find the bunny uncontested, she may be hard to run down. Her recent winning record is the primary concern.
Bella Khadijah resumes with an air of expectation. The enigmatic filly has trialled exceptionally well leading into this event, and I suspect she will be fully wound up for a first-up tilt. Her quote has shortened significantly since acceptances, and it may pay dividends to watch for any further market support. This is her hardest test to date.
Suggested Bet: Imposing Pier @ $3.30
Mornington Race 7
#3 Castellar
Castellar is chasing a hat trick of victories. The talented Astern colt is flying at present, and he looks well-placed in this company. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference, and the perfect inside draw further strengthens this case. If he is presented with his run at the right time, I expect him to return to winners’ enclosure. Push the chips in!
The Carillo gave a good sight first-up from a spell. The Lord Of The Sky gelding strips fitter, and his record at the distance must be respected. Barrier one brings him into all winning calculations, and if he can cheat the clock on top of the speed throughout, the fat lady may be in full voice before they run for the doctor.
Skipjack brings winning form to the table. The Rubick gelding showed a sizzling turn of foot to score fresh at Cranbourne, and I suspect his racing pattern and style will be suited to the tight-turning Mornington circuit. The 3kg apprentice claim should give his rivals nightmares, and he will look the winner if he turns for home with his nose in front. His fate may be decided during the early stages of the race.
Suggested Bet: Castellar @ $5.00
Mornington Race 8
#4 Capricorn Star
Capricorn Star is low flying! The Maurice mare produced a dominant win at Geelong at her latest outing, and she looks well placed to continue on her winning ways. The ideal barrier will provide her followers with confidence, and she deserves her shot at this level. The talented four-year-old is building an enviable career record, and I expect her quote to shorten significantly before the barriers open. Yes please!
Flying Ace is a model on consistency. The Flying Artie gelding has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals, and he is simply too honest to pot. The 3kg apprentice claim gives him an extra leg, and the inside draw will provide the big boy all the favours in the run. If he can find clear air before the final furlong, he will make his presence felt late. He will be thereabouts.
Itsukushima led his rivals a merry dance to score a popular victory at Cranbourne last start. The So You Think gelding will take benefit from the 3kg apprentice claim, and I suspect he has plenty of improvement and upside to come for the current preparation. The step out in trip is advantageous, and he already boasts a win at the track. A must for all broader multiples and exotics.
Suggested Bet: Capricorn Star @ $4.80
