Rosehill Gardens and Sandown Hillside are front and centre this Wednesday. With autumn in full swing and our time-honoured Group 1 features just around the corner, mid-week racing has never looked so strong!
Rosehill Gardens Race 5
#2 Zouprince
Zouprince is over the odds. The Zoustar gelding was an impressive last-start winner at Scone, and he deserves his shot at this level on Wednesday. The 3kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and he looks poised to strike from a middle gate. The tough four-year-old is rock-hard fit, and I suspect the 1100m is his favourite trip. He will give a good sight.
Chief Conductor is racing better than it suggests in the bible. The I Am Invincible gelding covered more ground than the early settlers at his latest outing, and it may pay dividends to forget that he went around. Barrier four will allow him to occupy the box seat throughout, and if he sees clear air as they run for the doctor, he can loom to win. Acid test.
The Dramatist can run a drum at a decent quote. The rising eight-year-old looks well placed in this company and traditionally motors fresh. Rosehill suits his racing pattern and style, and his record in town must be respected. A must for all broader multiples and exotics.
Suggested Bet: Zouprince @ $13.00
Rosehill Gardens RACE 7
#1 House Of Cards
House Of Cards is ready to win. The Exceed And Excel gelding looks dangerous on the quick back-up, and I suspect he ready to produce a peak performance for the campaign third-up from a spell. The inside draw should give his rivals sleepless nights leading into the event, and he has been well supported since acceptances. Hard to toss!
Flying Thinker is racing well at present. The So You Think mare was a brilliant winner fresh, and she has been good without threatening at her latest two outings. The quick back-up will suit the talented four-year-old, and she strikes her pet distance on Wednesday. Will be thereabouts with even luck in-transit.
Imposing Pier is flying at present. The Pierata gelding has won two out of his last three appearances and meets a similar line-up here. Barrier two will allow the big boy to roll forward, and if he can cheat the clock throughout, the race could be all over bar the shouted before they reach the final furlong. In the mix!
Suggested Bet: House Of Cards @ $3.70
Sandown Hillside Race 5
#1 The Cunning Fox
The Cunning Fox looks great each-way value at a double-figure quote. The Reliable Man gelding finished last preparation with a hatrick of victories, and he has trialled exceptionally well leading into his fresh assignment. The versatile six-year-old will sit midfield with cover, and if he is fully wound up for a first-up tilt, he can threaten late. He may need a run or two under his belt.
Love Sparkles was good without winning at her latest outing. The Embellish mare looks well placed in this company, and I suspect she has the fitness edge over the majority of her rivals after a long and fruitful campaign. The drop in trip could prove a training masterstroke, and she is perfectly drawn to get a soft run throughout. Her recent winning record is the primary concern.
Blushing Tycoon will have supporters after a successful preparation to date. The Written Tycoon gelding is a model of consistency, and I suspect he will appreciate the significant drop in class on Wednesday. The 2kg apprentice claim strengthens his case, and I expect him to figure in the finish if he runs out a strong 1800m. He tends to find one or two better on race day.
Suggested Bet: The Cunning Fox @ $11.00
Sandown Hillside Race 7
#5 Matawai
Matawai looks the best bet on a tricky and competitive program. The Derryn mare was a brilliant Pakenham winner first-up from a spell, and I expect her to go through her grades successfully over the coming months. The 1400m is in her wheelhouse, and I suspect she will get all the favours in the run from a perfect inside draw. Her record at the track is the primary concern.
Paradise City was ultra-impressive at Seymour at her latest outing. The Deep Field mare led the field a merry dance throughout, and she was braver than Mel Gibson late. The 3kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and I suspect 1400m is her best trip. The significant class rise is her biggest obstacle.
Mahsay is progressive. The Mahuta mare put her rivals to the sword a long way from home at her latest outing, and I suspect she comes to town up and about and with an air of confidence. The four-year-old is ready to take the next step up in grade, and her double-figure quote has been nibbled at since markets opened. The carpark draw may decide her fate during the race’s early stages.
Suggested Bet: Matawai @ $3.00
