I’m going as well as the Gold Coast Titans (and Suns, for that matter), and Donald Trump is probably more popular than me right about now. After a piss poor performance two weeks ago, where I didn’t get near them, I again failed to trouble the scorers last Saturday. It was an improved showing, but I still failed to tip a winner. Sorry about that. I even managed to get a $1.65 chance (Sayed) beaten! I nearly drove off the road when I heard Sayed get run down by Auvray, given that horse is a genuine milk drinker. Elsewhere, Catchy was beaten by a fit, in-form filly (Crown Witness), and was a shade unlucky, while Black Heart Bart was disappointing, and the jury is out. There’s no denying that I’m in a drought, but that’s not foreign territory… I didn’t get much action during Uni. Anyway, we can’t change the past (and all that crap), so let’s see if I can bounce back.
CHIPS IN
Heatherly (Moonee Valley Race 7, No.10)
She goes quicker than last week’s pay, this mare, and there’s plenty to like about her here. Heatherly won this race 12 months ago (with 2kg less), loves the track (6:3-1-2) and has won twice first-up (from four attempts). She worked superbly at The Valley during the week, and co-trainer Simon Zahra admitted that she’s pretty forward for this assignment. Drawn ideally in gate 2, she should find the front and take plenty of catching. I expect her to start at around the $2.50 mark.
FOLLOW UP
Azazel (Moonee Valley Race 6, No.1)
Judging by pre-post markets, this flying son of Snitzel is likely to start at something like $6 the win, $2.30 the place, which to me is good value. He was a very good two-year-old, with form around some of the best youngsters in the land, is a winner here, and was hugely impressive in winning first-up last time out. He should be suited by the step up to 1200m, and in what is a very good race, I reckon he’s a safe each-way bet.
GET ON AT THE GOLDY
Shogun Sun (Gold Coast Race 7, No.1)
This son of Written Tycoon caused a boilover in beating spruik horse Addictive Nature (by 1.3L) in a $100,000 race at Randwick last time out. Addictive Nature will start favourite in Saturday’s G3 Ming Dynasty at Rosehill, so Shogun Gun form reads extremely well for a $60,000 3YO Handicap at the Gold Coast. After the 3kg claim for Jag Guthmann-Chester, Shogun Sun looks well in with 56kg.
Find the best racing tournament for you and win!
EACH-WAY ALL DAY
Second Bullet (Moonee Valley Race 5, No.4)
This superbly-bred gelding is pretty honest (42:9-9-6) and loves the trip (9:6-4-4). He went super first-up, finishing second to Aloft, who I rate highly, and while his second-up record (8:0-2-0) is a concern, he does look well placed here. Assuming he starts somewhere near $5 the win, $2 place, I reckon he’s a great each-way bet.
TIME TO TANGO
Tango Rain (Rosehill Race 3, No.3)
Tango Rain has excuses when beaten first-up three weeks ago. He covered ground, so I thought his run was okay. He’s a winner second-up, will strip fitter here, and he did finish second in the G3 San Domenico Stakes (over this trip) this time last year, beaten 1.3L by Star Turn. I reckon he’ll be too classy for this lot. Expect him to start at around the $3.50 mark.
DEBUT DAZZLER
Over Exposure (Morphettville Race 1, No.3)
You’ve always got to respect a first starter from the Tony McEvoy yard (especially in Adelaide), and this colt looks to have good ability. He won a 1000m trial at Gawler earlier this month by 4.3L, picking his opposition up as if they were statues. He has a nice turn of foot and I expect him to make a winning debut. Take the $2.80.