Race 2 – Jeremy Booth Constructions Rising Prince Cup Showcase Maiden Plate (1200m)
5 WANDAYE – $7.50
Much improved effort second-up when she charged late to just miss at Gosford. Clearly relished the soft going and gives every indication she’s ready to win now. Can settle a touch closer from the draw and gets a winnable race in what looks a thin maiden.
6 AFTERFROST – $101
Thrown in the deep end on debut and ran accordingly, but there’s scope for improvement. Blinkers go on, gets a softer draw, and with any race day improvement at big odds, has to be included in wider multiples.
8 CHAMBER OF SECRETS – $3.40
Debutant with two strong trial wins to her name. The latest effort at Scone was visually impressive, showing natural gate speed and strength through the line. From a stable that knows how to ready one fresh, she’s a major player.
Race 4 – The Kings Hotel *Big Dance Eligibility* Bathurst Cup (1800m)
2 AIX EN PROVENCE – $3
Comes here off a well-earned win at Gosford and looks to be holding form. Has tactical speed to take advantage of the draw and brings metropolitan credentials to a country feature. Looks ready to control the tempo and prove hard to run down.
3 DR EVIL – $5
Veteran stayer enjoying a late-career purple patch. Handles all going and is rock-hard fit. Will drift back and be saved for one run. If the gaps appear at the right time, he’ll be the one chiming in late.
6 RAJNISH – $4
Honest operator who keeps turning up and rarely runs a bad race. Not beaten far last start and maps for a nice run midfield with cover. Will need a touch of luck in the straight but always gives his all.
Race 6 – Bathurst Panthers Panorama (1300m)
13 SCOPICS – $7.50
Well-placed local galloper who has run well in tougher races and looks to appreciate a return to this level. Comes here on the fresh side and goes well at the trip. From a kind draw, can settle handy and be in the finish.
18 HIGH BLUE SEA – $8
Capable on his day and has run well in some much stronger city races. Will need a sharp turn-of-foot from the wide alley but has the quality and is well weighted. One of the better value hopes.
19 ROCK EMPIRE – $3.70
Promising galloper resuming off some slick trials. Draws well, races on speed and has upside compared to many here. Market support will be key—if forward enough, he can land the prize.
Rusty’s Plays:
Best Bet: AIX EN PROVENCE (Race 4) – Brings strong metro form and looks superbly placed to dictate terms in a race lacking pressure. Everything points to a repeat performance.
Value: HIGH BLUE SEA (Race 6) – Brings genuine Saturday form and finds the right race shape to swoop late. Strong hope at juicy odds.
Each-Way: WANDAYE (Race 2) – Looks ready to strike after flashing late last start. Hard fit and maps to get every chance. Worth sticking with.
