Race 6 – 4:35PM – Johns Lyng Group Handicap (2000 METRES)
2 RISE TO IT – $9 / $2.8
Consistent campaigner who thrives over this trip. Just missed behind Farhh Flung and Makdane last start at Sandown, which is a strong form reference. He’s drawn better here, sticks to the same class, and gets Cartwright again with a handy claim. Maps to be right on speed and is proven when rolling forward. Will take plenty of catching if he controls things.
3 MAKDANE – $5.5 / $2.2
One of the most honest gallopers in work right now. A string of strong placings around this grade and was solid again behind Farhh Flung last start. Likely gets the suck run behind the speed from barrier 1 and Williams stays aboard. Has a short, sharp sprint and will need the splits to come, but he’s absolutely capable of winning this. Must include.
9 SO BRAVE – $21 / $5.5
Talented galloper from the Leek yard who’s returned to flat racing with a bang. Won smartly at The Valley over 1600m last start and is unbeaten at this trip. Stackhouse rides again and the map looks ideal. Jumps in class here but gives the impression he’s got more wins in store. Overs.
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Race 7 – 5:10PM – Sportsbet Coongy Cup (2000 METRES)
7 STATUARIO – $4.2 / $1.9
Talented grey with the right profile for this. Boasts strong formlines through the SA Derby and has returned well this prep with two excellent runs at Caulfield. Drawn wide but gets Yendall, who suits these types. He’ll be ridden cold and saved for one run. Expect him to be flashing late. Right in this.
11 QUIETNESS (GB) – $4.2 / $2.0
High-class import who has worked through her grades beautifully since arriving. Has form around Miss Joelene and Loch Eagle this prep, both excellent benchmarks. Now gets Williams and draws soft enough to stalk the speed. This is her right trip, and she brings the strongest credentials. Top pick.
17 SHE’S A HUSTLER (NZ) – $2.6 / $1.4
Hasn’t put a foot wrong in eight starts. Came back with a dominant Flemington win and looks ready for black type company now. Childs knows her well and she maps perfectly just behind the speed. The one to beat, but short enough now. Watch for market moves.
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Race 8 – 5:45PM – Warren Huntly Memorial (1440 METRES)
2 KEEP YOUR COOL – $7.5 / $2.5
In-form mare who thrives at Caulfield. Has been consistent without winning this prep, but gets back to her favourite track and trip. Cartwright claims again and she’ll push forward from a good draw. Finds the line well and the sting out helps. Definite winning hope at nice odds.
3 NDOLA – $4 / $1.9
Progressive galloper with upside. Backed heavily and delivered in Adelaide last start, and that form has stood up. Handles both firm and soft and has tactical versatility. Currie takes the reins again, and he should get the run of the race. Still improving and very hard to knock.
14 SABAJ – $2.5 / $1.4
Boom horse who’s lit up the track in every start. Form out of the Morphettville runs is elite and he’s looked even better in jump-outs since. Zahra rides and the draw looks ideal. Should stalk and pounce. The one to beat.
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The Professor’s Plays
Best Bet:
14 SABAJ – Ready to make the leap. Maps for a dream run and has a devastating turn of foot.
Value:
2 RISE TO IT – Flying this prep and brings the right map, form and setup. Shouldn’t be that price.
Each-Way:
7 STATUARIO – Building into the prep beautifully and will be launching late. Must include.
