Race 5 – Team Aidan Markets 23 November Benchmark 58 Handicap (1400 METRES)
2 SIR BOO – $5.5
Big weight swing with the 2kg claim and back to his home deck where he’s done his best work. Raced well against stronger company in June and July, and forget the Coffs run where the race shape didn’t suit. This is a big drop in class. Has tactical speed and maps to land midfield with cover. If he gets a tow into it before the bend, he can surge late. Proven at the track and loves a fight. Genuine winning hope.
3 DARK CHILL – $10
Hasn’t put it all together this prep but the form around him holds up and the barrier trials say he’s going better than the runs suggest. Wide draw no spoil but does have tactical flexibility. Gets back in grade here and has a class edge on most of these if he produces his best. Could easily show up at odds if things fall into place mid-race. Don’t discount.
12 TARA KODA – $5
Sharp improver with the right setup here. Has had no favours from wide gates in stronger company but stuck on well last start. Back to her home track, drops 2kg, and steps out to 1400m which suits on breeding. Drawn wide again but maps to find cover and build into the race. Will be hitting the line strongly. Looks ready to win again.
Race 6 – The Kosciuszko 18 October Benchmark 58 Handicap (2200 METRES)
3 LIKEABEEL – $9
Veteran stayer who knows how to stick on. Carried 60kg+ last start to win well in solid time. Maps back from gate 14 but the big weight drop and recent form suggest he’ll be steaming home over the top. Handles all conditions and this trip suits. Must be respected with the apprentice on.
5 OTTOMAN EMPIRE – $5
Peaked late last start after sitting outside the speed and just missed behind Justice Served. Back to his home track with a soft gate, should get a lovely run just off the speed. In the mix again over a trip he’s proven at. Has a knockout chance if the breaks go his way.
6 SUN TOPAZE – $6.5
Flying under the radar this prep. Hit the line strongly in two runs at this trip, including behind Justice Served. Drawn tricky but has a turn of foot if they overdo it up front. Ready to win one of these and has more upside than most of these tired stayers. Each-way all day.
Race 7 – Tabulam Cup This Saturday Country Boosted Class 2 Handicap (1600 METRES)
1 PIERRE CARDINNIGAN – $6.5
Racing in tougher grade and not far off them. Drops back in class here and gets a strong rider aboard. Maps to settle midfield and has shown he can finish off hard when saved for one run. Any improvement off the last few efforts and he’s in the finish.
4 FULL REGALIA – $6
Hit the line well last few and finally gets a setup that suits. Strong win two back then solid in a fast-run Coffs race. Drawn ideally to settle a touch closer and saved for one crack. Has the form, the jockey knows him, and he loves this distance.
6 MY PEPPERJACK – $8.5
Very genuine mare who always tries. Won well two back and hit the line again last start. Wide gate is the knock but if she gets cover, she’ll be charging home late. Hard fit and no reason she won’t give this a shake.
Rusty’s Plays:
Best Bet:
SIR BOO (Race 5) – Drops in class, maps well, and gets key gear change with apprentice up. Ready to strike.
Value:
MY PEPPERJACK (Race 7) – Racing well without luck and drawn to get a tow across. Overs if they go hard.
Each-Way:
SUN TOPAZE (Race 6) – Keeps improving and looks to peak here over a suitable trip. Solid play at the price.
