Race 1 – Arrowfield Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1000m)
3 SIR HERRIDAH – $3.20 Did more than enough on debut when sticking on for third behind a couple that had race fitness. Fitter now, blinkers on, and sticks at home track with the same hoop. Will push forward and if he lands outside the leader, he’s in it up to his ears. Wide draw no help but this doesn’t look deep.
6 AVONLEE – $23 Big price last start but showed fight when sticking on for second at Moree. That run was an improvement and this stable tends to find the right races when their mares are ready. Draws better, gets a senior rider back on, and should box seat behind a hot tempo. Worth a throw at the stumps in a thin maiden.
9 MIC DROP – $2.70 Comes through strong juvenile company in town and resumes off two sharp trials. Gapped them in her latest hit-out and the time was sound. Wide gate is a small knock but she’ll settle midfield with cover and be charging late. Gets the right rider for the setup and looks the one with upside.
Race 5 – Coolmore Denman Cup 6 Oct 25 Class 1 Handicap (1000m)
1 THIRD BASE – $3.60 Led, kicked, and put a space on them here last start in the heavy. Time was slick and he found plenty off the bend. Holds fitness, same rider sticks, and maps to find the front again with minimal pressure underneath. Likely controls it from the gun draw and gives a massive sight again.
3 SWEET PATRIOT – $10 Hasn’t put it together this prep but last run showed signs she’s coming on. Stuck on gamely off a wide run and now draws the rails with a 1.5kg claim. Drops back to her preferred trip and gets the right race shape to poke through late. Can give cheek at odds if the fence is playing fair.
8 BREA EX – $9.00 Led and never looked like stopping at Moree when breaking her maiden in style. Backed off the map there and justified the support. Can go forward again and gets in light. Hard fit, racing well, and this is no harder than last time. Could pinch it if she gets a mid-race breather.
Race 6 – Horsepower Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap (1280m)
5 CITY GOLD SPEED – $17 Won second-up last prep and maps to lead here from the low draw. Gets back to country grade after running around in better stuff. Ran them along at Moree and just peaked late – fitter now and steps up to 1280m, which looks perfect timing. If he controls the tempo, could give a big sight at overs.
7 MRS BULL – $21 Won this grade three back over 1100m and now finds a similar race. Last couple have been plain, but they were over longer trips and in stronger company. Back in trip, draws soft, and gets the regular rider on. Not the worst blowout if they overdo it up front.
11 AKAUWHEO – $18 Honest mare with strong figures for this grade. Sat on-speed and was too tough at Mendooran. That was a confidence booster, and she’s backed it up with solid placings this prep. Can settle handy again and gets a senior hoop back aboard. Hard fit and racing in career-best form.
Rusty’s Plays:
Best Bet: MIC DROP (Race 1) – Smart trials and city form as a 2YO. If she handles the draw, class should shine through.
Value: BREA EX (Race 5) – Kicked clear last start and maps to do it again. Up in grade but down in weight and full of confidence.
Each-Way: CITY GOLD SPEED (Race 6) – Should land in front and give a sight with fitness peaking. Genuine each-way knockout at double figures.
