Race 5 – 4:04PM – RTCQ Office Technology Maiden Plate (1100 METRES)
5 OFFICE POLITICS – $9
A mature galloper who’s taken time to find his feet but looks to be trending in the right direction this prep. Showed promise in recent short-course efforts, including a solid second at Thangool when rattling late from midfield. Trainer has reapplied the tongue tie, which could unlock a bit more late zip. The booking of Tasha Chambers is a positive signal. Still learning the craft but has the raw tools to be in the finish if he gets clear air.
6 RUM RUNNER (NZ) – $18
Hardy Kiwi-bred gelding who has danced plenty of maidens and rarely goes down without a scrap. He’s had a few hard-luck stories this prep but continues to put himself in races and show tenacity. Placed at Townsville two back and won’t mind a bit of give in the ground. Maps to settle forward of midfield and get his chance. Must be included in exotics despite the price drift.
9 LUSTROUS SINS – $23
Lightly raced mare who hasn’t quite put it together yet, but there’s ability bubbling beneath the surface. She’s shown tactical speed on occasion and will appreciate barrier one for a soft run. Likely to need another run or two to hit her straps, but don’t be shocked if she runs better than the odds suggest. Watch the market.
Race 6 – 4:40PM – Korte Group BM65 Handicap (1600 METRES)
1 PEPPERDINE – $2
Last-start Mackay winner who looks to have found his groove again. Veteran of the region with a proven turn of foot when allowed to dictate. Drawn wide but Wiggins knows how to rate him. Can roll forward and control this if the tempo suits. Right form, right rider, right trip. Hard to beat.
2 PREPOTENT – $6.5
Honest as the day is long and absolutely loves this track. Has been punching above his weight this prep and finally lands a winnable race. Draws beautifully and won’t spend a penny in the run. Will be right there when they turn and is tough to get past. Don’t underestimate.
6 GENERAL WOLFFE – $9.1
Never flashy but always bobbing up around the mark. He’s got a sharp turn of foot when he gets the right run and drops back in class here. Carries less weight than usual thanks to the claim and maps to stalk the speed. If the gaps come, he can run over the top of a few late.
Race 7 – 5:15PM – Latter Kennedy BM55 Handicap (1300 METRES)
1 PRIDE OF SAVABELLA – $5.1
Improved steadily this prep and finally broke through in good style at Grafton. Has since placed in city class and comes here hard-fit. Draw is sticky but gets the in-form Wiggins. If he finds cover midfield, he’ll be in the mix. Right form to be competitive.
2 DARLING CLEMENTINE – $2.4
Progressive mare with a sharp turn of foot and a proven record at this trip. Tough last start defeat when only nabbed on the line. Draws well, retains Fenlon, and gets in nicely at the weights again. If she holds form, she’s the one they all need to catch.
5 LEICA BITA FUN – $35
Veteran campaigner who keeps showing up and pinching races when least expected. Recent form is modest, but his win at Gladstone showed he still has spark. Massive jump in grade but maps well from barrier one and can sneak into the placings if the leaders tire. Knockout chance at odds.
—
Rusty’s Plays
Best Bet:
2 DARLING CLEMENTINE – Peaking at the right time and maps for a dream run. Ready to win again.
Value:
6 GENERAL WOLFFE – Honest battler with a great record here. Expecting him to be charging late.
Roughie:
5 OFFICE POLITICS – In-form and starting to figure it out. Could surprise at double digits.
