Race 5 – 3:45PM – OZZMOSIS @ THE CHASE HANDICAP (1100 METRES)
2 ISTOLEA MERC – $6.5 / $2.3
A tough on-pacer with the right foundation for this. He strung together dominant provincial wins last prep before tackling city company where he simply didn’t see out 1400m. Back in trip, back in grade, and he’s trialled the house down. Gate 12 makes things tricky, but if Morgan presses forward early and secures a spot, this fella has the engine to burn them off. Fitness no issue and looks set to peak. Treat seriously.
3 RANTAN – $5.5 / $2.0
Rarely runs a bad race and she’s flying this prep. The win here two back was tenacious and the follow-up placing in the Hurricane at Newcastle stamped her as city-worthy. Parr rides again and she maps perfectly from gate 5 to stalk the speed. No knockout turn of foot, but she finds the line under pressure. Willing to trust she’s in the zone and handles the class rise.
6 WAL’S ME MATE – $9.5 / $3.0
Lightly raced and building nicely. Won back-to-back before finishing behind Durova and Rantan last start, where he never looked comfortable chasing hard on a quick deck. Steps up to 1100m now and may find the extra room to build into his work. Drawn awkwardly but Schiller sticks. Watch for him late if they overdo it up front. Place chance with upside.
Race 6 – 4:20PM – SWITZERLAND @ COOLMORE HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
3 IMPERIAL FORCE – $3.6 / $1.7
A class edge here, plain and simple. Group-placed in the Arrowfield earlier this year and brings elite formlines into a very winnable metro sprint. Two impressive trials leading in, both wins. Parr stays on and there’s no knock on the set-up. Should sit just behind a hot tempo and pounce at the 300m. If he’s anywhere near right, he wins.
6 FLYING FOR FUN – $17 / $4.5
Forget her last run — was trapped wide and never in rhythm. The run prior behind Enriched and Autumn Glow stacks up big time for this class, and she’s already won here over 1000m. Costin takes the reins and gets a sticky draw, but her natural speed offsets that. Big odds for a proven metro filly. Must be considered in exotics.
7 WONDEREACH – $7.5 / $2.6
Old boy who’s seen it all but still racing with genuine zest. Three wins from four starts earlier this prep, including a pair of bold front-running efforts here at the Farm. Trialled well and has the tactical speed to offset the wide gate. With Lloyd on and the rail out 3m, this could set up perfectly. Don’t leave him out.
Race 7 – 4:55PM – TAB HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
3 WINSTON HILLS – $8 / $2.8
He’s been crying out for this trip after consistently hitting the line in shorter races. Placed last start over 1300m behind solid city gallopers and draws out here to stay out of trouble. Nash takes over, which is a massive push. He’ll be chiming in late and gets a serious tempo to chase. Big watch.
4 OUR QUEEN (IRE) – $1.8 / $1.3
Undefeated in Australia and does everything right. Classy Euro import who handles firm and soft ground and has already been touted as stakes grade. Her first-up win at Canterbury was arrogant and she draws to get every chance again. Clark sticks, and this looks another tick-the-box step before bigger targets. Hard to beat.
5 VERBIL – $7.5 / $2.4
Interesting setup here. Draws horribly in 15 but has James McDonald engaged. Rattled home to just miss at Newcastle last start and looks suited up to 1400m. If the tempo is strong, and it should be, he’ll be launching. Might be the one steaming down the outside while the favourite is boxed in. Knockout threat.
The Professor’s Plays
Best Bet: 4 OUR QUEEN (IRE) – She’s unbeaten, untapped, and brings city class to a field lacking true depth. Gets the run, gets the rider, and likely gets the win.
Value: 6 FLYING FOR FUN – Her best form is black-type relevant and she’s being overlooked on one poor run. Maps for a cheeky run at big odds.
Each-Way: 3 WINSTON HILLS – Ready to peak third-up and should be charging home late with Nash. Profile says yes.
