Selections based on a good track.
Race 1 – 12:15PM RAILWAY HOTEL & COURTHOUSE HOTEL 2YO HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
2. La Boqueria wasn’t disgraced in a strong city maiden on debut then did it easily off a wide gate breaking through at Coffs Harbour as a short-priced favourite. Ideally drawn here and likely starts short once again. Clearly the one to beat.
Dangers: 9. Hot Jive stuck on well when runner-up at Bathurst first up. Thrown in a deeper pool at Scone last time and wasn’t disgraced. Softer gate and a plus and she has good chance to feature in the finish. 1. Dayu is on debut and he has trialled twice this month, the latest on the synthetic at Newcastle. Not sure where he lines up so check betting for a pointer. 4. Go Isla Go is another stepping out for the first time and she’s only had one trial, also on the synthetic, where she wasn’t asked for anything at all after leading. May need luck from the gate but worth keeping safe.
How to play it: La Boqueria WIN; Trifecta 2/1,4,9/1,4,9. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Today’s feature NSW meeting is at Gunnedah.Credit: Fairfax
Race 2 – 12:50PM H&M REFRIGERATION COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN HANDICAP (1250 METRES)
1. Aimpoint is an ex-Godolphin galloper now with Mack Griffith and he’s found a race that’s his for the taking. Canterbury placing was sound then no luck at Gosford before the stable switch. Recent trial was nice, drawn to get his chance and is well entitled to be favourite.
Dangers: 3. Mr Scorefield could be a big improver on his local debut at Tamworth two weeks ago. Had support but didn’t really get into the race over 1000m so up in trip and with the run under his belt he can lift. Barrier not ideal but respect. 4. Green Run didn’t do a whole lot in his first two starts then sprung to life with a strong late finish into second at Moree after getting well back. Needs to back that performance up but if he can another placing is within reach. 2. Bertie has a horror draw for his debut but there was nothing wrong with his recent trial at Muswellbrook. Could surprise.
How to play it: Aimpoint WIN; Trifecta 1/ 2,3,4/2,3,4. Odds & Evens: ODDS.
Race 3 – 1:30PM JAMES BRADFORD RURAL MAIDEN PLATE (1400 METRES)
12. Songbird Star did enough on debut at Mudgee to suggest there’s a win in his sights soon. No match for the winner there but stayed on and sure to be better for it. Likely lands handy and has a good chance to go one better.
Dangers: 1. Blue Canasta had his first run for Stirling Osland and went down narrowly at Quirindi a few weeks back. Promising effort and draws to get every chance to improve on it. Go well. 14. Tapa Kick is on debut and based on his latest trial kicking off at this trip should suit. Imagine he gives away a bit of a start early but look for him to be running on. 6. Spiral Architect started a drifting favourite at his first run for the new stable and faded after sitting on the speed. Best form prior was around a mile or so, he’s a possible improver with the run under his belt and stepping up in trip.
How to play it: Songbird Star WIN. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.
Race 4 – 2:10PM XXXX GOLD BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (2050 METRES)
6. Spoke To Rajiv has the hoof right on the till with seconds in three of his four starts for the stable. Form around him is okay too. Narrowly beaten here before a game effort up in class at Scone. Suited here and sure to be around the mark again.
Dangers: 3. La Brea led and knocked up when resuming over 1500m at Muswellbrook and steps straight into her preferred range. Won a couple in Queensland at this sort of trip last time in and fitted with a trial just over a week ago. Definite chance. 2. Jimmy Manolo might not have appreciated the heavy at Queanbeyan when a well beaten favourite there two weeks ago. Winner in this grade at Nowra three runs back and on his best can feature. 4. Love Rules started favourite when an even third in the same race as Spoke To Rajiv here at the start of the month. Honest and is one of the each-way chances.
How to play it: Spoke To Rajiv E/W. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.