Race 1
Race Summary: Stablemates PHUTHI and WILLOW LADY have earning potential in the opener but this won't take much winning and support for a newcomer would speak volumes of its chances on debut. VILLARRICA, MME HUNTRESS, RED SECRET and CHARIKLO are bred to be useful and could run forward races first-up if not too green. COME TOGETHER, MASTER'S ROSE and PALACE SCRIPT are also worth a market check.
Selections:
#4 Villarrica, #7 Mme Huntress, #8 Red Secret, #10 Chariklo
Race 2
Race Summary: MIAMI MOUNTAIN took off once the penny had dropped when an eye-catching second on debut over 1000m and on that evidence this extended trip will unlock improvement, especially with the benefit of that experience to count on. Recently gelded TRAJANUS has finished second in both starts, also over 1000m, so he wouldn't be winning out of turn either. Well-bred newcomer WAYNE isn't taken lightly and the betting should provide a guide to his chances on debut.
Selections:
#5 Miami Mountain, #10 Trajanus, #11 Wayne, #8 Red Sunrise
Race 3
Race Summary: ETHICAL returns from an 11-week absence but has the form and experience to fight out the finish on her reappearance. NKWENKWEZI and FRANGIPANI fit a similar profile but the latter has more scope to improve so could pose the biggest threat. SASSY LASSIE, BLOOD OF EDEN and LUCKY CHANCE are open to improvement over this extended trip so could take home a cheque.
Selections:
#4 Ethical, #5 Frangipani, #1 Nkwenkwezi, #10 Lucky Chance
Race 4
Race Summary: MY LUCKY CHARM showed promise on debut when justifying betting support to finish second over 1450m. With that experience under the belt and this extended trip expected to unlock natural improvement, the De Kock charge may be hard to beat. OLYMPIAN GOLD and TRIP TO PEACE have the form and experience to make life difficult for the selection. MAJALUN and ALL ON RED complete the shortlist.
Selections:
#10 My Lucky Charm, #5 Olympian Gold, #6 Trip To Peace, #1 Majalun
Race 5
Race Summary: ECHO CHECK could hardly have been more impressive when a wide-margin winner on debut and, with any amount of improvement likely, it could pay to follow his progress. Consistent SHINTO SHRINE is competitive off his current (career-low) mark but there are several for whom solid cases can be made, including WILLOWILD and ON A JET PLANE after encouraging reappearances. Lightly raced 3yo fillies CLAIRWOOD ROSE and EIGHT HATS fit a similar profile. Last-start winner PALACE ATTACK and returning RYANS BOULEVARD shouldn't be underestimated.
Selections:
#6 Echo Check, #13 Clairwood Rose, #2 Shinto Shrine, #9 On A Jet Plane
Race 6
Race Summary: Top sprinter LUCKY LAD is the star attraction (highest-rated runner) at the meeting and should enjoy reverting to this distance. He has a bit to find at the weights but boasts a good record racing fresh, so this represents a good opportunity for him to resume winning ways after a winless 4yo campaign. Well-weighted 5yo mares CHASING HAPPINESS, MINOGUE and returning ELEGANT ICE have the ability to expose any chinks in the selection's armour. Recently gelded speedster PISTOL PETE and versatile DANTONFROMSANDTON (unbeaten over course and distance) aren't making up the numbers.
Selections:
#1 Lucky Lad, #3 Chasing Happiness, #6 Minogue, #7 Elegant Ice
Race 7
Race Summary: FRANCILIEN was returning from a 6-month absence when finishing second in a similar contest over this trip last month and she won't need to improve much - if at all - to go one better, even off a 2-point higher mark, with improved fitness on her side. Course-and-distance specialists FRANCINE and stable companion JUST THE TWO OF US will likely pose the biggest threat, although last-start scorer VALIEVA should remain competitive under a penalty. RAINING RUBIES and KOMATI RIVER also have earning potential.
Selections:
#4 Francilien, #1 Francine, #7 Valieva, #3 Just The Two Of Us
Race 8
Race Summary: VERSACE ONTHETRACK and MALIBU were above-average during promising 2yo campaigns and both remain open to any amount of improvement on their 3yo reappearances. RED AMBER, RED HOT KISSES and BLINDFIRE fit a similar profile and receive weight from the aforementioned duo. WHIRLYBIRD, MAVERICK QUEEN and MICKE'S BOMB could get into the picture off their reduced marks.
Selections:
#1 Versace Onthetrack, #2 Malibu, #6 Red Amber, #11 Blindfire
Best Win: #4 FRANCILIEN
Best Value Bet: #6 ECHO CHECK
Best Longshot: #6 ECHO CHECK
