13. Shohisha ran a very nice race, though safely held, behind Autumn Glow first up at 1100m in the Toy Show. Cast the mind back to last prep, and she resumed at 1100m then won second up at the Randwick mile, and she arguably went a lot better fresh this time around. Nicely drawn and with the light weight, she gets her chance. 9. Lord Penman jumps from 1200m to the mile on the back of an excellent local debut at Rosehill where he charged late on a heavy track behind Cloudland. Whether he gives away too much start from the barrier is a query. Any tactics change notices would be worth looking for, but does look like he’ll be a winner soon. 7. Time Quest made it successive Coffs Harbour Cup wins when finishing too well for It’s A Knockout in that feature race a month ago. Tick-over trial since then and he’s not to be left out. 12. Aberlour has found her form at her past couple of starts and hasn’t raced since late July due to the Rowley Mile being washed out. But she has won two trials so won’t lack fitness, and if she can wrest control from Fully Lit, she could take running down.
How to play it: Shohisha to win.
Race 6 – 2.45PM TAB FURIOUS STAKES (1200 METRES)
3. Savvy Hallie steps away from heavy tracks after her two wins this time in, including the Silver Shadow two weeks ago. But she’s proven just as effective on good tracks with her gallant effort in the Percy Sykes last time in. She’s hard fit after those two runs and she just maps to get every chance of continuing on her winning way. 1. Within The Law chased her home in the Silver Shadow but was struck a blow with the barrier meaning she’ll be more than likely giving away a big start. Not that she couldn’t overcome it, particularly if they get along and you can make ground. Must include her. 16. Apocalyptic hasn’t raced since a promising debut at the end of last year and some handy form has come out of that race. Missed the autumn, but her couple of recent trials are sound, and while she’s a maiden, she looks to have the talent. 4. Memo disappointed at the end of the prep in the Percy Sykes, but everything else she did was excellent, and if she’s come back any better she’s a good each-way chance.
How to play it: Savvy Hallie to win.
Race 7 – 3.20PM ASAHI SUPER DRY CHELMSFORD STAKES (1600 METRES)
Hard to ignore how well suited 2. Ceolwulf is looking at the make up of this field. He’s a two-time group 1 Randwick mile winner taking on a field of largely staying types heading for longer races. He was outstanding coming from last in the Winx Stakes first up where he made his run down the middle of the track after turning on the back of winner Via Sistina. If he steps away cleanly, which he usually does, he should make some use of barrier two and be in front of at least half the field. In that scenario, it’s difficult to see him being beaten. That said, it’s a big race for him and one he needs to win. 4. Lindermann is not a heavy-track horse, so it’s easy to overlook his failure in that Winx Stakes, his sixth defeat on a heavy track. But away from heavy, he’s the one that could give Ceolwulf a run for his money. His second-up record is excellent, and he’ll be right on speed. 5. Sir Delius made a good impression with his Australian debut win in Brisbane in May where he beat Floating and Manzoice over 2000m on a heavy track. He’s not been exposed to a mile before and he’s more a 2400m-plus horse later in the spring. Interesting to see how he shapes up. Should run well but good chance he finds it sharp. 10. Birdman isn’t suited at weight-for-age, but he is a handy type still on the way up. Excellent return behind War Eternal at Rosehill three weeks ago. The mile is a plus, and while he is also looking for longer, he can run well.
How to play it: Ceolwulf to win.
Race 8 – 3.55PM KIA ORA CONCORDE STAKES (1000 METRES)
There should be enough speed to give every horse their chance, and in that scenario, 5. Headwall is the best 1000m horse in this field. Five of his six wins have come at the distance, and he’s a proven first-up performer out to secure a TAB Everest slot. He proved himself group 1 class in the autumn with placings in some big group 1 sprints, and he looks to be trialling well. With even luck at the right time, he’ll be difficult to hold out. Tough to knock 4. Lady Shenandoah, given she went through last season undefeated, including three group 1 wins, all in fillies or mares company. Her only start at 1000m was on debut, and she’s obviously improved since then. Her past couple of group 1 wins were a bit of a struggle, so perhaps she is better suited to sprints. If she is, then she’s very dangerous and the logical threat. Gate one could be a plus or a minus. 3. Jedibeel broke 56 seconds when winning the Challenge Stakes first up last preparation at this track and distance, so he’s very much proven at the short course. Nicely drawn and he can be a factor. 1. Jimmysstar was an Oakleigh Plate winner first- p in the autumn, and he does have a lethal fresh record. Not sure it’s a great set-up for him giving away weight and a start at 1000m, but if they do overdo it up front, he’d come right into play late.
How to play it: Headwall to win.
Race 9 – 4.35PM DRINKWISE TRAMWAY STAKES (1400 METRES)
Is there a better-placed horse all day than 5. Private Eye? He dominated the PB Lawrence three weeks ago first up since the Stradbroke, and did it from the front. He’s won just shy of $12.4 million and gets into this race with 57.5kg and a rating five points (2.5kg) higher than any other runner. He’ll make his own luck up on the pace, either leading or right on their hammer, and with that run under his belt, he has to be very difficult to beat. 7. Pericles might be advantaged having drawn just to Private Eye’s outside as he is normally a go-forward type. Last seen running a close fifth in the Doncaster Mile, he’s now with the Baker stable and nothing seems to have changed with him looking at his public appearances. Definite chance. 2. Linebacker has to go forward as well from the wide gate. He’s mostly produced his best when somewhere near the speed, and given the aforementioned pair are natural on-pacers, he can get the tag. Has been hit and miss in his short career so far, but when he’s good, he’s very good and can’t be overlooked. 13. Waterford is a get-back-and-run-on type that has a good fresh record and was sweeping home nicely behind Linebacker in his latest trial. No surprise to see him charging home.
How to play it: Private Eye to win.
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Race 10 – 5.10PM NJT CLIFF CLARE MEMORIAL HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
8. Scintilla gave a glimpse of her potential last time in winning three straight and measuring up well in a handy field in the Inglis Sprint at Flemington before a break. She had an easy trial on Tuesday, brushing home nicely, and has come up with an ideal draw. We’ve seen her lead and sit just off them, so whatever unfolds, she can cope with. The upside is there to say she can win better races. 1. Point And Shoot did not handle the heavy 10 at all first up and that run can be forgotten. Stays at 1200m but gets back onto a firmer track, and given his SP fresh in unsuitable conditions, he has to be respected, though likely gives away a start. 11. Winston Hills handled himself soundly to run fourth in the same race when resuming, and he’s another that will appreciate a good to soft track. He’s produced his best when saved for one run at them, and if he’s within range, he could be difficult to hold out. 7. Bauhinia wasn’t able to get into the race first up at Wyong in a small field and a slowly run race. She is another with a big finish in her when she balances up, so it wouldn’t surprise to see her improve quickly, too.
How to play it: Scintilla to win.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
