Hi All,


It seems the fields for the midweek metro races are still very disappointing..... hence I've stuck to Saturday meetings, but I'll see if I can help. Going by the other threads it seems everyone is avoiding Melbourne racing like the plague, with not too many happy punters having much success..... anyway my thoughts for Lakeside today are:



Race 1 (3000m Hurdle)....

(6) Tadakatsu - Thought was a good e/way chance last time when finished 3rd, looks like good e/way chance again

(8) Wood In Deed - Finished off well and headed (6) Tadakatsu last start, also a good chance
(4) Classic Benabra - Easy class for him and has been promising over the "speed humps"
(3) Al Garhood - Won his first jumps start impressively, although not a strong field, one for the multiples

Race 2 (1000m Cl6 Hcp)

(3) Stratagee Gee* - Very fast mare, has the claim of Mellham, nice barrier and has pet distance, excellent chance

(4) Dan's Princess - resuming and has good record fresh, very consistent
(6) Princess Tiffany - has the cherry and can take advantage of it, weakened last start but will be fitter
(1) Sarah Michelle - Has Nikolic and is smart on her day, the going will suit and has won first up previously

Race 3 (1200m 3YO Hcp)

(2) Super Mario - Impressive debut and extra distance will be perfect after disappointing last start

(1) Saarjun - Showed good speed and determination at debut win
(6) Maribeau - 3/4 brother to HK's Indigenous.... watch.
(3) Amerryking, (4) El Caballo and (7) Record.... for multiples

Race 4 (1400m Cl6 Hcp)

(8) Tommifrancs* - Won easily when resuming, up in class, but meets an ordinary lot here and has Shinn

(1) Scopari - has terrific strike rate, will relish the going and was inconvenienced last start
(2) Our Arch Rival - ran on last start, all be it on the best part of the track when they ran over my horse (Stratton Place) !!!

Race 5 (1200m Cl6 Hcp)

(1) Serene Prince - Very consistent fellow, loves the distance, going will suit

(2) Tummler - Missed start last time and finished on nicely, if jumps will be a real chance
(6) Saayeb - Racing well and will appreciate tempo nice e/way odds
(9) Murray's Mate - ran on well and loves the 1200m another at nice odds and due for a win

Race 6 (2100m Hcp)

(6) Kepero - just beaten last start, 5 len to 3rd horse in that race, racing well and has Ryan

(2) Smart Arch - Form has not been flash, and will make the journey, has the class for this mob
(1) Aquiline - disappointing in Adel last start, worth another chance

Race 7 (1600m Hcp)

(10) Fall of Rome* - Won nicely last start, very consistent, was 5th to (9) Huck Finn 2 starts ago, but was checked 200m out

(7) Johnny Be Good - wasn't good last start when raced erratically, if behaves is a great chance....
(9) Huckleberry Finn - Won two on end and pet distance, doesn't win by much but is fit
(4) Louie's Backyard - Likes the distance and ran on home nicely last start 2nd

Race 8 (1600m Cl6 Hcp)

(1) Costal Waters - racing consistently well and is a big chance at this distance, has Shinn and hope to jump at e/way odds

(4) Escolta - Worked hard last start and paid for it, fitter and enjoys the track and distance is right up her alley.
(9) Dream Lass - Ultra consistent and good win last start, stable is flying and has no weight with claim, jockey is only worry
(7) Pugnacious - getting to peak fitness and over this distance should be ready to go, only query is how wet track might be
(2) Balascal - Ran nicely last start behind Civil and on that is a chance in this field

(* = confidence...... others just for fun)

Best Bet

Race 2 #3 Stratagee Gee*
Race 4 #8 Tommifrancs*

Best E/Way
Race 3 # 2 Super Mario
Race 6 #6 Kapero
Race 7 #10 Fall of Rome*
Race 8 # 9 Dream Lass

Best Roughie
Race 5 #9 Murray's Mate