Well, back at Doomben again tomorrow. Doesn't look an easy day but the competitiveness of the fields should give us some decent betting...
Race 1 -
Charmana Star, Plachutta, Inthemix
The 2yos up first, not a great start. Thought the race was probably out of 3. Plachutta, Charmana Star and Inthemix. I've settled on Charmana Star mainly because Byrne has accepted the ride. I would imagine that he had the option of Inthemix aswell as one or two others, and chose this one. At the better price, she'll do me fine. Plachutta was a good run last time behind Winaura, after racing greenly and can go close here. Inthemix was an encouraging run on debut and can definately go on with it here, from the good alley.
Race 2 -
Cool Scene*, Strawberry Malt, Socialist
Quality 3yo race here, very even bunch. There seems to be a good deal of speed up front with 3 or 4 of them liking to lead. For that reason, i think that class may prevail and Cool Scene will go very close. Even with the 58kgs, he proved himself a very good galloper last time in and from the good draw, i think he'll go very close. Strawberry Malt ran a great race behind Vitruvian last time in (in very good time) and can surely figure here with Colless on board. Socialist will definately enjoy the hot speed here, and is a place chance at longer odds.
Race 3 -
Minoa, La Bella Mer, Bellargo
No idea. La Bella Mer has been winning well in races that havent really suited, but they were mid-week class. I wouldn't want to be taking the short odds about her and for that reason i've settled on Minoa. He has been really costly lately, but you seem assured of a good run for your money with him, so that'll do me. La Bella Mer, if she can keep producing those finishing bursts, will be there at the business end. Bellargo in the easier race isn't without a chance either.
Race 4 -
Succeeding, Ultimate Command, Duomo
No speed here, on paper. However, the 1600m is a nightmare starting position, so that might see some speed come into it from out wide. That being said though, i'm not a fan of the race. Maybe Succeeding from Ultimate Command and Duomo, but its not a great field i didn't think.
Race 5 -
Love and Money*, Persuades, Miss Glamour Puss
Good field of mares lining up here. Thought there was a lot of speed here, and for that reason i've settled on Love and Money who will camp just off them and sprint once she sees daylight in the straight. Byrne will give her a perfect ride from the 1 alley too. Persuades was a good win last time and can go well here too, its just that the speed might not be suitable here - a few of the others might fight her for the front spot. Miss Glamour Puss has been running well in the midweeks, and deserves her chance here (did win a 2yo race in town though).
Race 6 -
Minassi, Fleet Baron, Happier
Another pretty good race. Horrible to see what happened to Minassi last time, stuck 3 deep all the way
. I think, with the 3 gate tomorrow, he can go very close to beating them here. Fleet Baron has been very costly in his short career...going out favourite on many occasions and missing out, but i'll give him his chance here with Byrne on board. That looks a good quinella. Happier is a Sydney horse with some good form who can fire fresh too.
Race 7 -
Amex, Champion Star, Gator
Amex is hardly the most reliable horse in the world, but while fresh i think he can go close to the money here. There seems to be significant speed here, and for that reason, if his mind is all there, he'll do me. Champion Star has been dealt 2 shocking draws first 2 runs up, but he has definite ability and can't be left out. Gator is another Hawkes horse with Sydney form and can go close with the claim - the alley is a touch awkward though.
Race 8 -
Testify, King of Spain, Man Of Illusion
Lets hope we're in front. Testify ran nice time with a big weight last time, but the 10 alley is a worry. I still think he's good enough to get over it, but the price may not be flash. I didn't see his run, but King of Spain appeared to be given every chance of running them down last time (with the hot speed) and couldn't do it, so i'm willing to put Testify above him. Man Of Illusion has ability but has drawn the carpark and will need luck of the highest order.
Best tomorrow would be Love and Money, Cool Scene with a good rough chance to Ultimate Command.
Good luck all
Sven