Race 5
There are two unraced runners in the field, so keep an eye on the betting markets to get some indication as to whether either of the connection believe that they can win first time out. Any betting support for either, or both, should be respected. Of the raced runners LA VESUVIUS may prove to be the best. He has only had the three runs to date, finishing second on debut over five furlongs and then put in two solid runs after returning from a lengthy 56 week spell, the latest another second place finish over 1250M, beaten just a short-head and the form of that race has been franked. He raced four wide approaching the home turn that day, so could be considered an unlucky loser. From draw seven, he looks to be the one to side with here.
TOT OF RUM is a 3yr old filly taking on the boys, but she has finished third in her last two runs, the latest over seven furlongs, just over one and a half lengths back from the victor. She looked a possible winner at the 200M marl, only to be run out of it late. She gets a handy draw two and she should be right up there when they hit the line.
WE’VE GOTTA DEEL did not get the clearest of passages in the home straight, only seeing daylight at the 300M mark before finishing well, ending up in sixth spot last time out over a mile, three and a half length behind the winner. The gelding has a useful gate four and with better luck in running today, he should be included in all bets.
Race 6
RHYTHM IS A DANCER completed his quartet of wins when victorious last time out over 1450M, albeit by just a head. He went from jump to wire that day and from his wide draw twelve out of twelve, he is likely to adopt the same tactics today, as he will also get 3kgs taken off his back thanks to his claiming apprentice.
SOUND AND VISION also won from the front last time out, but in his case over a mile by 0.8L. He jumps from a kinder draw four and could be good enough to complete a quick double.
ZOFFANY’S is seldom far off the action, finishing sixth last time out over seven furlongs, 2.7L back from the winner. He jumps from a cozy gate two and seems likely to turn in another honest performance today.
Race 7
DIMENSION had finished second in his last four outings, prior to winning his last start over seven furlongs by a half-length, despite racing three wide approaching the home turn, but he produced a powerful finish to win going away. The gelding has pulled gate two and is taken to be the best bet on the day’s card and give jockey Aaron Bullock his second winner in the day’s Jackpot, should the top pick win the opening leg.
A 4yr old filly and a 5yr old mare could chase him home, with the slight preference going to WHAT A PEACH who has finished closer to the winner in each of her last three starts, the latest when second over 1450M, just a head behind the winner. She battled all the way down to the wire in that contest and from gate six, she could emerge as the biggest danger to the top choice.
KEEN CONTRIBUTER won her last start over 1300M by just under one and a half lengths and was immediately rested for 33 weeks. She returns here after finishing fifth in her only barrier trial and notwithstanding a wide draw nine, she should be involved in the finish.
Race 8
The day’s value bet, MAJORITY is a 5yr old mare taking on males, but she won over 1100M three runs back and then finished third in her penultimate start over the same trip, before being a tad disappointing last time out over six furlongs, ending up in sixth place, just over four and a half lengths back from the winner, but she overraced towards the rear of the field that day. She was immediately rested for 33 weeks and returns here after having has the benefit of a barrier trial and she will be hoping to bounce back to some of his better form today. She has pulled gate six and could record a red-letter day for jockey Aaron Bullock.
WARRAH FLASH finished second in his penultimate run over five furlongs, which was his first outing for his new trainer, then won his next start over 1150M by just over a half length. He was slow away in that event, but made good late progress over the closing stages to claim victory. He is drawn one inside the top pick and will have his peak run after returning from a 25 week absence.
DEFIANT HEART followed up his penultimate run victory over 900M with a second place finish next time out over five furlongs, just a neck behind the winner, but he raced four wide without cover that day, to just fail to reel in the victor. The gelding will have to deal with a wide draw twelve, but he will be having his peak run after returning from a lengthy 65 week spell.
