Racing & Sports Canberra Preview - 2 September 2022
The track will likely come up a soft 6-7. For the first time in a while the rail will be in the true position, and you’d presume the inside ground will play better. We’ll get a better idea a few races in. There are some likely types going around and most races will be decent betting affairs.
Race 1 (1600m) Bm 65
An open affair.
SUPER VIEW (5) won the 60 here this trip bet 9-4F and then was fancied again up to a middle distance, but nothing worked out as the stewards' report attests. He will use the low barrier and dropping back to the mile shouldn't bother. Has more upside than most.
STREET CRED (4) is second-up and performs in that state. Missed a whisker in a Wagga Open over 1800m at the back of the previous preparation. Four of his five wins have come here. The wet suits and the Mick Smith stable is on-song.
BET RED (1) went to the lead here the latest after pulling hard and unsurprisingly was gobbled-up late. Back to 1600m is likely to suit better and he's good enough to feature.
SANDASTAN (3) needed the first-up run after the switch from Godolphin. He has strong relative form at this distance range and no surprise to see him make quick improvement. Keep safe.
LAWYER'S DELIGHT (2) drops in grade and distance and is in the mix.
BET: Super View gets the nod.
Race 2 (2000m) CL1 SW
A tricky form assignment.
LAYLA OF MONACO (2) just missed in a 64 at Kembla three-back over a mile but has been plain the two since. Placed his only go this distance range and may be looking for it. He's good enough.
SUCCESSFUL STAR (3) was beaten a nose here at the mile and then ran along and faded late at Newcastle. This suits better and she will use an inside gate. First time and the mile and a quarter and will get his chance to bounce.
KATAWAY (1) was out graded at Newcastle but went close at Gundagai prior and won't be far away.
SO I SEE (8) is still a Maiden but got closer at Moruya and isn't out of it with weight relief at this level.
BUFF IN DISGUISE (4) races at the middle distance for the first time and Penza's booking suggests he can show more.
Bet: Going with the Coyle-trained Layla Of Monaco
Race 3 (1200m) Mdn
The race-day market will tell plenty.
ZARINYA (14) has been well-trialled and impressed at Canterbury on debut (slow surface) after meeting trouble. That's good form for a country Maiden and fitter the John Thompson-trained filly will take beating.
SANTORINI SUN (1) was solid resuming at Hawkesbury for one of the nation's premier barns and four winners have come out of that. Will have come on and has more to give. Was beaten as a 1-2F here three back and benefiting from a 2kg claim will get every chance to make amends.
MISS BOOM BOOM (13) is also in strong Sydney hands and was okay through the line at Wyong on debut. Had been well-trialled and has an inside gate today. Expect quick improvement.
GEMINIDS (9) resumes and is in a canny local barn. Has shown enough to be very competitive if presented on-song.
LOVEULIKEALOVESONG (11) and SURFERS ROYALE (3) are both debutants who profile well. Keep a close eye on the betting with them.
BET: With Zarinya on what we've seen.
Race 4 (1300m) Bm 60
ALLGEMEINE (1) resumes and is a promising mare in the red-hot Matt Dale barn. Won 2/4 the maiden preparation and placed the other two - all on wet surfaces at this track. Makes strong appeal.
CARTOGRAPHY (7) led and won the 58 on the Nowra slow spiking his figures. Fitter for that and the in-form Owen sticking is a plus. A quinella hope along with - -
SHADDY (2) who improved again beaten a lip behind the above at Nowra. Penza stays with him and will give the gelding every chance from the handy barrier.
YESTERDAY'S GONE (6) is and improver in good local hands and is in the mix.
SIR FINN (3) is hard to catch but spelled off a near-miss in a strong form race and will certainly be better for the first-up outing.
BET: Keen on Allgemeine.
Race 5 (1000m) Bm 70 – TAB Federal
SMUGGLER'S BAY (3) is lightly raced and easily ran his best race winning the Goulburn 66 comfortably on the soft. Keeps the 4kg claim and fitter can repeat the dose briefly freshened.
EMMA'S GIFT (7) resumed improved beaten a whisker on the Moruya heavy. Can secure the run of the race and fitter should be right in it again.
ANNUAL (8) led and won the 60 here comfortably first-up on the heavy at 25-1. Ran a big relative figure and will be a player if she can hold that level of form.
FEEL THE KNIGHT (4) would be mighty hard to roll at best but has been away for 646 days. Was last seen just beaten in a Warwick Farm 72 as favourite with JMac in the saddle. It's an ask but he's in the red-hot local barn and elevate if the race-day betting indicates he's on-song.
BET: Backing Smuggler's Bay.
Race 6 (1400) Mdn SW
BURGUNDY GIRL (6) ran favourite beaten a whisker here 14-day ago on the deep track. She thundered home out wide and would have won in another stride. Keeps Penza and can go one better.
CHAOTIC BEAUTY (7) resumed at Corowa off a long break missing a nose in a blanket finish. Was expected to need it and will be better again today. Finally draws a low gate and Heywood's booking is a lead.
MY ROCK SINGA (5) is running out of chances but has come back to racing improved for the new barn. Led beaten 2L at Moruya the latest and can build on that.
COUDREAU (8) is hard to catch but the former Victorian is up to this and has a key gear switch. Comes back to the sprint freshened and keep safe.
BET: Backing Burgundy Girl to win.
Race 7 (1400m) CL1
HAUTEUR (1) had good support here two-weeks ago in much better class and resented the application of the nose roll. That comes straight off, and the former Victorian can hit his straps having his third start for the hot Matt-Dale barn. Has raced well in stronger provincial company and 27% stable striker Heywood rides first time.
KAMEA (8) led and impressed winning the Maiden here on the same day and is back on track. Draws to advantage the longer sprint suits. Will get every chance to repeat.
GET SHAFTED (3) had been threatening at this level and then didn't get into it after settling last from a wide gate at Rosehill in much stronger. Winning rider Penza reunites replacing the apprentice and a bounce is probable back to country level.
SUPER RIFF (6) placed well-supported here two-weeks ago finding more like his best. It was a tough effort and he's a chance.
FLYING MIA (4) was better just beaten at Nowra and is a capable galloper drawn to advantage.
BET: Backing Hauteur.
Race 8 (1000) Mdn SW
A tricky race with debutants engaged who're likely to be sharp.
OVERTHROW (15) is in a strong Sydney barn and won a Warwick Farm trial by a big margin before pulling up win an issue at Kembla Grange on debut bet an 11-8F. Is back after 20 days and fitter tipping he can make amends.
SHEILA (4) debuts for the Matt Dale barn and it's in rare form. Owns a Goulburn trial win and draws well with high-stable striker Heywood aboard. The race-day betting will tell plenty with her and with fellow debutant --
WELCOME GYPSY (8) who is Sydney-trained and presents off a strong trial placing at Kembla Grange. She also looks promising and has the rail.
MRS GLOOP (3) and LA MIA VIA (1) are up and running and both have upside. They deserve plenty of consideration.
BET: Backing Overthrow if the money comes again.