Race Meeting, Ascot, Perth, December 27, 2008 FIRST LEG 3.30 WA time
SECOND LEG 4.10 WA time
THIRD LEG 4.45 WA time
FOURTH LEG 5.20 WA time
Corstep Hcp (0-64) 1400m
Mistico Hco (F&M 0-67), La Trice Classic (LR, 1200m F&M) 1800m
High Rock Hcp, 3YO+ (0-67), 1200m.
The Gods of the quaddie are having a post-Christmas joke with us – a 0-64 mob, with a couple dropping down from Geraldton for confusion. Most of us will want to include the field here for peace of mind; for those who are a little stronger, or more sensible, include the following: (1) Silent Price, (3) Alabameramer, (4) Begin Again, (7) Frisson, (9) Inkwell, (10) Crown Of Caitlin and (12) New Faith. That’s seven candidates, of which we prefer Alabameramer as our top tip. Most of that optimism comes from strong wins at Ascot back in the autumn, both from the front of the field (cushy run, then from the front), and a return to something like that form, at his sixth run back, at Pinjarra on December 8. Expect a forward showing. We must include Crown Of Caitlin on potential. A first up winner, from the box seat almost a year ago, she hasn’t raced, or trialled since June. Frisson surprised in similar company at Pinjarra; Inkwell has been well supported three times in the West for no joy. Include the Geraldton Duo, Silent Price and Begin Again, and the maiden, New Faith, a strong trial winner, and a great first up second.
Oh boy, after a first leg like that, here we go with something tougher. We can find a case for any of 1 to 9, and the big maybe to KO the lot is the 12 – that’s ten who can win, and nobody would be surprised. We’ll start at the bottom with (12) Centro Gal, who has had one runaround trial since a strong second to Danerip in the Paklani (1100m) on March 8. What a run that was: jumped awkwardly, raced wide, and was green, and finished like a train. That run wins this, but …??? (1) Ma Chienne, returns from second to Rock My Pago in the Belmont Oaks (2000m), but put in a nice trial at Lark Hill on Dec 16. (2) Palace Gossip was wide throughout, took the lead at the cutaway and was cut down late when third to Sexy Babe (1200m) at Ascot on Dec 8. Definite chance. (4) Kenmarette led until late when favourite and third at Pinjarra (to Frisson) on 14 Dec. (7) Kriso Melli has been strong, and consistent in three placings since a win over Kenmarette at Ascott on November 8. (5) Transcribe was poor when leading, but has the ability. Stewards asked questions. Expect better. Include (3) Black Habit, (8), Fine Memories,(9) La Belle Jeune,
For a race of such value – cash and stud – this is a disappointing crew. For quaddie punters that might be good news, with a minimum of chances. We like (1) Russian Playmate, (2) Rock My Pago, (8) Urlay Nook, (12) Star Of Danetime and (13) Sexy Babe. We’re inclined to stick with Rock My Pago after a string of quality runs in what we think as much better company. She resumed with a great second to Spirited One in the Jungle Mist (LR, 1200m), then an unlucky fourth in the Jungle Dawn (LR, 1200m), and a last bit KO’d second to Russian Playmate in the Starstruck (LR, 1600m). We reckon this race is made for RMP, who should be able to take a simple lead, or worst case, a cushy position, and control the race. Russian Playmate is in career best form, and from her good gate should get a run that will allow her to finish strongly. The rest are guess material: Urlay Nook has been great in lessor company, but struggles at the top level; Star of Danetime was solid in the Country Classic last week, but we were disappointed, and Sexy Babe was terrific two runs back, but just okay last time.
A tough race to finish, made tougher by the fact that our natural top pick, (5) Kim Star has drawn the outside gate, and our other high choice, (2) Kilkenny Jac, is resuming. Given those “slows”, we also reckon these two are far superior to the rest, and are the two to rely on in the final leg. Kim Star has been outstanding in three runs – a fast-finishing debut second, a dominant win in notionally better grade, and a fading fourth when (unusually) leading behind Kensingtontreasure over 1400m here last week. From the gate, he’ll be kept back, and we like him there. Kilkenny Jac was consistent when last in work in similar company, finishing off with a strong win over 1200m (0-67) at Belmont on September 3. Dominated a 950m trial at Lark Hill on Dec 16, a nice hit out for this. We need to include (9) Kenile, on his terrific first up win over 1200m at Ascot on Oct 29, but have to forgive two shockers since. (4) Proud Falcon, heavily backed when third to Landspeed Cruiser here on Dec 17 needs to be included. We don’t like Mt Barker form, but (14) Solo Dante is an improver.
3, 12, 10 – 1,4,7,9
12 – 1, 2 – 3,7,6,4,5,8,9
2 – 1 – 8, 12, 13.
5 – 2 – 9,4,14
FOCUS ON FOURTH LEG
THE PLAYS
Hold your breath and go strongly for Kim Star and Kilkenny Jac in the fourth leg, after some faith in Rock My Pago and Russian Playmate in the third leg. We’d be happy to try the field and the field in the first two legs, and sit with our fancies in the run home. That’s being bold, but not necessarily sensible. More likely, we think that wide in the first two legs, and “wide-ish” in the third leg, with two to come home might be the way to go.
$42
3,12,10,1,4,7,9/12,1,2/2,1/5,2
$100
Type Selections here *Quad plays body ??%
$140
3,12,10,1,4,7,9/12,1,2,3,7,6,4,5,8,9/2,1/5,2
$364
FIELD/FIELD/2,1/5,2
OUR FAVOURED BET
$140
$546 FIELD/FIELD/2,1,8/5,2
3,12,10,1,4,7,9/12,1,2,3,7,6,4,5,8,9/2,1/5,2