Belmont Saturday Perth Racing Preview BY JOSH RODDER Track: Good (2) with a penetrometer of 6.2 (Perth measurements are different to those in the Eastern States, because of a different sand-based track). Some 18ml of rain has fallen for the week. The rail goes out to the nine-metre position. It was at six metres last Saturday and midweek with the track favouring horses up near the lead. Belmont is a great track that gives each horse a chance.
Forecast for Saturday Fine. Min: 4 Max: 20
Race 1 – Westspeed 2YO Plate [Open] [2YO] 1400m, 2:10pm [EST] Several of these runners can make themselves prominent early. There is no clear, natural leader, with Sushi Quatro (13), Aria Magic (8), Cosmopolitan City (10), Special Project (9), Pytheas (1) and Dawinner (2) all capable of racing handy to the pace. I was quite taken with the debut performance of Cosmopolitan City when fourth to Pytheas over 1200m at a Belmont midweek meeting on May 20. She went back from a wide gate and nothing went right thereafter. Aquanita Racing Perth branch head Simon Miller has made a big impression since setting up on the west coast and he looks to have some nice ammo with this filly. Drawn awkwardly again (11), however a positive ride can rectify that. Lucas Camilleri has the option to sum things up after the start and decide whether he goes back or forward. I think if he has a trouble free run, he can get the grey Citidancer filly home first. Dawinner has the best credentials in the race and has finally drawn a gate (3). Raced tight at vital stages last time (May 23) and should have finished closer than third to the promising Redhage. With the two-kilo allowance for Chloe Chatfield, she gets in well with 53kg. Her autumn juvenile form is excellent around God Has Spoken and Bridgestone. She will get the gun run and will look the winner at some stage. Moneghetti (4) showed enough
at the trials and on debut last week (fifth to Carlton Street over 1200m). Looks a future Classics type and the rise to 1400m is suitable. Drawn well, Pike goes on and expect this colt to be doing his best work late again. Special Project is an honest little filly who needs to overcome a wide draw, but is racing well. She may be in need of a gear change. Nothing went right at the start for Pytheas last week, Iht's A Maru (3) will appreciate 1400m and Rose of May (11) won't be far away.
THE VERDICT Looking for each-way odds with (10) Cosmopolitan City – positive she will run 1, 2 or 3. (2) Dawinner will start favourite and is the saver. (4) Moneghetti is the closer for a place. (9) Special Project, (1) Pytheas, (3) Iht's A Maru and (11) Rose Of May for wider multiples.
Race 2 – Winter Championship Heat Five, [3YO+ Fillies & Mares] [74-86] 1400m, 2:55pm [EST] Genuine speed expected, however limited pressure will be applied to Versarc (8). She'll Be Right (7), Sleepwalk (3) and Icy Maiden (4) will be handy. Sleepwalk is a classy mare who was enormous on resuming, when she sat three wide, without cover, outside the speed, with 58kg and was still giving on the line when third to Icy Maiden (1200m, May 23). There is a two-kilo turnaround in the weights, for just over a ½ length defeat. She should get all the favours from a nice draw and with the services of W. Pike, she will get her winning chance. Last spring at Ascot Sleepwalk was beaten 3.3 lengths by Famous Roman, Gilded Venom and co in the Peters in track record time. That form is good enough to win here. Versarc was tardy away last time in Icy Maiden’s race and from there on did not relax into a rhythm, however still found the line well. If she begins this time, she will lead, get a soft run and give a lot of cheek. There is not much between her and Icy Maiden, who was brilliantly ridden to win at her last two starts. Mares in form are always hard to beat, but quality apprentice Alan Kennedy will need to produce another gem. They are the three winning chances.
Dance Across (6) ran on well when fourth to Icy Maiden last start, however I doubt she can give away a start and win this.
THE VERDICT Very keen on the chances of (3) Sleepwalk, so bet with confidence. (8) Versarc will give cheek and is a good quinella bet. (4) Icy Maiden is right in it. Include (6) Dance Across and (2) Black Amber for wide exotics.
Race 3 – Go For 2 & 5 Hcp, [3YO+] [68-80] 1650m, 3:35pm [EST] This will be a truly run race. There will be lots of jostling for positions early. Interange (2) will lead London Court (9), with Justavision (7), Sunrange (3) and King Kool Kat (8) handy. There are many ways to look at this race. If they really pour the pressure on in front Beau Rancher (4) will be hard to hold out; if it is on-pace dominated Interange will be very tough to get past. I am going to stick with Beau Rancher, who was terrific when resuming and fifth to Glen Erin Lad over 1400m here on May 20. He walked out of the barriers, tacked on to the field and then was able to zoom to the line in a 33.40 last 600-metre sectional. He had previously trialled well and he has a great record at Belmont (10 starts, 2 wins, 5 placings), with sting out of the ground and at the 1650m (6-2-2-1). He looks a safe each way bet if we get the appropriate odds. Dantes Star (6) (lugging bit on) has been racing below his best since an Ascot win in late April. Belmont was going to be the better track for this horse, however he has raced without any zest in his last two. He has gone back at his past two starts and grinded it out to the line. From a nice draw, he can settle a touch closer and will get a cushy run. He could be the blowout. Interange is a bold frontrunning type who gave a great sight over 2000 metres last start when fourth (1/2 len) to Beyond Repute. Better suited at this trip and will give a ton of cheek. Sunrange is very honest and has run some solid races in high rating races. He will get a lovely run behind the speed. Observation (1) has drawn awkwardly, however if he is able to secure the right run, he will be strong at the finish. Three-year-old Total Marooned (11) was doing his best work late behind a
potential topline three-year-old in Mega Steel last start and can add value to the placings. Justavision is drawn to get the box seat run and drops 7kg on a fourth behind All Fury on Wednesday.
QUADDIE FIRST LEG R5 –perthracing.com.au Hcp [3YO+] [74-86] 1000m, 4:50pm [EST]
THE VERDICT
Don't blink or you will miss this race. There is speed galore on paper. Lachino (1), Chopin (9), Averroes (11) and Bull Durham (7) will be vying for the front. Ma Ma Machine (5) has really turned the corner since changing his racing pattern. A former one-dimensional speed horse, he has slowly been taught to relax and keep something for the finish. All three wins have been over the Belmont 1000m. He has not put a foot wrong this time in work and, from gate one, he will get a cushy run three back on the fence. He just needs an ounce of luck in the straight to run over the leaders. West River Boy (13) is a gifted sprinter who resumed for a new stable with a gutsy third behind the promising Speccio over 1000m at Belmont on May 27. He is drawn to get a cosy run and is great winning chance on the minimum weight. Chopin was surprisingly crossed for the lead when resuming, hit the front inside the 200m, before being nailed late by the classy sprinting three-year-old Sheenasaidgrey, who has since finished a close second to Grand Nirvana in the Group 3 Roma Cup. Query is the run he will get from a wide draw – how much work will he need to do? He is the best of the on-speed runners. Lachino can burn to lead and just does not know how to run a bad race. Big watch on the first-up horses Casper Cowboy (2), Centrum (6), Arctic Waters (10) and Dress Suit (3). Averroes flew at the Belmont mid-weeks (May 20) over 1000 metres last time and left subsequent winners Freetime and Casanova Jack in his wake.
Bet 1 x 2 units on (4) Beau Rancher and have something small at the odds on (6) Dantes Star as a saver. (2) Interange is the one they will need to get past. (3) Sunrange is always thereabouts. Include (1) Observation, (11) Total Marooned, (7) Justavision, (9) London Court and (8) King Kool Kat for wide exotics.
Race 4 – Westspeed 3YO Hcp [3YO] [Open] 1200m, 4:14pm [EST] The tempo looks even, nothing ridiculous, with pressure not evident. Bike Aaromba (3) looks the only speed factor and can dominate from the front. I expect the favourite Broadway Belle (4) to be in the one-one position, with maybe the debutant Philby (9) prominent and Emteevee (5) in the box seat. Broadway Belle is bred to be anything (Redoute's Choice-Antique, by Metal Storm) and could be. She should be unbeaten from three starts, and just needs to repeat her laststart run here in Saturday grade and she will win again. In winning last time she recorded the fastest of three 1200m races on the day, beating times set by Key Biscuit and Icy Maiden. Bike Aaromba ran really well firstup when second to Broadway Belle and with that run under his belt, will give a great sight again. Emteevee appears to just want to get it over and done with in his races, and from a nice gate gets a chance to get some cover and come back underneath his rider. Amelia's Reason (2) could not have run home any quicker than 32.92 last week when fifth behind the fying Most Secretive over 1000m on May 30. He will be running on. Philby is a half brother to Vizard (by Bletchley Park) and was a solid recent trial winner. He will run well on debut. Hermosa Corona (1) failed to run on with 58kg first-up (fifth to Broadway Belle) for new stable. Fitter and can run into a place.
THE VERDICT (4) Broadway Belle is very good – if you don't mind odds on, bet-up. (3) Bike Aaromba, (5) Emteevee, (2) Amelia's Reason, (9) Philby and (1) Hermosa Corona vie for the minor money.
THE VERDICT Back (5) Ma Ma Machine each-way all day and save on (13) West River Boy. With the right run (9) Chopin is going to be hard to get past. (1) Lachino is another on-speed chance. Watch betting and include in wider multiples: (2) Casper Cowboy, (6) Centrum, (10) Arctic Waters and (3) Dress Suit. (11) Averroes is a place chance. Quaddie 5,13,9,2,6
QUADDIE SECOND LEG Race 6 – Swell Baby Hcp, [86+] [3yo+] 2000m, 5:25pm [EST] A genuinely run race, with a question mark on how much pressure will be applied. McLurch (2) makes the running and sets the tempo as he pleases. Reverend Lovejoy (1),
Jangala (8), Sky Marshall (11), Lady Sammyjay (9) can be handy. What a great horse Reverend Lovejoy has become. He has been wonderfully managed by Adam Durrant whose team has had a brilliant start to the Belmont winter racing season. He has won five of his six starts this time in work and probably should be unbeaten. He won three races at Belmont in May from 1600m through to 2000m, all with big weights. He does not know when to lie down and he will get a lovely on-speed run again with the same weight he carried to victory last time. Bet against him at your peril. Stablemate Star Encounter (3) is a classy staying mare who has not had things to suit at her last two starts, but was still too good here last week in a race of less depth. She overcame a chequered passage from the 600metres and dug deep to score. If this is truly run, and she is allowed to get out and get going, there will be no stronger runner on the line. From her barrier, the way the race will be run, she will get her chance. Sentenza (5) was outstanding first up, flashing home for fifth behind Geyser Peak over 1400m at Belmont on May 9. He ran okay second up, but just lacked the same finishing burst. Can forgive for the secondup factor and he is looking for the extra journey. He is drawn to get a beautiful run. McLurch is a bold front-runner, being tried at the 2000 metres for the first time. He will be left alone and will give backers a great sight. (4) Mikaldico, (6) Casual Life and (12) Striken are place chances.
THE VERDICT They keep letting us on (1) Reverend Lovejoy, so keep backing him. You can save on stablemate (3) Star Encounter and (5) Sentenza can win if he produces his best. Include (2) Mc Lurch, (4) Mikaldico, (6) Casual Life and (12) Striken. Quaddie 1,3,5
QUADDIE THIRD LEG Race 7 – Westspeed Stayers' Bonus Handicap, [3YO+] [62-74] 2000m, 6pm [EST] Expect a genuinely run race. A query on how much pressure will be applied to Lucky Trainer (9). Cassius Grey (4), Night At The Opera (7), Offer Me Jewels (12), False Bravado (5) and Star Khenaction (10) can be handy. It’s hard not be impressed with how the progressive mare Can Time (8) has
been finding the line. She has smashed her rivals at her past two starts and, if she relaxes, she will have no issue running out the 2000 metres. She has the best turn of foot in the race, and appears set to get a nice run midfield, one off the fence. She is by Danetime out of a half-sister to former topshelf galloper Willoughby, also trained by Michael Pateman. Zilvain (11) had no luck resuming and then showed that he is in form with a closing third behind Gamroy over 1600m here on May 23. His last win was over the Belmont 2000m in September last year but outside barrier (16, will come in to 13) means he will need a ton of luck. False Bravado has won three of his past four starts. He has shown he can go back and run on strongly, or do it at both ends as he did last start (May 27, 2200m). Never really settled and was still too good in midweek grade last time. Pencaza (2) is right on track for a cracking Belmont winter staying season and will stay all day. Cassius Grey is racing well and will get a lovely run. Savage Wolf (6) was much better when taken up to this trip last start. He and Night At The Opera (although badly drawn in 14) will be competitive with the right runs.
THE VERDICT Keen to gamble: Go for (8) Can Time eachway at her first try at 2000m and save on (11) Zilvain. (5) False Bravado and (2) Pencaza won't be far away. Include (4) Cassius Grey, (6) Savage Wolf, (7) Night At The Opera and (3) La Soeur Noir in multiples.
a race, and still find plenty. He’s a good horse! Key Biscuit (9) blew away his rivals with a withering finishing burst at his third run back from a spell, beating Midtime over 1200m on May 23. Drawn to have a similar run from a wide draw and he will be rattling again. Euclassy Thing was the best performance from the beaten brigade when fifth behind Key Biscuit. Drawn to get a cosy run and is the value runner. Battle Emblem (12) is an enigmatic type who with the right run could play a part. Definite ability there but just tends to find trouble in his races. No weight, with a good gate (2) and his first-up run behind Key Biscuit was okay. This time last year he was very competitive in this grade at Belmont. Geyser Peak was penalised heavily for winning an open race at his WA debut on May 9. Raced in the worst part of the track last start when 12 th to Key Biscuit and is much better than that. Has winning claims. Estiarte (6) was ridden back and really hit the line stylishly when fourth to Key Biscuit. He is in the mix. Minor place hopes to Kereign (13) first-up, Axtel (14) and Garavanni (8).
THE VERDICT (11) Gamroy is the best horse and should win, unless something goes drastically wrong. (9) Key Biscuit is next best, with the best roughies (10) Euclassy Thing and (12) Battle Emblem. (4) Geyser Peak is the biggest improver. Include (6) Estiarte, (13) Kereign, (14) Axtel and (8) Garavanni. Quaddie: 11 (skinny) or 11,9,10,12,4 (wide)
Quaddie: 8,11,5,2
QUADDIE FOURTH LEG Race 8 – Winter Championship Heat Six, [74-86] [3YO+ Entires & Geldings] 1400m, 6.35pm [EST] This will be a genuine pace and the pressure appears solid on paper. Another Clanger (3) will roll to the top, from stablemate Euclassy Thing (10) and Amici (5), Geyser Peak (4) and Zhamenka (1). Gamroy (11) was amazing getting the cash for us last start. Was three wide without cover, made mid-race move to be three wide outside the leaders, again without cover, hit the front early in straight and dug deep to score – with 58.5kg. He was a good thing beaten when he failed to get a crack at them, when fifth as favourite to Star Risca on May 9. Steps up in grade, drops in weight and can continue on his winning way. This horse has the ability to make more than one run in
Best Bets Race 2 #3 Sleepwalk R4, #4 Broadway Belle R8, # 11 Gamroy Value Bets R1 # 10, Cosmopolitan City R7 # 8, Can Time
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$25), Racing In Australia guide to season 2009/10 for $20 (RRP $45) and a PR.Com membership for $150 (RRP $200) Total Value $270 for only $185. Get access to metropolitan and country race and trial replays, Perth Racing preview show, trial reports and much more. This offer is only available until Friday June 12. To take advantage of this special offer select ‘the thoroughbred Pr.com Membership’ in the membership type field when you sign up for a new membership or renew your existing membership. Log on to www.perthracing.com.au Josh Rodder www.perthracing.com.au