Belmont Saturday Perth Racing Preview BY JOSH RODDER Track is a Dead 4, as of Friday lunchtime, penetrometer is 6.1 (Perth measurements are different to those in the Eastern States, because of a different sand-based track). The rail moves to the 12m position. It was at 9m last Saturday and 12m midweek, when leaders were hard to get past. 32ml of rain has fallen for the week, with 22ml on Thursday night. There are more showers predicted for race day, so we are dealing with a genuine rain-affected surface. Belmont gives every horse a chance. FORECAST – SATURDAY: Shower or two. Min 5 Max 16
Race 1 – Westspeed 2YO Plate [Open] [2YO] 1000m, 2:19pm [EST] This off-season juvenile event has lots of natural speed. Expect the pressure to be on early. The E n t o u rage (1 ) can hold the lead from the likely favourite F o r Y o u r E yes O n l y ( 2 ), with S c he r z o ( 9 ) , Fa ce Of Me r c y ( 4 ) , F y s t ive ( 6 ) and I m pat ie n t Ti mes ( 8 ) capable of racing handy to the speed. I was really taken with the debut win of Kes haar ( 3 ). Trainer Fred Kersley and owner/breeder Neville Duncan know how to find a nice horse, and I think they have a promising type on their hands in Keshaar. The son of former unwanted East Coast sire Xaar, is out of a sister to 1983 Railway Stakes winner Getting Closer and looks endowed with oodles of ability. At his Belmont midweek debut he was forced to do it tough throughout and, despite the hard run, he reeled in the leaders effortlessly. In a matter of a few strides he put the race beyond doubt and cruised to the line for a soft win. Nice horse! With the pressure on, he should get a nice run midfield, with cover and come with a late burst.
Brilliant filly For Your Eyes Only was dominant when resuming last Saturday. There was a small query on her first-up at 1200m, however she did it at both ends and was far too good. There is more depth here and she will have to do a shade more work this time. She is the one to run down and a deserved favourite. I have been very impressed with the two winning trials of Impatient Times. On Monday at Belmont he was tested throughout when leading all the way, recording the fastest time of the day. The second placed Musket Fire is handy and I think Impatient Times looks a real racehorse. The wide draw makes his task that little bit harder. The Entourage did everything right, leading throughout on debut and Excellar enhanced that form with an all-the-way win midweek at Belmont. I am loath to dismiss Fystive, who returns to racing a gelding. He was brave at his Ascot debut in late January and behind him that day was the subsequent Sires winner God Has Spoken. Fystive is unbeaten in two trials this time in work, and is a professional with good ability. Zes ter ( 5 ) is a nice horse in the making, but I believe he is looking for further.
THE VERDICT I’m keen to gamble each-way on ( 3 ) Kes haar and save on ( 2 ) F o r Y o u r Eyes O n l y. There is a healthy respect for ( 8 ) I m pa t ie n t Ti mes, (1 ) T he En t o u rage and ( 6 ) F y s t ive. Include ( 5 ) Zeste r and ( 4 ) Fa ce Of Me r c y in wider multiples.
between runs. He settled near the tail of the field from his awkward draw, in a race that was run at a slow tempo. He was the widest runner swinging and despite laying in over the final stages, he ran on resolutely behind Revy Jay. He has received a lovely draw (6) and should lob into a sweet trailing position. His previous Belmont win (May 30) was dominant and the fire out of the ground is ideal. Eachway all day. S ce n i c B u l let (1 ) is one of my horses, but he is racing more like a stayer – he has drifted back and done his best work late at his two runs back in. He appeared to be going nowhere fast halfway down the running here last week, but over the final 100m, like a good stayer, he clicked into another gear and hit the line hard when third to Late Night Flight. He is in well after the 3kg claim for Campbell McCallum, but is crying out for 2000 metres. King Kool Kat has won one from 38 , but has 16 placings and continues to earn prize cheques for his connections. He has raced tough this time around and from an inside gate should get all the favours. Must go in all multiples. Black Habi t ( 6 ) returned with nice third over 1400m at Belmont behind Obtrusive on June 27. She strips fitter. William Pike is back on board and he knows her well. Sleepwalk and Black Amber are gutsy mares who will ride the speed and be competitive.
THE VERDICT
Race 2 – Trevor Burrows 50th Birthday Handicap [3YO+] [74-86] 1650m, 2:58pm [EST]
Each-way all day ( 4 ) T i t c he r ma n. (1 ) S ce n i c B u l let will be grinding home strongly for the quinella spot. ( 9 ) K i ng K o o l Ka t does not know how to run a bad race. Include the ( 6 ) B la ck Habi t, ( 5 ) S leepwalk and ( 2 ) Bla ck A m ber in multiples. ( 3 ) Ma r i ne D r ive goes in wider exotics.
Speed will be even with S leepwalk ( 5 ) finding the top, with very little exposed pressure. I am expecting K i ng K o o l Ka t ( 9 ) and Bla ck A m be r ( 2 ) to settle in handy positions.
Race 3 – Shot Of Thunder Hcp [3YO+] [80+] 2000m, 3:33pm [EST]
There is good depth to this restricted event. Great Southern-trained veteran Tit c he r ma n ( 4 ) is in career-best form and was very good when third last start at Belmont on June 27 after having a month
O r igi nal L oval ove r ( 8 ) is expected to roll to the front with the blinkers added to his gear and up in distance. He should set an event tempo, with minimal exposed pressure.
M ikaldi c o ( 3 ) has been working towards a win and appears to have found the ideal race to break through. His last two efforts behind quality staying mare Star Encounter have been excellent and his fitness levels should be peaking for this essay. The biggest danger appears to be Doy o u da re (1 ) but, going on previous meetings between the pair, there is no way the top weight can beat Mikaldico, who receives three kilos off Doyoudare after the claims for the Kennedy brothers (Alan on Doyoudare and Ben on Mikaldico). Mikaldico has the solid distance grounding, compared to Doyoudare and I believe that will stand him in good stead at the finish. Doyoudare is a classy middle-distance performer who has run some slashing races this time in for his new yard against the best of the off-season sprinter/milers. Drawn well and he should look the winner in the straight. Original Lovalover loomed large last time behind Zuytdorp before running out of condition. Blinkers on and soft run in front will mean he will give some cheek. Ex hi lara ti ng ( 2 ) is quality, but he will need a masterful ride from 3kg apprentice McCallum. Ce zan ne ( 7 ) should have won two starts back (6 th to Savage Wolf) and is better than what he showed last time. Would not be surprised if S p li t T he S ce ne ( 9 ) , J i n x K i ng ( 4 ) and Wi n dfield s Fa r m ( 5 ) make quantum leaps.
THE VERDICT Don't think you will lose on a 1 x 2 unit win and place basis with (3) Mikaldico. (1) Doyoudare for the quinella. Include (8) Original Lovalover, (2) Exhilarating, (9) Split The Scene, (4) Jinx King and (5) Windfields Farm in multiples.
Race 4 – Hurricane Sky Hcp [3YO+] [68-80] 1400m, 4:10pm [EST] In te ra nge (11) will ensure a genuine run race, with the pressure firmly on throughout. I like the way T re n ta n Di o r (1 0 ) is progressing for his new yard. His two runs back in hot races have been very good. First-up he settled close to a track-record speed and held on well when 5th behind Foxy Boy over 1200m on June 9. Secondup (June 27) he drifted a little further back and closed late behind the impressive London, with subsequent midweek winner Jean behind him. I like those form lines, along with the fact that Paul Harvey goes on and he can ride him
positively again from a nice draw. Early in his career he showed promise, recording back-to-back Ascot wins, and he appears to be working towards that sort of form again. The key is a positive ride, which should have him 1 x 1 in fourth place on settling. I have chopped and changed the order of minor placings several times. Looking for value, I believe there will be genuine improvement from V o l ca n i c Ca u seway (1 3 ). He has drawn wide at his two runs back from a spell over shorter trips and been unable to make an impact, but his closing sectionals have been good enough to suggest he has returned to racing in good order. Gets the prized draw (2) so can be ridden much more prominently, even box seat if Lucas Camilleri chooses to. He also ran in the London race last start (8 th, June 27), which is a very good off-season form line. Talk To T he Wall ( 4 ) has had no luck with his draw (12), but strips fitter for recent racing in better company. He will get back and be running on strongly off the fast speed. Galld o ra ( 3 ) and O b t r u s i ve (1 ) are mares who will appreciate the anticipated fast tempo. Expect the pair to be flashing late, but they are not that well weighted against the boys. Former Sydneysider Eagle R o ck ( 8 ) had no luck at his WA debut when 5th behind Revy Jay over 1400m on June 21. Revy Jay ( 2 ) is honest but rises sharply in weight o his last start win her on June 27 (up 5kg). Interange will give them something to catch and it is D-day for Ke reign ( 5 ), who has the talent but needs to fire right up.
THE VERDICT Back (1 0 ) T re n ta n Di o r each-way and have something small at the odds on (1 3 ) Volcanic Causeway. ( 4 ) Talk T o T he Wall, ( 3 ) Gall d o ra and (1 ) O b t r u s ive would not surprise. Include ( 8 ) Eagle R o ck, ( 2 ) Revy Jay, (11) I n te ra nge and ( 5 ) Ke reig n in wider exotics.
QUADDIE FIRST LEG Race 5 – Westspeed 3YO Hcp [3YO] [62+] 1200m, 4:45pm [EST] This will be run at a solid clip, with natural speed engaged. C o o l A s Hel (11) has the speed to cross and lead. Bike Aar o m ba ( 2 ) pushes forward, with Le t's Go Se c re t ( 9 ) and C o n d y Pa rk (1 0 ) prominent.
Quality filly Al l C las s ( 5 ) returns from a spell without a trial, but she has the class to carry her through. She showed real steel last time in work, progressing from a speedy short course filly to an autumn classics contender before appearing to have had enough in the Natasha (7th to Delta Gee, 2200m, March 21). She was very competitive with quality fillies Danebeela and Darntime, as well as repelling a strong finish from aboveaverage fillies Flight Path, Delta Gee, Jeverre and Oaks winner Cassandara Shadow in the 1000 Guineas at 1800m. The key to this filly is allowing her to find her feet in the early stages – she will be able to do that in a genuine-run 1200m. Betting markets will play a good guide as to what stage she is at. With a troublefree run, she will be in the finish. Bike Aaromba has been unlucky to run in to the quality filly Broadway Belle at his three runs this time in work. He rides the speed and is tough to get past. Good to see gun apprentice Jarrad Noske back in the saddle and this fellow will give backers a great sight. Em teevee ( 6 ) was given a chance to relax with the blinkers off last start and find the line when 4th to Broadway Belle on June 20. His effort was solid and he gets a cushy midfield run from his gate. Must be included. Gol de n Hear t ( 4 ) is still a work in progress for Adam Durrant. He backs up after an even effort last Saturday when 6 th to Moonlight Drive over 1000m. It was near impossible to pick up Moonlight Drive and Most Secretive in that race, when they just kept running. 1200m suits from a good draw, but the key is, will he settle? Let's Go Secret was brilliantly ridden to score last time at the midweeks and gets a nice run once again. Condy Park is honest as the day is long, but will have to work from the wide draw. Cool As Hel is a very genuine son of Helenus whose progeny get better with maturity. He will give some cheek. M i ne ou r s L u ck (1 2 ) was off the track last time and can show improvement.
THE VERDICT Happy to have a gamble on ( 5 ) A l l C las s first-up, with betting markets to gauge how confident is the stable. Save on ( 2 ) B ike Aar o m ba, who will be hard to get past. Include (6 ) E m teevee, ( 4 ) Gol de n Hear t, ( 9 ) Le t' s G o Se c re t, (1 0 ) C o n d y Pa rk, (11) C o o l A s Hel and (1 2 ) M i ne o u r s L u c k in wider multiples.
QUADDIE SECOND LEG
QUADDIE THIRD LEG
Race 6 – Westspeed Stayers' Bonus Handicap [62-74] [3yo+] 2200m, 5:25pm [EST]
Race 7 – Belmont Classic [Listed] [3YO] [Set Weights] 2200m, 6:03pm [EST]
There is a genuine tempo expected, with solid pressure heading out of the straight the first time. Ca r de ra (1 2 ) is a freerolling stayer, with A r me d Re s p o n se ( 4 ) , Majes t i c B o y ( 5 ) , A b u S i m bel ( 7 ) and S ca n ne d (1 4 ) capable of settling handy to the speed. I was very keen on Zi lvai n (1 0 ) each-way last week, however the track was probably firmer than he would have liked. The rain has fallen this week to really take the fire from under foot and this will suit him. Barrier draws hurt him in the early part of his campaign, before running on resolutely behind one of the form horses of the Belmont season, Zuytdorp, last Saturday. Over the final stages Zilvain probably lacked the zip of the quinella pair, and up to 2000 metres in this grade he looks superbly placed. He looks to get the right trail, midfield, potentially on the back of Ca ss i u s G re y (1 ). Cassius Grey has always displayed strong staying potential and is finally starting to realise it. A change of riding tactics has seen him settle a little further back and finish on stylishly. From his nice draw he will get all the favours and prove hard to beat.
You can be sure that Hawkeye M o r t (1 ) will lead and set a genuine tempo, with the pressure on throughout.
Me n u h i n ( 8 ) steps to this distance range for the first time, and it looks as if that is what he is searching for. He is working towards a win, although he will better with this run under his belt, then back to midweek grade for a kill! Vai n S pi r i t ( 6 ) makes up for what she lacks in ability with a real competitive spirit. She worked to the line well when fourth to Dante’s Banquet in a fast-run 2000m last start, and Shaun O'Donnell, who has a good record on the mare, returns to the saddle. She will be thereabouts at the business end. Scanned blew away average opposition at Northam, but must be a place chance. La S oe u r N oi r ( 3 ) is racing well, however is drawn terribly. Improvement can be predicted from Majestic Boy and Bigamis t (1 7 ) – if he gains a start.
THE VERDICT Quite keen on the chances of (10) Zilvain with (1) Cassius Grey the horse to beat. Strong place claims to (8) Menuhin and (6) Vain Spirit. If going wider, include (14) Scanned, (3) La Soeur Noir, (5) Majestic Boy and (17) Bigamist.
I was quite taken with the staying performance of the David Hayes-trained filly Jou r ney ( 8 ) at her West Australian debut in the Belmont Oaks (2000m, June 27). She slipped and lost ground at the start, but Brad Parnham urged the filly along and was able to find a good spot, midfield, one off the fence. In the straight she wound up like a quality stayer and on the line was kicking into another gear. That form has been enhanced with the impressive win of the second placegetter Tsarinsky at the midweeks. Journey has the pedigree to make the grade as a stayer, being a fourth generation black type classics winner, joining India's Dream and Hasty Departure. She will receive a lovely run in transit once again and I believe she can outstay her rivals. Hawkeye Mort is as game as they come. He is a one-pacer who is best suited when leading and rolling from the front. Since those tactics have been brought back, he has been fantastic, winning three of his past four starts at Belmont Park. Blinkers were added to his gear in the Dayana (2000m, June 27) and the favourite Mega Steel had every opportunity to reel him in, but came up a half length short. There is a weight turnaround in favour of Mega S teels ( 2 ), but it won't be enough. Mega Steel is a genuine top grade miler in the making. Even when he won three starts back, he travelled strongly for Pike, before racing keenly outside the leader in the Belmont Guineas and then failing to settle as needed last time in the Dayana. He will be improved by his first distance try, but I believe the 2200 metres might just be beyond him. Class takes you a long way in racing, but on his pedigree and racing style he may just be outstayed. He is by a Victorian Derby winner Helenus, but was Helenus a true stayer or a fantastic 1600metre horse? On the dam's side Mega Steel is by a Maruading mare, from the family of former star local sprinter Barossa Boy. Looking forward to his summer return and a crack at the Festival of Perth Racing features. Jewelled (11) is a classy staying mare in the making. She is drawn to get a sweet run, in the box seat and will make her
presence felt. My impression is this daughter of Zabeel will be even better next time in. Es cape Vel o c i t y ( 3 ) and Nigh t A t T he O pe ra ( 9 ) had strong mentions in the stewards’ reports in the Dayana and Belmont Oaks respectively. Include in wider multiples bets. ERDICT
THE VERDICT Happy to take the each-way value with ( 8 ) J o u r ne y saving on (1 ) Hawkeye M o r t. Mega S teel ( 2 ) is class and will be in it for a long way. (11) Jewelled is gifted and will be thereabouts. The above-mentioned are set for more riches in their four-year-old years. Include ( 9 ) Nigh t A t T he O pe ra an d ( 3 ) Es ca pe Vel oc i t y in multiples, with ( 6 ) Ge neral M o s vi lle and ( 5 ) S n o w S y m p h o n y.
QUADDIE FOURTH LEG Race 8 – Naidoc Celebration Handicap [7486] [3YO+] 1200m, 6:40pm [EST] The speed will be on throughout in this, with high pressure expected. Ve r sar c (1 4 ) only knows one way and will lead with D ress S u i t ( 3 ) , K i m S ta r (1 2 ) and S o l i dw i cked c r uel ( 4 ) capable of playing a part wide out. It’s dartboard time! I don't mind a couple of roughies in Dema n ds A t te n t i o n ( 8 ) and Hide T he L o o t (11). Demands Attention was never closer than four wide on resumption when 14 th of 15 (5/1) on June 20, after a lengthy injury-enforced spell (10 months). His trials were very good leading into that event and he has always displayed considerable potential. Pike takes over from a better draw and I believe he can jump out of the ground. Hide The Loot is a gay deceiver, who is forever getting back and running on. He loves Belmont, with the speed on and a wide draw. There is a shade of claustrophobia about him, and that is what beat him last week. He drew one, panicked and by the time he got going the race was over. Drawn gate 11, he will get back and come with a rush late. Si le n t He r o ( 6 ) was beautifully ridden to score an upset win first-up. Drawn to get a similar run and, fresh, he is likely to explode in the straight. New stable keeping him fresh will pay dividends. Kim Star is probably one of the better-bred horses running at the meeting, being an entire son of Redoute's Choice from a Rory's Jester mare. He was able to easily put away midweek opposition last start
and, despite the rise in grade, he is well up to this. The query is the tactics that will be applied from his tricky draw. If he pushes up outside the lead, or gets some cover just off the speed, he will prove a tough nut to crack. Se c re t E n igma ( 9 ), Versarc, Cap tai n W o o d r ow ( 2 ) and Happ y C ha n te (1 0 ) would not surprise.
THE VERDICT Have something small on (8 ) Dema n d s A t te n t i o n and (11) H i de T he L o o t. Include as winning chances (6 ) S i le n t Her o, (1 2 ) K i m S ta r, ( 9 ) Se c re t Enigma, (1 4 ) Ve r sa r c, ( 2 ) Ca p tai n W ood r ow and (1 0 ) Hap p y C ha n te in wide quaddies.
BEST BET Race 6: No. 10, Zilvain each way VALUE BETS: R ace 1, No. 3 Keshaar each way; Race 7, No. 8, Journey each way
QUADDIE ($1 unit) 2, 4, 5, 6, 9/1, 10/1, 2, 8, 11/2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 ($320) 2, 4, 5, 6, 9/1, 10/1, 8/2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 ($160) 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 /10 /1, 8/2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 ($80) GOOD LUCK AND GOOD PUNTING!
Tune in to all the racing action from the west with the Pr.com Get access to all Western Australia's metropolitan and country race and trial replays, Perth Racing preview show, trial reports and much more. L og o n t o www.perthracing.com.au f o r m ore detail s. Josh Rodder www.perthracing.com.au