Belmont Saturday Perth Racing Preview BY JOSH RODDER Track is a Good (3) as of Friday lunchtime; penetrometer is 6.2 (Perth measurements are different from those in the Eastern States, because of a different sand-based track); 10 mls of rain has fallen for the week. The rail remains in the three-metre position. It was at three metres last Saturday, and 15 metres with a cutaway rail midweek. There is more rain to come, but according to track manager Geoff Murphy the track would have been watered if there had been no rain. Belmont is a fantastic track that gives every runner its chance. Many of these winter season horses would have been looking for a touch of relief in the surface, so expect some marked improvement from several runners at the meeting. FORECAST FOR SATURDAY Shower or two, increasing later.
Min 8
Max 17
Race 1 – Westspeed 2YO Plate [Open] 1600m 2:20pm [EST] There will be a little bit of shuffling early, however expect the pace to steady with many of these babies out to 1600m for the first time. I can see Pytheas (1) rolling across to the front of the field, with Cosmopolitan City (9) to follow. Dawinner (2) will be prominent from nice draw, with The Grey Boss (4) and Special Project (8) handy. I’m sticking with the maiden filly Cosmopolitan City, who has not had things go her way in her two starts. Once again she is drawn awkwardly (10, the outside), however at this journey I’m expecting a positive ride and result. She went back on debut and rushed home along rails when fourth to Pytheas (1200m, May 20); then she began awkwardly, raced wide without cover and sill worked to the line OK, when seventh to Pytheas (1400m, June 6). She is each-way value. Pytheas has won two of his
three starts, and has the ability to roll and then kick into another gear when necessary. He’s a progressive type and will be hard to get past again. Iht's A Maru (3) is looking for the 1600m, but he needs to rectify his racing manners. Rose Of May (10) was never let off the bridle last start behind Pytheas and was not beaten far when eighth. She is bred to enjoy the 1600m. Look for a forward showing at odds. Loathe to leave out Dawinner, but she has been up and going for a while now.
THE VERDICT Back (9) Cosmopolitan City each-way and save on (1) Pytheas. (3) Iht's A Maru and (10) Rose Of May will be hitting the line hard. Include (2) Dawinner, (5) Tommy's Choice, (8) Special Project, (4) The Grey Boss in the wider multiples.
Race 2 – Westspeed 3YO Hcp [59+] 1300m 2:55pm [EST] Expect genuine speed with pressure in the lead pack. Comes Round (9) can hold the front, with Bike Aaromba (2) working forward from a wide gate, also with the ability to lead. Law Rain (6) blinkers on, Broadway Belle (1) and Kasabian (7) will be handy to the leaders. Broadway Belle was a stunning winner in similar company last start (June 6, 1200m) and reeled off a 32.59 last 600-metre section with her head on her chest. Should be four from four and with Paul Harvey up again she will get the gun run. She will be cramped odds, but should win. Emteevee (3) kicked back strongly to grab second behind Broadway Belle last start. Importantly, blinkers have been removed and this will allow Jason Brown to switch the talented gelding off in running. Expect him to be thereabouts again. Kasabian was a shade unlucky and should have finished closer when resuming midweek (third) behind the promising Golden Heart. Subsequently that race has thrown out metro midweek winners Go Buster and Condy Park. Drawn to get a sweet run (from 2) and will have an impact. Bike Aaromba makes his own luck on the speed and strips fitter for recent racing. In
well with 3kg claim for Duncan Miller and will give backers a sight again.
THE VERDICT Cannot bet against (1) Broadway Belle, but she will be skinny. Anchor her in the day's all-up and parlay bets. Emteevee (3) is the quinella horse. Not much between (7) Kasabian and (2) Bike Aaromba on the next line. Include Forever Generous (4), Law Rain (6) and Pearler (5) in wider exotics.
Race 3 – Rogan Josh Hcp, [3YO+] [86+] 2100m 3:30pm [EST] No natural tempo – they will jog in this and this will not be a true staying test. Expect It's Gulleygold (4) and Jangala (5) to be prominent; Casual Life (3) has the ability to race handy. Money Exchange (7) could also be near the pace. Highly promising staying mare Star Encounter (1) is flying! Drawn one again, as she was two starts back when rival jockeys rode hard to beat her and could not do so. This daughter of Melbourne Cup winner Jeune has a superb and smooth stride that will take her to the top of the local staying ranks. Alan Kennedy, who has really come of age this season, will need to find the necessary room at the business end of proceedings and, with such a powerful engine under him, should make it three straight on the mare. Mikaldico (2) is running into his best form and I liked the way he worked to the line last start when fourth behind Star Encounter. Striken (9) finds it hard to win (3-33), however he fought on strongly when fourth to Savage Wolf after a wide run last week. A quieter ride and he will storm late. My Empire (8) is racing well and is suited in what will be a slowly run race. Needs a miserly ride from Simone Altieri, but has the best turn of foot in the race.
THE VERDICT Cannot bet against the short–priced favourite again; go with (1) Star Encounter. (2) Mikaldico is not far off a win. Expect (9) Striken and (8) My Empire to be doing their best work late. Include (6) La Soeur Noir and (3) Casual Life in wider multiples.
Race 4 – Westspeed Stayers' Bonus Hcp, [3YO+] [68-80] 2000m 4:06pm [EST] This will be a truly run race. Pressure will even throughout the trip and it will be an interesting tactical battle. Cassius Grey (6) is the likely leader, with Black Gypsy (8), Beyond Repute (2) and Can Time (4) to be handy. The well-related Danetime mare Can Time is doing everything right and you don't often see horses win as impressively as she did at their first distance try (2000m, June 6). She never looked like being beaten after taking a while to relax in the first half of the race. Form out of that race has been franked with the win of Savage Wolf last week at Belmont. Can Time will be better for that grounding run and I expect her to find the sweet spot from her nice draw (4). Pencaza (3) is a dead-set stayer who loomed last time when second to Can Time. Again he will not be able to match the turn of foot of Can Time, however he will grind it right out. He is ready to win. Split The Scene (5) is the big improver. The Belmont track has been a touch firm for her lately and the rain this week will assist her chances. Her past two runs have had 2000m written all over them and I’m expecting a big finish from this handy middle-distance mare. Zilvain (12) went back from a wide barrier last start behind Can Time and failed to fire a shot. He is another who will be better suited with the fire out of the ground. Expect improvement.
THE VERDICT Back (4) Can Time and have a small bet at big odds on (5) Split The Scene. (3) Pencaza will be thereabouts, with (12) Zilvain a winning chance on best form. (1) Burnzy makes his debut at trip and can be competitive.
QUADDIE FIRST LEG Race 5 – Become A Perth Racing Member Today Hcp [3YO+] [68-80] 1000m 4:45pm [EST] They will really scoot in this, with high pressure to be put on the leaders. Chopin (5) has the speed to hold the lead and Averroes (8) and Bull Durham (4), who are both drawn wide have the speed to push for the lead. West River Boy (9) and Jay Jay Makster (12) will race handy. Chopin gave a great sight first-up, when he box-seated
and was nailed late by the gifted sprinter Sheenasaidgrey, with subsequent 1000m track record setter Ma Ma Machine among the beaten brigade. Drawn well with a 3kg claim, Chopin will be hard to get past with his added fitness. West River Boy box-seats and his two runs from a spell in similar grade have been honest. Has had his fair share of problems and I am sure Sharon Miller is still working out her new stable acquisition. Jay Jay Makster, with the blinkers off, gets a chance to switch off behind the speed over a fast run 1000m. He has been brave this time in. Generalaz (11) continues to race well over the short course and with the speed on will be hitting the line. Cannot totally dismiss Werd (6) and Icy Maiden (1).
THE VERDICT (5) Chopin is the one to catch and looks a safe each-way bet. Save on (9) West River Boy, who will trail Chopin in running. (12) Jay Jay Makster and (11) Generalaz will not be far away. (6) Werd will hit the line hard with a quiet ride and (1) Icy Maiden is a chance if she gets luck from her outside gate.
and it appears that he has been set for this as his grand final. Garavanni (7) was poleaxed when it looked like he was going to run into the race when last behind Geyser Peak and he could surprise. Sleepwalk is as game as they come and the recent runs of Battle Emblem (8) have been better than they look on paper, Dante's Dash (2) was excellent first-up (third to Dance Across, June 6) and has a touch of class and Another Clanger always tries his heart out.
THE VERDICT You can back (9) Gamroy confidently to win. (1) Geyser Peak is the clear second pick. (3) Comic Hero is the one to get past. (7) Garavanni will be steaming down the outside. Include (5) Sleepwalk, (8) Battle Emblem, (2) Dante's Dash, (4) Another Clanger, (10) King Kool Kat and (6) Talk To The Wall in wider bet types. Quaddie skinny: 9,1 Quaddie wide: 9,1,3,7,5,8,2
Quaddie: 5,9,12,11,6,1
QUADDIE SECOND LEG Race 6 – Winter Championship Final [78+] [3yo+] 1400m 5:25pm [EST] This will be truly run, with high pressure in lead pack. Comic Hero (3) zooms across and leads if the rider (P. Harvey) wants to. Another Clanger (4) likes to roll along and is drawn on the inside of Comic Hero. Sleepwalk (5) and King Kool Kat (10) can race handy to the speed. This is the feature event and all readers know how much I like both Gamroy (9) and Geyser Peak (1) as genuine racehorses. Gamroy is tough and can never be dismissed no matter how hard he does it in a race. There appears enough speed in this race for Duncan Miller to allow this lightly raced four-year-old to settle back in the field, wind him up early and pack too many punches for his rivals. Geyser Peak has been a revelation since joining Frank Maynard in the west. It was a dynamite win over Gamroy last start, when he reeled off a powerful finishing burst to get up on the line. Once again, he gets a soft run, however I believe he cannot overcome a 3.5kg weight turnaround on Gamroy for a long head x short ½ head margin. Comic Hero is suited at the 1400m where he can lead and roll. Can be dynamic on his day
QUADDIE THIRD LEG Race 7 – www.perthracing.com.au Hcp [62-74] [3YO+] 1400m 6pm [EST] A genuine speed is expected, with solid pressure applied to the lead pack. Murphy's Creek (10) and Late Night Flight (1) have the natural speed to lead and roll in front. Tudor Lad (6), Star Of Danetime (12), Jay Four Ex (13) and Strait Laced (3) look to race handy. What a competitive race, with five last start winners locking horns. The barrier draw sways me to former Kiwi mare Strait Laced, who will lob in a superb trailing position from barrier 6. The daughter of Pentire has more ping than many of the breed and travels very strongly in her races. She has been dominant at her past two and with the run she is expected to get her “ p ush button” style of racing will come to the fore. Tudor Lad’s chances have been hurt by a wide barrier draw (14). This lightly-raced four-year-old looked good on his return in midweek grade. If things go his way and he can drop into a trailing position he presents a danger. Glen Erin Lad (2) is a gifted galloper who has won six of his eight starts, with genuine excuses for his two defeats. He will drift back and give away a start to the abovementioned pair. Luck will be needed; if he gets it he will be steaming home.
Late Night Flight is very genuine and gives his all. He will give a sight. There are others that would not surprise, including the cantankerous mare Mexican Lass (5) and Beau Rancher (7), who is fitter and conditions will suit. Bannerkens (4) was much better last start (3 rd to Late Night Flight), Murphy's Creek will make his own luck on the speed and Lunar Module (8) is not far off producing his best form.
THE VERDICT Happy to back (3) Strait Laced and save on (6) Tudor Lad. (2) Glen Erin Lad has strong winning claims. Include (1) Late Night Flight, (5) Mexican Lass, (7) Beau Rancher, (4) Bannerkens in the quaddie. (10) Murphy's Creek and (8) Lunar Module go in wide multiples. Quaddie skinny: 3,6,2 Quaddie wider: 3,6,2,1,5,7,4
over the 1200m. He is drawn well (3) and will give backers a sight again. Arctic Waters (11) ran a bottler first-up (6 th to Ma Ma Machine, 1000m, June 6), however from his wide draw will have to give away a big start. Secret Enigma (8) trialled well (Belmont 1000m win, June 8), but needs to overcome a wide draw (14). Kim Currency is drawn to get a cushy run from barrier one, and was excellent winning first-up off a long break. Many other chances.
THE VERDICT Back (6) Foxy Boy and save on (2) Scenic Bullet. (16) Casanova Jack, (11) Arctic Waters, (8) Secret Enigma, (14) Kim Currency, (5) Demands Attention, and (12) Hide The Loot go into wide quaddies. Include (4) Stratazoa, (1) Dress Suit, (9) Saffron Fire and (3) Shipyard in wide exotics. Quaddie: 6,2,16,11,8,14,5,12
QUADDIE FOURTH LEG Race 8 – www.ozbet.com.au Hcp [74-86] [3YO+] 1200m 6:35pm [EST] Speed everywhere and expect enormous pressure. Kim Currency (14) with the blinkers on from rails draw will be right there, with Casanova Jack (16), Saffron Fire (9), Whistling Bob (7) and Stratazoa (4) all possessing the speed to lead. Foxy Boy (6) loves Belmont and was able to smash the 33-year-old 1200m track record winning in midweek grade last start. Again he gets a superb run behind a hot speed and will just need daylight to reel off a polished finishing burst. The rain this week will only enhance his claims and he looks the safe way to go. I am expecting a bold run first-up run from promising galloper Scenic Bullet (2). He will carry the dark blue and gold hoops of leviathan local owner Elio Galante, the colours carried to international triumph at Royal Ascot this week by star sprinter Scenic Blast. Scenic Bullet has always suggested he would make the grade, but obviously it has not been plain sailing for Dan Morton with issues not allowing him to compete deep into last year’s Melbourne spring carnival. He has a fantastic fresh record, including a second at Sandown to Largo Lad (1400m) when fresh last spring. The hot speed will play into his hands and I have him following Foxy Boy into the race. He looks the value bet. Casanova Jack was ridden for speed last start at Belmont and was simply too slick, winning in fast time
Best Bets Race 3, No. 1 Star Encounter Race 6, No. 9 Gamroy Race 8, No. 6 Foxy Boy
Value Bet Race 1, No. 9 Cosmopolitan City each-way GOOD LUCK AND GOOD PUNTING!
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