Belmont Saturday Perth Racing Preview BY JOSH RODDER Track is a Good 3 as of Friday lunchtime with a penetrometer of 6 (Perth measurements are different from those in the Eastern States, because of the different sandbased tracks). The rail moves back to the inside position. It was at 15 metres last Saturday, and 18 metres midweek. There are early showers predicted for race day, but Belmont handles rainfall well. Racing is on a new pad, and all runners should get their chance. FORECAST Saturday – early shower, then fine. Min 5 Max 15
Race 1 – Westspeed 3YO Handicap [62+] 1600m 2:25pm [EST] Very interesting tactical race on paper with several natural front-runners engaged. Hawkeye Mort (1), Late Night Flight (2), Kasabian (3) and Taxtime (4) all have a natural inclination to roll in front. I believe Hawkeye Mort and Late Night Flight are the two that will be keen to find a spot in front or outside the lead. Taxtime box-seats and Kasabian gets a chance to learn to chill behind a genuine speed, and then ping home. I’m leaning to Kasabian, who has oodles of upside and backs up after a very impressive win here only seven days ago in similar company. He was able to run 1400m in 1.23:09, two seconds quicker than the kids, 1.4 quicker than Dvoryan and very comparable to the classy older horse Comic Hero. The penny has not yet dropped for this gifted son of Choisir, but his trainer Darren McAuliffe has already labelled him one of the better horses he has trained. Unlucky behind Broadway Belle at Belmont on June 20, then he smashed rivals in his Northam maiden victory (July 2), then was his own worst enemy when unable to reel in Taxtime when second ($1.45) at the midweeks on July 8. Taxtime, another talented son of ill-fated stallion Danetime, gets the sweetest run
behind the speed. He has been in great form, breaking the hearts of his rivals in two strong wins recently. Chloe Chatfield gets a chance to put him behind the speed. This race will tell whether he is one-dimensional, but he is certainly another promising horse. Late Night Flight is a bold front-runner who did a terrific job against the older horses last start, beating Tudor Lad by a nose over 1650m on July 9. This fellow does not know how to lie down and the form through Tudor Lad reads well. A Kalgoorlie Round preparation is on the cards and he will give backers a sight. Black Print (5) is a promising staying type who returned last Saturday with a closing, but well-beaten, second to Kasabian. The rise in distance suits and he is another who will appreciate a truly run race. He was competitive in the autumn three-year-old classics and will be strong at the finish. You know what you get with Hawkeye Mort who likes to lead, but does not quicken. I think this lot may be too sharp for him, but he is a competitor who loves this circuit and must go in multiples.
THE VERDICT: The odds on offer will dictate betting strategies with (3) Kasabian, but I do like the horse. (4) Taxtime and (2) Late Night Flight are genuine winning chances. (5) Black Print and (1) Hawkeye Mort go in multiple bet types.
Race 2 – Redcliffe Junior Football Club 50th Year Handicap [3YO+] [62-74] 1600m, 3:05pm [EST] This is a very competitive restricted event. It will be a genuinely run race, with Interange (3) out and rolling. There will be solid pressure on throughout, giving every horse its chance. Arctic Waters (1) is definitely not a punter’s pal and you would not want to launch at skinny odds. However this grey gelding looks to have found the right race, is drawn well and will be receiving an important 3kg claim for experienced apprentice Duncan Miller. He will be able to find the ideal trail from his nice draw and get his winning chance in the straight. He had every chance at his two runs over 1600m
(two placings). His last run at this trip was a well-guided third at Ascot on December 12 last year, behind Garavanni, when on a seven-day back-up. Well ridden by Miller last Saturday he was forced to make an early run at the leaders, and just whacked away the final stages when third to Dvoryan over 1400m. With a soft run he gets his chance to break through. The value runner is Veneration (7) who was not suited when taken back in distance to 1200m last time. His previous form read very well, including a game third to the in-form Zuytdorp over 1700m at the Belmont midweeks on June 24. He does not have a great winning strike-rate, however in his second WA campaign he looks to have found his rhythm. From a nice draw he can follow Arctic Waters and make a bold bid for victory. Last Curtain (5) continues to race well and has found a suitable Saturday race. He tried hard when third behind the impressive Glen Erin Lad last start and rarely runs a bad race. King Kool Kat (4) is one of the most honest racehorses in the country. However 40 starts, one win and 17 placings means he is not a winning chance – again! Include in all multiple bet types. Vain Spirit (8) is very honest and is drawn well for Paul Harvey. Ghostly grey Neige (6) was eye-catching first-up when 5 th to Silk Force over 1400m here on June 15, and can always pull out a surprise run. Seize Control (12) was seen finding the line okay last week when 7 th behind Dvoryan and he could add value to the wider multiples.
THE VERDICT: At the right odds (1) Arctic Waters is a good bet, with a saving bet at value on (7) Veneration. (5) Last Curtain is a winning chance. Include (4) King Kool Kat (8) Vain Spirit, (6) Neige and (12) Seize Control in wider exotics.
Race 3 – Westspeed 2YO Plate [Open] 1200m 3:40pm [EST] Another late-season juvenile race with excellent depth. It is hard to see anything testing the flying filly For Your Eyes Only (1) for the lead. Impatient Times (4), Face Of Mercy (2) and I’m Here To Win (12) are sure to be prominent.
For Your Eyes Only recorded an impressive all-the-way win, first-up at Belmont on July 4 over 1200m. She then backed up seven days later, and was just as impressive winning over 1000m. She simply loves to run and with Paul Jordan going for an astute 3kg claim from Duncan Miller, she really looks hard to get past. Impatient Times is another who looks a real natural. His trial form was excellent before working for a spot outside the lead and never giving up the chase behind For Your Eyes Only on July 11. When he returned to the mounting yard, I was amazed to see how he had recovered and handled the occasion on debut. With that experience under his belt, he is sure to make a race of it.
Race 4 – So Secret Standing at Rangeview Stud Handicap [3YO] [62+] 1200m, 4:17pm [EST] Another very competitive line-up faces the starter here. The speed will be strong, with even pressure. Most Secretive (4) is a real runner and will ensure the pressure is on throughout. Bike Aaromba (1) will be next in running, with Siamese Cat (7) and Cool As Hel (8) handy.
Black Nijinsky (5) was ultra-impressive winning his maiden over 1100m at Northam on July 16 for his new stable. Now in the hands of Simon Miller, he could not have been anymore impressive last time, recording the fastest 1100m run of the day. There is a load of upside from this son of Bletchley Park, and he will make his presence felt. Street Related (6) was ridden upside down last Saturday, and failed to finish off his race. I still like this fellow and with a quiet ride, off a fast speed, he will close late; 1400m+ will suit better in the future.
There was a lot to like about the first-up performance of the gifted filly All Class (3). She went back from her wide draw, and was seen getting to the line with gusto over the final stages when 3 rd to Bike Aaromba over 1200m on July 11. With that run under her belt she should line up here primed for victory. Her form last time in was around the state’s best fillies, including Danebeela, Delta Gee and Flight Path. I don’t believe you will miss on a 1 unit to win and 2 units to place basis. Bike Aaromba was ridden confidently last time and held on well to score from Let’s Go Secret over 1200m. He should be even better suited trailing the lead. He will be hard to get past off a soft run.
Villazon (7) did it tough on debut, three wide with no cover and chasing throughout when 5 th ($4.40 fav) to Excellar on July 8. In the run home, he was just a little wayward and will be better for the experience. From his nice draw, he should get a soft run three back the fence. Fystive (3) is a progressive type who has drawn poorly in 12, and will probably have to give away too much start. I’m keen to see him in a 1400m event next time.
Golden Heart (2) is an improving type who relaxed well last time, before having the gate closed on him inside the 100 metres when he was closing hard (4 th to Bike Aaromba). Drawn to get a cushy run three back the fence and with an ounce of luck, he will be in the finish. Condy Park (5) found it very difficult from the wide draw last start behind Bike Aaromba, however ran on well for 5th. There are several others that can be placed in a good race.
I’m Here To Win (12) has been very impressive at the Lark Hill trials, winning in March and July over the 950m trip. She is by the Taunton Vale stallion Numerous Times and is a half-sister to the honest local performer London Court. Is drawn to get a nice trail and will be competitive on debut. Initial Outcome (10) is an honest maiden filly who has competed well against the best. The draw (11) hurts but has place claims.
THE VERDICT: I’m keen to play (3) All Class on a 1 x 2 unit win and place basis. (1) Bike Aaromba and (2) Golden Heart are the biggest dangers and saving bets. (5) Condy Park is a genuine place chance. Include (4) Most Secretive, (8) Cool As Hel, (6) Go Buster, (7) Siamese Cat and (10) Our Larrikin in all wider exotics.
THE VERDICT: Bet to win on (1) For Your Eyes Only if the odds are right. (4) Impatient Times and (5) Black Nijinsky have winning claims and can be save bets. (6) Street Related could be the surprise packet. (7) Villazon, (3) Fystive, (12) I'm Here To Win and (10) Initial Outcome must be included in exotics.
QUADDIE FIRST LEG Race 5 – www.perthracing.com.au Hcp [3YO+] [68-80] 2000m 4:55pm [EST] This will be a genuinely run race, with solid pressure to the first turn. Original Lovalover (10) looks the leader, with Black
Douglas (6), Beyond Repute (5) and Archie Junior (1) prominent. I am expecting a more positive ride from the one-paced Bigamist (13). Hard to tip against Zuytdorp (3), who is one of the form horses of the Belmont winter racing season. He is shooting for five straight wins and has been placed to perfection by his trainer Edmund Hanna. He steps to 2000 metres for the first time, from a wide draw with 58kg, so he is vulnerable. However he has shown he can give his rivals a start, carry weight and keep finding the line. The value bet is definitely Cassius Grey (7), who never saw daylight last time (13 th to Luskin Dancer on July 11). Paul King, who knows the horse well, returns to the saddle. Will have to go back from his wide draw, however seems to be at his best when ridden quietly. He was in great form before his last start duck egg. Too good for Pencaza (June 20) before chasing hard behind the underrated Dante’s Banquet two starts back, when he finished an honest second. In my mind he will be over the odds and is worth an each-way ticket. Former Victorian provincial galloper Hazardous Harmony (4) has been ticking over nicely since arriving in WA. He has closed late at his two starts since a break, blinkers go on and his best middle-distance form in Victoria gives him an outside chance. In March he finished second to Escape Artist in the Stony Creek Cup and that track has a tough uphill run home. Enigmatic mare Split The Scene (11) was better last time and is suited with the sting out of the ground. Winkers go on and she will be running on strongly. If Zilvain (16) gains a start he is a winning chance. He was ridden brilliantly by Alan Kennedy to score midweek (July 22) and he always puts in his best. I am expecting improvement from Bigamist. Unpredictable mare Luskin Dancer (2) always needs luck, but can surprise as she did last time. There are several other genuine place claims.
THE VERDICT: Back (3) Zuytdorp and save each way on (7) Cassius Grey. (4) Hazardous Harmony is the big improver and (11) Split The Scene can surprise. (16) Zilvain rates among top three winning chances if he gains a start. Include (13) Bigamist, (2) Luskin Dancer, (6) Black Douglas, (1) Archie Junior, (10) Original Lovalover and (12) Bentonian in wide exotics.
QUADDIE SECOND LEG
QUADDIE THIRD LEG
THE VERDICT:
Race 6 - Support Your Industry, Support Your Local TAB Handicap [74-86] [3yo+] 1200m, 5:30pm [EST]
Race 7 – Beaufine Stakes [Listed, 2YO+] [Open] 1000m, 6:05pm [EST]
(1) Vizard is a good gamble at the right odds. Save on (4) Vain Raider and (8) Danebeela. Include (7) Centrum, (10) Ma Ma Machine, (9) Danes Mystery, (12) Sheenasaidgrey and (6) Casper Cowboy in multiples.
Once again a competitive race. I’m expecting them to burn in this! Pressure high! Homme (11), drawn the rails with a feather weight, will run along, with Solidwickedcruel (2) charging across. On The Carpet (5) will be prominent. On The Carpet has a terrific career record – 15 starts, six wins and seven placings. The key to this horse is drawing out and being allowed to find his own rhythm, with galloping room. He has tasted defeat at his past four starts from inside draws. He was previously a back-to-back Ascot winner from wide draws. I liked the way he closed behind Ma Ma Machine and Centrum first-up (from that race Chopin, Kim Currency, McBuster and Bluff Point have all since run well). Second-up last time in, he beat the flying Formal Attire and Broome Time over 1100 metres at Ascot. Duncan Miller should be able to come across with Solidwickedcruel and settle into a lovely trailing position, and will prove very hard to hold out. Broome Time (8) looks to have returned in top order. He turned in a cracking first-up run behind Hide The Loot over 1200m on July 11 (6 th ) and from his nice draw (2) with Paul Harvey in the saddle, he should get every possible chance. He has won twice second up, with his last second-up run being a close fourth to On The Carpet. He previously was too good for classy pair Spirited One and Vain Raider second-up. Big danger! The rejuvenated Silent Hero (7) was luckless last time and is suited drawn out in a fast-run 1200m. You know what to expect from Hide The Loot (10). He will get back in a fast-run race and nothing will finish faster. Homme and Battle Emblem (9) are outside chances on their best form. Again lots of place chances to consider.
THE VERDICT: I’m keen to back (5) On The Carpet 1 x 2 units win and place, with a good saving bet on (8) Broome Time. (7) Silent Hero and (10) Hide The Loot are the best of the swoopers. Include (9) Battle Emblem, (11) Homme, (4) Metro Miss, (2) Solidwickedcruel and (3) Goldtown as the best value for wide multiples.
Watch the clock! There is wall-to-wall pressure in this and there will be no prisoners taken. Three Amigos (13) and Vain Raider (4) will cross the face of the field and really run! Centrum (7), Danes Mystery (9) and Sheenasaidgrey (12) can be handy. It is great to see top class sprinter Vizard (1) back in prime time. He has won 10 of his past 11 starts, with the only defeat an unlucky second. Astute Ascot trainer George Daly has had his fare share of issues with his classy charge but, judging on his recent trial, he looks to be back in good order. Paul Harvey gave him a good sounding out, outside the leader Vain Raider, before coasting past his rival over the final 100 metres over 1000m at Belmont on July 6. Yes, he is drawn wide first up for almost a year with a big weight, but the Belmont 1000m starts from a chute, and there is just the one bend. Horses can race three wide, before launching with a finishing burst. Before Vizard went amiss I rated him a genuine Oakleigh Plate contender, which is a big wrap. He won this race last year, finishing all over the top of quality sprinter So Secret. If Harvey can get some cover three wide, he is going to be very hard to hold out, with the ability to reel off a stunning final sectional. Vain Raider is the state record holder for 1100m and can really run. Just nailed late by a quality colt in Grand Nirvana in the Bolton Sprint last start (May 16) and he will make every post a winner. His trial was solid and will give his rivals something to run down. Classy filly Danebeela (8) is a real racehorse and loves a dogfight. She is unbeaten first-up, at Belmont and at the distance. She gets a nice run midfield at her first run since winning the Champion Fillies (1600m on Feb 21) and will chase hard. Centrum is as honest as the day is long, and has been very brave from wide draws at his two runs back from a spell. Drawn to get a charmed run and will be competitive. Ma Ma Machine (10) is the 1000m Belmont track record holder and has beaten Centrum at his past two starts. Barrier draw (12) does not help, but he will be screeching home. Danes Mystery will box-seat and is brilliant first-up. Sheenasaidgrey and Casper Cowboy (6) can get into the money.
QUADDIE FOURTH LEG Race 8 – Become a Perth Racing Member Today Handicap [68-80] [3YO+] 1400m, 6:40pm [EST] It has been one of the best Belmont winter racing seasons seen in many years, with huge depth to many of the races, and it continues here. This will be a genuinely run race, with perhaps not a lot of pressure to be applied to the leaders. Saffron Fire (6) leads Storm Closure (9). Volcanic Causeway (7), Rocky Range (3) and Changing Lanes (4) can be handy. Volcanic Causeway needs a good barrier – when he draws well he can be ridden positively and then prove very hard to get past. Was given a charmed run by Lucas Camilleri last start on July 11, and pulled out all stops to score from Lunar Module. There was scope for further improvement and from a nice draw he will get all the favours. The value is Royal Cobra (5) who closed late last week when 5 th to Spitfire Ace. His third-up form is excellent, including metro wins over his past two campaigns. Suited up to 1400 metres and his back-up stats are very good. He is a great each-way chance. Round Tuit (11) is a hard horse to catch. He was ridden upside down last start before being freshened up. When ridden cold off a fast speed he can really fly home. He gets in well after the 3kg claim for Ben Kennedy and a blow out would not surprise. Storm Closure is a genuine animal who fought on strongly when 4 th to Volcanic Causeway after racing outside the lead last time. Fitness levels are peaking and Wiliam Pike sticks. Obtrusive (2) is her own worst enemy. Often sluggish to begin and then needs lots of luck. No luck last time in the run home (9 th to Volcanic Causeway); watch for her late. Lunar Module (10) hit the line strongly to just miss Volcanic Causeway last start and is a chance. Rocky Range (3) made a strong return when 5 th (DH with Royal Cobra) to Spitfire Ace, however the 13 barrier draw has him in no man’s land.
THE VERDICT: Back (7) Volcanic Causeway and save on (5) Royal Cobra. (11) Round Tuit is the blowout horse. Include (9) Storm Closure, (2) Obtrusive, (10) Lunar Module and (3) Rocky Range, who all have winning claims. Wide place claims to (12) Mexican Lass, (8) Eagle Rock and (13) Pumpkin Head.
BEST BETS: Race 4, No 3, All Class e/w Race 6, No 5, On The Carpet, e/w Race 8, No 7, Volcanic Causeway, e/w
VALUE BETS: Race 5, No 7, Cassius Grey e/w
QUADDIE (FOR 50 CENTS) 2,3,4,7,11,13,16(emerg)/5,7,8,9,10,11/1,4,7,8, 9,10/5,7,11 $378 3,7/5,7,8,10/1,4,7,8,9,10/5,7 $48 3,7/5,7,8,10/1,4,7,8/5,7 $32 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. Log on to www.perthracing.com.au for more details. Josh Rodder www.perthracing.com.au