Belmont Saturday Perth Racing Preview BY JOSH RODDER Track is a dead 4, but we’re predicting an upgrade (if no more rain). The penetrometer is 6.5 (Perth measurements are different from those in the Eastern States, because of a different sand-based track), and the rail goes out to the three-metre position. It was at nine metres midweek and true last Saturday. The Belmont track surface continues to thrive, and with 30 ml of rain that has fallen this week (as of 8am WST, Friday), the fire will be out of the ground. Belmont is a fantastic track that gives every horse its chance. FORECAST FOR SATURDAY Few showers City:
Min 10
Max 17
Race 1 – The Passages Resource Centre Plate Hcp, [2yo], 1300m, 2:04pm [EST] Speed even, with Romida (6) the likely leader, from Lady Doll (7) if she begins well, while Special Project (8) and My Equine Friend (2) won’t not far away on settling. You could not help but be impressed with the slashing debut of Redhage (4) at Pinjarra on May 6. He settled just in front of midfield, did not help himself by wanting to lay in behind the runner in front of him in the early part of the straight, and then proceeded to sprout wings over the concluding stages. That form is solid with the winner Our Ol'fella running a cracker on debut at Ascot at his previous start, and Freexaar who was well held, winning on Thursday at Northam. With that experience under his belt, the extra distance, an ideal draw and W. Pike retaining the ride, he looks the way to go. He was scratched midweek to be saved for this stiffer assignment. Lady Doll has raced without luck at her two starts, had no idea on debut, then missed the start with blinkers on first time last start when second to Dawinner over 1200m here on May 9. Further experience will help, and the booking of Shaun O'Donnell is a big booking. Dawinner (1) is as tough as old
boots. She ran two monster races in juvenile features at Ascot before sitting back and finishing over the top of them last start here (1200m, May 9) in similar company. Once again she will go back from a wide gate and be sweeping home. My Equine Friend will be suited by the rise in distance. With blinkers added, he should box seat and will be competitive. Special Project has ability but wait until blinkers are applied. She can be placed.
THE VERDICT: I like (4) Redhage, and he has a place in our punting black book. The fillies (7) Lady Doll and (1) Dawinner are big players, while (2) My Equine Friend, (8) Special Project and (6) Romida can be placed.
Race 2 – Reed Resources Hcp, [72-86], [3yo+ Fillies & Mares], 1200m, 2:39pm [EST] They will really burn in this event. Versarc (10) should hold the front, from the speedy Pillow Time (8), with New Addition (7) in the box seat and Icy Maiden (3) to be handy. Lead Rope (6), a 3YO, is the youngest runner, however she possesses a touch of class. I thought she was vulnerable first-up at this track/distance on May 9, but, ridden to perfection, she showed a neat turn of foot, before running out of condition. She still packed too many punches for a field that included Spitfire Ace (3 rd), who franked the form with an impressive win last weekend. Lead Rope has drawn awkwardly in 10, but with the speed on, and the in-form Clint Harvey on board, she should be able to slot in and come with a rush late. Her form last spring was impeccable, including a victory over the smart Liquidation, when giving away weight. She is from a Jugah mare so the cut out of the ground should not pose a problem. The Belmont Guineas looks an achievable target, however Grand Nirvana does stand in her way. Versarc is a highspeed mare, who showed plenty of fight last time, when narrowly beaten by Icy Maiden. On the minimum, she should be able to give some cheek. Sleepwalk (1) is the class mare in this race. Her form last summer/spring was
excellent against the best in the state. Her trial (4 th to Idyllic Prince at Belmont, May 11) was okay and she does sprint well fresh. Icy Maiden does not know how to run a bad race. She has drawn poorly and will need a gem of a ride from Alan Kennedy. Pillow Time (8) was scratched last Saturday to run on Wednesday and did the right thing by her backers with a slick front-of-the-field win. She has the capabilities to do it at both ends and with no weight will be competitive. Universal Reigns (9) was soft winning a Northam Maiden on May 14 and can sneak into the money from a nice draw.
THE VERDICT: (6) Lead Rope has more upside than most of her rivals, so is top pick from (10) Versarc the likely leader, then (1) Sleepwalk, (3) Icy Maiden, (8) Pillow Time and (9) Universal Reigns.
Race 3 – The Marshall Kusinski Hcp, [62+], [3yo] 1200m, 3:15pm [EST] The speed will be even with Apache Mak (4) making the running from Bike Aaromba (2) outside the speed and Jay Jay Makster (6) close up, and Emteevee (3) in the box seat. Hard to go past Broadway Belle (7), who was a good thing licked last start at the Belmont midweeks (May 13). This well-bred Redoute’s Choice filly was allowed to drift back from her wide gate, with 58kg and then ran into dead end after dead end in the straight. Her final 600m section was 33.62 and although fifth (3/4 len) she should have beaten the Saturday class Kender. Blinkers have been added, she has drawn a marble and should get all the favours. Her debut win at Northam showed she can do it at both ends. Hard to go past, but odds will be an important guide as to whether we bet. Bike Aaromba trialled well enough (win at Belmont on May 11) to say he can make a winning return to the track. He is quite a talented on-pace galloper in good hands and he is ready to rock. Emteevee is still a little way from peaking, however he has run two nice races since resuming from a break. Raced fresh first-up (April 25) and tired when fourth to Revolition at Ascot (1000m), before being ridden like the best
horse and proving too good for an average midweek field (1200m, Belmont, May 13). He is drawn to box seat, but may be better suited at 1400m-1600m. Hermosa Corona (1) is the interesting runner, resuming for the astute Maynard camp since 11 th in the WA Guineas in November. He returns afer a solid trial (8 th to Chopin, Belmont 1000m, April 28), when run off his feet. He has plenty of ability – watch for a big finish. Barn Burner (5) had been luckless before having every hope last time, when a closing second to Lead Rope over 1200m here on May 9. He can be placed. Jay Jay Makster was very good first-up since November when he tired late and was nailed on the line by Russell Road over 1200m at Ascot on May 2. Query is where will he end up from his awakward draw? He may just get posted three wide or work too hard to get outside the speed.
THE VERDICT: If she is not too short (7) Broadway Belle is the one to back. For (2) Bike Aaromba, watch the betting. (3) Emteevee is definitely a winning chance. Include (1) Hermosa Corona, (5) Barn Burner, (6) Jay Jay Makster and (4) Apache Mak in multiples.
Race 4 – The Westralian Diamond Drillers Hcp, [62+], [3yo], 1600m, 4:00pm [EST] Hawkeye Mort (2) will lead and ensure every horse gets a winning chance. Spitfire Ace (1) will be outside the lead, with Le Freq (8) and Sir Lunchalot (10) handy. Spitfire Ace is flying, and probably should be unbeaten at his last four starts. Has won three of that bunch, his only defeat here on May 9, when posted three wide without cover. He kept finding the line when third behind the smart Lead Rope. Showed last week he could handle the seven-day backup, with a dominant on-pace win. Again he should dominate on top of the speed and trainer Darren McAuliffe has taken a three kilo claim with Duncan Miller. Night At The Opera (3) is another at the peak of her powers. She had no luck three starts back when pole-axed, and was very good winning in fast time last start (Ascot 1800m, May 2). That win was comparable to the other 1800m race on the day, won by Reverend Lovejoy. She has drawn well for Pike and she is the value. Verster (4) was enormous when resuming for a new camp (Lindsey Smith), when 7 th to Emteevee over 1200m here on May 13. He will get better as the distances get longer and gate one is not ideal for this big striding son of Verglas. He is definitely a black booker to follow. Bermaise (5) deserves a win and will not be
a maiden much longer. Liked the way she hit the line last time when 2nd to Hawkeye Mort over 1600m at Belmont on May 9, but will have to give some handy types a decent start from her poor draw. Hawkeye Mort will give cheek as he always does when ridden to lead.
THE VERDICT: Take short odds (1) Spitfire Ace, but have a healthy respect for (3) Night At The Opera, who will be the value bet. (4) Verrster and (5) Bermaise will be running on strongly. Include (2) Hawkeye Mort and (6) Dusty Pink in multiples.
QUADDIE FIRST LEG Race 5 – Blue Spec Mining Hcp, [71-86], [3yo+] 2000m, 4:42pm [EST] Interange (7), up to 2000m for the first time will, ensure a genuinely run race, with Observation (2), Beyond Repute (9) and Sky Marshall (5) handy. Open affair but I believe Observation (2) has found the right race. He will go forward from his wide draw with a three-kilo claim for Talia Maor, who has really clicked with this horse. Although he has been in work for more than 12 months he continues to race well. Just missed last start (2200m Ascot, May 2), when he charged late at Mythical Man, who since just failed to beat the in-form Reverend Lovejoy here last week. I still think 1600m1800m is Observation’s best distance range, so back to 2000m looks ideal. Each-way all day. Striken (1) has a massive finish and will be closing late. Beyond Repute should have won last start at the midweeks and Paul Harvey sticks. He is value. I will be cheering loudly because I own a small share in Diego De La Vega (11). He is racing well without winning. He is a former Kiwi who will appreciate the fire out of the ground and the step up in distance. Pike sticks and he gets his chance to break his Perth duck. Pencaza (8) is ticking over nicely and can add value to the multiples. The Chatfield/Pateman combination is firing and Interange will give some cheek. Classic Lad (6) is fitter and looking for the extra journey.
THE VERDICT:
QUADDIE SECOND LEG Race 6 – The Drowner Hcp, [86+], [3yo+] 1600m, 5:18pm [EST] McLurch (1) is a bold front-runner and will be able to dictate a good speed, suiting himself. Roman Time (11), Caller One (7) and Reverend Lovejoy (3) will be handy to the speed. I’m keen to jump back on board McLurch. He showed plenty of fight when run down by two smart horses (Geyser Peak and Roman Time) last time in similar grade (1400m). The step up to 1600m should ensure him an even softer run in front and Maki Morita, who rode him to perfection to score two starts back, returns to the saddle. Well in with the 3kg claim, and the edge out of the track will play right into his hands. He has won six races at Belmont (from 17) and is rock hard fit. Roman Time is the danger. He was enormous first-up without the benefit of a trial, when he sat three wide without cover and just missed nailing the smart Geyser Peak. Fitter and should take the trail behind McLurch. He won the 2007 Karrakatta and is a classy animal. Reverend Lovejoy is racing better than ever. Back from a 2000-metre win last Saturday and will be strong on the line. Sentenza (5) ran an eye-catching race on resumption. He was a Stakes winner last spring at Ascot (1800m Gold Cup) and looks to have returned in good order. Star Risca (6) is flying and was aided by a 10/10 ride from Clint Harvey last start. He will need the same again to win from a tricky draw (8) in a harder race. Who Did It (4) is a veteran (9YO) who had loves it wet and if the rain continues he can surprise. Blinkers go on for the first time and he is fitter after two trials. Resumes since 8 th to Sentenza in the Gold Cup on Nov 8. Caller One does not know how to run a bad race and will get a nice run from gate three.
THE VERDICT: Back (1) McLurch and (11) Roman Time for a result. (3) Reverend Lovejoy also goes in. (5) Sentenza, (6) Star Risca, (4) Who Did It and (7) Caller One include in multiples. Quaddie: 1,11,3,5,6
Have something each-way on (2) Observation. (1) Striken, (9) Beyond Repute and (11) Diego De La Vega will be closing late and are all winning chances. Include (8) Pencaza, (7) Interange and (6) Classic Lad.
QUADDIE THIRD LEG Race 7 – The Rotary Club Of Perth Hcp, [62-74], [3yo+], 1600m, 5:55pm [EST]
Quaddie: 2,1,9,11,8,7,6
Lucky Trainer (11) will ensure a genuinely run race to suit the backmarkers. Put Option (14), Sunrange (4) and Regal Johnson (5) will be prominent.
This is the best bet of the day! Gamroy (1) should have won clearly last start, (5 th to Star Risca, 1600m, Belmont, May 9) when he would have felt he had turned up to the bank at 4:01pm. The doors just kept closing for him, and there were really no options for Pike, who was always going to be in trouble from gate one. Gamroy is a big striding galloper, who needs room, because his biggest asset is his ability to make a long run – and more than once if necessary – and continue to find the line. This is a unique quality for a lightly-raced galloper and he will make the top grade. Drawn wide with 58.5kg will only help us get a price. None of this will not stop him, and Pike will be able to position him anywhere from midfield to back. It really won’t matter if he is three wide, he is simply better than the opposition. There is a good race to come for this galloper. Dantes Star (6) is another promising type who raced flat on a short back-up last time (7 th to Mexican Lass, 1400m, Belmont, May 9). I am expecting a better performance this time. Regal Johnson is fairly flying! He has not missed a beat since blinkers were added. Drawn to get a great run and was impressive winning midweek last start (1650m, May 13). Mexican Lass (8) is a cantankerous mare with more than her fair share of ability. Drawn wide so she will go back. Watch for her late. French Favorite (2) was luckless when resuming (4 th ) and produced nothing second-up (12/13 to Star Risca). Better than that and can improve. Aitchison (13), Last Curtain (10), Zilvain (12) and Put Option can all be placed.
THE VERDICT: Bet with supreme confidence on (1) Gamroy. He is a special! (6) Dantes Star would be my top pick in any other race. (5) Regal Johnson, (8) Mexican Lass, (2) French Favorite, (13) Aitchison, (10) Last Curtain, (12) Zilvain and (14) Put Option for the multiples. Quaddie: 1
QUADDIE FOURTH LEG Race 8 - The Vinnies Hcp, [74-86], [3YO+], 1200m, 6:30pm [EST] Expecting Russell Road (16) to roll to the front and get a reasonable cushy run. Stratazoa (3), Geyser Peak (6), Dance Works (8), Estiarte (7) and Werd (17) will race handy. Geyser Peak has all the credentials to make the grade in the West. I love the way he stretches his neck and he has a lovely, balanced action. I am not as confident as I was last time, because he has been given 5kg more and he is back from
1400m to 1200m. A beautiful ride aided him in winning here at his WA debut, when he hit the front early in the straight and, despite peaking on his run, was still too good for the smart Roman Time. Should get a nice run behind the speed again and is the best horse in the race. Toughest to beat is the promising three-year-old Russell Road. It was a massive run first-up at 1200m without a trial, when he did a power of work and was nailed on the line by Fun Spice (3 rd, ½ hd, hd). He then trailed the leader and looked beaten halfway down the running before digging deep to score over 1200m at Ascot on May 2. I am really taken with his will to win this time in. He has always possessed the ability, winning his first three starts. He is a King's Best half-brother to stablemate Roman Time. He will make the running here for Swedish hoop Lisa Bivemark and with the minimum weight will give cheek. Axtel (12) is the blowout horse. He is a very underrated galloper who was closing late when resuming over the unsuitable 1000m trip. Last time in ran back-to-back seconds to Gilded Venom and Reverend Lovejoy. Loves this track (8starts/2wins/4seconds) and if they overcook it in front, look out! Stratazoa was not suited back to 1000 metres second-up last week, however ran a creditable race when a close 5 th to Sheenasaidgray over 1000m. Will get the cart across from Russell Road and will fight hard. There is not much between Dance Works, Estiarte and Werd (1st emg). All can win with the right run. Comic Hero (2) is smart, but is best at 1400m when can lead and control. He is drawn poorly back from a spell. Last raced when 3/1 and third to Tarzi in the Listed PR Mile, at Ascot on Nov 29. Amici (5) was backed as if unbeatable firstup, but his soft trial in advance of resuming probably worked against him. He was firstup at 1400m and just did not fire when 11 th to Geyser Peak. Better than that and with extra fitness can play a part at odds. Wild Frankie (4) and Battle Emblem (11) can figure first-up.
THE VERDICT: Back (6) Geyser Peak and (16) Russell Road for a result. Have something small on (12) Axtel at silly odds if you like/need a roughie to get out! (3) Stratazoa, (8) Dance Works, (7) Estiarte, (17) Werd, (5) Amici, (4) Wild Frankie and (11) Battle Emblem are all rough winning chances. Quaddie: 6,16,12,3,8,7,17,5,4,11
Best Bet: Race 7, 1 Gamroy Value Bet: Race 5, 2 Observation Good luck and good punting!
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