The feature race on the card in Western Australia this weekend is for the 3 year olds. Dominant favourite is Hard Ball Get ($2.50 with Sportsbet) who returns to racing and will be looking to make it three wins from three starts.
1. FUDDLE DEE DUDDLE – SCRATCHED
2. DETECTION – J Noske (9)
He has won four of his last six starts including his last two outings. Three weeks ago he stepped out in Open Class race as 5/4 fav, led and lasted under the steadier of 58.5kgs to narrowly defeat Mister Panon who subsequently ran third last week. Likes to race up on the speed and unlike last starts, hasn’t been handed in favours in terms of the barrier draw.
Odds: $4.80
3. HARD BALL GET – P Harvey (7)
Trained by Simon Miller, this son of Aussie Rules has won both of the starts he contested earlier this year in good style. He has been tuned up for his return to racing with a very impressive barrier trail, which he won by six, almost two weeks ago. Off that back of that trial and his two official starts, he has be installed as a clear favourite and rightly so.
Odds: $2.50
4. DUETON – S O’Donnell (5)
Gelding by Due Sasso who chased home (2nd, beaten 1 length) the unbeaten The Rising when first up a fortnight ago. Will be better for that hit-out and as only missed a place once from his six starts to date. Drawn to get a lovely run just of the pace and possibly a point or two over the odds at his current quote of $11.00
Odds: $9.50
5. HUSSARS – SCRATCHED
6. ENEMY LINES – B Parnham (10)
General Nediym gelding who has only had the one start – a fourth (beaten close to four lengths) in a Northam Maiden, back in July. Stepped out in a trail in which he ran second almost three weeks ago. He is eligible for much easier races than this one
Odds: $34.00
7. FLYING SOLO – T Turner (8)
Returned to racing two starts back in the Listed Belgravia Stakes and ran sixth, beaten 2.2 lengths behind Miss Solis. Last start, she took on her own sex and just held her ground to finish sixth again (beaten 3.8) behind Antique Belle in the Listed Burgess Queen (1400m). She’d have to improve on recent efforts.
Odds: $13.00
8. CHERIE AMOUR – S Parnham (1)
She was fourth (beaten 4.5 lengths) behind The Rising and Dueton when resuming a fortnight ago. That was her third career start and her previous efforts were a second and a seventh, both in Open Company earlier this year. On what we’ve seen of her in these three starts, can’t include her among the leading chances.
Odds: $26.00
9. ALYESKA – W White (2)
A filly who made her debut at Ascot two starts back and made good ground late to run second (at 30/) to Island Scandal. She was then taken to Pinjarra where she recorded a comfortable 1 ¼ length victory. Obviously a big jump in grade from Pinjarra to here but has been nibbled early the betting, firming from $41 into $26.
Odds: $31.00
10. MISS BUX – P Carbery (4)
A stablemate to the favourite who has only had the one start and albeit it was in a Bunbury Maiden, she created a good impression by leading all the way to score a decisive 1 ½ length win. Second in that race, Western Blaze, came out on Wednesday and recorded a comfortably 1 ½ length win. Respect the stable’s decision to have a dip at this race and she has been kept very safe in betting.
Odds: $3.30
SUMMARY
Hard Ball Get has done nothing wrong in his short career and it’s hard to tip against him so maybe trying to find a few that could run a place, will be the way to go to increase any return. Dueton (consistent and gets good run) Miss Bux (untapped) and the improving Alyeska (open to further improvement) are the leading candidates for mine.
