Feature race of the day for the sprinters sees a field of ten taking part with Chris Waller’s Heat Testa holding favouritism at $3.00, in from on opening quote of $3.20. There seems to be only a few genuine chances here as a few runners who would be looking for more ground, return from a spell and some others, simply outclassed. One runner with class however is Darley’s Safeguard. The 3yo has competed well during the Victorian spring carnival and gets his chance here to register his fourth career win at start number seven. He is on the second line of betting at $4.40 just in advance of top-weight Hidden Wonder $5.50 and Zaratone $6.50
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1. HIDDEN WARRIOR – N Berry (6) 59kgs
After finishing close up in the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m), the Paul Perry trained runner did well to hold on after settling on a hot speed, to run fifth (1.1 lengths) behind Strike The Stars in a 1400m race at Randwick. After drawing a wide gate at his most recent run, the Hidden Dragon gelding settled back but with a hot tempo being set by Zaratone, was able to finish strongly and record his third win from fifth start at this track, with a narrow victory over the unlucky Black Magic in an 1100m race. Would think he’d get back or settle of the pace again given his weight and draw but is going well and cannot knock his form.
2. STRAIGHT ALBERT – B Shinn (2)
This Guy Walter trained galloper resumes after close to two years on the sideline. Prior to his enforced lay-off, the now 6yo by Magic Albert won four starts in succession including the Listed Tatts (2095m) and Gosford Cups (2100m). He has been prepared for his return with two barrier trials, the latest of which was at Goulburn where he finished third. Will need the run and find this opposition too slick.
3. ZARATONE – K O’Hara (4) 58kgs
Loves racing here does the Zariz 8yo who has won four from twelve over this trip/track with a further four minor placings. He only knows one speed and that’s flat-out. O’Hara piloted the Bjorn Baker trained galloper at his most recent start where, under the steadier of 60.5kgs, he held on gamely to run third behind Heart Testa and smart Queensland galloper Cape Kidnappers. He was only beaten a length last start and meets Heart Testa 1.5kgs better at the weights. He’ll give them plenty to chase.
4. HEART TESTA – J Collett (1) 56.5kgs
The Testa Rossa gelding made it two wins from as many starts over this track/trip with a strong head win over Cape Kidnappers and Zaratone last start. He settled on the pace and outside of leader Zaratone last start before finding plenty over the final stages. That made it six wins from twelve starts and it’s hard to knock the form of the Chris Waller. A touch of luck maybe required from the inside draw maybe but if that comes, he’ll be involved in the finish.
5. MASTER HARRY – S Clipperton (8) 56.5kgs
The 6yo returns of an eighteen week spell for Randwick trainer Ron Quinton. He kicked off last campaign in the Listed Hall Mark Stakes as a $31.00 chance and ran eleventh of thirteenth. That was his first start for his trainer after coming across from Peter Moody and to Quinton credit, the horse continued to improve at each subsequent run, rounding out the preparation by running second to smart performer See The World in Open company. Looked good running a head second in a Randwick Barrier Trial last week but the wide draw will make this tough.
6. UATE – C Reith (3) 55.5kgs
His last start was back in March of this year with his two runs prior to that, excellent efforts in the Listed Takeover Target (1200m) at Gosford – 3rd behind Testarhythm and the Listed Canterbury Classic when second to Skytrain. The Kris Lees prepared runner as had the one trial in readiness for his return that being at Cessnock almost three weeks ago. From a good draw which should see him get a lovely cart behind the speed, it would pay to keep a close watch on him.
7. SAFEGUARD – (7) 54kgs.
Started the 5/2 favourite at his last start in the Listed Earl Gray Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Oaks Day. From the widest gate the 3yo, who was talking on older horses, got back in behind the field and finished sixth behind Lankan Rupee and Snitzerland, both who were positioned in the lead throughout. Lankan Rupee then subsequently won G3 Kevin Heffernan in dominant fashion. His form prior to that race was solid and he’ll appreciate the return to a turning circuit and the hot tempo that will be set up front. Big chance.
8. JACQUINOT BAY – P Robl (5) 54kgs
Another Guy Walter trained runner who resumes off a lengthy spell of seven months. The gelding by Galileo last start was in the G3 Doncaster Prelude (1600m) where he finished tenth and just over four lengths behind stable-mate Skyerush. He’s had two barrier trials given to him in the last month, winning the most recent in good style by a length at Goulburn. Unbeaten in two first up runs but in lesser grade than this race and would prefer to see what he offers after such a break on the sidelines.
9. FIREBALL – (9) 54kgs
Nothing if not honest galloper, this 5yo trained by Muswellbrook’s Jan Bowen will compete in his first Listed graded race, first up from a fourteen week spell. The son of Beautiful Crown supports a good first up record and interestingly, he has had a barrier trial in preparation for here – something that’s not normally part of his routine – where he ran ¾ of a length second of four in a Barrier Trial on his home track a week and half ago. He’ll be wound up for here but at this grade from a wide gate, he’ll found at least a few too good.
10. BEST DANCE YET – (10) 54kgs
Finally registered his first win two starts back – at start number sixteen, when successful in Kembla Grange maiden. He followed that up with a head second to Lonchero in a BM 60 but his form is nowhere good enough for a race like this and aptly quoted at triple figures.
RACE OVERVIEW
Zaratone leads with Heart Testa ensuring a handy spot from the inside gate and Fireball coming across from out wide. Not much between Zaratone and Heart Testa last start and with the weight adjustments here, should be even less this time around. Both are good chance. Safeguard has started the favourite at his past three starts – all good quality races over the spring carnival – and finds a winnable race here at a comparatively attractive price. Uate the value runner. Quite trial, good first up record and drawn well, he’ll be able to run a race at a good price.
- SAFEGUARD
- ZARATONE
- HEART TESTA
- UATE
