Track good 3 and rail true.
RACE 1
8. Silent Serenade is a consistent filly that finds an ideal and weaker race fourth up, finally getting over more ground. Worked home OK into a place in successive races at Tamworth and Muswellbrook before again finishing off in a deeper maiden only eight days ago. Drawn to get cover, and the quick turnaround is a strong stable pointer that sheโs ready to run this distance right out. 7. Zo Frilling comes through that same race as the top selection, and gets an economical run second up from the inside draw, with an important gear change. 3. Magic Merlin is a three-year-old by Lucky Vega and a big market watch on debut behind two trials. 1. Lucky On Landing resumes off a lengthy break and can figure in the minor money. Big gap to the rest.
How to play it: Silent Serenade to win.
Racing heads to Walcha for the Walcha Cup meeting on Friday.Credit: Jenny Evans
RACE 2
6. Kakoda seemingly has this maiden at her mercy, and can start a potentially exciting career with a bang. A powerhouse filly by Graff, she signalled her ability with a seven-length romp in a recent Scone trial. 2. Spellecast can improve sharply at his second start with blinkers going on, and run the quinella. 1. Heta is well bred and makes his debut for a leading country stable off a soft trial, while another first-starter, 5. Cheating Lilibet, by renowned sprint sire Cosmic Force, draws to get a sound run.
How to play it: Kakoda to win.
RACE 3
6. Amoruso is a lightly raced mare that can improve enough to claim a second win at just her fifth start. Stuck on OK in a deeper class 1 at Tamworth 15 days ago, and the drop back a furlong in trip from a softer draw are big keys. 2. Signatories can bounce back from the inside draw after a weak effort in front first up at Scone when backed from $3.20 into $2.90. 3. Amarone is honest and returns for his first run since spring for an underrated country stable that has a handy record with fresh runners. 5. Broken Wings is better suited here after dropping out in tougher provincial company when reloading off an eight-week break, but still under the odds. 1. Snatchreilly, having gone back to the trials well into the current prep, is some value from a sound trailing draw.
How to play it: Amoruso to win.
RACE 4
4. Aye Aye Skipper is an underrated five-year-old ready to win again deep into the campaign. Led until the final few strides against similar opposition two starts back before working home nicely in a stronger class 4 Country Championship preview at Taree. 3. Four Degrees has been very disappointing from off the speed this prep, albeit in better races. Draws to get a soft run here with blinkers coming off, and the leading NSW country jockey stays on. 1. Winged drops in grade after two sound efforts against deeper opposition, and did bolt in from the front in a similar race to this when first up in early December. A versatile galloper, but a rookie 4kg claimer goes on replacing that same top hoop. 5. Shut Eye is drawn low and 6. Skates On, second up, can both add value into exotic plays.
How to play it: Aye Aye Skipper to win.
