Race 1: 12:30PM MIDWAY HANDICAP (1500M)
3. Iceman is often underrated but he shouldn’t be this time after his excellent first-up effort a few weeks ago in this grade. He found himself back last there and charged through to claim second at a trip a bit short of his best. Finds that trip now, draws ideally and if he can make some use of it he should take holding off. 8. Kilbrannan is a lot better than what he produced first-up at 1200m, he couldn’t get near them early and followed them around. Overlook that. He’ll improve sharply up in distance and expect he’ll be more prominent from the draw. 6. Starphistocated is fitter for two runs back, fair to say she did have her chance in the Midway two weeks ago at Randwick where she had a nice run and loomed but couldn’t catch the winner. Back 100m, last win was at 1800m so that’s the main query. 1. Art Volant might be going a bit better than the form guide reads and she’s back in class after a solid effort behind Sovereign Hill three weeks ago. Some luck required from the outside but an each-way hope at least if she gets it.
How to play it: Iceman WIN.
Race 2: 1:05PM TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1300M)
2. New Pharoah should get the right run from barrier one on the back of whatever wants to take it up and he’s better suited at this distance than when he won first-up at Newcastle. He did gain a dream run through from just off the pace but it’s a sign he’s come back well and has been competitive in a Highway previously so he has to be a good chance. 15. Shezain is a big watch at her first Highway attempt and it’s significant she’s come here after three starts. The latest win was impressive at the Sapphire Coast where she swept home from the back off a wide gate. 14. Andale Andale didn’t handle the heavy 10 when beaten at odds-on first-up at Orange so prepared to forgive that and go on the promise she showed winning her first two starts. Draw is ideal and she’s in the mix. 1. Highway Strip faces a huge day here third-up back to country grade. He ran a super race fresh behind Gatsby’s then was up to his old tricks drifting very wide on the turn at Randwick two weeks ago, but he still ran on. Draws to get a smother, very wary as if he finds his best he could be too good.
How to play it: New Pharoah EACH-WAY.
Race 3: 1:40PM QUEEN BEE PROJECT SPRINT (1100M)
2. Signor Tortoni made a lie of his first-up failure, where to be fair he drew the outside and didn’t have a chance, as he led all the way back a notch at Warwick Farm a couple of weeks ago. No doubt he is up to this grade, he draws ideally and as he showed last time in he’s a consistent performer and he’ll give a good sight on speed. 9. Stormland comes back 100m after trying very hard at Rosehill three weeks ago. Gave the winner a tag home there and meets her 1.5kg better off. Sure to be around the mark with even luck. 1. Bev’s Nine has won four from four but no doubt this is a big test for him from that outside alley. Will need to burn some petrol to get on the pace but if he doesn’t have to do too much work, he’s pretty hard to knock. The claim helps too. 6. Eagle Express was able to run down Stormland to win at her first Sydney start and has to be a chance. She’s drawn nicely and could easily hold that form, though if there’s a query it’s if she’s looking to step up in trip and whether this is a gap run to get her there.
How to play it: Signor Tortoni EACH-WAY.
Race 4: 2:15PM THE AGENCY REAL ESTATE HANDICAP (1300M)
14. Monte Veebee was disappointing from a price perspective given he started $1.60 and cruised to the front early in the straight at Randwick only to be run down. Just have to give him another chance, he comes up 100m third-up and he should get a lovely trail with some speed drawn further out. Look for him to bounce back. 12. La Roja has been excellent in her two runs back for seconds at Wyong and Randwick and there’s no reason why she won’t hold her form. Should get a perfect run and interesting the blinkers go on now. 13. Transcend is a huge market watch first-up. She started favourite at her local debut in November and ran a handy second with every chance in the run. Given some time, yet to race on a good surface. 7. Interjection is a consistent type and he probably should have run a clear second behind Sovereign Hill three weeks ago. He’ll land midfield or so and be running on well again.
How to play it: Monte Veebee WIN.
Race 5: 2:50PM RACING AND SPORTS HANDICAP (1400M)
2. Lord Penman should enjoy a lovely tag just behind them in what looks a perfect race for him to return in. He was an eye-catcher fresh last preparation at 1200m so kicking off at this trip is significant. He’s had a couple of quiet trials and his second in the Silver Eagle behind Linebacker is pretty good form for this. Be surprised if he’s not going very close. 3. Magnatear will look to resume his front-running role after not being able to do that at the Gold Coast off a wide gate in a big field on Magic Millions Day. Draws one here so he punches through to lead and if he gets any control he will be tough to catch. 6. Thunderlips is hit-and-miss. He was excellent behind Sandpaper in the Carrington but battled at the mile two weeks ago. Perhaps that’s a bit beyond him so returning to this sort of trip gives him a chance. 10. Kind Words has been freshened up since winning the Belle Of The Turf over the mile at Gosford at the end of last year. By rights the 1400m should be a little sharp for her but she went to that little break feeling good.
How to play it: Lord Penman WIN.
