3 minute read
Leading Sydney trainer John O'Shea who has been in hot form of late looks the trainer to follow at Kembla Grange this afternoon.
The midweek meeting with Metropolitan status has attracted good quality fields all afternoon, but the horse I like for the meeting is Gangster's Choice who contests the benchmark 70 race over 1600m at 3.40pm.
O'Shea has handled this son of Stratum with great patience hence the main reason why as a four-year-old he has faced the starter just seven times for two wins and as many placings.
A quick glance at O'Shea's training statistics reveals the Randwick conditioner has a terrific record when taking horses to race at Kembla Grange. His stable strikes at 21% which is an exceptional stat considering the number of horses he takes there.
Gangster's Choice has raced twice since a spell and looks tuned up for another big run today.
Following two Randwick barrier trials, Gangster's Choice resumed at Hawkesbury in class 1 company over 1400m with an eye-catching effort running home strongly from worse than midfield on the turn to be beaten a length behind Anatomic.
Then last time out at Kembla Grange in benchmark 65 class over 1400m he came with an even more overpowering effort from second last on the turn to defeat Alright Already in a close finish.
He steps up again in trip to 1600m this afternoon which is a real plus but has to contend with a slight rise in class but to offset that he does drop slightly in weight.
In form rider Christian Reith who has quite a deal of success with O'Shea takes over the reins and I can see Gangster's Choice powering home late over the top of his rivals today.
There are several useful types opposed to Gangster's Choice but the query runner looks to be the former New Zealand galloper Mangaroa Flyer having his first start for Chris Waller.
The lightly raced five-year-old has only been to the races eight times and brings some handy performances with him.
The gelding last raced at Te Rapa over 1600m back in October but has trialled well in preparation for this assignment.
Interestingly his only two wins have both come over today's distance of 1600m and champion rider Hugh Bowman will be in the pigskin.
Mangaroa Flyer's New Zealand ratings see him well placed and he is one to keep very safe in your analysis.
Last start winner Kriegspiel cannot be taken lightly either.
A six time winner from 24 starts, Kriegspiel looked impressive winning in this class at Canberra last time over the 1600m.
After the three kilo claim for apprentice Andrew Stead, Kriegspiel still comes into the race very well weighted, dropping two and a half kilos on the Canberra win.
He travels near the speed in his races and has been in excellent recent form.
Moorings Royal who ran second to Kriegspiel stays under notice.
The Lynda Bundy-trained galloper was a last stride winner two runs back over 1400m at Canberra than half a length second to Kriegspiel.
Kevin Sweeney retains the ride and he looks one of the better chances.
Domitian from the Anthony Cummings stable will appreciate the conditions of this race.
He has been thereabouts in recent starts finishing sixth to Praise Be at Canterbury two runs back and then fourth last start at the same course behind Lil And Grace.
Kathy O'Hara retains the ride and the spacious Kembla Grange racetrack appeals as suiting him much better than Canterbury.
A very good betting race, but I feel Gangster's Choice looks capable of continuing on his winning way.
Ends...