The Mail for Saturday

3 minute read

Lone Command comes back in grade

SR 3: (1) DAILIKA - This honest mare certainly deserves to break a long run of consistent performances and she will never get a better chance against the moderate company she faces in this event. She has performed with credit in her recent starts against the likes of subsequent Victorian spring carnival winners Galah and Top Drop and will relish returning to her own sex against a field of midweek performers already depleted by an important early scratching. Her course and distance form is first class and the use of Sam Clipperton's 3kg allowance is a big factor in her favour.

SR 5: (8) HARD LIQUOR - Progressive gelding from the Anthony Cummings stable will appreciate stepping up to 1500m at his third start since resuming after two promising efforts over shorter trips from difficult barriers. Finished off strongly first-up under a big weight at Hawkesbury and then had excuses (lost plate) when running home for a closing second over 1300m at this course on October 8. Stays in the same class and his softer draw gives him an excellent chance over this more suitable distance.

SR 7: (5) LONE COMMAND - With the bonus of Sam Clipperton's 3kg claim he looks the obvious choice in this race after two excellent efforts in classy Group races over 1300m and 1500m when it was hard to miss his eye catching finishes. That form is first class for this lesser company but there is a proviso as he will have gone 28 days since his last start third in the G2 Shannon Quality over 1500m at this track. However he was able to jump from 1500m to win a similar class 1900m event at this course in February coming off a break of 21 days and it's would seem his astute stable has adopted a similar program aiming for the same result.

ONES TO AVOID

SR 8: (16) TORINO - The second emergency heads up the early markets as he carries a boom, but is it justified on the strength of a provincial win in a weak maiden and a midweek placing at Canterbury? He's been odds on in both starts and will be poor value again if he gains a start.

MR 4: (1) MANAWANUI - Looks a moral going on his track work on Tuesday morning and his lead in runs. It was such a strong Guineas overall and the way he has come through it, he appears to have thrived. Set weights only helps as he rates significantly better than the opposition. He only has to run the trip to bolt in and given the backing in the Derby this week, you'd think that would happen.

MR 7: (12) HE'S REMARKABLE - A kiwi who is charging to the line at present. Will be great odds being out of sight out of mind as punters always love to back the Aussies. Recall he ran sixth in the Rosehill Guineas behind Jimmy Choux (that might be important a race later) before not doing all right in the Derby. Carrying the limit is a bonus for a strong finisher.

MR 9: (1) LADY LYNETTE - Chasing a hatrick of wins in this very race. D Dunn replaces N Hall however Dunn rides the Valley well. She's well in at the scale, loves the track and deserves a crack at an historic treble. Others will get spruiked so we might get a decent price.

ONES TO AVOID

MR 7: (6) LUEN YAT FOREVER - Since arriving in Australia has run some very creditable races including the last one at G1 level without winning. But that's just it, he keeps finding a few better and can't hit the line hard enough when flattening out. Yet again he has conditions to suit but like others in the race including the bottom weight.

MR 8: (14) HELMET - Last week we layed the fav in the Caulfield Cup on the basis he hadn't been at the trip and this week we'll do the same for the 3yo. While they have a good record in the race, it is usually from those who have won or look like running it on breeding. He brings in a similar lead up to Redoute's Choice who ran favourite in 1999 and he couldn't even beat home his conquered from the Guineas Testa Rossa coming the positions behind the placegetters.

EAGLE FARM - tips by Wayne Bristow

BR 2: (1) SNIPZU - Last week we tipped she was a good 2yo and were rewarded with a massive win rating the equal of her previous run in Sydney. Backing up suggest two things in her favour. That she has done very well for an early season juvenile and also that she is that well thought of that they are trying to get the prizemoney up to qualify for the Magic Millions firstly and then the Slipper as well.

BR 7: (4) FILLYDELPHIA - Was completely dominant first up in easily her best run on resumption. She should be better at the 1400m, carries the limit again, gets a good run in transit and prove too good. Worth a good bet on a decent track.

ONES TO AVOID

BR 1: (3) WIN A MILLION - Always goes around in the market but hasn't won for five efforts. Also against her is that she has had two goes at the mile for placings only. Probably wants it really wet and has several chances in this race.

MORPHETTVILLE - tips by Jason Hickson

AR 4: (3) RIALYA - Handy galloper who won well last time and is even fitter again. Can continue on with it over the same trip. Getting closer in the run now fitter and going better than most.

AR 5: (3) CLASSIC CAMEO - Has spoiled her record a little this time in but hasn't been far off a win and gets the chance here to break through. Came solid this time of last preparation.

ONES TO AVOID

AR 9: (7) VALUABELLE - Might have won three on end last time in but won't find this easy fresh. Drawn wide and there are a host of horses that will push up inside her. Worth risking fresh.