3 minute read
The Acton track played well at the last meeting giving the better horses their chance. This is a good competitive meeting, and Sydney's Joe Pride has accepted with a strong team. One of the best Federals we've seen in a while.
Race 1 1080m Bm50
CHAMPAGNE IN LACE (1) is a track/distance specialist who will find this easier than a Goulburn 58 last time. She runs along and the 1.5kg claim is handy. The locally trained mare has strong claims. REDNECK PRINCESS (4) will find this grade much more to her liking. She was narrowly beaten three back at Swan Hill and maps for the run of the race. Martin rides and is building a tidy record on the Acton track. PAPAVER MINER (3) brings back-to-back wins at this track/grade. He carries 2kg more but has been kept on the fresh side. Draws well and the shorter sprint shouldn't be an issue. He's a hope. INVETERATE (5) will be better for his two starts this preparation. In good hands with a senior rider reunited. His best would see him in the finish.
Race 2 1206m CL1
Joe Pride-trained STAR DIESEL (1) resumed with a solid effort at Goulburn and can improve sharply with that under the saddle. Led defeated narrowly in a CL1 at Wyong prior over 1200m and that's good form. Draws inside and Heywood is a positive replacement for the 4kg apprentice. KENYAN CHARM (6) is also Sydney trained and will be better for the two runs this preparation in provincial CL1s. The shorter sprint shouldn't bother, and she has room to move on her best form. YOU WISH (3) led and just missed in a CL1 at Goulburn and then improved again beaten 1.2L at Wagga. She will position forward and is a chance. TYCOON ARTIE (5) sped along and was an easy Maiden winner at Goulburn. He started at short odds at Wagga following but didn't handle the wet track (vet cleared). Has an awkward barrier but the first-time blinkers are applied, and he must be kept safe.
Race 3 1080m Mdn
RICKYTHESTEAMBOAT (1) is another strong chance for the Joe Pride stable. He resumed with a tidy 2.3L defeat at Wyong and had been off the scene for 264 days. He can springboard off that, and Heywood is a positive jockey booking. KITTY JINKS (4) resumes and led beaten a whisker here (turf) before the spell. She's trialled well at Warwick Farm for her return and will be naturally improved. She draws well and a bold effort is likely. MADAME SOCIETY (7) resumes and didn't have the best of it at Newcastle on debut bet $6. She draws to advantage and has warmed up with a solid Rosehill trial. Sydney-trained and as with the above the betting moves will be key. DOLLYTHEDIVA (9) was sharply improved at Queanbeyan and prepared to take that at face value. She's speedy and carries just 52kg with the 3kg claim. ROGUE 'N' READY (5) is a likely improver at good odds.
Race 4 1280m Mdn SW
Sydney trained JUST EASY (5) resumes and brings strong provincial and metropolitan form. She's warmed up with two Rosehill trials and has the first-time blinkers applied signalling intent. She will be naturally improved. VELLA ICON (10) missed a whisker here second-up over this distance and can build on that. Maps for the run of the race. PUSHALOT (7) peaks off three near misses including twice here. The longer sprint is a query, but she'll likely get a soft lead and Martin will give her every chance. Sydney trained OTONO (6) debuts and has looked likely at the trials. Needs luck from an outside barrier but has Heywood aboard and must be kept safe.
Race 5 1280m Bm60
Nick Olive-trained ALL ASTERN (4) will be better for the two placings at Albury on wet tracks and should enjoy the Acton surface and longer sprint. She raced favourite last time but didn't have the best of luck behind a big winner. She positions forward and the 1.5kg claim is helpful. Joe Pride's CHIEF WITNESS (5) has threatened his last two at the provincials and is back in grade off the latest. He will likely push forward from the outside gate and that's the niggle. FERRARI GIRL (1) comes back plenty in grade. Led and won her Maiden easily here three back and came back and was beaten 1.5L in Open grade. The 2kg claim helps in the weight department and she can control the race from an inside barrier. VAAROOM (3) resumes for Canberra's premier barn and maps for the run of the race. Finds easier and keep onside. ENDORSEMENT (2) will be fitter, and he turned the form around narrowly beaten at Moruya in a CL1. The 3kg claim is handy but the awkward gate requires a good ride.
Race 6 1280m Bm 75 – Federal
A terrific contest. DEVINE MISS (4) resumes for a sharp local barn. Flies fresh and has won 2/3 on the Acton. She's trialled well and is likely to sit just off a hot speed. Jess Taylor is a positive booking. LIGHT PRESS (3) resumes and is proven fresh. Led and won here in Open grade two back and is advantaged today by the inside barrier. Has a handy 2kg claim and should go close. LOVE SHUCK (2) peaks and was beaten 1.6L here in Open grade last time. He's been kept on the fresh side and the shorter sprint shouldn't bother. Maps well and Heywood sticks and will give him every chance. The speedy SPINOSAURUS (6) went back-to-back winning the 58 at Goulburn and the improving galloper will be fitter again. This is harder but can't be ruled out. CAMERLENGO (10) sits down in the weights and is up to this at best. He was good last time, and Cahill is back on. Goes in at a price.
Race 7 1750m CL1 SW
A tricky race to finish. BLIND DATE (8) is still a Maiden but placed distantly here last time stepping up to 1900m. She will be better for that and is still well shy of her peaks. Sits on the minimum and gets her chance. SLIPSTREAMING (5) is also third-up and is ready to show more over the longer journey. Her provincial form reads well, and she can finish hard. Stablemate MARGARET'S MISSILE (10) brought strong Maiden form to resumption but needed the outing on a heavy surface. Has been kept on the fresh side and the extra metres suit. QUADTRATIC (7) has switched from a leading Victorian barn on a 60-day return. She was outgraded at Group 3 level in Adelaide last time over 2400m, but as expected won a Bendigo Maiden prior over that distance. Coming back 750m is an ask but she's in an in-form local yard and must be kept safe.