3 minute read

Albany hosts the secondary meeting on Saturday with a heat of the Regional Championship the feature on the card. 

Windy conditions are expected in WA's Great Southern region on Saturday, though healthy fields and competitive racing looks a nice side dish to what's being dished up at Ascot. 

You can watch all the action from Albany, as well as Ascot, live and free on 7Plus and Racing WA. 

Race 1: GRAHAM MANLEY AUTO REPAIRS MAIDEN (1000m)

G'DAY BLOKE (2) did not live up to the promise that he showed at the trials last year and has since changed stables. He will find this company more to his liking out in the country and a recent trial will have him ready to run a big race fresh up. SWINDLE THE DOUGH (4) has also changed stables since his last run at Pinjarra earlier in the season. He drops in class and even without a public trial under his belt, he can improve to figure in the top 3 here. DAYTONA PETE (5) did not have much luck on debut in his only run as a juvenile. He would have matured since then and looked in good nick when winning a recent trial. Don't rule him out of winning this. FOUR SEAS (9) produced a couple of reasonable runs as a juvenile before being put aside to mature. She has the perfect inside gate for her return and a home track advantage also helps. Each way value.

Race 2: WEST CAPE HOWE MAIDEN (1240m)

SCENERY (1) has been trying to break through for some time and ended his last prep with back-to-back third-place finishes. He has since joined the local Alan Smith stable and with a couple of gear changes, he should be among the hardest to beat. OPTIMAL (3) is another to have changed stables since last racing. He normally comes to hand quickly and is worth each-way consideration fresh up, especially if there is any market support for him. MAYBE DIVINE (5) went close to winning on a couple of occasions last prep and can secure a cosy run early on from the pole position. If he doesn't need the run, he can figure in the finish fresh up. WRITTEN SIN (9) fought on strongly to finish third on debut at Narrogin. She has 3kg less to carry this time and with the natural improvement that is expected second-up, she should be thereabouts again.

Race 3: ABA SECURITY HANDICAP (1500m)

SIR BEAR A LOT (2) made up some solid late ground when finishing sixth fresh up at Narrogin over an unsuitable 1190m. The extra 310m this time is ideal and with the winkers on for the first time, he should be very hard to hold out. PLAYIN' HARDBALL (5) finished just behind the top pick when resuming from a spell at Narrogin nearly 2 weeks ago and has a far superior draw this time. She might need another run but is still in this with solid each-way claims. VERRY TIMELY (4) will find this easier than her first-up effort at Ascot 11 days ago. The winkers replace the blinkers and she will also strip fitter. A good draw will make her hard to beat. Include in all combinations. SALARY MAN (6) was fifth in the same race as the top 2 picks and he will improve with an extra 310m on offer this time. His only win came on this circuit and he won't be far away.

Race 4: REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HEAT: THE ROAD TO ASCOT (1240m)

VONSNIP (2) is a very handy local mare who won fresh up in lesser company at Narrogin nearly 2 weeks ago. She is generally better second up so the rise in class won't pose an issue. She has a good record on her home track here and can make it 2 wins on the bounce. PENNIES GALORE (5) was third in the same race as the top pick when resuming from a spell and is better off at the weights this time. She has winning form here over the trip and should finish closer this time. INVINCIBLE POWER (7) was a beaten favourite fresh up at Narrogin but did not have much luck during the run after racing 3 wide the whole way from a tough gate. He has a kinder barrier this time and did win his only race second up. He has some upside and should be right in the finish this time. SECRET STONES (8) raced on the pace when resuming at Narrogin nearly a fortnight ago and stuck to his task gamely, finishing third. He has 7kg less to carry this time and a win would be no surprise.

Race 5: MONTYS LEAP HANDICAP (1100m)

FLICK THE SWITCH (5) ended her last campaign with a win on this track and then resumed on a winning note at Narrogin nearly a fortnight ago. She has come of age now and in a race that she won't find much harder, she can repeat the dose. HEZANGELIC (2) fought on bravely for fifth in a better field at Ascot 3 weeks ago and should have finished closer that day. He is well placed at this level after a 3kg claim and can bounce straight back into the money. WILEY GIRL (4) has changed stables after her last start at Belmont and would have matured over her spell. She has placed fresh-up in the past and the market will be your best guide. Each way. AUDREY GRACE (1) got clear galloping room too late at Ascot 11 days ago and ran on late. She gets her best draw in a while and slides down in class for this assignment. Kyra Yuill steps into the irons and the pair merit healthy respect.

Race 6: ALBANY STOCKFEEDS HANDICAP (1100m)

SACRED OATH (5) had an issue in his only start this season at Broome and was eased down. He was sent for a brief spell and is back on his home track. He normally comes to hand quickly and will probably find this trip a touch on the short side but he has a touch of class about him and if ready, he can take this out. MORGS FREEMAN (4) is a very durable local veteran who ended his last prep in good form. He normally races well fresh up, including 2 wins, and with the advantage of the pole position, he should be worth including in all combinations. KNOT SECRET (3) is fresh up and he usually needs the run. He was given a quiet time in a recent Belmont trial and on his best day, he would be very hard to beat. Check his condition in the yard before taking the risk. EL SALTO (2) has needed both of his starts at Ascot since making the move from Victoria and he is at the right level for his peak run. A good draw helps and he poised to put his best hoof forward. Each way value.

Race 7: FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES HANDICAP (1500m)

CATCH THESE HANDS (1) did not get warm fresh up at Ascot a fortnight ago over 1200m but is so much better placed in this. He is unbeaten in 2 starts on this track over a more suitable 1500m and with a 2kg claim to help reduce his top weight impost, a big form reversal is looming. On top. LOOKS (5) has been racing consistently and was a brave runner-up at Bunbury 11 days ago. He has only missed a cheque once in 9 starts on this circuit, including 3 wins, and should be right in the finish again. MANHATTAN STRIP (3) did not finish his run off as expected at Ascot 11 days ago and is better suited in this. He benefits from a 2kg claim and is worth including in all combinations. BEAUTIFUL BAROQUE (4) made up a lot of ground fresh up at Northam when finishing second, half-a-length behind the winner. She could have finished closer that day had she run straight and is more than capable of another top 3 finish.