3 minute read

The Alan Matthews trained Pounamu appears set to make a winning return when due to contest the Group 3 Belmont Sprint on Saturday.

A revelation last preparation, Pounamu won the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes [1400m] first up, before an eye catching sixth in the Group 1 Railway Stakes [1600m].

He went on to cause a minor boilover in the Group 1 Kingstown Town Classic [1800m], before winning the Ted Van Heemst Stakes [2100m] en-route to a questionable ride in the Group 2 Perth Cup [2400m] when narrowly beaten.

While arguably better over further, he has won four of 11 attempts over this trip and has placed in three of four attempts first up, since transferred to W.A.

Don't think he has trialled any better leading into a preparation and he looks to get the pace angle to suit with good speed engaged.

While there a few in-form gallopers engaged, feel it is a race in two between class runners Pounamu and Material Man.

Given Pounamu currently leads the ledger 3-1, more than happy to side his way.

He is likely to get back, but confident he can round them up, barring Rock Magic he is the best horse in WA.

Generally pays to stick with the fastest/best horse.

The Simon Miller trained Rubia Miss was only narrowly beaten in her return and with further improvement expected she should prove hard to beat in the fourth event.

Only a nose separated her and Forceful at the finish and given she now meets the latter 1.5kg better off at the weights, confident she can turn the tables.

She has also drawn a lot better on Saturday, as she was forced to travel wide throughout in her return.

The Hyphenator sticks aboard and her sole win to date did come second up.

She is a talent and can break through for a deserved win on Saturday.

Best From The West

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 7 #1 Pounamu @ $4.00

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 4 #8 Rubia Miss @ $3.50