Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.
SELECTIONS
Returns to his right class and conditions from a sterling sixth in the much stronger Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast when he was left with too much to do from a wide gate.
That came after two luckless efforts in this class in Sydney including a nose second over 1400m at this course when he should have won. At his peak now that he’s had three runs since resuming and the fitness edge he holds on his main rival from a good draw makes him an attractive wager at value odds in early markets.
There will be plenty of on pace pressure from the start that should make this a truly run 2000m contest that will suit this former Kiwi with his light weight.
He’s performed soundly in two unsuitable races since joining the Waller team and getting out to this trip should see him enjoy a quiet ride in the back half and finish strongly with a significant 5.5kg drop in weight from his last start.
Quality mare has been freshened since her unlucky fifth in a strong Listed race over 1200m at Doomben on December 29 when she was unlucky to miss a place.
Rates well on her prior efforts to clock good sectionals in strong form races in Sydney and she is well placed to run boldly in this company from her favourable soft draw. Another sound each-way play on a day for value.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 26 January (Horses to follow at their next three starts)
Tangled - Strong return. Set for a good prep.
Dealmaker - Luckless first-up. Can win a good 3YO race.Brazen Brando - Eye-catching debut. Could be a big improver.
Indian Thunder - Looks ready for something longer.Sikandarabad - Excellent return by a quality stayer.
Tumbler - Big sectionals after poor start. Run of the day.Fit For Purpose - Surged to the line. Ready for 1600m.
Mewstone Rock - Tragedy beaten. Rider must take the blame.Recent Blackbook winners - Harmattan; Sure Knee; Teodora; Gresham; Military Zone; Nahuel; So Si Bon; Easy Eddie; Miss Norway
ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 2/3 February
Rosehill (Sat) - Amercement (R2), The Avenger (R5), Smartedge (R7), Botti (R8), Jorda (R9) and Performer (R9)
Caulfield (Sat) - Naantali (R3), Bons Away (R7) and Heptagon (R9)Eagle Farm (Sat) - King Lear (R9) and Umberto (R9)
Sapphire Coast (Sun) - Green Sweet (R7)Dubbo (Sun) - Andy’s A Star (R3)
TRIAL WATCH HORSES
Rosehill (Sat) - Exceed The Stars (R1), Magnate (R1), McLaren (R2), Spring Loaded (R1), Amercement (R2), Intrepidacious (R2), Lucicello (R2), Rotator (R2), Still Single (R2), Hartnell (R6), Alizee (R6), Girl Tuesday (R7) and Performer (R9)
McLaren (Warwick Farm 22 January) - This unraced youngster’s reputation grows with every trial, this 797m heat win in the fastest of the five 2YO heats (46.88;34.00) the most impressive of his three trial wins to date. Cruised up to sit second in the first 200m before taking charge on the turn and from there he surged away for the easiest of wins with plenty in reserve. We’ve said it before and can only reiterate that he will make an impact when produced.
Exceed The Stars (Wyong 3 December) - His effort to run home under a big hold for third was excellent after he came out a clear last. He was five lengths of the winner at the 600m before closing quickly three wide between the 400m and 200m and from there he was he was hard to miss as he ran to the line under no pressure. He went six weeks before he trialled again at Warwick Farm on January 22 where he led and went through the motions to finish second to the unbeaten Time To Reign. Has the ability.
Amercement (Rosehill 2 January) - Promising Lonhro filly was an impressive fourth in the Gimcrack Stakes at her only start and again showed big talent to come from the rear and run past all her rivals in the last 200m to win her 900m heat. Again made a strong impression when finding the line with plenty in hand in a second 900m trial at Rosehill on January 15. She does take the eye.
Newcastle (Sat) - Airwing (R4), Chilled Rose (R4) and Arrogate (R5)
Recent Trial winners - Autumn; Mollyfied; Lashes; Mameli; Tough Larry; Dawn Passage; Joigny; Call Me Royal; Itz Lily; Accession; Uralla Kingdom; Grand Exit; Paris In May; Cool One; Safado; Roman Wolf; Royal Witness
Chris’ final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.
