Desleigh Forster’s Carmora has found his ideal race today at Doomben and looks poised to grab a deserved win.
He’s third-up today in the Bottlemart Benchmark 85 Handicap (1600m) and out to his best trip after two encouraging runs so far this campaign.
He resumed down at Rosehill over 1350m in a strong race and was only beaten 3.2L before running wide throughout in the wet at Eagle Farm last weekend and sticking on to finish 2.5L off in fifth.
Carmora has backed up quickly once before landing a win, and he’s claimed two wins from three over this trip.
The only time he didn’t win over this trip was in the Listed Gunsynd Classic in April last year when he led them to the 150m before being overpowered in the concluding stages to finish 2.9L off Proverb in fourth place.
I’m expecting Munce to bounce straight to the front here from his awkward gate, and Carmora should have the fitness now to hold off all of these.
Bush Aviator has been scratched which is a big positive for Carmora’s chances.
That leaves Trakstar as his biggest challenger today having finished runner-up in his last couple.
Most recently he was beaten less than a length by Renewed Vitality at this track and trip two weeks ago.
He might just have peaked this campaign, but if he holds his form he should be thereabouts once more.
Danagaze and Harada Bay also have claims but it’s hard to see them catching Carmora. The $3 looks an alluring price.
Look to take advantage of another significant scratching in the next on the card, the Coca-Cola Amatil three-year-old Handicap (1200m).
Connections have opted to run the classy Teronado in Sydney this weekend which opens the door for Choose A Saga to finally win a race this campaign.
He’s kept some very handy company in four runs this preparation, and currently sits at the $4.60 quote for this.
Three back he was beaten a head in the Listed Gold Edition Plate by a flying Into The Red.
Following that he was forced to lead them up in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) where he was swamped late on finishing 4.8L off Enquare.
He dropped back to 1000m at Caloundra on Cup day just last Sunday and was beaten only a head by the talented Queen Of The Lochs.
He’s backing up quickly today and finally looks to have found a winnable looking race.
Anymore deserves respect after winning the $100,000 maiden on Magic Millions day at the Gold Coast but this is a jump in class.
Rojo Grande has been in solid form of late and Architect has ability, but I think it might well be Choose A Saga’s day here.
The lay of the day comes earlier on in the Coke Zero Handicap (1200m), the first leg of the quaddie.
In a very tricky looking race we’re taking on Stuart Kendrick’s five-year-old Snitsky at this $3.80 quote.
There’s no doubting this horse’s ability, but I was a bit concerned by his first-up return in the Magic Millions Cup three weeks back behind Velrosso.
That was clearly a harder race than this, but I still have a question mark over the rest of that form and Snitsky has plenty to find before he gets back to his best.
He’s also dropping back in trip which is often difficult to do second-up.
Robert Heathcote pair Bribie and Excellantes should give him plenty to think about.
The lovable grey Bribie did his usual thing resuming here over the trip two weeks back, working home strongly out wide to just miss out.
He’s never won first-up and usually goes to another level second-up so watch for him to be running on late too.
Excellantes also failed on Magic Millions day behind Whittington, but had excuses and can bounce right back if his resuming third here back in December is anything to go by.
De Dozen Stars could bob up in this without surprising while War Ends, Agent Blue and Youthful King all have some claims.
It might just pay to work around Snitsky here.
BANKER: Race 6 No 6 Carmora @ $3
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 7 No 2 Choose A Saga @ $4.60
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 5 No 6 Snitsky @ $3.80
