Scott Embry provides his best bets for the thoroughbred meeting at Geraldton on Friday, 10th May 2024. Brought to you by the TABtouch Blog.
RACE 1
RED KATYUSHA and ON THE MARK clashed in a recent Geraldton trial over 1100m. There was a head separating them on the line and doubt there's going to be much separating them first-up in a 1200m maiden on race day. Siding up with ON THE MARK who has his first start for owner/trainer Bonnie Stokes and from the good draw should be able to hold a position. Great run on debut behind Frost David. RED KATYUSHA has only had one start at Dongara in Easter 2023. Trialled twice to get ready for this. CINNAMON TWIST caught the eye on debut. DESTRUCTOR is a long time maiden but ran well fresh.
Numbers: 4 – 2 – 9 – 1
Suggested Bet – ON THE MARK WIN
RACE 2
GALAXY AFFAIR was back to his best last start and made it 2 from 2 at Geraldton when leading and winning a 70+ 1400 in a canter. He won by 3L in the finish and was never getting beaten at any stage in running. Rises to 60.5kg and drops back to 1200m but it was too dominant a win to ignore. SAVAGE ONE is awkwardly caught between c70+ and m66+ grade and so has to lump 61.5kg after the claim of Cassey Martinan. Loves Geraldton and is the class runner. ARABIAN RICHES better suited back in trip. SIGNIFICANT HERO always a chance with no weight.
Numbers: 3 – 1 – 4 – 6
Suggested Bet – GALAXY AFFAIR WIN
RACE 3
BLUE LAGOON is no doubt here to try and qualify for the $100,000 Final at Belmont but is still more than capable of taking it out with the weight. The last time he raced over 1400m he went down in a tight photo to Stormchaser and first-up without a trial he finished only 4L off subsequent winner Twain's Angel and Brave Spirit. HAMMARMILL won a very similar race two starts back (58+ 1400 with 60kg) and then was the only horse to make any impression behind dominant leader Galaxy Affair last start in a 70+. Form on show in race 2 and expect it will nearly hold up. WELL PLAYED has had a long preparation but continues to race well. FORTUNE'S LUCK is usually there abouts.
Numbers: 1 – 2 – 4 – 3
Suggested Bet – BLUE LAGOON WIN
RACE 4
SKY VIEW is yet to really hit his straps this campaign but he won't get a better opportunity than this to bounce back. He's drawn barrier 1, he gets out to 1400m and there's no starts in this line-up. Showed more than enough fresh behind Profit Pocket to command respect. DARK MIST would be favourite off the run three back behind Bayhara when successfully protested against. Hasn't fired a shot in two runs since though. MYSTERY BULLET carries an extra 2.5kg rising from a maiden into a C1 but did look strong late. BLACK SANDS ran second in that same event.
Numbers: 5 – 4 – 1 – 2
Suggested Bet – SKY VIEW WIN
RACE 5
BUTTERFLY ROCK hasn't run a bad race in months. She's rock hard fit, she's ultra consistent and while she's rising in grade off her last start second in a C2 she drops 3.5kg in weight and has proven herself at this level previously with minor placings to Well Played (two occasions). Right map, winnable race. MONEY FOR OLD ROPE finds a new home with John Reynolds. He can rejuvenate these tried horses and he's got his hands on one who has been in good winning form of late. HONORFIC and PILOTE would probably prefer this at 2000m than 1600.
Numbers: 5 – 3 – 1 – 4
Suggested Bet – BUTTERFLY ROCK WIN
RACE 6 Best Bet
MOCHA DREAM looks like the reason that CJP has gone to Geraldton on a Friday. On Thursday at Albany it looks like he's there for Sirius Storm and on paper this is the most attractive of his rides at Gero. Very handy country sprinter when on song and all three career wins are at the GTC. Expect him to get back and be powering home late. GORGEOUS GUS could take running down if the conditions are suiting those who jump and run. Had to work a bit hard last start. PURE DYNAMITE is always within a few lengths of the winner. LIBERTY DAME hasn't been able to go on with it.
Numbers: 1 – 3 – 6 – 9
Suggested Bet – MOCHA DREAM WIN
RACE 7
CATCH THE RED EYE like stablemate Blue Lagoon is brilliantly and aggressively placed by Sue Olive. Dropping out of a 60+ Graduation behind Brave Strike when meeting with support in betting and only being beaten 1.7L into a country Class 2 event. Awkward draw to contend with but looks the testing material. STEVIE'S MAY was expected to do a little more behind Miss Flirtacious first-up but ultimately it was a race dominated on speed (leader Riseanfall ran second). Forgive, forget and now follow to Geraldton. SANABEAU has run big races from time to time. MADAME PRO a watch.
Numbers: 1 – 6 – 5 – 7
Suggested Bet – CATCH THE RED EYE WIN
Quaddie (Race 4 – 7)
1,2,3,4,5
3,5
1
1,6
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