Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.
SELECTIONS
Raw talent returns for his second prep after just three starts in the spring when he showed abundant talent to win on debut before his lack of experience cost him dearly in two subsequent starts at Rosehill and Flemington.
While he has bigger things ahead I am happy to gamble on him making an impact in this event after a soft trial third at Rosehill when he looked a lot more focused than in his early starts. Anticipating that he will sit off a fast pace and finish hard.
Chris Waller clouds the issue with his usual big numbers for this 2000m event but if things go right this should be the race for this US-bred import to record his first win in Australia.
It’s due as he has been right of luck in his last two starts over 1600m and 1800m at this course where his finishing efforts left no doubt that he is crying out to get to this trip. He’s still on the up and the big riding change to Hugh Bowman seals the deal.
Set to peak at his fourth run since resuming with the return to 1400m a big factor in his favour after he was checked and outsprinted to the line over 1200m at this course on December 30 when a creditable third behind the quality pair Brave Song and Crafty Cop.
That came after two excellent 1400m runs in strong form races and with Bowman on board he appeals as a worthy gamble against his in-form stablemate Malaise.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 13 January (Horses to follow at their next three starts)
Epic Rant - Hard to beat in an easier maiden.
Fit For Purpose - Suited up to 1600m in his right class.My Country - Watch out for her back in Sydney.
Fullazaboot - Stood out behind a brilliant winner.Roman Typhoon - Will be well placed midweek.
Reach For Heaven - Had to work hard first-up. Follow.Recent Blackbook winners - Machinegun Jubs; Glenall; Payroll; Miss Dubois; Dreamforce; Imperial Aviator; Realing; Lizzie L’Amour; Zestful; Sultan Of Swing; Prince Cheri; Lanciato; Feelin The Love; Lilith; Calanda; Ken’s Dream; Invincibella.
ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 19/20 January
Toowoomba (Fri) - Blackberry (R2)
Randwick (Sat) - Paret (R2), Fickle Folly (R5), Xebec (R6), Level Eight (R7), Flow (R7), Top Striker (R8) and Faraway Town (R8)Flemington (Sat) - Willi Willi (R1), Handsome Thief (R6), King River (R6) and Bravo Rango (R7)
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.
