Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.
SELECTIONS
Looks well placed to get a win on the board after three solid efforts since resuming, especially his last two placings when he has had blinkers applied.
Expecting further improvement from his last start when he went down by only a head over 1500m at Rosehill as he has the form on the board over this course and distance with two placings from three attempts. Has an edge in race fitness over some major rivals and the 2.5kg drop to the limit weight does him no harm.
Huge respect for Kementari but this is a race where Pierata can square the leger from their autumn clashes in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and Randwick Guineas (1600m).
Those races came after Pierata had come through his testing Magic Millions campaign in Queensland while Kementari was still on the up and had other factors in his favour.
This time Pierata is fresh and ready for the 1200m after two excellent trials, noting the super time he recorded when he won first-up over this trip at Doomben in December before going on to his MM Guineas success. Class act with an impressive turn of foot that he can exploit if he gets early cover.
Randwick Race 8 - 10 Island Missile
Building in confidence with every run since resuming. Showed the benefit of his racing when he easily put away a midweek field over 1400m at Warwick Farm when third-up on July 18, running impressive sectionals to charge away from them at the finish under 60kg.
Well placed to go on with it from a good draw with a 3kg drop in weight on his home track.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 28 July (Horses to follow at their next three starts)
Istria - Just missed first-up. Big upside.
See Me Exceed - Excellent resuming effort. Certain to take improvement.The Passage - Another solid placing. His turn is due.
Salsonic - Positive return sets him up for a good campaign.Souchez - Strong prospects as he steps up in distance.
Recent Blackbook winners - Eusebio; My Nordic Hero; Envy For All; Rillito; No Annamossity; Roman Typhoon; Sparky Lad; Jetsonic; Island Missile; Curragh; Tactical Advantage; Eight Below. Mother To Race Her; Mantastic; Mister Sea Wolf; Paret; Raqeeq; Snitzepeg.
ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 4 August
Randwick (Sat) - Editors (R2), Sweet Victory (R4) and Samadoubt (R8)
Moonee Valley (Sat) - You’ve Been Had (R4) and Call Me Handsome (R7)Doomben (Sat) - Red Stina (R1), Sony Legend (R4), I Am The General (R4) and Magstock (R5)
Kembla (Sat) - Spin (R2)Sandown (Sun) - Data Point (R8)
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.
