Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts

R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.

SELECTIONS

Kensington Race 2 - 1 Heart Conquered

Went for a spell off three successive wins that ended with a victory over this course and distance in record time. Set to continue the winning streak as he’s won two from three when fresh and his impressive Canterbury barrier trial win last week confirmed that he is ready for this assignment.

No qualms about his ability in affected going if there is rain and he’s not badly treated after the 3kg claim for the very capable Billy Owen.

Kensington Race 5 - 9 Kapajack

Striking son of Lonhro is an untapped talent who has the potential to win better races than this. Made a big impression on debut in December when he beat above average types in a strong BM 78 in fast time then had excuses in two subsequent starts before a break.

Primed for his return by his eye-catching trial at Canterbury last week when there was no urgency about his strong closing work behind stablemate Heart Conquered. Drawn to enjoy a soft run and finish over the top of them.

Kensington Race 9 - 4 Mushaireb

We’ve only seen this import twice in Australia and he’s made quite an impression with a first-up second at Warwick Farm last year before his strong first-up win over 1400m at that same track on April 17 when he showed real talent to sprint quickly after being hampered in the straight to win running away under 60kg.

With just seven starts, including three wins in the UK, there is obviously better to come and he’s in the right hands as the strike rate of the Richard Freedman stable this season is exceptional.

BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 27 April (Horses to follow at their next three starts)

Raqeeq - Building up to his right distance.

Sixties Groove - Primed for a good Brisbane carnival.

Hightail - Barrier no help. Tried hard under big weight.

Deep Sea - Will keep improving with experience.

Freddie Fox Trot - Strong effort in a good form race.

William Thomas - Negative tactics. Had too much to do.

Recent Blackbook winners - Declarationofheart; Libertini; Graceful Storm; Pierata; Indian Thunder; Spin; Zoutori; Invincible Gem; Multaja; All Pluck; Widgee Turf; Pohutukawa; Tumbler; Star Missile.

ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 4/5 May

Morphettville (Sat) - Clearly (R5), Aristia (R6), Amangiri (R6), Zizzis (R8) and Tofane (R8)

Gold Coast (Sat) - Freddie Fox Trot (R6), Mishani Bullitt (R6), Life Less Ordinary (R8), Fit For Purpose (R8), Miss Siska (R8) and Fierce Impact (R8)

Flemington (Sat) - Galaxy Raider (R9)

Kensington (Sat) - Man From Uncle (R8) and Spring Charlie (R8)

Bendigo (Sun) - Stealthy Lucas (R8)

Sunshine Coast (Sun) - Mewstone Rock (R4)

TRIAL WATCH HORSES - 4 May

Kensington (Sat) - Spaceboy (R1), Aeecee Beau (R1), Minted (R1), Duenna (R1), Jay Curve (R1), Heart Conquered (R2), Re Edit (R4), Welsh Legend (R4), Catesby (R5), Kapajack (R5), Palmateer (R6) and Articus (R6)

Spaceboy (Warwick Farm 1 April/Canterbury 23 April) - his youngster had a boom on him when he raced early in the season. He returned at Warwick Farm looking a more complete package with a strong heat win and then added to his reputation as a trial star at Canterbury when he turned on the speed again to run the fastest of the 2YO heats (54.98; 34.85).

Heart Conquered (Canterbury 23 April) - He was a standout in his 3YO heat over 897m, travelling strongly under a big hold throughout the trial and going to the line with plenty in reserve in 55.11 (last 600m 34.81) while stablemate KAPAJACK tracked three wide behind him under an easy ride and found the line without being asked for a serious effort.

Gold Coast (Sat) - Accession (R2), Re Edit (R4), Mister Sea Wolf (R8), Life Less Ordinary (R8), Luvaluva (R8), Demerara (R9) and Epidemic (R9)

Accession (Canterbury 23 April) - Chris Waller’s classy youngster may have run slow overall time to win his 897m heat in 55.57 but he looked sharp when asked to sprint hard over the last 250m and appeals as the right type to do well at the Brisbane carnival.

Flemington (Sat) - Gold Mag (R2)

Newcastle (Sat) - Resolving To Win (R3) and More Spice (R4)

Recent Trial Watch winners - I’m A Legend; Intuition; Merlinite; Persepolis; Reloaded; Walk The Runway; Pelorus Jack; Human Nature; A Room Somewhere; Grey Lion; Top Striker; Trekking; Plague Stone; Stardome; Aunty Pugs; White Moss.

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.