SPORTSBET BALLARAT CUP Day

Saturday November 25

 

Always a good meeting, using both the inner and outer track and of course the reverse Magic Millions race further makes it a challenge. Been a hot week in Melbourne and even Ballarat has required 25mm of irrigation to top up similar natural rain fall in the last week but should be in perfect condition. It hasn’t been an issue in recent years to race close to the fence and near the pace.

 

BEST BET:                  Race 8 #7 MR GARCIA

 

BEST VALUE:            Race 1 #9 LOVE DAYS

 

 

Race 1: 9-3-1-5

Going good gamble LOVE DAYS with blinkers going on from good gate after no luck at Geelong after luckless defeat (self-inflicted slow out) first-up. GO DOWN runs well early in preparations and second-up here suits off solid return. SINGLE NOTE normally takes a run and 1200m is as short as wants but the ability is there for this grade.

SUGGESTED: Keen on LOVE DAYS.

 

 

Race 2: 14-9-11-17

Like CREATIVITY here resuming. Lightly raced, showed good ability last campaign, sure needs some luck from gate but recent jump out good. Wary SACRED SHAM now a gelding, won first up first campaign and has trialled well. BEYOND THE DREAM is finally putting it together.

SUGGESTED: Like CREATIVITY.

 

 

Race 3: 10-6-4-11

Keen how ETAH JAMES continues to improve through her second campaign, and no reason to dislike chances here on home track where most of these may have found their limit. LYCURGUS is building to a win and no knock but hasn’t done so for a while. Keeps out of traffic and makes luck. NOUMEA looks ready for 2300m on a big track after chasing a good one in Mr Garcia at Flemington. CEDAR GRANGE has excuses in the matriarch and has some place claims.

SUGGESTED: ETAH JAMES might have more scope than many of these.

 

 

Race 4: 9-1-6-4

Have to like LA POMME DE PIN who worked Long Leaf on debut and trialled well here this way of going beating AKKADIAN. Respecting the clockwise experience and talent of COUNTERCURRENT. OUR TONINICCONI was very good in trial here. NATIVE SOLDIER has been well prepped up for this.

SUGGESTED: Tough of course but form around LA POMME DE PIN is a good benchmark.

 

 

Race 5: 6-1-9-2

Tough race but going CAPTAIN HARRY at the value. Yes still a maiden after 9 starts but blinks made good improvement behind stablemate Peaceful State last time. TEZLAH was ok in stronger company last time Flemington and better for that run at 1400m. Not much between PICQUE (blinkers again) and PREPARE TO WIN off Tezlah race at the Valley, the latter having little luck., Wary first starter JUST A JOKE who comes from good form stable off good Sydney trials.

SUGGESTED: Odds gamble CAPTAIN HARRY.

 

 

Race 6: 3-10-5-1

Wide race for winning chances and there is no clear dominant form line. I am going ROYAL ACE to the 1600m 1^st time off back of excellent chase MV in similar grade last time. Stablemate BONUS D’ORO may be toughest to beat, excellent at Bendigo off a freshen and this is right grade/trip. The Coffey  runner BURRUM’S BUZZ comes here in good form and look this is its level so must respect. Excuses for RIB EYE at his Moonee Valley failure and chance on best with claim.

SUGGESTED: Working the Weir pair ROYAL ACE and BONUS D’ORO.

 

 

Race 7 10-7-8-14

Excusing NEW UNIVERSE (favourite last five for only 2 wins) for apparent Flemington failure (that ties in with MILWAUKEE) and of course the Dollar For Dollar form backed up already. URBAN RULER won its maiden in good style here, had chance Flemington in greys race but can be competitive. BROADWAY AND FIRST will appreciate Ballarat more than Ararat in strong form race.

SUGGESTED: Forgiving and getting better prince now NEW UNIVERSE.

 

 

Race 8: 7-10-5-1

Thought MR GARCIA was terrific at Flemington and could only see upside off first Australian run (and now with Weir). ONCIDIUM RULER got a perfect ride and is another on the up at only third run in here, so these top two of BM90 wins. GREY LION has been racing in “better” company and has been highly competitive. Slight gear change may help. ANTONIO GIUSEPPE looks well targeted of Sydney runs (including being Winxed) then sharpen up in the MV Crystal Mile.

SUGGESTED: Think MR GARCIA can quickly make a name here.

 

 

Race 9: 10-11-7-5

Deep race, going with ROYAL PHOENIX who returns a gelding and all the form around him as a 2YO a bonus now. DEBONAIRLY had excuses when well in market in the Red Roses (lame). DIVINE QUALITY is better suited back to 1100m here and the tip around for the Corsten’s runner MODERN WONDER must be respected.

SUGGESTED: Tough but like ROYAL PHOENIX now as gelding.

 

 

Race 10: 2-3-12-14

CHAMOIS ROAD (jockey still to come) seems to have had the longest campaign ever but hasn’t missed top 4 in past 15 starts (6 wins). Only start here, won. Safe option for mine in tough race. The SUSPENSE form really irresistible (beating Hellova Street/Miss Gunpowder) so much respect there.  OBERLAND looks primed for this of runs in better company last two. TOY BOY dangerous around the minimum weight and with some potential to come.

Suggested: CHAMOIS ROAD strongly at the each way.

 

 

QUADDIE:

7-8-10-14

1-5-7-10

5-7-10-11

2-3-12-14