The Canberra course proper is rated a Good 4 and the Rail is out 3m the Entire. The track raced well two weeks ago off its winter break and today shouldn't be any different. It's an excellent betting program with good Sydney representation.
Race 1 1000m Mdn
Tricky. SPIRIT IN THE DARK (10) resumes for the premier local barn and has raced well in stronger. Draws awkwardly but is well placed with the 2kg claim. She should be ready to go. DRESSED IN GRAY (1) resumes and has trialled impressively at Randwick. She just missed at Hawkesbury three back fresh and that effort would see her fighting out the finish. Collett is a positive jockey booking. HOU LONG GWAI (3) debuts for a leading Sydney barn and has trialled x2 at Rosehill. There's been plenty of support for him in early markets and this is winnable. ISAGURA (6) just missed first up in a decent race in the country and will be fitter. Maps well and can't be ruled out.
Race 2 1200m Bm 50
DOLLYWOOD (1) placed on the Acton poly and then missed the start by lengths here two weeks ago and caught the eye beaten 2.5L. He had good support and tumbles in weight with the 4kg claimer booked. Peaks and gets another chance. WALK UP START (6) resumed in the same race and there was an eyelash between him and the above on the line. He didn't have the best of it and will present fitter. Heywood sticking aboard is a lead and he's capable of using the rail. CHIPSTAR (8) just missed on the poly and then wasn't fancied here in a 58 and raced wide throughout. This suits him better and the blinkers go on again. Maps well and is capable of making the finish. FORBIDDEN GEMSTONE (4) is third up and drops plenty in grade. Has a handy 2kg claim and is ready to show more like her best.
Race 3 1300m Bm 60
SATIN SHIMMER (9) won in the country first-up and then was beaten on the line here 14 days ago. She'll race forward again and is back in grade. She's in a top Sydney stable and fitter can bounce back. MISS STALWART (5) found her best form winning a 58 here on the same day. It was a big effort after a slow off and she can sit handier today. She peaks now and 4x winning rider Krogh has been with her all along. FASCINATION ALLEY (8) resumes and is Sydney-trained. She's raced well in stronger and has placed fresh. She's trialled at Rosehill and Penza sticks aboard. RONNY ROCK ART (3) deserved the 58 win at Goulburn. Keeps the handy 3kg claim on a 7-day return. Maps for the run of the race and is also a hope.
Race 4 1600m CL 1 SW
A good race. HOOLIGAN TOMMY (2) was quickly back on track winning a Scone Maiden stepping up to this trip. The gate is awkward, but JVO stays aboard. Fitter again he can take the next step. ILOVENEWS (12) has threatened all three runs this preparation at the provincials. The form stacks right up and he maps for a soft on-pace run. Penza is a positive jockey booking. Neasham-Archibald-trained KAFFIR LILY (14) surprised the market when beaten just 1.3L here on debut. She impressed finishing the race off stoutly. She is sure to keep improving and Collett is a positive jockey booking. She gets off SHISUTA BO (9) who'd be a chance on her Newcastle effort two back. Maps for a soft run and keep onside.
Race 5 1600m Bm 75
Competitive. LOUIE'S LEGACY (4) peaks off two narrow defeats with the latest in a 70 here over this distance. Krogh is a key jockey switch for the apprentice and the gelding should get every chance to go one better. VAGUER (3) resumes for a top Sydney barn. He will come into his own over further, but he's placed at this track trip and is certainly good enough. He's trialled well and can use the low barrier. LAST STRAW (5) was tried at Group 1 level before spelling, and she resumed at Randwick-Kensington and needed the outing. She's trialled since and is much better suited in the grade and stepping up to the mile. Expect her to sit handy from an inside draw and JVO is a positive jockey booking. BEST INTENT (2) got no favours here last time and is knocking on the door for the premier local barn. STAR BUYER (7) has had early market support suggesting he can find his best.
Race 6 1000m Qlty – Federal – Black Mountain
BODY BOB (1) resumes and flies fresh. First-up last preparation he missed a whisker here in Open grade and was beaten 1L at this level following in the Wagga Town Plate. He presents off a 6L Goulburn trial win and Heywood is reunited. The speedy galloper kicks off at 1000m for the first time and will be hard to toss. BOMAREA (6) won a Quality at Grafton by a space and then had excuses at Rosehill. She's since won a Port Macquarie trial by 8L and looks primed. She races forward and draws to advantage. Feared. FANGELA (3) is in the premier local barn, and he's been around the mark in Open grade. His record here over this shorter sprint is strong and he maps well. Goes into the mix at a good price. TULLA PARK (2) and MASTER JOE (7) aren't out of it.
Race 7 1000m CL 1
XCEPTIONAL FELLA (7) trialled well and then delivered his Maiden here on debut and it was an impressive effort given the wide run. He maps well today and will only carry 54kg with the claim. He can take the next step with the extra fitness. Stablemate GETTY (3) is good enough and will be sharper second-up. He can use the inside gate and winning rider Billy Owen is reunited. His course/distance record reads well. PICKSIX (5) is third up and is ready to show more. Drops back a level and four back won this track/trip on debut. Collett replaces the 3kg apprentice and that's a push. MISS BELGIUM (4) and SUTTON VELLA (6) are not without claims.
Race 8 1300m Mdn SW
Another good race. IMPENDING HARMONY (7) resumes for the premier local barn (Dryden). She has pieces of form good enough and no surprise to see her presented more forward this time around. Each way. OAKY DOAKS (10) was beaten 2L here on debut and didn't have the best of it. He maps well and Cahill is aboard today replacing Innes Jnr who rides the above. Fitter and has decent claims. VERONA FORCE (14) debuts for Dryden and has trialled well. Has a 2kg claim and the early betting suggests she's got the ability. will be key. JAZZ ALL KNIGHT (8) peaks and has claims. Needs to manage a wide gate.
