Races

Scott Embry’s Saturday Belmont Preview

RACE 1

BILLY AINT SILLY has looked the goods at trials. Was sharp in a 400m jump out and then demolished them in a Belmont 1000m when eased down to win by over 3L. Was nominated and accepted 5 days after the most recent trial but scratched with an elevated temperature. From the gate can position up and looks hard to hold out late. MADAM TORIO was blistering at her return to racing. Expecting Parnham to let her roll. BORN TO RULE will likely have to breeze if he gets across but has strong race form and did it from that position last start. GINGER GREEN has looked a runner.

Numbers: 6 – 9 – 3 – 8

Suggested Bet – BILLY AINT SILLY WIN


RACE 2

WINDSTORM could start $1.20 here. First up chased hard behind talented front-runner Indian Pacific and last start was handed the race when a field of leaders decided to walk. Gets in on the minimum, draws perfectly and is all the hype in WA. WAR GOD comes back in grade, draws to stalk and looks an attractive place bet for those looking away from the favourite. FIRE MAKER settles rearward but racing well. MILITARY RULER ran very well last week in a hot race.

Numbers: 8 – 3 – 6 – 2

Suggested Bet – WINDSTORM – WAR GOD EXACTA


RACE 3

ZEPHYR QUEEN is very hard to run down when she is allowed to find the fence. Add a few mm of rain into the mix and a Soft6 type of surface and she is right in her element. Chloe Azzopardi rides her as well as anyone and she should take serious catching. BEAT THE BELL has no weight again after the claim and will fly late. POSITION OF POWER is getting very close but the draw makes it tough. BARTRADER continues to knock on the door.

Numbers: 2 – 6 – 3 – 5

Suggested Bet – ZEPHYR QUEEN WIN


RACE 4

PUCKAPUNYAL can stroll to the top in a race devoid of speed and can give some cheek. Returned to the races off the back of a hot trial and was snagged from a wide alley. Can race on speed and looks in for a good prep. BRIGHT DIAMOND beat her home that day fair and square. No reason she can’t bounce straight back after running a brave second 7 days ago. LEVITATE went extremely close to running down Indian Pacific last start. 3 year old form doesn’t get much stronger. ANNIHILATOR should be just about ready now.

Numbers: 7 – 5 – 2 – 4

Suggested Bet – PUCKAPUNYAL WIN


RACE 5

MISSISSIPPI DELTA was widely tipped in the Hyperion last start and found the mile just a tad short. Is a mare who improves naturally start to start and we’ll now see her best at 2000. PERFECT JEWEL is absolutely flying. There is every chance she settles last in the field of 9 and still has the explosive turn of foot to win another feature. Low flying. MATERIAL MAN draws a gate for the first time in the preparation. GATTING in a very similar boat with the draw and is a WFA G1 winner. Can never be ruled out.

Numbers: 8 – 7 – 3 – 2

Suggested Bet – MISSISSIPPI DELTA WIN


RACE 6

COSTA DEL SANTO is starting to emerge as one of the finds of the season. Loves it wet and gets conditions to suit on Saturday. Running second to Serenity Bay is exceptionally strong graduation form and he can track up three deep with cover. Stable going well, jockey in form and horse in career best. Takes holding out. NO APOLOGY backs up off 7 days and again draws to enjoy a soft run in transit. Would love to see him settle close handy. PORPHYRIO is a mare in form. Only reason she opens double figures is the gate. SKINNEN TINS needs luck.

Numbers: 2 – 8 – 7 – 3

Suggested Bet – COSTA DEL SANTO WIN


RACE 7

NIGHT VOYAGE is still trying to get out from last Saturday. Tough watch for his loyal followers, held up the majority of the straight before flashing late. Two eye catching runs to start the campaign and the wet track is to his liking. ESSENTIAL SPICE likely settles in a very similar position in running and if she sees daylight can really ping. LOCKROY has everything against him but is too honest and genuine not to run a race. SARACINO will come out running and deserves to win one.

Numbers: 11 – 5 – 1 – 6

Suggested Bet – NIGHT VOYAGE EACHWAY


RACE 8

SILKINIZE is a talented 3 year old resuming. Ran some cracking races against his own age group last preparation before beating the older horses in a C3. Trial at Lark Hill was soft and impressive and with even luck he goes awfully close. FALSE STATEMENT was enormous last start from an impossible position. Senior on, drawn a gate, big danger. DEVOTED STAR is unlikely to enjoy the same favours in running. On her day she is good enough but can mix her form. REBEL YELL didn’t fire first-up but peak form definitely strong enough.

Numbers: 3 – 1 – 8 – 2

Suggested Bet – SILKINIZE WIN


RACE 9

DARK CHOICE was over a month between runs last start and far from disgraced from an awkward draw. This time the Oaks winner should position up midfield with cover, gains W.Pike and is eachway in a very even staying race. DIVINE SHADOW was beaten to the punch out of the machine by Noir De Rue last start and that turned out to be the difference. He had to park 3 deep the trip no cover and do all the donkey work. Prayers with Pateman to get across this time. PICTURE PERFECT trebles in price from last start purely because Pike jumps off. ROMAN FLIRT faces her acid test but is answering every question posed of her this prep.

Numbers: 3 – 1 – 2 – 12

Suggested Bet – DARK CHOICE EACHWAY


Quaddie (Race 6 – 9)

2,7,8

5,11

1,3,8

1,2,3,4,5,6,12,13

Market Market