Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Doomben Preview

Posted on | Posted by Chris Nelson

RACE 1

Racing at Doomben on Saturday will take place on a good rated surface. We get the meeting underway with a Benchmark 85 over the mile trip where there appears to be quite a few winning chances. I’ve settled on (5) NORTHERN DECREE however I’m chasing $4 or better as his barrier looks a little awkward & he’ll need an ounce of luck early on. His recent form is certainly good enough should things pan out for him early. (2) SPORTING CHANCE has had 3 runs since crossing the ditch all in the 1600m metre range, all solid enough however I’d love to see him step out over further. (2) YET HE MOVES certainly in the mix also.

Numbers: 5 – 3 – 2 – 4

Suggested Bet: NORTHERN DECREE $4 or better/box up top 4 selections in exotics.

RACE 2

On paper this race will be run at a very sedate tempo, we all know races aren’t run on paper though suggesting a surprise early tactic is always possible. (2) THE RIGHT WAY & (7) JUST FLYING are the pace & both come into the race in winning form, hard to split the pair. (1) ENCODER will appreciate the step up in distance of a strong last start win on favourable dry ground, he gets that again here. Not knocking the likely favourite (6) SOUL OF SPAIN however the likely lack of tempo won’t help his chances.

Numbers: 2 – 7 – 1 – 6

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

RACE 3

(4) SO YOU ARE is the runner in this race with upside. He’s only had the 9 starts to date whereas his rivals have been around the block, some many times! He placed here at the end of his last prep & has put the writing on the wall for a race such as this placing his past couple Rosehill & Randwick. (9) AKKADIAN EMPEROR was strong to the line at Eagle Farm after striking traffic in the straight, definite claims. (2) PIGGYBACK is another with southern form, he may prefer a wetter surface though, his record certainly suggests that.

Numbers: 4 – 9 – 2 – 7

Suggested Bet: SO YOU ARE TO WIN.

RACE 4

We see the return of the very smart filly (1) SUNRAYS here & in early markets she’s certainly backable odds, should we be wary though? She hasn’t raced since early June & there’s no official trials around for her however I’d be surprised if she hadn’t jumped out. Yes, she’s better than these however the gate & fitness are my two concerns, I’d suggest if strong in the market or a firmer follow the lead. (5) IMPERVIOUS was luckless fresh before digging deep to score second-up, has the fitness edge & if (1) SUNRAYS is a run short this one will test her. (7) WISNIERSKA in the place mix.

Numbers: 1 – 5 – 7 – 2

Suggested Bet: SUNRAYS IF NOT A DRIFTER/IMPERVIOUS IF SHE IS.

RACE 5

(10) MAKE A CALL had a reputation as a non-winner when trained in Sydney & based on his strike rate that was fair enough. Since being transferred to the Sunshine State & joining the Tony Gollan stable he’s shown a little more honestly breaking his maiden & making it 2 from 6 for the yard when winning here two back. Sound at Eagle Farm last start this is no harder & he’ll land a soft run from the inside gate. Stablemate (2) EXCEED SPEED has come back in good order & also draws well, looms as the logical threat. (15) KICKATINALONG was a better effort last start, mile is the query.

Numbers: 10 – 2 – 15 – 6

Suggested Bet: MAKE A CALL EACH-WAY.

RACE 6

I’ve fallen into (7) BOOM SHOT again here after tipping him 2 weeks ago & sacking him one metre after the line! He just raced flat on that occasion basically holding his ground however the tempo wasn’t quick which may have worked against him. Well drawn here he gets the right run & another chance, could be his last one though. (10) SHELSTEIN bolted in at Ipswich before a pass mark at Eagle Farm where he had a few factors against, happy to give him another chance also. (4) JUST PRECIOUS has placed 2 of 3 this trip & did find the line well last start.

Numbers: 7 – 10 – 4 – 1

Suggested Bet: BOOM SHOT EACH-WAY (small bet).

RACE 7

Sydney Visitor (4) BUNKER HUT gets the nod here. He’s had the two starts this prep at Rosehill finishing close up on each occasion behind the same horse. He strips a lot fitter here & from the inside gate with a claim looks very well placed to break through. (2) GOLDSBOROUGH has struck form of late & has a good record here. Big watch on the resuming (8) STREET CHASE who ran a couple of good races in much stronger company last prep, trialled well, keeping very safe.

Numbers: 4 – 2 – 8 – 7

Suggested Bet: BUNKER HUT TO WIN.

RACE 8

(2) VIMINELLE & (11) NAVAL TRADER both caught the eye running on very well first up into second placing. Interestingly both draw inside gates today which doesn’t really suit their run on pattern suggesting they will need luck in the straight. I’ll back both & hope for the best. (3) WEIGALL TIGER needs a dry track to show his best, he just doesn’t handle anything with any give in it, he’ll get conditions to suit here & if able to get across ok from a sticky gate will take running down. (8) CASPERNOVA gets the blinkers on for the first time, consistent all prep without winning don’t rule him out.

Numbers: 2 – 11 – 3 – 8

Suggested Bet: VIMINELLE & NAVAL TRADER TO WIN.

Race 9

Very tricky way to wind up the day. I’m leaning to the very much in-form (10) GOSPEL GIRL who is shooting for 3 straight victories. She led with tempo to suit two back before sitting wide at Eagle Farm & digging deep down the straight to fend off & hold her rivals to the line. Stablemate (5) ABOUT TO EXPLODE is also a recent Eagle Farm winner, whilst he’s got upside here being only third-up he does tend to race better on his home circuit. (17) BRIGHT BLONDE is in cracking form & is at least a place chance.

Numbers: 10 – 5 – 17 – 16

Suggested Bet: GOSPEL GIRL EACH-WAY.

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