Chris Nelson’s Saturday Scone Preview

Posted on May 11, 2023May 11, 2023 | Posted by Chris Nelson

RACE 1

SALTAIRE hasn’t raced for 6 weeks however I did like her recent trial & suggest she’ll be hard to beat in this opening race. She cruised into second spot late with plenty left in the tank & her race day form is certainly good enough for this having finished close up all three runs this prep in strong company. DIPSY DOODLE the toughest to beat, good solid win latest which may well prove to be a strong form reference. IN MY DREAMS has trialled well.

Numbers: 1 – 2 – 8 – 6

Suggested Bet: SALTAIRE TO WIN

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RACE 2

Not a good draw for STEPLEE however this is a big wide-open track with a long run home & he’s a galloper who likes to get back & run on, with the big field I highly doubt they will loaf in front, he’ll get his chance. Note he is unbeaten on the track & 1600m looks ideal at this stage. RUSSLEY CROWN is another local, his pattern less suited to the wide draw however going too well to leave out.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 9 – 4

Suggested Bet: STEPLEE EACH-WAY

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RACE 3

Although looking a poor draw on paper WRATHFUL maps ok & should be able to get across as there are more backmarkers than on-pacers engaged in this race. Big win at Rosehill last start mowing down the leaders late, don’t expect him to be anywhere near as far back this time though. MIRACLE SPIN was the horse he ran down, chance again however gate one is not ideal for a horse with his get back pattern. The consistent DECADENT TALE in the mix also.

Numbers: 4 – 6 – 2 – 3

Suggested Bet: Box up top 3 selections in exotics

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RACE 4

Although I’d prefer to see him over 1400m or further there’s nothing better than winning form & ALTIVO certainly has that. Resuming from a break at the end of March he toyed with his opposition at Sandown winning with plenty left in reserve. I can see him steaming down the centre of this track charging after the leaders hopefully arriving in time. AMATHUBA may have only placed 2 of 5 last prep however she wasn’t far away & in good company, one of those placings was behind subsequent Group 1 winner Sunshine In Paris. UNION ARMY looks promising; must include should he gain a start.

Numbers: 7 – 11 – 19 – 8

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics

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RACE 5

Keep coming back to the first up QUANTICO who won fresh last prep & has won 3 of 7 first up overall. Chased home Giga Kick in a recent Randwick trial which although only a trial is still a good recommendation. Good gate, with room in the straight he’ll be finding the line strongly. Simply cannot catch MALKOVICH, has to go in on his first up win though. DEHORNED UNICORN in the mix, TALBARGAR freshened up back in trip, likely faces a task.

Numbers: 3 – 2 – 7 – 1

Suggested Bet: QUANTICO TO WIN

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RACE 6

I’d just about be declaring ESTADIO MESTALLA had he drawn a gate here as this looks an ideal race for him second up. He beat all bar Palmetto when resuming & we’ve seen that galloper come out & win ‘The Coast’ last Saturday at Gosford. Just have to hope the barrier gods are on our side! Thought SOLAR APEX could improve third up, wasn’t far away last start & should be near to peak fitness now. HIGHLIGHTS in the mix as well, claim helps.

Numbers: 5 – 2 – 9 – 3

Suggested Bet: ESTADIO MESTALLA TO WIN (small bet)

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RACE 7

Although only a maiden winner on debut I thought WRITTEN IN CODE was very impressive. She came from the back of the field in a race not at all run to suit yet reeled off some very impressive sectionals to run right over the leaders & then pull away. This is a big step up in grade, gut feel suggests she is well up to the task. PORTRAY goes in on the last start second in a smart field, drawn well. RED CARD an improver second up, wide gate no help though.

Numbers: 18 – 1 – 2 – 11

Suggested Bet: WRITTEN IN CODE EACH-WAY

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RACE 8

The in-form TAMERLANE draws poorly here however on the map he’s a good chance of getting across without having to spend too much fuel, Jason Collet will have around 300m to get him over before the first turn appears. He’s been so good this prep, very strong to the line & if across ok here & they don’t run along he can again dash away at the business end. WAIHAHA FALLS hit the line well behind Doomben 10,000 chance Vilana, will get back though. OPAL RIDGE is more than capable of bouncing back. OSCAR ZULU always a chance!

Numbers: 4 – 7 – 9 – 2

Suggested Bet: TAMERLANE EACH-WAY

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RACE 9

I’m a bit of a fan of the mare FINEPOINT & I’m certainly sticking with her in this race. She finished well down the track last start however that was a much stronger race (Group 1) & she wasn’t really fancied going off an $81 chance. Freshened up (she races best that way) & back in grade I’m expecting a big run from her. EXPAT is a model of consistency; she’ll give plenty in the straight. SUR LA MER can improve sharply second up, pulled up lame when resuming.

Numbers: 5 – 1 – 12 – 11

Suggested Bet: FINEPOINT EACH-WAY

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RACE 10

Absolute lottery to wind up the day, anything could win this! Should the rails play ok during the day MISS JAY FOX rates an each-way chance. She’s an 1100m specialist with 4 of her 6 wins coming over the trip & all being fair should land the run of the race here. WITH YOUR BLESSING resumes with a good first up record, wide barrier the concern. Rise in grade for CHIEF CONDUCTOR, he does look promising though.

Numbers: 7 – 3 – 14 – 1

Suggested Bet: MISS JAY FOX EACH-WAY (small bet)

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