Races

Scott Embry’s Sunday Esperance Preview

RACE 1

OUR NORMAN comes from a Lark Hill trial victory where he sat deep at various stages and still ran through the line strongly in 56.33. Beat home Reliable Star who runs around at Ascot on Saturday in a 60+. Drawn awkwardly but the trail suggested he would be winning races in the provincial area let alone in an Esperance maiden. PREMIUM CHOICE made his debut off a 400m jump out when far from disgraced when racing greenly. Recent trial was strong behind Starlift and Takemehometonight who have made the trial form look good and senior rider on catches the eye. WE WONDER WHY is drawn awkwardly but she showed a glimpse on debut in a much stronger race than this. AIN’T I A WOMAN is quick.

Numbers: 7 – 5 – 11 – 10

Suggested Bet – OUR NORMAN WIN


RACE 2

NEUROLOGIC was no match for Whim Creek two starts back when they clashed, having lead them up and faded into third. Was beaten 1.6L that day but does get a 1.5kg weight swing in her favour and since then she blew C2 rivals up with a blistering overall race time. She is drawn to lead, Whim Creek is drawn to do it tough and with the weight pull siding with her to lead from start to finish. WHIM CREEK is the obvious danger. Handicapper slowly but surely catching up and this is the toughest draw he has dealt with this preparation. BALLADEER drops back from a 70+ where he went round favourite. TORNIQUET is going super and will have last crack.

Numbers: 6 – 1 – 2 – 3

Suggested Bet – NEUROLOGIC WIN


RACE 3

CIRCLE THE SUN jumps off the page from a form perspective with a minor placing in a Bunbury maiden behind Flash Ducati (who goes to the Listed Lex Piper on Saturday at Ascot) standing out as superior form to the locals. The biggest concern is dropping back in trip. Looks like he is an out and out stayer so fingers crossed Yuill can get him rolling a fair way out. WATTO’S REWARD was eye catching two starts ago and then a little disappointing last time out. JOLLY LACE is going well for the new yard and should be breaking through soon. LIQUIDITY went close last start and the Hall/Scott combination normally team up for at least one winner on Cup Day.

Numbers: 5 – 9 – 11 – 2

Suggested Bet – CIRCLE THE SUN WIN


RACE 4

SLUICE BOX resumes here after a successful Kalgoorlie Campaign with emerging young trainer Jayden (Justin) Thomas. Returns to original trainer Ash Maley and if there is any money around then it may pay to jump on the bandwagon. Kept improving last campaign and after the claim is well weighted in this. Drawn to get a soft run and has a big turn of foot. SIGIL ran third behind Requisition last time out. Requisition took that form to the metro area when running second in town. STORMY RULER joins Cliff Smith’s yard and he finally got away cleanly last start. Was a big run in defeat and looks very well suited to this grade. PIRATES MISTRESS is honest as they come. Can either lead or box seat.

Numbers: 3 – 2 – 1 – 5

Suggested Bet – SLUICE BOX EACHWAY


RACE 5

YAMATAI has come back a different horse this preparation and is thriving in the care of Georgia Grant. Massive effort last start when chasing the hot tempo set by Neorologic. That race was 3.5L faster than C2 average and from the draw she should get every hope in a wide JAGUAR GREY comes from stronger form references at Ascot. First-up win for the Coreen Maynard stable was super. BYE FELEICIA broke her maiden in style at her first start in the region. Should go well again. SKETCH LINE has been going better than the midfield finishes suggest.

Numbers: 4 – 1 – 5 – 7

Suggested Bet – YAMATAI WIN


RACE 6

ARSINOE has been the find of the season for Fiona Scott. 7 starts at Esperance for 4 wins and 2 second placings. Ran fifth at her most recent but still finished within half a length of the winner with some excuses late in the race. Looks really well suited to sitting close handy from the draw and she looms into her races under a hold. INDIAN CHANT won (Deadheat) the Goldrush first-up last preparation from last. More than capable of sitting back and unleashing late in this Esperance Sprint. HELMS GATE has turned back the clock this preparation and been very consistent. CLOAK AND DAGGER was huge last start. Ready to win for Rob Payton and the strength of the Bretts.

Numbers: 8 – 6 – 2 – 9

Suggested Bet – ARSINOE WIN


RACE 7

PUSH TO PASS won the York Cup going back seven starts and is now back down to an identical ratings level. Huge beneficiary of the handicap system because in all subsequent runs he has been more than competitive, in much stronger racing than this. Ash Maley has placed him to perfection and the grey looks a big chance of going back to back in the Esperance Cup. Drawn ideally and can sit right behind the speed. TOUCH OF SILVER rates through the roof coming to the Cup from the Detonator Stakes where he ran out of his skin considering the set weights and penalties conditions. GANGBUSTER has bled ratings points for 18 months since winning a Boulder Cup. Looks ready again. MR PAGO doesn’t run any bad races and should get a nice run.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 3 – 10

Suggested Bet – PUSH TO PASS WIN


RACE 8

SASSATIONAL finally broke through for a well deserved win two starts ago this track and distance in a C2. Went up sharply in grade into the Bracelet at Albany and ran into highly talented and progressive mare Fangio. Beaten 3.5L behind Fangio looks good form for an Esperance 58+. BOOTLEG RASCAL is starting to hit form and from the draw should have no excuses. BLACK COMET will get back with Sassational and is capable of matching motors with the mare. SOUND OF FURY is going super and should be right on top of the speed throughout.

Numbers: 9 – 4 – 2 – 5

Suggested Bet – SASSATIONAL WIN


Quaddie (Race 5 – 8)

1,4,5,6,7
2,6,8,9
1,2,3
2,4,5,9

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