Races

Scott Embry’s Thursday Geraldton Preview

Posted on | Posted by Scott Embry

RACE 1

FIRE THE GUARD. Yes, I’m going to do it. Lucky start number 20. Beaten under $5 on 13 occasions – it’s a really, really painful thing to be doing as a punter and feels like you’re setting yourself up for further trauma but this just looks the ideal race to finally pinch one. KLEVA CONNED is right back in distance to 1113m but has speed and if she crosses is a legitimate threat. PROFOUND BENEFIT returns to WA and did run third at Canterbury in a 1200m maiden first-up last prep. VERMILLION GEM box seats.

Numbers: 1 – 7 – 2 – 6

Suggested Bet – FIRE THE GUARD WIN

RACE 2

BLAZEN STAR finished second to Twigger first-up back in November 2023 and really hasn’t done much racing ever since. Recent trial at Belmont was solid and worth remembering that Cryptic Joy finished nearly 7L behind him. SOUTHLAND won his recent Geraldton 1100m maiden under Troy Turner by 1.5L and while he’s drawn a bit sticky expecting him to go well on debut. WITCHY WOODS won a recent 1000m trial down the straight at Pinjarra Park and from barrier 1 should get every chance. DIXIE PRINCESS next best.

Numbers: 3 – 5 – 6 – 7

Suggested Bet – BLAZEN STAR WIN

RACE 3

WHAITIRI as an on top selection nearly feels more illegal than Fire The Guard in Race 1. She’s having her 56th career outing as a 7 year old maiden mare, however, in her first-up outing for Glen Cortes she finished within a nose of the winner after parking wide from a mile out. Here’s hoping for her. MEXICAN QUEEN gets back out to 1600m and that will only help her cause. Troy Turner too. SHE’S RESOLUTE is accepted for Ascot and Gero. BLACK SANDS has shown glimpses in Gero.

Numbers: 3 – 4 – 5 – 1

Suggested Bet – WHAITIRI WIN

RACE 4

MIFF MUFFERED MOOF has been about the place all season. She’s had a month’s freshen after being beaten 6L behind Sparkle Corner who has certainly gone on to frank the form since. This is not a deep race and expecting that Kristy Bennett can lob a handy spot (barrier 4 after emergencies) and should go well. HOW PRETTY is tested out to 1600m and hasn’t raced for 33 days. Couple that with the weight and the barrier and she’s risky. MOMBASA doesn’t win out of turn but this is winnable. BAYHARA is improving.

Numbers: 7 – 1 – 2 – 4

Suggested Bet – MIFF MUFFERED MOOF WIN

RACE 5

ON THE MARK was some sort of run in defeat last start. Missed away, circled the field four, five and six deep from the 800m under 62kg and was nabbed in the final stride. He’s got panels on these ability wise, but he’s got some quirks. LIVE LUCKY has been excellent since she’s arrived in the care of Gordon Spowart. Had every chance last start but couldn’t quite reel in the leader. AMARLIE MISS is a handy mare for this grade of race. AROOCHACHA can bounce back.

Numbers: 1 – 6 – 2 – 4

Suggested Bet – ON THE MARK WIN

RACE 6

STEVIE’S MAY finished fourth behind Ironclad Boy, Mocha Dream and Enticing last start but was 61 days between runs/ She should only improve off that performance, Tash Faithfull jumps aboard and she’s drawn to enjoy the run of the race. Natural improver. MOCHA DREAM is double accepted for Ascot on Wednesday and Geraldton on Thursday. He loves racing at the GTC. SAUVEGARDE drops right back in grade but has to overcome the weight impost. MOORUMBINE won well fresh but the barrier hurts.

Numbers: 10 – 1 – 2 – 4

Suggested Bet – STEVIES MAY WIN

RACE 7 

STARRING KNIGHT returns to his new favourite track. He won a 70+ 1200 and then a 70+ 1400m at Geraldton in strong back to back victories before heading to Ascot into a 66+ and finishing 3L behind Hostile Talk, Knot Secret and Soldanelle. Back to Gero a big key. DEFENDING has raced a bit below his best over the last few months but this is noticeably easier for him. Won 2 at Geraldton in April 2024 and the last time he raced here he finished third in the Batavia. BOMBAY STYLE is building. PATCHWORK appreciates more ground.

Numbers: 4 – 2 – 1 – 6

Suggested Bet – STARRING KNIGHT WIN

RACE 8

COLLECTIVE ran second to Forbidden Apple at the last meeting and was hitting the line strongly late. Albert Bowtell has gone at 26% strike rate over a 750 day period and so it’s hard not to follow up on his horses when they find form. This is a great race for her. IRONCLAD BOY won a 58+ last start and now drops in grade back into a C2. Great placement but does rise 5.5kg in weight. DIRTY CHAI was well below her best fresh. I’M ON finally draws a gate.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 3 – 7

Suggested Bet – COLLECTIVE WIN

Quaddie (Race 4 – 7)

1

1,2,4,9,10

2,4

1,2

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