GROUP RACING GALORE

Sep 9, 2022

By Terry Kennedy

GROUP RACING GALORE

It’s a Group racing bonanza on Saturday with the running of the Group 1 Makybe Diva at Flemington while there are four Group races at Rosehill highlighted by the Run To The Rose which is the best way to the Golden Rose. 

Unfortunately, rain is predicted for both Flemington and Rosehill. 

The highlight for The Racing League will be the Matt Cumani trained Team Captain for the Vic Husslers over 2500m at Flemington. 

More on Team Captain coming up and we’ll also check out the major chances from your other trainers this Saturday. 

CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN

It’s not often you think the odds makers are being overly generous but I reckon the $27 on offer at Sportsbet is over the odds. 

Last time Team Captain (Race 6) raced over 2500m at Flemington he won the Macca’s Run on Melbourne Cup day by 4 lengths. 

He returned in the Heatherlie at Caulfield over an unsuitable distance and was simply run off his feet and never comfortable. This is a much different assignment. 

Trainer Matt Cumani is delighted with Team Captain and the 2500m suits him to a tee. 

BET: Team Captain – Each Way (Flem Race 6)

 

CIARON/EUSTACE CONTINUE THE WINNING ROLL

Super cool to get a report from both Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace when Lethal Thoughts galloped in blinkers for the first time at Ballarat on Tuesday. 

Sir Davey (Flem Race 2) is a 5yo gelding that is super honest and a proven winner. Has been freshened for this and at $5 is a good play. 

At Rosehill, Impulsar is tight in the market at $3.80 but is coming off two wins and no reason it won’t be three. 

Bella Nipotina (Race 9) did the right thing by us last time. She charged home for a first-up win and the 1200m suits. 

BET: Sir Davey – Each Way (Flem Race 2)

BET: Impulsar – Each Way (Rosehill Race 3)

BET: Bella Nipotina – Each Way (Rosehill Race 9)

 

PRICE/KENT THUNDERSTRUCK

There was no better “back me next time run” in the past month than the MIck Price/Michael Kent Junior trained I’m Thunderstruck (Race 5). 

Sportsbet has him tight at $2.40 but it’s justified. He stormed home for second in the Memsie and the 1600m suits. 

Three Rings (Race 1) might be one at odds to get us off to a flyer. Jamie Kah is in the saddle and he won his only start impressively. 

BET: I’m Thunderstruck – Win (Flem Race 5)

BET: Three Rings – Each Way (Flem Race 1)

 

HAYES BOYS FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH 

Ben and JD Hayes are riding a real crest of a wave. Bellinger trialled well for Vic Husslers on Friday but the boys have bigger fish to fry this Saturday.

Lady Of Honour (Race 7) won for us last start, she’ll go forward and make her own luck.

Tijuana (Race 9) makes appeal at $7 loves Flemington and won second-up last prep.

BET: Lady of Honour – Each Way (Flem Race 7)

BET: Tijuana – Each Way (Flem Race 9)

 

O’DEA/HOYSTED HEAD SOUTH

Our Qld Rogues training pair of Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted are on the road south with a couple of big chances at Flemington.

Scallopini (Race 4) covered too much ground in the G 2 Lawrence, this is a big drop in class. 

Shooting For Gold (Race 8) is $7.50 has Jamie Kah in the saddle and is coming off a win at Caulfield. 

At Doomben, Prince Shalaa (Race 1) just got too far back last start but has a stack of ability. 

BET: Scallopini – Each Way (Flem Race 4)

BET: Shooting for Gold – WIN (Flem Race 8) 

BET: Prince Shalaa – Win (Doomben Race 1)

 

GOLLAN IS ANOTHER JUMPING BORDERS

Premier Brisbane trainer has never been afraid of taking on the big boys in Sydney and he is testing Nettuno (Race 7) against the best at Rosehill, while Baller goes to Flemington for the Bobby Lewis down the famous Flemington straight. 

You’ll remember Nettuno won on debut against Greylander at the Sunshine Coast and looked fantastic finishing second last start. He is up against In Secret here who races v Luna Rocks.

At Doomben, Tokoriki Lad $6 is coming off a great win, he’s now an 8yo who is eventually knuckling down. 

Desert Dreamer $11 won first-up and had no luck last start. 

BET: Nettuno- Each Way (Rosehill Race 7)

BET: Baller – Each Way (Flem Race 8)

BET: Tokoriki Lad- Each Way (Doomben Race 6)

BET: Desert Dreamer – Each Way (Doomben Race 9)

 

PRIDE STILL RIDING HIGH

NSW Tycoons trainer Joe Pride is still riding high after Eduardo swept to victory last weekend and why not. 

In the meantime, he’s still looking for a dry track for Penso a Lei. 

Opacity (Race 4) at the juicy odds of $14 was good last time against the pattern but caught the eye when finishing 6th. 

BET: Opacity – Each Way (Rosehill Race 4)

 

MUNCE ON THE MARCH

Hot Spring Gold continues to please Chris Munce aiming for a October 1 return and the Summer Carnival. 

The Qld Rogues trainer has Southern Stock (Race 2) as his major player, he’s $6 just missed a place in the Gold Coast Cup and loves the rain-affected ground. 

BET: Southern Stock – Each Way (Doomben Race 2)

 

Good luck and good punting. 

TK