Congratulations to Queensland for the win on Wednesday night, but that’s not the only Origin battle of the week.
For the first time, two of your TRL horses from rival states will clash at Eagle Farm with Hot Spring Gold representing the Rogues up against Penso A Lei from the NSW Tycoons.
On Sunday we have the much-anticipated debut of Larrikin Rogue coming off a super impressive barrier trial.
More on those horses plus a look at the major chances from our TRL trainers for this Saturday.
MUNCE WILL DO ROGUES PROUD WITH HOT SPRING GOLD
Hot Spring Gold is on the quick back-up for the Qld Rogues after a plain effort on an unsuitable track at Doomben last Saturday.
Trainer Chris Munce reports “he has done well this week and will be much better on top of the ground at Eagle Farm. After drawing barrier 14 the big long straight at headquarters will also suit much better” Munce said.
BET: Hot Spring Gold – Each Way (EF Race 8)
PENSO NEEDS TO SHOW SOME FORM
Sydney’s big wet has played havoc with Penso A Lei’s preparation.
“After that Heavy track effort at Canterbury last week we now know for sure Penny needs to be on top of the ground so I’m sending her north to Eagle Farm to kick start the preparation” trainer Joe Pride said.
Penny is a $34 chance with Sportsbet and while Joe would love to knock over the Rogues horse in Hot Spring Gold for Tycoons owners he will be happy to see her finishing off nicely.
Joe has King Kapa (Race 9) in the last at Eagle Farm and it’s been specked in the early markets and will improve on top of the ground.
BET: Penso a Lei – Place (EF Race 8)
BET: King Kapa – Each Way (EF Rae 9)
CHRIS ANDERSON: SUPER IMPRESSED BY LARRIKIN ROGUE
Trainer Chris Anderson reports Larrikin Rogue is in tremendous order for his debut at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday in Race 1, 1000m Maiden.
Larrikin Rogue is coming off a sizzling six-length barrier trial win last Friday and Chris reports “he came through his final gallop in great order and he looks to be a very nice horse going forward. Hope he can get to Stakes class, hope he can win a Group race” Anderson said.
Barrier 12 is never an advantage but it’s a good long run from the 1000m start onto the one bend at Caloundra.
BET: Larrikin Rogue – Win (Sunny Coast Race 1)
GOLLAN ISSUES A WARNING
Lethal Warning (Race 1) has been a little easy in betting, but after having no luck last start I’m more than happy to be on his back with Stephanie Thornton.
Honey Pot (Race 5) can do plenty wrong but can gallop. She hasn’t missed a place this prep and the big stretches at Eagle Farm will suit.
BET: Lethal Warning – Win (EF Race 1)
BET: Honey Pot – Each Way (EF Race 5)
MOODY HAS A STUCK OF CHANCES
The big wet is now starting to creep its way down to Melbourne, with Flemington currently rated a Heavy 8 with the Rail out 4metres.
Pete Moody has three outstanding chances:
Tapin’ Three (Race 1) is Black Caviar’s niece so clearly beautifully bred with two terrific jump-out wins to her credit. An unknown on the wet ground but fingers crossed she gets through it after being scratched last week.
Oceana Blue (Race 2) was a late scratching last week on a Soft 7 so it’s hard to know if she goes round this week, but Jamie Kah has taken the ride and she looks to have plenty of ability.
Daytona Bay (Race 8) he’s won two from three, Jamie Kah is onboard and he ran the fastest final 200 metres of the day at Caulfield.
BET: Tapin’ Three – Each Way (Flem Race 1)
BET: Oceana Blue – Each Way (Flem Race 2)
BET: Daytona Bay – Each Way (Flem Race 8)
CUMANI TO GO SUPER SONIC
Matt Cumani delivered a cracking report on Team Captain during the week who’s progressing nicely building up to what we trust will climax in a Melbourne Cup run.
Matt has a good chance at Flemington on Saturday in the form of Zousonic (Race 3) it’s a $5 chance on Sportsbet, is now getting up to 1600m, and did run the fastest final 200m of the day at Flemington last time out.
BET: Zousonic – Each Way (Race 3)
EUSTACE & MAHER
It’s the middle of a cold wet Winter but the Ciaron Maher/Dave Eustace machine rolls on, although winners were thin last Saturday.
At Flemington on Saturday, Mankayan (Race 7) is tight in the market at $4.40. He’s come back with two strong wins and loves a Heavy track.
Pioneer River (Race 9) was great first-up and he has won twice at this track and trip.
BET: Mankayan – Each Way (Flemington Race 7)
BET: Pioneer River – Each Way (Flemington Race 9)
WATERHOUSE/BOTT KEEP ON WINNING
Another good week with Gai and Adrian winning the South Grafton Cup with Surf Dancer.
At Rosehill, it’s another Heavy track with Vinnie’s Spirit (Race 1) is a 2yo colt that loves Soft going and has been backed from $5 to $3.40.
BET: Vinnie’s Spirit – Each Way (Rosehill Race 1)
Good luck and good punting.
TK