Autumn has arrived early for us racing fans with Group racing returning to Rosehill Gardens this Saturday with major races now a feature for the foreseeable future.
The Group 2 Expressway Stakes is the feature event, but the babies are set to star in the Group 3 Widden Stakes for the fillies and the Group 3 Canonbury for the boys.
Our TRL trainers have a strong hand across the three Eastern States so let’s try and find some winners from the team.
FREEDMAN’S IN THE EXPRESS LANE
Anamoe is clearly the horse to beat as the stars come out to play in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes and she is a justified hot favourite at $1.70 with Sportsbet.
In saying that the Freedman Brothers trained Forbidden Love turned in a sensational barrier trial, matching motors with Nature Strip and without being fully extended.
It was a great effort and she is a tremendous fresh horse.
The stable also has Queen of the Turf returning in the Widden Stakes (Race 3) ; she’s only had one career start for an impressive second and is worth a following.
BET: Forbidden Love – Each Way (Rosehill Race 7)
BET: Queen of the Turf – Each Way (Rosehill Race 3)
GAI HAS PLENTY OF OPTIONS
The Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott stable is keeping their options open with the talented Narvaez a dual acceptor in races 4 and 10.
Narvaez has been well backed in the last race firming from $5 to $3.70 on Sportsbet which is a good push. Returning from a tough third at Flemington Narvaez has a good fresh record and will be tough to get past with Tim Clark aboard.
BET: Narvaez – WIN (Rosehill Race 10)
MOODY ON THE MOVE
Fans of Vic Husslers trainer Peter Moody will be hoping for a flying start at Moonee Valley where racing will be on a Soft 5 surface.
Moody has two runners in the first race Zourisky and Cherrypick, I’m learning towards Zourisky she’s only having her third career start but looks full of promise. The blinkers go on for the first time which could prove the winning move.
BET: Zourisky – Each Way (Race 1 Moonee Valley)
THE BROTHERS HAYES CONTINUE TO FIRE
The Vic Husslers owners are excited that the Ben and JD Hayes trained Bellinger will be racing again at Sandown on February 16 over 1400m.
And I reckon the brothers can continue their winning streak with Muswellbrook (Race 3) at Moonee Valley on Saturday, he has been improving with every start and is now ready to produce his best.
Luna Cat (Race 5) is a hell of a competitor. She won three starts back and his two placings since have been full of merit. I’m happy to stick.
Gentleman Roy (Race 6) is well found at Sportsbet $2.45 particularly when you consider he was beaten at odds on last start. But he has won 2 of his 3 starts this preparation and will be hard to beat.
BET: Muswellbrook – Each Way (Moonee Valley Race 3)
BET: Luna Cat – Each Way (Moonee Valley Race 5)
BET: Gentleman Roy – WIN (Moonee Valley Race 6)
THE MAHER & EUSTACE SHOW ROLLS ON
Every day looks like a big day for the Ciaron Maher/Dave Eustace camp, I’ve got them going close in three races at the Valley.
Dundirtcheap (Race 4) not too sure how they came up with the name for this horse but he certainly has ability, winning his first two starts this preparation. He’ll be fitter for the recent run and has won over this trip.
Marabi (Race 7) there’s no doubt she is one of the most exciting horses in training, 5 career starts for 5 wins and she wins by big margins. Enough said.
The Big Easy (Race 8) hasn’t set the world on fire at the jump outs, but was consistent last prep and worth a play at odds.
BET: Dundirtcheap – Win – (MV Race 4)
BET: Marabi – Win (MV Race 7)
BET: The Big Easy (MV Race 8)
SUNNY COAST TO SHINE
The Sunshine Coast will play host to the major meeting in South East Queensland featuring the listed Cup over 1400 meters.
Chris Munce who trains Hot Spring Gold for the Tycoons, has two cracking chances on a track currently rated a Soft 5.
Military Gambler has firmed into $4.50 with Sportsbet, he goes forward, makes his own luck and with two runs under his belt the step up to 1600m should be okay.
Smart Meteor (Race 7) is another runner to capture the attention of the early shoppers on Sportsbet firming from $6.50 to $5. Has won 2 of his last 3 and dropping back to the mile should suit.
BET: Military Gambler – Each Way (SC Race 3)
BET: Smart Meteor – Each Way (SC Race 7)
MASS DESTRUCTION ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Qld Rogues trainer Tony Gollan is used to destroying his opposition and the aptly named Mass Destruction (Race 9) loves the Sunshine Coast circuit. He won there two starts back and certainly wasn’t disgraced at the Gold Coast last start.
Tony’s standout for the day appears to be Muschialli (Race 4) who looked good winning at Doomben last start and should be able to get a nice run off the pace and storm late.
BET: Muschialli – Win (SC Race 4)
BET: Mass Destruction – Win (SC Race 9)
HEATHCOTE HAS HIS FAVOURITE BACK
Apart from The Big Goodbye for the Qld Rogues I don’t think it’s any shock that Startantes (Race 5) is a stable favourite in the Rob Heathcote yard.
She has won 5 of her 11 career starts and looks well placed here to sit behind the pace and finish over the top.
BET: Startantes – Win (SC Race 5)
Good luck and good punting!
Terry Kennedy