A touch of normality returns to the racing world this week after the hysteria of a record breaking Magic Millions carnival and sales on the Gold Coast.
Owners of the Vic Husslers remain proud of Bellinger’s enormous effort on Wednesday at Sandown, where he had the audacity to hit the lead and hang on for a fighting fifth after being trapped three and four wide the entire journey.
On Saturday, owners of the NSW Tycoons are off to Royal Randwick to cheer on Penso a Lei over the famous mile course.
Let’s try and find some winners from our TRL trainers.
PRIDE KEEPS THE FAITH WITH PENSO
In form trainer Joe Pride has urged NSW Tycoons owners “not to lose faith” in Penso A Lei who’ll contest the City Tattersall Handicap (Race 4) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Two starts back Penny was a “good thing beaten” at Warwick Farm but Joe concedes she was disappointed when beaten as a hot favourite at Gosford last start.
“Penny galloped well this morning (Tuesday) and I was really pleased with what I saw and she’ll be competitive down in the weights against those mares on Saturday” Pride said.
BET: Penso A Lei – Each Way (Randwick Race 4)
Check out Joe’s pre-race update on Penso A Lei below:
HOLIDAY OVER FOR GAI
There was no busier person at the Magic Millions than Gai Waterhouse whizzing around the sales complex in her golf buggy and buying a mountain of yearlings.
Gai and training partner Adrian Bott should get off to a flying start on Saturday with Silent Impact (Race 1) at Randwick. He won 2 of his 3 starts last prep, has trialled well and is ready to post another win.
BET: Silent Impact – Each Way (Randwick Race 1)
KIM WAUGH IN WHITE BOOTS
NSW Tycoons trainer Kim Waugh is delighted with the way her Star Turn/Blitz n Magic gelding is progressing at Wyong with big plans instore.
Kim has two runners at Randwick with strong chances and will be rocking the White Boots (Race 5). White Boots loves the track, is now fit after two nice runs this preparation and should place.
Trajection (Race 10) has been well supported on Sportsbet firming from $12 to $10. She won well against her own sex last start, this is harder but capable of winning.
BET: White Boots – Each Way (Randwick Race 5)
BET: Trajection – Each Way (Randwick Race 10)
BUSUTTIN BUSY
The Trent Busuttin/Natalie Young trained Reservior Dog (Race 2) has been smashed in early Sportsbet markets $12 into $8.50.
6 of the 8 runners haven’t had a start so there’s little form to line up, but Trent has a good opinion of Reservior Dog who has won both his Cranbourne jump outs impressively.
BET: Reservoir Dog – Each Way (Race 2 Moonee Valley)
CUMANI ALL SMILES
Vic Husslers trainer Matt Cumani was all smiles regarding Team Captain when we caught up with him at the recent Magic Millions sales, he’s ambitious Autumn campaign is due to start on January 29.
Matt is giving Coup De Tonnerre (Race 4) a good chance. He’s an $8 with Sportsbet and was just outsprinted last start. This looks a more suitable race and he can win.
BET: Coup De Tonnerre – Each Way (Race 4 Moonee Valley)
HAYES TO HELP FUNDRAISER
Ben and JD Hayes continue to hit the ground running in 2022 and are placed third on the trainers premiership. The duo’s best chance at Moonee Valley is Fundraiser (Race 7). He drops a massive 3kgs from his first-up effort down the Flemington straight and while he’s pretty tight in the Sportsbet market $3.40 he strips fitter and the extra distance should suit.
BET: Fundraiser – WIN (Race 7 Moonee Valley)
MAHER/EUSTACE CONTINUE TO LEAD FROM THE FRONT
Great to catch up with Dave Eustace last week and hear the glowing report regarding two-year-old Lethal Thoughts for the Vic Husslers team. “He’s a very nice horse,” Eustace said.
Dave and Ciaron have Pioneer River (Race 8) who’s been good to followers of this column, he’s won twice this premiership and there’s no reason he won’t win again at the juicy odds of $7.50 on Sportsbet.
BET: Pioneer River – Each Way (Moonee Valley Race 8)
MICHAEL COSTA – KING OF THE STRIKE RATE
There’s no home track advantage for Michael Costa this Saturday but the Gold Coast trainer has two good chances at Doomben.
Supergiant (Race 3) was unsuited on the heavy track first-up but will strip fitter for the run and has plenty of ability.
The Ritz (Race 9) has been well supported on Sportsbet $4.60 he’s already won three this campaign, can run a sectional but his racing pattern is to get back so needs luck.
TONY GOLLAN FEELING FROSTY
There’s no reason the Gollan machine won’t continue to roll on at Doomben this Saturday. Frosty Mango (Race 6) she’s well found on Sportsbet at $2.90, is coming off two cracking seconds including chasing home Starman last start.
Purroni (Race 7) hasn’t won for a while, but looks well placed here. Just got too far back last start but made massive ground late and is worth a flutter at $9 on Sportsbet.
BET: Frosty Mango – WIN (Doomben Race 6)
BET: Purroni – Each Way (Doomben Race 7)
EDMONDS ARE GLOBAL CITIZENS
Don’t let the Toby and Trent Edmonds trained Global Citizen (Race 8) sneak under your guard at Doomben.
Early shoppers at Sportsbet have been prepared to take the $4.80 Global Citizen, who has won 5 of his 8 starts with 2 minor placings.
BET: Global Citizen – Each Way (Doomben Race 8)
Good luck and good punting!
Terry Kennedy