Ryan Phelan takes a look at tonight’s card from Swan Hill.
Race 1:
OVERVIEW: EYE SEE PHILTRA (4) has been racing in great form, showing good speed from similar draws and running terrific races from handy positions. The start is key with several horses looking to map up front, but if he can get the right spot, he will be hard to hold out.
INSIDE LEG (2) was a good winner in a decent form race two back and was very good sectionally again last week. With plenty of speed the draw looks to be an advantage. WATTLEBANK ARNIE (8) drops in grade and could be open to improvement with a fast tempo expected. SPIRIT OF SAHARA (1) needs to lift on his past couple of runs, but if he can map with good cover can improve.
SELECTIONS: EYE SEE PHILTRA (4), INSIDE LEG (2), WATTLEBANK ARNIE (8), SPIRIT OF SAHARA (1)
Race 2:
OVERVIEW: HAPPENSTBABEACHBOY (8) got things wrong last start, but his form prior was quite good in stronger company than he faces here. The backrow draw may not be such a disadvantage punching through with good speed expected from the front row. If he can get the breaks he will be flashing late.
SPORTING RAGE (3) was a winner here back in January running good time, and if he can show good enough speed to race forward may take catching. RANDOM MAHONEY (6) will likely drift back from the draw, but with the fast speed expected he can come with one run and be powerful late. LEONARD (9) has been freshened up since he galloped out and suffered a flat tyre, his form prior was quite good and he trails through nicely.
BACK: HAPPENSTBABEACHBOY (8) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: HAPPENSTBABEACHBOY (8), SPORTING RAGE (3), RANDOM MAHONEY (6), LEONARD (9)
Race 3:
OVERVIEW: EARS THE BOSS (4) is a speedy beginner having his first start for the new stable in what looks to be a winnable race. He’s been racing well and if he can find the top, there doesn’t look to be much pressure for him to see out the trip.
OZZIE PEARL (6) finds a suitable assignment based on what she’s faced recently, and her times are good enough to put her into the fray. LITTLE WHIPPET (3) has improved his past couple of runs and gets a favourable map. BET ON ACES (2) has had one fair trial into this for the new stable and could be capable of showing something in this line up.
BACK: EARS THE BOSS (4) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: EARS THE BOSS (4), OZZIE PEARL (6), LITTLE WHIPPET (3), BET ON ACES (2)
Race 4:
OVERVIEW: STEEL MIKI (5) is still learning what it’s all about, but when he puts it together, he’s shown decent ability. That was evident two runs back where he rattled home and the form out of that race may be okay.
MAURLEN GRACE (6) finally showed what she’s capable of, running on well last time, her manners prior had let her down after displaying decent ability at the trials. MAJOR ORION (3) was a trial winner recently, albeit in slow time, but that’s good enough to hold her in good stead here. RICH LIST (4) is a 20-start maiden but turned in a career-best run last time when 4th and a repeat of that would have him in the hunt.
BACK: STEEL MIKI (5) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: STEEL MIKI (5), MAURLEN GRACE (6), MAJOR ORION (3), RICH LIST (4)
Race 5:
OVERVIEW: KING SAINT (3) was very good two runs back when able to lead at Melton well up in grade and run a very good 2nd. His other runs this campaign, where his numerical form doesn’t look flash, have been from bad draws, he looks ideally set up here.
SAVON DE ROCHE (4) has been in excellent form this preparation going for three wins in a row. Each time she’s had a great map and whilst this draw is a little stickier and up in class, she’s progressing in the right direction. GOOD DAY (5) has been honest this campaign, and although he has a sticky draw can race tough and hang in there. SHAQ (7) hasn’t been afforded any favours from the draw but rarely runs a bad race and does go well at this track.
BACK: KING SAINT (3) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: KING SAINT (3), SAVON DE ROCHE (4), GOOD DAY (5), SHAQ (7)
Race 6:
OVERVIEW: POLLY PEACHUM (2) is a veteran mare who possesses good early gate speed and strikes a very suitable race here. She hasn’t had a decent draw for a while and she still managed a win in that space, if she can control the top spot, she will be hard to run down.
ROAM (6) had her second start for the new stable and was good last time out winning in decent time at Shepparton, a repeat will see her hard to beat. BET SHEZA LADY (4) is first up with no trial, but she was largely consistent last season despite only winning once. OVER THE LINE (1) is another first up and may need the run but should get the soft run leaders’ back.
SELECTIONS: POLLY PEACHUM (2), ROAM (6), BET SHEZA LADY (4), OVER THE LINE (1)
Race 7:
OVERVIEW: ALL GOOD VINNIE (7) put it all together two runs back where he was expertly driven to win by a massive space. However, around that run, he has been his own worst enemy often getting things wrong at the start, but if he gets that right he will be hard to beat.
OUTBACK QUEENIE (6) has been quite consistent of late and was a forgive last time as a short-priced favourite when suffering a flat tyre. She looks the logical danger. IAMAWINGATE (5) will press forward from this draw and look for the top, he’s always thereabouts, particularly with a forward position. SOAR (2) is a winner at this track, and his soft draw keeps him in mind.
BACK: ALL GOOD VINNIE (7) – 2 units (win)
SELECTIONS: ALL GOOD VINNIE (7), OUTBACK QUEENIE (6), IAMAWINGATE (5), SOAR (2)
10-UNIT GAME PLAN
R2 #8 HAPPENSTBABEACHBOY – 2 units (win)
R3 #4 EARS THE BOSS – 2 units (win)
R4 #5 STEEL MIKI – 2 units (win)
R5 #3 KING SAINT – 2 units (win)
R7 #7 ALL GOOD VINNIE – 2 units (win)
EARLY QUADDIE
1,2,3,4,8,9/3,6,8/3,4,6/5,6
QUADDIE
3,4,5,6/3,4/1,2,4,6/6,7
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
** A betting unit is typically a percentage of the total bankroll or the amount of money you are willing to risk on a particular bet – for example 1 unit is 10% of your bankroll, therefore a $100 bankroll 1 unit equals $10
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