The race for a spot in the Miracle Mile reaches it’s crescendo at Menangle on Saturday night with the final two lead-up races.
Throw in heats of the NSW Derby and NSW Oaks, along with the Robin Dundee for mares’ and this a gem of a race night.
Our Aussie correspondent ADAM HAMILTON casts his eye over the main races:
RACE 5 – CANADIAN CLUB SPRINT
The draw points to LENNYTHESHARK (2) leading and winning. Both runs back from his hoof issues have been outstanding in defeat. BLING IT ON (8) has gone to a new level, but draw makes it tricky. The main threat. HAVE FAITH IN ME (10) is showing glimpses, but looks a bit one-paced. Will need to return his best to overcome outside barrier. AZTEC BROMAC (1) is a ripper place bet at big odds. TIGER TARA (3) is a complete guess … good enough to be a factor at his top, but who knows? HUG THE WIND (5) is a place hope.
SUGGESTED BET: Aztec Bromac the place at $4 or better.
RACE 6 – ALLIED EXPRESS SPRINT
HECTORJAYJAY (5) should find the front from TACT TATE (2) and lead throughout. Will be kept honest by the much-improved SALTY ROBYN (6), but still think Hector will be too slippery. SALTY ROBYN (6) was fantastic last week and will expose any chinks in Hector. Respect him. SMOLDA (8) is tricky to assess. Was flying before being pressured, tiring late and running below best in Hunter Cup. Wide draw and sprint trip against. Just a place for me. TACT TATE (2) can place from behind leader. ALLBLACK STRIDE (3) is a definite place hope as has MAJOR CROCKER (1).
SUGGESTED BET: Hectorjayjay to win, but need $1.60 or better
RACE 2 – NSW DERBY HEAT 1
The weakest of three heats. Rematch between Vic Derby winner OUR LITTLE GENERAL (6) and runner-up MOTU METEOR (10). Draw favours A LITTLE GENERAL (6) and he’s the one to beat again. MOTU METEOR (10) will enjoy big track. Next best are I AM SERENGETI (7) and SLICE OF HEAVEN (1)
SUGGESTED BET: Our Little General to win if $1.70 or better
RACE 3 – NSW DERBY HEAT 2
Pick the margin job for ULTIMATE MACHETE (5) on his best NZ form. League above them. ASTRIDE (7) is just as clearly second pick. Only other place hopes are ATOMIC RED (3) and ROLL WITH ME (10).
SUGGESTED BET: Trifecta 5/7/3,10
RACE 4 – NSW DERBY HEAT 3
If you need convincing with VINCENT (5) is, just watch his Victoria Derby heat win back. Forget the final when he copped a burst tyre and retired from race. Will make a mess of these. WRAPPERS DELIGHT (8) is handy Victorian with strong place claims. OUR TRIPLE PLAY (4) next best from CONVICTION (2) then REDBANK BLAZE (1).
SUGGESTED BET: Quinella Vincent and Wrappers Delight
RACE 7 – ROBIN DUNDEE STAKES
Can’t tip against A PICCADILLY PRINCESS (12) who was brave in defeat in blistering time when sat parked against Rocker Band last time. Will have to earn this, but still top pick. Expecting big first-up run from AMERETTO (8) is she can get across into a good spot early. BERSISARI (14) is a tough and classy Victorian with definite claims. SALLY FLETCHER (11), KATY PERRY (13) and MILLWOOD LIBERTY (6) next best.
SUGGESTED BET: Ameretto each-way if $10 or better
RACE 9 – NSW OAKS HEAT 1
Love this heat and think it has the most depth. Not much between Victorian pair PETACULAR (2) and MISS GRACELAND (4) as their latest clash showed. So think MISS GRACELAND (4) is the value given the odds difference. Both top shelf and think they have elite potential. DONT THINK TWICE (8) oozes talent, but will have to work from draw. Third pick. SHARTIN (3) is lightly-raced, but promising and next best from SHEZALLAAPPLES (12).
SUGGESTED BET: Miss Graceland each-way at $6 or better
RACE 10 – NSW OAKS HEAT 2
PARTYON (7) is unbeaten, but certainly not unbeatable in this series. Struck the weaker heat and looks the winner, but can’t take the $1.50 on offer. ELENIARK (6) and ANYBEACH ANYWHERE (5) can test her with luck. Also give TAKARA TRUFFLE (11) and SANNA CRUZA (1) some hope.
Suggested bet: Something small on Anybeach Anywhere and Eleniark if either or both are $8 or better
SUMMARY
BEST BET: R6 n5 Hectorjayjay if $1.60 or better
BEST VALUE: R9 n4 Miss Graceland if $6 or better each-way
BEST ROUGHIE: R5 n1 Aztec Bromac (one the win, three the place)
Adam Hamilton