Caulfield R1 #6 Shojiki $4.00 at PlayUp – Was really impressed with the last start first up run of this Stokes trained filly, finding the line very well over the 1200m at Caulfield behind Diamonds In the Sky, which is a form lie that ties in directly with a few others in this race. It was an excellent return that was only 1 point off her peak career rating, which indicates she has returned very well this prep. Out to 1400m now second up will really suit, she looks well placed and well weighted and I expect her to run a new career peak rating in this run, and be too good for the others in this field.
Caulfield R3 #3 Hasseltoff $2.05 at PlayUp – An absolute certainty beaten last start in what was unfortunately a horror watch for all those invested (including us!). Terribly held up on the fence until the race was over, it was a complete forgive and forget job. Comes out to 1800m here for the first time, but is deep into the prep and rock hard fit, and drawn very well in barrier three to be given every chance in the run. A dominant winner over 1700m two runs back, this extra trip will be absolutely no issue at all. The wet track is an advantage, and J Kah can atone today.
Caulfield R5 #2 Portland Sky $5.50 at PlayUp – Thought this horse represented some value in the G3 Manfred Stakes, second up returning to Melbourne off a completely luckless one-run campaign up in Brisbane. He ran last in the G3 Vo Rogue plate, but was caught four deep no cover off the track the entire run, and it is a complete forget. Second up here and back to a smaller field, he will be fit for recent travelling and looks much better placed in this G3 level back to 1200m. He is already a winner at this distance and grade, and that was on a soft 7 as well which proves he has the superior wet track form in the race. He came up against the likes of September Run and Muntaseera last prep, and was always on their heels, so he seems to be flying under the radar of some punters again!
Rosehill R1 #1 Al Mah Haha $1.85 at PlayUp – Cannot believe there is over even-money available for this horse still on Friday afternoon, lining up in a highway event with only 59kg after competing, and running very well in, a number of high class races this prep. He was only beaten 2.7L in the Kosciuszko, then went to win the Goulburn Cup over 1400m on a soft 6 (big tick for this rain affected going on Saturday!), then finished 5L away in The Gong, and was then only beaten 2L in the G2 Villiers over the mile. He now comes to a regular off season highway race with only 59kg, superior wet track stats, and a good map from the barrier. Only bad luck beats him.
Rosehill R7 #7 Mizzy $12.00 at PlayUp – Thought Mizzy might be able to steal a win here in the G2 Expressway Stakes against classier horses who may not be tuned up and ready to go here fresh. Since November ’19, she has only had one race start although plenty of trials, so tipping there may have been an issue. Her two trials leading into this run, however, have both been extremely promising wins and it signals that she has returned to her very best. She has a great fresh record, and is twice a winner at the 1200m. The wet track is no issue, and the wider draw looks to be suitable as she can find the best going. There is no doubting that horses such as Ole Kirk and Kolding are better than Mizzy, but they’re best isn’t over 1200m, and they have targets later in the Autumn to keep in mind.
