Cracking day of black-type racing around the country this Saturday as we really start to creep closer to the Spring carnival. The feature in Melbourne is the running of the PB Lawrence Stakes at G2 level, while previous winners of the G3 Vain Stakes include Bivouac, Russian Revolution and Sepoy to name a few. A huge 10-race program at Kembla Grange, while big racing in Adelaide and Brisbane as well. Take a look at the PlayUp selections below.
Caulfield R2 #4 Hi Stranger $2.50 at PlayUp – Very keen on Hi Stranger to make it back to back victories, coming off a dominant romp at The Valley last time out. He sat midfield and put the field away by 1.5L eased down, including No Effort who lines up again here today. Sticking to the mile suits, and looks to get an almost identical map in running for this race. The rise 2kg in weight should be offset by his added fitness and winning form which has him very hard to beat.
Caulfield R3 #8 Diamonds In the Sky $3.80 at PlayUp – Keen on the second up runner here for P Moody, who was good resuming over 1200m here last start. Took up his usual leading role and looked a big chance to keep going at the 200m mark, but the pattern of the race suited swoops and he ran out of condition inside the final few strides. Fitter now, and back to 1100m is a very positive move for this horse. Expect him to find the lead easily in a race with low tempo and be hard to catch in front.
Caulfield R6 #3 Ingratiating $3.40 at PlayUp – Looks a cracking edition of the G3 Vain Stakes, and I think the Godolphin runner Ingratiating brings the best form lines here. First up from a spell, his two NSW trials have been very eye catching as he settles midfield and attacks the line hard under a big hold. Last prep he won the Listed Talindert at Flemington, before running 2nd in the G1 Blue Diamond and 3rd in the Golden Slipper. These form lines are far superior to any other runner, and he should track a very hot speed here and unleash late.
Kembla Grange R2 #2 All Time Legend $3.40 at PlayUp – Finished second behind a smart one fresh last start, but gave a big sight and was only narrowly defeated on the line. Second up now and is unbeaten from two attempts at this stage of his prep, as he also is at the 1200m. This is a pretty hot race, with Big Parade and Mamaragan bringing in some very strong form lines, but All Time Legend has race fitness on his side, and the services of K McEvoy to boot.
Morphettville R6 #3 Beau Rossa $2.20 at PlayUp – Very keen on the Clarken trained Beau Rossa here in the G3 feature in Adelaide. This very smart galloper resumed in the Listed Lightning Stakes last start and put the field away by 3L under almost no pressure. It was noted that the heavy 10 surface that day is far from ideal, so to see the horse win in such fashion shows how well he has returned. Now with added fitness, and an unbeaten second up record, he should be too good for this field again over his pet 1200m distance. Dalasan resumes and is classy but is looking for much further, while Behemoth also resumes and his best is 1400m+, and is doubtful to be wound up for this run.
