SATURDAY racing in the new year, so get around these selections from our PlayUp form analyst!
Caulfield
R3 #5 Rioyuki $5.00 at PlayUp
Coming off a very good run at The Valley when 6 weeks between runs, finishing 3rd over the 1200m. She got well back in the field behind a slow tempo, meaning it was going to be near impossible to win especially at a leader bias Valley circuit. She flew home inside the last 400m, going 10L quicker than standard through the line and also ran the fastest last 200m of the entire night. Fitter here, out to 1400m perfect and the wider Caulfield circuit should suit.
R4 #19 Tax Free Prophet $20.00 at PlayUp
Cannot believe the price about this runner, who has been super this prep from two starts including a first up win, and a very unsuitable run at the Valley last start. He ran the fastest last 200m of the day when winning at Mornington, and then got back to last at The Valley and flew home from an impossible winning position, running 4.5L quicker than standard for his last 400m. Third up now, out to 1100m again and coming to Caulfield are all major positives, and the wide draw is no issue as he settles back anyway. Must be a winning chance.
R9 #10 Vespertine $5.00 at PlayUp
Like this mare in the last, coming off a very good return to racing at Flemington last time out. Under half a length off the winner, she ran the third fastest last 200m split of the day home, and her last 400m was 7L quicker than standard. Gets a huge weight relief with the claim for L McNeil, and should be ready to fire now second up from a soft barrier.
Rosehill
R6 #8 Miss Baltimore $15.00 at PlayUp
Was keen on this runner at a big price first up, and she ran gallantly at Randwick finishing 5th only beaten 2L. Second up here, she comes back to 1100m and holds a very low weight, and again looks over the odds. Gets back and runs on from barrier 10 is fine, and she was a dominant winner second up last prep albeit in easier grade. Willing to give her another chance at a big price.
R9 #6 Niffler $3.30 at PlayUp
A waller mare in outstanding form, coming off two wins and a last run 2nd so far this prep, She was beaten a head at Randwick over the 1800m last start behind a smart one, and that backed up two midweek wins which were both dominant. The key change here is Mcdonald on, and a very soft draw from barrier two. Hard to go against her, this proven trainer/jockey combination is impossible to ignore.
