Highlights galore last night all around the country, but how impressive was Flying Ricciardo in his come from behind victory over Simon Told Helen at Dapto. An amazing effort, and now he is off to Melbourne for the Silver Chief heats in two weeks’ time. Here he will clash with the winner of the Queensland Derby at Albion Park last night, Sentenced, who was so strong in the run to the line, after finding early trouble, running down the track specialist Farmor Beach. Down at Hobart, Tommy Shelby went within 0.01 of the track record in winning his heat by 6 lengths, and he will start a short priced favourite in the final next Thursday.
All eyes tonight will be focused on The Gardens where we will see the running of the Newcastle Cup final, a Group 2 event, over the 715 metre trip. Here’s Tears will start favourite and no doubt he will find the lead from box 1, but Stanley Road will be hot on his hammer during the id stages, and this should allow Zipping Truvy to power home over the top, in the same fashion she did in her heat last week.
Bendigo Race 2 No 8 Mepunga Gertie $2.60 at PlayUp – Looked very good winning at her first start in a race recently, showing great early speed. A repeat of that effort will see her winning again. Selections: 8-5-1-2.
Richmond Race 3 No 8 Giarre $1.60 at PlayUp – Sparkling winner last start at track and distance. Previously had been racing well in city races over the 520 metres. Has speed to burn. Selections: 8-6-10-2.
The Gardens Race 10 No 2 Santa’s Real $3.20 at PlayUp – Omen tip with Christmas almost upon us. Been racing with great consistency of late without winning. Should be able to find the lead early from this draw. Selections: 2-8-1-5.
Bendigo Race 8 No 4 Razor’s Edge $1.75 at PlayUp – Very talented galloper who has endured an injury plague career to date. Finally putting some regular runs together so fitness will be improving on the up. Is classes above this lot and should lead throughout. Sale Cup bound so to be competitive in that he does need to win this. Highly rated by trainer. Selections: 4-3-5-8.
Bendigo Race 11 No 3 Zen Prince $2.15 at PlayUp – Another galloper whose career has been interrupted by injury. His two runs back from a 7 month break from racing have been sound without winning. This is a big drop in class for him and it would be no surprise to see him lead all the way. Selections: 3-4-1-8.
