Lockdown round 2 for some parts of Sydney this week, as the meeting is now transferred to Rosehill with no spectators allowed on course (apart from some lucky owners). The story was looking very similar in Melbourne earlier this week, before a late minute change to allow spectators to travel into Caulfield for their race day. It’s G1 Tattersall’s Tiara day at Eagle Farm, with a cracking edition of fillies and mares to do battle over the 1400m. The only three current chances in single figures as of Friday have all drawn the car park, meaning there is some excellent value to be found for horses drawn better to the inside. Take a look at our PlayUp form expert’s selections down below.
Caulfield:
R1 #2 Jigsaw $2.00 at PlayUp– Promising horse returning here in Jigsaw, who competed up there among the best 2yo’s in his first racing season. He managed to beat eventual G1 Blue Diamond winner Artorius on debut in a very strong display, before being no match on speed in a swoopers dominated the event in that subsequent G1. Returns here off a few Cranbourne jumpouts, both of which have been extremely promising. He can sustain a high travelling speed and was showing good acceleration through the line under a big hold. Soft track conditions suit, as does the rail being out 12m which should lead to a notable on-pace bias.
R2 #6 Veranksova $2.60 at PlayUp – Very keen to be with the favourite here, who although has to contend with a wide draw today simply looks too classy for these. Broke through in maiden grade at Sale last start when having her second career start. She found a good spot midfield and chased down the 2nd horse with an outstanding turn of foot, and a huge gap back to third. The last 200m sectional was near on the fastest of the entire day, and the win itself rated extremely highly. She will likely push forward from the barrier to be handy again, is proven in wet conditions and the slight rise up to 1200m is very suitable as well.
R4 #19 Chief Altony $3.70 at PlayUp– Keen on the fifth emergency gaining a start here in Chief Altony, who comes off a run last start at Flemington where he simply did not have much luck. He was heavily supported that day, jumping as a $2 favourite, and found all sorts of traffic problems back in the field. With even luck getting a run, he likely wins that race just as the market expected. He now finds a very similar set-up, with the same weight and equal class, albeit just has to move to Caulfield, and we are getting over double the price he was the last start. He looks like a definite bet, just need him to make the final field.
Rosehill (transferred from Randwick):
R5 #4 Sarodec $7.00 at PlayUp – Wanting to be with a proven winner here in Sarodec, who comes into this race at Rosehill over the now 1500m (was originally over a mile at Randwick) fifth up, having already won three of four starts this campaign. He was strong leading throughout and never being caught at Sandown over the mile last time, and from the wide draw expect them to employ similar tactics here. He is a rock hard fit, in form, handles the trip and should appreciate this race. Looks well placed by the stable, who also don’t mind a bet, so if you see the money start to pile on, that is always a good sign.
R7 #10 Great House $2.90 at PlayUp – Keen to take on the favourite and side with Great House here, who is coming off a very hard-fought win last start when fresh here over 1500m. He had to fight hard through the line to score, and the horse he defeated now goes around as a very good chance earlier in the card (check that result for a form line!). Second up now to 1800m really suits, and sticking to Rosehill does as well. He is up in grade but gets a drop in weight for that and Avdulla hopping aboard is also a positive sign. Well drawn, favours the wet track conditions and can easily beat the favourite who is rising 6kg in weight off a last-start win.
