Saturday selections from the PlayUp form analyst, first Group One day of the new year!
Sandown R2 #5 Amenable $4.40 at PlayUp – First up here, and was last seen running a mammoth ace in the G1 Caulfield Guineas behind Golden Mile. Was one of the widest runners on the turn and absolutely flew home through the line, running huge sectionals late and probably wins in a few more strides. Few trials and jump outs leading in very strong, he is a talented colt who looks to have improved into this prep and can be putting this field away first up.
Sandown R3 #2 Little Brose $9.00 at PlayUp – Keen to back this runner each way in the first of the Blue Diamond previews. He won the LR Merson Cooper over 1000m at the end of last prep, and actually won it quite convincingly given his double figure price there. Two strong jump outs leading into this first up run, the latest of which at Geelong was ultra impressive. Got back, came wide and flew through the line under an absolute stranglehold, and running very quick time for the morning. He looks to have matured very nicely leading into this second perp, and from a handy draw should be going very close.
Sandown R7 (G1 CF Orr Stakes) #5 Western Empire $34.00 at PlayUp – Going to have a throw at the stumps here in what looks an even G1 to start the Autumn carnival. While a number of the bigger names in this field have other targets in mind, this horse is third up fit and already up and running this prep, and might be able to steal it. He had a jump out on Tuesday at Pakenham and absolutely bolted in, running very quick time and doing it all under a hold. The horse looks in outstanding condition, clearly running very well, and I think out to 1400m now is the key. Have to be going each way here.
Randwick R6 #2 Mexico $18.00 at PlayUp – First up here, after being scratched behind the barriers when a short favourite last Saturday. But it may be a blessing in disguise, because the trial earlier in the week against older horses at Randwick was exceptional, and he looks a genuine chance here in the Inglis Millennium. The trial was run in very quick time, and he flew through the line with a great action to run second over the 740m’s. It was simply a tick over trial for a horse who is already fit and forward seeing it was supposed to resume last weekend. Will stalk a hot speed here out the back and can be flying home late.
Randwick R8 #2 Mo’unga $8.50 at PlayUp – Going to have something on the first up specialist for Annabel Neasham, who returns here off two quiet trials where although well beaten has looked to move nicely and finish off well through the line. He has a 50% winning strike rate fresh, and is a three time winner over this 1400m distance as well which a few others might find a bit sharp. Goes back from barrier 11 and can be running on in clear air late.
