International Racing: Scone – Tuesday 09 June 2020

Cost: R250.00


Race 1
Half of the field in this the opening event on today’s program make their debuts here and the winner may well come from them. A close eye should be kept on the betting markets to get some indication as to how the various stables feel about their chances of winning first up. Of the raced runners, THE SNOOPERSTAR may be the pick. He returns from a 21 week break and has his first run for his new trainer, but he put in a solid barrier trial and has drawn in gate two. If fully settled into his new surroundings, he looks to be a big runner here. FRONTLINE has his first run, but he won his only barrier trial and if not too green, he could challenge the former. SEQUANA is another first timer. She is a 2yr old filly taking on the boys and older horses, but she put in an encouraging barrier trial and should be respected today. REALCOOLCAT also makes his debut. He has had two barrier trials and did show improvement in that latest effort.

Race 2
OUTBURST is a 2yr colt taking on older horses, but he finished second over six furlongs on debut. He would have learnt from the experience and with the natural improvement that can be expected, he looks to be the value in the race. DR COPPER has consistent formlines to his credit and finished third last time out over six furlongs, just two lengths behind the winner. He has drawn gate three and could be the biggest threat to the former. TOP HOFFA finished third last time out over 1500M and could appreciate the drop in distance. PANNIER DAME is a 3yr old filly who has shown good improvement in her last two outings. She drops back from the mile of her last run and has the blinkers removed for today’s outing and could do better as a result.

Race 3
HALCYON HOUSE returns from a 14 week rest, but he finished second in his only barrier trial to show his well-being. He did win his last start over 1100M by three lengths before the break and from gate four, he could be the one that they all have to beat. MELIK is seldom far off the action, finishing second in his last two outings and did win over this c&d three runs back. He has his second run after a 31 week rest, but if not in need of one more outing, he should be respected in this line-up. DREAM SONG is a 3yr old filly taking on males, but she has only had the two runs to date, winning over 1100M on debut. She followed that up with a third-place finish next time out over six furlongs and should give the boys a good run for their money. AY BEE ARE won his maiden race last time out over five furlongs and although taking on stronger here, he may well be up to the task on hand.

Race 4
WARRAH FLASH has cracked pole position and has his hat-trick attempt today. He won his penultimate outing over the c&d and the way he has gone about seeing off the opposition in those last two runs, the trio of victories is very much on the cards. FESTIVAL OF LIGHT followed up his penultimate win over this distance with a fourth-place finish over five furlongs next time out, 1.5L back. He could be the immediate danger to the top choice. DAMIT has his first run since a 19 week break, but has not had the benefit of a barrier trial, so his fitness will need to be taken on trust. On previous form however, he should be considered here. BLINKIN LEGEND is a 5yr old mare taking on boys, but she put up a solid last effort when one length behind the victor last time out over five furlongs and should not be overlooked.

Race 5
Two fillies and a mare could dominate the finish to this contest and complete the trifecta. TOE TAPPER is taken as the narrow top pick. She showed marked improvement in her last start when third over seven furlongs, just 1.1L behind the winner. She has draw eleven to negotiate, but she should be right up there in the mix. FOREVER JUDE will start one outside the former, but she has consistent form and was staying on well when third last time out over the mile. HOLY EMPRESS has an even worse draw, being stuck out the widest of them all. She steps up in trips after two runs over 1300M, but she did finish second over the c&d three outings back and should be doing her best work late. HOUSE WINS also steps up in trip, but he was making good late progress in his last outing over seven furlongs suggesting the extra ground will be to his liking.

Race 6
Just as in the previous race, the females could capture the trifecta here. In this case, the 3yr old fillies could dominate the males. SOPHIE’S LASS had her consistency rewarded with a victory last time out over five furlongs. She was immediately put away for 21 weeks and returns here after having finished second in her barrier trial. RED LIGHT DANCER drops down from six furlongs of her last outing where she was slowly away. If jumping on terms today, she is sure to put her pole position to good use and trouble the former. AGRAPART won her penultimate start over five furlongs and was not disgraced in her next outing over the same distance. PAMPLEMOUSSE returns from a lengthy 80 week break, but put in a solid barrier trial to prove his fitness. He could be the first of the opposite sex home. 

Race 7
The trend of fillies and mare dominating the finish to races could continue here with two 5yr old mares and two 3yr old fillies capturing the quartet in this contest. TOMBOLO dropped her jockey last time out over 1300M, but did finish second in her penultimate outing over six furlongs. She has pulled pole position and should be right up there in the firing line. ROSE OF SAVANNAH finished a creditable second last time out over seven furlongs and from draw four, she should be involved in the finish today. POLHAMPTON is drawn one inside the latter and is seldom too far back. She is likely to turn in another honest performance today. ARMINA missed out on her hat-trick last time out when one length back over six furlongs. She has a wide draw of eleven to contend with, but she will be hoping to get back to winning ways here.