Australian Racing – Tuesday 31 August 2021 – Hawkesbury

Race 4.

There are three unraced runners in the field, so as is always the case in these types of races, a keen eye should be kept on the betting markets to get some indication as to whether the connection believe that they can win first time out. Any betting support for a runner or runners should be respected. Of the raced runners, SABINO may prove to be the best. He has finished third in both of his starts to date, the latest over 1300M, 1.2L behind the winner, despite coming three wide into the home straight. He stayed on well that day and from gate seven, he is expected to be right up there in the finish.

OTELO has finished closer to the winner in each of his last three runs, the latest when third over 1100M, one and a half lengths back from the winner. He did not get the clearest of passages in the home straight that day and was also hampered at the 50M mark. He is drawn in a handy gate two and has his peak run after returning from a 15 week rest. With better luck in running, he rates a big danger to the top choice.

SHAOLIN TEMPLE came four wide into the home straight and was hanging out over the latter stages but nevertheless made marked improvement to end up fourth last time out over six furlongs, just under two and a half lengths behind the winner. He jumps from gate five and should be included in all bets.

Race 5.

As with the previous race, there are unraced runners in this contest as well, so keep an eye on the betting to see if any of the four entrants attract betting support. However, with the late scratching of two of her possible main rivals, the door may have opened for VON TRAPP to chalk up her maiden victory. She jumped awkwardly and then did not get the clearest of passages in the home straight before finishing seventh on debut over six furlongs, just under two lengths adrift of the winner. She would have learnt from that experience and with the natural improvement that can be expected, she could be the one that they all have to beat, notwithstanding a wideish draw seven.

IN THE BLINK raced three wide into the home stretch before finishing fourth last time out over six furlongs, just over three lengths behind the winner. She has her peak outing since returning from a 16 week absence and has a kinder gate three.

BETCHA BABY is seldom far off the action and ended up in fourth place in her latest start over 1300M, just under a half length back from the victor. She was returning from a 34 week break that day and although now drawn in a wide gate eleven as a result of the late scratchings, she should not be easier overlooked in this line-up.

Race 6.

Today’s best bet, AEECEE EXPRESS finished third on debut over 1100M and then made the expected improvement to win at the second time of asking when stepping up to six furlongs, albeit a narrow head victory. He was friendless in the betting market that day, but hit the front at the 120M mark and then strode away from the opposition in a manner that suggests that he should enjoy the extra ground on offer here. He was returning from an 18 week absence that day, but from his gate five, he could prove difficult to topple.

GENERAL SOLEIL is drawn one outside the top pick and has consistent formlines to his name, having finished second in his last two outings, both over today’s journey, the latest when 0.8L behind the winner. He on the other hand, attracted plenty of betting support that day and will be hoping to make amends today.

NEVER CRY jumped awkwardly but nevertheless made solid improvement to win his maiden race last time out over seven furlongs by 1.3L, this despite his jockey putting up 0.5kgs overweight. The colt is drawn one outside the latter and should be right up there in the mix.

Race 7.

KITTYHAWK FLYER is a 4yr old filly taking on the boys, but she finished strongly from so way back to end up in third spot last time out over 1100M, 2.2L back from the winner. She has a cozy draw three and should give the males a good run for their money. As such, she is taken to be the value bet on the day’s program.

FOX FIGHTER followed up his maiden victory over five furlongs in his penultimate start with a second spot finish next time out over 1100M, 1.3L behind the winner. He was making good late progress that day and from gate seven, he should keep the top selection honest.

PATROLLING has made steady improvement in his last three outings, the latest when fourth over 1100M, just under a length back from the winner. He overraced in the early stages that day and if he has continued down that same path of improvement, he should be considered a big runner here, jumping from gate five and with him having his peak run after returning from a 19-week break.