Australian Racing: Thursday 24 June 2021 – Kembla Grange

Race 3

WALKIN’TALKIN‘ is a 2yr old colt taking on older horses, but he finished fourth on debut over five furlongs and then showed the expected improvement to win his next start, also over five furlongs by 1.8L. He took over the lead as the field entered the home straight and then bust clear off the opposition at the 200M mark. On that effort, he should have little problem seeing out the extra ground on offer here and from a handy draw two, he looks to be the one that they all have to beat.

CHATEAUX PARK has consistent formlines to his name and finished strongly from some way back to secure fourth place last time out over a mile, just under two lengths behind the winner. He returns from a 23-week absence, but has had the benefit of two barrier trials, finishing second in the latest to prove his fitness. He will have to overcome gate nine out of ten, but nevertheless, he should be right up there when they hit the line.

SIDEREAL finished second in his last two starts in the UK, the latest over seven furlongs, two lengths adrift of the victor. He has his first run in Australia after competing in four barrier trials, finishing third in the latest. He jumps from draw six and will have 3kgs taken off his back thanks to his claiming apprentice to aid his cause.

Race 4

I AM LETHAL is a 2yr old colt taking on older horses and makes his debut here after winning both of his barrier trials. He hails from a stable who knows how to get them ready to win at the first time of asking, so any betting support for him should be respected. He will have to negotiate draw nine, but he may prove to be too good for this line-up.

Of the raced runners, two 3yr old fillies could chase the top choice home, with the preference going to DAY PERFORMER. She was bumped at the start before staying on well to end up in second place last time out over 1100M, 2.3L back from the winner. She gets gate six and should be right there should the top pick fluff his lines.

MOON DANCER has only had the two runs to date finishing fourth first time out and then second when stepping up to six furlongs, one length behind the winner. She overraced in the early stages and found herself in front at the 800M pole, but then battled all the way down to the wire, only to be denied victory in the last few strides. From her cosy draw three, she should be included in all bets.

Race 5

The day’s value bet, CHARM OFFENSIVE is seldom far off the action and did not get the clearest of passages in the home stretch when finishing third in his last outing over five furlongs, 2.2L behind the winner. The form of that race has however been franked and although drawn wide in gate ten, he will get the services of ex-SA jockey Keagan Latham, so will get all the necessary assistance from the saddle.

COLONEL on the other hand has cracked pole position. He has finished closer to the winner in each of his last three starts, the latest when second over five furlongs, just under a half-length off the winner. His objection against the winner on the grounds of interference was overruled.

As with the latter, TICKLER has finished closer to the winner in each of his last three runs, the latest when third, 0.4L back from the victor over seven furlongs when making good late progress. He has his first run after an 18-week break and has not had a barrier trial, so his fitness will have to be taken on trust. He does however have a handy gate two and will have the blinkers removed for today’s race.

Race 6

FENECH goes for his hat-trick after chalking up a double since returning from a lengthy 41-week break, with wins over six furlongs and the latest over 1300M by a head. The rest was clearly just what he needed and jumping from a wideish gate seven, but getting 3kgs removed from his allocated weight courtesy of his claiming apprentice, he is taken to be the best bet on the day’s card.

MADAM CHARM is drawn one outside the top pick and is a 3yr old filly taking on males, but she missed out on her trio of victories when stepping up in trip to 1900M and ending up in third spot last time, 4.3L behind the winner. She drops back to what appears to be a more suitable trip today and should give the boys a good run for their money.

TONGARIRO has made steady improvement in his last three runs, finishing third last time out over a mile, 1.2L back from the winner. He stayed on well that day and has his peak run here after returning from a 21-week break. He jumps from gate four and will be partnered by Keagan Latham.