Australian racing tips – Thursday 15 February 2024 – Goulburn

Best Bet: SIR MING (Race 7)
Value Bet: CAPABELLE (Race 8)

Jackpot (race 5 – 8)

Cost: R90.00

Race 5

There are seven 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 any of the connections believe that they can win first-time out. Any betting support for a runner or runners should be respected. Of the raced runners, two 3-year-olds and a 4-year-old filly could fight out the finish to the race and secure the trifecta, but HELLDANCER may well prove to be the best. She jumped awkwardly, but recovered quickly to race just behind the leaders and then stayed on well over the closing stages to finish fifth last time out over 1100M, just over three and a half lengths behind the winner. The filly returns from a 23-week break but has had two barrier trials, winning them both, to showcase her well-being. From a handy draw four and with non-claiming apprentice, Zac Lloyd, son of ex-SA champion jockey, Jeff Lloyd in the irons, she will be hoping to win her maiden race today.

ANINI had finished third in her three runs prior to ending up in sixth place last time out over six furlongs, six and a half lengths adrift of the winner, but she did jump awkwardly bumping another runner in that event, so she had an excuse. She faces a wide draw twelve, but she should be right up there when they hit the line.

QUALITY MISS is drawn one inside the latter and has only had two runs to date, finishing sixth on debut over five furlongs and then fourth next time out over the same sprint trip, just under three and a half lengths behind the winner, but she was returning from a 24-week break that day and raced three wide without cover. She would have come on further with that run under her belt and whilst drawn just one inside the latter, she should be involved in the finish.

Race 6

ZABELLSARERINGING has finished second in four of his last five starts, the latest when beaten a short-head in the shadow of the post over ten furlongs. He raced just behind the leaders and then battled all the way down to the line in that contest and whilst the gelding will have to negotiate a wide draw nine, he will be hoping to go one better today.

DENARAU is a 5-year-old mare taking on the boys, but she has finished second in her last two outings, the latest over a mile, 1.3L off the winner. She delivered a powerful finish from some way back in that contest and from gate five, she should be considered a big runner in this line-up.

GET SHAFTED came the widest of them all into the home straight, but made good late progress to finish seventh last time out over seven furlongs, 2.8L back from the victor. The form of that race has been franked and jumping from gate eight, the gelding should be included in all bets.

Race 7

SIR MING had his consistency rewarded with a victory last time out over 1300M, by putting 3.8L between himself and the opposition. He went from jump to wire that day and from his useful draw four and with him having 2kgs taken off his back thanks to his claiming apprentice, he is likely to attempt similar tactics today and could prove hard to reel in over the latter stages. As such, he is made the best bet on the day’s card.

EMANCIPIST was hampered at the start and found himself at the rear of the field, but then ran on strongly to end up in fifth spot last time out over six furlongs, 3.2L back from the winner. The gelding has his peak run for his new trainer after returning from a 22-week break, but he will have ex-SA jockey Keagan Latham in the irons, so will get all the necessary assistance from the saddle and the extra ground on offer here should be to his liking.
OWL WITNESS goes for his hat-trick after two victories over seven furlongs, the latest by 1.3L. He has his first run for his new trainer and after a 15-week rest, but has finished fourth in his only barrier trial and if fully settled into his new surroundings, he should give a good account of himself here, notwithstanding a wide gate nine.

Race 8

A 3-year-old and two 4-year-old fillies could fight out the finish to this race and complete the trifecta, but the day’s value bet, CAPABELLE could find her way into the winner’s box. She has only had three runs so far and finished well to win the latest over five furlongs by 2.8L. She was returning from an 18-week break that day and from gate seven, she could chalk up a quick double.

EIGHT OF A KIND is drawn one inside the top pick and followed up her penultimate run victory over six furlongs with a fourth-place finish next time out over seven furlongs, 1.8L back from the winner. She sat just behind the pace on that occasion and then stayed on well over the latter stages. The filly does return from a 24-week spell, but has finished second in her only barrier trial to prove her fitness.

PRINCESTON resumes after a shorter 17-week break but has had two barrier trials, finishing second in the first and winning the latest. She has won two of her last three starts and raced green down the home stretch in the latest over five furlongs, but still managed to win by a length. She did however have to survive an objection lodged by the second-placed runner before being officially declared as the winner. She faces a wide gate nine, but on the plus side, she will have 1.5kgs removed from her allocated weight courtesy of her claiming apprentice.