International Racing: Saturday 18 July 2020 – Australia

Race 5

Three 3yr old fillies look like they will dominate the finish to this race and complete the trifecta, but the standout top pick is CHANTREA who is undefeated in five career starts, the last three of which have been at this venue. She seems to be getting better the further she goes and although trying the eleven furlongs for the first time, she is made the best bet on today’s card. She has cracked pole position and should make it six from six here. CAMBIST stayed on well when one length behind the top pick last time out over the ten furlongs, but as they meet on the same weight terms today, she may battle to reverse that result. The same comment applies to HEAVEN’S GIFT who finished just 0.1L behind the latter in that same race. She may not however be as effective as the top two selections over the extra furlong of today’s contest. 

Race 7

FRED DAG has finished second in his last two starts and was only run out of it very late when finishing a head behind the winner last time out over this c&d. From draw six, he looks to be the one to side with here. NOT TO BE MIST has his peak run today and has also finished second in his last two runs, the latest of which was over seven furlongs when 2.3L back. He is drawn out at nine but could be the biggest danger to the top choice. WRINKLY finished third in his last outing over seven furlongs, but was only beaten a head in his penultimate start over the c&d and looks to be the best of the balance of the field.

Race 8

MASSIMO showed good improvement in his last start when finishing a head behind the victor over this c&d. He looked a likely winner that day, before being run out of it very late. He jumps from gate four and will be hoping to go one better here. CRYSTAL SPIRIT returns from a lengthy 97-week break but has put in two encouraging barrier trials. He did win three on the bounce before his rest, so he clearly has some ability. The fact that his connections have brought him back into racing would suggest that they still think that he has more to offer. MANKIND finished fourth last time out over seven furlongs but now drops to possibly a more suitable distance, given that he won his penultimate outing over the c&d. 

Race 9

A 4yr old and a 3yr old filly could fight out the finish here and secure the exacta. ZEPHYR QUEEN has consistent formlines to her credit and was only collared late before finishing third last time out over seven furlongs. She has a handy three draw and seems certain to enjoy the drop in distance. As such, she is taken to be the value in the race. WINE NIGHT steps up in distance after finishing second in her last outing over five furlongs, just a head behind the winner. The extra ground of today’s race should not be an issue. FOO TROUBLE missed out on his hat-trick last time out when he finished third, beaten less than a length over six furlongs. He was staying on well in the closing stages of the race and should appreciate the extra ground on offer today. 

Race 10

LONG BEACH won his last start over six furlongs by just under a length when returning from a 17-week absence. His overall form is solid having won two of his last three outings and although he is drawn wide out at gate fourteen and takes a drop in trip, he should still be right up there when they hit the line. SHINJU has his first run after a 21-week rest but did finish second in both of his barrier trial to prove his well-being. His form over five furlongs is good, having won over the trip before the break and despite having to come from draw 10, he should be involved in the finish here. TOO CLEVER drops in distance after finishing fourth over 1100M last time out and may do better as a result. DOUBLE BUBBLE is a 4yr old filly taking on males. She also drops in trip and whilst having to overcome a wide eleven draw, she should be included in all bets.