Doomben Race 3 Tip #2 Ziemba $2.90
This Rob Heathcote galloper is racing in career best form and looks well placed to continue that run here.
The son of Rothsay boasts an impressive 36% win strike rate, winning 5 of his 14 starts to date.
Since returning from a spell he notched up two excellent fast finishing victories, before running on for third behind the in form Beaufort Park.
In that clash, he was strong through the line after making up many lengths again so the step up to 1600m looks right for him now.
Stephanie Thornton has done a great job on board this campaign which is another positive towards his chances.
With only moderate speed in the race and rising in distance, expect Thornton to settle a touch more forward in midfield to take up a nice trailing position.
If he can reproduce his strong finish, they will be hard pressed to go with him.
Albury Race 4 Tip #2 You Too $6.00
The daughter of Nicconi finds a suitable race to notch up her first win for new trainer Mitch Beer.
She's now getting back out to her ideal distance and is well suited back on top of the ground.
She was solid enough last time out, coming off almost a month off. The quicker back-up will suit and she is ready to strike!
Moonee Valley Race 3 Tip #5 Portland Sky $3.15
Despite the fact that Portland Sky only has a Ballarat maiden synthetic win next to his name, he looks the one to beat here.
That win three starts back was super, as he was able to sit three wide throughout and still have the energy to sprint away from his rivals.
Some could argue he was a certainty beat in his second start at Caulfield.
He travelled sweetly into that race, before being held up from straightening to the 100m post. By then, the bird had flown and he wasn’t fully extended beaten just under 3 lengths.
He then lined up in Listed grade last start at Flemington, where he had his first run down the straight to finish an honourable fourth behind the flying September Run. In that run, he looked as though he was on the inferior ground toward the inside rail.
The colt draws perfectly in barrier 1 for this clash and looks versatile enough to either lead or take a sit behind Mildred, who could cross them here.
Ben Melham has ridden with him throughout this preparation, which makes me feel as though there’s something underneath the bonnet!
The step up to 1200m is a positive and he looks to have found himself a very thin race, with the two other market hopes looking to be the only hopes.
Ascot Race 8 Tip #11 Cliffs of Comfort $6.00
Cliffs of Comfort can be forgiven for what looked like a disappointing run seven days ago.
In that clash he worked hard from a wide draw to find the top and simply had nothing left in the run home.
He reunites with Joey Azzopardi here and this looks a far more suitable race for him.
He has accounted for Laverrod before and the last time he met Celebrity Queen, he was gunned down on the line. He punched into a strong head-wind that day and now meets that runner 2kg better at the weights.
The race doesn't have a lot of top end speed on paper, so expect Cliffs of Comfort to fire out and hopefully find the rail fairly easily.
Expect Laverrod to box seat and Carocapo to take a sit, giving Cliffs of Comfort an easy time of it out in front.
Celebrity Queen will be back in midfield having to chase and with strong winds predicted by the afternoon, she could be set a tough task.
Kembla Grange Race 1 Tip #7 Fuchsia Rose $5.50
This filly should be well educated now with the three trials under her belt.
In her second trial, she beat home Tudor Music who has won four races.
She then had a good break and has returned with a trial, running third behind Bargain after being beaten less than a length.
Bargain has since been back to the races, competing in a Listed race.
Most of these horses have been to the races and yet to breakthrough for a win. I expect the debutant to show them how it's done.