Eagle Farm Race 4 Tip #4 King Gutho $2.60
This two-year-old gelding from the Queanbeyan stable of Joe Cleary was strong through the line behind topliner Sweet Dolly last run.
The son of Better Than Ready has shown he is adaptable in any conditions, as he got through the heavy going well that day
and his only win was on a Good surface.
He steps up to 1400m for the first time for this clash and appears to be crying out for the trip.
Look for experienced hoop Brad Stewart to settle him just off the speed from the good gate.
Some of these babies will struggle with the extra distance, so Stewart will just need to time his run in the straight to get the better of his rivals.
Mornington Race 7 Tip #7 Mount Popa $2.70
Mount Popa has been impressive since arriving to Australian shores.
His French form over 2400m is solid and the Hawkes team have elected to travel south to take on the 12 furlongs of the Mornington Cup, after a barnstorming win last start in the Randwick City Stakes over 2000m.
In that race he did most things right in the run, jumping well and settling off the hot pace set by Sacramento before proving too strong in the straight. They spaced third.
He did hang out a touch on the turns, which I expect to help him when going the Victorian way.
Stewards noted he lost a plate in the straight also, adding further merit to that performance.
On paper, the tempo in this year's Mornington Cup looks slower than average.
Mount Popa has the gate speed to jump from barrier 4 and most likely sit on pace, which is an advantage particularly at the tight Mornington track.
If Pikey can get an easy time of it on the speed, a sit and sprint finish will suit Mount Popa and he can win again
Mornington Race 8 Tip #1 Ancestry $2.60
Astute trainer Phil Stokes decided to bypass Friday night's William Reid Stakes for a shot at the Hareeba Stakes with this brilliant sprinter.
Jumping from barrier one in this clash, he's sure to lead the field easily from the outset.
From that position, expect him to dominate the race as he did last Saturday at The Valley.
Avoca Race 2 Tip #5 Mr Pristine $2.40
This colt first caught my eye when he jumped to the front in a Caulfield jump-out. He won the heat under his own steam, beating a couple of winners in Grey Detective and Unhinched.
He showed natural speed in the trial too and went forward, beating home Field of Roses.
The barrier for this clash is not ideal, but if he can jump cleanly he can roll forward and cross them early.
I expect him to blow them away in this and do it at both ends.
Eagle Farm Race 2 Tip #5 Point Counterpoint $5.00
I absolutely love the set up for this 3YO gelding from NSW and expect him to firm and ultimately prove hard to beat.
His recent runs have been very good against the older horses, and he's been narrowly beaten on the line late on both occasions over the 2300m.
I’m extremely wary about the QLD staying form and this is one case that stands out.
None of these horses have been tried over 1800m, whilst 4 of the 7 come out of the same form race where they finished bunched in a slowly run affair.
It’s really hard to have any confidence whatsoever that they can run out a strong 2200m.
Ronnie Stewart gets the ride and from barrier 4, I expect him to sit that little bit closer than he has in recent races.
The form suggests he will be winning this race easily!
Ascot Race 1 Tip #3 Pletto $2.10
Surely today is the day for Pletto. Surely!
He was beaten 2 lengths by Bruce Almighty two starts back, after being shuffled back through the field on the turn to an un-winnable position. He meets that horse again here and gets a 3kg weight swing in his favour.
Last start, he was dropped out the back on a leader's day and finished strongly for second, recording late sectionals which were competitive with the two Listed races run over 1400m on the same day.
Pletto has Brad Rawiller on for this clash and he draws barrier 1 in a smaller field.
Brad is a strong, positive, agressive jockey who will suit the horse perfectly.
He also drops from a 66+ back into a 58+ and this looks the perfect assignment for him to notch his first win this campaign.
Look for Scooter's Machine and Bruce Almighty to come across and find the lead and ensure a decent tempo.
From barrier 1, Pletto will be able to land on the leader's back stalking the speed.
From there, expect him to prove too good and breakthrough for a deserved victory