Opinion
It was a big week to start the new season with my best getting up at double figures and Inanup saluting as well.
The major bonus for me is that the 2020 total is in front for the first time in a few months. I’m hoping after this week’s ten units, there’s a clear gap.
After a good week weather-wise, the rain has come (again), leaving us with another likely heavy surface, although Rosehill does seem to hold water a bit better than HQ, so hopefully all horses get their shot.
Dixie’s 2020 tally
Units bet: 266
Units won: 274.90
Stats are based on one unit being equal to a $1 win bet New South Wales dividends. See the comments for any changes based on scratchings or track condition.
Race 1 – 3 Matowatakpe (one unit)
Get to set the alarm clock and have a bet in the opener this week. This fella has always raced over shorter, more sprint trips, but showed enough in midweek grade last time to go with. Two of Matowatakpe’s wins have been at 1300, the latest on heavy, so I’m trusting Bjorn knows what he’s doing and the 1500 will suit.
Race 2 – 4 Royal Banquet (two units)
Taking the short price with Royal Banquet. He’s been beautifully placed to win four in a row, gave his rivals a five-length thumping last Wednesday and has his chance to go on with it here. Interest as always in Almerheri – two from four on slow but without a heavy win, his run second-up has her in the mix. Of the others, Spencer is always thereabouts.
(PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
Race 3 – no bet
Big field, wet track, highway horses, you’d be brave.
Race 4 – 6 Jay Jay D’Ar (one unit)
Hoping Team Waller knows something I don’t here. Jay Jay D’Ar is three from 11 day and zero out of nine on slow and heavy, yet keeps going around in the slop every two or three weeks this winter trying to break the duck. Fact is, she’s close! Her second last time was solid, and she’s well in here with a little weight drop. Around her I’m looking at the two faves to run well, both Outback Diva and Heart of the Oak look nicely placed.
Race 5 – 2 Stardome (one unit)
Distance race time. Stardome has been running consistently in Brisbane for the Waller camp, heads south for this one and isn’t hurt by the rain or the 2400 metres. Looks a good chance and maybe the trainer is testing his for bigger things? Terwilliker stays up in my ratings on his win in June, his two starts since haven’t been great and he can win without me. Same story Loveseat, who has finished no worse than fourth in her last four, but has been short in the market each time without getting the chocolates.
Race 6 – no bet
A lot of fresh three-year-olds, not for me.
Race 7 – 9 Le Romain (one unit)
Quality sprint here dominated by fresh runners with eight of the 12 still in it first-up. Eduardo did the job for me last time, is still unbeaten in the wet, but might not be suited by the extra 100. Le Romain is the one they’ve missed here – 1200 is a tick, heavy is fine and he’s three from 11 fresh. One length behind Pierata first-up last November is good enough for this. Flit, Savatino and Signore Fox are other hopes, Melody Belle is a superstar but 1200 fresh in this company is testing.
Race 8 – 9 Rapha’s Choice (two units)
Oh boy. Rapha turned seven last week, he’s been around the place over the years, but might just be in a bit of a purple patch. His win two starts ago at Kembla was excellent after being slow away. Goes from 60.5 kilos down to 52.5 here, his 1200 record is good and I’m okay with his heavy form even through it’s two blanks from two goes (includes a fourth). At 50/1, yes please.
Race 9 – 6 Lord Zoulander (one unit)
Lord Zoulander rated on top here with Valdostana. I will stick with the Lord (warily) at the better price and with better wet form. Perigord will go in the quaddie as well, along with Partners. I did my money on him last time but he seems a good’un.
Have a good weekend, thanks for your comments last week, please fire through your tips and comments.
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