The Mail for Saturday

3 minute read

Pinwheel is perfectly placed this grade

SR 1: (2) PHENOMENAL LASS - Had a tough run first up for new stable on an unsuitable track. Certain to be fitter and will appreciate firmer track conditions. Looks very well placed with Chad Schofield's claim and her last win was over this trip. She does get better into a preparation as well.

SR 6: (3) PINWHEEL - Peter Snowden has fine tuned his training of this classy sprinter to perfection with well spaced runs and barrier trials keeping the horse fresh and sharp for his selected assignments. He is again perfectly placed to add to what is becoming quite an imposing record. The WFA conditions are very much in his favour against the rising stars who meet him on level terms after carrying lighter weights in easier handicap events.

SR 7: (9) DEVISED - Lightly raced country-trained performer has made quite an impact with his recent back to back wins on his home track at Wagga. He is in the hands of an astute trainer who picks his marks well and he has found a most suitable race for this promising type to be tested against city opposition. He may be giving away experience but has a more to offer with a lot more scope for improvement than the majority of his opposition.

ONES TO AVOID

SR 5: (1) QUEENIAN - Comes off a massive win at Rosehill and will start favourite. Has a big weight to carry, has had a month off and meets some decent rivals here. Most of his best runs have been at the 'Hill and if it remained dry it might not suit as well as if wet. Just watch the market.

MR 2: (4) MOTORISED - Worked home nicely at his second start behind the up and coming Pied A Terre here and looks to get exactly the same run in this. Will be fitter for that and can race closer if need be. It's a very even contest but he must be one of the big hopes and as such could be value.

MR 6: (8) REKINDLED INTEREST - While he showed his ability when being very unlucky in the Guineas and winning the Vase, don't knock his early sprint runs. He encountered problems at Moonee Valley then worked home nicely in the Danehill from last. So many horses that are milers and longer come back in this first up and run crackers. Bart used to do this many times as have other leading trainers. He could be tremendous each way value even if underdone.

ONES TO AVOID

MR 1: (3) DIAMONDSONDINSIDE - Scratched from Mornington on Wednesday for this and gets similar fields to recent runs. Right back to the 2000m here and usual punters will probably land on him with a more recognised jockey. Just wonder if he might get outsprinted with the pace not likely to be on.

DOOMBEN - tips by Wayne Bristow

BR 3: (4) WHATEVERWHENEVER - Was an outstanding run last time in Class 6 grade and this race is back to F&M class. Over the same course and distance she got right back to last and flashed home to be beaten under two lengths. From a perfect barrier and a smaller field she can position midfield and charge home under Glen Colless.

BR 7: (2) HUME - One last chance to show his wares. You'd think a big striding horse like him would love Eagle Farm more but he seems to have a better record at Doomben. Perhaps the shorter straight makes riders go earlier and more pace is engendered. The claim here is critical getting him away from the rivals who've run in similar Listed races. Maybe he's having a long slow prep with a Newcastle Cup in mind as Brian Smith has won that with another older horse Bikkie Tin Blues.

ONES TO AVOID

BR 4: (2) SOLZHENITSYN - Just fell in last time and goes from a decent draw and 54.5kg to gate 10 and 57.5kg. This is probably his distance range and he will be well liked by punters who love wins beside a horse's name. But he faces rivals who are a) claiming and b) fitter.

AR 6: (9) GURU BOB - Won well at Seymour last time in a showcase race where he sat just off the speed and proved too strong. Drawn for a good run here and going great at the moment. Looks a top each-way chance.

AR 7: (9) AVENUE - Well bred and very talented mare who is placed at Group 1 level and has won seven stakes races already. Goes well fresh and is very well placed in this grade on her Victorian and Sydney feature race form. Drawn to sit just off Periduki and should go close. Moody is flying everywhere.

ONES TO AVOID

AR 4: (6) ANY PLUM - Ran on well here fresh to score then stepped up to a mile last time and placed. They really ran along in that and he got out of the ground to run into the minors. Today he rises in grade but with a real lack of pace here might get out dashed home.