3 minute read

Decision Time is such a noble warrior for the stable

SR 2: (5) STARTSMEUP - Talented Queenslander has risen to the challenge of WFA racing in Sydney with strong performances at his last two starts in the Warwick Stakes (1400m) and Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) where he has held his own against superior Group performers carrying 58.5kg. He now drops back to favourable handicap conditions over his best distance of 1400m and is certain to relish the big weight drop to the limit of 53kg against a small field well short of WFA standard. He was third under a big weight over this trip against a very handy field at his only Rosehill start last season and only has to run up to his excellent third in the Warwick Stakes to be winning this easier event.

SR 3: (3) STRIKE THE STARS - Earned the tag as the best 3yo maiden in Sydney after running home strongly for a bold third behind the Group stars Trusting and My Kingdom Of Fyfe in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on 3 September. He just missed by a nose to beat subsequent Spring Stakes winner Darci Be Good over 1400m at Rosehill at his previous start and that form serves as a strong reference for this company. No doubt he has the talent to win good races and gives every indication that he will come into his own over this longer distance with a notable riding switch to the strong Hugh Bowman very much in his favour.

SR 7: (3) DECISION TIME - No horse has made a better start to the spring than this classy sprinter from the Clarry Conners stable, resuming with a record breaking win in the Concorde Stakes over 1100m at Warwick Farm when he easily coped with 58kg. This appeals as an ideal second up assignment as he is back to Rosehill where his record over the past two seasons against the best on offer has been excellent. He is meeting the horses he beat convincingly at WF on better terms and has the ideal draw and fitness edge over classy rivals that are resuming.

ONES TO AVOID

SR 6: (1) ELITE FALLS - Has been well covered by her rival fillies in her two starts since resuming and needs to lift to turnaround those results over a distance more favourable to others.

MR 1: (1) COVERED IN CLASS - Has the ratings on his best form to win this. His debut run was a dominant win at Mornington then after that ran in two Listed races. This is nowhere near that class and how can you ever think this stable can't win. With the weights compacted he looks well in.

MR 5: (10) TESTA MY PATIENCE - Was fantastic flashing home from the rear in Listed grade last time which no doubt many will have seen. It was easily his best rating performance making that breakthrough behind Atomic Force who has re-confirmed the form. From the perfect gate he can be positioned where he needs to be much closer now fitter and is unbeaten twice at 1400m second up.

MR 6: (10) DETOURS - We should get fantastic odds about this filly in a very open Thousand Guineas Prelude. There are multiple chances in a race which should totally reframe the semi classic's market. This one had no hope in a slowly run Furious at Warwick Farm. Before that she was backed to beat none other than Manawanui in the Up & Coming. With the rail out they should fan around the bend and last year the stable brought Divorces off the Furious to win this sweeping home.

ONES TO AVOID

MR 7: (13) SCARLETT LADY - Off the back of her big G1 run in NZ, the Oaks winner will take some fancy. However while we love her from a future point of view, this really isn't her race. Don't think she's a WFA horse at this time of her career and while it's an even Underwood, it has plenty of chances to make it a rough and tumble affair.

DOOMBEN - tips by Wayne Bristow

BR 3: (2) CARRY ME BLUEY - Turned in a very strong effort to win at Eagle Farm last time by three lengths and while the jockey change might get some worried, Kristy Banks has won on him before. This is his first crack at the mile but it's a small field and the strength of the last win suggests it should not be an issue. We might get a surprisingly good price too.

BR 7: (13) FOUND THE ONE - Made this a horse to follow after it's utterly emphatic six length romp midweek. Sure the opponents that day were not strong but it was the manner of the win. The barrier and size of field will mean she gets back but assuming they can make up ground, she can charge late - especially if it's a good track.

ONES TO AVOID

BR 6: (9) IL CARDINALE - May get some support based on his first up third over an unsuitable journey. However the trouble for a horse who likes to get out over further is that here he has actually come back in trip. No doubt the jockey/trainer combination will get a few in and granted they are going well but there are enough reasons to thinks he is a risk.

AR 2: (1) GONNA BE A ROKSTAR - With the stable on a roll, especially with their 3yos, this colt won on debut and went to Flemington when fancied and not far away. This is a massive drop in quality and while not expecting any price, can easily get us off to a winning start.

AR 5: (1) REPRISAL - We might get some value here in the form of this David Hayes stayer with his horses going well. He desperately needs ground and a good gate and gets both. Not the most consistent horse but this is a weak race and if he pozzys up with the claim might outstay them. Won in Adelaide back in June and see what odds we get.

ONES TO AVOID

AR 3: (6) SAINT ANGERS - Obviously with Peter Moody switching her to Adelaide, many will jump on down in grade of Victorian form lines. But she is a bit one paced and might need far more than this distance eventually. Meets some decent mares here capable of winning a race like this one.