Hong Kong Plays 2020-21
 

New Hong Kong season starting up later today (or tomorrow, depending on where you are). Most of my recent focus has been on this circuit so I'll try and post some plays throughout the season. Don’t know how much interest there will be, so I’ll keep them all in this one thread.

Race 1:
#10 The Full Bloom: Have been tracking this one for a while now. Five-time winner is very well weighted off a rating of 23 and has been working well for this. 7yo now but in his last turf start showed he still had something when running a nice 3rd in his second run that week. Would have preferred him next week in a 1400m event, but he does have a win at 1650m, ironically at 166-1 when running down my top pick that day…

Race 5:
#1 Ezra: Played him last time but he was spinning wheels a bit on the yielding surface. Had excuses the two starts prior. Won his first start last season off a similar layoff, under identical race conditions, by 3 ¼ lengths.

Race 7:
#1 Baltic Success: Speed machine has had some excuses in his last few. Blew them away by 3.5 lengths the last time he was over the course and distance in Class 3.

Race 9:
#14 Perfect Pair: Really improved since the trainer change in mid-March. Flashed home with a quick closing sectional at Happy Valley, ignore the wet turf try, and won easily towards the end of last season. Should be able to handle the step-up in class.
#5 Regency Bo Bo: Have a look at his last “run”…I don’t recall ever seeing a riderless horse run like that. Dumped the jockey at the start, swooped essentially the entire field on the turn, moved down to the rail on his own accord, and finished a couple of lengths clear of the “official winner”, who himself was 5 lengths clear of the runner-up. Never out of the money in his four previous season debuts, winning two of them.

PLAYS:
R1 WP 10
R5 WP 1
R7 WP 1
R9 WP 5, 14
R9 EX 5, 14/5, 14

Good luck!

I enjoy playing Sha Tin, not HV too much. Thanks for your insights & picks.

HV definitely has its quirks, but generally lots of potential value to be found there.

Didn't strike on opening day but might be worth following a few of these that didn't run poorly and may move forward in their second start of the season. Only one with a real excuse and that was the 14 in R9, who covered extra ground the whole trip.

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $22
Return: $4.20
Total: -$17.80

Your posts on overseas racing are definitely of interest to me.

First Happy Valley card of the season tomorrow (early morning North American time). As with the season opener, a few of these names might pop up again here in their second or third starts of the campaign, but let's hope they're right fresh.

Race 1:
#4 Win All: Has done absolutely nothing on the track in his five starts to date, but eligible to improve dropping down into Class 5 with the benefit of an off-season. Has put in a lot of work for this, which has looked good, and finally draws a good post in a very weak race.

Race 2:
#10 Even Keel is another who hasn’t done a thing in HK, but he at least has two earlier wins in the UK. He’s still a 4yo, and sometimes the Northern Hemisphere horses take a while to acclimatize---he’s down 28 rating points from his arrival. In any case, he didn’t look too bad at HV at the end of last season and seems to have benefited from the off-season and trainer change, as he looked good in a recent trial with different headgear. Worth a shot in another race lacking depth.

Race 3:
I’ve been following #4 Momentum Galaxy for a while now as he’s racked up a few excuses. In his four Class 4 runs (in order), he’s been blocked for nearly the whole stretch, missed the start by six lengths, drew wide in a race full of speed, and then was on the dirt. I’m a bit concerned that maybe this is just to stretch his legs before stepping up to 1200m, but he did win over 1100m in Australia, and he should get a perfect trip with there seemingly being little speed drawn inside him.

Also going to mention #11 For Fun's Sake, who also sports a slew of excuses, and although I'm tempted at that price with the 5lbs apprentice, I think the 1000m will be too short for me to play him on top. Might be worth a few place dollars, however.

Race 5:
#10 Authentic Champ: Obviously has had some problems, as shown by the nearly 1.5 year gap between his first and second starts, but he did show some ability on those occasions. His third, and last, start was over 1650m, which was likely too far. Back to 1200m for a trainer who hit at a relatively big (for HK) clip over this course and distance last year, and the price looks right.

Race 8:
#7 Keep You Warm: I played this one in the final Sha Tin race last season where he had some traffic trouble and got clear too late. Irish-bred and hence still a 3yo, so very much open to having improved over the last couple of months. Should get a great trip from post 4.

PLAYS:
R1 WP 4
R2 WP 10
R3 WP 4, P 11
R5 WP 10
R8 WP 7

Good luck!

Great Job Kitan!

Kudos Kitan! Awesome plays, sorry I missed them.

For those who want to play Hong Kong, check out the Hong Kong Jockey Club site:

https://racing.hkjc.com/racing/infor...g/Entries.aspx

Having started to play HK heavily this year, there is so much information on this site that is available, far beyond the PP charts.

I do appreciate the way that it appears that no nonsense (hearding, changing running lanes, excessive whipping when a horse is out of it, the way they rush a horse to the front just to die) is tolerated as jockeys and trainers are commented on and punished on a regular basis. A much cleaner way of racing and certainly more humane to the horse than the US. Just my 2 cents here.

Good luck in the 8th!

Race 3:
I’ve been following #4 Momentum Galaxy for a while now as he’s racked up a few excuses. In his four Class 4 runs (in order), he’s been blocked for nearly the whole stretch, missed the start by six lengths, drew wide in a race full of speed, and then was on the dirt. I’m a bit concerned that maybe this is just to stretch his legs before stepping up to 1200m, but he did win over 1100m in Australia, and he should get a perfect trip with there seemingly being little speed drawn inside him.

$58.90
Ex to 7/5 fav - $197

Hope you cashed a little

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $44
Return: $91.80
Total: +$57.00

Can't believe the winner of the first paid so relatively little, but I guess that meant he was live. Also nice to get a longshot winner on a long-time "horse to follow". Needed the 7 to get up for 2nd for the tri, but can't complain about $58.90 to win. The other picks didn't run too poorly, so will probably see some these names back in this thread over the coming weeks, as mentioned.

Thanks, all!

I agree with all these sentiments...information is much more transparent there and you can find basically anything you are looking for. Once you get past the initial "information overload" it makes it hard to go back and play circuits where you only get the bare bones. Case in point was hearing Bill Mott mention a horse that recently won had worked poorly with blinkers, but I would never have known that otherwise without that interview post Stakes win, which anyways was too late (the day after the runner won). I watched the work on XBTV and wondered why the horse worked so poorly when the next work was spectacular...being able to know if horses had certain equipment on for given works, if they had a lameness/sickness issue which caused a poor run, etc. are all crucial information pieces for bettors.

Far from an enthralling card, but a few plays early and one a bit later…

Race 1:
Not a lot of depth in the first dirt race of the season. #8 Viva Council pulled up lame when last seen but showed no signs of that when easily winning a trial. Inside speed and the jockey/trainer combo connected well in dirt sprints last season. He may not be much of a price, but…
#4 Gold Comet is around 20-1 on the overnight odds. Dam hasn’t dropped much other than one special sib known as Invasor, and this one is also by Exchange Rate, so there were no surprises to see him run well in a dirt trial towards the end of last season, albeit in very slow time. Exotics interest at that price.

Race 2:
Another race of poor quality, with the two early favs a combined 1/46 lifetime. Let’s go with #6 Moon Peaks, who has won a trial impressively up at the China training facility since the barn change.

Race 3:
Currently in the black, so can take a stab here with #10 Well Dragon. Wasn’t disgraced last time out in his dirt debut, and is eligible to improve having done a lot of work in the off-season.

Race 4:
#3 Winwin Thirtythree was not disgraced in his Class 4 runs and now drops back to Class 5, where he hasn’t missed the board in four tries over the course and distance (in this class). Trialled nicely for this and has a great chance to get his first lifetime win.
I’ve been following #7 Galaxy Racer for a while now, and he’s worth including in the exotics.

Race 7:
#6 Czarson looked very good winning a recent trial on this surface for the new barn. G2 placed runner in Australia has had excuses in his two HK starts: debut was over 1000m on a yielding track, and last time raced quite keenly after arriving to the gates with blood in his mouth.

PLAYS:
R1 WP 8
R1 EX 8/3,4
R2 WP 6
R3 WP 10
R4 WP 3
R4 EX 3,7/3,7
R7 WP 6

Good luck!

Not much luck early but nearly broke even...

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $68
Return: $115.30
Total: +$47.30 (made a basic error in the last calculation)

Chalkfest last night, eh K? You found the only price. Big meeting for Karis Teetan.

There was one 17-1 winner mid-card, but overall a pretty chalky card by HK standards. Silly of me not to have the R7 tri with my longshot sandwiched between the two faves :wf

Teetan is a good rider, as are many other in the colony, but that's the problem in HK...very rarely do Moreira and Purton ride runners at double digit odds. I'm sure some of the other riders would be competitive for the jockey's title with the same kind of opportunities.

Few midweek Happy Valley plays...

Race 2:
#9 Le Terroir has a very good record over the course and distance. Had been racing further back in the field towards the end of last season, but his best performances came when he was stalking or on the lead, and can get a similar trip if he wants from an inside post in a race seemingly void of much early speed. Easily won his debut last season off a similar rating, so he has good fresh form.

Race 3:
I’m really struggling to see how #5 The One is 10-1 on overnight odds. Other than last time out where he had a really tough trip, he has finished 7th, 3rd, 5th, 4th, and 6th over the course and distance, all in Class 4. Drops into Class 5 for the first time and draws well in gate 3.

I was interested in playing #9 Spicy Really last time at a monster price, but he was quite washy in the paddock. His form prior to that was a bit dirtied up, and he looks to be moving OK in his work. Worth using underneath.

Interesting that the early fav here (#4) has never been under 122-1 and has absolutely no form whatsoever. May have improved during the off-season in the new barn and did win his last trial, but he was pushed out to do so. Not for me at those odds, which are also probably lower due to the Purton factor.

Race 8:
The speed in here will be full throttle and #7 Heart Conquered should get a nice stalking trip from the inside draw. He put in a decent performance on the opening day of the season, and I had noted that he might need the start anyways.

PLAYS:
R2 WP 9
R3 WP 5, P 9
R3 EX 5,9/5,9
R8 WP 7

Good luck!

Not much doing today...

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $84
Return: $120.40
Total: +$36.40 (made a basic error in the last calculation)

Race 2:
#3 Skyey Supreme was defeated by #1 when both were last seen, but this one is 8lbs better off, moves from post 14 to the rail, and can potentially be the controlling speed. 3-1 on the overnight odds, and while you won’t see me playing many at those prices in this thread, I think that’s decent value in a race like this.

Race 5:
#14 For Fun’s Sake is the first runner to show up twice in this thread. I didn’t think he ran that poorly in his first run this season, and the Sha Tin 1200m looks more suitable than the HV 1000m. Might be getting primed for his next run third off the layoff, but have to take a chance with him again because the race is weak in depth and he won’t be this kind of price next time regardless of how he performs as he’ll be down into Class 5 if he runs poorly.

#6 Fortune Master is the most likely winner for me, though. Tough trip on debut when taking some money but ran a strong 4th two weeks ago. Draws the inside post here, but hard to play him to win at around 4-1 when he was 81-1 last time.

#2 is the likely fav but hasn’t run in six months and likely to get a wide trip without cover or get further back than he has been to date…

Race 6:
#1 Classic Posh doesn’t have to get as far back as he did when last seen, and not sure anything else in here would have gotten closer than he did to the winner that day.

Race 9:
#9 Ping Hai Bravo: Excuse two back when beaten as the odds-on fav (blood in trachea) and was the only one to make up ground last time in slick closing sectionals. Looks to get a good trip from gate four.

#1 Temple of Heaven: Closed well in his HK debut. Should benefit from the off-season and can improve.

#4 Winning Dreamer: One of the promising horses to follow this season and is currently around even money on the board. I think he’s fast enough to get over and sit outside the leader, but hard to know exactly what kind of trip he’ll get from post 12.

PLAYS:
R2 WIN 3
R5 WP 14
R5 EX 6,14/6,14
R6 WP 1
R9 WP 9
R9 EX 9/1,4
R9 TRI BOX 1,4,9

Good luck!

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $108
Return: $133.20
Total: +$25.20

Nice picks yesterday.
Moreira was dominant w/ 6 wins on the card.

Taking nothing away because still gotta get the job done in big fields, but these were the prices of those winners:
3-2, 3-1, 3-2, 5-2, 3-2, 2-1

On to the next...first half of tomorrow’s card looks a bit more interesting than the latter half in terms of pick confidence…on the other hand, very competitive and intriguing final race of the day.

Race 1:
#5 Enjoyable Success: His best races have come at Happy Valley, with his lone win being over the course and distance. Beaten 3/4s of a length by #1 a few starts ago but is now 10lbs better off while nearly double the overnight price.

Race 2:
I think #11 Super Eighteen is a bit overlooked here. Had a string of tough trips last season but ended off with two good third place finishes. Gets down to 111lbs with the apprentice and should get a good trip from gate 5 in a race that's not full of early speed.

#10 Destin also seems to be forgotten about. 5 1-1-1 record first off the layoff and 6 0-2-2 record at 1200m. Recent form was over a bit further at Sha Tin and is only 2 for 39 lifetime, but a must include for exotics.

#2 Helaku Knight took some action last time off the barn change, but he washed out quite badly. Worth using underneath at a good price.

Race 3:
#9 Farm Bumper got on a roll over the course and distance last year, rolling off a win and two 2nd place finishes (by a head). Looks a decent price at around 6-1.

#4 Forza Angel is drawn much better here than he was in his first run this season and is a good exotics candidate, as is #10 Travel Datuk, who has a knack of running on into a minor placing without winning.

Race 4:
#6 Wealthy Delight and #10 Winning Endeavour both closed strongly over 1200m last time and step up to a more suitable 1650m here.

PLAYS:
R1 WP 5
R2 WP 11
R2 EX 11/2,10
R3 WP 9
R3 EX 9/4,10
R4 WP 6,10

Good luck!

Decent day even though I wasn't close on the exotics. Still trying to figure out how the 11 in R2 got run down :zz:

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $132
Return: $175.40
Total: +$43.40

Nice work Kitan.

Thanks. Let's see if I'm still in the black after this card. A few extra plays as I'm going back to the well with some of these and trying to (hopefully) take advantage of some other good prices...

Race 1:
#12 Corre Rapido is worth a shot here in a relatively weak race. While his two wins have come on the dirt, he has always trialled well down the Sha Tin straight and looked good winning a recent trial.

Race 2:
Almost last chance saloon time for #14 The Full Bloom. He ran well enough in the opening race of the season but just didn’t have much to give in the last furlong. Smacked his head leaving the gates last time so let’s ignore that. Now third off the layoff and back to 1400m at Sha Tin, his favourite course and distance. Wonder what kind of trip he’ll get from gate 11, but 20-1 overnight price is too enticing.

#3 Super Winner has been in the money in three of his four races over the course and distance and is now into Class 5 for the first time.

#4 Nunchuks put in some decent efforts last season in Class 4 and is another who gets his first chance down in class.

Race 3:
#3 Best For You won twice in this class over the course and distance last year and ran on nicely in a shorter race in his season debut. Doesn’t look like much pace in this race, but he did sit just behind the leaders in one of those wins.

Race 7:
#4 Czarson was run down by a much better horse than what he’s facing here. Will only be about half the odds as he was that day, but still a decent enough price to go with him again.

Race 8:
The first Group race of the season sees the old champ #1 Beauty Generation taking on budding superstar #6 Golden Sixty. The latter is the most likely winner, carrying 18lbs lighter given the handicap conditions, but will be odds-on.

The overnight price of around 25-1 on #7 Fast Most Furious is too good to pass up. I played him at similar odds in a G3 handicap towards the end of last season, and he would have won if he got a clearer run sooner, so he can definitely compete at this level. He has a decent record over this distance and has been in the money in four of five starts when coming off a layoff. I think he’s the key price to use in this race.

Race 10:
A few up-and-coming promising types in here, but that means there’s good prices available on some other proven performers. Specifically, #2 Mr Croissant has a 12 5-4-1 record over the Sha Tin 1200m, and that includes his last run which you can throw out (missed the start by 5 lengths). He also has a 3 1-2-0 record first off the layoff and comes into this fit---he’s done a lot of work in the mornings and has had two trials.

#11 Tornado Twist is perfect over the course and distance (3 for 3), had a nice prep run over the 1000m, and gets in at 112lbs with the apprentice. Currently over 30-1, which is a big overlay for me.

PLAYS:
R1 WP 12
R2 WP 14
R2 EX BOX 3,4,14
R3 WP 3
R7 WP 4
R8 WP 7
R8 EX BOX 1,6,7
R10 WP 2,11
R10 QUIN 2,11/2,3,10,11,14

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $179
Return: $241.10
Total: +$62.10

Thanks Kitan...nice call on the R2 selections

Thanks, Casp.

Sha Tin mid-week meeting this week…some relatively small fields with a few strong looking faves, but let’s see if we can get a price or two…

Race 1:
Not the strongest event…#8 Gintoki is the inside speed and his form isn’t too bad if you ignore his last (bled).

Race 4:
#8 Lucky Puzzle looked a bit better down in Class 4 with the blinkers on at the end of last season. Gets back to turf after trying the dirt first off the layoff. Hovering around 10-1 at the moment, which is a decent price.

Race 5:
#1 Sky Field is a very promising type and should be too good for these, as reflected by his overnight odds of 1-5.

#6 Keep You Warm appeared in this thread earlier in the season when getting an awkward trip at Happy Valley…getting back to Sha Tin should be more suitable. #5 Moeraki looked much better at the end of last season with the blinkers but gave away a few lengths at the start in his last run. Let’s play these two to place and use them underneath to juice the exotics.

Race 6:
#3 For Fun’s Sake shows up in this thread for the third time already this season. If you would have told me before his last start that he would be hovering around 30-1 in his next start down in Class 5, I probably would have booked the bet then, and I don’t even think he ran that bad last time. Again, this is too good a price to turn down.

#12 Spicy Really has also been in this thread already, and I thought that was an OK effort last time when being a little bit too far back given the shape of the race. Sha Tin looks more suitable, anyways.

I marked down that #7 Speedy Dragon probably would need the run last time. He closed well into 5th and can improve on that this time.

Race 9:
#13 What A Legend has only been over the 1400m at ST once, when putting up some nice closing sectionals in an on-pace dominated race. His recent efforts have not been too bad and is now down to 109lbs with the apprentice. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him put in a big effort at a good price.

Race 10:
#12 Amazing Chocolate was bet down to 3-2 last time but got caught wide without cover. The same can happen this time around, but he’s looked too good in his work for me to pass up double digit odds.

PLAYS
R1 WP 9
R4 WP 8
R5 P 5,6
R5 Q 1/5,6
R5 TRI 1/5,6/ALL (10 combinations)
R6 WP 3,12
R6 EX BOX 3,7,12
R9 WP 13
R10 WP 12

Good luck!

I think u meant the 8 in R1

Correct...was a typo there in the plays...

Another decent day despite not having a winner. Even though the 13 in R9 ran horribly on paper at massive odds, I think he'll be back in this thread next time---he went too hard out in front this time and will be down in class next out.

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $225
Return: $301.10
Total: +$76.10

Race 1:
#11 Proud Sky: Nothing wrong with runs at the beginning of last season before pulling up lame. Given a run out in dirt race and now back to fav course and distance.

#10 Art of Raw: Has a poor record at ST but 2nd in season debut…chance to wire them.

Also going to take a stab on #9 Joy N Fun Legend to place. Done absolutely nothing on the track but has had a slew of excuses.

Race 3:
#8 Winwin Thirtythree has never really been a poor performer and now that he’s got a win on the board (when a selection in this thread) he may have the confidence to win again despite going back up to Class 4. 10-1 is a good price.

Race 4:
#3 Golden Mission has finished out of the top 4 on turf only once since the barn change, and that was in his last when he was wide and without cover yet was beaten less than 2 lengths. Those were all in Class 4, so he should find this easier, and should also get a more economical run from gate 6.

#4 Vital Spring has absolutely flashed home in his last two runs at HV. Back to his fav (ST 1400m) but will have it a bit tougher drawn out in post 14.

#2 Lucky Guy: 9yo was still in good form at the beginning of last season before missing some time with a lameness issue. Didn’t get a clear run last time and has a chance to juice the exotics dropping down to Class 5 for the first time.

Race 7:
#10 Chung Wah Spirit pulled up lame after his last dirt try and in the start prior to that was beaten 5 lengths by #1 but has a 22lbs swing with that runner this time around. Nothing wrong with his season debut over shorter on the turf.

PLAYS
R1 WP 10, 11
R1 P 9
R3 WP 8
R4 WP 3
R4 EX BOX 2,3,4
R7 WP 10

Good luck!

Thx Kitan...Im jumping on that ex box except it will be a $10 qu box

Good Luck!!

Lol I jumped in that one too. Sorry in advance Kitan

HK Race 5

3,8,11, 13 - $5 quinella - $30 total
$5 WP #13 - Feel the 13 could benefit from a cutback if early speed shown 2 back reapperas

Well that was not fun...

Race 6 - $5 wp - 9,11

Thanks Kitan,

THe #10 in Race 7 helped me a lot, I appreciate the pick!

Sorry casp and knicks for the poor pick in R4...and thanks chuck for the kudos for the last...I didn't play R5 but I strongly considered taking a flyer on that 14 because he had performed well in some trials down the straight before...oh well :zz:

Some rough trips throughout the day, two of which were on the receiving end of infractions that led to suspensions. Moreira has now racked up two suspension (four days' worth) over the last two cards...

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $253
Return: $320.30
Total: +$67.30

Interesting to see how things play out on this HV card with no Moreira or Teetan (both suspended) and Purton complaining about the strength of his rides…

Race 1:
#10 Flying Monkey finished ahead of a few of these last time when getting a 3 wide no cover trip. Finally draws an inside gate and I hope those 6-1 overnight odds stick.

#4 Gouten of Garo was the only one of these to finish ahead of the top pick (#10) from that Sept 9 race. He actually gets in 10lbs lighter this time around with the apprentice, but I think he’ll get a bit more pressure up front this time, and he is only 1/33 lifetime.

#7 Aurora Steed was the beaten fav twice in this class in the spring, but those were over 1200m and he was right there in contention at the 200m mark. Couple of excuses after that (ST 1000m try, then tough trip), and ran well enough last time when not getting the cleanest of runs. Just might get caught wide (albeit with cover) here.

Race 4:
#10 Authentic Champ didn’t run poorly first off the layoff (when a selection in this thread) and although he wasn’t going to win, he would have finished a few places closer if he hadn’t had run out of room late. Eligible to improve off that.

Race 5:
#1 Zhan Jiang Rocks comes into this fresh but first three runs last season were all over the course and distance in this class and he finished in the top three each time. His subsequent Class 3 runs over the HV 1650m were decent enough, but those are all off the form now. Nice, quiet trial leading into this and it’s not the strongest race. Double digit odds are looking very nice.

#11 V Chevaliers finally got the win on the board last time and should be able to handle the step back up to Class 4.

#9 Smart Cousin has done nothing since arriving in HK, but he trialled much better recently when leading. This race isn’t full of speed so he might go forward early.

Race 6:
#10 Precious Sweetie has finished in the top four 6/10 starts over the course and distance. April was the last time he was in an identical race and he beaten just less than 3 lengths with 130lbs. He’s now down to 112lbs…

Race 8:
#10 Allied Agility has generally put in his best performances over the Sha Tin straight, but he ran just as well over the HV 1000m at the end of last season. Just missed on seasonal return and should get a perfect trip from the rail draw.

PLAYS
R1 WP 10
R1 EX 10/4,7
R4 WP 10
R5 WP 1
R5 EX BOX 1,9,11
R6 WP 10
R6 Q 10/2,3,4,9,11
R8 WP 10

Good luck!

Not a great day...

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $286
Return: $335.30
Total: +$49.30 (-$18.00 from previous)

Race 1:
#1 Monkey Jewellery lost in photos in his last two starts last season. Tough trip first off the layoff this time and should get a great trip in a pretty weak race. Price won’t be great, however.

#3 Helaku Knight clipped heels and stumbled on the far turn last time out. Closed well to be third in his last start over the course and distance.

#6 Sure Win Win didn’t put in the worst performance when taking some money on debut and had a tough trip last time out. A price to include underneath.

Race 3:
#1 California Levee was not disgraced at all in his Class 3 runs and now finds himself in a pretty average Class 4 event.

Race 4:
#9 Golden General just missed in his last try over the course and distance and has had some excuses then (wet track, HV, tough trip). Shouldn’t get any excuses in the trip from gate 6.

Race 5:
#8 Apex Top: Blew the start two starts ago so can ignore that, and his two runs before that weren’t bad. Faded last time but can be fitter from that here second off the layoff. Looks to get either an easy time on the lead or the perfect stalking trip here.

#1 Golden Four is very consistent, with his only poor recent run coming when he had a tough trip. Weight allowance with the apprentice can only help.

Race 6:
#4 Super Fast: Winner over 2000m in IRE finally showed something last time…trainer change and time off over the summer seemed to spark him up. That was over 1400m, so this distance should be more suitable.

The speed map has #5 Full Power potentially sitting three wide no cover, but there is very little speed in here so I think the apprentice will try to get him on the lead. Could be tough to run down from that position at a good price.

Race 10:
#7 California Rad took quite a few steps forward when the blinkers went on towards the end of last season. Has been racing exclusively at HV lately but should be suited by the expanses of ST and the price looks good.

PLAYS
R1 WIN 1
R1 EX 1/3,6
R1 TRI 1/3,6/2,3,4,6,8
R3 WP 1
R4 WP 9
R5 WP 8
R5 EX 1,8/1,8
R6 WP 4,5
R6 EX 4,5/4,5
R10 WP 7

Good luck!

Best day of the season so far...

Running total (based on minimum denomination)
Bet: $326
Return: $485.10
Total: +$159.10 (+$109.80 from previous)