Longkissgoodnight is drawn well for a good run on pace in the Pockit Block-It Handicap on Saturday and carries strong and competitive form into the race. The O’reilly mare was only beaten by Wutai Mountain at her most recent start and should have taken plenty of benefit from the run. Labdien and Stillettoed Vixen as the main dangers, I personally believe Longkissgoodnight represents good value at $3.10 odds.
1 Unit Longkissgoodnight
A number of notable Saturday stayers have been confirmed in the Schweppes Handicap field and there is subsequently plenty of value to take advantage of. Godolphin runner Salthouse is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from a first-up fifth in at Rosehill and will relish a step-up in distance on Saturday. He’s drawn to get a sweet run from barrier 4 with McDonald aboard and takes two-and-a-half kilos from topweight Soviet Courage. I personally believe he is big overs at his current $8 quote and I am happy to back him generously.
2 Units Salthouse
Sir Bacchus appears to be one of the strongest chances of the day and he is subsequently a clear favourite to win Race 3. Adding to his claims, the Sebring gelding jogged home to win a BM85 race over the Rosehill 1200m first-up and has the notable advantage of Hugh Bowman in the saddle. I personally believe he is weighted too highly at 61.5kgs to justify his $2.25 odds and I am happy to stay out of this race from a betting perspective
No Bet
The TAB Highway Handicap has drawn a particularly open field and subsequently represents terrific value from a betting standpoint. There are form lines from all over the place leading into this race and it is difficult to tell which will prove ideal. Consistent city performers like Quatronic are not without their chances, but so too are runners like country horse Diversifier, who returned to winning form at Murwillumbah last start.
No Bet
The day’s first black type race will peg eleven stayers against one-another including the Godolphin-trained Allergic, who is my best of the day. Third behind Delicacy and Werther in last year’s Group 1 SA Derby (2500m), Allergic has returned to slick form this time and was completely luckless in running at his last start. He’ll find a good spot off pace from his wide draw and James McDonald will pull the trigger at the right time.
2 Units Allergic
The feature race has drawn a number of legitimate chances this year and this is another very open betting affair. Astern and Impending are both chances for Godolphin, while Omei Sword, Yankee Rose and Divine Prophet all have claims. I believe that El Divino is the value in this race, particularly with Bowman aboard and from a good draw.
1 Unit El Divino
Several stayers have been confirmed in the Theo Marks Stakes field and there is good value for all of the short distance specialists as a result. Rebel Dane, Messene and Tycoon Tara have all shown form this time, while Vashka is sure to carry benefit into the race. The Waller-trained Counterattack is a proven first-up performer, is drawn ideally with Bowman in the saddle and is weighted to win at 55.5kgs.
1 Unit Counterattack
A typically smart field of mares will contest the Sheraco Stakes, including Pearls. Pearls has been another consistent Saturday performer for Godolphin and returned this time for a classy win in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1300m) three weeks ago. Queensland mare Sold For Song is worth consideration, as is the resuming Nancy, but I am unable to settle on anything and will be staying out.
No Bet
Fourteen horses will contest the final race at Rosehill on Saturday and it seems as though close to all have a claim on the race. Dinghu Mountain has the class edge, as do the likes of Moher, Conarchie and Invinzabeel. I am personally interested in Balmain Boy – this will be his first race as a four-year-old and he flies fresh. At current odds he is a great each-way bet and should find a good position in running from gate 6.
1 Unit Balmain Boy