Rosehill - Race 6 3:20pm AEDT
No. 7 Casino Kid
Casino Kid made it look easy last time out, racing from dead last at the turn to win by a comfortable margin over 1800m.
The ride from Reece Jones was flawless that day, and the pair map to get a similar run in transit here from the soft draw.
This is his first look at 2000m, but after winning with plenty in hand, I don’t think he’ll have any problem seeing it out.
The Valley - Race 7 3:20pm AEDT
No. 2 Wild Planet
Marabi looks tough to beat in the Australia Stakes, but I think Wild Planet poses a genuine threat at double figures.
The Hawkes-trained six-year-old was enormous first-up in the Doomben 10,000 last year, finishing half-a-length behind Eduardo before turning in a disappointing performance in the Stradbroke.
He hasn’t been seen since, but he did look in good order at a recent Flemington jump-out, while his fresh form also reads well.
Rosehill - Race 8 4:40pm AEDT
No. 3 Holyfield
Holyfield wasn’t beaten by much last out time in the Magic Millions Cup when runner-up to Eleven Eleven.
Annabel Neasham’s four-year-old hit full stride over the final furlong after settling midfield, while his win prior on Boxing Day at Randwick was equally full of merit carrying 61kg’s.
This is his first look at 1500m, but barrier 9 should help him get back and run on. He’s a two-time winner here at Rosehill and his recent form suggests he can win at a nice price.
Sunshine Coast - Race 8 5:32pm AEDT
No. 8 Animate
This is a wide-open edition of the Sunshine Coast Cup, and I’m happy to have Animate on top.
The Kris Lees-trained gelding was strong late in the Magic Million Cup last time out finishing only 1.5L behind Eleven Eleven, and now gets out to a mor suitable trip where he’s won four times previously.
Andrew Mallyon has won on board previously, and with some strong soft track form on his resume, he’s a nice value bet at the current $10.00 quote.