Scroll down for a selection of our Saturday Racing Tips on July 18th, including Flemington best bets and Rosehill tips for Winter Challenge Day!
While only having made the one appearance at the races so far, HARD KICK stamped himself as a key contender for races like the Coolmore Stud Stakes by winning the Talindert over 1100m here at Flemington in February by nearly three lengths.
He has turned in two fine trial performances ahead of this suitable campaign launchpad.
| 1. Hard Kick (6) J: Jackson Radley 59.5kg 1xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Resuming after a break; only one run when won by 2.75 len at this track LR Talindert February 14 over 1100m defeating Zambales carrying 57kg at $3. Looks forward enough after a recent trial win. Made waves on debut and can prove too good for these. | |||
MCHALE doesn’t win out of turn, but after returning to action with a credible performance to finish fifth behind the likes of Midnight Dynamite in the Civic Stakes last month, he was doing his best work late and through the line when second in the Winter Stakes here last time out.
The wide alley isn’t of great concern as he’ll settle off the speed regardless, and with further improvement, this looks a perfect race for him.
| 10. Mchale (14) J: Zac Lloyd 56kg 56×52T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming 5th of 15 at Randwick in the LR Civic Stakes on June 20 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Midnight Dynamite carrying 55.5kg at $11. Last start made significant ground from the rear of the field 2nd of 12 at this track in the LR Winter Stk on July 4 over 1400m, slow going 1.0 len behind General Salute carrying 55.5kg at $10. Sticky gate and place best. | |||
SAINT GEORGE has proven to be a consistent performer in both the UK and Australia throughout his 18 career starts, winning four times and placing a further five, finding form around plenty of above-average rivals.
Having finished off well though clearly in need of the run when fourth over a mile here last month, he’s a horse that will undoubtedly improve second up and getting out to the 2000m this week, and he looks to have the majority of these covered for ability.
| 2. Saint George (9) J: Emily Pozman 61.5kg 114×4T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 11 at this track Davidbourke on June 20 over 1620m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Seafall with 57.5kg at $8. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 at this track in the LR Cup Day Plate on November 4 over 1800m, on a slow track; long-neck behind Kingswood carrying 56kg at $2.90. Lovely return and is well placed to 2000m. | |||
COLUMBIA BLUE has been tasked with overcoming a wide draw, but he has been a model of consistency in seven starts since debuting, winning three times and finishing the runner up on as many occasions.
Having only just been denied by Polyglot in his first run back this year, he’s unbeaten at this point of his preparation and will take plenty of beating again.
| 12. Columbia Blue (15) J: Nash Rawiller 57kg 116×2T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Second run back. First-up after seven months sat on speed throughout when 2nd of 11 at this track Cg&E Bm78 on July 4 over 1100m, slow going nose behind Polyglot carrying 56kg at $4.60. Previously second-up ran on from midfield and won by a long-neck at Canterbury Cg&E Bm72 December 12 over 1100m on a soft track defeating Benevac carrying 54.5kg at $3.30. Winning chance with that run under the belt. | |||