Daily Racing Tips – Wednesday 12th August

CHEVAL DE BOIS (1) rises sharply in weight, but this is a considerable drop in class from what he has been facing lately.

The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained gelding was last seen working strongly to the line to finish second, beaten just under a length, in a Benchmark 78 Handicap over 2000m at Rosehill.

That followed back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1550m at Kensington and 1500m at Rosehill.

He is rock-hard fit and maps to get a great run for Braith Nock, who claims 1.5kg.

CAPTURE ME (8) brained an inferior field last start at Illawarra Grange and looks more than capable of stepping up to this level.

The Joe Pride-trained gelding looked to be in a spot of bother when held up behind the leaders, but he burst through and charged to the line to win easily by 2.8 lengths.

Prior to that, he finished second to Jarrito at Warwick Farm in a similar race to this.

He has drawn beautifully for Chad Schofield and should enjoy a sweet run on speed.

INOUE (1) had favourite backers sweating when he bombed the start horrendously first-up over this course and distance.

However, the Richard Litt-trained gelding recovered to run home powerfully along the fence and win comfortably by 2.61 lengths.

He will strip fitter and has won his past two second-up races at Kembla Grange and Hawkesbury.

There looks to be good speed in the race, which should see James McDonald settle just off them before launching in the straight.

BARKING MAD (3) was stiff not to win his third race in a row last start over 1500m at Rosehill, where he was held up in the straight before charging late to finish second, beaten 1.24 lengths.

The Chris Waller-trained gelding won his maiden at Cranbourne first-up before sprinting hard and fast to dominate his rivals in a 3.5-length victory over 1400m on the Lakeside track.

He is at peak fitness now and gets the great man James McDonald in the saddle.

J-Mac will give him every chance to return to the winner’s stall from the inside barrier.