Mildura Harness Preview – Friday 11th September

OVERVIEW: SHES POPPY (3) began quickly to find the lead, backed off the tempo mid-race and sprinted home too well to win with something in reserve last week. This race is slightly tougher but she is likely to use her gate speed to find a prominent position again and should prove hard to beat. CHEERS POVERTY (5) was beaten by a long way last week but this is a significant drop back in class and his form prior was sound. He is a fast beginner and should give a forward showing. YARRAMAN JOLT (7) worked early to lead, took cover and tired badly at the end when last of nine at Melton on August 29. The mile rate was a slick 1.53.2 and he won easily at his only start at Mildura previously so he is worth another chance. STARVIN MARVIN (4) was also beaten by a considerable margin last week but he has won two of his past five starts at Mildura so he is capable of a better performance here. 

BACK: SHES POPPY – 1.5 units (each way)  

SELECTIONS: SHES POPPY (3), CHEERS POVERTY (5), YARRAMAN JOLT (7), STARVIN MARVIN (4)  

OVERVIEW: FLAME BLASTER (3) began quickly to trail the leader from a similar draw when he had no luck in gaining a clear run over the latter stages and finished an unlucky third behind She’s Poppy last week. He was a winner at Mildura three starts ago and this is a race of similar standard so he is worth an investment. WATCH THE ATTITUDE (7) led throughout and scored by a big margin in a sizzling mile rate of 1.56.5 on August 07. She hasn’t performed as well in three starts since and is unlikely to find the lead from the inside of the second line but she has the ability to show up if she can return to her peak. RUBBLEONTHEDOUBLE (6) appeared to have every chance in the one out and one back trail when fourth behind She’s Poppy last week. He was placed at his four attempts prior, including a Mildura victory, and is worth another chance. YELLA (1) is racing outside of his class range but he wasn’t beaten by far at his return to trainer Julie Douglas at Wagga and is drawn to receive every chance so he is not to be underestimated.  

SELECTIONS: FLAME BLASTER (3), WATCH THE ATTITUDE (7), RUBBLEONTHEDOUBLE (6), YELLA (1)  

OVERVIEW: ACCELERE (4) has been placed in all of his three starts since returning from Queensland and deserves to break through for a win. He attempted to lead throughout and was run down late when second behind Always On Safari last week. MEGAWATTS (7) is awkwardly drawn but appears to be well placed against this line up. She won at her only start on this track previously and her recent efforts have been against stronger opposition so she should be working home well. SUNSHINE WARRIOR (2) began quickly to find the lead and scored comfortably at Mildura last week. His wins are well spaced but he is drawn to obtain a prominent position again and is not without a chance. BOHEMIAN BRAIDS (1), RED HOT MIKI (6) and SNEAKY PHILTRA (9) are all worth thought in an open race.  

BACK: ACCELERE (4) – 2 units (win) 

SELECTIONS: ACCELERE (4), MEGAWATTS (7), SUNSHINE WARRIOR (2), BOHEMIAN BRAIDS (1)

OVERVIEW: KEAYANG CRIPPA (9) raced without cover throughout and dashed well clear to win easily two starts ago then followed with a handy finishing third last week. He is a versatile pacer and looms as one of the leading chances again. LORD VERDE (6) settled four back on the markers, was held up for a run at a vital stage and finished off fast for an eye-catching second at Globe Derby last week. He is poorly drawn but is racing too well to dismiss. FLEUR BELLA (4) settled midfield and finished off nicely at Mildura last week. She has done well in two starts since coming from New South Wales and is worth an investment. LOVE TO DEAL (5) worked hard to hold the lead around the first turn, eventually took cover at the 1300m and battled on fairly well for fourth behind Seaside Lady at Globe Derby. She has performed well at Mildura previously and should give a forward showing.  

BACK: KEAYANG CRIPPA – 1 unit (each way) 

SELECTIONS: KEAYANG CRIPPA (9), LORD VERDE (6), FLEUR BELLA (4), LOVE TO DEAL (5)  

OVERVIEW: CAPTIVATE ME (8) began quickly to lead, copped some pressure in the early stages and kicked on well for second behind Jades Reason last week. He has been runner up at his past four starts at Mildura and deserves to break through for a win. OZZIE DIAMOND (3) is a juvenile taking on older horses and hasn’t looked like running a place at her five starts to date but her latest fifth behind the top filly Ideal Frankie in a heat of the Super Series was encouraging. This race is much easier and a better showing is expected. PRETTY MISCHIEVOUS (5) gained the perfect trip and appeared to have every chance when third at Globe Derby last outing. This race might be a little more suitable and she has been placed four times from limited opportunities for the season so she warrants consideration. SWEET LUCY LOU (2) will appreciate her best draw for some time and her past two efforts have been good enough to figure in the finish under these conditions.  

SELECTIONS: CAPTIVATE ME (8), OZZIE DIAMOND (3), PRETTY MISCHIEVOUS (5), SWEET LUCY LOU (2)  

OVERVIEW: KING SAINT (6) has impressed at Mildura having had two wins and a placed effort from just four attempts and he wasn’t beaten by far in a slick mile rate of 1.53.4 at Metropolitan level last week. He is widely drawn but should make his presence felt. EARL OF PEMBROKE (10) has been safely held at his three starts since resuming but he was picking up late ground when fifth at Wagga last week and he should be reaching his peak fitness. BIZZNESS CLASS (5) settled down in a rearward position and was extremely wide on the home turn when a fast finishing third at Mildura last week. He has been placed in two of his past three starts against similar opposition and should be finding the line strongly again. LETSGO BIG GIRL (4) is racing in good form but tends to perform best over the sprint distance and KEAYANG MOROCCAN (7) was unlucky last week after being held up behind tiring horses before the home turn and finishing off nicely. 

BACK: KING SAINT (6) – 1.5 units (each way)  

SELECTIONS: KING SAINT (6), EARL OF PEMBROKE (10), BIZZNESS CLASS (5), LETSGO BIG GIRL (4)