Race-by-race preview and tips for Newcastle on Thursday
By Nick Berney
Selections based on a soft track
Race 1 - 12:35PM SHARP OFFICE MIDWAY MAIDEN PLATE (900 METRES)
4. Explosive Torpido’s first-up run at this track/distance 26 days had merit. The mare will be fitter for that and draws to have a much more economical run in transit.
Racing returns to Newcastle on Thursday.Credit: Getty
Dangers: 2. Toyger resumes off a 194-day break and has had the two trials leading into this assignment. He’s run to a consistent figure multiple times, which puts him in the finish. 6. Capital Dancer comes through the same race as Explosive Torpido, and she was honest in defeat after always facing the breeze in a genuine tempo.
How to play it: Explosive Torpido to win.
Race 2 - 1:10PM KLOSTER MOTOR GROUP MAIDEN PLATE (1850 METRES)
9. War Ribbon is on the quick back-up, and he was solid in defeat first up at Hawkesbury seven days ago. He can only step off that performance up in distance and expect another positive ride.
Dangers: 7. Lost Illusions is now at optimal fitness, and the claim suits from a soft draw. Add 6. First Night, who can improve out to 1850m, and 5. Cha Cha Cha can roll forward.
How to play it: War Ribbon to win.
Race 3 - 1:50PM DAVALI THOROUGHBREDS CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1500 METRES)
8. Zousain Bolt ran slick time to score last start at Wyong. That race rated highly, and all key indicators suggest he can step again off that performance.
Dangers: 2. Hell’s Itch showed style when winning first up and then had excuses when racing in the inferior ground last start. He’s looking for the 1500m and can bounce back with more luck here. 9. Media Frenzy had the race shape against first up and ran fast closing splits.
How to play it: Zousain Bolt to win.
Race 4 - 2:25PM LEES RACING SUPER MAIDEN HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
9. Righteous Legend was heavily backed on debut at Wyong, and although finishing fourth, his effort was full of merit. The bigger track is ideal; a set of winkers go on for the first time, and 1400m suits.
Dangers: First-starter 3. Longinus has moved well in two trials and looks a nice type. He can sprint fresh from the soft gate.
How to play it: Righteous Legend to win.
Race 5 - 3:05PM NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK PROVINCIAL BENCHMARK 68 HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
Everything points towards a peak performance for 9. Mondo and his effort was much better than the form guide reads last start. The blinkers go back on, a rise in trip suits and expect an aggressive ride early.
Dangers: 3. Oh Golly Gosh can be a sharp improver here getting back onto a drying surface, and she has trialled well between runs. 5. Buba ran fast closing splits last start and is ready to peak third-up.
How to play it: Mondo to win.
Race 6 - 3:40PM HORSEPOWER MAIDEN PLATE (1250 METRES)
11. Bauhinia was well-backed late in the trade on debut at Canterbury, and she flashed home to run second after having genuine excuses. She will have improved from that experience, with the bigger track being ideal.
Dangers: 2. Copacabana returns as a gelding off a 299-day break and has trialled well enough. Debutant 8. Maori Chief is a nice type and has been well-educated. He has had two trials leading into this, and has gone through the line full of energy, not extended. Debutante 14. Stratafy has trialled well enough and is a knockout chance.
How to play it: Bauhinia to win.
Race 7 - 4:15PM NEW ERA TECHNOLOGY F&M BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1250 METRES)
6. Gold Dust is coming through a high-rating proven form reference. She tried hard in defeat last start at Canterbury after having the race shape against her, and she hit the line well, running fast closing splits. The winner, Cosmonova, has won again in a stronger Saturday grade race.
Dangers: 10. Wings Of Desire was well backed when winning on debut at Hawkesbury, and she ran time. She sets up well from the inside gate with Tommy Berry riding. 1. Always In drops back to the provincial circuit and can settle closer with a significant barrier change. 4. Princess Cruizer is suited to racing at her home track.
How to play it: Gold Dust to win.
Race 8 - 4:55PM THE PRINCE OF MEREWETHER CG&E BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1250 METRES)
Nothing has gone right for 10. Eastern Front this preparation, and he represents value. He wasn’t suited on a testing surface first up and had no luck in the straight last start. Third up last campaign, he produced a career peak figure that rates to win this event. Expect him to look for cover, find a rhythm and hit the line hard late.
Dangers: 13. Fortingall had all favours when winning on debut, but there was plenty of merit. 5. Extreme Spirit is a key late-market watch with his form lines and returns as a gelding.
How to play it: Eastern Front E/W.
Best Bets: Race 7 (6) Gold Dust; Race 5 (9) Mondo
Best Value: Race 4 (9) Righteous Legend
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au