What’s most noticeable when looking at today’s card is that Joao Moreira doesn’t have a full book of rides- “only” six rides in the ten race card. But is it a case of quality over quantity?
Not really in what looks to be a very tough day to be on the winning side of the ledger- one of those Saturday afternoon race meetings with no real “marquee value” races, and what looks like a level playing field when it comes to The Jockey Challenge though Dougie Whyte has the best book- on paper.
R1
A 1000m sprint to start off the day and, as we witnessed on Wednesday, the chance of an upset as these races often throw up some wobblies. Interesting is seeing Christian Reith, below, riding the Gary Ng-trained Sir John two pounds overweight.
The horse is drawn the right side of the track for these sprints- barrier 11- and here’s hoping this brings up a winner for Reith as one has to wonder how long he’ll persevere trying his luck in Hong Kong where support is scarce when he can be riding winners back home in Sydney.
R2
This should be between Gold Precious(3) with Whyte aboard and Positive Energy (11) for Moreira.
R3
It’s taking Karis Teetan a surprisingly long time to land his first winner of this season, but has a great chance to break his duck with Grand Harbour which he rides for John Harbour.
Others with top chances are One Of A Kind (1), Happy Centenary (3) and Top Act (5). Box these and I think you’ve got the quinella.
R4
The start of the Triple Trio and a very tough race where anything can win with money probably going on Flying In (1) with The Zac Attack aboard and David Hall and Joao Moreira who combine with Gold Tartini (2).
Though it’s better over 1800m and not the 1600m it competes in today, it can place, and has won twice for the Magic Man, but might be too high in the ratings to take on a winning line.
The only one that really appeals to me is Fortune Bravo which might get a soft lead in front.
R5
The Racing Club Syndicate hasn’t had a horse capable of winning in aeons and with Neil Callan on their Caspar Fownes trained Young Talent, it might go close, but I really can’t see it winning here even though this is a weak Class 4 affair for horses rated 40-60.
I would rather be looking elsewhere and, especially, at Genuine Champion (3), which backs up from last week, Owner’s Pride (4) and Grand Champion (13) with Paul O’Sullivan turning to his former apprentice Derek Leung- Leung being an underrated young rider who really needs a mentor like Felix Coetzee to have his potential realised before it’s too late.
R6
Star Majestic (6) caught the eye a few times last season, and following a good trial recently, looks the one to beat, especially with Dougie Whyte jumping on it as the jockey has an impressive record for picking winning rides- unless these rides are for the Sean Woods yard.
As we saw on Wednesday, one really plays with fire and can get their fingers burnt following Big Sean’s horses as, despite good trackwork, or having quick backups which should mean having race fitness on their side, they almost always flop- and at short odds.
As for this race, apart from the Paul O’Sullivan-trained Star Majestic, Polymer Win (1) Double Dragon (11) and You Know I Win (12) are all place chances.
R7
Speaking of Sean Woods, it’s tough not to include his last-start winner Goldland Dancer (4), which, despite Howard Cheng having to endure kickback and riding it for luck, got it home.
Still, I can only give it a place chance and have Supreme Essence on top which Brett Prebble has been putting a great deal of work into along with Wednesday night winner Mighty K.
R8
Another 1000m sprint with some real speedsters and where luck in running is what it’s all about.
With Dickie Lui’s seven pound allowance, the apprentice, below, should be able to bounce Dane Patrol to the front, but with Season Star (6), Regency Ho Ho (9), St Yazin(12) and Generous Bobo (13) all having chances.
With a better barrier- a higher one- Sky Man would have blown this lot away. But from barrier two, it has no hope.
R9
Dougie Whyte riding Good Choice (9) for Sean Woods makes me wanna wear garlic around my neck, so I’d rather stick with Moreira on John Moore’s Principal (4) and Club Life (7) with Ollie Delouze up.
R10
Christian Reith has a good longshot in John Moore’s Harbour Master though racing up a class in a very competitive race where one cannot leave out Access Years (2) for the Size-Moreira duopoly, Master Kochanwong (10) and the dangerously weighted Multivictory (12)
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SARIKA’S SIX UP
R5- 3,4 R6- 1,6 R7- 6,8 R8- 2,9,12 R9- 4-7 R10- 2-8
$960 for a full Six Up ticket
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PARTING SHOT
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