Horse Racing Preview Weekend 21 02

Worth a closer look…

In this weekly horse racing preview the ThoroughbredNEWS team take a fresh look at the form ahead of the weekend’s domestic and international action. We hope to get a good run for our money, the experts certainly are of the opinion that they’ve unearthed some interesting points of view and as such these selections are worth a closer look…

Race times are all Australian Eastern Standard Time.

FRIDAY

Launceston Race 6 – 8:40pm Listed Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Oaks (2100m)

LUVYA MUMMA made all of the running when winning her maiden over 1615m at Kilmore at her latest start but takes a marked step up in distance and quality to contest this Tassie Classic. Fear not, trained (and bred) by Liam Howley, the daughter of Toronado (Ire) has enjoyed a good grounding for the assignment this progressive stable spotted on the radar. In addition, this filly has Epsom Derby winners High Chaparral (Ire), Roberto and Caerleon featuring in her pedigree tabulation as well as the profound influences Danehill (USA) and Sir Tristram (by Sir Ivor, another Epsom Derby winner) in the mix. The fact that Howley bred her and has prepared her for this black-type challenge if also very much in her favour.

SATURDAY

Rosehill Race 4 – 2:15pm Ranvet Handicap (1100m)

THE BLADE made a massive impression on debut last August when winning a Super Maiden at Randwick-Kensington by close enough to six lengths. Though he failed to place at his only other start, it is worth noting that the winner on that occasion was boom sprinter Private Harry. This Benchmark 78 sees The Blade back in action just 0.5kg over the limit and with barrier 1 plus Tyler Schiller aboard. The contest has the potential to launch a significant Autumn campaign for this lightly-raced member of Team Hawkes.

Caulfield Race 7 – 3:40pm Group 1 Lamaro’s Hotel Futurity Stakes (1400m)

We have followed TOM KITTEN through his career and now he commences his latest campaign. The stable have additional targets over the up-coming weeks for this four-year-old Harry Angel (Ire) gelding back in Sydney, but two wins from four first up starts deals confidence in his ability to match this Group 1 first up. He starts from barrier two for Ben Melham, handily outside stablemate Pericles and Blake Shinn in one, for his first race at Caulfield. Great guide to the autumn.

Caulfield Race 8 – 4:15pm Group 1 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m)

There’s a real possibility that Australia’s two breeding juvenile events this season could be won by geldings with FIELD OF PLAY appearing the 2-year-old to beat in this renewal of the Blue Diamond. Last weekend saw the gelded Shaggy rocket into contention for the Golden Slipper and, if anything, fellow gelding Field of Play looks a stronger hope of landing the first major Pattern Race of each juvenile season. The son of Deep Field has been flawless in his two wins from two starts to date and is drawn to advantage to remain unbeaten.

Rosehill Race 8 – 4:35pm Group 2 Kai Ora Hobartville Stakes (1400m)

The Hobartville is the race where the best must meet as they work towards the Randwick and Rosehill Guineas and the honours board reflects that quality, Lonhro in 2002, Thorn Park in 2003, Pierro in 2013, Kementari in 2018, The Autumn Sun in 2019, Anamoe in 2022. Godolphin send out BROADSIDING for his first start of this campaign. The Too Darn Hot (GB) colt has looked sharp in his lead up, including an exhibition gallop two weeks ago at Randwick, and the 1400m should work well before he tackles longer distances. Trainer James Cummings stays in Sydney to supervise proceedings.

SUNDAY

Sha Tin Race 5 – 6.00pm Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m)

KA YING RISING is facing a challenge, slight, but a challenge nevertheless to hold our interest. The David Hayes trained four-year-old Shamexpress gelding has never previously stretched out to 1400m in his ten-start career which would usually have the question asked of will he run it out. Taking his last start win in the Centenary Sprint Cup over 1200m on January 19th as a guide would suggest he will with ease. Ka Ying Rising started from barrier 8 under Zac Purton, came across to lead and then demolished the field by 3 1/4L without being ridden out.  On Saturday Ka Ying Rising once again has the outside barrier, this time 9, with Karis Teetan riding with Purton injured. Chances are his record will read 13 starts, 11 wins and two seconds moments after 6.00pm. 

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