Horse Racing Preview Weekend 28 03

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

Toowoomba Race 7 – 5:22pm King of the Mountain (1200m)

IT’SOURTIME is in a new stable and a new state after serving the Danny O’Brien yard particularly well over a number of seasons. One of Melbourne’s most genuine sprinters in recent seasons with penchant for Flemington straight racing, the last time this 7-year-old was seen in action was in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) behind Joliestar in which he finished alongside Arkansaw Kid — and ahead of the likes of Benedetta, Maharba and Rey Magnerio. It’sourtime is drawn ideally in barrier 2 and looks well treated with just 3kg above the limit, and represents good value at his current quote.

Saturday

Rosehill Race 2 – 1:05pm Group 3 Baillieu Stakes (1400m)

TUPAKARA has been crying out for this trip since the first time she faced the starter, rattling home in the 1000m Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) at the beginning of the season for an eye-catching fourth. The Trapeze Artist filly’s first-up outing this time in work was very similar, also finishing fourth after being back in the field on the home-turn — behind subsequent Golden Slipper winner Marhoona and Slipper third Tempted no less. When also taking into consideration a fillies allowance of up to 3.5kg in one case, Tupakara looks likely to play a feature role in this extended juvenile feature.

Rosehill Race 3 – 1:40pm Group 2 Toyota Forklifts Tulloch Stakes (2000m)

A difficult race with many in the field stepping up to this level for the first time as they chase a Group 1 ATC Derby start at Randwick in a week’s time. Add in the distinct likelihood of heavy conditions if the forecast rain arrives, potentially in enough volume to disrupt the meeting. David Payne’s WAR RIBBON comes off a poor last start finish at Kembla Grange. However, the Calyx gelding does have two previous wins from four starts on Soft tracks and a second from two starts on a Heavy track. He also has the influence of Montjeu on his dam side. A watching brief to see if either War Ribbon or who else in the field steps up with sufficient style to warrant a Derby run.

Rosehill Race 5 – 2:50pm Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m)

SNOW IN MAY was a good winner of the Listed Canberra Guineas (1400m) at her latest start, bursting through the pack over the closing stages for her third career victory from just six starts. Potentially a starter in the Vinery Stakes over 2000m as a daughter of The Autumn Sun from a mare by internationally acclaimed sire Siyouni, Snow In May has instead been kept to 1500m for this coveted fillies and mares feature and gets into the contest on the minimum weight of 53kg. The John O’Shea & Tom Charlton stable is in red-hot form and produced this untapped talent for an impressive victory in the ACT. Their choice of assignment for her on Saturday is to be respected in every which way.

Race 6 – 3:05pm Listed ATA/Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m)

PISANELLO switches to Melbourne for his second up outing after running a close-up third at Group 3 level at Rosehill when resuming. A member of the Godolphin squad typically well managed through the formative stages of his career, this 4-year-old has won or placed in two-thirds of his starts and has a win down the Flemington straight already on his CV. Pisanello won three straight assignments when last in work, then ran a bottler first-up and has the services of Jamie Melham with just 54kg to carry. He ticks plenty of boxes for a competitive Listed event.