Activity is going to a new level for owners in The Racing League with 13 of the 18 horses hitting the tracks over the next four to eight weeks across the three states.
Luna Rocks made a spectacular debut in atrocious conditions at Newcastle, while Bellinger races at Bendigo on Saturday and The Sherpa returns on Sunday at Mudgee and Maroon Magic barrier trials in Brisbane on Monday.
Let’s find some winners from our TRL trainers on a busy weekend.
BELLINGER LOOKING FOR BACK TO BACK WINS
Bellinger is proving himself a real warhorse for the Vic Husslers and the Hayes camp, this will be his eighth run this campaign and is searching for back to back wins.
Ben Hayes reports Bellinger has done extremely well since his spectacular last start success at Cranbourne, and while this is clearly a step-up in class I’m happy to be with him each way at $13 with Sportsbet.
Crosshaven is another Hayes runner who closed off well last start at Flemington and can finish in the money at double digit odds.
BET: Bellinger – Each Way (Bendigo Race 2)
BET: Crosshaven – Each Way (Bendigo Race 8)
CIARON LOVES A CARDIGAN
The old cardigan may well be coming back into fashion this Winter if Ciaron Maher has anything to do with it.
Cardigan Queen (Race 7) looks to be the best of his runners at Bendigo, quoted a $2.80 chance on Sportsbet. She won first-up and was desperately unlucky last start at Flemington.
Field of Flutes (Race 3) only 5 of the 15 have any race day experience, Field of Flutes is having his first race start but has been well educated in the Maher/Eustace yard and looked good winning a Cranbourne jump out.
La Chevalee (Race 5) got a long way out of its ground at Sandown before finishing well.
BET: Field of Flutes – Each Way (Bendigo Race 3)
BET: La Chevalee – Each Way (Bendigo Race 5)
BET: Cardigan Queen – Each Way (Bendigo Race 7)
NEWNHAM HAS THAT PIERRO CONNECTION
Mark Newnham’s connection with the mighty Pierro looks set to continue at Royal Randwick.
Chenin is a promising Pierro filly that was impressive winning at Hawkesbury last start and looks to be on the rise.
A Very Fine Red (Race 10) is a nice filly that has been placed twice on Heavy tracks, she is another heading in the right direction and can finish in the winners stall.
BET: Chenin – Each Way (Randwick Race 3)
BET: A Very Fine Red – Each Way (Randwick Race 10)
KIM WAUGH IS SET ON RUBY
It looks like Kim Waugh has an exciting 2yo on her hands for the NSW Tycoons in the form of Sidenay, he’ll have a second jump out at Randwick on Monday.
On Saturday, Kim has Sweet Ruby in the Carbine Club Stakes, this is a tough test but she was pretty good in Canberra last start.
BET: Sweet Ruby – Each Way (Randwick Race 2)
JOE PRIDE AND HIS OLD FAVOURITE
Joe Pride has done a remarkable job with Eduardo, who is looking to go back to back in the Group 1 TJ Smith.
He was fantastic winning the Challenge Stakes, has 3 wins from 4 starts on heavy going and loves Randwick. I’ll stick with Eduardo.
BET: Eduardo – Each Way (Randwick Race 8)
FREEDMAN BROTHERS FORBIDDEN LOVE
The Freedman Brothers are the toast of the NSW Tycoons at the moment after the courageous debut of promising 2yo Luna Rocks at Newcastle on Thursday. She may well have another start at Randwick before heading to Brisbane for the listed Dalrello Stakes.
Richard has actually compared her in some way to Forbidden Love, the hot favourite for the Doncaster. Forbidden Love has won her last three and is arguably the best wet tracker in Australia.
BET: Forbidden Love – Win (Randwick Race 9)
TONY GOLLAN MAGIC
Amazingly despite all the inclement weather in Brisbane racing is at Eagle Farm with the track rated a Good 4.
As always Tony Gollan heads to the track with a stack of outstanding chances.
Abracadazzle (Race 3) I thought was unlucky two starts back, while last time out the pace was against her, now back in grade can win.
Vaporizing (Race 4) just looked a little underdone when returning and has a good second-up record, I’ll be sticking.
Le Palmier (Race 5) is being kept safe at $4.80 with Sportsbet, will be up on the pace and does love Eagle Farm.
BET: Abracadazzle – Each Way (Eagle Farm Race 3)
BET: Vaporizing – Each Way (Eagle Farm Race 4)
BET: Le Palmier – Each Way (Eagle Farm Race 5)
STEVE O’DEA SET TO HANG FIVE
Not only can Steve O’Dea train, but his communications are also first class with the exciting news that Maroon Magic will barrier trial on Monday morning.
I don’t think Steve is a surfer, but Hang Five looks like a justified favourite $2 and is coming off a good win.
Later in the day, You Make Me Smile (Rac 8) likes Eagle Farm and boasts a good second-up record.
BET: Hang Five – WIN (Eagle Farm Race 2)
BET: You Make Me Smile – Each Way (Eagle Farm Race 8)
Good luck and good punting
TK