Placing a bet on a favourite – some punters can’t get enough of them, while others steer clear of them. Racing writer Justin Devine looks at some of the more fancied runners for this weekend’s horse racing and decides if he loves them 😍 or if he should leave ❎ them!
It looks like a competitive day of racing all over Australia. The Paddy Payne trained SIG POSITANO should have won at Caulfield last start and can make amends this week with even luck in running. TYCOONIST looked to have another gear left when winning last start and he can win the get out at Rosehill. Over in the West, THE SPRUIKER can add some Black Type to his already impressive CV with a win in the Listed Easingwold Stakes at Ascot 😍.
SAIGON is yet to recapture her best form and I cannot entertain backing her as favourite at Rosehill this week. Last start winners MARINE ONE and RULE OF LAW will both need to carry big weights from poor barriers to win. They both look under the odds ❎.
Good Luck Punters!
Caulfield R7 – 6. Sig Positano @ $1.95 😍
SIG POSITANO had no luck when finishing a close up third last start and returns to the same track and distance today. The step-up in class is offset by a 3kg drop and John Allen retains the ride. The Paddy Payne trained 5yo only needs clear running in the straight to get the prize. The best bet of the day.
Rosehill R10 – 5. Tycoonist @ $2.10 😍
TYCOONIST came with a well-timed run to win well over 1200m last start after enjoying a soft run in the race. The Waller-trained gelding looked to have plenty left in the tank last time and has drawn to enjoy another good run in transit. James McDonald can peel out in the straight and power past his rivals. Yes please.
Ascot R8 – 5. The Spruiker @ $2.30 😍
With six wins from his last seven starts, it is impossible to go past THE SPRUIKER. He came with a strong finish to win well over 1200m last start and steps up to his favourite 1400m trip for the Listed Easingwold Stakes. Paul Harvey rides for the first time and the 4yo can get the box seat run. He ticks all the boxes.
BET ON EASINGWOLD STAKES HERE:
Rosehill R3 – 3. Saigon @ $2.70 ❎
In a race decimated by scratchings, SAIGON will jump a solid favourite. The Mare looked a progressive type when winning four from five late in 2020, but it would be fair to say that she has disappointed since with three placings in her nine starts since then. The Waller stable is enduring a rare cold patch of form and SAIGON is unlikely to change that. No wins in over a year is hardly the type of formline to have me jumping at the short price. Pass.
Caulfield R4 – 5. Marine One @ $3.70 ❎
With three wins from four runs this prep, it is hard to knock MARINE ONE. He came with a strong finish to win well over 1000m at Pakenham last start and Josh Richards retains the ride with a 2kg claim. However, the Maher and Eustace trained colt is 0 from 2 over 1100m and is yet to place at Caulfield. Barrier 15 won’t help either. I will be betting around him.
Rosehill R6 – 1. Rule of Law @ $2.90 ❎
RULE OF LAW has sat on the speed to win his last two at Warwick Farm and finds himself in another winnable race here. He will need to use his early speed from the wide gate and has to carry 60kgs after the claim for Jenny Duggan. I’m not sure that the gelding will find it easy to cross and I fear he will get planted wide throughout the run. For that reason, I am taking him on! No thanks.