Blue Diamond Stakes
In a very open Blue Diamond I’m giving GUEST HOUSE another chance after going down to Closer To Free in the Prelude after racing quite fresh and green last time out. I feel that will have taken the edge off him and he will be more tractable this time around. He still worked home steadily and the increase in distance to 1200m should only enhance his chances.
Oakleigh Plate
TROPICUS hasn’t raced since the spring when he finished midfield to Giga Kick in the heavy going in the VRC Sprint. He has had two solid jump-outs to prepare for this first-up run in the Oakleigh Plate and has only missed a place once fresh. Last prep he won The Heath, then ran second in the Schillaci and with Craig Williams on board, this does look a nice race to kick off this year’s campaign.
Class 3 Plate
SCRIPTED got well back in the field last time and was a fast finishing seventh in the Snippets at the Gold Coast on Magic Millions Day. She looks perfectly suited here and should get a gun run in behind the speed. Has tremendous acceleration and will be running over these and getting that winning feeling back.
Class 6 Plate
ZOUBABY looked good running all over Yoyo Yeezy here a fortnight ago, sprinting away for a very impressive victory. She stays at the distance and drops in weight for this assignment, so looks ideally placed to get another win on the board for the Moor/Gollan combination
Rating 72+ Handicap
FANCY RED got the job done narrowly after a brilliant ride by William Pike last time out, finding a run on the fence that only came late. Holly Nottle tales over the reins today with Pike in Victoria but no one is riding better than her. This mare will likely get back but the mile looks ideal for her and she should take plenty of stopping.