Form analyst, SCOTT MCDONELL, previews Saturday’s meetings, with horse racing tips and analysis for the five best bets of the weekend. Good luck, punters!

 

Ascot Race 9 – Gold Rush (Group 3) 1400m

19:57 (local time)

KISSONALLFORCHEEKS looked to have the Winterbottom done and dusted last time out but was run down right at the post by Paulele. She was extremely well backed in the Group 1 feature and this looks a slightly easier race for her here.

With the improved barrier draw, she shouldn’t get back as far as her recent run, so look for Parnham to give her plenty of room in the straight to wind up and hopefully see this 5yo mare getting her nose over the line first today.

Tip: KISSONALLFORCHEEKS

Ascot Race 8 – Towton Cup 2200m

17:20 (local time)

This race is one of the main previews for the upcoming Perth Cup and am looking at ALASKAN GOD to bounce back to form with a win. His last 2 runs have been in Group 1s and has been right on their tails each time, behind Trix Of The Trade in the  Railway and Amelia’s Jewel in the Northerly.

Has plenty of class on his side and won the WA Derby earlier in the year. This looks like the right stepping stone for a tilt at the Cup in a few weeks. Should be winning.

Tip: ALASKAN GOD

Sandown Race 8 – Benchmark 84 Handicap 1400m

17:00 (local time)
Don’t we all like some MAC N CHEESE occasionally? With Thanksgiving over in the US  it’s time for us to jump on board. This 4yo mare was competitive with some of the best fillies during the Autumn SA carnival and although she finished back in the field in the Australasian Oaks, she had probably come to the end of her campaign then.
This girl ran a bottler on Melbourne Cup day at Flemington second up and only went down narrowly. Last start at Caulfield she just couldn’t get into the race so may pay to forgive her for that run. Craig Williams jumps on board today and look for some of his magic to get her over the line.

Tip: MAC N CHEESE

Randwick Race 8 – The Ingham (Group 2) 1600m

16:40 (local time)

NUGGET is an emergency in this event but if he does gain a start, this 6yo import from the UK will be extremely hard to toss, after his impressive last start victory at Kembla when he was backed off the map.

That win followed a very nice second to Detonator Jack on Melbourne Cup day at Flemington when he went down narrowly in a bunched finish. Looks like the Maher/Eustace camp have picked up another classy conveyance and will be the one to beat if he does get a run on the day.

Tip: NUGGET

Eagle Farm Race 8 – The Star Getaway 1400m

16:32 (local time)

LOCH EAGLE appears to be dropping significantly back in grade for this set weights 4yo race. At his best I think he would be far too good for these after some nice efforts over the Autumn carnival. After a first up win, his last 3 runs have all been good.

He was gallant only being beaten 5 lengths by Vilana in the Silver Eagle, another nice run on Hunter Day at Newcastle and last start ran home terrifically from the tail behind Darjaan, in a Group 3 race at Rosehill. At nice double figure odds, definitely worth a ticket each way.

Tip: LOCH EAGLE