Gear Changes: Odyssey Moon – Winkers Again & Blinkers Off, Ragazzo Del Corsa – Visor First Time & Blinkers Off, Bon Aurum – Tongue Tie First Time
1. Odyssey Moon: Did alot wrong first up yet still found the line strongly for 3rd. Up to 1400m looks ideal and he is primed today. Looks well suited here.
2. Prince of Brooklyn: Very disappointing run first up when off the speed and failed to find the line. Did have an excuse or two but i couldn’t back him 2nd up today off that in this class.
3. Gold Busker: Did alot wrong overracing all race first up at Moonee Valley… decent form out of state but hard to measure up after that first run.
4. Manhattan Blues: Disappointing run first up. Well beaten at the top level last prep but did run a respectable fourth in the Blue Diamond from well back. Need to see the run today after that first up effort.
5. El Greco: Old mate has alot of talent but he has reached his peak for this prep and won’t be improving without a spell. Happy to take him on.. consistent and will run well but won’t win.
6. Ragazzo Del Corsa: Decent type of horse but has proved by last two runs, is a few lengths behind this grade.
7. Snoopy: Three runs for three wins to date. Beaten everything put infront of him and well bred type for this distance. Think he has a big figure and could be value coming into this. Maps perfectly.
8. Lizard Island: Ran well enough as a 2YO but came back a step below this class based on first two runs this prep. Up to 1400m obviously turn him on a bit more but not this much.
9. More Than Most: Maiden only winner… decent enough form first prep and did handle this track. First up run was okay and stable really like him as a horse, but barrier the big issue here. On trial for the Guineas here.
10. Luchador: Heavy 3Y-MDN winner last start. Took a long time to break through and hard to see him measuring up to these.
11. Patch Adams: Patchy has been putting in some respectable runs this prep but surely can’t see him placing in this grade.
12. Bon Aurum: Four runs this prep… only a win in maiden and toughest feat today.. no thanks.
13. Red Alto: Goes well enough on dryer tracks. Has the ability on what we have seen this prep but i’d be willing to pass him by here.
15. Sovereign Nation: Won on protest first up. Really wants the 1400m but has to find much more here. Hard to see the instant improvement to Group class level required.
16. Tulsa: Fairly easy kill 2nd up over an average bunch at Pakenham. Poor barrier ruins any chance for mine.
17. War Legend: Failed in 2Yo class as a 2Yo.. won a 4 runner maiden first up. Hard to rate.
18. Ragnaar: Well respected NZ import. They never win first up in Aus though… a rule i live by with NZ imports! Has been backed.
19. Assertive Star: Very good run from the back last start at Sandown. Has to improve again to place.
20. Deadly Shadow: Couldn’t win a maiden from out the front off a slow enough tempo.
Comments: Odyssey Moon and Snoopy are the two standouts for me today. I just can’t risk the price being bet for Snoopy today though while i’m very happy with the draw Odyssey Moon has been given to take him with confidence e/w today. Will love the Flemington track and has the right jockey onboard.
Confidence 70%
Strategy: Odyssey Moon E/W
