Cobram, Monday 6 January
Form Analysis by Rob Auber
Race 1:
OVERVIEW: DALLAS CHARLIE (4) has been finishing just behind the placegetters in recent starts and looks very well placed in this. Can take up a forward position and should be fighting out the finish. BERYLS GRIN (5) 10yo that is never far away and will appreciate this field and is one of the main chances. CRAFTY OLD FOX (3) has been struggling for form but this small field suits and has claims. Both COURTS BLISS (1) and SHES GOING PLACES (2) have ideal draws to enjoy soft trips and have place and firs four claims.
EARLY SPEED: 3,4,5
SELECTIONS: DALLAS CHARLIE (4) BERYLS GRIN (5) CRAFTY OLD FOX (3) COURTS BLISS (1)
RATINGS: 4/ 5/ 3/ 1/ 2
SUGGESTED BET: DALLAS CHARLIE (4) to Win.
Race 2:
OVERVIEW: DIRECT COMMAND (5) has been out of good form but racing against stronger company. He should find this easier than recent starts and must be respected in this. SCRITTORE (4) was a winner two starts ago leading throughout and best to forget last run when drawing the second row. Can press forward here and might take some catching if he can lead. HARLEY BLUE (3) worked too hard last start when unplaced but prior form was solid for a race of this class. Definite chance. BRONSKI MOMENT (2) was close in recent runs when running on well late and just failed at Echuca during the week. One of the chances. SIRIUS MAJOR (6) had excuses at Shepparton two runs ago and then forced wide at Echuca but failed to finish off. Worthy of another chance. ON A NIGHT (1) first up and might run well fresh.
EARLY SPEED: 3,4
SELECTIONS: DIRECT COMMAND (5) SCRITTORE (4) HARLEY BLUE (3) BRONSKI MOMENT (2)
RATINGS: 5/ 4/ 3/ 2/ 6/ 1
SUGGESTED BET: DIRECT COMMAND (5) to Win.
Race 3:
OVERVIEW: PRETTYBOY HARRY (6) should be improved by his first experience from behind the standing start tapes at his latest run and wasn’t far away when placed. Expect a good showing again. DANCES (5) 9yo mare racing in great form having won two of her past three starts. Comes off a tougher handicap here but is still a major threat. STRAIGHT TO THE TOP (4) lightly raced mare that hasn’t been far away of late and must be respected. OPRAH DOUBLE YOU (1) heavily backed for the new stable last start and did plenty wrong. Still a maiden but if she steps away the handicap advantage might have her in this for a long way. HERE COMES KYVALLEY (7) does have a very good standing start record and will appreciate the small field and is always a chance. SUNNYCOAST SECRET (3) fitter and can improve along with GIL FAVOR (2) and can’t be ignored whilst ESCAPE THE PACE (8) is searching to recapture some good form.
EARLY SPEED: 1,2
SELECTIONS: PRETTYBOY HARRY (6) DANCES (5) STRAIGHT TO THE TOP (4) OPRAH DOUBLE YOU (1)
RATINGS: 6/ 5/ 4/ 1/ 7/ 3/ 2/ 8
SUGGESTED BET: PRETTYBOY HARRY (6) to Win.
Race 4:
OVERVIEW: KINGS GUARD (5) is a smart trotter that continues to progress through the grades and needs to go to the next level here against stronger opposition. Top win last start and is a major chance again here. BRANDLO PRINCE (8) is on the comeback trail and getting fitter with each run. Loves the stand conditions and the staying trip and could be a big improver. HEPHAESTUS PHOENIX (6) has found some good form again and should be in peak condition for this. A definite threat. BERRIESANDCHERRIES (7) has been a wonderful mare for her connections and doesn’t know how to run a bad race. Expect another strong showing. BLUE COMAN (4) came off a big handicap at Echuca and wasn’t disgraced. Never far away and has claims along with TRIPOD (2) MAESTRO (3) and WATCH AND ACT (1) that have front line draws and can settle handy throughout and receive every chance.
EARLY SPEED: 1,2,3
SELECTIONS: KINGS GUARD (5) BRANDLO PRINCE (8) HEPHAESTUS PHOENIX (6) BERRIESANDCHERRIES (7)
RATINGS: 5/ 8/ 6/ 7/ 4/ 2/ 3/ 1
SUGGESTED BET: KINGS GUARD (5) to Win.
Race 5:
OVERVIEW: SIRLOU (3) super impressive winning all three starts to date with ease. Steps up a few levels here but is highly talented and looks up to the challenge. Hard to beat again. ON THE HUNT (7) is an honest mare that enjoyed very little luck last start but is racing well. Drawn wide here and will need some luck but if the breaks come her way, she’s a major chance to figure in the finish. BIG BAD OSSIE (4) this lightly raced 6yo was brilliant winning first up after a long layoff, a testament to his natural ability. Second up here and steps up in distance but is sure to make his presence felt. WIND SOCK (5) didn’t enjoy much luck at Leeton when working overtime and getting a bad check. Underrated and very capable. Deserves better. BIZZNESS CLASS (10) racing much better than his figure form suggests and if they go hard in this, he will be storming home late. Both NIGHT SCHOOL (6) and SIMILAN BEACH (11) will strip fitter and capable of improving. Sunraysia visitors MODERN GINGER (9) and UNITED (8) are very honest and have place and first four claims along with LILS NIGHTMARE (2) and OUR CHEEKY DEVIL (1).
EARLY SPEED: 2,3,4,5,7
SELECTIONS: ON THE HUNT (7) BIG BAD OSSIE (4) SIRLOU (3) WIND SOCK (5)
RATINGS: 7/ 4/ 3/ 5/ 10/ 6/ 11/ 9/ 8/ 2/ 1
SUGGESTED BET: ON THE HUNT (7) to Win.
Race 6:
OVERVIEW: I AM ON THERUN (5) talented colt that is yet to breakthrough after three runners up placings. Looks suited here and expect a big showing and should prove hard to hold out. ROCKET ME (4) lightly raced and battled on well last start and is an improving type. Can run well along with Sunraysia visitor CAPTAINS DREAM (7) that has been around the placings but faces a wide draw. VILLAGE SUSPECT (1) has drawn well and should be well poised to show improvement ALTATUDE (6) was runner up last start after working and is on the up and can’t be dismissed. CASA SEELSTER (2) WHITE STAR TOMMY (3) BLU MOON (9) and MYLA GIRL (8) are first four hopes.
EARLY SPEED: 4,5,6,7
SELECTIONS: I AM ON THERUN (5) ROCKET ME (4) CAPTAINS DREAM (7) VILLAGE SUSPECT (1)
RATINGS: 5/ 4/ 7/ 1/ 6/ 2/ 3/ 9/ 8
SUGGESTED BET: I AM ON THERUN (5) to Win.
