Albion Park, Friday 9 January
Form Analysis by Darren Clayton
RACE ONE
An error on debut was followed by an improved effort from WHATA GOOD FEELING (1) at her second start. By start three, the added exposure and experience saw her claim a smart win when hitting the line in style to post a 3m margin. That form has been franked, with both placed runners subsequently winning. Not being shuffled back too far early will be the key.
I AM CAESAR (3) was finding the maiden breaking win elusive, until finally putting it together to score at Redcliffe three start back at his 18th attempt. Only 3m from ROBIN JUJON at his next start, he can look to claim the 3YO victory much quicker by issuing the challenge here.
SURPRISE BABY (4) left it until the second last race of the 2025 season to claim a breakthrough when scoring at Redcliffe. Finishing over the top of opponents in that event, some winning confidence will help.
SELECTIONS: WHATA GOOD FEELING (1), I AM CAESAR (3), SURPRISE BABY (4)
SUGGESTED BET: WHATA GOOD FEELING (1) to win
RACE TWO
Just the small field of square gaiters from the mobile start where GRACIAS (3) can look to find a prominent position in the early stages. Strong to the line after facing a 30m impost two starts back, he was 3rd behind WHIRLWIND WILBUR. An error ended his chances last time and with two enforced trials to earn the return, this looks within reach.
DAIMYO (4) showed some good speed out of the machine to fire across to the front last start. With an even tempo throughout, he was unable to repel the closing challengers and had to settle for the bronze, 3m astern of the winner. With good early hustle, he can throw down the challenge.
ALDEBARAN FONZ (6) was second up from a spell last time out when looming in the stretch and looking set for victory, only for DARCYS FIREBALL to outwill him to the line. With added fitness, he is in the fight again.
SELECTIONS: GRACIAS (3), DAIMYO (4), ALDEBARAN FONZ (6)
SUGGESTED BET: GRACIAS (3) to win
RACE THREE
Tackling a mare’s event last start CREDULOUS (1) looked to have run her race at the 400 but rallied strongly and was still trying to raise an effort when fighting to the line behind IMA QUEEN BEE. 3rd at the mile behind O B LEGAL two starts back, she secures all the options to capitalise.
HOT ROD HARRY (3) was fighting all the way to the wire last start when just a half-head short of victory behind COMMODORE JUJON. Making an error which ended his chances two starts back, three back he was forced to park out and do it tough. It could be sleeves up again here, but he is up to the challenge.
EXCLUSIVE HUSTLER (5) was making a late rally to grab the bronze last start when just 3m from the in-form POST PAINTER. A dictating winner four starts back, the small field will assist his chances of descending on them in the stretch.
SELECTIONS: CREDULOUS (1), HOT ROD HARRY (3), EXCLUSIVE HUSTLER (5)
SUGGESTED BET: CREDULOUS (1) to win
RACE FOUR
Chasing a hat-trick of victories, OUR DICKIE BART (4) is on the short back-up after overcoming a second line gate here on Tuesday. Too strong in the closing stages to claim victory, he was tough when defying gate 7 the start prior. The small field is a plus and he can secure the threepeat.
IMANI (1) released after finding the front last time out and using the passing lane was just a half-neck short of victory. Attacking the line from deep field the start prior after snagging back from outside the front line, she secures all the options from this gate to throw down a challenge.
THE TIGER ARMY (2) eased from gate 7 last time out and was making good metres in the closing stages when just missing a cheque behind WAR CLUB. Settling handy can see him feature.
SELECTIONS: OUR DICKIE BART (4), IMANI (1), THE TIGER ARMY (2)
SUGGESTED BET: OUR DICKIE BART (4) to win
RACE FIVE
Resuming from a spell to make his first appearance as a 3YO, IDEAL BRONSKI (4) was shut down back in July when scoring against older horses. With two wins and two placings from seven starts, he has prepared with three trials, the latest a sharp effort in good time.
OUR ULTIMATE MILLY (3) ended her 3YO season with the silver behind ULTIMATE ARK when forced to sit parked after being sent forward from a second line gate. A gritty winner three starts back, if it comes down to a fitness edge in the closing stages, she may hold a slender advantage.
KONNYMARA (8) should enjoy an economical trip from this gate and will be probing for clear space. Kept fresh since his last appearance, his past two have been from tough gates.
LAZENA (2) is a last start winner at Redcliffe when justifying a short quote with an effortless victory. This is another step up, but she has the gate to make her presence felt.
SELECTIONS: IDEAL BRONSKI (4), OUR ULTIMATE MILLY (3), KONNYMARA (8), LAZENA (2)
SUGGESTED BET: IDEAL BRONSKI (4) to win
RACE SIX
First up after returning to Qld to her old stable, NELLIE JOY (6) was seven weeks between runs when making some good metres in the closing stages to grab 3rd behind MAJESTIC BREEZE. With the added fitness from that performance, combined with the same handicap and the opposition no harder, she can cash in second up.
LOOK FOR TASCOTT (8) has been a work in progress and put it all together to break maiden ranks five starts back. Following that with another victory, he made an error when chasing the hat-trick. Runner-up in both subsequent appearances, he looms as a big threat in this line up.
CASCATA (9) was safely in stride from the 20m tape last start and pressing forward was then left exposed when missing a minor. An error ended her chances two starts back and with the right manners, she is right in the fight.
MILLY AN EYRE (5) chased home for the bronze two starts back behind FLASH KYVALLEY and last start was midfield when unable to warm up over the closing stages. She is a podium player.
SELECTIONS: NELLIE JOY (6), LOOK FOR TASCOTT (8), CASCATA (9), MILLY AN EYRE (5)
SUGGESTED BET: NELLIE JOY (6) to win
RACE SEVEN
This race looks an absolute raffle, made no easier by the 2138 which the majority of the field will find a stretch. WILLIEWA LIGHTNING (2) led them up at Redcliffe three starts back when collared in the stretch and has been down the line in both since. With the chance to get forward, he might just have the winning ticket.
ONA MERRY DANCE (10) was making her first appearance in Qld last time out when making use of a tight gate to find the front and dictate. Under siege turning for home, she lifted off the canvas to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and that grit should help here at the middle trip.
AUNTY FRANCES (12) WAS A Redcliffe winner two starts back when rolling forward, sitting parked and grinding out the W. Setting the tempo from gate 7 on this deck last start when 2nd, she can make a play.
MISS HATTIE (4) was working home in good order for the silver at Redcliffe two starts back and then last start could not get warm. The right position from this gate helps and she does have a win at this trip.
SELECTIONS: WILLIEWA LIGHTNING (2), ONA MERRY DANCE (10), AUNTY FRANCES (12), MISS HATTIE (4)
SUGGESTED BET:
RACE EIGHT
LITTLELIONELJAMES (1) tried to see them off after spearing across to set the tempo last start but faded to finish near the rear. A luckless 3rd here three starts back, he returns to the sprint trip for this assignment which is a huge plus and from the gate, lands every chance to capitalise.
IDEAL DESIRE (10) was forced to do the heavy lifting last time out when parked outside the leader and grafting away to be 6m astern of the winner MACS A DUDE. Runner-up two starts back, tempo will assist her claims of issuing the challenge.
LA BOMBA (2) found the 1x1 trail here two starts back and making a late play grabbed the silver when 2m from the winner ITS A SPONGE DARL. Beaten by gate 7 last start, she can chime in.
BEACH MAGIC (5) landed a breakthrough at Redcliffe three starts back when making the most of the ace to take them all the way. Runner-up last start via the passing lane, he is in the mix.
SELECTIONS: LITTLELIONELJAMES (1), IDEAL DESIRE (10), LA BOMBA (2), BEACH MAGIC (5)
SUGGESTED BET: LITTLELIONELJAMES (1) to win
