Racehorse TALK

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BEST:  Some Are Bent (Moonee Valley R6 No. 1) - $2.10 is a great price for a champion and this bloke is almost there. He jumps like a gazelle and has plenty left in the tank at the business end. This should be a procession for him to equal the consecutive jumps record and I'll be on him at that price.

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LAY: I thought Victory Chant was the most overrated horse in the country when he went to Melbourne after a runaway win in SA.

He is not as overrated now, but he is still going up favourite in the Dermody Stakes tomorrow and he is going to struggle. There is plenty of speed in the race and I can see Victory Chant - along with a couple of others - feeling the heat over the last 100m or so.

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Weekend whisper
Songs of lament from our very own "Mr Form" Ray Hickson this week with the news that his spring star prediction, Deferential, is being exported.

The Pago Pago winner has  been whisked off to Hong Kong to continue racing in the Territory and will race under the same name.

"He will be a star no matter where he is," quipped Hicko optimistically.

"I simply change my prediction for him to 'Autumn Star'", he added.

Fortunately for Hicko, he named three horses for his Spring Star, and his confidence remains high for the remaining two - Mentality and Kerdem.

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Trackwork Specials

RANDWICK - Expensively (Warwick Farm R7 No. 3) - Tuesday 24/7, Dirt, 600m in 35. She finished off with a final 200m in 11.2 so couldn’t be going any better.

ROSEHILL – Bellagio Wynn (Warwick Farm R2 No. 1) - Tuesday 24/7, Inside grass, 17m out, 1000m in 1:08.80, his final 600m was timed in 38.50 seconds. He should have won last starts and gets a chance to atone.

BROADMEADOW – Leica Dance (Newcastle R8 No. 4) - Thursday 26/7, Track good, 1000m in 1:14.20, last 600 in easy 43.25. Impressive winner first-up and is in a suitable race tomorrow.

CAULFIELD – Rubiscent (Moonee Valley R5 No. 6) - Tuesday, 24/7, cruised over 1000m in even time, and brushed home the last 600 in 37.94. Romped home first-up and can handle a class rise.

FLEMINGTON – Johnny Knoxville (Moonee Valley R3 No. 6) - Tuesday, course proper, 17m out, going good, 1600m in 1.52.97, last 400m in 25.09. In-form jumper with strong claims in an even contest.

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Track conditions
WARWICK FARM: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (5),  Rail True. Track will be walked and reassessed today. Chance of light showers and track is expected to remain Dead (5).

MOONEE VALLEY: Friday at 10am, Track Slow (7) Penetrometer 5.46, Rail Out 3m, Track has had 1mm of rain this week but the track manager is expecting rain this afternoon with the chance of a thunderstorm. A Heavy ( is predicted for tomorrow.

CHELTENHAM: Friday at 10am, Track Good, Rail True. The weather was showery this morning at Cheltenham  with the chance of showers predicted for tomorrow as well. Track manager said unless they get 4-5mm of rain it shouldn't affect the good rating.

DOOMBEN: Friday at 10am, Track Good, Rail Out 7.5m. No rain this week. Weather is expected to be fine 24 degrees tomorrow and track should be remain good.

BELMONT: Friday at 9am, Track Dead, Rail out 18m entire. Track has had 40mm of rain so far this week and another 20-30mm is predicted for today. If they get the rain predicted a downgrade to Slow can be expected.

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Con Kafataris - early mail
Rubiscent (Moonee Valley R5. No 6) - Handy middle distance performer who proved far too good form them 1st-up. Even fitter now and should make it two straight.

Baughurst (Moonee Valley R7. No 4) - Lost no admirers when runner-up here a fotnight back. Racing well and looks a great each-way chance once again.

Bellagio Wynn (Warwick Farm R2 No. 1) - No luck on the Kensington track last time. Extra trip suits and should atone.

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First-up Flyer

Zupaone (Cheltenham race 8 no.3) - contests the only stakes race run in Australia tomorrow (the Dermody) and is sure to make his presence felt given the impressive fresh record he possesses.

The three-year-old Flying Spur colt has won two from two first-up and has also won first-up from a seven week let-up. Adding to his appeal in tomorrow's race is a record of four wins from four attempts at the 1000m distance.

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Barrier trial teaser

Warring (Canterbury today R4 No.1) is a Gai Waterhouse-trained four-year-old who has won two barrier trials in preparation for his first-up run at Canterbury this afternoon.

At his most recent hit-out, over 1030m at Rosehill on July 17, Warring coasted home to score by two lengths on a slow track, comfortably accounting for last Saturday's impressive winner Light Red.

He has a handy first-up record and will be suited by the 1250m first-up and the drop in class despite having to carry 58.5kg.

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Bred to win
Just The Rock (Moonee Valley R1 No.2) is an improving son of champion racehorse Rock Of Gibraltar with the Lee Freedman stable.

This gelding cost only $110,000 as a yearling despite being the first foal of 2002 Group One Flight Stakes winner Royal Purler.

Just The Rock has only had the three starts and appreciated the step up in distance to win at Mornington last start and will further appreciate the mile tomorrow.

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Track conditions

ROSEHILL: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3), Rail Out 6m. Penetrometer 4.81. Track was getting light showers (1mm) this morning with the forecast for more light showers. Track is on the borderline of
Good and Dead so a little more rain may push it slightly into the Dead range but the track shouldn't be too bad.

CAULFIELD: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3) Penetrometer 4.80, Rail Out 4m, Track has had 5.6mm of rain this week with the chance of a few showers but even a couple of showers shouldn't affect the track too much.

VICTORIA PARK: Friday at 10am, Track Slow (6), Rail Out approx 6m 1600m-900m. Track has had 12mm of rain earlier in the week and another 7mm overnight. Weather fine at the moment but there's the chance of more rain and drying weather not great. Expected to remain Slow.

DOOMBEN: Friday at 10am, Track Good, Rail Out 1m. Penetrometer 4.70. No rain this week. Track has been given plenty of water this week and with 27 degree weather today track will remain Good.

BELMONT: Friday at 9am, Track Dead, Rail True. Track has had 52mm of rain earlier this week but the weather is expected to be fine today and tomorrow with the chance the track might get back to Good.

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Hickson's Best/Lay

BEST
Fantastic Angel (Rosehill R2 No.1) – scored impressively first-up at Rosehill and she will strip much fitter for the run. She steps up to 1400m against seven other horses, none of which have even run a place in a metropolitan event. The David
Payne-trained filly has won two from four and run fourth at her other two starts, all in open company against her own age and is absolutely thrown in with 58kg in a Class Three. She’s entitled to win and win easily and if you get the $3.50 in early markets you’ll be doing very well.

LAY
Marasco (Belmont R6 No.1) – some markets have him odds-on which seems to be an assessment on reputation. While he is capable of winning I just don’t want to have anything to do with him at the price range he’s at, on a rain affected track, first-up with 60kg and with the trainer consistently declaring him unfit. He’ll run well but too big a risk to be backing tomorrow.

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Weekend whisper
Zazabeau (Rosehill R2 No. - open the black book and put this one in on the VRC Derby page. He's a Zabeel brother to Melbourne Cup placegetter Zazabelle also trained by Bart Cummings resuming over 1400m tomorrow. The horse has had two trials to prepare him for a shock win at the top of his campaign.

NB: Ray Hickson has made top-weight Fantastic Angel his best bet this weekend which paves the way for a profitable exotic gamble around the pair.

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Trackwork Specials

RANDWICK - Solo Flyer (Rosehill R1 No. 1) - Tuesday, dirt, 600m with Count Casino in 35.6 and left his workmate in his wake finishing off with a final 200m of 11.1 seconds. Clocker was on fire last week, make sure and get your hands on his column for this weekend.

ROSEHILL - Becks (Rosehill R6 No. 1) - Tuesday, Sand, 800m in 53.5. The Tim martin-trained galloper was gallant in defeat at Grafton last start. John Moc was also very taken with stablemate Teasing who races in Brisbane tomorrow.

BROADMEADOW - Exinite (Rosehill R8 No. 2) - Saturday, Inside grass, 1000m in 1.08, home the final 600m in an easy 39 flat. Trained on nicely since his first-up run says Alan 'Joc' Gollogy.

CAULFIELD - Causeway Lass (Caulfield R4 No. - Tuesday, Steeple grass, going dead, 600m in 38, last 400 in swift 23.8. Very good fresh and looks a treat writes George Lucas in today's Sportsman.

FLEMINGTON - Maybe Better (Caulfield R5 No. 3) - Thursday, Dirt, going dead, 1000m in 1.09.93, last 400 in 25.77. Sure he's taking on Haradasun and Apache Cat but he's a G1 horse with a high degree of class. Represents a knock-out chance.

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Con Kafataris - early mail
Fashions Afield (Rosehill R7. No 11) - Good effort in much harder company last start. Perfectly drawn and should be too good for these.

Causeway Lass (Caulfield R4. No - Smart mare who was competitive in stronger races than this last prep. In the right stable, so should be primed for a 1st-up win.
Bold Giggle (Victoria Park R8. No 3) - Too good for similar opposition last time out. Gets a good run up on the pace and should continue on his winning way.

First-up Flyer

Century Serb (Rosehill R6 No. 10) - burst onto the scene with a debut win at his home track of Canberra by nearly 12 lengths. The next time when he was first-up was in the Galaxy (what were they thinking) so you can forgive him for that.

The third and final time he resumed, the speedster kicked away for a magnificent 1100m Rosehill win (1.03.79). He's got a fair bit on his rivals tomorrow, particularly with the set weights.

Barrier trial teaser

Tarleton (Rosehill R7 No. 3) - faces a stiff task resuming from a 69-week absence against some top flight sprinters. Bear in mind however that he has trailled twice and made suitable progression each time.

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Track conditions

RANDWICK: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (4), Rail True. Track will be walked and penetrometer done this afternoon. Weather is fine and 24 degrees today and it's going to be warm tomorrow so there's a chance of an upgrade.

MOONEE VALLEY: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3) Penetrometer 4.41, Rail Out 7m, There is a prediction of rain (about 10-15mm) tonight and tomorrow which could cause a downgrade at some stage tomorrow.

MORPHETTVILLE: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (5), Rail Out 2m 1200m-700m, True remainder. Track had 11.6mm of rain between Monday and Wednesday this week. The weather is fine today and 21 degrees but showers are forecast for tomorrow. Track will probably remain dead.

EAGLE FARM: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3), Rail True. No rain this week. Weather is expected to be fine and track should be remain good.

BELMONT: Friday at 9am, Track Dead, Rail out 3m entire. Track has had 42mm of rain so far this week including 14mm overnight. It was still showering this morning and there's a possibility of a downgrade if it continues.

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Hickson's Best/Lay

BEST: Double Elle (Randwick Race 4 No.6) was only beaten two lengths in an open Class 6 event last week and she still hasn’t got out of the pocket.

The drop back two grades and back into mares company is ideal for her and a senior rider takes over in Jay Ford.

She’s from the in-form Chris Waller yard and at surprising odds of $16 in opening markets shapes as an each-way special.

LAY: Go Cart (Randwick Race 6 No.6) was beaten on his merits in a similar race last start at Warwick Farm and his task doesn’t look any easier tomorrow.

He’s a backmarker with a wide gate in a race that lacks a decent pacemaker, he’s never won at the track (though has been placed) and has never won at a mile. The $2.80 looks unders and am happy to risk him.

Weekend whisper
Jeteye (Randwick R6 No. 11) was the unwitting victim of some of the worst on-pace bias you'd ever see at Warwick Farm on Wednesday yet he still flashed home for third.

We fancy him a lot on the quick back-up given our faith in trainer Joe Pride.

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Trackwork Specials

RANDWICK - Sliding Cube (Randwick R5 No. 3) - Wednesday, 600m in a brisk 34.4, the final 200 in 11.3. The most valuable filly in Australia, says Clocker, and the perfect type to fire fresh.

ROSEHILL - Mystery Queen (Randwick R4 No. 4) - Thursday, Course proper, 17m out, going good, 800m in 56.25, last 200 in 13.19 seconds. She looked terrific this week, writes John Moc.

BROADMEADOW - Glycks (Newcastle R5 No. 3) - Tuesday, Proride, 600m in 36.35. Nice piece of work suggesting a forward effort at home tomorrow.

CAUFLIELD -  Ista Kareem (Moonee Valley R5 No. 1) - Tuesday morning, Proride, 1600m in evens, last 600 in 39 seconds. Steps up to his preferred journey tomorrow and is extremely fit.

FLEMINGTON - Empire Dancer (Moonee Valley R 4 No. 1) - Tuesday, Viscoride, going good, 1200m in 1.23.52, last 400 in impressive 24.2 seconds. One more chance with him.

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First-up Flyer
I Am Invincible (Randwick R5 No. 4) - was specked on debut at his home-track in February this year leading all the way to score by 5L beating I Have No Fear who goes well.

At his next start, the son of Europe's foremost 2YO of last year finished 3rd in the Kindergarten behind Forensics and Warhead. If you saw his trial recently, you'd want to be on nothing else in the race.

Barrier trial teaser
Bugsytwoshoes (Newcastle R6 No. 5) - has two trials to prepare him for his return here and wasn't asked to do much each time by his trainer Gerald Ryan. This son of Tobougg has that touch of quality about him that should see him break his maiden status tomorrow. Remember that he debuted in the G3 Skyline Stakes behind Murtajill and Husson Lightning, so this race is a massive drop in class for him. Nice horse.

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Breaking News: Warwick Farm trials held yesterday saw the return of several Spring aspirants from the John Hawkes stable including Fiumicino, Musket and Mentality each of whom trialled in pleasing fashion.

Far and away the best trialler all morning however was that of Kroner from the Bart Cummings stable - he was awesome.

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Spletter's Best/Lay
BEST: Eclair Passion (Moonee Valley Race 8 No. Eight) - looks a couple of lengths better than his opposition here. He chased home Haradasun first-up last campaign before again filling a minor placing behind that horse in Listed grade.

Another minor placing behind Catechuchu and Haradasun ensued and his prep was rounded out with a 3L fourth to Universal Queen at Group Two level. How is he not going to win this? Great value at around the $5.00 to boot.

LAY: Congratulations to Ms M Cooper, Mr J R and Mrs K G Barker, Mr S and Mrs J L Stuckey, S Gavegan and N R S Field on the win of their excellent mare Rosecutter. It was a solid win which in no way can be solely attributed to the equine genius of Darren Beadman and I wish them and their lightly-raced, gutsy mare all the best for the rest of the spring.

I am full so I'll eat the other half of the humble pie later on.  Spanish Symbol (Moonee Valley Race 3 No. 1) - has too much weight for mine in the jumps race tomorrow.

I have seen far better jumpers than he get rolled with the weights such as the eight-year-old has to carry - 71.5kg. There are a few in the race that can jump and the headstart he is giving them before they even jump is too much. A lay at the $2.80.

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Trackwork Specials
RANDWICK - Meurice (Randwick R6 No. 1) - Thursday, dirt, 1000m in 1.05.3, last 600 in 36 and broke 11 seconds for the final 200 says Clocker in his column this week.

ROSEHILL - Grizz (Randwick R1 No. 2) - Tuesday, sand, 1200m in 1.24.3, last 600 in 40.20.

BROADMEADOW - Exinite (Randwick R3 No. 3) - Thursday, No. 2 grass, 6m out, going dead, 1200m in 1.24, last 600 in 38.85.

CAULFIELD - Eclair Passion (Moonee Valley (R8 No. Eight) - Tuesday, 600m in 38.4, last 400 in 23.9.

FLEMINGTON - Wonderful World (Moonee Valley R6 No. 1) - Thursday, Inside grass, going good, 800m in 55.77, last 400 in 27.29.

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Con Kafataris - early mail
Keiki (Randwick R8 No. 1) - Handy filly who didn't have a lot of luck during the Qld winter carnival. Trialled well recently, and looks a great each-way chance.

Royal Asscher (Moonee Valley R4 No. 2) - Lived up to early expectations with a very impressive win in strong form race at Caulfield. Expect her to continue on her winning way here.

Elegant Eagle (Cheltenham R2 No. 1) - Impeccably bred mare who relished the longer trip to score soft win at Morphettville last start. Up in weight, but the extra trip will suit. Looks winner.

First-up Flyer
Husson Lightning (Moonee Valley R2 No. 1) - started favourite on debut in the Breeders Plate but found that other wonderful colt, Murtajill, too good.

The time of 57 seconds flat is indicative of the race's quality. Husson Lightning was given three let-ups during his juvenile year, winning twice when fresh - the Maribyrnong Plate and that day at Rosehill with 59.

The other time we saw him on return was his half-length second to Shaft in the Silver Slipper.

Barrier trial teaser
Kosi Bay & Interche (Randwick R5 No.s 1 and 13) - are hard to split in the Toy Show Quality, and we'd hate to go the wrong way and miss out.

Read all about Kosi Bay in Shayne O'Cass' Five-State-Specials in today's Sportsman. As for Interche, she's currently quoted at $41 and will likely start longer.

Big fields in mare races, especially on wet-tracks often throw up longshots. Expect one here.

Bred to win
Moonboat (Randwick R8 No. 11) - is one horse that we've been hoping to see on a heavy track and rest assured it'll be exactly that at Randwick tomorrow. Moonboat's pedigree is littered with supreme wet-track horses.

Her dam is a particularly close genetic relative of Canny Lad and Canny Lass. Another prominent mud-lark in the family is Camarena who won the QTC Derby on a bottomless track! Remember how Camarena's daughter, Camarilla, glided through it to win the AJC Sires.

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Track conditions
KEMBLA: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3), Rail Out 3m entire. Overcast conditions prevailing with the chance of light showers coming through. Track has sustained only 9mm of rain for the week.
SANDOWN - HILLSIDE: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (4), Penetrometer 5.38, Rail True. Track has had 26mm of rain this week which has allayed the need to water. Forecast is for a fine and sunny day, tops of 25, indicating an upgrade is possible, if not likely.
ROCKHAMPTON: Friday at 10am, Track Good, Rail Out 4.5m from the 800 to the WP; out 3m the remainder. Chance of a shower or a late storm tonight, top temp is 31 degrees.
MORPHETTVILLE: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3), Rail True No rain during the week. Expect a fine day and a high of 28 degrees.
ASCOT: Friday at 9am, Track Good, Rail is True, Weather is fine.

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Spletter's Best/Lay
BEST:  Tremezzo (Sandown R3 No. 3) - has finished runner-up at two runs since a spell and looks set to atone tomorrow. Chased home Illinois Girl last start and with some weight relief here over a similar trip she looks ready to break through this prep.
LAY:  Eclair Passion (Sandown R6 No. 9) goes into the Eclipse Stakes tomorrow as favourite and is worth steering clear of. Hasn't won since July 2006 and he'll find this harder than his most recent assignment on Cup day. Currently $4.00 and is a big risk.

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Weekend whisper
Lady Phoebe (Sandown R1 No. 5) returns to racing tomorrow and is hoping to improve what is already a good first-up record. Hit form when last in work in similar grade to this and she certainly handles the wet. Looked super impressive in her trial win at Cranbourne and looks a juicy each way bet at around the $11.00 mark.

Trackwork Specials
CAULFIELD - Tremezzo (Sandown-Hillside R3 No. 3) - Tuesday, Viscoride, going good, 1200m in 1.21, last 600 in 37.13, Looks well placed and fitness-wise she's ready to tackle the 1800m, says George Lucas.
FLEMINGTON - Mr Baritone (Sandown-Hillside R8 No. 1) - Thursday, Inside grass, 8m out, going good, 1200m in 1.25.33, last 400 in 26.15. Can improve sharply on his latest effort.
RANDWICK - Royal Hope (not entered) - Thursday, Dirt, 1200m in 1.22.5, last 600 in 38.5 with a final 200 in 11.5. Unraced 2YO from the Gai Waterhouse camp.
ROSEHILL - Dane Didn't Do It (Not entered) Tuesday, dirt, 600m in 35.64.

NOTE: With the return of Metropolitan racing in Sydney next week for the Randwick meeting, and Sportsman offers the best and most expert assessment of each horse's chances in the country. Make sure you're in the know next week.

Con Kafataris - early mail
Satin Robes (Sandown R4 No. 3) - Handy mare who wasn't disgraced in harder company last start. Loves this track and distance and should be too good for this lot.
Wonsok (Morphettville R5 No. 6) - Impressive wins at Balaklava last two. Up in grade, but very promising and should get a nice run up on the speed.

First-up Flyer
Prize Lady (Ellerslie New Zealand R6 No. 3) - is the best 25/1 shot we've seen for a while. Why so long? She's coming back from 3200m to a 1400m race without a race or trial in the eight month period. BUT.....that 3200m race was the Auckland Cup - G1 which she won AND she's followed a similar path before. As a three-year-old, Prize Lady finished 2nd to (She's) Justa Tad in the NZ Oaks then reappeared without a trial first-up in the G2 Travis Stakes over 1600m finishing a brave 2nd to G1 miler, Calveen. If it's wet in Auckland tomorrow - double your bet!

Barrier trial teaser
Chachi (Ascot R9 No. Eight) - is yet to miss a place in his seven starts to date and is unlikely to break that sequence on the big Railway Stakes card at Ascot tomorrow. The Paul Harvey mount has inherited all the speed of his sire Kenvain and is a great horse fresh. Chachi trialled particularly well at Belmont Park going down a nose to subsequent Colonel Reeves winner So Secret and ahead of Miss Andretti's talented brother Charlie Beau.

Bred to win
Munhro (Sandown-Hillside R2 No. Eight) - is by the great Lonhro from two-time stakeswinner Regrowth. This is the immediate family of last year's Golden Slipper quinella Forensics and Zizou as well as Snippets, Rewaaya, Quick Score, Not A Single Doubt, True Blonde and many others. She's bred to be very good and our mail is that she is just that. (If you're watching this race on TV looks for the horse that is a dead-ringer for Lonhro).

I see that the Sportsman (Spletter) has tipped No 3. Tremezzo in Race three at Sandown as the Best bet, I think No 4. Manna Miss will beat it home and win it.

I'd like to throw up ITSAMONTY (R5 #7) if I may.

He was running on strong at Cranbourne behind City of Ruins and Monahan Tweed and conditions look just about ideal for him to salute second up today.

]I am having an eachway wager on Bombora Blaze in the seventh at Sandown

Delta , you have always came up with some good tips so I'll have a little dabble e/w also.

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Track conditions

RANDWICK: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (4), Rail True. Randwick has experienced 46mm of rain during the week but has missed out on some of the heavier rain that has fallen in and around Sydney. Despite the humidity and threatening skies, there is a chance that the track could be elevated to a Good (3) before or during the meeting weather permitting.
MOONEE VALLEY: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (4), Penetrometer 4.61, Rail True. Track has caught 18mm of rain during the week and was given 6mm of irrigantion overnight. Forecast is for 28 degrees today and tomorrow. Trackman expects the track to rise to a Good (3) by 1 p.m. tomorrow.
DOOMBEN: Friday at 10am, Track Good, Rail True. Weather has been very humid around Brisbane all week with showers predicted. Suggest that you keep an eye on any change overnight and throughout tomorrow. Forecast is for a few showers and toops of 26 in the city.
CHELTENHAM: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3), Rail is out 3m. Forecast is for 37 degrees.
ASCOT: Friday at 9am, Track Good, Rail is true, weather is overcast and the potential remains for a few showers.

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Spletter's Best/Lay
BEST:  Gallopin (Moonee Valley R5 No. 2) by name, Gallopin by nature. He's not finished further back than 2nd at his last seven starts and most recently beat a handy field on Oaks day  over 1800m. At his only start at this track he was beaten a neck on a bog track here and will get better conditions tomorrow.
LAY: Molly's Folly (Moonee Valley R4 No. 2)  doesn't win out of turn. Her record of five victories from 37 starts doesn't inspire confidence. Had a short spurt of form at the track earlier this year but at her last two runs here have been disappointing. A definite lay at the $3.50.

Weekend whisper
Vera's Pride (Randwick R4 No. 2) can celebrate the return to Randwick with a win tomorrow if her recent trial is anything to go by. She was under a stranglehold in her heat on November 16 and was beaten a head. The rest of the trial was off the bit too hold their spot while she was doing it in a canter. She has form out of maiden grade and although trials aren't normally enough to warrant a bet, Vera's Pride's effort is an exception to the rule.

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Con Kafataris - early mail

Comepsa (Randwick R6 No. 4) - Super impressive winning first-up at Kembla Grange. Has obvious ability and should make it two on end.
Sendeed (Moonee Valley R7 No. 5) - Not much luck when third to the handy Exalted Ego at Morphettville last start. Consistent type and has won here. Good each-way chance.
Not So Subtle (Cheltenham R7 No. 5) - Had no luck whatsoever in stronger races last prep. Well drawn and should be hard to beat.

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First-up Flyer
Fabiarna (Doomben R5 No. 6) - raced without luck all through last campaign but the promise of a firm surface and a break from competition should be enough to see her back in the winners circle. Like most Lion Hunters, she comes to hand quickly and her trainer - Trevor Bailey - is an astute conditioner. Her (15) is a downer, but Glen Colless is a capable jockey.

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Barrier trial teaser

Lieserl (Randwick R3 No. 2) - finished 4.8L third to Ulladulla and Fleur Royale in a 740m trial at Randwick on Nov 16 in a very fast run heat. The next time we saw the Magic Albert filly was at Rosehill a week later where she had improved enough to win her 1030m trial by 1.5L in good style. She looks fully wound-up for a winning return and in our opinion, she's Waterhouse's best chance to win tomorrow.

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Bred to win

Chamatry (Moonee Valley R1 No. 2) - was a $1.6 million Easter Yearling purchase by Shadwell Australia (aka Sheikh Hamdan). She is by Redoute's Choice out of a Thunder Gulch mare, second dam is by Sadler's Wells, the next a G1 winner by Sir Ivor. This filly is bred not dissimilarly to Miss Finland but perhaps a bit more stoutly than she. Ollie to ride.

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Trackwork Specials

RANDWICK - Sambar (Randwick R4 No. 1) - Monday, dirt, 1200m 1.27.3, last 600 in 35.
ROSEHILL - King Rex (Randwick R5 No. 3) - Friday barrier trial, 900m , won by 10 lengths. Set alight to lead from the gates and quickly put a gap in between he and his rivals. Bolted in at the finish. Taking on the big guns tomorrow but don't underestimate him.
BROADMEADOW - Captain Chaos (Not entered) - Tuesday, Proride, 800m in 53.5, last 600 in 38.75.
CAULFIELD - Barefoot Marvel (Moonee valley R8 No. 4) - Tuesday, steeplegrass, going good, 1200m in evens, last 800m in 51.79.
FLEMINGTON - Molly's Folly (Moonee Valley R4 No. 2) - Inside grass, 4m out, going good, 1000m in 1.09.05, last 400 in 25.11.

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Track conditions
ROSEHILL: Friday at 10am, Track Heavy (8.) Penn 6.03. Rail True. Track has sustained 120mm of rain in the week, 98 of which fell on Wednesday and Thursday. Humid and 25 tomorrow with the chance of afternoon showers or storms.
CAULFIELD: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3). Penn. 5.00. Rail Out 10m. Trackman will order 10 mm of irrigation this afternoon. Likely to go up a Dead (4)  tomorrow before an early upgrade. Forecast is for fine weather and a top of 26 degrees.
CHELTENHAM: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3), Rail True. Been very hot in SA this week, up to 37 in Adelaide, Track manager will water this surface this afternoon. Fine and cooler (26) in town tomorrow.
DOOMBEN: Friday at 10am, Track Good, Rail Out 3m. Fine and 31 on Saturday. 
ASCOT:Friday at 9am, Track Good, Rail out 3m. Weather is fine.

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Spletter's Best/Lay
BEST:  Satsang (Doomben R4 No. 6) -  won her first three culminating in a win over Stylized at Class three level back in March, and followed that with a narrow defeat at class six level and a 3L fifth to Regining To Win in Listed grade. Drawn perfectly and looks a steal at $4.60.
LAY:  Hachiman (Caulfield R7 No. 5) - this royally bred (now) gelding was beaten over four lengths at Ballarat when resuming, and was unplaced at seven starts before that. Bookies pin-up horse who is not entitled to be favourite in the R82 at Caulfield.

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Weekend whisper
Bond Street (Caulfield R5 No. 9) - was always a good property to own on the Monopoly board. It represented a good yield and landing on it put you in a good position for your next roll. Its namesake in the fifth at Caulfield also represents a good yield in a race well within his reach. Certainly if he gets up at around the $15 mark it will put you in a good position for the rest of the day.

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Trackwork Specials
RANDWICK - Bella Cantata (Rosehill R1 No. 11) and Ultimate Risk (Rosehill R2 No. 2) - worked together on Monday on the dirt covering the 1000m in 1.05, the last 600 in 36.23, final 200 split in 11.2. Our man Clocker likes both horses and believes each is good enough to kick off their careers with a win.
ROSEHILL - Angel Girl (Rosehill R7 No. 6) - Saturday, Inside grass, 17m out, going good, 800m in 52.6, last 200m in 12.08. Also won a trial at Rosehill on Wednesday morning. Looks fantastic.
BROADMEADOW - Marienkirche (Rosehill R% No. 1) - Thursday, Proride, 600m in comfortable 43.2. Capable mare on her day with Blake Shinn to ride.
CAULFIELD - Dollops (Caulfield R6 No. 11) - Tuesday, Steeplegrass, going good, 1200m in 1.23, last 400 in brisk 24 seconds. Rock hard fit.
FLEMINGTON - Manna Miss (Caulfield R1 No. 1) - Thursday, Viscoride, 1400m in 1.39.2, last 400 in 28.08. Good effort last start and can go back-to-back.

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Con Kafataris - early mail
Redadan (Caulfield R7 No. 7) - Flashed home last start to make it two straight wins. Up in class but flying for a new stable and looks a good each-way chance here.
Chirac (Cheltenham R1 No. 2) - Caught wide and was a big effort to be narrowly beaten last start. Extra trip suits and be able to go one better.
Keepthedreamalive (Cheltenham R4 No. 5) - Found the line in much stronger race at Morphettville. Looking for this distance now and should be at her peak for this.

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First-up Flyer
Musidora (R3 No. 4) - could just as easily been the bred to win selection today, but that's a bit after the event given her tremendous effort to score on debut over in Adelaide back in May. Straight to Melbourne, that's a good sign from this stable. Just for the record, her sire is Rock Of Gibraltar and she's from the same family as Encosta de Lago, Flying Spur, Holy Roman Emperor, Ballybleue, French Braids, Milanova and so many more. It's no wonder the owners are Coolmore Syndicate.

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Barrier trial teaser
Illume (Rosehill R3 No 3) - has trialled four times from April 07 to Nov 23 winning three and running second in the other (his first). Everything shouts racehorse about this Flying Spur colt. The weather in Sydney has been hard to predict but the good news is that this one seems to act on all manner of going. The barrier is a bit of a drawback of course (14 of 14) but there's lots of pace in the race, much of it his, so hopefully he can slot into a decent spot. If he does, he'll win.

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Bred to win
Falzina (Doomben R1 No. 7) - is by the brilliant racehorse Falvelon, who as it happens won two Hong Kong International Sprints - over to you Miss Andretti! The dam of this rapid filly is by Golden Slipper winner Danzero who is beginning to look like a broodmare sire of the future. Falzina's family takes in plenty of natural speed and precocity through horses like Staging, Excites, Dashing Image and a very good former 2Y0 in South Africa named Millennium Diamond. Falzina won a 650m trial at Toowoomba by 3 lengths last month.

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BEST:  Struggling to separate the myriad good things across the country tomorrow, but settling on Laura's Charm (R3 No. 1) who returned to form last start with a good win at Moonee Valley. I've a feeling her injections may have contributed to her poor early form this prep and expect her to keep winning now.
LAY:  Sambar (R2 No. 3)  was an easy winner in maiden company last time but has to carry 57kg against some decent opposition this time. Not without genuine claims but there isn't much separating the top four and represents poor value at $2.50.

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Trackwork Specials
RANDWICK - Hidden Assets (Rosehill R2 No. 4) - Tuesday, Steeplegrass, 6m out, going good, 600m in 35.9.
ROSEHILL - Alotta Lute (Rosehill R3 No. 1) - Thursday, Sand, going good, 800m in 54.94, last 400 in 24.2.
BROADMEADOW - Neverseenitbrightia (Newcastle 5 No. - Tuesday, Proride, 600m in 37.7.
CAULFIELD - Palace General (Flemington R7 No. 4) - Steeplegrass, going good, Tuesday, 600m in 38, last 400 in 24.19.
FLEMINGTON - Stickpin (Flemington R6 No. 2) - Tuesday, dirt, going good, 1200m in 1.24.84, last 400 in 25.22.

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Con Kafataris - early mail
Viking Turf Belle (Flemington R4 No. 4) - Impressive win first-up, before finding the 1300m too short at Cheltenham. Extra trip suits, as does Flemington.

Pencelaron (Cheltenham R6 No. 2) - Caught wide and not a bad effort to finish midfield in a stronger race last start. Perfectly drawn and should go close.
Danerip (Ascot R1 No. 9) - Well bred youngster who has trialled extremely well leading into this. In the right stable and a winning debut looks likely.

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First-up Flyer
Palace General (Flemington R7 No. 4) - hasn't raced since finishing third in the G3 Macau Trophy at Sha Tin over 1400m. The gelding has won six races, four of them at the 1000m. Palace General has won at Kensington (by 7 lengths), Warwick Farm, Moonee Valley and Moe. All of his three fresh runs contained merit and he looks the type of horse that will run well up the straight much like his sire General Nediym and damsire Vain did.

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Barrier trial teaser
Pure Intent (Newcastle R6 No. 10) - bolted in by four lengths in a very fast run 800m trial at Newcastle 10 days ago clocking 47.5 to win the heat. She has shown enough in her three starts to warrant favoured status tomorrow. Trained by Paul Perry and will carry only 51.5kg after the claim. Drawn ideally.

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Bred to win
Soho Secret (Rosehill R1 No. 12) - is by the first season sire Lucky Owners out of Professionelle, the dam of Sportsman, King Of Prussia, Prisoner Of Love, Hoystar and Dancing Havana.

Lucky Owners is by Danehill and a half-brother to Miss Power Bird. Better yet, his dam is a half-sister to Might And Power. The horse won the Hong Kong International Mile and the Hong Kong Derby. Soho Secret trialled like a good horse recently and should get all the favours from barrier two on what looks like being a lucrative day for followers of the David Payne stable.

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Track conditionsRANDWICK: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (4), Rail Out 4m 1000m-WP, Normal remainder. Track has had approximately 20mm of rain for the week with storms expected this afternoon. Track manager reports that the track is in "immaculate'' condition but the track condition will depend on how much rain falls tonight.
SANDOWN-HILLSIDE: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (5), Penetrometer 5.58, Inside: 4.85, Rail True, Track has had 35.8mm of rain this week with substantial rain expected again tonight. Track expected to be wet.
MORPHETTVILLE: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (4), Rail Out 6m. Track had 14.6mm of rain this morning at the time of sending, with more rain expected throughout the afternoon. Chance of a downgrade depending on how much rain falls today.
EAGLE FARM: Friday at 10am, Track Good, Rail Out 3m. Track received 1mm of rain earlier in the week and the track has been given some irrigation. Weather is overcast today but track should remain Good.
ASCOT: Friday at 9am, Track Good, Rail Out 6m entire. Track had 8mm of rain earlier in the week and has been watered since. Weather is fine at the moment in Perth with 25 degrees expected tomorrow. Track should be Good.

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Early scratchings

ASCOT
Race 3: 9 Israllite Bay
Race 6: 6 Ice Raider
EAGLE FARM
Race 3: 12 Ram Jam Inn
Race 6: 4 Monomac
Race 8: 9 Orrong
KEMBLA
Race 5: 14 Dangerous Bette
Race 7: 4 Happy Days, 12 Precious Find

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BEST: Mistake Creek (Sandown R7 No. 7) bolted in this track and distance last start and looks a special to back it up with another win tomorrow. In fact, she is unbeaten in two starts over 1000m at Hillside, having cruised to another easy victory back in April as a three-year-old. She's currently flagged as a $4.60 chance in the dailies and at that price you can pay for your entire Christmas in one hit. LAY: Kick 'n' Chase (Randwick R5 No. 1) is up against a few handy gallopers when he resumes at Randwick tomorrow and looks a huge risk at the $3.50. Won his only race last prep at the massively restricted Warwick Farm program on September 8 on a bog track and with 59kg there won't be a queue lining up to back him.

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Trackwork Specials

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RANDWICK   - Buzzy Henry (Randwick R7 No.2) – Thursday, Dirt, 1200m in 1:17
ROSEHILL – Ferocious (Randwick R8 No.7) – Tuesday, course proper, 16m out,  600m in 36.44, last 200m in 12.28
BROADMEADOW – Captain Chaos (Randwick R8 No.3) – Thursday, proride, 600m in 39
CAULFIELD – Spin Queen (Sandown R7 No.Eight) – Thursday, 600m in even time, last 400m in 25
FLEMINGTON – Roadhog (Sandown R6 No.5) – Thursday, inside grass, 8m out, 1000m in 1:12.48, last 400m in 26.96

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Con Kafataris - early mail
Stratella (Sandown R2 No. 4) - Hit the line nicely behind a handy one at Caulfield last time. Step up to 1400m suits, and should go one better.
Bella Cantata (Randwick R1 No. 5) - Well bred filly who has trialled the house down leading into this. Won't be flash odds, but a winning debut is on the cards.
Wonsok (Morphettville R7 No. Eight) - Raced on the pace and was a good effort to finish a close third  last start. Promising type and looks a good each-way chance here.

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First-up Flyer
High Tszyu (Moonee Valley R8 No.10) is lightly raced for a five-year-old but has proven most effective when kept fresh. He resumes tonight and his first-up record is four starts for two wins and a second while 1200m is clearly his best distance with all three career wins at the trip. With rain around in Melbourne it must be noted his best career win came on a slow track.

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Barrier trial teaser
Global Warming (Randwick R6 No.10) was easily the most impressive galloper at the most recent Randwick trials, held last Friday. The Kevin Moses-trained four-year-old led on his ear in the trial before skipping clear around the turn. He was then allowed to coast to the post over the last furlong. He has an excellent fresh record and should be prominent from the inside gate.hr]

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Weekend Whispers Rash Promise (Eagle Farm R6 No. 16) - resumes for Shaun Dwyer over 1000m tomorrow and although it's short of her best she will give a great sight at around the $10 mark. Thrashed a good field when fresh at the Deagon meeting on September 14 and this is no harder.

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Bred to win
Count Of Three (Horsham Sunday R1 No.1) is by former top sprinter Strategic, who was a brilliant two-year-old and a Group One winner of the 1996 Australia Stakes. His dam Out is a daughter of Octagonal and her granddam is Shaybisc. The family includes Sashed, a daughter of Shaybisc, a G2 winner and the mother of three-time Group One winner Freemason and stakeswinner Santissima. This gelding has trialled very well for his debut.

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TRACK CONDITIONS:
RANDWICK: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3), Rail True. Track is in good order this morning but the forecast is for the chance of showers this afternoon and rain tomorrow.
SANDOWN-LAKESIDE: Friday at 10am, Track Dead (4), Rail True, Melbourne has received very hot weather this week with 35 degrees expected today and 37 degrees tomorrow. With that, the track has been given 51mm of irrigation this week. Expect an upgrade to Good (3) tomorrow morning.
MORPHETTVILLE: Friday at 10am, Track Good (3), Rail Out 9m entire. Fine and hot weather expected so Track will remain good.
GOLD COAST: Friday at 10am, Track Heavy, Rail Out 0.5m. Track has received substantial amounts of rain over the past week. Races were called off there on New Years Day. Overnight they had 61mm of rain to make it 145.5mm since Monday. If meeting goes ahead track will be heavy. For the very latest from the Club, see below left for story.
ASCOT: Friday at 9am, Track Good, Rail Out 9m. Track has had no rain this week but has been given plenty of irrigation. Weather has been fine and hot this week. Track will be good.

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Early scratchings
RANDWICK
Race 8: 13 Anniversary Prince

SANDOWN
Race 1: 7 Ken's Image
Race 7: 13 Saharasun
Additional gear change: 6 Nylstroem - shock shod shoes on first time

MORPHETTVILLE
Race 8: 11 Kooda Surprise

ASCOT
Race 3: 7 Rich Rancher
Race 4: 6 Cassius Grey
Race 5: Stoxkhill

NEWCASTLE
Race 6: 7 Faith In Maggie

IPSWICH
Race 2: 7 Moss Dream
Race 5: Tuscan Blaze
Race 6: 2 Bulldog Star
        9 Twinsharl
       16 Taj Paru
       17 Brosnan's Gold
       18 Hanurabi

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BEST:
BEST: Rednrich (Randwick R5 No.1): boasts some pretty deep formlines from his three runs this time in. First-up he ran second to Al Be Nimble, then ran third to Party Crasher and Guillotine, then ran down Buzzy Henry and Baadi Blasted at Randwick. He’s hard to go past.

LAY:
LAY: Savquaw (Sandown R4 No.3): is grossly under the odds at $4 in early markets after a few rather ordinary efforts this time in. He struck his preferred wet conditions last start and failed and I don’t think the blinkers going back on will be enough to turn him around in a race that looks to have resonable depth.

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Trackwork Specials
RANDWICK - Interfere (Randwick R8 No. 11) - Tuesday, Steeple grass, 6m out, going goo, (with Rosecutter) 1000m in 1.05.2, last 600 in 35 seconds, last 200 in 11 seconds - the fastest of the morning.
ROSEHILL - Honor In War (Randwick R6 No. 2) - Monday, course proper, 20m out, going good, 800m in 53.22, with a strong last 400m gallop in 24.51.
BROADMEADOW - Boncoeur (Rosehill R8 No. 5) - Thursday, Proride, 600m in 36.44.
CAULFIELD - Oh Eight Hundred  (Sandown - Lakeside R8 NO. 2) - Tuesday, 800m in 52, last 400 in 24.39. Looks very well graded against this lot says our man George Lucas.
FLEMINGTON - Winnersaregrinners (Sandown - Lakeside R7 No. 10) - Thursday, Viscoride, going good, 1200m in 1.24.39, last 400 in 28.12.

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Con Kafataris - early mail
Stacked (Randwick R4 No. 5) - Smart mare who won two out of three races when last in work. Has plenty of early speed, which is a big asset in this type of race.

Letmeentertainyou (Morphettville R7 No. 4) - Impressive winning at this track last time. Up in class, but very promising and can win again.

Jeuneyman (Sandown R5 No. 12) - Tidy effort when beaten by a smart one at Ballarat. Drops significantly in weight and looks hard to beat here.

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First-up Flyer
Tassie Gold (Morphettville R7 No. 5) - won in uncommonly outstanding style when first-up last preparation. Get this, he drew 12 of 12 at Balaklava, was carrying 57 kgs, hadn't faced the starter in 41-weeks, travelled up on the speed and raced away to win by nearly six lengths! He's a pretty smart horse this fellow and perhaps somewhere down the line has  a decent win in him.

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Barrier trial teaser
Rosecutter (Rosehill R4 No. 2) - went around in a very strong Heat on November 28 at Randwick finishing fifth without ever being asked to exert herself. The Heat has so far sourced an amazing four winners - Kingda Ka, Vecchia Roma, Ultimate Risk and Three Swallows. Rosecutter can make it five winners tomorrow and keep up a good run for trainer John O'Shea.

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Weekend Whispers
YOU don't many horses these days that are so closely in-bred  as SNOWTIME who resmes at Newcastle (R6 No. 14)  tomorrow. The filly carries a 2X4 duplication of Nijinsky. With that sort of breeding, you'd expect this one to get over some ground which she will, but she had enough zip to win an 800m trial recently and has come up with the inside alley for her return.

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Bred to win
Latigo - is by former Horse of the Year Lonhro out of a Barathea mare, Saddler's Silk, who placed behind Lovely Jubly in the QTC Sires when she was a two-year-old. An even better juvenile comes into the family, namely VATC Blue Diamond runner-up Brief Embrace. Latigi is no giant, but she's got that Lonhro quality about her. Her one and only trial was outstanding. Read what Peter Snowden said about her in today's Sportsman.