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Herald Sun
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Wyong preview: Firework primed to explode with maiden win
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. As the season winds down and Sara Ryan prepares to leave her role as private trainer for Domeland is looking to go out on a high note with victory in the Wyong Trainers Premiership. Ryan currently sits equal first alongside Kristen Buchanan with 23 winners while Kim Waugh (22) and Damien Lane (21) hot on their heels. 'The Wyong premiership is very close. We are all fighting for that at the moment,' said Ryan. 'It would be a great way to end the season if I could win it.' The premiership would be a real feather in the cap for Ryan who is in just her third year training and set to become a public trainer in the new season. Ryan has four runners at her home track meeting with three proven performers among the leading chances in their respective races to help her in her quest. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! Three-year-old gelding Firework is closing in on his first win after placings runner-up in three of his five starts and that can come in the Midway Maiden Handicap (1300m). The son of Written Tycoon resumed from a spell with a head second to Denial over 1200m at Kembla on July 17 and while beaten as an odds-on favourite, Ryan was happy with his run. 'I was surprised how short he was in the market first-up,' she said. 'I expected him to be a little vulnerable late because he was carrying a big weight off a very soft trial. 'Good fitness has come through that run and he is doing things right at home to tell me he is ready for the quick back-up. 'He's got a very big stride and I think stepping out in trip is what he needs. 'He has a sticky barrier but he has home track advantage and knows where the winning post is.' Ryan will also saddle up first starter Warm Front in the same race. The son of Too Darn Hot has trailed nicely including a third to Spice Prawn at Hawkesbury on July 7 but Ryan would just like to see him doing his best work late. 'It's just a learning experience for him and he will be a better horse next time he comes in,' she said. 'As long as he hits the line strong, he will go to the paddock after this.' Consistent gelding How Much Better is ready to peak fourth-up in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) after three solid runs, two of which in metropolitan company. 'He is knocking on the door and is now getting out to his preferred trip,' said Ryan. 'He does love Wyong. He has a great record there winning both starts. 'Apprentice Bronte Simpson will ride him. She rides him work and to win a race with her would be fantastic.' Rounding out her quartet is The Pacific in the Class 1 Handicap (1350m). The son of Exceed And Excel finished seventh behind Tickle Me Pink when resuming over 1200m at Newcastle on July 15 but she expects an improved run this time out. 'He blew quite hard after that first-up run and has taken good improvement from it,' Ryan said. 'He does a lot wrong as well but Regan (Bayliss) knows him. 'I have changed some gear and but a tongue tie on him. Hopefully that helps him settle that little bit better. Stepping out in trip will only help him as well.' The gelding has shown he can improve sharply when he kicked off last campaign with a sixth at Hawkesbury before scoring his maiden win second-up at Kembla followed by a third at Wyong. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Trainer Doug Gorrel knows the ability is there but is just playing the patient game with lightly-raced filly Rita Red. The daughter of Cosmic Force is showing an abundance of natural speed but a lack of race craft is the difference between winning and losing at the moment. 'She is definitely still a work in progress,' said Gorrel. 'Mentally, she is just not there yet and she can do things wrong on the training track as well but she does have nice speed. 'Once she can put things together, she will be winning races.' Rita Red began fast but couldn't cross to the rails when resuming at Dubbo on July 10 and was wayward in the straight, ducking out sharply at the 150m when runner-up to Denman Deputy. 'She was a little bit green in the straight and she is a bit of a thinker,' he said. Trainer Doug Gorrel is hoping a gear change can help speedy filly Rita Red break through. Photo: Grant Guy 'The winner beat her fair and square so I can't say her waywardness cost her the win but it certainly didn't help.' Gorrel has made a gear change this week in a bid to help her break through in the Maiden Plate (900m). 'I am trying her in the blinkers this week just to try and keep her straight,' he said. 'We really wanted to draw a barrier this time to use the rail to her advantage and help the penny drop a bit quicker but of course she has drawn the outside.' Gorrel was pleased with first-up run of Lost Ya Sock when second to Highland Eightgee at Dubbo and is hoping it's the start of her showing her true potential. 'It was a good run but it wasn't a strong race. At least she tried which I was pleased with,' he said. It was her third placing in 12 starts and is capable on figuring in the finish of the Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1400m). 'She is the most frustrating horse I have ever trained,' he said. 'She has got a stack of ability and riders have jumped off her and said 'she will win next start' but she leaves it all on the training track. 'Perhaps she is just one that needs time and she probably just needs a bit of confidence. 'If she can knock off one (race), she might just go on and knock off a couple more.'
Herald Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Hawkesbury preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. A shifting track proved the undoing of Fly Scotty Fly last start but co-trainer Gerald Ryan expect the gelding to bounce back on a better surface. Fly Scotty Fly settled fourth, one off the fence, a Gosford on July 10 but just wasn't comfortable on the Soft 6 and dropped out to finish last behind Straand Beauty. 'He's no good when the track moves underneath him, said Ryan who trains in partnership with Sterling Alexiou. 'You only have to look at his form when he's been on quite soft ground, he has gone no good. 'We thought he would run really well in his first start in a race but he ran last and the same happened at Rosehill last preparation. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'He's a big heavy horse and when he hits the ground with any give in it, he would sink into it.' In his other three runs, the son of Brazen Beau was a head second to Stratafy on a Good 3 at Wyong and scored an all-the-way win from Firework on a Good 4 at the same track in consecutive runs last December. He then resumed this preparation with a second behind the in-form Cassiel on a Soft 5 at Hawkesbury where the track was good under foot. 'The track was pretty firm that day because they ran 1:02.94 and came home in 33.4 (seconds),' Ryan said. That was over 1100m and he steps out over the same trip in the Clarendon Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap. 'It was a nice run that day and if he runs up to that, he will be a good chance here. 'We have tried him in blinkers since his last run and they seem to have made him focus even better.' Ryan and Alexiou also have Sweet Future in the same race but feel she will be better with this run under her belt. The three-year-old was midfield in her first two starts at provincial level before going to Bathurst third-up and scoring by a length last December. 'She is a nice filly and is better than what her form really shows,' said Ryan. 'It was good to get an early win on the board. 'She is coming along really well but 1100 metres around Hawkesbury will probably be a tad short for her. 'She will definitely improve off the run because she has come back a lot bigger and stronger filly now than what she was and is taking a bit to get fit, hence the two trials.' Ryan and Alexiou had two options this weekend with Cheeky Smirk and have opted to for the St Johns Park Bowling Club Maiden Plate (1100m) for colts and geldings and entires to make his race debut. The two-year-old son All Too Hard showed good speed to sit outside the leader, Leading Impact, and chased home strongly to finish a three-quarter length second in his Rosehill barrier trial on June 20. In his second trial, he went back early and didn't quite know what to do when sixth to Nashville Jack at Rosehill on July 4. 'His first trial was good then in his second trial when he went back, he got a bit lost in behind them,' Ryan said. 'That's why I like trialling young horses for speed one day and going back behind them the next. It gives them the experience both ways and you just find out a bit more about them.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 7 No. 7: MY PHAR LADY Kicked off last campaign with a win and can start this one the same. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 4: DANISH PRINCE Racing well without winning in stronger grade. Gets his chance to break through. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 6: FLY SCOTTY FLY Handy second here first-up and will make his presence felt. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 3 Race 6: 3, 4, 6 Race 7: 4, 7, 8 Race 8: 5, 6, 8 Zac Lloyd looks set for a good day. Picture: Getty Images JOCKEY TO FOLLOW ZAC LLOYD has four rides and all are among the leading chances. INSIDE MAIL – HAWKESBURY RACE 1: Hrc Motel Provincial Mdn Hcp 1300m TAMBELOA (3) was trapped three-wide in the small field when finishing a length-and-three-quarter third to Loving on debut at Newcastle on June 28. Will be improved by the run. AFLOAT (1) kicks off his campaign for a new stable. Unplaced in both runs here when first-up but was doing his best work late. Improved second-up to finish second over 1500m. Latest trials have been good. ZOUGOTME (4) is a debutant by Zousain. Hasn't been pushed in his recent trials. Was strong late when second in his Kembla trial in March. Bet: Tambeloa to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Blakes Marine Mdn Plate 1500m TEQUISODA (9) copped a bump at the start and settled a little worse than midfield on the rails before nicely for second behind Sapling at Wyong on debut. Will take benefit from the run. THE IRON STAR (2) kicked off his second campaign with a three-quarter length second to Jared over 1300m at Goulburn. Jumped straight to 1600m when fifth to Unusual Prospect in a Super Maiden at Gosford. THE CRISTAL (7) was reluctant to go to the barriers before finishing fifth at Orange on debut. Resumes here. Watch betting. Bet: Tequisoda to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: St Johns Park Bowling Club Mdn Plate 1100m POWERHOUSE (9) is debutant by Extreme Choice. A little slow into stride before working home for sixth in his Randwick trial. Better away to sit outside the leader when second to Fierceness in his Warwick Farm heat. DISPARATE (5) is a first starter by I Am Invincible. Sat last and was warming up the last 100m when seventh in his June 13 Randwick trial. Sat four-wide and wasn't pushed when fifth there in his June 27 heat. GLADSTONE GRANDE (7) debuted in the Kirkham when last to Comedy. Resumes here and has trialled nicely. Bet: Powerhouse to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: XXXX Gold Mdn Plate 1100m VANLEE (4) raced outside the leader and hit the front on straightening before challenged by the $1.30 favourite Horseshoe Hill and fighting gamely for a long head second when resuming here. Followed with a third to Dyami on a Heavy 10 at Warwick Farm. YVETTE (5) didn't handle the heavy track at Newcastle first-up from a long spell when seventh behind Hoku. Was third to Chartwell and Triskelion at Canterbury at her other two starts. ZING TO ME (6) has place claims on her last start second here. Bet: Vanlee to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Godolphin Lifetime Care Plate (C1) 2000m UNUSUAL PROSPECT (2) resumed with a good win in a 1600m Super Maiden at Gosford. Got back and worked home okay when sixth to Oh Golly Gosh here on July 3 on a track favouring on speed runners. Up to 2000m suits. SO YOU READY (3) was held up at a vital stage and only clear last when fourth to Libby at Grafton on July 13. Previous runs were very good. ENTITLEMENT (9) has finished third in both runs back and looks like she will appreciate the step up to 2000m. Bet: Unusual Prospect to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Essential Asset & Fire (Bm64) 1500m DANISH PRINCE (4) has been out of the winners circle for quite some time but continues to race well. Second in a Randwick Midway and just behind the placegetters in three runs since. Back in grade and can land a deserved win. OH GOLLY GOSH (6) got well back at Gosford over 1300m when seventh to runs back. Stepped up to 1600m and did a nice job to score here last start. NOISES (3) made rapid progress in the spring from a maiden win over this track and distance to running in the VRC Oaks. Can run well first-up. Bet: Danish Prince to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Godolphin Midway (Bm64) 1300m MY PHAR LADY (7) kicked off last campaign with back-to-back wins in a maiden and Class 1 before jumping up sharply in grade at her next two. Was a good second in her trial here on July 7. ORTHIE'S BOYS (8) held out t he in-form Killer Kerr at Goulburn before a closing fourth to Canpikapony over 1300m at Gosford. The 1300m here will suit. PRINCE HARRISON (4) scored a deserved win at Kembla last start. Drawn well and will be prominent again. Bet: My Phar Lady to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: Clarendon Tavern (Bm64) 1100m FLY SCOTTY FLY (6) wasn't suited on a wet and shifting track when last at Gosford last start. Same happened at his other two unplaced runs. Was runner-up to Cassiel when resuming here and will go close again. AGAINST THE LAW (5) resumed from a 18 month lay-off with a long neck second behind Regimental Colours over 1000m here on July 3. Will take plenty of benefit from the run. HONEY PERFUME (8) is ultra-consistent with a win and seven placings from her eight starts. Comes off a second to Killer Kerr sat Warwick Farm. Bet: Fly Scotty Fly each-way
Courier-Mail
5 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Grafton preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Tony Ball was unable to get a winner on the board over the two day Grafton carnival but he's hoping he can do so a few days later. Ball makes the trip north again from Taree to Grafton with three horses in the float, all of which he's got a good deal of confidence about. The most interesting of Ball's brigade comes up in the feature of the day with Xtra Approval getting a good drop in weight for the Maclean Cup (1400m). The six-year-old son of Xtravagant found the 60kg at Hawkesbury last start a touch too tough but drops way down to 55kg with apprentice hoop Shae Wilkes in the saddle. 'It's a nice race for him and he gets about 5kg off some of those horses in the race,' Ball said. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'I thought he ran well at Hawkesbury the other day but just probably didn't appreciate the weight on a heavy track. 'So he now goes down to 55kg with Shae (Wilkes) utilising her claim and I'd expect him to be hard to beat.' Xtra Approval also finds his sweet spot at 1400m after running over the mile last time out. 'Getting back to 1400m probably suits him a bit too,' Ball said. 'He won a Kempsey Cup at the trip late last year and probably just found that mile a touch too far last start.' Earlier in the card will see three-year-old filly Felasuvi have her third run for the stable after starting her career off in Victoria with Leon and Troy Corstens. The daughter of Star Witness was eye catching at Coffs Harbour at her stable debut before finding a Class 1 a touch too tough at this track over the 1006m. She now steps up to 1100m in the second race on the card and goes from a good track but to a rain affected one. 'She gets a senior rider on this week with Siena not there so Matty (McGuren) goes on and that should be good for her,' Ball said. 'With the way the race looks to play out, she'll get the gun run from barrier four and get her chance. 'If she's good enough she'll win but if she's not, we'll just have to go back to the drawing board with her. 'But I'd expect her to go well and she's pulled up a treat from last Sunday so no issues with the seven day back up for her.' Thirty five minutes later will see Ball's bargain buy Where's The Fire look the break through for a win. The five-year-old gelding would be the best bred galloper going around at Grafton being by I Am Invincible and out of a Snitzel mare. 'It's not too often you get an I Am Invincible for $15,000,' Ball said. 'We got him about a year ago and he's been a handy little horse for us. 'I think he won at Grafton before I had him and he's had a few more runs at the track so he knows it well. 'With the drop in grade and Matty going on board, I reckon he'll run a good race. 'He should be nearing his top after two runs now this time in so hopefully he can break through for a win for us.' It's a capacity field for Where's The Fire's race with 16 acceptances including two emergencies for the 1100m contest. JETT HATTON'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 1 No. 12: ARCHIE MAXIMUS Forgive his last start run at Coffs Harbour when nothing went his way. Well placed to bounce back. NEXT BEST Race 3 No. 5: LOVE RAT Never got a clear shot last start. With some luck he can bounce back. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 4: XTRA APPROVAL Good weight drop off his last start run at the provincials. Enjoys the drop back in trip too, QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 4 Race 5: 1, 2, 4 Race 6: 2, 6, 12 Race 7: 1, 2, 6, 10 Jockey Matthew McGuren will be popular in the Jockey Challenge with a strong book of rides. Picture: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions JOCKEY TO FOLLOW MATTHEW MCGUREN rides in all seven races on the card and has a couple winning chances. INSIDE MAIL - GRAFTON RACE 1: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m Be forgiving of the last start effort of ARCHIE MAXIMUS (12). Had some trouble at the start and on the heavy track, he couldn't get into it. Was also checked on the turn. Can bounce back here and break the maiden. JACOB'S WELL (1) comes out of three provincial maidens. First-up for the new stable and the blinkers come off. ZAINDARA (14) is the stablemate of Archie Maximus. The fact Matt McGuren is booked for that horse and the apprentice is on Zaindara is a lead. Bet: Archie Maximus to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Maclean Variety Meats (Bm58) 1100m WITH STYLE (3) has had one start for one win and it was at this track. She's now with Chris and Corey Munce and has looked good at her two trials leading into her first-up run. Tricky barrier but looks classy. MISS WATERLINE (2) ran at Eagle Farm last start. Was wide throughout and drawn out again here so will need some luck. SNOW FALCON (1) is going better than the formguide would suggest. Blinkers come off with the winkers applied. Bet: With Style to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Hooked On Seafood (Bm58) 1100m LOVE RAT (5) never got a clear shot at them last time out at Coffs Harbour in a decent race. Can position closer to the speed from barrier two and be in the finish. FULL REGALIA (9) can sprint well first-up from a spell. She's done so in the past and can do so again here. The easier race will suit WHERE'S THE FIRE (3) from Tony Ball's stable. Should be peaking third-up into his campaign. BUSH WARRIOR (12) goes into the numbers as well. Bet: Love Rat to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Maclean Hotel (Bm58) 3120m Not too often you see a 3120m race in country NSW. WILL TO EXCEL (1) isn't getting any younger as a nine-year-old but showed last start that he's in good form with a third at Mudgee. Drawn to do no work from the inside barrier. SMELTER (6) will handle the distance. Was a three length winner over 2450m at Beaudesert back in May 26. Bet: Will To Excel to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup 1400m XTRA APPROVAL (4) gets a nice weight drop off his last start run at Hawkesbury when up to 1600m. Will enjoy stepping back in trip to 1400m and he is drawn to get every chance from barrier six with Shae Wilkes on board. AFRICAN DAISY (2) is the proven horse here, given she's a last start winner at Rosehill. Has to carry the big weight but certainly has a class edge. MATTER OF HONOUR (1) has raced at Randwick his last five starts, so Grafton is certainly a change of scenery. WILD CHAP (3) is a Group 3 winner way back when. Needs to improve but finds an easier race. Bet: Xtra Approval each-way. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Gm Accounting Maclean Mdn Hcp 1700m Not the easiest race to dissect given the record of some of these horses. Thought FLEE WITH MEE (2) would appreciate the easy contest. She went close a few starts back and the booking of Matt McGuren suits for this race. Awkward barrier but think she's the best horse in the race. IMMORTELLE (6) should get the run of the race and so often in these open affairs, that's the winning factor. STAR OF KONGO (12) is a 21 start maiden but is knocking on the door for that fist win. Honest on pace effort off a six week freshen up last start and should only improve off that. Bet: Flee With Me to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m MEGHAN (10) should get the run of the race from barrier four. She gets here in career best form and will appreciate the strong tempo that looks likely here. SHOWMAN (1) just missed last time out at Murwillumbah. Tricky barrier for Shae Wilkes to navigate but he's probably the best horse in this race. SPILLS (2) burnt petrol early last start and it told late. Can take a sit from a wide barrier today and turn in an improved effort. SECRET KEEPER (6) goes in the mix as well. Bet: Meghan each-way.
Mercury
5 days ago
- Sport
- Mercury
Hawkesbury preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. A shifting track proved the undoing of Fly Scotty Fly last start but co-trainer Gerald Ryan expect the gelding to bounce back on a better surface. Fly Scotty Fly settled fourth, one off the fence, a Gosford on July 10 but just wasn't comfortable on the Soft 6 and dropped out to finish last behind Straand Beauty. 'He's no good when the track moves underneath him, said Ryan who trains in partnership with Sterling Alexiou. 'You only have to look at his form when he's been on quite soft ground, he has gone no good. 'We thought he would run really well in his first start in a race but he ran last and the same happened at Rosehill last preparation. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'He's a big heavy horse and when he hits the ground with any give in it, he would sink into it.' In his other three runs, the son of Brazen Beau was a head second to Stratafy on a Good 3 at Wyong and scored an all-the-way win from Firework on a Good 4 at the same track in consecutive runs last December. He then resumed this preparation with a second behind the in-form Cassiel on a Soft 5 at Hawkesbury where the track was good under foot. 'The track was pretty firm that day because they ran 1:02.94 and came home in 33.4 (seconds),' Ryan said. That was over 1100m and he steps out over the same trip in the Clarendon Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap. 'It was a nice run that day and if he runs up to that, he will be a good chance here. 'We have tried him in blinkers since his last run and they seem to have made him focus even better.' Ryan and Alexiou also have Sweet Future in the same race but feel she will be better with this run under her belt. The three-year-old was midfield in her first two starts at provincial level before going to Bathurst third-up and scoring by a length last December. 'She is a nice filly and is better than what her form really shows,' said Ryan. 'It was good to get an early win on the board. 'She is coming along really well but 1100 metres around Hawkesbury will probably be a tad short for her. 'She will definitely improve off the run because she has come back a lot bigger and stronger filly now than what she was and is taking a bit to get fit, hence the two trials.' Ryan and Alexiou had two options this weekend with Cheeky Smirk and have opted to for the St Johns Park Bowling Club Maiden Plate (1100m) for colts and geldings and entires to make his race debut. The two-year-old son All Too Hard showed good speed to sit outside the leader, Leading Impact, and chased home strongly to finish a three-quarter length second in his Rosehill barrier trial on June 20. In his second trial, he went back early and didn't quite know what to do when sixth to Nashville Jack at Rosehill on July 4. 'His first trial was good then in his second trial when he went back, he got a bit lost in behind them,' Ryan said. 'That's why I like trialling young horses for speed one day and going back behind them the next. It gives them the experience both ways and you just find out a bit more about them.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 7 No. 7: MY PHAR LADY Kicked off last campaign with a win and can start this one the same. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 4: DANISH PRINCE Racing well without winning in stronger grade. Gets his chance to break through. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 6: FLY SCOTTY FLY Handy second here first-up and will make his presence felt. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 3 Race 6: 3, 4, 6 Race 7: 4, 7, 8 Race 8: 5, 6, 8 Zac Lloyd looks set for a good day. Picture: Getty Images JOCKEY TO FOLLOW ZAC LLOYD has four rides and all are among the leading chances. INSIDE MAIL – HAWKESBURY RACE 1: Hrc Motel Provincial Mdn Hcp 1300m TAMBELOA (3) was trapped three-wide in the small field when finishing a length-and-three-quarter third to Loving on debut at Newcastle on June 28. Will be improved by the run. AFLOAT (1) kicks off his campaign for a new stable. Unplaced in both runs here when first-up but was doing his best work late. Improved second-up to finish second over 1500m. Latest trials have been good. ZOUGOTME (4) is a debutant by Zousain. Hasn't been pushed in his recent trials. Was strong late when second in his Kembla trial in March. Bet: Tambeloa to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Blakes Marine Mdn Plate 1500m TEQUISODA (9) copped a bump at the start and settled a little worse than midfield on the rails before nicely for second behind Sapling at Wyong on debut. Will take benefit from the run. THE IRON STAR (2) kicked off his second campaign with a three-quarter length second to Jared over 1300m at Goulburn. Jumped straight to 1600m when fifth to Unusual Prospect in a Super Maiden at Gosford. THE CRISTAL (7) was reluctant to go to the barriers before finishing fifth at Orange on debut. Resumes here. Watch betting. Bet: Tequisoda to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: St Johns Park Bowling Club Mdn Plate 1100m POWERHOUSE (9) is debutant by Extreme Choice. A little slow into stride before working home for sixth in his Randwick trial. Better away to sit outside the leader when second to Fierceness in his Warwick Farm heat. DISPARATE (5) is a first starter by I Am Invincible. Sat last and was warming up the last 100m when seventh in his June 13 Randwick trial. Sat four-wide and wasn't pushed when fifth there in his June 27 heat. GLADSTONE GRANDE (7) debuted in the Kirkham when last to Comedy. Resumes here and has trialled nicely. Bet: Powerhouse to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: XXXX Gold Mdn Plate 1100m VANLEE (4) raced outside the leader and hit the front on straightening before challenged by the $1.30 favourite Horseshoe Hill and fighting gamely for a long head second when resuming here. Followed with a third to Dyami on a Heavy 10 at Warwick Farm. YVETTE (5) didn't handle the heavy track at Newcastle first-up from a long spell when seventh behind Hoku. Was third to Chartwell and Triskelion at Canterbury at her other two starts. ZING TO ME (6) has place claims on her last start second here. Bet: Vanlee to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Godolphin Lifetime Care Plate (C1) 2000m UNUSUAL PROSPECT (2) resumed with a good win in a 1600m Super Maiden at Gosford. Got back and worked home okay when sixth to Oh Golly Gosh here on July 3 on a track favouring on speed runners. Up to 2000m suits. SO YOU READY (3) was held up at a vital stage and only clear last when fourth to Libby at Grafton on July 13. Previous runs were very good. ENTITLEMENT (9) has finished third in both runs back and looks like she will appreciate the step up to 2000m. Bet: Unusual Prospect to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Essential Asset & Fire (Bm64) 1500m DANISH PRINCE (4) has been out of the winners circle for quite some time but continues to race well. Second in a Randwick Midway and just behind the placegetters in three runs since. Back in grade and can land a deserved win. OH GOLLY GOSH (6) got well back at Gosford over 1300m when seventh to runs back. Stepped up to 1600m and did a nice job to score here last start. NOISES (3) made rapid progress in the spring from a maiden win over this track and distance to running in the VRC Oaks. Can run well first-up. Bet: Danish Prince to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Godolphin Midway (Bm64) 1300m MY PHAR LADY (7) kicked off last campaign with back-to-back wins in a maiden and Class 1 before jumping up sharply in grade at her next two. Was a good second in her trial here on July 7. ORTHIE'S BOYS (8) held out t he in-form Killer Kerr at Goulburn before a closing fourth to Canpikapony over 1300m at Gosford. The 1300m here will suit. PRINCE HARRISON (4) scored a deserved win at Kembla last start. Drawn well and will be prominent again. Bet: My Phar Lady to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: Clarendon Tavern (Bm64) 1100m FLY SCOTTY FLY (6) wasn't suited on a wet and shifting track when last at Gosford last start. Same happened at his other two unplaced runs. Was runner-up to Cassiel when resuming here and will go close again. AGAINST THE LAW (5) resumed from a 18 month lay-off with a long neck second behind Regimental Colours over 1000m here on July 3. Will take plenty of benefit from the run. HONEY PERFUME (8) is ultra-consistent with a win and seven placings from her eight starts. Comes off a second to Killer Kerr sat Warwick Farm. Bet: Fly Scotty Fly each-way
Mercury
5 days ago
- Sport
- Mercury
Grafton preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Tony Ball was unable to get a winner on the board over the two day Grafton carnival but he's hoping he can do so a few days later. Ball makes the trip north again from Taree to Grafton with three horses in the float, all of which he's got a good deal of confidence about. The most interesting of Ball's brigade comes up in the feature of the day with Xtra Approval getting a good drop in weight for the Maclean Cup (1400m). The six-year-old son of Xtravagant found the 60kg at Hawkesbury last start a touch too tough but drops way down to 55kg with apprentice hoop Shae Wilkes in the saddle. 'It's a nice race for him and he gets about 5kg off some of those horses in the race,' Ball said. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'I thought he ran well at Hawkesbury the other day but just probably didn't appreciate the weight on a heavy track. 'So he now goes down to 55kg with Shae (Wilkes) utilising her claim and I'd expect him to be hard to beat.' Xtra Approval also finds his sweet spot at 1400m after running over the mile last time out. 'Getting back to 1400m probably suits him a bit too,' Ball said. 'He won a Kempsey Cup at the trip late last year and probably just found that mile a touch too far last start.' Earlier in the card will see three-year-old filly Felasuvi have her third run for the stable after starting her career off in Victoria with Leon and Troy Corstens. The daughter of Star Witness was eye catching at Coffs Harbour at her stable debut before finding a Class 1 a touch too tough at this track over the 1006m. She now steps up to 1100m in the second race on the card and goes from a good track but to a rain affected one. 'She gets a senior rider on this week with Siena not there so Matty (McGuren) goes on and that should be good for her,' Ball said. 'With the way the race looks to play out, she'll get the gun run from barrier four and get her chance. 'If she's good enough she'll win but if she's not, we'll just have to go back to the drawing board with her. 'But I'd expect her to go well and she's pulled up a treat from last Sunday so no issues with the seven day back up for her.' Thirty five minutes later will see Ball's bargain buy Where's The Fire look the break through for a win. The five-year-old gelding would be the best bred galloper going around at Grafton being by I Am Invincible and out of a Snitzel mare. 'It's not too often you get an I Am Invincible for $15,000,' Ball said. 'We got him about a year ago and he's been a handy little horse for us. 'I think he won at Grafton before I had him and he's had a few more runs at the track so he knows it well. 'With the drop in grade and Matty going on board, I reckon he'll run a good race. 'He should be nearing his top after two runs now this time in so hopefully he can break through for a win for us.' It's a capacity field for Where's The Fire's race with 16 acceptances including two emergencies for the 1100m contest. JETT HATTON'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 1 No. 12: ARCHIE MAXIMUS Forgive his last start run at Coffs Harbour when nothing went his way. Well placed to bounce back. NEXT BEST Race 3 No. 5: LOVE RAT Never got a clear shot last start. With some luck he can bounce back. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 4: XTRA APPROVAL Good weight drop off his last start run at the provincials. Enjoys the drop back in trip too, QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 4 Race 5: 1, 2, 4 Race 6: 2, 6, 12 Race 7: 1, 2, 6, 10 Jockey Matthew McGuren will be popular in the Jockey Challenge with a strong book of rides. Picture: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions JOCKEY TO FOLLOW MATTHEW MCGUREN rides in all seven races on the card and has a couple winning chances. INSIDE MAIL - GRAFTON RACE 1: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m Be forgiving of the last start effort of ARCHIE MAXIMUS (12). Had some trouble at the start and on the heavy track, he couldn't get into it. Was also checked on the turn. Can bounce back here and break the maiden. JACOB'S WELL (1) comes out of three provincial maidens. First-up for the new stable and the blinkers come off. ZAINDARA (14) is the stablemate of Archie Maximus. The fact Matt McGuren is booked for that horse and the apprentice is on Zaindara is a lead. Bet: Archie Maximus to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Maclean Variety Meats (Bm58) 1100m WITH STYLE (3) has had one start for one win and it was at this track. She's now with Chris and Corey Munce and has looked good at her two trials leading into her first-up run. Tricky barrier but looks classy. MISS WATERLINE (2) ran at Eagle Farm last start. Was wide throughout and drawn out again here so will need some luck. SNOW FALCON (1) is going better than the formguide would suggest. Blinkers come off with the winkers applied. Bet: With Style to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Hooked On Seafood (Bm58) 1100m LOVE RAT (5) never got a clear shot at them last time out at Coffs Harbour in a decent race. Can position closer to the speed from barrier two and be in the finish. FULL REGALIA (9) can sprint well first-up from a spell. She's done so in the past and can do so again here. The easier race will suit WHERE'S THE FIRE (3) from Tony Ball's stable. Should be peaking third-up into his campaign. BUSH WARRIOR (12) goes into the numbers as well. Bet: Love Rat to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Maclean Hotel (Bm58) 3120m Not too often you see a 3120m race in country NSW. WILL TO EXCEL (1) isn't getting any younger as a nine-year-old but showed last start that he's in good form with a third at Mudgee. Drawn to do no work from the inside barrier. SMELTER (6) will handle the distance. Was a three length winner over 2450m at Beaudesert back in May 26. Bet: Will To Excel to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup 1400m XTRA APPROVAL (4) gets a nice weight drop off his last start run at Hawkesbury when up to 1600m. Will enjoy stepping back in trip to 1400m and he is drawn to get every chance from barrier six with Shae Wilkes on board. AFRICAN DAISY (2) is the proven horse here, given she's a last start winner at Rosehill. Has to carry the big weight but certainly has a class edge. MATTER OF HONOUR (1) has raced at Randwick his last five starts, so Grafton is certainly a change of scenery. WILD CHAP (3) is a Group 3 winner way back when. Needs to improve but finds an easier race. Bet: Xtra Approval each-way. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Gm Accounting Maclean Mdn Hcp 1700m Not the easiest race to dissect given the record of some of these horses. Thought FLEE WITH MEE (2) would appreciate the easy contest. She went close a few starts back and the booking of Matt McGuren suits for this race. Awkward barrier but think she's the best horse in the race. IMMORTELLE (6) should get the run of the race and so often in these open affairs, that's the winning factor. STAR OF KONGO (12) is a 21 start maiden but is knocking on the door for that fist win. Honest on pace effort off a six week freshen up last start and should only improve off that. Bet: Flee With Me to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m MEGHAN (10) should get the run of the race from barrier four. She gets here in career best form and will appreciate the strong tempo that looks likely here. SHOWMAN (1) just missed last time out at Murwillumbah. Tricky barrier for Shae Wilkes to navigate but he's probably the best horse in this race. SPILLS (2) burnt petrol early last start and it told late. Can take a sit from a wide barrier today and turn in an improved effort. SECRET KEEPER (6) goes in the mix as well. Bet: Meghan each-way.
