Latest news with #ShayneOCass
News.com.au
20 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Newcastle best bets, inside mail for Saturday, June 28, 2025
Form analyst Shayne O'Cass provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis for Newcastle on Saturday. The Daily Telegraph and Racenet form analyst Shayne O'Cass provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis for Newcastle on Saturday. • â– â– â– â– â– NEWCASTLE TIPS BEST BET Race 1 No.3: KIKOIRA Very promising Waller colt who is bound for much better things. NEXT BEST Bruce Mackenzie owned galloper who trials like he'll go places. VALUE BET Race 4 No.4: ESCARGOES Solid debut; all the trials before and after point to a handy horse. QUADDIE Race 5: 1,2,4 Race 6: 2,4,7 Race 7: 4,5,6 Race 8: 2,4 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW KEAGAN LATHAM has an unassailable lead in his defence of the Provincial title GUNDAGAI TIPS BEST BET Race 5 No.1: HAMAGUCHI I Am Invincible/Royal Descent gelding who can keep progressing. NEXT BEST Race 6 No.5: DODGE THE DARK Fast horse who should remain prominent from box two. â– â– â– â– â– NEWCASTLE INSIDE MAIL KIKOIRA (3) was a $650,000 Magic Millions Yearling purchase by Pierata out of the Reisling Slipper Trial placegetter Vincere Volare. Trained by Chris Waller, like all the 'K' horses of Messrs Morgan and Devine, this 3YO has the talent to take him far beyond provincial racing in time. INVISIBLE MAGIC (8) has placed behind three high quality horses in each of her three runs namely Hopper, Anamoe's half-sister Blue Willow and Sister Daae (in town). BET: KIKOIRA to win. MISTY VEIL (11) was bred by Gerry Harvey and was passed at the Magic Millions with a $125,000 reserve. Fair enough too, you can't take any less for a Wootton Bassett filly from such a prolific black-type family as hers. Ran last in her May 26 trial but went as well as all of those in front of her. NEWY (9) is a million times better than what he showed on debut on the Kensington track on June 11. BET: MISTY VEIL to win. OAKFIELD NEPTUNE (5), as his name suggests, is a Bruce Mackenzie-owned filly. Mr Mackenzie pretty much has an Oakfield for every planet in our solar system and so far, most of them have shown something. As for Oakfield Neptune, her latest trial really was out of this world impressive. Hard to miss, easy to like. KEINBAH'S GIFT (3) is a local filly with plenty of trial experience, her fifth and last one was her best one. BET: OAKFIELD NEPTUNE to win. ESCARGOES (4) is a Mulberry/Brad Widdup horse, they being the new Everest slot-holders just announced. This colt was sold for $280,000 at Easter, looks-wise he's a real mix of his father Capitalist and dam-sire Sebring (both Slipper winners). This is a great pedigree. Warning up late over 1100m on debut at Gosford. Speaking of pedigrees. BARKING MAD (3) is by Wootton Bassett and the second foal of Invincibella. Triallng well. LOVING (1) is the only winner in the race. BET: ESCARGOES to win, exacta 4 to beat 3. INNCOURT (1) was $4.40 into $2.40 when he made his Australian debut over 1200m at Wyong on June 8. It was an absolutely brilliant ride by Ashley Morgan who got the timing precise. You could see straight away that he would be better on a bigger track and here we are at Newcastle with an extra 200m added on – that's a plus too. CRIMSON MISS (4) came to Australia from NZ with an Ellerslie second on debut on December 12. Won by a nose at Kembla on May 31 at 1300m – 1400m is better. BET: INNCOURT to win. CROP DUSTER (2) is housed at Scone but has been to Newcastle nine times. No wonder he keeps coming back, he has won four times here and was second once. His record at the Newcastle 1400m is even better, three starts for two wins. Huge run at the midweeks last start. Ditto that last bit for HOW MUCH BETTER (4) who came from last to be beaten a length and a half by his stablemate on the Kensington track last time. BET: CROP DUSTER to win, quinella 2,4, Daily Double 1st Leg 2, 2nd Leg 4. PRINCESS CRUISER (4) was foaled on November 9, 2020, which hands the sad honour and distinction of being the very last foal born by the great Choisir. How appropriate then that she was bought at the HTBA Yearling sale by Paul Perry. Just one other breeding note, her grandam is the Golden Slipper winner, Calaway Gal. Good race mare and trialled like a bomb. SUPERHERO (6) is just so consistent and is getting so close to winning again. BET: PRINCESS CRUISER to win, quinella 4,6, box trifecta 3, 4, 5, 6. MAGICON (4) was foaled at Kooringal Stud at Wagga, is housed at Wyong with Tracey Bartley, but has a real affinity with Newcastle. It's here that the son of Champagne Stakes/VRC Derby winner Prized Icon has raced five times for a win and a second. That win as it happens was over this same distance and he won very easily too. WHETU (2) is a fit and very consistent son of Dundeel. Can't see him not running well in this line-up. SCHOLL DEEP (5) will likely be very prominent in the run. SKIING (9) and STYLEBENDER (10) have claims.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Ray Thomas and Shayne O'Cass analyse every race at Rosehill on Saturday
The Daily Telegraph racing editor Ray Thomas and form expert Shayne O'Cass debate the chances across 10 races at the McKell Cup meeting at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. â– â– â– â– â– SUGGESTED BETS RAY'S BEST VALUE BET Race 7 No.3: HOPEFUL SHAYNO'S BEST Race 6 No.8: USEAPIN VALUE BET Race 7 No.6: MORMONA â– â– â– â– â– RACE 1: MIDWAY HCP (1300m) Ray Thomas: CRAFTY EAGLE (1) has improved steadily with each run this preparation and indicated he was close to top form again with a closing third to King Of Rouseau over this course and distance last start. He was forced back to the near the inside which wasn't the place to be last start and still ran on strongly. With the claim, he's not badly in at the weights and he's ready to win. MISS SPACEGIRL (11) and PRESIDES (7) are both very genuine and will be the mix, while HOW MUCH BETTER (10) was very good first-up and should improve. Shayne O'Cass: PRETTY TAVI (12) has a very famous seventh dam, none other than Chicquita who was a champion on and off the track, RT. He had quite good form in Victoria but was never what you call 'city class'. That's not the case now that he is in NSW, Hawkesbury to be precise. His three Midway runs, all of them very good. KHUMBILA (6) is ready, in fact is crying out for 1300m third-up. He has finally drawn a good alley and that could make all the difference. ROLLING MAGIC (2) has some solid formlines. King Of Roseau breaks the 532 day drought with a great win at Rosehill! ðŸ'¥ @djgibbons22 | @SnowdenRacing1 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 RACE 2: TAB HIGHWAY (1500m) Thomas: I've got Brett Cavanough going 1-2 with NEW PHARAOH (5) and WARRIOR FOR PEACE (3), Shayno. New Pharaoh was trapped three-wide most of the way and still ran on strongly late to just miss a place over this trip late last month. New Pharaoh, who finished right alongside stablemate Warrior For Peace (third) last start meets his stablemate better at the weights and he's drawn to get the right run. Warrior For Peace is going to be hard to beat again. THINK LIKE PADDY (1) was competitive at Group 3 level in Brisbane last start and this is much easier. TO BE FRANK (8) is a chance at odds. O'Cass: RED RAGS TO BULLS (10) has contested two Highways prior to this, finishing third to Super Norwest in the first and fourth to the same horse here at Rosehill two weeks ago. If he is going to win one, probably this is the one. THINK LIKE PADDY (1) ticks all the boxes so let me just throw in a bit of trivia regarding the name, RT. He is by So You Think and was bred by Patrick Hogan (who used to call Sir Tristram – Paddy). This is Sir Patrick's amazing Gay Poss family. Thomas: Love your work, Shayno. In the third, I don't think there is much between PUNTIN (9) and TASORAAY (10). I'm leaning to Puntin after his good first-up effort when he was narrowly beaten at Canterbury. The step up to 1400m suits, he's very consistent and will be in the finish. Tasoraay might have gone too hard in front and was ambushed late by Don't Forget Jack last start. He will at his peak after two runs from a spell and will take running down. DON'T FORGET JACK (3) appreciated the solid tempo and overwhelmed his rivals with a fast finishing effort two weeks ago. If this race is run to suit, he will be hard to hold out again. NORTHERN EYES (2) is very genuine and deserves a win. O'Cass: I'm going with a horse than ran 11th of 12 at Randwick last Saturday – PRETTY POWERFUL (12). His run was best summed up by the stewards – 'began awkwardly, held up over the final 400m and, as a result, was unable to be fully tested'. And that's putting it mildly! Can't imagine the same thing happening this weekend with barrier 11 of 12. I've always been a fan of AGITA (11). This is a nice race for the son of Adelaide to resume in. KADAL (6) has finished on the podium at 15 of 21 starts. Deserves another win and is getting close too. Don't Forget Jack gets back to form with the perfect run at Rosehill! ðŸ'� @NockBraith | @ANeashamRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 RACE 4: PRECISE AIR HCP (1400m) Thomas: WEEPING WOMAN (5) led for a long way only to be collared in the final few bounds by the very promising Sacred Rocks over 1300m here two weeks ago. She will be fitter after two runs from a spell and she gets any sort of control up front, she will be tough to catch. CAPTAIN AMELIA (1) has been improved by recent racing and is on the quick back-up after her solid effort when fourth as favourite at Randwick last week. She's worth another chance. CHANGING COLOURS (7) is very consistent but finds it hard to win. SUPER NORWEST (10) won a Highway last start and has each way claims. O'Cass: PANJATI (6) was a $500,000 yearling, not so much because she is a Pierro, but the fact that her third dam is the broodmare gem, Shantha's Choice, dam of Redoute's Choice, Manhattan Rain and Platinum Scissors. Gerald Ryan co-trains Pajanti, he also trained her handy mother, Crystal Flute. As for Pajanti, she can't get to 1400m fast enough. WEEPING WOMAN (5) has been a very costly conveyance at her two runs this time; but in her defence, she struck a Heavy 8 first-up then drew 12 of 12 the next time and was only beaten a neck. CHANGING COLOURS (7) hasn't missed a medal in eight starts. Thomas: LIVIN' THING (3) unleashed an impressive burst of acceleration to race away from his rivals at a Kensington midweek meeting last start. He's up in grace here but gets in well at the weights after the claim. MANAAJEM (13) was beaten as an odds-on favourite first-up at Warwick Farm but she's fitter and will improve on the drier track here. KING'S SECRET (5) has his chance when unplaced in a strong form race last start and he's also worth another chance. SOVEREIGN HILL (7) showed talent last season but is resuming off a long spell but he's trialling well. O'Cass: USEAPIN (8) is a Chris Waller-trained filly by one of his two Everest winners – Yes Yes Yes. She's won three of her nine starts, albeit at the NSW provincials but she has run some honourable races when tried in town against the likes of More Territories and Aeliana no less. She was never let loose in either trial so watch for market moves. RANTAN (6) had no luck at Gosford there on Cup day in what has turned out to be a very strong form race. SPYWIRE (1) is almost certainly the best horse in the race and I will be watching if they back him. Livin' Thing records an impressive win in Race 4 at Randwick Kensington. @JohnOSheaRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 11, 2025 RACE 6: SCHWEPPES HCP (1500m) Thomas: MICKEY'S MEDAL (7) is in a rich vein of form although this is toughest test. He's won successive Rosehill 1500m races and is so genuine, he will be in the mix again. THUNDERLIPS (2) was held up for a run but when the gap came he burst through to score an impressive win. He's also racing in top form and carries weight well. SIR ARTIE (3) ran well first-up and can only improve. GREEN SHADOWS (1) ran a blinder in the Civic Stakes last week this easier race sets up well for him. O'Cass: I've got TESTATOR SILENS (5) to do the ultimate form reversal here, RT. He was rock solid in betting when third-up here two weeks ago but as it turned out, he never passed a horse. Nothing in the stewards' report to shed light on the poor performance so we just have to write it off to horses not being machines. Me? I do think the 4kg reduction in weight will help. THUNDERLIPS (2) deserves so much praise for that win at Randwick last start. GREEN SHADOWS (1) is all but pitched in here with 57kg. Thomas: HOPEFUL (3) hasn't won a race for over three years but this might be his chance. He stuck to his task in the Winter Cup last start to finish a close third and if he can repeat that effort, he will go close to winning. CASUAL CONNECTION (8) won well at Randwick then led for a long way under a big weight before his close second to Tympanist at Kensington. He drops 5kg and rates highly although the wetter the better for him. BACIO DEL MIST (10) got too far back in the Winter Cup but her effort tin the Lord Mayor's Cup two starts back indicates she can be competitive here. ALEGRON (2) has been struggling this campaign but if anywhere near his best, he would win this race. O'Cass: MORMONA (6) has been on my radar since before and after he resumed in the Lord Mayors Cup where he ran an eye-catching seventh of 14. He followed that up with a sixth of 14 in the Winter Cup up against a fair few of this weekend's Stayers Cup rivals. By the way, this race should be 3200m if you ask me! I agree with HOPEFUL (3) – he's certainly overdue for another win. The one thing you know about CASUAL CONNECTION (8), he will stay the trip. What a finish at Rosehill! Sir Lucan fights off Bear On The Loose to win the Listed Winter Cup! â�'ï¸� — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 RACE 8: ASAHI SUPER DRY HCP (1800m) Thomas: FEDERER (12) went back to the inside which was inferior going early in the straight then was guided back out wider before he ran eighth to Thunderlips at Randwick when resuming. There were excuses for his last start effort and he did show considerable potential when last in work. PIGGYBACK (10) can give trainer Ciaron Maher a stable quinella. She's racing well and wasn't disgraced when a close third to Shohisha in a slowly run race at Randwick last start. Drawn to get the right run and will be very competitive. PURE ALPHA (9) and MISTERKIPCHOGE (15) haven't been far away in recent starts and find themselves in a winnable race. O'Cass: I was moderately keen on LENAPE VIBE (14) second-up but few were as he drifted from $51 to $61. Maybe he was run short, RT, but there is no doubt that he should have finished closer than he did. Take note he comes back from 2000m to 1800m but I'm mindful that he is one for one at the track and trip. KALZALARK (13) has raced himself into peak fitness now and gets to 1800m off his best run this time in. I can see where you are coming from with Federer. He will be fitter for his 'second serve'. Thomas: ELAMAZ (3) is a stakes winner in France who has not missed a top two finish in seven starts, winning four. He makes his Australian debut off three barrier trials where he has shown tactical speed. Promising and this is not a strong race. LOCH EAGLE (2) charged home to win over the Randwick mile course last start and he has won up to 1800m before. This is his first attempt at 2000m but the way he attacked the line last start suggests this is the right time to test his stamina reserves. ADELAIDE RIVER (1) did run fourth in the Caulfield Stakes at weight-for-age last sprint and is resuming off two slashing trial wins. He's very talented and looks to have returned in great order. GLORY DAZE (6) is racing in good form. O'Cass: ADELAIDE RIVER (1) boasts an absolutely fascinating CV. He is a son of Australia who won the English and Irish Derbies, just like his own father Galileo did. Adelaide River didn't win them but he ran in the English and Irish Derbies (second) as well as the French classic (which he ran second in as well). All we can say about the present day is that he is trialling like he is back in business. BELVEDERE BOYS (5) is two for two at the track and distance including a big win in the Country Classic. Thomas: LIBERTY STATE (10) resumed with a dominant win at Rosehill, unleashing from back in the field with a powerful finishing surge. She's a smart mare building a good record and she is protecting a perfect second-up record. LADY EXTREME (13) broke through for a deserved confidence-boosting win when resuming at Rosehill and she could got right on with it now. SNACK BAR (12) has had a few chances but can't be overlooked and UNSTOPABULL (9) ran well for third in a good form race last start. O'Cass: UNSTOPABULL (9) has a commendable overall record of 12 podium finishes from 20 starts and four of them are wins. I would venture to say a few of those eight placings could have been wins but for his pattern and/or circumstances beyond the horse's control. This is more or less his trip, RT, and with Jeff Penza on from a wide gate, it could be down the middle and over the top. FLYING DESTINY (5) has massive excuses for the first-up last at Canterbury when wide throughout being the gist. Drawn three this time. Liberty State returns after a spell with a big win in the last at Rosehill, and that's a double to @djgibbons22! 🥳 @HawkesRacing | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Tamworth and Moruya best bets, inside mail for Friday, June 27, 2025
The Daily Telegraph and Racenet form analyst Shayne O'Cass provides his best bets and quaddie analysis for Tamworth and Moruya on Friday. • â– â– â– â– â– TAMWORTH TIPS BEST BET Race 2 No.1: OCCULT Ex-Godolphin galloper now with Cody Morgan. Trialling well. NEXT BEST Underrated horse; very reliable type, resuming at home. VALUE BET Race 8 No.3: THIS ONE TIME Went within inches of bagging a hat-trick last start. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 3, 6 Race 6: 2, 4, 8 Race 7: 4, 5, 10 Race 8: 3, 4 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW AARON BULLOCK will be mighty popular in the Jockeys Challenge. TAMWORTH INSIDE MAIL OUR BOY OLLIE (6) is trained here by Michelle Fleming. The rising 7YO has raced here nine times for three wins and two placings. Better still, he has two wins a second and a third from four runs at this same track and distance. Goes well enough fresh, trialling exceedingly well and gets Aaron Bullock on. RHYTHM IS A DANCER (2) has won seven races and placed nine times in just 28 starts. He's constantly run well against, and beating, good quality country horses. Has to go in. BET: OUR BOY OLLIE to win, quinella 2, 6. FIORSUM FRED (2) was beaten 10 lengths at Randwick in a Benchmark 72 mile race. He probably should have won the Gunnedah Cup the start before and did win a Highway the start before that so his best is better than most here. CENOTES (4) has drawn the outside barriers in the Beer Week Cup and Wauchope Cup and paid a price each time. Can never doubt his willingness. ANNULUS (8) was third in the Wauchope Cup at Port last time. Peaking. BET: FIORSUM FRED to win, Cenotes each-way. LORD PROTECTOR (3) started off in Victoria with Busuttin/Young. The son of Savabeel has raced six times in NSW for Craig Martin, winning twice and running three good races in that time. Should mention that one of those wins came at the expense of A Pound Of Salt. TO BE FRANK (5) is/was entered for the Highway on the weekend but drew very wide indeed. The fact that he was a good chance there makes him a big chance here. BET: LORD PROTECTOR to win, quinella 4,5, box trifecta 4, 5, 8, 10. THIS ONE TIME (3) is another canny Rodney Northam buy, he paid $36,000 for the filly at the Inglis Classic Yearling sale and she's already won $46,000 back in seven starts. It could have been a bit more, only she was beaten a lip when on a hat-trick here on June 16. Group One Bloodstock's bargain SPANISH NIGHT (4) was supremely impressive when he won at Moree on debut. Home track this time. ENTERPRISE LEGEND (2) is well in contention. BET: THIS ONE TIME to win, box trifecta 2, 3, 4, 9. â– â– â– â– â– MORUYA TIPS BEST BET Race 3 No.8: RING OF FIRE Was warming up late on debut. Looks on an upward trajectory. NEXT BEST Race 2 No.10: SAWMILL Extra furlong this time could make all the difference. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 11: KOOL BIRD Races especially well here at the home track and distance. MORUYA INSIDE MAIL RACE 5: BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP (1010m) KOOL BIRD (11) has only won once in her 17 starts but most other numbers read rather well actually. For starters, her lone win was here at home. She has raced at the track and distance five times for two seconds and a third. Performs fresh. Kembla resident PRINCETON (1) is no stranger to Moruya having been there four times for two wins and a second. Both career wins are but neither from such a wide draw as Friday's. BET: KOOL BIRD to win. FIRE AND GEMSTONE (3) is racing in fabulous form, his last three in particular, all of them at the Sapphire Coast. With that said, Moruya is his home track and he's won twice there, one at this same distance. PRETTY EYED (9) has won twice and both were at Moruya. Proper miler 1420m fresh, is within her reach. ZOUWASE (5) kept taking steps during his short, sharp first campaign. Tjaka and Soul Taker have claims. BET: FIRE AND GEMSTONE to win, Daily Double 1st Leg 3, 2nd Leg 8. FOURCADE (6) has seven runs here at home for a win and five placings, five runs at the track and trip for a win and four placings. The Shaun Cody-trained daughter of the Germany-based stallion, our own Counterattack, has a nice draw and gets two-off. CANI CANCAN (7) (has raced in some of Moruya's best races and gone well pretty much every time. Won two from four first-up. SUPER EXTREME (2) is a big watch. BET: FOURCADE to win, quinella 6,7, box trifecta 2, 3, 6, 7. WINNIE FORTUNE (8) is a lightly-raced local whose five runs have included a win over Cougars (who is handy) at Nowra as well as three thirds, one each to Beer Baron and The Unique Star, again, both above average country gallopers. GRACEFUL ELLEN (6) was $1.85 when she resumed with a narrow win at Bathurst on June 19. Has been here twice before and ran rather well even though she missed a medal. PLATINUM RIDGE (3), Winning Emotions are chances in a very open race.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Shayne O'Cass's race-by-race tips, analysis for Rosehill Gardens on Saturday
Form expert Shayne O'Cass analyses all 10 races at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, presenting his race-by-race tips and analysis. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! â– â– â– â– â– PRETTY TAVI (12) has a very famous seventh dam, none other than Chicquita who was a champion on and off the track. He had quite good form in Victoria but was never what you call 'city class'. That's not the case now that he is in NSW, Hawkesbury to be precise; three Midway runs, all of them very good. KHUMBILA (6) is ready, in fact is crying out for 1300m (and more) third-up. Has finally drawn a good alley and that could make all the difference. ROLLING MAGIC (2) has 'Championships form'. BET: PRETTY TAVI (12) to win. â– â– â– â– â– RED RAGS TO BULLS (10) has contested two Highways prior to this, finishing third to Super Norwest in the first and fourth to the same horse here at Rosehill two weeks ago. If he is going to win one, probably be this one. THINK LIKE PADDY (1) ticks all the boxes so let me just throw in a bit of trivia regarding the name. He is by So You Think and was bred by Patrick Hogan (who used to call Sir Tristram Paddy). This is Sir Patrick's amazing Gay Poss family. BET: RED RAGS TO BULLS (10) each-way. â– â– â– â– â– PRETTY POWERFUL (12) 's 11th of 12 at Randwick last Saturday was best summed up by the Stewards; Began awkwardly. Held up over the final 400m and, as a result, was unable to be fully tested. End quote. And that's putting it mildly. Can't imagine the same thing happening this weekend with barrier 11 of 12. Always been a fan of AGITA (11). This is a nice race for the son of Adelaide to resume in. KADALL (6) has finished on the podium at 15 of 21 starts. Deserves another win and is getting close too. BET: PRETTY POWERFUL (12) each-way, box trifecta 6,8,11,12. â– â– â– â– â– PAJANTI (6) was a $500,000 yearling not so much because she is a Pierro, but the fact that her third dam is the broodmare gem of all gems, Shantha's Choice. Gerald Ryan co-trains Pajanti, he trained her (handy) mother too namely Crystal Flute. As for Pajanti, she can't get to 1400m fast enough. WEEPING WOMAN (5) has been a very costly conveyance at her two runs this time; but in her defence, she struck a Heavy 8 first-up then drew 12 of 12 the next time and was only beaten a neck. CHANGING COLOURS (7) hasn't missed a medal in eight starts! BET: PAJANTI (6) each-way, quinella 5,6. â– â– â– â– â– USEAPIN (8) is a Chris Waller-trained filly by one of his two Everest winners (Yes Yes Yes). She's won three of her nine starts, albeit at the NSW provincials but she has run some honourable races when tried in town against the likes of More Territories and Aeliana no less. She was never let loose in either trial. Market watch advised. RANTAN (6) had no luck there at Gosford there on Cup day in what has turned out to be a very, very strong form race. SPYWIRE (1) is almost certainly the best horse in the race. Just have to see if 'they' back him. BET: USEAPIN (8) to win (best bet). â– â– â– â– â– TESTATOR SILENS (5) was rock solid, even fancied in the betting stakes, when third-up here two weeks ago. He looked primed to peak in what was the perfect race for him. As it turned out, he never passed a horse. Nothing in the stewards' report to shed light on the poor performance so we just have to write it off to horses not being machines. Me? I do think the 4kg reduction in weight will help. THUNDERLIPS (2) is '121' coming onto this. He deserves so much praise for that win at Randwick last start. GREEN SHADOWS (1) is all but pitched in her with 57kg. BET: TESTATOR SILENS (5) each-way. â– â– â– â– â– MORMONA (6) has been on my radar since before, and after, he resumed in the Lord Mayors Cup where he ran an eye-catching 7th of 14. He followed that up with a 6th of 14 in the Winter Cup up against a fair few of this weekend's Stayers Cup rivals. By the way, this race should be 3200m if you ask me! HOPEFUL (3) is a player. BET: MORMONA (6) each-way. â– â– â– â– â– Just for some text, I was moderately keen on LENAPE VIBE (14) second-up, when few were it seems given he drifted from $51 to $61. Might have been a run short but there is no doubt that he should have finished closer and higher up the order than he did. Take note he comes back from 2000m to 1800m, mindful that he is one for one at the track and trip. KAZALARK (13) has raced himself into peak fitness now and gets to 1800m off his best run this time in. FEDERER (12) will be fitter on Saturday for his 'second serve'. BET: LENAPE VIBE (14) each-way, KAZALARK (13) top place. â– â– â– â– â– ADELAIDE RIVER (1) boasts an absolutely fascinating CV. He is a son of Australia who won the English and Irish Derbies; just like his own father, Galileo did. Adelaide River didn't win them but he ran in the English and Irish Derbies (second) as well as the French classic (which he ran second in as well). All we can say about the present day is that he is trialling like he is back in business. BELVEDERE BOYS (5) is 2 for 2 at the track and distance including a big win in the Country Classic. BET: ADELAIDE RIVER (1) each-way. â– â– â– â– â– UNSTOPABULL (9) has a commendable overall record of 12 podium finishes from 20 starts and four of them are wins. I would venture to say a few of those eight placings could have been wins but for his pattern and/or circumstances beyond the horse's own control. This is more or less 'his trip' and with Jeff Penza on from a wide gate, it could be down the middle and over the top. FLYING DESTINY (5) has massive excuses for the first-up 'last' at Canterbury; wide throughout being the gist. Drawn 3 this time.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Turf Talk: Shayne O'Cass keen on $19 value pick at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday
Shayne O'Cass and Ray Thomas debate all the key chances at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday in this week's edition of Turf Talk. Shayno is keen on the chances of $19 pop Useapin in the 3yo Benchmark 72 (1100m), while Ray thinks Bjorn Baker can keep racking up the winners with Puntin ($4.20) in the 3&4yo Benchmark 72 (1400m). â– â– â– â– â– Ray Thomas: The final Group 1 race of the season, the Tatt's Tiara at Eagle Farm tomorrow, is wide open. I've gone for Tashi – she deserves a big race win. I'll put you on the spot, Shayno – a Tiara tip and also your Group 1 highlight of the season? Shayne O'Cass: Floozie for me RT. Aeliana winning the Derby was mine. I wonder if she's the next Verry Elleegant? You? The Derby goes to the filly! 🤩 Aeliana destroys them in the G1 Australian Derby, and just how good is she?! @cwallerracing | @LaneDamian | @StarTbreds | @aus_turf_club | @WorldPool — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 5, 2025 O'Cass: We'll find out. I have no doubt the 'best' Adelaide River just wins but he's got to bring those amazing trials to race-day. ðŸ�… Mickey's Medal gets more gold, storming home to win at Rosehill for @ANeashamRacing! @NockBraith gets a treble halfway through the card! ðŸ'Œ — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 14, 2025 • O'Cass: Pajanti has been crying out for a race like this – at home, fully fit now, and ready to win. I think she can beat Weeping Woman. Keeping the faith with Testator Silens RT, we're all entitled to one bad one. Thomas: I don't know why the Stayer's Cup and McKell Cup are on the same day, Shayno. Can you explain it? Anyway, I've gone for Hopeful in the Stayer's Cup as he seems to be working his way back into form. O'Cass: Madness. Also, to be a true Stayers Cup, it has to be 3200m! Why are there so few of them around. They can be so exciting; mid-race moves, tearaway leaders, all the things that we almost never see in so many of these 'conventionally run' races. Thomas: Bjorn Baker has a chance to train 100 city wins this season and he can keep his stable's momentum going with Puntin (race 3). Puntin wins on debut! 🤩 @RachelK11 @BBakerRacing — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 15, 2024 O'Cass: That is a remarkable achievement isn't it RT; 100 in the city. I was with Pretty Powerful first-up – in light of what happened, I'll stick rock solid. Thomas: On the subject of 'centuries', the Australian cricket team's top six batsmen are really struggling. I'm worried about the Ashes this summer. Back on subject – what's your best for Saturday.
